KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees24, May, 2011

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IAN VALENTINE NEIL WILSON

Fu l l i n te r v i ew - Page 3Going on the of fens ive

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An EXAMINER publication

GraduatesupportGRADUATE JessicaJubb has launched abusiness to helpformer public serviceexecutives re-launchtheir careers asconsultants. She hasembarked on theventure having gainedmanagementqualifications andpractical experienceworking for localauthorities and theNHS.

ForwardthinkingWEST Yorkshirebusinesswomen haveurged the CoalitionGovernment to supportsmall and new firms.The call came at amajor conference ledby networking groupForward Ladies.

FTSE 100-112 .60

5835.89

Survey says business rules ‘need simplifying’MOST Huddersfield firms are upbeatabout their prospects, it is claimed.

But a large majority expect to see nobenefit to their businesses from anextra £10bn in funding which has beenpromised by the banks.

A survey conducted by TaxAssistAccountants in Huddersfield showed

that 56% of local firms expect to seetheir business grow in the next 12months.

But 81% said they did not expect tobenefit from the banks’ recent pledgesto support small businesses while 74%believed employment law needed to besimplified.

Only 23% of local businesses thinkthey will be able to recruit new staff inthe coming year.

On business regulation, respond-ents highlighted employment law,health and safety and planning as theareas they would most like to seesimplified.

The survey was part of a nationalpoll undertaken by TaxAssistAccountants in partnership with Nor-wich North Conservative MP ChloeSmith. The results will be presented tothe House of Commons to supportcalls for changes to business regula-tions affecting smaller firms.

Slow recovery fordebt-hit economyBRITAIN is on the road to economicrecovery, says an insolvency expert.

But the recovery rate will be pain-fully slow as debt-hit individuals andbusinesses fight to revive their for-tunes.

Meltham man Peter Sargent, aninsolvency practitioner and partnerwith Begbies Traynor, said the recentrecession – billed by many insolvencyexperts as the worst in living memory– had failed to follow the pattern ofprevious downturns.

Said Mr Sargent: “As part of theusual economic cycle both corporateand personal insolvencies tend to riseas the economy comes out of reces-sion, and unemployment statisticsalso follow this trend.

“This time, however, things havebeen very different. It has been hardfor businesses, very hard, but thenumbers of companies entering someform of formal insolvency procedureshas not hit the heights expected. Onthe other hand, the number of indi-viduals seeking an insolvency solu-tion has reached record levels.”

Mr Sargent said the increase wasdue to a combination of factors,

including changes to legislationwhich reduced the period of bank-ruptcy from three years to one year,record amounts of domestic lendingand the marketing of IVAs as adomestic debt solution.

“As soon as the economy dippedand those debts could no longer beserviced, the individuals were pushed

over the financial edge into insolv-ency,” said Mr Sargent. “Some tookshelter in Debt Management Plans,others opted for IVAs and bankruptcyand for those with low level of debtsand no assets or surplus income, theDebt Relief Order was introduced.

“In previous recessions, most per-sonal insolvencies had been connected

with a business in one way or another.This most recent recession was differ-ent. The statistics flipped and the vastmajority of personal insolvencies arenow of a domestic nature.”

Mr Sargent said the anticipatedincrease in corporate insolvency at theend of the last recession had notmaterialised.

“This is down to four factors,” hesaid. “Firstly, business was in bettershape when the economy went intorecession than in previous cycles andhad more wool on its back. Secondly,the use of IT means management isbetter informed than ever before abouthow the business is performing.Thirdly, banks have tried to supportbusiness wherever possible. Andfinally, HM Revenue & Customs hasalso supported business where it canwith the widening of the time to payinitiative.”

Said Mr Sargent: “Current eco-nomic predictions talk of a long slowrecovery with the debt burden takingits toll on both business and domesticspending. It is going to be hard workbut the economy will recover.”

■ HARD WORK: Peter Sargent, of insolvency practice Begbies Traynor

Concrete achievements

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

Solicitors for business inYorkshire

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICESLocal shares

FTSE closed at

5835.89Down 112.60

Airline toraise fare

THE UK’s top banks are on course tomiss Project Merlin lending targets forsmall businesses, according to figuresrevealed by the Bank of England.

Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland,Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC andSantander UK lent £16.8bn to smalland medium-sized enterprises in thefirst quarter of 2011, the Bank said.

The banks have agreed with theGovernment to increase lending toSMEs to £76bn this year, which equatesto £19bn in the first quarter.

However, the figures showed thebanks were on course to meet overallbusiness lending targets of £190bn thisyear, equal to £47.5bn for the quarter,as they lent £47.3bn in the period.

The Project Merlin agreement,unveiled in February, followed talksbetween the top five banks and the

Treasury over key issues such asbonuses and lending.

The figures for SME lending arelikely to provoke outrage as the bankshave been accused of being unwilling tolend to credit-worthy small businesseswhile continuing to award high paypackages.

However, the banks have defendedtheir position by saying they onlyagreed to increase “lending capacity”and there is nothing they can do in theabsence of demand for new borrow-ing.

Lee Hopley, chief economist at EEF,the manufacturers’ organisation, saidthe disappointing figures do not yetindicate an improvement in credit con-ditions for small companies.

She said: “While it is early days forthe Merlin agreement, we have been

OUTSOURCING firm MITIE hasreported a record order book as morecompanies look for help to cut energybills and meet emission targets.

Energy services now account for athird of MITIE’s revenues throughopportunities such as biomass plants,wind power and solar panels.

Across the group, which offers ser-vices including property manage-ment , c leaning, secur i ty andmaintenance, MITIE’s profitsincreased by 15% to £105.7m in theyear to March 31. Revenues rose by10% to £1.9bn.

Major contract wins over the year

included a Europe-wide deal for facil-ities and energy management withengines giant Rolls-Royce and a sim-ilar arrangement with mobile phonecompany Vodafone in the UK andIreland.

MITIE has also increased its busi-ness in the public sector where cuts areincreasing the market for out-sourcing.

Recent energy project wins includea deal with supermarket Waitrose forits first biomass-powered store and apilot project of photovoltaic panelson 200 social housing properties toprovide free daytime electricity.

BUDGET airline Ryanairwarned that surging oilprices will force averageair fares up by 12% inthe current financial year– while it will also cutwinter capacity for thefirst time in its history.

The Irish carrier, whichhas a fleet of 272 planes,expects traffic to grow by4% to 75m passengersin the year to March2012, but all of thatgrowth will occur in thefirst half of the period.

The two winterquarters will seepassenger numbers fallby 2% and 5%respectively as the airlineexpects to ground 80planes over the comingwinter.

Ryanair liftedunderlying pre-tax profitsby 26% to £277m in theyear to March 31, butsaid earnings would beflat in the current yearbecause of the impact ofhigh fuel costs.

Banks ‘set to missSME loans target’

Energy success for MITIEHAULAGE business Eddie Stobart isdriving growth for its parent com-pany – after landing a string of newcontracts.

The road transport and warehous-ing division of Stobart Group posteda 30% rise in underlying pre-taxprofits to £33.6m in the year to Feb-ruary 28.

Eddie Stobart, whose trucks are acommon sight on Britain’s motor-ways, secured new chilled businesswith supermarket giant Tesco, aswell as contracts with Irn Bru ownerAG Barr and Britvic, which includesa bottled water plant at Birkby.

But group profits fell by 11% to

£29.5m following a muted showingby other divisions, including StobartRail and Stobart Ports.

The group sa id i ts recentthree-year shake-up, which has seenthe company broken up into five newoperating divisions, would now startto deliver.

The group posted a 12% rise inrevenues to £500.4m after thehaulage business posted an 18%increase to £449.9m.

The Tesco contract came after thesuper market giant opened a500,000sq ft chilled facility atWidnes, Cheshire.

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.45 dollarsBangladesh................. 111.75 takaBrazil.............................. 2.34 realsCanada....................... 1.50 dollarsChina ............................. 9.39 yuanCzech Republic ...... 25.87 korunasDenmark....................... 8.18 kroneEuro............................... 1.10 euroHong Kong................ 11.93 dollarsHungary ................... 279.14 forintsIndia.......................... 64.51 rupeesJapan........................... 125.69 yenMexico ....................... 16.85 pesosNew Zealand .............. 1.90 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.63 kronePakistan.................. 130.71 rupeesPhilippines ................. 60.08 pesosSouth Africa................. 10.56 randSouth Korea.............. 1546.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 167.61 rupeesSweden......................... 9.83 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.36 francsTaiwan ...................... 40.82 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.41 new liraUSA ............................ 1.54 dollars

New contracts boost for Stobart

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £31.51 -0.28Gannett 900.40 -11.18Hess Corp £47.19 -1.20Microsoft 1502.11 -18.63Motors Liquidation 46.57Wal-Mart Stores £34.33 -0.01

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEAvon Rbbr 2951/4 -33/4BAE Systems 3301/4 -71/4Rolls-Royce 620 -15

AIMBrady Plc 75Dawson Intl 2Man Brnze 543/4 +11/4Uniq 765/8

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 2061/4 -51/8

BANKSBarclays 2681/4 -53/8HSBC 6263/4 -83/8Lloyds Banking Gp 507/8 -3/4Ryl Scotland 407/8 -5/8Stan Chart 15661/2 -351/2

BEVERAGESDiageo 1266 -15SABMiller £221/8 -5/8

CHEMICALSCroda 1879 -3Elementis 98 1557/8 -41/8Johnsn Mat 1987 -21

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 3171/2 -83/4Costain 232 -31/4

ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 4495/8 -5Intl Power 317 -73/4Scottish & SthrnEnergy

1327 -14

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTLaird 1355/8 -41/4

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 3761/2 -41/4

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 1947/8 -31/2Cable & WirelessComm

473/8 -3/4

Cable & WirelessWwide

495/8 -1

Colt Group 1461/2 -27/8KCOM 64 +1Talktalk Telecom 1491/8 +33/8

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 2981/4 -10Sainsbury 3371/2 -41/2Tesco 4147/8 -45/8

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 1078 -12Tate Lyle 6111/2 -21/2Unilever 1948 -20

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 3151/4 -43/4National Grid 623 -91/2Pennon Grp 656 -151/2Severn 1477 -25United Utils 613 -16

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2857/8 -51/2ICAP 4651/8 -21/4London StockExch 889 -8

Man Group 2381/4 -111/8Provident Financial 9651/2 -151/2Schroders 1609 -51Schroders NV 1312 -41

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSCooksn Grp 658 -22REXAM 3771/4 -67/8Smiths Grp 1210 -22

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 19 -2Carphone Whse 355 -143/4Dixons Retail 197/8Home Retail 2071/4 -3Inchcape 3797/8 -12Kingfisher 277 -37/8M & S 397 -13/4Mothercare 442 -41/4Next £221/2 +1/4WH Smith 482 -91/8

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 671 -19

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 116 -21/4Barrat Dev 111 -53/4Persimmon 4695/8 -153/4Reckitt Benckiser £337/8 -5/8Taylor Wimpey 365/8 -11/2

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGCharter 7571/2 -13I M I 993 -32

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 4257/8 -153/8

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 2171/8 -27/8Forth Ports 1625 +1

LIFE INSURANCEAviva 4231/4 -121/2Lgl & Gen 114 -21/4Old Mutual 1251/2 -47/8Prudential 7211/2 -19Resolution 3041/8 -33/4Standard Life 2085/8 -31/2

MEDIABSkyB 840 -11/2D Mail Tst 4901/2 -101/2ITV 69 -13/4Johnston Press 63/8 +1/8Pearson 1138 -16Reed Elsevier 550 -141/2STV Group 139 -4Trinity Mirror 46 -21/2Utd Business 594 -17UTV 128 -2WPP 746 -15Yell Group 65/8 -1/4

MININGAnglo American £281/4 -11/4Antofagasta 1160 -47BHP Billiton £23 -1/2Eurasian NaturalRes

8151/2 -22

Fresnillo 1302 -19Kazakhmys 1207 -42Lonmin 1481 -43Rio Tinto £403/8 -7/8VEDANTARESOURCES

£201/2 -3/4

Xstrata 13571/2 -371/2MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES

Inmarsat 6031/2 -7Vodafone Group 1711/2 -23/8

NONLIFE INSURANCE

Admiral Grp 1650 -62RSA Insurance Gp 1353/4 -13/4

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 13431/2 -341/2BP 452 -8Cairn Energy 4191/4 -93/4Royal Dutch Shell A £21 -1/2Royal Dutch Shell B £21 -1/2Total £343/8 -13/8Tullow Oil 1296 -35

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESAMEC 1146 -28Petrofac 1515 -27Wood Group 625 -37

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry Gp 1331 -20PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca £311/4 -1/2Axis-Shield 335 -27/8GlaxoSmithK XD 18Shire 1882 -25

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 576 -161/2Captl Shop Cent 3871/4 -91/2DTZ Hldgs 45 +3/4Hamrsn 4683/4 -83/4Land Secs 779 -11SEGRO 3131/8 -81/4

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESAutonomy Corp 1788 -25Invensys 2951/4 -73/8Logica 1385/8 -35/8Misys 3493/4 -101/4Sage Group 2833/4 -43/4

SUPPORT SERVICESBerendsen 4841/2 -51/4Bunzl 742 -7Capita 722 +11De La Rue 830 -15Electrocomp 2877/8 -7Experian 767 -24G4S 2757/8 -45/8Hays 1111/4 -13/4Homeserve 5111/2 -81/2Menzies J 539 +17Rentokil 961/4 -2Smiths News 95 -3Wolseley 1949 -82

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 5511/2 -201/2Psion 881/2 -11/2Spirent Comms 150 -13/4

TOBACCOBr Am Tob £271/4 -1/4

Imperial Tobacco £215/8 -1/4

LEISURE & HOTELS

Bwin.Party Digital 137 -31/2Carnival £247/8 -1/2Compass Grp 575 -81/2easyJet 3451/8 -175/8Enterprise Inns 781/4 -23/4FirstGroup 3491/4 -21/4Go-Ahead Gp 1440 -23Greene King 4861/4 -61/2Intercontl Htls 1252 -31Intl Cons AirlinesGp

235 -125/8

Ladbrokes 1461/2 -23/8Mitchells & Butlers 3151/2 -31/2Natl Express 2605/8 -37/8Rank Org 1501/4 +1/4Stagecoach Group 2377/8 -31/8TUI Travel 2293/4 -75/8Whitbread 1676 -39

INDEXFTSE 100 5835.89 -112.60

INDEXFTSE 250 11795.67 -196.54

Carclo 282 +103/8Marshalls 1191/2 -1/2National Grid 623 -91/2Weir Gp 1845 -37

sceptical about the degree to which thistarget-based approach would lead to asignificant improvement in credit con-ditions for SMEs.

“Progress on the key issue of a lackof competition among the banks, aswell as insufficient transparency in

lending decisions and the lack ofunderstanding of banks’ customers,must now accelerate.”

Santander is the only bank to haverevealed its own lending commitmentsunder the Project Merlin agreementand is currently on track to hit itstargets.

The British Bankers’ Associationsaid the figures showed “stretched’’lending intentions for SMEs werenearly matched, but capacity was notfully taken up due to muted demand.

A spokesman for the Merlin bankssaid: “These numbers demonstrate thedetermination of the Merlin banks tolend to viable businesses. It has been asolid start to the year.”

Banks were “devoting considerabletime, effort and resource” and viablebusinesses had access to finance.

■ BANK NOTES: Lending to SMEsis falling behind targets, according tofigures from the Bank of England

Markets‘spooked’THE London marketslipped to its lowest levelsince the end of Marchafter fresh fears over theeurozone debt crisisrattled investorconfidence.

The FTSE 100 Indexfell by 112.6 points to5835.9 after worldmarkets were spooked bya credit rating downgradefor Italy and renewedspeculation that Greecewill have to restructure itsdebts.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

IanValentine

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: General man-agerAge: 60Family: Married toFran. Daughters Laura,Anna and Faye andgrandchildren Rowanand MarthaHolidays: Winterski-ing in France orItaly; summers in Devonand PortugalCar: Audi A6First job: Junior civilengineerBest thing aboutjob: I enjoy dealing withcustomers and workingwith my colleaguesWorst thing aboutjob: A lot more paper-work seems to be gen-erated these daysBusiness tip: Alwaystreat your customerswith respect

Work: Supplying con-crete to the construc-tion industrySite: Red Doles LaneEmployees: 45Phone: 01484 535311Web: www.myersgroup.co.ukE-mail: sales@readymix-huddersfield.co.uk

ReadymixHuddersfield

Ian’ssetpiecemove

RUGBY was always goingto play a big part in IanValentine’s life.

The son of Fartownlegend Dave Valentine grewup with a love of the sportwhich led him to play at ahighly competitive level withHuddersfield Old Boys andHuddersfield YMCA.

But when it came tocarving out a career ratherthan carving through theopposition defence, a keeninterest in civil engineeringwas the driving force.

Ian has notched up morethan 30 years service withthe Myers Group, joining itsconcrete supplier ReadymixHuddersfield Ltd andbuilders’ merchant NaylorMyers as a sales rep andrising to become generalmanager of the Readymixbusiness.

Dave Valentine movedfrom Scotland to play forHuddersfield RL. Hebecame one of the club’sleading stars – winningmany honours during anillustrious career, skipperingthe Great Britain side thatwon the World CupChampionship in 1954 andplaying in the Fartown sidesthat won the championshipin 1948-49 and theChallenge Cup in 1952-53.

Ian grew up inHuddersfield with the familyliving in Longwood,Salendine Nook andOutlane at various stages.He attended SalendineNook High School andplayed rugby withenthusiasm.

“I wasn’t pushed into it,”he says. “I just enjoyed it.”Ian played stand-off orcentre and as his talentdeveloped rose through theranks. “Huddersfield playedsome good sides –Headingley, Sale andNewcastle,” he says. “It wasa good standard of rugby.”

Although his playing daysare over, Ian remains adirector at HuddersfieldYMCA. “I go when I can,” hesays. “I have a fairly busylife, particularly with thegrandchildren!

“But I play golf atCrosland Heath. There wasa big hole in my weekendwhen I stopped playingrugby, so I and a few rugbyfriends started playing golfat Outlane to keep out oftrouble on a Saturdayafternoon. It keeps you busyand there is the social side.There’s also a competitiveelement, but it is a pastimerather than a sport for me.”

After leaving school, Iangot a job with R T Haley, acivil engineering contractorin Cleckheaton, as a juniorcivil engineer. “I realised Iwas not going to be aprofessional sportsman,” hesays. “I got interested in civilengineering because Ienjoyed the idea of beingoutdoors.

“At school, we went ontrips to all sorts of workplaces. Traditionalengineering had no appealand I didn’t fancy working asa clerk in an office.

“I took a civil engineertechnician course atBradford College onday-release and gained myONC and HNCqualifications. I moved from

school where all learningwas theoretical to applying itin practice when I waslearning in real situations.”

At R T Haley, Ian workedon major infrastructureprojects, including YorkshireWater’s Cooper Bridgesewage treatment works andwater treatment works atBingley. He was workingfive-and-a-half days a weekand earning £20 a month.

His work also brought himinto contact with Readymix.“We bought from Readymixand knew them as a goodcompany,” he says. “Whenwork at R T Haley wasstarting to dry up, I lookedelsewhere. I had beenoffered a job in Iran, but mywife was pregnant at thetime and I thought I shouldlook for a job closer to home.

“I rang Readymix on theoff-chance and there was aposition as a sales rep. Withmy background in thebuilding industry, myknowledge of the Readymixbusiness and the fact that Iknew a lot of people in theindustry I took the job.

“A lot of builders enjoyrugby – and being the son ofDave Valentine was a goodice breaker when I came tocall.”

Ian spent six years as arep before taking a biggerrole with the business in therun-up to the retirement ofthen general manager GeraldHawthornthwaite – when histechnical background andsales experience paiddividends.

“There was a transitionalperiod when I was out on theroad and then had to getbehind a desk,” he says. “Itpresented challenges, but itwas interesting – and it stillis. I still enjoy dealing withcustomers. I will go to thecounter to talk to customers.

“That has always been theway since the business wasfounded. Everyone is willingto do whatever is necessaryto see the day through.”

The Myers Group owes itsorigins to Jack Myers who inthe late 1950s expanded thefamily business – founded in1929 in the name of IsaacTimmins Ltd – from itsbuilding and civil engineeringroots into a manufacturer andsupplier of constructionmaterials.

Readymix Huddersfield,which also includes Mini Mix,Conveyormix and MobileConcrete Pump Hire,supplies concrete frompremises at Red Doles Lanein Huddersfield and fromdepots in Penistone,Brighouse and Skipton, tovarious locations aroundYorkshire. The businesscelebrated its 50thanniversary two years ago.

Builder merchant armNaylor Myers was founded in1973 and is now a leadingindependent builder’smerchants with 12 branchesthroughout Yorkshire. Thegroup also includes JohnsonsWellfield Quarries atCrosland Hill, HSH Skip Hire,timber merchanting businessBoards Huddersfield andnewly-formed Myers Build &DIY.

Readymix and NaylorMyers are perhaps the mostvisible – with their vehicles afamiliar site on local roads.

However, the recessionhas not left the companiesunscathed.

“We have seen a majorstep change in the amountof construction work,” saysIan. “It was quite dramatic.We had seen recessionsbefore, three-day weeksand strikes – but nothinglike the recent recession.Work on building sites juststopped overnight.”

Ian says Readymix andits associated operationshad to “re-design ourbusiness model” to meetthe needs of amuch-changed market.While the company isbusy, Ian recognises thatthe boom years forconstruction have gone –while the market may takeyears to recover to thosedizzy heights.

But he says: “We haveturned the corner. Buildersstill have to build and there

is always work to be done.You just have to lookclosely at everything youdo. Firms could afford tobe a little lax about whatthey were paying formaterials when thingswere going well. Now theyhave to keep a close eyeon costs and operations,which is not a baddiscipline.”

Ian reserves specialmention for the firm’s teamof drivers of theeight-wheel, 32-tonwagons which roll out ofthe depot to deliver theirloads to building sitesacross the region. “Ourdrivers are on the frontlineevery day,” he says. “Ifthey do a good job on site,they provide the bestpublicity we could everhope to get.”

■ CHALLENGE: iIanValentine, general manager ofReadymix Huddersfield Ltd

KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

EMPLOYER’SBRIEFNeil Wilson

New venture justthe job for JessicaCLOUDS gathering over thepublic sector could have a silverlining for ambitious Hudders-field graduate Jessica Jubb.

Jessica, 31, has launched abusiness providing back-up toclients who include former publicservice executives now re-launch-ing their careers as consultants.

She embarks on the venturearmed with management quali-fications and practical experienceworking for local authorities andthe NHS.

Many senior executives fromlocal authorities and other publicsector organisations are amongworkers being made redundantas part of government cuts.

Said Jessica: “These executivesoften occupied high-up posi-tions, such as chief executive,.

“They have set up as consult-ants, but they are used to havingsupport, such as personal assist-ants and secretaries.

“Now that they are workingfrom home they no longer haveit.”

This is where Jessica’s newbusiness comes in.

Her company, called Jecca Ltd,provides the full range of sup-port, from the services offered bya personal assistant – includingdealing with correspondence – tohelp with marketing and graphicdesign, in which Jessica has spe-cial skills.

It means that consultants andother small companies can con-centrate on developing their busi-nesses while handing over theback-up to Jecca Ltd.

Jessica has a degree in publicrelations, which she followed upwith a diploma in managementstudies at Huddersfield Uni-versity’s Barnsley campus.

She worked in the public sectorherself but – always determinedto set up on her own business –took advantage of the help andadvice available from the Busi-ness Mine service at the cam-pus.

She also applied for andreceived a £2,400 BarnsleyStart-Up Grant to help heracquire equipment and carry outpromotional work.

In addition, Jessica is also ableto use the facilities of the DigitalMedia Centre in Barnsley whileJecca Ltd gets underway.

Agency pushesthe Boat outA DESIGN agency kept its cool toland a new contract.Elland-based agency The BiggerBoat helped launch a new range ofnatural skincare products foryoungsters called Naturally CoolKids.The bright and colourful packagingfeatures a character called NiCKand is designed to stand outagainst other natural and organicskincare ranges.The range is a completely naturalcollection of summer skinprotection and winter soothersdesigned to help make parentslives easier by being quick to apply,easy to use and mess-free.The Bigger Boat created a look thatwould mirror this quick, easy andfun messaging with bright colours,skateboard-inspired typographyand graphics and engaging productnames.The agency also developed theNaturally Cool Kids websitewww.naturallycoolkids.com and allother marketing material.Creative director Doug Main said:“The Naturally Cool Kids brand isall about being an antidote to the'run of the mill' range of skincarefor kids.“Instead of using clinical, greenand white graphics that mostparents and children don’t like, wehave created an identity forNaturally Cool Kids that really willappeal to consumers.”

■ ENTERPRISING: graduate Jessica Jubb

Deal is far fromrun-of-the-millA HUDDERSFIELD ice creamproducer has topped off a string ofnew business wins by securing acontract to supply a National Trustproperty.Denby Dale-based YummyYorkshire has landed five contractsto provide ice cream for farm shopsand garden centres in the region,including Totties Garden Centre atHolmfirth and Walkers Nurseries,near Doncaster.It has also been appointed tosupply its first National Trustattraction – Hardcastle Crags, nearHebden Bridge, which boasts awooded valley with more than 25miles of footpaths and a visitorcentre located in Gibson Mill, aformer cotton mill.Yummy Yorkshire will supply aselection of flavours to the cafe,The Weaving Shed.Jeremy Holmes, of YummyYorkshire, said: “Winning thesenew contracts is a real boost andwe are excited about the growththis means for the business.“We are particularly excited to besupplying Hardcastle Crags as it isour first National Trust account andwe hold similar values and ethicssuch as using local supplierswhere possible in the production ofour ice cream.”

Socially unacceptable behaviourHAVING reported last year

on the growth of socialmedia applications and itsimpact in the workplace,there have been a number ofnotable cases since whichhighlight the issues andproblems faced by suchmedia.

Comments made on socialmedia applications may damagethe business or concern anemployee’s colleague. This canopen employers up to com-plaints of discrimination, as theycan be vicariously liable for theactions of the employee in cer-tain circumstances.

A recent case heard in theEmployment Tribunal centredon an employee’s Facebook dis-cussion thread, which consistedof offensive comments regardingcustomers of the pub that sheworked at and where she was ashift manager. A series of explet-ives were contained within thethread and her employer and thecustomers were named.

The company had protecteditself by putting in place a discip-linary procedure, stating that“acts committed outside of workthat had an adverse effect on theemployee’s suitability for the jobor which brought the company’sname into disrepute” couldamount to gross misconduct.Furthermore, an email andinternet policy was in forcewhich gave the company theright to take disciplinary action

where “employees write or con-tribute to a blog where the con-tent lowered the reputation ofthe company” or its staff orcustomers.

The employee was ultimatelydismissed and the Tribunalfound that the decision fellwithin the range of reasonableresponses, although they didcomment a final warning mayhave been more appropriate.

Nevertheless, the decisiondoes confirm that using socialmedia outside of the workplacecan be a disciplinary matterwhere the employer is broughtinto disrepute.

The employer’s defence to theclaim was strengthened enorm-ously by the policies that were inforce and communicated to theemployee.

A separate case in the Employ-ment Tribunal focussed on anemployee who had been dis-missed for sending an offensiveemail from his home computerto an ex-colleague’s own com-puter.

The email concerned racistand sexist material and the recip-ient of the email was working forthe employer’s most significantclient. The email was reported

and the employer took thedecision to dismiss on thegrounds that the employee hadacted in a way which could dam-age its reputation and integrity.

The claimant in the case raisedthe issue of his right to privacy,arguing that the email was apiece of private correspondence.This was rejected by theTribunal, namely because theemail was headed “it is your dutyto pass this on” and he couldhave no control over the dissem-ination of the email.

The Tribunal also seemedinfluenced by the nature of theemployer’s business. They were acharity organisation providingservices to minority groups andthe racist and sexist connota-tions in the email were bound toundermine this. A finding of fairdismissal was again made, there-fore.

The cases highlight theimportance of putting detailedpolicies in place governing theuse of social media – and thewillingness of Tribunals to allowemployers to rely on use of suchmedia outside of the workplaceto justify dismissal, predomin-antly where there has been dam-age to its reputation.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 5

Flexible strategy willoffer best protection

BANKER’SBLOGJill Hague

Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial directorfor Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield

Team that really countsMEMBERS of the West YorkshireSociety of Chartered Accountantshave welcomed chartered account-ant and barrister Philip Pawson astheir president for the coming year.

Mr Pawson took over from TimParr, of Baker Tilly, at the society’sannual meeting in Leeds.

Wilma Teviotdale, head ofaccountancy at Huddersfield Uni-versity, steps up as deputy presidentand Charles Hartwell, financial dir-ector of Yorkshire Cricket Club,becomes vice-president.

Mr Pawson is also a member of theInstitute of Chartered Accountantsin England and Wales and a consult-ant in anti-money laundering andanti-bribery legislation.

He gained a degree in accountancyat Leeds Polytechnic, now LeedsMetropolitan University, and later inhis career read for the Bar at New-castle University.

He began working at RobsonRhodes in 1978 and qualified as anICAEW chartered accountant in1981. He was called to the Bar in1999.

During his year in office, MrPawson is keen to increase contact

w i t h I C A E W m e m b e r s i nowner-managed businesses.

He said: “It is sometimes forgottenthat nearly half our members work inindustry rather than in practice .

“I feel it is important to encourageengagement with them and particip-

ation from them in ICAEW’s aimsand objectives, given they representsuch a large proportion of thechartered accountants workingthroughout the whole spectrum ofbusinesses across the UK.”

■ TOP TRIO: WYSCA president Philip Pawson (right) with vice-presidentCharles Hartwell and deputy president Wilma Teviotdale

DESPITE the manyshocking events that

have already taken placein 2011 such as the polit-ical conflict in NorthAfrica and the MiddleEast as well as the Japan-ese earthquake disaster,the currency marketshave been strangelybecalmed.

It seems that the marketsare stuck switching between a‘risk appetite on’ versus ‘riskappetite off’ frame of mindwhere they cannot make uptheir minds on a decisive cur-rency direction.

Instead, sentiment is chan-ging from day to day, reactingto every nuance of economicdata and geopolitical news.

The recurring theme so farthis year has been the inexor-able rise of commodity prices,exacerbated by the recent tur-moil in the Middle East andNorth Africa.

The continuing economicboom in China and otheremerging markets has driventhe price of Brent crude oilfrom the $95 per barrel (pb)level in January to over$120pb in mid-April. This is alevel not seen since 2007 when

the oil price went on to peakat $147pb.

Even greater rises have beenseen in other commoditiessuch as cotton, copper andnickel, while gold climbed to arecord high of $1,475 perounce. Other precious metalssuch as silver and platinumhave also seen remarkableincreases in price.

Never before have we seensuch large rises in the cost ofraw materials so soon after aprotracted recession in theWestern world.

The price volatility seen inthe commodities market hasnot been reflected to the sameextent in the FX market.

One potential reason forthis is that it is hard to differ-entiate between the world’smajor currencies, namely theUS dollar (USD), euro(EUR), sterling (GBP) andthe Japanese yen (JPY). Theyall offer low rates of returna n d a r e e x p e r i e n c i n glacklustre levels of economicgrowth combined with highlevels of debt.

This is truly an ugly sister’scompetition with none of theparticipants having anyattractive features.

The lack of a positivechoice among the big fourmay explain why the markethas had little option but totake a specific stance on othercurrencies, especially emer-ging markets and currencieswhich have a significantexposure to commoditiessuch as the Australian dollar,the Canadian dollar and Nor-wegian krona.

It is here where we are see-ing more dramatic moves.

The lack of differentiationbetween the majors, however,now appears to be changingas the market has switched itsattention to the fiscal prob-lems in the US, while the ECBhas raised interest rates forthe first time since 2008.

Indeed, recent downwardpressure on the USD has

looks a little prettier althoughdoubts persist whether theEuro can maintain a levelabove $1.40 and shrug offrecent increased market spec-ulation of a debt restructuringin Greece, a Euro-skeptic vic-tory in Finland and reduceddemand in Spain's bond mar-ket auctions.

The ugly contest is turninguglier. The reality is, for nowat least, the US dollar has lostsome of its shine because ofthe last-minute budget dealthat only narrowly averted agovernment shutdown.

Despite the apparent resol-ution of the impasse, the bit-ter political fight has raisedquestions about the ability ofPresident Obama and adivided US Congress to dealwith bigger fiscal issues loom-ing ahead.

In addition, the US presid-ential process has kicked offand that should mean that nocandidate will attempt to seri-

ously tackle the situation until2013.

As far as Sterling is con-cerned, it has appreciatedagainst the weak US dollarover recent weeks, consolidat-ing above $1.60. Its overallperformance, however, espe-cially against the Euro andother emerging market andcommodity currencies, hasbeen poor.

With the world in turmoiland currencies being buffetedby so many conflicting cross-winds, it is essential that UKbusinesses consider a flexiblestrategy that allows them toboth protect against adversecurrency movements and takeadvantage of more favourablemoves.

HSBC has a local team ofrisk management specialiststo help you protect your busi-ness from volatile foreignexchange rates. Please emailme jillhague@hsbc.com

time since January2010. The Euro

come at a time when the bulkof the economic news shouldhave been USD supportive.

On 7 Apri l , Portugalbecame the third eurozonecountry to ask for a financialbailout; meanwhile, in theUK, inflation has eased backand there are growing warn-ings from the retail sectorabout a slowdown in con-sumer spending.

In addition, there is nowclear evidence that the USeconomy is recovering wellfrom the downturn, prompt-ing the US to consider an endto its additional QuantitativeEasing (QE2).

Despite this, the USD soldoff with EUR/USD breaking$1.45 on 12 April for the first

Rocked in Hollywood.Made in Borehamwood.

Business

Issued by HSBC Bank plc. *Lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).AC18837

It may sound like a quiet little town but Borehamwood is home toOrange Amps, which has been supplying the world’s music industryfor the past 40 years.

At HSBC we believe that a local business doesn’t have to stay local.By thinking about your business from a global perspective, we canhelp you thrive both locally and internationally.

Speak to Jill Hague, Area Commercial Director, on 07786 524353*,or email jillhague@hsbc.com

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 6investor confidence edgeshigher in West YorkshireINVESTOR confidence in theproperty market has improvedslightly, according to a newpoll.The latest UK Real EstateInvestor Confidence Surveyby Jones Lang LaSalle gavean index reading of 162 forthe first quarter of 2011against a reading of 152 forthe final three months of lastyear.London and the South Eastcontinued to dominateinvestor preferences, with64% of respondents to thesurvey stating that these willbe their main target regionsthis year.However, this was a slight fallcompared with the fourthquarter of 2010 – while therewas a marginal increases inthe proportion of investorslooking to target regionalcentres such as Leeds,Manchester and Birmingham.Mathew Atkinson, associatedirect in Jones Lang LaSalle’snational investment team inWest Yorkshire, said: “Thismood of cautious optimismfrom our latest investorconfidence survey reflects themixed results from recent UKeconomic data which showthat although economicpressures are not easing, theUK commercial propertymarket remains attractive toinvestors.“Whilst office investmentvolumes in Leeds, along withthe key regional markets,were relatively weak in thefirst three months of the yearas buyers continued to focuson Central London and theSouth East, we anticipate wewill see rising activity in awider range of markets thisyear.“Increased competition forLondon assets and lack of

supply in the capital,combined with strengtheningmarket fundamentals forprime space, will driveinvestors – attracted by thediversification opportunitiesand total return potential – tobroaden their horizons.“This has the potential toencourage increased investoractivity outside of London.That said, caution continuesto surround secondary assetsand investors remain highlyselective in theiracquisitions.”Jeff Pearey, head of JonesLang LaSalle’s West Yorkshireoffice, said: “Occupiersremain cautious with themajority continuing to assessthe impact of the currenteconomic conditions on theirbusiness. However, the newenquiries are slowlyconverting into lettings andwe anticipate a far strongersecond quarter.”

Firms urged to avoid property pitfallsPROPERTY experts are urgingcompanies to make sure they getit right when looking for newcommercial premises.

The Royal Institution ofChartered Surveyors said tougheconomic conditions meant it wasmore vital than ever forestablished firms and start-upsalike to avoid making costlymistakes when acquiring newsites.

The RICS said making a badchoice could lead to paying forspace that is no longer needed ora building not fit for purpose –both of which will provedetrimental to the company’scashflow and long-term survival.

It advised businesses toapproach the property search in alogical and organised way to avoidoverlooking any key points whichmay hinder it at a later stage.

RICS regional spokesmanRichard Corby said: “So manybusinesses don’t do enoughresearch when it comes to findingthe right premises to operate fromand this is one of the mostcommon reasons they run in to

problems.“Once a business has chosen

the location it would like tooperate from, seeking advice froma chartered surveyor familiar withthe chosen area is the next step.

“An RICS member will be ableto provide additional informationand expert advice on the mostsuitable properties in the area.They will also be able tochallenge the company on theirassumptions about the suitabilityof the location and any targetproperties which they feel mayinitially meet all theirrequirements.”

Said Mr Corby: “It is essentialthat existing companies and newstart-ups consider their businessstrategy when choosing newpremises – for example, thenumber of people they employand the processes used in theirbusiness, as well as theproperty’s suitability for any plantor machinery required.

“They must also considerongoing and future plans, such ashow long they will need to operatefrom the property and within what

timescale additional space maybe needed for expansion. Thequality and size of the actualworkspace environment needs tobe thought about thoroughly andhow this may impact on staff andtheir productivity.

“It’s important to check the

chosen building’s state of repair,too. The chartered surveyor playsa key role here and he or she willbe able to advise on the potentialrepair cost and other outlays thata business occupying the propertymay face.

“The chosen property musthave planning permission for theappropriate commercial use and itis essential to check that there areno restrictions to running thebusiness from the building – suchas a limitation on working hours ornoise emissions.

“If planning permission isrequired, at least eight to 10weeks should be allowed for theapplication to be processed.”

The RICS said the proposedterms of the lease should bechecked by a chartered surveyorbefore a company instructs itssolicitor to agree the formaldocumentation – paying particularattention to the clauses relating toservice charges, rent reviews,break options, sub-letting andassignment, repairing anddecorating obligations andpersonal guarantees.

■ CAUTION: Jeff Pearey, ofJones Lang LaSalle

■ STRATEGY: RICS regionalspokesman Richard Corby

Keeping coolfor HQ projectA FIRM providing surface heatingand cooling systems for the propertysector has completed a capital pro-ject.

Huddersfield-based Velta providedits TABS cooling system for the newLondon headquarters of CAFOD –the Catholic Overseas DevelopmentAgency.

The system will cool the five-storeybuilding during the summer via aground source heat pump.

Velta worked in partnership withthe mechanical and engineering con-tractor to ensure the system wasdesigned to work as required for thebuilding. Velta’s TABS systemprovided a bespoke solution for heat-ing and cooling – with Velta provid-ing suppor t f rom des ign toinstallation.

Velta’s TABS allow existing energyto be used to provide environment-ally-friendly heating and cooling.Many development schemes are usingit for projects in the UK and interna-tionally.

Skelmanthorpe-based Velta hasprovided solutions for more than1,000 buildings and installed morethan 3m sq metres of TABS – embed-ded in the concrete structure – toprovide a sustainable and energy-effi-cient solution for the heating andcooling of modern buildings.

Managing director Gerald Kempsaid that an increasing focus on“green” issues and the reduction ofcarbon emissions meant owners andbuilders of new office schemes werebecoming increasingly focused on

constructing sustainable and energyefficient buildings.

Said Mr Kemp: “The benefit ofinstalling this system for CAFOD’sheadquarters is that it has providedthem with an invisible, comfort cool-ing system with minimal maintenancerequired.

“It’s a cost effective, energy efficient

solution – an excellent choice foroffice buildings of the future.”

Velta, which also has operations inMidlothian, Scotland, is part of theUponor Corporation and works withconstruction professionals worldwideon surface heating and cooling solu-tions for major construction pro-jects.

■ COLD COMFORT: This new build project for CAFOD - the CatholicOverseas Development Agency - saw the installation of a special coolingsystem from Huddersfield-based Velta

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Agency ahieves hat-trick of successesPROPERTY agency CB Richard Ellis hassecured a hat-trick of instructions in WestYorkshire.

The team will be handling interest in a10,989sq ft newly refurbished, unit atMillshaw Park in Leeds, a 4,711sq ft unit onButterley Street ,also in Leeds and an9,863sq ft unit at Green Lane IndustrialEstate at Featherstone, Wakefield.

The string of new instructions continues a

successful year for CBRE’s industrial agencyteam.

Senior surveyor Daniel Austin said: “Allthree units present excellent opportunities foroccupiers to secure quality premises inwell-connected locations at competitive rentalrates.

“We have already received a significantamount of enquiries regarding each availableunit.”

Auction proceeds top £7mA PROPERTY auction staged by a WestYorkshire agency has realised proceeds ofmore than £7m.Some 88 lots, representing 75% of thetotal of 118 lots, came under the hammerin the two-day sale staged by Eddisons inLeeds and Manchester.Among the lots sold, a parcel of grassedland in Ravensthorpe sold for £74,000 offa guide price of £20,000-plus.The site, which extends to about 512sqmetres, fronts onto Huddersfield Road onthe main A644 and is about one-and-a-halfmiles south-west of Dewsbury towncentre.Among other lots, the site of the formerHubberton service reservoir on Long Low

Edge Road, near Sowerby Bridge, sold for£12,000.The lot had been offered on theinstructions of Yorkshire Water at adeclared nil reserve.Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said: ‘Cashbuyers looking for value for moneyreacted positively to the realistic guideprices.“Many lots attracted competitive biddingwhich contributed to a strong all roundperformance.”The next auction takes place on June 16 atLeeds United Football Club, Elland Road,Leeds and on June 21 at the Premier Inn,Trafford Park, Manchester. Both salesstart at 12.30pm.

Sector surveystays gloomyTHE construction markethas continued to slow acrossYorkshire – as governmentspending cuts and a lack ofcommercial finance taketheir toll on the industry,according to a survey.

The latest ConstructionMarket Survey from theRo y a l I n s t i t u t i o n o fChartered Surveyors, saidworkloads across almost allsectors in the region fellaway d u r i n g t h e l a s tquarter.

There was a similarly neg-ative picture in other areas ofthe North of England as wellas Scotland and NorthernIreland.

That was in contrast toLondon and the South Eastw h e r e w o r k l o a d a n demployment expectationsare positive.

Some 11% more surveyors reported thatactivity in Yorkshire decreased rather thanincreased – with overall workloads in negativeterritory since the end of 2007. The privateindustrial and public non-housing sectorssuffered the most, recording net balances ofminus 18 and minus 17 respectively.

Material costs continued to rise in theregion, with 62% more surveyors reporting ahike in prices – up from 56% during theprevious three months.

However, surveyors in the region report thatthe cost of hiring tradespeople and profession-als continues to fall, reflecting increased com-

petition for jobs, which isdriving down the cost oflabour.

H ow e v e r, 2 3 % m o r erespondents expect employ-ment levels to fall rather thanrise in the region over the next12 months.

Surveyors were similarlypessimistic with their predic-tions for future workloads inYorkshire – at a net balanceat minus 11.

Estimated profit marginsalso remain firmly negative,with 64% more expectingprofits to fall rather than riseover the coming year. Thisreading has now remained innegative territory since thefourth quarter of 2007.

RICS regional spokesmanChris Harrop said: “The fig-ures make undeniably joylessreading for those in the York-

shire and Humber construction market.“The numbers do, however, underline the

fact that there have been few better times forthe seemingly rare breed of people that areengaging construction professionals and pro-curing work.

“We hope that we will see optimism in theregion grow as it has in other UK regions andthat regional workloads will at least stabil-ise.

“There are positive notes in the nationalworkload outlook. Let's hope this points theway to regional recovery.”

■ POSITIVES: Colin Harrop,RICS regional spokesman

TO LETIndustrial PremisesPine Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1SS1Workshop/storage unit1 473.64m2 (5,098 sq ft)1 Edge of town centre location1 Ease of access to A62 Leeds Road CorridorRent: £15,000 per annum exclusive

TO LETModern WorkshopCalder Trading Estate, Lower Quarry Road,Huddersfield, HD5 0RR1Modern workshop unit with vehicle inspection pit1 Self contained secure yard area1 Located off busy A62 Leeds Huddersfield Trunk Road1Close to J25 of M62 motorwayRent: £8,000 per annum exclusive

TO LETWorkshop/Showroom/Office262 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3JQ1Available as a whole or in part1Units from 400 – 14,000 sq ft1 Prominent roadside frontage1 Extensive car parkingRent: On Application

TO LETFirst Floor OfficesSpen Valley House, Bradford Road,Cleckheaton, BD19 5LT1 Prominent first floor offices1 Ease of access to J26 of M621 41.7 – 83.40m2 (449 – 898 sq ft)Rent: £11 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LETPrestigious High Spec Office SuiteUnit 1 Cartwright Court, Bradley Business Park,Huddersfield, HD2 1GN1Office units available from1Units from 1,009 sq ft1 Established business park location1 Ease of access to J24 & J25 of M62Rent: £15 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LETAttractive Office SuitesBuckden Mount, 8 Thornhill Road, Huddersfield,HD3 3AU1 Recently refurbished1Ample on-site car parking1 162 & 383m2 (1,742 & 4,126 sq ft)1 Ease of access to Hudds Town Centre and J24 of M62£10 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LETCharacter Town Centre Offices10 New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP1Attractive character town centre offices1 66.1m2 (712 sq ft)1Newly refurbishedRent: On Application

TO LETProminent Town Centre Office8 Victoria Road, Elland1 102.49m2 (1,103 sq ft)1 100% Business Rates Relief current year1 Private Car ParkingRental: £6,000 pax

TO LETModern Workshop UnitUnit B, Brockholes Business Park,Rock Mill Road, Huddersfield, HD9 7BN1 307m2 (3,308 sq ft)1 Prominent location1 Frontage to the A616 New Mill RoadRent: £5.25 per sq ft per annum exclusive

Modern workshop unit with vehicle inspection pit

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Roger Marsh

PwCACCOUNTANCY firmPricewaterhouseCoopers hasappointed Roger Marsh as officesenior partner in West Yorkshire.

He succeeds Paul Nixon, who hasbeen appointed PwC’s national leaderfor mid-cap companies – those listedoutside the FTSE 100 and on AIM.

Mr Marsh joined PwC in Leeds as agraduate in 1976 and became apartner in 1988. His experienceranges from audit to businessrecovery and insolvency, He hasworked in the UK and abroad.

Business issuestop the agendaWEST Yorkshire businesswomenhave delivered a strong message tothe Coalition Government – withcalls for increased and continuedfinancial support for small and newbusinesses.

The message came from a con-sultation event run by ForwardLadies, the organisation which sup-ports professional women in busi-ness and which numbers scores ofKirklees businesswomen among itsmembers.

The 50-strong audience, compris-ing a cross-section of professionalwomen, gave their opinions on anumber of key business topics.

Sarah Morgan, deputy head ofgender equality policy and inclusionat the government’s Equality Office,set the scene – saying that womenmade up 51% of the population and46% of the workforce, yet onlyaccounted for one in 12 directlyelected mayors and just 2% of those

chairing FTSE 100 companies.Delegates to the meeting in Leeds

voted on aspects of the economy –ranging from easier access to financeto how deep the public spending cutshave impacted on small businesses.

Other areas of concern includedthe numbers of women on theboards of companies, tax incentivesfor SMEs, banking sector supportfor firms, red tape, business mentor-ing and the importance of linksbetween business and education.

Guest speaker Sarah Dickens, dir-ector for people operations andpolicy at Asda, explained how thecompany listened to its employees toget the best business solutions.Leeds-based Asda has 180,000employees, 60% of them women.Females also make up 80% of itscustomers.

Ms Dickens said the recentacquisition of 147 Netto stores wascreating new opportunities in the

company for female managers, butadded: “Many women need to betapped on the shoulder and encour-aged to grow their careers and told‘you can do it!’”

Etta Cohen, of Forward Ladies,said: “It is important to get the viewsof professional women in Yorkshireand to be able to feed them back tothe relevant organisations so that wecan instigate and lobby for change, ifit’s needed, to improve the profitabil-ity and competitiveness of ourregion and women’s contribution toit.

“It was the first time we have heldsuch a comprehensive and import-ant consultation with our membersand we are extremely pleased that wewere able to facilitate such an intelli-gent and meaningful discussion withtopics relevant to professionalwomen.”

■ FEEDBACK: EttaCohen, of networkinggroup Forward Ladies, ischampioning the viewsof businesswomen

Robin Ashton

Leeds BSA CHARTEREDaccountant withexperience in retailfinancial services in theUK and overseas hasbeen appointed as anon-executive directorof Leeds BuildingSociety.

Robin Ashton(pictured), joins the board of the UK’sfifth-largest building society. The boardnow consists of four executivedirectors and nine non-executivedirectors under the leadership ofchairman Robin Smith.

Mr Ashton qualified as a charteredaccountant with Coopers & Lybrand.His 25 years in the retail financialservices sector includes roles astreasurer, finance director and chiefexecutive at Provident Financial plc.He is also non-executive chairman ofthe parent company of Link Loans.

Company makes connections

THE future looks bright for an ITreselling company as winner of a localbusiness award.

Paddock-based Brighter Connectionswas named Business of the Month in thecompetition run by Huddersfield’s EatonSmith Solicitors, the Lockwood-basedMid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerceand Business Link.

Steven Pollitt (centre), of Eaton Smith,presented the award to Claire Phillipsand Paul Wike (right), of BrighterConnections Ltd, with judges ChrisBrown (left), of Brantwood FinancialPlanning, and Alan Lascelles, ofBusiness Link.

Brighter Connections began re-sellingbranded IT equipment in 2003, sincewhen the company has gone fromstrength to strength.

In the past seven years, the firm hasincreased staffing numbers to 12. It alsodoubled its turnover in the financial year2009-2010.

Managing director,Darren Stringersaid the company’s success was down

to delivering what’s right for thecustomer at a time that’s right for themat a great price. Its commitment todelivering a great service led BrighterConnections to add a technical servicesdivision in October last year.

Brighter Connection also works with astrategically and carefully selectedportfolio of key partners to offercutting-edge technologies and ITsolutions. The firm has ISO 9001accreditation for its quality system andISO 27001 accreditation for itsinformation security systems.

Said Mr Stringer: “We are delighted tohave been awarded Business of theMonth, which will raise our profile evenfurther in the local area. The team canbe justifiably proud that our hard workand achievements to date have beenrecognised.”

The award is open to companies inCalderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Fordetails, go to www.eatonsmith.co.uk orcontact Ian Greenwood on 01484821389.

James England

CarterJonasPROPERTY agencyCarter Jonas haspromoted JamesEngland, head of itsresidential team inHuddersfield, to seniorassociate.

Mr England(pictured) joined CarterJonas in 2007 from theLeeds office of anational firm. He is based at theagency’s Slaithwaite office.

Said Mr England: “I am delighted tohave been promoted to seniorassociate at Carter Jonas. I’ve reallyenjoyed working in the Huddersfieldarea for the last few years and I’mlooking forward to taking on this newchallenge and building on our recentsuccesses.”

Tony Wright, partner and head ofresidential in Yorkshire, said: “It’s atestament to the talent and dedicationof our team in Yorkshire that we cancontinue to increase our offering toclients. I know that James will take onhis new position with enthusiasm.”

Among other promotions at CarterJonas, Edward Stoyle, head of theresidential team in York, has beenpromoted to partner, while TomWhitehead, Mark Ludiman and DanTaylor become senior associates inthe firm’s Yorkshire-based ruraldivision. Why not join the

trade talks tonight?KIRKLEES companies will be out in forcetonight for a mini trade show in Huddersfield.

The event has been organised by the Kirkleesbranch of the Federation of Small Businessesand will run from 7pm to 9pm at the GalpharmStadium’s English Partnership Suite.

The aim is to spotlight the diversity of smallbusinesses in the area and encourage people tobuy locally wherever possible. The show is opento the public and to private and public sectororganisations.

The trade show follows a similar event lastyear when 40 local companies exhibited. Eachfirm gets a small space or table to offerinformation about their products or services.Businesses exhibiting range from accountancyand complementary healthcare to funeralservices and computers.

Other attractions at the event will include aSupport for Wellbeing area. Free preventativehealth checks – including diabetes, bloodpressure and cholesterol – will be offered bynurses as part of the NHS cardiovascular healthchecks programme.

FSB committee member Marsha AllenDawson said: “This is a good one to attend.

“In just two hours, you can collect 50 specialoffers, have a free health check, make contactwith many useful local suppliers – and enjoy adrink at the bar!”

That Friday feeling!MEMBERS of Huddersfield’s town centrebusiness community are invited to wind-downfor the weekend by attending an informalnetworking event.

The First Friday Club will meet for an hourfrom 12.30pm on Friday, June 3, at The Vox Bar,Wood Street.

The aim is for friends to enjoy a drink togetherwithout the pressures associated with formalnetworking events.

Contact Krishna Patel, of accountancy firmRevell Ward, on 01484 550018.