KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees11, October, 2011

INSIDE

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● Full story - Page 4

● Full story - Page 7

Themosttrustednewsbrandin thebusiness

HILARY ROBINSON

Fu l l i n te r v i ew - Page 3Managing the upturn

Co lumn - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

EnterpriseschemeJOBSEEKERS wantingto set up their ownbusiness in Kirkleescan now get access toa raft of support as partof a new enterprisescheme.The scheme, led in thisarea by West YorkshireEnterprise Agency,aims to give jobseekerswith a viable businessidea the financialsupport and advicethey need to get theiridea off the ground.

PropertyproblemsADMINISTRATIONSinvolving property andconstruction sectorfirms rose by 11% to117 in the third quarterof the year, accordingto a report byaccountancy firm andbusiness informationgroup Deloitte.

J ILL HAGUEFTSE 100+ 95.60

5399.00

Firms urged to get their records up to dateTHOUSANDS of businesses inKirklees must improve the accuracy oftheir records if they are to avoid penal-ties by HM Revenue & Customs.

The warning comes as HMRCannounces an extension of its BusinessRecords Checks programme.

The checks have been introducedthis year in eight key areas.

So far, the checks on the adequacyof business records kept by small and

medium-sized enterprises show that44% of businesses visited had issueswith their record-keeping while 12%had seriously inadequate records.

Cleckheaton-based accountancyfirm Clough & Company said businesshad to ensure all record-keeping wasas up-to-date as possible now that thepilot scheme is being extended into thewhole of the Yorkshire region.

Partner Nigel Westman said:

“HMRC has increased the number offull-time staff carrying out thesechecks from 30 to 120 and plans tocomplete up to 12,000 BusinessRecords Checks by the end of thecurrent financial year, with 20,000provisionally planned for 2012/13.

“A penalty will only be levied on themost extreme cases of poor recordkeeping, but in the longer term,HMRC intends to issue penalties of up

to £3,000 for serious inadequacies inrecord-keeping.

“It’s essential that businesses actnow and check that their records areup to scratch. If there are any doubts,we would encourage businesses to seekprofessional advice because in addi-tion to avoiding penalties there are lotsof other benefits to good record-keep-ing, including tax planning and cashflow forecasting.”

Pledge to supportstudio school planMORE than 50 businesses havepledged support for a new schoolin Huddersfield combining aca-demic studies with businessskills.

The new £3.8m Creative andMedia Studio School, based atRawthorpe’s Netherhall Learn-ing Campus, is one of only twopilot models in the UK.

The studio school takes a newapproach to helping students getinto employment by engagingcreative, media and digital busi-nesses.

Organisers of the studio schoolwere at the Kirklees BusinessConference to introduce theconcept to delegates – andinvited firms to sign a pledgeboard – and signal their supportfor the initiative.

More than 90 delegates visitedthe studio school stand at theGalpharm Stadium event withmore than 50 signing the board.

An “Open for Business” event

followed with eight businessesattending the Creative andMedia Studio School to find outmore about the project, whichwill equip young people with theskills and experiences needed tosucceed in the world of work bygiving them real-life projects onwhich to work..

Joan Young, principal at Neth-erhall Learning Campus, said:“The launch has been a successwith the studio school receivinginterest and support.

“But this is just the beginningand more creative, media anddigital businesses are needed toget involved to really help shapethe studio school’s future success.By doing so they can support theaspirations of our young peopleand help grow local creative tal-ent for their businesses.”

A project team made up of keyregional educational and busi-ness partners has been workingon getting the studio school off

the ground.Now businesses in design,

advertising, software and com-puter services, interactive leisuresoftware, TV and radio, film,video and photography, printingand publishing, fashion design,performing arts and crafts are allneeded to engage with studentsto help make it a success.

Sa id Joan: “By get t inginvolved, businesses can helpshape the Studio School build-ing, which is due to open inSeptember, 2012, creating anenvironment where young peoplelearn about the real world ofwork and become more ‘workready’.

“There are also business bene-fits for businesses to get involvedas they will become part of abroader creative media businessnetwork, enjoying more busi-ness-to-business opportunitiesand increased collaboration.”

■ SIGNED UP: Bill Macbeth, of Huddersfield TextileCentre of Excellence, and Joan Young, principal atNetherhall Learning Campus, with the pledge board

Over the rainbow

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

Solicitors for business inYorkshire

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICESLocal shares

FTSE closed at

5499.00Up 95.60

RECRUITMENT firmMichael PageInternational saw UKprofit growth stall aspublic and banking sectorwork dried up.

Michael Page, whichemploys more than 1,400people in the UK, saidgross profits in the UKrose by just 0.3% to£33.1m in its thirdquarter – against growthof 48% in the Americasand 44% in Asia-Pacific.

The UK, which makesup 23% of total profits,has seen a “restrained”public sector as theGovernment rolls outspending cuts.

The firm hadpreviously warned that afreeze on hiring andmarket turbulence had hitits banking arm.

The group – with UKoffices in Cardiff, Bristol.London and Nottinghamlifted group gross profitsby 22% to £142.7m.

Staffingproblems

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.50 dollarsBangladesh................. 111.10 takaBrazil.............................. 2.47 realsCanada....................... 1.53 dollarsChina ............................. 8.85 yuanCzech Republic ...... 26.34 korunasDenmark....................... 8.21 kroneEuro................................ 1.11 euroHong Kong................ 11.52 dollarsHungary ................... 305.75 forintsIndia.......................... 67.51 rupeesJapan........................... 113.95 yenMexico ....................... 18.58 pesosNew Zealand .............. 1.88 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.63 kronePakistan.................. 128.48 rupeesPhilippines ................. 58.02 pesosSouth Africa.................. 11.56 randSouth Korea.............. 1589.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 162.14 rupeesSweden....................... 10.06 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.37 francsTaiwan ...................... 41.54 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.70 new liraUSA ............................ 1.49 dollars

BETTING giant Ladbrokes hasspurned a second major takeoveropportunity after walking away from abid for rival Sportingbet.

Ladbrokes chief executive RichardGlynn said the abandoned approachwas not a “failure” and saved thecompany from entering a deal whichwould not have delivered value to itsshareholders.

Ladbrokes, the UK’s largest bettingfirm, scrapped talks with Sportingbetas the market became more turbulentand amid concerns about the legacyrisks attached to its target’s Turkishoperation.

Mr Glynn said: “Having completedour analysis, we have been unable toagree a structure which deliversincreased shareholder value within anacceptable regulatory environment.”

The high street bookie failed to con-clude a deal with another online

gambling group, 888, earlier in the yearafter the two sides could not agree on aprice.

Shares in Sportingbet slumped bynearly 20% after the announcement,leaving the online betting company’smarket value at £247.8m after theannouncement.

Ladbrokes was reportedly consider-ing a bid of up to 70p a share, equival-ent to more than £450m.

Mr Glynn said the company’s mainfocus was on its “organic growthstrategy’’– which will involve arelaunch of the brand and a nationwide

TV campaign.There were no other takeover targets

in the company’s sights, Mr Glynn said,but opportunities will be consideredwhen they arise.

Asked if he felt any personal pressurefollowing the collapsed talks, Mr Glynnsaid: “This is not a failure. The biggestfailure would be doing a deal that didnot deliver shareholder value.”

Mr Glynn said the one-off cost of theabandoned bid would be revealed in thecompany’s next set of results.

Sportingbet is on the brink of sellingits business in Turkey, where online

gambling is banned.But Ladbrokes’s lawyers were under-

stood to be concerned about a regulat-ory hangover from ownership of thesite.

While Turkish firms have beenbanned from providing online bettingsince February, 2007, Sportingbet’soperations in the country are run off-shore.

Ladbrokes first made an approach toSportingbet in June, and undertakeover rules had until October 17 tomake a firm offer or else walk away.

A deal would have increased its pres-ence in faster growing areas such as“in-play”, or live betting during asports match, an area in which Sport-ingbet specialises.

Ladbrokes is due to issue a tradingupdate on Thursday.

Bookmaker endstakeover approach

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £28.68 +0.99Gannett 691.79 +27.42Hess Corp £35.56 +1.64Microsoft 1705.55 +31.87Motors Liquidation 47.82Wal-Mart Stores £35.07 +0.84

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEAvon Rbbr 290 +5BAE Systems 2703/8 +17/8Rolls-Royce 617 +71/2

AIMBrady Plc 711/2Dawson Intl 11/2Man Brnze 34Uniq 951/2

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 1853/4 +43/8

BANKSBarclays 1721/8 +73/8HSBC 5191/8 +101/8Lloyds Banking Gp 353/4 +1Ryl Scotland 245/8 +1Stan Chart 1385 +58

BEVERAGESDiageo 12711/2 -1/2SABMiller £223/4 +1/2

CHEMICALSCroda 1764 +54Elementis 98 1281/2 +5Johnsn Mat 1751 +69

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 2651/4 +8Costain 204 +31/4

ELECTRICITYDrax Gp 4711/2 +5Intl Power 3285/8 +5/8SSE 1349 +3

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTLaird 1421/4 +11/4

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 3333/4 +53/4

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 1813/4 +31/4Cable & WirelessComm

353/8 +3/8

Cable & WirelessWwide

281/8 +5/8

Colt Group 971/2 +11/2KCOM 661/2 -1/4Talktalk Telecom 1281/2 +27/8

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 302 +11/4Sainsbury 2983/8 +61/4Tesco 410 +43/4

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 1095 +4Tate Lyle 628 -6Unilever £201/4

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 3093/4 +11/8National Grid 646 -31/2Pennon Grp 699 -11/2Severn 1571 +5United Utils 622 -21/2

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 197 +71/8ICAP 4323/4 +61/2

London StockExch 8511/2 +24Man Group 1707/8 +33/4Provident Financial 1026 +4Schroders 1370 +55Schroders NV 1147 +52

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSCooksn Grp 4747/8 +131/4REXAM 3245/8 +33/8Smiths Grp 9581/2 +20

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 221/4 +3/4Carphone Whse 3551/4 +93/4Dixons Retail 121/8 +1/2Home Retail 1261/2 +23/4Inchcape 316 +141/8Kingfisher 2581/8 +31/4M & S 3301/8 +33/4Mothercare 1921/2 +31/2Next £255/8 +1/2WH Smith 524 -2

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 584 +14

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 785/8 -13/8Barrat Dev 903/4 +41/4Persimmon 4933/4 +83/4Reckitt Benckiser £337/8 +1/8Taylor Wimpey 37 +13/8

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGCharter 872 +2I M I 7781/2 +171/2

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 3091/8 +113/4

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 1781/4 +31/8

LIFE INSURANCEAviva 3291/4 +103/4Lgl & Gen 1051/8 +37/8Old Mutual 1131/4 +51/2Prudential 6101/2 +21Resolution 266 +27/8Standard Life 2101/2 +53/8

MEDIABSkyB 677 +2D Mail Tst 3833/8 +4ITV 633/8 +3/4Johnston Press 43/4Pearson 1159 +4Reed Elsevier 518 +31/2STV Group 97 -1Trinity Mirror 431/4 -1/4Utd Business 4731/2 +25/8UTV 1215/8 +25/8WPP 6271/2 +1/2Yell Group 4 -1/8

MININGAnglo American £241/8 +7/8Antofagasta 1094 +31BHP Billiton 19201/2 +53Eurasian NaturalRes

6391/2 +101/2

Fresnillo 1717 +54Kazakhmys 8861/2 +29Lonmin 1103 +40Rio Tinto £321/2 +7/8VEDANTARESOURCES

1200 +40

Xstrata 9371/8 +271/8MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES

Inmarsat 4711/4 +95/8Vodafone Group 1731/4 +31/2

NONLIFE INSURANCE

Admiral Grp 1246 +8RSA Insurance Gp 1131/2 +5/8

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 1315 +51/2BP 4051/8 +111/2Cairn Energy 2977/8 +53/4Royal Dutch Shell A £211/4 +1/2Royal Dutch Shell B £211/2 +5/8Total £311/4 +1/2Tullow Oil 1408 +46

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESAMEC 852 +22Petrofac 1298 +55Wood Gp(J) 5701/2 +311/2

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry Gp 1261 +21PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca £301/8 +1/2

Axis-Shield 468GlaxoSmithK XD 161/2Shire £201/8 -1/8

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 508 -2Captl Shop Cent 337 +83/8DTZ Hldgs 293/4 -1/2Hamrsn 4003/4 +23/4Land Secs 6881/2 -41/2SEGRO 2333/8 +47/8

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESAutonomy Corp £251/2Invensys 216 +51/2Logica 847/8 +51/8Misys 2381/4 +103/4Sage Group 2731/2 +83/4

SUPPORT SERVICESBerendsen 4263/8 +23/4Bunzl 787 +2Capita 719 +81/2De La Rue 8501/2 +10Electrocomp 1981/4 +51/4Experian 7431/2 -5G4S 2765/8 -1/2Hays 753/4 +3Homeserve 4661/8 +31/4Menzies J 485 +9Rentokil 691/4 +3Smiths News 861/2 +11/2Wolseley 1741 +20

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 591 +361/2Psion 51 -1/2Spirent Comms 1203/4 +31/4

TOBACCOBr Am Tob £281/4

Imperial Tobacco £211/2 -1/4

LEISURE & HOTELS

Bwin.Party Digital 1151/4 -21/2Carnival £211/4 +5/8Compass Grp 5281/2 -61/2easyJet 3613/8 +95/8Enterprise Inns 353/4 -3/4FirstGroup 3301/2 +53/8Go-Ahead Gp 1384 +23Greene King 4401/4 +51/2Intercontl Htls 1083 +22Intl Cons AirlinesGp

1633/8 +53/4

Ladbrokes 1193/4 -7/8Mitchells & Butlers 247 +33/4Natl Express 237 +5Rank Org 1245/8 +15/8Stagecoach Group 2557/8 +23/4TUI Travel 1621/2 +25/8Whitbread 1622 +4

Carclo 278 +103/4Marshalls 92 +11/4National Grid 646 -31/2Weir Gp 1650 +73

Print runfor IndiaTHE owner of cricketbible Wisden is to launcha separate Indian editionas it looks to tap intodemand from fans in thesport’s fastest-growingmarket.

Publisher Bloomsburysaid Wisden India willfocus on all areas of theIndian game from Testmatches through todomestic cricket and hasset itself the aim ofbecoming theindependent voice ofcricket in thesub-continent.

The first edition willlaunch in October, 2012.

CLOTHING retailers suffered theirbiggest sales drop in two years asdemand wilted in the UK’s mini heat-wave.

The British Retail Consortium saidwarm weather for much of the UKmeant shoppers shunned autumn andwinter ranges – although the barbecueweather increased demand for food tohelp retailers lift overall like-or-likesales by 0.3% last month against ayear ago.

BRC director-general StephenRobertson said that in tough times theindustry should be “thankful” for theimprovement in September afterAugust’s 0.6% decline.

But conditions remain weak andspending growth below inflationmeans customers are buying less thanthis time last year.

For the three months to the end ofSeptember, food sales were up by2.1%, with non-food sales down by1.4%.

S e p t e m b e r ’s c l o t h i n g s a l e s“worsened sharply” to show theirlargest year-on-year fall since August2009, said the BRC.

The heatwave hit sales of autumnand winter ranges, but did not resultin higher sales of summer clothes.Childrenswear benefited from “alast-minute back-to-school boost.”

THE owner of Pets at Home is look-ing for a new boss to lead the firmafter chief executive Matt Daviesannounced he will step down nextyear.

Mr Davies has been in charge ofthe pet food and accessories firm forseven years and has guided thebusiness through two private equitytakeovers.

Earlier this year, Cheshire-basedPets at Home, which has a store atHuddersfield’s Great NorthernRetail Park, reported a 10.3% rise inunderlying earnings to £93m for the53 weeks to March 31 – driven by a10.7% rise in revenues to £517.8m.

Mr Davies, who said he now wants

to pursue other opportunities after11 years with the firm, will remain incharge until a successor is found.

He said: “My time at Pets at Homehas been hugely rewarding andenjoyable and it has been a greatpleasure to manage such a specialbusiness and work with such talen-ted and passionate people.

“The calibre of the team leaves mein no doubt that the business willcontinue to go from strength tostrength through its next phase ofgrowth.”

The company, which has 295stores and more than 5,000 staff, isowned by KKR after a £950mtakeover in January, 2010.

Pets at Home seeks new boss Clothes stores feel heat

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

HilaryRobinson

My RubySlipper

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: FounderAge: 40Family: Lots of fam-ily and friendsHolidays: Sitting ona snowy mountainwith the sun on myfaceCar: I need a newone!First job: Saturdaygirl at William HillBest thing aboutjob: Working formyselfWorst thingabout job: Workingfor myself! The buckstops with me andthere is no one elseto blameBusiness tip:Believe in yourself

Work: Social webapplicationSite: HuddersfieldPhone:07710592423Email: info@myrubyslipper.comWebsite:www.myrubyslipper.com

NewroadforHilary

LIFE has been a journey fullof incident for HilaryRobinson.

She's worked for abookmaker, a famous toyshop and a top-rated designagency in her time – meetinginteresting people along theway.

But London-born Hilary isembarking on perhaps themost exciting phase of herbusiness career so far withthe launch of a uniquewebsite which draws on herlove of making others smileand feel good for itsinspiration.

For Hilary is setting out onher own journey with MyRuby Slipper, a websitewhich enables participants tobuild up a profile ofthemselves, their likes andinterests with the solepurpose of helping familyand friends get to know eachother better – and get a“steer” on their perfectpresent.

The site enables shoppersto pinpoint exactly what theirloved ones are into – andenable them to avoid thedreaded last-minute “shop”which usually results inbuying vouchers or justhanding over cash.

Hilary argues that we don’talways know our relatives aswell as we think we do.Mum’s favourite flowers?Sister’s shoe size? Brother’stastes in music?

She says: “We all loveopening a present thatspeaks to us about who weare. Knowing that theindividual who has given youthe gift has really thoughtabout who you are and whatyou like and love makeseveryone feel warm inside.”

Hilary has plenty ofexperience with helpingpeople pick out presents!

“I have worked atHamleys, the famous toyshop,” she says. “I’ve metPrince Harry and TVpersonalities and I got aposition within a concessionfor Steiff, a manufacturer ofteddy bears.

“It was the most excitingjob for any little girl, cuddlingteddy bears! Christmaslasted for three months andhas never been the samesince!”

Hilary’s first job was atbetting chain William Hill. “Igot a Saturday job at thefirm’s call centre inBlackfriars, collecting andclocking the bets,” sherecalls.

Despite being born inLondon, most of her familyhail from Scissett, where shelived during some of herchildhood years and whereshe eventually returned afterliving and working at varioustimes in Brighton andNorthampton.

Hilary says she hasalways been positive in heroutlook, saying: “My motherbrought up me and my sisteralmost single handedlywithout a single complaintand that has really inspiredme. I get my strength fromher. Only when you are olderdo you appreciate what yourparents have sacrificed foryou.”

On her return to YorkshireHilary worked at WaddingtonBusiness Forms for twoyears before joining design

agency ATTIK in 1997 as anaccounts assistant. Workingfor ATTIK founders JamesSommerville and SimonNeedham was a “massivepositive experience” shesays.

“They are wonderful guys –not your average bosses.They would make the tea justlike everyone else and nevermade you feel small. Withoutknowing it, they encouragedemployees to believe inthemselves and their abilitieswhich in turn helped themgrow as individuals”.

“I can honestly say I hadan exciting life for 12 yearsand I never once woke upand thought: ‘Oh my God –work!’

Sadly, in April, 2010, Hilarywas made redundant. Farfrom feeling sorry for herself,she decided to set up herown business.

“I have never seenanything that has happenedto me as negative,” saysHilary. “I can make a positiveout of everything. I got maderedundant and thought:‘What am I going to do?’ Itook time out and slept forabout two weeks and spentthe days doing what I

wanted. It was veryliberating.

“My mind was clear ofthoughts about meetings andschedules – and I guesshaving space to think is whatbrought this idea to theforefront of my mind.”

The big idea was to set upa website where peoplecould list facts aboutthemselves – everything fromtheir shoe size to favouritewines, hobbies and coloursor favourite ways of spendinga lazy day.

Then, friends and familycould consult the list for ideaswhen it came to buyingpresents or organising aspecial event.

Hilary says: “My RubySlipper is not only aboutcreating a ‘wish list’ but alsoabout bringing peopletogether. I didn’t know thatmy cousin was intosnowboarding. If he hadbeen able to go onto MyRuby Slipper and put thatamong his hobbies, I wouldhave known.”

Hilary set up the websitewith a team from the LeedsMedia Centre andNorthallerton. Despite Hilarybeing a fan of The Wizard ofOz, the name My RubySlipper was actuallysuggested by one of hercolleagues on the project.

In the film, it’s the rubyslippers that eventually getDorothy back to Kansas aftera series of adventures –although she has beenwearing them all along andcould have returned home atany time.

The Wizard of Ozconnection came out of abrain-storming session todiscuss what the websiteshould be called and whatmessage it should convey.

“I understand theimportance of a new brandand how the message youget across comes before the

product,” says Hilary. “It’swhat differentiatesInnocent smoothies andSainsbury’s own-brandsmoothies, for example.

“We were discussinghow the website is a roadyou travel down or ajourney of discovery andsomeone came up with theYellow Brick Road. Wewere thinking at one pointof calling the websiteAuntie Em, but agreed oncalling it My Ruby Slipper.It seemed to fit with thesite. Dorothy madefriendships along the way,but what was mostimportant to her wasgetting home.”

Says Hilary: “I lovebuying thoughtful presents.It really is the thought thatcounts, that creates

special moments.”When Hilary creates her

own profile on the newwebsite, it’s going to be prettylengthy judging by her widerange of interests.

“I like Cadbury’s Flake,elderflower cordial and greentea,” she says. “I loverunning, cross-stitch,photography and makingpottery as well as gardening– not that I’ve had much timefor that recently.”

Hilary also volunteers forthe youth offending service inLeeds as an appropriateadult. “Volunteering at anylevel makes you feelamazing,” she says. “Thatfeeling of satisfaction andgiving back is somethingmoney cannot buy.”

■ POSITIVE VIBES: HilaryRobinson is living her dream

On the board with

01484 538 351john.wilson@revellward.co.uk

www.revellward.co.uk

John WilsonPartner

AcademiesAcademies are in the business of

delivering top quality education to theirpupils. Like any other business, theyneed sound financial management and

good advice.Our services to Academies includebudget preparation, managementaccounts, payroll, accounting andsystems advice, responsible officerassistance, VAT advice, year endaccounts and external audits.

Whether you are an existing Academyor just starting to think about it, justgive us a call to arrange your

free meeting.

JOBSEEKERS keen to set up theirown business in Kirklees can nowget access to a raft of support aspart of a new enterprise scheme.West Yorkshire Enterprise Agencyan arm of the Lockwood-based MidYorkshire Chamber of Commerceleading delivery of the nationalscheme in West Yorkshire.It is designed to give jobseekerswith a viable business idea thefinancial support and professionaladvice they need to get their ideaoff the ground.There are almost 2,000 places onthe programme for people in WestYorkshire with more than 350 placesgoing to the long-term unemployedin Kirklees.Those joining the programme willbe allocated a volunteer businessmentor who will share theirfirst-hand experience of running abusiness and prepare them fortrading.The agency is looking for businesspeople to fill the role of businessmentor and make a difference tosomeone who is about to take theirfirst steps into self-employment.Enterprise and marketing managerMelissa Healy said: “Setting-up onyour own can be daunting, buthaving a business mentor to guideyou can make a huge difference.“Most business people willremember what it was like to startout alone and this is a greatopportunity to share all thatexperience with someone who isnew to it all.”For the first 26 weeks of trading,participants continue to receive aweekly payment known as the NewEnterprise Allowance to help takethe financial pressure off while themake the shift intoself-employment.Before they can receive theallowance, participants mustprepare a business plan with thehelp of their mentor and access tolocal group mentoring sessions.The business plan is intended tohelp participants structure theiridea in a recognised format, butthey can also use it to apply for aloan of up to £1,000 for their newbusiness.Backing the initiative, EmploymentMinister Chris Grayling said: “Wewill only get our economy back ontrack when we create a climate inwhich the private sector can growand develop, creating jobs andopportunities for people across thecountry.“By expanding the New EnterpriseAllowance, we can ensure thatpeople in West Yorkshire who findthemselves out of work but with agood idea get the right advice toturn that idea into a successfulbusiness venture.”The agency is supportingparticipants in Calderdale, Kirkleesand Wakefield and working withBradford Chamber of Commerceand Enterprise Yorkshire in LeedsContact Melissa Healy on 01924311608 or emailmelissa.healy@mycci.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

BANKER’SBLOGJill Hague

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

Support intoself-employmentTime to look

to the future

AS businesses have sought to ride out thefinancial and economic crisis – and des-

pite recent market turmoil – business confid-ence and growth aspirations are returning.

While this is welcome news, steering the rightcourse through this stage of the cycle can be asdifficult as managing a business through a down-turn.

Many businesses in Yorkshire are targeting theexpanding emerging markets, but a shift in strategicfocus can have an impact on the way companies fundtheir businesses and manage their finances.

The most effective finance and treasury teams aredeveloping the forward-looking analysis and insightneeded to strike the right balance between curbingfinance costs, ensuring effective risk managementand maintaining the flexibility to capitalise onopportunities.

Effective liquidity man-agement is going to be crit-ically important.

In our report, ForwardThinking Finance: TheG r o w t h C h a l l e n g e ,developed in partnershipwith PwC, we examinedhow mid-market firmsacross the major EU eco-nomies are adapting to theparticular demands theyface.

The report indicates thatthere is an estimated 120bneuros that firms couldrelease for investmentwithout unduly stretchingtheir balance sheets.

If accessed, this pot couldprovide a significant boostto economic growth in lead-ing EU economies over thenext few years.

Each business has differ-ent characteristics anddemands and it is clear thatt h e m a r ke t p l a c e h a schanged.

Boards and executivemanagement are lookingtowards finance to judgewhere to direct investmentand to ensure that the risksare understood and con-trolled.

We believe that successwill come down to how wellchief financial officers andtreasurers address fourpressing demands:

● Reviewing the finan-cing strategy’s alignmentwith the wider corporatestrategy

● Assessing existingfunding arrangementsagainst the ability to meetbusiness such as acquisi-tions and new marketentry

● Putting in place theprocesses and supportneeded to provide the mosteffective insight, controland efficiency

● Underpinning thiswith evaluation of the fin-ance function’s effective-ness to drive continuousimprovement

Funding available to aidbusiness growth and thepresent economic and mar-ket conditions offer aunique opportunity tofirms to refinance, restruc-ture and reorganise theirbusiness to gain a competit-ive advantage.

Smart firms will capital-ise on this opportunity todrive growth, leaving theircompetitors trailing in theirwake.

Show time for tour firm

Eastern Airways flying highSOARING demand hasprompted Eastern Airways tointroduced more servicesfrom Leeds BradfordInternational Airport toAberdeen and Bristol.The UK’s second-largestregional airline has increasedflights from two to three each

weekday on its LeedsBradford services to bothAberdeen and Bristol.Eastern Airways saidbusinesses links will bestrengthened with theadditional services.A Sunday service continues tobe offered.

A TOUR operator based inCleckheaton headed southto London’s Earl’s Court toattend a major showfocusing on holidays inScandinavia.

Family-run TaberHolidays, which hasspecialised in itineraries toScandinavia for the past 35years, was among

exhibitors at theScandinavia Show lastweekend.

Staff from the companywere on hand to offeradvice and informationabout its new tours toSwedish and FinnishLapland as well as somefamiliar favourites toNorway and Iceland.

CommercialSolar Open DayNewgen are exhibiting at Cummins Turbo Ltd. You will beable to preview our latest installation, one of the largest inYorkshire, and talk directly with our expert engineers.

Tuesday 25th October, 11am to 3pm, lunch provided.

Please contact Dean Staveley on01484 683 170 to book your place!

Cummins Turbo Technologies Ltd.St Andrew’s Road,Huddersfield ,West Yorkshire , HD1 6RA

Kirklees

Innovation Vouchers

Support of up to £5,000 now available for local

businesses to spend on innovation

If you’re a business in Kirklees you can nowapply for an Innovation Voucher to help youdevelop new and innovative solutionsfor your business.

The Voucher will pay forknowledge and expertise froma leading expert such as a university, college orresearch and technology organisation.

The deadline for applications is 4pm, Friday 14 October 2011.For more details about the scheme and how to apply:Visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/innovationOr contact Kirklees Council on 01484 416708.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 5

Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

EMPLOYER’SBRIEFNeil Wilson

Tribunal datatells a storyTHE Employment Tribunal

statistics for 2010-2011 havenow been released and there ismixed news for employers.

The more positive news is thatthere has been an 8% fall in thenumber of claims lodged comparedwith the previous year.

However, last year saw a rise of52%, so we are still seeing a signific-ant increase in claims from the sameperiod two years ago.

The reason for this fall in claimsmay be as a result of less equal paylitigation going through the Tribunalsystem; but more worryingly, therehas been a 9% rise in the number ofcases disposed of.

It is clear, therefore, that anincreasing number of complainantsare pursuing claims all the way to theEmployment Tribunal to final hear-ings and this, of course, increaseslegal costs, costs of managementtime and ultimately risk to busi-nesses because fewer claims arebeing settled at an earlier stage.

This is despite a further increase infunding for the conciliation serviceACAS whose aim is to free up time inthe Tribunal by disposing of casesearly.

Perhaps the most interesting stat-istic is that claims under the PartTime Worker Regulations – whichaim to prevent less favourable treat-ment on the grounds of anemployee’s part-time status – havealmost trebled and age discrimina-

tion claims have risen by a third.The reasons for this are quite clear;

the recession has pushed manypeople into having to acceptpart-time work and with the Govern-ment’s ever increasing focus being ona better work-life balance, manyemployees are more robustly chal-lenging their rights with regard topart-time working and discrimina-tion.

With regard to age discriminationclaims, since legislation was intro-duced in October, 2006, it has takensome time for people to start enfor-cing their rights in this respect.

However, the effects of the reces-sion pushing people into litigatingmore frequently, along with therecent abolition of the default retire-ment procedures, should see age dis-crimination claims increasingfurther still into the future.

With regard to remedies, themedian awards for unfair dismissaland discrimination claims were£4,591 and between £5,000 and£6,000 respectively.

However, age discriminationclaims on their own attracted amedian award of some £12,697.

Often, with claims relating to

older workers, where loss of earningsare involved Tribunals are more will-ing to order higher levels of com-pensation on the basis that olderworkers tend to find labour marketprospects more challenging as theyare generally seen to be less attractiveto employers.

The highest award for unfair dis-missal this year was £181,754 and fordiscrimination £289,167. (Thisrelated to a sex discrimination com-plaint).

So the two most significant mes-sages which can be taken from thesestatistics are firstly that the numberof age-related complaints areincreasing and are set to do so in thefuture.

Employers are urged to put effect-ive equal opportunities and anti-har-assment policies in place guardingagainst discrimination and harass-ment in the workplace on thegrounds of all characteristics.

Secondly, businesses should bewary of employees being more will-ing to pursue their rights all the wayto an Employment Tribunal andfocus more on trying to achieve earlyconciliation which saves time, cost,worry and risk.

self-employment

Catch up with technologyKIRKLEES businesses havebeen urged to attend a majorIT event this week.More than 40 IT and telecomsbusinesses from acrossYorkshire will be showcasingtheir products and services atthe second annual IT &Telecoms EXPO on Thursdayat the Royal Armouries inLeeds.The free event, organised bythe Yorkshire region’s IT andtelecomsbusiness-to-businessnetwork, techmesh, willinclude the Techpanelproviding visitors to the EXPOwith an opportunity to quizseven industry leaders abouthot topics and issues.

There will also be anInteractive Zone, wherecompanies will bedemonstrating their productsand visitors will be able towatch, listen and play withsome of the latesttechnologies.James Akrigg, head oftechnology for Partners atMicrosoft, will be the keynotespeaker while Huddersfieldbusinessman and Freservefounder Ajaz Ahmed will alsoaddress the event.Helen Silverman, techmeshmembership developmentmanager, said: “We are reallyexcited about the event.”To register, visitwww.techmesh.org.uk

Agency franchise planA DESIGN and print company inHuddersfield is franchising its salesand service business.

The Design Mechanics, based atMarsden, is now seeking a suitablefranchisee to take over its existingand well-established Huddersfieldand Halifax region.

At a time when many companiesin the sector are cutting back andmaking savings, The DesignMechanics are enjoying a period ofsteady growth.

Managing director Stewart Leahysaid franchising the business wasthe next step in the company’slong-term expansion plan.

“In the design industry, relativelyfew agencies look to grow theirbusiness,” he said. “However, we’vedeveloped a business model thatlends itself to franchising.

“We were the first design andprint organisation to provide a fullprice list for everything we do,which means that our service and

pricing is standardised and can beeasily replicated.”

Said Stewart: “All design andprint is handled through ourHuddersfield head office, which

allows us to maintain our highstandards. It also means that ourfranchisees do not need technicaldesign knowledge.

“Our price list approach alsomeans that there’s no need for ahard sell or to pitch for business, sowe’re not necessarily looking forexperienced sales people.

“Instead, The Design Mechanicsconcept is about talking to people,finding out what they need andbeing able to take a comprehensivebrief.”

He added: “While it will stillrequire hard work anddetermination on behalf of thefranchisee, they’ll certainly be ableto hit the ground running.

“We’re selling a tried and testedbusiness model, with all thebenefits of our experienced designand print team, along with anexisting, satisfied client list and theuse of an office and meetingfacilities at our head office.”

■ EXPANSION: Dave Pannell (left)and Stewart Leahy

Who will be the nextBusiness of the Month?If you are proud of what your business has achieved;why not tell us about your success storyand you could be a winner of ourprestigious award.

For further details please contact:Ian Greenwood, Eaton Smith Solicitors,14 High Street, Huddersfield HD1 2HA

T: 01484 821389 E: iangreenwood@eatonsmith.co.uk

Business Of The Month Awards - Rewarding Success Since 1995

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

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

Net gain with batch of the dayA COMPANY providing patternedimprinted concrete for drivewayshas spread out into a relatedproduct area.

Lockwood-based SpectacularDriveways UK has introduced anon-site concrete batching service.

The investment enables theAlbert Street firm to mix concreteto precisely the quantity requiredby the customer using a state ofthe art batching machine.

The service – which is aimed atthe domestic market, builders andutilities – has already attractedthe attention of a Holme Valleybuilder and developer, which hasplaced orders for all its sites.

John Quinn, managing directorof Spectacular Driveways UK,said that even experiencedconcrete users found it difficult toestimate how much concrete toorder.

Under or over-orderingtraditional ready mixed concretecould end up costing more, he

said.Batching on site overcomes

these problems, said Mr Quinn,explaining: “The concrete isbatched right in front of you, so itis totally fresh – resulting in theconcrete being workable forlonger.

“This means more time to placethe concrete.”

Said Mr Quinn: “This is asignificant investment, particularlygiven the general economicclimate and we will be creating upto six jobs as a result.”

Mr Quinn, who lectures inconstruction technology, said thespecialist machine was alsohelping with the SpectacularDriveways business.

“We install driveways whereconcrete is made to look like awide range of natural materialslike stone and slate,” he said.

“This is a skilled, precise andtime-consuming process, sohaving fresh concrete when and

where you want it saves time andmoney and improves quality.”

The firm also has a website

which includes a calculator pageto help customers work out howmuch they need to order.

Firms urged togo for growthBUILDING industry firms in Kirklees areinvited to apply for a share in a £10mfund designed to help them boostprofits and prepare for the upturn.CITB-ConstructionSkills has launchedthe Growth Fund after figures releasedin the Construction Skills Networkreport showed that the Yorkshire regionwill continue to face challengingconditions for the next two years.The fund, which is available to all sectorcompanies, including contractor andsupply chain groups, federations,training groups and trade bodies, willbe awarded to projects that supportskills development in the areas ofsustainability, collaborative working andproductivity.Other considerations for applicationsinclude whether they can embracespecialist skills areas, such as modernmethods of construction, or support theindustry in accessing new markets.Steve Housden, sector strategymanager for CITB-ConstructionSkills inYorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to beable to add value to the industry inKirklees through initiatives such as the£10m Growth Fund.“It represents one of the key ways thatwe are looking to help develop the rightgrowth skills in the region.“Applications are coming in fast, so it’simportant that anyone interested visitsthe CITB-ConstructionSkills website todownload the documentation and getstheir bid in as soon as possible.”To be eligible for the fund, projectsmust:● have tangible, measurable andsustainable results● demonstrate that they will havefar-reaching benefits for the sector● be ready to start before December 31,2012.The fund excludes projects currentlyeligible for the CITB-ConstructionSkillsGrants scheme.Visit www.cskills.org for further details

Safety chiefs inasbestos alertTRADES people in Yorkshire can now takeadvantage of hundreds of hours of free asbes-tos awareness training in a bid to tackleignorance about Britain’s biggest industrialkiller.

Almost 900 hours of face-to-face trainingduring October and November have beenpledged in the region with sessions promised inBrighouse, Wakefield, Drighlington, Ossett,Sheffield and Scunthorpe.

More than 800 men and women died in theregion from asbestos-related cancer mesothe-lioma between 2001 and 2005.

It is hoped that training will help prevent thedisease claiming another generation of work-ers in industries such as joinery, constructionand plumbing.

The Health and Safety Executive, in partner-ship with industry, set a target of 4,000 hoursof face-to-face training to be donated duringSeptember – one hour for each life lost toasbestos-related illnesses in an average year. Afurther target of 4,000 hours of online trainingwas also set.

But an overwhelming response from training

providers across Britain meant the combinedtarget of 8,000 hours was smashed by morethan 50%.

The free training is aimed at those mostlikely to disturb the asbestos fibres as they go

about their work –around 20 of whom losetheir lives to asbestos-related diseases everyweek.

The training providers include Coal Con-sultants Ltd in Brighouse and Fibre Environ-mental Services Ltd in Drighlington.

Paul Spurrier, HSE head of operations forYorkshire, said: “This training will save lives byhelping to tackle the dangerous ignorance thatstill prevails about the risks of working withasbestos.

“It will help prevent this hidden killer fromclaiming lives from another generation oftrades people.

“The response from training providers hasbeen overwhelming and completely exceededour expectations. There’s been a realgroundswell of support from a whole range oftraining providers.

“We expect demand for the courses to behigh, so those interested need to go towww.hse.gov.uk and get signed up now. A fewhours in a classroom or in front of a computercould add years to someone’s life.”

■ SOLID INVESTMENT: John Quinn (standing second right) andcolleagues with the concrete batching machine

Property deal tax changes loomBUSINESSES and investorsinvolved in commercial propertytransactions have been advisedto review recent deals to avoidmissing out on major tax breaks.

David Butterworth (right), ofchartered accountancy firmWheawill & Sudworth, said thatthe rules on claiming capitalallowances are changing –generally for the worse.

“HM Revenue & Customswants to tighten up in this area,both in terms of the value of tax

claims and in reporting deadlines,starting from April 2012,” he said.

The proposals will affect howtax allowances are claimed onfixtures included within a building.

At present, buyer and sellercan share the tax breaks as partof their overall price negotiations.

Claims can be made to HMRCover a fairly extended period afterthe transaction has happened.

“In future, buyers will have towork within much tighter timeframes or risk losing out,” said Mr

Butterworth.“The parties will also have to

submit a written agreement of thevalue of fixtures to HMRC withincertain parameters and againwith set deadlines”.

Mr Butterworth suggested thatlocal businesses and propertyinvestors should look again atrecent transactions to make surethe maximum tax claims arebeing made ahead of the newregime.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Warning overproperty sectorTHE number of property and constructioncompanies falling into administration in thethird quarter of this year rose by 11% to 117against 105 in the same period last year,according to research by business advisorygroup Deloitte.

Dan Butters, partner in real estate atDeloitte in West Yorkshire, said: “The prop-erty and construction sectors have been twosectors hardest hit by the current economicuncertainty.

“Rising energy prices andsignificant cuts to public andprivate sector building projectshave brought a large amount ofplanned projects to a grindinghalt.

“The next quarter is going tocontinue to be tough for theconstruction sector and willparticularly hit medium sizedfirms as opposed to the largernational contractors.”

Mr Butters said: “The prop-erty market continues toremain flat and reflects the cur-rent concerns around unem-p loyment and dec l in ingincomes.

“While it is welcomed newsthat the Bank of England’s newmortgage approval figures forAugust 2011 increased to 52,000 – the largestapproval rate in any month since December,2009 – the housing market still remainssubdued.

“The favourably low interest rates havedone little to stimulate sales in the housingmarket as tough credit conditions havelocked thousands of first-time buyers out ofthe market, with only those with a substantial

deposit able to get a mortgage approved.““We are already seeing sentiment turning

and property yields falling off which is beingevidenced by deals either not completing or‘price chipping’ by purchasers before theycommit to complete.

“Therefore, I am afraid the next quarter isnot going to bring any relief from the pres-sures that property and construction compan-ies are currently facing.”

In the retail sector, the num-ber of administrations fell by20% to 28 in the third quarterof this year compared with 35in the same period last year.

Paul Feechan, partner forconsumer business at Deloittein the region, said: “While thismay be taken by some as apositive sign that the industryis beginning to stabilise, retail-ers are coming under increas-ing pressure as shop salescontinue to slow.

“The recent failure ofAlexon, the women’s retailer,may be an indicator of more tocome for the larger under-per-forming fashion based retail-ers.

“These figures indicate thecalm before the storm.

“We very much expect, if the traditionalseasonal sales period fails to meet expecta-tions, that we will see a significant increase inthe number of retail administrations in theNew Year.”

Total business failures for the third quarterfell by 4% on the previous quarter with a totalof 477 companies falling into administrationcompared with 498 in the second quarter.

■ TOUGH: Dan Butters,reorganisation servicespartner at Deloitte

Law firm conveys successLAW firm Chadwick Lawrence has buckedthe downward trend in the propertymarket – after doubling its conveyancingbusiness in two years.The firm, which has offices inHuddersfield, Halifax and Wakefield, sawdiversification as the key.As recession struck in 2008, the teamworked to establish a series ofalternatives, including cash rich investors,property developers offering sharedequity schemes and various onlineintroducers.The plan has paid dividends with four newmembers of staff having been taken on tocope with the influx of work and theopening of three new offices inBirmingham, Sheffield and Liverpool.Sarah Haller, head of conveyancing, said:““We recognised that the recession meantdiversify or die for conveyancing.“A lot of our competition reduced theirstaff numbers, which meant when workdid come in they weren’t able to cope.“We looked to find different sources ofleads and our perseverance paiddividends. The number of new cases hasdoubled in the space of two years and theteam has grown to deal with demand.“We’re dedicated to continuing our driveto further increase our market share in theYorkshire region and beyond.”

■ DIVERSIFY: Sarah Haller, head ofconveyancing at Chadwick Lawrence

TO LETModern DetachedIndustrial UnitUnit B11, Lowfields Business Park, Elland1 1,134m2 (12,200 sq ft)1Detached unit with private yard and car parking1 Established business park location close to M62

corridor1 Rent: On Application

FOR SALEDevelopment LandLand at Calder Street/River Street,Brighouse1 South Site, River Street 0.22 Hectares (0.54 Acres)1Offers are invited in the region of £150,000

TO LETRetail PremisesPark Fisheries, 19-27 Dewsbury Road,Cleckheaton1 Former fish restaurant and takeaway1 Incentives available1 Prominent trading position1 4 bedroom self-contained flat1 Rent: £25,000 p.a.x

TO LETSpen Valley HouseBradford Road, Cleckheaton1Modern office suite1 41.7 – 83.40m2 (449 – 898 sq ft)1 Rent: Incentives Available

TO LETWorkshop/WarehouseUnitPart Hope Bank Works, Honley, Holmfirth,HD9 6QA1 829.71m2 (8,931 sq ft)1 Suitable for a variety of alternative uses (STPC)1Generous car parking provision1 Rent: On Application

TO LETUnit 3, RawfoldsIndustrial EstateBradford Road, Cleckheaton1Modern trade counter1 163.46m2 (1,760 sq ft)

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Sponsors happyto step forwardNETWORKINGgroup ForwardLadies hasannounced theline-up ofsponsors who aresupporting itsprestigiousannual Women inBusiness Awardsin Yorkshire.

Barclays hasbeen named asheadline sponsorfor the awardswith O2, LKBennett, UKTrade andInvestment andAmplitude AValso supportingthe event.

Organiser EttaCohen (top, right)said she was delighted by the support ofall the sponsors of the awards, withoutwhich the awards – which celebrate thetalents of professional women acrossthe region – could not take place.

She said: “Barclays is a new sponsorand we are extremely pleased to havethem on board. We are supported bysome very prominent and influentialcompanies and it means Forward Ladiescan properly recognise the considerableachievements of professional women inthe region.”

Other sponsors for the event, whichwill take place on Friday at theCentenary Pavilion at Elland Road,Leeds, include East Coast, accountantsWGN, Leeds law firm Stewarts Law andthe Manufacturing Advisory Service.

Amanda Shepherd (below right), headof Barclays Business in Yorkshire, said:“We’re thrilled to be partnering withForward Ladies for the Women inBusiness Awards.”

Gary Bonds & Tahera Dudwhala

DawsonsMusicMUSICAL instrument retailer Dawsons Musichas announced two senior appointments.

Following the arrival of new managingdirector Mark Taylor in February, the companyhas appointed Gary Bond as sales director andTahera Dudwhala to the newly-created post ofonline marketing manager.

It marks the latest phase of expansion forDawson Music, which has a store at MarketStreet in Huddersfield.

Mr Bonds was formerly European salesmanager for musical instrument retailer andeducation specialist Normans. Dawsons saidMr Bonds brought considerable salesexperience, particularly in the music industry.His appointment represented a significant steptowards a revitalised sales strategy.

Ms Dudwhala brings a wealth of experienceto Dawsons, where she will help the companyincrease its visibility on the web and grow itsonline business.

Charity’s winter warmer

KIRKLEES companies are being urgedto take a charitable view when it comesto wishing customers and suppliers ahappy Christmas.

Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton haslaunched two designs of corporateChristmas cards. The sale of such cardsraised £14,000 for the hospice last year.

The cards feature paintings donatedby local artist Richard Gawthorpe, whohas supported the hospice for manyyears. The paintings feature a snowyKirkheaton Parish Church and a scene ofsheep called Eweltide.

The cards are sponsored by BarclaysPrivate Members Club, based inRavensthorpe, which ensures that allmoney from the sale of the cards goesdirectly to patient care. All the cards canbe personalised with a company’s logo,

address and their own seasonalmessage.

“The cards provide local businesseswith the opportunity to send seasonalgreetings to their customers whileshowing their support for KirkwoodHospice,” said hospice spokeswomanJane Dutton. “Many local companieshave employees or clients whose familieshave had first-hand experience of ourservices. By choosing our Christmascards, they can help to support the vitalwork of the hospice.”

Richard Gawthorpe has also designeda 2012 calendar. This is being sold for £4with all proceeds to Kirkwood Hospice.

Contact Marie Peacock on 01484557911 or emailmariep@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk

Gary Malone, Bill McKelvie, Nick Reid &Aaron Beaumont

KOSO KentIntrolENGINEERING firm KOSO Kent Introl hasmade four new key appointments – at a timewhen the Brighouse-based business continuesto grow as a global manufacturer and supplierof specialist control valves.

Gary Malone joins as area businessmanager covering the Australian territory forKKI. Mr Malone, based in Perth, WesternAustralia, will promote KKI’s leading controlvalve and subsea products and services anddevelop a strong presence for the company inthe region.

Mr Malone has extensive experience of thevalve industry, having held previous roles ofcontrol valve co-ordinator and control valvemanager for Geographe Energy working in theoil, gas and mining industries.

Bill McKelvie (above right) and Nick Reid(centre) have been appointed choke valvesales engineers working in the sales team andoverseeing the technical preparation ofcustomer quotations of choke valves for boththe surface and sub-sea oil and gas industries.

Mr McKelvie has 14 years’ experience intechnical sales during his time atRavensthorpe-based Chem Resist. He hasalready spent 19 years in the control valveindustry, having worked at Weir Valves andControls for two years and 17 years atFlowserve in Worcestershire.

Aaron Beaumont (above left) joins as designengineer in the control valves department. Hebegan his career as an apprentice engineer in2004 at Kirkdale Industrial Training Services.He joins from Weir Power and Industrial, wherehe spent four years as a design engineer. MrBeaumont is now working towards a degree inmechanical engineering.

■ WINTER SCENE: Kirkwood Hospice Christmas card featuring a painting ofKirkheaton Parish Church by Richard Gawthorpe

Sparkling affairat Bagden HallTHE spies have arrived! At least that’s howit looked when 11 shining Aston Martinslined up on the driveway to Bagden Hall atScissett as part of a charity fundraiser.

David Elliott, managing director ofShepley-based camper van conversion spe-cialist Wellhouse Leisure organised theDiamonds are Forever Charity Ball toraised almost £12,000 for children’s charityDreams Come True.

The evening, which had a James Bondtheme, attracted more than 160 guests andincluded entertainment by Ian Donaghyand his party band Huge as well as guestspeaker businessman Jonathan Hick.

There was also a charity auction for lotsincluding a tour of the Aston Martinfactory in Gaydon, Warwickshire, boxingtraining sessions, a trip to the Bentleyworks at Crewe and a two-week stay inNew Zealand.

David has also been raising thousandsof pounds for the charity – which provid-ing special treats for terminally ill andseriously ill children – by undertaking agruelling 12 marathons in just six

months.He was bitten by the running bug when

he took part in the 2007 London Mara-thon and raised £4,000 in aid of Wellchild.He ran again in 2008 to net £2,500 forSheffield Children’s Hospital and in 2010when a pledge to match sponsorship endedup costing him £3,000 of his own money!

Speaking about the charity ball, Davidsaid: “The whole night was one to remem-ber.

“I can assure everyone that the £12,000raised and the £7,000 I have already collec-ted and pledged – when I have finished the12 marathons – will make a massive differ-ence to the lives of some seriously illchildren. Thank you to everyone whodonated lots, donated money and boughtat the auction.”

Donations can still be made athttp://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Aston-chap

■ CAR SHOW: Some of the Aston Martins lined up at thecharity ball (above) and fundraiser David Elliott (right)