2 – Chronicle Business Friday, July 10, 2009 To advertise telephone (01226) 734666

Advertiser’s Announcement

Your Local Chamber OfficeBusiness Innovation CentreWilthorpe Barnsley S75 1JLe-mail: info@brchamber.co.uk

Chamber phone number:0844 414 5100

Local businesses, regional agenciesand interested parties have cometogether to discuss the potentialopportunities for re-opening theWoodhead Rail Tunnel.

The breakfast meeting, hosted by Barnsley &Rotherham Chamber of Commerce at BrooklandsHotel, brought together a number of interested groupsto hear a presentation from local MP Angela Smith (amember of the Commons Transport Select committee)who has developed a keen interest in the WoodheadRail Tunnel issue over a number of years.

Angela set the scene with a brief rail tunnel historyand outlined the political support at Westminster forthe potential re-opening of the tunnel as part ofincreasing Trans-Pennine connectivity.

Angela said: “It is important if we want theGovernment to commit to major improvements to ourrail infrastructure that we, as a community, tell themhow important such improvements are to our area.

“I am pleased Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber ofCommerce acknowledge how important regionaltransport is to the local economy and welcome thevital role the Chamber can play in helping to improvethat infrastructure.”

The meeting was also addressed by John Jarvis,Transport Project Director for The Northern Way. Johngave a comprehensive and informative presentationoutlining the commercial realities of such a project andhow an open and working Woodhead Rail Tunnel could fitinto a network of high speed rail routes, not only linkingthe north better together, but also bettering connectionswith London, the south-east and the continent.

John said: “The Trans-Pennine corridor is vital for thenorth. The routes across the Pennines link the north’s majorcities together and are important for trade and business-to-business connectivity, as well as many other journeys.

“We know that we will need more rail capacity acrossthe Pennines over the next 10 to 20 years. Trans-Pennineneeds to be part of the national debate about a newnetwork of high speed rail routes – how new and fasterpassenger links would boost the economy of the north, as

well as freeing up capacity on the existing rail network forcommuters into our cities and to get freight off the roadsand onto rail.”

Such was the interest in the potential of the scheme, themeeting attracted representatives from SYPTE, NetworkRail, Business Link Yorkshire, Barnsley MetropolitanBorough Council, Don Valley Railway, other regionalChambers of Commerce and many local businesses.

Andrew Denniff, Policy & Communication Manager atBarnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Wewere very pleased at the interest shown in this project andwill be looking to lobby the appropriate agencies. Thepotential for this scheme and the impact it might have onthe regional economy cannot be ignored.

“Whilst there is still a lot of discussion to be had, wewill seek to keep the Chamber and our members’ views atthe forefront of the talks.”

Old Moor Award Bid Carries Personal TouchThe RSPB’s South Yorkshire project at OldMoor, in the Dearne Valley, is in therunning for a National Lottery Award - abid boosted by an account of Chamberstaff member Yvonne Senior’s positiveexperience of the reserve.

Old Moor has reached the semi-finals in the BestEnvironment Project category in the awards - an annualsearch to find the UK's favourite Lottery-funded projects.Using Lottery funding, the RSPB has helped to regeneratethe Old Moor landscape, which for years served themining industry as a coal depot.

Old Moor’s application was supplemented by use ofa glowing testimonial sent to the reserve by Paul,Yvonne’s husband. Paul wrote a letter to the reservedetailing the benefits of his trips to Old Moor with hisfather-in-law Jim Andrews, during Jim’s battle with along illness before he sadly passed away in 2008. Suchwas the impact of Paul’s letter that he was contacted bythe RSPB’s Julia Makin, asking permission to include it intheir awards bid.

“I introduced Jim Andrews to birdwatching during the

early 1990’s and we both soon became members of theRSPB,” Paul wrote. “When Jim briefly rallied a little aftereach treatment during his illness, he longed to visit theoutdoors again. Where better to take someone with allhis issues than the Old Moor and having never visitedthis reserve before he instantly fell in love with it andcould not praise the whole set up enough.

“This is a really lovely nature reserve with wonderfulfacilities and I sincerely commend the RSPB for its longterm planning of this particular project.”

Julia said: “I was forwarded Paul’s lovely account ofJim’s experience here at RSPB Old Moor by a colleague.We were all so touched by what Paul had written andglad that Jim found so much enjoyment at this reserve.As part of our nomination, the Heritage Lottery Fundasked us for a couple of 'case-studies' that bestillustrated the impact that Old Moor has had on people'slives and how it has benefited them. Paul’s letter to Birdsmagazine sprang instantly to mind as quite possibly thebest example we could have hoped for.”

For more information on RSPB Old Moor, call01226 751593, e-mail old.moor@rspb.org.uk

or visit www.rspb.org.uk.

Chamber Provides PlatformFor Woodhead Tunnel Talks

Once again the Chamber will be offeringits customary package at this year’s StLeger Festival, which takes place atDoncaster Racecourse in September.

Wednesday 9 September will see Chamber membersand other businesses brought together at this fabuloussporting occasion, which is one of the most prestigiousevents in the Chamber calendar.

The Chamber is delighted to offer our exclusiveChamber package which includes:

• Reserved secure car parking• Exclusive Chamber marquee overlooking the winning

post Racecards, Racing Post and other newspapers,plus coffee and biscuits on arrival

• Tote facility and SIS racing coverage on TV • Unlimited complimentary house wines, beers and all

soft drinks • Three-course lunch and afternoon tea• A catering host for the entire day• Expert tipster to guide you through the racecardAll of the above is available for a fantastic price of

£145 + VAT per person for Chamber members, £175 +VAT non members.

This event always proves very popular so call our Eventsteam on 0844 414 5100 to guarantee your place.

Chamber St Leger Package

John Jarvis, Angela Smith MP and Andrew Denniff

New President for Chamber

Richard Horner has been installed as thenew Chamber President in Barnsley.

Richard will also represent the Chamber in itsinvolvement with a number of partner organisations, withhis expertise and local knowledge being welcomed on theboard of the Barnsley Development Agency.

He is Principal of Horner Associates which offers aspecialist support service for new home developers andbrings to the position of President the knowledge andexperience gained by running his own business and beinginvolved within the Rotary and the Hospice movements.

Richard said: “My aim is to work more effectively on thebehalf of members, to help promote and develop theChamber business as a whole, for the benefit of themembership and ultimately the local community.”

Richard Horner

To advertise telephone (01226) 734666 Chronicle Business, Friday, July 10, 2009 – 3

• Static Officers • Mobile Patrol • Key Holding • Alarm Response • Special Events • Canine Unit • Retail Storeguards • CCTV Installation and Monitoring • Youth Nuisance Problems •

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We now install CCTV systems to rent or buy

Firm does its bit tofight counterfeitingA DODWORTH firm is doingits bit to fight counterfeitingwhich is costing the electronicsindustries on both sides of theAtlantic billions.

ABI Electronics at DodworthBusiness Park has developed adevice to detect fakecomponents.

The UK and US electronicsindustry has been plagued bycounterfeit integrated circuitparts believed to haveoriginated in China. ABI hasdeveloped a device whichworks like a scanner to tell thedifference between genuineand counterfeit components.

It took about seven or eightmonths for staff to come upwith the device which is calledSentry. The company has

already been in talks about anorder from Canada.

ABI was 'stung' when it bought£5,500 worth of products.Managing director NigelBentley said: “We bought theproducts through a UKdistributor so, luckily, we wereable to get the money back.The UK distributor was not sofortunate though.

“It is costing the electronicsindustry here and in the UnitedStates billions. There are similarproducts to Sentry on themarket but they sell at about£120,000. Sentry costs about£1,700.”

he company, which makestesting and measuringequipment, was set up in aback bedroom 26 years ago.

It employs 25 and staffing hasbeen maintained during therecession. Profits, though, havegone down.

The firm has also been basedat Wombwell and PlattsCommon.

In the 1980s, it created aworld market for electronicfault finding machines for repairand service engineers.

The company has won severalawards including the RadioTimes/Radio four EnterprizeAward for small businesses, theVariety Club of Great BritainBusiness Award for SouthYorkshire and the LloydsBowmaker IndustrialAchievement Award.

Business News

A BARNSLEY firm has signed adeal with leading luggagecompany Antler.

Merlin Software Ltd atBarnsley Business andInnovation Centre, Wilthorpe,has supplied software to trackproducts from the warehouse tothe shop or online point of saleusing barcodes.

Sales director Owen Gleadallsaid: “We have been working

with Antler for some years andit was very encouraging whenthey chose our system.”

Gary Capell, Antler’s retaildirector, said the softwarewould allow store and regionalmanagers to keep tabs on salesand make more astute buying,merchandising and promotionaldecisions.

Merlin Software employs eightand was established in 2005 as

Smartpos Solutions Ltd.The company was taken over

by TEG plc later that year andwas given its current name.

Antler’s range of 800 suitcases,bags and handbags are sold in39 department stores andgarden centres, some 39 factoryoutlet shopping centres andmalls and at three airports.

Merlin bags Antler deal

Party mood: Andrea Kenworthy.

Housewife’s winnerA WOMBWELL housewife hit awinner when she was organisinga buffet for her daughter’s 18thbirthday party.

Andrea Kenworthy, 44, couldnot get table decorations fordaughter Tanya’s party so shemade her own.

She later put her design on theretailing websbite eBay and hassince been swamped with orders.Andrea made 1,500 decorationsin 11 months and has orders for200.

She has exported the decora-tions to the United States andAustralia from her home in

Cotterdale Gardens and predictsshe will need a workshop tomanufacture them next year.

Hallmark Cards: Just for You hasagreed to stock her products intwo of its shops in High Street,Wombwell and Cleckheaton,West Yorkshire.

She set up her company calledCelebrity Centrepieces andPartywear after her youngestdaughter, who is four, startedschool.

Andrea says she cannot believehow the business has taken offand is to approach shops to sellthe decorations.

Jenny cooks up Europe-wideservice for home deliveryAN ELSECAR firm’s home deliveryservice has proved a success.

OCC Logistics has been providedwith the equivalent of a couple ofdays of work a week since setting upthe service a few months ago.

The firm has aimed the service atcustomers who cannot fit a cooker oritems of furniture into their cars.

Owner Jenny Rouse said: “There wasnothing specific which led to us estab-lishing the service.

“We thought there was a business

opportunity.“We have been affected by the

recession like everyone else. But thereare days when we are busy and otherswhen things are quiet.”

The company delivers in the UK andto France, Germany and Italy. A fewweeks ago, it was asked to do a job inPrague.

The firm employs five and runs afleet of five vehicles.

Clients include design companies,engineering firms, the council and

solicitors.Jenny set up the business in her

native Sheffield seven years ago. Shemoved it to Barnsley in about 2004and to Elsecar Heritage Centre about18 months ago.

She spent about 13 years as a publi-can and has had a number of otherjobs including working as an icecream lady.

Jenny lives in Hoyland Common.

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t: 0845 602 8068www.cateringps.co.uk

ervices

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4 – Chronicle Business Friday, July 10, 2009 To advertise telephone (01226) 734666

New Polar centre isa one-stop shop forcorporate customersSINCE moving to bigger, betterpremises on Wakefield Road,Barnsley, last December, PolarFord has become one of the UK’slargest Ford Transit specialistdealers.

Its new stand-alone premises,specialising in the sale ofcommercial and fleet vehicles,boasts one of the largest display ofvehicles in the country forcustomers to view at their leisure.

The range of vehicles spans thelength of the stylish newshowroom and stretches outsideover the spacious forecourt.

To ensure customers have accessto the widest choice of new andused vehicles, Polar Ford also hasaccess to hundreds more acrossthe Ford Retail dealer network.

A ‘one stop shop’ for corporatecustomers, Polar Ford is able to

offer tailor-made packages to suitevery customer, ensuring the bestpossible deal is had by all. Eachvehicle is fully prepared to Ford’shigh standards with in-housewarranties available.

On hand to offer expert, friendlyadvice is a dedicated sales teamof four commercial salesspecialists, who between themhave over 30 years’ experienceworking for Polar Ford.

Commercial and business centremanager, Paul O’Leary, said: “Weunderstand people are feeling thepinch at the moment, but our

sales team can seek out the bestfinance packages available andadvise customers on whichvehicles will best suit their needs.

“Under the Government’sScrappage Scheme we can offer anew Ford commercial vehiclefrom as little as £6,999 plus VAT*– although we do urge peoplewanting to take advantage of thescheme to act quickly before theallowance runs out.”

He adds: “I would welcomeanybody interested in ourcommercial and fleet vehicles tocall in and look at the range, viewthe finance packages and testdrive their chosen vehicles.

“We understand that manypeople may be too busy to leavetheir office, therefore we can alsoarrange for our sales team to visitthem at their convenience.”Specialists: New Polar Ford premises, Wakefield Road.

‘Our sales team canseek out the bestfinance packages’

BEST FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SALES

To advertise telephone (01226) 734666 Chronicle Business, Friday, July 10, 2009 – 5

POLAR Ford Barnsley also has itsown, dedicated commercialworkshop, offering everythingfrom full servicing and Class 4, 5and 7 MOTs, to repairs and tyres.

The new facilities allow us tooffer our customers a 24-hourservice booking lead time togetherwith Courtesy Vans on request.

The spacious workshop,consisting of seven work bays, iskitted out with the very best inmodern equipment and diagnostictools.

Seven fully trained Fordtechnicians work around the clockto complete all work to the higheststandards and have £3m worth ofparts available to them, ensuring afast turnaround for repairs.

David Beech, service manager,said: “We understand that vehiclesare of vital importance to ourcommercial customers, thereforeaim to get them back on the roadin the shortest time possible.”

Services on all commercial

makes are available from as littleas £99 and MOT’s cost from £30.Polar Ford is the only one-manautomated MOT testing station forTransit classes 4, 5 and 7.

Always keen to keep their priceslow to benefit their loyalcustomers, Polar Ford currentlyhas a number of great new offersavailable. The offers, availableuntil December 2009, include:

Transit Clutches from as little as£239.00* on model range 2005 to2008.

Transit Service from only £99*Air Conditioning services for all

makes and models for only £45*.*All prices are subject to terms andconditions and VAT.

Call into Polar Ford Barnsley onWakefield Road or telephone01226 732732.

Extended Opening Hours: We arenow open for commercial vehicleservicing and repairs from 7am to6pm, Monday to Friday.

A service youcan count on

Above: PolarFord’s commercialworkshop, offeringeverything fromfull servicing andClass 4, 5 and 7MOTs, to repairsand tyres.Right: Bigger,better spaciouspremises.

BEST FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SERVICING

6 – Chronicle Business Friday, July 10, 2009 To advertise telephone (01226) 734666

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Commercial Property

Turnover up for coatings firmSCOTT Charlotte hardly regrets bringing his firm‘home’ to smaller premises.

His business Topcoat Finishers had had successivesummers to forget and he had to move to reducepotentially crippling costs.

Scott, who is from Kendray, his business partnerMatthew Hoggett and their employees had beenbased in a 4,000-sq ft factory at Ecclesfield, nearSheffield.

In 2007, the premises were flooded twice during

the summer of heavy rain.Last year, someone tried to steal cabling from an

electricity sub-station which led to the businessincurring £6,500 costs for a generator.

“We worked it out that it would be cheaper in thelong run just to move than pay for the generator. Sowe decided to go for it,” said Scott.

Premises were found on the former site of WalterFrank Ltd, off Wakefield Road.

Scott, his staff and a bunch of about 15 friendsmucked in and it took just a week in November2008 to complete the move and get everythingoperational.

The new headquarters were just 2,500-sq ft butScott has used the smaller scale to his advantage.

He said: “You can get to the telephone quickerand communicate with staff faster.

“Some people regard downsizing as a bit scaryand even as a sign of failure. But you should not befrightened. Just do it.”

Like many companies during the recession,business has been a bit up and down. But hebelieves being on a main road has helped draw intrade. Turnover is on the increase.

The company does powder coating for customerswho make shutters and shopfronts.

Scott attended Oaks School. In 1992, he spentabout two years on a youth training scheme beforejoining Wakefield-based X L Coatings whereMatthew was already working and where he stayeduntil 2003.

To advertise telephone (01226) 734666 Chronicle Business, Friday, July 10, 2009 – 7G

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Shared office environments or‘Enterprise Hubs’ provide flexibleand affordable office accommoda-tion and are now ready for occu-pancy throughout the Barnsleyregion. They are targeted at busi-nesses looking for the next step intoa professional and fully supportedworking environment. Located inkey geographic areas, the EnterpriseHubs provide office facilities includ-ing PC, office software, broadband,telephone, colour printer, office fur-

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Businesses can also take advantageof the planned network eventswhich are free and will be hostedwithin the Enterprise Hubs through-out the borough. The £4.7m pro-gramme is funded by £2.89m fromthe European RegionalDevelopment Fund, £739,000 fromYorkshire Forward, and othersources account for the remainingfunding.

G-TEK ComputaServeis a family owned ITservice centre cateringfor both domestic andcommercial service,repairs and support.

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Thriving: Paul and Julie Harpin.

A HUSBAND and wife’s business is thriving afterthey predicted that the housing market wouldslump.

Paul and Julie Harpin used to be property devel-opers but decided to set up a furniture makingcompany when they saw something was goingwrong with the property market.

Sales of their firm, Simply Rustic Oak, have riseneach month since it started trading in March 2008.

Paul, who is originally from Tipton, WestMidlands, and Julie, who is from Darfield, wereasked to provide furniture for a houseboat.

The customers had spent a year touring Europe ina camper van and when they returned they boughtthe houseboat which is in Chichester Harbour.

Paul and Julie made a table with a bench whichslotted underneath, two chairs and a bed.

Later, they were commissioned to produce a king-

size bed for a relative of the customer.The couple were asked to produce two outdoor

benches and a bench with a back rest for awildlife sanctuary in Pocklington, North Yorkshire.

Paul, who makes the furniture in the garage athis home in Staincross, used to fit a wooden firesurround in the houses the couple renovated.

8 – Chronicle Business Friday, July 10, 2009 To advertise telephone (01226) 734666