KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees13, October, 2009

JO HAIGH PAUL ROSEView from the boardroom

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TWO Huddersfieldbusinessmen are

helping to stage someof the UK’s biggestsporting and enter-tainment events. AndyRoebuck and CharlesWebb have providedevents managementand corporate hospit-ality for outdoor spec-taculars.

Sarah Turvey, fin-ance director of

compliance and busi-ness support servicecompany SimplyBiz,picked up her secondtrophy in two yearswhen she was namedBest Finance Directorof an SME at the York-shire Finance DirectorAwards.

Doublesuccess

The showgoes on

Weatherman saysit with showers!WEATHERMAN Paul Stevens isforecasting a blossoming future inbusiness.

The Oakes meteorologist finds hisspecialist skills come in useful in hisother role – partnering colleagueCorey Lewis running floristry shops atWaterloo and Salendine Nook.

And he says the buying habits ofcustomers provides a reliable baro-meter for the economic climate.

He said: “We have seen a growingconfidence in the quality flower mar-ket since April. This has spurred us toexpand and open our second flowerstore in the newly-refurbishedSalendine Shopping Centre.

“With a solid brand like Sainsbury’snext to us, this is a great site to developan excellent local client base.”

Corey has been designing floral dis-plays for more than six years. Havingalready got one Inspirations flowershop in Waterloo, he wanted todevelop the brand with a second store.A third is already being planned.

Said Paul: “Flowers are an absoluteluxury, so trading has been difficult for18 months. But I believe we arethrough the worst and our sales have

been growing again since April.“The second store allows us to deliv-

ery an even better cost efficient service.We can buy more effectively andreduce our same day delivery costs toour customers.

We are known for our modern bou-quets and arrangements designingunusual shapes and using flowers fromall over the world, delivered fresh intous daily.”

He said: “We use satellite techno-logy to map our routes better and I useweather data in the winter to ensuresafe delivery to Huddersfield.

“Having a good idea of what theweather and climate has been doingaround the world also gives us a tac-tical advantage when purchasing qual-ity flowers.”

Not surprisingly, people orderingflowers for special occasions such asweddings often ask Paul for a weatherforecast for the big day – which helpsthem planning outdoor events.

“They want to know if the marqueeis going to get blown away!” he said.

When the third shop opens, Inspira-tions will have “complete coverage”across Huddersfield – enabling the

business to keep its costs lower andpass on those savings to its custom-ers.

“Flowers don’t have to be expensiveto be different,” said Paul. “Our shops

are linked by computer so we can moveorders quickly between shops. We candeliver from anywhere in the UK andaround the world via the TelefloristNetwork, which is also expanding.”

■ BLOOMING: Paul Stevens (left) and Corey Lewis at their new Inspirationsshop at Salendine Nook

Chamber urges ministers to scrap tax plansTHE Government has been urged toscrap plans to increase costs on com-panies as a survey highlighted “majorconcerns” for manufacturers.

The latest quarterly survey by theLockwood-based Mid YorkshireChamber of Commerce reported anincrease in the number of firms report-

ing improved turnover and cashflow.It also reported an increase in the

number of companies across Kirklees,Calderdale and Wakefield expecting toboost profits and recruit more staff.

Chamber director Andrew Choisaid price pressures and competitionremained a concern – and while the

service sector continued to recover,weak markets and higher raw materialcosts meant manufacturing andexporting remained a major worry.

He said recovery would only besustained by nurturing business.

“It is disappointing that the Govern-ment has reaffirmed its decision to go

ahead with increases in NationalInsurance contributions,” said MrChoi.

“We continue to advocate that theseincreases should be scrapped, togetherwith any other plans for further com-pany tax which could stifle businessgrowth.”

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

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

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A member of The London Stock Exchange and APCIMSAuthorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Local shares

FTSE closed at

5210.1Up 48.3

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.66 dollarsBangladesh................. 102.95 takaBrazil.............................. 2.46 realsCanada....................... 1.57 dollarsChina ............................. 9.64 yuanCzech Republic ...... 25.63 korunasDenmark....................... 7.62 kroneEuro............................... 1.03 euroHong Kong................ 11.62 dollarsHungary ................... 260.26 forintsIndia.......................... 64.85 rupeesJapan........................... 135.78 yenMexico ....................... 18.68 pesosNew Zealand .............. 2.03 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.52 kronePakistan.................. 123.90 rupeesPhilippines ................. 63.00 pesosSouth Africa.................. 11.01 randSouth Korea.............. 1608.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 171.16 rupeesSweden....................... 10.65 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.56 francsTaiwan ...................... 44.53 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.21 new liraUSA ............................ 1.51 dollars

Carclo 1001/2 +1Chapelthorpe 101/2 +1/4Heywood Wm 11/2Instore 51/2Marshalls 1223/4 -21/2National Grid 590 -9RensburgSheppards

660 +5

Weir Gp 7361/2 +141/2

JJB cash call on trackSPORTSWEAR firm JJB Sportswas back on track with its £100mrights issue after shrugging off asmear campaign apparently aimedat derailing the fundraising plans.

Plans had to be put on hold toinvestigate false claims of illicit pay-ments made to executive chairmanSir David Jones.

JJB is now set to push ahead withthe cash call on shareholders thisweek. The firm said it was “veryconcerned by the timing and con-certed nature of these rumours”and has passed its investigation tothe Financial Services Authority.

JJB said it had seen initial levelsof interest for three times the levelof its planned fundraising frominvestors – although the size of thecash call exceeds the £87m marketvalue of the business.

The sale of its health clubsformed part of a last-minute rescuedeal in March, when JJB also out-lined a strategy to distinguish itselffrom its rivals with a “serious aboutsport” approach concentrating onsports equipment.

Analysts said competition in thesector was intensifying from onlineand high street sports retailers.

Acquisitive Co-oppauses to regroup

Gloomy view at Speedy HirePLANT hire firm Speedy Hiredelivered a bleak view on tradingprospects after seeing no evid-ence of a seasonal pick-up inactivity.

The UK’s largest provider of tooland equipment hire reported anestimated 29% drop in revenuesfor the six months to September30 and said there was “significantuncertainty” in the current out-look.

It saw no sign of improvement inprivate sector spending andwarned of increased sensitivityabout the sustainability of Gov-ernment spending.

Speedy has cut another 270jobs – 6% of its workforce – in thefinancial year to date, but said itwould be wrong to reduce num-bers any further as this wouldbegin to hit customer service.

Shares fell more than 12% as itwarned investors that any furtherslide in revenues forecasts wasunlikely to be offset by additionalcost reductions.

More than 950 staff left the busi-ness between July 2008 and theend of March, while 82 depots –-17% –- were closed and 470vehicles returned to their lessorsor sold.

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £22.40 +0.27Gannett 840.51 -20.90Hess Corp £37.37 +1.01Microsoft 1630.99 +12.67Motors Liquidation 47.50Wal-Mart Stores £31.77 +0.12

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEBAE Systems 3205/8 +11/4Rolls-Royce Gp 4855/8 -11/4Smiths Grp 925 +131/2VT Group 566 +1

AIMBrady Plc 721/2 +4Dawson Intl 23/8

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 1237/8 +31/4

BANKSBarclays 3725/8 -43/8HSBC 718 +11/4Lloyds Banking Gp 915/8 -23/8Ryl Scotland 481/8 -1/4Stan Chart 1588 +31

BEVERAGESDiageo 974 +71/2SABMiller 1627 +20

CHEMICALSCroda 725 +5Delta 1811/2 +61/4Elementis 98 551/2 +1/2Johnsn Mat 1399 +41

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 274 +2Costain 281/4 -1/2

ELECTRICITY

Drax Grp 4621/2 -7/8Intl Power 284 -3/8Scottish & SthrnEnergy

1109 -14

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTChloride 168 +11/2Invensys 3041/4 +23/4Laird 1971/2 +21/2

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 3177/8 +45/8

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 1351/4 -1/2C & W 1401/8 +1Colt Telecom 1227/8 +3/8KCOM 44 +4

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 2725/8 +21/2Sainsbury 3153/4 +17/8Tesco 3851/8 -7/8

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 854 -4Cadbury 789 +4Nth Foods 651/2 -1/2Tate Lyle 4501/8 +181/8Unilever 1866 +50Uniq 441/4 +1/4

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 2485/8 -33/8National Grid 590 -9Pennon Grp 4711/4 -73/4Severn 971United Utils 447 -4

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2891/2 +31/2ICAP 4493/4 +61/4

London StockExch 8861/2 +251/2Man Group 3533/4 +123/8Provident Financial 9631/2 +181/2Schroders 1138 +8Schroders NV 928 +41/2

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSAvon Rbbr 79Cooksn Grp 4141/2 -1/2REXAM 286 +43/8

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 191/4 +3/4DSG International 29 +2Home Retail 293 +11/4Inchcape 317/8 +1/4Kingfisher 2325/8 -1/2M & S 3623/8 -3/4Mothercare 620 -10Next 1807 +5WH Smith 4783/4 +21/2

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 5491/2 +41/2

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 138 +4Barrat Dev 258 +37/8Persimmon 4621/4 +103/4Reckitt Benckiser £311/2 +1/8Taylor Wimpey 441/2

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGCharter 7171/2 +23I M I 470 +81/2Man Brnze 1681/2 +2

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 159 +31/4

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 1677/8 +53/4

Forth Ports 1180 -5LIFE INSURANCE

Aviva 4661/8 +21/4Friends Provident 831/4 +1/4Lgl & Gen 883/4 +17/8Old Mutual 1101/8 +43/4Prudential 6421/2 +91/2Standard Life 2337/8 +51/4

MEDIABSkyB 5831/2 +11/2Chrysalis 102 +1/2D Mail Tst 4471/4 +47/8ITV 473/8 +1Johnston Press 341/4 -1/2Pearson 8001/2 +13Reed Elsevier 4673/8 +63/4STV Group 84 +21/2Trinity Mirror 1723/8 +4Utd Business 5061/2 +71/4UTV 96 -1WPP 5741/2 +12Yell Group 591/8 +3/8

MININGAnglo American £22 +3/8Antofagasta 828 +41/2BHP Billiton 17851/2 +151/2Eurasian NaturalRes

946 +16

Fresnillo 8281/2 +121/2Kazakhmys 1173 +25Lonmin 1609 -15Rio Tinto £29 +1/2VEDANTARESOURCES

£221/4 +5/8

Xstrata 968 +15MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES

Inmarsat 5381/2 +7

Vodafone Group 1341/2 +2NONLIFE INSURANCE

Admiral Grp 1095 +5RSA Insurance Gp 1333/8 +3/8

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 1112 +11BP 5521/4 +93/4Cairn Energy £285/8 +1/4Norsk Hdro 4773/4 +85/8Royal Dutch Shell A 18391/2 +42Royal Dutch Shell B 1783 +28Total £383/8 +5/8Tullow Oil 1225 +17

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESPetrofac 9981/2 -61/2

Wood Group 3293/4 +3

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry 541 +111/2

PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGYAstrazeneca £28 +3/8Axis-Shield 440 +41/4GlaxoSmithK XD 171/2Shire 1051 +26

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 4813/4 +75/8DTZ Hldgs 1001/2 +2Hamrsn 4121/4 +41/4Land Secs 631 +1SEGRO 3713/4 +81/4

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESAutonomy Corp 1610 +44Dimension Data 761/4 +11/4Logica 1311/4 +33/4Misys 2163/4 +51/8Sage Group 2351/4 +45/8

SUPPORT SERVICESAMEC 808 +241/2Bunzl 633 +1/2Capita 756 +81/2Davis ServiceGroup

4105/8 +3/8

De La Rue 8991/2 -13Electrocomp 154 +1/4Experian 537 +9G4S 2321/4 +7/8Hays 1075/8 +1/4Homeserve 1614 -10Menzies J 346Rentokil 1167/8 +7/8Smiths News 1221/4 +1/2Wolseley 1506 +16

IT HARDWARE

ARM Hldgs 1537/8 +13/4Psion 116 +1Spirent Comms 921/2 +1/2

TOBACCO

Br Am Tob 1955 -5Imperial Tobacco 1803 -7

LEISURE & HOTELS

Arriva 4931/2 +5/8Brit Airways 2213/4 +27/8Carnival £217/8 +1/8Compass Grp 3971/2 -17/8easyJet 3963/4 -81/8Enterprise Inns 1241/8 -7/8FirstGroup 4207/8 -33/8Go-Ahead 1463 +16Greene King 4191/4 +11/2Intercontl Htls 8231/2Ladbrokes 1411/8 -31/4Mitchells & Butlers 252 -1/4Natl Express 4751/2 -37/8PartyGaming 2771/4 +43/8Rank Org 90 -11/2Stagecoach Group 1651/2 -21/4TUI Travel 2591/2 -21/2Whitbread 1290 +21

INDEXFTSE 100 5210.17 +48.30

INDEXFTSE 250 9460.09 +82.79

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THE Co-operative Group eyed aperiod of consolidation after addingsupermarket Somerfield and build-ing society Britannia.

Announcing a 17% rise in interimprofits to £228.8m, the Co-op saidthe second half of the year would seeit focus on integrating the two busi-nesses and delivering more benefitsto its customer members.

Chief executive Peter Marks saideconomic conditions were also likelyto remain challenging – amid risingunemployment and no immediatesigns of a recovery in consumerspending.

He said: “In spite of our recentsuccess it would be naive to thinkthat we are immune to the reces-sion.

“That said we are pleased with ourhalf-year performance, the secondhalf has started well and we lookahead to the future with renewedconfidence.”

The group said it had experienceda period of “extensive expansion andacquisition” after the deals toacquire Somerfield for £1.6bn inFebruary and to merge its financialservices arm with Britannia inAugust.

The addition of Somerfield meantCo-op’s food division racked upsales of £3.9bn and trading profits of£165.5m in the six months to July 25.Stripping out the acquisition, theCo-op said its food like-for-like salesexceeded the rest of the market withgrowth of 7.3%

The tie-up created a chain witharound 3,000 outlets, but the Co-ophas since raised £650m from the saleof 200 outlets to meet competitionconcerns or offload stores which didnot meet its trading format.

It has converted 29 stores to itsbrand so far, with 200 due to bechanged in the year since acquisi-tion.

The merger with Britannia createda business with £70bn of assets, 9mcustomers and more than 300branches.

Before the deal, Co-op FinancialServices saw profits rise by 11% to£81.4m after general insurance newbusiness sales increased by 28% andaverage customer lending grew by12%.

In other parts of the Co-op busi-ness, healthcare increased profits by8.7% to £14.8m while Co-operativeFuneralcare increased profits by16.7% to £28.1m,. The downturnmeant the travel arm saw profits fallto £2.5m from £7.9m a year earlier.

■ HIGH RISE: Co-op InsuranceServices have helped boost profits

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

Jo Haigh

FDS Groupand ATF

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Breakingthroughthe glassceiling

■ AUTHOR: Jo Haigh signscopies of her business book, TalesFrom the Glass Ceiling

IT’S tough at the top.Ask businesswoman Jo Haigh.

Better still – because she’s a verybusy businesswoman – read one ofher books on the ups and downs ofbeing an entrepreneur.

Jo, who lives at Denby Dale, hasbrought her own experiences to bearin books such as The BusinessRules and – more especially,perhaps – Tales From The GlassCeiling, which charts the experiencesof enterprising women trying to breakinto the male-dominated boardroom.

The book starts with Jo’s ownstory – from failing the 11-plus in1968 to graduating in law at LeedsUniversity.

It goes on to tell of her first job –dealing with the bills for a funeralwreath maker – to forming her ownbusiness in 1989 as the mother oftwo small daughters.

It tells how Jo went on to sell thebusiness to her management team in2000 before joining a nationalaccountancy practice and becominghead of corporate finance for aLondon-based media managementfirm.

Today, Jo heads the corporatefinance division at Sheffield andLondon-based accountancy andfinancial management firm ATFGroup.

She is also a partner at trainingand consultancy organisation FDS –which she founded – where shefocuses on director training anddevelopment.

She has been involved inmulti-million pound merger andacquisition deals, managementbuy-outs and buy-ins as well asfunding deals for firms with businessangels, government agencies andmainstream banks.

More recently, she was appointeda non-executive director ofSheffield-based magnetmanufacturer Anchor Magnets, acompany with more than 40 staff andannual turnover exceeding £40m.

And she has won several awards,including being named 2005Yorkshire Businesswoman of theYear and the Institute of Directors’Business Adviser of the Year in 2006.

In between all that she is one of aselect band of Ambassadors of

Huddersfield, a much in demandspeaker and is a visiting fellow atLeeds University, where she deliversthe corporate governancedevelopment programme foracademic staff.

Tales From The Glass Ceilingincludes the experiences of dozensof other successful women, includingTV presenter Clare Balding; DeirdreBounds, founder of ethical travelcompany i-to-i; Sarah Deaves, chiefexecutive of the Coutts; and diet andfitness guru Rosemary Conley.

The book also provides tips andadvice on issues such as jugglinghome life and work, coping withoffice politics, “power dressing” andhow to make the most of networking.

Advice for budding entrepreneurs– male and female – has never beenmore timely, says Jo. It’s just that alot of that advice is not particularlyuseful, she believes.

“There are a lot of people goinginto business on their own – oftenbecause they cannot get a jobthemselves,” she said. “But there isno funding for them and there aretremendous risks involved.

“I advice people wanting tostart-up in business to look at

running a franchise because there is alot more support. The financialsystems and networks are already inplace and there is a greater chance ofsuccess.

“If people ask my advice, I warnagainst going into partnership withouttaking proper guidance. Partnershipsare like marriage – you don’t knowwhat you’ve got until you get it home!”

There’s no shortage of enthusiasmamong the would-be tycoons, says Jo.“People are passionate about theirproduct, but they have less knowledgeabout business.

“There are plenty of mentoringschemes, but most are unsuitable. Alot of organisations providing thosekind of services are not credible.Thebest recommendation is to get anon-executive director who has somepractical experience.

“Someone with experience can spotproblems before an inexperiencedbusiness person can. That means youhave a chance of stopping thingsbefore they get bad. If you have beenin a number of businesses, you cansee the warning signs.”

Jo doesn’t knock people for havinga positive attitude, saying: “I’m notrisk-averse and I’m very much a ‘glasshalf-full’ sort of person, but you haveto be a little savvy and if you havebeen in business any length of time,you will learn that.”

Another piece of advice is to getorganised.

“I am very organised. If I was toblow my own trumpet about anything itwould be that I am great at timemanagement. I have lists of lists.

“I also have a lot of energy. Staminais probably one of the most importanttraits for someone in business bythemselves.

“At the same time, you cannot do itall on your own. It’s very lonely beingin business.”

Britain will need more hard-working,realistic and well-organisedentrepreneurs, says Jo.

“We are not out of the recessionyet,” she says. “I am optimistic that weare heading in the right direction, buteveryone is talking about a ‘W’ or‘double dip’ recovery.

“One thing I am positive about isthat the people who will take us out ofthis economic crisis are not the

government but those in businesswho make sacrifices – the ownersand directors who take pay cuts,remortgage their homes to keep staffin work and come up with innovativeideas.

“And it is probably theowner-managed businesses – whichmake up the majority of firms in ourarea – who will be leading thatrecovery.”

Role: Partner andhead of corporatefinance at ATF GroupFamily: Marriedwith four childrenHolidays:Anywhere hotCar: Mercedes SLKFirst job: Traineeaccountant at funeralwreath manufacturerBest thing aboutjob: No two days areever the sameWorst thingabout job: I am aperfectionist. ldelegate OK, I nevertruly let go.Business tip: Justdo it

Work: FDS andATF GroupEmploys: Four inFDS and 80 in ATFSites: Huddersfieldand LondonPhone: 07850475878Email: fdsgroup@jo-haigh.com

Commercial Bankinghsbc.com/commercial

Your business successis out there. Is your bank?Call Jill Hague on 08455 848702Email jillhague@hsbc.comCome in to Calderdale andKirklees Commercial Centre

Issued by HSBC Bank plc ACXXXXX

KIRKLEES BUSINESSlocal Page 4

CITYTALKSimon Kaye

Simon Kaye is divisional director atRensburg Sheppards Investment

Management

Fitness test forfirms’ financesA CLECKHEATON accountancy firmhas reported a “substantial” uptakefrom local businesses for a freefinancial health check.Clough & Co launched the YorkshireForward-backed initiative at the starof the year to provide localcompanies with free finance adviceworth £1,500 to help safeguard themagainst the economic downturn.The financial health check provides afirm with a comprehensiveunderstanding of their financialsituation through a full businessassessment – which includeslooking at revenue, cash flowperformance and costs of overheadsand sales.Simon Wilson, client relationshippartner at Clough & Co, said: “Thefinancial health checks haveprovided local businesses with aviable way to operate as effectivelyand economically in the currentclimate to ensure that they are bestequipped to take advantage of themarket when it improves.”Funded by regional developmentagency Yorkshire Forward, thescheme is open to businesses inYorkshire that have been trading fora minimum of 12 months and employat least five staff.To apply for the scheme, firms cancontact their existing accountancyfirm or Business Link to be put intouch with an approved accountancysupplier.

Start-up callsnow to the foreCALLS toBusiness LinkYorkshire havechanged in thelast threemonths – frompeopleconcerned aboutredundancy tothose seekingadvice onlaunching theirown enterprise.As confidence plunged at the startof this year, Business LinkYorkshire’s customer informationcentre received up to 700 calls aday – increasingly from people“clearly desperate” because theirbusiness was floundering or theywere worried about being maderedundant.As a result, Business Linkintroduced “recession-beating”advice and events to helpcompanies weather the downturn.Karen Marsden (pictured),information centre manager, said:“Early in the credit crunch, we gotmore calls where the situation wasclearly desperate.“Now there is more optimism,people are coming to us sooner andplanning ahead by seeking adviceon how to start their own ventures.”Business Link Yorkshire has alsobecome the latest business supportorganisation to achieve the nationalPutting the Customer First awardfor its efforts. The customer servicequality standard is awarded byYork-based Customer First UK.

Market force

More help on tapfrom water forumFIRMS supplying products and ser-vices to the water and waste waterindustries in Yorkshire and Humberare getting a boost with the re-launchof the Water Industry Forum.

The Huddersfield-based forumaims to develop business opportunit-ies for companies in the water andwaste water sector, provide supportwith advice on new legislation andhelp businesses capitalise on emer-ging technologies.

WIF, which is supported byregional development agency York-shire Forward, will also help mem-bers in the areas of export,innovation and product develop-ment.

WIF director Peter Drake, who hasextensive commercial and technicalexperience of the water industry, said:“My first few months in the role havebeen about understanding what com-panies in the sector need from theWater Industry Forum.

“As a result of this research, wehave been able to identify the keyservices that members will value mostand the key topics for workshops and

seminars.“Unsurprisingly, identifying new

business opportunities is their toppriority.”

WIF will help firms by enhancingand upgrading its member services toinclude Meet the Buyer opportunit-ies and networking events looking atindustry developments.

There will also be re-launch dis-counts and incentives available forboth new and existing members.

Jim Farmery, assistant director ofBusiness at Yorkshire Forward, said:“The water and waste water sector inthe region is the second largestsub-sector within the environmentaltechnologies sector in terms of num-bers of companies, employees andturnover.

“Yorkshire Forward supports theforum as there are huge opportunit-ies for growth either through exportto developing countries or innova-tion in response to the global chal-lenges facing the water industry.”

WIF is starting as it means to go onwith a full programme for itsre-launch event tomorrow at Cedar

Court Hotel, Bradford.The day will include a “Quick

Wins” workshop, exhibition and apresentation on future activities.

Contact Peter Drake on 01484433204 or emai l info@waterindustryforum.com for furtherinformation.

■ LIQUID ASSETS: Peter Drake (right) and James Taylor at Aspley-basedLongwood Engineering for the launch of the Water Industry Forum

THE past three months haveseen strong gains in nearly all

equity markets, with the FTSE100index recording the strongestquarter since its inception in 1984and the US market its secondstrongest quarterly rise since1960.

Although economic growth seems tohave turned positive since mid-year, thespeed of the upturn is being flattered bya reversal of earlier precautionary cutsin output by companies.

Although this inventory-led revivalis welcome, the level of demand inmany economies is still lower than ayear ago. There is a risk that theseoutput gains will not be sustained ifunderlying demand does not start togrow.

This could lead to a drop off ingrowth rates after the initial surge and,some fear, a relapse into recession.

Since there is no clear historicalparallel for the economic experience ofthe past year, there is a wide range ofviews over whether the world facesprolonged stagnation, an anaemicrecovery or a sharper than usual recov-ery.

In view of this, Central Banks andworld leaders at the recent G-20 sum-mit took pains to emphasise their will-ingness to keep stimulatory policies inplace until the recovery is irreversiblyestablished. The case for investing inrisky assets in the spring rested stronglyon their low valuation.

Although the market recovery hasbeen disproportionate to the strengthof the economic rebound, the speedand depth of the earlier falls was alsoindiscriminate.

This begs the question whether, if toomuch gloom was factored in at thelows, too much optimism might bebuoying investors along now.

Although 2010 is likely to have amore hopeful starting point than 2009,economic decision-making will beharder, as this year’s overwhelmingpriority to restore confidence gives wayto more complex judgements aboutnormalising interest rates and fiscalpolicy.

It is possible that 2010 will presentproblems of controlling a stronger thanexpected upswing, bringing forwardfiscal and monetary tightening. In thatevent, the economy might have asmoother ride than financial markets.

More likely is continued, gradualeconomic healing and positive, thoughless rapid than in 2009.

Business goals at the mineSEVENTY representatives fromthe region flocked to the secondYorkshire Business Forum heldat the National Coal MiningMuseum .

Staged by Huddersfield Town,the museum and Wakefield First,the event was sponsored for asecond year by ChadwickLawrence, who backed a series of

similar networking events held byHuddersfield Town during 2008.

Speakers were Keith Hinds,partner at Grant Thornton; NickCable of IRUN Business Intelli-gence, and Richard Saward, dir-ector at the National CoalMining Museum. The event washosted by Neil Wilson of Chad-wick Lawrence.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Jill Hague is HSBC area commercial director forCalderdale and Kirklees

local Page 5

BANKER’SBLOGJill Hague

Events expertsput on a showTWO Huddersfield businessmen are help-ing to stage some of the UK’s biggestsporting and entertainment events.

Andy Roebuck and Charles Webb haveprovided events management and corporatehospitality for a wide range of spectacularsthis summer – including the BBC Proms inthe Park and a star-studded celebration ofthe music of ABBA.

The business partners, who are based atRailway Street, rubbed shoulders withABBA songwriters Benny Andersson andBjorn Ulvaeus at the celebration, calledThank You For the Music, which was heldat Hyde Park.

The event, hosted by BBC Radio 2,featured performances from stars includingKylie Minogue, Lulu, US songwriter ChakaKhan, Sharleen Spiteri, Elaine Paige andJason Donovan. Hosts included Sir TimRice and stars of the West End musicalMama Mia!

Andy and Charles organised VIP for theevent, which included providing aglass-fronted pavilion with viewing balconyfor the performance, cocktails, canapes andfood.

Bjorn and Benny also held a privateafter-show party for the artists, orchestraand VIP guests.

The ABBA celebration followed the BBCProms in the Park when Andy and Charlesorganised corporate hospitality for VIPsamong more than 40,000 people enjoying abig screen presentation of the performancefrom the Royal Albert Hall with comperesBarry Manilow and Katherine Jenkins.

They arranged the hospitality for theBBC and event supporter National Savingsand Investments, including a cocktail andcanapes reception and three-course meal.

The Hyde Park performances marked theculmination of a busy summer for Andy andCharles – who operate as AR Events Ltd

and CPW Events respectively and havemore than 30 years in the hospitality andevents industry.

The duo have helped provide corporatehospitality for prestigious occasions such asthe Burghley Horse Trials, the CheltenhamNational Hunt Festival and the AintreeGrand National Festival to name but afew.

They have also helped stage a corporategolf tournament for a Canadian gold min-ing company at The Old Head Links inIreland, where guests joined West York-shire-based professional Georgina Simpsonon the course and heard a keynote speechfrom author William Dalrymple.

Said Charles: “We are already looking atother projects for next year.

“While the recession has had an effect onthe corporate hospitality industry, we arealso noticing that more companies are seek-ing more unusual types of corporate eventswhich also involve some element of charityfundraising or bring benefit to worthycauses.”

Andy had previously run sales teams formajor ranging from the British Grand Prixto Elton John concerts.

Before setting up his own business,Charles was managing director of SellersHospitality and has chaired the CorporateHospitality and Event Association.

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Prospects improvingALMOST nine out of 10

small and medium-sizedbusinesses in the UK areexpecting trade volumes toincrease or remain stableover the next three months,according to the latestHSBC Trade ConfidenceIndex.

The quarterly HSBC TradeConfidence Index is the biggestglobal index of its kind – cover-ing 3,500 trade-orientated busi-nesses in 12 markets.

It reveals that more than athird of businesses in the UKhave identified Western Europeas the biggest growth opportun-ity followed by Greater China(16%), Eastern Europe (12%)and the US (7%).

Conversely, Western Europe,including the UK has been iden-tified as a key area of growth for29% of traders in India.

Encouragingly, a fifth of UKbusinesses expect their need fortrade finance to grow thisquarter as they look to expandtheir operations and a third ofbusinesses anticipate the globaleconomy to grow ‘slightly’ inthat time frame.

Despite these causes foroptimism, the majority of UKtraders are still concerned byfundamental business issues,with fluctuating exchange rates(56%), the lack of productdemand (45%) and transporta-tion and storage costs (30%)seen as the leading risk factorsassociated with trade.

S t uar t Niv i son , HSBCEurope head for trade and sup-ply chain, said: “The sense ofdoom and gloom has clearlypassed and it’s heartening thatthe number of UK traders whoexpect their trading volumes to

increase over the next quarter isfour times greater than thosewho are expecting a contrac-tion.

“It is also encouraging thatUK businesses see China asoffering fertile ground forgrowth in the next three months,the renewed fervour will havebeen helped by the Chinese gov-ernment stimulus package andtrade missions launched earlierthis year.

“The index does highlight onecause for concern and thatremains the volatility in thevalue of sterling and exchangerates. Businesses are currentlyviewing this as a greater threatto business growth than lack ofproduct demand. We wouldurge all businesses that are con-cerned by fluctuations to speakto their banks in order to makethe most of the current tradingenvironment.”

■ ON SONG: Charles Webb (left) and Andy Roebuck (right) with ABBA star BennyAndersson

Pollsters’ profitsPOLLING and research firm YouGovreported its first profits fall in eight yearsas the firm felt the brunt of recession.The company, well-known for its politicalpolling in the UK, saw underlying pre-taxprofits slide by 59% to £3.9m in the yearto July 31 despite shedding 10% of staff.

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 6

Hotels bookin for savingsHOTELS and restaurants in Kirklees could bemissing the opportunity to improve their environ-mental performance – because they assume it is acostly process.

Research by the Institute of Hospitality andenvironmental advice group Envirowise found thatmore than half of managers surveyed in thehospitality sector felt “going green” would increasetheir costs.

About 40% also said that the current economicclimate was an added barrier to change.

However, Envirowise said hotels and restaurantscould save about £250 per employee each year bytaking action to reduce waste – as well as improvingtheir green credentials among eco-conscious tour-ists.

Elin Crebbin, Envirowise regional manager forYorkshire, said: “An estimated four out of fiveBritish tourists stayed in the UK on August BankHoliday weekend, despite the changeableweather.

“It’s crucial to ensure this hard-earned revenue isnot going down the drain through unnecessarywaste.”

She said: “The average UK restaurant disposesof more than 100 tonnes of waste each year,including paper, cardboard, plastic and food waste.Yet simple steps could help the hospitality sectorreduce waste and save money.”

A series of practical fact sheets are available fromEnvirowise covering a range of business areas –including food preparation, drinks service, guestroom facilities and grounds maintenance.

The fact sheets offer advice on everything fromenergy use to water efficiency.

Call 0800 585794.

Rixonway leadson key projectA KIRKLEES company supply-ing kitchens for social housingschemes UK-wide has completed afirst.

Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kit-chens is partnering the first ArmsLength Management Organisa-tion in the UK to receive a SocialHousing Grant from the Homesand Communities Agency to builda series of new properties.

The project in Stockport willachieve level 3 of the Code forSustainable Homes, which meas-ures the sustainability of newhomes.

Rixonway will supply kitchensfrom its Trieste range for the firststage of Stockport Homes’ Brin-nington development. The £1.02mproject comprises 17 modern tim-ber-framed homes, two of themdesigned for disabled residents.

Rixonway was chosen as a sup-plier partly because of its trackrecord on environmental issues.

Chief executive Paul Rose said:“We have become very aware ofour environmental obligations andtake our responsibilities very seri-ously.

“We are delighted to be involved

with such a prestigious develop-ment and with a client who sharesour commitment to tackling envir-onmental challenges.

“We follow a number of environ-mental and sustainable practicesthroughout our production pro-cess, including a recycling serviceand converting all wood wastegenerated during the manufactur-ing process into biomass fuel.

“As a testament to our hardwork, we have been accreditedwith ISO14001:2004, the interna-tionally recognised standard ofeffective environmental manage-ment.”

Mark Hudson, director of tech-nical services for StockportHomes, said: “As well as supplyinga market leading product, Rixon-way brings a wealth of experience,dedication and excellent customerfocus to our relationship.

“There is a need to trust oursuppliers to deliver an excellentcustomer service which befits aThree Star ALMO. Rixonwaydelivers this with an excellent ser-vice underpinned by a willingnessto embrace partnership work-ing.”

■ LEADING THE WAY: Paul Rose, managing director ofDewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens

commercial properties

offices

commercial

industrial offices

www.bramleys.com

14 st georges square, huddersfield hd1 1jf

telephone 01484 558231/530361 - jonathan.wilson@bramleys1.co.uk

MILL LANE, BRIGHOUSERENT ON APPLICATION

● Mill premises

● 1,934sqm

(20,819sq ft)

● Good yard space

● Good access to

M62 Motorway

network

● Will split

● MAY SELL

GEORGE STREET,HUDDERSFIELD

FROM £25,000 PA

● Industrial Unit andOffice Premises

● 541.62m²(5,830ft²) and850m² (9,151ft²)

● Let separately oras one

● Good secure yard

● Good car parking

● Popular industrial

location

NEW NORTH ROAD,HUDDERSFIELD

£350,000

● Prominent office

building

● 290.60sq m

(3,128 sq ft)

● Good car parking

● Outskirts of town

centre

● Good access to

J24 of M62

Motorway

7 CLIFTON LANE, MELTHAM£300,000

● Characterful

Office Building

● Large Car Park

● 246.65m²

(2,655ft²) Net

● Pleasant private

setting

● 6 miles from

Huddersfield town

centre

HALF MOON STREET,£5 PSF

● First floor officesuite

● 137.77sqm(1,483sq ft)

● Good secondarylocation

● Disability access

● 1192 sqft also

available on the

ground floor

PENISTONE ROAD,HUDDERSFIELD£17,500 P/A

● Single storeyworkshop

● 501.48m²(5,398ft²)

● B1 PlanningConsent

● Rateable value

£7,300

● Car parking for up

to 12 vehicles

SCAR LANE, HUDDERSFIELD£63 PER WEEK

● Single Storey Unit

● 56.94sqm

(613sqft) GIA

● 3 phase electricity

● Gas supply

● Roller shutter

door

● Portal Frame

RAILWAY STREET,HUDDERSFIELD

£500,000

● Development

Opportunity

● 791.06sqm

(8,515sqft)

● Partialimplementation ofPlanning Consentfor twocommercial unitsand residentialapartments

WAKEFIELD ROAD,HUDDERSFIELD

IRO £25,000 P/A

● Retail premises91.88m² [989ft²]

● Storage & offices339.92 m²(3658ft²)

● Prominent mainroad position

● Parking to rear

● Rental level

subject to

accommodation

taken

LUCK LANE, HUDDERSFIELD£400 PER WEEK

● Car sales pitchwith office andworkshop

● 76.08m² (819ft²)● 20 - 25 Sales

pitches

● Establishedtrading position

● Prominentlocation

● 2 Miles fromHuddersfield towncentre

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

HighhopesTHE worst of thecommercial prop-erty downturn maybe over.

Paul Joyce, man-aging partner atRamsdens Solicit-ors, said an increas-ing appetite fromprivate investorsmay signal a returnto boom conditions.

C o m m e r c i a lproperty has beenbadly hit – withprices falling bymore than 40% sinceJune, 2007.

Mr Joyce saidl a t e s t r e s e a r c hshowed that the“free fall” may beover.

But he stressed:“Clouds hangingover unemploymentand credit availabil-ity still shadow thecommercial sector –and with the rentalmarket predicted tofall by 20.5% thisyear, celebrationsare being put onh o l d fo r a f e wmonths yet.”

Confidence factorA SPECULATIVE develop-ment of industrial and ware-house units has been unveiledin Huddersfield – and isa l r e a dy at t r a c t i n g b i ginterest.

Two units at Station Road,Bradley Junction – togetherproviding 65,000sq ft of floor-space – have been developedby Elland-based CommercialDevelopment Projects on thesite of a former waterworksoff Leeds Road..

The two-storey units –measuring 23,500sq ft and41,500sq ft – provide ware-

housing or factory space onthe ground floor and officeson the ground and first floors.They include sealed concretefloors, straight-in loadingdoors and service yards.

The buildings – which areavailable to rent or buy – arebeing marketed by HansonChartered Surveyors, based atNew North Road, Hudders-field.

Jason Metcalfe, of HansonChartered Surveyors, said:“CDP have decided to under-take this development on aspeculative basis, which

shows their confidence in themarket and the locality.

“It is close to Huddersfieldtown centre with excellentlinks to the M62 and Kirkleesand Calderdale in general.

“We have already had agood level of interest withnumerous viewings.

“There are few units of thiscalibre available locally and Isuspect it will appeal moststrongly to the local market asa rare opportunity to pur-chase the freehold on the sizeand kind of premises that areincreasingly in demand.”

■ NEW BUILD: Launching new industrial units at Station Road, Bradley, are (from left)Jason Metcalfe and Mark Hanson of Hanson Chartered Surveyors with CommercialDevelopment Projects Ltd project manager Dale Fox and mkanaging director Chris Marshall

To LetModern & PurposeBuilt UnitsWhy not use the experts?MB Services have over20 years experience inletting industrial units.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • AGENTS • CONSULTANT • ADVISOR

TRAFALGAR MILLS • LEEDS ROAD • HUDDERSFIELD • HD2 1YY

Leeds Road, HuddersfieldUnits available from8,900sq ft to 11,986sq ftIdeally situated for M62 andM1 corridors.Ample on site parking, siteis secure and is monitoredby CCTV cameras.

Huddersfield Road,MirfieldUnits available from5,272sq ft to 5,349sq ft.Ideally situated for M62 andM1 corridors.Ample on site parking.

Contact:Jason MetcalfeHanson Chartered Surveyors01484 432043

Christine EcclestonMB Services01484 557102

Alec MichaelMichael Steel0113 248 999

Fieldhouse Park Junction 25 Business Park

To LeTTown Centre RetailUnit44 Park St, Brighouse163.98m2 (687 sq ft)1Return frontage

overlooking Park Streetand West Park Street

1Open plan retail spacewith additional stores

1WC and Kitchenettefacilities

Rental: £8,250 pax(Incentives available)

To LeT – New INSTRucTIoN

Single StoreyIndustrial Unitunit 12 BranxholmeIndustrial estate,Brighouse1 87.16m2 (938 sq ft)1 Established indust. estate1 Open plan unit with WC

facilities1 SCF, halogen box lighting

and roof lights1 Drive-in access by way of

steel roller shutter doorRental: £6,600 pax

To LeTSubstantial towncentre leisure unit9 Brook Street,Huddersfield1 336.85m2(3,626 sq ft)1 Prominent town centre pos.1 Open plan floors1 Suitable for a variety of

uses subject to P.PDetails: on application

To LeTShaw LodgeHalifax1Good quality period

offices on ListedHoldsworths Mill site

1Suites from 100 sq ft to5,500 sq ft

1 Low cost storage/industrial space

1From 5,000 sq ft to100,000 sq ft

Rental: on application

To LeTModern DetachedSingle StoreyIndustrial Unitunit c, LowfieldsBusiness Park1543.48m2 (5,850 sq ft)1Open plan warehouse1Two storey high

spec offices1Drive in access via roller

shutter door1Private yard and car parkRental: on application

To LeTSingle storeyindustrial/workshop unitunit 5 BranxholmeIndustrial estate,Brighouse190m2 (969 sq ft)1Established industrial

estate1Benefits from SCF and FSL

throughout1Drive-in access by way of

a steel roller shutter doorRental: £6,500 pax

To LeT– New INSTRucTIoN

206 Albert StreetHuddersfield13 storey newly built office

and workshop1105.65m2 (1,137 Sq Ft)1Ground floor reception

and workshop with rollershutter access

Rental: upon application

To LeT– New INSTRucTIoN

279 Old Wakefield RdMoldgreen, Huddersfield1Ground Floor lock-up

retail unit148.56m2 (523 Sq Ft)1Front & rear sales1WC and kitchenette facilityRental: £5,500 pax

FoR SaLeThe Rising Sunelland1Detached public house1285m2 (3,067 sq ft)13/4 bedroom living accom1Conversion/

redevelopment potentialPrice: £250,000 + VaT

FoR SaLeResidentialDevelopmentStreetLand at BramstonStreet, Rastrick,Brighouse, HD6 3aa1Extending to 0.17

Hectares (0.42 Acres)1Planning consent for

dev. of 58 aparts withundercroft car park

1Potential for alternativescheme/use

oIRo £450,00

RETAIL

INDUSTRIAL

To LeTDetached ModernWorkshop &Offices3 westbury Street,elland1229m2 (2,466 sq ft)1Private yard and parking1Excellent main road

access and M62 (J24)Rental: on application

To LeT– New INSTRucTIoN

Victoria Housealbert Street,Lockwood,Huddersfield1Single Storey Industrial

unit with extensiveoffice and showroomaccommodation

1310m2 (3,337 Sq Ft)including detachedgarage store

1Secure private yard1Prominent corner

position with extensivefrontage

Rental: £15,950 pax

To LeTPennine HouseBradley Business Park,Huddersfield1Ground Floor office suites193m2 – 245m2

(1,000 Sq Ft – 2,637 Sq Ft)1Good specification to

include relevant w/c’sand kitchen facilities

1Up to 15 on site carparking spaces withfurther expansion parkingavailable if required

Rental: upon application

To LeTGrove Millselland Lane, elland15170m2 (55,650 sq ft)1Substantial single storey

w.house/distrib unit1Canopied loading bay1Excellent main road

communicationsRental: on application

To LeTModernIndustrial/Warehouse Unitunit G10, LowfieldsBusiness Park, elland11026m2 (11,046 sq ft)1Fully fitted for

immediate occupation1Excellent location

within M62 corridorRental on applicationShort terms available

To LeTModern SingleStorey Factory/WarehouseJ3 Lowfields BusinessPark, elland12,864m2 (30,826 sq ft)1Detached unit with

private secure yard andcar park

1Two storey offices1Excellent location on

premier business parkclose to M62

Further details onapplication

To LeTHeathfield HouseHeathfield St, elland1642m2 (6,912 ft)1Detached two storey

office and works1Ease of access to

Junc 24 M621Good drive in accessRental: £22,500 pax

To LeTMulti Storey MillComplexProspect Mills, elland1 Approx 7,432m2

(80,000 sq ft)1To let as whole or on

floor by floor basis1Good road links close

to J24 M621All mains services

inc 3 Phase electricity1Goods lift servicing all

floor levelsDetails: on application

LAND

MISC

FoR SaLeResidentialDevelopment Sitewithin Fields, MarshLane, Southowram10.14 HA (0.35 Acres)1Outline planning

permission for 4 xdetached dwellings

Guide Price: on application

To LeTThe Estate Officewellington Mills,Quebec Street, elland1 98m2 (1,050 ft )1First floor offices1Allocated car parking

provision1Finished to a good

standard throughoutRental: £6,300 pax

To LeTHigh specoffice suiteselland1Excellent self contained

office buildings1279m2 – 465m2

(3,000 sq ft – 5,000 sq ft)1Private parkingRental: on application

OFFICE

FoR SaLeModern detachedsingle storeyIndustrial unitunit 4 emstead works,Halifax1309.23m2 (3,329 sq ft)1Open plan with

additional office andstores

1Drive in access via steelroller shutter door

1Clear eaves heightapprox 4m

1SCF, halogen boxlighting, roof lights, gasstorage heater

1All mains services toinclude 3-phaseelectricity

Price: oIRo £165,000

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Lean way tomanufactureEMPLOYEES from a Brighouse firm have gainedqualifications in “lean” manufacturing.

Five members of staff at bathrooms firmHeritage Ceramics received the City & Guildslicentiateship in lean manufacturing in aceremony at Leeds University.

The employees – who were chosen for theirpotential to become “future leaders” – wereamong the first to undertake the work-basedqualification.

The licentiateship is part of the ManufacturingMasters Programme run by regionaldevelopment agency Yorkshire Forward.

It aims to increase skills among the region’smanufacturing companies, teach employees howto think one step ahead and contribute towardthe competitiveness of their business.

Certificates were awarded by Prof AlanRoberts to Heritage production services teamleader John Helliwell, castings team leader CraigGabbitas, processing superintendent StevenBrannan, divisional director Brian Keeley andgeneral manager Martin Beck.

Lisa Williams

HSBCLISA Williams has been appointedto the new post of regional interna-tional commercial manager forHSBC covering Yorkshire.

Ms Williams (pictured) is one offour new RICMs appointed across the UK. Themanagers will work with local commercial bankingmanagers to help their customers conduct businessacross borders by helping them cope with interna-tional jurisdictions and language barriers.

Ms Williams has already held trade events inLeeds and Gateshead and joined a delegation toChina to help strengthen links between businesses inthe north-east and the British Chamber of Com-merce and China-British Business Council. She isalso working with the UK India Business Council.

She was previously head of commercial for Leedsand has worked for HSBC for 18 years acrosscommercial and retail banking.

Mamas & PapasClaire Etchell and Katie Owen

NURSERY products firm Mamas& Papas has bolstered its publicrelations team.

The Colnebridge-based companyhas promoted maternity fashion PRmanager Claire Etchell (pictured,top) to the post of senior PR man-ager and has appointed Katie Owen(below) as PR manager.

The changes follow a 28% rise inmaternity fashion sales for theaward-winning company.

Ms Owen joins Mamas & Papasfrom European-wide agency Trime-dia. She will build on the brand’spremier position in the baby wearand nursery interiors market anddevelop new strategies to increasemarket share in the growing giftsmarket.

Ms Etchell, who was with high street fashionshoe retailer Moda In Pelle before joining Mamas& Papas, will direct strategy for all lifestyle PR forthe brand including clothing, interiors, gifts andcelebrity relationship management.

A FINANCE director in Huddersfieldhas picked up her second award in twoyears.

Sarah Turvey, finance director ofcompliance and business supportservice company SimplyBiz, wasnamed Best Finance Director of anSME at the Yorkshire Finance DirectorAwards.

It follows her success in winning thetitle Young FD of the Year at theCBI/RealFD Financial DirectorsExcellence Awards in 2008.

The Yorkshire Finance DirectorAwards, held in Harrogate, featureawards in five key categories and aimto recognise the contribution of theregion’s top finance directors and theirability to adapt to changing marketconditions.

Said Sarah: “I’m absolutelydelighted to have received the award,especially given the exceptional calibreof others nominated in the category.

“The standard of competitor atregional events such as this reinforcesmy pride in working for aYorkshire-based company.

SimplyBiz chairman Ken Davy said“Everyone who works with Sarahknows how truly well deserved thisaward is and how much she hascontributed to the ongoing success ofSimplyBiz.”

Sarah has been a member of theSimplyBiz board since the companywas launched in 2002.

She previously held roles headingthe finance team at the HuddersfieldGiants and at the Rugby FootballLeague. Before that, she establishedand ran her own accountancy practice.

SimplyBiz, based at the GalpharmStadium, provides compliance andother business support services tomore than 2,000 financial servicesfirms and 5,000 individual advisersnationwide.

600 UK LtdHoward Bamforth

MACHINE tool specialist 600 UKLtd has appointed Howard Bamforthas sales director.

Mr Bamforth, 44, will head theHeckmondwike-based company’s global sales teamand work with appointed distributors in key loca-tions.

He takes responsibility for leading 600 UK’s salesstrategy for all machine tool brands and associatedproducts, including its Colchester-Harrison Tor-nado computer numerical controlled turningcentres, Alpha combination lathes and Colchesterand Harrison conventional lathes.

Mr Bamforth (pictured) was one of the firstsponsored students at T S Harrison, which was lateramalgamated into the 600 Group.

On gaining a BSc degree in mechanical engineer-ing from Salford University, he joined the companyfull-time in 1988 and specialised initially in productdesign.

After spending two years working in service andspares, he became sales office manager for Harrisonin 1998 and regional sales manager in 2006. He wasclosely involved in the cross-over of the Colchesterand Harrison lathes ranges and the introduction ofCE Marking during the 1990s.

600 UK is part of 600 Group PLC, the UK'slargest machine tool company, which has sitesworldwide and sells into more than 180 countries.The group has two core areas of business activitycentred on machine tools and laser marking.

■ GLITTERING PRIZE: Sarah Turvey, finance director for SimplyBiz, receivesher award for Best Finance Director of an SME at the Yorkshire FinanceDirector Awards 2009 from David Buckley, of Ernst & Young

Linking upwith expertsFOUR non-executive directors have beenappointed by Business Link Yorkshire to act asambassadors for the organisation and providefeedback to the board on the needs of local firms.

Joining the business advice body is CarolynBurgess, chief executive of Humber-basedinterpreting and translating company Language isEverything; Arshad Chaudry, chairman andfounder of the Asian Business Network; GaryLumby, head of retail banking and small businessbanking at Yorkshire Bank; and York-basedsolicitor John Yeomans.

The new directors will help strengthenrelationships with a wide range of organisations,including local authorities, member bodies suchas the Federation of Small Businesses and theManufacturing Advisory Service, chambers ofcommerce, MPs and universities and colleges.

Helen West, chief executive, said: “Our newdirectors will act as Business Link Yorkshire’seyes and ears in local areas, providing our boardand executive with additional high level support,guidance and feedback regarding businessneeds as well as important economic trends.”

Law firm addsto partner teamLAW firm Ridley and Hall have pro-moted three of its solicitors to partners.

James Cook, Meena Kumari and SueCash join senior partner Nigel Priestleyand managing partner Sarah Young tomake up a new partnership team.

Said Mr Priestley: “Meena and Jamesare committed to building on the firm'sstrong commitment to legally aidedwork. Both specialise in the complex anddemanding area of family law.

“Sue is a very experienced solicitor andnotary with an expertise in wills andprobate, who is developing our local

presence in this area of law.”The firm, based at Market Street, has

gained a national presence following suc-cess in a number of ground breakingcases in community care, judicial reviewand kinship care law.

The firm won Yorkshire Lawyer Spe-cialist Law Firm of the Year awards in2006 and 2008.

Mr Priestley was highly commended inthe Law Society Awards in 2008. SarahYoung was named best woman solicitormanaging a small practice by the Associ-ation of Women Solicitors.

■ ON BOARD: Nigel Priestley (second right)and Sarah Young (right) welcome (from left)Meena Kumari, James Cook and Sue Cash

Sarah is a winner twice over