KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees10, November, 2009

FTSE 100+92.465235.18

An EXAMINER publication

INSIDE

exam

iner

.co.

uk

● Full story - Page 4

● Full story - Page 8

Themosttrustednewsbrandin thebusiness

It’s downon paperPAPER manufacturerDisposables UK hasgained a top Europeanenvironmental award.The Meltham-basedcompany has met therequirements of the EUEco-label scheme,which was set up in1992 to encouragefirms to marketproducts and servicesthat are kinder to theenvironment.

Charitycall-upTELECOMS firmTalkative Ltd has joinedforces with OvergateHospice to develop arecycling partnershipfor old mobile phones.The firm is alsobecoming a corporatemember of theElland-based hospice.

Happy to play thenumbers game!A NEW service has beenlaunched to help crunch thenumbers for small owner-man-aged businesses in Kirklees.

Accounts Online will use thelatest developments in “cloudcomputing” after signing areseller agreement with anotherlocally-based firm, LiquidAccounts, a leading provider ofonline accounting software.

This will allow secure accessto accounting records from anylocation with broadband inter-net access.

The launch of AccountsOnline has been supported byFDYL, a supplier of part-timefinance director support andmanagement accounting ser-vices to smaller firms acrossYorkshire.

FDYL associate GrahamLawley has overseen the devel-opment project and has nowtaken up the role of managingdirector for the new business.

Said Mr Lawley: “We’rehappy to provide a fully out-sourced solution or to workhand in hand with a company’sin-house finance team.

“The use of Liquid Accountsis a key feature of our businessmodel and allows our team toreview information with clientsfrom different locations at thesame time, adding a newdimension to the level of sup-port we can offer.”

Accounts Online has alsorecruited sales manager KevinBanks, who has wide-rangingexperience in the financial ser-vices sector, including branchmanagement positions with theWoolwich.

He said: “I’m very excitedabout the prospects forAccounts Online.

“I believe that we can make areal difference in the smallerSME sector, especially in thecurrent climate.”

■ CLOUD CROWD: Liquid Accounts Ltd operations director Richard Holmes (left) andsales director Darren Garland (second left) with Accounts Online UK Ltd's managingdirector Graham Lawley (second right) and sales manager Kevin Banks

Golf supplier swings in with record revenuesA GOLF retailer based in Hudders-field is on the fairway after postingrecord results.

Direct Golf UK, which has itsregistered office at Milnsbridge, said ithad increased like-for-like revenue andprofits for the year to September,2009.

While sales were flat on the highstreet, online revenues were up “signi-

ficantly” on the previous 12 monthsfollowing investment in staff and sys-tems to price its products competit-ively and speed up deliveries tocustomers.

Chairman John Andrew said: “Ourcontinued commitment to offer worldclass customer service, great priceswith super-fast delivery has been verypopular with our customers and seen

us take market share from our compet-itors in a very tough market place.

“We have achieved this throughincreasing the product range and avail-ability, controlling costs, improvingsourcing and making efficiencieswhere possible.

“My experienced and dedicatedemployees have shown once again thatany business that focuses on keeping its

customers happy can succeed even inthe toughest of times.’”

The company plans to add to its 12stores over the next few years.

Managing director Neil Bell said:“To achieve growth in the retail marketduring a recession is nothing short ofoutstanding. While it is impossible topredict the year ahead, we remainextremely positive about the future.”

NEIL WILSONChanges on the way

Ful l s to r y page 4

S IMON BODSWORTHPutt ing Br i ta in fi r st

Pro f i l e page 3

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

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICESLocal shares

FTSE closed at

5235.1Up 92.4

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.71 dollarsBangladesh................. 109.28 takaBrazil.............................. 2.57 realsCanada....................... 1.70 dollarsChina ........................... 10.22 yuanCzech Republic ...... 26.36 korunasDenmark....................... 7.92 kroneEuro............................... 1.07 euroHong Kong................ 12.32 dollarsHungary ................... 274.26 forintsIndia.......................... 68.67 rupeesJapan........................... 143.79 yenMexico ....................... 19.95 pesosNew Zealand .............. 2.12 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.99 kronePakistan.................. 131.27 rupeesPhilippines ................. 67.25 pesosSouth Africa.................. 11.63 randSouth Korea.............. 1690.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 181.19 rupeesSweden....................... 11.03 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.61 francsTaiwan ...................... 47.33 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.32 new liraUSA ............................ 1.60 dollars

Carclo 991/2Chapelthorpe 123/4Instore 45/8Marshalls 94 +11/4National Grid 6141/2 +21/2RensburgSheppards

670 +10

Weir Gp 726 +121/2

Public sector lifts KierCONSTRUCTION and housebuild-ing firm Kier said a raft of publicsector work was helping it ride outrecession after a “good start” to itsfinancial year.

Since July, the company has landed£250m in work under the BuildingSchools for the Future scheme well as£70m in health projects.

The firm said that the private hous-ing market had “stabilised” while itsfast-growing support services busi-ness has a “long list of potential newcontracts”.

Bedfordshire-based Kier’s strongstart comes despite a £17.9m finefrom the Office of Fair Trading for

anti-competitive practices – thelargest individual penalty amongfines totalling £129.5m for 103 firms.

Kier is considering contesting thedecision and has until November 22to lodge its appeal.

Kier has also pre-qualified for earlycontracts on the Crossrail east-westLondon rail link and is bidding forsimilar work in Hong Kong.

Keir’s housebuilding business hassecured almost three-quarters of itsplanned sales for the year in comple-tions and orders so far.

But it said the shortage of mort-gages meant the housing marketingremained “fragile”.

Cadbury rejects‘derisory’ Kraft bidCONFECTIONERY group Cadburyhas branded as “derisory” a £9.8bnhostile takeover offer from US foodgiant Kraft.

The company behind brands includ-ing Dairylea and Kenco coffee appealeddirectly to Cadbury’s investors after itsinitial approach was rejected by theboard in September.

But Kraft said it was not prepared toimprove the terms of its cash-and-sharesoffer – which is now lower than twomonths ago due to falls in the Kraftshare price.

Cadbury chairman Roger Carr said:“The board has emphatically rejectedthis derisory offer and has strengthenedits resolve to ensure the true value ofCadbury is fully understood by all.”

He added: “Kraft’s offer does notcome remotely close to reflecting the

true value of our company.”Kraft disappointed with weak

third-quarter results last week -–down-grading revenue guidance and hitting itsshares. This has sent the value of thefirm's offer down from 745p in Septem-ber to 717p today.

Mr Carr said: “The repetition of aproposal which is now of less value andlower than the current Cadbury shareprice does not make it any more attract-ive.”

Cadbury, which makes Dairy Milkand other chocolate bars, will contactshareholders shortly with a defence doc-ument setting out why it should remainas a standalone business.

Mr Carr added that a merger withKraft represented the “unattractive pro-spect” of being absorbed into the USfirm’s “low growth conglomerate busi-

ness model”.Kraft, which also owns Oreos biscuits

and Toblerone chocolate, tabled its offerin reaction to a 5pm “put up or shut up”deadline imposed by the City’s TakeoverPanel.

It now has 28 days to send out its offerdocument to Cadbury shareholders.

The US firm said: “We believe that ourproposal offers the best immediate andlong-term value for Cadbury’s share-holders and for the company itself com-pared with any other option currentlyavailable, including Cadbury remainingindependent.”

Kraft believes it makes a “unique fit”with Cadbury and can deliver annualcost savings of £373m by creating a“global powerhouse” of leading confec-tionery and snack brands.

Revenues fall for Aer LingusEMBATTLED airline Aer Lingusreported a further slide in revenues –but said performance was “stabil-ising” after efforts to cut aircraftnumbers and capacity.

The Dublin-based carrier, whichlast month unveiled plans to cut afifth of its workforce, said it wasremoving another plane from itslong-haul service to trim winter andsummer 2010 capacity further.

Revenues fell by 9.7% year on yearin the third quarter, although thenumber of passengers rose by 7%and the group said it was carryingmore passengers per plane.

Fares plunged by 17.6% on aver-age in the three months to Septem-

ber 30 as the airline struggled due tothe consumer spending slump.

But Aer Lingus said the pace ofdecline in fares had levelled off andan 8.5% hike in sales per passengeron extra charges for short haulflights, such as checked-in baggageand advanced seat booking, alsohelped.

Chief executive Christoph Mueller,who joined in September, is leadinga major overhaul and cost-cuttingdrive to steer the firm back toprofit.

About 676 staff are being releasedand Aer Lingus is changing its pen-sion arrangements under the firstphase of his turnaround plan.

LossesreducedSTORAGE firmLok’nStore has postednarrower annual losses.

The group, whosefortunes are largely tiedto the housing market,said occupation levelsrose by nearly 2% in theyear to July 31.

Lok’nStore reportedannual pre-tax losses of£656,000 – animprovement of 12% onlosses seen a yearearlier.

SecureperformerSECURITY group G4Sforecast a strongperformance next yearafter operating profitsrose by 12% in the firstnine months of 2009.

The company, whichprovides servicesranging from cashtransport to facilitiesmanagement, saidgovernment and newmarkets had boosted thebusiness at a time ofslightly slower growth incommercial securityservices.

It said revenues wereahead by 9% at constantexchange rates in theperiod to the end ofSeptember. Marginsimproved by 0.2%.

Recent contracts haveincluded running twoimmigration detentioncentres for the UKBorder Agency.

And an electronicmonitoring contract worth£40m a year has beenextended for a furthertwo years.

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £22.40 +0.24Gannett 643.95 +17.28Hess Corp £34.76 +0.82Motors Liquidation 44.68Wal-Mart Stores £30.72 +0.19

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEBAE Systems 3205/8 +27/8Rolls-Royce Gp 469 +11/2Smiths Grp 9471/4 +163/4VT Group 5661/2 +11/2

AIMBrady Plc 691/2Dawson Intl 23/8

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 115 +3

BANKSBarclays 3443/4 +81/4HSBC 693 +95/8Lloyds Banking Gp 853/4 +1Ryl Scotland 393/4 +25/8Stan Chart 16163/4 +93/4

BEVERAGESDiageo 10131/2 +101/2SABMiller 1659 +13

CHEMICALSCroda 7971/4 +63/4Delta 1613/8 +13/8Elementis 98 607/8 -5/8Johnsn Mat 15081/2 +271/2

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 2675/8 +71/4Costain 285/8 +11/8

ELECTRICITYDrax Grp 462 -27/8Intl Power 2571/4 -1/2

Scottish & SthrnEnergy

1077 +2

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTChloride 1753/4 +97/8Invensys 303 +63/8Laird 1273/4 +33/4

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 3111/4 +43/4

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 1383/4 +1C & W 1373/4 -11/4Colt Telecom 1251/8 +15/8KCOM 401/2 +1/4

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 2863/4 +11/4Sainsbury 3315/8 +1/8Tesco 4161/2 -11/2

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 8173/4 +11/4Cadbury 7583/4 +3/4Nth Foods 651/8 +11/8Tate Lyle 4693/4 +51/4Unilever 18061/2 +111/2Uniq 381/8 +1/8

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 2421/4 +1National Grid 6141/2 +21/2Pennon Grp 4491/2 +43/8Severn 9461/2 +1United Utils 4441/2 +5/8

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2771/2 +61/4ICAP 4161/2 +9London StockExch 9171/2 +20Man Group 3401/4 +103/4Provident Financial 9343/4 +83/4Schroders 1146 +20

Schroders NV 934 +171/2

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSAvon Rbbr 821/2Cooksn Grp 3951/4 +221/4REXAM 2901/2 +51/8

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 16 +1/4DSG International 323/4 +3/8Home Retail 310 +7/8Inchcape 301/8 +5/8Kingfisher 2405/8 +53/4M & S 3743/4 +71/4Mothercare 6123/4 +61/4Next 19681/2 -61/2WH Smith 5123/4 +11/4

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 5511/4 +151/4

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 1161/2 -1/2Barrat Dev 1361/4 -21/2Persimmon 4243/4 -17/8Reckitt Benckiser £301/2 +1/4Taylor Wimpey 417/8 +1/4

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGCharter 734 +27I M I 5203/4 +61Man Brnze 139 -2

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 1675/8 +71/2

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 1573/4 -17/8Forth Ports 1145 -43

LIFE INSURANCEAviva 4043/4 +115/8Lgl & Gen 833/8 +31/2Old Mutual 1081/2 +21/8

Prudential 6051/4 +271/4Resolution 957/8 -1/8Standard Life 2211/8 +81/8

MEDIABSkyB 5481/4 +13/4Chrysalis 100D Mail Tst 4281/4 +5ITV 49Johnston Press 267/8 -3/8Pearson 8521/2 +8Reed Elsevier 4813/8 +81/8STV Group 691/4 +3/4Trinity Mirror 165 +31/2Utd Business 482 +33/8UTV 1081/2 +1WPP 5673/4 -1/4Yell Group 481/4 +41/8

MININGAnglo American £247/8 +1Antofagasta 8901/4 +363/4BHP Billiton 1776 +721/2Eurasian NaturalRes

9241/2 +161/2

Fresnillo 8841/4 +453/4Kazakhmys 1292 +79Lonmin 1628 +63Rio Tinto £305/8 +11/2VEDANTARESOURCES

£233/4 +11/8

Xstrata 10121/2 +50

MOBILE TELECOM SERVICESInmarsat 6091/4 +143/4Vodafone Group 1377/8 +21/8

NONLIFE INSURANCEAdmiral Grp 10461/2 +111/2RSA Insurance Gp 1221/2 +3/8

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 10931/4 +143/4

BP 595 +111/8Cairn Energy £287/8 +7/8Norsk Hdro 416 +67/8Royal Dutch Shell A 1843 +351/2Royal Dutch Shell B 17971/4 +423/4Total £383/8 +3/4Tullow Oil 1273 +37

OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICESPetrofac 10201/2 +281/2Wood Group 3363/8 +123/4

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry 5911/2 +10PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca £271/4 +3/8Axis-Shield 4033/4 -71/4GlaxoSmithK XD 61/2Shire 11311/2 +361/2

REAL ESTATE

Brit Land 4661/4 +81/8DTZ Hldgs 751/2 -21/2Hamrsn 4231/4 +83/4Land Secs 6951/2 +9SEGRO 346 +1/4

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESAutonomy Corp 1405 +15Dimension Data 733/4 +7/8Logica 1237/8 -1/4Misys 217 +21/4Sage Group 2191/2 +7/8

SUPPORT SERVICESAMEC 8701/2 +18Bunzl 6543/4 +73/4Capita 7681/4 +11/4Davis ServiceGroup

418 -5

De La Rue 9893/4 +33/4Electrocomp 158 -1/8Experian 5841/4 +11/4G4S 251 -17/8Hays 1011/2 +11/4Homeserve 1597 -3Menzies J 318 -13/4Rentokil 1051/8 +1/8Smiths News 1193/8 +37/8Wolseley 12731/2 +161/2

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 1545/8 +3Psion 115 +2Spirent Comms 935/8 +7/8

TOBACCOBr Am Tob 19581/2 -1/2Imperial Tobacco 18331/2 +101/2

LEISURE & HOTELSArriva 4511/4 +5/8Brit Airways 1981/4 -1/2Carnival 19921/2 +221/2

Compass Grp 4111/8 +33/4easyJet 3741/2 +43/4Enterprise Inns 1211/2 +3/8FirstGroup 3953/4 +33/8Go-Ahead 13771/2 -131/2Greene King 4173/4 +43/4Intercontl Htls 8423/4 +181/4Ladbrokes 1245/8 -11/2Mitchells & Butlers 2497/8 +31/4Natl Express 3371/2 +71/2PartyGaming 2341/2 +31/2Rank Org 855/8 +1/8Stagecoach Group 1413/4 -11/4TUI Travel 2451/4 +4Whitbread 12441/2 +111/2

INDEXFTSE 100 5221.32 +78.60

INDEXFTSE 250 9187.10 +104.41

■ BLOCKED: Cadbury hasrejected a hostile bid from Kraft

Due to technical difficulties at the StockExchange, some of the share pricesquoted may not be accurate

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

SimonBodsworth

Daval

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Marketing anddevelopment managerAge: 26Family: Father David,mother Alyson, brothersPaul and JamesHolidays: Ski-ing in theSwiss Alps and relaxing inTenerifeCar: Audi TTFirst job: Making drawerboxes for Daval during thesummer holidayBest thing about job:Flexibility, no two days arethe sameWorst thing aboutjob: NoneBusiness tip: Changeis the only constant, soembrace it

Work: Manufacturing kit-chen, bedroom and bath-room furnitureEmploys: 70Sites: Spa Field Mills,SlaithwaitePhone 01484 848500Email: enquiries@daval-furniture.co.uk

Let’sshowBritishis best

BUYING British could bethe best way to kick-startthe country’s recovery.

That’s the view of SimonBodsworth, marketing anddevelopment manager atSlaithwaite-based furniturefirm Daval.

“We should be making aconscious decision to buyBritish,” says Simon. “It’sdown to everyone in theireveryday purchasingdecisions – from furnitureto suits to cars. The morewe buy British the quickerwe will be out of recessionand on the road torecovery.

“As a company, we havemade an active decisionover the past few years tobuy from more Britishsuppliers.

“A lot of the furnitureindustry is based inGermany and Italy, butwhere possible we try toopt for British suppliers. Itmakes sense in terms ofsecurity of supply and interms of building goodworking relationships tohave suppliers closer tohand.

“You still have to make acommercially-sensibledecision, but more andmore companies arewaking up to this way ofthinking.”

In terms of his ownindustry, Simon is in nodoubt about theadvantages of beingpatriotic.

“To start with, buyingBritish, as opposed tocontinental fitted furniturebrands, would ensure ourhome-grown industry notonly continues to produceworld-class products, butmaintains the innovationdrive we’ve seen in recentyears within the UK market– making sure we comeout of this recessionstronger than ever.

“But it’s the retailer,however, that couldpotentially reap some ofthe biggest rewards. Yes,they would obviouslybenefit from swift andefficient service from someof the UK’s best furnituremakers, but they wouldalso improve their marginssimply by focusing onmaking their pounds gofurther and not chuckingEuros down the economicdrain.

“Germany might havebrought us innovationbeyond our wildest dreamsin the past – and theItalian’s gave us a lesson instyle yesteryear. But thatwas then. With the Euroagainst us, now is theperfect time to turn oursights to home-grown

talent, while helping pullthis country out ofrecession by pouringmoney back in and savingjobs to boot.

“What’s more consumersare demanding British.Spurred on by theeconomic downturn, andreinforced by the likes ofDom Jolly’s latest TVproject, Made In Britain –where he is set to trade inall his ‘foreign’ goods forequal British-madealternatives – spendinghabits are continuing tochange drastically.

“Consumers are moreconscious about wheretheir products are comingfrom, but they’re also moresavvy about design andindividuality.”

Simon saysenvironmental issues alsoplay a part. “Thegovernment saysbusinesses have a majorrole to play in helpingprotect and enhance theenvironment,” says Simon.

“Companies are obligedto make commitments toreduce their carbonfootprint. So the big shipsfrom abroad must halt andlet the trucks on Britain’sroads continue to drive theeconomy back to where itbelongs.”

Simon has played a keypart in the development ofthe family firm since joiningthe company at its SpaField Mills premises fiveyears ago.

But it was not always

what he had planned.Following school and

college, Simon gained adegree in business studiesat Sheffield HallamUniversity and undertook aone-year placement with acompany in Hexham, whichhe discovered was asupplier to Daval.

“I was able to develop mybusiness skills andmarketing skills as well asgetting involved in thedesign side of things,” herecalls. “Everything justseemed to click into place.There was an opening atDaval for someone to workin marketing and I seizedthe opportunity with bothhands.”

Simon’s father, David, ischairman of the company –which he established in1977 – while Simon’s unclesTony and Alan areoperations director andhuman resources managerrespectively.

Simon says that being theson of the boss doesn’tmean he gets a cushy time.“You are constantly trying toprove yourself,” he says.“People think you get yourbreaks because you are afamily member, but you areactually working twice ashard to show that is not thecase.”

It does have someadvantages, however. “A lotof our independent retailersare also family businessesand that helps them relateto us. They are often afather and son team – and

they see us as biggerversions of themselves.”

Says Simon: “Being amember of the family, Ihave done everythingfrom sweeping up tomaking the tea to helpingdevelop out in-housesoftware system,Option-I, which handlesall aspects of acustomer’s order.”

The system allowsDaval’s customers –independent furnitureretailers – to specify amuch wider range ofcolours, styles andfinishes when they selectthe company’s fittedbedrooms, kitchens,bathrooms and homeoffice furniture.

The new systemenables Daval to meetdemand for tailor-madeand one-off furniturequickly and put the firmat the forefront of theindustry. It also meansthe company canoperate “just in time” –reducing the need tohold large stocks.

“More people wantchoice and individuality,”says Simon. “That’swhere the independentscome into their own.”

Away from work,Simon’s time is taken upwith his two horses. “Thefirst time I sat on a horsewas when I was twoyears old,” he says. “Myfather used to ride, so itmust be in the blood.

“I go eventing and I’d

reached quite a high levelbefore I broke off to go touniversity.”

Simon has competed inevents at venues such asBishop Burton andStoneleigh.

“I’m up at 6.30 everymorning mucking out,” hesays. “So I’ve already donea couple of hours workbefore I event get to theoffice!”

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

Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

EMPLOYER’SBRIEFNeil Wilson

Tom’s gota hot ideaA BRIGHOUSEman has comeup with a hotidea forChristmas.Now 33-year-oldentrepreneurTom Stevenson ishoping hisbusiness savvywill win him aninternationalaward.Tom is taking part in websiteAlibaba.com’s Global StartupChallenge – an international tradingcompetition that rewards the winnerwith a £10,000 business grant.Tom promises to make thecompetition sizzle with his plans tomake the humble barbecue anintegral part of Christmas this year.Having enjoyed two barbecuedturkeys last year as part of hisfestive feast, Tom is convinced hecan elevate the summer favourite toa year-round culinary delight!With hints on holding a successfulbarbecue and exciting accessoriesavailable from his aptly namedwebsite – www.baregrills.co.uk –Tom believes he’s onto a red-hotchargrilled winner!Judges were impressed with Tom’s“obvious flair for business” and his“thorough understanding” of theonline market he intends to targetwith his business plan.Tom is now forging partnershipswith suppliers via Alibaba.com andusing their £1,000 of start-up cash topurchase his wares.He is using features on theAlibaba.com website – includingforums offering guidance fromexperienced business owners andtraders as well as calling on thesupport and advice of the public whowill be voting to decide which startup business will take home £10,000.Maggie Choo, a director ofAlibaba.com, said: “We received ahuge response of pitches fromconfident, motivated buddingentrepreneurs in Yorkshire toparticipate in the Global StartupChallenge.“With a capability to connect morethan 9m companies across 240countries and regions worldwide,420,000 UK businesses are alreadysuccessfully trading across theAlibaba.com platform.“The Global Startup Challenge is allabout demonstrating that you nolonger need buckets of cash orextensive trading experience to starta global business.”The trading competition runs untilJanuary with the public able to votefor their favourite business at anypoint of the competition online atwww.globalstartupchallange.co.uk.Founded in China in 1999,Alibaba.com listed on the HongKong stock exchange in 2006. It isbilled as the premier onlinemarketplace for small andmedium-size companies around theworld to identify potential tradingpartners and interact with each otherto conduct business online.

Agency alert

OPPORTUNITIES for perman-ent employment in many

industries across the UK are veryscarce at the moment.

Recent unemployment levels for theUK stand at 7.9% for the last quarter– with the Yorkshire region faringsignificantly worse than the nationalaverage.

For those seeking paid work, agencywork can provide a short-term answerto an individual’s unemployment.Currently, agency (or “temporary”)workers do not automatically receivethe same rights or statutory protectionthat an employee would benefit from.Under the Working Time Regulations,agency workers are entitled to benefitssuch as paid holiday and minimumrest periods and workers are also pro-tected by the national minimum wageregulations.

Currently, however, there is no pro-vision in UK legislation for equaltreatment for agency workers. There isnothing to stop an employer givingagency workers much less favourableterms than its full-time workforce.Perhaps this, in part, is why agencyworkers are so appealing to a com-pany. If there is short-term demand forworkers, why not take on an agencyworker; there is no need for an employ-ment contract, there is no liability fordismissal of the worker and the termscan differ from the full time employ-ees?

There is a cloud on the horizon forbusinesses, however, and once again ithas emerged from the EuropeanUnion. As a result of the recentlyenacted Agency Workers Directive,the UK is now required to implementthis by way of Regulations by Decem-ber, 2011.

These Regulations will allow agency

workers who have worked with thesame company for a 12-week period tobenefit from the same rights and equaltreatment as the permanent employ-ees. “Equal treatment” refers to thesame rates of basic pay, annual leaveentitlements, overtime rates, breakentitlements, participation in anybonus or commission schemes and anyother additional benefits that areenjoyed by permanent employeesunder their contract of employment.

So what effect will this have on thefuture of agency workers? Theresponse from businesses is, on thewhole, far from optimistic. Accordingto recent research, 81% of 134 organ-isations questioned opposed the Dir-ective. Some 75% agree that equalrights should be awarded to agencyworkers, but after 26 weeks instead of12. It is estimated that up to 50,000agency workers could be at risk oflosing temporary work, with up to 250recruitment agencies facing extinc-tion.

Many businesses are already look-ing at creative ways of avoiding theDirective. There is a growing trend ofcompanies creating their own“internal agency” that acts as a “reliefbank of workers”. The business wouldhave a large list of individuals who willwork on an ‘as and when’ basis (com-monly known as ‘casuals’) and thebusiness will avoid having to useemployment agencies, therefore.

Further consultation is expected onhow the Directive will be implemen-ted, but it is surely only a matter oftime before agency workers are giventhe protection that will no doubt makethem a less attractive proposition tomany businesses.

Swift work by firmA FIRM celebrating 40 years in businessprovided a surprise for one of its first-evercustomers.

Lockwood-based Swift Blinds and Cur-tains Ltd replaced two plain Venetian blindsit originally supplied 40 years ago toHolmfirth woman Gladys Chaplin.

Joint managing director Nick Swift was onhand to present the replacement and said:“Gladys contacted us about replacing theblinds and we thought it would be a nicetouch to replace them free of charge.

“We were delighted to see that the blindswe supplied 40 years ago were still workingwell and we were very pleased with thequality of the product. They have certainlyserved their purpose.”

Swift Blinds and Curtains Ltd manufac-

tures and retails products for business anddomestic users as well as supplying blinds tothe trade nationwide.

It manufactures its blinds at BroadfieldMills, Albert Street and also operates ashowroom nearby at Lockwood Road.

Swift has 50 employees and has become aprominent part of the local community and awell-known name in the town.

Swift sales director Mr David Roebucksays : “A lot of people who know us for ourdomestic business don’t realise we undertakecontract work and local authority work aswell. Similarly, people who deal with ourcontract operation don’t realise we are in thedomestic market.”

However, Swift is enjoying success – withshowroom sales up by 15% so far this year.

■ PRESENT SURPRISE: Gladys Chaplin, of Holmfirth,with Nick Swift, of Swift Blinds, and her replacementvenetian blinds which the Lockwood company suppliedafter her 40-year-old original blinds were some of the firstfitted by the company

Rebuilding trustEMPLOYERS will have to findnew ways of winning overtheir workers as a result of therecession.A report by accountancy firmPricewaterhouseCoopers saidthat pay and promotionfreezes, changes to pensionschemes, cuts in recruitmentand slashed training budgetshad eroded the bonds of trustbetween some employers andtheir employees.In contrast, otherorganisations had excelled atdoing more with less to

engage and develop theiremployees in an unstableemployment landscape.Graham Ward-Thompson,Yorkshire and Humber partnerfor human resource servicesat PwC, said: “As thelong-term impact of ‘people’decisions taken during thedownturn begins to be felt,the winners and losers of thewar for talent are starting tobe revealed – with those whofocus on investment andemployee engagementemerging as clear leaders.”

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 5

BANKER’SBLOGJill Hague

Jill Hague is HSBC area commercialdirector for Calderdale and Kirklees

t-up cash to

t and advice of the public who

h other

Proof on paperfor green firmPAPER manufacturer Dispos-ables UK has secured a prestigi-ous European environmentalaward.

The Meltham-based companyhas met the requirements of theEU Eco-label scheme, a volun-tary scheme set up in 1992 toencourage businesses to marketproducts and services that arekinder to the environment.

Products and services awardedthe Eco-label carry the flowerlogo, allowing consumers –including public and private sec-tor purchasers – to identify themeasily.

The Eco-label covers a widerange of products and services,including cleaning products,appliances, paper products, tex-tiles and home and gardenproducts, lubricants and servicessuch as tourist accommodation.

The environmental criteria

behind gaining the Eco-labelaccreditation is very tough – withonly the best products which arekindest to the environment beingent i t l ed to carry the EUEco-label.

Emma Wood, marketing man-ager for Disposables UK, said:“The company has been workingon gaining the EU Eco-label onour Bay West range of toilet tissueand hand towels for the last 18months.

“As the Eco-label considers thewhole life cycle of the productfrom raw material through to fin-ished product through to productdisposal, the process has beenlong and challenging, but veryworthwhile.”

Each of the Bay West products,which are made at DisposablesUK’s head office productionplant, were tested at independenttest centres and the results ana-

lysed by Eco-label assessors andthen reviewed by the Departmentfor Environment Food and RuralAffairs.

Said Emma: “Working withour paper mills and their pulpsuppliers, we have secured thismajor certification on some ofour Bay West products and wetruly believe this is going to giveus a great selling advantage overour competitors.

“Disposables UK has recog-nised the importance of beinggreen. To be able to provide certi-fied ‘green washrooms’ intoplaces where environmental con-cerns are a consideration makescustomers happy and increasesour market share.”

Disposables UK Limited hasbeen shortlisted for ThursdayNight’s Examiner BusinessAwards.

Exports are the answer

Having a solid domestic business isthe primary focus for many com-

panies in Huddersfield, especiallyduring the recent downturn.

However, as domestic markets continueto pose challenges, and the cost of suppliers,services and skills become more expensive,HSBC believes businesses should considerwhat opportunities lie beyond theseshores.

In doing so, a business can diversify riskand capitalise on growth opportunities byharnessing new revenue streams.

The recent HSBC Going Internationalstudy conducted amongst 500 UK busi-nesses either trading internationally orplanning to in the future, reiterates ourview.

The s tudy revea l s that 38% ofdomestic-only UK businesses see interna-tional trade as crucial to their overall sur-vival.

This increases to 90% to when speaking tothose who are already trading overseas.

In Yorkshire and Humberside, over athird of businesses are already trading inter-nationally, with 88% of these reporting thatinternational trade is vital to their long termsuccess.

We are currently experiencing an increasein the number of discussions with bothexisting and new customers in Huddersfieldwho are either looking to export for the firsttime or who are researching new markets.

As a result, HSBC is working in partner-ship with UKTI to explore all possibleoptions for customers.

The biggest international markets forbusinesses in Yorkshire and Humber are inEurope, with Germany, France and Italytopping the list.

However, we are also witnessing an

increase in the number of businesses look-ing to trade with emergent markets, buoyedby a booming economy in China and grow-ing consumer demands. In fact, 44% ofinternational businesses in Yorkshire andHumber are already trading with China.

This trend looks set to continue withbusinesses in Yorkshire and Humber invest-igating the possibility of international tradeciting Asia, Spain, France and Germany askey geographical targets.

Trading overseas can offer a wealth ofopportunities and could increase profitpotential.

But success is dependent on a number offactors; from an understanding of the localcurrency and payment terms to a differentlanguage and rules of etiquette. Therefore, itis vital to take professional advice fromexpert organisations such as the NorthEast’s Regional Language Network.

A strong banking relationship is key forbusinesses with overseas aspirations.

HSBC’s team of commercial and special-ist experts in Huddersfield, working seam-lessly with its unique global relationshipmanagement team around the world canhelp negotiate the opportunities and chal-lenges overseas.

We believe the only way the UK willrecover quickly and sustainably from therecession is by trading her way out.

That calls for increased commitment tothe export of goods and services. Exposing abusiness to overseas opportunities makes itmore competitive, more productive andbetter equipped to deal with economicchallenges.

■ GREEN LIGHT: Bob Ryder (left), ofDEFRA, congratulates Disposables UKsales director Paul Halliwell and marketingmanager Emma Wood

Relief from your storage headaches...Jetleys is a specialist at providing third partywarehousing, pallet storage, commercial goodsstorage with pick and pack and fulfilment. Ourreceipt, handling and dispatch service providescustomers with a simple, low cost, transparentpricing structure based on the number of palletsstored. Jetleys does it all for you, effectively,professionally and securely. Strategically situatedclose to the M62, our secure premises have thelatest CCTV protection. We are proud to support

local businesses who require a nationwide deliverynetwork. If you need a bespoke, tailored solutionthat is truly unique, you’ve found the rightcompany, talk to us today!

Call Maggie Netherwood (Business Development)on 01422 327813 or Phil Tenwick – ManagingDirector on 07920 515921. Or simply visit us atwww.jetleys.co.uk to find out just what we cando for you.

JETLEYS PACKAGING LIMITED, AINLEY INDUSTRIAL ESTATEHUDDERSFIELD ROAD, ELLAND, WEST YORKSHIRE HX5 9JP

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 6

■ HIGH RISE: On the roof of Huddersfield University's Central Services Building are (frontto back) Colin Blair, estates and facilities director for the university; Tony Lelliott, universitybuilding surveyor; and Tony Collins, project manager for Tolent Construction

Tolent is rising toa new challengeA PARTNERSHIP betweenHuddersfield University andbuilding contractor TolentConstruction has reached newheights.

The company has secured a£170,000 contract to refurbishthe roofing of the 14-storeyCentral Services Building atthe university’s Queensgatecampus. The work is scheduledfor completion this winter.

The contract is the latest in aseries of developments under-taken by Tolent on behalf ofthe university dating back to2001.

Previous work by Tolent hasincluded a new reception, therefurbishment of the library, anew teaching and performingarts centre in Oldham and theconversion of a music buildinginto a lecture theatre, teachingfacility and offices for the uni-versity’s estates and facilitiesdepartment.

Colin Blair, director ofestates and facilities, said: “The

fact that we have been usingTolent for more than 10 pro-jects since 2001 demonstratesour satisfaction with the reli-able quality of their work andservice.

“In 2008, they completedfive projects with a total valueof about £8.5m. In each case,Tolent worked closely with theuniversity’s management teamand end users to deliver veryhigh quality, high-tech facilit-ies – all of them completed ontime to fit the schedule of theacademic year.”

Tony Collins, project man-ager at Tolent, said: “We aredelighted to continue workingwith the university on theirexciting redevelopment.

“For many years TolentConstruction have been veryactive in the education sectorand I believe that our experi-ence has been an importantfactor in developing a success-ful relationship with the uni-versity.”

TradingsoundadviceBUILDING tradesmenacross Kirklees can findout how to make savingsby reducing waste –thanks to new fact sheetsfrom environmentaladvice group Envirowise.

The building industrycreates some 120mtonnes of construction,demolition andexcavation waste everyyear – about a third of allwaste in the UK.

The new fact sheetsprovide information tohelp bricklayers,labourers, electricians,plumbers, decorators,plasterers andcarpenters. The factsheets can bedownloaded for free atwww.envirowise.gov.uk

Elin Crebbin,Envirowise regionalmanager for Yorkshire,said the new fact sheetscould help local smallbuilders and tradesmenfind out the simple andeffective ways to savemoney and help theenvironment.

They also highlightlegislation affecting soletraders as well as givingdetails of organisationsthat can offer more help.

commercial properties

offices

commercial

industrial

www.bramleys.com

14 st georges square, huddersfield hd1 1jf

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

COLNESIDE BUSINESS PARK,MILNSBRIDGE£30,000 PA

● Office Premises

● 541.62m²

(5,830ft²)

● Good car parking

● Popular location

● Potential CallCentre

● Open plan● Showroom● FLEXIBLE

TERMS

QUEEN STREET,HUDDERSFIELD£11,000 P/A

● Ground and First

Floor Offices

● 115.6m² (1,244ft²)

● Listed building

● Georgian Terrace

● Close to

University

● Electric central

heating

LOCKWOOD ROAD,HUDDERSFIELD£13,000 PA

● First floor office

premises

● 84.45m² (909ft²)

● Courtyard setting

● Fully inclusiverent

● Category IIlighting

● 1/2 mile fromHuddersfield towncentre

ST ANDREWS ROAD,HUDDERSFIELD

FOR SALE OR TO LET

● SecureSite/ExternalStorage

● 1.25 acres (0.5hectares)

● Secure Perimeter

● Popular IndustrialLocation

● Just off LeedsRoad

● Good Motorwayaccess

LEEDS ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD£20,000 PA

● Secure fenced

site

● 632sq yds

● High profile

position

● Outskirts ofHuddersfield towncentre

● Good access toM62 motorwaynetwork

● Close vicinity toretail park

RAILWAY STREET,HUDDERSFIELD

£500,000

● Development

Opportunity

● 791.06sqm

(8,515sqft)

● Partialimplementation ofPlanning Consentfor twocommercial unitsand residentialapartments

SALENDINE NOOK SHOPPINGCENTRE, HUDDERSFIELD

FROM £7,000 PA

● Retail units● 20.72sqm

(223sqft) and155.33sqm(1,672sqft)

● Popular shoppingcentre

● Recentlyrefurbished

● Adjacent toSainsburys

● On site carparking

STANDARD HOUSE,HUDDERSFIELD

£8,000 PA

● Retail unit● 44.77sqm

(482sqft)● Ancillary

accommodation69.77sqm(746sqft)

● Return frontage● Rateable value

£6,400● Close to bus

station and multi-storey car park

PENISTONE ROAD,HUDDERSFIELD£15,000 P/A

● Single storeyworkshop

● 501.48m²(5,398ft²)

● B1 PlanningConsent

● Rateable value£7,300

● Car parking for upto 12 vehicles

● 3 Months rentfree available

GEORGE STREET,HUDDERSFIELD£15,000 PA

● IndustrialUnit/Warehouse

● 553sqm(5,954sqft)

● Rateable Value£11,500

● 3 PhaseElectricity

● Gas supply

● Flexible terms

● 13,188 sqft also

available

offices

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS property Page 7FinancialproblemsDEVELOPERS in Yorkshireare unable to get finance toturn their schemes intoreality, an expert hasclaimed.

Alex Munro, head ofcommercial developmentagency Knight Frank inWest Yorkshire, said theclimate remained verychallenging for those whowant to build.

He said: “Banks onlywant to lend on the lowestrisk properties, whichmeans a substantial equityinterest from the borrower, asecure covenant as atenant and a fundable leaselength which is a minimumof 15 years, ideally aminimum of 20 years.

“It is also important toremember that the duediligence process hasmoved from detailed toforensic.”

But he added: “It is alsothe time for the wealthyindividuals to get back intothe market, where they canget real value for money.We should also not forgetthe one or two funds whichstill have the appetite andcash for development ifsomeone else has done thehard yards in pulling ittogether.”

Commercial arrangementESTATE agency Cornerstone has forged anew partnership to strengthen its activities inthe commercial property market.

Cornerstone, which has branches at DenbyDale, Kirkburton and Honley, has linked upwith Scissett-based chartered surveyor AdrianWilson to formally launch Cornerstone Com-mercial.

The new service – running alongside itsestate agency work – will focus on commercialproperty sales, lettings and management in theHuddersfield, Holmfirth, Wakefield andBarnsley areas.

Mr Wilson has more than 20 years experi-ence in the business as a chartered surveyor.

Justin Dugdale, of Cornerstone, said: “Theservice will build on our wealth of localproperty knowledge to ensure we satisfy therequirements of our customers – whether they

are owners looking to sell or lease theirproperties, investors or tenants looking forsuitable business premises.

“We also aim to offer a comprehensive andcost-effective commercial property manage-ment service for people with a single propertyot a portfolio of properties.”

Mr Dugdale, who is based at Cornerstone’soffices in Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, said:“We have predominantly dealt with residentialproperty, but we have frequently dealt withlocal business people selling commercial prop-erties. Now we want to build up that part of thebusiness.”

He said properties had ben selling in thecommercial sector, adding: “We are seeingmore enquiries for start units. They are prov-ing very popular.”

■ LINK-UP: Adrian Wilson (left) of A R Wilson and Co Surveyors , with Justin Dugdale,director of Cornerstone Estate Agents, which are tackling the commercial property market

Key appointmentfor building firmAN award-winning building companyhas appointed a “headhunter” to helprecruit key personnel.

Brighouse-based building servicescompany Ploughcroft Ltd hasengaged Paul Mulcock to help thecompany find a marketing manager topromote the business and its suc-cesses.

Ploughcroft was founded by man-aging director Chris Hopkins and hisfather Bill in 1997.

Earlier this year it was named a goldwinner in the Bucking the Trend com-petition run by Business Link York-shire.

The company was also winner of theEmployer of the Year category in the2008 Examiner Business Awards.

Ploughcroft has won plaudits for itsinnovative response to the recession –launching the Rooferman franchise tohelp construction workers maderedundant get into business for them-selves after just five weeks of train-ing.

Rooferman offers prospective roof-

ers the chance to set up a man-in-a-vanbusiness without the usual risks asso-ciated with going into business forthemselves.

Franchisees get intensive training atPloughcroft’s purpose-built trainingcentre on Owler Ings Road – coveringareas such as roofing techniques,repair and maintenance and installing“green” technologies such as solarpanels.

They also benefit from a supportpackage which includes regular visitsfrom a franchise manager, a mentoringprogramme, top-up training as andwhen required, performance bench-marking and regular networkingmeetings.

Mr Mulcock, managing director ofBroad Oak Solutions, based at Slaith-waite, said: “I am delighted to bepartnering such a progressive andinnovative business as Ploughcroft – afirm proving that even in difficultconditions, business can flourish.” ■ WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY: Chris Hopkins (right), managing director of

Ploughcroft, meets “headhunter” Paul Mulcock

INDUSTRIAL ReTAIL

LAND

offIceFOR SALE – NEw INStRuctION

ModernWorkshopandOfficesMartin Street, Brighouse1Modernworkshopand offices

1548.21m2 (5,901 sq ft)1close proximity to J25M62Price: On application

tO LEtTown CentreRetail Unit44 Park Street,Brighouse163.98m2 (687 sq ft)1Return frontageoverlooking Park StreetandWest Park Street

1open plan retail spacewith additional stores

1w/c and kitchenettefacilities

Rental: £8,250 perannumexclusive(Incentives available)

tO LEtLand at Leeds RoadHuddersfield1Prominent Leeds Roadfrontage

1close toMercedes/Audidealerships

10.27Ha (0.68 Acres)(may divide)

1Potential for alternativeuses

Rental: On applicationJoint Agents: Hansonchartered Surveyors

tO LEtPennine HouseBradley Business Park,Huddersfield1Modern B1 office suites11,000 sq ft to 2,637 sq ft1considerable car parkingprovision

1competitive rentalsFurther Details:On application

tO LEt/FOR SALEPennineBusiness ParkBradley, Huddersfield1High specification offices1372&557m2 (4,000&6,000 sq ft)

1ease of access to J25M62Rental/Price:On applicationJoint Agents: Eddisons

tO LEt – NEw INStRuctION

74aCommercial StreetBrighouse1first floor offices184m2 (905 sq ft)1Town centre locationRental: £5,200 per annumexclusive

tO LEtSingle StoreyIndustrial andWorkshopUnitunit 5 BranxholmeIndustrial Estate,Brighouse190m2 (969 sq ft)1established industrialestate

1Benefits from Scf and fSLthroughout

1Drive-in access byway ofa steel roller shutter door

Rental: £6,500 per annumexclusive

tO LEtUnit 3Westbury StreetElland1Detachedmodern singlestorey industrial unit

1229m2 (2,467 sq ft)1ease of access to J24M62Rental: £12,000 per annumexclusive

tO LEtHeathfield HouseHeathfield Street, Elland1Detached two storey officeandworks

1642m2 (6,912 sq ft)1Shared secure yard1ease of access to J24M62Rental: £22,500 per annumexclusive

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Stewart Williams & Kate Burn

Manifest

Quality movefor law firmLAW firm Chadwick Lawrence has joined theranks of an exclusive nationwide alliance of highquality solicitor firms.

The firm, which has offices at Railway Streetin Huddersfield, has joinedQualitySolicitors.com – the UK national legalbrand which promotes the use of solicitor firmsover “call centre law” soon to be provided bysupermarkets and banks.

Chadwick Lawrence was chosen as one ofonly 100 law firms nationwide to be named asfounder members.

QualitySolicitors.com will match users of itsfree service to the best high quality solicitor fortheir particular issue.

The website at www.QualitySolicitors.comaims to address all possible legal needs byincluding extensive legal resources, DIYdocuments, online legal advice and by referringusers to the telephone legal advice service fromconsumer organisation Which?

Birthday treatfor busy staffSTAFF enjoyed a sweet treat to markthe first anniversary of a Huddersfieldonline retailer.

Your Department Store, based atAshbrow Mills, Sheepridge, began withjust two retailers on the books – but nowit has 23 retailers trading online.

“We are delighted to be celebratingour first birthday,” said chairman DavidRuddiman. “This first year has seen thebusiness go from strength to strength.

“We are very grateful to the firstretailers in particular who took the

brave move to become part of YDS andare pleased they are still with us a yeardown the line.

“Here’s to the next year!”YDS, which has a staff of nine, allows

independent furniture retailers to havean online trading site at a fraction of thecost it would take to develop their owne-commerce systems.

Recent additions to the retailer listinclude Lancashire-based Domus Fur-niture and Carpets, Stevenson’s and OddSize Beds.

Hospice gets mobile support

A TELECOM company is ringing upcash for charity.

Liversedge-based Talkative Ltd hasjoined forces with Overgate Hospiceto develop a recycling partnership forold mobile phones. The company isalso becoming a corporate member ofthe Elland-based hospice.

Talkative managing director RichardWinterbottom has undertaken a largerecycling campaign to help thehospice improve on the few hundredpounds it currently gets fromdonations of recycled mobile phones.

Kathryn Rogan, of the hospice,said: “Overgate Hospice is the onlyhospice in Calderdale.

“Since it was established in 1981, ithas expanded and continues toprovide care to adults in Calderdalewho have a life limiting illness.

“We have a 12-bed inpatient unitand there are doctors and nursesproviding 24 hour specialist care tothe patient while supporting familiesalso.

“We have a day hospice that offersday care to 12 patients a day.

“Patients attend day care forsupport, to have a bit of fun and canalso access therapies such asphysiotherapy or aromatherapy.”

Kathryn said the hospice runningcosts would total £1.9m this year –with just 18% covered by the localPrimary Care Trust.

She said: “It is pleasing to see asmall to medium-sized business inTalkative Ltd embracing its corporatesocial responsibility to the widercommunity.”

IT adds upfor SamanthaINSURANCE broker Samantha James is aimingto be leader of the pack.

Samantha, 25, an account executive atEastwood and Partners in Huddersfield, hasreached the final of the IT Pack, an initiative runby Insurance Times and Aviva to spotlight thenext generation of insurance brokers across thecountry.

Samantha attended an IT Pack session inLeeds where she impressed with hercontribution and her thoughts on the InsuranceIndustry.

She now has to go to London to beinterviewed by a panel of judges, including NickHewer from TV’s The Apprentice. The winnerswill receive their awards at a ceremony inDecember in Birmingham.

John Eastwood, managing director ofEastwood and Partners, said: “The companyare delighted that Sam has been selected as afinalist, it is well deserved and we wish her allthe very best for the final.”

Eastwood and Partners has more than 80staff at offices in Huddersfield, Halifax andSheffield providing insurance broking, riskmanagement and financial services.

MARKETING agency ManifestCommunications as appointedStewart Williams as creativedesigner and Kate Burn as publicrelations executive.

Mr Williams (pictured, top)gained a degree in creativeimaging and advertising atHuddersfield University beforeworking for Mitre SportInternational as head of designwhere he headed a team of threedesigners.

Ms Burn (also pictured) joinedManifest’s Huddersfield office aftercompleting a degree in publicrelations and advertising at theUniversity of Lincoln.

She worked as a marketingassistant for Leeds-basedmanufacturing and engineeringparts supplier WDS ComponentParts Ltd.

Nev Ridley, joint managing director at ManifestCommunications, said: “Considering the currenteconomic climate, it is an ambitious move for us tobe expanding rather than trying to consolidate.However, employing young professionals likeStewart and Kate will generate new opportunitiesfor both the Huddersfield and London offices.”

UP & WorkingJacqui Tuff

RECRUITMENT agency UP &Working Ltd has appointed JaquiTuff to the team.

Jacqui (pictured) brings morethan 15 years of experience to thecompany, having started out withnationwide agency Link upRecruitment in 1994. She workedher way up to branch managerfollowing 10 years managingindustrial and commercialplacements.

Jacqui became general manager for HorizonRecruitment and before taking up the post ofstrategic development manager for MajorRecruitment Ltd based in Cleckheaton.

She joins UP & Working, based at the MediaCentre in Huddersfield, after a year as anindependent consultant and adviser.

Fantastic MediaAhmed Mahdi & David Ford

BIRSTALL-based Fantastic Mediahas appointed two new members ofstaff to strengthen its digitaloperations.

After working for a small webdevelopment agency in Leeds,Ahmed Mahdi (pictured top) hasjoined Fantastic as part of a biggerteam and to develop his experienceand skills. He will be fully involved inbuilding websites for clients andmaking them into dynamicallydriven content managed systems.

For the third year running,Fantastic is continuing itspartnership with HuddersfieldUniversity as it has employed astudent on a year’s placement in itsdigital department. David Ford (alsopictured), a third year student inmultimedia design, will work onvideo and design projects for abroad range of clients.

Fantastic, formed almost four years ago, has nowemployed five new starters since the beginning of2009.

■ TALK TO ME: Richard Winterbottom, managing director of Talkative, withKathryn Rogan (left) and Laura Ramsden, of Overgate Hospice