KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSThe business NEWSpaper for Kir k lees5, Ju ly, 2011

INSIDE

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● Full story - Page 6

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Themosttrustednewsbrandin thebusiness

MANDY NAYLOR COLIN BARRATT

Fu l l i n te r v i ew - Page 3Gett ing tax figures r ight

Co lumn - Page 4

An EXAMINER publication

FactorytourBATLEY-born tycoonLawrence Tomlinsonwelcomed members ofthe Institute ofDirectors for abehind-the-scenes lookat his successfulbusiness.Delegates toured theLNT Groupheadquarters in Leedsand visited the factorywhere subsidiaryGinetta producessports cars.

MatchpointBUSINESS people inHuddersfield took partin a tennis tournament.The event wasorganised by law firmArmitage Sykes atHuddersfield LawnTennis and SquashClub.

FTSE 100+27.78

6017.54

Marshalls tickingall the right boxes

A HUDDERSFIELD company isamong five West Yorkshire firms togain a national award for theirresponsible business practices.

Paving supplier Marshalls plc,which has sites at Birkby and Elland,has gained a Big Tick Award fromBusiness in the Community.

The awards highlight the bestexamples of the positive impact busi-nesses have on the environment,among employees, through supplychains and in the local communities inwhich they operate.

Joining Marshalls among the win-ners were greetings card firm Hall-mark, Kier Building Maintenance,Logistik and Pinsent Masons.

The presentations took place at TheCentenary Pavilion at Leeds UnitedFootball Club.

A further eight firms gained Big

Tick re-accreditations for continuedcommitment after gaining Big TickAwards last year.

The accolades were presented byITV presenter Gaynor Barnes andBITC regional director Liz Needle-man.

Marshalls, Hallmark and Logistikhave also been shortlisted for thechance to win the overall Example ofExcellence in their category, which willbe presented at a gala dinner at theRoyal Albert Hall in London.

In a separate move, Marshalls chiefexecutive Graham Holden wasannounced as regional ambassadorfor The Prince of Wales for the secondconsecutive year for his leadership andcommitment to responsible businessin the region.

Ms Needleman said: “Each year Iam thoroughly inspired by the busi-

nesses across the region striving toincorporate responsible business in allthey say and do.

“There is a growing requirement todo more with less which requires aninnovative, creative approach to tack-ling societies biggest challenges,powerful collaboration, and effectiveleadership.

“Our winners have these qualities inabundance, and the diverse nature ofthe projects recognised through theAwards for Excellence highlights thepowerful impact created when busi-nesses and communities connect tomeet local needs.

“All of our winners should be proudto be pioneers in this growing move-ment of individuals transforming busi-nesses and by doing so transformingcommunities for good.”■ ROYAL APPOINTMENT:

Marshalls chief Graham Holden

Rixonway boss wins enterprise awardA KIRKLEES business leader has beenhonoured for steering his company torecord growth.

Paul Rose, chief executive of Dews-bury-based Rixonway Kitchens, won thecategory for manufacturing at the Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Mr Rose was one of 12 entrepreneursfrom Yorkshire to be shortlisted in thecompetition – alongside regional leadersin areas such as surgical instruments,marketing and car rental.

The competition culminated in a blacktie dinner hosted by BBC presenter

Jeremy Vine at the Lowry Hotel inManchester.

Mr Rose was recognised for the “stel-lar” growth rates achieved at Rixonway,which is a leading manufacturer of kit-chens for the affordable and social hous-ing sector.

Under his leadership the company hasbeen transformed from a small regionalkitchen manufacturer into one of themarket leaders.

Mr Rose led a £27m management buy-out of Rixonway in 2006 and the firm hasgrown revenue from £19m to £29m over

the last three years.He said: “Good customer service has

been key to the expansion. By constantlyreviewing our service and product offer-ing, we are able to remain ahead of ourcompetitors. The ability to react quicklyto market changes also sets us apart.”

The firm’s success comes on the back ofappearances in both the Sunday TimesProfit Track 100 and Buyout Track 100where Rixonway was listed 36th and 17threspectively. Both tables rank Britain’s 100private companies with the fastest-grow-ing profits.

■ WINNER: StuartRose, of Rixonway

Lady of letters!

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

Solicitors for business inYorkshire

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS national Page 2

SHARE PRICESLocal shares

FTSE closed at

6017.54Up 27.78

TOURIST RATES

Tourists going abroad can expectthe following rates for sterling:Australia...................... 1.42 dollarsBangladesh................. 112.78 takaBrazil.............................. 2.24 realsCanada....................... 1.47 dollarsChina ............................. 9.31 yuanCzech Republic ...... 24.61 korunasDenmark....................... 7.86 kroneEuro............................... 1.06 euroHong Kong................ 11.90 dollarsHungary ................... 261.92 forintsIndia.......................... 63.10 rupeesJapan........................... 123.69 yenMexico ....................... 16.67 pesosNew Zealand .............. 1.81 dollarsNorway ......................... 8.22 kronePakistan.................. 130.33 rupeesPhilippines ................. 59.42 pesosSouth Africa................. 10.15 randSouth Korea.............. 1493.00 wonSri Lanka ................ 166.42 rupeesSweden......................... 9.61 kronaSwitzerland.................. 1.30 francsTaiwan ...................... 40.34 dollarsTurkey....................... 2.46 new liraUSA ............................ 1.54 dollars

Carclo 312 -3Marshalls 1081/4 +1/4National Grid 6141/2 -1Weir Gp £217/8 +1/2

NORTH AMERICANAmerican Express £32.52Gannett 903.50Hess Corp £46.87Microsoft 1616.85Motors Liquidation 46.60Wal-Mart Stores £33.25

AEROSPACE & DEFENCEAvon Rbbr 3091/2 +11/2BAE Systems 319 +1/8Rolls-Royce 648 +1/2

AIMBrady Plc 73Dawson Intl 17/8Man Brnze 461/2Uniq 771/2

AUTOMOBILES & PARTSG K N 2343/8 +1/2

BANKSBarclays 2623/4 -27/8HSBC 627 -21/8Lloyds Banking Gp 497/8 -7/8Ryl Scotland 391/8 -5/8Stan Chart 1660 -12

BEVERAGESDiageo 1297 +15SABMiller £227/8 +1/4

CHEMICALSCroda 1985 +72Elementis 98 178 +51/2Johnsn Mat £201/8 +1/8

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALSBalfour Beatty 314 +2

Costain 221 +3ELECTRICITY

Drax Gp 4993/4 +15/8Intl Power 3203/4Scottish & SthrnEnergy

1402 +4

ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTLaird 2035/8 +5/8

EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTSAlliance Trust 3903/8 +13/8

FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICESBT Grp 2001/2 +5/8Cable & WirelessComm

41 +3/8

Cable & WirelessWwide

48 +15/8

Colt Group 143 -3/8KCOM 761/2Talktalk Telecom 144 -11/8

FOOD & DRUG RETAILERSMorrison W 2971/2 +21/2Sainsbury 3301/4 +11/4Tesco 4043/8 +31/4

FOOD PRODUCERSAB Food 1086 +8Tate Lyle 632 +13Unilever £203/8 +1/4

GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIESCentrica 3287/8 +3National Grid 6141/2 -1Pennon Grp 705 +4Severn 1496 +2United Utils 611 +1/2

GENERAL FINANCIAL3i Group 2875/8 +21/2ICAP 4983/4 +15/8London StockExch 1059 +26Man Group 243 +3/4Provident Financial 978 +31/2Schroders 1596 +13Schroders NV 1345 +6

GENERAL INDUSTRIALSCooksn Grp 690 +1REXAM 3913/4 -31/4Smiths Grp 1212 +12

GENERAL RETAILERSAshley L 21 +11/2Carphone Whse 4281/2 -3Dixons Retail 153/4 -7/8Home Retail 1653/4 +1Inchcape 4181/8 -71/4Kingfisher 2663/8 +1/4M & S 3663/4 -3/4Mothercare 4043/8 +11/4Next £23WH Smith 492 -1

HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICESSmith Nph 672 -21/2

HOUSEHOLD GOODSAga Rangemaster 1111/4 -13/8Barrat Dev 1165/8 +3/4Persimmon 4913/4 +91/4Reckitt Benckiser £347/8 +3/8Taylor Wimpey 387/8

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERINGCharter 8281/2 +12I M I 1078 +11

INDUSTRIAL METALSFerrexpo 4843/8 +43/4

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATIONBBA Aviation 2203/4 +23/8

LIFE INSURANCEAviva 4445/8 -13/4Lgl & Gen 1197/8 -1/8Old Mutual 1351/8 -3/8Prudential 7361/2 +3Resolution 2925/8 -7/8Standard Life 2141/2 +7/8

MEDIABSkyB 850 +1D Mail Tst 4673/4 +31/4ITV 735/8 -1/8Johnston Press 51/2 -1/8Pearson 1202 +25Reed Elsevier 573STV Group 127Trinity Mirror 421/4Utd Business 5591/2 +21/2UTV 1301/4 +1WPP 779 +4Yell Group 63/4 +5/8

MININGAnglo American £311/8 +1/8Antofagasta 1431 +11BHP Billiton £243/4 +1/8Eurasian NaturalRes

8091/2 +91/2

Fresnillo 1404 +5Kazakhmys 1395 -4Lonmin 1451 +6Rio Tinto £453/8

VEDANTARESOURCES

£207/8 -1/8

Xstrata 1394 +5MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES

Inmarsat 563 +4Vodafone Group 165 +7/8

NONLIFE INSURANCEAdmiral Grp 1671 -2RSA Insurance Gp 1367/8 +11/8

OIL & GAS PRODUCERSBG 1439 +111/2BP 4627/8 +31/4Cairn Energy 4043/4 -133/4Royal Dutch Shell A £221/2 +1/4Royal Dutch Shell B £221/2 +1/8Total £36

Tullow Oil 1253 +1OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

AMEC 1110 +7Petrofac 1549 +22Wood Gp(J) 694 +32

PERSONAL GOODSBurberry Gp 1484 +13PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY

Astrazeneca £311/2 +1/4Axis-Shield 3181/2 -27/8GlaxoSmithK XD 91/2Shire 1961 +14

REAL ESTATEBrit Land 6291/2 +14Captl Shop Cent 4013/4 +11/4DTZ Hldgs 451/2 +1Hamrsn 4907/8 +51/4Land Secs 8801/2 +14SEGRO 319 +35/8

SOFTWARE ETC SERVICESAutonomy Corp 1739 +36Invensys 3271/8 +33/8Logica 1347/8 +5/8Misys 4173/4 -21/2Sage Group 2893/4 -5/8

SUPPORT SERVICESBerendsen 537 +2Bunzl 7931/2 -71/2Capita 709 -8De La Rue 7601/2 -2Electrocomp 2741/4 +3/8Experian 806 +41/2G4S 2821/4 +17/8Hays 1035/8 -1

Homeserve 503 +3Menzies J 545 +40Rentokil 957/8 +1Smiths News 90 -1/4Wolseley £203/4 +1/8

IT HARDWAREARM Hldgs 6091/2 +16Psion 741/4 -153/8Spirent Comms 1491/2 +1/8

TOBACCOBr Am Tob £277/8 +3/8Imperial Tobacco £213/8 +1/4

LEISURE & HOTELSBwin.Party Digital 150 -1Carnival £245/8 +1/8Compass Grp 6061/2 +11/2easyJet 3661/4 +43/4Enterprise Inns 671/2 +13/4FirstGroup 3493/4 +63/4Go-Ahead Gp 1580 -6Greene King 506 +81/8Intercontl Htls 1300 +25Intl Cons AirlinesGp

2577/8 +33/8

Ladbrokes 1541/4 +13/8Mitchells & Butlers 318 +7/8Natl Express 2591/8 +31/4Rank Org 1493/4 +1/4Stagecoach Group 2613/4 -63/4TUI Travel 227 +1/4Whitbread 1642 +16

INDEXFTSE 100 6017.54 +27.78

INDEXFTSE 250 12102.27 +61.99

LARGE-SCREEN cinema groupIMAX is poised for a major expan-sion of its UK chain, it is claimed.

There are 14 IMAX cinemas in theUK, but chief executive Richard Gelf-ond wants to increase this to about50 in over the next five to sevenyears.

Mr Gelfond said: “There’s a lot ofinterest in the UK” and added thattalks were under way with a numberof potential distributors.

Interest in IMAX screens hassurged recently with a number ofblockbusters made specifically forthe format.

The Canada-based firm has morethan 520 screens in operation

around the world, with operatorslicensed to use the IMAX name andwhere operators pay maintenanceand royalty fees to IMAX. Odeon UCIis the UK’s largest operator with 11screens.

New releases such as Cars 2 andtheTransformers: Dark of the Moon,were both made specifically to beshown on a large screen format andhave done very well on release in theUSA.

The increase in the number ofhome entertainment systems hasboosted the appeal of large screencinemas because they offer a differ-ent experience, analysts suggest.

BRITAIN’S construct ionindustry grew again in June,latest figures have revealed.

But uncertainty over the eco-nomy sent confidence to its low-est level for six months.

The Markit/CIPS PurchasingManagers’ Index, where a read-ing of more than 50 representsgrowth in construction activity,slowed slightly to 53.6 in June,from 54.0 in May, but was stillabove market forecasts of 53.5.

Commercial constructionslowed, but remained thestrongest performing sub-sec-tor.

Civil engineering rallied froma weak May, though housebuilding fell for the second timein three months.

Employment also fell over themonth, the survey said, as the

number of new orders slowed.Confidence slumped from a

12-month high in May to thelowest since January as concerngrew over the availability of pub-lic and private sector finance.

Sarah Bingham, economist atMarkit, said: “June data roundsoff a further solid quarter ofgrowth, albeit down on the firstquarter.

“This contrasts with the sur-prising weakness seen in the offi-cial data for the first threemonths of the year.”

She added: “The worry is thatthe level of business confidencehas fallen to a six-month low inthe sector, which suggests thatcompanies are expecting growthto weaken over the next 12months.”

Howard Archer, chief eco-

nomist at IHS Global Insight,said that while the constructionPMI points to clear growth,there are indications in the sur-vey that the sector is losingmomentum.

He said: “This is obviouslyunwelcome news, particularlygiven that the survey evidence onthe construction sector has ten-ded to be significantly healthierthan the hard data in recentmonths.”

Construction makes up about7% of the total economy and hasbeen one of the most volatileareas of the economy in recentquarters.

The sector swung from stronggrowth in the middle of last yearto contraction in the last quarterof 2010 and the first quarter ofthis year.

IMAX eyes up expansion plans

Uncertainty buildsfor growing sector

BRIGHTHOUSE, the UK’s largestrent-to-own retailer, is to press onwith expansion plans – despite thegloom afflicting other parts of thehigh street.

The Watford-based group, whichhas a store at New Street in Hudders-field and 228 outlets UK-wide, willopen another 30 this year as part of along-term aim for a chain of 650outlets across the UK.

Sales in the year to March rose by15.4% to £227.7m with like-for-likesales rising by 9.2%.

The firm said that despite the waveof retail firms folding, its businessremained “relatively buoyant”.

It said gaps now appearing on thehigh street following store closureswould help its expansion programme,especially if sites become free near tothe giant chains which have highfootfall.

In recent weeks, Jane Norman, TJHughes and parts of Habitat grouphave gone into administration, whileThorntons, Carpetright and Mother-care have all announced widespreadstore closures.

Brighthouse has also benefitedfrom the economic downturn becauseit extends credit to 200,000 customers,many of whom are cannot get creditelsewhere.

Brighthouse bucks trend

OlympicgainsNATIONAL Expresscoach division EurolinesUK has joined forces withEurotunnel to transportEuropean sports fanslucky enough to gettickets to the 2012Olympic Games.

The two firms expect tocarry an additional18,000 European visitorsto London next summer,mostly from Paris,Amsterdam andBrussels.

John Gilbert,managing director ofEurolines UK, said: "We'llplay a key role in helpingpeople from across thecontinent visit the UKnext summer.

“We are committed toproviding passengerswith an affordable,convenient and easilyaccessible service to keypoints in the heart ofLondon.

"By linking withEurotunnel, we are ableto increase our normaltimetable to provideadditional services forcustomers when theyneed them most.”

■ BRICK WORK: Construction activity slowed slightlyin June but remained above market forecasts

EarningsforecastRECRUITMENT agencyStaffline said it expectsearnings for the full yearto match raised marketexpectations.

Shares in theNottingham-basedrecruiter rose by morethan 1% on thestatement yesterday andare now close to a newthree year high at 259.5p.

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS profile Page 3

MandyNaylor

Little TinkersPrivate DayNursery

HENRYK ZIENTEK

Role: Managing dir-ectorAge: 46Family: Bethany, 13,and Alfie, fiveHolidays: Floridaand regular family hol-idays to CornwallCar: Lexus – a greyone, which showshow interested I am incars!First job: Workingweekends in a cornershop – aged 11!Best thing aboutjob: The smiles onthe faces of the kidswhen they give a hug!Worst thing aboutjob: All the paper-work, but it has to bedoneBusiness tip: Beprepared to put in thehard work.

Work: ChildcareSites: Brighouseand HipperholmePhone: 01484717352 or 01422202249Email: enquiries@littletinkersnursery.comWebsite: www.littletinkersnursery.com

Hardwork ischild’splay!

JUST because you’reserious about being inbusiness doesn’t mean youhave to take yourself tooseriously.

Mandy Naylor iscommitted to her childcarebusiness, Little TinkersPrivate Day Nursery, butmaintains a healthy senseof humour.

Her business card showsshe’s a lady with lettersafter her name – GDB,CC&BW (Hons) to beprecise.

“It stands for GeneralDogsbody and Chief Cookand Bottle Washer,” shesays.

“I got fed up beinghanded business cards bypeople with a long string ofacademic qualificationsafter their names, so Idecided to award myself afew! But nobody has everasked me what they standfor!”

Mandy arrived atself-employment after avaried career whichincluded retailing, debtcollecting and propertydevelopment.

Having established twosuccessful nurseries – inBrighouse and Hipperholme– she is looking for yet morechallenges.

“I said about 12 to 18months ago that when thenurseries were established Iwas going to chill out for awhile and take things a biteasier,” she says.

“Instead, I’m in theprocess of setting up a newbusiness, The Taste CoffeeBar Ltd, and I’m looking orsome suitable localpremises.

“It’s something I’ve alwayswanted to do, run a nicecoffee shop. And the time isright. Coffee culture is stillbooming.”

Mandy was born inPontefract, but attendedBrighouse Grammar Schoolfrom the age of 12 when herfamily moved to the area.She completed her O-levels,but the family moved againbefore she could sitA-levels.

“I was very undecidedabout what I wanted to do,”she recalls. “I went to YorkCollege to do computerprogramming. They still hadthose big magnetic tapes,so you can guess how longago that was!

“I had a placement with afirm in Leeds whichprocessed payroll for anumber of big companies,but I decided it was veryboring. I could not envisagedoing that for the rest of myworking life.”

The early 1980s foundMandy working for an estateagency before she took aChristmas job with shoeretailer Clarks’ Peter Lordchain.

She became a branchmanager at the age of just20 and moved south to takecharge of stores inWimbledon, St Neots, BrentCross and Cambridge.

At the end the decade,her father had retired fromhis job as a publican andthe two of them consideredsetting up a Clarksfranchise.

Instead, she ended upworking for her father in the

building industry – sellingdouble glazing,conservatories andextensions.

The attraction ofself-employment wasbecoming stronger.

“I set up my own businessselling clothes to nursinghomes and residentialhomes,” says Mandy.

“At the same time, I alsoworked part-time as a debtcollector.

“When I had my daughterBethany, I found I couldn’t doeverything, so I worked forHBOS, stopped my eveningjob and worked two days aweek on the clothesbusiness.”

Another chance eventbrought Mandy into propertydevelopment,

She and her father saw arun-down cottage which theyplanned to restore and sell.Instead, they renovated theproperty for Mandy to live in– and she rented out herfour-bed property to raisesome funds.

She so impressed herbank that loaned her themoney for the renovation

that she was able to go on tobuy, renovate and sell anumber of cheap terracedproperties.

“I was still working forHBOS as well as myself,” shesays. “I had to re-evaluatewhat I was doing anddecided to leave HBOS,finish my clothes businessand concentrate on propertydevelopment.”

By 2005, Mandy had a littleboy, Alfie – and she was leftin the lurch when the nurseryhe was attending closeddown.

“I needed to find a newnursery for Alfie – and Ifound one in Brighousewhich was up for sale,” shesays.

Mandy took the plunge anddecided to buy the nursery!

“I took the view that Ineeded a place for my son,that this was a nice site andthat if it didn’t work out – withmy property hat on – I couldsell it.

“Within six months, I washooked and within 12 monthsI had got another nursery, inHipperholme.”

The two nurseries are nowwell-established. Together,they are registered for 119children and have 26 staff.

As well as day care, theyprovide out-of-school clubs.Mandy has also set upadditional services to setthem apart from thecompetition, including atakeaway service so parentscollecting their children at theend of the day can also takehome a family meal.

Mandy is also looking tointroduce a pick-up anddrop-off service for busyparents who cannot ferrytheir offspring to and from thenurseries.

And the nurseries’ websiteis being updated to include ahost of useful tips for parentsand parents-to-be.

Mandy admits: “I havebeen on a very steeplearning curve – from beingself-employed to becoming

an employer.“Within the childcare

industry there is morepaperwork, regulation andlegislation to deal withand it is all very complex.

“I also sit on theCalderdale Early YearsReference Group, whichincludes representativesof the private sector, thevoluntary sector, themaintained sector andCalderdale Council,where all issues affectingearly years provision arediscussed.

Mandy sees interestingtimes ahead for thenursery sector as parentstighten their belts and turnto grandparents andneighbours to sharechild-minding chores andrely less on paid day care.

But it hasn’t deterredMandy from starting thesearch for premises toprovide a third nursery.

She seems as far awayas ever from being able to“chill out” in her coffeeshop.

But she says: “You haveto do what you enjoy – andI enjoy what I do. I like thechallenge of setting up newbusinesses.

“I have two children andwe do make time to betogether.

“I am in a position whereI can get away from theoffice early some days ofthe week. On thoseoccasions I work fromhome.

“For me, it’s about qualityof life rather than achievinga certain standard of living.

“People look at thematerial things, what youhave got – but it is nothingto do with that. I workbecause I enjoy it.”

■ MANDY NAYLOR: Likesthe challenge of setting upnew businesses

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSlocal Page 4

TAXTALKColin Barratt

Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth chartered accountants, Huddersfield

FINANCIALFOCUSKaren Wynard

Karen Wynard is head of corporate services at Eastwood &Partners (Financial Services) Ltd

Don’t be understatedwhen it comes to tax!

Think about building that NESTI HAVE previously covered

this subject in detail withinthis column, but just to recapon the basics, from 2012onwards all employers withworkers in the UK will need toautomatically enrol eligibleemployees into a pensionscheme and make contribu-tions on their behalf.

Whilst the reforms will takeeffect from October 1, 2012, thestart of compliance with thereforms will be staggered across aperiod of four years according tocompany size.

The date from which the newduties apply to an employer isknown as the staging date and forsome employers, that staging datewill come round very quickly.

So, how do employers begin toprepare for this?

First of all, they need to knowwhen they need to act and thatmeans working out when theirstaging date is.

This information can beobtained by going to The PensionsRegulator website and that shouldbe the starting point for any busi-ness in order to ascertain how longthey have to prepare.

Depending upon when theemployer’s staging date falls, theythen need to look towards thepension arrangements that theyhave in place already.

All existing pension schemes arelikely to need changes in order tocomply with the requirements ofthe new regime and if an employeralready has a scheme in place, howmuch will it need to be changed?

Will the existing pension pro-vider be able to make the changes

or will a new pension scheme needto be set up?

If an employer doesn’t alreadyhave a pension scheme in place,this raises further questions.

For example, do they wish tobegin looking at their optionssooner rather than later, or shouldthey wait until they are actuallyaffected by the reforms?

Will they set up a pensionscheme privately or will they usethe National Employment SavingsTrust (NEST) which is the newGovernment backed pensionscheme open to all employers

from October 1, 2012?Whilst some employers may

perceive the NEST route as beingan easy option, it might not be thebest route in all cases and employ-ers should make sure that theyunderstand the differencesbetween the private route and theNEST route before deciding howto proceed.

Whilst the content of thiscolumn is deliberately brief, thereis a lot to think about and even ifthe employer’s staging date isn’timminent, they should still beaware of the details of the reformsin order that their future businessplanning can take these intoaccount.

Employers may therefore wishto engage with their financialadvisers at the earliest opportun-ity.

OVER the past few years, HM Revenue& Customs has been cracking down

on those who have not disclosed all oftheir income and capital gains and haveas a result underpaid tax.

Their attention now is on individuals whouse the internet, car boot sales or classifiedadvertisements to sell goods or their services.

HMRC has stated that those who are justselling some of their personal belongings suchas unwanted books, CDs, toys or householditems would not be regarded as carrying on atrade.

Consequently, the sums received from such

sales would not be liable to income tax and aslong as the proceeds from the sale of each itemor collection of items did not exceed £6,000there will be no Capital Gains Tax implicationseither.

So, when does this kind of activity amount toa trade?

Over the years, many tests have been estab-lished to help determine whether a tradeexists.

Commonly, a trade would exist where anindividual undertakes their activity with theintention of making a profit, where goods areeither bought or made and then sold on aregular basis.

For instance, where an individual who makesgreetings cards and occasionally sells them to

work colleagues and friends for an amount tocover cost and sometimes at a loss, theiractivity would normally be treated as a hobbyrather than a trade.

But if sales were made on a regular basis forprofit and the money was used to buy furthersupplies for re-sale, a trade is being under-taken.

In such circumstances an individual wouldbe treated as self-employed and any profitsmade would then be liable to income tax andnational insurance contributions.

If the turnover from this activity in a12-month period was sufficiently high, then theindividual may also need to register for VAT.The current VAT registration annual thresholdis £73,000.

From the date trading starts, you have threemonths to notify HMRC that you are tradingand for income tax and CGT purposes, youhave until October 5 following the end of thetax year to tell HMRC that you are liable to tax.For a trade starting in 2010/11, the deadline isOctober 5, 2011.

Failure to notify HMRC can lead to finan-cial penalties being imposed.

Those whose tax returns have understatedtheir profits from such trades may also facepenalties for inaccuracies in returns.

Penalties are linked to the behaviour whichgave rise to the failure to notify or tax irregular-ity.

For careless errors, the maximum penaltywill be 30% of the tax unpaid after the due daterising to 70% for deliberate errors but notconcealed.

Errors which are both deliberate and con-cealed face a maximum penalty of 100% of taxunpaid.

Penalties can be reduced if a person makes anunprompted disclosure to HMRC andco-operates in the course of the disclosureprocess.

No penalty will be charged if a person has areasonable excuse.

Water, water everywhereA WATER cooler suppliercounting the Duchy of Cornwallamong its clients now offers itscustomers online ordering thanksto a new website devised by aHolmfirth firm.

Ossett-based Thirsty4Waterhas been supplying freshdrinking water and it’s range ofwater coolers to customers formore than three years, but until

now could only offer a telephoneor mail ordering service.

The company’s new websitewas created by internetmarketing firm WSI Yorkshire. Itoffers a number of latest onlinefeatures including accountfacilities and online ordering andeven provides an online chatfacility for customers who mayneed a little extra help.

Independent financialplanning services for

companies and individualsEastwood & PartnersEastwood & Partners

(Financial Services) Ltd(Financial Services) LtdPennine House, Lowfields Close, Lowfields

Business Park, Elland HX5 9DA01422 377737

www.eastwoodfinancial.co.ukAuthorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A BUSINESS?Use our knowledge and experienceto guide you through the process:

➢ Valuation advice

➢ Negotiating the deal

➢ Raising finance

➢ Due diligence

➢ Tax mitigation ideas

➢ Getting the job done

Our independent and partner-drivenapproach ensures clients receiveadvice they can rely on and trust.

To discuss your plans in confidence pleaseconatct David Butterworth

W&SWheawill & Sudworth

Experience you can count on

P: 01484 423691E:david.butterworth@wheawills.co.uk

W: www.wheawills.co.uk

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWSKIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS local Page 6

Training days!A FIRM supplying commerciallaundry equipment is launching arecruitment drive to employ 10enthusiast engineering apprentices.Ripponden-based firm JLA isstaging a two-day event tomorrowand Thursday for 50 applicantsaged 18 and 19. The event willinclude assessments andpresentations from all keydepartments such as sales, trainingand technical.James McGinty, JLA trainingmanager, said: “We believe inproviding real opportunities foryoung people. That’s whyapprenticeships are a perfect matchfor us.”

New service isset to blossomA NEW servicefor the so-called“sandwichgeneration” hasbeen launched byprofessionals inHuddersfield.Elderflower hasbeen set up as aone-stop shop toprovideacross-the-board specialist advicefor older people who may have tocare for teenage or adult childrenand grandchildren as well as elderlyparents.The umbrella service has been setup by law firm Ridley & Hall andbrings together solicitors, financialaccountants and solicitors toprovide advice for those planningretirement or those already retired.The service is being run by Ridleyand Hall, Bell and Buxton, Sheards,Shore Stewart and UK WealthManagement.Elderflower is the brainchild ofRidley & Hall managing directorSarah Young (pictured), who said:“There are specific financial andlegal issues that concern olderpeople.“Making a Will is an obvious step –although two-thirds of people stilldo not make one, according torecent research.“Planning for old age can be achallenge. This is partly because ofthe different issues that arise. It isalso because the time, effort andexpense of seeing financialadvisers, accountants and solicitorscan induce inertia. Trying to getgood quality, relevant advice fromgovernment departments oradvisory services can be a struggle.“In these challenging economictimes research evidence indicatesthat over 50s are at particular risk ofboth redundancy and becominglong term unemployed.”Michelle Mitchell, of charity Age UK,said the affects of long-termunemployment on the over 50scould be “devastating” – withpeople pushed towards earlyretirement, often with inadequatepension provision, leaving themmore dependent on the state andunable to contribute to theeconomy.”Some of the issues that Elderfloweradvisers can help with includesavings and investments, taxplanning, setting up a trust forchildren and grandchildren, equityrelease, Lasting Powers of Attorney,welfare benefits, divorce andresolving issues over inheritances.

Fans in holiday mood!ALMOST 10,000 Huddersfield Townsupporters have saved money on theirholiday bookings thanks to the footballclub’s partnership with travel companyThomas Cook.

Now the landmark is set to be smashedduring the 2011-12 season.

Since the launch of the partnership in2006, Thomas Cook has offered Townfans discounts on holidays through theTerriers Holiday Club.

And the continuation of that deal meansthat discount will still be available for anyHuddersfield Town fan looking to a bit ofsun!

By booking a break through the TerriersHoliday Club, Town fans are not onlyreceiving a discount for themselves – theyare also helping the club, as an amount ofmoney is donated to Huddersfield Townevery time a Town fan takes advantage ofthe deal.

Just over 9,600 Town fans have usedthis arrangement in the past five years.Now the total is set to reach five figureswith the deal being renewed for a furtherseason.

Town fans can take advantage of theTerriers Holiday Club when they visit theirlocal Thomas Cook or Going Placesshops. There are outlets in Huddersfield,Slaithwaite, Holmfirth, Brighouse,Cleckheaton, Dewsbury and Halifax.

A special offer is also running untilAugust 31 to celebrate the renewal – withthose booking their holiday through the‘Terriers Travel Club’ before that dateeligible for a prize draw to win £500towards the cost.

Huddersfield Town businessdevelopment manager Mark Davies said:The Terriers Holiday Club has proven afantastic initiative between HuddersfieldTown and Thomas Cook since itsinception in 2006.

“It has provided Town fans with a way tosave them money, but also give back tothe club they love and support. We aredelighted that they have decided tocontinue to support the club throughoutthe 2011-12 season and look forward torewarding Huddersfield Town fans for theirfantastic continued support!”

■ TRAVELLING MAN: Andy Booth at ThomasCook in New Street

Delegates enjoyday at the racersBATLEY-born tycoon LawrenceTomlinson took company direct-ors from across Yorkshire for abehind-the-scenes look at his suc-cessful business.

Mr Tomlinson hosted a visit bymembers of the Institute of Direct-ors to Leeds-based LNT Group,which included an afternoon offast cars and networking at theGinetta car factory in Garforth.

The event was an opportunityfor young entrepreneurs from theYoung Directors Forum andsenior management from indus-tries covering electronics, engin-eering and motorsports to getclose to Ginetta’s champion raceand road cars and find out moreabout LNT Group, one of theregion’s fastest-growing compan-ies.

Mr Tomlinson gave delegates anoverview of his group of compan-ies, which includes LNT Construc-

tion and Ideal Care Homes as wellas the Ginetta operation. Hefielded questions and offeredadvice on how to succeed in busi-ness – with particular emphasis onvertical integration.

Mr Tomlinson, whose businesswas recently awarded the title ofBest Management Team in theSunday Times Fast Track 100,said: “It was a pleasure to have 35members of the Yorkshire Insti-tute of Directors visit the LNTGroup’s headquarters for thesecond consecutive year.

“Our head office provides theperfect networking environmentfor their members to cometogether, talk business and meetnew contacts.

“I was only too happy to presentan overview of my group of com-panies, field questions and offermy advice on how to succeed inbusiness. This coupled with tours

of the Ginetta car factory made itan interesting and entertainingafternoon for us all.”

The afternoon marked a returnfor some members of the IoD whovisited the LNT Group in a similarmove last year. Both visits were

organised by David Powell, ofAuditel, who is vice-chairman ofthe IoD YDF Yorkshire.

Mr Powell said he planned morebehind-the-scenes events showcas-ing successful firms.

■ MOTORING ON: IoD delegates at the Ginetta factory during theirtour of the LNT Group

Nomination for go-ahead firmA COMPANY has been recognised for itsinvestment in the insurance profession and itscommitment to training and development –with a nomination at the British InsuranceAwards.

Wilby Ltd, the Halifax-based insurance andrisk management specialist, has been nomin-ated for the Investing in the Profession Awardwhich is open to any firm operating in thegeneral insurance market. The awards will bepresented tomorrow in London.

Over the past two years, Wilby has invested

heavily in its staff and has developed anapprenticeship programme with CalderdaleCollege.

It has also developed links with Hudders-field University and local schools to raise theprofile of the industry to attract newcomersand accelerate development of their existingworkforce.

Wilby’s efforts have already been recognisedat the annual Calderdale Training EmployersAwards, when the company took home theOutstanding Contribution to Training

Award.Wilby Ltd director Mike Shaw said: “We

believe that our staff are the most importantasset the company has and we are delightedthat our investment in their development hasbeen recognised by this nomination.

“In the current economic climate, it can betempting to cut back on staff development.

“However, we have seen the business bene-fits of our continued investment through sev-eral internal promotions and improvements inefficiency and staff motivation.”

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

Auction raises £8.7mPROCEEDS of more than £8.7m weregenerated at a recent Yorkshire propertyauction.

Chartered surveyors Eddisons said that119 of 167 lots which came under thehammer found buyers at the two-day sale inLeeds and Manchester.

Spokesman Tony Webber said: “This wasour best auction in terms of numbers soldand proceeds of sale for quite some time, asbuyers reacted positively to realistic pricing.

“Stock which generates good rentalreturns or offers the potential for longer term

capital growth when the market recovers wasin heavy demand.’”

Among the successful lots was a tenantedend of terrace property in Halifax, which soldfor £216,000 off a guide price of£190,000-plus.

A prominent retail unit on Gibbet Street,near Halifax town centre, sold for £91,000 offa guide price of £75,000-plus.

The next auction takes place on July 20 atthe Premier Inn, Trafford Park, Manchesterand on July 21 at Leeds United FootballClub, Elland Road, Leeds.

Birstall provides new baseA TRANSPORT firm has become the latesttenant to take space at Centre 27 BusinessPark in Birstall.

Bedfords Transport is renting 2,205sq ftof offices on a seven-year lease. The firm’sarrival follows on from a letting to CompcoFire Systems. Other occupiers includeHenry Schein, Freedom Communicationsand Lloyds TSB.

Landlord LaSalle Investment Manage-ment was advised by Jones Lang LaSallefor the Bedfords deal.

Tom Brammeld, of Jones Lang LaSalle’soffice agency team in Leeds, said: “Thisdeal brings another quality occupier to thebusiness park.” Jones Lang LaSalle andSanderson Weatherall are joint leasingagents on Centre 27.

Excellent work rewardedA PROPERTY services firm in the ColneValley has been recognised for its work-manship.

Slaithwaite-based Robinsons PropertyServices was judged winner of its categoryin the Building Excellence Awards run bythe local authority building control depart-ments of Kirklees, Bradford, Leeds, Wake-field and Calderdale councils.

The award came for Robinsons’ work tobuild an extension to a domestic propertyset in extensive gardens at Beaumont Park.The judging panel commended the schemefor its effective use of oak and reclaimedstone. The scheme included providing alarge detached garage.

The award was presented to Terry Robin-son, of Robinsons Property Services, at aceremony staged at Headingley cricketground, Leeds.

Mr Robinson project managed the con-tract, which also included contributions

from architect Andrew Smith, joinerJohnny Wadsworth and Mr Robinson’sother business, Arizon.

Robinsons, formed more than 20 yearsago, carries out work including new build,conversions and alterations to existingproperties and remedial treatment – spe-cialising in damp and timber.

Mr Robinson’s son Joe works for the firmas a qualified electrician while daughterSophie is office administrator.

Mr Robinson said the firm’s success wasalso down to its in-house teams coveringCORGI registered gas fitters, plumbers.electricians and skilled tradesmen workingin areas such as roofing, joinery, bricklay-ing and plastering.

Among its contracts, Robinsons Prop-erty Services has completed projects forclients including Kirklees NeighbourhoodHousing and on school caretakers’homes.

■ TROPHY TIME: Peter Robinson, of Robinsons Property Services, holds the award wonby the firm in the Building Excellence Awards with company secretary Pauline Lambert (left)and office administrator Sophie Robinson

TO LETAttractive Office SuitesBuckden Mount, 8 Thornhill Road,Huddersfield, HD3 3AU1 Recently refurbished1Ample on-site car parking1 162 & 383m2 (1,742 & 4,126 sq ft)1 Ease of access to Huddersfield Town Centre and J24 of M62Rent: £10 per sq ft per annum exclusive

TO LETIndustrial PremisesPine Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1SS1Workshop/Warehouse1 473.64m2 (5,098 sq ft)1 Edge of town centre location1 Ease of access to A62 Leeds Road CorridorRent: £15,000 per annum

TO LETPrestigious High Spec Office SuiteUnit 1 Cartwright Court, Bradley Business Park,Huddersfield, HD2 1GN1Office units available from1 199m2 (2,140 sq ft)1 Established business park location1 Ease of access to J24 & J25 of M62 motorwayRent: £15 per sq ft per annum exclusive

FOR SALEProminent Retail & Residential Premises464 Bradford Road, Batley, WF17 5LW1 124.84m2 (1,343 sq ft)1 Potential redevelopment opportunity1Opposite 90,000 sq ft Tesco Extra (24Hr), Iceland,

Netto & Batley Bus StationOffers are invited in excess of £130,000

TO LETIndustrial PremisesCaldervale Works, River Street, Brighouse, HD6 1NL1Various workshop units1 265 – 2,748m2 (2,857 – 29,581 sq ft)1Ample secure yard/parking provisionRent: On Application

TO LET/MAY SELLIndustrial PremisesVulcan & Victoria Works, Calder Street,Brighouse, HD6 1NB1 Predominantly single-storey factory premises1 3,941m2 (42,416 sq ft)Rent: From only £2 per sq ft

TO LETCommercial Unit12 Old Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD1 1SP1 Prominent commercial unit1 274.84m2 (2,958 sq ft)1Generous parking provision1 Edge of town centre locationRent: On Application

TO LETAttractive Office SuitesSpringfield Hall, Thornhill Road, Edgerton,Huddersfield, HD3 3AU1 15.85m2 (171 sq ft) to 67.54m2 (727 sq ft)1Generous car parking provision1 Ease of access to J24 of M62 & Huddersfield Town CentreRent: On Application

PRICEREDUCED

FOR SALELand at Red Doles RoadHuddersfield, HD2 1AT1 Large surfaced secure yard area1 0.24 ha (0.60 acres)1 Redevelopment potential (STP)Price: On Application

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Movers and shakers Page 8

Welcome for IMF appointmentA CHAMPION of women in the workplacehas welcomed the appointment of Frenchfinance minister Christine Lagarde as thefirst female to head the InternationalMonetary Fund.

Holmfirth-based Heather Jackson, chiefexecutive of the Women’s Business Forum,said: “In a sector and a job that has been

so dominated by men, I’m delighted to seea woman leading the IMF and its responseto what are very challenging economictimes.

“Christine Lagarde’s appointment comesat a good time for the wider issue not justhere in the UK, but across the world.

Alastair Jack

Jones LangLaSallePROPERTY agency Jones LangLaSalle has recruited Alastair Jack(right) as an associate director in itslicensed leisure and hotels team inWest Yorkshire.

Mr Jack, formerly at Fleurets, hasmore than 10 years experience inproperty, during which he has beenresponsible for a wide range ofprofessional instructions includingestate valuations and lease renewalsfor Yorkshire-based pub companiesand breweries, rental negotiations forthe top two UK pub companies andhigh value agency instructions.

In his new role, he will work closelywith Harry Hawksby (left), head of thefirm’s national licensed leisure andhotels team.

Jones Lang LaSalle launched thenational team in 2009 to provide sales,lettings, acquisition, valuation,development and restructuring adviceacross the wide range of licensed andleisure property including restaurants,pubs, hotels, marinas, casinos and golfcourses.

Hi, Techmesh!A BUSINESS network group for Yorkshire’sIT and telecoms sector has a newhigh-profile sponsor.

Techmesh has recruited KC, previouslyKingston Communications and one of theUK’s leading telecoms service providers.

As a gold sponsor, KC will work closelywith the network across the Yorkshire andHumber region, sharing and exchangingideas and working with members to engagewith audiences in the region’s wider businesscommunity.

KC provides communication and hostingservices for small to medium-sized firms.Rachel Mayer

ManifestCREATIVEagency ManifestCommunicationshas appointedRachel Mayer asbusinessdevelopmentmanager.

Ms Mayer(pictured) joinsthe agency,based at New North Road,Huddersfield, from Wesco Aircraft,where she worked as contractco-ordinator for three years managingmulti-million pound UK aerospacecontracts dealing with customerrelations and in project management.Her responsibilities also includedsupply chain analysis, forecasting andbudgeting

Previous roles includes sales officemanager at CP Group and provisioningperformance analyst team leader atNTL Telecommunications.

Her role with Manifest will involveidentifying and developing newbusiness opportunities across allservice offerings, including publicrelations and social media, design anddigital, for both the Huddersfield andLondon offices.

Solicitors’ court appearance

BUSINESS people in Huddersfield tooktime out from the office to compete in atennis tournament.

Law firm Armitage Sykes organised theevent, which took place close to its NewNorth Road premises at HuddersfieldLawn Tennis and Squash Club.

The doubles tournament used both

indoor and outdoor courts and concludedwith a prize-giving ceremony and a buffet.

Between games, competitors could alsotry their hand at Padel tennis, a gamepopular in Spain and South America whichis a fast-paced combination of tennis,squash and racquetball played on anenclosed court about a third the size of atennis court.

■ FIRST SERVICE: Competitors assemble for a bit of friendly competition at the tennistournament organised by Armitage Sykes

Long-serving lawyerretires after 47 yearsA SOLICITOR in Huddersfield hasretired after 47 years working in the legalprofession.

David Blakeborough has stepped downas consultant at town centre law firmEaton Smith.

Mr Blakeborough was presented withgifts by colleagues at a presentation heldat the firm’s High Street offices.

He started his legal career in 1964 inBrighouse and joined Brook Freeman, ofHuddersfield, in 1874. The firm mergedwith Eaton Smith & Downey in 1980.

Mr Blakeborough was instrumental inthe subsequent merger of Eaton Smith &Downey and Marshall Mills & Sykes.

He made a major contribution to thedevelopment of the merged firm, not leastas head of the residential property depart-ment. He was a partner until April, 2008,when he became a consultant.

Mr Blakeborough will continue hispractice as a notary public, dealing withlegal matters involving overseas jurisdic-tions for the foreseeable future.

■ FAREWELL: David Blakeborough (left), who is retiring as consultant at law firm Eaton Smith,with senior partner Andrew Sugden (right) and partners and staff at the firm’s High Street offices