Image source: aulbarnes08

A Yorkshire-based company is trying to gallop its way to success by adopting a rather unusual way to teach businesses how to make their staff reach full potential.

Unbridled Success Retreats combines Talent Dynamics, a business development tool, with one-to-one coaching from horses in order to help individuals and teams learn more about themselves, their leadership style, how they communicate with others and the impact they create.

This unique strategy to getting the most out of employees is in line with the recently released Deloittes Global Human Capital Trends for 2015 report, which states that global organisations must form a ‘new world of work’, one that needs ‘bold and innovative thinking’.

The report shows that 78% of company leaders cite culture, engagement and leadership as their key challenges for 2015.

Julia Felton of Business HorsePower, who runs Unbridled Success Retreats, believes her horse coaching approach could be groundbreaking amongst businesses.

Julia said: “Horses have a unique ability to mirror and react to an individual’s body language and behaviour. They can sense whether someone expresses confidence, trust, authenticity, openness and positive energy.

“As a herd animal, they long for leadership and will respond to non-verbal body language to decide who to follow. I combine this with the Talent Dynamics assessment tool so that business teams can gain understanding and insight into their natural abilities and so work more productively together.

“My programme isn’t a team building fun day out on horseback. In fact workshop participants don’t ride the horses at all,’ says Felton. ‘It goes much deeper than a corporate away day. Participants have to lead the horses through a series of challenges. How they do this gives both themselves and their team members deep insight into the way they lead and impact others. I’ve never run a workshop where the attendees are not still talking about the event months afterwards.“

The programme is run from a yard near Whixley, North Yorkshire, although programmes can also be run from other locations across the UK and Europe.

Two acupuncturists are aiming to improve the reproductive health and wellbeing of the region with the launch of their natural fertility clinic in Jesmond, Newcastle.

The first of its kind in the North East, Jesmond Natural Health & Fertility is dedicated to helping couples prepare for conception, pregnancy and birth as well as supporting those undergoing Assisted Reproduction techniques such as IVF.

The clinic is home to a team of skilled practitioners selected for their knowledge and expertise in treating women and couples with general health and conception issues. Services include nutrition, massage including abdominal and pregnancy, stress management, reflexology, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, herbal medicine, Bowen, Ayurveda, and a holistic midwife.

Founders Laura Bicker and Louise Collyer have practised acupuncture around the region for the last 10 years and three years respectively, both focusing on women’s health and fertility. However, they wanted to make life easier for clients by bringing a specialist team under one roof.

Laura explains; “Achieving a healthy pregnancy requires a holistic approach. A client may need to implement diet changes for example alongside a course of acupuncture, use yoga to reduce the impact of stress and anxiety, or use lesser known treatments such as Mizan massage to improve abdominal blood flow.

“Having a dedicated team in one place means clients have access to a much wider range of treatments in their journey to conception.”

“We can also provide flexibility for patients undergoing IVF with a seven-day a week support service. Something we couldn’t do when working alone.”

Each client undergoes a diagnostic health consultation and from there a bespoke treatment programme is developed. The clinic works alongside a local phlebotomist so clients can be referred for private blood tests if needed.

“Patients quickly see big improvements in their general health and wellbeing which is usually the start of improved reproductive health,” says co-founder Louise Collyer.

“One of the best things about our job is not only witnessing a successful pregnancy and birth but seeing clients relax once their treatment is underway. They are visibly happier, enjoying life and more emotionally balanced.”

Growth of permanent placements in London has accelerated to a three-month high, according to a report carried out by professional services network, KPMG.

In The Report on Jobs: London, which contains original data from the survey of recruitment and employment consultants in the capital, KPMG reported that the amount of staff placed in permanent positions in London increased for the twenty-second consecutive month in March.

The rate of expansion accelerated to the sharpest since December 2014, although remained weaker than the UK average.

The firm found temp billings growth in the capital picked up to an eight-month high in March, with the pace of increase stronger than the UK-wide trend.

March data indicated that the rate of expansion in permanent placements across the UK was sustained at February’s marked pace.

March data pointed to the steepest expansion in demand for permanent staff in the capital since last October. In contrast, temporary vacancies rose more slowly in March. Although marked, growth rates in London remained less pronounced than across the UK as a whole.

Recruitment consultancies in London also reported an ongoing contraction in permanent staff supply in March.

Temp supply in London also fell at the quickest rate in three months during March. The pace of reduction was sharp and in line with the UK-wide trend, with roughly 31% of survey respondents noting lower temp supply during the month. The availability of short-term staff has now declined for 20 successive months.

Ingrid Waterfield, director of KPMG’s people powered performance practice, commented: “As growth in permanent placements at London firms is recorded for the twenty-second consecutive month, March’s data shows that the recovery of the capital’s job market is gaining momentum. In the run up to the general election, this should help shore up consumer confidence throughout the city,

“Yet there remains a supply side problem. According to the latest CBI/KPMG London Business Survey, nearly half of London’s businesses say there is a skills shortage amongst current employees. The lack of literacy and numeracy among candidates has been a persistent concern of businesses in London, and the city’s high rents and property values are driving eligible applicants away.

“Therefore London firms have been vying for skilled candidates, and as a result we have seen significant salary growth in areas of the market, such as the IT and engineering sectors. It is imperative for organisations to focus on their employer brand if they are to retain a competitive advantage - focussing on prevention as opposed to cure.  

"Organisations need to attract new employees, but more importantly they need to ensure current employees understand why they work for the organisation and don’t consider leaving, to avoid the disruption and cost of having to recruit in the first place.”

The owners of UK food chain Bagel Nash, Sara and Andy Micklethwaite are set to share their recipe for success to the next generation of entrepreneurs in Yorkshire.

Later this month the duo, who took over the Leeds-born business in 2011 and currently employ 120 people, will be advising Leeds Beckett University students on their strategy of brand development, marketing promotion and product and service excellence.

Bagel Nash currently has 14 branches across Leeds, Manchester, Huddersfield, Hull, York, Derby and Nottingham, and there are ongoing plans to expand further.

Sara and Andy purchased the business Uri and Karen Mizrah, who founded Bagel Nash in 1987 in Leeds.

Sara is an operations professional with a substantial background in property and facilities management in multi-site operations. She has previously worked for the government and at director-level for a major UK property investment company.

Sara, who first collaborated with Andy to buy Bagel Nash in 2011, is the Retail Operations Director responsible for all aspects of store operations including marketing and new site acquisition.

Andy previously worked in finance, has an extensive general management background in retailing and food production, and has worked at director-level for a number of major UK and multinational companies. He has bought and sold a number of companies and is the CEO of Bagel Nash, a non-exec director of Starbrands and a governor of Leeds Trinity University.

Commenting on their lecture at the unviersity on April 21, Sara said: “As a business, we are totally committed to producing only the very best bagel products using 100% natural ingredients. The same principles apply to our retail stores. We are as much concerned about how our products taste and look as we are about their nutritional value and wholesomeness.

“During the lecture we will discuss how we strive for excellence in every aspect of the business and the challenges that presents.”

Paul Houghton, principal lecturer in Leeds Beckett’s Faculty of Business and Law, added: “Sara and Andy have been on an incredible journey with Bagel Nash and have achieved so much since they acquired the business in 2011. It will be fascinating to hear about the changes they implemented from the outset, the progress and great success they have made since then and what their goals and plans are for the future of Bagel Nash.

"The event - ‘The Bagel Nash Story; a new customer and in-store experience’ - will conclude with a chance to ask Sara and Andy questions.”

The 11th annual Yorkshire Business Market returns to Pavilions of Harrogate on Monday, April 27.

With more than a decade of successful business-to-business promotion to back it up, Yorkshire Business Market is one of the best value events in the region.

Attendance for visitors is completely free, giving you a valuable chance to meet businesses offering all the services you need. From accountancy and public relations to food hampers or even wine for valued customers, you will find everything you need under one roof. As well as two large halls filled with outstanding Yorkshire businesses, there is a programme of seminars run by experts in their field, offering visitors the chance to learn new skills including the basics of social media, support for start-up businesses, and even how to get the best deal from your business’s energy suppliers.

For the first time this year, free one-to-one mentoring sessions are available for new businesses in the first year of trading, or people who are planning to set up a new business. Our team of expert business mentors, led by Julian Horrocks, will guide you through the process of establishing and growing your new business in those first tricky months. Places on the mentoring programme are expected to fill quickly, so early booking is recommended.

If you would like to promote yourself to a new audience, there are still a handful of exhibitor spaces left – but hurry, as new enquiries are coming in daily. Stalls for established businesses are available from just £320, offering a low-cost way to promote your company to the hundreds of business visitors filling the halls throughout the day. For start-up businesses in their first year of trading, a new micro-stand is available, giving you the chance to promote yourself alongside more established businesses at a very affordable rate of just £220. A limited number of these stands are still available, but must be booked as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As well as the hundreds of business visitors at Yorkshire Business Market, there will be numerous VIPs touring the halls. The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd CBE, will be meeting many of the exhibitors, along with local dignitaries and members of the media, including Look North presenter Harry Gration. Whether you want to launch a new product or service, raise your profile across the region, or simply make hundreds of new contacts in one day, Yorkshire Business Market is the place to be.

To find out about exhibiting at Yorkshire Business Market, call 01423 879208 or email info@yorkshirebusinessmarket.org.

Attending as a visitor is free, but advance registration is required. Visit www.yorkshirebusinessmarket.org/visit2015.php to register - then simply collect your badge on arrival and get straight into our halls to meet the exhibitors.

Wendy Wilson & Kala Preston, Sumo

North East-based design agency Sumo has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of two new members of staff.

Wendy Wilson and Kala Preston and have joined the agency as account director and event director respectively.

Wendy takes up the newly created position to support the agency in developing and nurturing its growing client base and lead the development and implementation of marketing and communication campaigns.

With over 15 years communications and management experience, Wendy has a proven track record of developing and delivering innovative and successful initiatives for brands across the retail, leisure, professional services and education sectors - bringing extensive sector specific knowledge that will complement the current Sumo offering.

Also joining the Sumo team is Kala, with nearly two decades of cultural marketing and development experience, Kala joins the team to lead the production and delivery of international conferences including events in Geneva, London and Indianapolis.

Jim Richardson, MD of Sumo, said; “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome Wendy and Kala to the team. Wendy’s commercial expertise and breadth of industry experience combined with Kala’s specialist sector knowledge allows us to bring a unique and engaging skill-set to our client offering.

“Recent months have seen us continue to win new business across a variety of sectors. In order to keep up with demand we felt it important to expand our teams, employing staff with the right expertise to complement our current skills set.”

Rachel Turnbull, Darlington Building Society

Darlington Building Society, the country’s 22nd largest building society with assets in excess of £530m, has appointed Rachel Turnbull as a Non-Executive Director.

Rachel took up her appointment on 1 March 2015 following a rigorous regulatory process and as well as playing a key role in the future direction of the Society, she will sit on the Society’s Audit Committee.

Rachel is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, a qualified Prince 2 Practitioner and has also achieved the Chartered Institute of Directors Diploma.  She joined the team developing the £360m New Tyne Crossing in November 2007 and played a key role in the delivery of the project.  In June 2012 Rachel took up the position of Chief Executive of TT2.

Before joining TT2, Rachel worked for a range of private sector organisations, including social housing landlord Home Group, building services firm Mowlem and Royal Mail.

Rachel Turnbull said, “This is a very exciting time to be joining Darlington Building Society as it further strengthens its position in the mutual sector.

“As well as providing mortgages and savings accounts to local people through a convenient branch network, Darlington Building Society is renowned for its support for local charities and community organisations.

“I am looking forward to working with my Board colleagues to assist the Society in fulfilling its key objectives of providing straight forward products and friendly, efficient service to customers while at the same time further developing its role in supporting its local communities”.

James Ramsbotham, Chairman of Darlington Building Society said, “Rachel is an excellent appointment to the role of non-executive director and her strong financial background together with her skills and experience honed in a number of different sectors will be invaluable as the Society builds for the future”.

James Oliver & Fiona Stuart, Status

North East based digital marketing agency, Status, is gearing up for more growth adding two key roles to its senior team.

The two new members of the team are, James Oliver who has joined as director of User Experience and Fiona Stuart who has taken up the role of director of Digital Marketing.  

Serving a diverse range of clients from a variety of sectors including retail, leisure, education and healthcare, the agency was formed in 2011, amid very tough economic times.  

Managing director, Nick Salloway, commented, “As a business we’ve been fortunate to get the opportunity to work with local clients and those much further afield, we’re proud to have competed successfully in national and international pitches against some big name agencies in London and overseas.

"To support our growing business, I’m delighted to have secured the talents of James and Fiona and have no doubt that their expertise will result in Status customers increasing their return on investment in digital marketing."

James said: “I’ve joined Status at a really exciting time as they gear up for significant growth.  As a business they already put a strong focus on customer experience and I’m looking forward to taking that to a higher level”.

Fiona said: “The firms ambitious growth plans were a key reason in attracting me to Status.  I’m also looking forward to start shaping their digital marketing services offering."

Aimee Cavener, Cottages in Northumberland

A North East holiday letting agency has strengthened its team with a new appointment.

Cottages in Northumberland, which rents out more than 130 coastal, countryside and city properties in the region, has appointed graduate Aimee Cavener to the position of sales and marketing coordinator.

This is Aimee’s first significant job role since graduating in English Language and British Sign Language from York St John University last summer - skills she will put to good use promoting the company both regionally and nationally.

She said: “I have settled in really well. Cottages in Northumberland has a great reputation for being both professional and friendly and the properties it lets are so lovely, that it really is a pleasure telling people about them.”

Cottages in Northumberland manager, Angela Mazingham said: “Aimee was born and bred in Alnwick and knows the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, so she is hugely helpful and informative when  chatting to people keen to come and stay in the area.”

Paul Blakey & Nicolas Kleist, Matfen Hall Hotel

Two of the North East’s most experienced chefs are to lead the culinary team at Matfen Hall Hotel, Northumberland.

Paul Blakey (pictured above), a 2014 Great North Menu winner,  and Nicolas Kleist, who trained under Alain Couturier at Michelin-starred La Roche Le Roy, have been appointed executive head chef and head chef at Matfen Hall Hotel.

Paul, from Durham has worked in restaurants throughout the UK including the Lake District, Durham and Kent, before spending three years in the Channel Islands where he obtained his first role as head chef.

Nicolas Kleist, who will be working alongside Paul, began his career at the age of 15 as a cooking apprentice at a brasserie in his home town of Tours, France, before being chosen to train at the world renowned La Roche Le Roy.

Managing director, Bernard Bloodworth said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul and promote Nicolas in our the team.

“With expertise in fine dining and an unrivalled ability to create contemporary cuisine from Northumberland’s finest and varied ingredients, we feel sure they will be an asset to Matfen Hall.”

Jo Amos, Winn Solicitors

Newcastle-based Winn Solicitors, which specialises in road traffic accident and personal injury claims, has announced a senior level internal promotion with the appointment of Jo Amos as associate director.

Jo, who lives in County Durham, has been with Winn Solicitors since it was established in 2002 and has worked in the legal sector for almost twenty years.  

Prior to taking up her new role which sees her heading up a team of approximately 60 staff, Jo held the position of deputy manager of the Trials Team.

She said:  “Winn Solicitors is highly regarded and is widely recognised as a market leader nationwide.  We have been instrumental in challenging the perception of the sector and at the forefront of pioneering a new approach when it comes to personal injury and road traffic accident claims.”

Jeff Winn, managing director at Winn Solicitors said:  “Jo has been an extremely important and influential member of our team from the outset; this promotion recognises the significant contribution that she has made to the business and the key role that she will play in the future growth and development of the firm.”

Each week Bdaily will ask businesses from a different area of the North West for their opinions and hopes from the upcoming election and present their views in a weekly roundup.

This week it is the turn of businesses in Lancashire to tell Bdaily their opinions.

Will Campbell, partner at the Lancashire office of accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers in Blackburn had the following wish list:

“Economic activity – Lancashire requires more new residential housing build stimulus – to follow the tentative low level start proposed with the ‘Help to buy ISA’ – and thereby generating a knock-on stimulus to the wider business community; improvements to road and rail infrastructure to enhance our communication network and therefore boost economic activity at a local level and further Government-driven tax and wider financial and planning incentives to encourage more businesses to relocate and/or expand in key Lancashire locations such as Blackburn and Burnley.

"Stability - an overall majority for either of the main parties/ no minority administration; nail down promptly revised terms, but continuing membership, of the EU.

"Employment – further measures to accelerate reductions in level of youth unemployment such as enhanced promotion of apprenticeships to strike a greater balance with the ongoing emphasis on university degrees as the key to a good career; steps to improve the engineering skills base to provide necessary improvements to productivity levels, and generate wider economic activity; address skills gap with a new training incentive say along the lines of the current successful R&D initiative ie. spend £1 on training and get tax relief on £2.30

"Taxation – early update on the proposed reduction in the future level of AIA =tax relief for plant investment, proposed to reduce from £500k but preferably not below £250k; no smoke and mirrors, with suggested headline income tax reductions from proposed personal allowance hikes, being clawed back via national insurance increases.”

Cassidy + Ashton

Alban Cassidy, chartered town planner and environmental consultant at Cassidy + Ashton, said: "Never has an election appeared to be so finely balanced.

“It is clear that the chances of an overall majority for any one party are now very slim and no doubt traditionalists will argue that this is bad news for the country. I don’t agree. We are not long out of recession and, given what is going on elsewhere in the world, it would not take much for our recovery to be derailed.

“Therefore either a lurch to the right with an early referendum on Europe or a lurch to the left with increased borrowing could easily damage the economy and lead to reduced growth and a further increase in the deficit.

“To my mind we therefore need to keep in the centre, taking a balanced and pragmatic view on all matters rather than an ideological one on a few. For this reason we need a calm influence in what will no doubt be another coalition.”

Love Energy Savings

Phil Foster, CEO of Love Energy Savings said:  "Very little has been said about the energy market and why the fall in oil prices has not been reflected in the cost of one’s energy bills.

“A major pillar of Labour policy is a promise to freeze-energy prices and abolish OFGEM, it is strange that this government’s budget avoided the difficult question of ‘Big Six monopoly’ and resulting energy poverty for the poorest in the UK.

“Nothing has been said about energy poverty which is a direct result of energy prices not reflecting the wholesale trends."

“It is down to businesses and consumers to ensure they are fully informed when it comes to the parties and their stances on energy and we will certainly be wanting to hear more on the matter as the debates progress"

Next week Bdaily will look for opinions and comments from businesses in the Merseyside area.  Are you a local business? Get in contact and tell us your opinions, comments, or wish lists for the 2015 election.

After just three years since its set up, and having moved to Birchwood Park early last year, Warrington based Mortgages Made Simple has doubled its team with the appointment of two new members of staff; Steve Fleming as Mortgage & Protection Advisor and Craig Featherstone as Mortgage & Insurance Consultant.

Owner, Jennifer said; “It’s great to have both Steve and Craig on board, they both bring a wealth of experience from different backgrounds to enhance our offering to clients and to maintain our core ethos of a service lead approach, especially in such a busy time in the mortgage sector.“

Emma Rawlinson, NorthEdge

NorthEdge Capital (NorthEdge), the private equity firm focused on investing in companies in the North of England, is delighted to announce Emma Rawlinson’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Emma, an experienced chartered accountant and debt advisory practitioner, has been an integral member of the NorthEdge team, operating as Finance Director since the company’s inception in 2009. Emma originally joined from Deloitte where she was a Manager in the Debt Advisory department, responsible for developing the firm’s National Debt Advisory business.

Dan Wright, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at NorthEdge, added: “Emma has been a real asset to us over the years and has developed excellent relationships with both our investors and portfolio companies. Her promotion demonstrates our commitment to progressing our team and we look forward to building further on the firm’s success in the North.“

NorthEdge has made 11 investments since 2013, worth a combined enterprise value in excess of £240m, and operates from offices in Manchester and Leeds.

Tim Pugh, James Briggs Ltd

James Briggs Ltd, a manufacturer of aerosol and consumer chemicals in Europe, has announced that it has appointed Tim Pugh as Chief Executive Officer.

Commenting on the appointment, Jim Sumner, Chairman of James Briggs Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Tim on board at James Briggs. Tim’s undoubted leadership qualities, sectorial background and strong all-round commercial experience will prove to be of huge benefit to the business as it looks to deliver upon its ambitious expansion plans over the coming years.“

Tim Pugh, CEO of James Briggs Ltd, added: “With its tremendous combination of technical and manufacturing expertise, and clear focus on long-term customer relationships, I’m delighted to be joining James Briggs. Working with the strong leadership team, I’m excited at the opportunity for us to build further on all that’s already been created.“

James Briggs employs around 200 staff over two manufacturing sites in Greater Manchester. The business, founded in 1830, designs, formulates and manufactures a wide range of products including paints, lubricants, cleaning fluids and polishes for automotive, industrial, hygiene and other sectors. James Briggs was backed by Endless LLP in an MBO in June 2013.

Matthew Holt, Mitchell Charlesworth 

North West-based Mitchell Charlesworth corporate recovery manager Matthew Holt has qualified as a licensed insolvency practitioner after successfully completing his JIEB examinations.

The JIEB (Joint Insolvency Examination Board) qualification involves rigorous assessment across a range of areas including liquidation, administration, company voluntary arrangement, receivership and personal insolvency. Mitchell Charlesworth has offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Warrington and Widnes.

Mr Holt has been advising and supporting owner managed businesses for more than eight years. He provides advice to distressed business owners who may need funding advice or support to develop a new business strategy or to bring their business to an efficient end.

Mitchell Chalesworth head of corporate recovery and insolvency Jeremy Oddie said: “It is always a great pleasure to congratulate a colleague on such an occasion. These exams are incredibly difficult to succeed in and it is testament to the sheer hard work and effort that Matthew has put into his studying. Matthew will continue to be a valuable member of the corporate recovery team but will now bring additional valuable skills to the department’s service offering.“

David Parkin, a former business journalist and media entrepreneur, has launched a new travel and events business called COPA.

Based in Leeds, the new venture (www.copasummit.com) aims to provide events and travel services to corporates, professional firms and funders across the North of England and in London.

Parkin, who has previously worked as a business editor of the Yorkshire Post, received support from a number of successful entrepreneurs and investors in the new venture.

Steve Roberts, co-founder of McInnes Corporate Finance and chairman of AIM quoted group Northern Bear, has invested in COPA and joined the Board in a semi executive capacity.

Andrew Dick, co-founder of professional services firm Begbies Traynor has invested in the new venture alongside Dan Summerfield, former director of challenger bank Aldermore. The investment will be managed by Panacea, an entrepreneurial investment company founded by Roberts and Summerfield, which specialises in providing capital and strategic solutions to support and grow SME businesses.

Liz Theakston, who had a successful event management career in London before moving to Yorkshire, and office manager Sue Carpenter, who has worked with several leading professional firms in Leeds, have been recruited by COPA.

As well as providing travel services to both corporate clients and individuals and has a network of contacts in private jet charter, hotels and airlines, COPA also has access to facilities at many of the leading entertainment and sporting venues across the UK.

David Parkin said: “With the economy continuing to improve, more and more firms want to spend time with key clients and targets. The big question is what will attract the right people and deliver value?

"The days of the corporate ‘jolly’ are in the past but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make the time you spend with clients and contacts enjoyable and interesting while also delivering that all important return on investment.

“COPA combines the quality of the people, the experience and the venue to deliver a remarkable event that can be so much more than another golf day or a table at a sportsman’s dinner.

“Launching and growing a business is all about getting the right advice and support by working with talented people, it’s great to have that in Steve, Dan and Andrew. ” 

Andrew Dick commented: “David has unrivalled contacts and knowledge of the business community across the North of England and COPA has some innovative ideas on how to deliver great value from events and travel experiences. It has an exciting future and I’m pleased to be investing in it."

Image source: Lawrie Cate

Each week Bdaily will ask businesses from each area of Yorkshire about what they want and expect from the forthcoming general election, which will be presented in a weekly roundup.

After more than 100 of the country’s most senior business figures, a number of whom are based in Yorkshire, signed a lettter to back Conservatives over the economy, Labour seem to be losing significant support from the region they are so used to dominating. 

With just under four weeks to go until election day, Bdaily wanted to find out the hopes and expectations of buisnesses in North Yorkshire, not just that of the top exectuives. 

Carolyn Frank, owner of Libby Butler Jewellers in the market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire, has given her say on what she wants to see happen.

"As a small business owner I’m looking for a government who will prioritise real business rate reform and guarantee a VAT freeze, and living and working in a rural area, policies that offer improved mobile phone connectivity and reduce fuel duty at the petrol pump - these “top 4” would make a real difference to us and our customers.  

“Small businesses are creating economic recovery in the UK and it is important that we receive practical help from the government, that helps us to grow.  They should listen less to their spin doctors and more to organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses to develop policy, and do less electioneering and more listening to voters.  

“As a woman I would also like to see more female MPs and as a businesswomen, politicians with real life experience not just career politicians."

Morgan Harrop, Louise Burnell, Katie Ryan, The Individual Agency

Leeds based marketing agency, The Individual Agency, has reinforced its staff of six with a new appointment and two significant promotions.

Morgan Harrop, 24, joins the agency as Account Executive from Leeds’ PowerHouse Photography, where she worked as assistant set stylist.

Louise Burnell, who joined The Individual Agency 18 months ago, has been promoted to Head of Client Services, and finally Katie Ryan, who joined as an apprentice three years ago, has been promoted to Account Manager.

In addition, the agency is looking to boost its team further with the appointment of a new apprentice in July, and is currently searching for another creative designer to support the growing demands of clients.   

The Individual Agency, which was set up seven years ago by Michelle Edgar-Parsons and James Everitt, has a range of impressive clients including Slumberdown, Cott Beverages, and Perspex®.

Michelle Edgar-Parsons, managing director of the agency, said: “We’re an incredibly close team here at The Individual Agency so every appointment we make is a carefully considered one, and I’m thrilled to welcome Morgan. Her enthusiasm and creativity for brand and concept design makes her a real asset and we’re looking forward to supporting her so that she can flourish as part of our team.  

“2015 is set to be a big year for The Individual Agency, we’ve always kept quite quiet about the amazing work we do every day for our clients, but now we want to shout about the incredibly talented team we’re lucky enough to have here.”

Declan Maguire, Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Doncaster Sheffield airport has strengthened its Aviation Development Department with the appointment of Declan Maguire as aviation development manager.

Mr Maguire will now have responsibility for both the Yorkshire base and Durham Tees Valley with a remit to work with both new and existing airlines.

He joins Peel Airports from the leading aviation events and online company Routes where he held the post of airline and industry relations manager, responsible for European airline relations. Before joining Routes in 2012, Mr Maguire, who holds a BSc degree in Aviation Management, worked for both Virgin Atlantic and TUI Travel.

Commenting on the new appointment, Mr Maguire said: "It’s a pleasure to join a team dedicated to the development of Doncaster Sheffield and Durham Tees Valley Airports. I look forward to becoming familiar with the communities they serve, promoting new route opportunities and developing relationships with airline operators.”

Chris Harcombe, head of aviation development with Peel Airports since 2013, also commented: “We’re delighted to have Declan joining us from one of the industry’s most influential companies and bringing a wide range of airline contacts.

“Doncaster Sheffield Airport will be celebrating its 10th birthday this month (April) and we’ve added eight new routes from the airport in the past twelve months and doubled Cargo throughput. The new team will be dedicated to delivering further growth and helping the airport to achieve its true potential.”

Robert Atkinson and James Atkinson, Baker Tilly

Baker Tilly has boosted its Corporate Finance team in Yorkshire following a strong first quarter which has seen the firm close three high profile deals.

Robert Atkinson and James Atkinson, both of whom joined the firm as graduate trainees in 2011, have been appointed Associates in Baker Tilly’s Corporate Finance team in Leeds.

Robert will work in the firm’s transactions services team providing financial due diligence and advice to private equity houses, banks and acquisitive corporates, while James becomes a member of the lead advisory team working on mergers and acquisitions and management buyouts.

The new additions follow an intensive period of activity for Baker Tilly’s Corporate Finance team in Yorkshire, who closed three deals in the first quarter – Canadian firm Central Wire Industries’ acquisition of Rotherham-based Hempel Wire Limited, the acquisition of Hull-based software company Axida Limited by Paragon Software Systems plc and Capita’s acquisition of BCS Design in Leeds.

Jim Whittaker, corporate finance partner at Baker Tilly in Leeds, said: “The imminent election doesn’t seem to have affected the M&A market in Yorkshire in the slightest. The deal pipeline remains strong, and I’m delighted to be welcoming Robert and James to the team. I look forward to continued transaction and investment activity over the coming year.“

Emma Rawlinson, NorthEdge Capital 

Private equity firm NorthEdge Capital (NorthEdge), which focuses on investing in companies in the North of England, has announce Emma Rawlinson’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Emma, an experienced chartered accountant and debt advisory practitioner, previosuly worked as Financial Director for NorthEdge since the company’s inception in 2009.

Emma originally joined from Deloitte where she was a Manager in the Debt Advisory department, responsible for developing the firm’s National Debt Advisory business.

In her role, Emma will continue to work alongside NorthEdge’s senior management team with responsibility for the operational side of the business, handling HR, legal issues and infrastructure.

Commenting on her promotion, Emma said: “As a member of the team from the outset, it has been fantastic watching the business transform into one of the leading private equity houses in the North of England. It is an absolute pleasure working alongside the Partners at NorthEdge, helping to shape the direction and focus of our investment strategy.“

Dan Wright, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at NorthEdge, added: “Emma has been a real asset to us over the years and has developed excellent relationships with both our investors and portfolio companies. Her promotion demonstrates our commitment to progressing our team and we look forward to building further on the firm’s success in the North.“

NorthEdge has made 11 investments since 2013, worth a combined enterprise value in excess of £240m, and operates from offices in Manchester and Leeds.

Patrick McNeil and Simon Wierslaw, Park Lodge Shooting School

Park Lodge Shooting School, based in West Cowick, East Yorkshire, has recently recruited two new members of staff to join their team as the business continues to grow.

Patrick McNeil has joined as Chef in Park Lodge’s coffee shop/bistro, where he will work alongside Consultant Chef Mario Mariani to develop the existing menu.  Patrick trained at Selby College and has worked at both the award-winning Farmer Copleys, near Pontefract and The Percy Arms, Airmyn.

Simon Wierslaw has joined as a Groundsman and is responsible for the maintenance of the shooting ground to ensure it is kept in first class order for visiting shooters.  In addition to the two highest shooting towers in the North of England, standing at 30 metres and 42 metres, Park Lodge also has 12 fully automated sporting stands, four Automatic Ball Traps, Down the Line and skeet layouts, plus simulated partridge stands and an air rifle range.

Simon takes over from John Chandler, who has taken semi-retirement and is assisting in reception and organising group bookings.  The new recruits will take the total number of employees at Park Lodge to four full time plus 12 part time shooting instructors.

Tom Bayston, proprietor of Park Lodge, said: “Business is growing year on year at Park Lodge, from both individual clay and game shooters and from organisations looking for somewhere different to hold corporate hospitality events and competitions.  Our challenge is to meet this growing demand by ensuring we provide an excellent customer experience, from the moment visitors arrive to when they leave.  Our two new staff members will play a key role in helping us to do this and we welcome them to the Park Lodge Team.“

Myles Hartley and Paul Bullers, Caddick Developments

Caddick Developments, based in Wetherby, has announced the appointment of a new managing director, following the restructure of its senior team.

The company, which has one of the largest property development pipelines in the North, has appointed Myles Hartley the new managing director with an aim to expand and grow across its sectors.

Mr Hartley, who has been a director with Caddick since 1997, will oversee continued expansion of the company’s development programme including Cross Point Wakefield industrial scheme, residential projects in Manchester and York, plus Leeds city centre sites Quarry Hill and the recently acquired City One site.

Paul Bullers has also been appointed the new group finance director. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Paul joined Caddick’s accounting team in 1996. His role involves dealing with all aspects of the day-to-day accounting and taxation matters, as well as overseeing the Finance department.

Paul Caddick, chairman of Caddick Group, said: “We are seeing renewed confidence in the property sector and we have ambitions growth plans which will see Caddick expand across the sectors where we are currently operating.

“The restructuring of our existing team will reward long serving members of staff, who have taken on much more responsibility, while we look to take advantage of this market upturn.

“There are a number of exciting projects in the pipeline so it’s an encouraging time for Caddick as we look to maintain our position as the largest developer in Yorkshire and the North West.“

Caddick Group employs more than 330 staff across its offices and project sites. The Development pipeline has a collective end value of more than £1billion.

Image source: Lars Plougmann

The hiring intentions of UK firms are at ‘sky-high’ levels, according to the latest Business Trends Report by accountants and business advisers BDO LLP.

With BDO’s Employment Index measuring 113.0, which is well above its long-term trend, the suggestion is that UK firms will continue to boost job creation in the coming months.

However, BDA states that there are big areas of concern for the economy, including its ‘puzzling failure’ to increase productivity, despite continuing strong economic growth.

The report states British workers’ output per hour has been static during the last two years of the recovery.

Despite this negative trend, BDO’s Output and Optimism Indices, which predict economic growth three and six months ahead respectively, remain significantly above the 100 mark, which indicates growth above the long-term trend.

The Output Index rose to 103.9 in March while the Optimism Index held firm at 104.9, revealing UK business confidence to be at levels not seen since summer 2014.  

Peter Hemington, partner at BDO LLP, said: “While it is encouraging to see strong business confidence, the UK’s continuing poor labour productivity performance is a very significant concern.  

“Although employment growth in recent years has been strong, much of this has been in part-time jobs.  Productivity ultimately determines our prosperity so it is a crucial area that must be addressed.  Policymakers of all persuasion must take on this productivity puzzle”.  

Richard Grafton Interiors is spotlighting its rapid expansion by opening a third Harrogate showroom, which will showcase the services of its joint venture with interior architecture company Grafton Freestone.

Located on the corner of Montpellier Street and The Ginnel, the new 1,000 sq ft showroom is also adjacent to Richard Grafton Interiors’ existing furnishings and interior design showroom and studio in Harrogate’s Montpellier Quarter.

The company has an additional 2,000 sq ft warehouse showroom - opened in 2013 - in the Beech Avenue Business Park, also in Harrogate,

The newest showroom will display the design services of Grafton Freestone, which was launched in May 2013.The business delivered over £500,000 of bespoke room projects across Yorkshire in its first year and is continuing to grow rapidly.

As well as designing and installing bathrooms and wet rooms, kitchens, dressing rooms, Grafton Freestone also supplies cabinetry for a variety of rooms, and partners with technology providers to install tailored audio visual systems and cinema rooms as part of the build.

Andrew Freestone, the director of Grafton Freestone, said: “This showroom allows us to bring to life what we can offer to clients who want a really special, uniquely designed and state-of-the-art home,“ said director Andrew Freestone.

“As well as being able to browse our portfolio of projects, clients can touch and feel the quality of our wood cabinetry, sit in our room spaces and play with the sound and vision systems and gadgetry that really complete a project.“

Richard Grafton, Freestone’s fellow director and business partner, added: “Grafton Freestone’s services usually involve architectural work such as staircases, cabinets and furniture installations, flooring, bathrooms and home entertainment.  All this complements our interior design service that is the focus of our showroom next door, and across both companies we share the same commitment to providing the highest quality of design and service.

“The Montpellier Quarter has a long history as an antiques centre, but we are seeing more new designer clothing boutiques and interiors businesses come to the surrounding streets each year.  We are proud to be part of this resurgence that is bringing jobs to the town and making the area around Montpellier Street and The Ginnel a design destination both within the county and also by attracting visitors from further afield.“

Establishing a brand in today’s fast-paced fashion industry is no mean feat, especially when faced with competition from high street stores and big brands, but entrepreneur and founder of OJO Distinctive Eyewear David Lusk has created something truly different you won’t find on the high street…

It is often the case that the best ideas for a business come to you when you least expect it. For David Lusk, who has worked in optics since he was just 17 years old, his lightbulb moment came when struggling to find a pair of glasses he liked. Having worked as a Lab Manager at a handful of established high street opticians across the North East throughout his career, David naturally began to develop an eye for fine craftsmanship and attention to detail in frames. After being made redundant in the recession, David began to research distinctive frames and soon discovered a gap in the market.

David’s journey began in September 2012 as he embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to an optical exhibition in Beijing in search of distinctive frames and eyewear that could potentially become the hero products for a business idea he was nurturing. It was here David got to touch and feel the quality of wooden framed glasses and knew instinctively that these lightweight, hardwearing and unique frames were perfect for his burgeoning business. Such a unique product proved to be the perfect partner to David’s wealth of experience in the optical industry and OJO Distinctive Eyewear was born!

The aims behind OJO Distinctive Eyewear are simple: to bring customers something different they won’t find on the high street, and to deliver excellent customer service online with a more personal touch. Each OJO frame is crafted from wood, such as the Glory frame to give a stunning distressed effect, or artificial wood to create a distinctive look. Their ever-expanding range fits perfectly into the latest trends of statement eyewear and as David has discovered, appeal to customers of all ages. With over 30 years’ experience within the optical industry, OJO fit the highest quality ophthalmic lenses to each frame by hand which are sent to the workshop here in the UK. Tailored to your bespoke measurements and prescription, glasses can be glazed with prescription lenses along with UV protected and polarized sunglasses designed to eliminate glare. With free delivery to customers across the UK, Europe and North America, David’s designs have had plenty of attention since the launch early last year – most notably some of the players from the Detroit Tigers major league baseball team!  

OJO, which is Spanish for eye, offer customers a free home trial service which means you can try the frames for size at home to make sure they’re right for you. All glasses are impact and scratch resistant as standard and available in a wide range of prescriptions. OJO’s distinctive eyewear has been crafted to ensure there’s something for everybody, regardless of personal style – from the Jaxon, a modern and bold angular design crafted to look like ebony, to the Weaver – a stylish, sophisticated brown frame – and the Humble, a natural light wood-effect frame loaded with geek chic. The beauty of OJO Distinctive Eyewear is that all frames are completely unisex, so perfect for pairing with different outfits, hairstyles and face shapes. Their range of fashion-led bamboo and wooden sunglasses are proving extremely popular as customers desire something lightweight and comfortable. There’s also an option for customers who don’t need to wear glasses - even the standard option is far from standard as they are anti-glare, scratch resistant and impact resistant.

Future plans for OJO Distinctive Eyewear include creating a vintage-inspired range called ‘OJO Iconic’ which will involve a collection of retro-style frames along with the opportunity to purchase vintage frames and have the lenses tailored to you prescription. OJO also kindly donate £1 for every pair of glasses or sunglasses bought to Orbis, a flying eye hospital that travels across the world to help treat and prevent blindness in some of the world’s poorest countries. For David, who once struggled to find frames he liked, continuously develops the range and admits the favourite part of running the business is the customer satisfaction from people, like him, who struggled to find something they liked or that was comfortable on their face. 

Tullett Prebon Information (TPI), a global provider of financial market data, has entered into a corporate partnership with Cass Business School, City University London.

The business school comes together with the provider of ‘over-the-counter’ (OTC) market data to facilitate academic research in areas of mutual interest, which they will then make available to the wider industry.

Students will also benefit from exposure to real world markets, leading to the further development of skills and talent across the sector.

Professor Steven Haberman, Dean of Cass Business School, commented: “By partnering with Cass, TPI will be joining a community of world class organisations that enjoy a range of benefits and services accessible to our Corporate Partners.

"Our collaborations are key to providing our students with the best opportunities for the future as well as building bridges with the world of business and providing practitioner expertise, perspective and input. We welcome TPI on board and look forward to a positive and productive collaboration.“

Students electing to conduct research into aspects of the OTC markets will have access to proprietary TPI data as well as its support teams.

TPI’s data includes a wide range of OTC money market, foreign exchange, fixed income and derivative pricing from the global financial markets.

Frank Desmond, CEO at TPI, said: “This is an important collaboration between the worlds of academia and business. Research is always a highly-prized commodity and we look forward to fuelling studies that could well shape future industry developments.

"We also welcome the chance to work closely with the faculty and student body at Cass and offer our insights into the market. We’ll also offer the potential for students to participate in an internship program at TPI.“

Three new businesses launch in York Science Park’s Springboard startup space.

Springboard, which is a specific space that caters for the needs of very early stage businesses and entrepreneurs, welcomes a company registration agent, a software company specialising in the education sector and a company providing innovative IT solutions and support for SMEs.

Located in the Ron Cooke Hub on the University of York’s Heslington East campus development, Springboard, established in 2010, allows entrepreneurs and businesses to easily access business personnel, academic departments and world class researchers, which can lead to innovative solutions and business opportunities.

One of the new businesses that launched in the Springboard is Atom Stream, a provider of complete end-to-end IT solution for SMEs ranging from IT support through to email, telephones, broadband, consultancy and hardware supply.

After developing highly-automated monitoring and management systems, the IT company now offers IT support to Yorkshire-based companies at highly competitive prices.

John Benson, the founder of Atom Stream, said: “We chose to base ourselves at Springboard as it allowed us to start up a new business with minimal capital investment. This has meant we can invest in taking on more staff, which we otherwise would not have been able to do until the business was larger. The team at York Science Park have been great and their speed at dealing with our application has meant we have been able to start trading much sooner than we would have been able to otherwise.”

The second business, Superformation,  are Company Registration Agents that provides fast online incorporation service for people wishing to register and incorporate new companies in the UK.  

The company’s services, which are all available and are free, include checking if the company name is available, adding Directors, Shareholders and setting up the Companies Registered Office. Additional add-ons include virtual office, mail forwarding, banking and offshore incorporations.

The third company, Tivoli IT, provides locally developed, multi-platform software for sport in the education sector.

Aimed primarily at school sports organisers, the company offers a product called ‘PEresults’, a competition management tool designed for school sport which provides a low cost solution to maximise productivity and minimize administration time for all staff involved in arranging, managing and reporting on competitive school sport.  

The software also includes ‘live results’ displayed on school websites, collects and uploads participation data, assists with compliance matters and links with all the various stakeholders involved in organising and managing competitive school sport at all levels. Since being launched, over 2,000 schools have bought the software, and the company expects this to grow significantly in the future.

Mark Gillett, director of Tivoli IT said: “Springboard offers the perfect location for a start-up company such as ours.  I know how time consuming and costly setting up a new office is, but with Springboard you just move in and everything is done for you – no communications and technology infrastructure to sort out, no long and complicated premises lease to tie you up, no office furniture to buy, no local café to seek out.  It’s all here, already done for you, to a very high standard.  Both the facilities and the team are superb and have made sure that I can get on with running the company and building my client base from the moment I arrived.”

Tracey Smith, managing director, York Science Park, commented: "We have had a very strong start to 2015 with a continuous flow of enquiries for our start-up space, Springboard.  There is a real sense of optimism and opportunity around at the moment and it’s great to see these three entrepreneurial business start life at York Science Park where I am sure they will make the most of the support and networks we offer.”

Image source: Shinsuke JJ Ikegame

Budding Stockton on Tees entrepreneur Beverley Rose-Olmez is asking for the support of fellow North East residents and businesses, by voting for her online, to help her reach the semi finals of Richard Branson’s business investment competition called Pitch to Rich.

With her start-up marketing business, called Campaign Kick-off Workshops, Beverley is hoping to achieve over 500 votes by the first round deadline date of 5 May 2015.

Beverley is entered in the Start-Up category, with the two other categories being, New Things and Grow. The top fifty entrants with the highest votes from each category will automatically progress her through to semi finalist status in this UK wide competition.

The semi finalists will be revealed on 19 May 2015, and finalists announced on 2 June 2015. The final pitches will be made to Rich at a live finale event in London on 26 June 2015, where the ten best pitches will win a share of more than £1m in prizes.

Currently in the pre-launch phase, Beverley is productising her 21 years worth of international marketing and events management knowledge, and specifically, will be delivering the marketing tools which helped her achieve finalist status in the Interim Marketing Manager of the Year Awards 2014, for a project where she helped to globally launch an aviation sector client’s product.

Global business managers will be able to receive the workshops via Skype, in-house one-to-one or by traditional group workshops.

Beverley said: “I’ve had such amazing support so far from friends, family, business colleagues and the global business community, but I am desperate to get masses more votes, to get me through to the semi finals.

“Business wise, I’ve already received over £3,000 worth of prospective sales enquiries, but it is about the votes at the moment, and if the people of the North East are kind enough to support me by voting online, then I would also ask them to remember to confirm their vote by clicking the email link that they receive from Virgin Media Business.“

Famous fellow Teessiders who have already supported Beverley via re-tweets on Twitter include Paul Daniels (comedy magician), Gary Havelock (1992 world speedway champion), Adele Parks (author), Mark Benton (actor), Katherine Copeland (Great Britain Olympic champion) and Mackenzie Thorpe (artist).

Image source: viZZZual.com

McKay Securities PLC, a Real Estate Investment Trust specialising in the South East and London office and industrial markets, has announced two property disposals for a combined consideration of £3.73 million.  

The first property is Waterman’s Court, a 10,770 sq ft freehold office property in Staines-upon-Thames, which was sold with vacant possession for £2.03m, in line with its last valuation at 30th September 2014. The purchaser was not named, but is referred to as ‘a private property company’.

The second property is Access House, Newbury, which is a vacant 17,040 sq ft freehold office property.  It was sold for £1.70 million, 26% ahead of valuation.

The company has said the proceeds will be recycled and ‘invested into funding future growth opportunities’. This will include McKay’s existing programme of portfolio improvement projects, its large scale development programme and potential new acquisitions.

Simon Perkins, managing director of McKay Securities said: " These are both properties below our preferred lot size, where recent initiatives have helped secure the value realised by disposal. The proceeds will be recycled and reinvested into larger portfolio opportunities where we can see encouraging potential for growth, including our programme of current and pipeline development projects."

A tax specialist based in Harrogate has kicked off the new financial year with the launch of his own consultancy.

Stephen Outhwaite, who has more than 30 years experience working in the industry as a tax inspector before becoming a senior manager an international tax advisory firm, is currently heading Outhwaite Associates.

Just days after opening, the newly launched firm has already taken on its first clients, which include a major property holdings group and a large international logistics firm.

Furthermore, Outhwaite Associates is also working alongside a Scottish-based consultancy, to advise businesses and individuals in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Over the past two years, Mr Outhwaite has applied his specialist tax and risk management knowledge to provide advice, guidance and support to more than 100 clients, ranging role sole traders to multi-nationals, as well as an array of well-known names from the world of sport and entertainment.

Due to his expertise in the industry, Mr Outhwaite is regularly called on to speak to several professional service affinity groups, training organisations and in-house teams about the latest taxation laws. These have included Chartered Institute of Taxes (CIoT), Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales (ICAEW), Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Association of Chartered & Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Mr Outhwaite said: “Having worked in the tax sector for the last 30 years – and in particular on both sides of the tax coin – I have a unique set of qualifications to offer clients.

“And, with all the political parties highlighting the targeting of tax avoidance and tax evasion as key manifesto pledges, launching Outhwaite Associates could not be better timed.

“I’m being joined in this venture by a number of ‘associates’, whom I have worked with on numerous occasions in the past. Each has a different speciality to bring to the mix. Over the last few years I have worked with a host of clients up and down the country offering them wide-ranging advice and support, and I’m looking forward to developing my client base over the coming weeks, months and years.“

Following an overwhelmingly majority vote, Cheapside is now the first area in the City of London to adopt a Business Improvment District (BID).

BIDs are changing the face of large swathes of Central London. There are now more than 40 established across London.

The Cheapside BID has been proposed by the City of London in order to build on the momentum achieved through delivering the Cheapside Area Strategy which has seen a significant change in the business and retail environment in the Cheapside area.

This has been complemented by the work of the Cheapside Initiative which was established in 2007 as a voluntary private sector partnership of land owners, developers and occupiers that has provided a voice for the local community.

Ruth Duston, who led the Cheapside ballot campaign and is one of the leading figures in the development of central London BIDs, said" "This is a historic moment for the City of London.

"The role of the modern day BID is not just about ‘improving’ areas, but increasingly they are powerful business alliances focused on CSR, the socio-economic agenda, community engagement, matching skills and training to jobs, and opportunities such as joint procurement.

"This recent addition to the London BID platform is clear example of businesses working collectively."

The new Cheapside BID will be funded by the businesses it represents. A BID levy multiplier is calculated by using an annual multiplier on the rateable value.

The Cheapside BID will promote the enhancement of Cheapside as a business and retail destination and will not relate to the delivery of services that would normally be expected to be undertaken by the City Corporation (cleaning, policing etc).