inside huddersfield - Spring 2010

Issue 52

Spring 2010

Page 10

In this edition

Members news

Pages 5, 6 and 7HTCPL news

Page 11Members news

The best time to join us

Welcome newmemberspages 2 & 3

The newsletter of the Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership

Do you want to be part ofthe local businesscommunity? Do youcare aboutHuddersfield? Do youwant to get great value

for money? Then join us!There has never been a better time to

become a member of the Huddersfield Town

Centre Partnership – anybody who joins now

pays for just one year, but gets membership

until 31 March 2011.

Being a member of the HTCPL has so

many benefits, everyone is a winner.

In supporting the HTCPL, you are also

supporting all its initiatives and events which

benefit the town centre, consequently

bringing in more visitors and improving the

local economy. Get involved with events that

really put the town on the map, such as the

Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival.

Chairman Steven Pollitt said: “Because we

all work together, in the Partnership and with

other groups, Huddersfield already punches

above its weight and will grow and thrive with

team working.

“The Partnership is also about getting to

know the businesses in the town, using

networking sessions and new social media

connecting opportunities.

“There is also the social aspect –

representatives at the fortnightly Business

Referral Clubs don’t just create business

relationships, but find new friends too.

“Our fees are modest considering all that

we offer members, and the high retention rate

speaks for itself – 90% of members renew

their membership each year.”

Costs are as follows:

* Small business = £80 (plus VAT)

* Medium business = £180 (plus VAT)

* Large business = £350 (plus VAT)

The HTCPL, steered by a board, was

formed in 2006 from the former Huddersfield

Town Centre Association. Its mission

statement is: “To improve the viability and

vitality of the town through co-ordinated

management of commercial, retail and civic

activities and responsibilities.”

Every quarter, the HTCPL produces this

‘Inside Huddersfield’ newsletter which is sent

to 1,200 businesses in the town centre,

Lockwood and the Leeds Road corridor and

all members.

For retail businesses, there is an extra

bonus – members get £70 off the cost of the

Retail Radio, which has helped towards

reducing shop crime by 15%.

Steven added: “We are a multi-issue

organisation and open to everybody – retail,

design companies, accountants, lawyers, you

name it. What we are always striving to do is

to increase the benefits the town offers and

this has a knock-on effect for all businesses.

“Members can find out what’s going on as

well by using the Town Centre Management

office as a base for communication – if there

are any problems or items of interest, they will get

information out to members at the first available

opportunity. For example, during the recent wintry spell,

members were kept informed of the transport situation

on a regular basis.”

For a full list of members’ benefits, go to the website

www.huddersfield-htcpl.co.uk

But don’t just listen to us – read what our members

say about us.

Alasdair Brown, chief executive of Kirklees Active

Leisure, said: "The Partnership provides a great

opportunity for local businesses to work together to

influence key local issues and to ensure that

Huddersfield remains a great place to work and live.

James Walsh, MD of Barrett Business Machines, is a

staunch supporter of the Partnership and in particular,

the Business Referral Club.

He said: “It’s really worth doing, doesn’t take much of

your time up and the breakfasts are lovely!

“They are a friendly bunch and I enjoy going. It helps

me feel part of our community and gives me an insight

into what’s happening in the town and the surrounding

area.”

To join, or find out more information, go to our website

www.huddersfield-htcpl.co.uk, ring the office on 01484

487933 or email [email protected]

Strategic marketing and designcompany joins Partnership

Blacksmith DesignConsultancy, one ofHuddersfield’s longestestablished designagencies, has joined theHTCPL after a recent

move to new premises.Owner and managing director Neil Smith

established Blacksmith in his home town 18

years ago after working for several high-profile

advertising agencies in Leeds.

With his team of six full-time staff, they

specialise in design for print and design for

web, while also offering marketing consultancy,

strategic guidance and sourcing merchandise

for their clients.

Neil said: “I graduated from the University of

Huddersfield, which is now one of our biggest

clients. We work with both national and local

companies, most of which are in the

education, pensions or legal services sectors.

“In joining the HTCPL we hope to

re-establish ourselves within the local business

community.

“We offer exceptional professionalism and

service and sharp creativity. Everything we do

is bespoke.”

The company first set up home in Shepley,

close to one of its most well-known local

clients, Shepley Spring, which produces Ice

Valley mineral water. Blacksmith Design

Consultancy was responsible for all its

branding from the outset.

Another of its biggest local clients is

Earnshaws Fencing Centre.

The design company recently moved to a

more prominent location on Wakefield Road in

Lepton.

Neil, who was born and bred in

Huddersfield, added: “I really enjoy working in

Huddersfield, it’s great to be able to build a

business in your home town.

“Huddersfield has become a bit of a design

centre, especially since its traditional industries

disappeared.

Its proximity to Manchester and Leeds, with

all their resources, and the high profile Media

Centre make it attractive to design

businesses.”

To find out more, go to the website

www.blacksmithdc.co.uk or ring 01484

452620.

Burgeoning floristjoins HTCPL

The first florist and bridalshop in the town centre tobecome a member of theGood Florist Guide has alsojoined the HTCPL. La FleurFloral and Bridal boutique

on Northumberland Street has onlybeen trading since October 2008 andhas already carved out a niche for itselfdespite the recession and disruptionfrom the St George’s project.

Owner and manager Alisa Devlin said: “It

has been a tough trading year. However, the

feedback I have had for my wedding boutique

and flower work has been really positive and I

am building up a regular corporate business,

as well as a loyal customer base and passing

trade.”

Alisa was delighted to be recently awarded

membership of the Good Florist Guide 2010

which is only given to businesses which meet

its exacting criteria.

La Fleur is only one

of ten to be included

in the guide within

West Yorkshire.

Her philosophy is to

only send out

bouquets of flowers

which she would like

to receive herself.

Having worked with

flowers most of her

working life, buying her

own shop in Huddersfield was a dream come

true.

“You could say it was a mid-life crisis, many

years as a high flying executive travelling the

world and not finding time for my family and

friends, that finally pushed me into following

my dream. I truly love my shop and enjoy

working in an environment that I have created.”

La Fleur also sells exclusively designed

bridal dresses by True Bride and Hillary

Morgan, alongside a range of glamorous

dresses for a range of occasions.

Alisa added: “We don't operate an

appointment system. Our aim is to make our

brides feel comfortable and relaxed while we

help them choose the perfect dress for their

day. I also source complementary shoes,

tiaras and other accessories.”

Le Fleur hopes to encourage moreindependent

businesses to set up

in the “long neglected

but developing and

architecturally beautiful

part of Huddersfield's

centre” which is her

primary reason for

joining the HTCPL.

Find out more at

www.lafleurfloralbridal.

com or ring 01484

517812.

Printing.com joins the Partnership

Aprinting franchise that hasrecently located to the towncentre has joined the HTCPL.Printing.com is a nationalfranchise with its head officein Manchester.

The marketing agency PM Marketing Group

bolted it onto its business a year ago and opened

its shop on Upperhead Row opposite the Bus

Station last year.

Printing.com does just that – printing business

and retail needs from business cards to exhibition

stands and external signs. As part of the PM

Marketing Group, which prides itself on being

“straight-talking and practical” and getting great

results, it can take the customer through the whole

process from the idea through to the finished

product.

The award-winning franchise is geared towards

offering the best service at the lowest prices, with

300 shops around the country.

The franchise is owned and managed by former

international athlete Steve Green, still a Bingley

Harrier who runs at least 60 miles every week.

Steve said: “We have moved into the town

centre from Fenay Bridge. We want to get to know

more about what’s going on within Huddersfield

itself and communicate with its business

community. It’s also nice to give something back.

“Although a lot of our work is done electronically,

having a town centre presence will be an uplift for

the brand and make it easier for customers to call

in. Many of our clients are sole traders or small to

medium-sized firms, so we are aiming to appeal to

the whole Huddersfield business community.”

Showing the same determination and grit that

scooped him several championship titles in the

1990s, Steve built up PM Marketing, a full service

marketing agency providing print and design,

advertising and marketing, corporate branding,

web, public relations and display, exhibition and

events. It was a winner in the 2008 Northern

Marketing Awards.

Look at www.huddersfield-printing.com or ring

on 0845 026 7407. Upperhead Row office is open

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for all enquiries.

A new dawn for Holmfirth’sNew Dawn Resources

Learner Driver TrainingCentre joins HTCPL

The Learner Driver TrainingCentre, which has beensuccessfully running fromHuddersfield for more than35 years, has joined thePartnership.

Based at premises on Old Wakefield Road

in Moldgreen, the company trains people to

become driving instructors as well as

teaching learner drivers.

Chris Morris founded the business in 1972

when he began as a driving instructor, then

went on to teach would-be driving instructors

too.

He said: “I taught driving instructors for 20

years but had so many people wanting to

learn that I moved on to managing the

business.

“With the introduction of the internet, we

became a national business teaching

instructors and establishing them in their

home towns. It has grown steadily over the

years and has survived two recessions.”

There are now more than 100 driving

schools around the country, but the head

office is still in Huddersfield.

Courses are tailored to the individual,

which is particularly useful for those wanting a

change of career but not able to take a break

in earnings.

All instructors who pass the course are

guaranteed a job with Learner Driver Training

Centres, with franchises also on offer from

£30 per week.

Any qualified instructors who do not earn at

least £30,000 in their first year with Learner Driver

Training Centres will have their course fees

refunded.

“Although we are a national company, we

wanted to promote ourselves more to local

businesses and joining the HTCPL was a good

way of doing that,” added Chris.

“We are keen to get more people to learn how

to drive with our instructors in Huddersfield. We

don’t just teach you how to pass your test, we

teach you how to drive well, safely and with

confidence.

“We can also offer other members a discount

on driving lessons.”

Find out more by ringing 0800 0740 886 or go

to www.learnerdriver.co.uk

Acompany which providesessential business servicessuch as human resourcesand health and safetysupport has joined thePartnership.

New Dawn Resources, based in Holmfirth,

assists small to medium-sized businesses who

cannot afford to have in-house resources for

training, health and safety and human resources

services.

Vanessa Scrimshaw founded the company,

which largely serves clients within the catering,

manufacturing and marketing industries, in

2007.

She knew Sarah Harrison, who was managing

director of a vegetable manufacturer in Norfolk,

who joined the company shortly afterwards.

They employ several consultants as

associates on a retained basis.

Vanessa said: “The business is going very

well. We have recently invested and taken on

bigger offices in Holmfirth after securing some

large contracts in the area.

“Towards the end of 2009, I got a strong

sense that everybody was fed up of all the

doom and gloom and as we enter a new year

we are all ready to start thinking more positively.

“One of the main aspects of our business is

training which is often one of the first budgets to

go during hard times, but we are now seeing

that side improve with more businesses willing to

invest in their staff. It’s a good reflection of the

market.”

New Dawn Resources has a “strong moral

ethic”, only buying products and employing

people from within the West Yorkshire area. As

part of this drive to stay local, they have joined

the HTCPL.

“This enhances our marketing and

encourages other customers to source locally as

well,” added Vanessa.

“A lot of our business comes from proactive

people making a new start or wanting to develop

a more professional outlook.

“Although we can’t ignore the reactive side of

the business, which unfortunately tends to be

customers struggling to defend themselves

against legal claims or ever-increasing insurance

premiums.”

For more information, see the website at

www.newdawnresources.co.uk, ring 01484

680098, or email the team at

[email protected]

HTCPL members aregetting Huddersfieldfitter with the F Factor.Kirklees Council’sCulture and Leisurehave joined forces with

Kirklees Active Leisure to help getmore people, more active, more often– helped by Pennine FM.

F stands for get Fitter, eat healthier Food,

have Fun and do it with your Friends and

Family.

Four teams of four people, each led by a

Pennine FM radio presenter, will be

competing to change their lives for the better.

A fitness instructor will act as mentor and

adviser to each team, devising gym workouts

and signposting them to a variety of activities

from yoga to netball.

Participants receive a free three-month

MORE membership which gives them access

to swimming, classes, fitness suites and

saunas at eleven centres across the district.

Participants need to attend as many

activities as possible each week and fill in a

weekly blog. The winning team will be judged

at the end of May by how much exercise and

activity they have done.

The F Factor is being promoted by car

stickers and by various events across

Huddersfield and beyond, including schools,

sports centres and community centres.

Organiser Hilary Frayne, marketing officer

for Culture and Leisure, said: “We are very

excited about this new project, which will not

only benefit those taking part but also have a

wider knock-on effect across the community.’’

Providing

Businesseswith adviceand support

For more informationCall: 01484 221414Email: [email protected]/business

> Advice on setting up a business> Signposting to funding and

training opportunities> Helping businesses expand

or relocate> Environmental support> Supporting corporate social

responsibility

Barrett Business is boomingM

ANAGING director ofBarrett BusinessMachines Ltd, JamesWalsh, rarely misses aBusiness Referral Clubbreakfast meeting.

His company, now trading in its 21st year,

prides itself on being local and supporting local

businesses and organisations. With exciting

expansion plans on the horizon, that ethos has

really paid dividends.

James said: “We look to keep business as

local as possible. I do some business in Leeds,

Bradford, Halifax, Wakefield and Dewsbury, but

most of it is within the Huddersfield area. It makes

economical sense to stay local.”

BBM now has eight full-time employees, but

James started out by himself selling faxes during

the big fax boom of the early 1990s. After three

years working from home, he moved into rented

premises in Lockwood. The business bought its

current premises in Honley about eight years ago.

Barrett was his wife’s maiden name, which

James thought sounded well with Business

Machines, and would also keep the company

towards the top of the Yellow Pages listings - so

the company was born.

Another key to his success was to stay one

step ahead of the game.

“We had to diversify, so after faxes came

copiers, printers and now we supply everything

for an office, including furniture and seating, apart

from computers,” said James. “We move with the

times. At the moment, colour printers are very

much in demand – and colour copiers which

connect to a network and double as a scanner

and printer.”

A couple of years ago, its turnover was £1

million, which has dropped slightly due to the

recession, but expected to shoot back up again.

“I am proud that we haven’t had to lay anybody

off, but have kept ticking over – but now things

are picking up,” said James.

BBM currently supplies many well-known

brands, including Infotec/Ricoh and OKI Printing

Solutions but having forged a new deal with

household name Olivetti at the beginning of

February, making him exclusive supplier in this

area, he expects business to be even brisker over

the coming years.

“This is quite a coup for us,” said James. “It’s a

new fresh range of products and will open up

new business opportunities. We hope it will lead

to further expansion of the business.

“Olivetti and BBM are offering a print health

check/audit. Many organisations understand the

cost of photocopier and copy. However, printer

cost and volumes are not as easy to calculate

and are at a premium to run, so if unsure of your

situation then please contact us.”

James is a staunch supporter of the Business

Referral Clubs and only misses a meeting due to

illness or holiday.

“I was one of the first members of the

breakfast club, along with Steven Pollitt, who is

now HTCPL chairman,” he recalled. “I have

made loads of friends and have a chat with

them, not just about business. I have given

business to fellow members and get business

deals for our company too.

“We are passing information back and forth.

Getting to know what’s going on in the town.

“I got to know Jonathan Hardy before the

Kingsgate Centre was open and have been a

supplier to them ever since.

“It’s all about networking and meeting friendly

people who you can relate to.

“We also get information informally – for

example, stockbroker Les Baxter keeps

members updated with what’s going on in the

City, which is an indication of how business in

general is going. He passes on tips about which

companies are doing well and who the

up-and-coming ones are, which is very useful

information for businesses.

“Other people talk about employment law,

health and safety, new legislation coming out - if

you are not up to date, you can be left behind.

“Members also update each other on what’s

going on, about events and new products and

what social events are coming up. It is informal

and friendly. I wouldn’t miss it unless I had good

reason.”

BBM also likes to get involved with the local

community. Said James: “We have a

commitment to our staff, our customers, and our

community, we are always ready to embrace

change and invest in new technologies. We

have donated equipment to nearby schools in

Honley and also sponsor many events.”

BBM is among several HTCPL members

supporting a charity recycled fashion show in

March. James’ daughter Ciara Walsh, who also

works on a casual basis at BBM while studying

for her degree in marketing at Huddersfield

University, is helping to organise the fashion

event at Holmfirth’s Picturedrome.

The No Frills Fashion Show 2010 is helping to

raise funds for the ‘Keep It Up campaign’, which

supports both the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and

Huddersfield Town Football Academy.

Organisers include the student team, recycling

company Bag It Up and Huddersfield University

business lecturer, Nadio Granata. Mark

Longbottom of Design 58 and Edward's Catering

Services are also supporting the event.

No Frills runs on March 5, with the VIP section

open from 7pm, standard open from 8pm, and

an after-show party from 10pm. The

Huddersfield Examiner has also helped promote

the event. For tickets and more information, visit

www.nofrills2010.sweb.cz

Find out more about the company on its

website www.barrettbusinessmachines.co.uk or

ring the team on 01484 665111.

■ BARRETT BUSINESS PREMISES IN HONLEY (ABOVE) AND JAMESRELAXING (BELOW) WITH DAUGHTERS CHLOE (LEFT) AND CIARA (RIGHT):

Shopping centremanager retiresafter 18 years

The HCTPL was sad to wavegoodbye to the PiazzaShopping Centre managerJohn Beardall who has beenat the helm for almost 18years.

John retired at the beginning of the year.

He first joined the Huddersfield shopping

centre when it was owned by CIN Properties on

behalf of the Coal Pensions Fund. It was later

sold to Zurich Assurance Ltd in 2004.

John has always prided himself on being a

hands-on manager, taking a lead role in many of

the town’s biggest activities such as the Piazza

summer festivals and Christmas lights switch-on

events.

John said: “It has been a real pleasure to

work in Huddersfield and I am really grateful for

all the support that I have received over the

years, particularly from town centre

management.”

As well as keenly supporting various charities,

John has also been an active member of the

British Council of Shopping Centres, attending

meetings throughout the country on behalf of

the town.

His successor Vernon O’Reilly took over the

reins on Monday January 4.

Cathy Burger, Huddersfield Town Centre

Manager, said: “John has been a huge support

to ourselves and the town and has been a

member of the HTCPL since 2000. We are sad

to see John go and wish him all the best in his

retirement. We would like to extend a warm

welcome to Vernon and we look forward to

working with him.”

Less shoplifting in HuddersfieldS

hoplifting in Huddersfieldtown centre has fallen by15%, according to policefigures. In 2009, policecaught 630 shoplifterscompared to 743 the

previous year. The news is even morepositive considering that nationallyshoplifting has risen by up to a third.

Last year, a large number of retailers in

Huddersfield town centre joined the retail radio

scheme which helps shops work together to

combat shoplifting.

Cathy Burger, Huddersfield Town Centre

Manager, said that the increase in the scheme’s

participants, which was originally set up ten years

ago, contributed to the success in reducing

crime.

Plant salesin towncentre

Huddersfield’s ever popularplant sales on New Streetare now in their tenth year.Dates for this year’s salesare May 15, June 5 andJuly 3.

The plant sales regularly feature up to 20

growers and specialist nurseries from across the

region. Some exhibitors specialise in unusual

varieties of plants and are happy to give growing

Fines for badcar parkers inHuddersfield

Irresponsible parking may be athing of the past now councilofficials have new powers to clampdown on drivers who dump theircars carelessly. From January 1,Kirklees Council wardens can give

penalty charge notices to motoristsparking in front of dropped kerbs or whohave parked more than 50cm away fromthe kerb edge on public highways.Cars parked in this way can cause an

obstruction to other road users, pedestrians and

the emergency services.

This can be a particular problem in some of

Huddersfield town centre’s narrow roads.

Photo: An example of inconsiderate parking

tips to gardeners and anyone else who is

interested.

There are plenty of green bargains to pick up

too.

Julia Lilof, Assistant Town Centre Manager,

said: “The plant sales are really popular events

and plants tend to go quickly so our advice as

always is to come down early to avoid

disappointment.”

Photo: A customer looks at the plants

available

She added: “Retailers are employing fewer

people in the current climate and there may thus

be fewer staff on the shop floors so it is now

easier for things to go missing.

“We have found more stores are interested in

joining the retail radio system. It shows maybe

that stores are being targeted that have not

needed security systems before.

“The stores on the retail radio system have

found they have managed the situation. I don’t

think they have been as badly affected.”

Retailers meet with police every two months

to share information and ideas on reducing

crime.

Sgt John McFadzean, of Huddersfield Police,

believed it was the impressive partnerships

within the town which helped to beat the thieves.

“It is all down to the work we are doing with

the town centre partnership,’’ he said. “We have

a lot of people out there working with us.

“The CCTV operators are good and are really

on the ball, we have excellent police community

support officers and good store detectives. I am

pleased with the figures.

“It is very good news and I’m sure it will make

people feel safer.”

The British Retail Consortium recently

published a survey showing that theft from

shops rose nationally by a third in 2009, robbing

UK shops of £1.1bn.

Photo( right): A member of staff contacts the

CCTV control room

Boost for station

Huddersfield RailwayStation is getting amuch-needed £2.3 millionmakeover to improveaccess and safety.Workhas already started to

provide two lifts to enable people withdisabilities, the elderly and parents withpushchairs easy passage between theplatforms and St George’s Square.

The project, funded by the Department for

Transport’s Access for All scheme, will also

include CCTV and telephone links.

Network Rail is carrying out the work which is

due to be finished by the summer. It promises

to keep disruption to passengers to a

minimum.

Richard Lungmuss, Route Director for

Network Rail, said: “These new facilities will

make station and platform access much easier

for all passengers, including people with

disabilities, those carrying heavy luggage or

with pushchairs.

“This important funding has made it possible

for us to carry out these vital station

improvements that will make the railway open

to more and more people.”

The HTCPL welcomed the news that the

town’s beautiful station will be made more

practical for passengers.

Chairman Steven Pollitt said: “This

investment brings improved access for all to

one of the finest Victorian stations in the

country and then out into Yorkshire’s premier

town square; an imposing entry to an

ever-improving town.

“Huddersfield is in the centre of the country

and at the centre of Yorkshire business and

retail growth.”

In Bloom changes

Calling all flower lovers!Anyone wishing to give theirbusiness a boost and jointhe Huddersfield in Bloomcompetition, please notethat the council is changing

the way businesses can order hangingbaskets and window boxes.

From this year onwards, shop and business

owners must pay for their flowers when they order

them from Kirklees Council.

They will be able to pay in a variety of different

ways including by credit and debit cards over the

phone or by cheques through the post.

Julia Lilof, Assistant Town Centre Manager,

said: “The new system is a lot simpler and more

cost-effective than the old one and will allow the

nursery to keep the cost of baskets down.

“They have also introduced a bulk buy

discount. From now on if you buy four baskets,

you'll get one free!"

The council will be issuing more details of how

to order in March.

Photo (above) HTCPL member Term Time Wear

decorated with hanging baskets.

Festive quiz winner

Christmas came early forRichard Armitage whenhe won the BusinessReferral Club’s festivequiz with an almostperfect score.

Richard, of HTCPL members Agenda

Creative and Printpod, is a familiar face at the

referral clubs.

Unfazed by the tough questions set by

former Huddersfield Town Centre Manager

David Wyles, which tested participants on local

general and business knowledge, Richard

answered nearly all 25 multiple choice

questions correctly in the Balderdash quiz.

He won a gilded Marmite jar desk tidy trophy

for his trouble: a jar of Marmite is the prize

always promised at business referral club

meetings for presentations that last exactly a

minute – but never given.

Questions included these – would you know

the answers?The statue in St George’s Square commem-

orates:

Harold Wilson*

Harold Steptoe

Harold McMillanWho’s the Gal in Galpharm:

Gary Lineker

Graham Leslie*

Gaynor LotVirtual Huddersfield is owner/managed by:

Simon Flatley*

Michael Flatley

Bill GatesAndrew Jones of Andrew Jones Pies ‘n

Pasties featured on:

Trinny & Susannah’s What not To Wear*

Emmerdale

Gordon Ramsay’s The F WordThatchers Furnishings was established at

the start of which war:

The First World War

The Second World War*

War of the RosesWhose inflatables are found near

Holmfirth:

Ballykissangel

BallyHoo*

Nora Batty’sVic Watson is:

Huddersfield Town’s Terrier

Huddersfield’s Town Crier*

Huddersfield’s GiantWhich Mirfield born actor switched on the

Christmas Lights:

Patrick McNee

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Stewart*

Photo (above): A proud Richard Armitage

shows of his trophy and certificate

White Christmas was profitable

Despite the coldest andsnowiest Christmas fordecades, Huddersfield towncentre shops reported agreat trading period.Expectations were definitely

exceeded after fears that the harsh wintryconditions would keep shoppers at home.

Many retailers claimed to have enjoyed better

Christmas trading than the previous year and

some reported the best Christmas Eve they have

ever had.

The figures were shared at last month’s Retail

Forum meeting, chaired by the HTCPL.

Cathy Burger, Huddersfield Town Centre

Manager, said: “Even with the snow making it

difficult the week before Christmas, people still

came out in force to use the town centre shops

and some retailers reported the best ever

Christmas Eve.

“We have much to celebrate here in

Huddersfield – thank you to the shoppers for

supporting us and the council and Metro for

helping people come into town.”

On Boxing Day, the town was bustling again,

with many retailers including the Kingsgate Centre

agreeing that sales were the best they had

experienced.

Post-Christmas trade was helped by the free

parking provided by Kirklees Council from

December 26 until 28, and Metro which ran

services into town on Boxing Day.

The Free Town Bus has also played its part in

ensuring a prosperous Christmas and New Year,

helping everyone move around the hilly town

centre easily to access all the shops. In

December alone, more than 24,000 people used

the service.

Are you ready for VAT?B

usiness Link Yorkshire isholding an information dayfor new businesses up tofive years old inHuddersfield. “WinningWays: VAT... Are you

Ready?” is a free event on February 25to help fledgling businesses grow anddevelop.

Held at the Galpharm Stadium in partnership

with Kirklees Council, there will be several

presentations from experts, with invaluable

question and answer sessions. Various partners

of Business Link Yorkshire will have exhibition

stands and there will be a networking session

over a buffet lunch.

Seminars will run throughout the morning on

the following topics: VAT made simple, access to

finance, how to grow your own business, taking

on your first employee and how to do business

with Kirklees Council.

Places on the workshops are limited but can

be booked in advance. Delegates can also

register on the day from 9am. The seminar runs

until 2.30pm.

For further information, go to

www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk and search for

events.

How we survived the snowH

uddersfieldfelt theeffects ofthe BigFreeze inDecember

and January, butmembers of the HTCPLdid their best to keepHuddersfield open.

The town suffered more

than a month of subzero

temperatures, resulting in

reduced public transport

services, reduced car parking

spaces, fewer cars on the

roads, school closures and

many employees being

unable to physically arrive at

their workplace or find

alternative childcare for their

children.

HTCPL members Pennine

FM and the Huddersfield

Examiner helped by

broadcasting weather

bulletins and news of road

and school closures on

the air and internet. The

Examiner helped to boost

morale with their series on

Heroes of the Snow.

Council gritting teams

worked tirelessly to try to

maintain major routes and

keep the town centre

open.

Huddersfield Town

Centre Manager Cathy

Burger said: “In extremely

difficult circumstances

everyone pulled together

as best they could and we

got through it.

“I asked Pennine FM to

broadcast that the town

was still open for business on the worst days

and shoppers still managed to come in.

“On one very icy day the buses were not

running, so some of the retailers acted

responsibly and sent their staff home - apart

from that the town centre remained open, which

was high on the Council’s list of priorities.

“Well done to everyone for all their efforts.”

HTCPL member Virtual Huddersfield

experienced record viewers to their webcams

as residents logged on to see the snowy town

centre.

Simon Flatley, MD of Virtual Huddersfield,

said: “The webcams in St George's Square,

Holmfirth and Lindley are constantly taking

pictures and uploading them to the internet.

"It was great to see the buses and taxis

battling on in Town and the paths cleared in

Holmfirth. We haven't had so many viewers

since the Queen visited.”

View the webcams on

www.virtualhuddersfield.com

Members using 21st century means of doing business

HTCPL members are usingincreasingly modern formsof communication to reachpotential customers andbusiness partners –including the Partnership

itself.Member Virtual Huddersfield is entirely

web-based, although its main aim is to bring

shoppers into the town centre. It features

webcams and loads up videos of town centre

events such as the Christmas lights switch-on.

HTCPL members Revell Ward and Sheards

joined forces with other Huddersfield accountants

to create a memorable and hilarious pastiche of

Abba’s “Money Money Money” which was

enjoyed at the Huddersfield Society of Chartered

Accountants Annual Dinner – and now takes

pride of place on their website

www.revellward.co.uk.

Londoner Phil Harvey, who has naturally fallen

in love with Huddersfield, made a short film of his

favourite places in and around the town to the

tune of Huddersfield Town, by Roger Davies. The

video, on YouTube, even features Merrie England

cafe. And the HTCPL isn’t getting left behind -

member Design 58 has developed new social

media profiles including an “on-line community”.

The HTCPL Members Community is a social

network where members can develop a profile

page; blog their news; add events, videos and

pictures; start specific groups within the

Partnership; open discussions and use an instant

chat facility.

Mark Longbottom, of Design 58, said: “The

Members Community adds to the value of

HTCPL membership, enabling members to

network and develop relationships to enhance the

face to face meetings made at other events.

“There is also a new HTCPL Facebook Fan

Page and Twitter account encouraging

awareness of the Partnership’s work and helping

spread more links to the HTCPL website.”

A Facebook page is also available for the

Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival. Find out

more at these websites:

www.huddersfield-hctpl.co.uk and

www.foodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Enjoy shopping ethicallyduring Huddersfield’s annualFairtrade Fortnight. Theevent runs from MondayFebruary 22 until FridayMarch 7, with various

activities and opportunities to buyfair-trade goods within Huddersfield.Fairtrade Fortnight highlights the Fairtrade

Foundation’s mission to support fair, ethical

trading with developing countries. It aims to raise

awareness of fair trade and promote fair trade

products.

This year, the theme is The Big Swap. The

Foundation hopes to get one million and one

people to take part by swapping their usual

goods such as wine, sugar and oranges for

Fairtrade goods. More information at

www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/fairtrade

Argentine SteaksArgentine Steaks Cooked

to PerfectionGreat selection of starters and home made

desserts. Exclusive Hot Rock Grill.Bringing to your table a great experience.

Good selection of wines and beer fromSouth America

A DIFFERENT WAY TOENTERTAIN YOUR

BUSINESS CLIENTSOpen Mon - Sat 5.30 - 10pm

Sun 4-9pmEarly Bird Mon - Fri 5.30-7pm

FAMILY RUN BUSINESSA little bit of Buenos Aires in Huddersfield

town centreParties Welcome

37 John William StreetPhone 01484 535440

Visit our websitewww.argentosteakhouse.com

Top bubbles for Spa!

AHuddersfield spa has beencelebrating an award withbubbles after a top entryinto a national guide.HTCPL member AlexandraHouse Spa, in Edgerton,

has just been awarded a “four bubble”rating in the Good Spa Guide.

The independent guide to spas across the UK

reviewed the facilities at Alexandra House and

described it as: “a slice of heaven just off the

M62”.

Owner Maxine Stead said: “We are all

delighted with our review and rating. It’s a great

reward for me and the team and it reflects the

hard work put in by everyone to create a

wonderful experience for all of our visitors.”

Maxine set up the business two years ago,

leaving her career in cancer research and

stepping out into the unknown during one of the

most difficult periods of trading for half a century.

She added: “The recognition by the

independent Good Spa Guide makes it all worth

the effort.”

The guide praised the spa’s Victorian mansion

house, its friendly and welcoming atmosphere,

knowledgeable staff, effective treatments and

“gorgeous products”.

The satisfied reviewer also raved about “the

best cake I have ever eaten”.

To celebrate their bubbly success, staff at

Alexandra House Spa are planning some special

offers for customers in February. Check out their

website

www.alexandrahouse.org.uk

Photo: Alexandra House (right)

and (above) the new award logo

Huddersfield’sCode Blueexpanding

Amarketing and publishing company hasbeat the economic downturn andexpanded – by diversification. Code BlueGroup, based on Old Leeds Road, hasrecently strengthened its publishingdivision and also launched three new

business divisions, creating 15 jobs in total.Alongside its Publishing and Design operations, Code Blue

Group now also runs three new divisions: Technologies,

Recruitment and Communications.

In diversifying, the company which was established in 2002,

has won new accounts within the local area and across the UK

as part of its growth plans.

Director Neil Wheeler said: “Since the expansion we are now

able to provide a full package of services for clients from

arranging telecoms and IT infrastructure networks through to

producing marketing material and finding the right candidate for

every job.

“We are keen to build on the strong and lasting relationships

that we have built with our existing client base, which includes

both small local businesses and global multi-nationals, as well as

developing links with new companies.”

Find out more at www.codebluegroup.co.uk

Easysavings foremployees

Afinancial co-operativebased in Huddersfield isoffering an easy andaffordable way for localemployees to save moneyfor their futures.

Castle and Minster Credit Union runs a payroll

deduction service to any company in Kirklees

which it claims helps retain employees and build

a happy workforce.

Employees of companies who sign up to the

scheme can save money by having it deducted

automatically from their salary. They can also

enjoy other benefits such as free life insurance

on savings and loans, an annual dividend,

on-line access to manage their money and

instant access to their savings.

Castle and Minster offers a range of financial

services to anyone living and working within

Kirklees.

For more information, contact its Huddersfield

head office on 01484 221579 and speak to

Suha, or email [email protected].

P2 Technologies attracts major law firms

HTCPL member P2 Technologies has somenew legal clients.Among the newcompanies now working with P2 areBlake Lapthorn, Hart Brown and SprattEndicott. They have chosen P2 for itsexpertise in Legal IT solutions coupled

with outstanding customer service and its reputation forgiving clear advice.

Andy Wilkinson, IT Manager at Spratt Endicott, said: “The

commitment to customer service shines through and given Spratt

Endicott’s previous experience of working with them, choosing P2

Technologies for our managed IT support is an easy decision.”

Gareth Woodhouse, IT Project Manager for Blake Lapthorn,

said: “We found P2 to be an excellent knowledge base for

PMS/CMS projects. We needed assistance to skill up our PMS

and CMS development teams and the interactive consultancy that

Graham delivered gave us exactly what we wanted.”

P2 is based at the Old Stable Block in Lockwood Park and has

been offering managed IT and telephony solutions since 2007. Go

to www.p2tech.co.uk for more information.

Two new dentistsat Courtyard

Two new recruits havejoined theaward-winning team atthe Courtyard dentalpractice inHuddersfield.

Canadian David Veige trained as a

Dental Technician making porcelain

veneers, giving his clients plenty to smile

about.

Kimberley Taylor has many years of

experience in cosmetic dentistry. She has

trained with Bill Dorfman from television

programme Extreme Makeover. Her main

interests lie in beauty treatments including

fillers, so she is excited about the

Courtyard’s ethos to give a visit to the

dentist the feel of visiting any other beauty

spa.

Visit The Courtyard in Wormalds Yard,

off King Street or go to their website

www.courtyarddental.co.uk

Photo: David and Kimberley celebrate

at the Private Dentistry Awards with

Courtyard owner Marcos White (centre)

Award for CEBS

AHuddersfieldorganisation whichsupports youngpeople’s developmentand employmentopportunities has won

a coveted award.HTCPL member Compact Education

Business Services (CEBS) achieved the

Award for Education Business Excellence

in December.

The award accredits the organisation to

the Department for Children, Schools and

Families’ National Standard for Education

Business Partnership Organisations,

recognising CEBS efforts in connecting

education with the workplace.

CEBS, based on Halifax Road in

Edgerton, works with young people from

secondary and special schools across

Kirklees, Wakefield and Calderdale. Last

year, they helped more than 1,100

employers in the area support about

113,000 young people, sharing their

expertise with them.

Andrew Czolacz, Managing Director of

CEBS, said: “We at CEBS are delighted

to be the first Education Business

Partnership in Yorkshire to be accredited

with the Award for Education Business

Excellence.

“We are pleased that all of our efforts to

improve the learning experiences of

young people in Kirklees, Wakefield and

Calderdale have been recognised at a

national level by the Institute for Education

Business Excellence. We are all extremely

proud of the services we offer which help

our schools develop the skills of their

young people in preparation for the

future.”

Find out more about CEBS at

www.compactebs.co.ukPhoto: (l-r) John Little, John Downs, Peter Nixon and Managing Director Andrew Czolacz

Is this Huddersfield’s most creative café?

The Media Centre’s Café Ollo inNorthumberland Street isclaiming to be the town’s mostcreative café. Café Ollo is runby a talented team, headed bymanager Tracy Dyson,

including an artist, singer-musician anddancer.

Many of its customers work at the Media

Centre which has become the hub of

Huddersfield’s creative community.

On its walls hang works from local artists and

there is even a book-sharing shelf for anyone

wanting a quiet read with their coffee.

It now opens for longer hours, from 8.30am for

early birds, and on Friday evenings for Mello Ollo

when it becomes a lounge environment in which

to enjoy drinks and nibbles.

Tracy, who has worked in hospitality

management roles around Huddersfield for ten

years, said: “I see the café as a chilled out

creative hub – a space for creative people to

enjoy a relaxing atmosphere or a business

meeting.”

The café team provides catering for meetings

and conferences within the Media Centre.

Café Ollo, on Northumberland Street, now also

plays host to a lively bi-monthly debate series

called Huddersfield Salon and holds an acoustic

music night, Acoustic Revolutionaries, each

month.

Some upcoming events at the café:

Acoustic Revolutionaries – February 17th,

March 17th from 8pm

Huddersfield Salon – March 30th at 6.00pm

Knowledge Sandwich – second Thursday of

the month. February’s Knowledge Sandwich is

with Charlie Brook of Parkglobe, looking at making

money from the internet. 12.30 – 1.30, free to all,

includes lunch. Booking essential – email

[email protected].

Social Media Surgeries – March 15th, May 24th

help with social media queries such as setting up

a Facebook page for your local community

organisation. Free. 5- 7pm.

OpenCoffee – second Wednesday of each

month - networking over coffee and cake for

people working in digital technologies. 10am –

12noon.

For more information, go to the website

www.the-media-centre.co.uk/event

Photo: Café Ollo manager Tracy Dyson (photo

courtesy of Amanda Crowther)

TV appearance good for bookings

What’s a great way of boosting yourrestaurant bookings? As well as atasty, varied menu, a televisionappearance can do the trick,according to Discovery Bay ownerBarrington Douglas.

Barrington should know this well – he has appeared on two

major television programmes in the last year and his telephone

has been ringing madly ever since with diners keen to sample

his dishes.

In December, Barrington’s Caribbean restaurant almost made

the final of Gordon Ramsay’s F Word on Channel 4. With his

sous-chef Lashawn Price, he cooked up a three-course feast

competing against an Argentine restaurant in the Americas

section of the contest.

Within an hour of the popular show being aired, Barrington

had 187 more bookings.

He said: “I feel as though I was a winner to have got that far.

The competition was tight, and if we had been up against

anyone else we would have won.

“I feel we did Huddersfield and Yorkshire proud.”

Gordon Ramsay was so impressed with the Huddersfield pair

that he gave Barrington his whites, which are proudly framed

and displayed on the wall of his Wood Street restaurant.

Last summer, Barrington spent a month travelling round the

Caribbean with celebrity chef Gary Rhodes for UKTV. Has he

tired of the spotlight yet? No – he now hopes to appear with

Jamie Oliver. Read more at www.discoverbayuk.com

Safer homesfor the

vulnerable

AHuddersfield project has received

£100,000 to help make vulnerablepeople’s homes safer. The SaferHomes (Kirklees) project aims tocreate jobs, and reduce crime andthe fear of crime. It is targeting

those particularly vulnerable to break-ins,including the elderly and students.

The project is being run from Fresh Horizons Limited,

a not-for-profit community enterprise based in

Deighton. Since September, the project has provided

five new jobs and serviced 500 homes in and around

Huddersfield.

The service is completely free to the householders,

and Safer Homes hopes to visit a further 300 homes

and 200 student accommodation units.

The team fits equipment to improve home security,

including mortise and window locks, door chains and

bolts, and even external lighting.

Morris Simpson, of Fresh Horizons Ltd, said: “Many

crimes are not planned and most burglaries can be

prevented.

“Thieves are often opportunists and statistics show

that in three out of ten burglaries, a door or window has

been left open or unsecured.

“Safer Homes can help you to make your home

more secure by fitting some simple yet effective

equipment.”

Contact the Safer Homes Co-ordinator on 01484

234216/234234 or text student to 07872 049413 to

arrange the initial survey.

Fresh Horizons now also manages Fartown Village

Hall, which is available for hire for meetings, parties and

other functions. It has a kitchen and main hall, with

room for 100 seated guests or 150 standing; a meeting

room for up to 25 people and free parking for 20 cars.

The Chestnut Centre in Deighton is also available for

hire. Both venues are affordable. Ring Morris Simpson

on 01484 551520.

Community venue with newlook and new name in

Springwood area of town

The Sikh Leisure Centre located inthe Huddersfield area ofSpringwood has been extended andrefurbished to offer a variedcommunity facility which is open toeveryone.

It has also changed its name to the Apna Venue to

Paddle progress

help distinguish it from the nearby

Sikh Temple.

The Apna Venue Ltd now offers

various facilities, including a gym and

sauna, and a public bar with Sky

Sports open from 5.30pm until

11pm.

Its main hall with bar facilities is

available for big functions, parties,

weddings and conferences, with a

capacity of 650 people.

A smaller function room on the first

floor, which also has bar facilities,

can accommodate up to 120

people.

The Apna Venue, on Prospect

Street, also offers indoor sports

including five-a-side football during

weekdays from 5pm until 10.30pm.

A spokesman said: “Some people

get confused between the two

buildings and this change will help

clarify that the Leisure Centre is not a

place of worship but a community

venue accommodating a range of

activities.”

The facilities are open to

everyone. For all bookings and

inquiries, ring 01484 450650.

A£20,000 Kirklees CapitalInvestment grant could bekick-starting theintroduction of Paddletennis at HuddersfieldLawn Tennis and Squash

Club.Achieving huge popularity in southern Spain,

the sport is beginning to take off in the UK.

Encompassing ideas from both tennis and

squash, Paddle is great for players of all ages

and skills, being both quick and easy to pick

up.

With a history dating back over 125 years

ago, the Huddersfield club is one of the oldest

clubs in Yorkshire and, while being proud of its

tradition, is excited by the prospect of offering

yet more new facilities. The club already

boasts four indoor acrylic tennis courts with

superb viewing gallery, leading to a fully

equipped fitness suite.

Six outdoor courts with floodlighting

complete the tennis court count. All five

squash/racketball courts are heated, two

being glass-backed with viewing for up to 130

people.

Fresh faces on the coaching team are

assisting with the smooth running of the

coaching programme, ensuring that adults and

juniors, from beginners to team players, are all

provided for.

A spacious lounge and bar area (available

for private function hire) enable the club to

stage a variety of social events with excellent

in-house catering.

Located on Cemetery Road, off the main

Halifax Road, minutes from the Huddersfield

town centre, there is ample free parking.

Contact details: 01484 422541

HuddersfieldUniversity’s BusinessMine ran a two-daycourse for graduateswanting to start uptheir own businesses.

Nine graduates who had studied a range

of subjects took part in the Enterprising

Skills Workshop in January, funded by

Yorkshire Forward through the Kirklees

Skills Investment Plan.

Their business ideas included setting up

a book publishing company, a locum

agency for healthcare practitioners,

photography and recycled welding

equipment.

Enterprising Skills Workshop took the

graduates from initial business concept

through to making it a reality. It included

one-to-one sessions with business

advisers who helped the attendees put

together a business plan and develop their

idea and vision for the future before

signposting them to Business Link

Yorkshire for continued support.

Michelle Hoggard, Business Start Up

Adviser at the Business Mine, said: “It was

a fantastic two days and the participants

came away with lots of knowledge and

motivation.” Contact the Business Mine on

01484 473563.

Forward LadiesA

new force forladies in businesshas been launchedin the town. HTCPLmemberRamsdens

Solicitors were involved ingetting Forward Ladies off theground in the town, along withfellow members HSBC and theHeritage Group, and theForward Ladies organisation.

About 45 ladies met for its first

event at Heritage Coffee Mill, Bar and

Bistro in Wellington Mills, Lindley,

entitled “Unlocking the secrets of

networking.”

Guest speaker was Etta Cohen,

founder of Forward Ladies, a

membership organisation which aims

to inspire women in professional life. It

is one of the North of England’s

fastest-growing business support

organisations.

She spoke about effective

networking.

Guests travelled from across

Yorkshire to the event at the end of

January and were inspired by Etta’s

words.

Sinéad Sopala, marketing manager

at Ramsdens, said: "Our first event was

a true success and we must thank

local professional business ladies for

joining us.

“Hopefully our next event will be

another opportunity for ladies to come

along and network and communicate,

because that is what it is all about.’’

Their next networking event is an

“irreverent and fun” wine-tasting

presentation at Ramsdens Solicitors

premises on Hungerford Road, with

Rob Hoult of Hoults Wine Merchants.

Learn more about wine and chat to

other Huddersfield businesswomen.

A buffet, refreshments and prize

draw will be included in the event on

March 3 from 5.30 until 8pm. To

attend, or for more information about

Forward Ladies, visit their website

www.forwardladies.com or call Sinéad

Sopala at Ramsdens Solicitors on

01484 558087.

Photo: The Huddersfield Forward

Ladies in action (l-r) Etta Cohen

(Forward Ladies), Mandy Barwick (The

Heritage Group), Sinéad Sopala

(Ramsdens Solicitors),Vicky Broadley

(HSBC) and Vicky Creesey (HSBC)

Stafflex continuesto grow

Recruitment agencyStafflex, based inAspley, continuesto expand with theappointment of anew Business

Development Manager.Steve Masih, who joins HTCPL

member Stafflex from Capita Education

in Leeds, will spearhead the company’s

expansion plans.

Stafflex offers reliable temporary

workers to local businesses and aims

to take the hassle and effort out of

recruiting.

It offers terms of credit for its clients

which, it says, is helping local

companies survive and even prosper

during this difficult economic period.

To find out more about Stafflex, ring

the team on 01484 351010.

Photo: Steve Masih

A unique wedding event

Revell-ing in success

Four members of RevellWard Accountants arecelebrating passingexaminations.NicolaLightowlers passed herAssociation of Tax

Technician (ATT) exam. Craig Peaceand Matthew Bestwick sat theiradvanced exams, and Siraj Dabhadwas successful in his finalChartered Institute of Tax exams(CTA).

A spokesman for the Huddersfield

accountancy firm said: “Our

congratulations go to them all. Our staffare enthusiastic individuals and

their success is the result of their

effort and commitment.”

Matthew Bestwick shared his

knowledge with students from

Huddersfield New College. He gave

a talk to the students about

accountancy, what routes they could

follow into the profession, and what

accountants actually do on a daily

basis.

Matthew said: “It was a pleasure

to offer my knowledge to local

students as it would have benefited

me when I was in their position.There

were a few keen individuals among

the attendees and I hope the

information I supplied them with

helps them make the tough

decisions about their future.”

Photo:(left back) (l-r) Nicola and

Siraj, front (l-r) Craig and Matthew

HTCPL memberChris Turner ofEnjoy Photographyis pleased to beinvolved in a uniqueWedding Fair on 17

April.He explained: “It’s unique because it

is being held in my local church – St

Bartholomew’s in Marsden.”

St Bartholomew’s, known locally as

the Colne Valley Cathedral, is absolutely

beautiful. As a result, couples regularly

enquire about the potential to get

married there.

According to Chris: “One of the

purposes of the fair is to let people

know that they may be able to get

married in church when they might think

they couldn’t, perhaps because they’ve

been married previously, aren’t regular

church goers, or already have children.”

He added: “The Fair’s not just for

people who want a church wedding –

we have a good selection of local

wedding suppliers (including

photographers, florists, cakes, cars,

stationery and music) as well as

wedding dresses and outfits for the

whole wedding party.

“A truly unique part of the event will be

a fashion show which will feature the

models literally ‘walking down the aisle’

in the church!” If would like to

know more, or are interested in

one of the few remaining spaces

for exhibitors contact

[email protected]

Photo: A wedding photo taken

in St Bartholomew’s by Enjoy

Photography

Literary Festival

The HuddersfieldLiterary Festivalorganised by HTCPLmember theUniversity ofHuddersfield is back

in March and promises to be thebiggest yet. It features Marsdenpoet Simon Armitage, writersDorothea Smartt, Jeremy Dyson,Moniza Alvi, and comic turnedauthor Alexei Sayle, as well asdozens of exciting events.Running from March 10 to 14, the

lottery-funded event combines the

talents and venues of various

organisations, including the University

of Huddersfield, the Lawrence Batley

Theatre, Kirklees Council, Media

Centre and Peacock Lounge on

Viaduct Street.

As well as the authors, the festival

will have a specially-commissioned

version of Gilgamesh, an

album-in-a-day event, storytelling,

novel writing, poetry, cabaret, song,

theatre, screenwriting, master classes

and even guided walks.

Michael Stewart, festival director,

said: “Welcome to this year’s festival,

the most exciting and innovative festival

yet.

“I really think we deserve our tagline

of, ‘the word in action’.”

Legendary screen star Sir Patrick

Stewart, patron of the festival, said:

"Words are the backbone of my life, as

an actor. Therefore it is my absolute

pleasure to be asked to be a patron for

Huddersfield Literature Festival.

“It's fitting that what has been

described as 'the poetry capital of the

North', finally has its own literature

festival. This emerging and dynamic

new festival is dedicated to celebrating

the power of words, wherever we may

find them. May you enjoy all that the

festival has to offer." Go to

www.litfest.org.uk for information.

The newsletter of the Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership

Please complete & return to:Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership Ltd, Unit 51,The Media Centre, 7 Northumberland Street, Huddersfield HD1 1RLt: 01484 487933 e:[email protected] www.huddersfield-htcpl.co.uk

Tell me about theHTCPLName.................................................................Address.........................................................................................................................................Phone.................................................................email...................................................................

Dates for the diaryDevelopment Sub

Group

Venue: Bramleys, St

George’s Square

Time: 4pm

Tuesday March 9

Tuesday May 4

Tuesday July 13

Tuesday September 7

Tuesday November 9

Marketing Sub Group

Venue: The Media

Centre,

Northumberland St

Time: 3:30pm

Thursday January 21

Thursday March 11

Thursday May 6

Thursday July 1

Thursday September 9

Thursday November 11

Retail Crime

Venue: tba

Time: 10:30am

Tuesday April 20

Retail Forum

Venue: Methodist

Mission

Time: 2:30pm

Tuesday March 16

Business Referral Club

Venue: George hotel

Time: 7:30am

Held on the 2nd and

4th Thursday of every

month

Forthcoming HTCPL dates for the diary

From the Leader of Kirklees Council

Ihave been Leader of the Council

for a year. It has made my life verybusy, working about 80 hours eachweek. But the role is very fulfillingand challenging. It is a chance tomake real changes to improve

people’s lives and businesses in thearea.Like this winter, the economic climate has

been harsh. We hope that the situation is

beginning to improve, but we know that many

companies, jobs and consequently families have

been badly affected by the global recession.

We are only too aware of this tough reality and

have been putting in place measures to lead out

of recession into a more positive future.

Investment in our town

Work has started to improve our beautiful

railway station, the second busiest in West

Yorkshire, following negotiations with Railtrack.

This will encourage more visitors and improve

commuting.

For young people

Education is important to us. We helped

secure Government funding for the £85 million

new Kirklees College campus on the Waterfront

Development in Chapel Hill. This will boost

student numbers, and bring about a renaissance

in a run-down area.

Festive spirit

The Christmas Ice Rink attracted 13,000

people. And our new cheery Christmas lights,

made locally, helped brighten our moods. They

certainly made the town attractive and will last for

many years. Free parking was extended on

Christmas shopping days and retailers reported

their best Boxing Day ever and a buoyant festive

shopping period.

Events create memories and positive feelings

about a place. December’s spectacular Festival

of Light was a wonderful experience and

attracted about 9,000 visitors into Huddersfield.

Helping people into jobs and training

Kirklees was the first council in West Yorkshire

to secure £2.25 million for the Future Jobs Fund,

creating 350 new jobs in the district, tackling

youth and long-term unemployment.

We developed trailblazing schemes such as

Train to Gain which assisted over 6,000 residents

last year with training and nearly 600 apprentices

gained new qualifications.

The council held events giving jobs, training

and benefits advice to more than 1,000 people.

We have increased the number of advisers

helping people with debt and benefits.

Helping businesses

We have helped safeguard more than 200

manufacturing jobs by giving reductions in

business rates. Kirklees Council also pays more

than 70% of invoices within ten days, compared

with neighbouring councils who pay within 30

days. This improved cash flow has helped keep

many businesses afloat.

Our retail vacancy rate is lower than

neighbouring authorities. We have helped

support town centre retailers with promotions,

events and improvements to attract shoppers.

We also encourage local companies to sell to us

by setting up www.sell2kirklees.co.uk. Last year,

the council spent £30 million with local suppliers.

Action plan for the future

We are now consulting on the Area Action

Plan, a blueprint for sustainable development of

the town centre.Home is where the heart is

And finally, we are delivering a

Government-backed mortgage rescue scheme

to help homeowners in difficulties stay in their

homes.

I hope that all these initiatives, projects and

investments will work together to improve the

lives of the people of Huddersfield.

Mehboob Khan, Leader of Kirklees Council

■ CLR MEHBOOB KHAN: LEADER OF KIRKLEES COUNCIL: