GET COMFY THIS WINTER
It may be cold, damp and grey outside at the moment, which means we don’t need much of an excuse to curl up on a comfy sofa. INK Digital are delighted to have worked with one of the UK’s finest handmade sofa company’s to produce a brand new website; www.lovelysofas.co.uk. The parent company, Saxon Leather who are based in Lancashire, wanted to extend production into a range of new fabric sofas, and following a competitive and rigorous pitch, INK were awarded the digital contract to produce an enticing and interactive site allowing visitors to create their own perfect sofa!
The lovely online experience gives the customer the ability to try out different styles of frame, with different fabric colours and patterns, right down to choosing a specific finish on the studs and the colour of the sofa legs! In addition customers are warmly invited to feel the quality of fabrics used and can request up to 6 free fabric samples. This facility allows the business to successfully capture data which can then be used for their future marketing campaigns. Throughout the site, helpful call to actions prompt the customer to continue with their shopping journey, and once a transaction has been completed, a succession of emails are generated which keep the customer informed of the progress of their order.
The site launched just before Christmas, and is already proving to be successful, with online orders being generated and a very healthy number of new users to the site increasing week upon week. Why not take a look at www.lovelysofas.co.uk and see what you’d like to curl up on this winter!
However, if you’re not looking for sofas, but feel your website needs a bit of a revamp for the New Year, or you’re not sure how to go about a bit of digital marketing, then give INK a call. “Even if we do say so ourselves, we’re pretty good at generating ideas on how to improve a digital presence across a variety of sectors and industries.”
Contact: hello@inkdigitalagency.com
Tel: 01422 399 431
www.inkdigitalagency.com
NOMINATIONS ARE STILL OPEN FOR THE INSIDER DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS 2012
Insider Yorkshire are calling out for a final for nominations for the Insider Digital and Technology Awards 2012 ? The deadline for entries in has been extended as the hunt for the region's brightest talent goes on. Go to www.insidermedia.com to nominate yourselves or nominate a company that you think deserves recognition.
The deadline for entries is now 7 February. Categories include Best Web Design Team, Best App, Best Use of Social Media and Best Use of IT Innovation.
Founder of Esteem Systems, Richard Doyle, will speak at the awards night at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on March 28 about his hopes for the future of the sector.
Doyle has had a distinguished career in the IT industry spanning more than 30 years and after selling Esteem in 2004, has continued to invest while also donating his time to an array of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Yorkshire Business Insider is providing a platform for Yorkshire digital & technology companies through the awards to demonstrate their expertise to business owners and directors across the region and encourage them to consult with Digital & Technology companies within the region before going elsewhere with their businesses. The ultimate aim of the awards is to drive business to the nominated and winning companies and keep the business in the region.
20% OFF TO ALL EWIC TENANTS WITH KINDUS
Security is often seen as a difficult problem – easy to overlook until it’s too late, and hard to know how to solve.
We all receive money from our customers when we complete a sale, but do we stop to think about the data we receive at the same time? Few businesses do, yet almost no successful business could survive without their data.
Kindus wants to show how security can empower your business to do better, build trust with customers and suppliers, and reduce the risk of plans being derailed by data losses and financial penalties.
Their team offers experience as well as enthusiasm due to their track record of running security functions and delivering secure systems for major international businesses, processing many millions of records every day- you know you’re in good hands.
Until now, it’s been hard to find the expertise you need to change this without a big-business budget, but we’re committed to changing all that and helping every Calderdale business do business securely and protect their customers.
Kindus are offering every EWIC tenant a free security review, plus 20% off our specialist small business security solutions if you need them.
TRUST CELEBRATES AGM WITH A VIEW TO THE FUTURE
Halifax Opportunities Trust celebrated its 9th AGM last night (Thursday 20th) with a low-key event for staff, tenants and invited guests at Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre. The Trust is an anti-poverty charity based in the Park Ward area of Halifax and operates through the subsidiary companies of Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre and Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre as well as supporting the Jubilee Sure Start Children’s Centre.
The focus for this year’s AGM was ‘shaping a better future’ and how the Trust can work towards increasing the prosperity of families both in the Park Ward area and wider community. Chairman of the Board, Mohamed Aslam BEM MBE said: “Times have been hard. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel is longer than maybe we first thought. What is important is to remember that we will get there.” He went on to praise the staff for their efforts throughout the past year. “The staff of done wonders with what little resources we have. It’s been a tough year but I would like to thank staff for making it all possible.”
Barbara Harbinson, Chief Executive of Halifax Opportunities Trust echoed the sentiments made by the Chair and went on to introduce the Trust’s latest initiative and guest speaker David Morrell of Marshall’s PLC. “We have made a small surplus this year – commercially it wouldn’t be seen as much, but we are not here to make profit, we are here to change the World. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to save families money and put bread on the table, which is why in the coming year we will focus on championing sustainability – some see it as saving the environment, but I see it as saving on each and everyone’s household bills and putting money in the pockets of families that need it most.”
The evening was concluded with a presentation from Head of Sustainability at Marshall’s PLC, David Morrell, who highlighted the importance of sustainable living and the difference each and every person can make in taking a step towards change. “We need to think about the environment and where we are going. The way we live our lives today is not sustainable going forward.” Information about energy awareness and how to reduce household bills was circulated to staff and guests and the launch of a new staff incentive focusing on energy monitoring was announced. Barbara Harbinson said: “Each and every member of staff can take the simple steps of signing up to our energy awareness scheme, receiving free monitoring equipment and by submitting the results of a few weeks energy monitoring; we will repay them with an extra day annual leave next year.”
After the presentations, guests enjoyed warm food and networking in the Atrium of Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre. For more information about the Trust and the work is does, please visit www.regen.org.uk
The Art of Storytelling
An inspiring evening of animation was held at Square Chapel last night (5th October) as part of Creative Calderdale’s ongoing series of events. Guest speaker Barry Purves wowed the audience with his knowledge and passion for stop motion animation, recounting tales from his 30 year career in the film industry. From his early days at university when he strived to become an actor, to his time at the world renowned Cosgrove Hall films, Purves acknowledged: “Whilst I love to perform, direct, act and dance it’s not what I’m best at - I’m a story teller first and foremost. That’s why I love puppets, I love the spontaneity of a puppet – to feel them move and animate.”
Purves has worked on some of the biggest feature films and children’s programmes of the last 30 years including King Kong, Mars Attacks, Wind in the Willows and Postman Pat, but it is in his own film-making that he finds he can really express the true potential of his art and explore the possibilities of animation. During the talk, Purves screened excerpts from several films he had worked on including ‘Next’ from 1989 – the complete works of Shakespeare in a 5 minute silent film and ‘Plume’ (2010) a very personal account of the loss of his mother and the need to adapt in a world of animation more increasingly focused on CGI and new technology as opposed to the craft and art of stop motion.
Barry’s unique style of animation is both dark and dramatic and he puts this down to being obsessed with classics. “I don’t really take inspiration from other animators, except maybe Ray Harryhausen who animated classics such as Jason and the Argonauts. I just love the work of Steven Sondheim, for his ability to turn a scenario on it’s head and the choreographer David Bintley at Birmingham Royal Ballet, and I love the classics, Greek tragedies, the Trojan War and Shakespeare.”
To close the evening, Barry brought with him a puppet from his latest film, ‘Tchaikovsky’ which will premiere in two weeks at the London International Animation Festival. The film is a eulogy to the late composer and depicts the tragic life story of the genius behind works such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. He spoke about the relationship an animator builds with their puppets. “I get very protective of my puppets, they become real to me and if anybody goes to touch them or move them into a position I don’t feel to be natural it really upsets me. Tchaikovsky has taken a special place in my heart and I could never just put him away in a box.” All of Purves puppets are made by Manchester based Mackinnon & Saunders and cost in excess of £8000 to design and sculpt through a process that can take up to 3 months. The evening finished with an exclusive preview of the film, Tchaikovsky ahead of its international premiere later this month.
Over 170 delegates attended the evening and as well as enjoying the presentation from Barry Purves, were treated to a selection of complimentary hot food from Brighouse based caterers Food 4 Thought who supplied a range of food including pie and peas and both vegetarian and beef chilli with rice.
Creative Calderdale is a project funded by Calderdale Council and managed by the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre and continues to bring world class speakers to the heart of Calderdale through its quarterly events programme and is supported by an online hub at www.creativecalderdale.co.uk. Over 500 local creative and digital businesses are members of Creative Calderdale and benefit from the support and collaboration opportunities the network provides. For more information about the project and to find out how you can get involved, please visit the website.
New HR Company Launches At EWIC
HR-change is an established company led by a qualified Human Resources professional with over 20 years experience of supporting organisation leaders and managers to address employment matters.
HR-change works with clients throughout West Yorkshire, including individuals, small businesses and multi-million-pound-turnover companies, to explore issues, potential solutions and mitigation or damage-limitation for possible risks and areas of exposure. Clients are assured of confidentiality and discretion.
Recently R-change have advised on an ET claim, disciplinary matters, performance cases and sickness absence issues. “One of our key strengths lies in our ability to provide up-to-date employment law advice and build a robust audit trail to support decision-making”, said Nicola Dixon, Director of HR-change.
With a head office in the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre and associates based across Yorkshire, HR-change provide a responsive service for clients. Under the leadership of a Director with extensive knowledge and experience, HR-change is contactable by email 24 hours a day and available for advice and support by telephone and face-to-face up to 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
If you would like to discuss an issue or commission services please contact HR-change via telephone: 01422 399 488 or 01924 577 488, or via email: office@hr-change.co.uk
Customer Service Advisor x 2 (temporary)
Icarus Accident Management is looking for 2 new temporary Customer Service Advisors to join the team at their new offices in the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre. The role requires:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Attention to detail
- Good basic computer literacy skills
This role would ideally suit someone from a background in customer service, telesales and or call centre based roles.
The successful candidates will be required to work a 37.5 hour week on shifts over the following days: Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm and Saturdays 9am – 12 noon. There is the option to take up flexi-time and/or scheduled regular shift patterns within this company. Payment for this role will be up to £14,000 p/a for skilled/experienced workers rising to £15,000 after probation. There is also a monthly bonus scheme in operation as well as scope for this role to become permanent for the right candidates.
Successful candidates will be required to start work either w/c 7th or 15th August 2011.
Interested parties should send their CV and covering letter direct to mwelthy@icarus-accidentmanagement.com
The Big Society Comes Together At Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre
Council and community officials from across West Yorkshire and beyond came together at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre yesterday (19th July 2011) to hear a presentation from Locality’s Community Organisers programme. The event organised by the Halifax Opportunities Trust was aimed at offering attendees the opportunity to both listen to and question director of Locality, Jess Steele, on the Community Organisers programme.
The Community Organisers programme was created by the Government’s Office for Civil Society to encourage and enable citizens to play a more active part in their society. It aims to build and strengthen communities so they have the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle local issues themselves. The programme involves recruiting and training 5,000 Community Organisers over its four year lifetime. These Organisers will work with local communities to spot opportunities, support ideas and identify local leaders. The work of Community Organisers will enable people to take action on their own behalf, rather than wait for the local authority or the government to take action for them.
Speaking about the event, Cllr Tim Swift, (Lab, Town Ward) said: “It’s been really good to get a dedicated briefing at this level.” Council officials from as far afield as Rochdale, Leeds and Bradford came to hear Jess Steele of Locality speak about community engagement and how local authorities can utilise the programme to become more effective deliverers of public services. Speaking after the event, Barbara Harbinson, Chief Executive of Halifax Opportunities Trust said: “Today has been really informative. It’s also attracted a really varied cross-section of public sector and third sector delegates from across the North which I think just highlights how important this programme is going to be and the shape of things to come in terms of community engagement.”
For more information about the Community Organisers programme, visit the Locality website at www.locality.org.uk
Creative Calderdale Celebrates First Anniversary
The creative and digital industry network for Calderdale, Creative Calderdale, celebrated its first anniversary last night (Tuesday 5th July) at a packed event at Brighouse Civic Hall. Over 250 local business people turned out for the event, dubbed The Great Exhibition, to see some of the most creative and innovative work happening in Calderdale right now.
Of the 20 exhibitors showcasing their work, some of the stands included an interactive music studio from Calderdale College, innovative printing techniques from Simprint, fused glass from Tikai Glass and Wicked Gen Crafts and a pop-up shop from Todmorden’s Enchanting Wood. In addition, to the exhibition, guests were treated to performances from The Dance Mill and Manasimitra and a catwalk show from promotions and events company, Royle Events. The evening was opened with the screening of testimonial film featuring Creative Calderdale members and produced by the Halifax-based film company Limehouse.
Creative Calderdale is managed by the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre (EWIC) and funded by Calderdale Council. The Business Development Manager at EWIC, Ha Smith, said: “Tonight has been a real success for Calderdale’s creative and digital community, the shear numbers here tonight show how needed and valued this network is for the Borough and also what a thriving local environment there is for creativity here in Calderdale.” Attendee, Douglas Main from Brighouse agency, The Bigger Boat, said: “A great evening and good to meet other creative's in the area. The Bigger Boat are looking forward to the next event!”
In addition to events, Creative Calderdale run a website at www.creativecalderdale.co.uk . The website offers members the opportunity to browse forthcoming jobs and projects, upload business profiles to a searchable business directory and ask industry related questions in the peer-to-peer forums. Creative Calderdale currently has over 400 members as well as a fast-growing following on Facebook and Twitter.
A testimonial film about the impact of Creative Calderdale is available to view here.
Civil society not dupe about TUPE - 10/06/2011
Creative Calderdale was proud to host a packed event at the Elsie Whiteley Centre in Halifax yesterday (9th June). Around 50 delegates from across Yorkshire’s public and voluntary sectors came to learn more about TUPE, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment). For most delegates, the event was a rare opportunity to try and understand legislation and practice around a very topical issue: the transfer of public sector employees into voluntary and community organisations.
The current economical climate of public cuts and political agenda around localism means many social enterprises and community groups are considering running threatened crucial local services, and the event organisers wanted to educate the sector around the opportunities and risks attached to the transfer of employees associated with that service.
The event was opened by Barbara Harbinson, Chief Executive of Halifax Opportunities Trust and board member of Locality, explaining she has tirelessly been researching TUPE on behalf of the civil society sector, and how pleased she was to have brought to Calderdale experts on the matter.
Robin Tuddenham, Director for Safer Stronger Communities at Calderdale Council, reminded all attendees that the Local Authority is keen to become “co-authors of a new script” and expressed full support to the development of new models of delivery and social capital in the district.
Matthew Gregson from Anthony Collins Solicitors, who delivered a presentation about the technical legislation around TUPE, was a very informative speaker and proved highly popular as part of the question panel. His advice was thorough and he identified the key risks around these employee transfers, mainly around inheriting pension and redundancy liabilities from the Local Authority.
Tony Dylak from Royds Community Association came over from Bradford to talk about his experiences of TUPEing employees in and out of his organisation. The pension liabilities for three members of his staff from a previous transfer are so huge they could make his organisation “technically insolvent” anytime, as it is currently impossible to predict your pension liabilities year from year.
The presentations certainly highlighted the risks presented by TUPE for third sector organisations. The two key pieces of advice were to start planning early, and to seek expert professional advice - albeit expensive as it could save millions of pounds in the future. Another way forward will undeniably be to enter into reasonable negotiations with transferring local authorities on contracts terms and conditions.
All four partners, Voluntary Action Calderdale, Anthony Collins Solicitors, Locality and Halifax Opportunities Trust, as well as delegates at the event, were impressed with the high turnout and the quality of speakers. Christin Bann from Eastmore Communications Project, Wakefield said "It's been an excellent presentation and is the most informative TUPE information I've had to date. The event was extremely well organised and love the venue."
The event was rounded off with fluid workshops for delegates requiring advice from the legal specialist, and the West Yorkshire Pension Fund. Sophie Michelena from Locality, based at the Elsie Whiteley Centre, is also offering one-to-one advice to support social enterprises, and will soon launch a six-month tailored programme of events for civil society organisations in Calderdale around topical issues such as TUPE.
Back to School With Nik Powell - 07/04/2011
Creative Calderdale was proud to host a packed event in Sowerby Bridge on Tuesday night (5th April). Over 200 delegates from across Calderdale’s digital and creative sectors came to Ryburn Valley High School to meet, network and listen to a presentation from Oscar-winning film producer Nik Powell. Head Teacher at Ryburn, Honor Byford, opened the evening by saying: "Through creativity and teaching young people to take risks, we develop the innovators and entrepreneurs of the future."
Powell, who delivered a lecture about his 30 lessons of creative success, began his career in the late 1960’s founding Virgin Records with his childhood friend, Richard Branson. Originally a mail order catalogue for cheap and overseas records, the venture was instant success and led to stores and a record label releasing work by the likes of Boy George and Mike Oldfield. One of Powell’s ‘lessons’ was: ‘Everybody needs a bit of luck’ about which he stated: "It was luck that I grew up in the same village as Branson, and luck that we were friends - what we achieved with Virgin Records was to do something the other guys weren’t, meaning we sold records cheaper than anyone else could. That’s why we were successful."
After leaving Virgin Records, Nik Powell went on to form Palace Productions, an independent film production company that produced award winning films such as Company of Wolves, Mona Lisa and The Crying Game. It was during his time at Palace that he learnt another valuable lesson: Love Change. "You have to embrace change, accept it and be open to adapt. There’s no point scouting for a film location only to turn up on the day and despite it a bad location, forcing everyone to plough on through a days filming in a place that doesn’t work. You need the courage of conviction to recognise when something is wrong and change it." Another of Powell’s lessons was about risk. Towards the end of his time at Palace Productions and massively in financial debt, the company was committed to two films when Powell was given the opportunity to take on a third film. Knowing that it was a huge risk, Powell followed his instinct and went on to take on the third film, The Crying Game. It saw Nik bankrupt but also won countless awards including an Oscar for Neil Jordan’s screenplay. Nik said: "The Crying Game taught me the importance of recognising talent. Of belief in one’s conviction and being boss. There’s no shame in losing everything financially if you’ve done everything straight, we should remember that more in this country."
After Palace Productions, Nik went on to start Scala Productions where he produced films such as Terence Davies’ The Neon Bible, and classic British films such as Ladies in Lavender and Little Voice. Throughout his career he has been driven by passion. "People can say they are passionate about something, but I say you’re not passionate until I see you doing, not saying. There’s an old proverb that goes: Life is so short, the craft so long to learn." Nik Powell is currently director of the National Television and Film School in London as well as continuing his work with Scala Productions.
Creative Calderdale currently has over 300 members from throughout Calderdale, and through its website supports creative and digital professionals to encourage the start-up of new businesses in the sector, attract inward investment, and improve competitiveness of local creative and digital industries. The next event will be held on 5th July at Brighouse Civic Hall.
| Author: | Hannah Crank |
| Source: | Reprinted from Creative Calderdale |
| Photos: | Kieron Nevison Photography |
A Big Boost for Businesses at Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre - 22/03/2011
Over 185 people attended Boost Your Business at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre on the 22nd March to seek advice on funding, marketing and support for business. 19 exhibitors were on hand to offer advice including representatives from Eastwood and Partners, Yorkshire Bank, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Federation of Small Business and Calderdale Council. Ha Smith, Business Development Manager at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre said: "Tonight has been a resounding success not only for us, but for the companies who’ve exhibited and those who've come to seek advice. It shows how vitally important and needed effective business support is – especially in the current climate."
In addition to the exhibition, seminars took place delivering vital information on the current business landscape, legal advice about pensions and social media marketing. Karen Wynard, Head of Corporate Service explained in broad terms the Workplace Pensions Reform due to begin being phased in over 4 years commencing in 2012. She said: "People are living longer and will live even longer in the future. This means that the cost of providing State benefits for pensioners in future is expected to increase drastically but there will be proportionately few workers to pay for them, potentially putting the State into an unsustainable position in the future".
Following Karen, Stuart McFarlane, Sector Manager for Yorkshire Forward delivered a well received presentation on how to do business under the new political and economic landscape. He commented; "The economic and political landscape continues to be uncertain. Business support will be delivered differently and there is still funding available in different forms and can still be fully utilised by small business" explained Stuart, he continued: "Public funding is complex and complicated and comes with many caveats and conditions but small business should not be deterred and should consult other business networking associations for support and guidance".
The third seminar came from Alan Lascelles from Business Link Yorkshire. Business Link Yorkshire will cease operations later this year as a result of a Government decision and will be leaving the business community on a high note knowing they have helped thousands of businesses across the Region and helped business increase their profits, increase their turnover and increase their customer base. Alan went on to say "we know that we have inspired, transformed, and given confidence to thousands of new enterprises from Halifax to Hull, from Richmond to Rotherham".
Finally, Stephen Hart of Eden Changes delivered a talk about the emergence and importance of social media marketing and explained the various formats available to promote business, how and when to use it and equally important what it can be used for. Stephen enlightened the audience by providing his key tip to forming a business relationship and furthering business, "be approachable and demonstrate your value to other people and feel good about giving away free information to others".
The event was sponsored by financial advisors, Eastwood and Partners and funded by Calderdale Council. For more information about future business events and networks, contact the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre on 01422 399400.
Festive Cheer As Tenants Get Set For Christmas - 22/12/10
The annual Elsie Whiteley Centre Innovation Centre festive get together had a creative twist this year as tenants were invited to design and make their own decorations for the Centre’s 16ft Christmas Tree.
Over 40 tenants attended the event held at the Centre on Wednesday night, and there were last minute Christmas shopping opportunities too offered from the West Yorkshire Therapy Centre, Heritage Cashmere, Handmade By Alison and Little Valley Brewery. The take-up on the stalls was great and James Kay of Heritage Cashmere remarked that they did more business in the two hours trading at Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre than they do on a normal day at a trade fair. Hope that doesn’t spoil any surprises for Christmas from our tenants!
Staff at the Centre also laid out a table of blank decorations, glitter and glue and invited representatives from each company at the Centre to get their creative juices flowing in a competition to make the best Christmas Tree decoration. First prize went to Caremark for their red glitter and peanut adorned church bell, followed by entries from HFSA and Simply Paving! Ha Smith, Business and Development Manager at the Centre said: “Tonight has been great – the decorating table has been a real hit and a brilliant ice-breaker for getting some of our newest tenants to meet and chat to long standing existing companies.”
A Day of Celebration for Halifax Opportunities Trust - 27/11/10
The people of Park Ward braved the wintery weather last Thursday to attend a day of celebration at the Halifax Opportunties Trust’s AGM at the Jubilee Children’s Sure Start Centre on Lightowler Road, Halifax. Three separate events took place throughout the day to honour and award both the achievements of the Trust and the people the Trust has worked with over the past 12 months.
The day came to a close with a business and community event in the evening where local groups gathered to meet, talk and exchange experiences of working with the Trust over the past 12 months. Exhibitors at the event included the Elsie Whiteley innovation Centre, Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre, Jubilee Children’s Sure Start Centre, Creative Calderdale and employment services organisation The Job Shop.
Members from Sowerby New Road Sure Start Centre’s Butterfly Group delivered a presentation about life as a young parent. The Butterfly Group was set up by Family Support Workers Fiona Hammond and Jenny Knopwood to help teenage and young parents through the trials of raising a family in difficult circumstances. Fiona Hammond explained: “I wanted to start a group for teenagers to combat the isolation and lack of confidence a lot of young parents feel when they become pregnant or start families. These mum’s – and dad’s – face a lot of issues but I’m so proud of how they’ve pulled together to form a really tight unit. They’re all there for each other no matter what and it’s lovely to be part of it. The Butterfly group is the highlight of my week.”
Parents at the Sowerby New Road Butterfly group receive support and counselling from family support workers as well as guest speakers from organisations such as the Halifax Credit Union, Job Centre Plus, and library services and professionals from oral health, meningitis and first aid backgrounds.
The presentation was followed by talks by Rev Hilary Barber and Dr Fiaz Farooq about the importance of the tradition of harvest to both Christian and Muslim faiths, after which guests enjoyed a delicious Indian buffet of curries, samosas, pakoras and traditional Indian sweets. Chair of the Trust Mohammed Aslam said: “It’s a credit to the Trust that so many people turned out on a dark, cold November night to join us here and celebrate the great things about this neighbourhood.”
For more information about Halifax Opportunties Trust and the work it does, please visit the website at: www.regen.org.uk
Local Businesses Turn Out For Support - 04/11/10
Over 170 local businesses braved the wet November weather to attend a Business Support event last Thursday (4th November) at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre. The event, funded by Calderdale Council, brought together 17 regional and national business support organisations to showcase the type of advice, funding and support that is currently on offer to businesses in Calderdale. Exhibitors included; Chamber of Commerce, Yorkshire Bank, Forward Ladies and Business Link as well as Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) who also delivered seminars to a packed audience in the Centre’s boardroom.
David Hopkins, from the IPO delivered a seminar to an audience of over 60 delegates covering information on topics such as licensing trademarks, patents, registering design work and copyright issues. This was followed by a presentation from Tanya Lang on behalf of Companies House which covered important information on legal requirements and expectations of limited businesses operating within the UK, she spoke at length about responsibilities faced by Directors and how and where company information must be registered and the penalties faced in failing to do so.
Ha Smith, Business Development Manager at Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre commented; “It was great to have so many support agencies here under one roof at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre, and we were very privileged to have representatives from the IPO, David Hopkins and Tanya Lang from Companies House speaking at the event. It’s testament to the reputation for delivery of business support here at Elsie Whiteley that so many people came to the event.”
Calderdale Council and its partners will do all they can to help recovery of the local economy, says Council Leader, Cllr Janet Battye. “The business support event presented companies with a great opportunity to seek expert advice and support across a range of activities. If we are to see a sustained recovery in the local economy, then we must ensure that the right advice and support is available to local business, whether that’s financial advice, how to develop markets or how they can develop their products in a changing market.” She continued, “It is encouraging to see that more than 170 businesses took the opportunity to see what support was on offer.”
News from our Chief Executive, April 2010
I thought that as the recession is now officially over and we are heading towards the 12 month anniversary of AIDC's de-camping it was a good time to share with you some thoughts on developments in the Centre.
We have always kept Floors 1 and 2 for small businesses as incubator, generator and growth spaces and anyone starting a business during the past 18 months certainly deserved all of the support we could offer. The attrition rate over the last year has been high especially amongst the smallest and most vulnerable businesses and the big drive for us this year is to get more start up businesses back and trading from the Centre as the economy eases.
It would be clear to everyone that the sudden vacation of Floors 4, 5 and 6 presented us with some significant difficulties in 2009 but we have worked our way through bit by bit. An immense amount of hard work by directors, trustees, staff and partner organisations has resulted in the Centre now being in a very good position. Quite honestly we are in a much better position that I ever imagined.
West Grove Mill on Floor 4 (the mill on the side of the conference rooms) is now part occupied by Allied Healthcare and part by Calderdale Council's support team for disabled school children. A bonus is that there is some compatibility in the activities of the tenants in West Grove Mill.
Bond Mill on Floor 5 became partly occupied by Simply Paving in early in 2010. The break up of Floor 5 offered the potential for re-configuration into 'medium' sized offices spaces, something we previously didn’t have. This meant that Ink Creations, one of our current tenants, was able to move up a size and occupy a sizable part of that floor. Another existing tenant will shortly be doing the same, leaving the 5th floor virtually full and again it is fortunate there is compatibility amongst these businesses.
When one of our tenants at the Hanson Lane Centre, a local Charity, wanted to expand their operation we took the opportunity of moving our Finance and admin team over here to the remaining empty floor, Floor 6 Bond Mill, and letting them take our own office space at Hanson Lane.
It is great when it all comes right in the end!
We have quite a bit happening over the next 12 months that we hope will add value to your business and improve your day to day experience of the Centre. We plan to open the cafe area in May at long last and after many false starts. Thank you for bearing with us. It has been a tortuous journey but we will get there. It will be a modest affair in the beginning but hopefully the quality of food will be excellent.
Ha and Hannah are working hard on Creative Calderdale which we believe will provide added focus and oxygen for creative businesses hopefully opening up new opportunities as we come out of recession.
Work is also starting on our greenscreen/film studio up at Hanson Lane with Hannah Crank using her film industry background to lead on this.
It is just great looking back to see how it has all come together but it was undoubtedly a tough year all round. Remember what Tupac said, 'That which does not kill me only makes me stronger!' I guess though in his case it didn't really work out that well.
Barbara Harbinson
Chief Executive
Halifax Opportunities Trust
A new boost for creativity: Highlight for local firmsPremium Article !
Published Date: 09 March 2010
By Farhana Haque
WORK to set up a digital networking platform for creative businesses in Calderdale has begun. Halifax-based Digital Consortium has been chosen to implement the Creative Calderdale project, launched by Calderdale Council in partnership with the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre.
Focused on digital and creative industries in Calderdale, it aims to develop a creative industry network to encourage the start-up of new businesses, attract investment and improve competitiveness. As part of the project, Creative Calderdale will be establishing a virtual hub for the network which includes an online magazine, map-based business locator system and secure log-in and members' area.
Digital companies from across Calderdale were invited to apply to take on the project. The panel decided on Digital Consortium, based at the Elsie Whiteley Centre. Guy Utley, creative director at Digital Consortium, said: "The concept of a virtual hub for creative companies in our area is something we've been discussing internally for a long time.
"I use similar sites like this on a daily basis, but these all seem to be national websites."
The company's clients include Pirelli, YBS, the Childcare Corporation and the Creative Calderdale Commission.
Client services director Liz Baker said: "Our ideas for the Creative Calderdale site focused on ensuring it had the most interactive and useful features for the creative and digital sector.
"The idea is that the site will target companies like us in the Calderdale area and encourage collaboration.
"It's fantastic that this website will act as a portal for publications and organisations to find out about individuals and groups, and about the great standard of work coming out of Calderdale.
"We've suggested a magazine-style format for the site, which will showcase the work of companies.
"There will also be a facility to enable companies to locate creatives and artisans working in the area."
Hannah Crank has been appointed to support the project as marketing and events co-ordinator.
New network to be boost for creativity: Even home-based firms will benefit
Back-bedroom sites: many creative businesses in Calderdale are hidden away in the Calder Valley in places like Hebden Bridge
Published Date: 22 January 2010
By Farhana Haque at the Halifax Courier
Creative companies across Calderdale are being urged to tender for a major new project which will bring businesses together. Calderdale is the home for some 1,433 creative companies, making up around 20 per cent of all the businesses in the borough. It is the largest creative sector in Yorkshire and Humberside but many of them are hidden away, with a large proportion based in the back bedrooms of homes across Calderdale, particularly in the Calder Valley in places such as Hebden Bridge.
Now Calderdale Council has appointed the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre to manage a fund which will allow them all to network online and create more opportunities. Firms are being asked to tender for a contract to create the web portal and also create an image for the project. Established businesses or younger firms with experience are urged to get in touch.
"It will involve people from the creative industry tendering to create the web portal for their own peer group," said Ha Smith, business development manager at the centre.
Barbara Harbinson, the centre's chief executive, said: "This is for the whole of Calderdale.
"The portal will bring people together. The Elsie Whiteley Centre has already shown that companies can go for big contracts if they are working together."
It is hoped that more work will be generated and as a result more people will be employed by these firms.The portal is expected to be ready by June. The council commissioned the Acorn Centre in Todmordon to lead a survey to map all the creative businesses in Calderdale, including those based at home.
Mrs Harbinson said: "Then when we have launched the portal we will be looking for every business to get involved.
"It will give them a chance to access markets and there will be a marketing service available for them too.
"It's like a virtual market place – it's the 21st century version of the Piece Hall.
"For example, if someone wanted to tender a contract they could put it on the website.
"It started with what we are doing at the Elsie Whiteley Centre – we want to extend that across Calderdale.
"It's about capturing work from a much wider market and keeping it here. We have certainly got the talent in Calderdale.
"How many people are hidden away doing all this work?"
Anyone interested in taking on the project can call Ha Smith on 01422 399408.