SME In Brief: Rate relief deadline for Kirklees firms; Top support for Doncaster Rovers; IT accolade for York company;
MANUFACTURING businesses in Kirklees are being reminded of the deadline for applications for the Kirklees business rate relief initiative.
The deadline for applications is October 2 and all the information businesses need is on www.kirklees.gov.uk/business.
Manufacturing organisations employ around 20% of the workforce in the district and many have been hit hard by the effects of the recession.
Applications for rate relief will be assessed by a panel and if successful businesses will receive a reduction in their bill for a year. Kirklees Council is also offering more help as part of its Real Help Now package.
Cllr Peter McBride, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “By benefiting from reduced rates and working more closely with the Council and other support agencies, it is hoped that businesses will be able to minimise the impact felt by the recession.”
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THE Topping Pie Company has shown its championship credentials in a sponsorship deal with Doncaster Rovers FC to become the club’s official corporate pie partner.
The deal will see the traditionally handmade, multi award-winning pies supplied for corporate events as well as the press box.
Tom Grindel, commercial executive for Doncaster Rovers said: “The company is a fabulous supporter of the club and we have worked with Toppings on a number of successful promotions over the past year.
“The club is also pleased to keep it local by supporting the ‘Buy Doncaster’ campaign launched by Doncaster Chamber to encourage businesses to source locally and help the growth of our local economy,” continued Mr Grindel.
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YORK Data Services (YDS) has been recognised as a top level supplier of IT support and telecommunications by Information Communications Technology Active (ICT Active).
YDS provides IT support and information communications technology for the buildings on York Science Park where it is based.
ICT Active, which is the national standard for the provision of ICT in office buildings, awarded York Science Park the highest recognition of a leading edge accreditation as a result of the high standard of telecommunication services and support facilities.
YDS chief technology officer David Kirkham said: “Being recognised with an ICT Active Leading Edge accreditation is a great endorsement to the high level of IT support and Internet services we have been delivering to the park over the past six years.”
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MICHAEL Pointon is Barnsley Needs You’s first community champion after being judged the area’s Best Mentor in the competition sponsored by the Barnsley Works and Skills Board (BWSB).
The 60-year-old thermoforming supervisor at Moorland Plastics was presented his £200 winner’s cheque by Cllr Stephen Houghton – leader of Barnsley Council.
The other nominees on the short-list were cemetery maintenance volunteer Ray Mangham, equine expert Geoffrey Hough and freelance NVQ trainer Chantelle Smith.
Since joining plastics manufacturer Moorland 10 years ago Mr Pointon, who is a qualified NVQ assessor, has been mentoring both disadvantaged children studying for their NVQs at the factory and his fellow employees many of whom are disabled.
Moorland Plastics general manager Pat Farmer, said: “We are delighted that Michael has won this competition and couldn’t think of anyone who deserves it more.
“Mentoring is a pivotal part of our programme. It enables our staff to learn new tasks and safeguards the continuation of vital skill sets.”
