News in brief: Wednesday July 2
FORENSIC accountants in the Leeds office of Grant Thornton have raised £1,500 for charities including St Gemma’s Hospice.
The company’s annual quiz night, held at the Town House in the city centre, saw more than 100 people nts come together to test their knowledge and raise money for the hospice.
Earlier in the day the accountants turned bakers, raising funds by selling their homemade cakes, biscuits and scones for a charity tea party.
Partner Chris Clements said: “We are delighted to have raised this amount for such a great local cause and we’d like to thank everyone who came along and took part on the night.”
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INEFFICIENT use of resources is still costing UK industry at least £15bn each year, according to sustainable business expert Envirowise.
With the credit crunch affecting all sectors, simple savings from resource efficiency could be a welcome addition to bottom lines.
A recently launched online tool – ‘Words to the wise’6 – helps companies assess the way they use resources and will provide strategic support on how to improve.
For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/change.
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BUSINESSES which leave renewing their bank debt facilities until the last minute risk a nasty shock and could end up with inappropriate or unnecessarily expensive facilities, according to a senior partner in the Leeds office of business advisory firm Deloitte.
Entrepreneurial business partner Jonnie Oldham said: “The impact of the banks’ foray into sub prime lending and poor lending decisions in the past is increasingly affecting small and medium sized businesses, many of them owner managed.”
His comments come in the wake of banks signalling a change in attitudes with lending margins increased.
Mr Oldham added: “In these difficult times it is important to keep in touch with your bankers and, in particular, speak to them well in advance of your renewal. Don’t leave it until the last minute and risk a nasty shock with no time to negotiate a better deal.”
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WORLD Trade Centre Hull & Humber has opened its new waterfront home.
Although the emphasis will be on international trade, the centre’s services and facilities can also benefit businesses not involved in overseas markets.
The business community is being invited to find out what is on offer by contacting staff at the centre and taking part in tours.
Since gaining a licence from the World Trade Centre Association, partners of World Trade Centre Hull and Humber have been working together to offer the region an exemplary facility, bringing the best of international trade services under one roof.
For more information visit www.wtchumber.com.
