B4 bucks issue 5

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE EDITION

B4

Magazine

ISSUE 5 SUMMER 2013

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Aylesbury College A year in the life of our Platinum Member, Aylesbury College

Macdonald Compleat Angler Overlooking The Thames at Marlow – an inspirational venue for all occasions

The Fish Partnership High Wycombe based Chartered Accountants help Bucks businesses through the tough times

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Join the B4 Community

So What is B4?

B4 is the fastest growing business to business network, providing over 500 businesses in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire with four great platforms to promote and connect their businesses. It's a business network with a difference where we facilitate face to face contact with other Members at B4 events held in iconic locations.

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4 Effective Platforms to Help You Connect 1

B4 Magazine - Packed with great features, news and promotional articles mailed free to 3,000 business decision makers (separate circulation of 3,000 in each county)

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B4 Website - Upload press releases direct to the site and promote forthcoming events and seminars. All B4 articles printed are uploaded to the business directory on the site.

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B4 Events - Meet other B4 members at high quality B4 events in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire...Why not even bring a guest?

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B4 Social - Promote your business to other B4 members via our social media platforms, a great way to get your message across.

Why Become a Member?

Memberships are specific to one area, not all, and gives your business a listing in the back of your chosen area B4 Magazine. A listing on the business directory of the relevant B4 website but access to all B4 events in all areas (restrictions may apply due to capacity limitations and we do have some Platinum Ambassador only events).

Members can also promote their status on company e-mails and websites with our new B4 Member icons

Why Not Upgrade to Ambassador?

Becoming an Ambassador gets a face to represent your business in the B4 community. Your chosen Ambassador will feature alongside your listing in the magazine directory, on your on line business directory listing and also in the Ambassadors’ section on the B4 website. Being an Ambassador gives you something in common to approach other B4 Ambassadors throughout the network. All Ambassadors will also receive a new B4 Ambassadors Card.

The rate to become an Ambassador is £250+VAT per annum (additional Ambassadors charged £99+VAT).

Become a B4 Member in less than 24 hours Here's what we need to get you started: 1. Your Logo - high quality is a must and in one of the following formats: jpeg, eps, pdf, ai 2. Between 50 and 300 words about your business - See the website for some great examples 3. Basic contact details - Basic contact details e.g. Address, telephone number, email address Our system will automatically generate a user name and password (which you can change) and you are ready to put up your first Press Release. But Don't Worry! There's a helpful online guide to assist you and we're always at the end of the phone.

Join B4 for just £250+VAT per annum B4 Membership is now one rate for all companies. The annual charge gives your business a listing in four quarterly editions of B4, presence in the B4 online directory with the ability to upload unlimited press releases and event details and access to all B4 Member events for all of your employees. We have at least four events in each area and you and your colleagues are welcome to all of them – there are no additional charges to attend events.

What about Editorial in the Magazine?

Looks complicated? Well it's not! We can set you up to have your picture taken at our associate's studio. We can get one of our freelance PR or Editor to interview you. You have Full Editorial Control so, nothing's printed without your agreement. Editorial pages start at £695+VAT and we can do almost all of it for you! Just ask!

Get Connected to our Growing Community Now:

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‘One of Oxfordshire’s truly inspirational venues’

RHODES HOUSE Thursday 12th September 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm South Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3RG, United Kingdom Dress code: Smart business casual Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser 01865 742211 or events@b4-business.com

ABOUT OUR HOSTS A hidden delight situated in the heart of Oxford, Rhodes House is a beautiful venue steeped in history. Ideal for dinners, business meetings, product launches and weddings, Rhodes House can now be yours for the day.

For nearly a century, Rhodes House has been the gathering place for Rhodes scholars and distinguished guests. Now, the House has been made available so that others can enjoy the peace, quiet and unique atmosphere of this private, exclusive venue. It is deal for both corporate and private events, for large and small functions, and for photo shoots.

Join other B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests at this stunning venue, home of the Rhodes Scholars. www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

REGISTRATION Please register for the event here: http://www.regonline.com/ b4oxrhodeshouse

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COM t: 01865 742211 e: events@b4-business.com a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT

www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01494 373183 info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@designs-on.co.uk Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson artwork@b4-business.com Assistant Art Editor Rob Scotcher rob@b4-business.com Assistant Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com B4 Events Tina Rosser events@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser Membership Sales Manager Luci Didriksen-Penfold Social Media Manager James Egan Editorial contributors Hazell Scott Lucy Holmes Phil Strachan Tony Thomson B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Gleed Photography Studio Photography Gleed Photography www.gleedphotography.co.uk Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 01494 373183 info@b4-business.com

welcome to B4 Welcome to Issue 5 Is business confidence growing? That’s still a fair question with trading conditions still relatively hostile, but I can report that there is generally a more positive energy being generated by the B4 business community across the Thames Valley. Yes it’s tough out there but the majority of businesses we are coming into contact with have absorbed the new ‘rules’ and are getting on with what they do best.

There’s definitely a positive energy from our growing group of Platinum Members and on that note we welcome Aylesbury College, the focus of this issue’s lead article. You can read about an eventful year at the College on page 18 and you can find out more about the College by attending our forthcoming B4 event later this year (November 28th – see B4 Events Dirary on page 25).

22. First Move Turning opportunity into cash

Our membership continiues to grow across the B4 network with numbers fast approaching 600. We have attracted some great new members in recent months such as Westcott Venture Park, De Vere Venues Latimer Place, Macdonald Compleat Angler, Grundon Waste Management, Sue Ryder Care, Cirkle, Busy Offices and continue to build on our relationships with the existing B4 members who joined last year, including The Fish Partnership, BP Collins, Bucks New University (who hosted our first B4 Buckinghamshire event of the year – see more on page 54) and First Move.

We also welcome our new B4 Sales Manager, Luci Didriksen-Penfold, who you will be seeing more of at future B4 Events. B4 Membership is now one flat annual fee for which you receive all the benefits outlined on pages 2 and 3, including great events at fantastic venues. It’s a fabulous package of offers which represents excellent value for money, and if you’re looking for some extra profile personally, why not become a B4 Ambassador and receive one of our new B4 Ambassadors Cards (see page 14 for more details).

28. B4 Views Good news from around the B4 network

Talking of events, we feature Macdonald Compleat Angler on page 26, the venue for our B4 Event on October 24th. We are delighted to be working with one of the county’s leading hotels and look forward to a fantastic event. One of our venues for 2014, Hartwell House & Spa, the venue for a recent G7 meeting, features on page 53.

B4 as a network continues to go from strength to strength and we would like you to be involved. Why not call us to discuss the benefits of membership or come along to one of our next events (see page 25) as our guest to see who you could be connecting with on a regular basis. B4 is growing, B4 works and B4 is excellent value for money – why not give us a try?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Each business with a Buckinghamshire postcode is entitled to one free copy per issue.

For additional copies and for businesses outside of Buckinghamshire, there is an annual subscription charge of £25.

Inside

34. BBF We meet the two Heathers!

Enjoy B4

Richard Rosser Editor © Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine.

Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate and correct in every way, the publishers cannot be held responsible or liable for any inaccuracies or errors within the publication. Information reproduced from this publication is permitted with the express permission of the publisher and the advertiser, where relevant. All information is correct at time of going to press.

B4 Magazine is printed by

About

B4

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. With B4 Berkshire and now B4 Buckinghamshire, we hope to achive greater success now that the model has been established and refined. Direct mailed to three thousand business decision makers in Buckinghamshire every quarter, and with a further four and a half thousand copies circulated to key outlets, featured businesses and made available at B4 events, we hope to make our mark in Buckinghamshire businesses. See more at www.b4-business.com.

B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial, although some editorial is granted without charge at the discretion of the Editor. Please call us to find out how you can get involved.

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE AT @B4Bucks

50. BP Collins Off the Clock

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SPOTLIGHT 28 B4 Views: Comments and news from across the B4 Network 54 B4 Events Photo Diary: A pictorial look back at our last three B4 Networking events

18 LEAD

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18 A year in the life of Aylesbury College: We take a look at what the College has achieved in the last 12 months

MARKETING

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22 Direct Mail: First Move are turning opportunity into cash 63 Get all the benefits of London branding, identity and graphic design, at Glasgow prices: Strangebrew tell us how

ADVICE

40 My Business is fine as it is!: Don’t get left behind, if you want to stay ahead 46 The Fish Partnership: Bucks accountant helping businesses through tough times

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50 BP Collins: Moving the relationship from transactional to trusted

NEWS 11 17 25 39

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B4 News HR2YOU B4 Events Diary Old Swan & Minster Mill

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B4 contents 34

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34 Buckinghamshire Business First: We meet BBF’s Heather Dean and Heather Martin.

30 Ultimate Car Control: Now it’s even easier to be safe on the roads

BBF

WIDER B4

33 Rachel Ducker: Fabulous art for all 42 Williams Conference Centre: Looking for a venue to inspire, motivate and reward? Look no further

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56 De Vere Venues: We spotlight some of De Vere’s magnificent properties 58 The Belfry: Undergoing something of a transformation

R&R

68 Hope House Woodstock: We meet the man behind the fabulous Hope House

26 Macdonald Compleat Angler: Overlooking the Thames at Marlow

70 Buildbase: Preparing your garden for Summer

45 The Tree at Cadmore: The importance of exceptional service 53 Hartwell House & Spa: One of England’s most spectacular Stately Homes 64 First Class food and exemplary service: Look no further than The Forbury Hotel 66 Lower Mill Estate: The water garden is unveiled at Lower Mill Estate

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36 Grundon: The one simple solution to your waste management needs

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CONTACTS www.b4-business.com

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B U C K I N G H AM S H I R E

B E R K S H I R E

B4 Platinum Members We would like to thank our B4 Platinum Ambassadors for supporting B4 Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. To find out more about joining them and over five hundred B4 Member companies, please call us on 01494 373183.

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Residential Letting · Property Management

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meet oxfordshire

With annual memberships just £250+VAT*, entitling you to a business directory listing and unlimited press release, event, job vacancy and offer uploads, it’s no wonder our membership is increasing daily.

Members are also invited to events in all B4 areas, up to 12 per annum. Call us now on 01494 373183 to book your membership or e-mail sales@b4-business.com for more details.

The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC! *Quoted rate is per company entitling all employees to attend B4 events. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge of £250+VAT for the first Ambassador and £99+VAT for subsequent Ambassadors. Call us for more information or visit the B4 website at www.b4-business.com and click on B4 Membership.

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events

‘The chance to win a free meeting for 10 people at Latimer Place’

LATIMER PLACE Tuesday 10th September 2013 6:00pm - 8:30pm The Cormorant Building, Latimer Place, Nr Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 1UG. Dress code: Smart business casual Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser 01865 742211 or events@b4-business.com

REGISTRATION Please register for the event here: http://www.regonline.com/ b4bbflatimerplace

ABOUT OUR HOSTS B4 Buckinghamshire and Buckinghamshire Business First are pleased to announce our first joint event held at De Vere Venues Latimer Place. This event will take place in the Cormorant building situated in the grounds of Latimer Place.

Clare Gamon ‘Regional Director of Sales’ and Tessa Win ‘General Manager of De Vere Venues Latimer Place look forward to welcoming you to the venue. Set in 30 acres of stunning Chiltern countryside this venue provides the perfect base for residential conferencing and events.

With a beautiful manor house, purpose built training pod and large events space it is the most flexible of the 30 + De Vere Venues, enabling clients to choose which space works best for them.

They look forward to welcoming you and telling you more about how they can support you with your external venue requirements. www.devere.co.uk www.bbf.uk.com

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COM t: 01865 742211 e: events@b4-business.com a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT

B4 news DOCTORnow They offer cost-effective and flexible services, many of which can be delivered at your premises, greatly reducing the downtime involved with employees seeing their GPs. Their services can help make your business more profitable, whilst being seen as a valuable benefit by your employees.

DOCTORnow is a private GP Practice dedicated to providing exceptional service and the highest levels of medical care and attention to corporate clients and individual patients.

Their Corporate Services include: Rapid GP and Nurse Access; In-house surgeries within your workplace; Staff Medicals, Medical Reviews and Health Screenings; Flu, Health and Travel

Vaccinations; Health Education Sessions.

All services can be provided on a pay-as-you-go option, or via corporate membership.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm, Saturday: 9am – 1pm.

Contact: For more information, prices and reviews, visit their website www.doctornow.org, call them on 01494 410888, or e-mail them at info@doctornow.org

Are you missing opportunities for profit growth because you’re tied up with the day-to-day running of the business?

RTS specialises in helping small to medium size businesses to identify operational efficiencies which will significantly improve the bottom line.

Many years of experience in retail buying with large High Street Retailers ensures delivery of both a strategic vision and focus on detail. This will leave you with a clear view of the future, better established processes and greater control of your onward development.

“Rosemary hits the ground running. We value her support, input and professional approach and she delivered not only a significant improvement to our gross margin but also better business systems for our onward control and planning.”

Val Jackson, Director Jigsaw Media & Marketing Ltd Fast, affordable and a flexible addition to your team, please contact Rosemary Brown on:

rbrown@riseholme.plus.com for more information. www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk

Cerub PR Celebrates 10 Years of Business Success of Buckinghamshire’s best known PR agencies.

Managing Director Ceri-Jane Hackling was delighted to welcome so many people to the event.

11 July saw over 50 businesspeople gather at The Clare Foundation in Saunderton to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cerub PR, one

‘It’s fantastic to have reached our 10th anniversary, which is a milestone for any business, and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate the occasion with the people who have supported the business over the last decade. We’ve worked with some fantastic companies and met some great people, so it was

a good opportunity to say thank you to them for their support and to reflect on the company’s success.

Cerub PR has an enviable client list, with clients including Thomas International, Buckinghamshire Business First, Make-a-Donation, and Agropharm and Cerub PR clients regularly appear in national newspapers, magazines and on radio and television. www.cerubpr.co.uk

Joint funding deal secures finance for new AD plant Anaerobic digestion (AD) specialist Agrivert has joined forces with Grundon Waste Management in a multi-million pound deal which provides funding for its third AD plant.

Grundon is providing £5 million as a shareholder loan, while the remainder of the £11m price tag will be provided by SQN Capital Management, through its advisor Summit Asset Management via a senior debt facility.

www.b4-business.com

Construction has already begun on the new plant at Trumps Farm in Surrey, which is expected to be fully operational by Spring 2014. When commissioned, it will be capable of processing 50,000 tonnes of food waste and generating 2.3MW of renewable electricity, enough to supply around 4,000 homes.

AD is the Government’s preferred recycling treatment solution for food waste and Grundon’s investment marks a major drive into the food waste

market. The company recently launched a dedicated food waste collection service and says the new AD plant will allow it to expand its offering to customers. www.grundon.com

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B4 news Do you actively manage those who drive at work?

With all of the driving press telling us that managers are not taking any notice of the Corporate Manslaughter Act what are you doing? Have you reviewed your driving at work risks at all this year or ever? There are a few simple things everyone can do to ensure they start managing their driving at work risks.

a recognised company such as Licence Bureau.

Firstly have a look at how you check driving licences - is it through the DVLA with a mandate from the driver or do you think you can check it visually? The only sure way is to have an online check done by

Contact Les Owen - Compliance Bureau l.owen@compliance-bureau.co.uk - 07771 733 788

When you review driving at work risks have a look at drivers with offences and those with collisions, the profile of the high risk drivers. Investigate all collisions and near misses however small and look for any organisational learning.

Corporate finance activity increasing Avocet Investments (established in 2001) has experienced an unprecedented 3 months with the completion of 4 Fund Raisings & 3 Business Sales.

The Fund Raisings involved a debt reconsolidation, a growth solution for a Recruitment business , an MBO & a Trade Purchase.

On the Company Sale activity side, Avocet project managed the sale of an Accountancy Practice, Precision Engineer & an IT Consultancy for the

Financial Services Industry (the latter to a Swiss company completed in 4 weeks from initial negotiation).

Comments Roger Bibby Avocet’s owner: “We are increasingly helping SME Business owners with their requirements for Development Capital, Business Advice & Company Sales or Purchases as the South East economy continues to recover & businesses make big strategic decisions” www.avocet-investments.com

Postgraduate and Professional Open Evening at Bucks New University Date: Wednesday 11 September Bucks New University’s Postgraduate and Professional Open Evenings offer a great opportunity to find out about their diverse range of full-time and part- time postgraduate and professional courses.

The next Open Evening is on Wednesday 11 September, from 5-7pm at the University’s High Wycombe Campus.

University staff will be available during the evening to give advice and answer any queries you may have. You can also see the facilities and discover what Bucks New University can offer you.

To ensure you get the best experience, the Open Evenings are by appointment only; book your place online at bucks.ac.uk/openevenings.

Whether you wish to progress and develop within your current field of work, or take your career in a whole new direction, Bucks New University can help you achieve your goals.

For more details, visit bucks.ac.uk/openevenings

First B4 Said Talks a Success

Over 60 B4 members and guests attended the first of a series of talks at the impressive West Wing at Said Business School on 6th June.

www.b4-business.com

Speakers from Lloyds Commercial, TVBA, The MGroup and Morgan Cole talked about the various aspects of buying and selling businesses with a lively Q&A following the 4 fifteen minute presentations. Prior to the talks guests were treated to drinks and canapés in the impressive Club Room, followed by the presentations in one of four stunning Harvard style lecture

theatres, rounded off with more networking in the Club Room.

News about future B4 talks will be posted on the www.b4-business.com website and future e-Newsletters. If you would like to present at a future event, please contact B4 on 01865 742211.

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B4 news Benchmarking your sales training against professional standards to further damaging the already poor image of the UK’s salespeople.

The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) has now started a campaign to put selling on an equal footing with other professions by addressing these shortcomings, building on some already solid foundations. We at Thames Valley Training & Development are working in close association with ISMM to deliver an innovative approach to delivering accredited sales training.

The string of mis-selling scandals and highpressure tactics employed by banks, utilities and mobile phone companies has contributed

Sales training can be delivered both in-house or at our premises at Bucks New University. We

welcome the opportunity to speak to Sales Directors and Sales Managers about how our ISMM endorsed qualifications can fit into their sales teams’ development plans. After all, it’s in everyone’s interest that the sales team performs to its maximum potential and good training plays an important part in developing an exceptional team.

For further information about Thames Valley Training & Development services to support sales, please get in touch. David Podger, Thames Valley Training & Development, 01494 605012, david.podger@tvtd.co.uk www.thamesvalleytraining.com

Qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive with Thames Valley Training & Development We are delighted that we are now delivering CILEx qualifications from our premises at Bucks New University. We are already attracting CILEx students to High Wycombe from a wide geographical area, as there is a considerable gap in the CILEx provision in the Thames Valley.

We are offering the CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice as an evening class. This Certificate has been designed to provide a short but rounded instruction to law and legal practice and to

formalise the skills and experience of those working as either a Paralegal or in a Legal Support role. We will also be offering Level 6 Units.

Becoming a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer is an excellent career choice. There are opportunities for Chartered Legal Executives to run their own departments, manage other lawyers and become judges. With additional training, Chartered Legal Executives can become advocates and represent clients in court.

Thames Valley Training & Development, a subsidiary of Bucks New University, offers a range of professionally accredited courses, including the CILEx qualification. To find out more about these and the CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice, please call us on 0800 0407108 or check out our website, www.thamesvalleytraining.com

Marlow-based Colston Bush joins Seymour Taylor Seymour Taylor, a leading accountancy firm in High Wycombe announced that Colston Bush recently merged with the business.

Colston Bush chartered accountants has been practising in nearby Marlow for over 35 years and the partners had been seeking a succession strategy. After spending some years exploring options to ensure clients and staff would be properly looked after, Seymour Taylor became the firm of choice.

L to R David Postlethwaite, Simon Turner, Ian Petty & Martin Spittle

Partners David Postlethwaite, Ian Petty and Martin Spittle are confident that clients will benefit from the relationship with existing staff and from the additional scope and expertise Seymour Taylor offers as a larger combined firm.

Simon Turner, managing director of Seymour Taylor, said: “The partners at Colston Bush were looking for a firm that shared their ethos and values. I am very excited that this merger is going to give us a real boost and help with our expansion plans in the Thames Valley marketplace.” www.stca.co.uk

VOUCH available to Emergency Services Our fantastic voucher scheme which you can see at www.vouchoffers.co.uk is now available to members of the local emergency services at a further discount.

www.b4-business.com

Police and NHS staff can now benefit from a further 10% discount when buying Vouch vouchers through their intranets and sales are proving the vouchers are a big hit.

If you would like to benefit from an additional discount and your are in the emergency services, please call VOUCH on 01865 742211. www.vouchoffers.co.uk

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news Social Media in the Workplace communication channels. Whether it’s emails, tweets, or face book, today’s employees have almost an unlimited number of ways to post any and all sorts of opinions and/or company information.

In the early days courts often struggled to both understand and fairly judge social media violations. Nowadays, the connection between social media and employment law is moving at light-speed.

Although not work place based, but a good example, you may have heard the high profile case in the news recently where Sally Bercow's tweet was found to be defamatory towards Lord McAlpine. In this situation she was found to have made an insinuation and not a direct comment. Mrs Bercow said she had learned her lesson "the hard way", adding that the ruling should be seen as "a warning to all social media users" because comments could sometimes be "held to be seriously defamatory, even when you do not intend them to be defamatory and do not make any express accusation".

So what can you do? Firstly setting your expectations and standards should be communicated at recruitment. You should consider a Social Media ‘usage’ policy and align this to you disciplinary process to ensure that all employees are fully aware of what is appropriate and what the consequences will be if they bring your company into disrepute via usage of social media.

A Recruitment Tool Recruitment is huge expense to any business, we are working with our clients to use social media to advertise vacancies in order to attract interest from specific target audiences.

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

When you consider the 25% recruitment fee agencies often charge, there are clearly huge cost benefits of using free, electronic channels for recruitment.

They can also reach more potential recruits quickly since social networking sites have huge audiences.

How to manage social media in the work place is a question we are regularly asked at HR2YOU and is a topic many employers are becoming fearful of. Like many of my peers technology devices during my education were pre-historic and until recently I was still opening my office window to get a better reception on my mobile.

You should also be wary of the pitfalls of using social media as a recruitment tool. Many organisations are heading to potential candidate’s social media pages as part of the screening process. Don’t let social media turn the table on you, remember there are laws protecting people from discrimination on the grounds of age, sex, disability, race, marriage, religion and belief, and sexual orientation which start at the recruitment stage. As an employer you could face employment tribunal hearings if you refuse to interview someone as a result of a judgement they made based on a social networking profile.

Attract and Retain Employees

Whilst I’ve resided myself to the fact that I will never be an IT Guru or know fully how my tweet gets from my phone up into the sky, I have spent time researching the advantages and disadvantage of using social media in the workplace.

Don’t just use social media when you need something, regular updates of how your organisation is growing, activity in the local community, employee promotions and/or recognition will strengthen your reputation as an employer in the market place so keep at it!

The Legal Aspect As an HR specialist, the first question I ask is what are the risks to my clients?

Legal and regulatory social media developments are changing, almost on a monthly basis, and it’s the responsibility of the employer to stay in the know.

With so many devices and social media platforms available, organisations can no longer control the access point that employees have to outbound

www.b4-business.com

For further information, a social media usage policy or a FREE HR Health Check contact Sarah and the Team on 0845 838 7091 or info@hr2you.co.uk.

www.hr2you.co.uk

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B4 LEAD

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF AYLESBURY COLLEGE It’s been another busy year for Aylesbury College as our organisation continues to grow. With around 6,000 students and 350 staff, like so many businesses, there is always a huge amount happening at any one time.

One of the main highlights for Aylesbury College this year, and the most important audit for any educational establishment, is the independent evaluation by The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). Aylesbury College were delighted last month to be awarded a ‘Good’ rating, – which is particularly significant due to the revised inspection framework which focuses significantly more on the quality of teaching and learning. The report makes particular reference to “very effective” governance and leadership creating “an environment which strongly supports learning” and notes that the College is “evolving within a larger learning campus which meets many local needs”.

News of this ‘Good’ rating was especially poignant for Principal Pauline Odulinski who was awarded an OBE for Services to Further Education in June.

Later this year, she will be retiring and handing over the reins to Karen Mitchell, currently Vice President for Learning and Quality. Karen said: “We are really pleased that our Ofsted report makes reference to the quality of our teaching and assessment as “good or better” in most instances. It states that the team here has worked successfully to improve the quality of teaching and learning which has ensured that a large majority of lessons are well planned to meet the needs of all students”.

“In today’s changing education

sector, institutions can no longer rely on Government funding to bring in income and must develop a diverse range of income sources to survive

”

Tim Keighley, Director of Business and Curriculum Development at Aylesbury College

Working with business Business engagement continues to be a top priority for the College. Tim Keighley, Director of Business and Curriculum Development at Aylesbury College, said: “In today’s changing education sector, institutions can no longer rely on Government funding to bring in income and must develop a diverse range of income sources to survive.”

Earlier this year the College launched Aylesbury Enterprise to develop the College’s key business offering as well as ensure the skills and qualifications available at the College remain current and job-relevant and meet employers requirements. Aylesbury Enterprise works closely with a range of employers to help them grow, develop and reach their potential through cost-effective, results-driven training and innovative business consulting. It also offers

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apprenticeship and business training, as well providing a hub for networking and business innovation. There is no doubt that times are tough for businesses seeking to develop and grow and for young people seeking the best possible start to their career. The College aims to create the preferred environment for businesses to develop and train their workforce to strive for success.

Work-ready students As part of achieving our aim of ensuring our students are work-ready, the College initiated a variety of events to better prepare our young people for the world of work, including delivering free employability skills training to over 250 Year 12 students at a wide range of schools across Buckinghamshire. During the year our work readiness focus included several major events: Work Wise Week, a joint partnership across the County This programme outlined to students the career and training options open to them, the employment opportunities in the region, what employers look for and how to approach them. 26 employers engaged with us during the weeklong initiative involving 700 young people. Our partners included Amersham and Wycombe College, Buckinghamshire Business First, Buckinghamshire County Council, Buckinghamshire University Technical College, Bucks New University, Connexions, Job Centre Plus and the National Careers Service.

Money Skills Week, with Barclays Bank This was a two week project with volunteers from Barclays Bank who helped students to understand budgeting, saving and spending in a fun and interactive way.

Careers Fair Staff members from Human Resources offered their professional advice on how to write a good CV. The Apprentice Academy informed students on how using social media in the right way could help them towards their future career.

McAfee were popular throughout the day as they offered advice on computer security and gave out a number of goodies including free virus software to students.

Partners who supported the event included McAfee, Bucks Fire and Rescue, National Careers Service, Connexions, Thames Valley Police and Bucks County Council.

Have a Go’ Taster Sessions This scheme, supported in part by the European Social Fund, encouraged members of the public, students from the College and local schools to ‘Have a Go’ at certain activities for example:

www.b4-business.com

“There is no doubt

that times are tough for businesses seeking to develop and grow and for young people seeking the best possible start to their career

�

www.b4-business.com

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B4 LEAD

• Producing a carpentry joint • Giving a professional hand massage • Doing tyre checks with the Motor Vehicle department The RAF supported these sessions with teambuilding exercises and other organisations presented taster sessions which demonstrated various aspects of their careers.

Of course the key objective for the College is for our students to be successful, which is why our Celebrating Achievement Awards are such a special evening for us. We acknowledge students’ efforts for all around achievement, teamwork and for accomplishing something for themselves in the face of adversity. Staff are recognised for best customer service, their commitment, teamwork and outstanding effort. This year the awards were presented by Pam and Monica Relph who spoke of their experiences as World Champion and Paralympic rowers.

Integrated Learning Aylesbury College wants students of all ages to have an outstanding experience in education but we also understand how further education plays a vital role as a dynamic nucleus in the community, supporting and driving economic and social success. With this in mind, we have developed the Buckinghamshire Integrated Learning Campus.

A key partner in this initiative is Bucks New University who is working with us to provide a ‘skills and education escalator’ to ensure a range of 20

provision from entry level to higher degree level.

The University is also engaging with us to recruit international students.

The new Buckinghamshire University Technical College, which is part of the campus, opens in September 2013. It offers courses for 14-19 year olds in IT and Construction working with major local

Aylesbury College wants “ students of all ages to have an outstanding experience in education but we also understand how further education plays a vital role as a dynamic nucleus in the community, supporting and driving economic and social success

”

employers like Taylor Wimpey, McAfee, Cisco and Esri UK. Students will work on ‘live’ employer projects to support their ‘hands-on’ learning.

The campus aims to be a place for business which is transformational and based on a partnership approach to building a sustainable environment and workforce.

Our commercial businesses Our service offerings, designed to meet the needs of the local community and business, continue to flourish. We operate these services as stand-alone businesses based in the College building on Oxford Road.

• Harding’s Restaurant and H’s Deli provide excellent options for a night out or a quick bite • Intuition Hair and Beauty offers treatments and services from professional therapists and stylists.

In addition, the modern and fully-equipped salon is available for hire on a short term hourly basis or all day • Our well-equipped gym offers monthly memberships while our sports hall and dance studio are available for hire • Conference Aylesbury provides meeting and conference rooms in our modern and wellequipped building Many of our students have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced professionals in these businesses, gaining invaluable work experience in a real commercial environment. We offer fantastic value to our customers, a warm welcome and a genuinely excellent customer experience. Do come and see us!

Sign-up for our Aylesbury Enterprise newsletter to keep informed about activities, training opportunities and networking events. Email info@aylesburyenterprise.co.uk or call 01296 780224 for more information. www.aylesbury.ac.uk www.b4-business.com

DIRECT MAIL - TURNING

OPPORTUNITY INTO CASH...

Today our clients are selling their goods through direct mail and making a fortune. Is this good luck or is there a science and intelligence behind their success?

So how do they do it?

Direct marketing is attractive to many marketers because its positive results can be measured directly. For example, if a marketer sends out 1,000 items by mail and 100 respond, the campaign led directly to 10% direct responses.

This metric is known as the 'response rate,' and it is one of many clearly quantifiable success metrics employed by direct marketers. In contrast, general advertising uses indirect measurements, such as awareness or engagement, since there is no direct response from a consumer.

Measurement of results is a fundamental element in successful direct marketing.

What you need to know about Direct Mail The term "direct mail" is used to refer to communications sent to potential customers or donors via the postal service and other delivery services. Direct mail is sent to customers based on criteria such as age, income, location, profession, buying pattern, etc.

Advertisers often refine direct mail practices into targeted mailing, in which mail is sent out following database analysis to select recipients considered most likely to respond positively. For example, a person who has demonstrated an interest in golf may receive direct mail for golfrelated products or perhaps for goods and services that are appropriate for golfers. This use of database analysis is a type of database marketing.

Data, data, data Intelligent data usage will generate improved responses, higher donations, greater repeat purchases as well as lower postage costs.

Your database will tell you: Who bought what, when and how often?

What else did they buy?

How much did they donate and what was the source of the contact?

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The management of your database is crucial to enable you to answer these questions and more because you need to target your message most effectively. People hate junk mail! ...but they don't hate mail that is relevant to them. When you talk to people about what is personal to them you overcome people's objections and you can engage with your customers on a 1-to1 basis with your message.

Database Analytics You need to mine your data for trends, forecast those trends and select data to enable targeting.

Plus the data can be profiled and then the opportunity to use external list rental opens up to approach similar people who have a similar profile.

You can use data to change the message by varying the text and if you are using digital colour you can change pictures and colour text as well.

And you might want to use different letterheads so we would use the data to tell us which letterhead to use.

Getting the message right Once the data has been collated and a true psychographic, and socio-demographic with segmentation has been built, the relevant message with the relevant offer can be developed.

When the message is clear offering a relevant message with a relevant offer, direct mail can be very powerful in building an engaged relationship with your organisation and your brand.

This is the crux of your success. The right message, to the right segment at the right time.

Personalising using the power of the Xerox iGen4 Using digital print you can produce the exact number per customer required PLUS you can use variable data and imagery throughout all your production.

In direct mail you should always be testing new ideas, new copy, new offers - using variable print digital technologies is a perfect solution, so you can test and enhance 1-to-1 communication.

Getting the mailing done First Move has deliberately set out to ensure that it has a range of equipment and processes to fit almost every direct mail specification from 500 to 500,000 and more.

Machine Mail Enclosing We have 8 direct mail inserting lines to ensure you receive fast efficient turnarounds for mailings. We enclose any size of machineable envelopes at high speeds with up to 8 items into an envelope. And we can camera match up-to 3 personalised mailing items into the same envelope.

Transactional Mailing We can accumulate variable numbers of pages - up to 8 and endorse fold them before inserting by using in-line page feeding and camera scanning of the documents.

Direct Mail Hand Enclosing As you strive to attract attention in a competitive marketplace, mailing items become more unusual. It is not always possible to machine enclose such jobs and the skilled handling of them on a manual basis becomes essential.

Polythene mailing (polywrapping) We can nest items into a brochure if required and wrap any pack thickness up to 30mm. You may rest assured that this highly capable machine and its team of highly skilled operators will produce your direct mail to the highest quality and is cost effective for runs from 3,000 to 250,000.

So when you need expertise, experience and ability to turn opportunity into cash, just give us call and we’ll show you how.

See our website at www.firstmove.co.uk for more information

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B4 SERVICES

www.b4-business.com

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DISCOVER

A PLACE WITH THE

FINEST

BOUTIQUES

OFFERING UP TO

60% OFF

*

INCLUDING BALLY · COACH · DIANE VON FURSTENBERG MATTHEW WILLIAMSON · MONCLER · MULBERRY · SAMSONITE SMYTHSON · TAG HEUER · TORY BURCH AND MANY MORE Bicester Village offers a wonderful day out. With exclusive Chic Shopping Packages, guests can enjoy value-added packages, which include special services and activities.

ChicOutletShopping.com London · Dublin · Paris · Madrid · Barcelona · Milan · Brussels · Frankfurt · Munich

*the recommended retail price. © Bicester Village 2013

05/13

0271

B4 diary In Association with Buckinghamshire Business First

Event Organiser

Venues

Date

Time

Event Details

Rhodes House The Manor Hawkwell House

12th Sep 2nd Oct 21st Nov

6.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

Latimer House Aylesbury College The Compleat Angler

10th Sep 28th Nov 24th Oct

6.00pm 6.00pm 6.30pm

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

The Vineyard The Forbury Hotel

28th Aug 17th Oct

6.00pm 5.30pm

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

The Manor Hotel

1st Oct

6.00pm

The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2013

5.00pm

Come along to Bucks New University’s Postgraduate and Professional Open Evening and find out about their great range of full-time and part- time postgraduate and professional courses. For full details, visit bucks.ac.uk/openevenings.

9.30am

Networking event – “Are you a Twitter quitter?” Get top tips on how to embrace Twitter and let it love you back! Visit www.bbf.uk.com for more information.

9.00am

Workshop – “Getting banks to say ‘yes’” - How to approach a bank and maximise your chances of getting the funds you need. Visit www.bbf.uk.com for more information.

OXFORDSHIRE

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

B E R K S H I R E

T H E

OX F O R D S H I R E

RESTAURANT

AWARDS

Bucks New University, High Wycombe Campus

Clare Charity Centre, Saunderton

Chartridge Conference Centre, Chesham

11th Sep

17th Sep

26th Sep

B4 Members can feature their events on this page, subject to availability – please get in touch for your complimentary listing.

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MACDONALD COMPLEAT ANGLER

OVERLOOKING THE THAMES AT MARLOW

The Macdonald Compleat Angler is located in a unique position overlooking the River Thames at Marlow Bridge, Buckinghamshire, only 40 minutes from London and Oxford and within a short drive of the M4 and M40 motorways.

Selected by the AA as one of the UK and Ireland’s top 200 hotels, its inspirational surroundings provide a calming backdrop for meetings and events.

Dating back to the 17th century, the smart hotel takes its name from Isaak Walton’s worldfamous book on angling. Today it has an enviable reputation for its superb business facilities and professional services, which combine with fine cuisine and stylish accommodation to ensure every event is a great success.

Stylish Meetings Smart meeting and function suites offer flexible, airconditioned space whether you are seeking a private boardroom for 10, planning a theatre style presentation or sit down dinner for 120, or something in-between.

Located on the ground floor in the hotel’s courtyard area, the Balmoral and Sandringham boardrooms have space for up to 16 delegates; both have private break-out areas ensuring total privacy for confidential meetings. The Balmoral suite also has its own private decking area leading onto the lawn.

The elegant banqueting and conference suite offers a flexible combination of three versatile rooms plus 26

the glass terrace, which has panoramic views across the front lawn to the Thames.

Largest is the Regency Room, which can accommodate up to 150 for a reception, while the River Room can seat 48 for a private lunch or dinner and the smaller Thames Room up to 36.

There is also a hospitality area, which event organisers can use as a personal business centre or delegate registration area, while on warmer days reception drinks can be served on the riverside lawn.

Riverside Restaurants Catering is overseen by the hotel’s Head Chef who also runs the popular AA two rosette Bowaters restaurant.

Delegates seeking the minimum of interference can have a working buffet lunch served in their meeting room or break out area; alternatively a two-course lunch from the market menu is available in Bowaters restaurant.

Bowater’s is named after the owners of the hotel for almost fifty years, Sir Ian and Lady Bowater.

Relaxed and informal by day and candlelit by night, it has fantastic views of Marlow bridge and across the Thames to the parish church on the opposite river bank.

For guests preferring to fine dine, the hotel’s second restaurant, Aubergine, has three AA rosettes and is a successor to the original Michelin-starred Aubergine Restaurant in Chelsea, London. The Executive Chef demonstrates his passion and understanding of modern European cuisine, in a relaxed setting overlooking Marlow Weir, with a varied and exciting menu featuring seasonal British produce The hotel has 64 stylish rooms including three suites, most with lovely river views and some within the pleasing sight and sound of cascading water over Marlow Weir; décor is chic and contemporary while maintaining a high level of comfort. Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel.

Offering modern British food for lunch and dinner, www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

“a dedicated events

co-ordinator will help plan the finer details and work with the operations team to ensure your event runs smoothly on the day

”

Messing about on the River A variety of on-site activities and incentives can be booked at the Compleat Angler ranging from archery, laser clay pigeon shooting and big garden games to indoor and outdoor teamwork challenges. With the Thames being alongside, it’s also perfectly located for river cruising and fly fishing.

Boats can be chartered for 2 to 120 people with on-board catering and entertainment departing from the hotel’s private mooring on the lawn river frontage. The hotel also has two of its own private boats for hire with a skipper; Silent Waters, a 21ft Edwardian style launch has space for six guests, while the larger Sovereign Waters can host twelve.

Dishes from the ‘Food on the river’ menu can be pre-ordered for a lunch or afternoon cruise; ideal for entertaining guests and special events such as the Henley Royal Regatta.

Other off-site activities within easy reach of the hotel include golf, wine tasting and helicopter trips, which follow the course of the Thames, while at the nearby Longridge outdoor adventure centre www.b4-business.com

there’s a choice of team building experiences from bell boating, dragon boat racing and wall climbing to the exciting ‘leap of faith’ high ropes challenge.

Themed Events Back at the hotel after a working day, special themed evenings can be arranged such as a murder mystery dinner, quiz, fun casino or race night. For those who want to dance the night away the Compleat Angler can also suggest live bands and discotheques or organise interactive game shows.

However small or large your event, be it a product launch, incentive weekend or small private dinner party a dedicated events co-ordinator will help plan the finer details and work with the operations team to ensure your event runs smoothly on the day.

For more details and an information pack with room capacities and suggested menus call the Macdonald Compleat Angler on 0844 879 9128 or visit www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/CompleatAngler

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B4 VIEWS We have asked some of the B4 network’s Ambassadors to help us to inject some confidence into the business community with encouraging news about their businesses or general reasons to be optimistic.

Many thanks to each of them for their time and we hope you leave this page feeling positive and upbeat!

Karl Leitelmayer, Senior Director, SME Banking, Lloyds TSB “Confidence is rising among local businesses, which seem more willing to look for investment. As part of our commitment to local causes, I am also taking part in Strictly Oxford, to raise money for Vale House” www.lloydstsb.com

Simon McCrum, partner Darbys “35% cent growth last year and another 40% at the half-year stage this year. You can try every option under the sun, but you can’t get away from the fact that only great people make a great business.” www.darbys.co.uk

Cheryl Adams, Regional Corporate Director, Santander “We’re passionate about fuelling the ambitions of Oxford businesses. That’s why we recently opened our new corporate office in Oxford with a team of dedicated Relationship Directors and Product Specialists, ready to help support successful and fast growing SME businesses.” www.santander.co.uk

Neil Grundon, Deputy Chairman, Grundon Waste Management Ltd “We expect to see real signs of recovery very soon now. Sales leads received via our web site have proven to be a good indicator of business confidence. After declining for 18 months they bounced back in Q2 and are rising again.” www.grundon.com

Tim Keatinge, General Manager Motor Village, Oxford “Motor Village Oxford has enjoyed quite a transformation in the last 12 months, not least with a new name. With Alfa Romeo coming to Oxford after a long absence, we are really excited about a positive future. Read all about Alfa Romeo in Oxford in Issue 28 of B4.” www.motorvillageuk.com

Mark Crampton Smith, Managing Director, College and County “Our confidence in the continued growth of the Private Rented Sector has allowed us to expand into Buckinghamshire where we have just acquired Open Doors. Two offices will allow us to deliver the same high quality, award winning, customer services in an innovative way, to a much wider market.” www.collegeandcounty.biz

Richard Smith, General Manager The Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor “Two glorious bank holidays recently made a significant difference to our business. But then, a shot of sunshine on our al fresco riverside terrace gives everyone a positive boost!” www.oakleycourtwindsor.com

Simon Brooker, partner BDO LLP “We are exceptionally lucky to be living and working in the Thames Valley area. There are so many tremendous businesses around us with some fantastic success stories....we’ve got many clients growing very confidently, despite the recession.” www.bdo.co.uk

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

Phil Wood, Head of Enterprise Buckinghamshire New University “Innovation is key to our success and Bucks New University is increasingly becoming the first port of call for businesses who want to grow their people, their capabilities and their competitive edge.” www.bucks.ac.uk

David Stanning, Senior partner, B P Collins LLP “With some bounce at last returning to the economy, the Thames Valley remains a great place to build a business. We're passionate, privileged and pleased to bring top quality and top value legal advice to the thriving entrepreneurial culture.” www.bpcollins.co.uk

Richard Rosser, Editor, B4 Magazine “We come into contact with a wide range of businesses across the Thames Valley and although conditions will never be the same as they were, confidence is gradually coming back.” www.b4-business.com

James Dillon-Godfray, Business Development Director, London Oxford Airport

If you would like to contribute your view to a future edition of B4, please e-mail the editor at: editorial@b4-business.com

“We've seen 98% growth in our private aircraft market over the last five years, highest growth for any UK airport, which must be testament to the Thames Valley remaining prime investment territory.” www.londonoxfordairport.co.uk

Tony Rider, Director Business & Commercial Banking, RBS “I feel privileged to lead the RBS team working with the professional and business communities across the Thames Valley - economic challenge is still part of everyday life but there is good cause for optimism.” www.rbs.co.uk

Nicola Miller, Managing Director, Lime Blue Solutions “We have seen a significant increase in enquiries over the last month, for conferences and events at home and overseas. This is a very positive sign and hope that this will continue moving into the final quarter of the year.” www.limebluesolutions.com

www.b4-business.com

Ray Best, Managing Director, Pareto Lawrence “Ray Best received lifetime achievement award with Million Dollar Round Table, we have had a very busy and successful 12 months and put our success down to business owner clients and their response to our total planning service.” www.paretolawrence.co.uk

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NOW IT’S EVEN

EASIER TO BE SAFE ON THE ROADS Ultimate Car Control (UCC) was founded in 2001 by former British Touring Car Champion Robb Gravett, and has been successfully running driving training courses ever since. Their courses have been quoted as being the most innovative, educational, exciting and complete driver training programmes available anywhere in the world, and by attending a course it’s easy to see why.

However, not everyone can afford to spend a full day away on training, so the great news is that UCC has recently introduced three new half-day courses. As such it’s now quicker (and cheaper) than ever to get an introduction to the techniques needed to ensure your safety, and the safety of those around you, on the road.

EPD (Excellence in Professional Driving) Insight is a condensed version of the full EPD programme, which is the most complete, legally compliant fleet driver training programme for businesses under UK Health & Safety Duty of Care legislation. Courses are set up so that drivers can experience different driving scenarios and then learn and practice the appropriate response to each, such as emergency braking or accident avoidance techniques. Then they practice again, and again, and again until the correct reaction becomes second nature. These techniques have been proven time and again to significantly reduce accident rates and associated fleet management and insurance costs.

The DEK (Driver Encoded Knowledge) Inspiration driving experience gives drivers a great introduction to vehicle dynamics in high

30

performance cars. Attendees learn some of the high speed car control techniques used by only the very top racing drivers, and get to practice these skills again and again throughout the session in each of the cars. Each driver will get to drive a number of different cars from our extensive training fleet including the Jaguar XF and the simply staggering XFR and XKRS with over 500bhp (NB: makes and models may be subject to change). All this is backed up by Robb’s friendly team of highly qualified performance driving instructors encouraging you to reach your maximum potential.

Robb and his team at UCC are passionate about improving road safety and reducing incident rates.

All UCC programmes empower drivers to gain enhanced car control and allow greater enjoyment and appreciation of the vehicles they drive. So whether you’re a high mileage, business fleet driver, an owner of high performance or prestige vehicle, or a young or inexperienced post qualification driver, they have a course for you. They even run special courses for celebrities and professional athletes, so you never know who might be about during your visit!

The DX (Drive Xtra) Programme is aimed predominantly at young drivers and those with limited driving experience to help them gain the vital skills they need to protect themselves and others on the road. The programme gives young drivers invaluable information and experience on how to control a car in extreme conditions, in any prevailing circumstance. It recreates ‘realistic’ everyday driving scenarios that young drivers will face and provide them with the knowledge to improve their reactions and driving ability and stay safe on the road. This course is a great gift for youngsters who are new to driving but aren’t interested in the usual boring driving courses.

As an active B4 member UCC is delighted to offer a complimentary risk assessment audit for companies to identify the issues that might need to be addressed. In addition they’re offering special exclusive discounted rates for all B4 members when booking any of the courses listed above.

Ultimate Car Control can be contacted on 0845 459 1002, or by emailing us at: enquiries@ultimatecarcontrol.com or visiting www.ultimatecarcontrol.com

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B4 SERVICES

“UCC programmes empower drivers to gain enhanced car control and allow greater enjoyment and appreciation of the vehicles they drive.� www.b4-business.com

31

ylesbury Ay ylesbur Enterprise, the business services arm of the College, is the largest Apprenticeship Training provider in Buckinghamshire and with ourr recent Ofsted grade of ‘Good’, the College is now recognised as the leading further education college in the County.

With its business focus, Aylesbury Enterprise works with a range of employers to help them reach their full potential through Apprenticeships, business training, meeting facilities and expertise as well as numerous networking opportunities throughout the year.

You can reach the team on 01296 780224 or by email on info@aylesburyenterprise.co.uk.

There is additional information on our website www.aylesburyenterprise.co.uk.

B4 R&R These figures seem to represent an organic, innate process, as though she could never have done anything else. ‘I’ve done art all my life,’ she says. She trained as a jeweller, and continues to make unique and beautiful pieces, and also draws and paints- but she found her calling when she was playing with some florist wire and made a little figure, which people loved. ‘It sold, and things went from there.’ Twenty years later, she is still making them. Such is her niche that people come up to her and say, ‘Oh, you’re the wire lady.’

The sculptures, ranging from smaller figures to lifesize forms and beyond, have certainly struck a chord. As well as being on display in over 20 galleries around the UK, Rachel is also busy with site-specific exhibits and various commissions in the UK and abroad, including the recent Chelsea Flower Show. Despite her busy schedule, she is also involved with various organisations, including international women’s charities, and with the local community in Oxford, including being an artist in residence in schools and being a regular fixture at Artweeks and Art in Action- she has been specially invited to this year’s Art in Action, to be held at Waterperry in July. July is proving to be a busy month, as she will also be exhibiting at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, collaborating again with Oliver Hawkins (director of arts organisation Marshall Murray), who she also worked with for her Grand Designs and Chelsea Flower Show commissions.

Rachel works in the garden of her house in Jericho, and points out wryly that this can be weather dependent (!). Her working process is multifaceted and she tends to work on many different pieces at once. ‘I’ll be going inside to get some pliers and I’ll start fiddling with a piece of jewellery,’ she says. On average a wire figure could take about two weeks to complete. It’s a painstaking process, with everything done by hand, and the figures do not have facial features, so the emotion is conveyed through the posture, which is often quite dramatic, taking inspiration from human nature and expressive movements such as those seen in ballet. ‘I enjoy getting the movement and tension in pieces,’ she says. ‘It’s about getting it just right, right down to the fingertips.’

The artworks are always untitled- so that the work, in Rachel’s words, ‘can grow’ with its viewer or buyer, who can put their own stamp on the work and give it a personality of their own (one happy customer called his figure Beatrice, and she sits proudly on his dining room table).

“I enjoy getting the movement and tension in pieces... ...It’s about getting it just right, right down to the fingertips”

RACHEL DUCKER

Rachel Ducker’s signature figures, made of coils of wire, adorn galleries, public buildings, houses and gardens across the UK and around the world. They stand in restaurant windows, rise out of grass lawns and sit on ledges. Her work has featured everywhere from TV’s Grand Designs to Grazia magazine.

As well as creating her works individually by hand, Rachel does all her own marketing and PR, all while being a single mother (the artistic gene seems to have been passed on to her teenage son, Lucien, who is already an accomplished photographer) - so she’s a bit of a one-woman band. ‘l’d like a patron,’ she says, laughing, ‘So I could not worry about the money for a while and go off and experiment for a year.’

A recent development in her work includes creating figures with delicate wings, which are influenced by Leonardo da Vinci and his experiments with space and flight. As well as the poses and forms of ballet and flight, and the exploration of light and shadow, she takes inspiration from a range of other sources from Greek myths to classic sculptors such as Bernini, to contemporary artists such as Marc Quinn. ‘I love all art forms,’ she says.

Rachel is currently experimenting with more solid materials such as plaster and concrete, including concrete bases for her figures. She loves discovering new materials and asking herself, ‘What can I do with that?’ She enthuses about learning new techniques, exploring the different properties of these materials and seeing how they would work within her art.

‘I am always drawing, always inspired, always looking for new opportunities.’

The wire lady is going from strength to strength. www.rachelducker.co.uk www.artinaction.org.uk www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Hampton-Court-Palace-Flower-Show/2013 www.marshallmurray.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

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Heather Dean - Head of Skills and Business Support

Headed up by Heather Dean, Head of Skills and Business Support, The Business Support Service offers businesses the opportunity to take advantage of support and advice from a team of individuals who are dedicated to finding the right solutions to the challenges facing businesses today.

Whether looking for advice on issues ranging from accessing finance to exporting, or from business growth to legal processes, businesses can approach the support team to be directed to the most appropriate resource for their needs.

Heather was the Business Development Manager at Ngage Solutions from 2005, a role which involved working with Business Link to design and develop new programmes to deliver additional business support offers to SME’s, by finding ways to provide them with new initiatives offering help with training and growth.

When Ngage merged with Buckinghamshire Business First in 2011, Heather was appointed Head of Skills and Business Support.

Heather oversees 11 members of the Business Support team, whose work includes grant funding for SME’s by way of publically funded programmes such as Leader, Sustainable Routes, Woodfuel Woodland Improvement Grants, general business support enquiries and more detailed advice and information on workforce issues, including training and recruitment. Heather’s team works with organisations ranging from sole traders to large scale corporations.

Heather says: ‘Our team is uniquely positioned to be able to work with a wide range of businesses and to help them with whatever issues they face, whether it’s helping a start-up find out about local networking opportunities, or helping more established businesses find a source of finance to suit their particular needs. The specialist knowledge and expertise our team has ensures that we are able to support our members by having a full understanding of their needs and signposting them to the help they require.’

A key part of Heather’s role involves looking for business development opportunities and finding out which services and initiatives would be of most help to businesses to assist them in their growth and development.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BUSINESS FIRST Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), the organisation established to bring together the collective voice of Buckinghamshire’s businesses and to create a dynamic business environment in the Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain has now been established for over two years and is offering businesses even more support and advice with its Business Support Service.

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Heather explains: ‘Finding out which services businesses feel will benefit them is essential for us to design schemes and programmes to help them in the future.

Our day to day role is to provide the knowledge and help save businesses the time and money that’s so often needed to find the information they require independently. We do the legwork so they don’t have to!

‘The Business Support Service is designed to complement the wide range of services we already offer at Buckinghamshire Business First, from providing free business space, to a comprehensive Bucks business directory and the wide range of business networking and workshops that we organise. The Business Support Service further ensures that businesses in Bucks have access to all of the specialist support available that they need to survive and thrive.’

www.b4-business.com

B4 BBF One of the key members of the team is Heather Martin.

Heather Martin - Business Support Officer

Heather Martin is a Business Support Officer at Buckinghamshire Business First and as an entrepreneur herself, understands the pressures that business owners face. Heather had been running her own business for six years before joining the Buckinghamshire Business First team in 2012.

‘When I qualified for business coaching, it quickly became apparent that my business was at a stage where it didn’t really need me on a day to day basis, so the Business Support role at BBF has been perfect for me.

‘Business has always been my passion and as an entrepreneur and owner of an SME myself, I understand the pressures that business owners are up against and the challenges that they face. I was a regular user of the BBF facilities and familiar with the organisation and what it offered and understood what it was trying to achieve. I knew that my experience in business could really benefit its members.

‘The kind of businesses we work with are incredibly varied, from SME’s looking to access funding and find ways to grow, to larger organisations moving into the area which are looking for help in accessing support from the local authorities. A large part of the role is to engage with businesses and listen to their challenges and help them find the right organisations or initiatives to support them.

‘It’s really very rewarding to be able to help businesses grow. I know from personal experience how challenging and, at times, isolating it can be to run a business so to be a helping hand and offer businesses the support they need is a great feeling.

‘I believe that the secret to running and maintaining a successful business is passion. You can’t run a business about something you don’t really care about, which in turn gives you the energy you need to keep the business going. Secondly, the product and service you offer are key – there needs to be something unique or special about them. Thirdly, you should aim to be easy to do business with, invest in the skills required to articulate what your business is about to make it interesting to your target audience, and never be afraid to ask for feedback. Finally, have the confidence to ask for the business – no one else will do it for you!

‘Being a business owner is a challenge, but ultimately it’s worthwhile and Buckinghamshire Business First exists to ensure that as much support as possible is available to businesses in the area.’

The Business Support team can speak directly to businesses through a one to one telephone service, about the issues they face and their ambitions and either help them through internal resources available, or signpost them to appropriate external organisations which can advise and assist them.

The Business Support Service also offers online support web links, allowing businesses the opportunity to access valuable information online. By accessing the database through the Buckinghamshire Business First website, businesses can identify exactly which organisations and resources are available and how they can benefit them.

To access the business support service call 01494 568941 or visit the website www.bbf.uk.com.

“The Business Support Service is

designed to complement the wide range of services we already offer at Buckinghamshire Business First, from providing free business space, to a comprehensive Bucks business directory and the wide range of business networking and workshops that we organise

”

Heather Dean - Head of Skills and Business Support

www.b4-business.com

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

The Lakeside Energy from Waste facility at Colnbrook

ONE SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR YOUR WASTE MANAGEMENT NEEDS

Pursuing the green agenda is something which is increasingly important for businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes.

From business parks to shopping centres, care homes to colleges, the need to find the most efficient and cost-effective way to dispose of waste – and meet all the necessary regulations – is essential.

Helping many Buckinghamshire businesses to find the right solution is Grundon Waste Management, the largest family owned waste management company in the UK. With its head office just a few miles across the border in Benson, Oxfordshire, and multi-million pound waste management and recycling facilities at Colnbrook, near Slough, the company is well placed to offer its services across the county.

It is exactly this approach which deputy chairman Neil Grundon believes is one of the keys to a successful waste management policy.

“Working with a local company which can offer a

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single solution to all your waste management requirements has to be much more sensible than transporting waste all over the country. More efficient collection methods require less vehicles, so companies automatically reduce their carbon footprint,” he said.

send waste to landfill – due to rise still further from next April – that’s an important saving.

“Good practice is about making sure you take expert advice on the best way to dispose of your waste and doing so in a way which benefits your organisation as well as the environment.

• mixed recyclables, such as paper, cardboard and plastic • general non-recyclable waste • food waste • hazardous waste • clinical waste • confidential waste • event waste

“Today, the way an organisation manages its recycling and waste management is not only seen as an indicator of its overall commitment to supporting the environment, but also of its own business credentials.”

Grundon’s reputation is such that it has helped many businesses dramatically reduce and, in some cases cut to zero, the amount of waste sent to landfill. Given that it currently costs £72 a tonne to

The company’s team of experts can advise on how to dispose of a wide range of waste and recycling materials, including:

When starting work with a new client, the Grundon team undertakes an initial audit, identifying practical solutions, while also looking for ways to optimise best practice and keep costs down. It works closely with facilities and estates managers, supporting in-house education programmes to help spread

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R E A L LY CARING

FOR THE

ENVIRONMENT One Buckinghamshire company that works with Grundon is Cobham Antenna Systems in Marlow. Recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of defence and aerospace communication systems, it prides itself in its aspiration to achieve zero harm across its workforce and to limit its environmental impact wherever possible.

Following a concerted campaign to reduce waste and improve recycling, the company has cut the

the recycling message and explain why changes are necessary.

For many in an office-based environment, this means something as simple as the introduction of a two-bin system – one container for mixed recycling items such as paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans; and another for non-recyclable and non-hazardous general waste, such as some packaging and other plastics.

While the former is sent for recycling, the latter goes to Grundon’s impressive joint venture Lakeside Energy from Waste plant at Colnbrook, where its incineration creates around 37 Megawatts of electricity, the vast majority of which – enough to power c.50,000 homes – is exported into the National Grid.

The spotlight is increasingly turning on food waste and Grundon recently introduced a dedicated food waste collection service aimed primarily at companies in the hospitality and food service sectors, schools and other premises with on-site catering facilities.

Typically, the segregated food waste it collects is taken to licensed Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facilities, where it is broken down into Biofertiliser and also used to produce Biogas, used as a fuel for the production of electricity and/or heat.

In a business environment, many day-to-day items

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such as batteries, printer cartridges, aerosols and solvents now fall into the hazardous waste category. Grundon’s specially-designed Haz-Box means companies who only have a small amount of such waste to dispose of can easily comply with the stringent environmental legislation.

Bigger items for disposal such as unwanted computer equipment, telephones, florescent lighting tubes or televisions can be collected via its separate Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) service.

Confidential waste, from documents through to computer media such as hard drives and memory cards, is handled via a secure service which includes on-site mobile shredding.

“Our goal is always to help clients find the most efficient and cost-effective methods for disposal and recycling,” continued Grundon. “Education plays a big part, which is why we hold customer waste awareness days, forums and visits to our facilities, the more people understand, the more likely they are to buy into the need to reduce waste and recycle more.

“We underpin this with complete waste transparency, providing monthly statistics and reports to enable companies to see how they are managing their waste more effectively and helping them quantify the investment.” www.grundon.com

amount of waste it sends to landfill from its Buckinghamshire operation by more than 95%.

Mick Cooper, SHE manager, emphasised the hard work of the company’s Facilities and SHE (Safety, Health and Environmental) team and said: “We are a relatively large organisation and the changes we have made here with the help from Grundon are a visible demonstration of the fact that we really do care about the impact we have on the environment.”

the changes we have “ made here with the help from Grundon are a visible demonstration of the fact that we really do care about the impact we have on the environment

”

Changes which have been implemented include replacement of individual bins with centralised waste stations, the introduction of an on-site compactor, and an employee education programme.

For more information on Grundon’s range of waste management and recycling services, call 01491 834311, e-mail info@grundon.com or visit www.grundon.com.

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Oxfordshire is guaranteed to get everyone thinking Meet Oxfordshire is the first point of contact for anyone considering the county for a meeting, conference or event. Our services include free venue finding and accommodation bookings.

www.meetoxfordshire.com contact us now call 01865 252799 Follow us on Twitter @meetoxfordshire

news

left to right: Shelley Pearse, reservations manager, Patrick Jones, general manager and Amanda Baker, sales & marketing manager

The Old Swan & Minster Mill, Cotswolds, Triumphs at The West Oxfordshire Business Awards 2013 10th March 2013 – The Old Swan & Minster Mill, a de Savary Property, has been awarded the Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality Award 2013.

Accepting the prestigious award on behalf of Lana de Savary, Patrick Jones, general manager, was thrilled to receive what is seen as one of the County’s most prized award’s. Opened by Witney’s Member of Parliament, the Right Honourable Mr. David Cameron, Prime Minister, the awards were attended by 300 business guests from Oxfordshire. Held at Heythrop Park Resort on Friday 8th March, a Champagne reception kicked-off proceedings, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony, with dancing until late.

Fighting off tough competition to win the award, the Old Swan & Minster Mill had to demonstrate its commitment to promote tourism, leisure pursuits and a customer focused hospitality venue. The team needed to provide evidence of business growth and how the hotel has added value to the county as a leisure and hospitality focused sector.

Commenting, Lana de Savary, wife of entrepreneur and philanthropist, Peter de Savary, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the accolade, the team have worked extremely hard and recognition in this way, proves their continued dedication and commitment has paid dividends. We continue to receive wonderful feedback about the staff, facilities, food and overall hospitality. Well

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done them!”

Now entering their third year, the awards were set up to celebrate business in West Oxfordshire. Not only does the award add a range of marketing and PR opportunities, but it also acts as a great way to acknowledge the hotel’s team efforts and boost their moral.

Lana de Savary, acquired the Old Swan & Minster Mill in May 2010 and immediately set about restoring its 16 historic guestrooms, bar and dining rooms. The 18th century mill was also fully restored and the adjoining 44 contemporary millrace guestrooms were refurbished. National companies, like Savills, Ikea, Robert Bosch and Kraft Foods, which seek a central countryside location, find the hotel conveniently located, with all their business needs provided for. Set in 65 acres of stunning grounds and landscaped gardens, with its great gastro offering, is a big draw for locals and the leisure market alike.

For more information, please visit www.oldswanandminstermill.com, contact Amanda Baker on ABaker@oldswanandminstermill.com or direct line 01993 774441.

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“The growth of the Internet,

social media, international suppliers, and the like, means many more businesses will fail, because they do not accept the huge changes to their market and fail to modify their working practices Tony Thomson, Thirdwave

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�

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B4 ADVICE

“MY BUSINESS IS FINE AS IT IS!” AND OTHER MISCONCEPTIONS

In many situations, it pays to do the same thing as everyone else. For instance, if I am driving a car in England, it would be madness to attempt driving on the right when everyone else drives on the left, whereas in the rest of Europe driving on the right is the norm.

“And long may it continue!” I hear you say.

But it won’t continue. The problem is that the market for any product or service is time limited.

The time limit might be a few months, as with the latest fads for toys, or it could be 50 years or more for a shaving razor, for example, but the writing is on the wall for all products and services.

What are the implications for business?

Businesses must change with the market, or business will stop happening.

Many businesses have developed over several years, and change can be a very scary concept.

Their processes, systems, ways of doing business and product range may have been developed over decades and the natural response is to wrap their arms around what they do and say, “This is fine.

The market is stable, and nothing can damage that!” but markets are always changing.

For example: In the early 1990s, bookshops in the UK complacently stuck to the idea that the fixed book pricing was unassailable. Here’s my conversation with a large bookseller at that time. I was trying to buy 50 copies of a book to give out on a course: “Are you able to source these books for me?”

“Of course we can, we are a major supplier of books in the UK.”

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“How soon can you get them?”

“July is the earliest.” This was frustrating, since it was February and the course was running in in March.

“What price are they?”

After searching on their computer for a few minutes – “This is a specialist book and will cost £78.00”. I was shocked at the price, but I ventured my next question.

“What discount can you offer for 50 books?”

“We don’t offer discounts,” was the sniffy reply.

“I am amazed,” I say, “If I order these from Stanford University Books in California, They are $68 each, I get a 20% discount for ordering 50, and they can ship them to me within a week, and you don’t offer discounts at all. Why would I use your service?”

“You are perfectly entitled to buy them from California,” was the sulky reply.

That is exactly what I did. It was before Amazon existed, but the attitude of this national bookseller was typical of that market sector - Burying their head in the sand. They were unprepared for the revolution that was just about to hit their market.

Their approach to doing business was locked in the 1960s when the idea of ordering a book from another country would be so foreign as to be unthinkable.

The growth of the Internet, social media, international suppliers, and the like, means many more businesses will fail, because they do not accept the huge changes to their market and fail to modify their working practices. The market conditions are changing rapidly and many do not know how to address these changes

perspective twenty years later, but what about at the time. What should businesses be doing to keep ahead of the changes in their markets? How does complacency creep in? Why do businesses stultify?

The answer – Owners and managers run their businesses in the same way they always have and assume that the market will continue to be the same as it has been for the last however many years, but markets are changing, and this is a difficult lesson to learn!

The bookseller has changed. They now embrace the Internet and provide as good a discount as any other book supplier. It was a reactive change, and in the process, they almost went out of business.

So knowing that change is inevitable, and that businesses must follow the market changes if they are to survive, don’t you owe it to your business to keep a weather eye on your market and make the necessary changes in a timely fashion?

Thirdwave Business Partnership is an organisation that can help you to recognise the market conditions, and bring the skills and attitudinal changes you and your staff need to keep on top of the market.

Organisations like B&Q, Ladbrokes, Ipswich Borough Council, and a host of others have certainly gained from working with us.

Don’t be left behind, call Tony Thomson on 01628 487 912 or email info@thirdwave.uk.com for more information on how Thirdwave can help you stay ahead of the market. www.thirdwaveweb.co.uk

It is easy to see where things went wrong from a

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Photography: Andrew Gleed

In business too, many companies like to follow the same path as others. It is less risky, and has a familiarity that makes it very comfortable.

When a small retail outlet buys the same products year in, year out, and sells them at a rate that matches the purchase rate then everything is fine.

LOOKING FOR A VENUE TO INSPIRE, MOTIVATE AND REWARD? The award-winning Williams Conference Centre offers a unique environment that will cater to all of your corporate hospitality needs.

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www.b4-business.com

B4 EVENTS Located at the home of the Williams F1 Team just outside of Wantage, Oxfordshire Williams Conference Centre has established itself as one of the UK’s premier event venues.

The Williams Conference Centre facilities include a collection of ten event rooms of varying sizes and capacity to cater for up to 200 guests whether it be for a team building exercise, meeting or awards dinner it is supported by superb catering and service - all of which has been recognised in the M&IT Awards every year for the last four years.

The Centre is also the proud home of the Williams Grand Prix Collection, the largest private collection of formula one cars in the world.

What we have on offer: Conferences & Product Launches The Ayrton Senna Theatre is a fully equipped presentation room, which can seat 200 people, offers a built-in stage with three large projection screens, stage lights, surround sound and comes with the service of our in-house AV technician, cutting down on your needs for hiring additional AV services.

Seminars & Training Courses A range of rooms suitable for 1-on-1 coaching or groups of up to 50 guests are available. All come with presentation equipment as standard and a private hospitality room which double as a breakout area, saving you the need to hire another room for any catering requirements.

• The BATAK Challenge – Why not test reaction times and even fitness levels for all ages and abilities?

• Giant F1 Scalextric - Promote team work whilst ensuring guests understand the need for clear communication.

Something for the weekend!

• Williams PitStop Challenge - This is the ultimate in demonstrating the requirements required to create a winning team. Accepting individuals strengths and weaknesses, guests are instructed how to change the wheels on a Formula One car with the objective of completing a ‘PitStop’ in just seconds.

“We have created a 1st class events facility, a unique venue which offers outstanding catering and service.

Something we are truly proud of.”

Awards & Celebrations Mark your celebrations with award-winning catering in an environment that promotes innovation and success. We can cater for sit-down events of up to 200 guests in our Drivers Suite which includes the Ayrton Senna presentation room.

Team Building In-house we offer a range of fun experiences which you can use in your day’s activities to help bring your team together.

• F1 simulator - Test the driving and concentration skills of guests whilst providing entertainment for colleagues at the same time

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scenes insight to activities at the circuit. Events include access to the Williams Grand Prix Collection along with F1 Simulator Challenge, Race Sweepstake, BATAK Challenge, Scalextric Challenge, Hospitality Bar and superb catering. A full day of entertainment.

Corporate Hospitality Each season we operate a number of Grand Prix Race Day events offering you the chance to entertain colleagues and friends at the home of the Williams F1 Team. Join Williams F1 Team members to watch the Grand Prix and get a real behind the

Williams Grand Prix Collection Tours Tickets are sold for set dates throughout the year for an escorted tour of the world’s largest collection of Formula One cars. The Williams Grand Prix Collection charts the history of the Williams F1 Team from 1978 giving you the chance to get up close and witness the developments that have shaped the sport into what it is today. Information on the technology used will be explained with videos and a tour along with examples of materials, tests and challenges the team face in the development of it’s cars. Visit includes refreshments and lunch.

Race Day Specials Each season we operate a Grand Prix Race Day Special, designed for family and friends with a passion for Formula One. Hosted by Williams F1 Team members, we offer an affordable way of getting close to the team and offer behind the scene information whilst enjoying access to the Williams Grand Prix Collection and F1 Simulator Challenge. Package includes refreshments, a two course buffet luncheon and cash bar.

For more information please contact us on 01235 777900, events@williamsf1.com or visit our www.williamsconferencecentre.com for more information.

“We have created a 1st class events facility, a unique venue which offers outstanding catering and service. Something we are truly proud of.” Sir Frank Williams.

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B4 R&R

Be honest. Whether it “ is because the kitchen is backed up and food is taking longer or you have simply made a mistake with their order, customers will always appreciate your honesty

”

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE In light of the recession and with a sea of special dining discounts on offer, restaurants are competing more fiercely than ever but Kavita Pal, MD of The Tree Hotel in Cadmore End, believes the stand out factor of 2013 is all about service.

A recent survey conducted by the Tree Hotel Group showed that while respondents wanted a good deal when they eat out, they are not likely to put up with bad service. 54% of respondents said they would let the restaurant know if they were not happy with the food or service, while 64% of respondents said they would not leave even a small tip if they had experienced bad service.

Pal explains: “Of course there are many crucial aspects that influence our decision as to where to dine such as price, food and atmosphere but the quality of service that we provide to our customers can often be the deal breaker as to whether they return to a restaurant. Slow slovenly service makes us feel like the kitchen may be cutting corners too, whilst a waiter who recognises us from the last time we came and remembers what we like to drink makes us feel special.

“The service a diner receives can ‘make or break’ a meal. Prompt service, a good rapport with diners and leaving clientele feeling well looked after is vital.”

One diner who likes to eat out at least twice a week, Richard Towers, recalls two different occasions when a caterpillar was found in his food, once in New Zealand and once in Jersey. “The

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Jersey waiter took my plate and looked at the caterpillar from the left, right and from every angle possible as if it would disappear from a different angle. They took 15 minutes to come back to me after multiple discussions huddled in the corner and then offered me a free drink with no apology.

By comparison, the New Zealand restaurant took immediate ownership of the problem, said it was unacceptable, whisked my plate away and brought me out another dish within a couple of minutes and then didn’t charge me for my meal. I would return to the latter but not the former.”

a little longer to wait for their food but get them some drinks in the meantime.”

THE TREE HOTEL at CADMORE END The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End provides a traditional English country hotel experience with 16 ensuite rooms all complete with super king size 6ft 6in beds. The restaurant at The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End is run by a team of chefs specializing in European and Indian cuisines.

THE TREE HOTEL AT CADMORE END EVENTS

Pal says: “It is completely within our control. Well groomed, happy, helpful waiting staff is not too much to ask for. As restaurateurs we do need to invest in proper training to get the best out of our staff. Regular team meetings where staff have a chance to air concerns or give ideas are a great way to keeping a good atmosphere throughout the restaurant.”

Kavita Pal’s top tip for providing exceptional service:“Be honest. Whether it is because the kitchen is backed up and food is taking longer or you have simply made a mistake with their order, customers will always appreciate your honesty. Don’t be afraid to politely tell your customers that they may have

Last Friday of the month - Live Jazz with Tim Dawes and friends Every Monday - Friday Lunch - 2for1 Lunch Every Tuesday Night - Ladies Night Every Wednesday Night - Quiz Night Every Thursday Night - Thali Night Every Sunday Lunch - Grand International Buffet Located in the heart of the English countryside but providing easy access to both London and Oxford, the hotel is conveniently found just off junction five of the M40, and ample parking is provided for guests. http://cadmore.treehotel.co.uk

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BUCKS ACCOUNTANT

HELPING BUSINESSES THROUGH TOUGH TIMES For Paul Laird, Partner at High Wycombe-based Chartered Accountants The Fish Partnership, his job is all about making a genuine difference to clients’ businesses.

In a time when the country is struggling in recession, the role of accountants has become even more prominent.

And while the “Big 4” firms have faced criticism for their role in multi-national corporates’ use of tax avoidance schemes, accountants like Paul are at the coal face, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to struggle through the country’s worst economic crisis in a decade.

Married to wife Heather, with two teenage daughters, Paul qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 1993 after spending nine years with Lloyds Bank in Bournemouth and Reading before re-training as an accountant.

saw a career in accountancy as regaining control of my own career.

“My father-in-law introduced me to his accountants and I met with one of the partners Terry Lee, who explained what he did. From that moment I was hooked! I knew that one day I was going to be a partner in my own practice. Five years later I was qualified and six years later I achieved my ambition of reaching Partner!

“I have always enjoyed meeting people and was attracted by finding out about different businesses, and a desire to make a genuine difference.”

So what attracted Paul to the competitive world of accountancy?

After qualifying, Paul worked for a number of small and medium sized practices, including a spell as a manager at Fish between 1995 and 1998, before returning as a Partner in 2002.

“I liked to think that I saw the banking crisis looming all those years ago,” he said.

“I really enjoyed my time with Fish as a manager and had a lot of respect for the partners,” he said.

“What I could see was that banking was changing and management opportunities were declining. I

“When I left I couldn’t see a clear path to reach partner and there was an opportunity to work for a

46

larger practice. This was invaluable in that it widened my horizons. I kept in touch with the senior partner, Roger Prew. I remember having cause to visit the website where the practice was advertising for a new partner. We met up and as they say the rest is history, I certainly haven’t looked back.”

I have always enjoyed “ meeting people and was attracted by finding out about different businesses, and a desire to make a genuine difference.

”

A lot has changed in the accountancy profession in the last two decades since Paul qualified, with the advancement in technology helping accountants to really appreciate their clients’ businesses - an invaluable tool during a time of recession.

“Practice life has changed quite a bit since my

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“It is fair to say that clients

quite rightly expect their accountants to be proactive.

They are busy running their businesses and often don’t have time to stand back to see how things can be improved. That’s where we come in” training contract,” said Paul.

“The advent of the PC was just beginning to have an impact, however much of our work was done by hand with sheets of analysis paper. There was no internet or email. Fax was the big technology.

Being able to fax the USA and get an answer back for the following morning was a big advancement.

“Technology has really changed the face of accountancy. We are able to communicate around the globe instantaneously, the use of computer software has speeded up the preparation of accounts and tax calculations. This means that we can spend more time with clients and gain a far greater appreciation of their businesses, providing practical and valuable advice.

“Over the last few years businesses have needed our support more than ever. The recession has had a major impact on the UK economy but we were ready and identified early on that many business owners had not experienced a recession first hand.

We were able to prepare them for the effects and as a result of our assistance, the vast majority of

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our clients have survived and many are now thriving.

“It is fair to say that clients quite rightly expect their accountants to be proactive. They are busy running their businesses and often don’t have time to stand back to see how things can be improved. That’s where we come in. Our mission statement is to ‘Create Advantage by Adding Value’ and this is embraced by the whole team at Fish. Our clients endorse this and really do appreciate it” Acting for a wide variety of clients, specialising in owner-managed businesses, both small and large, subsidiaries of overseas companies, charities, agriculture and building and construction, Paul says the most satisfying part of his job is helping business overcome their challenges, and improve their profitability.

“Easily the most satisfying part of my job is meeting people and making a genuine difference in their business, helping them to improve their profitability, and minimising their tax bills,” he said.

“We have a very stable team at Fish and many of our managers started their training with us and I’ve seen them qualify. This is really satisfying and what’s more, many of our clients view these managers as their accountant. Now that’s what I really do regard as success.

“As we come out of recession the big challenge is how businesses are going to fund their expansion.

Collecting in their debts remains challenging with customers exceeding credit terms. Making sure that businesses have effective credit control is essential to maintain the cash flow life blood.

“Sources of finance remains a challenge and so clients need to be able to present well thought out business plans and demonstrate sound business judgement. I think that there are signs that the banks are beginning to increase finance lines so hopefully this will make life a little easier for business.”

So if Paul could give businesses one piece of advice at the moment to maximise their profits, what would it be?

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An inspired choice of venue The Oakley Court Hotel has vast experience of hosting major conferences in stunning surroundings making it an inspired choice of venue. Hold your conference at Oakley Court and you’ll impress, captivate and inspire your delegates.

We guarantee the very best in service standards offering conference suites and executive boardrooms within a prestigious location. Our unique rooms range from original rooms in the Mansion House which are over 150 years old with high ceilings and original features, to a purpose built function room called The Boathouse on the banks of the River Thames.

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A HOTEL WITH CHARACTER The Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, SL4 5UR Tel: 01753 609988 www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

B4 ADVICE

“Once you have got the basics right you then need to make sure that you are using the right business structure and remuneration extraction. This is what Fish are good at – helping clients to maximise their income.”

Paul Laird, Partner at The Fish Partnership

“All businesses need to be focused on delivering exactly what their customers need in an efficient and cost effective way,” said Paul.

“Being able to get your products and services to stand out from the crowd and delivering real benefits is the key. Of course you need to be competitive, but there is no point being ‘a busy fool’. It is the businesses that achieve this differentiation who really succeed.

“I would also advise businesses not to undervalue their product and services. Finally, you haven’t made any money until your customer pays you!

“Once you have got the basics right you then need to make sure that you are using the right business structure and remuneration extraction. This is what Fish are good at – helping clients to maximise their income.”

In the past few months the accountancy profession has received its fair share of criticism for its role in tax avoidance scandals, so how is Fish different?

“Fish have always looked towards mainstream tax planning, but with a well thought out business plan there is no need to use extreme avoidance schemes,” said Paul.

“To be honest where our clients have adopted these extreme avoidance schemes against our www.b4-business.com

advice it has not ended happily and they have turned to us to sort out the mess. Of course everyone wants to minimise their tax bills, but actually paying tax is not a bad thing as it means you have made a profit!

“We have saved our clients a lot of tax by using some well thought out mainstream and accepted tax planning. This enables them to preserve much needed cash flow and to sleep in the sound knowledge that the tax man won’t come knocking.

“That having been said, there is a media campaign going on at the moment to try and paint certain individuals in a bad light. It’s perhaps a result of the austerity measures which the government has had to introduce over the last couple of years. Everyone knows that tax evasion is illegal, with tax avoidance the lines are a bit more blurred. There is or course a whole industry out there looking to be one step ahead of the taxman. For our part we prefer to stay well away from these schemes.

“I certainly don’t believe that the criticism aimed at the accountancy profession is justified with the vast majority of firms.”

Outside of the profession Paul is the Treasurer of the Rotary Club of High Wycombe, the Treasurer of the Berkshire Masonic Charity, a large grant making charity, and finance director of the Berkshire Masonic Centre.

He is also a keen sailor, sailing yacht “Inca” in Poole Harbour, as well as an Independent Examiner and advisor to North Haven yacht Club.

Paul is also an associate member of the MCC and life-long Hampshire supporter, as well as a fan of his home-town football team AFC Bournemouth.

He is also keen to encourage the next generation of accountants, with the firm committed to training young accountants and helping to develop their careers.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my accountancy career,” said Paul.

“No two days are the same, which is what I enjoy.

The opportunities are still out there for young people. Yes its tough studying for your qualification around the working week, but the end result is very worthwhile. The opportunity to meet business owners and build real friendships, whilst making a positive difference is what really gives me a buzz.

“With accountancy your career destiny is in your own hands. I would say to all young accountants out there – grab all the opportunities that come your way and the possibilities are endless.” www.fishpartnership.co.uk

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OFF THE CLOCK

MOVING THE RELATIONSHIP FROM TRANSACTIONAL TO TRUSTED Attitudes to providers of legal services have changed radically over the past decade. Many SMEs shop around for services, go online or even opt to handle requirements in house – despite the clear business risk. Why? Somewhere along the line a fundamental misunderstanding of the value of professional advice has occurred.

Businesses expect more than a transaction based service where interaction is billable and recognise that a trusted relationship with a law firm will help them avoid risk and provide benefits above and beyond the cost of each individual transaction. Simon Deans, partner in the Corporate and Commercial practice of Buckinghamshire law firm B P Collins LLP, insists it is time for law firms to turn off the clock and actively build strong relationships with business that deliver measureable commercial value.

Changing Attitudes Today more than half of businesses are handling their own legal matters amid widespread concern about the value for money offered by law firms, according to a major Legal Services Board research project. And a significant number are shopping around looking for cut price legal services.

In Context Rather than respond to the clear commercial needs of UK businesses, some law firms have taken a different tack, with the consequence that services have become if not commoditised, then certainly packaged into a neat, one size fits all model.

This is unlikely to meet the needs of clients as there are many different ways to approach business issues and potential problems. Despite the slick wrappers being placed around many legal services by some firms, legal advice is about far more than the law; it is about ensuring the commercial requirements of a business are met within the most effective and appropriate legal framework.

What offers more value? A one size fits all service that may or may not fit the business? A list of options – all legally accurate and correct; or legal advice that reflects the commercial business needs? A billable transaction led approach or a

on-going legal advice to you and your business.

At the most basic level, see your law firm regularly for lunch or coffee. Expect a regular call to discuss the state of your business and its strategic direction, or to update senior managers on legislative changes that may be relevant to business operations. Invite your lawyer to attend or review board meetings.

More importantly, reject a transaction based relationship where every interaction is billable.

Conclusion In many ways the legal market can only blame itself for this devaluing of services. When a business owner fears that even a ten minute chat to discuss options is another billable interaction, it is no wonder organisations avoid contacting any lawyer unless a specific legal transaction is required.

to take legal advice before embarking upon significant business change can have “Failure dire results. But how many business owners have the necessary depth of knowledge to understand when they might be making a decision that introduces or exacerbates risk to the business?

”

This approach to legal risk management can be incredibly damaging. A new set of terms and conditions may seem a pretty generic request. But, without the right guidance, a ‘standard’ set may not either fit the business need or be used correctly.

How many firms, for example, add the terms and conditions to the invoice where they will not be enforceable – an approach that completely negates their value, since the contract has already been undertaken?

Photography: Andrew Gleed

Failure to take legal advice before embarking upon significant business change can have dire results.

But how many business owners have the necessary depth of knowledge to understand when they might be making a decision that introduces or exacerbates risk to the business?

And businesses need more than a legal response when they seek advice. Lawyers should be sharing not only a depth of legal expertise but also commercial experience.

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regular dialogue that can clarify issues, provide rapid insight and avoid significant potential problems downstream?

Where there's an on-going, trusted relationship, businesses will receive tailored advice that can help them achieve appropriate answers to problems specific to them.

For example, does an off the shelf shareholders' agreement meet business needs? A minor tweak to the company Articles or a fully thought-through succession plan might instead be needed.

Commercial Advice So how should businesses approach their relationship with a legal advisor? Speak to a lawyer who is interested in you and your business. One who is willing to put time and effort into understanding your needs and issues and then invests his time in you without the clock running.

Such a lawyer will enable you to build confidence in the quality, relevance and, critically, the value of

Either way, few organisations are actively embracing the commercial knowledge and know-how of law firms. Yet leveraging a close relationship with a commercial law firm can minimise risk, increase your understanding of the consequences of your decisions and ensure that key business changes are undertaken in the most effective manner.

Furthermore it will ultimately provide greater value for money.

The law market is offering a choice. Some organisations will buy on price, deciding the risk is justified. However, for organisations that want to minimise commercial risk, reinforce flexibility or simply gain quick reassurance, an on-going relationship with a legal partner should be an essential part of the business strategy.

To contact Simon or a member of his team, please call 01753 279075 or email your enquiry to commercial@bpcollins.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

“Despite the slick wrappers being

placed around many legal services by some firms, legal advice is about far more than the law; it is about ensuring the commercial requirements of a business are met within the most effective and appropriate legal framework�

Simon Deans, Partner at BP Collins LLP

www.b4-business.com

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B4 EVENTS

HARTWELL HOUSE & SPA

Just over an hour from central London, Hartwell House, part of the National Trust, is one of England’s most spectacular Stately Homes and the ideal destination for all manner of business & leisure activities. 2013 is the year the UK assumed the one-year Presidency of the G7, an informal forum of countries representing around half of global economic output. As part of the Presidency, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Governor of the Bank of England co-chaired a meeting at Hartwell House with G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May.

Accommodation Hartwell House is no stranger to people of influence: its most famous resident was Louis XVIII, exiled King of France, who lived here with his court for five years. Built from the early 17th century, this Grade I listed building in Buckinghamshire today has 52 bedrooms, all individually furnished with fine pictures and antiques. There are 32 rooms, including four poster bedrooms, in the main house, 16 suites and bedrooms in the Hartwell Court and a further 4 bedrooms in the Old Rectory. The house has both Jacobean and Georgian features with outstanding decorative plaster-work and panelling in all four of the drawing rooms.

The Grounds The 90 acres of gardens and parkland are equally inspiring, laid out, at the start of the 18th century, in the formal style, with allées and garden buildings: temples, columns, an obelisk, garden statuary, canals and. They were later naturalised in the style of Capability Brown.

Dining Dining at Hartwell House is a true Best of British experience which is why the restaurant has won several awards. Using locally sourced and home grown food the restaurant has established Aylesbury Duck as a must try dish at selected times of the year. Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner are all offered here and several menus have been created. Of particular note is the Chefs seasonal 3 course lunch or dinner menu available Monday to Friday for only £24.95 per person, perfect to treat friends or for small business lunches www.b4-business.com

or dinners. There are also two private dining rooms able to accommodate gatherings from 8 to 36 guests.

Meetings and Events Meeting rooms are situated in the Hartwell Court some 100 yards from the main house, and include the James Gibbs and James Wyatt rooms for larger

“Hartwell House offers extremely competitive delegate rates whether based on 24 hour stays or for day delegates which are regularly updated on the website, and for those companies local to Hartwell you can apply for the Corporate Rate of £95 + VAT per night

”

meetings and dining, with the Eric Throssell boardroom and Henry Keene room situated on the first floor for smaller meetings. In addition the Old Rectory at Hartwell, situated in two acres of private grounds adjacent to the hotel is ideal for a small gathering. With gated access, four bedrooms all en suite, one of which is a four poster suite, dining room, drawing room and boardroom for up to 10 guests, plus an outdoor swimming pool it is perfect to use as a get away and more intimate events.

Rates Hartwell House offers extremely competitive delegate rates whether based on 24 hour stays or

for day delegates which are regularly updated on the website, and for those companies local to Hartwell you can apply for the Corporate Rate of £95 + VAT per night (excluding Saturday) inclusive of accommodation, cooked breakfast, free wifi and use of the Hartwell Spa. The Spa Guests can recharge by enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the Spa which offers an indoor pool lined with mosaic tiles, a steam room, sauna and a whirlpool bath. An extensive selection of spa treatments is offered using Aromatherapy Associates as the main brand, including a wide variety of body massages, facials, detoxifying treatments, bronzing treatments. A fully equipped gymnasium is also available.

Nearby Hartwell House, an abundance of historic sights await including Waddesdon Manor, Blenheim Palace and Stowe Landscape Gardens. For fans of shopping, Europe’s leading luxury designer outlet destination, Bicester Village, is located close by.

Whether you’re putting the mind to work or simply allowing mind and body to relax, Hartwell House & Spa offers the perfect setting for all.

How to book To make an enquiry or for further information on Meetings or Special Events at Hartwell House please call 01296 746501 or email conf@hartwell-house.com www.hartwell-house.com

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www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

B4 EVENTS

PHOTO DIARY Photography: Andrew Gleed www.andrewgleedphotography.co.uk and Rob Scotcher B4

B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests recently enjoyed four very different events across the Thames Valley.

First up was a new event format at the impressive West Wing, the new development built alongside The Said Business School in Oxford. This saw 4 B4 members present for fifteen minutes each in the smart new Harvard Lecture Theatre, followed by a lively Q&A. Either side of the event, guests enjoyed superb hospitality in The Said Club Room.

Next up was Bucks New University and the opportunity for B4 Members to get to know more about this fascinating establishment based in the heart of High Wycombe. The following week we were at the magnificent Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor for a wonderful evening of fine food and excellent company hosted by our Platinum Ambassadors.

Finally, The University of Oxford Examination Schools hosted our 2nd B4 Oxfordshire event of the year at a recently refurbished venue where guests were treated to a speech from the grandson of the building’s original architect Sir Nicholas Jackson.

All great stuff, and if you weren’t there, why don’t you make sure you book in for our remaining B4 events of 2013 – see www.b4-business.com and click on B4 Events.

www.b4-business.com

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THE BELFRY Mention The Belfry just outside of Birmingham and, for those old enough to remember, it’s hard to forget Sam Torrance and The Ryder Cup, the team spraying champagne from the Club House roof over an ecstatic European throng of supporters. As the only four time host of The Ryder Cup (1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002) the world renowned Brabazon Course is consistently ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK. But time moves on and The Belfry is now entering an equally important phase of its life with a £30 million refurbishment, overseen by the highlyexperienced Lynn Hood who was appointed as Managing Director in October 2012. Lynn spoke with B4’s Richard Rosser about exciting times at The Belfry.

The American Investment firm, KSL Capital Partners, purchased The Belfry in August last year and appointed The De Vere Group to manage the property. “It is a very exciting project because The Belfry has the perfect partner in KSL who are very experienced in taking over a number of established resorts and restoring them to their former glory and their expertise will prove invaluable.” Commented Lynn who has been involved with four and five star hotels throughout her career. “I’m a hotel specialist, having spent six years in London prior to joining The Belfry running a significant hotel company which was sold for £550 million about a year ago. This was a full market value sale which in the context of a depressed economy was quite an achievement.”

Shortly after the sale, Lynn took a break for the birth of her first child. She then started her own company, Hotel Prosperity, which was a great way to ease

“We also have a new Head of Greens who is very highly regarded and who has applied his skills and knowledge to developing our natural approach to keeping the greens alive and playing well and looking after the courses which are playing extremely well.

“With regards to the clubhouse, the restaurant that is currently under refurbishment is part of the clubhouse so that has been stripped back to the bone and is in the process of being put together. The retail and locker facilities will all be refurbished later in the year when we are out of the high golf season and the external part of the club house will also be attended to then.”

The Belfry offers much more than just golf and is a great venue for conferences and meetings. Located in the heart of England and set in 550 acres of North Warwickshire countryside, The Belfry is one of the UK's best located conference,

“Located in the heart of England and set in 550 acres of North Warwickshire countryside, The Belfry is one of the UK's best located conference, golf and leisure resorts ”

myself back into the business. I was then approached about this role and found it too exciting to resist – my husband now runs Hotel Prosperity and I am full time with The Belfry.

golf and leisure resorts, easily accessible from all over the UK via the region’s excellent road and rail links, just minutes from the M42, M6, M6 Toll, Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport.

“Since I started here last year, we have now commenced the refurbishment programme. It means we are one restaurant and one hundred bedrooms down at the moment, about one third of our stock, but we will get these back in the middle of July. There’s also a lot of external work going on, so everything that’s broken is basically being fixed. Once the refurbishment is complete, we will have a brand new hotel!

All of the conference and meeting rooms have natural daylight and many enjoy spectacular views of the golf courses. Whatever the size or the style of the event, you will find The Belfry ideal, for a product launch, conference, team building event or even just a meeting for two.

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All in all The Belfry has a choice of 22 conference and meeting rooms, a great

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B4 R&R

FACILITIES Sitting alongside The Brabazon is The PGA National, England’s only PGA-branded golf course, the PGA National Golf Academy, Europe’s largest custom-fitting centre, and a further 18-hole course, known as The Derby. The 324room resort offers an impressive range of on-site facilities, including bars and restaurants; an on-site nightclub; an indulgent spa for mind and body; Health & Wellness facilities; one of the largest golf resort shops in Europe; and comprehensive corporate facilities.

The Belfry was awarded Hospitality Assured in 2012, the quality standard created by the Institute of Hospitality for service and business excellence.

choice of bars and restaurants and an unrivalled collection of health, beauty, fitness and relaxation facilities for conference delegates or leisure guests to use during their stay. There are 324 bedrooms on site, conference and banqueting for up to 400, car parking for up to 1,000 cars and even an on-site nightclub.

Lynn is particularly keen to stress the fantastic conference facilities at The Belfry. “The facilities here are fantastic are particularly good for the corporate and events market. We have a number of historic rooms throughout the building, which work for the conference market very well, they’re flexible and accommodate up to 300 each so they are sizeable. The first of our new conference suites will be back mid July and the rest of them will be refurbished in the relatively low season of August, with as little impact to the business as possible.

“In terms of the golf, The Belfry remains a magnificent golfing experience with The Brabazon, and customers are always telling us how enjoyable the course is. That’s balanced by what we class as an inner links course, a very complimentary golfing experience in terms of the PGA national course, and then we have our Derby Course as well, giving three levels of golfing experience here, so there’s something for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned golfer.”

The future for The Belfry is certainly bright and the partnership with KSL will ensure that The Belfry becomes one of the leading golf and conference resorts in Europe, adds Lynn. “Before acquisition, KSL spent a considerable amount of time studying The Belfry. They felt very much that The Belfry fit with their current portfolio across in the USA, and was a complimentary addition to their first acquisition in Europe. They are absolute experts in operating golf and spa and conference resorts, and have ten significant resorts in the US. With all of the advantages that The Belfry has, we are extremely confident that KSL will soon have another resort to be really proud of.”

Please contact Nick Gamble, The Belfry’s Resort Director, if you have any queries.

www.thebelfry.co.uk

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KSL C APITAL

PARTNERS, LLC KSL is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado and New York. KSL’s current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. In the UK, KSL owns boutique hotel brands Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, with 27 hotels across the UK, and The Belfry in the West Midlands.

In the United States, KSL owns The Grove Park Inn, The Homestead, Montelucia Resort & Spa, Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, The James Royal Palm, La Costa Resort and Spa, and ClubCorp, one of the world’s largest owners of private golf and business clubs.

KSL also owns other premier recreation businesses, including Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, two of the leading ski resorts in North America; and Western Athletic Clubs, the owner and operator of luxury fitness clubs in California.

For more information, please see kslcapital.com

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THE DE VERE GRAND REFURBISHMENT REVEALED THE GRAND DAME RISES Through the morning fog on a South Coast Riviera she rises. The Grand Dame is back to her former glory and then some.

Introducing the new Grand. More fabulous, more exquisite than ever before.

New bedrooms, conference suite, spa, GB1 restaurant and a bar & lounge. The Grand Dame has well and truly risen.

After a multi-million pound refurbishment De Vere Hotels & Resorts is proud to bring this South Coast gem back to life.

Contact Details The Grand, Brighton 97-99 King’s Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW 0871 222 4684 devere-hotels.co.uk/thegrand

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THE NEW MOTTRAM There’s nowhere quite like it in Cheshire.

The new Mottram takes its rightful place as Cheshire’s finest golf and leisure resort.

Play Championship standard golf all year round and relax in the brand new Claret Jug Clubhouse. Chill-out or work-out in the new state-of-the-art Mottram Club and Spa with the first in the UK Alfresco ThermoSpace with heat pods and saunas.

Dine on amazing local delicacies and reinventions of fine dining classics in the Carrington Grill. Finally retire blissfully to the beautifully appointed new style rooms. New is very much the order of the day. When it comes to dining, golf or relaxation, you should try something new too. The new Mottram from De Vere Hotels & Resorts.

Contact Details Mottram Hall, Wilmslow Road, Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire SK10 4QT 0871 222 4686 devere-hotels.co.uk/mottramhall

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B4 R&R

DE VERE HOTELS & RESORTS

When the sun begins to make it through the clouds and the buds begin to blossom, you know Spring and Summer are on the way. It’s time to come out of that Winter cocoon and escape to one of nine stunning De Vere Hotels & Resorts. Start feeling refreshed and revitalised in luxurious rooms with award-winning cuisine, Championship standard golf courses, new state-of-theart Clubs & Spas and a whole host of exhilarating outdoor activities. B4 brings you the very best of De Vere Hotels & Resorts.

SLEEP IN A BED FIT FOR KINGS. FEAST ON THE FOODS OF THE GODS. WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDS. YOU ARE DESTINED FOR GREATNESS. THE BELFRY IS BACK WITH DE VERE, WHEN WILL YOU BE? You are destined for greatness. From your timelessly styled room, to a legendary morning on hallowed greens, to the just desserts of your victory. Stay and play, or feast like a king at one of our destination dining experiences. Prepare to feel glorious once more, to rediscover the long lost you in the deep end of our pool.

Finally, you are staying and dining at The Belfry, a De Vere Hotel & Resort.

The legendary tenth prepares to claim another gung-ho chancer. You pause, and channel the spirit of ‘78 - Seve .v. Faldo. Praying for calm breeze and safe passage across the lake your moment has arrived, you are playing golf at The Belfry, a De Vere Hotel & Resort. See also page 138 feature on The Belfry’s Lynn Hood.

Contact Details The Belfry, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 9PR 0300 500 0405 thebelfry.co.uk

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S LALEY H ALL

B ELTON W OODS

C ARDEN PARK

1,000 acres of Northumberland moorland and forest play home to this magnificent, elegant Edwardian mansion. That the interiors are almost as dramatic as the exterior says it all.

This is very old world grandeur with a modern twist. Bask in the warmth of the reception you receive on arrival, dine at Hadrian’s Brasserie, or at the Duke’s Grill. Indulge with a Serenity Spa experience or take a dip in the fantastic indoor pool.

Belton Woods is really quite different.

Set amongst over 475 acres of rolling woodland, it’s not your usual setting for the very latest business technology and facilities. Where else can you drift off from a presentation, to spy a sparrow hawk out of the panoramic window?

There’s no better way to whet the appetite for a country retreat than with a spectacular mile long drive right up to the doors of a fabulous country estate. The wonderful view of the hotel with over 1,000 acres set deep in the Cheshire countryside merely confirms you are somewhere special.

Escape from life’s pressure with wonderful outdoors activities from segways to air rifle shooting to archery. Explore Serenity Spa therapeutic treatments, beautiful leisure pool, fantastic en-suite bedrooms and… golf. Not any golf course, but 2 PGA championship approved courses, an exciting challenge for any golfer. To finish experience our newly refurbished Claret Jug restaurant & bar overlooking the lakes.

Carden Park with its superb rooms, relaxing spa, championship golf courses, awardwinning restaurants and highly acclaimed meeting facilities is in a league of its own. And as if that wasn’t enough, it has its very own unique Cheshire vineyard, harvesting and producing a very special selection of two classic British sparkling wines!

Special occasions demand special places; you’ve just found yours.

After a bracing country walk in the wilds, or a round on one of our championship golf courses, retire to the Claret Jug restaurant and bar or the 19th Bar for a stiff brandy. Surely you deserve it?

Slaley Hall at a glance Indoor Pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi and Steam Room, Gym, Two Championship Golf Courses, Driving Range and Pro Shop, Claret Jug Clubhouse, Spa and 5 Treatment rooms, Outdoor Pursuits, Luxury Lodges, Duke’s Grill, Hadrian’s Brasserie, The Whisky Snug, 19th Bar. Inspiring events Wedding Open Evening: Slaley Hall, 17 July, 6pm - 8pm www.devere-hotels.co.uk/SlaleyHall Great North Run: Newcastle, 15 September www.greatrun.org Wedding Fayre: Slayley Hall, 13 October, 6pm 8pm www.devere-hotels.co.uk/SlaleyHall Attractions nearby Beamish Museum – 14.3 miles, www.beamish.org.uk Hadrian’s Wall – 19 miles, www.hadrians-wall.org Scotland’s Museums of Transport and Travel – 24 miles, www.glasgowlife.org.uk Alnwick Gardens & Castle – 37.8 miles, www.alnwickgarden.com Contact Details Hexham , Newcastle up on Tyne , Northumberland , NE47 0BX T: 0871 222 4688 W: devere-hotels.co.uk/slaleyhall

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Belton Woods at a glance Indoor Pool, Sauna, Steam Room and Jacuzzi, Techno Gym and Fitness Room, Golf, Football Pitch, Crazy Golf, Tennis and Squash Courts, Spa, Hair Salon, Luxury Lodges, Stantons Brasserie, Claret Jug Clubhouse Inspiring events RAF Waddington Air Show: Lincoln, 6 - 7 July www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk Firework Champions: Belvoir Castle, 17 August www.britevents.com Attractions nearby Belton House – 0.3 miles, www.nationaltrust.org.uk Belvoir Castle – 7.3 miles, www.belvoircastle.com Lincoln Castle – 20.5 miles, www.lincolnshire.gov.uk Contact Details Nr Grantham , Linc olnshire , NG32 2LN T: 0871 222 4691 W: devere-hotels.co.uk/beltonwoods

Carden Park at a glance Archery, Carden Spa, Carden Vineyard, Crazy Golf, Children’s Playground, Driving Range, Golf, Jack’s Bar Clubhouse, Gym, Full Sized FA Football Pitch, Kong Aerial Ropes Course, Indoor Swimming Pool, Tennis, Laser Clay Shooting, Mountain Biking, Nature and Puzzle, Walking Trails, Quad Biking (Adult and Junior), Segway Safari, Redmond’s Restaurant, The Vines, Morgan’s Bar Inspiring events Chester Mystery Plays: Chester Cathedral, 26 June - 13 July www.chestermysteryplays.com Chester Races Ladies Day: Chester Racecourse, 4 August www.chester-races.co.uk Nantwich Food & Drink Festival: Nantwich, 6 - 8 September www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk Attractions nearby Chester Cathedral – 8.9 miles, www.chestercathedral.com Chester Zoo – 11.1 miles, www.chesterzoo.org Blue Planet Aquarium – 13.3 miles, www.blueplanetaquarium.com Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet – 13.5 miles, www.cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com Contact Details Broxton Road , Nr Chester , Cheshire , CH3 9DQ T: 0871 222 4682 W: devere-hotels.co.uk/cardenpark

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B4 R&R

D UNSTON H ALL

O ULTON H ALL

This Elizabethan-style mansion, built in 1859, has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Surrounded by 150 acres of stunning Norfolk parkland, its setting is as unique as its history. You might be here relaxing in one of our lavish rooms, teeing off on our renowned US PGA-rated golf course, unwinding in our luxurious spa and pool, or taking advantage of our fantastic business facilities, but just as likely, you’re doing it all.

The sweeping driveway leads up to one of the most grand entrances in Yorkshire, where you’re met by the beaming smile of Ian, the concierge, who will immediately make you feel as if you have just returned comfortably back to where you truly belong. This unique 18th century former family home is something special. Beautiful landscaped gardens and lawns play host to summer Shakespeare and imposing statues.

And the quality doesn’t stop there. Dine in our fabulous Brasserie Bar and Grill for perfectly cooked food served in an informal atmosphere.

Choose from the seasonal menu of classic and contemporary à la carte dishes, or visit our sumptuous carvery buffet, and, of course, treat yourself to a delicious dessert.

Whatever reason you’re here, from the moment you arrive you’ll be greeted and treated like royalty.

Dunston Hall at a glance Indoor Pool, Gymnasium, Sauna and Steam Room, Whirlpool, Golf, Bunkers Clubhouse, The Brasserie Bar & Grill, Spa, Crazy Golf, Nature Trail and Outdoor Treasure Hunt Inspiring events The Royal Norfolk Show: Norfolk Showground, 27-28 June www.royalnorfolkshow.co.uk Lord Mayor’s Procession: Norwich City Centre, 6 July www.norwich.gov.uk/events Tribute Night: Dunston Hall, 19 July www.deverehotels.com/DunstonHall Attractions nearby City Sightseeing Tours – 3.8 miles, www.city-sightseeing.com/tour-Norwich Bewilderwood – 11.8 miles, www.bewilderwood.co.uk Banham Zoo – 13.8 miles, www.banhamzoo.co.uk Go Ape – 30 miles, www.goape.co.uk Pleasurewood Hills – 25 miles, www.pleasurewoodhills.com Dinosaur Park – 6 miles, www.dinosauradventure.co.uk Africa Alive – 28 miles, www.africa-alive.co.uk Broads Boat Tours – 8 miles, www.broadstours.co.uk

Sweeping staircases and an award winning, state of the art spa are all surrounded by 27 holes of sheer golfing pleasure. From classic Yorkshire afternoon tea served by the butler in the Drawing Room, to Champagne on the outside terrace, a stay at Oulton Hall will be a unique memory until your next visit.

Oulton Hall at a glance Indoor Pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi and Steam Room, Leisure Club and Spa, Gym, Driving Range, 18 and 9 Hole Golf Course, Nike Academy and Golf Shop, Crazy Golf*, Duck Herding* , Clay Pigeon Shooting*, Archery*, Calverley Grill, Claret Jug Restaurant, The Champagne Bar, Drawing Room, Library * These are group activities only and require pre-booking.

Inspiring events Wimbledon afternoon tea: Oulton Hall, 24 June - 8 July www.deverehotels.co.uk/OultonHall Wedding Open Day: Oulton Hall, 11 August www.deverehotels.co.uk/OultonHall Attractions nearby Wetherby Racecourse – 18.6 miles, www.wetherbyracing.co.uk Royal Armouries – 2.1 Miles, www.royalarmouries.org City of Leeds, Shopping – 5.4 Miles, www.visitleeds.co.uk Trinity Walk, Shopping, Wakefield – 6.1 miles, www.trinitywalk.com Harewood House – 15.5 Miles, www.harewood.org City of York – 23.4 Miles, www.visityork.org Yorkshire Dales, www.yorkshire-dales.com Contact Details Rothwell Lane , Oult on, Leeds , Yorkshire , LS26 8HN T: 0871 222 4690 W: devere-hotels.co.uk/oultonhall

Contact Details Ipswich Road , Norwich , Norf olk , NR14 8PQ T: 0871 222 4683 W: devere-hotels.co.uk/dunstonhall

To book call: 0871 222 4198 W: www.devere-hotels.co.uk www.b4-business.com

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B4 MARKETING

GET ALL THE BENEFITS OF LONDON QUALITY BRANDING, IDENTITY AND GRAPHIC DESIGN -

AT

GLASGOW PRICES!

Anxious not to let potential Clients jump on the blandwagon and risk becoming the bland that time forgot, Phil Strachan, Business and Brand Alchemist and founder of Strangebrew, discusses how Clients of all shapes and sizes can really benefit from strategically sound advice and imaginative creative work of the very highest order.

He is so confident that you will be pleased with his work and the value for money that he delivers, that he is offering a no-quibble money back guarantee on the agreed Stage One fee if you are not completely happy with the work he delivers on this all-important and vital stage.

So what is the big secret? How can potential Clients benefit from an injection of Business and Brand Alchemy from Strangebrew?

“The answer is for Businesses and Brands not to just start designing logos and building websites until they have identified and have a clear understanding of exactly who they are, what they are and what they stand for. They need to have identified what their compelling proposition and promise is and why people should come to them instead of their competition. In short, they need to have identified what their business or brand needs to be seen to stand for. In Strangebrew terms, they need to think Brand - not bland and to identify how to connect, communicate and engage effectively with their selected target market(s). They need to set about building the foundations of what will become a successful brand rather than just having a logo designed and they need to think about who their target market is and how to communicate with them well before even thinking about a website.

But that is not what tends to happen in most cases I come across.

On the contrary, far too many people I meet who are about to launch a business are already in execution mode. A logo has been designed and their website is being designed and built before they have thought seriously, if at all, about their positioning and proposition and how to go about presenting and communicating their business to their identified target market – assuming that they have in fact identified one.

Another key issue is for businesses to take steps to protect their own Intellectual Property and to take care not to infringe the Intellectual Property of others.

www.b4-business.com

A frequent problem that I come across is where businesses have launched already, say a year or so previously, and they are maybe looking for help to move to the next level. They may well have a business name that they have traded with during that period, a business name that they might even have incorporated under at Companies House.

Because of that, they believe that they have ownership of that name.

All too often however, this is very far from the case.

The problem is that they did not invest in and conduct a proper trademark search and often did not even conduct their own superficial search and proceeded without having filed their business or brand name as a registered trademark. In so doing, they had inadvertently left themselves vulnerable.

Bad enough given that they had left themselves exposed by not having taken the necessary steps to protect what they felt was their Intellectual Property - but absolutely nothing in comparison to the potential risk to their business and the financial damages they might then face if it subsequently transpires that they have been infringing someone else’s Intellectual Property. The consequences of this could include a ‘cease and desist’ order and very expensive punitive financial penalties.

To ensure that my Clients differentiate themselves positively and stand out from the crowd, I make sure that they throw away the bland manual and think Brand – not bland.

“By thinking Brand - not bland and by identifying and working consistently around one single compelling promise, Clients can be certain that their business or brand will not just become yet another very anonymous blot on an already

overpopulated blandscape. This applies equally whether they are creating a new business or brand from scratch or refreshing, revitalising, rejuvenating or reinvigorating an existing and established business or brand. The same principles apply. While people often believe and say that they want a logo designed for their business or brand, I take great pains to let them see and understand that what they actually need is a brand - if they are to be successful. I like to make sure that I deliver what people need rather than what they think they want.

So, if people really just want a logo designed, they shouldn’t come to me because I don’t just do pretty pictures. If, on the other hand, they want to build a successful and sustainable business or brand, they really do need an injection of Business and/or Brand Alchemy from Strangebrew to get them thinking Brand – not bland and to make sure that they stand out from the crowd.” www.strangebrew.co.uk

C AN YOU

AFFORD NOT TO USE

S TRANGEBREW ?

Find out for yourself by contacting Phil Strachan on 07770 753 975 and get details of his money back guarantee for the agreed Stage One fee if you are not completely happy with what he delivers against the brief.

Perhaps it’s not so much a question of whether a new or existing business can afford to use Strangebrew as can they afford not to!

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B4 R&R

THE UNFORGETTABLE FORBURY HOTEL For readers with high standards, high expectations and in high need of a great night out in opulent surroundings, with first class food and exemplary service, you really need look no further than The Forbury Hotel in the centre of Reading.

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www.b4-business.com

We were booked in to stay at this fabulous hotel on a Friday night after a long week at work. The drive to Reading from Oxford took less than 40 minutes and as we parked the car, our bags were whisked away whilst we checked in.

The helpful receptionist than showed us to our room, but in the process we passed not one, not two but a multitude of incredible characteristics which makes The Forbury stand out as a hotel with the maximum attention to detail in every nook and cranny.

The stairs leading to the front door are extravagant enough, providing a good photo opportunity the following morning before we set off on a special visit to London, but then the reception area takes some beating with sumptuous soft furnishings and lavish pieces of furniture which are each unique and work brilliantly together.

The marble flooring throughout was a signature of the hotel throughout, but the centrepiece is an 86,000 Italian glass bead chandelier running the height of the building in the old lift shaft. It’s truly mesmerising, as you gaze up, with lights catching every aspect, throwing off a tiny rainbow from each delicate bead. Quite incredible.

And then we make it to the room. Wow! We were staying in a suite, with a wonderful lounge complete with high ceiling (no cramming in rooms here) and made to measure furniture, including a beautiful piece which contained books, TV, and stereo, not to mention many fascinating pieces of art. We then went through to the bedroom. Again more wow and lots of ooh! The bed was vast, the furnishings once again perfectly combined and that was before we got to the bathroom which was superb.

Walk in shower, huge bath and surround sound stereo, all shrouded in sand marble.

It’s a good job we had both arrived ready for dinner as our open mouthed walkabout would have given us little time to pretty ourselves – OK maybe not including me – although it was tempting to jump in the bath.

We chose to have a drink in the attractive courtyard just off the Cerise Restaurant where Friday night couples and a larger party celebrating had gathered. The evening was still warm and conducive to one of The Forbury’s wonderful cocktails – I had a Sloehito whilst Tina plumped for The Last Word. If you can’t make it for dinner, I would highly recommend a cocktail and if you’re planning to come to the B4 event at The Forbury later this year, make sure you pop in afterwards to sample the delights of Cerise’s award winning mixologists!

It was time to go through for dinner where we were greeted by our attentive waitress and, having given our order in the garden, our starters arrived shortly after, accompanied by a www.b4-business.com

glass of champagne for Tina with a bottle of Macon Village Cave de Lugny which kept me company most of the night.

Tina chose the sautéed tiger prawn and baby squid with a soy and ginger dressing whilst I had the confit chicken and apricot mosaic with toasted brioche and baby shoot salad. Both divine – we tried each other’s – and set us up perfectly for our main courses. I had the braised ox cheeks with savoy cabbage, red wine onions and celeriac mash, whilst Tina went with the fish and had roast monkfish fillet wrapped in Parma ham with Jerusalem artichoke puree and oxtail sauce. Not only were our starters and mains all first class, the presentation was exemplary and the service first class – friendly without being stuffy although professional throughout, mind you, I don’t think the wine would have gone without some friendly encouragement!

For dessert, we shared the apple tart tatin with caramel sauce and cinnamon ice cream. I’m not a big cinnamon fan but this worked superbly well together and I soon wish we’d ordered one each!

The Forbury has 23 luxury bedrooms over three floors, each with Bang and Olufsen audiovisual systems, Molton Brown toiletries and Nespresso coffee machines. All superior bedrooms have king size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets, walk in showers, under floor heating, broadband and direct dial telephones.

You can certainly mix business with pleasure at The Forbury. All meeting rooms are fully air conditioned with natural daylight and complimentary wi-fi. The Cellar provides a unique venue for business meetings up to twelve guests. Other public rooms can be used for meetings and The Lounge is also available for impromptu meetings and the Library is suitable for more formal events.

“There is even a private cinema for presentations, lectures of film screenings for up to 30 guests seated, in Italian leather seats.”

The Eden room is recommended for larger events with hand painted flowers adorning the walls or what was the original council chambers. There is even a private cinema for presentations, lectures of film screenings for up to 30 guests seated in Italian leather seats.

The Forbury is Disney for adults, if that doesn’t sound too twee. It’s mind-blowing to walk through and the experiences will stay with you forever, from the stylish rooms to the continental ambience of the cocktail ‘garden’, to the formidable performance of the kitchen in The Cerise Restaurant. An easy 10 out of 10 experience from the very top to the very bottom of that unforgettable 86,000 bead chandelier! www.theforburyhotel.co.uk

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“The Water Garden is

designed to enable families to enjoy outdoor space with a sense of adventure. Each house is linked by water, ensuring the rich wildlife habitat is protected and grows in and around each building Red Paxton

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�

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B4 PROPERTY

NOW YOU CAN PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE – QUITE LITERALLY – AS THE WATER GARDEN IS UNVEILED AT LOWER MILL ESTATE This July marked the launch of the Water Garden at the award-winning Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds – an exclusive development of just 10 properties designed for the very best in outdoor as well as indoor living.

The Water Garden is home to the UK’s first canoe safari – where homeowners can step off their doorstep, climb into a canoe and head out to the neighbouring Spinney Lake to catch fresh trout. They can then canoe back and cook the fish on their own roof terrace.

Starting from £525,000, all 10 of the four‐bedroom Water Garden properties have been designed by leading architect, Andy Ramus, whose vision aligns with the eco-‐architecture credentials that Lower Mill Estate has won a multitude of awards for. Building work on the development will start in September, with completion expected in Spring 2014.

Each of the 10 properties, which are perfect for families wanting to relax or seek adventure on calm, safe waters, epitomise open-‐plan living with internal living spaces leading out onto large external decks. In addition, the roof terrace on each house offers incredible views across Lower Mill Estate and the large open water Spinney Lake.

The properties are also incredibly economic thanks to under- ‐floor heating, LED lightingand a ‘master switch’ to ensure all electricity can be switched off at the flick of a button. Bespoke interior touches can be selected by the buyer as they wish and there is also the option to have pergolas and herb gardens integrated into the design plan for an additional cost.

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A central garden, which appears to float like an island in the water, acts as the focal point and community hub of the development. The design concept sees each of the houses positioned like spokes on a wheel while a connecting body of water has been specially shaped to link each house to one another via canoe. The Water Garden houses sit within 550 acres of fresh air and space, with thousands of species thriving within the Estate, enabling owners to truly live side-‐by- ‐side with nature. Home owners will further benefit from access to the Estate’s award- ‐winning Spa which is located just a stone’s throw from the development.

Owner, Red Paxton, comments ‘The Water Garden is designed to enable families to enjoy outdoor space with a sense of adventure. Each house is linked by water, ensuring the rich wildlife habitat is protected and grows in and around each building.”

Since it was founded 16 years ago, Lower Mill Estate has been at the forefront of offering fresh concepts to vacation home buyers, all of which put the habitat first. These include the recent launch of Lakeshore Reserve – an über- ‐exclusive nine plot privately-‐gated development, with plots starting from £525,000.

01285 869489 www.lowermillestate.com

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Now running of one of the country’s leading boutique accommodation establishments, ranked in the top 10 best luxury hotels by Tripadvisor in 2013, Paul is at the heart of Hope House Woodstock and has created the perfect home from home with attentive but discreet five star service.

Paul spoke to B4 about the spirit behind Hope House and how he feels his 5 * residence is more than a challenge for the ‘all frills’ five star hotel. A connoisseur of quality hotels having served in the hospitality industry for most of his life, Paul feels there is a growing demand for pure 5* accommodation.

more smart-casual rather than ‘best bib and tucker’, certainly at the high end.

“If you don’t want the frilly bits, the residents bar, the 24 hour service and the restaurants, then Hope House Woodstock is ideal for you. We don’t openly advertise ourselves on our website as a hotel, although we are on a lot of hotel websites… we are actually classified by TripAdvisor as a hotel. If you want a pianist and ‘Giovanni’ mixing Mojitos, I can’t do that. But I do have a liquor licence and a bar in every suite – and most don’t have that! So I’ve actually got more than a hotel in some respects.

“The other key distinguishing feature is that I don’t

furnishings, then you’ll see where we’re coming from. And as regards service, we know every guest’s name, what milk they prefer to drink and what tea they like in their mini bar, I know what type of pillows they want in their suite, I’ve got the records for what they had for breakfast from the last time they were here. I check in to many top hotels around the world and often I have to struggle with luggage from the car park, so I thought how can I do better than that? My CCTV pings the teams PDA device when a car pulls into the car parking area and we greet our guest and assist with luggage– I’d challenge anyone when it comes to service!

“I lend guests my chauffeur, I pick them up from the airport, I get their car valeted, so I think that the

WHEN A 5* HOTEL JUST WON’T DO! Hope House Woodstock is the ancestral family home of the Woodstock Money family. Julia, the last surviving Money in the UK, runs the business with her eldest son Paul Hageman. The house was built circa 1708 – at the same time as Blenheim Palace – and it is one of two grand houses in Woodstock designed in Vanbrughian style with baroque architecture.

“If you look at your typical fine dining restaurant and the new ‘fine dining’ restaurants entering the market there’s a big move away from the ‘fluffy’ food and more of a focus on great ingredients flavour and value for money. It’s the same with hotels. If you want 5* accommodation, not everyone needs three restaurants to choose from and a spa. But if you’re used to 5* service and surroundings, how else do you get this? This is where I feel Hope House is filling a niche, and there are other providers like us popping up all over the country.

“Just because it doesn’t have a full service restaurant the perception is that it tends to be less exclusive. But the concept is gaining traction - all the things you get in a hotel without the daily restaurant. The industry seems to be deformalising and de-cluttering itself. The industry is becoming 68

serve food for lunch and dinner regularly but I do provide dinners in here (the room where we are sitting, The Vanbrugh Restaurant, is used daily for breakfast and for resident dinners) for 10 people in advance, at £295 a head with a seven course taster menu, but that’s £175 for the food and £120 for the taster wines. I also do Sunday lunch after a wedding or anything like that.”

Hope House has had its fair share of accolades, so Paul’s theory holds a lot of water. “We are the highest rated 5* accommodation in the UK on TripAdvisor. Our classification is always a bit of a problem. People ask if we’re a B&B or a 4 or 5 star hotel but we’re not any of those – I think I need to come up with a new name – maybe ‘BiveB’ or something! Some people might think I’m slightly delusional putting us in the 5* bracket but once you see the accommodation and the quality of the

service in Hope House far exceeds many hotels!

Everyone gets so excited about 5* hotels, but you pay the price, and when you go to these places you can get inconsistent service a lot of the time.”

Paul is right. You can pay a lot of money for a 5* hotel and never even see some of the facilities you’ve paid for – how many times have you packed your trainers and never used them? I know I have! You get three restaurants but often are only staying one night!

So how did Paul conjure up this new model? Why not a bog standard B&B? “I couldn’t do that! My background is 5* hotels. My attention to detail can border on obsessive but hopefully it shows. The next time you stay in a 5* hotel, check whether the jams are made from fruit picked on site or within a mile from the hotel, check if the orchids are grown www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT on site? These aren’t vital touches, but they distinguish us, they are our signature.”

Paul has a majestic way of turning a negative into a positive. He tells me how he hates the subservient ‘dance’ of a check in when a guest is asked to fill in a registration card and then all contact details are taken and payment requested. I tend to agree, but with a glint in his eye, he mischievously adds that ‘there’s no need because I’ve already got their details because I take payment up front with the booking!’

Paul’s guests are never in need of anything, as Paul or his able protégé Georgia are on site and on call 24/7. “It’s good and bad from my point of view. At

marrows for our special marrow and ginger jam.

Breakfast is very organic, very local and it’s expensive to me but it makes all the difference.

Your average small jam pot will cost a hotel about 11p – they cost me £1.70!

“We have tried to make breakfast a real event and if you look at some of the TripAdvisor reviews, which is always interesting, you can see the level of service and the effort we put into breakfast. We have tried to take breakfast to a different level: we can do a cornflake milkshake, we have a full English breakfast omelette.”

Paul isn’t shy about his £495 a night price tag either, in fact he’s rather proud of it, to the extent

“I can point you in the right direction, I can do pretty well anything, and if I don’t know, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll know someone who does!

”

least I know what the history of a guest’s stay is so they don’t have to repeat themselves when staff change on shifts, but it also means I’m round the clock and look forward to my holidays! But I’m a vital point of contact – I can recommend, I can point you in the right direction, I can do pretty well anything, and if I don’t know, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll know someone who does!”

And one thing Paul really prides himself on is the Hope House breakfast. “We bake our own croissants, we make our own bread, we mix our own cereal using malted flakes from Oxfordshire, we make bread using Oxfordshire organic flour, we use natural local yeast, cheeses are from a local farm. Wild strawberries are growing outside, the gooseberries are picked from our tree the blackberries and raspberries are picked from nearby hedgerows … we even grow our own www.b4-business.com

that he wanted to run an advertising campaign quoting rooms ‘from as much as £495’!

As Paul fairly points out, some of his customers are in Oxford having stepped off a private jet, so the price of excellent service isn’t really an issue – in fact it’s a source of comfort for the royals, the film stars, oligarchs and the aristocrats that are fast cottoning on to Hope House and the inspirational man behind the scenes. He really is a Jack of all Trades – and master of most!

So give Paul a ring and don’t forget to quote B4 and Paul will do his best to accommodate a corporate mid week rate. www.hopehousewoodstock.co.uk

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B4 PROPERTY

NOW’S THE TIME

TO PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR SUMMER After the winter and spring we have endured, most gardens are not looking their best. Even the most uninspiring or unkempt plot, however, can be transformed into an eye-catching oasis with planning, preparation and some hard work. As late spring turns into early summer, now is the ideal time to set about making this transformation.

For the amateur gardener, it is often difficult to know where to start when it comes to a major project like a garden make-over. Take it from the professionals; the place to begin is with the hard landscaping.

Hard landscaping – walls, fencing, trellis, pathways, paving and the like – is the backbone of any garden. It forms the skeleton that underpins its structure and shape, giving an ever-present backdrop against which the flowers, shrubs and trees can show themselves off.

How do you choose your hard landscaping? There’s nothing like seeing for yourself. At Johnsons Buildbase Oxford you’ll find dozens of displays to stroll through, showcasing all that is best in landscaping products. A visit to these ‘show gardens’ is invaluable in helping you to decide on the look you want for your design, whether you are a trade professional or a handy home-owner.

Johnsons Buildbase – and the family firm that preceded it – has been serving

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the needs of Oxfordshire for generations. Named National Builders Merchant of the Year 2012, the company is one of the UK’s fastest growing builders’ merchants. With 130 branches nationwide and products from the leading manufacturers, the company’s aim is to meet all your garden hard landscaping and construction requirements.

In addition, Buildbase is used to working with local tradespeople and the public.

Staff have the knowledge and experience to understand the customers’ needs and to meet them. With massive stocks, displays you can walk through, top quality products and competitive pricing, Johnsons Buildbase offers exceptional, specialist customer service.

The design of your garden depends on how you plan to use it. Not everyone looks upon a garden as a place for grass, flowers and vegetables alone. For some, the garden is primarily a play area or a sports ground, where children can amuse themselves in safety. For others, it is an extension of their dining

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room, an ‘outside room’ where they can entertain al fresco.

Whatever your style, from cottage garden to contemporary space, good landscaping starts with quality materials. This is true whether you are creating a new garden, rethinking an old one grown tired over the years, or giving your current patch a spruce-up. What materials and products you choose will stamp your garden with its own personality and individuality.

Modern, folding patio doors enable you to really open up your living space to the great outdoors.

Johnsons Buildbase has the latest in softwood folding and sliding patio door sets, just waiting to be installed.

As for the patio itself, Buildbase has a huge stock of materials on display, appealing to every taste from modern to traditional, including large stocks of paving and block pavers. It doesn’t even have to be too difficult.

Creating a new patio can be achieved over a weekend with a patio kit. These are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and materials – from mellow Cotswold to natural sandstone. For the even more impatient gardener, there is the latest in patio technology: a complete system that enables paving to be laid quickly and easily, with no mortar required, in hours rather than days.

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or even replacing. Take this opportunity to make your fence into a feature in itself. Johnsons Buildbase has extensive fencing displays, and stock that includes panels, boards, posts and rails in a variety of styles.

“landscaping is not

all about beautiful blooms, glamorous gazebos and sophisticated summerhouses.

Johnsons Buildbase also supplies the basic materials and tools to get the job done

”

And if you need help in keeping those flower beds looking healthy, weed-free and tidy, ask about the Buildbase range of fertilizers, weed control fabric and bark chippings.

But landscaping is not all about beautiful blooms, glamorous gazebos and sophisticated summerhouses. Johnsons Buildbase also supplies the basic materials and tools to get the job done, from bricklaying mortar and concrete, to shovels,

If paving is not your style, decorative aggregates, from cobbles to slate, combined with walling and edging accessories, are an attractive alternative.

Decking is another popular all-weather solution.

Buildbase’s selection includes low maintenance deck boards in various sizes and designs, as well as lighting, and fixing and cleaning accessories. Timber products like arches, arbours, pergolas, sheds and garden furniture supply the stylish finishing touches to complete your design.

wheelbarrows, underground pipes and inspection chambers.

Good fences, they say, make good neighbours, but a fence should be more than just a boundary.

Having taken a real battering during the recent winter rain, snow and high winds, the chances are that your fencing will be looking in need of attention

Visit Johnsons Buildbase Oxford at Watlington Road, Cowley. Plentful parking. Easy access.

Creating a stunning garden takes vision and imagination but, with a little help, most people can achieve wonderful results. Experts like Johnsons Buildbase, with their long and successful track record, backed up by huge stocks of top quality products, are here to help you turn your dream garden into a reality this summer.

www.buildbase.co.uk

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CONTACTS DIRECTORY Advice................................................................................................................................................72 Business Services...................................................................................................................72 Property & Building..............................................................................................................72 Conference, Events & Venues......................................................................................72 Education......................................................................................................................................73 Finance.............................................................................................................................................73 Health & Leisure......................................................................................................................73

ADVICE

A M B A S S A D O R

A

HR.........................................................................................................................................................73 IT & Telecommunications................................................................................................73 Manufacturing..........................................................................................................................73 Marketing & Design.............................................................................................................73 Transport........................................................................................................................................75 Retail..................................................................................................................................................75 The Wider B4..............................................................................................................................75

Federation of Small Businesses A Rodney Mallinson Chairman

Sue Ryder t: 0800 917 8123 w: www.sueryder.org

Fish Partnership P Paul Laird Partner

t: 01628 602 983 w: www.fsb.org.uk

SECURITY

t: 01628 527956 w: www.fishpartnership.co.uk

Institute of Directors t: 01494 718699 w: www.iod.com

BUSINESS ADVICE

ARCHIVING AND STORAGE

Thirdwave A Tony Thomson Managing Director

StoreNGo A Minesh Patel Senior Executive

t: 01628 487 912 w: www.thirdwaveweb.co.uk

t: 07775 702082 w: www.storengo.co.uk

Adhere Training Club A Lisa Butler Training Manager

The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner

t: 0844 846 3866 w: www.adheretraining.co.uk

t: 01296 425744 w: www.thearchivecentre.com

Busy Offices t: 01494 672 233 w: www.busyoffices.net

RSM Tenon t: 01628 478 100 w: www.rsmtenon.com

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY & BUILDING

Automatic Vending Association A Jonathan Hilder Chief Executive Officer

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS

ACCOUNTING

Avocet Investments Ltd t: 01494 726173 w: www.avocet-investments.com The Compliance Bureau t: 07771 733 788 w: www.compliancebureau.co.uk

t: 01494 568 960 w: www.ava-vending.co.uk

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING LEGAL B P Collins A David Stanning Partner t: 01753 889995 w: www.bpcollins.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Buckinghamshire Business First A Philippa Batting Managing Director t: 01494 568941 w: www.bbf.uk.com

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Partners With You Limited t: 01923 842435 w: www.partnerswithyou.co.uk

CHARITIES Horizon Sports Club A Anita Templar Club Chairman t: 01844 345432 w: www.horizonsc.org.uk Buckinghamshire Community Foundation A Richard Dickson Director t: 01296 330134 w: www.thebucksfoundation.org.uk

Risk Management A Security Services Peter Smith Managing Director t: 01494 441 805 w: www.riskmanagementsecurity.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Grundon t: 01491 839212 w: www.grundon.com

DOMESTIC SERVICES

Stupples Chandler Garvey A Michael Garvey Managing Director t: 01494 460 250 w: www.stuppleschandlergarvey.com

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CONFERENCES Kents Hill Park Training & Conference Centre t: 01908 358000 w: www.kentshillpark.com

VENUES Hartwell House A Jonathan Thompson Director & General Manager t: 01296 747444 w: www.hartwell-house.com

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network.

B4 contacts FINANCE

Macdonald Compleat Angler A Melissa Moore Sales Manager

TAX PLANNING

t: 0844 879 9128 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Your Money Friend Ltd A Ted Yeates Managing Director

West Wycombe Estate t: 01494 524411 w: www.west-wycombe-estate.co.uk

t: 01235 838542 w: www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

Chicheley Hall t: 0800 085 1660 w: www.chicheleyhall.co.uk

Flackwell Financial Services t: 01628 525450 w: www.flackwell.org

The Tree Hotel t: 01494 881183 w: www.cadmore.treehotel.co.uk

HEALTH & LEISURE

Latimer Place t: 01494 764422 w: www.deverevenues.co.uk/locations/latimer-place.html

Magnolia Park Golf Club P Mark McGeehan Golf Pro

EVENT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

t: 01844 239700 w: www.magnoliapark.co.uk

The Active Network t: 0207 313 5744 w: www.activenetwork.com

The Sculpture School t: 07810 480884 w: www.thesculptureschool.co.uk

CATERING SERVICES Global Infusion Group Anthony Laurenson Managing Director

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

A

t: 01494 790 700 www.globalinfusiongroup.com

EDUCATION COLLEGES Aylesbury College P Pauline Odulinski Principal and Chief Executive t: 01296 588588 w: www.aylesbury.ac.uk Buckinghamshire P New University Phil Wood Head of Enterprise

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES Coms A David Breith CEO t: 01494 561603 w: www.coms.com

MANUFACTURING ARLA Foods t: 0113 382 7000 w: www.arlafoods.co.uk

MARKETING & DESIGN ADVERTISING B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Managing Director t: 01865 742211 w: www.berkshire.b4-business.com

DESIGN

HEALTH & MEDICAL

Blink Design & Print P Keith Simpson Senior Designer

DOCTORnow t: 01494 410888 w: www.doctornow.org

t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com

PSYCHOLOGIST

MARKETING

Dr Lynda Shaw t: 07967 271274 w: www.drlyndashaw.com

Strangebrew P Phil Strachan Proprietor

HR

t: 07770 753975 w: www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

RECRUITMENT Right Hand HR t: 0844 880 4582 w: www.rhhr.com

HR CONSULTANT

t: 0800 0565 660 w: www.bucks.ac.uk

HR2You P Sarah Morris Owner

Thames Valley Training A & Development Sunjiv Sharma

t: 07789 711997 w: www.hr2you.co.uk

t: 0808 231 4818 w: www.thamesvalleytraining.com

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director t: 0845 310 9973 w: www.intouchcrm.co.uk

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network.

First Move Direct Marketing A David Amor Managing Director t: 01494 539300 w: www.firstmove.co.uk Urban Media A Elton Boocock Founder t: 01494 538441 w: www.urbanmedia.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM PRODUCTION Andrew Gleed Photography A Andrew Gleed Owner t: 01494 718557 w: www.gleedphotography.co.uk Adby Creative t: 020 3239 1084 w: www.adbycreative.co.uk

73

‘Network with our members in the stunning hotel grounds’

events

THE MANOR HOTEL Wednesday 2nd October 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm

ABOUT OUR HOSTS The Manor Hotel at Weston-on-the-Green nestles in the heart of the Cotswolds. Proud of its 900-year-old history, The Manor is a country house hotel, opening its doors to guests who seek a truly relaxed escape, with fine food, fine wine and beautiful, fascinating surroundings. We invite you to treat our hotel as your home: we do not stand on ceremony here.

Explore our house and gardens, take a dip in the pool or a walk in the grounds. Our doors are open and we invite you in.

Weston-on-the-Green, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX25 3QL, United Kingdom

The Manor Hotel is within easy reach of the beautiful city of Oxford, and only five minutes from Bicester Village shopping, Blenheim Palace, and many other attractions.

Dress code: Smart business casual

Join other B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests at The Manor Hotel with its newly refurbished interior, beautiful grounds and first class hospitality.

Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser 01865 742211 or events@b4-business.com

REGISTRATION

This event is open to all B4 Ambassadors, members their guests and non-members in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. www.themanorweston.com

Please register for the event here: http://www.regonline.com/ b4oxmanorhotel

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COM t: 01865 742211 e: events@b4-business.com a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT

B4 contacts Piers Photography t: 07787 505786 w: www.piersphoto.com

Reading Football Club Limited P Sir John Madejski Chairman

Haslams Surveyors LLP P Conrad Hill Managing Partner

Take One Business Communications Ltd t: 01494 898919 w: www.takeonetv.com

t: 0118 968 1100 w: www.readingfc.co.uk

t: 0118 921 1500 w: www.haslams.co.uk

PUBLIC RELATIONS

The Bird in Hand Country Inn t: 01628 826622 w: www.birdinhand.co.uk

Bearwood Lakes Golf Club A Martyn Norris Head of Marketing

Esplin PR A Louise Esplin Freelance PR Consultant

Rhodes House A Martin Gubb Director of Finance

t: 0118 979 7900 w: www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk

t: 07775 678237 w: www.esplinpr.co.uk

t: 01865 270918 w: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

Cirkle A Caroline Kinsey Chairman

Lady Margaret Hall P Bill Kemp Head of Conference Services

t: 07774 181610 w: www.cirkle.com

t: 01865 611079 w: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk

Cerub PR A Ceri-Jane Hackling Managing Director

Williams Conference Centre A Brendan Caffrey Conference Centre Manager

t: 01494 461784 w: www.cerubpr.co.uk

t: 01235 777900 w: www.williamsf1conferences.com

Noble Word t: 07500 531485

Nominet A Lesley Cowley OBE CEO

TRANSPORT

t: 01865 332211 w: www.nominet.org.uk

TRAVEL Chiltern Railways A Rob Brighthouse Managing Director t: 08456 005 165 w: www.chilternrailways.co.uk

RETAIL Buildbase A David Grimsdale Divisional Director South East t: 01438 364627 w: www.buildbase.co.uk Coffox Ltd t: 07736 950673 w: www.coffox.tel

THE WIDER B4 Miele Company Ltd A t: 0845 365 6600 w: www.miele.co.uk The Art Room t: 01865 779779 w: www.theartroom.org.uk

The Vineyard P Hayden Bowl General Manager t: 01635 528770 w: www.the-vineyard.co.uk

B4 Become a B4 Member?

CALL US NOW ON 01494 373183.

Bloxham School A Nick Irvine Marketing Director t: 01295 724332 w: www.bloxhamschool.com Blenheim Palace P John Hoy Chief Executive t: 01993 810501 w: www.blenheimpalace.com Santander A Justin Hayward Business Development Director t: 07809 493563 w: www.santander.co.uk Oxford Fine Dining Sue Randall Managing Director

P

t: 01865 728240 w: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk BDO LLP A Julian Frost Lead Partner

B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print e: studio@on-the-blink.com t: 01494 373183 w: www.on-the-blink.com

0118 925 4400 w: www.bdo.uk.com

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network.

75

events

‘Stylish, Luxurious and Romantic’

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

Thursday 24th October 2013

The Macdonald Compleat Angler is located in a unique position overlooking the River Thames at Marlow Bridge, Buckinghamshire, only 40 minutes from London and Oxford and within a short drive of the M4 and M40 motorways. Selected as one of the UK and Ireland’s top 200 AA four red star hotel’s, its inspirational surroundings provide a calming backdrop for meetings and events.

6:00pm - 8:30pm The Regency Suite, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1RG, United Kingdom.

Dress code: Smart business casual Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser 01865 742211 or events@b4-business.com

REGISTRATION Please register for the event here: http://www.regonline.com/ b4bbfcompleatangler

B4 Buckinghamshire and Buckinghamshire Business First are pleased to announce our second joint event held at The Compleat Angler Hotel. The event will take place in the Regency Suite situated in the hotel.

Buckinghamshire Business First‘s aim is to help businesses thrive and grow by creating a dynamic environment in the Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain. Our role is to provide the link between public policy and the business community in Buckinghamshire, to bring together the collective voice of Buckinghamshire's Businesses, where our members can develop their skills and knowledge, network and benefit from a range of member events. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk www.bbf.uk.com

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COM t: 01865 742211 e: events@b4-business.com a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT