Thinking Business Magazine

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2015

Construction sector plays a key role in future growth for the region Also Inside: • Spotlight on Tonbridge and Malling • Ask the Expert • Construction Industry Comment • Big Interview with The Rare Skills Set • The Economy & Us

CONTENTS

Welcome

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Keep Kent moving. are not the norm. Bad weather we can understand and appreciate and on the whole accept.

We do need to seriously look at how we deal with Stack, whether it be a series of smaller lorry parks or one larger park, a site(s) does need to be found as a priority.

Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business which focuses on the Construction Industry. With the pace of development, it is a sector that continues to grow and contributes significantly to the economic growth of the County.

It does seem a little ironic to talk about growth when at the time of writing, Kent certainly isn’t moving forward, in fact for a large part of it, it’s at a total standstill!

You’ve guessed it; I’m talking about Operation Stack.

Stack is not a new problem, it’s been around for over 20 years and although it has caused disruption in the past, thankfully it has been short lived. That certainly has not been the case over the past few months, but then the current circumstances leading to operation stack having to be implemented

On this occasion Operation Stack is a symptom of the cause and the cause is not on our shores but those of Calais and therefore it will take governments of both Countries to come up with a solution, as the longer the situation is allowed to go on the greater the cost to you as Kent businesses.

Your Chamber has been heavily involved in discussions looking at solutions to ensure that the business voice is heard and we will continue to do so until a solution is found.

Rather negative comments for a welcome but something I wanted to air with you all.

Enjoy reading the positive content in this edition and hopefully by the next issue we will be nearer to a solution.

Kindest regards.

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Members Corner Business News Members News Focus on Finance Members News Members News International Trade Spotlight On...

Construction Ask the Expert Cover Feature Construction Industry Comment

Editorial and General Enquiries Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Ashford, Kent. TN24 0LH Tel: 01233 503 838 Fax: 01233 503 687 Email: info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk Web: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk Chief Executive: Jo James Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published August 2015 © Benham Publishing

Front cover image: Detail of standing seam wall/roof with staircase window at Broadside, the Headquarters of MHS Homes in Chatham Maritime by Hazle McCormack Young LLP. Photograph by James Galpin

Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

Big Interview The Economy & Us Members News 24 hours with Members News Getting Started Chamber Events Chamber Exhibitions Members News New Members The Last Word Movers & Shakers

Production Manager Mark Etherington Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No. 1426 Disclaimer Thinking Business is published for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Thinking Business are not necessarily those of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2015.

Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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MEMBERSCORNER

Jo celebrates 25 years with the Chamber Members Corner Successful businesses are created by a team of talent all pulling in from Linda Marsh

Director of Membership Services

the same direction. But, “great” businesses that leave their mark in the world of business are made by great Leaders.

At Kent Invicta we like to get out and see what is happening in Kent Businesses.

Jo James (CEO) and myself recently visited Thanet Earth in Margate. Steve Hatt, marketing manager, was kind enough to show us both around the fantastic greenhouses on their site.

Thanet Earth is growing tomatoes for most supermarkets in the UK, right on our doorstep and a great job they are doing to provide jobs for local people and reduce the carbon footprint on distribution channels.

Jo with the Ashford Office Staff and Board Directors outside the Chamber offices on the day of her celebration.

It’s not quite as glamorous as our normal outfits, but needs must and it was great to be shown around.

Another visit was to Dreamland, again in Margate.

I am sure Dreamland has fond memories for many in and around Kent. I was lucky enough to be invited to have a look at the new attraction; it’s a hard life I know! I thought I would share a photo with you all…. No laughing!

One such Leader is Jo James, CEO of the Kent Invicta Chamber who this month is celebrating 25 years of service.

At a recent celebration event Jo commented on her time at the Chamber; “I remember my first day on 23rd July 1990. I walked into the office, which was then in Ashford town centre to be greeted by the Team. The Team consisted of a part time Chief Executive, a part time

office manager, a part time accounts person and then me doing typing 12 hours a week.

I remember sitting down in front of a word processor. They were all so pleased to say that they had just invested in this new technology!!!!

I couldn't believe it that you could amend and delete things without having to use tippex through all of your carbon copies.

So much has changed over the years mostly for the better. I look forward to working with you until the next milestone moment.”

Jo has seared her personality into the Kent business community and etched her values into the Chamber fabric. No doubt she will continue to grow her legacy for many years to come.

Grants up to £3,000 for better broadband

Businesses in Kent can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to get better broadband.

We love seeing what’s happening in businesses and to be able to share the great work you are all doing across Kent to keep the business economy vibrant across the County, so let us know and we will come along and see what you are up to, just contact me linda@kentinvictachamber.co.uk it would be great to come and see you.

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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

The scheme, funded by government and administered by Kent County Council, covers the costs of upgrading the connection allowing businesses to start reaping the benefits of faster speeds and better connectivity.

The grant pays for the installation costs, while businesses pay any VAT charged and the monthly line rental to the service provider.

The scheme is part of the government’s Broadband Delivery UK and is a national programme running across 50 cities offering a total of £40 million.

KCC successfully made the case for the scheme to be extended so businesses in Kent’s urban areas can also apply.

The benefits of a faster, better broadband can be felt in numerous ways, whether that be the time taken to upload or download large files to

backing up data online or using cloud-based software and video calls.

Over a third of small businesses which have received a connection voucher are paying only £40 a month line rental.

Kent County Council Leader Paul Carter said: “Having faster and better broadband is essential these days for businesses wanting to boost their bottom line. It also allows business owners to compete with web-only retailers.

“Utilising the internet can help companies grow and access new markets with better communication with customers and suppliers.

“You will be able to send or upload large files quickly and reliably and future-proof your business for the digital challenges of tomorrow.”

The funding is available on a first come, first served basis, so, although

it runs until March 31 next year, it may close early if the funding is committed.

Cllr Carter added: “I would urge everyone in the business community to take up this offer and allow your business to grow and flourish and ensure Kent remains the best place in the country to own and run a business.”

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey added: "Our broadband connection voucher scheme is a huge success and has helped more than 25,000 UK small businesses so far.

“I’m delighted that Kent is now joining the scheme and encourage all eligible businesses to apply as soon as possible so they don't miss out on this fantastic offer."

For more information and to apply, visit www.kent.gov.uk/ connectionvouchers

BUSINESSNEWS

Kent B2B smashes its’ In My Opinion 1000 Tweet Challenge

The Kent B2B, the longest running business-to-business exhibition & conference, set itself an exciting challenge for it 29th year – a 1000 Tweet Challenge.

Amanda Wilson

Solicitor Wills & Probate

More than half of people in the UK haven’t yet made a will. But if you are tempted to do your will on the cheap or buy a DIY kit, beware.

A woman is currently seeking hundreds of thousands of pounds compensation from Barclays, claiming the bank's will-writing service resulted in her losing a stake in a valuable London home. Barclays are contesting the claim but this case highlights the dangers of popular, cheap DIY wills which are often too simplistic to reflect accurately their owner's wishes. Unfortunately cases like this are on the rise.

A challenge that would engage with the B2B audience, giving visitors, exhibitors and speakers a platform on which to share information, offer advice and tips.

It was officially launched on the 1st July by Jo James, Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce with a tweet of her top business tip, “Accept you can’t do everything and concentrate on what you do best”.

filming people’s top business tips and then tweeting them, the numbers quickly began to rise with a constant flow of videos, tips and conversations. It proved to be a great success, with more than 1,300 tweets recorded (up until 3pm on the 7th July), tweets served to over 921,352 unique businesses and a total reach of 4,088,107. Youtube also got involved retweeting the videos as well!!

reach out to the entire business community, offering advice and sharing information with a huge number of local, regional, UK and global businesses - a far larger network then they might normally.

The 1000 Tweet Challenge proved to be a fun, interactive way for people to get involved with the event and start up new conversations … plus I think we all learnt something new too.”

The stream of tweets began and over the next week the #B2B1000 was busy with a diverse range of businesses contributing their best advice. Coupled with the video pod on the day of the event

Jo James, Chief Executive at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce who run the event was delighted by the reaction to the challenge, “This was a great way for businesses to

Our next B2B's: North Kent - 15 October 2015 East Kent - 4 November 2015.

To book visit www.kentb2b.co.uk or call 01732 758530

Why are energy bills so complicated?

Energy bills are complicated. It’s hard to know exactly what you’re being charged for and why when you don’t know your FiT from your TUoS. But believe it or not, energy suppliers don’t complicate bills just to annoy their customers.

Your energy bill details every single government levy and commodity cost that impacts on the final amount you owe to your supplier.

Let our energy experts help you understand your bill.

Call 0800 923 0210 or e-mail help@chamberenergysolutions.co.uk.

Chamber Energy Solutions is the preferred energy supplier for all Chamber members.

In addition claims for mishandling a deceased’s estate have more than tripled over the last year, according to figures recently released by the High Court. This is attributed to the increasing trend to use acquaintances or family members as DIY executors and trustees. Many families do this to save money but often find it costs them more than they bargained for in the long run.

It may be cheaper to avoid using a professional, but simple mistakes frequently mean paying a much higher price. By having a will professionally drafted and executed you can make sure that your money and possessions go to the people and causes that matter to you. You can also make essential decisions to protect your loved ones. For example, you decide who will be appointed as guardians for any of your children who are under 18 at the date of your death. You might want to prevent your estate from being utilised to fund care home fees for your surviving spouse, whilst still allowing your spouse to have use of the assets in your estate. You might want to make provision for disabled beneficiaries or those in receipt of benefits without affecting their benefit entitlement.

The point is you decide.

In my opinion the importance of having a will professionally drafted and executed cannot be overstated. And if you haven’t yet made a will - your estate will not automatically pass on your death to your loved ones - you could leave behind a financial nightmare for the people you care about most.

For further information contact Amanda on 01233 664711 www.girlings.com

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MEMBERSNEWS

Commissioner demands reimbursement for policing costs of Operation Stack Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Ann Barnes, has called for the Government to reimburse the county’s police force for the full costs of policing Operation Stack.

In the last three weeks alone – during which Operation Stack has been implemented four times – the cost to the force has exceeded £700,000 and on average, at peak demand, there are 112 members of Kent Police staff working on the operation every 24 hours.

In the letter, sent on behalf of the people of Kent to Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin MP, Mrs Barnes said: ‘Operation Stack is putting immense pressure on the community and the police here in Kent.

‘This is drawing several dozen officers away from their policing duties in the county each day.

It comes at a significant cost on the police budget and the health and wellbeing of our officers, who have been magnificent in rising to this difficult and continuing challenge.’

She urged Mr McLoughlin: ‘This is a predictable and reoccurring problem on the national Strategic Road Network and for which Highways England, an Agency of your Department, is the lead organisation.

‘As the person holding departmental responsibility for Highways England, I am asking you to provide a permanent and comprehensive solution which provides full and continuing reimbursement for the taxpayers of Kent.’

Mrs Barnes added: ‘Kent taxpayers cannot go on any longer subsidising this national issue at the expense of local policing - especially when the force has already lost a fifth of its funding and a fifth of its staff - with more inevitably to come.

‘I look forward to hearing back from Mr McLoughlin and will share his response with the people of Kent in due course.’

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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

Strategy, planning and implementation

How to take back control of your marketing

With 2015 already heading towards the last quarter, it’s a good time to review whether you achieved your goals for growth this year and what your objectives are for 2016 and the years ahead.

A strategic approach to marketing with a plan to fit your time and budget can help you increase the value of your business.

Building a long term marketing strategy for your business will give you guidance on your marketing planning over that period. It shows you clearly what you will need to promote your business and how to get your message across to your target customers. It enables you to control your branding message and take the informed decisions that are needed to achieve your goals.

Whether you are looking to expand a growing business into a new geographical area or whether you are only just starting your company, thorough research can make a huge difference to the rate of your future growth.

With over 20 years experience working with companies in industries including construction, IT and business services here in the UK and internationally, we can help you achieve your objectives.

Using our strategic, research based approach we work with you to gain a thorough understanding of your market situation and your strategic business issues.

We remove the hassle from marketing and monitor progress towards your KPIs ensuring your marketing activity is controllable and measurable.

For a free discussion on either a specific Marketing Project or how a Virtual Marketing Director can help your business achieve your objectives contact us at Kings Hill Marketing Consultancy Limited email info@kingshillmarketing.co.uk or visit www.kingshillmarketing.co.uk

Royal Celebration for 30th Anniversary Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex visited Facts International as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations in early July.

The visit took place in the Facts Centre, Ashford when The Countess toured the research provider's buildings and met members of staff, before joining a special reception with Facts’ employees and clients.

Her Royal Highness has strong connections to Kent as she was raised in Brenchley and attended Kent College in Pembury and later West Kent College in Tonbridge. Before marrying The Earl of Wessex in 1999 The Countess worked in public relations for more than a decade, ultimately setting up her own agency, RJH Public Relations. The Countess now acts in support of The Queen and her husband

in his roles, and undertakes public duties for a large number of her own charities. Her Royal Highness is particularly involved with charities relating to children, disabilities, and communication problems.

Facts International, part of the Chime Insight and Engagement (CIE) Group was the winner of the MRS Best Field Force Award 2014, which celebrates the unsung heroes of research and recognises their essential contributions to the market research sector.

For more information, please visit www.facts.uk.com

• Vehicle Graphics • Digital Printing • Shop Signage • Banners & Posters • Exhibition Displays 01233 625383 • medashsigns.com • sales@medashsigns.com Station House, Eastmead Trading Estate, Ashford, Kent. TN23 7RX

FOCUSONFINANCE

New dividend tax changes:

How will they affect Kent businesses?

Rick Schofield Tax Partner 01233 629255 (Ashford) 01689 827505 (Orpington) rick.schofield@wilkinskennedy.com www.wilkinskennedy.com

Here in Kent, we have a thriving small business community and it is something that many people rely on for jobs, growth and a stable future.

One of the things those business rely on, both for growth and starting up, is investment, but in the recent post-election Budget, the Chancellor announced that he was going to scrap the current tax arrangement for dividend payments and replace it with a new payment scheme. What will these changes mean for those looking to invest as well as the businesses that rely on the capital injection?

Previously, individuals in receipt of dividends benefitted from a 10% tax credit which for basic rate tax payers meant they could enjoy their dividend tax free. Higher rate tax payers paid an effective 25% tax rate.

For investors looking to capitalise on their hard-earned cash, a shareholder stake in a company was one of the perks enjoyed by an investor - especially as the return can often be much better than putting the money in the bank.

The rate of interest on offer these days from the banks made any significant long term savings fairly small. Plus, income tax on those rates makes any return on investment minimal.

It is no surprise that for those people looking to make more return on their investment, buying a stake in a company was a much more appealing option. Under the old system, dividend income stood to be much higher than any banks can offer you in return for your cash, because your stake in the company would come in to your pocket tax free as long as you were within the limits of the basic rate tax threshold.

However, under the new system, anyone who receives dividend income will only not pay income tax on the first £5,000. Basic rate taxpayers will pay 7.5% tax on any additional dividend income, higher rate taxpayers will pay 32.5% and additional rate taxpayers 38.1% but there will be no tax credit.

This could mean less of an incentive for investors as returns are now overshadowed

by proportionately more tax liability, even making the smaller returns on the interest rates at the bank a more appealing option.

For companies that are trying to grow and hire more staff – both important aspects in a developing economy – this lifeline of resource could soon result in businesses growing at a much slower pace or even shutting up shop altogether.

Small businesses already feed the economy in Kent and they are significant contributors to their communities as they create wealth and employment as they grow. Without gaining the investment they need, the local economy could go downhill as a result.

It remains to be seen how the Chancellor’s latest Budget will impact businesses, but the new dividend changes are certain to put stumbling blocks on the path to success for many as the incentives to invest start to disappear.

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MEMBERSNEWS

Delivering combined expertise across regional offices Regional offices can seem the natural thing to do, but how do you prevent the lessening of areas of expertise?

Hazle McCormack Young LLP are a firm of Architects who started in London in 1984 and in Tunbridge Wells in 1986. The offices grew until the 1990’s recession, when we decided to concentrate in Tunbridge Wells, whilst still serving clients in London. When that recession faded, HMY recognised that clients from the rest of Kent were not coming to a firm on the Kent Sussex borders, but would rather go to London.

The perception was that the M20 and M2 were Kent’s equivalent of the Great Wall of China so a decision was made to expand into Canterbury.

Continued commercial and residential projects confirmed the need to re-establish in London, initially near London Bridge, but latterly in Clerkenwell.

Whilst all of the offices have similar portfolios of education, residential and commercial projects, there is a concern that not all offices can have the same specialist knowledge. Efforts have been made in synchronising information across the firm to give up to date access to information and software. BIM has required greater transfer of knowledge and skills meaning all staff must be trained to equal standards and all software updated at the same time.

Inevitably, whilst we aim to provide all clients with the same service, personal relationships develop which mean that London clients still have projects in the home counties, Tunbridge Wells clients in London and Canterbury office has work in West Sussex!

We have champions who can advise on all project types and areas of expertise, and provide services at different stages in a project such that the design may be carried out near the client but the construction administered from the office closest to the site. Ultimately we aim to produce the same high quality architecture in all of our offices utilising the collective expertise that exists in the whole firm.

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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

East Kent College invests £2.9m on student facilities

New facilities to replicate real-world environments have been officially opened at East Kent College in Dover after an investment of almost £2.9 million transformed the campus.

The new skills and training facilities will provide industry relevant learning environments to support the district’s young people in their career developments.

Students in the Engineering Centre will be making use of the latest mechanical, electrical, pneumatics and robotics equipment while the Hospitality Training Facility features an Air Cabin and Check In Customer Service Facility.

Speaking at the opening, which was sponsored by RAP Interiors, Graham Razey, Principal of East Kent College, told an audience of councillors, local employers and VIPs: “We’ve worked hard to create a campus that will benefit the business community here in Dover, as well as young people seeking fresh opportunities.

Our vocational training space has been designed to develop future employees armed with the skills the local economy really needs.”

The campus currently has 350 students, of which 240 are aged

between 16-18, but East Kent College plans to cater for 500 learners and apprentices in the future.

For more information visit www.eastkent.ac.uk

Team Building

Look at the business buzzwords: networking, motivation, team building, reward and thanks for a job well done. What single activity better meets all of those criteria than a corporate day out?

Not everyone plays golf but show me a person who doesn’t enjoy the high adrenaline buzz of competition that comes from go-kart racing!

Where better to host such a day out than at Buckmore Park in Kent.

The location is perfect, just off J3 of the M2 and around 30 minutes from London. Buckmore have the connections that make your day a cut above the rest. The circuit is owned by F1 legend John Surtees OBE and was the stomping ground of young F1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

Events can be tailored to suit you; from an intimate 12 guests, right up to a 35 kart, 200 driver endurance race. The exhilarating circuit boasts exciting corners and changes in gradient that makes it fun for all whether novice or with previous experience.

The venue offers all the facilities required to combine business with pleasure too. Suites of various sizes and layouts, free wi-fi

access, large TV screens, projectors, flipcharts and all the paraphernalia needed to make your meeting or conference go as smoothly as if it were held at a hotel’s business centre, but all overlooking the iconic circuit set in the lush Kent forest.

Buckmore say that they can see construction projects develop across each year. In the spring the groups come from architecture and surveying companies. The summer sees the arrival of the main construction companies

entertaining guests and often to support their chosen charity.

The autumn brings the electricians, plumbers, plasterers and other finishing trades. Companies such as Stanmore Contractors Ltd and Volka Fitzpatrick Ltd regularly hold events at Buckmore Park and have done so for many years.

The circuit have a website dedicated to the corporate sector.

Take a look at www.buckmore4groups.co.uk to see why these companies go back to Buckmore, year after year.

MEMBERSNEWS

Timely Financial Advice Careful structuring of loans and shares can significantly improve a company’s balance sheet and credit rating making it easier to access cheaper credit and support growth.

This is the view of Darren Rigden, Partner at national audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill, who believes recently introduced accountancy standards mean now is a good time for directors to consider intercompany loans.

His team at the firm’s offices in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells are currently advising clients on the implications of the new UK Accounting standard, FRS 102, which came into effect in January this year.

The standard will require companies to ‘fair value’ most loans, including intercompany loans, and charge a nominal rate of interest. This technical accounting exercise will take time for directors to calculate and will impact upon net profit, even though cash will never be paid.

Capitalising debt between group companies could avoid this but does require specialist advice.

For further information visit www.croweclarkwhitehill.co.uk.

Faversham Golf Club

More than just a Golf Course

Situated just outside Faversham near Belmont House lies the beautiful Faversham golf club or “Kent’s Parkland Jewel” as the members call it, with its tree lined fairways and well manicured greens it is a must for all golfers However, Faversham golf club is more than just a golf course with a range of modern facilities that can be used for both business and pleasure, these include a conference room suitable for 20-30 people, this has been used by Faversham Rotary Club for many years, or our much larger main function room that can seat up to 120 people for a dinner and can also be used for award ceremonies, dances and parties.

We are also available for weddings that with the help of our wedding planner make that special day unique to your requirements ensuring a memorable experience.

Back to golf, we would be happy to host either a company golf day or a joint golf day for the Chamber, and would welcome any chamber members to come and play the course at a reduced rate.

Like most golf clubs we have all types of membership available and also sponsorship opportunities.

Faversham Golf Club are delighted to have joined the Kent Invicta Chamber and hope some of our services may be of interest to the many businesses within the Chamber.

For more information email: themanager@favershamgolf.co.uk

Two New Appointments for Hadlow Group The Hadlow Group has added to its team working on the Betteshanger Sustainable Parks project in Deal with two key appointments.

Lorraine Cheesmur has joined as the General Manager for Betteshanger Country Park, and Sarah Brown is the new Museum and Heritage Manager.

They have joined Richard Morsley, Director, who took his post in September last year after being Deputy Director at Turner Contemporary, Margate, where he was responsible for finance, operations and estates, commercial activity and strategic planning.

During his time at Turner Contemporary, Richard was part of the team that helped create the leading art gallery in South East England outside of London, attracting more than 1.3 million visitors and generating more than £32 million for the local economy.

In her new role, Lorraine Cheesemur is responsible for all the day-to-day park operations, including staffing, systems and procedures, programme delivery,

site and building operations.

She will also ensure a smooth transition from the existing operation of Fowlmead Country Park, which welcomes more than 50,000 visitors a year.

To help celebrate the mining heritage of the area, Sarah Brown will lead the development of the Heritage Lottery funded Kent Mining Museum.

Active Mobile Forms Say Goodbye to Paper Forms and try for FREE today* For centuries, we have relied on paper and its many variants to write letters, books, reports and well, pretty much anything.

Globally, about 388 million tonnes of paper is consumed each year. In Western Europe alone, we consume 76 million tonnes and produce 96 million tonnes.

Not anymore!

The time of paper is ending as the digital age gathers further momentum. O2 recently commissioned research into the impact and perceptions of technology in the workplace. It showed that 40% of Senior Managers acknowledge that technology improves collaboration, sharing of resources (34%) and increased efficiency (37%).

Active Digital is delighted to announce the launch of our own new application, Active forms – built, designed and branded by us. Active Digital can create and design a mobile form application for pretty much any of your current forms, which will work on (almost) any mobile device & platform.

Field workers can fill out and submit mobile forms such as inspections, work orders, meeting notes or sales orders using their smartphone or tablet.

The data is collected and submitted back to the managers via a Web portal in real time.

Free Paperless Forms Trial • 5 free licences until 31st December 2015 • Create as many forms as you like!

• Add more users for an annual fee

Check out our brand new website A fresh new look and user-friendly navigation. www.activedigital.co.uk.

You can also check our forthcoming events and check availability.

To find out more contact us free on 0500 835522 or visit our website.

Information source: http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/deforestation/

Your Kent Mobile Communications Partner

Winners ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ Kent Invitca Chamber Awards 2015

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ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Ashford, Kent

MEMBERSNEWS

County's key role in UK growth Biogateway

Kent and Medway is punching above its weight when it comes to attracting foreign-based companies.

opens the door for life science businesses

Kent’s life science community has a new industry champion, following the launch of BioGateway.

Partners together: Richard Colley of UKTI; David Fitzsimmons, incoming Chairman of Locate in Kent; Warwick Morris, outgoing Chairman of Locate in Kent; Paul Wookey, Chief Executive of Locate in Kent; and Mark Dance, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, at Locate in Kent’s summer event at Turkey Mill, Maidstone

The county’s important contribution to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the UK was highlighted by Richard Colley, Head of Local Delivery at UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the Government department that works with overseas companies which want to invest in the UK. Guests heard him outline the situation at an event at Turkey Mill in Maidstone. They also learned that in 2014/15, the UK had maintained its position as the number one European destination for FDI after attracting 1,988

projects, 12 per cent more than the previous year and a new record.

Of the FDI jobs created in the UK, 2,397 were in Kent and Medway.

Richard Colley explained just how important FDI is to the UK economy, and why it is crucial for UKTI to work with local partners such as Locate in Kent and Kent County Council.

He said: “We look to Locate in Kent for quality propositions and a coherent, joined up offer to present to potential clients across

the globe. We cannot achieve the results we do without partners such as you. We are a powerful team together."

After a successful 2014 in which it exceeded its target for jobs created and retained in Kent and Medway by reaching 3,325, Locate in Kent has had a positive start to 2015-16, achieving 767 jobs so far, more than 100 above the pro-rata target.

More information is on www.locateinkent.com.

This initiative will help the county’s 150 life science companies employing more than 6,800 people by building collaborative networks and commercial relationships between themselves and with companies and research institutes in the rest of the UK and mainland Europe.

The launch held at Discovery Park in Sandwich was attended by leading figures in the national and international biotech community. They were joined by investors, academics, local and national government and advisers to the life science sector.

Dr Mark Treherne, CEO UK Trade & Investment’s Life Science Organisation, formally launched BioGateway, highlighting the changing landscape of life sciences in the UK. Simon Westbrook, Acting Chairman for BioGateway and CEO Levicept, said: “Over the last two years, there has been unprecedented growth in the number of companies moving into the region, with Kent becoming one of the fastest growing centres for the life sciences in the UK, with over 150 companies employing more than 6,800 life science professionals working in drug discovery, in vitro diagnostics, medical devices and agribiotech.

For more information visit: www.locateinkent.com/lifesciences.

telephone 01795 534888 email signs@secworks.co.uk

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

11

MEMBERSNEWS

BitesizeNews TIGA creates effective marketing Tiga is a creative marketing agency with a perfect mix of planning, creative, content and development.

We create compelling marketing campaigns that position our clients exactly where potential customers are looking.

To ensure its clients’ visibility across an array of channels, Tiga's highly experienced marketing, PR, design and digital teams plan, write and build programmes of activity and manage international campaigns.

Over 20 years experience of planning integrated marketing campaigns for the technology and industry sectors, has given Tiga a unique perspective on what is effective and delivers value for money. www.tigauk.com

Canterbury Christ Church University sponsors Wellbeing Symposium 2015 The UK’s pioneering Wellbeing Symposium has announced Canterbury Christ Church University as its headline sponsor.

The event will be held at the Kent Event Centre in Detling, Maidstone on 11 November and focuses on wellbeing in the workplace, for the community and the individual.

YESSS - its electric Leading electrical wholesaler YESSS Electrical has quickly grown to 87 branches across the UK, creating more than 800 jobs and with a £100m turnover.

Part of this success story is a state-of-the art branch on Springfield Enterprise Park on Springhead Road in Northfleet, Kent.

Russell and his team at the Gravesend branch have offered an open invitation to see what they offer, including free technical advice and lighting design services and top quality brands.

In addition, YESSS Electrical is proud to provide a combination of intuitive product displays, great promotions and special offers, plus complimentary refreshments and outstanding customer service to ensure that both tradesmen and home DIY customers alike get exactly what they are looking for.

To find out more about YESSS Electrical, visit www.yesss.co.uk

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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

Kent secures the County's largest office letting In what is believed to be Kent's largest commercial property letting this year Travel Insurance Facilities Group (TIF) is moving its headquarters to Liberty Property Trust's Kings Hill development near Maidstone.

The company, a specialist travel insurance provider, has taken the top floor of 1 Tower View, one of the most prestigious office buildings in Kings Hill.

TIF was founded in 1996 and has seen its employee numbers almost double in the last three years.

It currently employs 140, and moved to Kings Hill in order to expand its operation.

Richard Smith, managing director at TIF, said: “TIF has seen over 800% growth in the last six years and has plans for expansion as part of its five year strategy plan.

Kings Hill was an obvious choice for us as it is a great location, has excellent transport links and an expansive catchment area for the additional recruitment we will need in order to sustain our continued growth.”

Recent research shows that 23% (over 200,000 sq ft) of Kings Hill

is dedicated to amenities which is unparalleled in business park developments.

These amenities include an 18 hole golf course, Waitrose and Asda stores, other convenience retail, two schools with a third

opening this September, Sports Park, cricket pitch and two gyms including David Lloyd, acres of woodland and miles of foot and cycle paths.

More details on www.kings-hill.com

Fundraising Tri for Charity Six year old Jake Jordon of Gillingham, who was born with the genetic disease, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is feeling very proud of his Uncle Grant who is on course to raise £2,000 for research into the disease after taking on the Leeds Castle Triathlon.

Grant Miller has already been generously sponsored by his employer, JBH Refurbishments, based in Staplehurst. His friends and family have donated a further £340, bringing the total raised so far to £840, but Grant is keen to meet his £2,000 goal.

When asked how he felt about his uncle helping to raise money for CF Jake said, “He’s awesome, but I would prefer him to take me to Danson Park to row on a boat instead.”

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening inherited disease, affecting almost 10,000 people in the UK, clogging vital organs with thick sticky mucus. There is currently no cure, but the Cystic Fibrosis Trust is working hard to find one.

Grant plans to raise as much money as possible for the charity in the hope it will one day help his nephew.

“I’m so thankful to everyone who has donated so far and particularly JBH Refurbishments,

who have been so kind in sponsoring me and giving generously to the cause,” said Grant.

Donations can be given on www.justgiving.com/G-MILLER

MEMBERSNEWS

London Ashford Airport flying high Business at London Ashford Airport is booming – that was the key message to around 70 company leaders and directors during an event to showcase the services and facilities it offers.

They heard details of new air travel options for corporate and leisure travellers, an update on a multi-million-pound investment in a runway extension and hangar facilities, the establishment of a helicopter search and rescue base, rising passenger and aircraft numbers, and the creation of more jobs.

The event was jointly organised by the airport and Atlantic Bridge Aviation, the largest and longestestablished aviation company based at Lydd. It was supported by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber chief executive Jo James welcomed guests and said that successful regional airports like Lydd had a key role to play in helping to stimulate the Kent economy, acting as a catalyst for growth and prosperity.

Airport chief executive Charles Buchanan said Lydd was making

real progress in delivering its expansion plans. Construction work on the runway extension is due to start this winter and will be completed by summer 2016.

The 294m runway extension, plus a 150m starter extension, will

help Lydd attract a mix of holiday charter flights, city centre commuter operators and scheduled services, he said.

For further information visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk and www.aba.aero

Marriott’s complete meeting package UK Created specifically for 8 to 25 delegates with rates from just £38 per person, it’s all taken care of.

Package includes: • Email or telephone up to 14 hours prior to arrival with flexible booking • Cancel up to 48 hours prior to arrival with no charge • Guarantee to quote the right price, first time, within 2 hours of your enquiry • Up to 50,000 Marriott Rewards Rewarding Event points • Inclusive of room hire and green meeting rooms • Morning and afternoon breaks with sweet, savoury and healthy options • All day Tea, Starbucks Filter Coffee and Soft Drinks • Regionally inspired lunch • LCD screen or projector • Complimentary car parking for your delegates • Use of Meeting Services App • 25p from every Day Delegate Rate donated to The Prince’s Trust Be inspired and take a tour: MeetingsImagined.com To book your next meeting at Tudor Park please call 01622 632006

Digital legacy warning

When people use the internet for online banking, storing photos or buying music, very few realise this could cause a problem when they die.

Law firm Cripps warns ownership of online assets is a new and developing area of the law and with recent research showing that 2.3m people aged over 70 are now using internet banking, let alone other digital platforms, it is not just an issue for the young.

“You might only have a licence for the assets and after your death they are owned by the service provider, which may shut the account down after a period of time,” said Cripps partner Simon Leney.

“There are also issues about password controlled accounts - such as online banking as passing on your code to a family member in your lifetime can be viewed as a breach of security under your user licence and anyone using it after your death could be committing a crime.

“It is vital to address these issues when making a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney so that your heirs have the authority to locate your digital assets.”

For more information visit www.cripps.co.uk

Life’s road is full of twists & turns Let us help you plan your route • • • • •

Tax planning Profit improvement planning Business development advice Inheritance planning Succession planning

Get in touch to arrange your free consultation www.mageegammon.com

01233 630000

mg@mageegammon.com

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

13

INTERNATIONALTRADE

E-commerce boom imminent in the Middle East By embracing digital transformations businesses can increase their revenue by up to 30 per cent – countries across the Middle East are already seeing the benefits of using technology to diversify their economies.

The Internet of Things, big data, predictive analytics and mobile technology are quickly evolving into core elements of business and the region is starting to see a genuine e-commerce boom.

As one of the fastest growing regions in the world, the Middle East’s economy is expected to exceed US$ 30 billion by 2018. This new digital economy accounts for around US$ 450 billion of the global GDP from traffic and trade flows per year, so it’s a great time for British businesses to explore this market.

Two e-commerce platforms to take notice of: MarkaVIP The largest fashion and lifestyle shopping destination for the Arabic speaking world offering everyday lifestyle and branded products to Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Live in 8 countries with 5 million members.

SPREE.COM SPREE is part of the Naspers Group and is based on a shoppable magazine format leveraging their extensive media and publishing assets in Africa.

Category focus for UK brands are apparel, home décor, beauty and gifting.

Brics Nations Launch Development Bank

By Jonathan Davies

The Brics nations have launched their New Development Bank (NDB) in Shanghai.

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) some of the world's fastest growing economies launched the bank to support developing nations with infrastructure projects. The first loan is expected to be issued next year.

The Brics nations say the NDB is not a rival to the World Bank or International Monetary Fund (IMF), however many analysts suggest it is.

"Our objective is not to challenge the existing system as it is but to improve and complement the system in our own way," NDB President Kundapur Vaman Kamath said.

The Brics countries have previously crticised the World Bank and IMF for not giving developing nations enough voting rights

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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

New to Exporting?

Top 5 risks UK Firms need to consider

By Marine Bochot, UK head of risk at Euler Hermes

Foreign trade has always been a cornerstone of the British economy, and with economic growth facilitating a rise in business confidence, the number of firms exporting is on the rise. This is particularly visible among the SME sector.

According to a recent report from YouGov, the number of SMEs expecting to export in 2016 is growing and those already trading overseas are looking to expand the number of markets they trade in.

However, exporting does not come without risk, and for many firms new to foreign trade it can be a steep and difficult learning curve.

Businesses should be cautious and ensure they avoid the pitfalls and financial problems from trading abroad. However, keeping the following five factors front of mind for each current and future export market will help pave the way to export success.

1. Currency fluctuations Fluctuating exchange rates are particularly difficult to budget for, and shifts can significantly impact product demand in foreign markets should prices be pushed up, swallowing profits and putting pressure on bottom lines. The current strength of the pound is having a marked impact on UK exports, particularly across the Eurozone, and firms should keep a close eye on currency changes across all their respective markets and adapt product strategy accordingly.

2. Trade barriers Both EU and international markets have seen recent growth in

protectionism, with trade becoming more segmented as advanced economies move to preserve market share in the wake of growing involvement from emerging nations.

In light of this, trade-restrictive tariff barriers are growing in number, which can have a negative effect on specific products margins in certain countries – for example, Turkey recently raised customs duties on imported footwear by 50 per cent.

Firms should also keep an eye on non-tariff measures when assessing current markets. Many countries are increasingly imposing national standards regarding product quality, security, food safety or environmental protection to protect home-grown producers.

3. Geo-political risk Political instability at export destinations can either disrupt or, in some cases, prevent the completion of an export contract. Companies trading in these markets risk contractors defaulting on payments, exchange transfer blockages, property confiscation and changes in government policies. These may include local trade embargos which will affect both the flow of goods and accrued revenue.

4. Payment cultures UK firms must have a tight grasp of the payment cultures that exist across global markets as they are likely to

differ significantly from what they are used to. Longer and more

segmented payment terms are possible, and businesses may be required to reassess their financial structure, particularly supplier payment contracts, to adjust accordingly. Firms that forget this and continue to rely on a certain Day Sales Outstanding (DSO) figure for receiving revenue may find themselves in difficulties.

5. Legal risk There can be major differences in law across different markets, and firms need a good understanding of how these could affect their ability to successfully export their products or services or recover monies as securities operate very differently - ROT for instance.

It is particularly important not to assume legal processes will be the same as the UK when entering into contractual arrangements.

Expanding export operations can bring a business many advantages, such as increased sales, opportunities for more balanced growth, more employment and bigger profits, but firms must be vigilant about the potential risks and take the appropriate measures to protect themselves.

Who is the CEE Business Portal?

The CEE Business Portal is your go-to source of market sector, event and business opportunity information for British business in Central and Eastern Europe.

The CEE Business Portal serves as a central point of contact for the UK government, Export Britain, and the six CEE Chambers of Commerce involved in the Overseas Business Networks initiative (OBNi). We seamlessly connect British business and investors to mid- and highvalue business opportunities, British Chambers of Commerce members abroad, valuable market sector

information, and integral events, news, and business resources.

By working with our partners in the United Kingdom and the CEE alike, we aim to provide a streamlined extra layer of support for British business looking to expand abroad.

We are dedicated to assisting British companies enter the CEE market or solidify their presence therein by

connecting them to key players in the region. The CEE Business Portal aims to facilitate the distinctive roles of the UK government, Chambers of Commerce and SMEs in today's business market.

INTERNATIONALTRADE

South Africa Find support in this market Capital Pretoria Largest city Johannesburg Administrative divisions 9 provinces Currency South African Rand (ZAR) Area 1,221,037km2

Population 51,770,560 (2010) Calling code +27 Official language 11 official languages including: Afrikaans, English

Ease of trading across borders Importing a standard container of goods into South Africa requires:

7 documents 23 days £1280

SWOT analysis

Introduction Africa, with 200-300 million of its people approaching relative middleclass status, is seen as the next great growth story after China and India.

South Africa is the economic powerhouse of Africa. South Africa is the 25th largest country in the world by area and the 24th most populous

country with over 51 million people.

South Africa is a multi-ethnic nation and has diverse cultures and languages. The country is politically stable and has a well-capitalised banking system, abundant natural resources and an established manufacturing base.

Economic snapshot (% annual growth rate) GDP Export of goods and services Import of goods and services Inflation Short-term interest rates (%) Exchange rate (per £) Population Unit Labour Costs

2011 3.5 5.9 9.7 5.0 5.6 13.05 0.6 -0.9

2012 2.5 0.1 6.3 5.7 5.1 13.62 0.5 -5.5

2013-16 3.8 5.5 4.3 5.3 6.4 14.63 0.5 0.9

Strengths

• Strong financial sector • Political stability

Weaknesses

• High level of unemployment • Crime

Opportunities • Growing middle class • Strong infrastructure • Wages are rising faster than inflation Threats • Education

South Africa’s trade with the UK Food, beverages & tobacco Crude Materials & Fuel Chemicals & related products Manufactured goods Machinery & transport equipment Commodities

8% 6% 11% 41% 33% 41%

Sector Segmentation Growth

Source: Oxford Economics

Economic outlook The economy continues to grow, driven largely by domestic consumption. GDP growth is expected to pick up modestly from 2.5% last year to 2.8% this year and 4% in 2014. Domestic demand will remain the key driver of growth, although at a slower pace than in 2012.

The Rand has remained weak, albeit not as weak as in late March. This currency weakness may help exporters by improving price competitiveness, but there is a risk that this could be undermined by higher wage claims or by higher imported inflation, and so may not have much stimulatory effect on the economy.

Trade outlook More than half of South Africa’s trade is with developed countries, i.e. the EU, Nafta and Japan. Brazil, India and China doubled their exports to South Africa and also increased their share of South Africa’s imports from 8% to 14%. This development is hardly surprising considering that India and China are the fastest-growing

economies in world, and have population of more than a billion each.

South Africa’s trade still relies on the developed world for markets but is slowly shifting towards developing countries for sources of supply. The domination of the developed world as a supplier is being challenged by middle-income developing countries.

Sectors to watch • Coke & refined petroleum products • Utilities

Manufacturing • Machine tools •Electric fittings

Opportunities for UK businesses South Africa is one of the most sophisticated, diverse and promising emerging markets. Strategically located at the tip of the African continent, South Africa is a key investment location, both for the market opportunities that lie within it and for the opportunity that exists to use the country as a gateway

to the rest of the continent. South Africa has spent R642-billion on infrastructure development in the past three years - and plans to spend more than R827-billion over the next three years. Opportunities lie within the energy, transport, healthcare, and education sectors.

Did you know?

The first human heart transplant was performed in a Cape Town hospital in 1967 and that drivers use the lefthand side of the road

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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SPOTLIGHTON...

Tonbridge and Malling open for business Tonbridge and Malling is on the up with both public and private sector organisations supporting major investment that will shape the borough’s economy for years to come.

Recent years have seen projects large and small benefit from increasing levels of investment, including the development of four key regeneration sites.

One of those sites is Kings Hill, where redevelopment began in 1999 and to date nearly 3,000 homes and 86,000sqm of employment floorspace have been built, along with community facilities, schools and a small retail centre.

Recently, outline planning approval, subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement, has been granted to further develop the site with 635 more houses, a new primary school and a park.

Another important project under development is Peters Village, a 35-hectare site near Wouldham, with consent for the construction of a new village of 1,000 homes and a new bridge over the River Medway to access the development from the A228.

The new village will comprise 11 hectares of public open space, a new primary school, a local centre and employment units. Development has already begun on site and the bridge and associated highways improvements are well under way.

The Tonbridge High Street Regeneration initiative is also attracting investment, having been allocated £2.62 million from the Government’s Local Growth

Fund on a project designed to improve and enhance the High Street, thereby boosting the local economy.

The scheme has been developed by Kent County Council and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and the project will start in August this year, including the widening of pavements, improvement of the road surface, a 20mph speed limit and designated delivery areas.

Further improving the infrastructure, the work of the West Kent Partnership and the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership has helped to secure Local Growth Fund investment towards the £70m dualling of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury. This scheme is now under construction and scheduled to be completed in Spring 2017 when it will significantly reduce congestion in this part of the borough, something that is expected to benefit local businesses.

Funding from the Local Growth Fund and developer contributions has also been secured for improvements to Junction 4 of the M20. The scheme will provide extra carriageway space on the junction gyratory system and will start in 2016.

Also answering calls from businesses, considerable investment has been made in high speed broadband across the county following funding awards from central government, with roll out of a first phase of delivery currently under way. For further information

Tonbridge and Malling: Factfile The area has: • Excellent transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe - motorways (M2, M20, M26) and rail link into London • An excellent quality of life - accommodating growth without compromising the high quality and sensitive local environment • A highly skilled and motivated workforce

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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

go to www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-andcommunity/broadband/broadband-maps East Malling Research is also looking to invest in new facilities which will build on the organisation’s international role in horticultural innovation.

However, the story is not all about the big projects; businesses large and small have attracted finance, including from the Regional Growth Funding via the ESCALATE programme through which £1m in loans has been awarded to local businesses, creating 80 jobs and safeguarding a further 20.

In addition, the West Kent LEADER programme has just been awarded in the region of £1.6million for the period 2015-2020 to support the rural economy of West Kent.

• High levels of inward investment over the past 10 years • A first class education provision, including two large further education campuses at Tonbridge (West Kent College) and Hadlow.

Local Economy: • 68,340 workforce jobs in Tonbridge and Malling borough in 2013 (up 24.6% since 1997) • Key sectors (by number employed) include Business Services (12.4%); Construction (8.9%) and Transport (8.7%)

LEADER makes funding available to farmers, growers, foresters, rural businesses and communities and builds upon a previous West Kent LEADER programme 2009-2013 which distributed £1.25m to rural businesses.

More information can be found at www.westkentleader.org.uk A Business Support and Advice programme is being delivered by West Kent local authorities through the West Kent Partnership to support pre-start, start-up and small businesses on a range of matters covering finance and marketing, procurement and homeworking.

For Nicolas Heslop, Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, it all adds up to an optimistic picture.

He said: “Tonbridge and Malling is a fantastic place to do business - it boasts a highly skilled workforce and top class connectivity, as well as a pro-active council that understands business and is keen to support a flourishing local economy.”

For more information on the Borough Council’s role, visit www.tmbc.gov.uk/services/business or call the Economic Development Team on 01732 876011.

• The Banking and Insurance sector has grown by 179% since 1997 • The borough is a net importer of labour with 27,550 residents working outside the borough (around 9,000 of these commuting to London), but 27,920 workers coming into the borough to work from outside (mostly from Maidstone, Medway and Tunbridge Wells) • Median weekly full time earnings derived from businesses in the Borough (£529.20) are only slightly higher than the national median (£520.20) • About 30% of residents aged 16 years and over have an NVQ4+ (degree level) qualification.

SPOTLIGHTON...

All aspects of Planning expertise in one place

Profile Construction Consultants Ltd, founded in 1994, is a leading specialist construction planning consultancy as part of the PDSI Group of Companies.

A Business Support and Advice programme is being delivered by West Kent local authorities through the West Kent Partnership to support pre-start, start-up and small businesses on a range of matters covering finance and marketing, procurement and homeworking.

Profile provide expertise in all aspects of construction planning and time management within all sectors of the industry based on your project requirements on both a national and international scale.

Based in West Malling, we are able to offer our Construction Planning services throughout all stages of development, including preconstruction, construction and post construction periods.

Our extensive list of services include; feasibility programmes, advice on procurement options, tender and construction programming, monitoring and critical path analysis.

We also provide expert witness and extension of time assistance.

We at Profile believe in multidisciplinary coherence and understanding, therefore alongside the clear and concise nature of our programmes, we also provide bespoke detailed 2D and 3D logistics to visually aid the understanding of

every construction project which, when incorporated with our BIM services, delivers communication in 4D planning, time and efficiency.

With our extensive list of clients from all sectors of the construction industry, we are greatly involved in projects as diverse as leisure, transportation, residential, commercial, retail, education, healthcare, industrial and many more.

Most notably in Kent we have carried out works to the Kent Cricket Ground in Canterbury.

Profile are determined to help you achieve your objectives successfully and most importantly on time.

To find out more about our services please visit our website; www.profile.co.uk Contact us via email or phone; info@profile-ltd.co.uk 0203 714 2440

M E D W A Y VA L L E Y, KE N T

The Village takes shape. %QPUVTWEVKQP QH VJG Ć‚ TUV RJCUG QH JKIJ SWCNKV[ JQOGU QP VJG GCUV DCPM QH VJG 4KXGT /GFYC[ CV 2GVGTU 8KNNCIG UVCTVU NCVGT VJKU UWOOGT 6JKU HQNNQYU 6QPDTKFIG /CNNKPI $QTQWIJ %QWPEKNoU RGTOKUUKQP HQT FGVCKNGF RNCPU QP VJG JQOG 2JCUG QH VJG FGXGNQROGPV D[ 6TGPRQTV +PXGUVOGPVU HWNĆ‚ NNKPI VJG EQORCP[oU NQPI VGTO CODKVKQP VQ ETGCVG CP CNN PGY EQOOWPKV[ ENQUG VQ VJG GZKUVKPI XKNNCIGU QH 9QWNFJCO $WTJCO CPF 'EENGU

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CONTACT Sam Graham Cluttons

Ed Burdell Cluttons

David Parry Smiths Gore

020 7647 7149 sam.graham@cluttons.com

020 7647 7272 edward.burdell@cluttons.com

01732 879063 david.parry@smithsgore.co.uk

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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CONSTRUCTION

Focused, practical construction advice Our team of specialist lawyers provide practical advice and support throughout your project, dealing with procurement, project documentation, support during its implementation, and the proactive and innovative resolution of any disputes. We understand and work with industry practices, providing common sense advice as a key player in your project team.

Our team is ranked in Tier 1 by leading independent legal directory Chambers UK, where Chris Whittington and Chris Kirby-Turner receive market recognition as “Leaders in their Field”.

www.ts-p.co.uk/for-business/construction-and-engineering Chris Kirby-Turner T 01322 623705 Chris Whittington T 01322 623706

At Harwood we understand that our clients expect and demand a professional, rapid, proactive and efficient Building Control service and our service levels have been specifically tailored to exceed our client’s expectations.

Our service levels

· · · · · ·

From the moment you first use our services, our systems and procedures have been tailored to provide an efficient and raid response. We pride ourselves on exceptional service delivery and our regular on site presence all of which gives added value to projects along with providing pragmatic solutions.

Fee quotes issued within 24 hours

Initial Notices served within 24 hours following appointment Response to emails within 24 hours

Building Regulation assessment/feedback on plans details and amendments within 5 days National site inspection coverage with site inspections arranged within 24 hours Immediate access to technical advice during office hours

For more information visit our website www.harwood.uk.com or call us on 01227 811882 to find out more about how our Building Control services can benefit your organisation.

18

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

ASKTHEEXPERT

Ask the Expert Q

Why open a second office so close to your established HQ?

Name:

Derek Gilburt

Title:

Director

Company:

O’Keefe Construction

Web:

www.okeefe.co.uk

Email:

info@okeefe.co.uk

Tel:

01732 883494

After 45 years trading from one location some things about a business can become landmarks.

The familiar O’Keefe Construction red logo on the side of the office is on the south side of the Blackwall tunnel being one of them.

Four years ago we were still in the throes of recession but the green shoots of recovery were starting to emerge. As in all other areas of our corporate thinking we were looking ahead. O’Keefe Group started the search for a potential second office in Kent.

But searching just 24 miles from our established Greenwich base raised more than a few eye brows!

We didn’t want to set up in a completely new region of the country as our medium term growth strategy was to expand our coverage in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way across a wider area of the south east. It would also provide the platform to extend our range of complimentary construction services if we could create two internal outlets.

The split in location allowed the London office to focus on large scale, technical, city jobs using all the specialist skills and processes that go with the territory. The Borough Green office attacked the more traditional projects but also needed to attract a staff and workforce with the right skill set and experience.

A Kent office was essential in ensuring we were able to fully deliver on the localism issues many clients demand, from our employee base right through to our supply chain. Expanding our business through geographical spread has proved successful, increasing both turnover and client base.

Kent has a very buoyant construction market being influenced by location to Europe and superfast commuter rail services to the capital.

The County’s construction sector generates £1.7bn per annum which is around 8% of our county’s total output and

employs 6% of the available workforce which is 25% higher than the national average.

A good measure of construction activity in London is said to be the number of tower cranes visible on the skyline, similar could be said in Kent for the number of new start housing schemes.

Read through any of the local publications and there are some exciting, multi-million pound building projects due to kick off.

Group MD, Patrick O’Keefe, isn’t scared to put his money where his mouth is when it comes to delivery by investing in a former farmstead at Cricketts Farm, Ightham. Planning was secured on the freehold site for a new 13,000ft2 corporate office building together with the conversion of outbuildings for start up businesses. Real investment from our business and real benefits to the local economy - and yes, 24 miles isn’t really that far!

We didn’t want to set up in a completely new region of the country as our medium term growth strategy was to expand our coverage in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way across a wider area of the south east.

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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COVERFEATURE

Construction sector plays a key role in future growth for the region Construction in South East England is booming. Business won by the largest contractors more than doubled from April to May 2015 from £214m to £519m.

In June 2014, the figure was £325.41.

There is a massive drive for local spend and sustainable construction and this is a huge appeal to us as a contractor. They want to know how we are going to build it. Where we will source our supply chain from and how we are adding value to the community. The overarching message is: show us a lasting legacy.

Kent is seeing a huge rise in new projects, including new schemes from ports to hospitals to schools.

John Morley, Assistant Director of Estates and responsible for construction projects at the University of Kent says he has experienced a sudden and unexpected rise in construction activity which has become apparent over the past 18 months. The University is itself commissioning a £26m academic building for their business and maths departments from Willmott Dixon, with completion due at the end of 2016 “Both public and private markets are buoyant at the same time, he says, “with the number of educational, infrastructure projects and residential and commercial developments reflecting the confidence in the overall economy”

20

The Port of Dover’s Western Docks, harbour is benefiting from a £120m investment to create a new cargo terminal as well as a waterfront development and marina, with the terminal opening in 2017.

Roads standing to benefit from government largess include the A21 upgrade Tonbridge to Pembury, work on M20 J10a, A2 Ebbsfleet Junction and A2 Bean, as well as the Lower Thames Crossing.

The Government is keen to rebalance growth outside London and one critical way is the long-planned 15,000 home settlement at Ebbsfleet, near Dartford, with industry heavyweights Bob Lane and David Lock now on the committee of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to add momentum.

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

The Ministry of Justice is upgrading facilities in at least three courts, including Folkstone, Dover and Canterbury.

Discovery Park, the Sandwich site Pfizer vacated in 2014, is now thriving, with economic activity driven by an influx of science companies attracted by the talent pool. It’s currently home to 100 tech firms employing more than 2,000 people and prospects for property development are good.

As one of the UK’s largest privately owned contractor and developers, Willmott Dixon is heavily involved in the region. Its Kent office in Dartford oversees many projects across the county and also manages its presence on a number of local frameworks which handle millions of pounds’ worth of projects.

Willmott Dixon’s profile in Kent includes over £382m worth of schemes across multiple sectors in the last 10 years including most recently five academies in the county.

The contractor is also on site with the new £16.6m Wildernesse Free School project, procured through the SCAPE framework.

Adam Worrall, Operations Director at Willmott Dixon, has worked on several of these projects in Kent and agrees with the current positive assessment of the market. He says, “The focus has been on making sure local companies benefit from our work in the area, since 2008 we have spent circa £140m with Kent based subcontractors and suppliers. One of our major focuses is on how we can enhance the wellbeing of communities and society in general, as well as the physical things we build.

COVERFEATURE

So we are rolling out activities that leave lasting legacies, such as work placements, skills training and community fundraising.”

One salient issue facing the construction industry is to manage the rise in construction costs seen across the industry. “It has been a challenging year. Costs have risen a great deal,” says Morley dismissing the 4-5% increase year-on-year prediction in tender price increases by leading cost consultants and organisations such as the Building Cost Information Services (BCIS) as “undercooked.”

“In reality, they are much higher than that,” he says.

Why the rises?

John Morley says cost increases in the South-East have been driven by an overheated London market, where large projects such as Crossrail and major residential and commercial developments that show no signs of reducing, are consuming more and more resources, both labour and materials.

Meanwhile, the construction industry that has emerged from the recession of 2008 is one of a reduced capacity; more people left than joined the industry, meaning a net outflow of much needed skills.

Investment in the local market might help in the longer term. Morley says that, while the University works with companies like Willmott Dixon,

much of the smaller works are done by local contractors.

“They see us as a good ongoing client. We are not there for the one-off project, but as a continuing source of work. This helps contractors in the region, helps the local economy and adds to our attractiveness as a client.”

He is on the committee of Constructing Excellence (CE), an organisation that tries to drive positive change in the industry.

The Construction 186 initiative refers to the minimum 186 career paths in the construction industry and CE have helped organise interactive workshops around the topic for those, 11 and up, who might be interested in working in the building and engineering business. The event organised in partnership with Built for Marketing at Kent Choices4U and the Kent Construction Expo drew lots of interested young people.

The focus last year was on apprenticeships and training and promoting the construction industry as a career as many youngsters are not encouraged to go into the building industry by the schools. A big focus for us was, ‘how do you get into the schools to attract people?’ It was a big drive, but it remains a challenge.”

Willmott Dixon’s Adam Worrall confirms that the County is particularly keen on making sure contractors spend money locally and boost employment in the area.

“There is a massive drive for local spend and sustainable construction and this is a huge appeal to us as a contractor,” he says. “They want to know how we are going to build it.

Where we will source our supply chain from and how we are adding value to the community. The overarching

message is: show us a lasting legacy.”

The county continues to show great potential and is a mecca for contractors, such as Willmott Dixon, who are able to demonstrate true quality, value for money and dedication to local spend and communities.

The Government is keen to rebalance growth outside London and one critical way is the long-planned 15,000 home settlement at Ebbsfleet, near Dartford, with industry heavyweights Bob Lane and David Lock now on the committee of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to add momentum.

BUILDING ON BETTER

Working in Kent and the surrounding area to serve and astonish our customers and the communities we work in.

We are a privately owned company that is one of the biggest in the construction and property sectors. The scope and scale of what we do reaches all areas of society, with over 90% of the population never more than a mile from a Willmott Dixon project!

Our £1bn+ turnover business has over 3,500 people dedicated to meeting the ambitions and visions of our customers.

Being a responsible business underpins everything we do; since 2012 we have been carbon neutral and were the only company from our industry to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2014.

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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CONSTRUCTION

Construction sector strengthens economy Britain’s economic strength has been helped by the healthy state of the construction industry, according to the latest analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Previous data from the ONS had suggested that GDP rose by 0.3% in the first three months of this year and hit 2.8% in 2014.

But after experts began using a different way to measure construction output, these figures were revised upwards. ONS statistics now suggest that GDP increased by 0.4% between January and March this year.

Joe Grice, chief economist at the ONS, said: “The slight upward revision to growth in the first quarter of 2015 is down largely to the recently announced new methods to measure construction output.”

Productivity in the building sector is now thought to have seen a drop of 0.2% in the first quarter of the year, rather than the original estimate of 1.6%.

The news was welcomed by Chancellor George Osborne, who said: “The figures are another reminder that the economic plan we’ve pursued in Britain these last five years has increased our resilience.”

Observers believe that GDP growth could continue over the rest of the year.

Productivity in the building sector is now thought to have seen a drop of 0.2% in the first quarter of the year, rather than the original estimate of 1.6%.

22

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

CONSTRUCTION

Harwood Building Control Approved Inspectors Ltd

Harwood Building Control Approved Inspectors Ltd (HBCAI) was established in 2005 and joined its parent company Harwood Construction Consultancy Services Ltd. HBCAI is approved by the Construction Industry Council to carry out the Building Control function as a Corporate Approved Inspector. With more than 40 years combined experience within the Building Control industry, HBCAI provides its clients with a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience taking pride in our ability to deliver excellence and specifically tailored solutions.

We understand that our clients expect and demand a professional, rapid, proactive and efficient Building Control service and our service levels have been specifically tailored to exceed our client’s expectations. From the moment you first use our services, our systems and procedures have been tailored to provide an efficient and rapid response.

We pride ourselves on exceptional service delivery and our regular on site presence, all of which gives added value to projects along with providing pragmatic solutions.

From the very beginning we have continued to develop our company and within 6 months of gaining our license to operate we achieved accreditation under ISO 9001:2008 and we are regularly audited by the British Standards Institute.

Our organisation has continued to grow even through difficult times, having moved to new offices where we now employ eight members of staff through to operating a network of site inspectors enabling us to operate nationally on all types of construction projects.

In addition, our Project Managers work alongside a team of consultants which enables our clients to benefit from a range of specialist services such as air testing, sound testing, SAP/SBEM/EPC designs and CDM services to name but a few.

Our project portfolio covers all sectors of the construction industry and includes work on multi-million pound research and development projects, hospitals, schools, industrial and commercial projects through to residential developments.

For more information visit our website www.harwood.uk.com or call us on 01227 811882 to find out more and how our Building Control services can benefit your organisation.

UK construction courts remain at the forefront of innovative dispute resolution methods

Construction projects carry a high risk of disputes, making methods of alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) very important.

The Technology & Construction Court (“TCC”) is at the forefront of initiatives to assist early dispute resolution.

The TCC has long imposed costs sanctions on parties who fail to comply with the Pre-Action Protocol for Construction & Engineering Disputes which is different to other Protocols as it requires parties to meet on a “without prejudice” basis to resolve the dispute.

If court proceedings cannot be avoided, the TCC pushes parties into ADR long before trial. Unreasonably refusing to participate in ADR risks serious costs sanctions - the refusing party must satisfy the court why failing to participate was unreasonable.

The most appropriate ADR method will depend on the legal, factual and technical issues in dispute.

Options available include: 1. Commercial Negotiations; 2. Mediation - an independent third party acts as “go between” to facilitate a deal; 3. Expert Determination - a jointly instructed expert who comes up with a legally binding decision on technical issues in dispute; 4. Early Neutral Evaluation - a TCC judge provides an off-the-record, highly persuasive, early view on disputed points of law;

5. Court Settlement Process - a form of mediation where a TCC judge sits as mediator (who can utilise a range of practical outcomes not otherwise available, and warning the parties of the risks of trial).

These innovations are highly effective when appropriately deployed, enshrining the TCC’s reputation in championing effective ADR. It is a matter of “when” these procedures are adopted by other UK courts, and are regarded as a blueprint for other construction courts globally.

Getting the right insurance in place Maidstone-based MPW Insurance Brokers Ltd has been providing bespoke insurance solutions to construction companies across the UK for more than 25 years.

They say that price, whilst important, should not be the sole decision when arranging cover in this high risk activity.

The precise terms and conditions are critically important - there is no such thing as a standard policy wording for a particular class of cover. Insurer A’s construction liability policy may be cheaper than Insurer B but won’t cover the contractor for certain activities he undertakes or perhaps is conditional upon onerous or unreasonable precautions being precisely adhered to.

That saving could prove a costly uninsured mistake.

MPW offers the full range of cover needed for construction site activities including employers and public liability, contractors all risks, performance bonds, special indemnities and buildings warranty cover.

Their construction clients benefit not only from competitive premiums but also widely worded policy cover specifically designed for their sector and placed with financially strong and competent insurers.

Trade federations that engaged in new housebuilding and roofing endorse MPW to their membership and the company has developed specific schemes using its own exclusive bespoke policy wordings.

MPW has built up close relationships with the UK’s premier construction insurers and is regarded as a leading force in their market.

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

23

CONSTRUCTION

Celebrating 50 years of success

Paddock-Wood based Baxall are a leading regional SME construction contractor delivering a full range of services (new build, design & build/ BIM, refurbishment, alteration works and project management) across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London.

Baxall’s strapline is ‘Buildings Built on Teamwork’ and, in parallel to the Government Construction 2025 Strategy, this is exactly how the company has been working since the Latham Report ‘Constructing the Team’ in 1994. Our strong belief in the Construction Agenda has formed the backbone of our strategy to not only develop the company and our employees but the SME sector as a whole.

Our main competitive advantage is our product or rather, our approach to delivering our product. Baxall fully embrace and indeed champion Building Information Modelling (BIM), collaborative working, shared best practice and sustainability (modern methods of construction), all of which are creating a diversity of efficiencies and benefits for our business, clients, delivery partners and the environment.

While Baxall have developed a sound reputation for quality and reliability,

it is customer service excellence which forms the core of our success.

Respectful of client budgets, we work collaboratively with design teams and suppliers to value engineer specifications and provide cost, time and sustainable efficient solutions.

The outcome is evident in our longstanding relationships with numerous Kent clients including Tonbridge School, Ashford School, Schools at Somerhill and New Beacon School with whom we maintain 15+ year relationships; indeed, 82% of projects secured in 2014 alone were for existing clients.

The implementation of ‘Buildings Based on Teamwork’ goes beyond the remit of delivering construction services. In addition to our Graduate and Apprentice Schemes, we provide work experience placements to local Kent students from establishments such as Mascalls School and West Kent College. We sponsor client events and offer support on our schools contracts,

volunteering demonstrations, lectures and bespoke safety talks and poster competitions, educating on the dangers of building sites and trespass.

Testimonial to our commitment and ability are our badges; in 2015 so far,

Baxall have won the NFB Project of the Year, NFB Commitment to The Environment & Sustainability and RICS SME BIM Newcomer of the Year Awards and were runners up in the Constructing Excellence, KEiBA and Kent Invicta Chamber Awards.

“It is our commitment to being the best of the best that is reflected in our awards success this year. Baxall are about delivery, not sales with our abilities being demonstrated by doing what we promise” Malcolm Clarke, Managing Director

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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

MEMBERSHIP INDUSTRYCOMMENT

Upturn in economy good news for Qube Construction Management PLC The UK has seen its deepest recession for a generation and no market has felt it quite as much as the construction industry. However, we have good reason to be cautiously optimistic, says Giovanni Agnelli, Group Business Development Manager at Qube Construction Management PLC. Comparing output levels with April last year showed an increase of 1.5%, demonstrating the longer term growth trends are improving. It is clear that the housing sector is the main component of growth within the construction industry. New Private Housing increased by 4.5% between March and April 2015 and 16.6% from the corresponding month in 2014.

At the same time New Public Housing increased by 9.4 and 3.6% respectively. Output in the Private Commercial sector fell by 0.2% between March and April, and by 5.2% on April 2014.

ONS figures for Q1 2015 showed that total order levels increased by 0.4% between Q4 2014 and Q1 2015 and were 8.0% higher than a year ago.

Yearly growth was recorded in the private housing sector, infrastructure, industrial and commercial sectors indicating a broadening growth in new orders.

Giovanni says, ‘With the return of investment within the construction industry, certain sectors have seen more growth than others. In particular, infrastructure, private rented sector (PRS), open market residential and

energy. Energy and infrastructure were always key markets for Qube CM PLC meaning we were always in the right place at the right time. But we also cultivated commercial relationships in the residential market, hence why the upturn in PRS and open market residential has yielded additional successes for us.’

Government response to the financial crisis was to invest heavily in infrastructure projects. This has seen huge opportunities for construction companies who possess technical and commercial understanding in this market. Because of the nature of infrastructure projects there are many associated activities which Qube CM PLC has directly benefited from for example, in the rail sector, major station improvements, Qube has secured significant asbestos, civil engineering and construction work.

The majority of infrastructure contracts awarded in May by value were in the South East, accounting for 34% of the UK total. This is followed by the North West with 13% of contract value awarded and London with 12% of value.

Infrastructure had the highest proportion of contracts awarded by value in May with 41% of the total value of projects awarded, significantly higher than this time in 2014.

The value of contracts awarded in the infrastructure sector increased in May with the total value awarded £1.9 billion based on a three month rolling average. This is a 26.3% increase from the previous month and 71.7% higher than May 2014.

Residential had a strong month in May accounting for 21% of the value awarded. The type of projects awarded in the residential sector was dominated by private housing in May. Private housing accounted for 77% of the value of contracts awarded this month, a decrease of 10% from the corresponding month last year.

Due to legislative changes allowing developers to convert commercial properties into residential dwellings without the use of the planning process, many construction companies offering soft FM are capitalising on this change.

This increased economic activity has also yielded benefits in the FM arena with the current trend towards company’s streamlining their soft FM procurement from multiple services providers to single point of contact.

This provides commercial and operational benefits for the end user.

Our associated company KM Facilities Management Group PLC have responded to client needs by supplementing their core services.

sustainable and continued growth in UK construction which form the basis of Qube Construction’s key markets.

Qube Construction Management PLC provide specialist solutions in civil engineering, asbestos removal & remediation, mechanical & engineering and environmental services using the very latest industry material and techniques, and we pride ourselves on our integrated solutions.

Trusted to deliver on time and on budget, customer service and satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We’re an expanding business and our success has been built on honest communication and collaboration, so you can be sure that your project is in safe hands.

The election of a Conservative majority government also means that a number of major infrastructure decisions are set to be made over the course of the next five years with Heathrow expansion, HS2 and additional rail capacity to link the northern regions all proposed. All of this points to

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

27

ATTENTION: Directors in the Building Trade. Please Read Carefully‌

What will you do when your business is shut down by HMRC because you are overtrading*? (*Is your Company already overtrading? Read below to find out‌)

How would you feel if your company was shut down as a result of Overtrading?

Doesn’t bear thinking about does it?

Then again, you’re probably too busy running your business to give it much thought.

26 Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1WG 141 Parrock Street, Gravesend, Kent. DA12 1EY BBR House, Magpie Lane, Little Warley, Brentwood, Essex. CM14 3DT

What is Overtrading? And why is it a death sentence for your Business?

Overtrading is when a company tries to support too large a trading volume with too little long term capital. It’s not surprising that companies want to take on all the new business they can get but doing this can lead to late payments to creditors, including HMRC, in order to fund trading.

If your business expenses were doubled tomorrow, could you meet them without going under?

Overtrading can also happen to profitable companies and the buck stops with you, the Director.

Beware - the Revenue are coming down hard on companies who have not paid their taxes applying to shut down 2,973 businesses in 2014.

Directors whose companies enter liquidation or administration, and haven’t paid their taxes in order to fund their trading, may find themselves at the receiving end of director disqualification proceedings - or even worse. What would you do then?

Is your Company at risk of Overtrading?

Ask yourself these questions‌ • Have you had a significant recent increase in turnover? • Are payments to creditors being delayed? • Are your stocks and debtors, and cash operating cycles increasing rapidly? • Is your current and quick ratio decreasing rapidly?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you may already be Overtrading.

How Bretts Business Recovery can help you?

At Bretts Business Recovery you’ll get practical solutions you can use and all your questions will be answered including: • Your company’s key issues (what’ working and what needs changing) • Finding alternative funding options for your company (and putting you in touch with the people who can make this happen)

• Can you avoid insolvency? (If not, you’ll discover the options open to you) • How to ensure effective cash management in your business (effective debt management and credit control systems you can set up immediately) • Simple strategies for renegotiating payment terms with your suppliers (to give yourself breathing space and keep your business from going under), and much more‌ So if you’re not sure where you stand on Overtrading, and want to get rid of your business finance problems, then we can help you.

Here’s how to contact us at Bretts Business Recovery

For a free, no-obligation discussion about your business needs, simply pick up the telephone and call us now, while you’re reading this, on Freephone 0808 168 7540 (quoting reference: NW1).

All conversations are held in the strictest confidence.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s T odayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Apprentices are T Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s omorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Leaders Â&#x2021; +LJKO\ motivated DQG HDJHU WR NQRZ PRUH $SSUHQWLFHV DOVR PRWLYDWH WKH VWDII DURXQG WKHP +LJKO\ motivated DQG HDJHU WR NQRZ PRUH $SSUHQWLFHV DOVR PRWLYDWH WKH VWDII DURXQG WKHP Â&#x2021; 7UDLQHG LQ WKH ODWHVW ZRUNLQJ SUDFWLFHV $SSUHQWLFHV EULQJ QHZ VNLOOV LQWR \RXU EXVLQHVV 7UDLQHG LQ WKH ODWHVW ZRUNLQJ SUDFWLFHV $SSUHQWLFHV EULQJ QHZ VNLOOV LQWR \RXU EXVLQHVV Â&#x2021; %H[OH\ &ROOHJH FDQ PDQDJH WKH UHFUXLWPHQW SURFHVV IRU \RX DW QR FRVW %H[OH\ &ROOHJH FDQ PDQDJH WKH UHFUXLWPHQW SURFHVV IRU \RX DW QR FRVW Â&#x2021; <RX PD\ EH HOLJLEOH IRU VXSSRUW IURP D JRYHUQPHQW JUDQW <RX PD\ EH HOLJLEOH IRU VXSSRUW IURP D JRYHUQPHQW JUDQW We have young people training now who would make excellent apprentices for your business If you would like to come and meet prospective candidates or would like ke to discuss further further, r,, our Business Advisors are here to help with all of your enquiries

Call 01322 404263 email partnerships@bexley.ac.uk or visit www.bexley.ac.uk

28

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

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29

BIGINTERVIEW

BIGINTERVIEW

30

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

Getting to the truth in the world of brand management Talk to the team behind The Rare Skills Set Ltd and it does not take long for words like ‘truth’ and ‘honesty’ to be mentioned.

Now in its second year, the Kent-based company helps clients improve the way they promote their identity, an approach that begins by getting to the truth of what the company is all about.

It is a challenging process for the clients, who sometimes have to confront some unpalatable truths about the way they communicate who they are and what they are about to employees and the wider public.

However, it is one which has worked well for founders Sue Redden and Nick Holker in previous businesses when they worked for some of the planet’s biggest corporate names and which they have taken into their new venture.

The Rare Skills Set is a group of specialists dedicated to helping employers make the most of their brands and who are developing tools that allow SMEs to take advantage of the expertise previously experienced only by big corporates.

Nick, who has for most of his career been involved in employment communications and marketing, mostly in London agencies and consultancies, said: “We had always worked with big corporate names but the approach that we take can work just as well with smaller businesses.

Our approach involves getting close to the organisation and its people from top to bottom. It means understanding the context in which the organisation operates and how they convey and uphold their employer brand.

“We always begin by meeting the senior managers and their employees and getting to the truth of what their company is and does through a series of meetings and focus groups.

“It is a very honest approach.

For instance, we worked with an insurance company that was a good company and a good employer, except that during the focus groups with staff we picked up on concerns that the company was planning to change its flexible working arrangements.

“That concerned many people who fitted working round things like dropping children off at school

BIGINTERVIEW There are not usually problems in the early days when everyone is on the same floor and can call across to each other. Everyone knows what the company is about.

“The problems occur when they grow, when they divide onto two floors, when they acquire another business, relocate to different offices, when multiple layers of management appear and the potential for communication problems is all too clear and people lose sight of what the company is about.

and who said that they could not continue working for the company if arrangements changed.

“We made our final recommendation to the management, during which we said ‘you need to know that you could lose up to half of your staff because of this change.’ The company’s management had not realised the impact of what they were planning and I think we earned our fee in that one moment.

“It was an example of the work we do to make companies attractive to talented people. What we often find is that they can attract the talent but cannot secure or keep them. We suggest ways to change that.”

To achieve this, the company uses consultants ranging from those with more than twenty years’ experience to younger people with fresh ideas and new ways of thinking.

The company refers to itself as a community because the business structure relies on a central core of employees who are supported, where the need arises, by a team of carefully chosen specialists who act as associates, making it highly flexible in its approach. Between them they have expertise in brand strategy and development, reputation management, research and communications programme planning, execution and management.

Sue, whose early background was in recruitment advertising, but who has also been a search consultant and trainer, believes that the approach can help SMEs just as much as it does corporates with the company’s involvement proving particularly beneficial for maturing small companies.

She said: “We are developing a toolkit to help companies on a more localised basis, rather than focusing solely on multinationals.

“We tend to become involved when companies have grown, are about to grow or change shape - or have experienced a change in culture.

“Our approach involves getting close to the organisation and its people from top to bottom. It means understanding the context in which the organisation operates and how they convey and uphold their employer brand.

“It means starting from the beginning, which can be hard for small companies who know that they need something but are not quite sure what. It can be challenging for them to confront some of the issues that the process shows up.”

Among larger companies that recognised an approaching challenge was Travis Perkins plc, one of the key players in the construction and trade supply sector. The Group can trace its origins to 1797 and is organised into four divisions incorporating 17 branded businesses, most of which are ranked either businesses first or second in its sector.

Nick said: “For many people, Travis Perkins sells sand and bricks through huge green and yellow sheds; they don’t realise that it’s a FTSE100 company which runs the likes of Wickes, Tile Giant, City Plumbing, Toolstation and Benchmarx as well.

With nearly 2,000 outlets throughout the country, more than 24,000 employees, and ambitious planned growth, effective communication that motivates and sustains people, is increasingly vital.

Crucially, John Carter, the Group’s CEO, identified and championed the importance of understanding the values,

behaviours and beliefs that he believed had made the Group the success it is.

How was it that 17 individual brands, each facing into its respective market, had managed to secure a consistent culture, despite never having overtly articulated it? And importantly, with the Group’s stated intention to grow significantly over the next five years, how could that culture continue to influence sustained success?

The Rare Skills Set were invited to define, design and manage a project to discover the true Group values and to find a way of packaging those that encourages immediate recognition and alignment by all employees, enabling each group company to apply them in ways that are most appropriate to their business on a daily basis.

Considerable employee involvement throughout the project ensured that the outputs were genuine, recognisable and owned by the people, rather than assumed and imposed upon them. In addition, involvement by selected employees trained by The Rare Skills Set to be Task Force Team members responsible for delivering and analysing focus groups provided learning and development opportunities beyond the day-to-day. This has proven to be enormously valuable to those involved, further increasing their enthusiasm for and engagement with Travis Perkins plc – and to the individual businesses for which they each work, which are deploying their new skills frequently.

The previous Group Values had comprised eight short statements.

By no means misplaced in terms of intent and sentiment, they lacked clarity, were hard to recall, and struggled to convey the personality or beliefs of the organisation to a growing, increasingly diverse workforce.

Some of the more recently-acquired businesses also had their own values, so there was a risk of confusion, as well as further dilution of the spirit that prevails within all Travis Perkins businesses.

Nick said: “The aim was to find a way to 'bottle' and succinctly describe what makes the Group different and a great place to work.

“Our challenge was to help them communicate the philosophy of the group brand, through identifying and highlighting a set of values that are evident across all the companies on a daily basis and are significant in their power to inspire, so that the public can recognise what a success story this is and their employees can see opportunities for advancement within the various divisions - and know that they don’t need to leave to further their careers.”

‘Cornerstones’ is the name The Rare Skills Set recommended to embrace the resulting set of five values. It is a term aligned specifically with what Travis Perkins does – but it also underpins the significance of these values to the business. It encourages endless communications opportunities with strong, powerful imagery and impactful supporting statements, each of which provides inspiration for the particular value it represents.

A clear, coherent, well-communicated set of values is recognised to be the basis for achieving both successful recruitment and long-term engagement, as well as sustained advocacy.

Travis Perkins plc were delighted with the outputs of their project and the businesses are able to use the Cornerstones imagery and messages as best suits each particular business within the Group. A set of usage guidelines allows for flexibility and adaptability according to the specific cultural nuances of very distinct businesses which nonetheless operate under a group umbrella.

The Rare Skills Set is developing toolkits to help smaller companies and start-ups recognise and address issues related to developing and communicating their own brands.

To find out more, visit www.therareskillsset.com

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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Identity is your point of difference Understand what it is, where it comes from and how to use it Do that and you’ll have a powerful brand that stands the test of time Your ‘brand’ is much bigger than a hastily designed logo for use on a business card.

We can help. It’s what we do.

The ambitious start-up recognises that and plans ahead – two years, five years, ten years… even as far as exit.

Through exploration, discovery,

Your growing business will be successful in part because of brand strength – which will necessarily be influenced by the increasing number of people working for you.

design and articulation.

To willingly give their best, they must believe in you and your business: understanding its purpose, supporting its mission and upholding its values. Their commitment and advocacy is crucial.

To attract and retain the people who will help you achieve your goals, you must convey consistently and authentically, through actions, behaviours and marketing messages, who you are, why you are there and what you believe in.

www.therareskillsset.com

ECONOMY&US

The Economy & Us:

Making the Promised Land “Let’s be clear: for the best in the industry, for the people in this room, this is not new. This is just how you run your business. But for others, who free-ride on your reputation, the age of irresponsibility is over.”

Mansion House speech, Mark Carney, 10 June 2015 Thus the Governor of the Bank of England introduced his Fair and Effective Markets Review (FEMR), a framework for cultural change in the City of London. What he meant, I suggest, is that this shouldn’t be new: that’s why he talked it up as “just how you run your business”.

FEMR gives regulators hefty and far-reaching powers, but its essence is a code of conduct overseen by a panel of market practitioners.

The ideal is not so much to jail wrongdoers as to shift City perceptions of acceptable behaviour.

Rather like drink driving, prevention is better than prosecution. Our leaders are clearly united: Mr Osborne likewise called time on “the age of irresponsibility” in his budget speech on 8 July.

This is far from the “greed is good” mantra of Big Bang, the simultaneous digitisation and deregulation of City trading in 1986. Of course there were fraudsters then as in the 21st century – but fraud wasn’t the norm. Mis-selling financial products wasn’t incentivised and thus culturally embedded across the finance industry, as it was by 2007.

Why (you may ask) am I making so much of this?

To some of us it was obvious that if you remove the face-to-face element of trading, you invite anybody and everybody to cheat. If it’s true that “on the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog”, the same is true in global digitised trading.

Well, we’ve seen a few changes in recent years: disruptive new technologies, global economic slowdown, mis-selling, state-sponsored terrorism, desperate migration flows, mistrust of politicians/ leaders, the glorification of greed.

This disruption started to snowball in the 1960s and was clocked by many, for example in “The Age of Discontinuity” (Peter Drucker, 1968).

My aim here is to talk up and to celebrate the “decent, honest and truthful” conduct that is part of the glue holding society together.

Like Mr Carney, I hope we in the Chamber can promote and re-establish the norm that “This is just how you run your business.” We, who deal mostly with people whom we know, need others to understand: Without a decent, honest and truthful code, business in a free society can’t survive.

Since 2007 we’ve seen how essential it is to co-operate in the face of disruptive change, with global leaders accepting codes in relation both to financial systems and the environment.

It’s good that our leaders are saying what (nearly) all of us know, but greedy marketeers would have us forget: that respecting one another’s interests within a code of conduct is a whole lot better than ripping one another off.

Nick Rowell Director of Policy Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Direct line: 01622 753568 Email: nick@tpbs.co.uk

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MEMBERSNEWS

Computers4Africa earns company’s support

One of the world’s leading global companies, KimberlyClark, has partnered with Kent’s Environmental Charity of the Year Computers 4 Africa.

The company has seen at first-hand that by donating its redundant working equipment an alternative solution to its IT disposal has been found.

In addition to making a positive impact on its corporate social responsibility target, it has peace of mind as the WEEE Directive, common compliance and secure data destruction is met and completed by Computers 4 Africa.

Having already collected more than 673 pieces of technical equipment, including PC’s, laptops and monitors in addition to peripheral items, Computers 4 Africa has provided projects, charities and educational establishments with PCs and laptops in Kenya and Tanzania.

During the first year up to 12,928 students will be able to access IT because of this donation and education will continue to turn mirrors into windows as students have increased education and career choices.

Trust benefits from programme DayOne Wellness, who recently joined the Chamber as a start-up, has raised £1,400 for The Kent Wildlife Trust whilst trialling a new service.

Pip Lawrence, Personal Trainer and Head Coach at DayOne Wellness, said: “My main mission is to teach busy people that long-term sustainable results, whether it's weight loss, vitality or fitness, are achievable.

“In April I launched my pilot 10 week Wellness Camp, donating 70% of my profits to the Kent Wildlife Trust, a total of £1400.

“I felt that this was the most ethical

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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

way to try out my new group coaching concept, with people who would stay engaged because they'd paid, whilst contributing to a cause bigger than me.

“The money will go towards supporting the Nature and Wellbeing Act, an act I fully support as all of my programmes promote outdoor exercise and reconnecting back to your immediate environment for improved health and well-being.

“Since mid-April sixteen attendees have met once a week for a 90 minute session consisting of a nutrition/ lifestyle workshops, outdoor exercise class and outdoor relaxation sessions.

Each week the group is taught a new topic, set goals and supported with recap e-mails.They also have private Facebook group to keep each other motivated.”

RAP Interiors win NFB Awards Kent based Interiors Company, RAP Interiors scooped 2 awards at the National Federation of Builders Awards 2015, London.

The Maidstone based design and build company were up against other interior fit out companies nationwide for the prestigious awards held in London and were delighted to win “Refurbishment of the Year” for their design and re-build of Ashford Magistrates Court for CXK. RAP MD, Rick Anderson commented on the project saying, “This project was a fantastic transformation in Ashford and not only suited the clients working needs but was a focus for Ashford, as being one of the first to provide sublet space, with parking in the centre of the town.”

RAP also entered & won the award with their client “Family Mosaic” with whom they have delivered contracts since 2008 as “Client of the Year.” “We are immensely proud of this award at FM and I feel that it represents all the hard work we have achieved as a partnership with RAP.” Julie Anderson (Design Director at RAP) congratulated all the staff

at RAP Interiors on the award and thanked clients and suppliers for their continued support saying that through teamwork and client/contractor commitment to developing relationships, high standards of work are consistent.

NFB commented, “The awards truly reflect the dynamic nature of the construction industry and the excellence in the standard of work in the UK. It’s great to hear that small contractors are achieving recognition on a national level including those from Kent.”

MEMBERSNEWS

Sick Employees?

Adgistics expands into production services

Have you tried the Fit for Work service?

Although not yet nationwide, the Government’s Fit for Work Service is up and running in Kent and it provides the following: • Free health and work advice through its website and telephone advice line to help with absence prevention.

• Free referral for an occupational health assessment for employees who have reached, or whose GP expects them to reach, four weeks of sickness absence.

It can be contacted online through its website, or by telephone as many times as required. It can give employers advice about work-related health matters, (when an employee's health condition is affecting them at work), or when an employee is off sick from work.

The advice can help identify adjustments that could help an employee remain in, or return to work.

Employees will normally be referred to the service by their GP, but employers can also make a referral. It is however not mandatory, since it is dependent both on the employee's consent and on the referring GP, or employer considering that there is a reasonable likelihood of the employee making at least a phased return to work.

The trigger point for referral is four weeks' absence. This includes absence self-certified by the employee.

There is no limit on the number of eligible employees that can be referred to the service by an employer, but an employee can only be referred for one assessment in any 12-month period.

The outcome of an assessment will be reflected in a Return to Work Plan that, with the employee's consent, will be provided to their GP and employer (via email or, where appropriate, by post).

The employee can ask for specific parts of their Plan to be removed before it is shared with their GP or employer.

Employees will automatically be discharged from FFW: • Two weeks after they have returned to work (including beginning a phased return).

• On the date when FFW decide that there is no further assistance they can offer the employee, which will be either when the employee has been with the service for three months, or at the point that FFW decides that the employee will be unable to return to work for three months or more.

Amanda Finn is a partner at Gullands Solicitors and can be reached at a.finn@gullands.com www.gullands.com.

Adgistics has extended its technology and service offer so it can now offer production services.

Rob Brack and the team joined Adgistics as production services veterans with nearly 100 years of experience. He has a background in magazine and newspaper pre-press and production, good knowledge of the ad agency world and an incredible little black book of publishers, production directors and printers in the UK and rest of the world.

The team specialises in all aspects of the creative fulfilment process, including ad delivery, colour management, pre-flighting, artwork production and retouching, along with a full complement of digital capabilities.

Rob said: “We believe customer service is the highest priority and the nature of the industry means that we understand the need to produce work of a high standard to tight deadlines.”

Adgistics is now regularly producing banners and podium artwork for 27 charities. Every year it now produces over 1500 banners and podium graphics per year and also offer print on many different stocks and substrates.

For further information email: rob.brack@adgistics.com

A vision of success

tusp started in 2000 as the brainchild of two visionary individuals who shared a similar vision for creating success and our vision is simple: bring order to where there is chaos. tusp provide Business and Professional Services, specialising in Project and Programme Management, Project Engineering, Construction Management, Health and Safety, Project Controls, Collaborative Working and Recruitment.

We have the expertise and experience to run an entire Project as a managed service or supply carefully selected resource such as Project Managers, Engineers, Project Planners, Bid Managers and Project Control Managers to name a few.

All of our resources have experience of client and contractor delivery, and are fully trained on the latest processes and systems. They have extensive experience in many disciplines achieved through years of working on Projects all over the world. tusp have and continue to work primarily in the Rail and Construction

Industries believing our end-to-end Project Delivery Strategy and our unique pool of specialist resources not only deliver word-class solutions but also exceed expectations.

With continuing growth, and particularly in the rail sector, comes increasing needs for resource that creates job opportunities all over the country, meaning tusp is the number one organisation to gain access to the sectors we work in. tusp are proud to help deliver many successful projects, including the 2012 Olympics, HS1 and currently HS2.

We are also supporting over £1.6 billion worth of projects, with more and more requests coming in all of the time.

To find out more visit www.tusp.co.uk

Exper t legal advice for all employment issues.

Have you got the right team on your side?

Chambers and Partners UK 2015 ranks head of the employment team Amanda Finn as “Up and Coming”.

Clients say Amanda is a “very competent lawyer” with “extensive experience in employment”.

Call us at Maidstone on 01622 689795 or at our new Gravesend office on 01474 886916

info@gullands.com

www.gullands.com

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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MEMBERSNEWS

Van graphics special edition Over the past few months we have been flooded with van graphic enquiries, so it seemed appropriate to dedicate this issue's article to our van graphic activity.

Mathematical possibilities for the future

"Mathematics is the gate and key to the sciences.” – Roger Bacon

At the foundation of every technology lies mathematics. Every aeroplane that flies, every smart phone, every satellite navigation system, owes its existence, continued development and improvement to mathematics. Mathematics is the hidden ‘magic’ which is silently woven into the fabric of our lives. The power of mathematics lies in application - seemingly abstract mathematical concepts, which, when applied, become powerful tools for modelling, predicting, manipulating sometimes incredibly complex - real-life situations.

Imagine - that we need to know the position and speed of an object in space. It could be a man walking down a road or a satellite in space.

At our disposal we have cameras or radars which give us complex measurements based on angles and distances which are logically bound to the information we need but are abstract and difficult to deal with. This is the ideal scenario for using a mathematical modelling tool known as a Kalman Filter. This tool will give us all the information on position and velocity directly and optimally, rejecting noise that will be present in the observed measurements.

Mathtech Consultants was set up by Dr Timothy Wren in 2011. Mathtech is a mathematical consultancy company dedicated to providing the most innovative in mathematical and algorithmic solutions. With a focus on engineering and mathematical research, MathTech grew out of the defence industry, and now seeks to apply it’s expertise more widely within industry. Its area of expertise is modelling and simulation; logical, derivative and innovative mathematical solutions and algorithm design for embedded or standalone applications. The company has access to subject matter expertise in a wide variety of fields related to the solution of real engineering and algorithmic problems, and has the ability to take on whole projects which it can deliver independently back to industry. www.mathtech-consultants.co.uk

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ThinkingBusiness August - September

We recently enjoyed fitting vehicle graphics to a new Vauxhall Vivaro and a new Vauxhall Corsa for Blue Chyp. We love opportunities like this to work on brand new vehicles and we think the graphics look fantastic!

Day One Wellness came to us with a drab looking SmartCar and in just a couple of days we transformed it into a very effective advert for Day One Wellness.

These type of highly visible graphics work very well and are not as expensive as you might think.

Apologies in advance for the bad pun but also we completed some pretty cool graphics for Ice Revolution Dry Ice Cleaning.

Their logo was designed by Ian J Taylor Creative Media Technology Solutions and although this was the first time we have worked for the company we have already planned to work together in the future. We have also just completed a part wrapped van for Goldings Army Surplus and we would love you to see how cool it looks but it's camouflage so you won't be able to!

Lastly we collected a white van at 10.30am one morning and delivered it back in all of its graphic glory at 12.30pm for V Howland. The customer couldn't be happier... and when our customers are happy, team SEC are happy too!

Please remember you can find details of all our services at www.secsignworks.com or by visiting our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ secsignworks

Busy times ahead for GTCI Ltd GTCI Ltd, Building Interiors are Building and Interior Contractors for the Commercial, Education, Health, local and county authority and government sectors.

Established in 1985 by the Managing Director Graham Turner who had become disillusioned with the manner and method used by companies towards their clients, telling customers “what they can have” rather than asking “what they want or need”, then railroading them into spending budgets unnecessarily, delivering poor quality service and product, leaving the client unhappy and unlikely to come back in the future.

The GTCI Ltd mission is to work with clients towards a common goal ensuring top quality of service is provided from initial enquiry

through to handing over a project, ensuring the customer is comfortable with the whole process, not just the final project.

GTCI are currently carrying out projects for Porsche UK Ltd, replacing 1400m2 of suspended ceilings at their UK headquarters.

Hanson Aggregates Ltd, refurbishing and fitting out their new customer sales centre in Allington Kent. Freshwater Property Group, refurbishment of 5 flats in Wembley and external decoration of a residential block in Belsize Park. BETHS Grammar School Bexley, new changing room

extension and refit of existing changing rooms. KCC South Borough School Maidstone, major internal and external alterations.

KCC Swattenden Adventure Centre, major FRA and repair works to children’s facilities. Care Management Group, care home provider, Blackheath Fire door replacement, Hornchurch, residential block refurbishment and external privacy fencing.

Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital Charity Trust. Strip out and refurbishment of a listed basement flat.

Kitchens with QDOS

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important rooms in a home.

QDOS is an established business which has expert knowledge of all of the latest trends and designs in this rapidly evolving market.

They offer advice on how a customer can be take advantage of the most up to date developments in their own rooms and create the all-important wow factor.

As part of their service they supply realistic photo perspectives and samples and can offer cost effective solutions from Germany in as little as three weeks from an order being placed. Customers have a pre-site meeting to agree a programme of

supply and fit to suit their timescales and there is sign off at every stage. There is also an aftersales service in case any extras are required.

Further information email phil@qdoskitchens.co.uk

MEMBERSNEWS

New £700,000 hangar takes shape at London Ashford airport Construction of a new £700,000 hangar is entering the final phase at London Ashford Airport at Lydd, Kent.

Construction of a new £700,000 hangar is entering the final phase at London Ashford Airport at Lydd, Kent. Chief Executive Charles Buchanan said the decision to invest in extra hangar space was driven by a rise in traffic.

“This investment underlines our determination to ensure that the airport is able to meet the needs and expectations of the growing number of aviation businesses and customers who use Lydd,” said Charles.

Construction of the 2,100sqm hangar, measuring 29m by 73m, is being undertaken by Kent firm Civils Contracting Ltd. The investment comes at a time when the airport is undertaking preparation work for its much-anticipated runway extension programme.

For further information about the airport visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk

Four new companies pick Herne Bay business base

The success of Kent Enterprise House continues with four new businesses, Nova Notion, Kent Employment, Viv Oliver Property Accounts and Linfield Dalton Property Management moving in this month alone.

Run by Kent Enterprise Trust (KET), the business space is a real asset for the area's growing businesses and offers them essential services to expand further, such as superfast broadband and access to London in under 90 minutes.

now based there. James Grant, Nova Notion said “Kent Enterprise House is for us the optimum space to grow our company, given its location in the South East (construction capital of the UK), easy transport access, great facilities and expansion space."

Chris West, Business Development Manager, Canterbury City Council said “KET offer a high quality business hub, which we look forward to using for our Start My Biz and Grow My Biz programmes.”

Kent Enterprise House also provides serviced offices, conference suite and meeting rooms available for hire by the community and local businesses.

The reasons for choosing the KET hub are as varied as the new businesses

Further information is available from Mirelle Frost,email: m.frost@enterprisetrust.org

All round property expertise Michael Parkes Surveyor is a hands-on company that understands the requirements of both residential and commercial property management.

Transparency and communication with a personal touch is key to their service.

They have experienced staff who undertake regular, continual professional development to ensure they are completely up to date and able to provide clients with the best possible advice.

Michael Parkes Surveyors is also a firm regulated by the RICS which means businesses who use them can rest assured that all monies are protected and held strictly in accordance with the code. Its team has a great network of professional contacts including solicitors, in-house valuers, contractors, engineers, professional bodies and an in house Town Planner which means they can ensure clients get well rounded advice and experience.

The firm already manage properties in Kent and across the South East and are experienced in working in Blackheath, East London and the Isle of Dogs.It has departments to help with Valuations, LPA Receiverships and Town Planning and we undertake various professional work including lease renewals and rent reviews.

For more information on additional services please visit www.michaelparkes.co.uk

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❙ Virtual Marketing Director

❙ Marketing Training

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❙ Industry Analysis

❙ Marketing Plans for Start Ups

❙ Geographical Analysis

❙ Tailored Marketing Strategy

❙ International Companies

❙ Marketing Mentoring

Located near Maidstone, we serve the whole of Kent & the South East.

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DISCOUNT

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for Chamber Members

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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MEMBERSNEWS

Plan for the future and the legacy you’ll leave behind Serving the whole of Kent and surrounding areas, Argo Life & Legacy Ltd. provides advice, support and guidance to help you plan for the future and deal with now.

Dartford company one of uk's fastest growing logistics businesses Global Intelligent is set to become one of the fastest growing Logistics companies within the UK. Its Dartford HQ is located close to London Gateway Port and it has further branch offices in London Heathrow and Birmingham.

The business arranges Customs Clearance at all UK Ports electronically and offers some of the most competitive air and ocean rates on the market.

Global identified a gap in the market, for a logistics provider with a brand that provides world class customer services packages, combined with competitive pricing structures. Its global vision is to continue to develop a market leading brand, built on a reputation of impeccable customer service, operational management and service delivery that sets the industry standard.

The company strives to achieve this goal by adhering to strict, standard operating procedures, with efficient document turn around guidelines. It uses bespoke IT systems that provide clients with visibility of their product movements globally.

The Global team boasts a wealth of experience which includes staff with over 30 years experience in handling multimodal import and export for some of the world’s largest brands and companies, across a varied range of market sectors.

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We want to help you achieve your wishes, lighten the stress and strain that comes with age, affluence or ill health, so that you can focus on you.

People are living longer than ever before and needing more care.

Parents are faced with looking after their children and also their parents whilst trying to hold down full time jobs. Finding the right kind of help and support is a minefield. Here is a recent example of how we can help: Molly and Bill had been married for many years and had lived happily supporting each other and their children. Both were diagnosed with cancer - Bill some years ago and Molly last year. Molly deteriorated rapidly and died just before Christmas 2014. Bill had tried to look after Molly but he was having trouble looking after himself. After Molly died their daughter contacted us to help with the estate and planning for the future.

We provided Inheritance Tax mitigation advice for Bill and updated Wills and Powers of Attorney for the family.

We looked into Bill’s care arrangements. Bill was now living alone in an unsuitable property. He needed help but wanted to remain independent and not leave the house which held so many memories.

We built a support and care network; reviewed finances; and made changes to his home so he could stay where he wanted. We returned control and independence to Bill and eased the pressure and strain on the family.We are different, because we value the relationships we build.

For more information go to www.argolifeandlegacy.co.uk or call 01227 700 702 or email us at: info@argolifeandlegacy.co.uk

Caring Vets for Pets

Argo is offering a

10% discount to Chamber members and their staff on Wills and LPAs. For more information contact simon@argolifeandlegacy.co.uk

Bedfont scientific wins Indonesian contract

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, AK Pet Service is a caring, qualified and insured business in Gillingham, Kent.

One hundred Micro+ Smokerlyzer® CO monitors have been bought by the Indonesian Department of Health from Chamber member Bedfont Scientific Ltd.

DEFRA registered and highly recommended by customers throughout Kent, the service is unique and provides safe assistance when it comes to transporting pets. AK Pet Services provides clients with the opportunity to transport their domesticated pets to any place they wish: the vet, holiday destinations, a new home, kennels or catteries.

As well as having these capabilities the service also has insurance of many kinds for caring for the pets it works with, including carrying vets and nurses

The Indonesian Department of Health is using the Micro+ Smokerlyzer to help lower the high prevalence of smoking among men in the country and decrease the number of preventable diseases.

In Indonesia, 67% of adult males and 41% of male youths smoke. It is estimated that healthcare costs attributed to tobacco-related illness in Indonesia amount to $1.2 billion each year.

The Micro+ Smokerlyzer measures the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaled breath and is Bedfont’s premium CO monitor. It is a longstanding benchmark device used in smoking cessation support, clinical trials and research. Jason Smith, general manager, Bedfont Scientific Ltd, said, “We are delighted to have the Indonesian Department of Health purchase our products and use them in this important work. The 100 Micro+ Smokerlyzer units will be used by smoking cessation advisors to demonstrate the levels of CO in the blood of those who smoke, providing a motivational visual aid that can help them to give up smoking.”

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

in the vehicle at the time of travel; carrying oxygen and blood in the vehicle in the event of an emergency.

AK Pet Service has been praised for its support and understanding in the event of being involved in a pet's final journey. Adrian Kearney, the founder and boss of the business, has over 35 years of experience in dog training and handling of pets.

Previous clients have described Adrian as reliable, hardworking and one of the best pet handlers that they have ever met.

For further information visit www.akpetservice.co.uk

24 HOURSWITH 24HOURSWITH

Working days that are long but enjoyable

For Julie Anderson, of RAP Interiors Ltd, the working day begins early and finishes late but she loves every minute of it.

Julie Anderson

I love networking because I believe good relationships are essential for our company and to help our clients if they are looking for any other services.

Julie is Design Director of the Maidstone company, which has been delivering turnkey refurbishment and fit-out solutions and furniture for offices, schools and care homes for more than 25 years and places a strong emphasis on funky and innovative design wherever possible.

Having joined the company in 1999, she is responsible for the way RAP interiors delivers its services to clients and heads up the design team creating concepts for new projects.

Julie, who helps chair the Kent Construction Focus Group breakfast meeting once a month, said: “My working day begins at 6.30am because I attend a lot of early morning networking events but I do try to walk the dog first!

“Because I attend a lot of breakfast meetings, I can be out and about in Kent or London from early in the day and I think it is important to get out there and meet people.

“I love networking because I believe good relationships are essential for

our company and to help our clients if they are looking for any other services.

“After the early morning events are over, I will either go to see a client or go into the office. It is important to see clients face to face because it gives you a flavour of what they want in a design and an idea of what will work for them.

Each design is individual.

“I love seeing the clients at the enquiry stage, providing the ideas and options for each project and inspiring them. Delivering something different for every client is so rewarding.

“Visiting them and talking to their staff allows us to come up with the best designs for their needs.

“Once I have met the client, I will go into the office and meet my PA so she can help manage my emails and clients’ communications, then my Marketing Manager to discuss latest trends and products - colours that are proving popular, those kind of things.

“Then I will meet my Design team to discuss ideas for the client I have been to see. I work with the CAD technician and Senior Designer, and our Design Assistant, and between us we have the vision for office design projects.

“This means we can create inspirational concepts with options and provide clients with images of the project before it even starts.

This peace of mind for clients is the value-add in any design procedure because they know and can see what the visual outcome is going to be.

“RAP Interiors is an extremely busy place to work, daily challenges are exciting and I enjoy helping and getting involved in everything we do. It makes for busy days and I try to answer my emails as I go - maybe answering a few on my mobile when I get a few minutes’ free.

“My working day can last until 7.30pm, or even later if I’m on Twitter, but I enjoy what I do - and my husband makes sure the dog is walked in the evening!”

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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MEMBERSNEWS

Natural Values

Rift group celebrates 15 years of business success

Environmental management is widely accepted as part of good business practice, and the concept of triple bottom line accounting is becoming more familiar.

Ashford-based RIFT Group, one of the UK’s leaders in tax refunds and accounting, is celebrating its 15 year anniversary.

Managing director Jan Post founded the company in 2000, having spotted an opportunity to help construction workers for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) claim back tax relief on mileage they were accumulating.

Her hassle-free, no upfront cost service has proved popular, reclaiming more than £90 million on behalf of more than 34,000 workers across Construction, Ministry of Defence, Oil & Gas, Sports and Healthcare sectors. The company now works with PAYE and selfemployed individuals and owner managed businesses across the UK. It has continued to diversify and has grown a reputation for excellence in SME Accounting Services, Research & Development Tax Credits, Capital Allowances and Will Writing.

Jan said: “Back when I was setting up the company, I never dreamed that years later I would be heading a company employing 150 local people. There are so many reasons to celebrate, my first employee Kieran Brogan is still with us and is now our Operations Director.

“Added to this, my son Bradley took up my offer of joining the business five years ago. He has added a real strategic direction and contributed to us doubling in size in the past two years.

Mathematical

The reasons why a business should have an environmental system can be summarised as: • Saving the business money through reduced waste and improved energy efficiency • Assisting compliance with environmental legislation • Gaining a competitive edge; demonstrating good business practice to customers and suppliers.

For businesses that are starting out on the process of formulating and implementing an environmental management system, or for those that are working towards environmental certification such as ISO 14001,

Possibilities for the Future Its area of expertise is modelling and simulation; logical, derivative and innovative mathematical solutions and algorithm design for embedded or standalone applications.

"A pleasure to work with, and also with a keen work-ethic, Tim provides important insights and math modelling skills that enable systems to be integrated quickly and effectively."

Richard Rudd-Orthner Mission Data Programming: Airborne Countermeasures & Threat Systems Analysis & Modelling at MASS (a Cohort plc company).

"If you have a difficult problem, Tim will solve it. I need say no more."

Andy Cullington Geospatial Intelligence Consultant - Defence & Security at Envitia

"Tim is the ideal tame mathematician - skilled at turning complex formulae into plain English and translating vague concepts into working Matlab.

Dogged, patient and able to retain a strong sense of humour he is perfect for providing real intellectual 'grunt' in an industrial environment."

Philip Tudor Managing Director, Multispectral Ltd.

Mathtech Consultants focus on Engineering and Mathematical research.

The Director Dr Tim Wren would like to use Mathtech’s unique skills to solve your company’s engineering problems.

••••

Frogs Hole Farm, Frogs Lane, Rolvenden Layne, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4QB

01580 243210

info@mathtech-consultants.co.uk

40

07777 659076

www.mathtech-consultants.co.uk

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

a course in Environmental Principles and Best Practice provides the necessary basis from which to develop. This one day course for small and medium sized businesses is offered by Teresa Bennett of Natural Values.

Designed and accredited by the CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health), the course raises awareness of the benefits that environmental management can have for a business and enables them to improve environmental performance.

Through the training, Teresa assists both businesses that are in the process of gaining environmental accreditation, and those that are maintaining it.

Natural Values is a natural environment and management consultancy owned by Teresa Bennett, who specialises in behaviour change for economic, social and environmental benefits.

In addition to this accredited course, Teresa provides bespoke training in environmental management as well as consultancy in nature conservation management. Past projects have included work in environmental planning, biodiversity offsetting, and landscape scale nature conservation initiatives.

For further information visit the Natural Values website www.naturalvalues.co.uk

Design it, tailor it. Fashion is good Tube Fashion has been trading for nine years and as a new member of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, we thought it wise to also serve and publicise our bespoke services to our fellow members-men and women alike, requiring tailored outfits at any time in the future.

Our services include creating attires or tailored outfits for individuals and organisations, to specification, daily garment alterations for men and women and retail of accessories.

Our customers have grown over the years, simply by ‘word-of-mouth’ and repeat customers have complete confidence in our fittings and finishing of their clothing requirements.

We also create prototype pieces from scratch, pattern construction and final outfits as one-offs when requested from tubefashion.co.uk We also accept bulk orders from hotels and Universities for graduation gowns - either alteration or creation to specification. Most of our clients are generated from the Kent geographical area, as we are based in Medway.

We can be entrusted with new bridal outfits, men’s suits and women’s special occasion wear.

It might interest you that we will be hosting our second fashion show along with Demelza charity in September 2015, which you are cordially invited to attend. We have a ‘breath-taking’ new collectionlimited edition, for you as most of our customers take delight in wearing rare tailored business designs or bespoke clothing.

Visit us at 83 High Street, Gillingham, ME7 1BL Opening times are: • Mon, Tues, Wed, & Fri 9am-5pm • Thurs 9am-3pm • Saturdays: 10am-5pm (By appointments only) Please do request an appointment via our website www.tubefashion.co.uk Joyce Agiddi (Owner & Director)

GETTINGSTARTED

Getting Started Name: Company name: Start up date: Website: Q1: Tell us a bit about your business?

Most people who know about chiropractic think of it as just pain relief but at Chidi Lynn Chiropractic we also help each individual regain control of their health and how their body functions by helping them understand what is actually causing their pain and how to prevent it.

Q2: What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?

Having encountered patients confused and sometimes desperate having “tried everything else”, we explain, in simple terms what’s gone wrong, why and how we can fix it together by teaming up to achieve better health, function and performance, getting you back to doing the things you enjoy. This doesn’t only affect our patients but the people they spend time with. One patient’s husband said “I have the woman I married back”.

Q3: What motivated you to set up the business?

In 2001, when show jumping, a horse fell on me putting me in hospital for 1 month where I received the prognosis of “wheel chair within a year”. In my search for ‘there must be another way’ I tried many treatments and 3 months after the accident a chiropractor told me she would have me back horse riding within 2 years. 18 months later, I was able to compete again. This inspired me to study many

Chidi Lynn Chidi Lynn Chiropractic January 2014 www.chidilynn.co.uk Q6: What has been your lowest moment?

My lowest moment was caused by the decision of trying to continue working in another practice whilst setting up on my own – this resulted in suffering immense stress. Once I broke free, my business experienced extreme growth and lead to the best year yet and I haven’t looked back since!

Q7: In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?

I want to have a full practice of the highest standard chiropractors helping people achieve optimal health and performance. Also to have my two books published and be the books of choice for essential reading within the Chiropractic universities curriculum once released.

Q8: What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

The Chamber have a fantastic business start up programme which gives many insights for the best start possible and strategies to implement in to your business. You also meet amazing people who support you on your journey! If you are the kind of person who feels frustrated by someone else’s limitations, you’re probably ready to spread your wings and fly! Feel the fear and do it anyway.

complimentary therapy courses leading to the completion of a 5 years masters degree in Chiropractic. Now I can give back to the people what I received, with a profound sense of empathy and understanding of the frustration involved in recovering from injury. Just because one person says “that’s the way it is”, it doesn’t mean that’s the way it has to be!

Q4: What do you like most about working for a start-up?

I have experienced other people’s practices and prefer working on my own terms which allows me to provide the level of attention and care that is required to aid a speedy and long term recovery for each patient.

Q5: What has been your greatest business success to date?

Every person I help is a success story. To name but one, a young gymnast was looking at retirement through an ankle injury. She is now in the top 10 in the UK. I have also built my practice on 100% referral and it gives me a great sense of satisfaction that I can make such a difference to people’s lives.

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In the ten years I have been a Vistage member, we have grown revenues twelve-fold and profits substantially more than that.

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Andy Lothian CEO, Insights Group

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August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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CHAMBEREVENTS

Chamber Events, Seminars & Workshops Kent Healthy Business - FREE Business Breakfast “Improving economic performance through people and environment” (In partnership with Kent County Council)

Business Breakfast Details (unless otherwise stated): Time: 8:00am - 9:30am Non-Members: £20.00 + VAT Members: £15.00 + VAT Join us for a delicious full English breakfast and lots of networking.

13 August 2015 St Augustine's Westgate 125 Canterbury Road, Westgate-on-Sea, CT8 8NL 14 August 2015 Breakfast Networking Special - Hollywood Bowl Rochester Unit 9 Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Rochester, ME2 2SS 18 August 2015 Dog & Bear Hotel The Square, Lenham, ME17 2PG 4 September 2015 Coolings Nurseries Ltd Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, TN14 7NN 10 September 2015 Guest speaker: Terri McDonald from Kent Training and Apprenticeships Holiday Inn Rochester Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME5 9FD 16 September 2015 Côte Restaurant The Village, Bluewater, Greenhithe, DA9 9SE 18 September 2015 Big Breakfast with guest speaker Damian Green MP Eastwell Manor (The Pavillion) Boughton Lees, Ashford, TN25 4HR 24 September 2015 Faversham Golf Club Belmont Park, Faversham, Kent, ME13 0HB 2 October 2015 The Royal Wells Hotel 59 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8BE

42

18 September 2015 Time: 7:30am - 10:00am Best Western Manor Hotel Hever Court Road, Gravesend, DA12 5UQ 13 November 2015 Time: 7:30am - 10:00am Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, ME17 1RE

According to research, UK employers pay an annual bill of £9billion for sick pay and associated costs.

Workplace health and wellbeing programmes can increase employee job satisfaction and reduce staff turnover between 10 and 25% Kent Healthy Business Award is Kent County Council’s free self-assessment framework. By demonstrating commitment to wellbeing and sustainability, your business could reap the rewards of a healthier workforce and automatically qualify for eligibility for the government’s Health at Work Award being launched in 2015.

Working towards the standard gives you access to: • A Kent Award linked to a nationally recognised award scheme • A local health at work advisor • Expertise in health and wellbeing programmes • FREE resources for a healthier business

Networking Lunch 2 September 2015 Oakwood House Oakwood Road, Maidstone, ME16 8AE 1 October 2015 Everest Inn, 113 Station Road, Ashford, TN23 1PJ 27 October 2015 Bridgewood Manor Hotel Walderslade Woods, Chatham, ME5 9AX

Afternoon Tea 25 August 2015 Frasers Coldharbour Farm, Barhams Mill Road, Egerton, Ashford, TN27 9DD 23 September 2015 Westenhanger Castle Stone Street, Westenhanger, Hythe, CT21 4HX Time:

1.30pm - 3.00pm

Non Members:

£20.00 + VAT

Members:

£15.00 + VAT

Join us for an 'Afternoon Tea' where you will have the ideal opportunity to meet fellow professionals, grow the profile of your brand and to build new business relationships.

During the afternoon, you will be served a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes and a scone served with clotted cream and jam to go with your tea and coffee.

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

These lunch time events slot neatly into the business day and provide the ideal opportunity for you to meet fellow professionals, grow the profile of your brand and to build new business relationships.

Join us for a delicious hot buffet lunch, PLUS lots of networking Time: 12 noon - 2.00pm Non Members: £25.00 + VAT Members: £20.00 + VAT

CHAMBEREVENTS

After Hours The After Hours Club is a popular and highly successful 'casual' networking event.

The informal atmosphere and relaxed environment is the ideal place to relax and chat to fellow business people.

This event is open to Members and non-members. Come and join us for an evening of networking.

Complimentary Tea and Coffee will be served.

A Cash Bar is sometimes available.

Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm FREE to members and non-members 04 August 2015 The Conningbrook Hotel Canterbury Road, Ashford, TN24 9QR

1 September 2015 The Conningbrook Hotel Canterbury Road, Ashford, TN24 9QR 1 September 2015 04 August 2015 Nucleus Business & Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre Innovation Centre Brunel Way, Dartford, Brunel Way, Dartford, DA1 5GA DA1 5GA 8 September 2015 Mercure Hythe 11 August 2015 Imperial Hotel & Spa Mercure Hythe Imperial Hotel & Spa Princess Parade, Hythe, CT21 6AE Princess Parade, Hythe, 8 September 2015 CT21 6AE Diggerland 12 August 2015 Medway Valley Leisure The Royal Wells Hotel Park, Roman Way, 59 Mount Ephraim, Royal Strood, Kent, ME2 2NU Tunbridge Wells, 9 September 2015 TN4 8BE The Royal Wells Hotel 59 Mount Ephraim, 18 August 2015 Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Abbots Barton TN4 8BE 36 New Dover Road, 15 September 2015 Canterbury, CT1 3DU The Abbots Barton 18 August 2015 36 New Dover Road, Dickens World Canterbury, CT1 3DU Leviathan Way, Chatham 15 September 2015 Maritime, Chatham, Guest Speaker: ME4 4LL Kevin Bush from Electrical Contractors 26 August 2015 Association Guest Speaker: Bridgewood Manor Laurence Ainsworth Hotel from Managing High Walderslade Woods, Growth Chatham, ME5 9AX Best Western Coniston 22 September 2015 Hotel and Restaurant Northfleet Centre 70 London Road, Springhead Road, Sittingbourne, ME10 1NT Northfleet, DA11 8HN

Rising Stars 20 August 2015

6.00pm - 8.00pm Time: Non Members: £20.00 + VAT Members: £15.00 + VAT Includes: Tea, Coffee, Juices and Buffet Dinner.

Mercedes-Benz Dartford, Burnham Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5BL "Rising Stars" is the networking support forum for rising stars in professional services within the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Rising Stars is aimed at non business owners and directors in the professions such as accountants, bankers, financial advisors, insolvency practitioners, solicitors and surveyors.

This forum aims to help those destined for future leadership roles to develop their management and interpersonal skills, expertise and contacts so that they have the skills and peer group when they break through that glass ceiling!

The Wine Challenge with Breakthrough Funding FREE Event for members and non-members 9 September 2015 Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Ashford, TN24 0LH •••

8 October 2015

Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm Innovation Centre Medway, Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME5 9FD

Join us for an evening of networking with a difference. The informal atmosphere and relaxed environment is the ideal place to chat to fellow business people will tasting some different wines.

There will be an opportunity to put your business in the spotlight to highlight your products and services. You will make new contacts and generate business leads, whilst sharing ideas, and experiences with like-minded business people.

Lunch and Learn •••

Are you fit to supply?

3 September 2015

Making the most of supply chain 2 October 2015 Time:

12.00pm - 2:00pm

Non Members: £25.00 + VAT Members:

£20.00 + VAT

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Kent TN24 0LH £millions are spent every year across Kent & Medway by public sector organisations and large institutions buying in services and equipment and yet only a small % reaches the businesses within the County. This initiative is the way to access those opportunities.

This lunch time event slots neatly into the business day and provides the ideal opportunity for you to meet fellow professionals, grow the profile of your brand and to build new business relationships.

Chambers Exporters

Networking Lunch 25 September 2015 Time:

11.30am - 2:30pm

Non Members: £15.00 + VAT Members:

£10.00 + VAT

Kent Invicta Chamber, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Kent TN24 0LH Join us for an informal buffet lunch to network with fellow exporters, raise technical questions and update yourself on the current initiatives running both nationally, regionally and locally.

To book either visit www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/events or email events@kentinvictachamber.co.uk or call 01233 503838 August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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Tax breaks in the construction industry Qualifying expenditure needs to be charged through the profit and loss account (i.e. be revenue in nature) and includes primarily the salary costs (including employers’ NI, pension contributions and some expenses) of employees directly and actively involved in the R&D and also where undertaking certain supporting activities. The legislation also allows the cost of consumable items and a proportion of contract staff costs, software licences and power, heat and water used in the R&D projects to be claimed.

The SME relief allows claimants to include the costs of R&D subcontracted to third parties but R&D which is funded or subsidised is not eligible for the enhanced SME deductions. SMEs can however make claims under the large company regime for some expenditure that is excluded from the SME scheme. For both, there is no requirement to own the Intellectual Property created by the R&D activity.

So what activities might be qualifying activity?

Many property and construction companies are missing out on cash that they are entitled to as they do not think they “do research and development”. However research and development (R&D) tax relief is available for any situation where you are exploring innovative solutions to technical uncertainties.

For small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) the effective cost of certain staff and expenses can be reduced by around a quarter, for larger companies they are reduced by 8%.

Working in property and construction often requires you to be creative and innovative when faced with certain problems, to arrive at a solution that is both effective and cost efficient for you and your client. All too often organisations undertaking such work do not consider that they may be eligible for R&D tax relief.

What are the benefits?

Any development work where your personnel face considerable technological challenges, provided the solution is not available to, or readily deducible by, a ‘competent professional in the field’, has the potential to qualify for the enhanced tax relief. For SMEs this takes the form of an additional tax deduction calculated as 130% of qualifying revenue costs. This means that a company will reduce its corporation tax liability by £46 for every £100 of qualifying R&D expenditure If a company is loss making then a credit can be claimed from HM Revenue & Customs (‘HMRC’) which can be worth over 33% of any qualifying R&D expenditure.

For larger companies (over 500 employees and either €100m turnover or €86m gross balance sheet) the benefit is reduced, but is now recognised above the line, i.e. as an increase to operating profit.

The effective benefit is 8.8% of the spend. For loss making companies, the 8.8% is available as a cash credit.

Capital spend on R&D should not be overlooked as there is an immediate deduction available for capital R&D expenditure.

This gives a significant cashflow benefit when compared to other allowances where, at best, the relief is given over 10 years, and at worst, not at all.

Qualifying costs

Not all costs which you would consider to be R&D qualify and HMRC provides detailed guidance to the kinds of activities which would constitute qualifying R&D. Once you have identified such activity then you must look at the qualifying costs associated with it.

R&D is not just restricted to software specialists or men in laboratories with white coats. We have significant experience of working with property and construction businesses to prepare and submit R&D claims. Recent examples of qualifying activities include: • Early concept development; making buildings more responsive to the environment, exploiting solar gains, daylight, night time air for cooling, and passive ventilation strategies for internal comfort (e.g. developing glazing and roof light design, including locating and sizing the glazed elements to provide optimum daylight and thermal properties).

• Work involved meeting the required BREEAM ratings, i.e. overcoming system uncertainties in designs and conducting thermal modelling and CO2 reduction calculations.

• Integrating new technologies into buildings whilst ensuring that the other required building services are sourced, can be installed and effectively commissioned. Significant levels of system uncertainty can arise in such cases because of the number of different complex elements involved making it difficult to predict how the components will interact.

• Remediation of contaminated land, either where there are specific unknowns (e.g. unstable slopes, liquefaction potential, or how to dispose of contaminants) or where projects are being carried out at a significantly reduced cost (both financially and environmental) compared to other proposed routes. It may be possible to claim both R&D relief AND the additional 50% relief for land remediation work on the same costs, i.e. a total deduction of up to 180%!!

• Working to retain resilience in the energy infrastructure, avoiding single points of failure that could potentially lead to blackouts or plant closures.

• Overcoming unforeseen problems during the build (e.g. erosion of materials due to gas or water vapour ventilation, or air conditioning units not operating effectively due to bespoke casings).

Do I do R&D?

My view is that if you operate in the world of construction and design the answer is yes. The trick is generally identifying the activities that qualify, making sure they are properly documented and where appropriate, claimed.

Glen Thomas Partner 31 St George’s Place Canterbury CT1 1XD Tel: 01227 464991 Email: glen.thomas@mhllp.co.uk

www.macintyrehudson.co.uk MHA MacIntyre Hudson is the trading name of MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Kent) LLP, a limited liability partnership, registered in England with registered number OC385090. A list of partners’ names is open for inspection at its registered office, 201 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 1LZ. MacIntyre Hudson LLP which also trades under the name of MHA MacIntyre Hudson, controls MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Kent) LLP and is an independent member of MHA, a national association of UK accountancy firms. The term ‘partner’ or ‘partners’ indicates that the person (or persons) in question is (or are) a member(s) of MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Kent) LLP or a member, an employee or consultant of its affiliated businesses with equivalent standing and qualifications. Further information can be found via our website www.macintyrehudson.co.uk/information.html MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Kent) LLP is registered to carry on audit work in the United Kingdom and Ireland and is regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

MHA MacIntyre Hudson is an independent member of Baker Tilly International. Baker Tilly International Limited is an English company. Baker Tilly International provides no professional services to clients. Each member firm is a separate and independent legal entity and each describes itself as such. Baker Tilly UK Group LLP is the owner of the Baker Tilly trademark. MHA MacIntyre Hudson is not Baker Tilly International’s agent and does not have the authority to bind Baker Tilly International or act on Baker Tilly International’s behalf. None of Baker Tilly International, MHA MacIntyre Hudson, nor any of the other member firms of Baker Tilly International has any liability for each other’s acts or omissions.

MEMBERSNEWS

Golf's longest day success Great year for Four of Kent’s finest golf courses gave their support to UK journalists David Garlant and Andrew Griffin when they took on the Macmillan Longest Day Golf Challenge by playing four rounds of golf in Kent in a single day.

The championship links of Royal St George’s, Prince’s and Royal Cinque Ports and the clifftop course at North Foreland hosted David and Andrew as they raised funds for the Macmillan Cancer Charity.

Both keen golfers, the duo teed off at first light from Royal Cinque Ports in Deal, then took on the

6,340 yard Open Championship venue at Royal St George’s RSG, beore they headed off again for another 18 holes at nearby Prince’s Golf Club and finally moved on to North Foreland in Broadstairs to complete their challenge.

With around 17 hours of light available to them on the day,

they eventually staggered off the 18th green at North Foreland having completed a demanding 72 holes of golf. Between the two of them, they played around 600 shots and walked over 40 miles!

For donations, please go to www.justgiving.com/ DaveGarlant

Do you want to complain about your NHS care or treatment?

The National Health Service (NHS) works hard to treat everyone properly and promptly.

Most people using the NHS are happy with their treatment, but sometimes things can go wrong.

By raising your concerns you can help put things right and the NHS can learn from your experience.

SeAp’s Independent Health Complaints Advocacy is a free, independent advocacy service that can help you make a complaint about any aspect of your NHS care or treatment.

This includes treatment in a private hospital or care home that is funded by the NHS.

We will provide you with a Self Help Information Pack to help you make a complaint using the NHS Complaints Procedure. You can then choose to make your complaint with or without the support of an advocate.

Your decision may depend on how confident you feel about the complaints process and the complexity of your case. You can choose to ask for the support of an advocate at any stage of the process. An advocate might help you access information you need, write letters on your behalf or go with you to meetings in a supportive role.

For more information and to get in touch: w: www.seap.org.uk; E: info@seap.org.uk; T: 0300 343 5714 (local rate from a landline) The Care Act 2014 is the biggest change to care and support legislation in over 60 years. SeAp is delivering the new entitlement to advocacy under the Act. For information on the Care Act, go to www.medway.gov.uk /carehealthandsupport /thecareact2014.

Cripps and its team

Cripps has celebrated its most successful year to date with a series of success stories.

Fifteen staff have been appointed to senior positions with one becoming a partner, five moving up to the role of managing associate and a further nine promoted to associates.

The promotions follow a record year for Cripps, which saw turnover grow from £22.8m in 2013/14 to £26.2m in 2014/15.

Ed Fowler, a real estate expert who advises on the property aspects of corporate transactions, has become a partner at Cripps after 11 years with the firm.

Also in the real estate and investment department, Ben Johnston is now a managing associate, while Tim Collier, Ian Hoare and Natalie Mulholland have become associates.

Further promotions to associate include: Ray Bennett (estates), Caroline Hedley (corporate PSL), Jane Hodge (tax), Stephen Horscroft (advisory), Claire Tollefson (family) and Tom Trowhill (commercial). The remaining new managing associates are: Rhona Derbyshire (employment), Joanna Ford (commercial disputes), James Lee (construction) and Lyn Stronghill (financial controller).

Kent contractor awarded industry standards

Kent-based hygienic cladding and flooring specialists Interclad (UK) Ltd has been awarded the industry standards; ISO-9001 and ISO-14001.

The award process was very stringent and businesses which achieve it can be relied upon to work to a consistently high standard.

Interclad (UK) is one of only a few contractors in its field which have qualified for both of these certification levels.

Its high specification range of hygienic cladding materials includes ‘Caterclad’ and ‘Mediclad’ uPVC wall-cladding, available in white and a broad palette of vibrant colours, manufactured to a high standard and meeting current fire safety standards for ignitability and spread of flames.

Available on a ‘supply-only’ or a ‘supply & install’ basis, the business covers the United Kingdom and Ireland and its customer list includes many high street and other household names.

Contact - sales@interclad.co.uk

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

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NEWMEMBERS

Welcome to new members Adgistics London 020 7940 5472 rob.brack@adgistics.com Print, Publishing, DAM

Calm Spirit Therapies Chatham 07967 091458 rob@calmspirit.co.uk Complementary Therapist

Ernest Roberts Ltd Westgate-on-Sea 01843 830045 info@ernest-roberts.co.uk Economic Developer

AMS Training Ltd Gillingham 07771 661397 amstraining@yahoo.co.uk First Aid, Moving & Handling, Fire Safety Training

Cathedral Group (Holdings) Ltd London 0207 939 0800 info@cathedralgroup.com Property Development

Escapes By Travel Designers Maidstone 01622 230901

BAM Construction Ltd Harrietsham 01622 852000 cburden@bam.co.uk Building/construction - Main contractor

Charlier Construction Hythe 01303 268211 c.charlier@charlierconstruction.com Construction, Maintenance, Refurbishment and New Build

Basepoint Centres Ltd - Folkstone Folkestone 01303 298298 lorrainemay@basepoint.co.uk Providing business accommodation

Cisco International Whitstable Jahatfie@cisco.com Collaboration, Data Centre, Security & Networking Solution

Beyond The Cloud Solutions Canterbury 01227 811947 rachel@beyondtheclouds.solutions Create and Sell ERP Solutions

Crowe Clark Whitehill Maidstone 01622 767676 simon.crookston@crowecw.co.uk Audit, Tax, Advisory

BSR Bespoke Chartered Accountants Tunbridge Wells 01892 514514 neil@bsrb.co.uk Tax Consultants, Management Consultants, Accounts & Audit

Dartford Valley Rugby Football Club Longfield 07581 717404 Chairman@dvrfc.com Rugby Club

Business Buddies Kent Folkestone 01303 764288 info@businessbuddieskent.co.uk Business Support

Davis Davis Design Folkestone 01303 247766 info@davisdavis.co.uk Graphic Design, Advertising, Website Design, Marketing

Business Doctors North West Kent Chislehurst 0845 163 1479 stevew@businessdoctors.co.uk Business Support, Consultancy, Coaching

Day One Wellness Maidstone 07770 280791 pip@dayonewellness.co.uk Corporate Well Being Programmes including One to Ones

BWA People Ltd Ashford 01233 720313 bruce.wickens@btinternet.com Human Resources & Business Consulting/Recruitment

Direct-Tec Group Ltd Westerham 01959 568300 simon.riley@direct-tec.co.uk Photocopiers, Printers and Print Management Software

48

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

escapes@escapesbytraveldesigners.co.uk

Luxury Holidays, Tours, Tailor-made Weddings and Honeymoons Facts International Ltd Ashford 01233 648520 melanie@facts.uk.com Global Market Research Agency Foxborough Wealth Ltd London 0207 060 1657 info@foxboroughwealth.com Wealth Management / Family Office

Headway Communications Ltd Kings Hill 01732 897677 delsimmons@headwaycommunications.com

Design, print management, video, digital services & social media Hearbase Ltd Folkestone 01303 254416 mds@hearbase.com Hearing Aids Hotel Complimentary Products Ltd New Romney 01797 362895 johnrose@hcp-ltd.com Hotel Toiletries and Accessories Supplier

Hythe Bay Fish Restaurant & Bar (Dover) Ashford 01304 207740 Global Intelligent Logistics (UK) Ltd dover@hythebay.co.uk Dartford 01322 303287 Licensed fish restaurant daniel.hart@globalintel.co.uk Freight Forwarding Inspired To Change Maidstone 01622 297202 Gooding and Wood Ltd ali@inspiredtochange.biz Maidstone 07778 150885 Clinical Hypnotherapy max@goodingandwood.co.uk Org Effectiveness, Development Invicta Safety and Change Ashford 01233 226477 Great Field Farm andy@invictasafety.co.uk Canterbury 01227 709223 Health & Safety Consultant greatfieldfarm@aol.com and Online Safety Training Bed & Breakfast + Self Catering Holidays IP Solutions UK Ltd Hawksafe Limited Rainham 01634 353677 info@hawksafe.co.uk Health Safety and Environmental Consultants Hax Media Ashford 01233 800081 mikehax@mac.com Video production & broadcasting

London 0203 7476976 steve.ratledge@ipsolutions.co.uk Hosted Telephony, cloud, connectivity, mobile contact centre James Rosa Associates Ltd Northfleet 0845 680 7217 jdonnelly@jamesrosa.co.uk Licensed Debt Advisors to Individuals and Businesses

NEWMEMBERS

KUBE 01732 430500 Edenbridge mike@kube.uk.com Modular Accommodation and Workforce Hotels

Partnership Financial Solutions Rainham 07771 217202 kevin@pfs.limited Finance / Tax Planning

Law Training Centre (Kent) Ltd Canterbury 01227 811845 eve@ltckent.co.uk Law Training

Phipps Anthony Rainham 01634 260000 office@phipps-anthony.co.uk Tax Planning, Tax Advice & Accounting

Leisure King Ltd Northfleet 01322 479909 sarah.redpath@leisureking.biz Event Equipment Hire Managing High Growth Sittingbourne 01795 841091 Laurence@managinghighgrowth.com High Growth Advisory Services Metro Bank plc Orpington 02034 027820 russell.ridley@metrobank.plc.uk Financial services Michael Parkes Surveyors Rochester 01634 294994 ecatterall@michaelparkes.co.uk Property Management, Agency, Valuations, Planning Middleton Murray (East Kent) Ltd Canterbury 01227 811805 janet.robinson@middletonmurray.com Recruitment/training Mission Aviation Fellowship Folkestone 01303 850950 jeremy.abbott@maf-uk.org Charity MRS Lettings Kent Ltd Rochester 01634 408840 penny@mrslettings.com Lettings Agents Specialist

PJ Office Services Ltd Northfleet 01474 325510 pj@pjos.co.uk IT Specialist Provenance Marketing Ltd T/A London Distillers Northfleet 01474 567438 richard@london-distillers.com Distillers of Gin QDOS Kitchens Ltd Rochester 01634 247451 phil@qdoskitchens.co.uk Supply & Fit German Kitchen, Bathroom Furniture RC Steelwork and Engineering Ltd Chatham 07775 202592

Rollo Wealth Management Sandgate 01303 773981 malcolm.cuthbert@sjpp.co.uk Wealth Management, Pensions, Auto-Enrolment RPAS Aerospace Ltd T/A Aerial Imaging Sevenoaks 01892 570678 neil@rpasaerospace.com Development + Manufacture of UAV (drones) for aerial video and security applications.

Safer Kent Maidstone 01622 653208 saferkent@kent.pnn.police.uk Community Safety Charity seAp Maidstone 03003 435714 sarah.deason@seap.org.uk Advocacy Smith-Woolley & Perry Folkestone 01303 226622 philip@swandp.co.uk Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents

Steelwork and Engineering

Social Marley Chatham 02037 637999 ben@socialmarley.com Social Media Dashboard

Recognition Express Kent Rochester 01634 716304 sales@kent.recognition-express.com Promotional Products & Corporate Branding

Swift Alarm Supplies Limited Goudhurst 01580 213900 alasdair.smith@swiftsafyre.com Security and Fire Alarm Supplier and Installer.

Revolution Events Ltd Pembury 01892 820930 rich@revolution-events.com Event Management

Synergee Limited Tunbridge Wells 01892 772960 matt@synergee.org.uk Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers

colin@rcsteelworkandengineering.co.uk

The Stop Hunter Ltd Canterbury 01227 467075 info@thestophunter.co.uk Educating & Training Private Individuals to Successfully Trade The Financial Markets Verbo Computers Ltd Northfleet 01474 353277 cj@verbo.co.uk IT, PC Install/Repair, Software VOB Global Ltd Dartford 03300 011178 victor.binitie@gmail.com Import, Export Agent West Mead Partnership Ltd Sittingbourne 01795 436807 rob.ingram@westmeadltd.com Mechanical & Electrical Design Consultants Westbourne Hygiene & Medical Ltd Folkestone 01303 226611 sales@westbourneuk.com Janitorial Product Supplier Whole In One Golf Leeds 01138 871572 alex@w1ggroup.com Marketing for Golf Clubs/Business Partnership Marketing Wildlife Heritage Foundation Ashford 01233 771915 alan@whf.org.uk Big Cat Breeding centre, Unique Conference Facilities.

NFU Mutual Whitfield 01304 825225 liz_spanton@nfumutual.co.uk Insurance Agents for NFU Mutual

Rhino Aluminium Limited Broadstairs 01843 446679 andrew@rhinoaluminium.co.uk Manufacturer of Aluminium Bi-Folding Doors & Windows

The Burlington Hotel Folkestone 01303 255301 daniel@castlewoodhotels.com Hotels

Worldpay Deal 07917 213986 susie.white@worldpay.com Worldpay is the #1 payments company in the UK offering payment solutions for all size businesses

One Earth Resources Hastings 07771 821855 d.lock@oneearthresources.co.uk Environment Management/Resource Efficiency

Richard Torble Photography Faversham 07791 513706 richard@richardtorblephotography.com Photography Services

The Kent Discount Card Sittingbourne 0844 811 2113 lenny@kdckent.co.uk Kents Only Premier Discount Card

Zazie Business Services Ltd Rochester 01634 295169 marcus@zazie.company Accounting and Business Advice

August - September 2015ThinkingBUSINESS

49

LASTWORD

MOVERS&SHAKERS

Thomson Snell and Passmore fosters future growth with 10 internal promotions

The Last Word Name:

Karen Cresswell

Company:

Kings Hill Marketing Consultancy Limited

Job title: Managing Director After taking a sandwich degree with University of Westminster I started at Confederation Life Insurance as a trainee investment analyst looking at French companies. Later progressed to analysing companies within Europe and was promoted to European Fund Manager.

Then moved to Shell Bermuda and spent 6 years managing their European and Japanese expatriate pension funds. Qualified as member of UKSIP and as a Chartered Financial Analyst. Started The Kings Hill Directory magazine 2004 and Kings Hill Marketing Consultancy early 2015.

Q. What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

A. Worked for ICL for a year before starting university and earned £300 per month.

Q. What do you always carry with you to work?

A. An apple - hopefully, a different one each day!

Q. What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

A. Helping clients understand the benefits of taking a strategic approach to their business.

Q. If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business?

A. Reduce corporation tax.

Q. What can you see from your office window?

A. Roses and a song thrush eating a snail.

Q. If you could do another job what would it be?

A. Manage a charity.

Q. As a business person, what are your three main qualities?

A. I would say caring, hard working and my integrity.

Q. What was your biggest mistake in business?

A. In the early days I was too trusting with one customer who disappeared abroad without paying their invoice.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

A. Always research your project thoroughly before you start and if there is something you do not understand ask for help.

Q. Who do you most admire in business?

A. I know many business owners who have overcome the odds and they are the people I admire most in business.

50

ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2015

Leading South East law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has announced a wave of internal promotions.

Senior Associate Douglas Skilton and Legal Executive Senior Associate Julie Gabay, both in the Dispute Resolution practice, are promoted to Salaried Partners.

Douglas has been at the firm for more than ten years, joining as a trainee and specialises in complex and high value commercial disputes.

Julie joined the firm in 1994 and advises a diverse client base on contractual and commercial disputes, notably disputes involving directors of companies, partnerships, shareholders and advising in insolvency proceedings.

The disputes team is further bolstered with the promotion of Chris Kirby Turner to Senior Associate. Chris focuses on contentious and non-contentious construction disputes and advises on a range of multi-party cases as well as mediation.

Guaranteeing peace of mind Darren Smith has worked for NFU Mutual for more than12 years. During his time with the company he has built up a wealth of knowledge regarding personal insurance, including car and home insurance and high networth properties.

His main role is arranging commercial insurance for small, mid corporate and large corporate businesses.

Operating from NFU Mutual offices in Ashford & Tenterden Darren covers

the whole of the South East and provides a personal local service which most people prefer.

Darren would welcome the chance to visit businesses in the area and review their current insurances.

Legal Executive Richard Hearne is also promoted to an Associate in the Private Client practice. Richard specialises in non-contentious probate matters with a particular focus on multi-jurisdictional matters. Solicitor Krishen Patel in the Corporate and Commercial team is promoted to Associate. Krishen works with a broad range of clients including private limited companies, and owner managed businesses and UK subsidiaries of major foreign companies.

New challenge for Emma Emma Catterall has recently joined Michael Parkes Surveyors in Rochester. Raised in North Kent she now lives near Maidstone and is a member of the IRPM and an Associate of the RICS. Having spent just over 11 years working for a local firm in Kent, Emma Emma is keen to drive then gained experience change and add value to working in Canary Wharf the company by extending before returning to join Michael Parkes Surveyors our property management department and would for this excellent love to speak to any opportunity heading up readers who have property the Agency and Property Management department. related queries.

Plugging the Care Gap Former Brachers’ partners Simon Crooks and Kelly Duke have established Argo Life & Legacy Ltd. providing legal and support services to individuals and families. Simon has developed private client teams at a number of

regional law firms and Kelly has built a strong reputation in elderly and vulnerable work over 20 years.

When it comes to elderly care there’s a clear need for support.

Finding the right kind of

help is a minefield.

Kelly says “We plug the gap. We provide support to those unable to manage their own affairs and help others plan ahead through Wills and Lasting Powers.”

PIONEERING SCHEME CELEBRATED AT AWARDS CEREMONY

Mollie Ferguson, Employability Points Ambassador, said: ‘The Rewards evening was a fantastic opportunity for students to network with sponsors and supporters, and to inspire others to get more involved with the scheme in the future to reap the brilliant rewards available!'

Now in its fourth year, The University of Kent’s Employability Points (EP) scheme saw a record 5,102 students talking part, with 130 companies offering 567 prizes to its most engaged students.

Developed by Kent Innovation and Enterprise at the University, EP encourages students to develop personal and work skills of value to future employers and offering reward points for their active engagement in activities outside their degree programme.

These include: involvement with campus events; student mentoring; organising student society events; presenting at international conferences; volunteering; part-time employment; work placements; international study; and completion of a world language module.

The evening was sponsored by Santander Universities with Canterbury City Council sponsoring the promotional material for the ceremony. Students with the highest points were presented with prizes such as training programmes, paid internships and vouchers, all of which are sponsored by organisations or companies.

Lord Mayor of Canterbury Councillor Sally Waters, representatives from Santander, members of Medway and Canterbury City Councils and the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning Professor Chris Davies were among the guests who attended the ceremony.

Professor Davies said: ‘Over a quarter of all Kent’s students and over 130 employers are now engaged with the scheme. These two facts alone demonstrate the importance both students and employers place on the development of skills and experience within education. Education is not just about gaining excellence in a discipline, it is also about gaining life skills valuable beyond university. This scheme supports that mission in an excellent and progressive way.’

Marcus Wright, Enterprise Manager at Kent Innovation & Enterprise said: ‘If you have been inspired by this story and would like to become a sponsor or supporter of the EP Scheme, please email Employabilitypoints@kent.ac.uk or phone 01227 824641.’

For more information and news, visit www.kent.ac.uk/employabilitypoints Twitter: @EmPoints