Towcester In Business June 2012 issue

F R E E

MONTHLY

Distributed to Towcester & Surrounding Villages

JUNE 2012

BUSINESSES THAT ADVERTISE IN A RECESSION ARE THE ONES THAT SURVIVE AND COME OUT THE OTHER END

To advertise telephone 0844 6933228 website: www.inbusinessmags.co.uk

Best Area Magazines Ltd Website: www.inbusinessmags.co.uk T: 0844 6933228 EDITOR/ARTWORK Mandy Mills

C O N T E N T S Email: inbusinessmagazines@gmail.com ADVERTISING Kate Martin 0844 6933228 Email: inbusinessmagazines@gmail.com FEATURES EDITOR Jen Oakton PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Howard

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“Health Section”

6

“Foreign Spending Options”

7 11

“Franchisee of the year again” Cloudy 2 Clear!

“Choosing A Window & Conservatory Company” Custom glaze

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Trevor Skidmore

13

“Don’t Drive Tired”

NEXT ISSUE COPY DATE 20th June 2012

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Index

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Local Pub Guide

JUNE 2012 ISSUE Scan this QR Code with your smartphone to link up to Inbusiness magazines website and find out more about our publications.

The aims of Towcester In Business Magazine are to help businesses in the area become known and useful to local people and to encourage the people of Towcester and surrounding areas to support these businesses in order that the local community can flourish. © 2012 All artwork and copy appearing in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

All information published is correct according to those who supplied it and no responsibility is taken if it is not.

Care is taken to ensure all advertisements are truthful and no liability is accepted for errors or emissions.The right to refuse advertisements is reserved. The use of this publication for

canvassing, direct marketing or any other activity apart from sourcing local goods and services is strictly prohibited.

The above title is a division of The Best Area Magazines Ltd.

4 Haigh villas, Throckmorton Road Lower Moor, Nr Pershore Worcestershire WR10 2PW

Other magazines include Brackley & Buckingham & Surrounding Villages.

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Health &Beauty

Divine Therapy Country Retreat We at Divine Therapy have always had a passion for the countryside, we respect the land that grows the plants we use for our essential oils.

When we were offered the opportunity of using the Granary barn as our country retreat, surrounded by 500 acres of Winter Wheat, Oilseed Rape and Linseed with a flock of sheep in permanent pastures, we thought it would be an inspirational, peaceful and perfect place to learn and experience about massage and aromatherapy.

We are excited to be able to offer a series of workshops and treatment days at our venue, Greatworth Hall.

We begin with our Fathers Day Special, Dads Baby Massage class, which will run on 16th of June. While parents enjoy fresh coffee and patisseries, Dads will learn all

about baby massage and mums will enjoy luxurious beauty treatments.

On 30th June we will be running an ‘Introduction to Aromatherapy’ workshop. In a tranquil and natural location we will learn about the power and healing that essential oils can provide.

We will be teaching some basic massage skills to enable you to practise on family and friends, relaxation techniques and how aromatherapy can enhance these techniques, plus lots more.

Homemade lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. During the day there will be breaks which will be an opportunity to walk the grounds and enjoy the relaxation that being in the country can bring.

At a later date, we will also be running a series of treatment days and wellbeing courses out of Granary barn. If you would like more information or to book your place on our courses, please visit our website www.divine-therapy.co.uk or call Caren on 07921 956535

Caren Benstead

RRP £450 Our Price £200 SAVE £250

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Health &Beauty

Please mention the Towcester IN B US INE S S MA GA ZINE when responding to advertisers.

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5

Foreign Spending Options If you are travelling abroad this summer, you’ll need to make some decisions about how you’ll do your spending. Here’s a quick guide to the various options.

Credit and debit cards are very useful, though it is essential to take time to find a card that has been designed for overseas spending otherwise the hefty transaction fees and poor rates could be a nasty shock. Some websites offer a credit card comparison service and this is a great place to start your investigation.

Prepaid currency cards are a safer alternative to using credit or debit cards. You load a set amount of money onto the card and then use it in the same way as a debit card. One benefit is that a pre-paid card can be replaced should it become lost but, if you are considering this option, look

out for unexpected application fees and other charges and check the exchange rates offered as they usually do not represent particularly good value.

An advantage of taking cash is that you won’t be subject to fluctuations in the exchange rate so your holiday can’t get any more expensive if the exchange rate is poor. Do not wait until the last minute to order your holiday cash as you’ll miss out on the best deals. Shop around for the best rate and order online for home delivery or airport collection.

Travellers’ cheques are less popular now than in the past. They can be useful if you do not want to use cards but would also rather not carry cash.

You can get travellers’ cheques replaced so long as you keep a careful record of their numbers.

However, commission fees on travellers’ cheques can be excessive and when cashing the cheque, you may be subject to an additional charge.

Finding somewhere to cash your travellers’ cheque may be a problem and some countries do not accept them at all. Do your research first!

Jen Oakton

• PVCu Windows & Doors • Double Glazed Units

• Safety/Toughened Glass • Laminated Glass • Mirrors

• Table tops

• Leaded Lights

• Misty Units Replaced

Email: info@brackleyglass.com Website: www.brackleyglass.com

Tel/Fax: 01280 703277 Mobile: 07793 206253 6

Please mention the Towcester IN B US INE S S MA GA ZINE when responding to advertisers.

To advertise call 0844 6933228 website: www.inbusinessmags.co.uk

Please mention the Towcester IN B US INE S S MA GA ZINE when responding to advertisers.

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7

ALL TYPES OF

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED ENGINEER ●CENTRAL HEATING

Mosaic Swimming Pools & Hot Tub Ltd.

●POWER FLUSHING ●DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEMS ●BATHROOMS / SUITES / RADIATORS /

TAPS / SINKS / SHOWERS ETC...

REPLACED, REPAIRED, MOVED & INSTALLED NO CALL OUT CHARGE Fu ll Ho t Tu b S e r v i c e £1 7 5 Fu ll Po o l S e rvi ce £ 7 2 (excluding chemicals, all inclusive)

New

Hot Tub Tub Centre

W inslow

CALL US NOW

now open

Tel: 01280 843101

www.mosaicswimmingpools.co.uk mobile: 07968 190456 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE TRADE

S PI C E R S C O M B E B A R N Self Catering Holiday Accomodation

FREEPHONE: 0800 6951944

❚ 4 bedrooms - 2 doubles, 1 twin and 1 bunk bed ❚ Family Bathroom and Shower Room ❚ Wash Room with washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and board ❚ 50ft Open Plan Living Area with wood burning stove ❚ Fully Equipped Kitchen ❚ Dining Area

MOBILE: 07788 513780

www.spicerscombebarn.co.uk

For availability and booking please phone Kate Burgess on

01280 822766

KINGSBRIDGE DEVON Spicerscombe Barn is situated in a quiet location 3 miles from the small town of Modbury.

Sleeps 8 8

FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED TREE CARE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE Leylandii & Conifer problems solved Hedges reduced and trimmed Pruning, thinning and felling Large or small jobs welcome

10% DISCOUNT FOR OAP’S

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SERVICING Towcester

From

ÂŁ90 inc VAT Brackley

Buckingham

All

TYRES

FOR ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES AVAILABLE

ACCESSORIES All Motorhome & Caravan Accessories supplied and fitted to the highest of quality

Insurance & warranty undertaken

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The Towcester in Business Directory of Public Houses & Restaurants THE BUTCHERS ARMS, 10 HIGH STREET GREENS NORTON, TOWCESTER NN12 8BA 01327 350488 THE DOLPHIN CAFÉ 175 WATLING STREET, TOWCESTER NN12 6BX 01327 350808 EASTCOTE ARMS 6 GAYTON ROAD, EASTCOTE, TOWCESTER NN12 8NG 01327 830731 THE GEORGE INN HIGH STRET NORTH, TIFFIELD TOWCESTER NN12 8AD 01327 350587 THE FOX & HOUNDS 44 HIGH STREET, WHITTLEBURY NN12 8XY 01327 858048 THE OLD TALBOT 77 WATLING STREET,POTTERSBURYTOWCESTER NN12 7QD 01908 542124 PLOUGH INN, 5 MAIN ROAD, SHUTLANGER,TOWCESTER NN12 7R 01604 864505 THE WHITE HART NORTHAMPTON ROAD, GRAFTON REGIS, TOWCESTER NN12 7SR 01908 542123 THE PLOUGH 96 WATLING STREET, TOWCESTER NN12 6BT 01327 350738 THE RED LION, 4 WATLING STREET EAST, FOSTERS BOOTH, TOWCESTER NN12 8LB 01327 830259

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THE ROYAL OAK 6 LIME AVENUE, EYDON, DAVENTRY NN11 3PG 01327 263167 BRAVE OLD OAK 104-106 WATLING STREET, TOWCESTER NN12 8RE 01327 358255 THE BARTHOLOMEW ARMS 30 HIGH STREET, BLAKESLEY, TOWCESTER NN12 8RE 01327 860292

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THE BARLEY MOW 53 HIGH STREET, PAULERSBURY,TOWCESTER NN12 6B 01327 811260 THE COCK INN 46 HIGH STREET, POTTERSBURY,TOWCESTER NN12 7PQ 01908 542142

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T: 01386 424898 inbusinesspublications@yahoo.co.uk

Choosing a window and conservatory company Window and conservatory companies often get a bad press. Pushy salespeople and silly price bargaining are a common experience for many.

However, there are trusted, established companies out there.

It’s a case of shopping around to find them.

If you are planning to replace your windows or doors, or add an extra room to your house with a new conservatory or garden room, take some time to think about your steps carefully. After all, it’s your home, your investment, and your money.

Consider what you need and are hoping to achieve with the improvement. In the case of windows it could be reducing heat loss. If that is the case, think about the energy rating of the glass. Shop around for the businesses that are offering what you need.

If they have a showroom, take time out to visit.

It will give you a much better feel for the products if

you can seem them in-situ.

Ask to see testimonials and letters from past customers.

Get quotes from a few different companies.

State clearly to them your requirements, and ask them to quote their best price.

Appraise each one. Was the salesman knowledgeable about the products? Was he too pushy, trying to get you to commit there and then? Were they offering ‘A’ energy rated windows as standard?

What after-care service and guarantees did they offer?

Did the business have trade accreditations?

When you make your final decision, yes, still consider price, but remember that old adage. If something seems too good to be true, it more than likely is.

For helpful advice on your next purchase speak to: Custom Glaze, Denbigh Hall Industrial Estate, Bletchley, Milton Keynes. MK3 7QT. Tel: 01908 650140 www.customglaze.co.uk

Please mention the Towcester I N B U S I N E S S M A G A Z I N E when responding to advertisers.

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11

TOWCESTER RACECOURSE in JUNE

FAMILY FUN DAY Monday 4th 2.20pm - 5.45pm Admission Charge T: 01327 353414

30 years Experience

PLUMBING HEATING/GAS FULLY QUALIFIED PLUMBERS & GAS ENGINEERS Power Flushing all Types of Heating Systems, Boiler Replacements & Boiler Servicing, Full Heating Installation, Landlord Certificates Gas Safety Inspections, Bathroom Suites, Radiator Replacement & Heating Installation, Showers, Hot Water Cylinder Replacement, Storage Tanks, Sinks, Taps, Taps Outside.

Leaks & Repairs

T: 01280 841035 Mobile: 07831 898705 Gas Safe Registration No.35528

www.samooreservices.co.uk

P&B ROOFING & Building Contractors Ltd

ALL TYPES OF FLAT ROOFING TILING, SLATING, RE-POINTING, REPAIRS AND RE-ROOFS FASCIAS AND GUTTERS REPAIRED OR REPLACED CHIMNEYS RE-POINTED

A L L W O R K C A R R I E S I N S U R A N C E WA R R A N T Y

Tel: 01280 730831

F R E E E S T I M AT E S

MOBILE: 07956 114001

Credit Cards Accepted Established 20 Years

www.PBR OOFING.co.uk

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ONE CALL DOES IT ALL…

Don’t Drive Tired!

With longer holiday driving and warmer weather during the summer months, falling asleep at the wheel of a car is a real hazard. Dozing off while driving is a very common occurrence but there are steps you can take to avoid the risk.

Regularly changing body position is one way to keep yourself alert. Increasing the circulation will kick start the body from its increasingly relaxed state.

Play music and sing along. Keeping the brain active is a good way to stay awake so listening to a talking book or a chat show on a radio station can be entertaining and a safety measure.

Open the windows to allow fresh air into the car.

Having regular snacks will help you to maintain your blood-sugar level and prevent energy levels from dropping. Don’t eat too much though as your body tends to relax ten minutes or so after food.

If you feel your concentration wane or your eyelids grow heavy, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Hand over the driving to a qualified passenger pull into a service station or hotel for some rest.

Jen Oakton

Full Service

£59.99 All Inc

• MoTs arranged • Repairs • Exhausts • Batteries • Engine Diagnostics • Brake Safety Centre FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY FREE WRITEN QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST

Unit 4, Oak Tree Farm, Akeley, Bucks, MK18 5HF

01280 860700 credits cards accepted

www.claysvehiclerepairs.co.uk

FAST PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Sky CCTV BBC Freeview TV BBC Freesat TV Multi Room TV Distribution HD TV Distribution

Woodlands

Logs & Kindling DELIVERED LOCALLY 0844 4141174

Your ONLY Local RDI Qualified Digital Installer

call: 01280 409110

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Bathrooms Beauty Caravan & Motor Home Sales/Repairs Carer Car Repairs/Services/MOT’s Chimney Re-pointing Cleaning Driveway/Driveway Cleaning Gardening Maintenance Gas Engineer Heating Holiday Cottage Hot Tubs Hypnotherapy

12 4 9 5 13 12 2 6 8 12 8,12 8 8 5

Logs & Kindling Mobility Opticians Plumbing Roofing Contractors Swimming Pools Takeaway Tyre Sales Tiling Tree Care TV Aerial & Satellite Services Windows, Doors & Conservatories

13 15 4 8 12 8 1 9 12 8 13 6,7,11

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15

Get to know your local Dispensing Optician, Spektacle Solutions…

Tell us who you are & what you do…

Spektacle Solutions are a family run Dispensing Optician offering the highest quality eyewear and customer service at very affordable prices. With a qualified Optician and Varilux Specialist on site you know you can buy your new spectacles with confidence. The teams here have a wealth of experience from a combined 60 years working in the Optical Industry.

Using this knowledge, we are able to bring you the best frames for unbeatable prices, sourced from all over the world!

Why are you different from other Opticians?

We offer an extensive range of frames and lenses in a variety of shapes & sizes from ANY designer you want with a guarantee that we won’t be beaten on price on like for like!* All we need is your prescription and you can rest assured that we’ll source the perfect frame for you at a price you CAN afford. We carry hundreds of frames for both Men and Women and we are proud to offer a large selection of specialised childrens frames from some of the world’s leading designers. We also stock Safety Spectacles!

In general most Opticians have a captive audience and simply take the order. At Spektacle Solutions we pride ourselves on our customer care and take the time to listen to you and your optical needs. On average making a saving of 50% on your spectacles. Can you afford not to come and see us?

How do we get these great savings?

Bring us your prescription! It's a commonly held belief that you must buy your spectacles from the testing optician, but this is untrue, what people need to be aware of is when having your eyes tested is that the prescription is YOURS, BY LAW, and must be handed to you immediately by the testing Optician to allow you the choice of where you purchase your spectacles.

Don’t be pressured, take time to decide where you make your next spectacles purchase. After all, you wouldn’t accept the first quote on your car insurance…would you?!

Where are you?

We opened our first store in Buckingham in 2008 followed by the recent opening of our second store in Bicester in September last year. Our aim for both stores is to create a pleasurable experience in our family friendly environment. We have a loyal client base that pop in regularly for their free ‘MOT checks’ on their specs (and enjoy a cuppa on the sofa while they wait) We offer lots of free parking and on site manufacturing which usually means we can get your specs ready for you the same day!

Find our Buckingham store at Unit 7 Hillcrest Way, MK18 1HJ. Call us on 01280 824248

Find our Bicester store at Unit 3 Chaucer Business Park, Granville Way, OX26 4JT. Call us on 01869 242299 Email us: info@spektaclesolutions.co.uk or check out our website www.spektaclesolutions.com

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter via our website to stay up to date on all our latest news & offers Follow us @speksol

When can we come and see you?

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Find us on facebook/Spektacle-Solutions

Shop with us on Ebay

We are open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am – 4.00pm.

You can call to make an appointment or simply pop in when it’s convenient to you. We look forward to seeing you very soon! *Please quote INBUS when booking your appointment or when you are purchasing your specs with us! *Terms & Conditions apply.

See page 4 for main advert