Business Direction 23

Direction

Business

INDUSTRY LEADERS IN IT SOLUTIONS PAGE 28 CHAMBER OF THE YEAR 2013 Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Issue 23 January/February 2015

Planning That Keeps Your Dreams On Track

Award Winning Tax Planning And Business Advice

W W W. B A L L A R D S C A .C O M

Bus ine ss

Dir ect ion

FIRSTWORD

WELCOME TO THE JANUARY / FEBRUARY EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION S INDUSTRY LEADER IN IT SOLUTIONS PAGE 28

rce r of Comme ershire Chambe THE YEAR 2013 CHAMBER OFpublished by Herefordshire & Worcest

February 2015 Issue 23 January/

n Business Directio

HWCHAMBER.CO.UK Business Direction, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s full colour bi-monthly publication.

Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to 6,000 businesses including selected retail outlets across Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

EDITORIAL TEAM Mike Ashton 0845 641 1641

mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

2014 was a good year in the main for Herefordshire & Worcestershire businesses, who began to prosper once again after a turbulent few years.

There were plenty of reasons to celebrate back in November as Worcester business Titania Ltd, topped the charts in the Small Business of the Year category, at the prestigious national Chamber Awards ceremony held at the historic Towers of London.

Pulsar Process Measurement, based in Malvern, were highly commended in the Excellence in Innovation category, whilst Leominster based, Kingspan Insulation, were finalists in the Sustainability and Manufacturer of the Year category. In Addition, Associated Spring Raymond and Hannah Haffield were also finalists at the exclusive ceremony.

Following a difficult year due to flooding, the tourism industry has thrived in the face of diversity. The Visit Worcestershire website has seen a further increase in traffic, exceeding 100,000 visitors in November 2014.

Emily Martin 0845 641 1641 ext 232

emilym@hwchamber.co.uk Jack Stephens 0845 641 1641 ext 250

jacks@hwchamber.co.uk

EDITORIAL businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 0845 641 1641

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 887 3805 helen.gowland@distinctivegroup.co.uk

FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.hwchamber.co.uk/view-our-business-magazine Tel: 0845 641 1641 Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within this publication. Editorial submissions are included at the discretion of the editor. The opinions expressed in articles and letters within this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber. All offers, promotions and competitions appearing in Business Direction are the sole responsibility of the advertiser/ promoting party and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

First word

3

Chamber news

4-5

Business news

7

Business news

10-11

Business news

13

Business news

16-17

Chamber events

20-21

Chamber training

24-25

Big Interview

26-27

Cover story

28-29

Conference Worcestershire

34

Destination Worcestershire

35

International trade

38-40

Members services

41

Charity news

44

We were also part of a trade delegation visit to China in November.

Organised by the Worcestershire Ambassadors, the aim of the trip was to improve links with one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Policy

45

New Members

46-47

The Food and Drink Forum continues to go from strength to strength, reflecting the major part this industry plays in the two counties. In association with mfg solicitors, the forum champions and lobbies for specific strategies and policies that benefit the members.

Movers and Shakers

48-49

Last word

50

2015 is an important year for the UK, with the General Election fast approaching. In order to keep you as informed as possible in the build-up, we will be, and already have, begun to commence a pre-election plan. More information can be found on our policy page (pg 43), where we document all the key dates in the run-up, along with various events that are planned.

The QES continues to be a growing success, with our rank amongst other UK Chambers increasing each quarter. The Q4 survey had a record breaking 435 responses. The survey serves as an economic indicator and national lobbying tool. The more responses we get, the more influence businesses across the two counties have in government.

26

This edition focuses on technology, with an interview from Jeremy Ward, Managing Director of QinetiQ, formerly part of the Defence Evaluation and Research agency, now the 52nd biggest defence contractor in the world.

Date for your diary - The next Business Expo will take place on Wednesday 4th March 2015 from 8am to 3pm at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and I hope 2015 is a good year for your business.

Mike Ashton mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

28

Our Patrons are:

January/February 2015

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

03

CHAMBERNEWS

RECORD BREAKING FOOTFALL AT WORCESTER VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAYRE 2014 Record breaking footfall made this year’s Victorian Christmas Fayre the busiest ever, giving the local economy a massive financial boost.

The Fayre was also named as one of the top Yuletide events in the UK by The Daily Mirror, who ranked the city’s Christmas event second behind Birmingham in a round-up of the best festive fairs.

Police statistics revealed 120,000 to 125,000 people visited the festive attraction, while estimates suggest the event has generated a seven-figure cash injection for the region.

More than 250 coaches full of tourists turned up throughout the event, more than ever before and stall holders, hotels, restaurants and shops all reported excellent trading results.

Helen Mole, Head of Events at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce said: “Shops and hotels were heaving, stallholders were delighted and so many people came out to enjoy the event. The fayre will have boosted the economy by millions of pounds. The overwhelming feedback from the event was completely positive and it was really well supported by the people of Worcester.”

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January/February 2015

CHAMBERNEWS

CHAMBER SIGNS UP TO GOOD RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is the first Chamber in the country to sign up to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation’s national Good Recruitment Campaign!

As winners of the 2013 Chamber of the Year award, Herefordshire & Worcestershire are once again leading the way by encouraging businesses across the region to join the campaign and promote good recruitment. With many local organisations experiencing growth, aspiring to provide high standards and a great candidate experience throughout the recruitment process can only enhance employers chances of accessing the talent they need to meet growing demands.

Louise Hewett of Hewett Recruitment is a Director of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) and is working with the Chamber to bring all the benefits of Good Recruitment to local businesses.

The Good Recruitment Campaign was devised by employers for employers and led by the REC working in partnership with the CIPD, CBI and ILM and nationally supported by organisations such as RWE npower, Arsenal FC, Diageo, PepsiCo, Yell, Royal Mail.

The UK workforce is ageing, with young people and the unemployed not always having the skills resourced to fill many of the jobs being created. As the talent crisis escalates, businesses that have a well defined employer brand and world class recruitment process will be best positioned to succeed.

The cost of a mis-hire is expensive - often quoted to be

Louise Hewett, Director of Hewett Recruitment and Mike Ashton, Cheif Executive, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

15 times base salary in the case of a manager - so the business case for getting recruitment right at every level of an organisation couldn’t be more apparent. Louise Hewett explained: “Signing up to the Good Recruitment Charter aligns your organisation with good recruitment practice – it sends a positive message to potential candidates and can be used to drive good practice internally with the senior team.

The resource is completely free and provides use of a self-assessment kit and guidance to review your own organisations performance against the charter. There will also be some great networking opportunities to learn from peers and academics about trends and new approaches to recruitment and resources. How we treat our candidates directly reflects on our employer brand.

News travels fast in this connected world, so getting the right message out there is paramount.”

Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the REC recently brought experts and eight companies from different sectors together to explore how they could improve their recruitment processes. Apparently the candidate experience is getting worse and according to mystery applicant research – a whopping 48% said they had a poor or a very poor time when seeking a new role.

Candidates share their experiences – an amazing 83% tell their friends and family about poor experiences and 64% talk about it on social media.

Louise Hewett and her team of Consultants are offering free advice and support to their clients and Chamber members who wish to find out more about the benefits of signing up to the Good Recruitment Campaign – for more information contact louise@hewett-recruitment.co.uk or go to www.rec.uk.com/Goodrecruitment

ROSIE BOULANGER RECEIVES APPRENTICE ENDEAVOUR AWARD Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Apprentice, Rosie Boulanger, received the Endeavour Award at the Herefordshire Group Training Association (HGTA) Apprenticeship Awards 2014, presented by Leon Taylor, Olympic diving silver medallist.

Rosie started her Business & Administration level 2 apprenticeship with HGTA in August 2012 and

then progressed to level 3. Throughout this time Rosie has exceeded expectations not only in the workplace but also by representing her peer group on the Apprentice Council. She made an excellent contribution with communicating ideas and using her own time to research and administrate for the council.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

EMPLOYER NI SAVINGS FOR UNDER-21’S Employers across the two counties may no longer need to pay Class 1 secondary National Insurance Contributions (NIC’s) for employees under 21, under new rules from 6th April 2015.

Laura Owen from CB, Chartered Accountants said: ‘The abolition of employers’ NIC’s will be restricted to earnings up to the Upper Earnings Limit (UEL) — or Upper Secondary Threshold (UST), as it is officially known. The UEL and UST for 2015/16 is expected to be £813 a week, or £42,285 a year.’

SIXWAYS HOST EVENING WITH SIR JOHN MAJOR Sixways Stadium hosted a successful evening with former British Prime Minister Sir John Major in October.

Major, who spent seven years at Number 10, addressed 300 guests and spoke about his time in charge of the country.

The event, which was arranged by Handelsbanken, also welcomed Worcester MP and Warriors season ticket holder Robin Walker to Sixways.

www.sixwaysstadium.co.uk

WRAGGE LAWRENCE GRAHAM & CO DOUBLE WIN AGAINST TELECOMS GIANT BT IN COURT OF APPEAL Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co helped client ASSIA, a pioneer in DSM and DSL broadband technology, to victory in the Court of Appeal against BT, which used infringed patents to underpin its flagship BT Infinity product.

By immersing themselves in telecommunication technology, the Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co team understood both the patents and the hardware they protected, and knew they had a winning case. They advised ASSIA to litigate and the case was hard-fought for three years.

Partner Robert Weston and colleagues from the firm, were graded highly in their various specialisms, with the practice as a whole recommended in no fewer than eight areas.

Maynard Burton, Partner and Chairman of mfg Solicitors, said: “Being included in the 2014 Legal 500 guide

www.cbcharteredaccountants.com

Following his party’s defeat in the 1997 General Election, Major remained in the House of Commons until 2001, before announcing his retirement from politics.

Seven expert solicitors from Chamber Patrons mfg Solicitors, have been named among the best in the business by the prestigious Legal 500.

Other partners from the firm to feature in the 2014 list were Tom Esler, Samuel Pedley, Kirsten Bridgewater, Iain Morrison and Family Experts, Claire Backler and Alison Webber.

The measure is intended to encourage businesses to employ more young people and stimulate economic growth.

Major took over from Margaret Thatcher as leader of the Conservative Party in 1990 and led the Tories to victory in the 1992 General Election.

SEVEN LAWYERS FROM MFG SOLICITORS MAKE LEGAL 500 GUIDE

For the second year running Mr Weston was recommended in the top tier of solicitors in the country by the Legal 500 – the 27th edition of the profession’s referral guide.

‘As an example, an employee falling within this age category on an annual salary of £12,000 would save his employer approximately £500 a year in secondary NICs. Furthermore, a salary of £16,000 per annum would double the saving to approximately £1,000.’

Partner Robert Weston

In November 2014, the Court of Appeal found that not one, but two, telecoms patents are valid and infringed

by BT, a finding that is without precedent in UK patent litigation in recent years.

underlines the hard work and dedication of everyone who works at the firm, especially with so many areas of the law we specialise in being highly recommended by our peers.”

The finding is commercially very significant and sends a strong signal to BT and other broadband providers in the UK that ASSIA has a strong portfolio of DSM and DSL patents and will not hesitate to defend them.

www.mfgsolicitors.com

www.wragge-law.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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January/February 2015

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

HAINES WATTS WELCOMES NEW CLIENTS WORKING ON THE LAND AND IN THE AIR Hereford Accountants Haines Watts recently began working with two interesting companies operating in very different fields.

Tiger Helicopters, based at Shobdon Aerodrome, provides world-class facilities and tuition for trainee pilots and also offers helicopter hire and maintenance services. The lack of controlled airspace around Shobdon makes it a very attractive place to learn how to fly which is why around a third of all private and commercial pilot licences in the UK are issued by Tiger.

Haines Watts Managing Director, Karen McLellan, said: “We are very happy to welcome Tiger Helicopters ‘on board’. The facilities at Shobdon are excellent and the company has a clear strategy for growth. Our job is to help them achieve their goals.”

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER MEETS YOUNG SANCTUARY APPRENTICES Young apprentices from Sanctuary Group met His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester as part of a visit to the organisation’s Worcester offices.

The Duke heard how Sanctuary’s award winning apprenticeship scheme is benefiting young people and helping them access a meaningful career path.

Nationally, the leading housing and care provider is supporting over 450 apprentices both directly and indirectly through its development partners.

The Duke was given an insight into the Group’s £22m care and supported housing development under

construction at the University Park site in St John’s.

The scheme has provided a range of apprenticeship opportunities for young people, as well as work experience and training placements.

www.sanctuary-group.co.uk

MALVERN ANALYTICAL SYSTEMS DELIVER ESSENTIAL DATA TO DOMINO Analytical systems from Malvern Instruments are now used routinely to advance inkjet formulation at Domino Printing Sciences plc in the UK, one of the world’s leading printing technology companies. Malvern’s ViscotekTDAmax, Zetasizer Nano and m-VROCi systems deliver the essential molecular weight, structure, particle size and rheological information used by formulation scientists in the development of today’s high-performance inkjet inks.

To mark the continued expansion of Hewett Recruitment, the Head office based in Kidderminster has been a hive of activity during December. Staff have been treated to a refit and redecoration to include complete new flooring, desks and bespoke furniture, including the reception area, offices and interview rooms.

Once work is completed at the head office attention will then move to their Worcester branch in Foregate Street which will benefit from a similar revamp. Hewett’s expansion will also see a new IT infrastructure rolled out across the business.

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HRH the Duke of Gloucester said: “I would like to thank Sanctuary Group for inviting me to meet with staff and young apprentices. I was most impressed by the breadth of services the Group provides and the opportunities available through the organisation.”

HEWETT RECRUITMENT GETS A REVAMP

Louise Hewett said: “Our re-fit and new floor plan will enable us to accommodate even more consultants to support our growth plans – the exciting fresh look now makes Hewett an even better place to work!”

Back on the ground, Haines Watts also welcomed Pryor & Rickett Silviculture. This growing business manages around 50,000 acres of woodland on behalf of clients including farmers, estate owners conservation trusts and local authorities. In addition, the company offers consultancy services to those looking to purchase woodland as an investment and also advise of tree safety matters.

Ben Mannion said: “We are delighted with the results at Kidderminster, staff and contractors have worked extremely hard between Christmas and the New Year to make it all happen. We are excited to begin work on the Worcester refit in the coming months.”

Stuart Reynolds, Senior Chemist at Domino Printing Sciences said: “Malvern’s application experts help us to understand how best to use both established and new analytical techniques in our research. The technical support that we’ve received has been a deciding factor in our decision to continue to work with the company.

Malvern systems also provide the cutting-edge performance and reliability that we need.”

www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

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January/February 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

KINGSPAN INSULATION CELEBRATES YEAR OF AWARDS The trophy cabinets are bulging at Kingspan Insulation after it followed up success at the Herefordshire Diamond County Awards with a double win at the West Midlands Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, taking the prizes for Sustainability and Manufacturer of the Year.

The awards recognised several aspects of the firm’s work including its ongoing development of innovative new products.

Last year Kingspan Insulation became the first major insulation manufacturer to embrace vacuum technology with the opening of the Kingspan OPTIM-R Vacuum Insulation Panel manufacturing line.

Kingspan Insulation have also introduced a range of energy saving and producing measures at its Pembridge site as part of its Net Zero Energy initiative. This requires that the renewable energy produced locally around the facility matches its energy usage over the year.

To achieve this goal by 2018, the firm continually assesses all of its processes, and its energy management system has now been certified to the rigorous BS EN ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management System standard. www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

EASTNOR CASTLE HIGHLY COMMENDED IN PRESTIGIOUS 2014 HUDSON’S HERITAGE AWARDS Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire has won one of the prestigious 2014 Hudson’s Heritage Awards which were announced at a lunch reception on Tuesday 18 February at Goldsmiths Hall in London.

Eastnor Castle was highly commended in the ‘Best Family Day Out’ category. The awards, which were established in 2011, are an independently judged annual national awards scheme open to historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites to celebrate the very best heritage experiences.

The 11 categories reward a range of visitor experiences and recognise the best heritage attractions in the whole of the UK. Winners and Highly Commended were awarded in each category.

The awards were presented by Loyd Grossman OBE and attended by 80 guests including the owners and managers of the winning entries, representatives of the heritage tourist industry and the media.

James Hervey-Bathurst, Owner of Eastnor Castle said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been highly commended in the 2014 Hudson’s Heritage Awards. It is a testament to the high standards and commitment to excellence we offer our visitors to ensure they have the best possible experience. Receiving this award is a wonderful acknowledgment and recognition that Eastnor is among the best heritage attractions in the UK”. www.eastnorcastle.com

TAKING DATA BACKUP SERIOUSLY TO PREVENT BUSINESS FAILURE A survey of Worcestershire based businesses in December 2014 revealed that 38% of respondents do not backup their computer, even though it plays a significant part to the infrastructure of their business. Of those businesses that do backup, 44% are not confident in their current backup solution, admitting to not testing whether it works or not.

Data backup is one of the most important areas of

IT and yet is also one of the most ignored. Loss of data can happen in a number of ways, at any time and can lead to a catastrophic ending.

business, email your details to peter@ezbackup.co.uk for a free quotation.

Today, you can safely and securely backup over the net. Online backups can be encrypted as you backup and are then held in a secure server room, continually being maintained.

As a new Chamber member, Ezbackup would like to offer all members their online backup service free to try for one month. If you’re happy with their service then you can carry on protecting your data for as little as £1 per week (£52 per year).

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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BUSINESSNEWS

HANDELSBANKEN HELP LOCAL COMPANY ‘CLEAN UP’ Local Worcester entrepreneur, Nick Grey founded Gtech (Grey Technology) in 2001 with a clear vision in mind: “To provide the best loved floor-care and garden products in the world.”

Since then the company has grown year on year and banking flexibility through such growth phases is a key component.

This consideration resulted in the company reviewing their banking arrangements.

Approaching Handelsbanken in 2012, Nick wanted to find out more about how the local bank operated. Nick said: “I was looking for a bank where the managers understood the needs of my business, and who would be able to make decisions quickly and support my

growing business, not just in the UK but abroad. I was impressed by the level of local knowledge and direct service I was offered by my Corporate Manager Robin Mayo and Branch Manager, Phil Dutton.

The Worcester team provides an excellent level of service, global support with accounts based in other countries and a global online trading platform supporting overseas transactions”.

Handelsbanken, a Swedish bank with over 175 branches in the UK, specialises in providing personalised customer service and bespoke banking solutions to their individual and corporate banking clients. www.handelsbanken.co.uk/worcester www.gtechonline.co.uk

L-R: Robin Mayo, Handelsbanken Corporate Banking Manager, Nick Grey, Director of Grey Technology Limited, Andrew Wall Financial Director of Grey Technology Limited and Phil Dutton Handelsbanken Worcester Branch Manager show off the Gtech AirRam and Gtech Multi vacuum cleaners.

OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL SET TO BECOME FIRST GLOBAL CARBON NEUTRAL SUPPLY CHAIN PROVIDER LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR RECOGNISED AT COOLING AWARDS Eddie Gittoes co-founder of Arctic Circle posthumously received the Fred Jamieson Award for Industry Achievement at the recent RAC Cooling Industry Awards held in London.

Eddie sadly died last December following a fifteen year battle with a fatal lung disease. Being focused on what was yet to be done he defied all medical opinion with his longevity, continuing to work from his hospital bed until the very end.

Together with wife Debbie they set up Arctic Circle Limited in 1985, designing and building award winning low carbon solutions for the cold food chain. Eddie was on a constant quest for innovation and was keen to develop and encourage the same talent in others.

Both Eddie and the company were serial winners of various awards, so it is fitting that in it’s tenth year Eddie should win the top award as he was also a winner in the first years of the prize, scooping the ‘Environmental Pioneer’ title.

The award was collected by Debbie to an emotional standing ovation by all of the near thousand attendees. “Eddie was passionate about the refrigeration industry, he felt lucky to be able to make a living in the industry he so enjoyed. I was proud to accept the award and humbled by the reception that the announcement caused”. Debbie continues to run Arctic Circle based at Rotherwas in Hereford. www.acl-online.com

Embracing new technologies and continually challenging energy convention, Midlands based food distributor, Oakland International, has significantly accelerated its path to carbon neutrality. They have already reached their 2020 CO2 emissions target 6 years ahead of schedule, with the ultimate goal of becoming the first carbon neutral supply chain solutions provider.

Use of solar photo voltaic technology has already delivered CO2 savings of 103,485Kg, helping eradicate Oakland’s summer peak in electricity. The business already has 350kw of solar generation from its roofs and plans to increase capacity to 1Mw over the next 12 months. LED lighting throughout their warehouses has resulted in carbon savings of 35,000kg/ CO2. Very high insulation specifications for the roof and walls of the firm’s new cold store, and fitting of high-spec energy efficient doors, will also greatly enhance energy savings.. www.oakland-international.com

CENTRE OF CYBER EXCELLENCE DEDICATED TO KEEPING UK BUSINESS CYBER SAFE The National Cyber Skills Centre (NCSC) opened earlier this year in the Malvern Hills Science Park, to deliver high-quality training provision to businesses and organisations across the country in order to protect themselves against cyber-attacks.

The 2014 Information Security Breaches Survey found that 81% of large organisations, and 60% of small businesses suffered a security breach. The average cost of its worst security breach cost a large organisation anything from £600,000 to £1.5 million and between £65,000 and £115,000 for a small business, a significant increase for both compared to 2013.

While attacks by outsiders continue to be the main cause of security breaches to all organisations, the number of staff-related breaches, was 58% in large organisations and 22% in small businesses.

Oakland International MD, Dean Attwell

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

The NCSC’s extensive range of programmes has been written by those within the industry to meet regional and national needs in cyber security. Courses are offered at all levels, from basic cyber training for general staff to more technical training targeted at information security teams, and are aimed at businesses, both large and small, and IT and cyber professionals. www.cyberskillscentre.com 013

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The role of the Quantity Surveyor is to minimise risks for both parties by defining the work content and terms of the contract as precisely as possible, thereby getting the lowest possible prices; and ensuring that stage payments made to builders are accurate, thus avoiding any chance of overpayment.

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www.business-central.co.uk 0300 123 14 40

BD3

January/February 2015

ASKTHEEXPERTS

PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE WITH REAL LIFE UNDERSTANDING GABBS SOLICITORS IN HEREFORD, LEOMINSTER AND HAY ON WYE

ANNE VINCENT Below Anne Vincent advises on Employment Law matters

JEREMY WILDING

QUESTION

QUESTION

What happens if my workers can’t get to work because of bad weather?

I have 2 workers who are in their 60’s, can I ask them to retire?

ANSWER

ANSWER

Employees are not automatically entitled to pay if they are unable to get into work because of travel disruption.

No! - There is no longer a default retirement age and it is unlawful to discriminate against a worker on the basis of their age. You cannot therefore ask an employee to leave, or dismiss an employee on the basis of their age. If you do they will entitled to make a claim for compensation for unfair dismissal and age discrimination.

In order to maintain good will it is best to take a flexible approach. You could consider introducing a policy explaining what your approach will be.

You should deal fairly and equally with all workers, and consider each case individually.

QUESTION I have heard that employees get holiday for when they are off sick and that the rules on holiday have changed?

ANSWER A workers entitlement to paid holiday continues to accrue during sick leave, this means that if someone is off for the first 6 months of the holiday year, they are entitled to take all of their annual entitlement after they return to work. This is a Statutory entitlement and is not dependant on the terms of the contract, however the contract can set out your policy on sickness absence and pay.

There has been a recent case which has confirmed that when holiday pay is calculated, guaranteed and non guaranteed overtime must be taken into account. Commission payments must also be factored in. It is unlawful to pay only the basic wage for holiday pay if the worker usually does paid overtime.

This ruling might lead to a substantial increase in costs for some businesses, if it might affect you take advice at an early stage in order that you can plan for the future and make necessary adjustments.

If an employee, regardless of their age is unable to perform their job effectively you may be entitled to dismiss them. You would need to be sure that there is a fair reason for the dismissal and that you have followed a fair procedure in reaching your decision to dismiss.

QUESTION I want to keep my business open over Christmas, can I insist that my employees come to work?

ANSWER The answer depends on what the contract of employment states about holiday entitlement.

Christmas Day, Boxing day and New Years Day are all Bank Holidays, but employees are only automatically entitled to take the time off work if their contract of employment states that Bank Holidays are included in their annual holiday entitlement.

If Bank Holidays are not included an Employee who wants time off over Christmas must book it as part of their annual leave, which must be approved by you, the Employer.

This illustrates how important it is to take appropriate advice when preparing Contracts of Employment. The terms of the contract can have a big impact on the way you are able to run your business in the future.

Contact Gabbs Solicitors Employment and Commercial departments on

01432 353481, 01568 616333 or 01497 820312 or visit our website www.gabbs.biz to contact our team.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

015

BUSINESSNEWS

HEWETT RECRUITMENT WIN TENDER WITH AWARD WINNING ORCHARD VALLEY FOODS Award winning Chamber Member Orchard Valley Foods, based in Tenbury Wells, recently awarded Hewett Recruitment the tender for the provision of all their Temporary Industrial staff.

This was a highly competitive tender, but as Orchard Valley’s Roy Blendell explained: “What set Hewett apart was their human side; they treat people with care and respect. They have a good understanding of our company ways of working and culture.”

Gill Hodgson, Sales Director, said: “Orchard Valley Foods has many retail, wholesale and food service customers for its confections, decorations and functional ingredients and we’ve gained a reputation for our high quality packing service which is made possible through our excellent staff. We are pleased to be entering into this exclusive contract with Hewett, which is a people orientated business.“ John Taylor, Operations Director, said: “In our experience of working with them over the last 4 years they’ve always

considered what extra value they can add through the people they recommend to us.”

Hewett Recruitment is looking forward to continuing to support Orchard Valley in their plan for consolidated growth over the next three years.

Ben Mannion, Hewett’s Strategic Development Director, said: “We work with a number of food & drink manufacturers and suppliers and have a track record of being able to consistently supply good quality personnel, whilst maintaining the high level of compliance and stringent standards that are required within the food & drink industry. The team at Hewett Recruitment are looking forward to continuing to support the people at Orchard Valley Foods and the growth of the company moving forwards.”

Louise Hewett said: “The icing on the cake is the fact that all our Temporary Workers tell us what a great place Orchard Valley is to work – they are not made to feel as if they are just there on

a temporary basis, they feel like valued members of the team. Some of them have even been offered permanent positions along the way, which is great.

The relationship between our industrial consultants, Di and Sarah, who run this

contract on a day to day basis, and the Orchard Valley team is second to none ...a very happy enjoyable relationship that works well.” www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

HEREFORDSHIRE HOUSING GROUP WIN WORCESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES RECOGNISED PRESTIGIOUS TECHNOLOGY AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO WELL BEING IN THE A few weeks ago, the Herefordshire n On-site concierge Housing Group, which incorporates the n Wi-Fi and the latest digital WORKPLACE Independence Trust, were honoured to technology.

The Worcestershire Works Well bi-annual event which took place at Worcester University Arena on 13th November 2014, was a huge success, with seven local businesses presented with their certificates of accreditation.

Worcestershire Works Well is a free accreditation scheme available to all businesses within Worcestershire. It is designed to enable local businesses to improve the health and well-being of their work force.

Malvern Hills District Council and Energy Simple both achieved level 1 accreditation, 016

University of Worcester, Wyre Forest District Council, Titania and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust achieved level 2 accreditation and Southco were the first company to achieve a level 3 accreditation.

Worcestershire Works Well has recently received a two-year health and wellbeing award from the Royal Society for Public Health. Only 14 organisations across the UK’s public, private and voluntary and community sector gained awards this year from the society. www.worcestershireworkswell.co.uk

win the prestigious TSA’s Crystal Award for Technology Enabled 21st Century Care and Support. The award was in recognition of their flagship enhanced living scheme; Henffordd Gardens.

Henffordd Gardens offers flexible support for people with dementia.

Centred around 30 high quality apartments, in a prime city location the scheme provides: n Accessible accommodation n Individually tailored care and support packages n The very latest assistive technology

The scheme offers an innovative approach to care solutions by providing an alternative to more traditional and costly care pathways, focusing on enabling service users to maintain their independence and to reduce the likelihood of hospital admission.

By combining the latest telecare and telehealthtechnology with care packages, it has enabled service users to receive holistic, individualised care to support both mental and physical needs. www.hhl.org.uk

January/February 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

HERE TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW Are you ready to take your business to the next level?

Looking for FREE advice, support or vital funding to grow?

We can help.

L-R Science park MBA duo Tristan Mitchell from DeltaXML and Dibble Clark from 3SDL

SCIENCE PARK DUO SCOOPS MBA PLACES Two employees from businesses based at the Malvern Hills Science Park have beaten off stiff region-wide competition to secure places on a ground-breaking new MBA programme.

and the Leadership Trust to improve take up of postgraduate qualifications in the region and beyond by making it more accessible, especially to those already in full-time work.

Tristan Mitchell from DeltaXML and Dibble Clark from 3SDL will join the two-year, post-graduate Momentum project which has been tailored to equip participants with high-level strategic leadership and business management skills.

Stephen Wright, Business Development Manager at Malvern Hills Science Park, said: “I’m delighted the park has two people on this exciting programme and believe it is testament to the brilliant minds we have here in Malvern as competition for the 40 spaces was very strong.”

Momentum has been created by the University of Worcester, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Worcestershire Business Central is a FREE business support service delivered

by Worcestershire County Council and partners, with access to thousands of pounds of support funding for those trading on a business-to-business basis.

Working with our partners, we can also offer FREE professional advice and support – whether it is creating a business plan or guidance on applying for a grant.

Our team of Business Relationship Executives is here to help.

RS Hydro Limited, based in Bromsgrove, received our free help and said: “We have benefitted from several

programmes, including match funding and free training. Anyone who thinks that applying for help is going to be hard work is very much mistaken.

“It’s like having an extra (free) resource on tap – nothing is too much trouble for them.”

If you think that we can help your business, call 0300 123 14 40 or go to www.business-central.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @WBCUpdates LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/ worcestershirebusinesscentral *Eligibility & Business sector criteria apply

www.mhsp.co.uk

JOINED UP THINKING Realising the synergy between the Kidwells Group and Nexus Creative and the benefits that working together can provide, Michael Horne, founder of Kidwells Group, Colin Foxall and Nigel Harte of Nexus Creative, have joined forces and created a new standalone business in Herefordshire, KidwellsNexus.

Michael Horne, Director of new venture KidwellsNexus said: “KidwellsNexus adds a huge variety of skill sets to the Kidwells Group. Through Nexus Creative, Kidwells are now in a position to offer full marketing support, including brand

development, strategic campaign implementation, customer engagement and lead generation and that’s through traditional methods like advertising, print and direct mail as well as digital and online solutions.

“Adding marketing to the group now completes the circle. The Kidwells Group offers law, accountancy, business development, barristers’ chambers and now marketing to help protect and grow your business. We also focus on the individual and have our own accommodation, helicopter transportation and sports gym as part of Kidwells Lifestyle. All of this allows us to offer an exciting and unrivaled service to our customers”.

All your business needs.

All in one place.

For free business support and advice go to:

Six01

www.business-central.co.uk 0300 123 14 40

www.kidwellssolicitors.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

61009 WBC Business Direction F.indd 1

BD1

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It’s over 12 months since the limit for people or businesses going through the Small Claims Court was doubled from £5,000 to £10,000.

That change was far-reaching and it essentially made it easier for justice to be done in a faster, more efficient manner.

Great news for many businesses owners – but many still struggle to stare clearly through what can be a complex process, especially as legal costs cannot be recovered or are severely restricted within the Small Claims Court.

To help guide, support and prepare clients for a small claims process, we have launched a new-look Debt Collection legal service. Led by respected associate Sam Pedley, the new service is attracting businesses across Herefordshire & Worcestershire as there’s no hidden fees, hefty hourly charges or any unexpected bills as they try to claim back, or defend, what is rightfully theirs.

That’s because when a client instructs us they immediately see they can be professionally represented with a full legal service for a pre-agreed, maximum fixed fee of £1,500 plus VAT. It’s a fresh, honest approach in a world full of frustration, red tape and financial hurdles.

So if you are looking to make or defend a claim up to £10,000, then a cost-effective, stress-free route through Sam and the team is just a call away.

And who knows, you may even look back in 12 months’ time and see it was the best call you made in 2015.

be a PR

superhero… be everywhere find out more at

www.be-everywhere.co.uk

samuel.pedley@mfgsolicitors.com 018

January/February 2015

FOCUSONRECRUITMENT

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT LOUISE HEWETT Today a large percentage of employees work in service or knowledge related jobs. Their performance is driven by their skills, attitude, customer empathy and by their ability to innovate and drive change by working through teams.

These skills are built over time and successful performance management is focused on constantly developing these capabilities rather than ranking them at any one moment in time.

Managers who provide continuous coaching and development and regular feedback are much more likely to achieve high performing teams.

In a recent report, more than half of executives surveyed believed their current performance process does not drive employee engagement and high performance. The days when managers lead from a position of command and control are over. In today’s high performing teams, employees take ownership of their own performance and act on their own to improve their capabilities.

Managers become coaches rather than evaluators and employees are given the knowledge and tools they need to improve and succeed.

Many organisations are re-evaluating their performance management processes, replacing old style rigid annual reviews. New models aim at providing employees at all levels with practical steps they can take and the skills

necessary to reach the next level of achievement within their organisation.

Training managers to give better feedback that drives performance rather than driving employees to look elsewhere is key.

Every organisation needs to decide which system best reinforces their organisations talent management strategy. Best advice is to keep it simple, separate performance from compensation reviews and reduce the number of forms....make it easy to use.

Hold everyone accountable and don’t just concentrate on superstars. Coach everyone and give them their own development and training plan to improve. Search for opportunities to give the ‘broad middle’ opportunities to flourish and feel valued. Performance management can be highly effective, but there is always a danger that it is viewed by managers as little more than an administrative drill. In a world where employee retention and workforce capability are huge indicators to success, many employers are seeing that they need to reassess and update current systems.

Hewett Recruitment can provide your company with a ‘talent health check’ working with you to ensure you have the right people in place as you grow.

Whether it’s a financial wizzard, IT Guru, HR expert or a team of assembly operatives we will give your operation our expert care and support.

Let us ease your growing pains...book your free consultation with one of our qualified specialists.

Contact our Specialist Consultants 01562 69090 or 01905 613413

louise@hewett-recruitment.co.uk www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

019

CHAMBEREVENTS

THE FUTURE OF AVIATION: CONNECTING BRITAIN. FASTER Free Business Breakfast The Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern WR14 3ET 7.30 – 9.30am Thursday 22 January 2015

SPRING BUSINESS EXPO Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be returning to the Three Counties Showground, Malvern on Wednesday 4th March.

The exhibition presents businesses with a fantastic opportunity to network and gain crucial business contacts, as well as promote their company and raise their profile within the community.

Sarah Brooks from the Promotional Mix, a regular exhibitor at Chamber Business Expos had this to say about the Autumn 2014 Expo: “I really enjoy the Expo events and find them very useful to maintain contact with existing customers, meet new people and gain business as everyone attending is open to new discussions. It is very well organised and always well attended.”

With 100+ exhibitors from many different business sectors, don’t miss the chance to meet new suppliers, generate sales and increase awareness of the products and services that you offer.

An exhibition stand (including one free breakfast) will cost Members £250+VAT and Non-members £350+VAT. To find out more visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/expos, email events@ hwchamber.co.uk or phone 0845 641 1641.

020

The UK is currently one of the best connected countries in the world, but many of our airports are full. The Airports Commission will recommend a new runway at either Gatwick or Heathrow after the General Election in 2015.

The UK needs an aviation solution for the challenges of the future. Without increasing airport capacity, the UK will lose out on business competitiveness.

Following on from our successful Heathrow breakfast in June,

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free breakfast at which we will welcome executives from Gatwick Airport to explore the issues. Attendees will be able to: n Learn how the aviation capacity issue has an impact on business n Hear how Gatwick intends to deliver greater connectivity for UK businesses n Put their questions to Gatwick Airport’s executives; n Share opinion on how this debate affects local business To book on to this FREE event, contact the events team on 0845 641 1641 or events@hwchamber.co.uk

CHAMBER EVENTS For those looking to build new business connections, gain unparalleled access to secrets of success from experienced business delegates or, alternatively, to simply increase their local presence, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce hold a variety of networking events across both counties.

Regular events are held in different areas, each with a speaker who explores different themes of specific relevance to the local business community, often sharing best practice in the process. Open to the whole of the business community, not just Chamber members, delegates from a wide spectrum of companies

attend networking events, meaning the chances of creating new business connections are high.

With busy schedules in mind, a large majority of networking events are scheduled to be held in the mornings, meaning that on top of all the business benefits, you also get a great breakfast to kick start your day!

For more information on any of the events on the Chamber’s 200 strong event calendar, contact the events team on 0845 641 1641 or email events@ hwchamber.co.uk

January/February 2015

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015 January 2015

February 2015

Hereford Women’s Business Forum in association with Thorne Widgery Tuesday 13 January 9.30-11.30am Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS £10.00+VAT Members / £20.00+VAT Non-Members

Redditch Networking Breakfast Tuesday 3 February 7.30-9.30am Redditch Golf Club, Lower Grinsty, Green Lane, Callow Hill, Redditch B97 5PJ £15.00+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non-Members

Worcester Networking Breakfast Wednesday 14 January 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ £15.00+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non-Members Maximise your Membership Event in association with ISO Quality Services Ltd Friday 16 January 8.30-11.00am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, County Ground, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ Free event for Members Hereford HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Tuesday 20 January 9.30-11.30am Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS Free event for Chamber Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 21 January 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £15.00+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non-Members Malvern Networking Breakfast Thursday 22 January 7.30-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3ET Free event for Members and Non-Members Kidderminster Networking Breakfast Tuesday 27 January 7.30-9.30am Mercure Hotel Kidderminster, Habberley Road, Kidderminster DY12 1LA £15.00+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non-Members Renewable Energy Event with mfg, Natwest and Lombard Tuesday 27 January 8.00-10.00am Bosch Thermotechnology, Cotswold Way, Warndon, Worcestershire WR4 9SW Free event for Members and Non-Members

SAVE THE DATE BUSINESS EXPO – SPRING 2015, Wednesday 4th March 2015 - 8.00am-3.00pm, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW www.hwchamber.co.uk/expos Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Pershore Networking Breakfast in association with Wychavon District Council Wednesday 4 February 7.30-9.30am Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1PT Free to Members / £15.00+VAT Non-Members Women’s Business Forum in association with borwell ltd Thursday 5 February 9.30-12.00pm The Dewdrop Inn, Bell Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester WR2 6RR £15.00+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non-Members Malvern Curry Club in association with Sharpmonkeys Tuesday 10 February 6.00-8.00pm Anupam, 85 Church Street, Great Malvern WR14 2AE £15.00+VAT Members and Non-Members Worcester Networking Breakfast Thursday 12 February 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ £15.00+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non-Members Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 18 February 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £15.00+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non-Members Droitwich Networking Breakfast Thursday 19 February 7.30-9.30am St Andrews Town Hotel, St Andrews Drive, Droitwich, WR9 8AL £15.00+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non-Members Redditch HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Wednesday 25 February 9.30-11.30am Redditch Golf Club, Lower Grinsty, Green Lane, Callow Hill, Redditch B97 5PJ Free event for Chamber Members and clients of Hewett Recruitment Bromsgrove Networking Lunch Friday 27 February 12.30-2.30pm Holiday Inn Birmingham-Bromsgrove, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove B61 9AB £17.50+VAT Members / £30.00+VAT Non Members Hereford Curry Club in association with Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Friday 27 February 12.30-2.30pm Venue TBC £12.50+VAT Members and Non-Members 021

FOCUSONBUSINESSSUPPORT

WHEN IS A PLAN NOT A PLAN? THE ANSWER IS WHEN IT IS A BUSINESS PLAN.

Sometimes it’s hard running a business. Where are all the good people to be found? When you do find them, why are they so expensive? Who to trust? Why aren’t you making any money again this month? How on earth have you just lost that key customer?

It might be understandable to feel bogged down from time to time as the obligations and issues pile up, but a successful business needs a real plan.

A business plan you wrote in order to raise some bank money, complete with sales projections and growth plans that you’ve not necessarily looked at since.

A financial plan you created to pitch to serious would be investors somewhere along the way. Likely this plan is something you’ve looked at and acted on in small ways

since, for all the detailed financial modelling that was included and the careful business case that was made at the time to present a really investable company.

Neither these plans nor any others that you’ve created are live working documents, they are written looking forwards and were mostly created to fulfil a particular need at a particular moment in time and their usefulness doesn’t usually extend very far beyond that.

We will show you how to think differently about your plans by creating and committing to a different sort of plan, a strategic, lived and acted-upon plan which will form the heart of your thinking, helping you to: n Define your most valuable customers n Map sales by your products and services n Align forecasts to both existing and new customers n Establish real sales targets For more information please visit www.businessdoctors.co.uk

DEDICATED TO HELPING SMALL & MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES ACHIEVE THEIR VISION

We don’t just coach, we get on the pitch!

Do you think your business could use a helping hand?

Business Doctors is a business support network, dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses achieve their vision.

Drawing on extensive business skills and experience, Business Doctors SURYLGHV œKDQGV RQ¡ VXSSRUW WR EXVLQHVV

Contact Simon Offord on:

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T: 0845 4501874 E: simonofford@businessdoctors.co.uk W: http://www.businessdoctors.co.uk/doctors/gloucester

January/February 2015

trol Ltd

GET YOUR INVOICES PAID Are you experiencing late payments?

Need local help that you can trust?

Secretarial Services

The team at Gravity have the expertise to collect your invoices without compromising your future sales. Outsourcing your Credit Control couldn’t be easier:

Providing pay as you go administrative support for your business.

Reduce your workload with n Onsite Secretarial Support (within 50 mile radius of Leominster) n Copy Typing n Audio/Video Transcription n Document Formatting/Editing n Spreadsheet Creation n PowerPoint Creation

From 1 day per week to full time service Holiday & temporary cover Fixed monthly fee (no long term contract) Reduce Staffing and overhead costs Cash goes directly to YOUR bank Finalist for but faster!

‘Most Promising n We call as authorised New Business representatives of your company Award’ 2014 so your customers see a seamless service n Additional credit checking, reporting and risk management services available n Reduce factoring costs n n n n n

n Mail Merge / Mass Mail Shots n Internet Research n Data Entry n Email Marketing n Minute Taking / Preparation

If you require another service please contact us to discuss your requirements

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AND QUOTATION

Please contact Alison Calcutt on:

Tel: 01905 700170

Mobile: 07983 800228 Leominster: 01568 256012 | Stourbridge: 01384 930125 info@amcsecretarial.com

info@gravitycreditcontrol.co.uk www.gravitycreditcontrol.co.uk

We’re here to help with your cash flow…

Brilliant brand exposure with the Great British Deskie!

24/01/2013 09:27

The humble office desk gives you a fantastic opportunity to promote your company and get your message seen day after day!

It’s also a great way to fly the flag for British manufacturing.

We have a brilliant range of British-made desktop essentials, from mugs and mouse mats to pads and clocks, all acting as a permanent reminder of your company to your customers.

Tel: 01299 252090 Email: sales@promotional-mix.co.uk Web: www.promotional-mix.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

023

CHAMBERTRAINING

G N I N I A R MAKE T W YEAR’S YOUR NE ION T U L O S E R The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Training Department is an ideal place to start!

The last 3 months of the financial year is filled with courses that can help to maximise the potential of your teams and develop their marketing and client base to prepare for the year 2015/2016.

Whether it is Communicating for Success, Managing People in the Team, Assertiveness and Confidence at Work or Conducting Effective Team Appraisals, we can help you to develop the people who are already working within your organisations.

We have a full range of Microsoft Excel 2010 courses running between January and March with a Microsoft Word Essentials Skills for Office Staff course running on 3rd February, not to mention our new Cyber Security course that we are delighted to be running for the first time on the 6th March. Please see the details opposite.

In our HR and Legislation series, we have our new HR for Non HR Managers course running on 14th April and also Internal Quality Auditor coming up on the 26th January. This course is designed to give those new to IOS 9001:2008 a general introduction and overview to the fundamentals of one of the most important tools associated with effective quality management.

If you are considering new and better ways to market your business then you may find the skills you need by attending Writing a Press Release, Search Engine Optimisation or Writing Effective Marketing Copy. These courses can arm you with some simple and not so simple tools and expertise to market your brand more effectively.

024

NEW COURSES ADDED TO THE 2015/2016 SCHEDULE HR FOR THE NON HR MANAGER We’ve had a lot of requests for a course that will help growing businesses acquire the knowledge necessary in this area and also to help those managers who don’t have a HR background but find themselves increasingly needing and giving more HR advice so here it is!

It covers 4 areas of HR management which most managers are likely to encounter: n Recruitment and Selection n Objectives and Appraisals n Performance Management n Absence Management.

Delegates on this course should leave feeling more assured of their role. We also show you what is available from our website as a Member of the HW Chamber and how best to use this information with also an introduction into our HR consultancy service.

HR for the Non HR Manager is scheduled to run at the Chamber on Tuesday 14 April and costs £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non members.

Our two course tutors are experts in their field and during the course, delegates will gain invaluable information to use within their companies whilst also pursuing a qualification. The trainers will also give bespoke advice during the day if necessary.

Cyber crime is a current hot topic and the challenges that can occur because of it are vast and can be devastating for businesses, which is why we feel the need to offer this course to the local business community. The nature of these courses are such that information is rapidly changing and so trainers need to be highly specialised in their field so we have negotiated a price that is competitive. The nature of this work means that I cannot guarantee that this price will remain as experts do not come cheap!

IQ Level 2 Organisation Award in Principles of Cyber Crime is scheduled to run at the Chamber on Friday 6 March and costs £435+VAT Members / £535+VAT Non members

TRAINING IS COMING TO HEREFORD We are running some training courses in our Hereford site following the many enquiries about this. The initial courses are:

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA Friday 13 February 2015 9am – 12.30pm £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non members

IQ LEVEL 2 ORGANISATION AWARD IN PRINCIPLES SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION OF CYBER CRIME n Do you understand the types of cyber attack? n Do you know how to reduce the probability and also the consequences of cyber attack? n Have you post attack procedures in place? n Do you understand the elements of information security? n Can your company afford to miss this course?

Friday 13th February 2015 1pm – 4.30pm £80+VAT Members / £100+VAT Non members

INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL 2010 Tuesday 17 March 2015 9.30am – 4pm £150+VAT Members / £188+VAT Non members All courses are being held at Rural Enterprise Centre, Vincent Carey Road, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford HR2 6FE

January/February 2015

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

If your business requires any type of training, coaching or consultancy then the Chamber Training Centre can help you. Please find below a list of courses for September to November 2014 Colour & Grey

JANUARY COURSES

FEBRUARY COURSES

MARCH COURSES

Managing People in the Team Tuesday 13 January 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

PR & Marketing Series - Search Engine Optimisation Colour & White Monday 2 February 2015 £80+VAT Members £100+VAT Non-Members

PR & Marketing Series - Writing Effective Marketing Copy Monday 2 March 2015 £80+VAT Members £100+VAT Non-Members

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2010 Friday 16 January 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work Tuesday 3 February 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

IQ Level 2 Organisation Award in Principles of Cyber Crime Friday 6 March 2015 £435+VAT Members £535+VAT Non-Members

Communicating for Success Tuesday 20 January 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Microsoft Word Essential Skills for Office Staff Tuesday 3 February 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Conducting Effective Team Appraisals Tuesday 10 March 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Emergency First Aid at Work (one day) Wednesday 21 January 2015 £80+VAT Members £100+VAT Non-Members

Getting to Grips with Social Media (Hereford) Friday 13 February 2015 £80+VAT Members £100+VAT Non-Members

Advanced Microsoft Excel 2010 Friday 13 March 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Internal Quality Auditor Training - ISO 9001 Standard Monday 26 January 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Search Engine Optimisation (Hereford) Friday 13 February 2015 £80+VAT Members £100+VAT Non-Members

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2010 (Hereford) Tuesday 17 March 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Successful Telesales Wednesday 28 January 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Role of the Team Leader Tuesday 10 February 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Essential Conflict Management Skills Thursday 19 March 2015 £80+VAT Members £100+VAT Non-Members

PR & Marketing Series - Getting to Grips with Social Media Wednesday 28 January 2015 £80+VAT Members £100+VAT Non-Members

Finance Skills for Managers and Team Leaders Wednesday 25 February 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Advanced Microsoft Excel 2007 Tuesday 24 March 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Intermediate Microsoft Excel Friday 27 February 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Employment Law Update - March 2015 Tuesday 31 March 2015 £150+VAT Members £188+VAT Non-Members

Bespoke Training Courses Courses take place at Severn House, Worcester and start at 9.30 am.

If there is a course that you are interested in that isn’t listed please contact the Training Team on 0845 641 1641 To book for any of these courses visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/businesstraining or call the Training Team on 0845 641 1641 or email training@hwchamber.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BIGINTERVIEW

KEEPING AHEAD OF AN EVER-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY SECTOR WHAT IS THE COMPANY’S USP?

Jeremy Ward originally joined the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment (RSRE) in 1983 after completing his PhD, which had also been sponsored by RSRE. There have been many organisational changes in the intervening period with the name changing to DRA, DERA and finally QinetiQ. Although he started working on ‘computing’ topics, for the past twenty years he has specialised in Military Command and Control (C2) topics and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).

With the exception of a couple of years in the early 90s where he did a job in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) looking after “Science and Engineering Fast Streamers”, he has worked in Malvern for his entire career.

He has done many different roles over the years but has held General Management jobs for about the last eight years. Until mid-November he had been the Managing Director of QinetiQ’s C4ISR business for five years.

However, he has recently become the QinetiQ Group’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), looking at all their operations worldwide.

C4ISR is a military term which covers all the C2 and ISR topics listed before, with the other two “C” topics being Communication and Computing. The C4ISR business covered most of the operations on QinetiQ’s Malvern site with some staff in Farnborough and Overseas. To give an indication of the scale, the C4ISR division had between 400 and 500 staff. The other main business in Malvern is the Cyber Security Division.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU BRING TO THE JOB? Understanding the needs of our main customer – the UK MOD – and how they are likely to contract is probably the most important thing to have. After all, “the customer is always right,” even if we might differ in our views on occasion.

As many of our projects are challenging technically, part of my job is to ensure that we didn’t take on projects that are too difficult to achieve within the available funding or beyond the laws of physics. Having said that, some of the most impressive breakthroughs have come when Malvern scientists, mathematicians and engineers have challenged conventional wisdom and done something extraordinary.

An increasing amount of our work is done with partners – typically other companies working in the Defence Market. The Defence Market is characterised by partnering one day with a company and then competing with them the next. Therefore strong links to colleagues in the rest of the UK Defence Industry is an important part of my job.

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QinetiQ’s Malvern site has been and continues to be a fascinating place to work. No two days are the same, with different problems arising – customers and end-users (the Armed Forces) bring us problems to solve, some of which are extremely challenging technically.

Two great examples of technical solutions developed in Malvern are our ALARM radar (designed to give warning of incoming rocket fire for our Operating Bases in Afghanistan) and developing a Medium Weight Electronic Surveillance Capability (MWESC), with L3-TRL of Tewkesbury, for the UK MOD. The capability will provide the UK Armed Forces with a modular and scalable land and littoral tactical electronic warfare solution able to support expeditionary operations.

It is these sorts of challenges we thrive off, and have a long 75 year heritage in Malvern, where we invented Radar, the LED screen and night vision goggles.

In the end however, it is the quality of our staff that really distinguishes us from the competition. Our corporate strap line of “people who know how” really rings true for me.

In the longer term, inspiring young people to take up science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects is important for our future as a country, as well as for QinetiQ. We have had some great STEM days on the Malvern site involving local schools with teams operating robots and undertaking software coding challenges.We are also a founding member of the 5% Club, an industry led initiative to ensure businesses have at least 5% of their workforce be an apprentice, graduate or sponsored student.

WHAT HOPES DO YOU HAVE FOR 2015 - WHERE DOES THE ORGANISATION WANT TO BE AT THE END OF THE YEAR? WHERE ARE THE BIG OPPORTUNITIES? QinetiQ, like many companies in the Defence Industry, faces a challenging market with strong downwards pressure on Defence Expenditure in both the UK and US. MOD’s transformation programme, the forthcoming 2015 General Election and subsequent SDSR, will create some short-term uncertainty in the UK Defence market.

This may bring some rationalisation in the UK Defence market – both in Government and the supply base.

This will also create opportunity for organisations agile

WHAT HAS ALLOWED YOUR COMPANY TO SURVIVE enough to cope with change.QinetiQ, and the Malvern AND THRIVE IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES? site in particular, are well placed to continue to adapt Four years ago, QinetiQ faced three challenges, of which the most urgent was that of strengthening our balance sheet – today we are debt free. We’ve also moved significantly forward in terms of cultural transformation, including upgrading our leadership, leaning out the organisation and engaging our employees in a practical way to be part of the solution through our ‘My Contribution’ Initiative.

and thrive. In all the changes the underlying need for Cyber Security and the emphasis on C4ISR in modern operations means there will be an enduring need for the capabilities developed in Malvern.

However the most important change is to have refocused the portfolio – knowing where we make money, where we were losing money and which business models we have in the group that are scalable for the future. That has allowed us to be flexible and adaptable, with world-class scientists and engineers who are committed to providing the best service to our customers.

Having just started a new role as CTO there are many things I want to achieve for QinetiQ, some of which could take five years or more. I want to drive Innovation across the company both in technological terms but also commercially in the way we work internally and with our partners.

YOU WORK IN AN EVER-CHANGING SECTOR WHERE DO YOU THINK IT, AND YOU, WILL BE IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?

WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FACING YOUR COMPANY? The government’s commitment to maintain the MOD’s science and technology budget at above 1.2% of the defence budget continues, but is likely to be considered as part of the next Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) that is expected to follow the 2015 General Election. This commitment is important to QinetiQ as some of our labs and teams are unique in the UK and form part of our national capabilities.

Like many other companies, we are seeking to export and are participating in the “Defence Growth Partnership”. I know from personal experience that overseas customers offer us great opportunity, appreciate what we have to offer but that closing export deals can take some time.

It is the quality of our staff that really distinguishes us from the competition.

January/February 2015

BIGINTERVIEW

JEREMY WARD CTO, QinetiQ Group

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COVERFEATURE Susan and Nick Marlow

INDUSTRY LEADERS IN IT SOLUTIONS Minster Micro Computers, based in Kidderminster, is an industry leader in IT business solutions.

Having pioneered a variety of IT solutions for all sizes of business since 1979, Minster supply Worcestershire and its surrounding counties with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, tailor designed to meet business growth needs.

In the modern business environment all sectors are heavily reliant on IT system performance. The post-recession world has led many firms to undertake a process of diversification, meaning their IT needs have changed.

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Today Minster is at the forefront, delivering new and more efficient solutions, with their most recent partnership with SAP, namely SAP Business One, an ERP solution usually reserved for multinational corporations, offering a designed solution personalised to small and medium enterprises.

Over the years, Minster’s focused and open business approach has developed an enviable reputation in their sector for delivering business IT solutions, purposely designed to fit their clients’ needs. For many of their customers, Minster takes on the role of a complete IT department, maintaining and dealing with any IT concerns. For larger companies, Minster works closely with the in-house IT department, giving them access to their extensive experience and knowledge-base in order to run a seamless IT service. On top of this, they have an energy and genuine desire to create

longstanding business connexions which is refreshing.

With the ability to offer solutions such as 3CX VOIP telephony, Pegasus Opera 3, as well as Payroll and HR solutions, consultancy, training and antivirus software, Minster’s IT offer attracts, and importantly, retains clients, many of whom rely on their expertise for a host of other office based business support services as their client and supplier relationship builds.Their wealth of experience gained over 35 years of trading, Minster continues to develop both product base and service offer, with first-hand experience and understanding of the challenges businesses face, and importantly, how best to overcome them.

Here, Nick and Susan Marlow, who spearhead the Minster team, share their business experience.

January/February 2015

COVERFEATURE

We encourage clients to treat us as a partner, which creates a much stronger and healthier relationship, and means we retain clients for many, many years.

Q: WHAT ARE THE MAIN IT ISSUES MINSTER DEALS WITH ON A REGULAR BASIS? Businesses don’t always appreciate that they need to take the same approach with IT and internal software systems as they do when maintaining or servicing company vehicles or key equipment. New employees need training in software and IT systems as well as internal company processes and procedures; in our experience clients who address these areas stay strong and are ready for new challenges and business opportunities when they come.

Q: AS ONE OF THE LONGEST ESTABLISHED AND WELL-KNOWN IT FIRMS IN WORCESTERSHIRE, WHAT’S THE SECRET TO MINSTER’S SUCCESS? We’re a family business employing local people,and we feel this really does make a difference. We understand the importance of staff and staff training, either professional external or informal in-house training, it is essential to maintaining a healthy and successful company. Quality and care are key ethos factors for Minster. We encourage clients to treat us as a partner, which creates a much stronger and healthier relationship, and means we retain clients for many, many years.

Q: HOW RELEVANT IS HAVING THE RIGHT IT? Very! Would you expect a 6 or 8 year-old vehicle to perform as efficiently, or be as well-appointed with the latest safety features, as a new one? Companies who view IT as an integral part of their business processes are those who experience the least amount of downtime, and have a better user experience. Losing confidence in your computer or software because it’s slow or keeps crashing really does affect employee performance.

Q: YOU’VE ADDED SAP BUSINESS ONE TO YOUR EXISTING ERP PORTFOLIO, WHY? It’s all about growth! –SAP works both inside and outside the UK,and when customers’ business needs change or expand, it provides full Mobility and Cloud offering. SAP also uses a new and exciting technology called SAP HANA; real-time analysis of data in super-fast time. Minster can support customer expansion across the UK and European market sectors as we select the appropriate ERP product to achieve both growth and revenue targets.

Q: IS LEGISLATION HELPING OR HINDERING SECTOR DEVELOPMENT? This is an interesting question as it depends on sector, but payroll, either internally produced or outsourced, has been impacted by its fair share of legislation. With the advent of Auto Enrolment, Minster as a supplier of business payroll software is finding that those companies who prepare in advance, are dealing with the change comfortably.

Q: IS RECRUITMENT EVER AN ISSUE AND HOW ARE YOU PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE? We find that although there are plenty of people looking for work, there is a real skills shortage in business IT, particularly software. Recruiting people with the skills and technical experience in the industries and products we support, we also look for staff that can understand clients’ problems, and have empathy. As well as staff recruitment we’re also seeking to create growth partnerships with universities and sixth form colleges and schools so that Minster can help highlight the real IT skills needs for today’s business world.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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TECHNOLOGYFEATURE

MANAGING AND EXPLOITING BIG DATA Technology in business has led to a near exponential growth in the production of data.

Suppliers and customers send in data, reports and other information.This all needs recording and storing in the Business IT Systems. Take into account HR, Tax, Finance, Laws, industry reports, and other documents and data sources, then the enterprise seems to be awash with new data flowing inwards on a daily basis.

DATA, INFORMATION OR KNOWLEDGE? Through the 1990s, businesses invested in computers and IT to allow them to transact sales more quickly and efficiently.

In the noughties (2000-2009) businesses produced data, in increasing amounts.

By the end of this current decade, businesses should be processing, validating and filtering data into rich integrated information sets. These can then be interpreted by analysts or acted upon by decision makers.

The key here is the person who uses the information, applies their knowledge (experience and wisdom), to ‘make sense’ of the patterns or trends in the data. This is true information exploitation, or IX for short.

BIG DATA

BIG DATA, BIG OPPORTUNITY

However, many businesses are now at the point where they are receiving hundreds of thousands of data elements per year, possibly millions. One of the software systems that we have developed for a client has over 1,000,000,000 reports – that’s a billion reports to store! Storage is cheap, so that’s not the problem. The challenge is query time. Software and databases have to be optimised and normalised to give the sub-second response time that users demand. Quite incredible, when you consider the vast amount of data.

The ability to exploit big data is in the hands of the business owners. If your business looks like it has the potential to be handling big data, spend some time planning how your team will be able to exploit it, and look for the opportunity for a competitive advantage.

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

PEOPLE WHO KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ASSETS Cloud computing promises huge savings in IT infrastructure and delivery. To date, the beneficiaries of the cloud have largely been small businesses and individuals. For the public sector and large companies, security concerns about cloud computing initially outweighed potential benefits.

How long would it take a hacker to access your sensitive information or sabotage your mission-critical systems?

How well could you withstand a sustained cyber attack?

What damage could a system compromise cause to your operations, regulatory compliance and reputation?

QinetiQ helps customers answer these questions by subjecting their systems, applications and networks to determined penetration testing – expertly simulating both external and internal attacks. We use the same tools and techniques as the most highly skilled adversary. It’s a proactive process that leads

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to a detailed understanding of an organisation’s vulnerabilities and exposure to potential hackers.

QinetiQs has an enviable track record in the penetration testing. We carried out our first penetration test in 1994, and have the UK’s longest established pentest team. We continually conduct pentests for a wide range of clients, keeping us up-to-date with all the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

Alongside these pentests, our experts carry out intelligence-led protective monitoring. We provide this as an external service, to the most secure parts of government who need to be able to use the cloud just as the rest of us do.

In September this year QinetiQ launched our Cyber Threat Center™, a cloud-based intelligence platform.

The Center allows security and risk professionals to undertake their own collection and analysis of online threat intelligence. This enables them to identify and respond to threats faster and more effectively.

The Cyber Threat Center combines web search, social media monitoring, global intelligence reports, and

a suite of investigative tools and databases in an easy-to-use, cloud-based portal. Professionals who are responsible for physical and IT security, incident response, cyber investigations, and online compliance can distill information from thousands of sources outside the firewall into useable intelligence, tailored for their business needs to keep their IT secure.

We are using the cloud to keep cloud computing safe.

January/February 2015

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

DELIVERING STREAMLINED PROCESSES LEAN + PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT + TECHNOLOGY = SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Brett Griffiths, Director of LTS comments, “The Platform has enabled us to dramatically improve people development with our customers. By continually seeking to innovate, we are able to ensure that our customers get the optimum development experience through YCA (Your Career Academy). In addition, the platform is designed to be used across smart phones and tablets. This allows the user to connect with their development journey 24/7 anywhere around the world and seek new development opportunities within their work place” The use of mobile apps are in our everyday lives, however what benefit do they give towards industry or the development of employees, never mind lean and cost saving activities?

400 senior leaders were asked for the major workforce issues. 30% cited lack of leadership capability due to poor people development.** Lean Transition Solutions Ltd are clear about what they want to achieve with this mobile application.

Brett commented “We want to change the way people are developed within the workplace”. **Data from Institute of Leadership & Management

Brett continues “Developing lean platforms is what we do. We can design and implement any type of bespoke platform at a minimal cost.”

Our Promise “The use of our Academy platform, can be less than the price of a cup of coffee” The platforms accelerate people’s learning and development while aiding sustainable growth towards a continuous improvement culture.

For a FREE consultation of your requirement contact Brett yourcareeracademy.com +44(0)1905 23928 info@yourcareeracademy.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

LTS have developed an innovative business solution.

LTS have worked with IT partners in India to deliver LOW COST successful business solutions.

Case Study 1

LTS have been working with local company Titan Steel Wheels of Cookley Kidderminster to implement a TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) system.

This has allowed them to develop a TPM app for the maintenance teams. No longer will maintenance teams need to fill out piles of paperwork, they will conduct all their activity, risk assessments and breakdown from the TPM app.

Benefits

• The benefits of being streamlined are enormous.

• Shorter lead time to breakdowns • Quicker risk assessments • Instant reporting of failure modes • Enabling a dynamic team • Use of mobile technology

Case Study 2

The education of our children has never been so important. LTS have developed an LMS (Learning Management System) for the United Learning group.

They manage the careers of 7000 education staff, over 47 different schools and academies across the UK.

Benefits

When working with 7000 individuals, how do you ensure they are all treated the same? It’s all about scaleability. By using the systems you are able to deliver transparency, learning and development at a consistent and sustainable pace.

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FOCUSONDIGITALMARKETING

TECHNOLOGYFEATURE

IT THE KEY TO WORKING SMART The most successful businesses are the ones that harness the latest in technology to become more efficient and provide the best service to their customers.

In an age when every penny must count, forward-thinking companies realise that computer technologies allow them to ensure that their staff are directed to the best effect and that tasks that once took many hours can now be done quickly.

That can include everything from communication with customers to market analysis and with computers becoming ever more complex, the opportunities are vast and must be embraced. Companies that allow themselves to fall behind run the risk of being forced out of business.

Using IT to avoid that happening is invaluable for any company - especially a small one - because it means that skilled members of staff are not preoccupied on tasks which do not require their creativity.

They can instead concentrate on developing new products and exploring opportunities, tasks that are crucial for survival in challenging economic times.

One of the biggest opportunities offered by IT is in the way companies can use technology to improve their Client Relationship Management.

For example, more and more companies have realised that a standard website is no longer enough when it comes to communicating with clients and potential clients.

They have realised that a good website needs to have a sense of movement about it, to be constantly updated and to make life easier for those visiting it. Ease of use is vital because a client struggling to navigate round a website will soon give up and go elsewhere.

Interactivity is also important and the latest Information Technology systems allow clients to communicate with companies who can respond quickly and efficiently.

People appreciate the simple courtesies and that includes a reply to a message, even if the initial contact is computer-generated. It makes them feel that someone is listening.

The truly switched-on companies have realised that new technologies give them ways of directly getting in touch with large numbers of customers through databases.

Such databases allow them to send out mass emails which, rather than simply being advertising tools

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

more likely to suffer the delete button than to be read, exhibit more thought, a sense of value for money.

Such messages update people on projects and products, answer the questions clients have been asking and seek their views on improvements that can be made. The ones which exhibit thought tend to be rewarded with higher customer satisfaction.

The rapid advance of hand-held technologies is also opening up opportunities, giving companies the chance to communicate with clients who are on the move, then there’s Facebook and Twitter and other sorts of communications tools, as people increasingly receive their information online through Social Media.

Before computers and associated electronic developments, such tasks were possible but took a huge amount of time to administer. Envelopes, letters, typing pools, they are all intensive ways of working.

Many people still appreciate mail but even more live by email and canny businesses combine traditional values with modern ways of working.

Not all companies have their own IT teams to make that happen; some outsource, bringing in businesses specialising in operating Internet technology and supplying and installing the necessary hardware and software.

However, a company runs its IT, it’s money well spent.

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CONFERENCEWORCESTERSHIRE www.conference-worcestershire.com

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT Worcestershire has a variety of venues set in beautiful country-house locations across the county. They offer extensive conference facilities, award-winning restaurants, acres of grounds and are all inspiring locations for both corporate events, weddings and celebrations.

The flexible way in which the houses can be used makes them perfect for country house meetings and teambuilding and training events. With exclusive use of the house you have no outside distractions - apart from the temptation to slip into the garden with a glass of Pimms!

TEAM BUILDING WITH A DIFFERENCE A series of team building activities have been designed to help boost fitness and morale of desk-bound workers

include clearing the sides of woodland rides to help benefit flowers and butterflies at Tiddesley Wood (Pershore), Monkwood (nr Hallow) and Trench Wood (nr Droitwich).

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is offering memorable and fun practical conservation sessions or wildlife experiences on nature reserves across Worcestershire.

Activities include coppicing, scrub bashing and building a bug hotel or bird box.

There is also plenty of unwanted scrub to be bashed at The Devil’s Spittleful heathland (between Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley) and Piper’s Hill Common (Hanbury). Teams are needed to help clear reeds out of the dragonfly pools at Feckenham Wylde Moor (Feckenham).

Peter Case, Water and Wetlands Officer for the Trust, said: “We’ve got a whole range of activities on our nature reserves that will give staff a break from the day to day normality of working life as well as make a real difference for Worcestershire’s countryside and wildlife.

As the seasons turn, teams can get stuck into pulling thistles at Long Meadow, a beautiful meadow near Inkberrow that is normally closed to the public. Bracken needs to be controlled at the Knapp and Papermill in the spring months and meadows around the county need hay cutting during summer.

“Not only is it well documented that team building sessions can help to increase effectiveness and profitability for businesses but evidence is also clear that being outdoors helps our individual wellbeing.

“As well as helping to bond teams, our activities also allow people to learn new skills – from coppicing trees to cutting hay – and discover how we manage our land for wildlife.”

All activities include an introduction to the wildlife and features of each nature reserve, as well as full training and all equipment.

Team building activities are being offered on nature reserves right across Worcestershire. Winter sessions

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Peter continued: “It’s not just about getting involved with practical conservation. We’ve also got a range of half-day activities that teams can get involved with – from exploring the murky world of pond monsters to building bug hotels and bird boxes to take home or back to the office.

“We can offer guided walks and visits to reserves to teams who just want to get out of the office for a morning or afternoon. We also have meeting rooms at Lower Smite Farm and are happy to work with businesses to combine a meeting with an activity or half-day package.

For meetings with a view, in an idyllic setting why not conduct your conference in the peace and tranquillity of The Cottage in the Wood? The boardroom facility, located in the main house has an adjoining syndicate room, both enjoying natural light. With its handy location just 10 miles from the M5, and just 40 miles from Birmingham, the Cottage in the Wood makes a convenient point upon which delegates can converge.

Brockencote Hall Hotel is a peaceful luxury retreat, tucked away amid some of England’s finest countryside and heritage. It is privately owned by the Eden Hotel Collection, winners of the ‘AA Small Hotel Group of the Year’ 2014-2015. Just leave it to the dedicated Events Team who will help you put together your perfect corporate event, whatever your requirements.

Colwall Park Hotel offers the perfect location for all of your event needs, with a range of rooms to suit 8 to 120 delegates. The hotel has superb views of the Malvern Hills. A path leads directly from the hotel garden onto the Malvern Hills for walking from the hotel.

With extensive gardens surrounding The Abbey, Great Malvern, it makes for an ideal location for group exercises, team building and summer drinks receptions.

For more venues and information visit: www.visitworcestershire.org/meetings-events/

FREE VENUE FINDING SERVICE BookOTel is one of the leading business travel and venue finding and event management companies in the UK. Conference Worcestershire works in partnership with BookOTel to offer a free venue finding service. To submit a conference, meetings or events enquiry please call 01905 732962 or email conferenceworcs@bookotel.com

www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/team-building

January/February 2015

DESTINATIONWORCESTERSHIRE

WINNERS OF THE VISIT WORCESTERSHIRE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2014

BOUNTIFUL BLOOMS ON THE EVESHAM SPRING BLOSSOM TRAIL You know that spring has sprung when those famous yellow AA signs appear to guide blossom spotters through the countries most famous Blossom Trail - now in its 32nd year and taking in almost 50 miles of idyllic Worcestershire countryside.

There are so many ways to enjoy this magical natural attraction. Not only can you travel the trail by car, you can also enjoy a fabulous day out on one of the spring time in the Vale Coach Tours.

Operated by Dudleys Coaches Ltd on the 14th and 21st April 2015 with pick up points throughout the County, this value for money tour with your very own tour guide allows you to experience the best of the Vale and the Spring Blossom.

For those who prefer ‘the great outdoors’ without engines - why not cycle the route and join the Blossom Trail Bikeaway in aid of St John Ambulance. This event will take place on 19th April 2015 from Raphaels’ Restaurant (Hampton Ferry) in Evesham.

With a choice of 4 routes: 11, 16, 27 and 50 miles on offer - there is certainly something for all ages and capabilities.

Tourism businesses across Worcestershire were celebrating on Thursday 23rd October 2014 as the winners of the Visit Worcestershire Awards for Excellence were announced at Visit Worcestershire’s Annual Tourism Conference held at the Mercure Kidderminster, sponsored

by Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and production sponsors PSG Events.

The finalists were judged on their ability to provide an exceptional tourism experience and every business that made it through to the finals has proved that Worcestershire really has quality and

customer service at its heart. The Winner and Highly Commended from each category will now be put forward to the 2015 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

With over 100 guests attending, the afternoon included informative presentations from guest speakers Louise Stewart, Director of Strategy and Development at VisitEngland and Matt Lloyd, Director of Ventutec. Guests also had the opportunity to network with other businesspeople over an afternoon tea, sponsored by DRP Group.

To find out more about the awards visit www.visitworcestershire.org

BEST TOURISM EXPERIENCE AWARD - Sponsored by Heart of Worcestershire College WINNER: Avoncroft Museum HIGHLY COMMENDED: Worcester Cathedral COMMENDED: Little Owl Farm Park

If walking is more your style - then you should enjoy one of the Blossom Trail Walks. A series of 3 walks designed with springtime blossom in mind, but they can be appreciated at any time during the year.

BEST HOTEL AWARD - Sponsored by Quality in Tourism

For your free colour Blossom Pack and more information contact Angela Tidmarsh on 01386 565373 or angela.tidmarsh@wychavon.gov.uk

BEST B&B AWARD - Sponsored by Quality in Tourism

WINNER: Brockencote Hall Hotel HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dormy House Hotel & Spa COMMENDED: The Malvern

WINNER: Eckington Manor HIGHLY COMMENDED: Green Farm Bed & Breakfast COMMENDED: Laughern Hill Estate

FOLLOW THE MAGNA CARTA TRAIL THROUGH WORCESTERSHIRE

BEST SELF CATERING AWARD - Sponsored by Quality in Tourism

Trail six of the official Magna Carta 800th Trails will take you from Oxford to Hereford via Evesham and the city of Worcester, where King John himself is buried.

BEST BUSINESS TOURISM AWARD - Sponsored by BookoTel

Day one of the trail begins in Oxford, as Oxford’s Bodleian Library holds nearly a quarter of the world’s original 13th century manuscripts of Magna Carta.

On day two travel from Oxford through the Cotswolds to the riverside market town of Evesham and follow the Simon de Montfort Trail. Simon de Montfort led the rebellion against King Henry III of England during the Second Barons’ War of 1263–4.

Travel through the Vale of Evesham to the historic city of Worcester. King John’s will is usually kept in the Cathedral Library and his effigy, the oldest royal effigy in England, is in front of the High Altar.

From September 2015 relics from King

John’s tomb including his thumb bone and fragments of his clothing, as well as his will, can also be viewed by appointment in the library. There will be an exhibition, talks, events and concerts relating to Magna Carta from April 2015 in the Cathedral.

Day three ends in Hereford, two important Magna Carta items are housed in the New Library building of Hereford Cathedral together with a wealth of other fantastic treasures. The first is the finest surviving 1217 Magna Carta – the significant revision of the original 1215 charter issued by King John’s son Henry III. The second is the sole surviving copy of the ‘Kings Writ,’ issued

by King John in the form of a letter to royal officials across England following his meeting with the barons at Runnymede.

For more information and to see the Magna Carta Trails visit: www.magnacarta800th.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

WINNER: Hop Pickers Rural Retreat HIGHLY COMMENDED: Broadway Manor Cottages COMMENDED: Holywell Suite

WINNER: Brockencote Hall Hotel HIGHLY COMMENDED: Top Barn Activity Centre COMMENDED: Aztec Adventures

BEST SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD - Sponsored by Modus WINNER: Green & Away HIGHLY COMMENDED: Broadway Manor Cottages COMMENDED: Little Owl Farm Park

BEST FESTIVALS AND EVENTS AWARD - Sponsored by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce WINNER: Upton Blues Festival HIGHLY COMMENDED: Broadway Arts Festival COMMENDED: Droitwich Spa Food and Drink Festival

BEST TASTES OF WORCESTERSHIRE AWARD - Sponsored by CB Chartered Accountants WINNER: Eckington Manor HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Talbot COMMENDED: The Cardinal’s Hat

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

ARE YOU TOO BUSY TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR? When you’re busy, trying to juggle home, work and family, it is important to be able to access a doctor and other medical services rapidly and at a time convenient to you.

The Private GP Service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital offers a convenient service that enables you and our family to receive the help and advice you need at a time to suit you. The service is run by GPs Dr Judith Johnson and Dr Ivan Wall who between them have over 25 year’s experience.

A SPEEDY SERVICE WITH MINIMAL WAITING TIME One of the advantages of being based within the hospital is that we can usually arrange for investigations such as blood tests, x-rays and scans to be done at the time of consultation with a GP, or the following day. We can also ensure rapid referral to any one of the wide range of specialists that consult at the hospital if needed.

PRIVATE GP SERVICES We offer a full range of direct access GP services similar to those available at your local NHS surgery but with the flexibility to fit around your schedule. No registration with an NHS GP is needed. We also welcome visitors from abroad.

COSTS A consultation with one of our GPs costs £95, with additional fees if tests/treatments are required (a price list is available on request). Some insurance policies may cover consultation fees and investigations (please check with your insurer first).

See a GP when it suits you . . .

See a GP when it suits you ...

Private GP service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Private GP Service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Here at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital we know how valuable your time is. That’s why Here at Nuffield Hereford Hospital we know how valuable your time is. That’s we offer a private Health GP service so you can get help and advicea whenever need itsowith why we offer private GPyou service you can get help and advice whenever you need it appointment times Monday to Friday, with appointment times Monday toincluding Friday, including early mornings and evenings. early mornings and evenings.

Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson listen in a comfortable, confidential environment. Plus if you need tests or scans, and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to listen in a many of these can be sorted out for you the hospital there and then. comfortable, confidential environment.

Plus at if you We offer a full range of GP services.

See a GP when it suits you . . . need tests or scans, many of these can be sorted out for you at the hospital there and then.

We offer a full range of GP services.

Private GP service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Here at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital

we know how valuable your time is. That’s why No registration with an NHS GP is needed

01432818543

we offer a private GP service so you can get help and advice whenever you need it with appointment times Monday to Friday, including early mornings and evenings.

he.clinicbookings@nuffieldhealth.com

Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson

and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to listen in a Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital confidential environment. Plus if you Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 comfortable, 1DF

need tests or scans, many of these can be sorted out for you at the hospital there and then.

We offer a full rangeasof GP services. * Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals.

Local area defined within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

We will match against writtenunits quotes only.hospitals.

Promise is validarea for defined patientsaspaying *Not including private patient at NHS Local withinfor 15themselves. miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required

from your Consultant for as long as you may requireNo it. Ifregistration a prosthesis iswith used as of GP youristreatment anpart NHS neededthis is guaranteed We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or ** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct resulttreatment of surgicalorintervention. you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically 01432818543 required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention. he.clinicbookings@nuffieldhealth.com

Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 1DF

036

* Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. ** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or

January/February 2015

3aaa - An Outstanding IT Apprenticeship Provider We are delighted to announce that we have recently opened a brand new Apprenticeship training Academy in the centre of Worcester where we are delivering Apprenticeships in Technology and Digital Marketing into industries which are constantly demanding young, passionate people as companies look for alternatives to the traditional recruitment routes to bring technical talent into their businesses.

3aaa is an Ofsted Grade 1 Outstanding training provider of Apprenticeships in England, specialising in the delivery of Apprenticeships in Professional Services. We are a national company offering a personalised, local service in over 30 locations across England as we look to change the lives of young people through our work with local employers, recruiting Apprentices and helping these young people to find a pathway into the career of their dreams.

By achieving Grade 1s for every category, this makes us the only independent training provider to achieve Ofsted Grade 1 Outstanding in all areas on a first inspection.

www.3aaa.co.uk

Our dedicated Recruitment Executives work closely with our partnering employers to understand the requirements of their business and help them to select the best possible candidate to suit their needs. This is part of a free ‘match and fill’ recruitment service that we offer our partner employers.

Key Benefits of taking on an Apprentice: • • • •

Apprentices increase motivation; 92% of employers taking on Apprentices noticed a more motivated workforce.

Consumers like to see that businesses are supporting Apprenticeships.

81% would rather use a company which hires Apprentices.

83% of Apprentice employers believe that they are investing in the future of their business as they can mould their own workforce.

Apprentices boost productivity; In fact, 80% of employers saw an increase in productivity in the workplace.

If you’re an Employer in the Worcestershire and Herefordshire area and you are looking to transform your business, contact our Worcester Academy or e-mail our Academy Manager, Tristan Howe tristanhowe@3aaa.co.uk

3aaa Worcester | The Ground Floor Office Suite Virginia House | The Butts | Worcester | WR1 3PA

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

01905 611 410

037

INTERNATIONALTRADE

HEREFORDSHIRE DESIGNER WIN JAPANESE EXPORT ORDER Herefordshire based, Hergest Designs Ltd, decided earlier this year to explore the opportunity of selling their British tweed handbags and vintage and classic motoring themed products to Japan and Korea. After only six months they are delighted to announce their first ‘wholesale’ export order is winging its way to Tokyo.

FLEET INNOVATIONS CELEBRATE WITH THE HELP OF UKTI Fleet Innovations have just celebrated 3 years providing almost 40,000 users with a mileage expenses system. The system, that uses a small GPS device which is placed in the cigarette lighter, provides an accurate record of business mileage.

Alex Baker, the founder and Managing Director of Fleet Innovations, said: “Mileage Expenses is a pain. It’s the sort of thing that people rush and in doing so they miss trips, overestimate mileage and sacrifice accuracy for speed. The problem with this is that it can cost you. Not only are you potentially losing money you are also opening yourself up to HMRC investigation and penalty with some customer coming to us having already paid as much as £30,000.”

As far as the UK is concerned, Fleet Innovations now feel they have cracked it, and have begun to set their sights on markets further afield. Baker added: “We now

have an enviable client list with some of the best known brands in the country using our system. Our strategy for the UK still remains strong, but we have discovered and researched some lucrative market opportunities across the globe. We are now in the process of preparing our systems for these markets and gearing up our marketing effort in preparation.”

The Idea of a small business from Kidderminster competing on the international stage is exciting.

Alex and his team are particularly looking forward to returning to New Zealand where he lived for 2 years.

The business have utilised multiple services offered by the local UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) team. Baker concluded: “The team at UKTI have been fantastic; Terry Smith our key contact has been great in helping us to assess potential markets and has provided us with all sorts of useful advice and contacts. Anyone considering the global stage must get in touch with the UKTI team, it’s one of the best decisions you could make.” www.fleetinnovations.com

Hergest products are well known amongst the vintage motoring fraternity because their motoring range features images of vintage and classic motor cars such as Bentley, Morgan, Classic Mini and many others. The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has been carrying Hergest products for some time.

However, their tweed bags and incredibly beautiful leather briefcases have now caught the eye of foreign buyers with retail orders despatched to Australia, the USA, and now this fabulous trade order to Japan.

Founder and Creative Director, Elinor Fielder, said: “The success was as a result of sustained effort on our part, but we would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce in, our UKTI Consultant, Peter Willis, the staff at the British Embassy in Tokyo and the day to day business support provided by Chameleon PA in Leominster. All of which were vital components in winning this business.”

Elinor from Kington, and her business partner Robert, attended courses laid on by UKTI which proved invaluable, especially the ‘Language and Culture’ course which proved very beneficial when dealing with Japanese customers, and they recommend these short, but powerful, courses to any business looking to access the Far Eastern market.

Gaenor Magee, Owner and MD of Chameleon PA, said: “The Chameleon team were delighted that the support services it had provided to Hergest had been helpful to them winning the contract. It just shows what can be done when you blend creativity, enthusiasm, effort and organisation.”

Hergest Designs, which is without doubt a ‘Quintessentially British’ company, is fast becoming a recognised British design brand and is set to be a real winner at the PURE London exhibition and the Spring Fair in Birmingham NEC 2015. www.hergestdesigns.com

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

Chamber Export Documentation Authentication prices frozen for 2014!

Chamber Members receive a 50% discount. Website: www.hwchamber.co.uk/exportdocumentation

UKTI Herefordshire & Worcestershire 038

January/February 2015

INTERNATIONALTRADE

THE EQUESTRIAN UNDERWEAR EXPERTS Derriere Equestrian® has brought together innovation, science and style to develop the perfect equestrian underwear.

CMCA(UK) SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH MALAYSIAN HEAVYWEIGHT TO DEVELOP AND DELIVER AN OPERATIONAL SAVINGS PROGRAMME CMCA(UK) is delighted to announce details of a strategic business partnership in the Far East which brings with it exciting new opportunities for the company, our staff and our growth aspirations.

On 9th October 2014 CMCA(UK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MFDM Holdings Sdn Bhd in Malaysia that will lead to the creation of a Joint Venture designed to integrate many of CMCA(UK)’s core services into an ‘in-country’ through life support solution. The Joint Venture is to be established

The Derriere Equestrian concept is driven from years of research, experience and exploration of the use of underwear within equestrian disciplines. This Cotswold based business launched on 1st September 2014, whilst the international trade, the ecommerce websites went live on 8th October, and the business is growing from strength to strength.

The overriding goal of the MOERT JV is to deliver substantial through life support savings for both MFDM Holdings and the Malaysian Government.

Derriere Equestrian has had an excellent launch. The company exhibited at the International Equestrian Trade Show, SPOGA. SPOGA was an incredible launch pad for the business. Derriere won the Silver SPOGA International Innovation Award, secured orders into 22 Countries and connected with many prospective clients.

“The equestrian marketplace has moved forward in many ways with development and advancement in the technology of riding clothes, but the world of equestrian underwear had been left behind,” says Claire Galer MD at Derriere. “Padded cycling shorts are too bulky to go under breaches, but existing solutions for horse riders had unnecessary seam lines and ineffective padding.

The MOERT initiative presents CMCA(UK) with a fantastic opportunity to increase its global footprint and international presence whilst creating some great career opportunities for our dedicated workforce.

Our Panties and Shorty’s for women and shorty’s for men have discrete padding and no excess material. They bring together innovation, science and style to develop the perfect equestrian riding underwear.”

under the umbrella of a ‘Malaysian Operational Expenditure Reduction Team’, or MOERT for short, which will create the framework for exporting various CMCA(UK) skill-sets and elements of our Quality, Business Management, Codification, Procurement and Obsolescence Management processes.

www.derriereequestrian.com

0845 641 1613 internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

039

INTERNATIONALTRADE

TRADE SAFE, TRADE GLOBAL Date for your diary – Thursday 26th February 2015 Worcestershire and surrounding counties have stolen a march on securing businesses in cyberspace by drawing on the skills of its many cyber security companies.

Worcestershire County Council has set itself the ambitious target of making Worcestershire the safest place to do business online.

The UK government’s new Cyber Essentials scheme was largely born out of the work done by staff at Worcester University and was mandated on 1 October by the Cabinet Office for all future government contracts that involved the exchange of official information or data back-ups stored off-site.

There is funding available to help businesses be safer online.

All of this gives us an edge in an export market were cyber security is an increasingly influencing factor in the customer choice and supplier risk.

This event to be held at Sixways Stadium will:

n Celebrate the export successes of many of our companies.

n Offer tips and advice on how to export and exchange information and funds safely and within the law.

n Emphasise the advantages of good cyber security in export.

n Provide access to grant funding that will help companies to improve their systems, workforces and products.

TRAINING COURSES WORCESTER – 2014/2015 To Book Contact: Alison Avery or Janine Davies on Tel: 0845 641 1507 or Email: alisona@hwchamber.co.uk What’s new – Changes in International Trade 20 January 2015 Sandra Strong Strong & Herd Advanced Import Procedures 4 February 2015 Anthony Griffiths Strong & Herd Tariff Classification 5 February 2015 Anthony Griffiths Strong & Herd

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Basics of Export Documentation 19 March 2015 Anthony Griffiths Strong & Herd

The Distributor Contract 13 May 2015 Keith Jones Link me to Export

Advanced Export Documentation 24 March 2015 Anthony Griffiths Strong & Herd

Managing Agents & Distributors 7 July 2015 Keith Jones Link me to Export

IPR (Inward Process Relief) 25 March 2015 Anthony Griffiths Strong & Herd

Managing Agents & Distributors 10 November 2015 Keith Jones Link me to Export

January/February 2015

MEMBERSSERVICES

RESOURCE EFFICIENT WORCESTERSHIRE The Resource Efficient Worcestershire (REW) scheme provides free resource efficiency assessments to business to business SMEs based in Worcestershire to help them identify savings on energy, water and waste.

To date, Resource Efficiency Advisor James Bridges, has undertaken over 60 assessments for a range of different businesses; and the external consultant company, Pro Enviro Ltd, involved in the programme, has also undertaken a similar amount of assessments. Therefore, in total the scheme has provided support to over 120 Worcestershire based SMEs. Typically, each assessment has identified at least 20% savings on annual energy costs for each business.

Recommendations include no cost, low cost and higher cost suggestions and have characteristically included appliance timers, machinery controls, new lighting, more efficient heating systems, air compressors, variable speed drives or new efficient process-based machinery.

There is also a supporting grant that businesses have applied for to contribute

towards the costs of recommendations made which provides 45% grant funding.

The scheme also supports free breakfast workshops held quarterly for how businesses can reduce resource consumption. For example, previous workshops have included lighting technologies, energy efficiency technologies, capturing waste heat from industrial processes; Environmental Management Systems; and water and waste efficiencies.

The scheme is a partnership between Worcestershire County Council (WCC) and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce (HWCC) through Worcestershire.Business.Central. We can provide the free assessments and grant support because the scheme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) until June 2015.

Further details about the REW scheme, eligibility and workshops can also be found at the Chamber website www.hwchamber.co.uk/support/ advice/environment/resourceefficient-worcestershire or contact James Bridges on 0845 641 1641 ext 245 or email jamesb@hwchamber.co.uk

RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES EVENT Focus: Legal and financial business support for renewable energy projects A partnership event between Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, mfg, NatWest and Lombard

n Legal and Planning - Addressing the planning and legal implications from smaller to larger scale projects including planning permissions, building regulations, and landlord consent

Date: Tuesday 27 January 2015 Time: 08.00–10.30am Venue: Worcester, Bosch, Cotswold Way, Warndon, Worcester WR4 9SW

n Financial support - Find out about the financial support and renewable energy generation payments available to help you install renewable technologies

Cost: FREE to attend including continental breakfast and refreshments. Event for businesses interested in finding out more about the legal implications and financial support for installing renewable energy technologies. Followed by an optional tour of the Worcester, Bosch factory.

n Case studies - Hear business case illustrations as to the many drivers and benefits of renewable energy installations

Attend this free event and find out about: n Suitability and types - Different types of renewable energy technologies that can be appropriate for your business

Optional tour of factory (10.00 to 10.30am) If you would like more details or wish to book your place on this event, please contact Yasmin Bent on 0845 641 1641 or via yasminb@hwchamber.co.uk

n Scale - Different scales of renewable energy installations that can be appropriate for your business

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GOLF SOCIETY EVENTS H&W Chamber Night Golf - Thursday 26th February 2015* Venue: Ravenmeadow Golf Club Shotgun Start @ 7.00 pm. with 9 holes of Golf using supplied glow in the dark golf balls, Texas Scramble format, & 1 course Prize Presentation Dinner.

Team of 4 Entry £100.00 + Vat / Inividual Entry £30.00 + Vat AGM & Conference, Costa Del Sol, Spain - 20th – 22nd March 2015* Two night’s B&B with two rounds of Golf, Buggies & Transfers, including AGM & Conference.

Individual Entry from £229.00 per person + VAT (Flights optional) Worcester Evening Golf - Thursday 23rd April 2015** Arrival 4.00pm, Tee Off 4.30pm - Venue TBC Part of our series of networking golf events, this is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with your neighbours on the golf course. We will play 9 holes followed by a meal in the clubhouse and some more networking. £20.00+VAT Members / £25.00+VAT Non-members H&W Chamber Charity Golf Day - Wednesday 27th May 2015* Sponsored By: HomeXperts Venue: Droitwich Golf Club Shotgun Start with 18 holes of Golf, Arrival refreshments, Player goody bags & Prize Presentation Dinner.

Team of 4 Entry £300.00 + Vat Hereford Evening Golf - Thursday 2nd July 2015** Arrival 4.00pm, Tee Off 4.30pm - Venue TBC Part of our series of networking golf events, this is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with your neighbours on the golf course. We will play 9 holes followed by a meal in the clubhouse and some more networking. £20.00+VAT Members / £25.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Evening Golf - Thursday 17th September 2015** Arrival 4.00pm, Tee Off 4.30pm - Venue TBC Part of our series of networking golf events, this is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with your neighbours on the golf course. We will play 9 holes followed by a meal in the clubhouse and some more networking. £20.00+VAT Members / £25.00+VAT Non-members H&W Chamber Charity Golf Day - Friday 2nd October 2015* Sponsored By: CB Chartered Accounts Venue: The Worcestershire Golf Club Shotgun Start with 18 holes of Golf, Arrival refreshments, Player goody bags & Prize Presentation Dinner.

Team of 4 Entry £300.00 + Vat * For more information or booking form contact Neil Bettridge on 07792620355 or sales@amrosgolf.co.uk Booking form can also be downloaded from www.hwchamber.co.uk ** For more information contact Vicky Young on 0845 641 1641 or vickyy@hwchamber.co.uk

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COMMERCIALPROPERTY

GROWTH COULD BE STIFLED WITH SHORTAGES PREDICTS GJS DILLON Growth in the commercial property market in Worcestershire could be stifled in 2015 through lack of supply, according to forecasts by leading Midland independent property consultancy GJS Dillon.

The strengthening warehouse and industrial markets are being put at risk by a lack of supply, particularly in the medium-sized 20,000 to 50,000 sq ft sector. The same is true in the office market where smaller offices are in short supply and the supply (particularly to purchase) of larger, good quality office space is sporadic at best.

building in Sherwood Road, Bromsgrove within the first week of marketing, which was off the back of a letting the month before of a 28,000 sq ft warehouse building in the same road to Siemans.

On the acquisition side we did an active search for a local manufacturing company looking to take circa 20,000 to 25,000 sq ft in Worcester and ended up acquiring a 22,000 sq ft unit at Stonebridge Cross, Droitwich as there was nothing on the market of that size in the Worcester area.

He said that small offices in the 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft sector to buy in Worcestershire were in short supply because there had been no speculative development for the last five years.

John Dillon, partner at GJS Dillon, said the industrial and warehouse market in the county had shown encouraging signs of growth but a major shortage of stock.

“There is a serious shortage of smaller office units and those that do become available are snapped up. For instance the Topaz Development in Bromsgrove is now fully let or sold, as is the sister site Wildwood Triangle in Worcester, both of which we manage for the owners”.

“We are certainly seeing an up-lift in the warehouse and industrial markets, but supply is extremely constrained. As a result those properties that do become available are taken up very quickly. For example, we agreed to sell a 16,000 sq ft high bay warehouse

“The market for larger, good quality office space is TRADITIONAL sporadic at best. Anyone holding good GradeVALUES A or LOCAL refurbished open plan Grade B officeKNOWLEDGE space is in a strong REGIONAL COVERAGE position. Landlords with cellular office space will find less takers in the market, so they should consider either

refurbishing, or taking advantage of relaxed rules which would allow them, if appropriate, to convert them for residential use,” he said.

But he said that 2015 could see the resurgence of the commercial developer.

“There is no doubt that the demand is there, and we are on the lookout for potential development sites for developers or existing commercial properties to fulfil demand when acquiring for local companies. We have a track record of finding suitable premises for companies – very often off-market before they are advertised,” he said.

GJS Dillon LLP, with offices in Worcester and Bromsgrove, offers a full range of commercial property consultancy services throughout Worcestershire and surrounding areas, and along the M5 and A38 corridors. www.gjsdillon.co.uk

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businesscentres@nwedr.org.uk www.redditchbc.gov.uk/businesscentres

OPEN FOR BUSINESS January/February 2015

COMMERCIALPROPERTY

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

043

CHARITYNEWS

WORCESTERSHIRE FIRM’S CHARITY GOLF DAY RAISES NEARLY £1,500 A Worcestershire accountancy firm went a ‘fair way’ to help individuals with moderate learning and physical disabilities when it sponsored a charity golf day.

Staff at CB, Chartered Accountants took time out from offering support with tax and accounting to stage a charity golf day at The Worcestershire Golf Club on October 3rd, which raised nearly £1,500 for Bewdley based charity, The Emily Jordan Foundation.

The charity aims to help individuals with moderate learning and physical disabilities to lead valued and fulfilled lives.

The event was supported by Herefordshire and Worcester Chamber of Commerce and organised by Amros Golf Event Management.

John Painter, Managing Partner, at CB, Chartered Accountants said: “We

are delighted to have raised so much money for such a fantastic local charity.

It was a very enjoyable day, blessed with great weather, and supported by businesses from all over the two counties. I would like to thank our clients and business contacts who made it such a success. Based on the success of the day we have decided to hold another charity golf event on 2nd October 2015 and we would encourage all local businesses to get involved.”

Ruth Krivosic, Chief Executive of the Emily Jordan Foundation said: “We are extremely grateful to staff, clients and contacts of CB, Chartered Accountants for choosing to support us in this way. We are a small charity and need to constantly fund raise to continue our work so this gesture is hugely appreciated.” www.cbcharteredaccountants.com

John Painter, Managing Partner of CB, Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and Ruth Krivosic, Chief Executive of the Emily Jordan Foundation

Halls Senior Partner Duncan Bedhall braves the hot coals.

L-R: Stella Hayward, Western Power Distribution, Rachel Jones, St Richard’s Hospice, Judith Bennett, Britannia Bennetts of Malvern

SEASONAL BALL FOR LOCAL HOSPICE A HIT Glasses were raised in celebration at the St Richard’s Hospice Snowdrop Ball, which raised over £24,000 profit for the charity.

More than 350 guests enjoyed an evening of dining and dancing at Sixways Rugby Club at the hospice’s annual event.

Supporters gave generously to the live auction, led by Knight Frank’s Will Kerton, and to a raffle. Later in the evening, they were entertained by live band Soul Trader.

The party continued late into the night with dancing to the sounds of Midlands Leisure Disco and a casino for those that did not want to take to the dance floor.

Rachel Jones, Fundraising Manager at St Richard’s Hospice, said; “It was a fabulous night with everyone pulling out all the stops to look glamorous. The evening 044

really kicked off the festive season with a bang and was a great finale for our 30th anniversary celebrations! We are very grateful to the sponsors Britannia Bennetts of Malvern and Western Power Distribution; and to all those who donated items for the auction and raffle.

We are delighted with the great feedback received and guests are already reserving their tables for next year!”

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire. www.strichards.org.uk

HALLS BRAVE SOLES FIRE WALK FOR SIGHT CONCERN A county charity for blind and partially sighted people is almost £1,000 better off after a firewalk by a Worcester property firm.

Sight Concern Worcestershire, which is based at The Bradbury Centre on Sansome Walk, benefitted when a team from Halls attended their Halloween Firewalk.

The charity helps people who have lost their sight, who are frightened and need help to take the next step, face the fear of living with sight loss and achieve some of the things they think are impossible.

Halls Partner, Jason Clines said: ‘I know through personal experience that we all

take our sight for granted. Sight Concern is a fantastic local charity which helps the blind and partially sighted to acheive so much in the face of such adversity and we are proud to be assocaiated with them. We were delighted to be able to offer our support which we hope will help them to continue the wonderful work they do.’

The intrepid team of eight walked on a bed of hot embers burning at over 1000°F at the amazing spectacle at the Bank House Hotel, Bransford. www.hallsgb.com

January/February 2015

POLICYNEWS

KEY PRE-ELECTION DATES February 6 – MPs and candidates event: Building a world class workforce The first of our pre-election events will focus around the issue of education & skills. The current skills void, albeit improving, is pervasive across numerous sectors, especially in the local area.

This event will give members the opportunity to ask questions of MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates from across the two-counties, to establish both countywide and constituency based perspectives.

AUTUMN STATEMENT December 3rd saw George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, deliver his final Autumn Statement before the General Election. His document for growth is published off the back of projections on government finance by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), forming one of the Treasury’s two required statements per year – the other being the Budget.

HEADLINE STATISTICS n The economy has grown 8.0% over the course of this parliament. The third fastest of any major economy since 2010. n The economy is forecast to grow by 3.0% in 2014. n Growth forecasts for 2015 estimate 2.4% growth, followed by 2.2% in 2016, 2.45% in 2017 and 2.4% in 2018. n The deficit is expected to peak at £81.1 billion next year. n The last year has seen 500,000 new jobs created.

Double the amount projected by the OBR. n Inflation over this year and the following two is projected to fall below the 2.0% forecast the Bank of England, sitting at 1.5%, 1.2% and 1.7% in 2016. n It is projected that Britain will no longer be running a budget deficit or borrowing deficit by 2019/20, with a small surplus achieved in both quadrants.

HEADLINE MEASURES n A 25% diverted profits tax on multinationals who avoid tax on income earned in Britain by shifting profits into a cavernous web of off shore bank accounts through complex taxation systems. n A 50% limit on the amount of profit that banks can offset against previous losses to avoid heavy tax bills. n A full review into the business rates system. n The abolition of the ‘residential slab’ stamp duty tax. n The rate of small business relief has been doubled for an extra year. n An increase on the current R&D tax breaks for small businesses. n The stipulations of the National Infrastructure Plan were released, including a £15 billion investment in Britain’s strategic road networks, namely trunk roads and motorways. n The Funding to Lending scheme and the Funding Guarantee Scheme are to be extended for an extra year beyond what was initially forecast. n The removal of national insurance for all young people on apprenticeships.

SHADOW SMALL BUSINESS SECRETARY AND LABOUR MP FOR CHESTERFIELD VISITS WORCESTER Toby Perkins, Shadow Small Business Secretary and Labour MP for Chesterfield, visited Worcester last week.

Accompanied by Joy Squires, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the 2015 General Election, Toby visited the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to speak to local small businesses about some of the challenges inherent to owning a small business, followed by a visit to Coomber Electronic Equipment, a Worcester based audio firm.

The attendees, including representatives from the nuclear sector, commercial property, chartered

accountancy, business advice and commercial banking, had the chance to share their concerns with Toby, with the cross-sector skills shortage and business rates being hot topics of conversation.

Particular concerns were raised over the pushing back of the business rate revaluation for another two years, with rates already calculated using out of date prices from the middle of 2008 – a period sandwiched in between the fall of Northern Rock and Lehman Brothers. Another worry, with particular relevance to the local economy, was the lack of available skills. Whilst attendees

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

March – The Budget: March is a busy month in the build up to the election, with the publication of the final growth predictions, the dissolution of parliament, and most significantly, the announcement of the Budget.

This is the last Budget before the election and pre-election budgets are often packed to the brim with business related policies. We will be documenting the Budget itself, as well as giving our verdict.

March 20 – MPs and candidates event: Infrastructure & Transport: Creating the environment for growth The second of our pre-election events will focus on infrastructure, transport and regeneration issues.

The completion of strategic developments across the two-counties are integral to the prosperity of local business. This event will give the chance for attendees to discuss priorities with a mix of MPs and parliamentary candidates.

April – Manifesto season Each party will be publishing a Manifesto during April. We will make sure you know where to access them, as well as providing a short synopsis of the main policy pledges in each one.

April 24 – MPs and candidates event: The Trade Deficit: Helping British business increase their export portfolio The last of our pre-election events will be focused on overseas business and what the main political parties see as the route to closing up Britain’s increasing trade deficit.

May 7 – General Election This is very likely the date of the election. We will be providing updates on the day of the election, along with a ‘policy priorities’ piece shortly after.

welcomed the increased focus given to apprenticeships, the lack of apprenticeships in fields of local economic need have meant that many businesses are still struggling to access the skills they need.

Commenting on the visit, Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are very thankful for Toby visiting Worcester and getting a chance to hear from some of the amazing small businesses we have in the city. For us, and the attendees, having the chance to pick the brains of a man who might well be part of the Cabinet in six months times was an invaluable experience.”

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BEWDLEY PLH Electrical 01299 403686 www.plhelectrical.co.uk BROMSGROVE Production Support Services Ltd 0845 838 1123 www.production-support.net TBO LTD - The Best of Bromsgrove 01527 879 952 EVESHAM Exceptional Thinking 01386 298 042 www.exceptionalthinking.co.uk HEREFORD Berrys 01544 598080 www.berrybros.com Dragan Wood Art 01432 611069

Rose Deco Ltd 01432 351027 www.rosedeco.co.uk SES Hereford Ltd 01432 240053 www.ses-limited.co.uk The Better Bun Company 07540 945030 The Salt Seller Ltd 01432 890716 www.thesaltseller.co.uk Trek Kit (Hereford) Ltd 01432 263 335 www.trekitt.co.uk/ KIDDERMINSTER Price & Searl Ltd. / TA Boots the Opticians Kidderminster 01562 824 474 Tristan Palmer Studio 01562 277 617

www.draganwoodart.co.uk

tristan-palmer.com

Equilibrium Training and Development Services Ltd 01531 670198

LEOMINSTER

www.equilibriumcounsellingservices. co.uk Herefordshire Sport 01432 356757

Oaks Ltd (Opportunities for Adventure, Knowledge and Skills Ltd) 01568 613274 www.oakschildrensgroup.org.uk Pauls Doors 01568 368 173

Ian Lloyd Photography 07712 896 902

paulsgaragedoors.co.uk

www.ianlloydphotography.com

MALVERN

KicTeam Europe Ltd 01432 852050

The Credit Management Bureau 01684 569 262

www.kicteam.eu

www.creditmanagement.biz

ROSS-ON-WYE Orles Barn Ross Limited 01989 562155 www.orles-barn.co.uk STOURPORT ON SEVERN Ken Bell Accounting 01299 829 515 www.propertyaccountanthere.co.uk TENBURY WELLS Orchard Valley Foods Ltd 01584 811 137 www.orchard-valley.co.uk WORCESTER 3CF Ltd. 01905 622334 3cf.co.uk Leukaemia CARE 08088 010 444 www.leukaemiacare.org.uk Churchill Taxation 01905 854894 www.churchilltaxationlimited.co.uk Love Mondays Ltd 01905 612 574 inlovewithmondays.co.uk Prodeceo 0845 900 3830 www.prodeceo.com PS Graphics 01905 355655 Embarkon Enterprises 07591505900 EstatesDirect.com Limited 0845 313131 www.estatesdirect.com

CHAMBER LEGAL EXPENSES INSURANCE

No matter how well you plan and manage your business you never know when you are going to face unexpected legal fees. Members are entitled to free Legal Expenses Insurance (terms and conditions apply). Call 0845 641 1641 www.hwchamber.co.uk.co.uk/legal-expenses-insurance

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January/February 2015

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH Rednet Systems 01905 612637 www.rednetsystems.co.uk The Dewdrop Inn 01905 640012 www.thedewdrop-inn.co.uk

OUT OF AREA DS Fabrications Ltd 01568 708644 www.dsfabrications.co.uk Jaques Int Ltd 01568 708 644 www.jaquesint.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Three Choirs Festival Association 0845 6521823 www.3choirs.org Trudi Price 01544 350 417

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MOVERSANDSHAKERS

GARY FOX, ERESPONSE RECRUITMENT eResponse Recruitment has appointed Gary Fox as its Regional Manager for Worcestershire.

Gary has 12 years’ experience within the recruitment industry and is now helping to promote and develop awareness of the firm across the county. eResponse has a trio of branches and training centres across Worcestershire. Their headquarters are in Redditch and they have offices in Worcester and Kidderminster. www.e-responserecruitment.co.uk

JON ROBERTS, ALEX DYER & ANDY HUNT, ORMEROD RUTTER CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Expanding Worcestershire practice Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants has appointed three new Partners Alex Dyer, Andy Hunt and Jon Roberts will play a key role in helping the firm, which has offices in Droitwich Spa, Bromsgrove and Worcester, respond to rapid growth and will also be involved in future strategic development.

STEPHANIE MONMARCHÉ, GABBS SOLICITORS

GILLIAN ROE, FARNCOMBE CONFERENCE CENTRE Farncombe Conference Centre near Broadway in the Cotswolds has appointed a new General Manager to oversee the operation of its conferences, events, weekend courses and growing leisure business.

Gillian Roe, aged 47, is a leading venue and events manager with experience of launching and transforming hotels and venues around the UK. She joins Farncombe this autumn with the aim of steering the business through an exciting stage in its evolution.

Having joined the firm as a Senior Accountant six years ago from a smaller Worcester-based practice, Jon Roberts then proceeded to head up the Accounts Department before moving to a client facing role. As a qualified accountant, he now provides technical and commercial support to the firm’s larger corporate clients as well as further developing his own client base. www.ormerodrutter.co.uk

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Emma Portman, an English Language and Communications graduate, has joined the Bromsgrove-based consultancy company after successfully completing its internship programme.

Originally from France, Stephanie moved to the southwest of the UK as a small child, studied German and Religious Studies and enjoyed a year in the former East Germany, just south of Berlin.

The 21-year-old, a former pupil of South Bromsgrove High School, was offered a permanent position as Junior Account Executive in the consultancy’s busy PR department.

Stephanie is bilingual in English and French. She’s married and has two small children. Her interests include reading, sport and cooking. She also enjoys listening to music and travelling.

Emma, who completed her degree at Cardiff University, was quick to impress as she supported the PR team with its growing list of clients including The National Sea Life Centre Birmingham, York Dungeons, Kingdom Interiors and Whitehead Designs.

gabbs.biz

She will be delivering an exciting proposition for business customers looking for new ways to stage their training and inspire their teams. Think giant bean bags, campfire meetings and a wide range of outdoor challenges.

Gough Bailey Wright employs 27 people at its offices in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove. First established in 1936, it provides the full suite of marketing disciplines, including both traditional and online communications.

www.farncombeestate.co.uk

www.gough.co.uk

ALEX LAYTON, VENTUTEC LTD

Bromsgrove-born Alex Dyer joined the practice as a Junior Accountant after leaving school 17 years ago. He has helped the practice develop over this time and more recently has built up a large and varied portfolio of over 500 clients.

Andy Hunt qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1993 and as a Chartered Tax Advisor in 2005. He provides a breadth of knowledge in commercial finance, specialising in all aspects of corporate tax planning.

Gabbs Solicitors are delighted to welcome Stephanie Monmarché to their busy conveyancing team. Stephanie is a Solicitor, based in Gabbs’ Hereford office, with over 10 years experience in residential conveyancing.

EMMA PORTMAN, GOUGH BAILEY WRIGHT

Creative Design and Digital Agency Ventutec is delighted to welcome Mobile Application Developer Alex Layton to their team. The appointment comes in response to an increasing demand for their bespoke app development services.

HELEN GOUGH, MFG SOLICITORS mfg Solicitors has appointed Helen Gough as a senior assistant solicitor within their widely respected agricultural and rural division.

Having studied Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, Alex has gained industry experience working for a specialist software development company and has also developed several mobile apps which have been published to the app store.

She joins the firm from Lodders Solicitors and is based at mfg’s Worcester office.

An elected council member of the Agricultural Law Association, Helen is working closely with partner and head of department, Iain Morrison.

With more and more clients commissioning bespoke mobile apps to interact and engage with their customers, Alex will be putting his skills to use on the development of a range of apps for Ventutec clients, as well as supporting the development of iPyrid Ventutec’s innovative iBeacon platform.

www.mfgsolicitors.com

www.ventutec.com

Andrew Chandler and Robert Weston, Parnter in the Litigation Division

ANDREW CHANDLER, MFG SOLICITORS Mfg Solicitors have announced the appointment of a specialist Solicitor who has joined its nationally-recognised Contentious Probate team.

Andrew Chandler, an expert in a range of matters including validity of wills and fraud claims, has joined county firm mfg Solicitors from the Birmingham office of international practice, DAC Beachcroft. www.mfgsolicitors.com

January/February 2015

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

SCOTT ROLFE, HALO LEISURE Toby Fellows (centre) with Partners Colin Jarvie (left) and Rob Champion.

TOBY FELLOWS, HALLS Property professional Bill Fellows has lost his Chartered Surveyor son to a rival Midlands consultancy.

Well-known Worcester property firm Halls has recruited commercial surveyor Toby Fellows, who has previously worked at GJS Dillon and JWL Fellows Chartered Surveyors.

Halls itself was the result of a merger earlier this year between Halls of Worcester and Jarvie Bedhall in Halesowen. Commercial agency lead Duncan Bedhall has since been made managing partner of the merged entity.

Toby will join Halls’ eight-strong commercial agency team. He achieved an honours degree in Building Surveying at the University of Reading and is undertaking his Assessment of Professional Competence to become fully qualified.

Halo Leisure have announced the appointment of Scott Rolfe as their new Chief Executive and are looking forward to continued growth for the social enterprise, and more innovations to support health, sport and leisure across the county and the communities who live here.

Scott Rolfe has been a formidable force at Halo for some time, joining the social enterprise 12 years ago as one of the founding members of its senior management team and since becoming Director of Operations and Managing Director of its trading arm. He is also a lead Quest Assessor (the leisure sectors equivalent of OFSTED) with over a decade of experience and has had a seat on several national forums for organisations such as Skills Active and UK Active. He holds a MBA from Worcester University with distinction along with NEBSM and Postgraduate Certificates in Management Studies and a Diploma in Management. www.haloleisure.co.uk

Estates Gazette has just judged Halls the most active commercial agent in Worcestershire for the second year running.

JAN BAILEY, HOOPLE The innovative business services company, Hoople Ltd, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jan Bailey as its new Marketing Manager.

Hoople was created in 2011 to deliver a range of business services to customers across the public and private sectors that include HR, payroll, finance, procurement, IT, training, education and apprenticeships. The company is a joint venture between Herefordshire Council and Wye Valley NHS Trust.

Jan is an accomplished Marketing and Communications Specialist whose career has included, most recently, Communications & PR lead at Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and previously many years as Marketing Manager at The Leadership Trust in Ross-on-Wye. Jan will join the Business Development and Marketing Team, working closely with Emma Kann, Head of Business Development and Marketing.

CORY WINSTANLEY, OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL Specialist UK food distributor in the supply chain arena, Oakland International, has confirmed the appointment of Cory Winstanley to the role of Head of Human Resources, joining Oakland’s senior management team to oversee and develop HR functionality to meet future growth.

Joining Oakland in September 2013 as a Consultant, Cory designed and delivered a range of key strategic HR projects for Oakland, prior to his appointment. An experienced and qualified HR specialist, working with large corporate private and public sector organisations, Cory’s career of over two decades also encompasses roles held within SME’s in both senior operational and strategic HR roles. www.oakland-international.com

www.hoopleltd.co.uk

www.hallsestateagents.co.uk

BILL MUNN, SPELLER METCALFE Bill Munn has joined construction company Speller Metcalfe as Best Practice Manager after 26 years with another blue chip contractor in the West Midlands.

STEVE EMSON, PREMIER PLACES Worcester-based property management experts Premier Places has promoted Steve Emson to the new role of Student Investment Advisor.

Steve is now working closely with property investors and landlords giving them specialist advice and support on all aspects of the student rental market through the agency’s award-winning Student Places brand. www.premierplaces.co.uk

In 2014 Speller Metcalfe enjoyed fantastic growth – opening a new Wolverhampton office, seeing staff levels rise to over 200 and a 2014/15 turnover of £125m.

MARTIN BEVAN, SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE COLLEGE

Redditch-based Legends Hair & Beauty has promoted Becky Jackson to the role of Assistant Manager.

South Worcestershire College has a rapidly expanding Business Team to meet the growing demand from companies to provide a quality training solutions to enable them to improve and develop their businesses.

A well-known figure in the West Midlands, Bill will continue to be front of house at Speller Metcalfe and industry events.

A fully qualified beauty therapist, Becky has been with the business for over 10 years and is now helping to manage the salon floor and supporting owners Stacey Tudor and Lauren Alekna with a range of business development and employee initiatives.

Martin has over thirty years experience in the field of Health & Safety industries ranging from manufacturing to public services. As well as delivering training himself, Martin’s new role is to match the correct training solutions to a company’s requirements.

www.spellermetcalfe.com

www.legendshairandbeauty.co.uk

www.sworcs.ac.uk

Bill is now an integral part of the team following such a successful period at Speller Metcalfe and in his new role will be helping to implement best practice across the Company as well as introducing and running training and development programmes.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BECKY JACKSON, LEGENDS

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LASTWORD

SPORT AND LEISURE - THE FOCUS OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DIRECTION For the Last Word, we spoke to David Leatherdale, Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, one of 18 major county clubs, with a rich history within the English and Welsh cricket scene.

TECH TIPS FROM LOGIPLEX IS YOUR BROADBAND ROUTER AN OPEN DOOR TO YOUR DATA AS WELL AS THE INTERNET? It has become fairly common knowledge that if you are using a computer connected to the internet, you need keep your computer software up to date to reduce your vulnerability to viruses and other malicious attacks. However, while you probably appreciate this applies to your laptop or desktop PC, there is another device in your household or business which also requires such attention: your broadband router.

Research has indicated that 80% of small-office/ home routers are at risk from attack. All your internet communication from your networked desktops, laptops, tablet and smartphones passes through your router. This communication includes all your login credentials (username and passwords) for websites (including internet banking) and shopping payment details. Since this effects all computers connected to your router the ramifications can be far greater.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR ROLE DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST? The diversity of the role as CEO combining the 50 plus days of cricket and the on field side of the business along with the 300 days of non-cricket business makes every day different. Players, fixtures, membership, conferencing, parties, weddings; every day is a new challenge.

WHAT ARE THE MOST EXCITING CHANGES YOU HAVE SEEN SINCE YOUR TIME AT THE CLUB? Next year will be my 30th year at the club as both player and in my various non-cricket roles. Over that time we have developed the ground both on a cricket front as well as the facilities for non-cricket.

The playing front has seen the development of a great academy programme which is now producing quality home grown players. With the addition of our new facilities over the last 5 years including the new pavilion, hotel and conference suites we have facilities we can be proud of whilst generating new revenue to invest back in cricket and produce players to play for England as with Moeen Ali this year.

THE CLUB HAS COME A VERY LONG WAY SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 1865, ARE THERE ANYMORE NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE? Next year is actually the Clubs 150th anniversary and we have many things planned to celebrate this.

The original development plans were three phase and with phase one, the Graeme Hick Pavilion completed in 2009 and phase 2 the new Premier Inn hotel and conference facilities, completed last year, the final phase 3 is to join the two buildings together over the coming years to create a world class facility for the home of county cricket in Worcestershire.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE NEW SEASON STARTING IN APRIL 2015?

Apart from the obvious of good weather, gaining promotion to the 1st Division for the 2015 season was a major achievement for the team last year and to consolidate our position in the Division is a key aim. With regards to the non-cricket side of the club, with facilities we can now be proud of, to make the ground the first point of contact for business and individuals when looking for a place to meet or entertain or watch top class sport and help put the City and County on the map will be an additional bonus.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR SPORTS AND LEISURE SUCCESS, PLEASE EMAIL STORIES TO BUSINESSDIRECTION@HWCHAMBER.CO.UK BEFORE FEBRUARY 1ST 2015.

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The quickest and easiest action is to change your router’s administrative username and password from the factory defaults (the first combination any attacker will try), although make a note of the new details in case you need to change any settings in the future.The next thing to do is ask your IT support specialist to check that the software on the router is up to date and set up for maximum security.

Also worth considering is upgrading your router to one that can provide more a faster network and more flexibility or act as a backup to your broadband connection.

Simultaneous Dual Band routers provide two separate wireless connections; one band provides more range and is great for everyday web surfing use however it is more susceptible to interference from wireless devices whilst the other band provides faster wireless speeds whilst avoiding most interference and is thus just right for bandwidth heavy tasks like on-line gaming and HD streaming. Now you can enjoy the advantages of the two bands in just one device.

For additional flexibility 3G/4G wireless routers allow users to share a mobile broadband connection with family and friends via a wired connection or a Wi-Fi hotspot.

For assistance with updating your existing router or to discuss the benefits of upgrading your router simply visit the Logiplex workshop or call 01989 769990. www.logiplex.co.uk

January/February 2015

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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