Business Edge 25

MAY/JUNE 2015

the magazine for sussex chamber of commerce members

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Inside | 04 welcome | 07 business matters| 15 the expert | 24 cover feature | 30 chamber benefits | 40 new members

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contents 3

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

this month

Sussex Chamber of Commerce currently represents over 1,000 member businesses.

Membership of Sussex Chamber of Commerce offers access to invaluable business advice, money saving benefits, networking opportunities and provides a voice for businesses at a local, regional and national level. Business Edge is delivered free of charge to all Sussex Chamber of Commerce members as well as key business decision makers across the county.

It has a circulation of 4,000 copies per issue.

05 Get the latest cost

cutting ideas for your business at the Eco Technology Show

5

An ideal event for businesses, The Eco Technology Show will return on 11-12 June at the American Express Stadium for its fourth year.

22 And now for something completely different‌

This June will see the Grand Hotel in Brighton stage the return of the annual Acumen Business Convention, the sixth time the spectacular event has been held.

Business Edge is a Sussex Chamber of Commerce publication.

If you have any stories you would like to tell us about or any comments please drop us an email at enquiries@ sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

24 Chamber Awards give

SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sussex businesses chance for national recognition

Unit 4, Victoria Business Centre, 43 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill RH15 9LR

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

22

Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Millburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Does your business deserve to be recognised and rewarded for excellence?

regulars n 04 welcome n 05 business matters n 07 business matters n 08 business matters n 09 business matters n 10 business matters n 11 business matters n 12 focus on n 13 business matters n 15 the expert n 16 business matters n 17 fine print n 17 business matters n 22 inspirational leaders n 24 cover feature n 30 chamber benefits n 32 business matters n 34 business support feature n 40 new members n 42 women in business feature n 44 diary n 46 five minutes with ... n 46 movers and shakers

MAY/JUNE 2015

ADVERTISING John Neilson, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing Unit 6b, Floor B, Millburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2343 Email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

the magazine for sussex chamber of commerce members

DISCLAIMER

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

E-BOOK

24

Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Inside | 04 welcome | 07 business matters| 15 the expert | 24 cover feature | 30 chamber benefits | 40 new members

Distinctive Publishing or Business Edge cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Business Edge.

www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/ publications

Feedback

Please let us know if there are any burning issues you want us to take up.

Send your letters to the Editor to enquiries@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk may/june 2015 business edge

4 welcome

Enter your business for an award!

Ana Christie CEO at Sussex Chamber of Commerce

With the awards seasons upon us, there is an abundance of opportunities for businesses to put forward employees for individual awards or for the business to showcase themselves.

Recognising and rewarding excellence in business is a fantastic way of standing out from the crowd. Awards are a powerful and cost-effective marketing tool and send a positive message to your existing customers and attract new business.

We want to help you raise the profile of your organisation and enhance its reputation by promoting the great work you are doing while providing you with a platform to celebrate your success. Please review our Awards section on our website.

Register your business on our website through our Member Directory!

Looking to advertise your business cost-effectively? Then look no further than the Sussex Chamber Business Directory.

This online networking tool puts you in front of Chamber members who are searching for your services. I am very pleased to announce that members can now access our Member Directory. Please register your details on our website.

Member to Member Offers!

Chamber Members are keen to offer discounts and free services to other members. Our Chamber Member Offer scheme facilitates this. Member Offers are widely promoted on the Chamber’s website, raising your business profile. Please register your organisation through the Member Directory first.

Kind regards Ana Christie, Chief Executive, Sussex Chamber of Commerce

business edge may/june 2015

Jack Mounstephen and Gemma Williams Membership Executives Our role as membership executives is to add value to new and existing businesses by offering membership to provide support and provide networking opportunities. We help raise the profiles of businesses across Sussex and allow business to connect together for the benefit of both parties involved. As a Chamber member, companies are entitled to a number of commercial benefits including healthcare plans, HR support and insurance cover. These will not only help save on operational costs but the services can be used by all employees.

Our first few weeks working at the Chamber have been exciting, attending networking events and exhibitions across the county. We have been meeting with a wide variety of new businesses assisting their development and growth. We are proud to join the Sussex Chamber at this fantastic time since rebranding last year, taking on a new chairman David Sheppard and working as part of a great team here in Burgess Hill. We are always happy to hear from you to discuss how the Sussex Chamber can benefit you so please feel free to ring or email us on gemma.williams@ sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk 01444 259114 jack.mounstephen@ sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk 01444 259106

business matters 5

Get the latest cost cutting ideas for your business at the Eco Technology Show An ideal event for businesses, The Eco Technology Show will return on 11-12 June at the American Express Stadium for its fourth year, delivering the latest ideas and innovations to help you slash running costs and deliver immediate improvements to your energy efficiency.

Business bosses can be forgiven for getting confused about going green.

Funding cuts are sending mixed messages as the Coalition Government’s commitment to reduce the public deficit mean there are fewer grants and funding sources available.

Larger firms, of course, have little choice in introducing reductions in carbon footprints.

The ESOS Regulations 2014 brought into force Article 8 of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and mean that all large businesses in the UK must assess energy use and energy efficiency opportunities at least once every four years. As a rule of thumb, if you employ 250 people or more, you need to be part of the scheme.

ESOS stands for Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme and Thameslink will be sharing its experiences in one of the free seminars at the Eco Technology Show.

The rail operator will share the ideas it uncovered, many of which can be adapted for smaller businesses.

Over 70 completely free seminars and keynote talks will be available as well as the opportunity to network with other professionals and exchange ideas. There will be five meeting rooms and a communications hub with free advice from experts.

If you are thinking about improving the energy efficiency for your business but are unsure about how to sell it in to your directors who may be unconvinced of the benefits, make sure you come along to hear Julie Allen, energy manager at Nandos.

Julie will explain how to measure the ROI and what inventions have the best paybacks.

“Energy prices will only get higher, so buyers’ interest in energy efficiency and eco technology is at an all-time high,” says Eco Technology Show director Nicola Gunstone.

“Our aim is to support business owners and managers by demonstrating how they

can slash energy costs and reduce carbon footprints.”

In addition to the free talks and seminars, the show floor will be packed with 120 exhibitors showcasing the latest ideas and innovations to help you achieve your low carbon goals. The brand new Innovation Zone will feature twenty of the newest ideas including The Solar Cloth company, offering lightweight flexible solar panels that can be easily applied to rooftops, including those which cannot support the weight of traditional solar panels, allowing companies to harness the sun’s energy.

Probably the most familiar source of financial support in Sussex is FiT (Feed in tariff) for solar panels on commercial roof space. It is actively being encouraged, and here in Sussex we live and work in the UK’s sunniest county, so every building owner and occupier should at least explore the options.

Other businesses in the Innovation Zone will cover recycling waste water and food, utilising tidal energy and new ways to insulate buildings.

The Eco Technology Show will be open from 9.30am-5pm on Thursday 11 June and 9.30am-4.30pm on Friday 12 June.

Register today for free at www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk.

may/june 2015 business edge

6 advertorial

Are UK businesses archiving emails securely?

Properly archiving all emails is now imperative to avoid companies losing vital information.

IT experts across the South East are regularly contacted by businesses who have had emails deleted or tampered with and are now facing a big problem.

“We’ve had clients where an employee leaves and innocently, or deliberately, deletes all his emails and so destroys key information about sales or customer service issues,” explained IT consultant Gary Jowett from the Shoreham-based IT managed services company CNC. “Having an archiving service which stores all your emails on UK servers located remotely from your own premises means you can always find essential correspondence even if someone deletes it from their computer.”

The solution is a remote storage solution such as Mimecast which is both highly secure and very responsive. It uses UKbased servers which is essential for many

organisations who are required by law to store customer and other data within the European Union.

Can archiving reduce financial risks?

Mimecast also supports your business when your email server fails. A web-based email can be quickly accessed enabling emails to be sent, received and retrieved from archives while your office server is being fixed.

For around £60 +VAT a year per user — or £1,250 +VAT for an organisation up to 25 users — Mimecast could, potentially, save significant sums of money in terms of customer revenues and by preserving vital evidence when a contractual dispute or employee tribunal occurs.

Gary explained: “Historic Emails can be tampered with but, if your business has a remote archive system in place, it will retain the original version of the email should there ever be any dispute with a supplier, customer or employee. For a relatively low annual outlay, subscribing to Mimecast can therefore save a company many thousands of pounds should the unthinkable happen.”

There are a number of other advantages which IT consultants advise their customers to consider. For example, remote archiving reduces your overall IT costs by avoiding overloaded servers at your premises and by eradicating complex in-house back-up and restoration processes for email.

Mimecast also means no more mailbox quotas to worry about. Users won’t receive any more warning messages to delete emails just when they need to send that allimportant document to a customer.

Regrettably and to enormous cost, many companies in the South East and London still wait until a major loss of data occurs before realising the value of remote email archiving.

The good news is that experienced IT consultants based in Sussex, Kent and Hampshire, are now helping South Coast organisations to reduce significant financial risks by installing remote archiving as an integral part of the managed services they offer.

THEY CALL IT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, WE THINK IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE. We’ve been living and breathing technology for over nineteen years but what we really care about is our people and our customers.

Extensive, up to the minute knowledge allows us to help our clients achieve productive and reliable systems that power their thriving businesses. We believe the advisory relationship we build with our clients supports their success.

We would love to talk to you about your technology and offer a Free IT Health check with no obligations to use our services.

— 0845 0700 585 — sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk — www.cnc-ltd.co.uk

business edge may/june 2015

Gary and Graham—our directors

business matters 7

University sets up base in heart of the Diamond KTP Associate Farzad Barari works on a thermometry project at fuel cell technology developer Ceres Power in Horsham, as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Brighton.

The University of Brighton has set up a new base in the Manor Royal Business District in Crawley, to work alongside businesses and community partners in the Gatwick Diamond area.

The Research and Enterprise Office is home for the new Gatwick Diamond team which comprises seven members of staff from the university’s Economic and Social Engagement department. The team is working with businesses in the area to highlight the university’s current offers and develop new partnerships within the Gatwick Diamond.

Services will include knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) programmes, specialist training, peer to peer mentoring groups, and business networking with university experts. They will also run a new series of ‘Insight’ seminars from May, designed take the latest research findings directly to the doors of businesses, delivered this year in partnership with Gatwick Diamond Business.

Debra Vice-Holt, the university’s Head of Economic and Social Engagement for the Gatwick Diamond, is heading

the new team and said; “This is a really exciting time for the University of Brighton. The establishment of our new office in the Manor Royal locates us in the heart of the Gatwick Diamond as we continue to work with our partners in the area on collaborative research, curriculum development and community engagement.”

The team will share their new office space with CEO of the Manor Royal BID, Steve Sawyer who said; “By moving into Manor Royal the University of Brighton are showing real intent to actively work with companies both in the Business District and the wider Gatwick Diamond area. It shows how important they think the area is, and how important it is for the university to actually have a base among the many great companies we have here. I hope to take advantage of this relationship and I hope others do too.”

For more information on the ways the University of Brighton can work with you, see their website www.brighton.ac.uk/gatwickdiamond

New Head of Corporate Tax Kreston Reeves has announced that international tax structuring expert Brian Mulholland has joined the Firm, to lead its growing tax advisory offering.

Brian has considerable UK and international experience providing integrated cross-border tax offerings to entrepreneurial businesses and their shareholders.

Clive Stevens, Executive Chairman and Head of Tax for Kreston Reeves, said: “Having worked for Big Four and mid tier accountancy firms in both the UK and overseas, Brian brings invaluable expertise to lead this aspect of our practice for growing business.

“We are seeing an increase in demand for tax advisory work not only from clients in the UK but also overseas.”

Brian said: “I am delighted to be joining a forward thinking practice that is committed to working with entrepreneurs and their companies.

I believe we will be able to offer a quality of tax advice and support commensurate with that normally seen from the very large accounting firms, but with a more personal and client friendly approach.”

may/june 2015 business edge

8 business matters

David Sheppard

Chairman of Sussex Chamber of Commerce

This my first column as the new Chairman of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce and I must say what a privilege it is to be able to express my and our members views on topical business matters.

Team takes on tough challenge Every eight hours someone in the UK is told that they will never walk again due to damage to their spinal cord.

It could happen to any of us, at any time, as a result of an accident or illness.

Solicitors Griffith Smith Farrington Webb are Corporate Partners of the Spinal Injuries Association and have decided on a tough challenge to raise much needed funds for the charity by doing the Three Peaks Challenge; a 24 hour non-stop event which involves climbing the UK’s three highest peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden in August.

business edge may/june 2015

The team of eight is made up of six Partners from Griffith Smith Farrington Webb, Nick Evans (Senior Partner), Adrian Bell, Linda Chapman, Deborah Cain, Emma Weir and Nadia Cowdrey. The seventh member is Marketing Executive Vicky King and the eighth, a Trainee Accountant, Gavin Farley.

To sponsor the team, follow this link to the JustGiving page; www.justgiving.com/ GSFWSolicitors/

There is so much to say and so little space to say it, be it the election, political business debate around our natural resources, infrastructure, and skills and education. To frack or not to frack? Sussex as the new Dallas?

Supporting Gatwick with its bid for a new runway or the uncertainty created around the A27 Arundel bypass extension all show how we, running our own local businesses, can be affected by national policy. The Chamber seeks to promote a balanced debate around these issues and will continue to press government, whoever resides in No.10, to respond to the interests of businesses in our region. Our previous Chairman Nick Handley is helping us develop a regional business policy which we can put in front of politicians stating our case with particular emphasis on the devolution debate - we don’t want Sussex to get left behind!

It is coming up to the business awards season and there are a plethora of opportunities for you to put your business forward to show the rest of the business community (and your employees) what you have achieved.

The Chamber feels this is an important facet of business life and will be sponsoring a number of events being run throughout Sussex, including the Business Matters awards and the Acumen Business Convention. This Business Edge edition is promoting the BCC awards, one of the most prestigious of national business awards, and I would like to encourage you to put your company forward. You will be surprised what value you can generate simply by focussing on what you have achieved and putting it down on paper. If you do enter, I wish you the best of luck!

To find out more please visit our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk or email ana.christie@ sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

business matters 9

Delivering for customers Southern Water’s 2,200 staff and thousands more contractors are preparing to deliver a wide range of improved services to customers under the company’s new Business Plan for 2015 to 2020.

The £3 billion plan has been developed through detailed discussions with more than 30,000 household and commercial customers, as well as business and community representatives, over the course of two years.

It details the water and wastewater services the company will provide in the coming five years.

At the same time, average household water bills will fall by eight per cent before adjustments are made for inflation.

Under its new plan, Southern Water has set out 26 promises to customers about what it will achieve, including:

n 90 per cent of customers’ queries resolved the first time they contact Southern Water n A 25 per cent reduction in sewer flooding inside people’s homes and businesses n No ‘serious pollution incidents’ affecting local rivers and coastal waters caused by Southern Water’s operations by 2020 n A 15 per cent increase in the number of beaches with ‘Excellent’ bathing water quality in the Southern Water region n A further reduction in leakage of two million litres of water per day.

Southern Water’s Director of Strategy & Communications Simon Oates said: “We will be spending £3 billion to deliver our Business Plan for 2015 to 2020, supporting an estimated 6,000 jobs and giving the local economy a real boost.

“At the same time, we are keeping bills as low as possible. We have looked closely at our costs to ensure we only spend what is needed and well justified and we will be working to deliver efficiency savings of £200 million by

2020 - that works out at a saving of £20 per year for every household and business we serve.”

To deliver the plan, the company is further strengthening its in-house capabilities bringing more skills back into the business – in particular, a new inhouse Engineering team is being created which will be responsible for designing new projects. It will comprise about 200 people, including civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, environmental specialists, engineering modellers and hydraulics experts.

Mr Oates said: “We’re recruiting engineering professionals at all levels, from graduates to experienced managers. We’re also developing a training programme for new starters in the team which will be open to graduate trainees and will offer professional qualifications.

“Offering such training is an inherent part of building our own in-house skills.

It will help us become a sustainable business - these are our leaders of the future.” www.southernwater.co.uk/businessplan

may/june 2015 business edge

10 business matters

Meeting room at the Research and Enterprise Office.

New Research and Enterprise Office opens in heart of the Gatwick Diamond The University of Brighton has set up a new base in the Manor Royal Business District in Crawley to work alongside businesses and community partners in the Gatwick Diamond area.

The Research and Enterprise Office is home for the new Gatwick Diamond team which comprises seven members of staff from the university’s Economic and Social Engagement department.

The team is working with businesses in the area to highlight the university’s current offers and develop new partnerships within the Gatwick Diamond. A series of ‘Insight’ seminars will be running from May which take

business edge may/june 2015

the university’s latest research findings directly to the doors of businesses, delivered this year in partnership with Gatwick Diamond Business.

Debra Vice-Holt, the university’s Head of Economic and Social Engagement for the Gatwick Diamond, is leading the new team. She said: “This is a really exciting time for the University of Brighton. The establishment of our new office in the Manor Royal puts us in the heart of the Gatwick Diamond as we continue to work with our partners in the area on collaborative research, curriculum development and community engagement.”

The team will share its new office space with Steve Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Manor Royal Business Imporvement District. He said: “By moving into Manor Royal the University of Brighton is showing real intent to actively work with

companies both in the Business District and the wider Gatwick Diamond area.

It shows how important they think the area is, and how important it is for the university to actually have a base among the many great companies we have here. I hope to take advantage of this relationship and I hope others do too.”

The new office space is open for university staff to use. Anyone wanting to use the space should call 01293 510222 or email the Business Helpdesk at businesshelpdesk@brighton.ac.uk.

Debra Vice-Holt, Head of Economic and Social Engagement (Gatwick Diamond), at the new Research and Enterprise Office in Crawley.

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12

focus on

Taking an emotionally intelligent approach to business For international business coach and speaker Sarah Hopwood from Shoreham, the financial meltdown of 2008 can be seen as less of a disaster and more of an opportunity.

Because the crash didn’t just set fat cats among the pecuniary pigeons, shredding the world’s economies and leaving banks in a pile of bloodied feathers. It forced business leaders to question the way they thought about themselves and others. In some cases, this selfanalysis even led to a fundamental rewriting of companies’ rules of business engagement.

Where before IQ was nearly always the sole measure of a person’s worth and capability, post2008 EQ - or emotional intelligence – came to the fore.

“Many of our clients were hit by the recession and some were personally affected very badly by having to make redundancies and take other difficult decisions. Banks have been my clients, too, and there were some incredible human beings, who were tarred with a brush that they never held,” says Sarah, who specialises in helping businesses in transition, showing companies how to interpret and harness the power of human emotion and turn it into a game-changing tool.

“Many knew Daniel Goleman’s book on Emotional Intelligence, which came out in the early 90s and was incredibly popular. With the Recession not behaving the way business leaders anticipated – they were waiting for it to go back to normal but normal doesn’t exist anymore – they began looking for other ways to be more effective and still are.

Whereas emotional intelligence had been previously seen as a soft skill – fluffy even – now, more and more I find people are seeing its merits as a business tool, but they’re not sure how to hold it or use it. That’s where my work comes in.”

business edge may/june 2015

EQ (Emotional Quotient) is better known as emotional intelligence and, like any other intelligence, it can be learned. By raising awareness of self-motivation, empathy, awareness of others, social awareness, even recognising and managing our emotions and the emotions of others, it empowers us to be able to better control the outcomes we want.

“How many times do we say something and it lands not in the way we intended it to land? By honing our understanding of EQ we could put in place strategies to prevent or lessen the likelihood of that happening,” says Sarah.

“So many people want the right results but don’t take the right actions. It is illogical – how on earth can we expect the right results when we take the wrong actions?

If we don’t get what we were expecting we need to go back and look at what our motives were, what we were saying and how we were behaving. The teaching of EQ gives us the opportunity to drive the change we want.”

Sarah’s clients include traditional lions of the establishment, such as the BBC, major banks and public services. In other words, the least likely candidates for what many wrongly perceive to be a feelytouchy approach to business relationships. In fact, EQ belongs to a school of thought that encourages you to respond rather than react emotionally.

In America, the apparently intuitive success of those who consciously apply it to drive profitable, successful organisations has led them being described as having “golden guts”.

“EQ is a key component of both great leadership and sustainable business results, yet not as well recognized as IQ in many organisations,” says Sarah. “My ambition is to turn EQ from a “can have” in business to a “must have; something that can be taken off the shelf and applied in a tangible, logical, intellectual way. In America, for instance, the US Air Force has incorporated EQ screening in their recruitment process – something I’d advocate to any HR department. It ultimately saved the Government a lot of money and increased staff retention by a third.”

On the world stage or in the boardroom, the principals of emotional intelligence are the same, says Sarah, and there is certainly nothing fluffy about the results. Although companies are unlikely to expose the full extent of the faction-fighting that went on in the boardroom or the fault lines that ran through their corporate structure before taking an emotionally intelligent approach, the testimonies following Sarah’s intervention are glowing.

“There are companies looking at their bottom line and losses from stress and conflict in the organisation and realizing it needs to be sorted,” says Sarah.

“Business leaders are listening; they are much more curious about emotional intelligence than they were.”

business matters 13

Sussex Chamber of Commerce Launch Young Chamber 14 July 2015, St Paul’s Catholic College, Burgess Hill Sussex Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be launching this incentive with St Pauls Catholic College in Burgess Hill. It will offer an excellent opportunity for students to gain information from businesses including skills needed to enter certain industries.

Young Chamber connects schools and local businesses through the Chamber of Commerce network. It gives young people a voice to engage with business and experience a greater understanding of the workplace, enterprise and future employment opportunities.

The incentive for business is to have input before young people enter the world of work; providing them with a real understanding of the opportunities available and the skills, aptitudes and attitudes that business needs. Employers can raise their community profile, creating a positive image amongst young people and their families.

We wish to attract the widest possible support from our members in varying industries. The concept is to create zones of related businesses and groups of Year 10 and Year 12 students will have the opportunity to talk to people in the sectors they are interested in. These conversations would probably last about 10 minutes, so the students can move on to see other people.

A key role of education is to prepare young people for the world of work, and simply having subject knowledge is not enough. We aim to develop broader life skills such as citizenship, communication skills, teamwork, leadership, time management, taking responsibility, creativity, critical-thinking, problem-solving and resilience. It is also essential to provide good career advice and opportunities for students to engage with the world of work.

Members interested in joining this event should contact Alison Watson, Operations Manager at Sussex Chamber of Commerce, on 01444 259 259.

may/june 2015 business edge

14 advertorial

Studying helps propel career Kate Grogan, 25, works in Human Resources at DP World Southampton. Kate landed a more senior job shortly after beginning her postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management at Portsmouth Business School.

She said: “After graduating with a psychology degree, I spent my spare time trawling the jobsites trying to figure out what I wanted to do with myself.

“I liked the idea of HR but my mum works in this sector and I didn’t want to be following her path! I still applied for a few jobs in the sector and, amazingly, got a temporary position. It was a perfect role for me to start in as I was able to learn how business functions as well as learning about HR. “Although it was a good place to start, it was important for me to gain qualifications in order to further my career. Thanks to my mum’s background, I knew the next step was to get qualified with the CIPD. “I attended Portsmouth’s open event to learn more about the Human Resources Management course. Margaret Mackay, the

course leader, was hosting the stand and it was very useful to talk to her about the course as she knew everything about it. I found Portsmouth very welcoming.

“I love the fact that I am studying alongside other HR professionals – the stories about others’ experiences are invaluable and the lecturers’ previous working experience really helps with our learning.

“I updated my CV soon after joining the course and uploaded it to all the jobsites that I could.

“Soon after, I was offered a job working in HR for DP World Southampton. This was the perfect next move for me.

“Studying hasn’t been an easy ride. The pace of work has definitely stepped up in my second year and, at the same time, I have had to learn a new business. But I’m

Career boost: Kate Grogan enjoying it and I can see progression. Overall I’m feeling really positive and happy I took the leap.

“I want to do well, I want to have a career and be considered as someone who makes a difference. Everyone has the same struggles of motivation but we all know that if you keep going you will achieve that qualification that opens up new opportunities.”

Kate started her course in 2013 and will graduate this summer.

To find out how studying can boost your career, come along to Portsmouth Business School’s open evening www.showyoumeanbusiness.com

You’re a professional – so prove it Project Manager

HR Practitioner

Whether you are responsible for projects, HR, marketing, risk management or have ambitions for a top-level executive role, Portsmouth Business School offers part-time and professionally recognised postgraduate programmes for busy working people.

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Sales Manager

Head of Programme Transformation

We’ve got our credentials – have you got yours?

T: +44 (0)23 9284 2991 E: pbs-studentrecruitment@port.ac.uk W: www.port.ac.uk/pbscourses

business edge may/june 2015

the expert 15

You ask the questions Our panel of experts tackle your burning issues

What’s the best way to Recruiting Staff.

When it comes to hiring staff a common question is should I use a recruitment agency or just advertise it myself?

answer

The advantages of not using a recruitment agency are the cost - the cost of advertising yourself rather than using an agency is considerably cheaper. For a few hundred pounds you can advertise your role on one online job board.

What else can I do ?

Steve ParmarGreaves Parmar Staffing

You can increase your chances of getting the right candidate by committing to several job boards. You need to carefully select the right job board to ensure that your future hire will use this medium.

You have the option to use Social media, however this may not be right for you if you want to recruit your next hire discreetly. Otherwise promote your role on your company Linked-In and Facebook pages.

Recommendation is a really good way to involve your staff in your recruitment strategy. Ask your existing staff and incentivise them to help you.

Your current staff will recommend people they trust and want to work with.

What are the benefits of using a recruitment agency?

1. It will be free to review CVs, arrange interviews and compare the candidates to your direct applicants 2. With some agencies you will have a dedicated recruiter throughout the process who will look after your vacancy and be tasked with sourcing candidates from a large pool of active and passive candidates via advertising on job boards, Social

Media, headhunting and word of mouth referral schemes. Recruiters already subscribe to lots of job boards and will know the best board to use for your role.

3. You will be provided with a selection of prequalified candidates who meet the criteria, budget and are available to work.

4. The recruiter can assist you with pre interviewing all candidates prior to you. This will ensure that they are 100% suitable and if you have any concerns these can be discussed with the candidate so you are fully informed.

5. Once you have completed your interviews and negotiated your salary your recruiter will apply for the references for you.

If you are considering recruiting staff and would like a no obligation conversation to discuss an affordable way to recruit staff that will guarantee results please give me a call. I would be happy to chat about your business.

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may/june 2015 business edge

16 business matters

Prestigious premises for business growth The economic development programme from Sea Change Sussex is making decisive progress, delivering prestigious premises to help businesses across East Sussex expand.

Four major projects have now reached milestones in their development.

These schemes, along with others in Sea Change’s portfolio, are also being linked by an improved road network. With the soonto-be-completed Bexhill-Hastings Link Road connecting the A21 from London to the A259, this is creating a powerful business growth corridor within the county.

Havelock Place, Hastings In Priory Quarter, Hastings’ town centre business district, Sea Change has completed Havelock Place - a prestigious, 24,219 sq ft office building (shown below) designed to attract companies to the town.

Radiology company Medica has been the first to move in and its directors were handed their keys by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne on a recent visit to the building.

The remaining offices in Havelock Place are available to let now. They range from two small ground floor units around 1,400 sq ft up to the remaining 20,372 available in the property.

The ground floor units are also suitable for retail uses, fronting on to Havelock Road - the main route from the station to the town centre and seafront, which has seen a 31% footfall increase in recent years.

Bexhill Innovation Park

business edge may/june 2015

Meanwhile, the Bexhill Innovation Park – set in attractive countryside just two miles from Bexhill town centre – has reached an early landmark. The shell of Glovers House, the Park’s first building, has been completed (see photo below) and is about to be glazed and cladded.

When finished later this summer, this will be a high-quality, contemporary business centre for small and medium companies.

Offices within in Glovers House are flexible, ranging from 627 sq ft up to the entire 25,325 sq ft building.

The Bexhill Innovation Park also has sites that can accommodate up to a further 220,000 sq ft of premises. Companies can commission Sea Change to help develop bespoke properties for them or buy the sites to develop their own.

You’ll be able to reach the Bexhill Innovation Park from the A21 and A259 via the Bexhill-Hastings Link Road, and from the south via a new road connecting to Bexhill’s Wrestwood Road.

Along with plans for further business premises totalling up to 500,000 sq ft and over a thousand new homes nearby, this marks the beginning of the development of

an extensive new business and residential community between Bexhill and Hastings.

Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park A little further along the coast, Sea Change is busy developing the Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park. It lies three miles east of Eastbourne town centre and within five minutes’ walk of the restaurants, cafes and boutiques of the desirable Sovereign Harbour marina.

Pacific House, the first set of offices there, are now close to being finished, with units available to let from 627sq ft up to the whole 25,325 sq ft property.

The Innovation Park also has sites available for up to a further 80,000 sq ft of premises.

As with Bexhill, companies can purchase these sites, or Sea Change could develop bespoke properties for them to buy or let.

More information Letting discussions are under way now for all four business schemes.

Anyone interested in finding out more should visit Sea Change’s web site www.seachangesussex.co.uk or contact Chris Broome from agents Cluttons on christopher.broome@cluttons.com or 01273 738 383.

fine print

business matters 17

How to Succeed with Continuous Improvement: A Primer for Becoming the Best in the World By Joakim Ahlström (McGraw Hill Education) Ask a manager if his or her organisation works on improvements and the chances are that the answer will be yes.

Then ask for specific examples. If you don’t get a list of recent concrete improvements, the odds are that the company doesn’t have an improvement culture and isn’t operating effectively to achieve high performance.

That is the message from Joakim Ahlström, one of the world’s leading continuous improvement experts, whose new book How to Succeed with Continuous Improvement: A Primer for Becoming the Best in the World offers a comprehensive, detailed and easy-to-read guide to making organisations perform at a higher level.

Joakim details the process step-by-step, focusing on how to achieve remarkable results with proven methods. Each chapter describes a specific stage of transformation story and provides a clear analysis to help the reader apply these methods in his or her own company.

Concepts explored include: How to shift mindsets and behaviours using coaching Common pitfalls to help you plan how to apply principles and practices Using diagrams to achieve measurable results Ways to avoid “Watermelon” (deceptively good-looking) key performance indicators that often mask the truth The author explains the rationale behind all the methods featured in the book and offers practical advice on how to get full input from everyone involved. His concluding chapter offers a simple template to apply.

Joakim said: “There are five easy but crucial points to keep in mind as you implement my process. Keep it simple, stay focused, visualise the good examples and progress made, create ownership by asking instead of telling and be systematic.”

Having successfully helped dozens of organisations around the world such as Coca Cola, Volvo, Ericsson and IKEA, he is clear on what works and what doesn’t and this book explains which is which.

Joakim is Sweden’s leading authority on creating a continuous improvement culture. Head of Consulting at C2 Management and a inspirational speaker and business coach, he has helped many companies across the globe - both manufacturing and service organisations - to achieve longterm improvement in performance. For more information, visit http://www.SucceedwithCI.com How to Succeed with Continuous Improvement: A Primer for Becoming the Best in the World is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Vent-Axia named as finalist in Housebuilder Product Awards Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has announced that its horizontal Sentinel Kinetic 200ZPH has been shortlisted in the prestigious Housebuilder Product Awards 2015.

Part of the company’s Lo-Carbon range, this new mechanicalventilation-with-heat-recovery solution has been nominated in the Best Brand New Product of the Year category.

The winners of each category will be announced at the Housebuilder Product Awards lunchtime ceremony on Thursday 25th June at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.

Jenny Smith, Marketing Services Manager at Vent-Axia, said: “We are really thrilled to have again reached the final of the Best Brand New Product category at the Housebuilder Product Awards.

“The Awards honour innovation and excellence in UK house building, we are therefore very proud that our products have been recognised in these prestigious awards. At Vent-Axia we are committed to offering the market innovative, efficient products, the 200ZPH is a great example of this.”

For further information on the Sentinel Kinetic horizontal 200ZPH, as well as other products and services offered by VentAxia, visit www.vent-axia.com or telephone 0844 856 0590.

may/june 2015 business edge

WANTED ARE YOU ONE OF THE 71,500 INNOVATIVE UK COMPANIES THAT QUALIFY FOR R&D TAX CREDITS?

A few simple questions: 1. Is your business a limited company or plc?

2. Does your business develop products, processes or software?

3. Do you, your employees or your subcontractors need to scratch their heads to solve development issues?

YES TO ALL 3?

Your business almost certainly qualifies for R&D Tax Credits

REWARD AN AVERAGE OF OVER £39,000 PER CLAIM Contact us to find out more about our success fee only service: David Oldland, Clive Heasman or Antony Stemp

Tel: 01243-838331 | Email: david@ocl.co

www.ocl.co Oldland Consulting Ltd – Company Number 04931783

advertorial 19

Britain’s best kept business secret This article is about Research and Development Tax Credits also known as R&D Tax Credits. R&D Tax Credits are an EC backed Company Tax initiative designed not only to reward but also to encourage innovation. Hopefully this article will also demonstrate that it is possible to undertake a major career change during your mid-fifties and provide a valuable service to business.

David Oldland was 53 and looked back at a career in the Travel Industry that started in 1974 and spanned over thirty years, not quite as long as Cliff Richard, but nevertheless a very long time in career terms. David’s first role was Management Accountant with a Tour Operator called OSL who specialised in Villa and Apartment Holidays. Over the years job titles included Financial Controller, Finance Director and Business Development Director. Employers included The Rank Organisation, the International Leisure Group (Intasun), the Holiday Cottage Group and finally Thomson / Tui where David was Managing Director of three holiday brands, during his seven year as MD, the three brands grew from £8m to £30m turnover. During the “naughties” (2000 – 2010) the internet was starting to change the way travel was sold and marketed, David decided it was time to move on and seek a new challenge.

David was introduced to R&D Tax Credits in 2007, the more he read and learnt about the subject the more he realised that the R&D schemes (one for large company’s and one for SME’s) offered an amazing opportunity for innovative companies to receive significant cash rewards just for developing their own products or software. What’s more, in the case of the SME’s those cash rewards are refunded back to the UK by the EC. When the R&D Tax benefit was introduced in 2000 the UK Government thought that 100,000 UK SME’s would benefit. The reality has proven very different, total company’s claiming each year passed 10,000 for the first time in the 2010-2011 tax year and 15,000 in the 2012-2013 tax year. Over the 13 years that the SME Scheme has existed just 28,500 different SME businesses have claimed. In David’s opinion the other 71,500 SME businesses that the UK Government thought would qualify are still out there, they just do not know they qualify or they have been incorrectly advised they do not.

The R&D Tax legislation is complex and requires a level of knowledge and expertise that goes way beyond the normal remit of many high street accountants. Within the claimant company the information that needs to be gathered is from both the Accounting and the Technical departments. At the time of writing Oldland Consulting Ltd have produced 369 R&D Tax claims for 126 clients that total £14.5m, an average of over £39,000 per claim.

How does the SME scheme work?

Two examples: 1) A company with a Taxable profit of £125,000 and with a Corporation Tax liability of £25,000. The R&D expert isolates £100,000 of qualifying R&D cost (staff, sub-contractors, materials, power), which he enhances by 225% for Corporation Tax calculation purposes. The taxable profit is reduced from the £125,000 to zero, thus saving the company the £25,000 Corporation Tax (saving 25% of the qualifying R&D spend).

2) A company with a loss for tax purposes of £100,000. The R&D expert isolates £100,000 of qualifying R&D cost (staff, sub-contractors, materials, power), which he enhances by 225% for Corporation Tax calculation purposes.

The taxable loss is increased from the £100,000 to £225,000, the company can then elect to cash in this enhanced loss for a Payable R&D Tax Credit at 14.5% thus generating immediate cash for the company of £32,625 (saving almost 33% of the qualifying R&D spend).

David’s advice: If your company is developing software, products or process you need to ask an R&D Expert if your company qualifies for R&D Tax Credits. Only speak to people who can honestly say that they have personally produced 100 or more successful R&D claims. There is so much misinformation and misunderstanding of this subject. If you are told that your company qualifies, do not agree to any upfront payments, agree only to a deal where the expert is rewarded for the amount of cash that he saves or that he generates into your company’s bank account.

Follow my advice, and reading this article may be the best day’s work that you have done.

David Oldland Tel: 01243 838331 | Mob: 07740 393891 Email: david@OCL.co | Web: www.OCL.co Oldland Consulting Ltd – 9-11 Mead Lane, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO22 8AP

may/june 2015 business edge

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business edge may/june 2015

business matters 21

Facebook for grown-ups!

As the social media climate grows and its user base increases, businesses are recognising the importance of social media platforms. We’re seeing more companies ask ‘Is Twitter the place to be?’, ‘Does Facebook connect to my target audience?’ or ‘How many of these networking sites will actually benefit my business?’ Building a social media presence correctly can be one of the best marketing tools to hand, but are you reaching the right people?

Let’s look at the facts. For example; Facebook boasts the most online users with 1.32 billion using the social networking site. While many would associate Facebook predominantly with youngsters, research shows that 35-54 year olds make up 31.1% of the user base making them the capital audience on Facebook. Its lowest age demographic is those between 13-17 who make up only 5.4% of the user base and count as only 9.8 million users in comparison to the 56 million people who connect via Facebook between the 35-54 age brackets.

If we focus on the more dominant and influential networking sites, we are looking

at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube. It’s important to recognise that the age demographic of the predominant users for each platform vary. With a 2014 Ofcom report asserting that Facebook prevails as the default social networking site for almost all UK adults who are online at 96% these stats should be seriously considered when creating your online existence. For example; if a company sells one direction handbags, we would presume young girls are the target audience, then perhaps Facebook is not the place to market them.

Instagram is a photo sharing network which appeals to on the most-part to the younger generation with 18-29 year olds making up 37% of the user base while 50-64 year olds compose only 6%.

The photo sharing network is a creative, visual podium which has grown 50% in 9 months and is now bigger than Twitter.

Statistics show that there are now 300 million Instagrammers, sharing more than 70 million photos and videos each day and getting 50 times more engagement than Twitter. But companies have a whole pool of visionary platforms to choose from including Tumblr, Pinterest and YouTube.

While Pinterest’s users are 80% female, statistics show that YouTube, although popular across both genders, is accessed more by men.

Keeping in mind the rapid movement of social media, ask yourself what you are trying to achieve and who is your target market. Once you’ve answered those questions you can decipher exactly what platforms will help achieve those goals but always keep on the ball.

If you need help with your social media please contact info@mediawordwaves.com or visit www.mediawordwaves.com

By Lorraine Nuggent may/june 2015 business edge

22 inspirational leaders

And now for something completely different…

Penina Shepherd, Solicitor & Managing Director, Entrepreneur of the Year for the South Acumen Business Law This June will see the Grand Hotel in Brighton stage the return of the annual Acumen Business Convention, the sixth time the spectacular event has been held.

The convention, to be staged on June 3 with great line of sponsors, including the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, has fast become one of the major events in the Sussex business calendar and will again include a series of high profile guest speakers and the Business Acumen Award ceremony.

The professional but imaginative way the event is staged reflects the law firm that organises it. A firm with a reputation for doing things differently, Acumen Business Law, which has offices in Hove and Gatwick, was established in 2007 by the now managing director Penina Shepherd.

She created the only firm of solicitors in the Brighton and Hove area of East Sussex which focuses only on business law and went against accepted industry practice when she announced its pricing

business edge may/june 2015

structure. Instead of the traditional hourly rate system so beloved of many law companies, she decided to operate a fixed pricing model.

Today, Penina, a winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year for the South award of the British Chamber of Commerce, who has been a qualified solicitor since 1996, is busy advising clients on company, commercial and business law matters alongside the running of the firm.

She said: “I had worked for a number of good law firms and was climbing up the corporate ladder, and doing very well, but I wanted to revolutionise the way the legal profession worked and that was difficult to achieve in existing law firms who are set in their traditional ways.

“I was always fascinated by business and the mindset of business leaders, so I set a Law Firm up specialising purely in business law. It was a very big challenge, especially as I set up the firm in the worst economic climate, with a very limited budget and in an industry that doesn’t welcome change, but I was determined to do it.

“Before I set the firm up, I sat down and drew up a list of frustrations that people have with law firms and one

ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW WAS SET UP WITH A CLEAR VISION TO CHANGE THE WAY IN WHICH LEGAL SERVICES ARE BEING PURCHASED AND CHANGING THE PRICING STRUCTURE WAS A BOLD MOVE

of them was the ‘open cheque system’ operated by law firms where clients couldn’t know how much the service will cost them. Law firms charge clients by the hour but there is no guarantee as to how many hours it will take.

“We realised clients don’t like this way of working and we scrapped the hourly rate charging system and charge a fixed rate for all non-contentious jobs, be it drawing up terms and conditions, commercial leases, employment contracts, shareholders agreements, trademarks, etc.

“Acumen Business Law was set up with a clear vision to change the way in which legal services are being purchased and changing the pricing structure was a bold move.

inspirational leaders 23 & Innovation category in the recent Sussex Business Awards.

The ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION on June 3 is a landmark event in the Sussex business community calendar. Open only to senior company executives and always accompanied by glitzy entertainment with plenty of surprises and it is a saleout every year.

Penina said: “The idea came about because we love business and genuinely care about the local business community so we wanted to have a high profile business conference outside of London which is not an award ceremony.

“The event always attracts high calibre international speakers combined with interactive seminars, networking with top decision makers – and all served up with the ‘Acumen magic touch’ and ‘wow factors’ throughout the day. There will be plenty of surprises on 3rd June too, but we are keeping them under wraps! You will just have to be there!”

“The values and culture of the firm were also extremely important to me. We have broken away from what people see as the aloof culture that is so associated with the legal profession.

We do not have secretaries and our commercial lawyers are accessible, approachable and unpretentious and we genuinely care about clients’ business.

“I am very proud of the fact that we have managed to set up a business specialist law firm which has commercial lawyers with business acumen, who charge fixed fees at the outset and who are approachable and unpretentious. I am delighted that our revolutionary vision, business model and passion have been remarkably successful and the firm now boasts a great team of commercial lawyers, offices in Brighton & Gatwick and an impressive long line of business clients That the firm’s approach to business has worked is also evidenced by the fact that it was listed in the Financial Times’ list of the Top 50 Groundbreaking & Innovative Lawyers in the UK and Europe, was voted a UK Rising Star by The Observer and was a finalist for the Best Customer Service

The convention is always a sell out! For details about the 2015 Acumen Business Convention and to secure your ticket, please go to: www.acumenbusinesslaw. co.uk/conventions

may/june 2015 business edge

24 cover feature

Chamber Awards give Sussex businesses chance for national recognition Does your business deserve to be recognised and rewarded for excellence?

Are you a leading innovator in your local area? The British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Awards are once again open for entry, with eight awards up for grabs.

The awards acknowledge those organisations and individuals that have excelled in a range of areas, including international trade and people development. They will once again culminate in a spectacular Gala Awards Dinner and ceremony where one business we be awarded Business of the Year and collect a £10,000 cash prize.

Last year, the Tower of London played host to the lavish event, which brings together the best of

business edge may/june 2015

British business and the Accredited Chamber network to shine a light on the hard work and achievements of entrants from across the UK. This year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with three new categories, including high growth business of the year, business in the community and the education and business partnership award.

These three will join five returning categories to highlight the excellent work of businesses up and down the UK. The range of categories open for entry ensures that the achievements of all types of businesses can be recognised. Last year’s winners of

Small Business of the Year, Titania, were only founded in 2010, but their rapid expansion was recognised by a panel of expert judges chosen to assess the best of Britain’s small businesses. Judges will convene to debate and deliberate over hundreds of entries, with businesses vying to win in the following categories: Small Business of the Year Export Business of the Year Best Use of Technology to Improve Business Performance High Growth Business of the Year Education and Business Partnership People Development Young Person in Business Business in the Community

cover feature 25

The 2015 Chamber Awards look set to be the biggest and best yet, once again attracting entries from businesses of all sizes, sectors and locations, and propelling the very best into the limelight, and onto further success. With the event covered in the regional and national press, entrants can receive priceless coverage and recognition, as the finalists of the Young Person in Business award 2014 found out when Sky News covered the awards.

Success at the Chamber Awards brings not only recognition from outside, but also instils pride within the organisation, as recognised by Peter O’Brien, Managing Director of the 2013 Business of the Year, O’Brien Contractors, who said “To win the Business of the Year award from the British Chambers of Commerce is a real privilege and a wonderful endorsement of how hard everyone at O’Briens has worked to achieve our goals. To be recognised with this award has given everyone a great boost.”

The awards are open for entries until the 26th June and entry is free for members of Accredited Chambers of Commerce. All entries will be judged at a regional level, with regional winners, from each category, announced on Monday 28th September. National winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner on Thursday 26th November at the Brewery, London. For more details, including how to enter and tips from previous winners please visit www. chamberawards.co.uk.

may/june 2015 business edge

26 technology/new media feature

Embracing technology will maximise efficiency at work These days, businesses are more reliant than ever before on technology to help improve communications and to maximise efficiency in the workplace.

The increased use of the internet, email and mobile technology has revolutionised the way companies operate and made IT a crucial factor in building and maintaining a successful company. Yet still even today too many companies think of technology as a necessary evil rather than truly embracing all the opportunities it can bring to make organisations more efficient.

In the past companies may have been able to get away with paying lip service to IT but in the fast changing modern world this will no longer be possible.

Now, with the convergence of voice and data and the much greater reliance of mobile communications, it is crucial for all businesses to urgently develop a coordinated IT Strategy.

The changes in business working that we have seen over the last 10 years are very much only the beginning of what will happen over the next decade. At every level, faster and more accessible communication will be key. With globalisation, the increased use of home workers and the more flexible working environment; access to information needs to be seamless and instant.

Whilst the notion of the “paperless” office may not be a reality in the true sense, the need for electronic document management systems (EDMs) that can allow staff to access a wide range of documents wherever they may be in the world will only increase in the future. In an ever more competitive world, customers will be drawn to businesses that make communication with them as easy as possible. Good technology used properly will reflect well on your business and can help motivate your staff by taking some of the drudgery out of their day to day tasks.

Increasingly websites that used to be used merely as a shop window will now be more integrated with other back office systems. In the airline industry you don’t just book your flight online but also choose your seat, order your meal, “check in” and get live data from the airports about when your flight is due to land. This integration of the internet with other business processes business edge may/june 2015

will only become a lot more important as web use increases. Clients will want to have full visibility of every part of their interaction with your company. Once again easy access to information and the sharing of knowledge will be the key.

Of course with increased compliance legislation and the need for business continuity planning, technology can also provide a crucial back up in the event of an unforeseen disaster. With the proper storage of electronic data and the rerouting of voice and data over the internet, many companies can in effect be lifted from one location and taken to another with minimal disruption.

This is where Cloud Computing comes into its own and its take up is now seen as inevitable over the next few years. Many companies are already working from “the cloud” and the usage is soon set to increase dramatically. It is also ideal for companies who wish to scale up (and down) without the need for costly capital expenditure-just look upon it as another utility that can be turned on or off as you need it.

Technology therefore must be embraced by all of the decision makers in a company and their views properly coordinated to enjoy all the benefits it can offer. Don’t think

of IT simply as a cost but more as a real opportunity to embrace the opportunity for change and drive efficiency into your business. Currently, many organisations are still too reactive and fail to think strategically enough about how the world is changing and how their business is changing with it. As we are now in the 2nd decade of the 21st century, it is certain that the speed of change will only increase and certainly not slow down.

Just look at how the use of smartphones has increased over the years, look at how social media has grown and is being adapted by business, look at SEO (search engine optimisation) and unfortunately the ever present and greatly increasing threat of IT security. Who would have thought these things would be so important to all businesses even 5 years ago? It makes you wonder exactly what will we be discussing in 10 years’ time?

Maybe now you can see why getting a Strategic IT Road Map for your business is not a “nice to have” but in the modern day and age is simply a necessity. My advice is don’t be afraid of technology though-just embrace it with both hands before your competitors do!

technology/new media feature 27

What’s your Postcode? - The question your customers love to answer.

If your business captures address details from customers – via a website, over the phone or in person – you’re missing a couple of tricks if you don’t start by asking “What’s your Postcode?”

Using a Postcode to find an address is…

Fast: it saves time for your staff and customers by allowing them to jump straight from a Postcode to an individual address.

In your business, that might mean even more productive staff or more customers completing your forms.

Accurate: there’s no need to type-in the full address so there’s no risk of typos. We all know some names – like Steyning or Bosham – don’t always lend themselves to being spelt correctly.

Poorly addressed mail can take longer to be delivered and may reflect badly on your business (if my address is incorrect, what else did they get wrong?)

The technology that provides this feature is available in several forms – as a simple widget which can be built-in into your website or software, or as a stand-alone app which runs on your desktop. It can even correct the existing addresses you have in your database.

UK-based firm Allies have specialised in addressing since 1987 and have over 1000 businesses using their cost-effective “postcode to address” technology.

Their customers include small startups, FTSE plcs through and public sector organisations – plus even one of the world’s best-known postal authorities.

To try out the feature for free, or to simply find out more, call 01508 494488 or visit www.alliescomputing.com

5 reasons why joining the cloud could be beneficial Breaking your habits in business can sometimes be a daunting task, and certainly when it comes to making a major change like replacing your telephone system, but before you agree a new long term contract with your current supplier, here are 5 reasons why joining the cloud could be beneficial: Cheaper Call Costs.

Fully Scalable.

Using the internet to make calls rather than a network provider can be significantly more cost effective, especially now that we live in a day & age where superfast broadband ensures the highest quality when it comes to connectivity.

If your business grows you can just add more extensions to your system. You only ever pay for what you use, and additional seats can be implemented by your provider instantly.

Goodbye PBX.

The smartphone app allows you to make and receive calls through your mobile device, meaning you are carrying your extension around with you in your pocket.

This is perfect for travelling sales people or employees with flexible work locations.

Having your phone system hosted in the cloud means no onsite PBX equipment, which also means no more maintenance fees or crowded server rooms that resemble spaghetti junction.

Mobility.

Future Proof. This technology is not going to be out of date before your contract is up as updates are made directly to the cloud data servers, meaning no upgrade costs for you.

Technological evolution is here to help us develop our businesses, and embracing it could benefit our investments.

For more information call 0333 222 0888.

may/june 2015 business edge

28 technology/new media feature

Mobile device management: Keeping business secure and flexible Is it safe to let people use their personal mobile for corporate use? Can we protect company data as well as giving people personal freedom? Mobile device management (MDM) might be the answer.

The Internet has evolved from a global library to a global community. Day to day, people around the world function using mobile devices. These devices have created a platform for life and business. Managing their use presents various challenges for businesses, not least those of security and flexibility. It’s a personal issue for employees and a potential risk for employers.

Mobile devices are common place in many businesses and organisations, and are used in a variety of ways. The smart

business edge may/june 2015

phone has become the new personal organiser for many professionals. iPads assist sales in showrooms and shops.

Engineers use specialist apps in the field.

Education thrives with interactive learning using carts of iPads. In each of these scenarios MDM can help ease deployment and IT service delivery.

Mobile device Management enables you to secure and look after settings and content on mobile devices. Different MDM products provide different features, so it’s important to know what you want to achieve.

You can provide mobile devices to your team, pre-configured with wireless networks, email accounts and apps they’ll need, ready to go. Ongoing updates and configuration changes can be delivered over the air.

A noteworthy development for training, education or conference facilities is the introduction of iBeacon technology. This allows devices to automatically pick up peripherals, such as printers or projectors, that are in the same room.

If it’s security you want, you can force devices to require encryption. If a device is lost or stolen, MDM enables you to lock it, erase it, or track it down.

MDM is provided by server applications or cloud services that push settings and changes to the mobile device’s operating system (Apple iOS, Android or Windows Mobile). Many MDM systems also use client applications.

There are many MDM products out there, each sporting different features. Gather a clear list of requirements and try out the most suitable products. Choosing the cheapest can be counter-productive as you may need to spend more time learning to setup, manage and support the system.

Your employees might be roaming the weald, but you can all stay connected and supported, whilst the boss can rest assured that, with MDM, corporate information is safe.

Daniel McNaught, Senior IT Specialist Email: info@invona.com www.invona.com

technology/new media feature 29

Attracting the best full-time software developers for your team Looking for skilled software developers to strengthen your team but do not know where to find them? Then it’s time to turn to the offshore recruitment specialists at Vedel IT. We are not talking outsourcing here. We recruit and establish full-time software development team members for any size of company from one man bands to international IT companies, financial institutions and multinational organisations Any size company can use our services.

In fact, it’s a great way for small companies to expand without having to get more office space and with minimal risk.

Using our knowledge of the South East Asian and Eastern European recruitment market, we find the most talented and experienced software developers available to take forward our clients’ work and are keen to serve more UK companies.

But why use us? Well, for a start the employees we provide are head hunted, tested and recruited specifically according to the client’s needs; at Vedel IT we do not believe in a one-size-fits all approach.

Once recruited, the developers are stationed in our office premises but still working on behalf of the client as an integrated part of their organisation.

What we deliver is not software development outsourcing, nor is it suitable for project development. What we deliver is only suitable for software product companies or companies with an on-going, in-house development requirement.

To recruit the right people, we headhunt the talent required to match the customer’s requirement. For us, it’s all about finding the best people and retaining them We believe that developers with superior talent bring great value to organisations.

Our experience is that developers who combine technical competence with a good business understanding can be many times more effective than normal developers.

Vedel IT was founded in 2006 to establish offshore excellence in development for companies in need of ongoing development.

The company is led by two European directors as well as a management team, thus ensuring a Western corporate culture.

We have more than 130 employees at our modern office premises in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur and in the bustling suburb of Bangsar. The Government of Malaysia has awarded us MSC status and we are one of Malaysia’s fastest growing offshore development companies. We also have 20 employees in our Macedonian office in Skopje.

Interested? Then contact Jim Brock, UK Representative Email: jim.brock@vedelit.com Tel: 01892 710 811 Mob: 07966 477 141 www.vedelit.com

Frustrated with your IT Network?

Want a professional managed approach to your IT Network?

Computers matter in everyday business. If your IT doesn’t work then your business cannot run.

We at CSE fully recognise this basic fact. Let our team of highly trained engineers keep your business running efficiently.

We are here to help Call today on 01444 238070 www.cse-ltd.co.uk

may/june 2015 business edge

30 chamber benefits

Membership Benefits Chamber Healthcare

Chamber Health and Safety

Help to reduce sickness absence and improve staff motivation with a choice of two great schemes. n The Chamber Business Healthcare Plan, offers private medical insurance for your employees. Get 10% cashback annually or 50% off your chamber membership fees for 3 years. n Pay as little as £1.10 per employee per week with the cash plan scheme Chamber Primary Health Plan.

Not sure about your Health & Safety policy? Can you afford not to know?

Chamber HR

Receive up to 61% on the cost of breakdown cover (for members of participating accredited Chambers only).

The Chamber HR service provides businesses with access to professional HR advice and documentation.

Chamber Legal Expenses Safeguard your business against the unexpected costs of professional legal services and get legal cover of up to £670,000 as well as access to a 24/7 helpline.

Chamber Roadside Assistance

Training Courses An Introduction to Export Procedures

Microsoft Word – Level 3 (Advanced)

Date: 18th May 2015 : 9.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: This course is suitable for those new to the problems of exporting and for experienced exporters who need to update their knowledge.

No prior knowledge of exporting is assumed. The content will be relevant to field and office based sales staff, purchasing staff, shipping and dispatch personnel, accounts and finance staff, customer services and freight forwarders.

Date: 26th May 2015 : 9:30am – 4:30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: In your work, you use Word for complex or long documents but you feel challenged trying to set your documents out correctly.

This course will show you how to master the challenging aspects of working with long documents in Word. By using headers, footers and section breaks you’ll be able to control what prints on different pages. You’ll find out how instantaneously you can reformat entire documents by using Work Styles.

Developing your Management and Leadership Skills

Telesales: Profit not Pain

Date: 19th May 2015 : 09:30am – 4:30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: This course builds on the topics covered in People and Team Management to give a more complete overview of people management best practice. However it can also be a stand-alone course as new topics are covered which are more advanced or involved for experienced managers.

Date: 3rd June 2015 : 9:30am – 4:30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: This course will teach you how to plan, research and undertake proactive sales and prospecting without falling into the negative sales stereotypes which haunt so many of us. After the course not only will you enjoy your job more, you’ll make a lot more money for your company.

Appointment and Management of International Agents and Distributors

Confident and Effective Communication Skills

Date: 20th May 2015 : 9:30am – 4:30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: This training course deals with the vital area of International Agency and Distribution. It examines the differences between Agents and Distributors and when and where the use of each would be appropriate. The course will also discuss methods of finding, appointing and motivating Agents and Distributors and examines the relevant aspects of EU Law of Agency.

contact business edge may/june 2015

Date: 9th June 2015 : 9:30am – 4:30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: Almost everyone in business needs to be able to communicate effectively to get things done. Technology often makes us more distant rather than helping us build rapport and be fully understood.

This course helps staff and managers practise avoiding appearing aggressive or submissive to others. It helps them recognise the triggers for difficult behaviour in themselves and others so they can chose a professional response.

For additional information on any of the above member benefits, please visit our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk or call 0844 371 5404

chamber benefits 31

Training Courses continued Using Documentary Letters of Credit, Drafts and Bills Date: 15th June 2015 : 9.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: The use of Letters of Credit has increased significantly by UK exporters and importers because of the global economic situation, political insecurity in some markets and the withdrawal of credit insurance cover. UK Export Finance now offers a Letter of Credit Guarantee Scheme. The intention is to stimulate exports to emerging markets by sharing the credit risk associated with Letters of Credit from these markets. This should contribute to a further increase in usage.

Export Controls and Licensing Date: 22nd June 2015 – 9.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: Export controls apply not only to military items but also to a wide range of civilian goods, software and technology which could potentially have military applications. This course explains the UK/ EU and US export control and sanctions regulations, and provides clear, practical advice on how to comply.

Essentials of Supervision and Team Leadership Date: 1st July 2015 : 9.30am – 4.30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: It has often been said that the biggest challenges a manager faces come when they first transition into a supervisory or team leadership role. First line management requires a very different mind-set to any operational role and requires a very different skill set. This course will support supervisors, both new and experienced, to focus on how to successfully lead their teams (rather than just keeping their heads down and trying to do most of the work themselves).

contact

Revised Incoterms Rules 2010 for Import Export Date: 2nd July 2015 : 9:30am – 12:30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: The Incoterms@ Rules are an essential business tool for export import because they define the responsibilities of each party to arrange loading/unloading of the goods, delivery, import export clearance and freight contracts. They may be used in contract negotiations, as a checklist for buyers and sellers and as a framework for international and domestic sales contracts.

Exporting – Understanding the Paperwork Date: 13th July 2015 : 9:30am – 4:30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: Problems associated with Export Documentation will often lead to delays in getting goods to customers, increased costs and charges, and a breakdown of goodwill between seller and buyer. Changes to regulations and requirements often pass unnoticed or are misunderstood. This course will address all these issues and more.

People and Team Management Date: 16th July 2015 : 9:30am – 4:30pm Venue: The King’s Centre, Burgess Hill Course Description: This course is designed for managers who would like a solid grounding in people management best practice. The day lays the foundations for strong manager/staff relationships, ensuring that they know how to focus on doing their people management job well and can deal with more difficult feedback situations.

For additional information on any of the above member benefits, please visit our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk or call 0844 371 5404 may/june 2015 business edge

32 business matters

CountyClean Environmental Services explain the changes in ownership for sewerage and pump stations in Sussex and what it means for property owners?

Following new legislation back in 2011, the responsibility for private sewers and drainage pipework in our region transferred to Southern Water with the water company also due to adopt pump stations across the region by October 2016.

Thanks to the new rules, heated disputes between some neighbours will be a thing of the past as it is now much easier to know who is responsible for which part of the network.

The new legislation brings peace of mind on maintenance issues and provides clarity of ownership.

Septic Tanks and Cesspits Privately owned septic tanks, cesspits and connecting pipework continue to be the responsibility of their owners.

Just as pipes inside the property boundary and serving only that property

business edge may/june 2015

have remained the responsibility of the property owner, so private pumping stations serving just one property and within the boundary of a property will not transfer under the legislation; nor will those pumping stations which serve multiple buildings.

Pump Stations

CCTV Drainage Surveys

About CountyClean

To assist businesses, property owners and homebuyers who have concerns, CountyClean have been busy surveying their pipework and drainage with CCTV equipment and carrying out maintenance with high pressure water jetting.

Typically these might include retail parks, caravan parks, hospitals and industrial estates. The owners of these businesses will continue to maintain their own pump stations.

If you think you own or are responsible for a pump station and you are unsure of the location of the pipework, or if you have any issues with septic tanks or cesspits, you can contact CountyClean on 01323 741 818 to arrange for surveys or maintenance.

CountyClean Environmental Services Ltd are licensed and industry accredited.

The company provides professional liquid waste management services for Pump Stations, Sewage Treatment Plants, Spill and Flood Response, Hazardous Waste Disposal, High Pressure Water Jetting and CCTV Drain Surveys.

For more information see www.countycleanenvironmental.co.uk

Lead the Way Did you know there are 1500 different job roles as an Apprentice.

Approximately 25,000 Apprenticeships are advertised on a daily basis.

Approximately 85% of Apprentices stay in their job role when they have completed their qualification.

Source: National Apprenticeship Service)

As a business owner or manager, finding the right staff is crucial. JACE Training can take out the hassle of the recruitment, the initial interview process and finding the right candidates for your selection. Having worked within the Surrey community for over 30 years JACE works hard to connect local businesses to local talent and strives to find the opportunities for the next generation of workers.

Working in partnership with employers JACE Training listen to employers and understand their business needs. Working in partnership and providing a seamless service is an essential part of their delivery.

With the government urging businesses to get involved now and employ apprentices it could be the time for you to take a look at where your skills gaps are and what training your business might need. Having bespoke support from a quality training provider will help create a clearer vision.

Why Apprentices are good for business: They fill your skills gaps or staff shortages and learn the ways of your business They help you to invest in your business by bringing in new talent They offer fresh ideas and energy and inspire existing staff and boost company morale Alongside apprenticeships, JACE can offer qualifications to existing employees to encourage a highly skilled workforce, such as First Aid at Work and Food Safety

ÂŁ1500 Apprenticeship Grant for Employers You could be eligible for a ÂŁ1500 government grant by taking an Apprentice into your business.

Contact JACE Training today Tel: 0845 241 7738 : Quote Business Edge Email: apprenticeships@jace-training.co.uk Visit: www.jace-training.co.uk

www.jace-training.co.uk

34 business support feature

The business of planning What’s your Business plan? This should be a straight forward question for anyone running their own business yet many business owners simply won’t know.

What is a Business plan? In simple terms a business plan is a written summary of future goals and how those goals are going to be achieved.

Why do I need a Business plan? The most successful and profitable businesses are forward thinking and have a good understanding of where their business is going. You wouldn’t get into a car without knowing where you are driving to. You’d have made sure you had enough fuel and you’ll have planned your arrival time. A business is no different – it needs to be driven in a clear direction with thought given to how to reach goals such as increased profitability or growth.

How do I a write a Business plan?

A business plan doesn’t have to be complicated. In truth, it’s better to have

something short, succinct and workable than not have one in place at all. Think through where your business is now; where you want it to be in say 3 years time and how you think you can achieve that. Write it down, share it with your team, take action as necessary, and review it, tweaking as necessary, if you go off course.

Whilst it is perceived that the majority of accountants spend their time looking at historical data, most are more than interested in helping clients grow their businesses and will be happy to help.

For further advice call 01323 412277 or visit our website www.honeybarrett.co.uk

Abi Newbury is a Director at Honey Barrett Chartered Accountants.

From Corporate to SME Banking Nat West continues to maintain its strong presence in Corporate and SME Banking across Sussex with a Corporate Banking office in Crawley plus Business and Commercial Banking offices in Chichester, Worthing, Crawley, Brighton and Eastbourne.

To add value to the customer proposition, a number of the Relationship Manager’s based in these offices are sector specialists focusing on such sectors are Healthcare, Leisure, Education, Professional Practices, Manufacturing and Agriculture. In addition, there are also managers providing asset finance, invoice finance, structured finance and international trade services based locally. The overall team includes Branch based Business Specialists who are on hand to assist business start ups right through to Corporate Relationship Directors working with our larger customers.

Gary Chown is the Director leading the Brighton and Eastbourne offices with a team of nine Relationship Manager in place.

“Our focus continues to be on providing an excellent level of service and expertise for our customers whilst supporting them with

business edge may/june 2015

the appropriate products and services to help their business progress.”

Nat West has been working with Entrepreneurial Spark across the UK and has just announced that it will be opening the doors of its office at 149 Preston Road, Brighton to become a hub for the latest free business accelerator for early stage and growing ventures. As a city with a growing entrepreneurial culture Brighton is considered to be an ideal location.

Gary Chown Chartered Banker Director Commercial Banking 153 Preston Road, Brighton Email: gary.chown@natwest.com Mobile 07748 704484

35

Need a Business Plan?

Why should you file your tax return early?

Increase profitability? Grow your business?

Let Honey Barrett help you create a business plan, so you can achieve your business goals.

Our services include: Accountancy and Audit BACS Payroll Bureau Bookkeeping Business Planning Company Secretarial Management Accounts Personal Tax

PRISM – KPI reports R&D Tax Relief Tax Planning Trusts and Estates 10 Steps to Success System

By now you will have received your reminder from HMRC to file your 2014-15 tax return. It is all too easy to put it off until later in the year.

You have got until 31st January 2016 to file your tax return, but that doesn’t mean that you need to leave it until then. There are benefits of filing your tax return early. If you are due a refund this will be paid to you fairly soon after you file your return. You don’t have to wait for it until January!

For a FREE consultation Contact Abi Newbury on 01424 730345, or Paul Knight on 01323 412277

If you do owe tax, filing your return early gives you time to plan your cashflow to ensure that you have the money in January to pay it. Don’t forget you also have to pay any tax by 31st January.

Honey Barrett Chartered Accountants: 53 Gildredge Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4SF

www.honeybarrett.co.uk

The penalty for late filing of tax returns is an automatic £100, even if you don’t owe any tax.

We are an experienced and proactive firm of Chartered Accountants based in Chichester, West Sussex and in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Our business is about more than just providing financial information. Our purpose is to help your business succeed.

We understand that it’s not easy to learn everything that you need to know about how to run a successful business, so together with our accountancy, payroll and bookkeeping services we provide training to give you financial control and to help develop your business.

CALL US TODAY ON 01243 776938 TO BOOK A FREE ‘BUSINESS MATTERS MEETING’ AND SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS!

talk: 01243 776938 write: info@jamestoddandco.co.uk read: www.jamestoddandco.co.uk

There is a 31st July deadline to renew any tax credits or benefits you may receive.

It is possible to submit estimates for this renewal, however it is preferable to have the actual figures to avoid any underpayment or overpayment by the Tax Office.

If you use a bookkeeper or accountant they are likely to be busier in December and January and would much prefer to file your return early.

Sussex Offices: Haywards Heath, Crawley, Horsham and Brighton

0800 470 4820 info@tfmcentre.co.uk

Call us now on email

www.tfmcentre.co.uk

may/june 2015 business edge

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36 business support feature

Part-time study is good for business Brighton's professional business courses allow individuals to combine work with study, boost their skills and open up career opportunities. But it doesn’t end there – with benefits for employers and colleagues too, the impact of professional development has a much wider reach.

Part-time study enables the immediate transfer of the skills and knowledge gained on our courses into the workplace. Many courses also involve work-based learning through projects and workshops.

Some of our graduates told us how their recent experiences have impacted their work: Debbie Wright, Head of Examinations Operations at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, studied for a Chartered Management Institute accredited course at Brighton. Debbie said: ‘Studying was the best thing I did for my career. The tools, skills and confidence I gained as a manager are invaluable. You can immediately put things into practice.’

James Field studied ACCA papers at Brighton and won PQ Magazine's Accountant of the Year Award in 2014. He said: ‘Study gave me the confidence to put forward suggestions to my board and to see through proposals. I acknowledge the large part the university has played in my career and recent success.’

Jason Mannix says his role has grown since completing his MSc in Human Resources Management. He is now Divisional Human Resources Manager for Brighton Pier. ‘The course brought together all the various aspects of HR to show clearly how they interact and complement each other. My employer was great and allowed me to try theories and create projects, especially those around engagement and development.’

Develop Develop your your career career Combine Combine work work with with study study Our part-time Our part-time courses courses will help will expand help expand your career your career options, options, increase increase your earning your earning potential potential and update and update your professional your professional skills.skills.

Take your Takecareer your career to the to next the next Study Study with Brighton with Brighton Business Business SchoolSchool level with levelour with courses our courses in: in: • Professionally • Professionally accredited accredited courses courses • Management • Management • Top •5 Top UK university 5 UK university for worldfor world• ACCA • ACCA Accounting Accounting leadingleading business business and management and management • Human • Human Resource Resource Management Management research research impactimpact • Law• Law • Career • Career focused focused • Social • Social Marketing Marketing

Find out Findmore out more aboutabout our courses our courses and book and book your place your place to meet to meet our our course course leaders leaders at an at open an open evening. evening.

Business@brighton.ac.uk Business@brighton.ac.uk

www.brighton.ac.uk/businesscourses www.brighton.ac.uk/businesscourses • 01273 • 01273 642974 642974

Business Business Edgeedge 2015.indd Edge 2015.indd 1 2015 1 business may/june

16/02/2015 16/02/2015 12:49 12:

business support feature 37

A trusted adviser

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In a fast changing world having the right people in the right places engaged with the right things and supported by the right people processes is at the heart of a successful enterprise.

Whether it’s getting off to a great start with a new employee; managing a difficult ending; people policies and procedures; coaching or leadership development; advice CSG Edge magazine ad no1 1/10/14

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employment matters and liberating potential through coaching and development.

For an introductory discussion please call George Lepine, FCIPD, AMAC on 01444 246938 or email george@galconsulting.co.uk with an indication of your areas of interest. To find out more go to www.galconsulting.co.uk

Make the most of your most expensive asset At Cullen Scholefield we’re passionate about developing people. Let us help you make the most of your people too.

0800 0185 052 csgconsult.com COACHING & MENTORING • HR DEVELOPMENT • MANAGEMENT • STRATEGIC HR may/june 2015 business edge

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For Your Business and Commercial Insurance Needs • Local Broker with over 40 years insurance broking experience now incorporating Brighton Insurance Group • Highly professional service from our team of Account Executives, Development Executives and Account Handlers • Offices in East and West Sussex • Insurance advice tailored to your needs • Not call centre based • Part of the UK’s largest distributor and underwriter of specialist personal and SME insurance • Access to solutions from the UK’s top insurers

Tel: 01903 875420 www.crawford-davis.co.uk Crawford Davis and Brighton Insurance (Brokers) Group are trading names of CCV Risk Solutions Ltd. Registered in England Number 05879041. Registered address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Rd, Maidstone. Kent.ME14 3EN. Authorised and Regulated By the Financial Conduct Authority.

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business support feature 39

Green Business Growth The University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform helps Sussex businesses realise their growth ambitions through a menu of 1-2-1 business coaching, innovation and R&D support, skills development and an events and networking programme.

Businesses choose services that best suit their own growth journey; marketing, branding, business planning, finance raising, investor pitching and business management are just some of ways the Platform is supporting its member businesses.

One West Sussex member business involved in paper production has worked with Green Growth Platform business coaches on developing a brand strategy, identifying sales opportunities and bidding for grant funding. The business is now in a position to purchase equipment that will allow them to scale up production significantly and has export opportunities.

The business owner said: “Without the Green Growth Platform, we wouldn’t be where we are now”.

Next Level Thinking conference: Time out to focus on your business The Green Growth Platform’s Next Level Thinking conference is an opportunity to step off the rollercoaster ride that is running your business and be inspired, gain insight from leading entrepreneurs and think about what could take you to the next level.

Speakers include Andy Wood, Chief Executive of Adnams Brewery, who will talk about the business journey that saw Adnams become an exemplar of sustainability; Syed Ahmed, Director of Savortex, who will share insights from taking his smart eco hand dryer technology from research and development (R&D) to global commercial success; and Michael Ware of international business consultancy

BDO, who will give his perspective on a thriving environmental sector in the UK. There will be a workshop programme including eco-design, procurement, sales pipelines and the internet of things, followed by a networking lunch.

The event takes place as part of Eco Technology Show 2015 in Brighton on Friday 12 June, go to the event page at www.greengrowthplatform.co.uk for more information.

Free membership and no cost or low cost services Green Growth Platform services are either no cost or low cost, and the programme is free to join for environmental companies and companies wanting to explore a more environmentally aware approach to growth.

For more information on Next Level Thinking and the Green Growth Platform, please visit www.greengrowthplatform.co.uk or call 01273 641949. may/june 2015 business edge

40 new members

Welcome to Sussex Chamber of Commerce Membership of Sussex Chamber of Commerce can help you increase profits, get the best from your people and find new clients. Also, it saves you money, gets your voice heard and puts you in contact with even more businesses.

Crest House Jo Crawford 6-8 St. Matthews Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38 0TN

Elizabeth Court Rest Home Ltd Carol Robinson 4 Hastings Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 2HH

01424436229

01424219105 www.ecrh.co.uk

Data Shredding Services Ltd Mark Blackie 1 Coombe Drove, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3PW 01903 814949 www.datashreddingservices.com

First Recruitment Services Mark Smith Clair House, 3-5 Clair Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3DP 01444 417766 www.firstrecruitment.co.uk

General Dynamics United Kingdom Steve Maslin Castleham Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN38 9NJ 01424853481 www.generaldynamics.uk.com

Goldcrest Peter Buckfield 8 Bond Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2PU 01273749686

Divisions Operable Wall Systems Ltd Steve Duffell Winterpick Business Park, Hurstpierpoint Road, Wineham, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9BJ

Fowler Swimming Pools Ltd Mel Wegg Henfield Road, Cowfold, West Sussex RH13 8BS

Graves Son & Pilcher Simon Thetford 51 Old Steine, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1HU

08708720874 www.duvale.plc.uk

01403 864373 www.fowlerswimmingpools.co.uk

01273321123 www.gsp.uk.com

contact business edge may/june 2015

SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 0844 375 95 50 www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

new members 41 Heirlooms Ltd Ruth Douglas 2 Arun Business Park, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO22 9SX 01243820252 www.heirlooms-linens.co.uk

Pavilion Healthcare International Ltd Milind Jani 18 Mallory Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6TD 011273298286 www.pavilionhealth.co.uk

WT Partnership Steve Lester AMP House, Dingwall Road, Croydon, West Sussex CR0 2LX 020 8686 0431 www.wtpartnership.com

NFU Mutual (Pulborough) Alastair McAloon Hardham Business Park, Mill Lane, Hardham, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1LA 01798 874382 www.nfumutual.co.uk/branches/pulborough

may/june 2015 business edge

42 women in business

Flexible Workspaces Supporting Sussex SME’s Basepoint Business Centres are pleased to introduce Rebecca Gattinesi, Stephanie George and Roxanne Haid.

Rebecca Gattinesi is a Regional Manager for Basepoint, covering the Sussex Centres; Crawley, Haywards Heath, Newhaven and Shoreham. Stephanie George is the Centre Manager for Basepoint Crawley and Roxanne Haid is Centre Manager for Basepoint Shoreham and our newest development currently being built in Haywards Heath.

Basepoint Business Centres provide a wide range of quality, cost-effective, managed and serviced offices, alongside different types of flexible office space designed to suit all companies. Centres also offer regular, free networking events with knowledgeable guest speakers to raise awareness of a variety of business issues.

The company is owned by The ACT Foundation, a leading UK grant-making charity, dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need and as such, each Centre is dedicated to fundraising for a selected charity and The ACT Foundation match funds any money raised for the chosen charity, up to a maximum of £10,000.

For more information on your nearest Sussex Basepoint Business Centre contact Crawley on 01293 817717, Newhaven on 01273 615250 or Shoreham on 01273 467500. Alternatively visit our website, www.basepoint.co.uk, for more information on all our Centres and products as well as upcoming networking events.

business edge may/june 2015

Life time of caring for others Zara Moussavi proprietor and Director of Z & M Care Limited was Head Teacher in lran teaching Social Science. I then moved to England in 1980 and for a short time working in St Marys Hall Senior School and Brighton College.

During this time I was visiting a good friend who owned and managed a Care Home in Brighton during my visits to his Care Home l became very interested in the Care and Social needs of the Elderly, this inspired me to manage my own Care Home, So together with my husband we purchased Lyndhurst Rest Home in Hove East Sussex, this provided Care for 19 Elderly Residents all whom had various and individual needs, over the past 25 years we have now expanded our home by purchasing adjoining houses next to Lyndhurst and now provide care for 44 Elderly and 7 younger people with Learning disabilities.

I have thrived on Learning and Training Care Staff to improve the quality of our Residents lives by ensuring that the Care Plan is Individual to resident and that it is Person Centred l have won various awards in 2005 Company of the Year. 2006 I was awarded Manager of the Year and we have for many years which is still on-going have awards for Investors in People.

My focus for the future is to continue to improve the life of People that suffer from Dementia and ensure that all staff are trained and updated on training within this field.

From PA to Director Maxine Reid – Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and Director of Restructuring and Recovery at Kreston Reeves LLP based in Sussex I started my work life as a trained Secretary working as a PA in a range of businesses, including recruitment, IT suppliers and the motor trade.

Having been made redundant in 2001, I took up a temporary administrator position working at accountants Baker Tilly within the insolvency department in Crawley. There I assisted the insolvency team with their filing and general admin. Whilst I was there a permanent position became available for a junior insolvency administrator and having seen that the insolvency work ranged from advising directors one day to dealing with individuals and their personal financial difficulties the next, the variety in the role appealed to me, but I knew that I would be starting on the bottom rung of the profession.

Nearly 15 years on the variety and intricacies of the job have kept changing; I am now a licensed Insolvency Practitioner and Director at Kreston Reeves LLP, covering in Kent and Sussex.

We are able to help a wide range of businesses, from small sole traders all the way up to multi-million pound turnover businesses, across multiple sites: many of these businesses may not always be based here in the UK. At Kreston Reeves we are able to offer our restructuring and turnaround services from each of our offices and, being part of the Kreston International network, we are also able to provide assistance globally, where necessary.

If you would like to talk to us then you can contact me on 01293 776152 or you can email me at maxine.reid@krestonreeves.com.

women in business 43

A Woman In A Man’s World Dicker Precision Components Ltd was first established in 1973 and is now a family run business that my husband and I took over in May 2010.

Evolving from a small CNC workshop to a continually growing CNC milling and turning business.

We specialise in manufacturing parts for oil & gas, vacuum pump, water treatment and nuclear industries. We can accommodate manufacturing requirements from a wide range of industries.

My role within the company is now mainly based in finance, but when we first took over there was much to organise, improving health and safety and HR standards and implementing efficient systems.

Always looking for new ways to develop and grow, we expanded from two to three units, from eleven to eighteen members of staff and the purchase of four new machines.

We also achieved our 9001:2008 ISO certification which we strived hard to accomplish.

My inspiration to succeed comes from my Dad. From a young age he always made sure I was very independent. I learnt quickly to rise to challenges and never give up, years on this has proven to give me the strength and motivation to work for things now.

I encourage more women to become involved with engineering, it is a challenging field, but the reward and sense of achievement is considerable. www.dickerprecision.com

Raising Recruitment Standards Permanent Solutions Direct is an award-winning, independent recruitment business based near Gatwick.

A versatile company providing permanent and interim staffing solutions for a range of clients, from large, global organisations to micro businesses, throughout the South East.

Whilst the HR sector remains their main area of expertise, they recruit staff for many other disciplines. The team offer a completely holistic service, including psychometric assessments to enhance the recruitment process, as well as a flexible fee payment structure to suit their clients’ individual needs.

Lisa Jarvis, who founded the business in 2005, says “I am very proud to be celebrating our ten-year anniversary this summer. We will certainly be celebrating this important milestone by thanking the loyal clients and candidates who have worked with us during this time”. Many of these relationships have been developed and nurtured by Lisa throughout her 27year career in recruitment.

Lisa is a Non-Executive Director of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the leading trade association for the recruitment industry.

Lisa comments, “We are passionate about raising standards. From the inception of the business, my aim was to stand out from the crowd within an industry renowned for poor customer service and bad practice”.

Lisa adds “we are delighted to know we achieved our aim by scoring 98% in the compulsory REC Annual Compliance Test in 2014 and via the impressive array of video and written testimonials on our website”.

Visit the Permanent Solutions Direct website www.permanentsolutionsdirect.co.uk or call 01342 710630.

Meet the VAT Lady During my long career, I have been involved in training and advising the financial and operations staff of large companies about VAT, Customs Duty and other taxes.

In 2011 I decided to put my knowledge and expertise to good use and set up The VAT Lady to provide tax advisory and training services to businesses of all sizes.

For the first five years we ran public training workshops. However, as VAT and Customs is a vast subject, we found that the diversity of the different businesses was an issue and we were unable to address specific VAT problems. This led us on to creating bespoke courses, which means that we now make sure that the topics covered apply to individual clients.

Our clients have greatly benefited from this type of review and training; giving peace of mind, in many cases tax savings.

We fill the knowledge gap by delivering solid, up-to-date training to help businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape. As well as looking at VAT in general, we also cover all specific concerns.

After repeated requests for us to take on VAT accounting for businesses, The Bookkeeping Ladies was born, specialising in accounting for VAT and other schemes. We have the knowledge to deal with Import, Export and Intra EU transactions, to meet the needs of the client.

We charge per hour, spread over the year, therefore the smaller business benefits by being able to budget their annual costs.

Ask Ann www.thevatlady.com www.thebookkeepingladies.com

may/june 2015 business edge

44 diary

SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NETWORKING EVENTS South Coast Export Club Date: 20th May 2015 : 11.00am – 2.15pm Venue: The Hilton Avisford Park Hotel, Arundel, Have you ever thought about how export opportunities could benefit your business? Is export right for you? Join us for a networking lunch with a panel of exports hear about their businesses and experiences followed by a Q&A session

Manufacturing Forum Date: 9th June 2015 : 8.00 – 10.30am Venue: Varian Medical Systems, Manor Royal, Crawley Varian Medical Systems’ mission is to focus energy on saving lives. To meet this challenge, they equip the world with new tools for fighting cancer, taking X-ray images, and protecting ports and borders. Varian Medical Systems is the world’s leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions.

The Bank of England Business Lunch Date: 9th June : 12.00noon – 2.00pm Venue: London Gatwick Copthorne Hotel, Gatwick We are pleased to announce we will be joined by Sir Jon Cunliffe, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability. This event will give you an authoritative perspective on the outlook for growth and inflation in the UK from a senior UK policy maker. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, gain insights and to offer feedback on the economic outlook and to network with other businesses in the region.

Construction Forum Date: 17th June 2015 : 8.00 – 10.30am Venue: Chichester Yacht Club, Birdham Romy Jones of University of Chichester will be speaking about current projects being undertaken by them in the Chichester and Bognor Regis areas.

Justin Woods of Onsite Safety will give an Introduction to the recent Changes to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.

Contact business edge may/june 2015

Chambers Vision for the Future – Business Networking Breakfast Date: 18th June : 8.00 – 10.30am Venue: Hotel Seattle, Brighton Marina Join Ana Christie, Chief Executive of the Chamber and find out how to make more from your Sussex Chamber membership.

She will share information on new initiatives to help increase your business profile and marketing opportunities.

Business Networking Lunch Date: 23rd June 2015 : 12.00noon – 2.30pm Venue: The Chatsworth Hotel, Worthing Anthony Stears, the Telephone Assassin, is a refreshing speaker with a direct and practical approach to closing more business and finding more opportunities over the phone. If you suffer from phone phobia or you have a team of hardened sales people that need to increase their conversion ratio you will leave with useful tips and techniques to your business. Get businesses talking again and stop people from hiding behind their email and social media.

Grow Your Connections – Purely Networking!

Date: 26th June 2015 : 8.30 – 10.30am Venue: The View Hotel, Eastbourne These events are designed to give you a regular opportunity to meet businesses, grow your connections and widen your own network of customers and suppliers.

Launch of Young Chamber Date: 14th July 2015 : 8.30am – 1.00pm Venue: St Pauls Catholic College, Burgess Hill Young Chamber connects schools and local businesses through the Chamber of Commerce network. It gives young people a voice to engage with business and experience a greater understanding of the work place and future employment opportunities.

Business Networking Lunch and Wine Tasting Date: 21st July 2015 : 1.00 – 3.30pm Venue: Bolney Wine Estate, Bolney An opportunity to enjoy a delightful walk amongst the vines, experience the state of the art winery together with the option to taste some superb English wines and experience what others are already enjoying.

Grow Your Connections – Purely Networking!

Date: 23rd July 2015 : 8.30 – 10.30am Venue: Barnsgate Manor, Uckfield These events are designed to give you a regular opportunity to meet businesses, grow your connections and widen your own network of customers and suppliers.

Business Breakfast Date: 8th July 2015 : 8.00 – 10.30am Venue: The Singing Hills Golf Course, Albourne Tim Hawkes, Unlimited Potential, an international speaker on developing organisational culture. He works in longterm close relationships with clients to bring about transformational experiences.

Using a coaching approach in all the programmes ensures each development intervention delivers greater organisational performance through increased individual capability.

For all bookings and enquiries, please contact us in the following ways: Tel: 0844 37 595 50 | events@ sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk www.sussexchamberofcommerce. co.uk/events

If you would like to book a place onto any of the above events or would like information on membership, please visit our website www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk or call 0844 371 5405

sponsorship scheme 45

Opportunity to sponsor a series of Events We are proud to offer you a wonderful opportunity to sponsor a series of events. These packages can be discussed separately with the Chamber.

Please give us a call on 0844 375 95 50 for more information Option 1 : £250 + VAT

Option 2 : £500 + VAT

Option 3 : £950 + VAT

PRE-EVENT:

PRE-EVENT:

PRE-EVENT:

Marketing flyers - The words ‘sponsored by’ and your company logo / branding on the event flyer.

Marketing flyers - The words ‘sponsored by’ and your company logo / branding on the event flyer.

Marketing flyers - The words ‘sponsored by’ and your company logo / branding on the event flyer.

Subject to lead times

Subject to lead times

Subject to lead times

Branding in the Monthly Newsletter (distribution 9000)

Branding in the Monthly Newsletter (distribution 9000)

Branding in the Monthly Newsletter (distribution 9000)

including website address.

Subject to lead times

including website address.

Subject to lead times

including website address.

Subject to lead times

Company logo on the Sussex Chamber website against the sponsored event of your choice

Company logo on the Sussex Chamber website against the sponsored event of your choice

Company logo on the Sussex Chamber website against the sponsored event of your choice

Hyper-link on events page of Sussex Chamber website

Hyper-link on events page of Sussex Chamber website

AT EVENT:

AT EVENT:

AT EVENT:

One free place

Two free places

Three free places

Event ‘sponsored by’ on the delegate list a copy for each attending Chamber delegate

Logo and ‘sponsored by’ on all pages of the delegate list a copy for each attending Chamber delegate

Logo and ‘sponsored by’ on all pages of the delegate list a copy for each attending Chamber delegate

Opportunity to display corporate stand and literature / promotional materials at the event

Opportunity to display corporate stand and literature / promotional materials at the event

Opportunity to display corporate stand and literature / promotional materials at the event

Acknowledgement by CEO / Chairman for sponsorship at event

Opportunity to speak briefly at the event (up to 15 minutes)

Opportunity to speak briefly at the event (up to 30 minutes)

Acknowledgement by CEO Chairman for sponsorship at event

Acknowledgement by CEO / Chairman for sponsorship at event

POST EVENT:

POST EVENT:

POST EVENT:

None

None

Write up article after the event incorporating company logo/ graphic and (maximum) 500 words of text supplied by sponsor to appear in the next issue of Sussex Chamber Business Magazine.

may/june 2015 business edge

46 five minutes with...

Photo by Gareth Curtis

movers and shakers Mike Branch

Bryan Treherne MBE International Trade Adviser South London Export Club

Bryan ran his own Scientific Company out of South London for 23 years ending up Exporting Test Equipment to 45 Countries.

He retired some years ago but is still active on the International side through his Export Club (regular meetings in Croydon) and has recently helped run Trade Missions to Jordan,Estonia Singapore and Malaysia. He is a part-time consultant to UKTI London and is an active member of the Institute of Export.

1. What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

My first job was in Research and Development for an instrument company ÂŁ750 per year 2. What do you always carry with you to work?

Business Cards. I am a firm believer in Networking with anyone and everyone 3. What is the biggest Challenge facing your business?

Time - there is never enough to do all that I wish I could do 4. If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business?

Cutting red tape is the main reason I retired and it never seems to go away 5. What can you see from your office window?

Building of new apartments (expensive). I just hope that all this building of homes will allow some industrial expansion otherwise we will have rooms but no jobs

business edge may/june 2015

6. If you could do another job what would it be?

A Fireman. I used to live opposite the Fire Station when I was a child and have collected nearly 400 model fire engines on my trips abroad 7. As a business person, what are your three main qualities?

Enthusiasm, fairness and willingness to do any job in the company 8. What was your biggest mistake in business?

Not to ensure my overseas agreements with distributors were watertight 9. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Get as much help as you can.

Learn from the people who have made the mistakes 10. Who do you admire most in business?

Lord Digby Jones, who has really helped British exporters over the years

New face for learndirect I am the new face at learndirect based at our Haywards Heath Office and covering the areas of Sussex and Surrey helping companies large and small with their training needs and Free Recruitment Service for Apprenticeships.

My background is over 10 years of experience in the work based learning environment and have now joined one of the biggest training providers in the UK. I have always been is Sales/Customer Service roles having previously worked at British Gas and Lloyds Tsb. I am now at the end of my second week and I have settled in quickly.

I enjoy the role and have a consultative approach to Sales.

The job also has a feel good factor as it is great to help people at different levels gain new skills and confidence completing recognised qualifications which can help them advance in their career.

If there is anything you would like more information or if you would like me to come and see you to discuss further I can be contacted on ; Mike Branch, Sales Consultant at learndirect Tel. 07469573672 | Email Michael.branch@learndirect.com

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEARNING DEVELOPING PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS NEW: LEADING IN A DIGITAL AGE Digital. It means so many things to so many people and, whilst it is a clichĂŠ, it is a major consideration for organisations across the globe.

However we define it, digital is having an impact. It ripples through customer relationships, organisational culture, marketing, management practices and leadership.

Roffey Park is an internationally renowned leadership institute based in the UK and Singapore.

We develop people who develop organisations.

Our new programme enables leaders to identify how leadership is both the same and yet significantly different in this new context Visit our website to find out more. www.roffeypark.com

may/june 2015 business edge

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