Business Edge 9

BUSINESSEDGE The magazine of Sussex Enterprise

Will international trade continue to drive growth?

Surmounting challenges presented by the world of business Getting involved with local charities and the community

British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

JUNEJULY 2012

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Financial Year End looming? Spend your Training Budget this year or lose it next year.

De-Mystifying Safety in the workplace

I think we all know that a lot of the bad press that comes out about Health & Safety is generated by people that cannot be bothered to deal with issues and manage them correctly. It is easier to blame “Health & Safety” and get something stopped rather than actually manage it in a sensible way.

Whether it be the head teacher banning conkers in the playground or a business owner banning Christmas decorations in the office.

This is what the HSE have to say about some of these daft decisions. And they are doing something about it too.

Common Sense: The HSE is there to help your business and believe it or not they do have a sense of humour Check out Myth of the month www.hse.gov.uk/myth/mythofthemonth.htm

Here is the confirmation that this is happening:

An amusing take on some of these ridiculous myths that are killing our spirit.

Myth Busters Challenge Panel

Let’s help them out and get some common sense back in our lives.

“Health and Safety” is often incorrectly used as a convenient excuse to stop “what are essentially sensible activities going ahead”.

At Miris training we have a great new product for businesses.

Health & Safety Awareness training:

The Health and Safety Executive has set up an independent panel – the Myth Busters Challenge Panel - to scrutinize such decisions.

3 modules each lasting about 25 mins, Office Safety Awareness, Fire Safety Awareness and Manual Handling.

The Panel is chaired by the HSE Chair Judith Hackitt, with HSE Board member Robin Dahlberg as the Vice-Chair and they are supported by a pool of independent members who represent a wide range of interests. This includes small businesses, public safety, trade unions, the insurance industry and many outside interests where day-to-day common sense decisions on risk management are made.

Run on an e-learning platform, so everyone can be trained without leaving their desk

This Panel will look into complaints regarding the advice given by non-regulators such as insurance companies, health and safety consultants and employers and, quickly assess if a sensible and proportionate decision has been made. We want to make clear that “health and safety” is about managing real risks properly, not being risk averse and stopping people getting on with their lives.

If you think a decision or advice that you have been given in the name of health and safety is wrong, or disproportionate to what you are doing, you can complain to the panel. It will investigate and publish its findings on the HSE website

A test at the end of each module to measure understanding and a Certificate issued.

Your staff will be trained and you will have peace of mind that you are legally covered.

Just imagine the cost and time savings for your business.

Miris Training can also offer Management training, for you, your managers, supervisors and team leaders to help you manage Health & Safety effectively.

www.hse.gov.uk/contact/myth-busting.htm?

De-mystify Health and Safety. Talk to Jane Brann at Miris Training – no obligation.

Phone: 01293 618881 BE 9.indd 2

www.miris-training.co.uk Read the blog www.miris-training.co.uk/blog

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Contents

Welcome

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05 09 21 40 04 05 07 08 09 12 13 15 16 19 21

Economic Overview Upfront Upfront World View Opinion Policy News BCC Focus Ask the Expert Spotlight On… The Steam Room Start Ups

Contacts Business Edge is a Sussex Enterprise publication.

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

SUSSEX ENTERPRISE Greenacre Court, Station Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9DS

22 26 37 38 41 43 44 48 50

Retail Crime Cover Feature Upfront Premier Members View Events Member Benefits MP View New Members The Last Word

We turn our attention to the retail sector for this issue of Business Edge. Our high streets should be the ‘lifeblood of local communities’, says the British Chambers of Commerce’s Director General, John Longworth, and he looks at the recommendations put forward by Mary Portas.

We hear from the British Retail Consortium’s Director General, Stephen Roberts, about retail crime and their latest campaign.

We speak to husband and wife team Nick and Miranda Alderton about their business success story - West Sussex fashion company Peter Christian.

Finally, we hear from the The Disabilities Trust about the benefits of companies getting involved with local charities and the community.

Once again, thank you for all the great news stories and please do keep sending them. We are always looking for exciting news stories from our Members. So, if you have anything you would like to tell us, please email businessedgeenquiries@ sussexenterprise.co.uk.

Our next issue is due out at the end of July looking at the Creative Industries. We look forward to hearing from you.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

FEATURE EDITORS

Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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

ADVERTISING Helen Longley, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU

T: 0845 884 2332 F: 0191 478 8301 E: helen.longley@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

E-BOOK www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications

British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

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ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

Will the Olympics make a difference?

Spring is firmly with us, the Chancellor set out his help for the business community a couple of months ago, business confidence is beginning to grow, interest rates are low AND the Olympics is now weeks away. The big question is how much impact this will have on your confidence.

Business confidence has been growing steadily over the last six months. It is still very fragile and cautiously optimistic. If China or the USA goes Boo loudly then the UK will jump and panic. That would lead to another recession. This is unlikely. The Eurozone now seems to have calmed itself and growth in China, India, South America and much of Asia is running at 5%+. On top of this the USA seems to have returned to consistent growth.

Despite these positive signs the UK consumer is still very cautious about spending and when we do spend we are driving an incredibly hard bargain. That means while sales are growing they are doing so slowly and profit margins are very thin. What is needed is a boost to consumer confidence. Not to reflate the

economy with us all going mad and borrowing money, but slow sustainable growth.

The Jubilee produced a small boost, but the Olympics will generate confidence and self belief (on the assumption that we deliver on the promises we have made) that will turn into confidence about the future and encourage us all to release the purse strings just a little. This in turn will encourage businesses to invest and then we have an upward spiral.

The recovery of the economy over the next few years is all about confidence. As is the performance of our Olympians in July. Without that confidence they will not perform. Will Rebecca Adlington win in the pool if she does not believe that she will win. At that level there is a fine line between success and failure.

At the moment the economy is very close to

that tipping point of self belief. The Olympics might just push us over and mean that we have a cautious self confidence about the next year.

So cheer on Rebecca Addlington, Chris Hoy and Ben Ainslie and all our other competitors.

We have some very good chances of medals.

Team Pursuit Gold Medal at the World Track Cycling Championships in April

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UPFRONT

Charity challenge success More than 40 staff from Sussex accountancy firm Knill James spent the day volunteering with local charities, to celebrate the firm’s 125th birthday.

One team worked at Raystede animal sanctuary in Ringmer, racing against the clock to wood stain the goat shed, aviary fencing, rabbit hutches, the small animal house and field shelters.

Another team took on the tough task of digging

Crawley-based Elekta sparks job creation in U.K.

Elekta, a global medical technology company dedicated to oncology and neuroscience clinical advancements, is seeking to fill about 80 new positions at its Crawley plant.

Recently, the company announced it had achieved CE Marking for a new cancer treatment innovation called Agility™, a revolutionary new form of multi-leaf collimator, a device that precisely shapes radiation beams to tumour targets.

These new technical positions at Elekta will support the manufacturing and further refinement of this novel cancer treatment technology, and reinforces the U.K.’s goals of increasing scientific innovation and employment opportunities.

Elekta’s Crawley plant workforce has risen from 400 to 680 since 2009 and, in the U.K. supply chain, Elekta supports approximately 1,000 manufacturing jobs.

over and levelling the ground, laying shingle and painting fencing in preparation for a mural and garden area to improve the entrance area of The Bevern Trust, a home supporting young people with profound learning disabilities and their families, based in Barcombe.

The third team took on a manual and marketing challenge on behalf of Furniture Now!, which collects donated furniture and household effects and makes them as low cost as possible for people in need in Sussex. They helped paint the charity’s Training Centre and supported them by using their social media and marketing skills to increase the amount of traffic to their facebook page facebook.com/ Furniture.Now.charity.

Kevin Powell, Joint Senior Partner of Knill James, said: “It is quite a feat to keep a business successful, prosperous and growing through 125 years and we want to mark the occasion with something really significant. We hired an independent employee volunteering expert to set up this project professionally and to find worthy projects, so that the whole firm could play a part in doing something really useful for charities, giving back to our local community.”

All the charities were delighted with the accountancy team’s work and Anne McCawley, Operations Manager at Raystede, said: “For a charity like ours, which relies entirely on charitable donations, we really welcome extra support from good local businesses who want to help us make a difference.”

Find out more about Knill James at www.knilljames.co.uk

Exceptional tutor honoured Helen Yates, a work-based assessor in the retail and business team from Sussex Downs College, was named as national Lion Award tutor of the year by City & Guilds.

This year’s Lion Awards ceremony was held at London’s Roundhouse to celebrate the country’s most inspiring achievers who have accomplished extraordinary results through practical learning.

Helen also received a Medal for Excellence for her outstanding performance in Level 3 Certificate in Retail (Management) quality and credit framework (QCF).The City and Guilds Medals for Excellence have been awarded for more than 100 years and aims to acknowledge exceptional talent amongst both learners and tutors.

Melanie Hunt, Principal and Chief Executive said: “This is excellent news, my congratulations to Helen and the team. The awards reflect her hard work and passion for delivering learning and vocational qualifications in the workplace.”

Helen said: “In my role, the most satisfying aspect is being able to help other people achieve better prospects, gaining employment and opportunities within their employment.”

From left to right - Melanie Hunt Principal and Chief Executive, Helen Yates and Fran Ludford

Sussex Downs College is a long established provider of training qualifications including apprenticeships. For more information, call 0845 2302 007 or email Employertraining@sussexdowns.ac.uk

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DANKOSEC

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DankoSec Limited have been in the Security Installations industry for FEATURE over 26 years working with many major blue chip companies in and around the London and South East Areas and have seen many changes in this time, primarily with the advent and use of IP Ethernet Technology being integrated into Security System Communications and most recently with the introduction of High Definition (HD) Megapixel Technology for CCTV. With offices located in Crawley West Sussex, they are within easy reach of the Greater London area including the M25 corridor and the South East and have technicians strategically placed and offer full support packages for all clients.

DankoSec are a premier integrated Security Systems company specialising in on-line computerised Card Access Control Systems, Closed Circuit Television Systems, remotely monitored Intruder Alarm Systems and Automated Vehicle Barriers with ANPR for both business and corporate clients.

DankoSec technical project and support staff are continually trained ensuring they provide their customers with the highest professional level of service and support. Intense product evaluation and technical training are amongst their highest priorities and their continued growth to date has been by repeat business, ongoing referrals and recommendation.

To ensure their client’s systems are used to their full potential, DankoSec provides an

in-depth and comprehensive operator training programme during the commissioning period of all new systems. Ongoing client training programmes are offered to ensure the system operators are proficient and the system remains effective. As part of their maintenance commitment, comprehensive Operator Manuals detailing equipment locations, operation procedures, maintenance procedures and emergency maintenance contact details are provided.

As Managing Director Steven Danko states:-“All our customers have access to our Emergency Callout Service which operates 24 hours per day and 365 days per year.We have vast experience working with many of the leading UK equipment suppliers and will only specify and install equipment that meets our high standards so that systems will not be problematic for the end user.

For us it makes no sense in installing poor quality and cheaper equipment to increase profit margins if you are possibly going to have to return to site

to replace it, not least letting the client down.This is one of the issues we sometimes hear from new clients where they have previously been sold a system that doesn’t perform to their expectations. Not only do we pre build systems in house, but we actively invite our clients to our product demonstration room at our offices, to view and have demonstrated any products they may be interested in before any kind of commitment, a try before you buy! Where possible systems are also pre-programmed with the clients site information and database requirements.We are honest, open and informative to our clients at each stage during product installations and take great pride in our work and love what we do”.

DankoSec are a Quality Management Systems company accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2008 for the “Provision of Installation and Maintenance of Security Systems”. Which has been as a result of many months of hard work by their team and shows real commitment and work ethos ensuring they are providing the highest levels of care and support required and expected for their clients. They also hold accreditations with Safe Contractor and the NSI National Security Inspectorate (formerly NACOSS).

DankoSec also provides tailored maintenance packages for both existing and new customers.

If you would like a maintenance cost comparison or a general discussion about your security requirements, DankoSec can be contacted on 0845 226 2266 or Enquiries@DankoSec.com

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UPFRONT

Accountants take to the European stage

Accolade for company Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd (ETI) has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

The company was set up by Peter Webb and his wife, Miriam, in 1983 and is the UK’s leader in the manufacture and design of electronic thermometers and temperature probes.

Its award represents a significant achievement for ETI, which sells more than one million thermometers every year; making it the UK’s largest digital thermometer manufacturer and exporter.

David Martin

Two Sussex accountants represented the UK at a prestigious international seminar in Brussels, speaking to top young tax and audit professionals from ten European countries.

Knill James partners David Martin and Suzanne Craig gave an interactive presentation at a seminar hosted by IAPA, the global association of independent accountancy and business advisory firms, sharing their expertise in international financial reporting.

When Edwina Currie made her now infamous remarks about salmonella in eggs in 1988, it was the end of her Cabinet career. However, for ETI it led to overnight success; the company immediately saw turnover rocket from £1million to £3million.

The new food hygiene regulations that followed the scandal meant that supermarkets and the catering industry needed reliable and accurate instruments to measure temperature when handling, preparing or storing food.

David said: “It’s critically important when dealing with international businesses to understand local accounting conventions as well as those required for international reporting. In fact, it is vital to the success of doing business abroad.

As a result ETI has seen continued growth, despite the recent economic downturn, with an annual turnover in 2011 of more than £7million. Over the past five years, ETI's worldwide export sales have increased by over 90%, with their main export markets being the USA, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

“Despite a lot of pressure for and work on harmonisation – some of it going back over 20 years – there are significant differences between local accounting conventions and international reporting. Businesses – and their advisors – get this wrong at their peril.”

Peter Webb, Managing Director of Electronic Temperature Instruments Ltd, said, "Receiving a Queen's Award for Enterprise is a great honour for the company and I am personally immensely proud. The award recognises the achievements

Peter Webb

and the hard work and dedication undertaken by all of our team.

“By keeping our manufacturing and Research & Development in the UK we have been able to support our local economy whilst successfully growing the business.

“I am a great advocate of British manufacturing.

We make many fantastic products in this country, which is a fact often overlooked.”

Barclays offers cashback loan under National Loan Guarantee Scheme Barclays has launched the Barclays Cashback Finance Scheme for small and medium sized businesses, which takes advantage of the National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS) launched by the Chancellor.

Under the Barclays scheme, SMEs who take out a loan will receive the full benefit of the NLGS discount immediately in the form of an upfront cashback. This calculated as one percentage point discount on their loan

price over the first five years.

Steve Cooper, Managing Director at Barclays, said: “By giving our customers the full benefit of the NLGS on day one, they receive a lump sum of cash which they can put to use immediately to grow their business.

“We think this is more useful than drip feeding the value over the lifetime of a loan. SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and we’re

delighted to be part of a scheme that means we can offer this new initiative to our customers.”

Further information is available at www.barclayscorporate.com/nlgs Information about NLGS is on www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/nlgs

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WORLD VIEW

Will international trade continue to drive growth?

While the domestic market may remain difficult more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are taking advantage of the opportunities presented by trading internationally. In times like these, we have to be realistic about the economy but many commentators believe it is international trade that will continue to drive growth.

Before becoming involved in international trade, like all business decisions companies need a clear idea why they are doing it and what they want to achieve. It could be to access a better value supplier, find new customers or there could be a number of other reasons for looking at global markets.

Once a business has decided that international trade is the way forward then the next thing to look at is which markets are right for the business. In 2012, the top trading nation will remain the USA. It alone accounts for some $2.64 trillion in trade value, although China is rapidly closing the gap. These are however not the only markets and new areas are opening up, with Egypt, India,Vietnam, China and Brazil driving growth as they industrialise rapidly. UK businesses should be encouraged to continue to look for future opportunities outside of our natural trade partners in Europe.

Checking that the correct skills are in place within the business is critical. These may include things such as appropriate languages and familiarity with foreign currencies. If the business doesn’t currently have this knowledge then they may need to find external help to support them.

Looking for funding to move into export markets should be treated the same as any application for funding with businesses concentrating on five key areas: n A strong business plan. n Realistic budgets and forecasts using last year’s figures. n Demonstrating good cashflow management skills.

n Being transparent about why funding is needed and how it will help the business to grow. n The lynchpin of accessing finance is seeking professional advice. Having a strong working relationship with your relationship manager at your bank is a good starting point.

There are always possible risks while exporting including the time it takes to complete a sale or receive a payment, differences in regulation and differences in business practices. Research and preparation are the best ways to be prepared for any possible dangers. Much of the research needed has already been done by banks like HSBC, accountants, lawyers and organisations like UKTI, speaking to them as a first port of call is a good idea. There are also a range of

financial products that help companies manage some risks, such as invoice finance and using foreign currency accounts.

As far as tackling credit risk is concerned there are options for companies trading internationally. Some companies expect payment before exporting, others use bank guarantees or give open-account terms. There is a case to be made for letter of credit, still used across the world to facilitate most trade.

The final piece of advice for businesses looking to trade globally is to go out and talk to people who are already doing it and those people that have expertise through an established international network.

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OPINION

It’s going to be a bumpy ride for retailers The UK retail market is entering a period of fundamental change in response to the end of the consumer-fuelled economic boom of the last decade.

In the ten years up to 2007, households extracted £315 billion in cash from the equity in their houses [mortgage equity withdrawal] to fund consumption. This sum represents 70% of the total increase in UK GDP over that period.

It represents one of the greatest debt fuelled consumer booms in UK history. Since then, £104 billion has been repaid by households and individuals in an effort to reduce this debt burden but it may take “five to seven years before personal debt is under control thus acting as a brake on consumption”.

Of the £302bn spent at the shops in 2010, more than half [£163bn] is classed by analysts as ‘indulgence’ spending and is therefore vulnerable in a downturn. The retail boom is well and truly over.

Recession and the ensuing austerity promises to draw a brutal dividing line down the high street, with the weak on one side and the strong on the other. Well-capitalised retailers with strong brands are expected to fare better during the tough times ahead as weaker competitors fall by the wayside. Small independent retailers tend not to be well-capitalised and, although they

have loyal local clientele, they tend not have strong brands.

Small retailers face particular problems not just linked to their lack of capital reserves and patchy support from their banks. Many are reluctant to get professional representation for rent reviews and are consequently at the mercy of their landlords. Many do not understand the review process and are unaware that a proposed rent increase at review has to be supported by evidence from similar properties in the same street or immediate area. The blind acceptance of the landlord’s demands sets a precedent for future reviews often leading to a series of increases that effectively price smaller players out of the market. Because they are based on rental values this also leads to an increase in business rates.

Also, many of the independent retail businesses do not have an e-commerce web presence to complement their high street presence.

Online transactions now account for 14% of all purchases and this is growing steadily year-on-year.Various Internet-enabled business models have emerged. Among

those, the integration of the internet channel into traditional retail, the so-called “clicks-and-mortar” business model, is increasingly important. Online sales can play a major role in compensating for reduced footfall in city centres and there is a school of thought that suggests that the internet, combined with rapid home delivery of goods, could revolutionise bricks-and-mortar shops effectively turning them into showrooms with minimal stock holding on site.

Mary Portas’ recent review of the UK High Street hit some nails on the head but missed others. Business Improvement Districts [BIDs] are definitely the way forward; Town Teams aren’t. Lower car parking charges may help a few places but probably not if they just increase congestion. The dreaded upward only rent review clause is a barrier to sustainability but it has been for the past 50 years and no one has managed to get rid of it so far.

In conclusion: it’s going to be a bumpy ride for retailers. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

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PORTSMOUTH BUSINESS SCHOOL

My MBA opened doors worldwide After a 20-year career in dressmaking Sarah Miles wanted a change.

She signed up for the Master in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Portsmouth Business School and a few years on, she is now running a two-year project with the UK market leader for humidification and studying part-time for a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).

Sarah said: “I discovered I really loved the academic challenge and business in general.

It’s great being with young people too. It was incredibly interesting to be mixing with fellow students from all sorts of different industries and from all over the world.”

Sarah now works for JS Humidifiers running a two-year knowledge transfer project in connection with the University of Portsmouth.

“When I gave up dressmaking I wanted to do something entirely different and I was really lucky I could, as it changed my life.”

“The MBA gave me a real breadth of experience – I learnt about operations, marketing and finance and strengthened my business skills. Undertaking the MBA with students from all over the world has widened my networks and created global business links.

“The company I work for exports to the Middle East and as a result of the MBA I have a number of contacts in the United Arab Emirates, which have proved extremely valuable.”

To find out more about courses offered at the Portsmouth Business School come along to the next postgraduate open evening on June 19, 2012. See www.sharpenyourcompetitiveedge.com for details.

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POLICY NEWS

Sussex Enterprise’s Reaction to the Queen’s Speech New measures designed to boost economic growth have been outlined in the Queen’s Speech. The ramifications of the speech will be felt by business in the months and years to come. We look at a few key measures for business in the Speech and what will be their likely impact.

Regulation and Red Tape (Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill) Legislation will be introduced to reduce burdens on business by repealing unnecessary legislation and to limit the number of inspections of businesses.

Sussex Enterprise reaction: We welcome the commitment to reduce red tape and its burden on business. For example, the promise to limit the number of inspections on business will help reduce the amount of time businesses spend on compliance and will undoubtedly be welcomed.

But we are sceptical as we have heard all this before, the proof of the pudding ....

Employment Tribunals (Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill) The Government has promised to reform the tribunal system which is well overdue. It

proposes the introduction of fees for claimants and to help ensure that there are less ‘false’ claims.

Sussex Enterprise reaction: Definitely a step in the right direction to reform the Employment Tribunal system. Members tell us they are put off hiring because of the current Tribunal system – we must now see that these new fees result in a fall in the number of vexatious cases.

Flexible Working (Children and Families Bill) The Government has decided to expand the right for ALL employees to request flexible working and not just those with children under the age of 17 years.

Sussex Enterprise reaction: There is no need for this new regulation. Companies are already agreeing flexible working with employees on an informal basis. The Government ignored the message from business that no new additional regulation was necessary.

Shared Parental Leave (Children and Families Bill) Measures will be proposed to make parental leave more flexible so both parents may share parenting responsibilities and balance family and work commitments.

Sussex Enterprise reaction: A complex new system of shared parental leave is not welcomed by businesses. They may now be exposed to more appeals and legal challenges – an ineffective use of business time when the Government is asking companies to generate growth and jobs!

This is a snap-shot of the key measures that will impact on businesses but, as always, it takes a while for the Bill’s to wind their way through Parliament. It would be sometime before we see any real changes. Don’t hold your breath!

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BCC FOCUS

High streets need help to become the lifeblood of local communities

John Longworth

Businesses play an important role in local communities, and high street retailers are no different.

They give jobs to local people, provide important services and economic vitality for many areas across the UK and are often at the heart of local communities. If businesses in high streets are able to expand and develop their premises more easily, and attract more customers, then they can help towns and cities flourish, and in turn contribute to the economic recovery.

Earlier this year, retail expert, Mary Portas, made 28 recommendations to the government in an attempt to revive Britain’s high streets, with the government claiming it has accepted ‘virtually all’ of them.The raft of measures included making parking more affordable, calling for councils to use more discretion when applying business rates, particularly for start up companies, and cutting back on red tape.The BCC came out in full support of these measures, as they will help to relieve the pressures felt by many hard working retailers who are currently being hit by a weak economy, the increase in online shopping, competition from major national retailers, hikes in energy and food costs and a fall in consumer spending. Research shows that consumer spend away from the high street is now more than 50 percent, and town centre vacancy rates have doubled in the last two years. Other factors to create a better business environment for these companies should be considered too, such as ensuring credit-worthy firms can access finance as and when they need to, which will enable them to grow.

But these pressures are unlikely to be alleviated in the short-term.The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that inflation stands at 3.5 per cent and that average earnings are at 1.1 per cent. In other words, the pound in the pocket of the average person can buy less, and while the economy continues to struggle, unemployment remains high, and the level of price rises takes time to fall, retailers will have to operate in a tough environment. Equally, the online revolution continues apace with internet sales growing by more than 15 per cent every year.This shows the need for new, innovative ideas to generate activity and regeneration in areas that are declining.The recommendations put forward

by Mary Portas will go a long way to solving

many of these problems, but they must be put into action quickly to ensure the situation gets better, not worse.

The government can still help with conventional levers though. If it wants to see businesses flourish and create much-needed economic growth and jobs, it should look to reverse the highly damaging business rate rise on UK firms. Business rates are a significant barrier for many companies, with retailers being among the hardest hit.The 5.6 percent increase in rates which was imposed earlier this month is pegged to last September’s peak inflation figure, and will be punishing for

the retail sector in particular. It is illogical for any government to beg hard-working businesses to grow on the one hand, while making it harder for them to do so by raising their tax bill on the other.

High streets should be lively, dynamic places that are the lifeblood of local communities.This can only happen if the government gets behind them, and gives them the right incentives to invest and grow so they can become the new and sustainable high streets of the future.

John Longworth, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce

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117 GEORGE V AVENUE, WORTHING, BN11 5SA

* vehicle dependant

14 BUSINESSEDGE

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ASK THE EXPERT

Each edition we ask a panel of experts for the answer to issues that are challenging you. This time, it is Graham Prince, Senior Partner, Neva Consultants, and Tania Woodward, HR Consultant at Sussex Enterprise.

Q

Are you aware of your Health & Safety obligations and your Duty of Care for employees using vehicles for business purposes?

A

All organisations that have five or more employees, that use a vehicle for business purposes, regardless whether they are company or personally owned, need to be able to demonstrate they have met minimum standards for their Duty of Care of employees, thus businesses must have a Corporate Risk Assessment System for managing their road risk.

Before an employee drives on behalf of a business, the Company must be able to prove that they have taken ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure that the vehicle and driver were ‘fit’ for the role they were asked to fulfil, along with an audit trail confirming this process has been managed.

In launching our Fleet Management System, which enables fleets to electronically store this

Q

information, to our clients we have discovered many anomalies. Possibly the most extreme being an employee driving an HGV where his Licence only entitled him to drive Cars and LCVs. Effectively the driver had been operating the vehicle illegally and thus uninsured, simply because the Director’s hadn’t checked his licence! The implications of this, had there been an accident, would result in the Company Directors being charged – possibly under the Corporate Manslaughter Bill 2008…

Copies of the employee’s driving licence, checked on a regular basis, along with confirmation that the individual is correctly insured for business use need to be stored, additionally, regular physical checks on vehicles should be conducted and clearly documented to demonstrate that the vehicles are in a roadworthy condition – i.e. ensuring MOT, service history, RFL, tyres, lights,

general condition etc. are all in order.

For further information contact Neva Consultants LLP on 01825 720925 or visit www.neva-consultants.com

Graham Prince

Can you explain what the new Employment legislation on unfair dismissal means for employers please?

Employees whose employment begins on or after 6 April 2012 will usually need to complete two years’ service with the employer before they can claim unfair dismissal. I will briefly explain what employers need to know about this change and how the qualifying period works in practice.

characteristics stated in the Equality Act from day one of employment with the company.

If an employee starts work for an employer on or after 6 April, he or she will not be able to claim unfair dismissal if he or she is dismissed within the first two years of the employment.

This change to the law does not work retrospectively, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims increases from one year to two years on 6 April 2012, but only for employees whose employment begins on or after that date.

n Maternity leave, parental leave, paternity leave, adoption leave or time off for dependants;

The requirement for one year’s continuous employment will continue to apply to employees who have been employed since before 6 April 2012, until there is a break in their continuity of employment.

n Making a public interest disclosure (ie whistleblowing);

However this is still not the case for discrimination, an employee can still claim discrimination on the grounds of the protected

This is not an exhaustive list, there are other circumstances in which a dismissal is automatically unfair, please contact me for more

A

Also in certain circumstances employees do not need the qualifying period to claim unfair dismissal these are as follows which are set out in s.108(3) of the Employment Rights Act 1996. n Pregnancy;

details if you would like this information or have any other HR questions or queries relating to this or anything else you need advice on.

For further information, please contact Tania on 07545 942751 or email Tania.woodward@sussexenterprise.co.uk or visit www.sussexenterprise.co.uk/hr-advice

n Health and safety, such as reporting a health and safety risk or acting as a health and safety representative; n Working time, such as refusing to opt out of the 48-hour week;

n The national minimum wage; n Trade union membership or activities.

Tania Woodward

BUSINESSEDGE 15

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SPOTLIGHT ON…

Exciting times ahead as Bexhill s Bexhill is a growing town and a lot of work is under way to ensure that its businesses can handle the challenges that come with an increasing population.

A

pproximately 90,000 people live in Rother, many dispersed across the rural area, but nearly half are in Bexhill.

Bexhill is the largest settlement in Rother district and after Hastings and Eastbourne, the

third largest in East Sussex. It has a population of around 43, 500, and whilst it has a high proportion of the elderly, who are attracted by its peace and quiet, it is also home to many small local businesses.

Bexhill is due to expand significantly, with 1,200 new homes and ½ million square feet of commercial floorspace planned to the north east of the town, accessed by the Bexhill-Hastings

Link Road which recently received confirmation of Government funding.

Within the town centre, Rother District Council has been working towards fostering a closer relationship with town centre stakeholders, most especially retailers. It is one of the council’s principal objectives to strengthen the identity of Bexhill and to cement a reputation as one of the most attractive places to live on the south coast. Recent years have seen significant investment by the Council in the town, including a new and updated seafront, an extended Bexhill Museum and the refurbishment of nearby Egerton Park.

On the seafront is the modernist De La Warr Pavilion, which following refurbishment now enjoys an international reputation as a contemporary arts venue, recent exhibitions include the likes of Anthony Gormley, Grayson Perry and Andy Warhol. This summer, the Pavilion will see a full-sized replica coach balanced on its rooftop. Hang On A Minute Lads, I’ve Got A Great Idea… by Richard Wilson forms part of the London 2012 Festival, the finale of the Cultural Olympiad.

Last year, Rother District Council set up a steering group to focus attention on the town centre itself and to develop a strategy for the long term.

In July 2011, the Council invited town centre retailers to a series of workshops to talk about trading conditions in the town and to share ideas about the future of the town centre.

Following the workshops, the retailers formed a group of their own in, September 2011, to encourage as many businesses as possible to work together to increase footfall, improve profit margins and contribute to the economic growth of the town centre.

They have recently submitted a bid to receive a share of the £1,000,000 the Government has promised to 12 towns who will make up the Portas Pilot Schemes. The town was unsuccessful in the first round of awards. There are also moves afoot to establish a regular Farmer’s Market, let by a recently-formed Bexhill Farmers Market Association.

One of the Bexhill Traders supporting the initiatives is Hillary Randall, who runs Silver Nutmeg, a small retail jewellery business.

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ill seeks to establish its identity She said: “Bexhill town centre still has small premises which suit small businesses like mine and it is possible to have a small workshop and a small retail space. However, the local market is small, so like many local businesses I use the internet to give me access to a wider market.

“Bexhill Traders Group is an informal but active group of businesses in the town centre. We have arranged events in the town and really launched ourselves with the Christmas Festive Fun Day in December.

“Since then, we have organised an exhibition in Bexhill Library of work done by local artisans, an Easter fun day and a shop local awareness campaign. We have also produced a free shopping map, listing 53 supporting businesses which is available in more than 50 shops in the town and also the Library, the De La Warr Pavilion and in the guest houses.

“Part of the Bid is to help shoppers and other visitors to find their way around the town and from the seafront into the shopping centre.We have asked for signage to address a need here but, importantly, we have asked for improvements to the road crossing situation at the sea front near to the De La Warr Pavilion.

“What has been the most important gain for the group from all our activities is the strong links that we have now forged with other groups in the community and also with Rother District Council members and officers. We have also raised the profile of Bexhill generally and of the town centre with local shoppers and visitors.”

Mike Lynott, who runs second hand bookshop Bestsellers in St Leonards Road, is another of the Bexhill Traders. He set up five years ago and said: “I was working and living in Scotland - I have been a shop manager for most of my career and I wanted to move so I drove around Britain looking for somewhere and visited Bexhill after visiting family in Essex.

“I liked it partly because it did not really have many of the large chains here. I think they kill off an area. I liked the town as well.

“I think we need a focus for the town which is why we support more regular events. Events keep people coming into the town centre. People can lose interest so things have to keep happening.”

Improving the road network Bexhill is approached via trunk road access from the A21 and A22 to the north and the A27/A259 coast road, and rail access by similar routes. One hundred hectares of land have been identified for a major urban extension to the north east of Bexhill for mixed use allocation opening up the area for expansion and providing new housing, businesses and jobs which will impact on town centre and retail usage.

Rother was pleased to receive news of the Government’s decision to fund the Bexhill to Hastings Link Road. Work progresses on environmental studies and early consideration of the development of a new business park.

A Caring Way of Life Peterhouse is a comprehensive retirement complex that is planned to meet a range of care needs on the one site. Situated in beautiful award winning gardens in the Old Town of Bexhill, we offer a variety of purposebuilt accomodation and facilities which include: The Peterhouse Day Centre Independent Supported Living in our rented sheltered housing flats (open to those who have links to the advertising and communications industry) l Residential and Nursing Care with qualified nurses on duty 24 hours a day l l

www.peterhousecare.com For further information:

01424 730809

BUSINESSEDGE 17

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Between them they have 4 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards and over 100 staff. Both Extech and ILG appreciate the value in investing in good people and the latest technology – an ethos that has created the perfect working relationship for both companies.

Extech, a fully managed IT solutions organisation based in Haywards Heath were invited to tender on a large IT hardware and infrastructure overhaul by ILG. ILG are celebrating their 21st year in business and are one of the most

Left to right (Paul Estep – Director Extech, Grant Ashley – CEO ILG, Andrew Hookway – Managing Director Extech)

successful and fastest growing courier, freight & fulfilment companies in the country.

Successful in their tender bid, Extech upgraded ILG’s server solution, desk-top hardware and mobile phones, creating a seamless data process.“This strategic investment means that ILG can help their customers save both time and money by having the latest state of the art technology and hardware�.

Commented Grant Ashley, CEO of ILG.“Working with leading local businesses is essential for the future growth and success of our business.�

are always up to date with the latest technology – this is a service we offer to companies of all sizes and industry sectors.�

Paul Estep, Director of Extech comments “I think one of the main reasons Extech were successful in this process is due to the fact we provide on-going “IT Director� support to our clients. This level of advice ensures our clients

18 BUSINESSEDGE

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THE STEAM ROOM

The

Steam Room!

Can’t pay….Won’t pay!

I started off fuming early last month over the unreasonableness of a client who even after happily signing clear and favourable terms setting out my fee which he said was “highly reasonable” and after being asked to do more work at the same agreed rate (and despite my frequent fee updates in the spirit of openness) I was faced with a flat “no” upon submission of my invoice on the grounds that my fees were “inflated”!

Why on earth sign up to a contract you know you can’t afford? And if you wanted a monkey to represent you why not simply find one who will accept peanuts? It is a first for me and I suspect the said client is a salmon short of a picnic anyway given the various disputes he was embroiled in but I have since put up a polite payment policy on my website in addition to my own Ts&Cs with the intention of piquing a sense of moral obligation and am currently rolling out the big guns on the basis that work done under contract must be paid for as promised and to let one client get away with it would set an unwanted precedent.

There are a couple of issues here that stir my juices, the first one being the suggestion that my fees were “inflated”. They are not. They are representative of the sector I work in, the years of experience I bring to the table and allow me a margin for profit. I have developed radar for potential clients that quibble over price and try to argue for more and more in terms of work that I have to commit time and energy to for peanuts. The radar tells me that these are the clients who will take up a ridiculous amount of time calling and emailing me to vent generally about their situation so I lose time when I could actually do the job.

Everyone’s time is valuable and in a service industry, time spent with one client affects how many other clients I can take on. I would rather

Each edition we invite a visitor to ‘The Steam Room’ to let off steam on the issues that are bothering them and their business.

apply the 20%/80% formula. The problem with services is often that some services are intangible as far as clients are concerned. They do not see an immediate physical benefit necessarily so whereas a plumber comes to your house to fix a leaking pipe and you see the end result, no more drips or flooding, other sectors are delivering intellectual property and that too has a real value.

Which brings me to my second issue: I was peeved by my now former client’s transgression but imagine my horror when I gathered that some businesses simply do not have any Ts&Cs to speak of, just a gentlemen’s understanding.

In a world where you can’t so much as visit a website without accepting their Ts&Cs why do valid businesses still take this enormous commercial risk?

While I empathise with the notion of not coming across as too cold and corporate or not wanting to appear that one is stooping so low as to be all about the money (although profit is what keeps us all afloat) what about conveying the message that you are a serious business and that your time and efforts are just as valuable? What about your liability?

Why would anyone leave themselves open to being sued? Think of the repercussions of not contracting on your terms. It’s commercial suicide.

BUSINESSEDGE 19

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UPFRONT

Grants helps companies with Apprenticeships A grant is available to encourage companies to become involved in the Apprenticeships scheme.

The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of 16 to 24 year olds is aimed at helping eligible employers to offer young people employment through the Apprenticeship programme, by providing wage grants to assist employers in recruiting their first apprentice.

The National Apprenticeship Service will provide grants to small/medium sized employers recruiting 16 to 24 year olds with a value of £1,500 to encourage new employers to take on new apprentices.

The £1,500 is in addition to the training costs of the Apprenticeship framework which are met in full for young people aged 16 to 18 and 50% for those aged 19 to 24.

Large employers (more than 250 employees) are not eligible for support through this initiative.

Details of this and other schemes can be obtained through Jobcentre Plus. Contact Julie Palmer on 01444 338004, email julie. palmer5@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

A New chairman is appointed The Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership (BHEP) has elected Gary Peters as chairman. He takes over from Simon Fanshawe who has held the role for 12 years.

Gary, 36, was born and bred in Brighton and founded the online jobs board BrightonandHoveJobs.com in 2010. He has been a member of BHEP for two years.

Tony Mernagh, executive director of BHEP said: “The biggest challenges faced by the city are providing housing for the workforce and employment space to accommodate business expansion and inward investment. The development of the City Plan over the next 12 months will be crucial to this and will be one of the main focuses of the partnership.

“Gary Peters has shown himself to be a dynamic businessman whose credentials in the business community and wider city are well established.

Since joining the partnership a couple of years ago he has been one of its most active members

and I look forward to supporting with him in his new role.

I’m genuinely delighted to be the Economic Partnership’s new chairman.

“I’d also like to thank the outgoing chairman Simon Fanshawe. Under Simon the partnership published three economic strategies and brought a real focus to bear on the strategic use of land in the city. He also built up the reach of the partnership and its evidence based analysis of the local economy to make it one of the most influential voices in Brighton & Hove.”

“Simon Fanshawe has led a fantastic campaign for the last 12 years and achieved so much for the city. My personal aims are to take the group and achievements to the next level by really tightening the link between public, private and voluntary sectors so that we talk less, do more, and work collectively to ensure Brighton & Hove becomes an even better place to live and do business.”

The chairman’s main responsibility is to oversee the projects that the partnership engages in and to ensure that a balanced voice is heard from the business community as well as encouraging local businesses to get involved and volunteer.

The Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership (BHEP) is an unincorporated partnership of 30 individuals representing each sector of the city’s economy. Working with the local authority, a wide range of businesses and the Regional Development Agency (RDA) is devises the economic strategy for the city and encourages and facilitates its delivery.

Speaking of his new role, Gary said: “As a true Brightonian and a local business owner,

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STARTUPS

Ride the emotional rollercoaster, start a new business

After 28 years in the corporate world, a ‘eureka’ moment took Jon White by surprise while looking to take out mobile phone contracts for his two teenage children.

The hassle, lack of value for money and timelines to return cash from online mobile phone recyclers prompted him to look in more detail at the market.

After reading an Ofcom report and doing some research on the size of the market, it became clear there was a huge opportunity. How many people had mobiles they had forgotten about?

As a result, forgottenmobile.com was born, recycling phones to help charities.

Jon, Managing Director of the Crawley firm, said: “I asked myself how many organisations needed extra funding? To start with, more than 170,000 charities turning over nearly £54 billion pounds, with government cuts and austerity looming ever larger. Thoughts then turned to schools, churches and clubs. It really was any worthwhile cause that needed to generate cash.

“After talking with many charities and schools and listening to their moans and groans, it helped us to form a mobile phone recycling company.

“What were the next stages? To build a business plan, find somewhere to work from, and obtain finance. Having sat in my corporate bubble protected by accountants, facilities managers, HR and payroll, where do I start? How people take for granted what a salary means; security, comfort, and no risk taking.

“So after approaching a close friend of mine to join me we started working from his office and my kitchen.

“Little did I know as the company would grow how much time, effort and administration would be involved. We took on a Marketing Director and a Chairman to guide and mentor

us for a small share of the business. This brought with it the first taste of ‘equity’, the dreaded ‘shareholders agreement’ and various legal routes we would have to follow. Board meetings, minutes, and the weekly updates.

“As we grew, we moved to a ‘managed office’ which was one of our biggest mistakes so far with all the hidden costs and unbelievably inflexible approach to helping small businesses who make up the majority of their customers.

“Next, a bank account, but don’t expect any help here. Every high street bank will provide you with a credit account, but even with a great business plan, there is no overdraft facility provided, and only an online account manager until you reach £1 million turnover!

FRSB and has gained ISO14001 certification as well as being a licensed Environment Agency Waste Carrier.We are also working with the Charity Retail Association as a Platinum Member.

It also has a unique family of characters ‘The forgottenmobile family’ which we use, and bespoke, for our Partner organisations.

Jon said: “After starting forgottenmobile.com just over a year ago the sleepless nights, daily highs and lows still continue, but it will all be worth it in the end.’’

“Luckily we have a great concept and business plan that some private investors were impressed with and were keen to take an active role in growing the business.

“Just recently we have moved again to bigger premises.That brings its own new challenges but we have a great landlord who is very understanding and our business continues to grow.We now also have 20 self-employed Partner Associates across the South, talking directly with many organisations looking for additional funding.

“There is a great deal of interest from corporate businesses looking to support their preferred charity via the donation and collection of staff and company mobile phones. We are not only helping the charity and the environment but also creating a great ‘good news story’ for both the business and the charity.”

Formed in 2011, the company is a member of Sussex Enterprise, the Institute of Fundraising,

BUSINESSEDGE 21

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RETAIL CRIME

Keeping retail crime on the local police agenda “We will swap bureaucratic control for democratic accountability, replacing police authorities with directly elected commissioners.”

These words from Policing Minister Nick Herbert heralded the introduction of locally elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) who come into being in November. In less than six months’ time people throughout England and Wales, with the exception of London, will be able to vote for an individual who’ll replace the existing police authority, decide the local policing strategy and budget and appoint - or dismiss - the chief constable.

At the British Retail Consortium (BRC) we’re not opposed to locally elected commissioners but there are several reasons why retail crime may not be as high up their must-tackle lists as it should be, not least because businesses don’t get a vote. For this bit of localism to work we need retail’s role in communities to be recognised and for retailers to be genuinely involved in setting local crime priorities.

Retail crime tends to be seriously underestimated.

A lot isn’t reported because companies find the police response doesn’t justify the effort involved.

There’s also a lack of understanding about how retail crime relates to a range of crimes against the wider community. Retailers are increasingly being targeted by more organised thieves who trade

stolen goods to fund other criminal activity.The people who suffer verbal and, too often, physical abuse if they intervene are hundreds of thousands of frontline shop-workers. And retail businesses have a place at the heart of towns and cities providing services which are badly missed if they are driven out.The riots of last August brought that home to many people.

Under the new system local people will expect to have more of a say over how police resources are used and the newly elected Police and Crime commissioners will expect to be held to account.

The challenge for businesses is making sure resources are made available to tackle retail crime, even when it isn’t easily represented by a dot on a crime map.Who is going to take on the threat of gangs, robbing retail stores across a wide area which crosses police boundaries? Similarly, the growth in eCrime must be stemmed and yet is impossible to connect to a single geographical area.These types of retail crime are just two which have wider implications for everyone yet risk being overlooked by the new, localised system.

The BRC is creating links now with people who hope to become PCCs, using data from our Annual Crime Survey to show the true nature

and scale of retail crime. Ahead of the elections, we’re building a manifesto that shows how retail drives and supports safe and vibrant communities and why commissioners should engage with the sector.We’ve also set up a website along with the Association of Convenience Stores – www.tacklingretailcrimetogether.co.uk – to highlight the many great examples of retailers supporting local policing and crime reduction, and to help retailers small and big to learn from each other.

Democratic accountability should strengthen policing in local areas. Our priority is to ensure the new PCCs are aware of their accountability not only to individuals but also to the thousands of businesses who provide products, services and jobs to their communities.

Stephen Robertson

Article by Stephen Robertson, Director General at the British Retail Consortium

22 BUSINESSEDGE

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30/5/12 09:58:01

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BE 9.indd 23

30/5/12 09:58:01

REEVES

EMI has now improved – but let’s make it better still When we ask business owners, “What keeps you awake at night?” a common response will mention the need to incentivise, encourage and thereby retain key staff writes Margaret Connolly, Partner and Head of Taxation at Reeves.

Staff reward schemes, such as bonus payments, are often retrospective being based upon past performance, and can be expensive if they are to have any real impact. What business owners want is a means of encouraging long-term commitment from key staff in order to develop and grow the business over a number of years, and ideally in a cost effective way that is structured to take advantage of any tax incentives available.

Of all the tax advantaged employee share schemes available to companies, the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme is the most generous.

The scheme allows smaller trading companies – those with fewer than 250 employees and total assets of no more than £30M – to grant share options to key employees and as such perhaps offer them the opportunity to participate in the proceeds of a future sale.

In his recent Budget, the Chancellor announced a number of improvements to the EMI scheme. First the total value of options that can be granted to an individual will increase from £120,000 to £250,000, and secondly he has attempted to address the question of Entrepreneurs’ Relief (ER).

The main rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is 28%. At present most EMI shares will qualify for this tax treatment. When compared to income tax rates of 40% and 50% (the latter to fall to 45% from 6 April 2013), this is attractive, but ER and the 10% effective rate of CGT that it brings in train is the tax equivalent of the Holy Grail.

In practice there are two things that prevent the majority of EMI shares qualifying for ER. To access ER a shareholder must own at least 5% of the company and must have done so for at least 12 months.

Let’s assume that there are five key employees to be incentivised, if each must have 5%, then a quarter of the company must be given away, in order

Margaret Connolly

that maximum tax advantage might be available for the employees. This is often too much for the typical family business. This threshold is to be abolished and in principle any number of EMI shares will qualify for ER. However, nothing has been announced in respect of the 12 month holding period. In our experience most EMI schemes allow exercise of the options only on a sale of the company. Accordingly, the shares themselves will only be owned fleetingly and certainly not for 12 months.

Under the old Taper Relief regime, the holding “clock” began ticking from the date that the options were granted and the ownership period was 24 months. This would seem to be a suitable compromise.

Reeves have been in the forefront of representations to HMRC aimed at reintroducing this position. A return to this former practice would significantly increase the flexibility of the scheme, and there is still time to achieve this before the Finance Bill is enacted in July.

The best scheme is better yet, but there is still work to do.

For further information, please contact Margaret Connolly on 01227 768231 or by emailing margaret.connolly@reeves.co Alternatively, contact Shirley Smith or Paul Roe, Partners at our Gatwick office on 01293 776152 or by emailing shirley.smith@reeves.co or paul.roe@reeves.co

24 BUSINESSEDGE

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Would you like to promote your organisation?

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BUSINESSEDGE 25

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30/5/12 09:58:22

COVER FEATURE

Surmounting challenges pres e Husband and wife team Nick and Miranda Alderton are a business success story and that success can be attributed in part to understanding and respecting each other’s roles.

T

hey established West Sussex fashion company Peter Christian in 2003 and the company has grown as the couple ensure that they retain control over every aspect of their business while also encouraging talent.

He said: “Miranda has incredible common sense and the ability to find and focus on problem areas of the business.

to be in with the improvements IT technology brought to the party and with the exponential growth of the internet.

“I think you need to pick a business and a market with huge potential for growth. We were lucky to find ourselves in an industry that was taking off. Mail order is a wonderful business

“Business planning is an art not a science; decide on your objectives and a plan that will enable you to reach them. We started out with a three year business plan which at times

They met at art school where Miranda was studying ceramics and Nick fine art and, according to Nick, got into mail order by accident.

He said: “Miranda’s father needed help in a menswear business he was struggling with and as we had an irregular income we were asked to help. We seemed to have an aptitude for the business because on her father’s retirement we took over the business and within four years we had grown the business more than 500% to £4.5m turnover.”

In time, they decided to create their own business, using some of the lessons they had learned. The result was Peter Christian, of Small Dole.

Nick said: “We targeted an up market customer which would not conflict with the down-market demographic of the family business we had left. It sounds easy but we were pitching our offering at a neglected segment of the mail order market place at that time; the mid-life, middle class male. Our vision was to provide a catalogue version of the men’s outfitters which had all but disappeared from our high streets.

“Working with your spouse can be very difficult; we separate roles and try not to interfere with each others department. Both parties must be good at their job, you can’t slack or blame someone else for your woes because your partner is sitting alongside you and knows if you dropped the ball.”

Miranda does the buying and Nick the marketing. As Managing Director, Nick does most of the strategic planning, although key decisions are always taken after thrashing the proposals out together.

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s ented by the world of business looked hopelessly unattainable but by remaining focused and not diverging from the course we suddenly found all the pieces falling into place.

“There are some things a business needs to do. One is having the courage to look at the Monthly Management reports. One month in the early years we lost £36k . That was scary, I could see our house wasting away.

“It also makes sense to employ people smarter than you. We took on a very talented IT Director, David Boyce, who has allowed us to keep up with the rapid developments of the business both with improvements to the internal processes and the online retail market.

“Picking the right people to have on your team is essential. Employing people with a “can do” attitude are essential and then empowering them to get on with it with the minimum of micromanagement. I hate people coming to me with a problem and no suggestions as to how to fix it; Henry Ford’s saying “Don’t find fault, find a remedy. Anybody can complain” is my mantra.

“Experience helps; some key people followed us from the old firm which made starting up a lot easier.”

One of the reasons the company has done so well, Nick believes, is because customers are more familiar with online shopping.

He said: “The printed catalogue is still essential to the business because it drives sales to the phone and the website. However, the online marketplace is rapidly taking over. It opens up a world wide market and we sell to all continents.

We are constantly developing improvements to our on line offering, marketing and service.

“More and more people of all ages are comfortable ordering online now. It must be knocking the bricks and mortar retailers for six.

I cannot see how the high street property values cannot fail to drop and rents with them. If they don’t, we will have no high street retailers left.”

The couple have big plans for the future. Nick said: “We have three significant projects on at the moment. We have decided to create our own in-house art studio to keep up with the increased demands of the web site, advertising and catalogue production. This is scarier than you might think because with our art background we knew how getting the team wrong would seriously jeopardize the success of the business. Our first catalogue is printed

now and we are very happy with the end result.

Now, we are concentrating on developing our advertising, merchandising and web creative.

“We are negotiating to relocate to new premises which would give us ten years growth and a bricks and mortar asset. This is in its early days so fingers are crossed.

“Also, David is developing a new website himself. He has been frustrated by the difficulties of making changes to our off-the-peg site and it has started to hold the company back. Once he has the site constructed the art department will be able to synchronise the online branding to the printed offering.”

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OPUS GOLD FINACIAL PLANNING

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Are you a Company Director or Senior Employee, if so you can dramatically cut the cost of life cover With a Relevant Life Policy, the company pays for your life cover.

If you’re a company director or senior employee and you have life cover to protect your family or mortgage, you could be paying more tax than you need to. A Relevant life policy can dramatically cut the cost of life cover for the individual and also reduce costs for the company.

Many people use Salary Sacrifice for pensions, a Relevant Life policy works in the same way but for life cover.

The cost of providing an ordinary employee owned life policy does not stop with the premiums. The additional tax payments mean the true cost to your company and to the employee is substantially higher. With a relevant life policy, payments aren’t treated as benefits so you can cut the cost of providing employee life cover by almost 50%. Compare the costs for yourself: And unlike a registered group life scheme, the benefit won’t form part of the employee’s lifetime pension allowance either. *Assumes that corporation tax relief at 20% has been granted under the ‘wholly and exclusively’ rules. In both cases we have assumed a payment of £1,000 each year for the life cover on an employee who is paying income tax at 40% and employee’s National Insurance at 2% on the top end of income. We have also assumed that the employer is paying corporation tax at the

small profits rate of 20% and will pay employer’s National Insurance at the contracted in rate of 13.8%.

What next?

the various types of cover available to make sure you get the right cover at the right price. info@opusgold.com Call Protection Team on : 01273 457100

Talk to Opus Gold Financial Consultants.

We'll help you identify your individual or business protection needs and guide you through

Opus Gold Financial Consultants 3rd Floor Queensbury House 106 Queens Road Brighton East Sussex BN1 3XF

How a Relevant Life Policy can cut your costs and the company costs Ordinary life cover

Relevant life policy

£1,000

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Employee’s National Insurance contribution at 2%

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Income tax @ 40%

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Total gross cost

£1,962

£1,000

Corporation tax relief at 20% (net cost)

£392

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

OPUS GOLD FINACIAL PLANNING

Exit Strategy from your Business?

Bridging the Income Shortfall Often when selling your shares in your business or passing them onto a family member, there involves a period of consultancy work and a gradual reduction in hours and work load.

This results in a gradual reduction in income that needs addressing. Many retirement solutions do not offer the flexibility required during this transitional period, but some do.

Arguably the most flexible solution is Income Drawdown but this too has various options within it.

Income Drawdown (unsecured pension) can be split into three subsections as shown below. If you need tax efficient and flexible income solutions in the early years of retirement than one of these options could be the solution you are looking for.

The examples below highlight an individual with a pension fund of £400,000 although fund values below this could still be used.

Option 1 allows a tax free lump sum of 25% of the fund, £100,000, to be taken with no need to start drawing taxable income at that stage. Indeed it may be possible to rebuild the pre-crystallised pension again within this fund for a further tax free cash payment in the future.

Option 2 allows a yearly payment of tax free cash to be paid in order to support your more flexible lifestyle as full retirement approaches.

For some individuals a proportion of tax free income as well as taxable income may be appropriate, which we can arrange, in order that you utilise favourable lower rate tax bands.

Opus Gold Financial Consultants offer a range of solutions and on-going service requirements within the Retirement Solutions Arena. For a free no obligation consultation please contact us:

Option 3 allows a small part of your tax free cash payment to be paid each month to supplement your other income. The income can be altered at any time with the flexibility to stop and then restart the income if required. Indeed the flexibility to drawdown the remaining tax free cash as a lump sum at any time is possible should it be needed.

01273 457100 | 01403 333666 | 020 7871 5387

info@opusgold.com Brighton Office Horsham Office London Office Opus Gold is a trading style of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Company registration in England number: 04490633.

Registered Office: Sussex House, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1RG

Options 2 and 3 limit the impact of tax paid on death (if taken as a lump sum) in the early years of retirement, which can be suitable for clients in poor health who still need a little more income.

Your Individual Pension needs looked after:

Pre Crystallised value

Post Crystallised Value

Tax Free Cash Taken

A pension value of £400,000 1.Full Drawdown

£0.00

£300,000

£100,000

Year 1

£360,000

£30,000

£10,000

Year 2

£320,000

£60,000

£10,000

Month 1

£396,000

£3,000

£1,000

Month 2

£392,000

£6,000

£1,000

Month 3

£388,000

£9,000

£1,000

Options 2 and 3 can be stopped and started at any time.

On death: There is normally no tax on the estate.

On Death: 1.The value of the Pension can pass to a spouse in the form of a Drawdown pension or 2.55% tax applies if taken as a lump sum or 3.

Spouse can purchase an annuity with the fund.

2.Phased Drawdown

3. Drip-feed Drawdown

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SHOREHAM PORT AUTHORITY

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Shoreham port continues to grow and diversify Shoreham Port is a thriving commercial Port on the south coast of England. The Port handles a wide variety of commodities ranging from timber, steel, aggregates, oil, salt, woodchip and grain and this provides a stable trading base across a number of different markets.

Business has been booming at Shoreham Port.

Trading highlights include reaching a record breaking throughput in 2011, exceeding 2 million tonnes of cargo for the first time on record.

Substantial diversification over the last year has contributed to the Port’s success. New commodities, such as woodchip, larger steel sheet piling and Legio blocks have been introduced to the Port. In order to ensure excellent service levels are maintained, investment and adaptations have been made to cater for the specific requirements of the new cargoes. A huge hydraulic grab was purchased to improve the Ports biomass exporting operation. The grab, known as an ‘orange peel’ grab, was manufactured in Estonia and has a capacity of 10 cubic metres, allowing 2,000 tonnes of biomass to be loaded onto a ship in only approximately 18 hours.

Additional telehandlers have also been purchased, which are used to compress the biomass within the ships hold. The combination of new

equipment has enabled the Ports loading times and compaction to stow to be greatly improved.

An additional £1.4 million was invested in a new bespoke Sennebogen Mobile Crane. It is the first 880 Classic on a mobile chassis to be built and supplied in the world and it was specifically designed to deliver a first rate service for our customers. The crane has been put into action to handle all types of cargo imported and exported from Shoreham.

The increase in throughput has also led to employment opportunities for a number of the local residents. Many new recruits and existing staff have been through intensive training to ensure they are sufficiently skilled to handle the new cargoes and to broaden and develop their existing skills. Alan Motterham, Commercial/ Operations Director said “We have achieved outstanding results through the hard work of all of our loyal staff working together to deliver excellence to our customers”.

The Port has continued to thrive and figures from the end of the first quarter of 2012 reveal a total of 228 commercial vessels have passed through the Ports terminals. Favourable weather contributed to a strong trade in timber and steel imports for the first three months of 2012 in comparison with the past few years.

Developments at the Port continue apace and over the next few months the ever changing skyline is set for further changes. A giant steel processing plant for Parker Steel has been under construction for many months and is set for completion this summer. The main workshop in the building, at three and a half acres will be one of the largest single rooms on the south coast. Further construction includes a new grain exporting facility on the land next-door to the silos, which is also well underway and on target to be operational for this year’s harvest season.

Further information about services and developments at Shorheam Port can be found on their website – www.shoreham-port.co.uk.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

SHOREHAM PORT AUTHORITY

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SPICER INTERNATIONAL

ADVERTISING FEATURE

You simply can’t rush quality “You simply can’t rush quality,” explains Gordon Sinclair and he’s right. After a long and successful career in the building trade Gordon certainly knows what he is talking about.

He has now started Staff Cars 42 Ltd, a hobbyturned business finding and restoring World War Two US Army staff cars. “We’re concentrating on 1942 era cars including Packard’s, Chevrolets and Chryslers amongst others and we’re getting better and better at what we do but it just takes time. Fortunately I learnt early on in my career

that you are only as good as the team around you so I have amassed the best of the best”.

So where is he finding these vehicles? “Well they’re American cars, so primarily throughout the USA. They are typically known as “barn finds” or just projects that someone has started but quickly realized that they can’t complete. Most of the cars we find have an incredible story to tell with some of their previous owners being WWII fighter pilots, senior military personnel – even celebrities.

The engines and chassis all have matching VIN’s and we hold the original title for every car”.

So how did it all start? “One motorbike in a barn, in a field, in the middle of nowhere in middle America.” The motorbike that Gordon is referring to was a 1942 Harley Davison XA. “It was the last one in existence that hadn’t been taken to pieces and sold for parts. I knew I had to have it but had no idea how to get it to the UK, let alone the legalities of doing so.

R.T.Page

Comprehensive Service From our purpose built warehouses at Ford in Sussex, in conjunction with our strategic partners, we offer our customers a smooth, efficient service that integrates easily with their operations whether they are seeking:-

S m o o t h l y

That was 2 years ago. 1 year later and Gordon was back in the Spicer International offices in Worthing discussing cars. “Again they took it all on” explains Gordon “they have opened up the world to us, I would never use anyone else”.

For more information please contact stuart@spicerinternational.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1903 736300 Email: info@rtpage.co.uk www.rtpage.co.uk

warehousing & logistics management

Logistic Thinking Here at RT Page we follow a different approach to warehousing and distribution, one that recognises that in providing logistic support to your organisation we are part of the entire process of delivering satisfaction to your customer. We know that to deliver the service you need we must understand your business, objectives, ethos and systems. Only then can we bring our 50 years of experience, knowledge and expertise to produce the most effective solutions. In conjunction with our strategic partners we will deliver a service that will reduce costs, improve the efficiency of your supply chain and contribute to your profitability.

I tried contacting a few of the big UK freight forwarders but their lack of knowledge didn’t give me any confidence at all. It was only when I was recommended to Worthing based freight forwarder Spicer International that everything began to fall into place. They knew exactly what to do and sorted everything for me.

Before I knew it the bike had arrived at their Worthing warehouse and we were physically looking at it for the very first time”.

•

Total Supply Chain Management

•

Warehousing

•

Transport

•

Distribution

•

Pick and Pack

•

or any of the other services we offer

We believe that success is based on real collaboration, trained, motivated staff who regards customers as colleagues, backed by effective IT system – to give you visibility and control over your stock – and, above all, a commitment to deliver! In short whatever you want to store, wherever you want to move it, by land, sea or air we can help.

S e c u r e l y

S a f e l y

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

DOBBS LOGISTICS LTD

Dobbs Logistics – 50 years and beyond?

Dobbs Logistics have been travelling around the county’s roads, the country and Europe for over 50 years now, so it is no surprise they are now one of the most recognised hauliers in Sussex.

Established in Eastbourne back in 1961, the business now resides in a fantastic purpose built facility in Hailsham, East Sussex, and is owned by brothers Mike and Steve Morgan.

Asked about what was the secret to their longevity Steve remarked ‘I believe maintaining the fundamentals right across your business, listening to your customers’ needs, and an ability to adopt and embrace change is important to any business. Even in today’s austere times, if you embrace these 3 key points, they will still serve you well’.

What makes Dobbs Logistics different?

‘I would describe us as a true logistics company.

A lot of companies out there are labelled so and so logistics but are really only providers of one service. Our company caters for most aspects of distribution across 4 key sectors:-

a quality next day, timed and economy pallet service throughout the UK and an EC service in Europe.

4. Extensive warehousing facilities together with a pick and pack service.

What’s on the horizon?

The business has grown significantly in the last two years alone and I believe an element of this is because we encourage customers, new and old, to sit down with us on a regular basis to discuss their current and potential needs. Not only does this cement relationships, more often than not, between us, we identify a more efficient and cost effective way of dealing with an aspect of their distribution.

The old ‘woods from the trees’ scenario.

As we all go through what is a difficult period we are finding companies are looking at their cost bases, and quite rightly so. This has brought about enquiries of a different style. We are handling more and more storage as companies find it is much more cost effective to outsource their raw, or finished products with us. They go on to utilise their then warehouse for further production and offices. Or, in the case of some, since coming to us they have actually downsized in terms of buildings, but increased profitability due to taking out that higher consistent cost base.

Also, with the cost of fuel our clients are looking at their own local vehicles, asking the question ‘Yes we outsource our bigger jobs but would it be more efficient to outsource it all and do away with our vans?’. With this Dobbs is looking to launch a dedicated daily London service.

If this London service, our storage, or any other aspect of Dobbs’ logistical services has got your cogs thinking, why not give them a call to discuss the matter further.

1. Good old fashioned full and part loads, ambient and temperature controlled.

2. The distribution and erection of exhibition and conference sets.

3. We are members of ‘TPN’, one of the most respected pallet networks out there, providing

Meadow House, Apex Way Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3WA Email: services@dobbslogistics.co.uk Facsimile: 01323 84 94 20

Telephone: 01323 44 64 30 www.dobbslogistics.co.uk

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Tel: +44 (0) 1580 893 481 Fax: +44 (0) 1580 893 949 Email: sales@unipacshipping.co.uk

www.unipacshipping.co.uk

Unipac Shipping, a freight forwarding company based in Staplehurst (Kent), have been providing international shipping solutions to companies across UK in various industries since 1993.

Manufacturers and distributors, organisers of conferences and exhibitions, vehicle shippers, international corporations, film &TV productions, as well as private individuals enjoy the high quality service provided by Unipac Shipping.

This flexible and friendly Kent-based company is involved every day in transportation of various size shipments (from a small parcel to a full container load) by sea, air, road and courier.

A worldwide network of co-operating offices and agents support their daily activities, which enables Unipac to keep their customers always informed on the progress of their orders.

They not only deliver but also take care of customs clearance, marine insurance, consular documentation and even export packing.

Unipac pride themselves on reliability of service, competitive prices and personal approach to the customer.

Are you thinking of starting international trade but you don’t know how to deal with export and import procedures?

Or perhaps you would like to save time and money on your shipments and focus on expanding your business?

If that’s the case then Unipac Shipping may just be the right call for you!

Mairon Freight Management UK If we cant move it - it cant be moved Telephone Number: 01444 400830 Fax Number: 01444 400840

Established in 1998 Mairon Freight Management UK offers high quality service backed by highly competitive rate structures for worldwide freight movements by Air, Sea and Road.

When Managing Director Terry Watson was first putting together the package for his new company he was approached by the Mairon Group.

Recognizing the obvious potential of linking in with a group of this stature and unquestioned quality he did not hesitate but to accept.

Mairon Freight Management (UK) Ltd. was established and with many of Terry’s original clients standing by him, plus the advantages of the numerous Mairon overseas offices, a sound, solid foundation was soon formed.

With overseas offices established in Hong Kong,China, USA, Germany,Holland and

Switzerland and an agency network second to none, Mairon UK are able to offer Exporters and Importers a flexible, competitive and personalized service which many strive to attain but few actually achieve.

At Mairon we do not dictate how we handle freight, rather we listen to our customers requirements and devise a system to suit, we look at documentation and systems employed and make suggestions if we feel it necessary. By working this way a long term relationship is soon established.

Mairon Freight Management (UK) Ltd - Suite 4, The Forge Offices Staplefield, West Sussex RH17 6ET

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

RIDGEWAY TRAINING AND TRANSNET

Training today for tomorrow Training Transport Managers is the business of Ridgeway Training which was established over 20 years ago. We focus our training on quality and small group learning ensuring that our candidates achieve a high success rate. network with others in the same industry. By doing so, it is intended that experiences will be passed on and problems discussed. On hand are professional trainers and consultants as well as others who provide advice, support and the opportunity to learn through the experience of others. Regular guest speakers provide an insight into different aspects of the industry.

In 2007 another raft of EU Regulations arrived in the form of the driver cpc. Transport Network Ltd was formed as the trading arm of the association and offers training for the new driver CPC programme. Mike manages and develops the training courses which are delivered by experienced and highly qualified trainers from within the association. I asked him” how it was going”?

Training Transport Managers is the business of Ridgeway Training which was established over 20 years ago. We focus our training on quality and small group learning ensuring that our candidates achieve a high success rate.

Mike Webber runs Ridgeway Training based in Crawley Down, West Sussex with his wife

Barbara and has been active in the transport industry most of his working life.Vehicle Operators face many new challenges aside from the economic climate with so many regulations to adhere to say’s Mike. In addition to offering the Management Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for both the passenger and haulage sectors, Ridgeway Training and Consultancy also offers operator compliance audits and help with all matters relating to operator licences. Ridgeway helps Operators develop systems and practices aimed at both efficiency and legal compliance with a client base ranging from large blue chip companies to the owner driver. Mike firmly believes that it is not just about passing the examination that is important but also learning the skills for effective Transport Management.

“The industry has been slow to react to this new training requirement and many seem to believe it will not apply to them. By contrast the operators who have been pro-active have taken this as an opportunity to improve the skills and efficiency of their drivers and are already reaping the benefits.” Transnet is not interested in “piling them high and selling cheap” If your reaction to training is to get it out of the way in the cheapest possible method then neither Ridgeway Training or Transnet is for you. We give our clients a valuable and worthwhile learning experience.

If you are interested in quality training that adds real value to your business then contact : Mike Webber for CPC Management Training 01342 712175 or 07808 159863 Website www.ridgewaytraining.co.uk Dave Murton for Transnet and Driver CPC Training 01323 743663 or 07879 438939 Website www.transnetgb.co.uk

In 2006 Mike worked with a number of associates and together they established an Association called ‘Transnet’ which was formally opened to all in 2009. Transnet was formed to provide a forum giving an opportunity for its members to meet on a regular basis and to

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TENKAY ELECTRONICS LTD

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Staff increased by 34% 2012 started on a very positive if not cautious note.

Unlike other electronic manufacturers, by offering a comprehensive array of services including control panels, box build, P.C.B. population and complete electro-mechanical assembly; Tenkays’ flexible approach to customer demands continuously proves to be a winning format, so much so that our staffing levels have increased by a fantastic 34% so far this year. “ Customers deserve the very best that anyone can offer. Here at Tenkay, we genuinely care

about your products, and your goals.When Tenkay become your supplier, they become much more than that, they are your production area. Your team.

Supporting you through product development to shipment, delivering products to over 20 countries worldwide, fully tested and inspected.”

Steve Dixon, Managing Director continues.

“The skill levels here in the U.K. are second to none. Winning overseas contracts worth in excess of £1M per year for one client

alone verifies this. Supporting new product development within emerging markets encompasses all areas of our business and proves to be both challenging and rewarding.”

“Offering our Total Supply Chain Solutions saves time and money. It’s not about putting all of your eggs in one basket, it’s about consolidation, rationalisation and ultimately adding stability and improved quality and service for your product.”

So why choose Tenkay as your manufacturing partner? Quality. Professional. Dependable.

Adaptable. Competent. Supportive. Steve Dixon, Managing Director at Tenkay Electronics in Lancing, strongly believes it’s all of these things and more.

For more information, please visit www. tenkay.co.uk, or call Sue on 01903 855459.

Introducing the new Kenco Singles Brewer now with Hot Chocolate and a two stage Cappuccino Order your new machine now and quote ‘Business Edge’ to receive a 10% Discount Contact us now for details of this and other great offers

0800 195 3170 www.westwaysvending.co.uk Like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter

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UPFRONT

New project supports idea of social enterprise A national standard for responsible business practice is being offered to enterprises and organisations across Sussex.

The scheme recognises achievements by organisations for environmental and social responsibility. It promotes enterprise activities which conserve natural resources and support community development projects.

Hove & Portslade MP Mike Weatherley said:“This Standard combines best practice for social and environmental activities, improving the sustainability of our local resources, and enhancing the United Kingdom as a great place to live and work.”

The Standard is tailored for small to medium-sized organisations in public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Business Excellence Awards Assessor Clive Bonny, a member of Sussex Enterprise, said: “Business continuity planning is difficult in the new economy. This standard reduces waste and unnecessary costs, and improves the marketability of an organisation to larger supply chains.”

Ambrose Harcourt, of AHPR, is working with Clive Bonny to promote the new standard using his 25 years experience in PR and event management. Ambrose said: “East and West

Ambrose Harcourt, Mike Weatherley and Clive Bonny

Sussex has thousands of small businesses, and many feel they lack the resources to adopt ISO Standards. The Responsible Business Standard is a cost-effective option and even suitable for micro-businesses who have plans for growth.”

For more information, please contact Strategic Management Partners Clive@consult-smp. com/Tel 01273 308865 or Ambrose Harcourt PR ambrose@ambroseharcourtpr.co.uk, Tel 01273 206111

Kabuki helps Unilever put One Young World on the corporate map Kabuki Productions has produced a series of films for consumer goods giant Unilever to promote a global not-for-profit organisation for socially committed young people of leadership calibre.

organisation to the global corporate community.

One Young World is a global forum whose purpose is to connect and bring together the youngest, brightest and best, and to ensure that their concerns, opinions and solutions are heard.

Organisation Counsellors include Bob Geldof and Desmond Tutu.

the global consumer giant. Over the past six months, it has visited Unilever offices in five countries to film a series of videos for the company’s Sustainable Living Plan and has produced internal and external videos, including a number of video case studies, to help the company communicate this strategy.

Unilever is a key sponsor of One Young World and its involvement is linked to its Sustainable Living Plan, for which Kabuki Productions produced another series of films in 2011.

The Kabuki team has created a series of films for Unilever to promote the One Young World

This latest project sees Kabuki Productions continue to develop its relationship with

Unilever Global Communications Manager Rachel Barbour said: “Kabuki did a great job at all stages of the creative process. I found them a delight to work with and very responsive to client feedback on briefs, creative content and working styles.

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PREMIER MEMBERS VIEW

Getting involved with local Getting involved with your local community and local charities is a great way to find out more about your customers, increase motivation amongst staff, and generate positive PR.

c

“wig walk” from Formby Point to Southport Pier. Chief organiser Stephanie Fallon said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day, everyone was buzzing.” The event was organised by local solicitors to support 4 charities including Redford Court, our brain injury service in Liverpool. The event raised £4,000, generated lots of local PR and almost 100 people took part.

Get involved There are many ways you can get involved with local charities such as The Disabilities Trust, with some of the main ones detailed below.

‘Charity of the year’ Nominating a charity of the year is a great way to create new PR opportunities, boost team morale and enhance your company image internally and externally. The money and PR generated is also hugely beneficial to charity too.

The Disabilities Trust is based in Burgess Hill, and is a national charity providing innovative care, rehabilitation and support solutions for people with profound physical impairments, acquired brain injury and learning disabilities as well as children and adults with autism. We have over 30 services across the UK, including 4 in Sussex. Over the years, we have been very pleased to receive all sorts of support from local Sussex-based organisations, as well as national organisations. This has enabled us to achieve some great things, from raising much needed funds to sprucing up outdoor areas to everyone’s benefit.

Benefits to your company Working with a charity like The Disabilities Trust opens up a huge range of opportunities and benefits to both your organisation and the charity.

Engaging team building Fundraising or taking part in a volunteer challenge encourages your staff to work together in a different way. Staff from Cisco Systems gave two of the classrooms at Heathermount School in Ascot a makeover. A team of employees spent the day painting and decorating and doing general DIY at the school, with a little help from some of the pupils who were keen to join in. Yasmin Nattee, Territory Business Manager at Cisco, said: “The team had a great day at Heathermount. It was really good to get involved and actually meet some of the pupils and work alongside them.”

Positive PR By supporting our work, your organisation can generate an extremely positive PR message for both internal and external audiences. In September 2011, 100 solicitors, friends and family donned colourful wigs for a 10-mile

In 2010, The National Accident Helpline chose to support our brain injury services which are run through our Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT) and raised over £4,000 from fundraising activities such as sporting challenges and staff events. Sam Porteous, chief executive of National Accident Helpline, said: “In the past three years more than 500 people and their families have approached us seeking access to justice after brain injuries or accidents. No-one knows when such an accident might strike, which makes BIRT an invaluable source of information and support to patients and their families.”

Sponsor an event Many charities really benefit from a company sponsoring an event or publication, and it is also a great way to raise awareness of your company amongst a specific target audience.

The Disabilities Trust runs regular conferences, road shows and seminars throughout the year.

Sponsorship can be anything from £100 to £10,000, and is available locally and nationally.

The 2011 BIRT Conference theme was Inspiring Learning and Innovation in Brain Injury Rehabilitation and was attended by over 300 delegates from around the world.

Irwin Mitchell Solicitors sponsored the event and they said “We were delighted to support the BIRT international conference. We were very impressed by the quality of the speakers and the range of delegates which provided us with

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PREMIER MEMBERS VIEW

charities and the community valuable networking opportunities. We hope to be involved in future conferences with BIRT.�

Payroll Giving enables your staff to make regular, tax-free donations to charity directly from their pay. If your company already offers Payroll Giving, make sure your employees are aware of how they can support their favourite charity. If you have not set up a Payroll Giving scheme, it is simple to do and the following link runs through the whole process www. hmrc.gov.uk/businesses/giving/payroll-giving. htm.

contact us Helen Tridgell, Head of Marketing &Fundraising helen.tridgell@thedtgroup. org or Judith Owen-Phillips, Fundraising Officer, judith.owen-phillips@thedtgroup.org or go to www.thedtgroup.org/support-us.

We will work with your organisation to make sure that your corporate fundraising partnership meets all your interests and objectives, and is mutually beneficial.

Donate your time and skills: volunteer at one of our services Why not share your time and skills with The Disabilities Trust? Taking part in a volunteer challenge at one of our services is a great way for you and your staff to give something back. It can also help encourage teamwork, cooperation and boost your company profile in the local community. Some of the ways you can get involved include n helping to refurbish and redecorate our services n carrying out a gardening project at one of our services n using your specialist skills to help us develop the way we work We have 4 services across Sussex as well as community based houses so there will be somewhere local to your company that needs your help.

Matched Funding If your company runs a matched funding scheme, consider donating a matched contribution towards a specific project, or matching the money raised by your employees when they take part in a fundraising event on behalf of their favourite charity. Rewarding your employees for their generosity is a great boost for morale and team spirit, and is likely to encourage them to do it again.

Contact The Disabilities Trust for further information If you would like more information about how to get involved with The Disabilities Trust, please

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UPFRONT

Women raise more than £2,300 for Farm Africa in marathon run

Jane Howard

Two women account managers who work for Barfoots of Botley – a South Coast based farming and vegetable packing business - raised more than £2,300 between them for Farm Africa in the London Marathon.

Sophie Bambridge, 28, from Portsmouth and Jane Howard, 44, from Bosham near Chichester, took on the challenge to raise funds for Farm Africa, a British charity supporting smallholder farmers in eastern Africa.

Sophie completed the course in 5 hours 17 minutes and Jane finished in 5 hours and 45 minutes. It was the first time that either Sophie or Jane had participated in a marathon.

Sophie said, “I am happy to have completed the marathon as it is a great physical challenge and the contribution that I have been able to make to Farm Africa is great and will hopefully go a long way towards some key projects.

Unfortunately, though, I was disappointed with my time as serious cramp from about mile 15 slowed me down an awful lot.”

Jane added, “I expected to take about 5-6 hours as I had only previously run 9 miles and wanted to take it real steady. It was a great day, there was plenty of support on route with people cheering, it makes a real difference to how you feel especially when you are flagging. I loved taking part and was happy just to finish.”

Overseas markets crucial for SMEs Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain committed to trading internationally and continuing to seek out new opportunities overseas, new research from HSBC Commercial Bank has shown.

Of those SMEs currently trading overseas, four in ten (38%) are looking to increase the number of countries in which they operate or have connections, with almost half 46% expecting to continue operating in the same markets.

Those SMEs who are under one year old, also recognise the importance of looking to overseas markets, with one in five (22%) already generating revenue from overseas sources. In fact, 90% of young businesses already with an overseas presence are looking to increase the number of countries they are trading with.

Jacques-Emmanuel Blanchet, Deputy Head of HSBC Commercial Banking UK and Europe, said: “We forecast that UK international trade will grow by 60% over the next 15 years, so it is encouraging to see so many businesses positioning themselves to grow by taking advantage of international opportunities.”

The research also found: n 45% of South East SMEs expected to increase the number of countries they trade with in 2012 while only 7% expected to contract their international presence n 4 in 10 (40%) South East companies started overseas trading as they felt there were limited opportunities for growth in the UK n 37% of SMEs said the skill they lacked the most for them to trade internationally was expertise in local legislation and regulation while only 17% felt that their company lacked the language skills needed n SMEs in the South & East were concerned about uunderstanding the opportunity offered by entering a new market, understanding regulatory requirements in an overseas market, securing payment from customers and dealing with fluctuating currencies.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Sussex Enterprise events From Bureaucracy to Adhocracy When: 7:30am - 10:00am, Thursday June 21st Where: Hickstead Showground Free Form Strategy For People Who Won’t be Tied Down! Delivered by Jim Cowan of Branduin Business Support. Jim throws the text books and the somewhat limiting language of strategy in the bin and will instead explore how strategy is about achieving one’s dreams not tick box templates. He looks at lessons in strategy from unusual sources such as Lewis Carroll and Rudyard Kipling and compares strategy from Steve Jobs to Honda and NASA even visiting US drug dealers on the way. Refreshing and to the point Jim’s talk brings strategy back to the function it should always have – the delivery of your dreams in a format you can work with.

We are delighted to return to the home of the British Jumping Derby and the expert hospitality of the Hickstead Showground.

Attendees will be granted free admission to the day’s show jumping event and will benefit from VIP parking and access to the members enclosure for the whole day.

Premier members – free Member plus – free Member & StartUp – free Non-members – Free for those sampling events for the first time. Pay as you go £24 inc vat.

PREMIER EVENT -

Hickstead Hospitality Day When: 10:00am - 5:00pm, Friday June 22nd Where: Hickstead Showground We are proud to offer this exclusive event to our Premier members for the second year running.

The All England Jumping Course is the home of The 2012 British Jumping Derby meeting, a not-to-be-missed highlight of the British social calendar.

The Sussex Enterprise private ringside box ensures a fabulous day out at Hickstead.With unparalleled views of the International Arena, you can relax in style and enjoy great food as all the action unfolds before you.The day will include: n Exclusive use of the Sussex Enterprise viewing box and balcony n Private entrance n Access to the Members’ Enclosure n VIP car pass n Official show souvenir programme

n In-box betting service n Morning coffee with pastries n Full buffet luncheon n Afternoon tea with homemade cakes & scones Please note that this open to Premier Members of Sussex Enterprise only.

Calling all ‘Member Plus’ level Members of Sussex Enterprise!

When: June 19th Where: Sussex Enterprise Office, Burgess Hill Are you a ‘Member Plus’ level member? If so, register your interest now to receive your free hour-long 1-2-1 Business Review session from Branduin Business Support. The subject for discussion is driven by you and is designed to address any short-term issues or provide advice on general business development. Members will be issued with a pre-Clinic questionnaire upon booking. This will describe the format of the session and provide members with the opportunity to outline what they would like to discuss and what they hope to achieve from attendance. The advice provided at each session can in many cases provide a solution to the issues raised. In other cases, however, the member may be signposted to further or be offered a GMapTM consultation at their premises to discuss the issues in greater detail.

There are only 5 sessions available on this day.

Please register your interest by pressing the ‘Book Event’ button and you will be contacted to arrange your appointment time. A holding deposit of £15 will be required to secure your place to ensure all slots are attended.

These sessions are only open to members at the Member Plus level. Not sure what level of membership you are? Give me a call on 0844 37 595 45 to find out.

Sussex International Trade Forum ‘Turkish Delight’ When: 5:45pm - 8:30pm, Monday June 25th Where: HSBC Commercial Centre, Eastbourne Whether you’re completely new to exporting, have some experience, or are looking to expand a well established range of global markets and services, there’s always more you can do to increase your bottom line. The International Trade Forum provides a valuable arena to network with other exporters and organizations that can help you be successful.

Just confirmed - guest speaker Mark Berrisford-Smith, Chief Economist HSBC bank. Full details to be announced soon.

East Sussex MP Lunch When: 12:00pm - 2:30pm, Friday June 29th Where: The Grand, Eastbourne MP Lunch events provide the perfect opportunity to converse with local MP’s and network with other businesses over a delicious lunch. We are inviting local MP’s to join us to address attendees on the issues they are facing within their constituency.

This event is open to Premier and Member Plus levels of membership only.

Premier members – free Member Plus – £60 inc vat Business Essentials When: 7:30am - 10:00am, Tuesday July 10th Where: The Grand Hotel, Brighton Times are tough and businesses are facing numerous challenges. We invite two expert speakers to tackle some of the most challenging situations faced by business owners today.

Brought to you by Jo Rolls and Ian Cadlock of RSM Tenon, the first presentation will discuss the commercial and formal options available to businesses that have clients who are struggling or are experiencing financial difficulties themselves. Jo and Ian have over 60 years collective experience, so are well positioned to identify the early warning signs to allow positive action to be taken maximising the chances of survival and/or return to stakeholders.

The presentation will provide early advice to guard against formal insolvency; knowledge to allow you to make informed decisions with regard to your business & maximise returns in a difficult climate.

We will also hear from Paul Slot and Jo Clark, commercial property specialists at Burt Brill & Cardens Solicitors. Are you a business tenant looking for advice on your tenancy agreement?

Or are you a landlord uncertain of your rights?

If so this presentation will define the ways both tenants and landlords can negotiate with mutually beneficial outcomes.

Network with other businesses over coffee and a light breakfast. Meet the right contacts and get the best advice to help your business. Book Now. Premier members – free Member plus – free Member & StartUp – free Non-members – Free for those sampling events for the first time. Pay as you go £24 inc vat

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A variety of venues including a medieval banqueting hall located within the precincts of the beautiful Chichester Cathedral  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖  ❖

Corporate Hospitality Cocktail Receptions Meeting rooms Day delegate rates 5 star accommodation at George Bell House

For further information, please telephone 01243 813586 or email bookings@chichestercathedral.org.uk

www.cathedralenterprises.co.uk www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

De-Mystifying Safety in the workplace

Let Miris Training help you and your business in Health & Safety matters We think outside the box: n Classroom training - various modules for managers, staff and internal Risk Assessors – details on request n E-learning modules – 3 modules lasting 25 mins each-Office Safety Awareness, Fire Safety Awareness and Manual Handling. Run on an e-learning platform, so everyone can be trained without leaving their desk A test at the end of each module to measure understanding and a Certificate issued.Your staff will be trained

and you will have peace of mind that you are legally covered. n Sharing the cost of training – Classroom courses are charged per module, so the more people that attend the cheaper it is per person.

Just imagine the cost and time savings for your business.

Training courses are now accredited by the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health.

Check out the website www.miris-training.co.uk, read the blog www.miris-training.co.uk/blog and phone on 01293 618881

De-mystify Health and Safety - Talk to Jane Brann at Miris Training – Here to help you. No obligation.

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MEMBER BENEFITS

Sussex Enterprise Business Review Clinics Launched The first Sussex Enterprise Business Review Clinic from Branduin took place on April 25th.

These Clinics, free to Member Plus and Premier Members of Sussex Enterprise, are set to become a regular feature of the business scene in the County as Sussex Enterprise steps up its support for local businesses.

The Clinics provide business owners and directors with a confidential one-to-one forum to discuss the issues they face and are delivered by experienced business advisors who have set up, run & even sold their own businesses.

The Clinics are particularly useful for entrepreneurs who want to grow an established business or exploit new opportunities; for directors who need advice on how to handle

growth, or for companies that need advice on how to overcome specific problems.

They also provide directors with an objective ‘sounding board’ to bounce ideas off – something often difficult to do with colleagues or employees.

The Clinics often provide immediate solutions but where issues are more complex the advisor may offer a more in-depth consultation or introduce a business specialist with the relevant expertise.

The Clinics are part of the new partnership between Sussex Enterprise and Branduin Business Support which aims to provide local access to impartial advice and support.

Branduin has a proven 10 year track record of helping owners and directors to achieve their business goals.

One client, Matthew Mitchell, of The Asset Protection Strategy, provides an indication of the support available – “Branduin are professional, very knowledgeable and have a great way of helping you to help yourself. I have had several difficult business decisions to make over the past few years, and they have always given me honest and constructive feedback.Their support is very much appreciated.”

For further details of Clinic dates keep an eye on the events section of www.sussexenterprise.co.uk

Sussex Enterprise Insurance Services Insurance is seen as an unnecessary expense when you do not use it but can you be without it?

“I am often asked who to trust as it is expensive, complex and the promise rarely lives up to the expectation.” says Wendy Bell at Sussex Enterprise. “Our survey of members produced some interesting findings, in particular that: n 40% of businesses saw their premiums increase at the last renewal n 90% feel that premium stability is important n 30% of members are paying more than £2,500 each year n 60% of respondents said they would be interested in an insurance product from Sussex Enterprise” Sussex Enterprise has turned its attention to solving these issues over the last few months. This culminated in a partnership with local insurance broker and risk manager, Sutton Winson. “We chose Sutton Winson for a number of very good reasons. With offices in Burgess Hill and Petersfield they are ideally placed to serve our

members’ needs from a geographical perspective and demonstrated simplicity, superior service, professionalism and transparency.”

Importantly Sutton Winson has also created a unique package that addresses the concerns expressed by members. Designed to cater for the majority of Sussex Enterprise members, it offers a range of benefits including: n Commitment to reduce or match 2011 renewal rates n Fixed premium rates for 3 years subject to acceptable claims experience

and are open for business”, says Neil. “The package we have will be of real benefit to most Sussex Enterprise members and we’re a business that listens to our customers so if it doesn’t fit because of their individual size or needs, we’ll create a solution that does.”

For more information on this facility or to obtain a quotation, call Neil’s team on 0844 4999 905.

Sussex Enterprise Insurance Services is a trading style of Sutton Winson Limited. Registered in England No. 546706. Registered Office: St James House, Grosvenor Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 4AJ. Sutton Winson is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. No. 310883

n 0% monthly direct debit payments spread over 12 months n Fast track 24/7/365 claims helpline n Risk management support The facility for members will be run by a dedicated Sutton Winson team managed by Neil Hobbs. “We’re really excited about this

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MP PAGES

MP optimistic that constituency can continue to thrive Despite difficult economic times and talk of double-dip recession, Conservative MP Greg Barker is optimistic about the future of the economy in the area that he has represented for the past decade.

H

owever, despite his optimism for Bexhill and Battle, he acknowledges that much remains to be done to attract more businesses and more jobs.

Greg has plenty of experience in the world of business on which to draw when he makes his comments about the economy.

Having graduated in History, Economic History and Politics from London University in 1987, he worked for more than ten years in the City of London, part of that period spent specialising in cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

In 1997, Greg became an Associate Partner of leading financial public relations firm Brunswick Group Ltd and the following

year was appointed Head of International Investor Relations for Sibneft, a Russian oil company, helping to lead the company’s drive to modernise in the post Soviet economy.

Returning to Britain in May 2000, he worked as a Director of Bartlett Scott Edgar, the recruitment advertising business, helping to lead a management buy-in in 1998 before the company was sold in 2001.

Greg believes that his constituency has much to recommend it for employees and employers alike.

He said: “For me, the biggest strength of the area’s economy is its quality of life. Nearly 80 per cent of the constituency is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it has a terrific coastline and companies do take these kind of things into consideration when considering where to set up.

“They see it as a good place to work because of the quality of life here and that shows; unemployment in the area was just 3.7 per cent in March this year, compared with 5.7 per cent nationally.

“In addition, the constituency is only 60 miles from London which makes it ideal for someone who wishes to work in the city but who maybe wishes to live outside the main commuter belt.

“The constituency is also ideal for smaller businesses run by people who are looking to set up their own companies here and live in the area. We have to attract businesses where people can see themselves staying in the area, building careers and bringing up their families.

Greg Barker

“For all the area’s advantages, we always have to look to the future, though, and I think there are things that we need to do. One of them is to upgrade the skills base so that the area has even more to offer to new businesses.

“We also have to address the average wage, which is lower in the constituency than it is in other parts of the South East.

“Another thing we need to improve is the transport infrastructure so I am delighted that despite the budget deficit, George Osborne has provided the necessary investment for the Bexhill link road, which will ease congestion between Bexhill and Hastings. It will also open up land round the back of Bexhill for sustainable housing and for new commercial sites.

“If we can keep improving the area’s offer, we can continue to ensure that we have a thriving economy.”

Apart from business, another major interest for Greg is environmental issues, an interest which he has developed during his time as an MP.

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MP PAGES

“If we can keep improving the area’s offer, we can continue to ensure that we have a thriving economy.”

His Parliamentary career began after he entered politics in the summer of 2001, subsequently being elected Conservative Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle in his native Sussex.

He was appointed to the Opposition Front Bench as a Conservative whip in 2003, resigning in July 2005 to help run David Cameron’s successful leadership campaign.

Having served on the House of Commons Environmental Audit select committee between 2001 and 2005, he was appointed as David Cameron’s Shadow Environment Minister in December 2005. He accompanied Mr Cameron to the Arctic in March 2006, to highlight the dangers of global warming and has since been working closely to shape Government policy on climate change.

He was closely involved in the passage of the Climate Change Act, which went through the House of Commons in 2008.

Having been Shadow Climate Change Minister when the Tories were in opposition, he was appointed Minister of State for Climate Change after the General Election of 2010 which saw the Coalition come to power.

He has played a key role in the recent announcement of the Green Investment Bank, which will provide funding for new ventures in the sector.

Greg sees the Bank as important to encourage companies to develop new technologies and concepts at a time when money is tight and the banking sector is still cautious after The Crash.

Greg said: “The Green Investment Bank has three billion pounds to invest between now and 2015 and can play an important role in supporting sectors such as offshore wind energy generation in the North Sea as well as smaller businesses in the low carbon economy.

“It will support businesses who are innovative but it is important to point out that it will not simply subsidise businesses. The Bank will only lend to rational business ideas but when it does, it will give a fillip to those businesses.

“With the banking sector still restrictive in who it lends to, the Green Investment Bank has three billion pounds which can give green businesses more firepower. The real prize of the Green Investment Bank is that its three billion pounds will allow companies to bring in more investment to the private sector as well.”

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WORTHING CHURCHES HOMELESS PROJECTS

Advice and accommodation Worthing Churches Homeless Projects helps homeless and insecurely housed individuals aged 18 and over in the Worthing area.

We provide support, advice and accommodation, helping them return to an independent life in their own accommodation. In the last twelve months we have helped over 500 individuals.

Imagine what the town would be like without us here to help.

The charity employs over 50 people and has around 150 wonderful volunteers, without whom we could not continue to provide our service. As a charity we need to raise ÂŁ500,000 every year in order to cover our costs.

This year in a bid to secure sustainable income, we have opened a Bike Repair and Recycling Shop in Strand Parade in Worthing. At this shop we train clients and staff to become qualified Weldtech Gold Standard mechanics. We take in unwanted bikes, repair them and sell them to the public at reasonable prices. We also provide

a repair service which is very competitively priced and we have received excellent feedback on the work that has been carried out.

The shop opened in October and so far we have trained 12 people. We see this project as benefitting the local community as much as ourselves; we are saving old bikes from landfill, we are also enabling local families / people to purchase bikes at a fair price.

As a charity we are concerned with our local community and continually seek ways to evolve to better serve our clients. However, in order to do this, we need to secure sufficient income. If you can help in anyway, we would love to hear from you. Every year we issue a Christmas gift catalogue with locally designed Christmas cards – sponsorship opportunities are available.

26 / 28 The Strand Parade Worthing

Bike Servicing and Repair Service Donations of secondhand bikes wanted

tt

Secondhand bikes for sale Good quality bikes serviced and ready to use at reasonable prices

For collection of donations please call 01903 286484 Registered Charity No. 1027832

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Mayo Wynne Baxter expands international reach After eight years advising in France and more than 150 in England leading Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has announced a move to reach further afield.

The firm’s expanded international department will handle legal issues of property, business and inheritance that cross national borders. It also aims to help companies from all over the world navigate UK legal systems.

A small team of English-qualified bilingual solicitors with extensive international experience have been selected to lead this work.

While the international conveyancing market has dramatically fallen in recent years, Mayo Wynne Baxter’s solicitors have seen a need for legal advisors whose expertise crosses national borders. Dennis Phillips explains:

Mayo Wynne Baxter’s latest hire, solicitor Dennis Phillips, is an international specialist with particular experience in Spanish-speaking countries, Croatia, Dubai, Turkey, Morocco, Florida and the Caribbean. Dennis has joined forces with the firm’s existing international Partner, Edward Coxall, who has handled French property transactions for more than 10 years. Edward also advises European SMEs on UK business laws and deals with inheritance matters with cross-border implications.

“The global property crash has left many people with difficulties involving suppliers, tenants and even questions of legal ownership when deeds have been held by third parties.

Meanwhile international borders continue to complicate inheritance matters. When different legal systems are in play I believe the best advice can only come from someone who thoroughly understands both sets of laws. We can now offer a service which is legally, as well as literally, bilingual.”

Edward Coxall commented on the need to smooth the path for businesses thinking of investing in the UK: “The South East of England offers some of the best commercial opportunities in Europe, but negative perceptions of our laws can deter investors.

We have been successful in helping ambitious young French businesses overcome these issues, bringing jobs and economic growth with them.

I hope we can replicate this on a wider scale.”

Rapid expansion continues at Crunch Online accountancy firm Crunch has continued its rapid expansion with nine new appointments across the company - the new starters make up almost 20% of the total headcount.The company has also moved the first team into its new office, a further 4,000 square foot of office space above its existing HQ in Hove, which will soon feature a roof terrace with Crunch deckchairs.

The appointments bring the total number of employees at Crunch to 51, with 13 joining from the start of the year and a further 60 appointments planned this year.The company is doubling in headcount as well as office space in 2012.

Darren Fell, MD at Crunch said:“With many new products and features launching this year and with our customer base growing steadily - we had our best ever sales day this week - we predict our workforce to double in size before the end of the year.”

Crunch has created new roles in many divisions, including new People Manager, which is filled

by Michaela Timmins. Having previously worked

as Head of Operations for an advertising and marketing company and with five years experience in recruitment, Michaela will be responsible for overseeing and recruiting the Crunch team and to maintain the lively work culture and environment.

Lauren Carey joins as Deputy Marketing Manager.

With responsibility for setting strategy, managing SEO and PPC and working closely with all of the marketing team, Lauren brings with her extensive experience in delivering global marketing campaigns.

Steven Smithard arrives in the technical team as a Software Developer. Steven is responsible for designing, building and maintaining Crunch software, ensuring it maintains its place as a market leading online accountancy service.

Josh Lavene is appointed as a Crunch Advisor. With previous experience in campaigns and research, Josh’s brief will be to call and welcome new clients to Crunch.

Two new appointments are created in the accounts division with Jo Whiting joining as Payroll Manager and Tax Advisor and Eva Kenyeresova as a Trainee Accountant.

And as demand continues to increase, Crunch also announces three new Account Administrators: Charlie Watters, Victoria Poole and Janelle Ross.

With further expansion this year, Crunch is looking for five further new staff members.

Current vacancies include two further trainee accountant roles and three trainee account manager roles. Anyone interested in applying should visit crunch.co.uk/jobs.

Aimed at freelancers, contractors and micro-businesses (up to 12 people), Crunch offers the full range of accountancy services from a team of accountants based in Hove, which is supported by its easy to use software online. Putting the customer in control, Crunch enables clients to see in real time their tax liability and makes the bookkeeping tasks much simpler.

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NEW MEMBERS

£4 Million call to Business

a

The Aldingbourne Trust, a West Sussex based charity, supporting FEATURE adults with learning disabilities to develop skills to live independently and gain employment is currently seeking Corporate Partners.

The Trust have recently launched a £4 million Fundraising Appeal on the 7th April 2012; the funds raised will be put towards the expansion of the Trusts current facilities, such as larger conference facilities, cafe and shop which would produce an income to start to fill the anticipated fall in Government Funding over the next few years and provide additional development opportunities and paid work for adults with learning disabilities.

As a Corporate Partner of the Aldingbourne Trust you will receive a number of unique benefits such as tailor made packages which could include the use of the conference facilities; corporate team building events with full use of our facilities and training for your staff delivered by Powerful Trainers who all have a learning disability themselves.

Companies could encourage their employees to become more involved in fundraising for the Trust. JustGiving has introduced Company Fundraising tools to its site as it recognises that employees already raise millions of pounds in a personal capacity. Companies are now being offered company fundraising pages to showcase all business employee fundraising activities with a running total of all donations. Match Funding is becoming an increasingly popular way of companies demonstrating their Corporate Social Responsibility with companies often capping the amount at £500 per employee per annum.

For further information please contact abigailr@aldingbournetrust.co.uk or visit www.aldingbournetrust.co.uk

Activate Marketing Marketing 143 Aldershot Road, Church Crookham, Hampshire, GU52 8JS Steve Manning, Director T: +44(0)1252 627085 E: steve.manning@activatemarketing.co.uk W: www.activatemarketing.co.uk Banana Skin Ltd Health & Safety and Food Hygiene Specialists Forum House Business Centre, Stirling Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7DN Trevor Ware, Director T: +44(0)1243 774161 E: info@bananaskinsafety.com W: www.bananaskinsafety.com Beacon Services UK Limited Security Guarding | Mobile Patrols | Key Holding | Alarm Response 8 Teknol House,Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9LH Matthew Robinson, Proprietor T: +44(0)845 644 3467 E: matthew.robinson@beacon-services.co.uk W: www.beacon-services.co.uk Career and Life Choices Consultancy Barnsbrook, Barnham Court Farm, Church Lane, Barnham, West Sussex, PO22 0BP Margo Lloyd-Barnes, Managing Director T: +44(0)1243 552330 E: margo@careerandlifechoices.net Conerstones Training Solutions Ltd Sustainability 14 North Road, Bargoed, Caerphilly, CF81 8TN Hugh Jones, Owner T: +44(0)1443 822 865 E: hjones@cornerstonestrainingsolutions.co.uk W: www.cornerstonestrainingsolutions.co.uk Deepdene School Ltd Schools - Independent & Preparatory 195 New Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 4ED Stephen Ball, Bursar T: +44(0)1273 418984 E: bursar@deepdeneschool.com W: www.deepdeneschool.com Design Holidays Ltd Travel Agents and Holiday Companies Unit 3-4 Stairbridge Court, Stairbridge Court, Bolney, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5PA Johnny Barr, Director T: +44(0)1444 872200 E: jbarr@designholidays.co.uk W: www.designholidays.co.uk

East European Business Services Translation & Interpreting Agency 47 Hillcrest Road, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 9EE Annie Lorys, Senior Project Manager T: +44(0)1273 612477 E: east.euro@lineone.net W: www.easteurope.co.uk Executive Help Limited Business Mentors Garden Cottage, Wedmans Lane, Rotherwick, Hampshire, RG27 9BN Peter Bewsey, Managing Director T: +44(0)1256 766141 E: info@executivehelp.ltd.uk W: www.executivehelp.ltd.uk Fashion Temple Clothes 19 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4EQ Lulu Yan, Manager T: +44(0)1273 622811 E: fashiontemple@hotmail.co.uk W: www.fashiontemple.co.uk Gatwick Diamond Jobs / Brighton Jobs Recruitment 1 Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1GE Georgina Angele, Business Development Manager T: +44(0)1273 872287 E: ga@gatwickdiamondjobs.com W: www.gatwickdiamondjobs.com George Baker Insurance Brokers Ltd Corporate Insurance Broker Richmond House, 1 Richmond Parade, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 9GB Trevor Sault, Account Executive T: +44(0)1273 603066 E: trevor.sault@btconnect.com W: www.georgebakerinsurance.com Gillian Houghton Education 26 Lyminster Avenue, Hollingbury, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 8JN Gillian Houghton, Owner T: +44(0)01273 553618 E: gill.safeworld@btinternet.com Jane's Events Events Unit 2 Lower Ham Farm, Ham Lane, Oving, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2BT Jane Sterck, Director T: +44(0)1243 538456 E: info@thegardenshowonline.com W: www.thegardenshowonline.com

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NEW MEMBERS

Jasper's Corporate Catering Brighton Caterer The Tungsten Building, George Street, Portslade, Brighton, East Sussex, BN41 1RA Maarten van der Velde, Director T: +44(0)1273 929380 E: maarten@jaspersonline.co.uk W: www.jaspersonline.co.uk Leading the Change Social Enterprise 25 Westbourne Gardens, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 5PL Toby Buckle T: +44(0)7970 809594 E: toby@hazelbranch.co.uk Lodestar Contract Cleaning Ltd Commercial cleaning company for the private and public sector Eastleigh House, Sea Road, Winchelsea Beach, Winchelsea, East Sussex, TN36 4LA Sue Lyward, Director T: +44(0)1797 223173 E: sue@lodestar-contracts.co.uk W: www.lodestar-contracts.co.uk

Plumpton Racecourse Ltd Racecourses & Tracks Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AL Claire Sheppard, Chief Executive T: +44(0)1273 890383 E: claire@plumptonracecourse.co.uk W: www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk Pure Property UK Serviced Office Space XL House, Mill Court, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1TT Gina Rouch, Manager T: +44(0)1293 312041 E: gina@puregroupuk.co.uk W: www.purepropertyuk.co.uk Quality Management Projects Limited ISO 9001 QMS implementation & training 4 Beach Road, Newhaven, East Sussex BN9 0DA Ian Walker MCQI CQP RSC, Director T: +44(0)7932 155 985 E: ian@qmprojects.biz W: www.qmprojects.com Remmerco

Lok'n Store Ltd Storage Services 1 Blatchford Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5QR Pat Swann, Manager T: +44(0)1403 272001 E: patswann@loknstore.co.uk W: www.loknstore.co.uk

Catering Supplier P O Box 378, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 3YW Neil Cranfield, Finance Manager T: +44(0)845 370 0161 E: neil@remmer.net W: www.remmerco.com Rise Sales Development

MailServe Ltd Hardware Supplier The Priory Business Centre, Syresham Gardens, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 3LB Carl Turner, Managing Director T: +44(0)1444 416699 E: carl@mailserveltd.co.uk W: www.mailserveltd.co.uk Nationwide Wills & Probate Ltd Wills County House, 3 Shelley Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1TT Mark O'Keeffe T: +44(0)1903 236156 E: mark.okeeffe@nwap.co.uk

Sales Training & Consultancy 41 Marmion Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 5FS Jacky Misson, Partner T: +44(0)1273 271031 E: jacky@rise.uk.com W: www.rise.uk.com

Sussex Estate Management Ltd Property Management Rear Office, 111 South Farm Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 7AX James Harwood, Company Secretary T: +44(0)1903 215850 E: jim@sussexem.co.uk Take Stock Professional Stock Takers & Auditors Forum House Business Centre, Stirling Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7DN Philip Waters, Managing Director T: +44(0)1243 790164 E: info@takestock-south.co.uk W: www.takestock-south.co.uk Theatre Royal Theatre New Road,Theatre Royal, 35 Bond Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD Jackie Alexander, Development Manager T: +44(0)1273 764400 E: jackiealexander@theambassadors.com W: www.atgtickets.com/brighton Thy Will Be Done Wills 36a Goring Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 4AD Deborah Scully, Director T: +44(0)800 668 1165 E: ds@aiportfolios.com W: www.thywill.co.uk Trevor Powell Accountancy Limited Accountancy Little Lodge, 5 Cambridge Way, Ringles Cross, Uckfiled, East Sussex, TN22 2AA Trevor Powell, Proprietor T: +44(0)1825 766640 E: info@trevorpowellaccountancy.co.uk W: www.trevorpowellaccountancy.co.uk

Vines of Gatwick Car Dealer- BMW Stephenson Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1TN Dean Eaton, Business Development Manager T: +44(0)8456 732211 E: dean@vinescorporate.co.uk W: www.vinesofgatwickbmw.co.uk Woodfield Associates Ltd Financial & Corporate Services Consultancy Woodfield House, Copsale Road, Maplehurst, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6QY Mark Butterfield, Proprietor T: +44(0)7768 232386 E: mark@woodfieldassociates.co.uk W: www.woodfieldassociates.co.uk World of Books Ltd Book Seller Unit 2 Holmoak Industrial Estate, Woods Way, Goring By Sea, West Sussex, BN12 4QY Dawn Mounsey, Stock and Logistics Manager T: 01903 708193 E: dm@worldofbooks.com W: www.worldofbooks.com YourWellness Publishing Ltd Publishing Suite 010 The Beehive, Beehive Ring Road, Nr Gatwick Airport, Gatwick, West Sussex, RH6 0PA Michael Kitt T: +44(0)208 588 9553 E: michael.kitt@yourwellness.net W: www.yourwellness.net

Spicer International Ltd Freight Forwarder Unit 14, Northbrook Business Park, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 8PQ Stuart Spicer, Director T: +44(0)845 659 0066 E: stuart@spicerinternational.com W: www.spicerinternational.com

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THE LAST WORD

THE LAST WORD…

Each edition we invite one of our contributors to answer some key questions we all want to know the answers to.

This time it’s the turn of Nick Alderton Managing Director, Peter Christian

1

Which words or phrase do you most often overuse? “Make it go away”

7

What quality do you most admire in a person? Playfulness

2

Karaoke song of choice?

Hello Mary Lou

8

Which virtue is the most overrated?

Forbearance

3

What’s your biggest regret?

Not having confidence in my own abilities

9

Early mornings or late nights?

Neither

4

When and where were you happiest?

Here & Now

5

When was the last time you lied?

I never have

6

What talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to play the guitar

10

Deal or no deal?

No deal

11

Tell us a secret...

I am naturally lazy

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