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WestBus nessNews Essential business intelligence for the West of England Issue No 1 May/June 2013
www.westbusinessnews.co.uk
The West’s 50 best
An exclusive look at the region’s branding firepower
in association with
PLUS growth round table, legal sector news, Business Show Swindon, and much more . . .
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Intro/Contents
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WestBus nessNews Essential business intelligence for the West of England
WestBusinessNews is published by County Business Publishing The Bentley Centre, Stratton Road, Swindon SN1 2SH 01793 615393 www.westbusinessnews.co.uk info@westbusinessnews.co.uk Editorial: Robert Buckland 01793 615393 robert@westbusinessnews.co.uk Contributors: Anne Gorringe Christian Annesley Advertising and Sales: Anita Jaynes 01793 615393 07976 036535 anita@westbusinessnews.co.uk Christina Soar 01793 615393 christina@westbusinessnews.co.uk Administration: Jessica Rew 01793 615393 jessica@westbusinessnews.co.uk Videography: Doug Kirby 01793 615393 doug@westbusinessnews.co.uk WestBusinessNews is an independent magazine published in association with Business West and distributed free to members of Business West in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire. Copies are distributed to key business locations across the West of England. To order additional copies email info@westbusinessnews.co.uk
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elcome to the launch issue of WestBusinessNews, which we will be using as a platform to shout about the challenges you face, the services available to help you and your business and what we can do together to create a better business environment. Through our award-winning, international trade team we can help you to grow your business overseas and support you through the export documentation process. From starting a business and staying in business to growing your business and making it better, we can help and you will find all the information you need in WestBusinessNews. At Business West we pride ourselves on being a powerful voice for business, lobbying and challenging national, regional and local government decision makers to do what’s right for business and the economy. We hold regular meetings with councillors and MPs and are often the first to be contacted when officials and politicians from Whitehall and Westminster want to meet businesses in the area. Our quarterly economic survey, part of the British Chambers national survey, is an excellent vehicle for you to tell us how your
business is doing and what barriers you face. We use this information to lobby locally and nationally on key issues from improving access to finance or supporting new transport schemes. Our dedicated Chamber of Commerce section on pages 15 to 22 is packed with news from our members as well as a diary of events throughout the region.
Phil Smith Managing Director Business West
Contents
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WESTBUSINESSSCENE
14
FINANCE
5
NEWS: Acorn online export
15
CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS (p15-22)
service scoops award
7
NEWS: Bristol’s digital sector
8
NEWS: Queen’s Awards
23
bolstered
ROUND TABLE: Opportunities are knocking
26
INNOVATION AWARDS
27
BUSINESS TRAVEL
Temple Bright
28
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
10
BUSINESS SHOW SWINDON
29
TRAINING
11
COVER FEATURE: The
30
PEOPLE
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Printed by Acorn Press, Swindon www.acornpress.co.uk
winners crowned
LEGAL NEWS: In Profile:
West’s 50 Best Brands (p11-13)
WestBusinessNews is supporting Bristol’s Green Capital 2015 bid Profile P9
Business Show P10
Life-changing P29
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WestBusinessScene
Clockwise from above left: Lord Mayor of Bristol Peter Main and guests at the launch of Bristol’s Turtle Bay bar; Bristol Junior Chamber past and new presidents Savita Custead and Tom Selway at the Chamber’s 64th annual dinner; Bristol Sprout, winners of the 0117 Hour Digital Short Challenge, receive their award from the judges; Dick Lovett Porsche launch party at Cribbs Causeway; Clifton Cloud networking at The Square, Berkeley Square
All photos courtesy of The Photo - www.thephoto.co.uk - in association with Jon Craig 4
Trunki proves a solid case for investment Magmatic, the Bristol firm behind the Trunki kids’ ride-on suitcase, has received £3.92m of growth capital from the Business Growth Fund (BGF), which has taken a minority stake and a seat on its board. The deal takes to £30m the total growth capital invested by BGF in the region, although Trunki is its first Bristol investment. BGF’s investment will fund future product, accelerate export sales and support the brand through advertising. As a result, seven jobs are likely to be created, taking staffing at its Bristol head office to 37. The former chairman of toy group Hamleys Stuart Rose will join the board as non-executive chairman. Mr Rose, a
former managing director of The Body Shop, was introduced to the firm by BGF through its Talent Network. Magmatic started trading in 2006 when designer Rob Law, pictured below, launched its original ride-on suitcase. Famously turned down by Dragons’ Den, the company now sells its products in 2,500 stores across the UK, as well as 97 countries. It is on track to exceed two million Trunki sales soon and expects to achieve revenues of £10m this year.
The West’s 50 Best Brands: Pages 11-13
Voyage on takeover path Hazlewoods Corporate Finance has advised Voyage Care on its acquisition of support services provider Independent Living Group. Hazlewoods, based in Cheltenham, was instructed by Voyage Care, which last
year bought Solor Care in Bath. The transaction was funded with existing cash, plus an injection of equity from Voyage’s majority shareholders HgCapital and SL Capital Partners. Legal services were provided by Travers Smith.
Cheers. It’s cider with trophy . . . West-made Thatchers Vintage Cider has been named Champion Cider in the International Brewing Awards – the brewing industry’s Oscars. Managing director Martin Thatcher received the Champion’s Trophy at a presentation in London. Thatchers, based at Sandford, ages Vintage in 100year-old oak vats to give it a characteristic flavour.
News
Leap of faith: Business West commercial director James Monk and international trade manager Lyn Palmer celebrate Business West’s success at the ceremony in Doha
Acorn export service scoops global award Business West’s unique web platform supporting exporters has won the final of the ICC World Chambers Federation 2013 Competition for Best International Project. The Acorn Interactive service is the first system of its kind and will change the way that exporters work, saving time, money and resource. It provides all the tools and information required for businesses to be successful in international trade. The awards took place in Doha and were hosted by Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The ICC World Chambers Federation is the only forum open to the global community of more than 12,000 chambers of commerce. Business West was the only British Chamber of Commerce to be selected as a finalist and beat tough competition from China, Ankara, Slovak and Tanzania chambers of commerce to win this prestigious award. Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this global award for our innovative product which makes Scan the QR code on the left for an exclusive interview with Business West about Acorn Interactive
Innovation Awards: Page 26
exporting easier. Having been recognised recently at a national level with our British Chambers of Commerce Excellence in International Trade Award and now at an international level, we can truly demonstrate that Business West is a leading provider of export solutions in the UK.” Business West has been instrumental in developing a range of pioneering international trade services, such as e-cert, its Letter of Credit service, Acorn Interactive, and has successfully launched a unique online export training service.
VOTED BEST IN THE WORLD Acorn Interactive
WINNER Best International Project
Disco Discover ver why why we’r we’ree No. 1 www www.businesswest.co.uk .businesswest.co.uk 5
News
She Who Dares wins is female enterprise theme Women Outside the Box (WOTB), Bristol’s festival of female entrepreneurship, will be encouraging women to take the plunge and think big when setting up in business with its theme this year of ‘She Who Dares’. Exhibitor bookings for its October 7 event have already started with a special ‘early bird’ offer available until May 31. Taking place at Bristol’s Arnolfini, the event is set to attract more than 1,000 women, building on last year’s 700-plus attendees. Exhibitors will have a unique and costeffective opportunity to reach a large female audience under one roof. Whether they provide business-to-business services such as accountancy support or conferencing facilities or are selling products such as
jewellery and gift items in the event’s dedicated ‘market hall’ shopping area. Discounts on full prices are available to organisations confirming attendance before May 31. A programme of expert speakers and advice sessions spanning how to market a business to top tips for trading overseas and impressing potential investors is being staged. Last year’s event was supported by business minister Michael Fallon and Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson. Exhibitor Ros Hitchen, partner at The Accelerator Sessions, said of last year’s event: “An excellent festival, it had a great buzz. I got the impression lots of business was being done and connections being made.”
The West’s 50 Best Brands: Pages 11-13
Creative thinking . . .
Praise for care firm
Eight West firms have lent hard-earned business insights to a book aimed at passing on experiences of starting, running and growing creative companies. One Thing I Know is published by Creative England as a free book and website. Bristol companies featured are Aardman, Crack Magazine, Fiasco Design, Mobile Pie, Taxi Studios, Slingshot and twofour while Swindon’s Evil Twin is also involved. The articles cover all the creative sectors and come from both established creatives along with 20-somethings whose agencies are just surviving their first few years.
Bluebird Care, the Swindon care-in-the home franchise which has been in business for less than 18 months, has received a glowing report from the watchdog maintaining high standards in the industry. Bluebird Care achieved all the necessary standards in the areas inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), including the care and welfare of its clients and the standards of staffing and management. CQC representatives visited unannounced and spoke to relatives of elderly people using Bluebird Care.
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News
Bath has designs on fashion capital status Bath is now firmly on the fashion industry map, organisers of Bath in Fashion have said as they take stock of this year’s event. Some 150 local businesses collaborated to enhance the city’s status as a fashion capital during Bath in Fashion. The innovative week-long programme included exhibitions, talks, catwalks and workshops as well as street events. Chair of Bath in Fashion Sarah Mansfield said: “We were delighted with the response
to the programme of events. It is hugely flattering that so many talented individuals from the world of fashion such as Roland Mouret, Julie Verhoeven, David Downton and Liberty London Girl give their time. “When you are asked every day what will be happening next year, you know it is a success.” Scan the QR code for exclusive video from Bath in Fashion
Come on feel the noise Charities and not-for-profit organisations are competing to win a year’s digital marketing support worth almost £10,000 in a contest staged by Shepton Mallet-based social media marketing company Noisy Little Monkey. Every entry to the aptly-named Big Noise for a Good Cause has got its own ‘page’ on the firm’s website which includes a statement on why they should win. www.noisylittlemonkey.com for more information
Bristol’s digital sector is bolstered by new space Bristol’s emerging reputation as a major centre for the creative industries has been boosted by the launch of a £7m campus building. Temple Studios, next to Temple Meads railway station, has been redeveloped by London-based property company TCN UK and was officially opened by Bristol Mayor George Ferguson. Following TCN’s redevelopment in 2010 of Bristol and Exeter House next door, the firm has spent the past 18 months turning Temple Studios into a quirky and creative office environment aimed at creative and digital businesses. TCN managing director Richard Pearce, said: “Back in 2008 we analysed the markets and realised Bristol has an innovative and creative demographic similar to Amsterdam, Utrecht and parts of London. Since then we redeveloped firstly Bristol and Exeter House and now Temple Studios and we already have 32 businesses installed there. “Temple Studios targets creative and digital companies, offering a unique office environment with a raw, industrial design and desirable extras, such as a large
Breakout: The Space at Temple Studios breakout area for like-minded businesses to connect and interact.” The entrance sets the scene with a reception area housed in a shipping container. Throughout the building are exposed surfaces, stripped floors and walls, retro toilets and quirky signage. A large breakout area called The Space is for companies and individuals to meet and collaborate, share a coffee and a game of table tennis. The final phase of the site will include a new £13m office development known as One Bristol, targeted at the technology, media and telecoms sector, and a 120-bed hotel.
Commercial property review: Page 28
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News
Queen’s Awards recognise firms’ achievements A wide range of businesses from the West have gained prestigious Queen’s Awards for their outstanding achievements in international trade, innovation and sustainable development. Espiner Medical, based in Clevedon, is a first-time winner, increasing overseas sales of its tissue retrieval systems used in keyhole surgery by a staggering 1,517 per cent in six years. Highbridge specialist cabinet maker Jo Bird & Co is another first-time winner. It increased overseas sales by 141 per cent in three years and has identified new markets after undertaking a review of all its operations. Metryx, based in Aztec West, Bristol, exports 100 per cent of its semiconductor manufacturing monitoring equipment. Sales have grown by 240 per cent over three years. Bristol firm Hydrate for Health, which employs just two people, won an Innovation Award for its unique hands-free drinking system called The Hydrant which reduces dehydration in hospital patients. Another Bristol firm, Limbs & Things, also gained an award for innovation for its development of physical models that help professionals in medical and healthcare with hands-on teaching. Renishaw, the Wottonunder-Edge-based engineering
technologies company, received its 16th Queen’s Award for its REVO five-axis probing system which improves accuracy in measuring equipment. Simulation Systems, based in Yatton, won the award with its range of closed-circuit TV cameras and associated control systems used for surveillance in complex environments. Track Analysis Systems of Shirehampton won an Innovation Award for developing worldleading products which measure low levels of neutron and radon radiation. BMT Defence Services of Bath, which provides naval ship design and consulting engineering support, has won an award for international trade. Other winners included cheese exporter Coombe Castle of Corsham, Chippenham-based MH High Tech Projects, SelectScience of Corston, EIP, a firm of intellectual property attorneys and solicitors with an office in Bath, and Wessex Water Services.
Crowning glory: Staff at intellectual property attorneys EIP
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Innovation Awards: P26
Legal news
Top COP team expands Irwin Mitchell Bristol’s Court of Protection (COP) legal team has become the largest in the West specialising in managing personal injury damages. The COP team handles settlements for clients unable to manage money themselves after suffering head injuries through serious injury or medical negligence. It ensures funds are used to help with specialist rehabilitation, support and necessary adaptations to an individual’s home. The expansion, led by partner and COP specialist Michael Knott, reflects Irwin Mitchell’s commitment to being a full-service law firm capable of helping clients with all areas of their claim. Two new appointments have now expanded the team further with Kate Gould joining the team as a paralegal in March and Virginia Charlesworth joining to boost the administration team. Growing fast: Irwin Mitchell’s Court of Protection team is now the region’s largest
In Profile
West legal briefs
Temple Bright
Bond Pearce, which has a major office in Bristol, and Newcastle-based Dickinson Dees have completed their merger to create Bond Dickinson. The new firm has 1,200 staff, including more than 700 lawyers and 142 partners, working in eight offices. Bristol firm Burges Salmon has advised longstanding client FirstGroup on the sale of part of its UK Bus division. The 15-strong team was led by Rupert Weston and Ed Barratt. The BBC has appointed Bristol-based national law firm TLT to provide legal advice relating to its property estate in England and Wales. TLT’s team was led by real estate partner Stephen Elliott. Richard Slade and Company has officially opened its Bristol office, its first outside London, and recruited former Wragge & Co and Mogers’ employment lawyer Tim Gofton. Bristol firm Clarke Willmott’s corporate and real estate teams advised Extra MSA Group on its £250m purchase of nine motorway service areas.
Challenging the legal convention
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Game-changers: Temple Bright’s Tim Summers and Justyn McIlhinney
hen people think of law firms, they have this John Grisham image – the senior partners on the golf course with the associates locked in a dungeon for 18 hours a day. That’s the popular image and it’s not the reality – but it’s not a complete fabrication either. A lot of the real work does get done by juniors burning the midnight oil, and the results aren’t always that great for the clients. Tim Summers, co-founder of Bristol law firm Temple Bright is talking to WestBusinessNews about the pyramid structure most commercial law firms employ. He and Temple Bright co-founder Justyn McIlhinney have come up with an alternative that clearly works. “We take our inspiration from Apple, not from law firms,” continues Summers. “Receiving legal advice should be like using a Mac – elegant and simple, with no bells and whistles or options you’re never going to use. So we don’t write rambling defensive letters with the clock running. That can be hard to avoid in the pyramid structure if you have juniors supervised by associates supervised by partners, all of them recording every minute to pay the rent on a big
glass building. Instead we have low overheads and with no juniors involved we can fix the price and get to the point quickly.” Temple Bright has been a game-changer on its own terms. Its answer to the challenge of standing out in a crowded market was to create something familiar but different. “We created a solicitors’ firm structured like a barristers’ chambers, with only senior lawyers who work for themselves but as part of a tightknit team,” says Summers. “It really works because what clients think they are choosing when they instruct solicitors is the character and skill of particular individuals.” Having launched with three partners in 2010, the firm now boasts 16, split between its flagship Bristol office and a new London base in the heart of the Old Street tech community. Deploying technology to work smarter and being creative about the firm’s structure have also paid off. The firm’s technological innovation has meant outsourcing most of its infrastructural functions to online providers, cutting overheads and increasing efficiency into the bargain.
Round table. Challenges and opportunities of growth : Pages 23-25
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Business Show Swindon
LEP celebrates a solid start but says much more work needs to be done
Swindon gets back on track with major show of strength
Together we’ll go from strength to strength. That was the message from Paul Johnson, chair of the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to the Business Show Swindon. Reflecting on its first 12 months, Mr Johnson told delegates that the LEP was already delivering benefits to businesses and the community as a whole. Since its launch last April, the LEP had invested £2.63m of the Growing Places Infrastructure Fund in Castledown Business Centre, with the rest of the £9.4m fund to be fully committed by mid-year. The LEP also fully supported Porton Science Park’s Regional Growth Fund bid, resulting in £10m of investment. In addition, the Swindon and Wiltshire City Deal was now close to completion, something that the LEP played a vital role in with the two unitary authorities. Its biggest achievement had been establishing a robust partnership speaking with one voice, said Mr Johnson.
The third annual business show in Swindon has been hailed a success – proof, say organisers Business West’s Swindon Initiative, that the town is bouncing back. More than 1,000 people attended the event at Swindon’s STEAM railway museum – many coming from Bath, Bristol and Gloucestershire – with the 80-plus exhibitors reporting a great atmosphere all day. It was the third annual event staged by Business West – and the most successful, according to the organisation. With Swindon having been the subject of gloomy headlines following job losses at the town’s giant Honda car plant and in some supplier firms, Business West was keen to demonstrate that Swindon is very much open for business. Partner organisations such as Influence, Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Forward Swindon echoed that view. Show sponsor, fast-growing Swindon-based IT and communications firm Excalibur, also brought it into focus by bringing in the latest technology for businesses. Keynote speakers at the show were Mike Gibson, senior director of enterprise for UK & Ireland at BlackBerry, and Charlie Wade, head of product management at Vodafone. Both spoke about the future of the mobile in the workplace and ways of cost saving and increasing productivity in the future. Additionally, the speed networking sessions all sold out and were greatly appreciated by those involved. This year also featured a LinkedIn lounge in an adjoining marquee, providing an informal alternative to speed networking where attendees networked over a complimentary coffee or
Steaming ahead: The Business Show Swindon, at the town’s STEAM museum, proved a big hit
smoothie. One of the highlights of the day was the announcement of the Excalibur VIP prize – £5,000 worth of IT services, which was won by Swindon-based recruitment agency Outsource UK. Other prizes given out on the day included Accord Office’s £400 office chair, going to Barbara French from AMS Accountancy. Swindon Initiative director Ian Larrard said: “All the reports back that we have had from those who attended the show, whether as visitors or exhibitors, have been positive. There was certainly a buzz about the place. Conversations were taking place and business was being done. We hope the show provided a catalyst for taking Swindon forward.” ● Influence, which acts as Swindon’s collective business voice, staged its annual conference alongside the Business Show Swindon – giving a snapshot of the town’s economy and progress in the raft of projects that will take it forward. The key themes were collaboration, innovation and creativity – with speakers returning to these throughout the event.
Networking: Delegates at this year’s Business Show Swindon Round table - challenges of growth: Pages 23-25
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Cover feature: Branding
THE WEST’S TOP 50 BRANDS B
rands are everywhere. We are bombarded by them from the moment we have our first coffee of the day to our late night TV viewing. If there was a way of getting brands into our dreams then marketers everywhere would be delighted. But what makes a brilliant brand? Here in the West we have some of the best – not just UK brands, but global ones. From Airbus to Zurich, taking in Intel, Honda and HP, the region boasts some of the world’s most-respected brands. Of course, these are international brands with key bases in the region that impact on its economy. But the West also has some much-admired home-grown brands – Aardman, Orange and Superdry were developed here. Then there are businesses that are long established in the region and have grown into major global brands such as Clarks, Mulberry and Imperial Tobacco. The pace is now being set by the up-and-coming brands that are growing into national and international players such as Trunki, Pieminister, Yeo Valley and Las Iguanas. Then there are the challengers who are not yet established but have the potential to be huge such as Friska, the Bristol cafe chain, and Bath-based Lovehoney, the sexual happiness people, as they call them-
selves. Sammy Mansourpour of Bath’s branding consultancy TheAgency reckons a good brand transcends its sector and takes on a life of its own. “When it comes to the most admired brands then Apple is right up there,” he says. “Everything about it is quality. It’s much more than just the products.” For Jon Waring, creative director of Bristol design house 3Sixty, great brands build a relationship with their customers that is about far more than shifting products. He cites Virgin as an admired brand and one of the very few that successfully manages to cross sectors. “With Virgin, it is all about the experience,” he said. Admired West brands identified by Sammy and Jon include Pieminister – a favourite with many marketers in the region – and Trunki. So what does the founder of Trunki, Rob Law, think makes a good brand? “Everything associated with it – from the website, to the design, to the staff – has to be brilliant,” he says. For more on Sammy and Jon’s thoughts on branding, scan the QR code on the right
Aardman Bristolbased animation firm best known for Wallace & Gromit and Morph. Brand has extended into full-length movies, merchandise and games. Airbus World’s second-largest aircraft maker designs all its wings in Bristol. Originally a European challenger brand to Boeing of the US, it has in previous years sold more planes. Avon Rubber Long-standing Wiltshire manufacturer and innovator. It sold its iconic tyre business but retains a powerful brand in the defence sector. BBC Natural History Has made Bristol a
Bath Can you brand a city? As a World Heritage Centre and tourist honeypot, Bath has as good a claim as any Bath Rugby A big reason why the city of Bath is such a powerful brand. Its loyal fan base keeps the brand strong. Blackthorn Probably the bestknown West cider brand but now owned by Irish group C&C. Bloodhound Project By building a 1,000mph car in Bristol, Bloodhound Project is channelling the enterprise and engineering prowess of Brunel.
global centre for wildlife and nature filmmaking and created a thriving support industry. Badminton Horse Trials Established as the world’s leading threeday event and compulsory gathering for the horsey set. Banksy Anonymous graffiti artist now a brand in his own right. He put Bristol on the world map for aerosol art and moved it from street to gallery. Bart Ingredients Started by making spice racks, then saw a market for spices. Now produces more than 350 ingredients in distinctive packaging.
Sammy Mansourpour, left, of Bath’s TheAgency, recently worked on the new Invest in Bristol & Bath inward investment initiative. He believes the West of England can successfully brand itself by tapping into its creative energy and reflecting its positive image for culture and the arts. “It’s got a great work-life balance,” he says.
Brabantia A brand known for its design-led kitchenware. The Dutch owned firm has its UK base in Nailsea. C&G As the Cheltenham & Gloucester it became a big player in providing mortgages during the property boom. Now part of Lloyds Banking Group. Castrol Engine oil that has been developed into a truly global brand from Swindon. Cheltenham National Hunt Festival For four days every March it turns Regency Cheltenham into the epicentre of racing, betting and Guinness.
Continued over the page . . .
Jon Waring, right, of Bristol design agency 3Sixty, believes cities can successfully brand themselves - but they have to avoid becoming too associated with one image. “New York is a brand, and so is Paris,” he says. “You know New York is exciting and Paris is romantic. But trying to brand Bath would be difficult. It’s not just a heritage site, it’s a modern creative city.”
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Cover feature: Branding
FOR BRAND BUILDING THAT REFLECTs YOUR BUSINESSES UNIQUE PERSONALITY
MORE OF THE Clarks A household name and global brand that has reinvented itself from boring (school sandals) to trendy (treks). Clarks Village Pioneering factory shopping centre originally opened by Clarks to sell end of range and seconds but now developed into hive of brands. Daylesford Organics Cotswolds-based provider of farm-to-fork food has developed into the brand of choice for the Boden set. Dolby High-profile brand started by an American sound engineer in London but now has its European base in Royal Wootton Bassett.
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Great West brands of the past
Brand Strategy / Brand Guidelines / Brand Development Digital Brand Strategies / Brand Tone of Voice
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Herman Miller Bath-based global brand behind welldesigned office chairs and furniture. Also has a social conscience.
Woodbines Fry’s Gateway Supermarkets Garrards Plessey
Dyson The hugelysuccessful designled global brand developed by West inventor and engineer Sir James Dyson. First Great Western Recognisable but not always popular train company brand serving the West.
Brand Services:
HP Bristol-based HP Labs is the tech group’s largest research centre outside the US and has been at the forefront of computing innovation for 30 years. Hargreaves Lansdown Started in a spare bedroom in 1981, the fund manager and financial advice firm now has annual revenues of nearly £240m. Made multi-millionaires of its founders.
GCHQ Government-run spy base in Cheltenham. Has become established as a brand partly to exploit its world-leading expertise in areas like cyber-security. Gaymers Traditional Shepton Mallet cider brand now the world’s second-largest producer of the drink. Like Blackthorn, now part of C&C. Glastonbury Festival The granddaddy of music festivals, its highprofile brand is as much down to entrepreneurial owner Michael Eavis and the inevitable rain as the acts.
Bluebird Toys Cuprinol Plasticine England’s Glory Great Western Railway
Honda The Japanese car maker’s Swindon plant has been hit by the recession but remains the region’s biggest motoring brand. Intel Who cared what microchip powered your computer until Intel Inside happened. A branding breakthrough for the US giant with its European base in Swindon. Lambert & Butler The UK’s top-selling cigarette brand is one of many developed by Bristolbased Imperial Tobacco. Las Iguanas Bristol-based branded South American-style restaurant group now with 29 outlets and expanding across the country. Loungers Rapidly-growing café/bar chain whose Lounge and Cosy Club branded outlets have a distinctive relaxed, laid-back feel.
Cover feature: Branding
WEST’S TOP
50 BRANDS
Mini BMW reinvented the iconic British car marque and now makes almost all the body panels for the Mini at its Swindon pressings plant, once ironically part of British Leyland.
Superdry Market stall to stock market listed clothing range and retailer. The Cheltenham-based firm has taken heavily-branded youth style into the mainstream. Worn by celebs, which helps.
Mulberry Global luxury goods brand with its roots in Somerset’s leather-making industry. Best known for its distinctive, sought after bags.
Thatchers Another West cider brand, North Somerset’s family-owned Thatchers is challenging its bigger rivals through product development and clever advertising.
National Trust Swindonheadquartered membership organisation has cleverly developed its brand into more than stately homes, jam and tea-towels. Nationwide The world’s largest building society, Swindon-based Nationwide successfully builds its brand around its status as mutual. Npower German-owned branded electricity. Npower, based in Swindon, has generated a high profile through sport sponsorship and effective branding. Orange Groundbreaking, Bristol-based mobile phone brand used its ‘The Future’s Bright’ tagline and classy TV and cinema adverts to take on its bigger rivals. Pieminister Pioneers of real pies who have built amazing loyalty around their quirky brand, making it a real Bristol success story. Renishaw Gloucestershire-based global leader in precision measuring tools. A major exporting success for the West. Rolls-Royce One of the world’s top brands and about as British as they come. Innovation continues at its aero-engine plant in Bristol.
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West brands of the future
Friska Co-exist Happy City Gradwell
Trunki Famously rejected by the Dragons’ Den, the Bristol firm behind Trunki is now extending the brand beyond ride-on suitcases to a range of kids’ bags, car seats etc. Wadworth The Hand-made in Devizes tag helped lift this family brewer’s flagship 6X bitter from a regional tipple to a major national real ale brand. Weird Fish Quirky styling has turned this Cheltenham company from making t-shirts to a trendy clothing brand. WH Smith The high street has been a cruel place recently but Swindon-based WH Smith is surviving by developing its branded outlets in stations and airports. WOMAD Peter Gabriel has made his Box-based world music festival a global brand. Yeo Valley The organic dairy producers from Somerset have created a national brand thanks to some clever TV advertising. Zurich Swiss-owned global financial services brand has its UK offices in Cheltenham and Swindon.
Hotcha Alphasphere Fashion Bloodhound
Pukka Herbs Lovehoney Brothers cider
‘Can-do’ attitude shines through in new branding for recruitment firm Swindon-based creative studio Jazzbones has been working closely with forward-thinking independent recruitment consultancy Aligra to revitalise its brand. The result is a fresh identity that reflects the consultancy’s whatever-it-takes ethos and builds on its success and reputation. To start the process, Jazzbones immersed themselves in the Aligra brand, finding out what makes them tick, what their strengths are and where they’d like to be in the future. Initially, Jazzbones created a new bespoke logotype that reflects their ‘can-do’ attitude towards recruitment and their specialist market sector. They’re also redesigning and developing an advanced CMS (content management system) for Aligra’s website which will appeal to both candidates and clients, with full campaign roll-out to follow in the near future. Aligra managing director Mark Neilson said: “We are really excited about the brand re-launch. Jazzbones has created a great new identity for us and this will aid with our growth strategy.”
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Finance
The right move Business West has welcomed the extension of the Funding for Lending Scheme by the Bank of England to cover more types of business finance. Managing director Phil Smith said: “Businesses routinely tell us that availability of finance is a significant barrier to business growth.� , &#& ' !',
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How SSAS can fund a business Most businesses need investment to help them grow, or to develop new products and services. However, securing finance remains an obstacle. Many directors are finding that lending criteria have got tougher as aversion to risk continues to dominate lending decisions. Few are aware of a source of funding considerably closer to home; namely directors’ own pension assets. Many business owners are using their pension funds as an alternative to help secure loans to their business in light of the difficulties. UK pension funds are permitted to lend money to a sponsoring company. The types of pension vehicle that can be used to lend money to a company are Investment Regulated Pension Schemes which are commonly known as Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS). The ability of the SSAS to lend to a sponsoring employer at commercial rates has provided a lifeline to business owners whose bank will not entertain further lending in the current climate. An SSAS is a Registered Pension Scheme with HMRC and is able to provide a unique alternative for companies seeking lending. This pension vehicle can also be used to receive transfers from
By Steve Woodham, pensions manager at accountants Old Mill
the directors’ existing pension assets which may be held in a pension that is not permitted to make loans. Once the pension has been transferred to the SSAS it can subsequently be used to inject cash into the business. The SSAS will also enjoy considerable tax benefits including corporate tax relief on contributions paid by the company, income tax relief on contributions paid by the member and investment growth free from income tax and capital gains tax. SSAS rules allow up to 50 per cent of the net assets of the pension fund to be lent to the member’s business which must be secured and the SSAS Trustees would charge the business a commercial rate of interest. This can be attractive as rather than paying bank interest, it is paid into the member’s pension fund and will grow tax free.
Chamber member news Welcome to our regular, dedicated section for Business West Chamber members, packed with news from members across the West of England. This section showcases company expansions, awards and contract wins, new faces in local business and much more. It’s a great opportunity to get your business in front of more than 5,000 key decision makers. Here you’ll also find advice and information about our membership benefits and events and training opportunities. To get involved, send in your latest news to the editor who will consider submissions to ensure they are newsworthy and relevant to our readership. A good quality photo to accompany your story is always welcome. For tips on what makes a good story, read our editorial guidelines at www.businesswest.co.uk/westbusinessnews. Members also receive special rates on advertising. We look forward to hearing from you. Email press@businesswest.co.uk
Timely professional advice available at your fingertips As part of their membership, Chambers of Commerce members frequently access the Professional Advice Service (PAS) for crucial and timely advice. The service is exclusive to members including their staff at any time – and, what’s more, it’s totally free. The service provides:● 20 minutes of FREE advice over the phone from a legal or accountancy firm in the area on any business-related matter ● One-to-one phone consultations for every member of staff
● Use as often as needed (each call focusing on a different business issue) ● Expert advisers based locally. The PAS can save you valuable time and money, and is highly popular among members seeking advice that can help them make decisions quickly on a particular issue affecting their business. For more information about the PAS, please call free on 0800 9802789, or visit www.businesswest.co.uk/information-advice/advice
Rebranded by Hilton The former Ramada Bristol City Hotel has been renamed the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre following a £5m refurbishment. All 201 bedrooms have been upgraded with contemporary and stylish new décor, lighting, soft furnishings and luxurious Sweet Dream beds. All rooms now include 42in HD flat screen TVs with 100
channels, new bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers, MP3 alarm clock, wi-fi, separate seating area and desk. The renovation also includes a redesign of the reception and public areas, a new lobby area, state-of-the-art gym with all Precor equipment and a makeover of the conference and meeting rooms.
Chamber member at Downing Street summit with PM
Voices of business: John Little, second left, ahead of the No10 meeting
Business West member John Little, the managing director of Nailsworth-based Fluid Transfer, accompanied 13 other British Chamber members to Downing Street for an ‘honest and open’ conversation with the Prime Minister about issues facing UK businesses. The meeting was an opportunity for chambers and their members to educate senior Government officials about the vital work being carried out by businesses. Themes for discussion centred on international trade and exports, and what more the Government can do to support existing and potential exporters. Mr Little said: “When I was first approached by Business West to join a small group of business leaders to meet the Prime Minister I was a little daunted. But it was a great opportunity and certainly not one to be missed. “As a major exporter, I had the privilege of representing the region covered by Business West. With the help of the chamber we canvassed a few exporters on
See pages 16 and 17 for a full round-up of diary dates
their issues and concerns and I took these plus my own to the meeting.” Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “We believe that exporting will play a major part in unlocking the growth potential of the UK, and if we are to win the ‘global race’ that the Prime Minister regularly speaks of, we need to be doing much more to help companies break into new international markets. “We welcome the opportunity to have a member attend a private meeting with the Prime Minister and Britain’s political leaders. John has first-hand knowledge of the issues and his direct experience will be invaluable in the discussion about how Britain can do better in global trade. “An invitation to this high-level meeting demonstrates the key role played by Business West in representing the views of businesses in this region.” The meeting came hot on the heels of Business West winning Best International Trade Project for its innovative export advice website, Acorn Interactive.
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Chamber news/Events
Business West events in June Event: Ready for Business Dates: 4 June - Dorset 5 June - Bristol 12 June - Bristol 19 June - Bristol 19 June - Swindon 21 June - Devon 24 June - Exeter 28 June - Gloucester
Event: Putting Green at the Heart of your Business Date: 18 June Time: 09:30 – 13:00 Place: Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3RA Learn from those who have put green at the heart of their business. Meet inspiring people who have created green initiatives and learn how they have successfully implemented green practices to save their company money. Headline speakers include Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson and Jonathon Porritt, founder of Forum for the Future. Hear how global brands have used the ‘green’ movement to become more successful and sustainable, and learn
Times: 09:30 or 10.00-16:00 Place: Various This unique programme offers potential start-up businesses the opportunity to get ready for success through investment
how to implement green improvements from the experts
Event: Go Green Bristol – There’s money to be saved by going green! Date: 4 June Time: 09:30 – 12:00 Place: Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol Gain valuable information on how to save money by using resources such as water, energy and raw materials more efficiently
Event: Gloucestershire Export Club Date: 18 June Time: 08:30 – 11:00 Place: Forest Green Rovers, The New Lawn, Nailsworth, GL6 0FG Join us at this breakfast event to hear about Acorn Interactive, our unique web platform that can assist you with all aspects of international trade, saving your business time and money. The Export Club provides an on-going support network in which you can increase knowledge of exporting, grow your confidence and make useful
Event: Boosting International Business Online – Exeter Date: 5 June Time: 08:45 - 17:00 Place: Flybe Training Academy, Exeter International Airport, Exeter, EX5 2BD Event: Bristol Chamber Networking Breakfast – June Date: 6 June Time: 07:30 - 09:30 Place: Goldbrick House, Bristol, BS1 5PB Liaise with like minded business people over a delicious breakfast to secure what could be invaluable contacts Event: Go Green Bristol – There’s money to be saved by going green! Date: 10 June Time: 09:30 – 12:00 Place: Shire Hall, Shirehampton, Bristol Gain valuable information on how to save money by using resources such as water, energy and raw materials more efficiently Event: Networks for Construction - Homes and Communities Agency Update Date: 12 June Time: 07:30 – 09:00 Place: DAC Beachroft, Portwall Place, Portwall Lane, Bristol, BS99 7UD Guest speaker David Warburton, Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Head of Area, will outline the HCA’s role in delivering key elements of the Bristol Enterprise Zone and the Enterprise Areas in Bath and Weston, and of course their housing role
connections Event: High Growth Start-up Workshop Date: 18 June & 24 June Time: 09:30 – 16:00 Place: Bath Racecourse, Lansdown, Bath, BA1 9BU This two-day workshop will provide you with the information and the tools you need to start and run a successful high growth business from the idea stage to the first 12 months of trading Event: Gloucestershire Business Breakfast Club Date: 19 June Time: 07:45 – 09:30 Place: Cheltenham Chase Hotel, Gloucestershire, GL3 4PB Develop business connections, share ideas and collaborate at our networking breakfast. So get stuck in and start building the right connections for your business Event: 50 Shades of Finance Date: 20 June Time: 09:30 – 16:00 Place: Cadbury House Hotel, BS49 5AD Be guided through the maze of financial management and boost your business to high growth. Our full day workshops are designed to fuel your desire for everything you need to know about alternative finance options Event: Bath Mixer: Bailbrook House Hotel Date: 20 June Time: 18:00 – 20:00 An exclusive sneak peek, pre launch tour of the stunning new Bailbrook House Hotel with the opportunity to network with fellow Chamber members
For more information on any other events or to book visit www.businesswest.co.uk/events
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Chamber news/Events
Business West Training Courses All courses are held at Leigh Court, Bristol. Full details are available at www.businesswest.co.uk/training. Chamber members save 10% Subject: Customer service Course: Delivering Excellent Customer Service Date: 4 July Time: 09:30 – 16:30 Cost: £168 + VAT Excellent customer service will build your brand awareness and your brand confidence. Put your customers first and they’ll put you forward. This course will show you how to go above and beyond the call of duty with a host of skills to enable you to project the right impression Subject: Export & Import Course: The New Incoterms Rules Date: 13 June Time: 09:30 – 12:30 Cost: £103 + VAT Maximise legal certainty in international trade transactions by clearly understanding the new Incoterms® Rules. This is a great way to ensure your money is protected. These rules are an essential business tool for export and import as they define each party’s responsibility on arranging loading/unloading of goods, delivery, clearance and freight contracts Subject: Export & Import Course: The Classification of Goods – Using Commodity and Tariff Codes Date: 13 June Time: 13:15 - 16:30 Cost: £103 + VAT The correct classification of goods is fundamental for your business’s compliance, establishing correct duty rates, origin of goods, intrastat, export control and other procedures. This course will help you understand the terminology used and how to correctly structure your commodity and tariff codes Subject: Export & Import Course: Introduction to Export Procedures Date: 14 June Time: 09:15 – 16:30 Cost: £168 + VAT Exporting is a fantastic way to grow your business and it can be very straightforward when you know how. Suitable for beginners and experienced exporters, you will gain an overview of the exporting process from first enquiry to order completion. This course will also highlight possible pitfalls and show you how to avoid them Subject: Export & Import Course: Exporting - Understanding the Paperwork Date: 17 July Time: 09:15 – 16:30 Cost: £205 + VAT Don’t let the perceived complications of exporting hold you back. This course provides an overview of export control requirements and the documents specific to your own destination
Subject: Export & Import Course: Using Documentary Letters of Credits, Drafts and Bills Date: 18 July Time: 09:15 – 16:30 Cost: £205 + VAT For both importers and exporters, between 60% and 70% of documentary submissions are rejected first time because of non compliance. A lack of understanding leads to increased costs, loss of goodwill, delayed payment and possible default. The use of Letters of Credit will significantly bring down these risks ensuring you are saving valuable time and money Subject: Finance Course: Understanding Business Finance Date: 16 July Time: 09:30 – 16:30 Cost: £168 + VAT Make money, source finance and increase profit! Understanding business finance including reports and statements, numbers and ratios and costing and pricing, will leave you with the ability to make better business decisions. Delivered in a clear and concise manner, this course is perfect for those who find this subject challenging Subject: IT Course: MS Visio 2007 Date: 6 June Time: 09:30 – 16:30 Cost: £168 + VAT Look to the future of technology in the workplace by gaining an indepth and practical overview of this programme. It provides graphical tools to create diagrams that document and organise complex ideas, processes and systems Subject: IT Course: MS Excel Level 1 – Beginners 2007 & 2010 Date: 19 June Time: 09:30 – 16:30 Cost: £168 + VAT Hone your spreadsheet skills. From calculating math functions to creating charts and graphs, this course will teach you how to become more efficient when using this essential software program Subject: IT Course: MS Publisher 2007 Date: 26 June Time: 09:30 – 16:30 Cost: £168 + VAT No graphic experience? No problem! Learn how to create impressive visuals such as newsletters, brochures, flyers, posters and reports. Delegates can bring in their own work tasks or examples for a bespoke experience that produces relevant work to your business
For more information on any other courses or to book visit www.businesswest.co.uk/training
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Chamber news
QuoLux takes the LEAD in leadership training
Leading lights: Graduates of the first LEAD programme in the South West
Beard bucks trend by building growth Annual turnover at Swindonbased construction company Beard has climbed by 17 per cent to £68.7m as it continues to outperform the recession-hit building sector. Beard’s pre-tax profits were also up – by 11 per cent to £1.2m. The privately-owned business, which also has offices in Oxford and Guildford, benefited from its strength in specialist sectors such as education and defence – school-related and MoD projects helped lift revenues at its Swindon office by 18 per cent during the year. Recent projects in Swindon have included the new car dealership for Fish Brothers, work for a medical products manufacturer and the installation of biomass boilers at a number of Wiltshire schools. Managing director Mark Beard said: “We continue to focus on the expertise of our teams, the efficiency of our systems and above all, prompt and faultless delivery to meet our customers’ needs. “As a result we have seen an expansion of the healthcare and
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commercial sectors and continued involvement in high-profile projects within education and the ecclesiastical sector.” Since he took the helm of the business in 2002 its turnover has soared from £20m to nearly £69m with profits rising from £300,000 to £1.2m. Much of that was due to investment in its people, he said, as well as working smarter for clients. “I am particularly pleased that 2012 also saw a significant increase in our net assets by £400,000 to £5.2m with cash funds up £900,000 to £7.3m,” he added. “This represents a further strengthening of the business’s underlying finances which reinforces our position as a solid, reliable partner within the construction industry. And more good news is that secured orders of £37m for the coming year show a nine per cent increase on this time last year.” Beard also increased its workforce by an average of 10 per cent over the year and more than doubled its training provision.
The leaders of 15 regional businesses have graduated from the first cohort on the LEAD programme in the South West. Delivered by Cheltenham-based QuoLux, LEAD is designed to enable business leaders to have the time and space to take a strategic perspective, identify challenges and achieve business growth. The delegates are now working towards a postgraduate certificate in Professional Practice (Leadership Learning), a ground-breaking award from Lancaster University Management School that recognises leadership learning in SMEs. QuoLux founder Stewart Barnes said: “LEAD brings the rigour, challenge, and learning associated with a university programme, but it is not academic. Learning is personal, developed through practical solutions.”
Accountants boost team
Strengthening business support:Jon Miles and Debbie Boulton Richardson Swift, the Bath acTarget Accountants in the city. Tax director Jon Miles has also countancy firm, is expanding been made an equity partner its senior team as demand for its specialist business support and co-owner. Jon manages the and tax services grows. firm’s personal and corporate Debbie Boulton joins as tax teams and specialises in director of business services helping firms and business having previously held similar owners structure their affairs in a tax-efficient manner. posts at Bishop Fleming and
New Corporate Partnership Scheme
Theatre Royal Bath’s new Corporate Partnership package ŽīĞƌƐ ĂŶ ĂīŽƌĚĂďůĞ ǁĂLJ ƚŽ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ďĞŶĞĮƚƐ ƚŽ ƐƚĂī͕ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƌĂŝƐĞ LJŽƵƌ ƉƌŽĮůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƵƌ ƉĂƚƌŽŶƐ͘ DĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ ƐƚĂƌƚƐ ĨƌŽŵ ũƵƐƚ άϱϬϬ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ŷũŝ ,ĞŶĚĞƌƐŽŶ (01225 823485)
Chamber news
Zurich staff prepare for their latest Challenge Staff at Swindon and Cheltenham-based insurance giant Zurich are about to embark on a large annual programme of charitable work to help some of the most disadvantaged within their communities. Challenge 2013 is an annual campaign brokered by Zurich which gives staff the chance to help local organisations and
charities in a range of different tasks. Challenges are spread across the towns and fall into four categories – gardening, decorating and DIY, entertainment, days out and offering a helping hand. Challenge 2013 is part of a UK-wide campaign in communities around all Zurich offices. Zurich community in-
volvement programme manager Steve Grimmett said: “Challenge is now in its 24th year, and this is testament to the enthusiasm of employees who organise charitable projects that they wouldn’t normally get involved in outside of work.” More than 2,800 projects have been completed since launch.
Profits up again at The slow recovery tech-leasing firm will come with its own challenges
Reflecting on its continued success: Reality Finance’s Jon Leslie Reality Finance Solutions, companies move away from one of the UK’s leading “in-situ” technology into true independent technology utility computing. leasing companies, has With businesses still nervous increased profits by 15 per about locking up precious cent – its fourth year of cash in new IT the prospect consecutive growth. of lease and rental, funding is Reality’s turnover rose by 26 extremely compelling. per cent to £16m in the year Reality managing director to August 2012, with Jon Leslie: “With the banks education, manufacturing still failing their customers and engineering as the most who require funding, we are dynamic sectors. plugging a much-needed gap The emergence of cloud and are very much open for computing as a mainstream business.” technology has also added Reality’s clients include significantly to the bottom Honda, AutoGlass, Renault, line, especially with growth in adidas, Diageo, RSPCA and the data centre market as Salvation Army.
With signs that the doom and gloom of recent years is slowly lifting, businesses can now turn their attention to the challenges that the recovery will bring, says Rupert Mullins of insolvency firm Benedict Mackenzie. It will be a slow recovery and many businesses will continue to face problems. But now is the time for owners to ensure they have put their business on a sound footing, according to Rupert. “The past few years have been very difficult for many businesses and if they have survived this far then they have done well,” said Rupert, an insolvency practitioner for more than 30 years – 22 of them in Bristol – and head of Benedict Mackenzie’s Bristol office for the past 10 years. “During my career I have seen a number of recessions but this one has been different. For a start, the cost of money has been lower which means many businesses have been able to carry on trading. However, there
have been some fundamental changes in the way businesses operate – many of them brought about by the continued rise of the internet. You have only to look at the changing face of the high street to see the impact of internet shopping.” He said some of the high-profile casualties such as Comet, Woolworths and Blockbuster had occurred because they failed to adapt to a new kind of trading environment. The rise of internet shopping made customer service and product quality more important for traditional retailers. “The continued success of John Lewis shows that quality counts,” he said. However, just as important is the need for owner-managers to make sure they have all the necessary expertise to take advantage of the upturn. “Most small businesses don’t have all the in-house expertise they need. They need to bring in professional advisers to help them set priorities,” said Rupert.
Printer inks green energy contract
Renishaw’s China role recognised
Design and print business BurleighPortishead has become North Somerset’s first sustainable design and print supplier by converting to 100 per cent renewable green electricity. The Portishead-based business is now solely powered by electricity from Chippenham
The success in China of Renishaw, the Gloucestershirebased advanced engineering group, was highlighted at a Chinese New Year celebration at the House of Commons where the guests of honour were Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming and Foreign Office
green energy supplier Good Energy. This adds to its other environmental commitments including using vegetable oil inks, recycled and carbon-balanced papers and recycling all waste. Director Fraser Ebbs said carbon reduction was becoming increasingly important.
minister Hugo Swire. The event was attended by 120 guests from organisations with connections to China and hosted by Gloucester MP Richard Graham as chair of the All Party Parliamentary China Group (APPCG). Renishaw has operated in China since 1993.
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Chamber news
Bid to attract more business travellers to the West Destination Bristol and Bath Tourism Plus have been showcasing the cities’ top hotels, tourist attractions and conference venues at the world’s largest meetings and events trade show. IMEX 2013, staged in Frankfurt, is a
three-day annual exhibition that attracts a range of major global companies. Destination Bristol and Bath Tourism Plus joined the English Tourist Board, VisitEngland, to network with international decision-makers to attract meet-
Electric cars spark interest
Power play: Monahan’s Ian Lloyd with Alan Smith of Renault with the car firm’s Twizy and Zoe electric vehicles The potential for electric cars busted many of the myths to be a realistic alternative to surrounding the cars and traditionally-fuelled vehicles gave attendees the chance to provided food for thought at see Renault’s new electric Monahans Chippenham models Zoe and Twizy. Breakfast Club. Ian Lloyd from Monahans The club, which continues to was delighted with the attract business people from response from those across Wiltshire, as well as attending. “This was one of Bath and Bristol, is now the best presentations to among the West region’s date,” he said. “Electric cars must-attend business events. are clearly not right for Some 95 people attended the everyone but Alan’s talk last meeting staged at the certainly gave people food for Chippenham Sports Club to thought and I’m sure they network and hear Alan Smith will become a more common of Renault UK explain how sight on the roads.” technological advances are Monahans Chippenham making electric cars more business breakfast takes place attractive and how the every two months. Visit infrastructure for them is www.monahans.co.uk for developing all of the time. He details of the June event.
Law firm staff’s Shooting Star role Staff at law firm Stone King, which has offices in Bath and Melksham, have raised more than £6,000 for Shooting Star CHASE, the charity which provides children’s hospice services. Employees took part in a spon-
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sored bike ride from Paris to Geneva, climbed the UK’s three highest mountains, and completed the Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest obstacle course at Battersea Power Station. The charity has hospices in Middlesex and Surrey.
ings, conferences and corporate events to the cities. Their efforts have been boosted by stronger air links between Bristol Airport and major German cities, including Frankfurt, Hamburg and Hanover.
Halsall pioneering new generation of carbon-free homes Bath-based specialist building contractor Halsall Construction has completed two zero-carbon homes that produce more energy than they use for housing association Alliance Homes, the first in North Somerset. The three-bedroom houses in Portishead were commissioned as a practical trial of low and zero-carbon technologies and construction in everyday use by their service teams and residents. The highly energy-efficient homes have been built to level six of the Code for Sustainable Homes – the highest level possible. They have a combination of a well-insulated structure built from sustainable materials, triple glazed windows, photovoltaic panels that produce electricity and solar thermal heaters that produce hot water. The homes were built on a former
garage site which occupied an elevated south-facing position optimising efficiency of the photovoltaic panels. Halsall were selected for the design and build contract through competitive tender and worked closely with Bristol architects Kendall Kingscott Partnership on the detailed design and Rise Structural Engineers, also based in Bristol, on structure and drainage. Halsall’s in-house licensed Code for Sustainable Homes assessor had full involvement with the design and construction teams, ensuring implementation of the ‘zero-carbon’ strategy and that design decisions were made early. The cedar-clad semi-detached homes feature large triple-glazed windows creating well-lit and pleasant living spaces, and efficient internal water fittings that reduce water usage and bills.
Young lawyers gain awards Trainee lawyers from premier regional law firm Foot Anstey have won the Best Awareness Campaign and Most Popular Fundraising Idea categories at this year’s Children’s Hospice South West Business Awards for their impressive fundraising activities throughout 2012. The trainees organised and took part in numerous activities throughout the year across all of the firm’s offices to raise £6,300
for Children’s Hospice South West, the firm’s chosen charity last year. The charity launched its annual Business Awards last year to reward companies supported it in the preceding year. Foot Anstey managing partner at John Westwell said: “As part of their training we encourage our trainee lawyers to take a broad view of the region’s business and local community.”
Chamber news
Race is on to design desert HQ for Bloodhound Customers of Bristol-based Kellaway Building Supplies are being offered a unique opportunity to take part in the 1,000 mph Bloodhound SSC land speed record bid through an exclusive competition to design its field HQ compound. Over the next 12 months, the Bristol-based supersonic car will be built and tested in the UK ahead of its attempt at the land speed record at the Hakskeen Pan in South Africa during 2014. Kellaway, a supporter of the Bloodhound project since
2010, is offering its customers the chance to design the team accommodation in South Africa for the duration of the record-breaking run. Kellaway development and marketing manager Chris Parker said: “We’ve helped them out before with building supplies for their Bristol workshop. So when the team mentioned the accommodation needs in South Africa we felt sure we could tap into our customers’ expertise to come up with some innovative Built for speed: Kellaway staff with the Bloodhound supersonic car designs.”
Continuous improvement delivers new training room Security company Allcooper has transformed a former engineers’ room at its Gloucester head office into a new training facility as part of its continuous improvement programme. The centre will be used for engineer and sales team product training as well as customer demonstrations. The room is fitted with working examples of Allcooper’s existing product range as well as products that will potentially be used in the future. Security products on display include Allcooper bell boxes, control panels, CCTV cameras and PIR (passive infra-red) sensors used for training tasks
Job done: Paul McAvoy, left, with apprentice engineer William Emmens
such as programming, testing and maintenance. Engineers and apprentices gave up their free time to carry out the changes. Installations team leader Paul McAvoy said “The new training
room is something we’ve had in mind for a while but finding the time during working hours was difficult.” Allcooper employs more than 30 installation and service engineers, seven of them apprentices.
Better buildings
Pillars of strength
Bristol-based construction consultancy Hydrock has set up a building performance engineering division with the sole objective of making buildings work better and perform to maximum efficiency. Led by senior building services professionals, the division will operate as part of multi-disciplinary teams alongside structural engineers and architects. These will focus on influencing design thinking to drive light and thermal performance and to maximise natural resources at the earliest concept stage, before any thought is given to adding mechanical and electrical services.
More than £4,400 has been raised for Above & Beyond, the Bristol hospital charity, by two Four Pillars hotels in the West and the group’s head office. The funds will go towards life-saving equipment used by the Intensive Care Retrieval Team at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children to bring babies and children from throughout the region to the hospital in Bristol. The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is the only unit of its kind for children in the South West. The specialist retrieval team is called out out on average once a day.
Brewin Dolphin takes the lead for a supporting role Brewin Dolphin, one of the UK’s largest independently-owned private client wealth managers, has become the first business to sponsor Bristol’s Colston Hall as part of a new opportunity for national and regional businesses to support the concert venue. Colston Hall, as part of the Bristol Music Trust, has launched initiatives for businesses to support the venue. Chief executive Louise Mitchell said: “Sponsors are able to support for a season or genre of performance, host guests at selected sell out shows, enjoy priority booking for their staff or have branding alongside shows. The team will build a bespoke package for each business to suit their objectives.” Built in 1867, Colston Hall is the region’s most significant performance venue with a programme spanning pop, rock, classical music and comedy. Head of Brewin Dolphin’s Bristol office Terry Leach said: “We are proud to be sponsoring Colston Hall – an icon for the region’s creativity and culture, which is playing a major role in promoting music throughout the region. The arts are very important to Brewin Dolphin and we are delighted to be supporting this highly successful organisation.”
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Chamber news
Scene is Set for new creative space Growth for The Set, an innovative workspace aimed at forging links between Bristol’s creators and innovators, has been launched. The hi-tech, design-led office at Bath Road Studios – home to ITV West Country – is run by London property company Cube and will operate as a membership club where like-minded businesses can network and share skills and ideas. Its collaborative base removes the isolation of working from home, while offering facilities, designed by Bristol Big draw: Bristol Mayor George Ferguson, right, with firm Utopia, where users will be able to Jonathan Lawes, of Cube Real Estate at The Set opening bounce ideas off one another.
Future scores hat-trick of top media industry awards Bath-based media group Future has been named Media Company of the Year at the British Media Awards. The victory follows accolades at the Association of Online Publishers and Professional Publishers Association awards for Consumer Digital Publisher of the Year, making Future the only media company to have held all three titles in one year. Future emerged the biggest winner on the night at the British Media Awards, collecting the Media Marketing Team trophy for Mollie Makes and the Print Product of the Year title for Digital Camera. Digital Camera became the market-leading photography magazine in February, breaking a decades-long dominance from established
publisher Bauer. Mollie Makes, launched in May 2011, has quickly established itself as the UK’s number one contemporary craft magazine. Future sold more than 24m magazines last year, and 3m products powered by its in-house appcreation software FutureFolio. CEO Mark Wood said: “It was fantastic to pick up the big award of the night, especially following our wins at the AOP and PPA awards. Coming on top of recognition for Digital Camera and Mollie Makes, this shown that Future continues to be seen in the media world as a pioneer and digital leader. It is wonderful to see this company and, above all, our creative teams, getting the recognition so richly deserved.”
Balreed with Xerox deal Bristol-based Balreed, the leading nationwide provider of print and document technology and managed print services, has been chosen by global leader Xerox as a national supplier and service provider. The Xerox range has now been added to the Balreed portfolio, which already includes HP, Ricoh, Canon, Konica Minolta and Kyocera. As Balreed is an independent supplier, not tied to any manufacturer, it can provide office and print room equipment from leading manufacturers. Located on the Almondsbury business park at the junction of the M4 and M5 motorways, the Balreed team serves organisations of all types and sizes. The firm also has six regional branches across the country. As well as a national team of field engineers providing on-site servicing, Balreed has a dedicated remote care team which monitors all client devices live on a real-time basis, resolving potential faults before they occur, and dispatching engineers before clients call.
Costa Express contract is secured by Howard Tenens West supply chain specialist Howard Tenens has signed a deal with Costa Express to deliver a range of supplies to its 2,500 UK outlets. The Stroud-based firm, which has bases in Swindon and Sharpness, will collect items such as coffee beans, flavoured syrups, cups, lids, stirrers and paper napkins from suppliers and store them at its Andover warehouse. From there pallets of stock are
sent out to one of six Howard Tenens’ platform depots across the UK for delivery by the firm’s vans to Costa Express’s UK outlets. General manager Matt Whitwell said: “Once again our ability to flex to meet a customer’s needs have helped us secure a twoyear contract.” He said the firm’s commitment to run a sustainable fleet helped secure the deal along with its expertise in IT.
Beans means business: Deal with Costa has boosted Howard Tenens
Please send your news stories to press@businesswest.co.uk For advertising, please contact Anita Jaynes on 01793 615393
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Round table: Growth
The future is digital
WestBusinessNews’ inaugural round table debate, held at Bristol’s Watershed, focused on the nature of today’s economy. The mainstream media’s coverage of the macro-economic issues facing the world’s mature economies obscures the many opportunities in UK business right now, with the digital revolution in full swing. We’ve picked out the best insights
Round table participants 1. Mitch Titley, partner, Gresham Private Equity 2. Peter Gradwell, managing director, Gradwell 3. James Potten, managing director, Budget Pack 4. Luke Pargeter, commercial director, Almeda Facilities 5. Matt Hatch, chief executive, Red7 Mobile 6. Bonnie Dean, chief executive, Bristol and Bath Science Park 7. Rob Crews, partner, Momentum Corporate Finance 8. Chris Springett, growth manager, BusinessWest 9. Ned Dorbin, senior investment manager, Business Growth Fund 10. Christian Annesley (chair)
Where are the opportunities in today’s market? Matt Hatch: It depends what market you are in – and ours is in a strong emerging space. At Red7, the companies we deal with are doing well. We are in mobile apps for the enterprise, so the companies that come to us have money to spend and growth plans on the table. A lot of the apps we produce are for productivity and efficiency – but again, companies that are investing like this are usually stronger. I also think the West of England is stronger than the UK as a whole. I know many businesses in other sectors locally and most are performing well. Rob Crews: Our clients are strong. Mainly the growth is being achieved in three areas. First, exports has been a key driver – particular sales in fast-growth economies like Brazil, Russia, India and China. The second area driving growth is smarter marketing: in particular using social media to drive dialogue with customers. Interestingly, this is true in the B2B space as well as in B2C, where brand reputation is so important. The third thing driving growth is acquisition. It’s still a great way for stronger businesses to get into new territories or to
Growth round table participants: Clockwise from top left, Mitch Titley, James Potten, Luke Pargeter, Peter Gradwell Photos by Doug Kirby
expand their product or service mix. Chris Springett: Some sectors are strong. Those in advanced engineering, aerospace and established and renewable energy markets are doing well. Many digital businesses with disruptive market models are also doing well. And those serving the top end of the market are still strong in most cases.
It’s in the more mainstream mid-market in many sectors where conditions are really challenging. Bonnie Dean: Yes, I think that’s right. Engineering businesses in high-value niches are doing very well. They have skillsets and know-how they have built up over decades, and they are focused on delivering for their customers.
KEY POINTS The communications revolution has changed the economy and created opportunities in recent years, despite the difficult macroeconomic picture. ● The economy in the West of England remains strong for many ● Availability of finance remains an issue but for strong businesses there is money available
● Companies have been forced to be more accountable, efficient and customer-focused today in a competitive and fastmoving economic environment ● Low interest rates have kept some weaker companies afloat, which has mitigated some of the transformative impact of the recession: good for some but bad for the UK’s long-term economic transformation
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Round table: Growth
Round table . . . The future is digital Peter Gradwell: One change I’ve noticed, as a service provider in today’s market, is that customers won’t tolerate sloppiness or failure. Also, anything with a set-up fee doesn’t work any more. Customers want to pay for services monthly in a simple way. At Gradwell we have invested in our infrastructure to deliver on these terms and others are doing the same. Mitch Titley: Yes, it’s not just down to which market sectors are doing well or struggling. Across the board one differentiator today is the need for companies to have flexible business models. In retail, for example, some have struggled but others are doing incredibly well because they have adapted to a changing world. Luke Pargeter: At Almeda we maintain property and make it run more efficiently. The dynamic here is that fewer new commercial properties are being built, so the need to manage the existing stock has grown. It means we operate in a healthy market with lots of opportunity. Technology is also having an impact. Technologies that can help manage properties remotely are now available, which is making property management far more efficient and reducing staffing needs. Are businesses more customer-focused than ever? Matt Hatch: Yes, and it’s driven by the need to survive. You really have to be careful about who you target and why. If you choose the wrong targets, it can be very costly. Companies are more accountable than ever before and must work hard to keep customers. Bonnie Dean: Companies need a clear value
Pictured, from the top: Matt Hatch, Ned Dorbin, Chris Springett, Rob Crews, Bonnie Dean
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proposition that is easily understood. It’s a competitive world. Luke Pargeter: As the world changes, often it’s about customer education. It’s not a hard sell but consultative. Peter Gradwell: Yes, companies don’t want to be sold to – they want experts to help them become better. Rob Crews: Before 2008, a lot of growth came easily because of easy access to capital. Now growth often has to come from efficiency, in lots of contexts. That’s driving accountability in the world of business. Chris Springett: Resource efficiency is also a big driver. Growing energy costs are also changing the world, making businesses very focused in the way they operate. Ned Dorbin: Good niches in consumer-facing business are doing well. But a good, welltargeted proposition is crucial. James Potten: Here’s a counter view to some that we’ve heard. In the business-to-business space I still think there is less efficiency and sometimes less customer focus than you might expect to see. At Budget Pack we work with companies on their efficiency and recycling obligations – and we can deliver big improvements. I feel like it is in the B2C space where things are particularly challenging right now. But the government is quite pro-business and has created a regulatory and tax environment that’s supportive. For many businesses, with low interest rates in the mix, there isn’t necessarily all that much pressure to change.
Round table: Growth
The future is digital . . . Does the environment and business culture in the UK support entrepreneurialism? Ned Dorbin: I think it does. Many companies benefit from bringing experienced non-execs on board, and there’s a good ecosystem out there for growing companies to tap. Matt Hatch: It’s a good culture but a lot of the risk-taking is coming from more established business leaders who have a financial cushion behind them – and the experience – to be prepared to go for it. It doesn’t quite fit the idea of young-gun entrepreneurs shaking things up but it doesn’t matter where good ideas come from. And money is a factor. It’s very easy to set up a business in the UK and there are some great incubators out there, like SETsquared, though it is purely a hi-tech incubator. Other sectors would benefit from similar resource. Bonnie Dean: In the US many would-be entrepreneurs often choose to work in a big company for a few years first in order to learn the ropes. It’s a good training ground but I’m not sure it’s quite part of the UK culture. How do smaller businesses manage cashflow effectively when late payment is commonplace? Rob Crews: Companies have to work as partners with other businesses wherever possible. It’s not always easy but it’s
something to work at. A strong relationship with partner businesses is good for everyone – and you should get paid quicker.
It’s a Wonderful Life A film by Frank Capra
Luke Pargeter: At Almeda we work hard at all our relationships, whether with the managing agents that play such a big role in property or direct with the companies we support. It’s easier to build that partnership direct with the companies. Ned Dorbin: The other angle is to partner with funders who can take that problem away, so the board can focus on running a better business. Have low interest rates made the UK economy more stagnant than it would be if more companies had been left to go to the wall? Mitch Titley: They have created a sluggish environment where many businesses have not made decisions because they haven’t had to. Rob Crews: There has been no big shake-out in the economy and that is bad for UK plc. But strong businesses are still buying up others. Our client Integral has done that and reaped the benefits. That is healthy. Chris Springett: Efficiency is what grows economies, and low interest rates haven’t helped in that respect. As Warren Buffett said of recessions: when the tide goes out you can see who has been skinny-dipping.
Scan the QR code on the left to watch the full round table debate. Future WestBusinessNews round tables will look at manufacturing, the future of Bath and the retail sector.
W Wonderful! onderful! W Wonderful! onderfu erfu ul! W Wonderful! onderful! How cou ld l iitt be an ything else? How could anything Watershed Watershed presents presents a unique o offer ffer for businesses this Christmas – entertain your staff staff or clients with lunch followed Wonderful by THE classic seasonal film It’s a W onderful Life.
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Innovation Awards
Join us in showcasing the West’s innovators
W
estBusinessNews is to stage the first awards dedicated solely to showcasing and rewarding innovation in the region. The West of England is recognised as a hotbed of innovation and creativity and these awards will champion the businesses and individuals earning it this enviable reputation. The awards will held in Bath, Bristol and Swindon later this year and Gloucestershire early next year and will be delivered with WestBusinessNews’ sister titles Bristol Business News, Swindon Business News and Bath Business News. The award categories reflect the region’s key growth sectors and range from advanced manufacturing to micro-electronics and
sustainability. There will also be awards for Innovation of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Young Innovator. The awards are attracting topname sponsors – among the blue-chip businesses and organisations already committed to backing the awards are:
Innovation in Creative Industries Award sponsor
Innovation of the Year Award sponsor
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Young student lands top award: Training Page 29
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Sport’s doorstep challenge StreetGames, the sports charity aiming to secure an Olympic legacy for the UK’s young people, is establishing a South West Business Advisory Board. Chaired by Business West executive chairman John Savage, it will establish business relationships and advise on creating a sustainable legacy strategy for the its Sport England-funded Doorstep Sport Clubs (DSCs). Bristol is playing a key role as one of eight cities with DSCs, testing ways to create these new clubs which will help
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Business travel
Airport lounge takes off in style Passenger facilities at Bristol Airport have been further expanded with the opening of its £600,000 Aspire Lounge. It replaces the old executive lounge, increasing the space by 50 per cent and introducing improvements for passengers wanting to relax in style before boarding a flight. Aimed at business and leisure travellers, the lounge will be operated by long-standing business partner Servisair,
24:00 Hamburg hours in
which runs more than 20 other airport lounges across the UK and Europe. The lounge has kitchen facilities which enable hot food to be provided for the first time, alongside snacks and premium-brand drinks. A series of zones offer passengers the choice of doing some last minute work before boarding or relaxing ahead of a holiday flight. Families will also be welcome. Pre-flight relaxation: The new Aspire Lounge at Bristol Airport
Business links between the West and the German city of Hamburg are taking off following the launch of direct flights from Bristol Airport. So what can the business traveller do between meetings or to fill a few hours before flying home? WestBusinessNews Travel Editor ANNE GORRINGE went to find out . . .
Going up: Hamburg’s landmark concert hall
CITY FACTS: Situated on the River Elbe, Hamburg is 110km from the North Sea yet is Europe’s second-busiest port. Population: 1.8m. Main industries: Aerospace, media, engineering. Imperial Tobacco and Airbus have bases. GETTING THERE: bmi regional flies twice daily from Bristol with tickets from £49.99 each way. www.bmiregional.com GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT: The ‘S-Bahn’ metro runs every 10 minutes, takes 25 minutes to the Central Station and costs €2.95 (£2.50) one way. WHERE TO STAY: On Lake Alster shoreline, Hotel Atlantic is one of the city’s finest hotels www.kempinski.com/en/hamburg/hotel-atlantic/welcome/. Best Western St Raphael is a good, affordable business hotel five minutes’ walk from Central Station with free
West Travel shorts
Aer Lingus Regional has moved all its services, including with Bristol, to Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2
24-hour internet, an extensive breakfast and fabulous Illy coffee in the bar. www.bestwestern.de/hotels/Hamburg/BEST-WESTERN-PLUS-Hotel-St-Raphael SHOPPING: Spitalerstrasse, between the Central Station and the impressive town hall, is a pedestrianised street that has everything from H&M to haute couture while hi-tech fans will love the massive electronics shop on nearby Moenckebergstrasse. CULTURE: The Bucerius Kunst Forum gallery next to the town hall is perfect for that spare half an hour. www.buceriuskunstforum.de LUNCH BREAK: A great bowl of pasta with chilli sauce is around €9 in the Schones Leben, a lovely lunch spot near Hamburg’s number one tourist attraction, the miniature wonderland in the HafenCity area. POST-MEETING DRINK: Next to the city centre, Café Paris is business orientated during the day, relaxed in the evening www.cafeparis.net. For somewhere more trendy and upmarket, try Ciu´ www.ciudiebar.de while Le Lion is a very stylish cocktail bar www.lelion.net TOURIST ATTRACTION: Miniature Wonderland in HafenCity www.miniatur-wunderland.com. For anyone who loves model making connections easier for passengers. Destination Bristol is to promote the city at IMEX
Showpiece: Hamburg’s impressive town hall
railways, it’s the biggest in the world! DON’T MISS: For great value food with a fantastic view, have a coffee and cake or a Thai meal (€8.95) at the cafe/restaurant on the top floor of the Alsterhaus department store round the corner from the town hall. A glass of sparkling wine costs just €3.50. DON’T BOTHER WITH: The Reeperbahn, the famous red light district, if you are there during the week (unless you are a massive Beatles fan). It is just one of the streets in the St Pauli district which has seen something of a boom in cafes and theatres in recent years. However, at the weekend it is buzzing. TOP TIP: A daily tube ticket, the Hamburg Card+ is less than €9 for unlimited travel. Otherwise, just relax, enjoy the cafe culture and try a cake - they’re incredible. NEED MORE INFO?: For hotel bookings and more tourist information in English: www.hamburg-tourism.de NEXT TIME: 24:00 hrs in New York. WestBusinessNews Editor Robert Buckland looks at what the Big Apple has to offer business travellers.
2013 in Frankfurt, the world’s largest meetings and events trade show. The Manor House Hotel,
Castle Combe, has been judged one of the UK’s top afternoon tea venues for its quality, range and service.
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Commercial property
West property briefs Total Produce, Europe’s premier fresh produce provider, is relocating its Gloucestershire wholesale depot to a 5,231 sq ft unit at Mill Place in Gloucester in a deal negotiated by property consultants Alder King. The Irish business acquired food supplier Halls of Gloucester in 2011 and is now returning its Gloucestershire operation to Mill Place - home of Halls for many years before it relocated to Ashville Industrial Estate. The Bristol office of independent commercial property consultancy Hartnell Taylor Cook has advised on the £1.1m investment sale of 170 Aztec West, a freehold detached office occupied by Inty on a 15-year lease, to a private buyer. DTZ has completed the sale of Building 730, Aztec West, to AEW UK. The 40,118 sq ft building is let to Northgate Information Solutions until February 2016. Bristol property developer Urbis has sold the Robinson Building in Bedminster, one of the city’s industrial landmarks, to social housing group Sovereign in a £6m deal. The former paper bag factory and printing works, built in 1870, and an adjacent former church have been converted into dozens of apartments. A 9.7-acre former NHS site in Wroughton, near Swindon, has been bought by Swindon-based Ridgevale Developments for an undisclosed sum. Ridgevale will now apply for planning permission for a high-quality, low-density residential development. Wiltshire NHS Primary Care Trust has signed a 10-year lease to take 5,125 sq ft of office space in Bewley House, Chippenham, in a deal that means the former North Wiltshire District Council headquarters, now owned by HPH Commercial Property, is fully occupied again. More than 50 administrative staff will relocate there.
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Manor reborn as exclusive events venue Manor by the Lake, a Grade II listed manor house at Arle Court in Cheltenham, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum and will be re-launched as a luxury special events venue. New owners Tammy Madge and Michael Chittenden plan to restore the property and re-launch it as an exclusive wedding and conference
Comeback: Cheltenham’s Arle Court has new owners venue later this year. The sale was negotiated by property consultants Alder
King on behalf of receivers acting for Cheltenham Studios.
Developers zone in on Bristol’s enterprise site Bristol is emerging as a key centre for property investment and development, according to a major piece of research. Investors are being drawn to the city thanks to devolution of power from London through the City Deal and a number of large infrastructure projects such as with the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, the latest Real Estate report by accountants Deloitte shows. Its UK Key Cities report reveals that regional offices are emerging as a focus for savvy investors seeking higher returns. Bristol is among a
new wave of cities recognising the need to stand apart from competing locations and bridge the gap between themselves and London. The report comes as a spate of investment projects across the city and the wider region point to a tentative recovery in the property sector. Earlier this year the region’s largest property agent, Jones Lang Lasalle, forecast Bristol would enjoy one of the highest growth rates outside London. Deloitte’s regional head of real estate Martyn Gregory said: “We expect to see increasing
activity in Bristol over the coming months. “There are strong signals there will be further investor interest in the city, with the enterprise zone at its heart. “It is encouraging to see the momentum that Bristol is taking in terms of the infrastructure and governance.” This would provide a level of confidence to investors in the performance of local real estate markets. “Much of Bristol’s new economic strategies come from the City Deal scheme”, he said.
A room with a pew? It could be a heavensent chance for a unique conversion project. A disused late Georgian Gothic church with origins stretching back to the 13th century has come onto the market. The former St Paul’s Church in Staverton near Trowbridge has approximately 1,422 sq ft of internal space
plus a porch. The arched barrel vaulted nave is approximately 5.8m high. Other features include a stained glass east window. The church, closed in 2011 due to declining congregations, has commanding views. It is also listed as being of Special Architectural and Historic Interest.
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Training
Young student gains top award in life-changing competition A Bristol school student who arrived in the city six years ago barely able to speak English has won a life-changing £18,000 scholarship in the RSG Bristol Young Student of the Year Awards. Martin Marafko from Marlwood School won the two top awards in the pioneering scheme – the scholarship with BPP University College in Bristol, and the Best Young Student Award, sponsored by Bristol recruitment firm RSG. Martin, who is originally from Hungary, will use the scholarship to study business. The six-month
competition, which aims to bridge the gap between employers and young people in Bristol, was open to 16-19 year olds and was free to enter for all state schools, colleges and academies. Participants had to create and present ideas for an innovative portal giving students access to real apprenticeships, work experience and job opportunities. Sponsors included Nevard Roland, Airbus, Saffery Champness, Brunel & Gordano Training and StudyFlex. Business West also supported the contest.
Scholarship winner: Martin Marafko, centre, flanked on the left by fellow members of Team Inspire from Marlwood School and contest founder Elaine Brown, and on the right by RSG CEO Mike Beesely and the Patchway Power 4 team from Patchway Community College
Why you must work on your business and not just in it By Chris Kenber Working in business performance coaching, unsurprisingly I meet many professionals who’re visibly tired at the end of their working day. Yet when asked what they’ve spent it doing, reveal that they’ve spent much of the time in meetings or on routine tasks. They’re certainly working hard, but none of it is going to make a difference to the business in the long term. This is where effective
coaching from a professional business coach can make a big difference. Many of us are good at things like answering email and posting on social media, but not at focusing on important tasks (such as developing a customer contact programme or our marketing), particularly when there aren’t any deadlines. Put simply, activity is not the same as progress. The solution lies in
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learning to think strategically rather than tactically; taking an objective look at the state of your business and preparing for whatever the future holds. More importantly, a business coach will hold you accountable and ensure you do not allow yourself to start procrastinating and preoccupying yourself with trivial tasks that anybody could handle, by agreeing on clear,
meaningful goals that you need to complete between sessions. Professional business coach Chris Kenber will write a series of articles in future issues of WestBusinessNews. Email: coaching@chriskenber.com
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People
Changing faces and places Bristol-based Edge Tax Consultancy has recruited Lyndsey Chivers as marketing manager to help further increase the growth of the firm. Lyndsey joins Edge with more than 15 years’ professional marketing experience having previously worked for accountants Solomon Hare (now Smith & Williamson), Grant Thornton and BDO. She will be responsible for driving the firm’s marketing, social media and business development strategy. The Royal West of England Academy
(RWA) in Bristol has appointed Alison Bevan as a director. Alison brings significant experience with more than 15 years managing art establishments, most recently as director of the Penlee House Gallery in Penzance. She takes up position on August 1 and will oversee the remainder of the Academy’s exciting 2013 programme as she works with the team to develop the 2014/15 programme. National law firm Clarke Willmott has strengthened its property litigation team, adding a new partner, Simon Freeman, who will work from the firm’s Bristol office. The appointment is further evidence of Clarke Willmott’s commitment to growing its leading property litigation practice. Simon joins as a partner from Wedlake Bell, where he was a partner and leader of the firm’s property group. He has nearly 20 years’ experience as a property litigator and has covered all aspects of real estate dispute resolution, including real estate-related insolvency along with professional negligence claims. Alison Bevan: New director at the RWA Healthcare charity Nuffield Health has appointed Sheryl Grist to its Bristol hospital as the new head of sales and development. Sheryl joins following nine years at the helm of Nuffield Health’s
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Fitness & Wellbeing Centre on Clifton Triangle and brings with her 15 years’ experience working for the charity. She will be responsible for building relationships with leading consultants and GPs in Bristol. She will also be in charge of marketing and PR for Nuffield Health’s state-of-the-art Chesterfield Hospital which opens later this year. Allcooper have boosted its surveying department with the appointment of Peter Brimmell, who has taken on the role of Sales Service Surveyor at the Gloucester based fire and security specialists. The position means Peter will be responsible for developing the firm’s relationships with existing commercial customers, while providing support and advice on a variety of fire and security services including fire risk assessments, maintenance, fire safety and extinguishers. Bath-based Zenith International, the world leading specialist food and drinks industry consultancy, has promoted Esther Renfrew, market intelligence director since 2010, and financial controller Kathryn Foster, to become directors. Esther manages a team of 20 market analysts as well as an international network of associates covering more than 70 countries. Prior to joining Zenith in 2003, she worked in France, Germany and at the University of Bath.
Top: Lyndsey Chivers has joined Edge Tax Consultancy. Centre: Sheryl Grist, of Nuffield Health Bottom: Allcooper’s Peter Brimmell
South West PA of the Year Awards Following the success of the inaugural South West PA of the Year Awards last year, WestBusinessNews and its sister titles have again teamed up with prestigious Ston Easton Park Hotel, near Bath, to stage the South West PA of the Year Awards 2013. PAs are often the unsung heroes of an organisation. A steadying influence during challenging times, they are professional, reliable and pivotal to an organisation’s success. Yet they often go unrecognised – until now. The PA of the Year Awards will take place on July 4 when the winners will receive their accolades following a
champagne tea on the hotel’s beautiful terrace. The awards are open to PA’s from clubs, associations and the public, private and third sectors. ● South West PA of the Year *Open to PAs employed for a minimum of 1 year as of June 2013. ● South West Newcomer of the Year *Open to those who have been employed in a PA role for less than two years as of June 2013. ● Best Event Organised by a PA *Entries valid for events organised between January 2012 – June 2013 For full details of the awards and how to enter go to www.paawards.yantradigital.com/
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THANKS A BUNCH! An ambitious entrepreneur’s career has blossomed, with help from ‘Ready for Business’, a start-up service provided by Business West. Bunch, a florists, bloomed into life in February of this year, the creation of owner Georgina Lake. Georgina said: “It’s been my dream from when I was young to run my own business and after 6 years of working for several other florists, combined with the guidance I received from Ready for Business, I finally had the experience and advice to start my own business and work for myself.” Bunch sells exotic, tropical flowers and local handmade gifts, underpinned with a quintessential vintage style. Despite the gap in the market for a venture like Bunch and Georgina’s credentials: “I achieved a National Certificate in Floristry”, starting a business from scratch was a tall mountain to climb. Georgina stated: “The idea of working for myself was very daunting”. In need of guidance and a support network to help the transition from initial idea to trading, Georgina contacted Ready for Business, a unique business start up programme that helps potential entrepreneurs improve their chances of success. The Ready for Business programme is also designed to improve the chances of securing external funding, by guiding entrepreneurs through five clear development stages, ensuring that a start-up plan is clear and robust and also ticks the lending criteria boxes used by high street
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banks and other lenders in making investment decisions. Through this process, Ready for Business helped Georgina to obtain a start-up loan from South West Investment Group. Speaking of her experience, Georgina said: “The Ready for Business programme has been extremely helpful and made me much more aware of what to expect when starting my own business. The advice I was given has proved to be invaluable and really opened my eyes to the challenges that I face. I would recommend the Ready for Business programme to anybody who is looking to start their own business.” There’s a lot to think about when starting your own business, especially in times of rapid market change and the uncertainty it brings. Georgina advised: “Utilise the benefits you receive from joining the Ready for Business programme such as the free calls to solicitors and accountants, as well as making use of a mentor when you begin trading.” The programme also includes a one year free membership to Bristol Chamber of Commerce, which is able to advise on other business support services from Business West. Georgina continued: “Tips for anybody starting a business would be to get as much support as possible before, during and after you start.”
If you’re thinking of starting a business, the Ready for Business programme will help you develop your idea, create a clear business plan and provide expert 1support up to and beyond the launch of your business.
For more information call: 01275 376 233 readyforbusiness@businesswest.co.uk www.businesswest.co.uk/readyforbusiness
Scan the QR code, right, for WestBusinessNews’ exclusive interview with Ready For Business Project Manager Tara Gillam