Inspire business magazine #8

DIRECT MAIL Time for a summer campaign Page 13

SUMMER SECURITY Timely anti-crime advice from Jon Spellen Page 15

VALUATION 1 The John Wright column Page 16

ISSUE EIGHT • SUMMER 2015

IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO INSPIRE YOUR BUSINESS

MAIN FEATURE

Pete Winkelman MK Dons chief is lauded by business community. Pages 18-19

Raising a glass

Big finals on the cards for the Inspire-backed food and drink awards. Page 12

Social responsibility

Housing association gets charitable in its own community. Page 8

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Issue One

welcome

Publisher: Community Communications, 12 Alexandra Avenue, Luton Beds, LU3 1HG

Editor: David Tooley inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk

Advertising:

welcome THERE CAN BE FEW PEOPLE IN BUSINESS WHO HAVE HAD SUCH A HUGE IMPACT ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY THAN PETE WINKELMAN.

Mostaque Koyes mostaque@communitycommunications.co.uk Kyle Ellis kyle@communitycommunications.co.uk

Design: Heather Ellis heather@communitycommunications.co.uk

Printed by: Bartham Group www.barthamgroup.com

Disclaimer Any views expressed in Inspire Business Magazine are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the publisher.

No part of the magazine should be copied or distributed without the prior consent of the publisher and remains the property of the publisher.

For copies of the magazine for your reception or to receive a top-up supply, email inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @INSPIREBIZMAG

4

Almost a force of nature, Winkelman has been the figurehead of a successful campaign to take Championship football to Milton Keynes.

More than that, he has helped create hundreds of jobs on a new retail park close to stadium:mk by piecing together deals that have seen multi-million pound investments into the new city.

Winkelman himself pins his inspiration 30 years ago to watching his young son play football and wondering why Milton Keynes did not have its own league club.

If anyone is proof that you can bring dreams to life, it is Pete Winkelman. The business community in MK agrees, giving him a lifetime achievement award, which you can read all about in this week’s centre page feature.

IF YOU HAVE AN INSPIRING STORY TO TELL, GET IN TOUCH WITH INSPIRE. EMAIL INSPIRE@COMMUNITYCOMMUNICATIONS.CO.UK Here, at Inspire we appreciate all the people who make it possible. Bartham printers, publisher Mostaque Koyes, designer Heather Ellis, our fabulous readers and growing band of advertisers, the receptionists who take copies in business centres and hotels and our distributors.

All vital cogs who make it possible for Inspire’s wheel to turn.

In this issue LETS Hub in Luton (p4)

6

3

Hire smart or manage tough (p6) HGV speed limits (p9)

Thank you for reading the magazine and being a part of #TeamInspire.

Follow us on Twitter @inspirebizmag or email me inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk Thousands of people around the world are also looking at all the editions of the magazine online at issuu.com/inspirebizmag

we are listening

Food and drink awards (p12) 30

News round-up (p17, 34 and 35) Women in business (p30)

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We want to hear from you: perhaps your expertise would be of help to others, or our advertising opportunities are perfect for you or you simply want to give us some feedback.

inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk We’re listening.

Issue Eight

4

employment

The LETS Hub A holistic approach to unemployment KYLE ELLIS LOOKS AT AN EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE IN LUTON THAT AIMS TO HELP JOB-HUNTERS STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD 85. That’s the average number of applications per graduate vacancies in the UK. In 2013, more than 1,700 people applied for 8 positions at a Costa coffee in Nottingham.

,%43 /XWRQ (PSOR\DELOLW\ 7UDLQLQJ 6NLOOV +XE

TRANSFORMING LIVES IN LUTON

The LETS Fair

Need support searching for a job?

Need help creating your CV? Looking for training opportunities?

Don’t know where to start?

Contact us at the Luton Employability Training Skills Hub Tel: 01582 343 454

What we offer... z Signposting to local jobs, volunteering, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities z Access to specialist IAG advisers and national careers services z Access to mentors, self employment coaching, personal mentoring and in-work placement support

Suite 2E(i) Britannia House Te l : 0 1 5 8 2 3 4 3 4 5 4

z

z Access to fully functional IT suite – computers with internet access and printers to provide a range of online support to job seekers. z Access to CV/interview skills workshops, recruitment workshops, apprenticeships workshops, ‘Back to work’ inspirational talks, and enterprise/business start-up workshops.

Leagrave Road

z

Luton

z

LU3 1RJ

info@letsfair.co.uk www.letsfair.co.uk

Summer 2015

With the application/vacancy ratio so lopsided, job-hunters have to stand out from the crowd. Based in Britannia House in Luton, a new initiative aims to provide job-hunters with the support, training and development opportunities needed to stand out in a saturated market: The labour market.

Iron ore is plentiful but it’s the ingots employers want; and just like ore, people have diverse and complex needs when it comes to employment.

The LETS Hub - standing for Luton Employability Training Skills Hub - offers everything from a full IT suite with internet access and printing facilities to unlimited phone access, employment advisers and specialise mentors. Hand in hand with this is regular workshops, mock interviews and “progression into work” courses.

Recent LETS Hub learner, Reece Miller, described his time with the Hub as filling him with confidence, and advises any job-hunters to look into the Hub. LETS Hub’s vision is an open partnership with local and public sector organisations and businesses, to meet shared objectives of increasing employment, raising skill levels and promoting educational and development opportunities.

The objective is simple: Fitting people into employment.

As we already know, the labour market is saturated. After some time with the LETS Hub, a job-hunter is armed with an array of tools to take on the world of employment. But so much is out there, it can still be difficult to find the right space to fit into. This is where the LETS Fair enters the fray.

Hundreds of potential employers, gathered in one place, eager to advise and answer the questions of well-trained job-hunters ready to transition into employment. A talent rich environment for recruiting businesses and vacancy rich environment for job-hunters, the LETS fair is a catalytic and reactive event in hundreds of lives.

The next LETS Fair is pegged for September, with a date soon to follow.

The organisers look forwards to seeing you there!

The LETS Hub could be thought of as something only for the job-seekers.

But for businesses seeking new talent, it is more useful now than ever before. The LETS Hub is thriving, with more job-hunters than ever before filled to the brim with knowledge and skills, and the confidence to apply all they have learned in a new role. By going to the LETS Hub, employers can guarantee themselves the “Ready-For-Work” employees that they need, primed and ready for specialisation in their fields.

If you’re an employer who would like to work with the Hub, either by offering expertise or vacancies, or you’re a job-hunter yourself, get in touch! The LETS Hub is in Suite 2E(i) in Britannia House, on Leagrave Road in Luton, LU3 1RJ. You can reach the Hub via the office number: 01582 34 34 54, or via mobile on: 07795 117 593.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

skills

5

Business Bootcamps to

help new companies grow

© javiindy /Fotolia

A SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG FIRMS IN BEDFORDSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND MILTON KEYNES IS HOLDING TWO-DAY EVENTS SEMLEP’s Velocity business support programme is funding and organising three two day Business Bootcamps for owners of businesses which have been trading for less than 18 months.

These ‘Bootcamps’, designed to help fledging companies equip themselves with the skills, tools and confidence to grow, are taking place in May, June and July at the Milton Keynes College Bletchley Campus

and are open to new businesses based in the South East Midlands.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Owners of new businesses who have been trading for less than 18 months and feel their company should really be performing better than it is.

You will learn how to: • Plan, finance and sustain your business

• Enhance your personal effectiveness • Sell yourself effectively to funders, customers and staff

• Make the most of digital marketing and social media

• Become a perfect employer VENUE AND DATES: To participate in this free programme, you will need to attend a two-day workshop, each running from 9am to 5pm, at the Bletchley Campus of Milton Keynes College on one of the following dates:

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

• 26th–27th May 2015 • 29th -30th June 2015 • 13th -14th July 2015 You will receive ongoing support from a Velocity business adviser to put into practice what you learn in the workshops and will be expected to do at least 30 hours of self-study over the course of two to four weeks.

TO ATTEND YOU MUST: • Have fewer than 250 staff • Be based in one of the following local authority areas: Aylesbury Vale, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Cherwell, Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Luton, Milton Keynes, Northampton or South Northamptonshire

• Have been trading (i.e. have sales under its belt) and for fewer than 18 months

• Be aged 19 or over.

To find out more call 0300 01234 35 or email enquiries@VelocityBusinessSupport.com

Issue Eight

6

hr

Hire smart or

manage tough CHRIS DAVIES MD OF SANDLER TRAINING® FOR THIS REGION LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCCESSFUL HIRING AND LAYS OUT SOME STRATEGIES TO GET IT RIGHT According to The Economist, unsuccessful hiring is “the single biggest problem in business today.” The Harvard Business Review corroborates that, stating that up to 80% of employee turnover is due to bad hiring decisions.

Have you ever made a decision to hire someone whom you later determined was not the right fit for your organisation or for that role?

If so, relax… we’ve all been there. As with any learning experience, the key is to ensure you don’t make the same mistake over and over again.

Think about it, who delivers the most polished, slickest interview? Is it a candidate that does a lot of interviews? A true winner may only do three or four in their lives.

Perhaps you have the perfect CV and accompanying letter, where did they get the time? Would a nailed on 100% winner in their existing role, have the disposable time to research every detail about you on the internet prior to meeting? Its unlikely.

Summer 2015

The University of Michigan researched how well our traditional CV & Interview process increases our chances of a successful hire. Guess what? It’s only delivering a 14% likelihood of success. Put that into perspective, the odds of winning a hand at Blackjack in Vegas are better at around 40%.

A marginal improvement over tossing a coin!

If you have several people to see, it delivers a paltry 2% chance of selecting the BEST candidate from the mix.

Those are staggering numbers, to say the least. So how can you prevent such a painful expense from occurring within your company? Here are a few words of advice in order to hire winners: • Hiring is too important to leave to chance.

Use assessments.

• Know exactly what you want AND what they will add to your existing team.

Forgetting how they fit in could be devastating.

• Recognise top people may use different variables. Talking about ideas thoughts and opinions as they may not have had the time to do research.

• Nervous or clumsy in an interview could be because they just don’t do any.

• Winners drop out if you are unprofessional, time is important and they look to move from top job to top job • Best people rarely have the exact mix of skills you need but will have other traits which they can’t show on a CV. You will need to look for them.

• Hiring is NOT selling. Ask good questions to get them to discover they want to join your company.

• Take emotions out of the process. We like people who are most like ourselves. So get a variety of people ‘types’ into the process • Slow down! If we hire after two interviews at say 75mins each, that’s less time than we spend booking a family holiday!

There are already so many expenses involved in making a hire. Be sure to exhaust all of your resources before making a final decision because you will find that most of your initial hiring costs are a fraction of what you will pay later if you hire the wrong person. Then of course you have to manage them!

Excerpts and examples are taken from “Hiring Winners” part of the Sandler Training, Management & Leadership portfolio and assessment tools.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

7

FREE Business Support for ambitious businesses in the South East Midlands Giving you the skills to help grow your business

Call us on

0300 01234 35 Or visit www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com

@VelocityGrowth #WhatYouKnow facebook.com/VelocityBusinessSupport linkedin.com/company/velocity-business-support

Funding

Business Advisers

Website

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Helpdesk

Networking Issue Eight

Events

8

charity

Giving something back CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IS IMPORTANT FOR A CHARITABLE ENTITY, TOO... INSPIRE FINDS OUT WHY

As a charitable entity Mary Seacole Housing Association (MSHA) relies heavily on the support of local businesses to keep running its front line services for young people.

MSHA also realises that it has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the Community of Luton and as such on May 2 MSHA held a Community Fun Day in Brantwood Road Park, Luton across the road from its Luton head office to “give something back to the community.”

Elaine Cruise. MSHA’s Training & Events Manager explained why they felt the need to do this.

“MSHA held a conference in 2013 which highlighted the importance of CSR and how invaluable it is to voluntary and charitable organisation like MSHA”.

“At that point the management team at MSHA decided that whilst it is fundamental to the service for MSHA to receive; we must also “give something back”. This then lead to the idea of MSHA hosting a ‘Community Fun Day’ for the people of Luton.”

Summer 2015

The Fun Day was organised to offer free activities for children, with the aim of providing families a fun day with minimal cost.

“The Dallow Ward which is the area that houses our head office building is an economically deprived area so we thought a Community Fun Day would help to bring the community together”.

“The Community Fun Day is for all the family and there’ll be so much to see and enjoy. MSHA we want to encourage lots of people to bring their children and enjoy the free activities, as well as the scrumptious food and ice cream that will be on sale.

“MSHA intends to provide lots of free activities, which will include bouncy castles, inflatables, face painting and much more to ensure a fun filled day for all the family.

MSHA say they may not be able to guarantee the weather but we can guarantee a great afternoon out.”

The fun day is supported not only by MSHA but other organisations including Tesco, Diverse FM, Pictons, A-Plan and Luton Borough Council’s Your Say, Your Way. MSHA partners with two European organisations, Infinite Opportunities Association of Sofia, Bulgaria and CREES of Buzau Romania.

Three visitors from Bulgaria will be attending the Community Fun Day providing children with an opportunity to learn how to make toys out of recycled materials such as plastic and cardboard.

MSHA, which is registered as a Friendly Society, provides supported accommodation in six premises for young single homeless people aged between 16 and 35 MSHA organise a charity fund-raising ball annually, and this year it will be held on 14th November 2015.

The charity ball last year helped to highlighted the personal stories of two clients who spoke about their experience of MSHA, some of the reasons why they became homeless, how this made them feel and some of the choices that they made as a result of their dilemma.

MSHA was founded in 1986 by Cllr Desline Stewart MBE, in reaction to the increasing number of homeless young people in Luton.

Her work was influenced by the caring nature of a nurse called Mary Seacole; who cared for the needs of dying solders during the Crimean War. To enquire about tickets for the annual ball; email Training & Events Manager – Elaine Cruise email ecruise.maryseacole@ btconnect.com for further details.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

insurance

9

Up to speed HGV SPEED LIMITS HAVE BEEN RAISED IN ENGLAND AND WALES. MARTIN BLOWER OF A-PLAN INSURANCE TAKES A LOOK AT THE DEBATE On 6 April 2015, the government increased the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in England and Wales.

The decision to increase the speed limit for HGVs was made in an effort to modernise the outdated, nearly 50-year-old previous regulation to better reflect the capabilities and responsibilities of the vehicles.

The new speed limits are as follows: • For HGVs weighing more than 7.5 tonnes and travelling on a single carriageway, the speed limit will increase from 40 to 50 mph, removing the 20 mph difference between HGV and car speed limits • For HGVs weighing more than 7.5 tonnes and travelling on a dual carriageway, the speed limit will increase from 50 to 60 mph • Speed limits in Scotland remain unaffected • European speed limit requirements remain unchanged at 56 mph

By bringing vehicle speed limits closer together, the government hopes people will be less tempted to overtake HGVs when they should not.

HOW WILL THE CHANGE BENEFIT BUSINESSES? Road haulage firms across the United Kingdom are likely to welcome the change as they are projected to receive the greatest amount of benefits from the increase.

Beyond the £15 million that industry will receive in annual time savings, the government’s impact assessment also estimates that HGV operators will save an additional £2.5 million in vehicle operating costs by being able to make deliveries more quickly. The increased delivery speed will have the added effect of boosting competition among haulage firms.

CAN A-PLAN MANAGE YOUR FLEET POLICY? We currently manage a full range of fleet policies for cars and vans.

For more information on upcoming legislation that affects your business, contact Martin Blower at A-Plan Commercial Luton on 01582 733757 or martin.blower@aplan.co.uk

WHY DID THE GOVERNMENT RAISE THE SPEED LIMITS? The government is confident that increasing HGV speed limits will benefit everyone travelling on carriageways. The government predicts that allowing HGVs to travel at the same speed as other motorists will curb congestion on single carriageways and reduce the number of drivers performing dangerous overtaking.

Safety is not the only predicted benefit of the reform. The increased speed of HGVs is estimated to save the haulage industry more than £15 million and raise an additional £2 million for the government in fuel duty.

WHY DO SOME OPPOSE THE SPEED LIMIT INCREASE? Critics’ main concern with increasing the speed limit is the heightened risk to cyclists and other motorists. Their unease stems from findings included within the government’s impact assessment of the changes, which indicate that increasing HGV speed limits could actually produce additional vehicular accidents. The greater amount of turbulence created by speeding HGVs is of particular worry.

However, the government has responded to these concerns by citing that the increased speed of HGVs will reduce the need for other motorists to overtake the vehicles, subsequently reducing the likelihood of related vehicular collisions.

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Issue Eight

10

computing

Cyber Security alert!

Are you set up to fend off the threat of ransomware? Annette White, sales and marketing director of PC Help Centre outlines the threat and details solutions The team at PC Help Centre are issuing a warning to everyone to “back up your data” to an external drive or to the cloud after a ransomware attack left one of their customers with a potentially disastrous data wipe out situation on their RAID system.

PC Help Centre was able to recover much of the company’s lost data but only after three weeks’ work on a RAID 5 recovery which stretched across four sites.

A ransomware attack comes when a computer system is hijacked and literally held to ransom by scammers. It happens when malicious code is downloaded into a computer system. This can come from an email and can be very difficult to spot or even from an attack that is browser based.

Bill Watts - Renault Trucks UK Ltd IT Manager

Find us at:

Small Business looking for Computer Support?

‘Try a local Computer Surgeon®’ Try a FREE 5 mins online diagnosis on any Server / Desktop / Laptop (T&C’s apply) CALL 01582 690692

Other Services:

• Repairs & Upgrades • Networking • Data Recovery Experts • Virus Removal • Onsite Visits

Visit our store at: 140 High Street South, Dunstable, Beds, LU6 3HR

Tel: 01582 672606 • sales@pchelpcentre.com Visit our website at: www.pchelpcentre.com

Summer 2015

The malicious code then seizes control of the computer files, which are then encrypted. The scammer then demands payment in exchange for a decryption key using the threat of the data being wiped out.

Ransom demands can vary dramatically up to hundreds or thousands of pounds. They can also include trying to embarrass people using tactics like displaying adult images.

Annette White, sales and marketing director of PC Help Centre, in High Street South, Dunstable, said: “All our customer’s files ended up being ‘encrypted’ and “deleted” in the attack.

“This was a very serious attack and it took us a huge amount of time to recover it.

“It is best for businesses to have their data backed up than having the expense of data recovery services. Losing data is a nightmare as it can be anything from customer records to company information, anything that is kept on a computer file.”

But Annette also warned that the backed up data must also be secured against attack.

“Cyber security is absolutely essential,” she said. “Cases of ransomware are increasing and are something to be very alert to.”

Systems can be protected against ransomware by using firewalls, up to date antivirus software and antispyware, as well as keeping software up to date with the latest patches and pop-up blockers.

Annette added: “It is also vital to back up not only your personal computer files very regularly but also system files.”

How to contact PC Help Centre: 140 High Street South, Dunstable LU6 3HR Phone:01582 672606 E: sales@pchelpcentre.com

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

pensions 11

Are you an unwitting victim of the new pension rules?

TONY BYRNE, ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST HIGHLY QUALIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS OUTLINES THE REDUCTION IN THE LIFETIME ALLOWANCE FOR PENSIONS AND WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR YOU I am writing this article a day after this year’s Budget. One of the announcements by the Chancellor was that the Lifetime Allowance for pensions is going to be reduced from £1.25m to £1m with effect from 6 April 2016.

So what is the significance of this announcement to you? Well if you have a large pension, public or private, especially if you are a higher earner and/or have been a member of a pension scheme for many years, you may well be affected by this rule change.

Calculation If you have a money purchase pension it is simply the value of your pension fund which is used to make the calculation. If you are a member of a final salary pension scheme the calculation is 20 times your annual pension as of the date you take it plus the tax free lump sum.

Even if you have been in receipt of a pension since before 6 April 2006 the calculation is 25 times your annual pension excluding the tax free cash lump sum and applies from age 75. Final salary pension schemes aren’t generally affected by this rule.

If your pension value exceeds the Lifetime Allowance then you will be taxed at a rate of 25% on the income and 55% on the tax free cash lump sum! You are taxed on the excess above the Lifetime Allowance.

These rules are truly penal and many people will become unwitting victims of this tax charge.

Is it too late to do something about these rule changes in order to avoid the tax. Well in most cases it isn’t too late. There are strategies you can use to avoid or reduce your tax even if you think you could be affected. So if you think you could be affected do get in touch with us!

As a special offer to Inspire readers we are offering a free PENSION review worth £470 to the first 25 people who contact us before 10th June 2015. Qualifying conditions apply.

We offer a superb cup of coffee too!

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Tony Byrne, Chartered and Certified Financial Planner, author of Wealth Magic, Financial Planning Director, Wealth And Tax Management

FREE PENSION REVIEW WORTH £470 Available to the first 25 Inspire magazine readers to contact us before the 10th June 2015.

Subject to qualifying conditions.

Call us to find out more.

Tel: 01908 523740 Email: wealth@wealthandtax.co.uk Web: www.wealthandtax.co.uk/seminars

Issue Eight

12

awards

On the cusp WINNERS OF INSPIRE-BACKED FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS TO BE ANNOUNCED IN JUNE We will soon find out who the winners are in the Inspiresponsored Best Newcomer category in a new set of food and drink awards covering Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

The finals of the food and drink awards will be held at venues in the three counties in early June. See the advert below for more details on venues.

David Tooley, Inspire’s editor said: “The Best Newcomer category is what Inspire is all about; new businesses starting up and shaking up the market.

“They are the new kids on the block who spotted a gap in the market and are making a real difference in their community.”

The finals are being held as part of unique showcase events designed to put independent businesses together with local suppliers.

The incredible showcase will give finalists in categories as varied as Best Independent Butcher and Best Artisan Bakery the chance to meet suppliers, providers and producers of quality food and drink.

Do you supply to the FOOD & DRINK

industry?

For more details on the showcase phone 01908 542 720 or email damian@eventsandpr.co.uk.

The picture above was taken at Horwood House Hotel, near Milton Keynes. The hotel will be the venue for the Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards ceremony and the showcase opportunity.

We have a fantastic way that can get you in front of the decision makers in a social and positive environment.

If you produce/provide/supply quality food or drink to the wet and dry trade We have the BEST:

RTUNITY O P P SHOWCASE O 3 hours in front of the best owners and managers from the restaurant and bar trade will attend the PRESTIGIOUS GRAND FINALS at the following fabulous venues:

At our BEDS, BUCKS and HERTS Food and Drink Awards 2015

• BUCKS - Horwood House Hotel, 1st June from 12 - 2pm • HERTS - Shendish Manor, 8th June from 12 - 2pm • BEDS - Luton Hoo Conservatory, 15th June from 12 - 2pm You can choose 1, 2 or 3 events to showcase your products

Find out more, speak to Karen or Damian now as showcase spaces are very limited Showcase from just £95 + vat Sponsorship packages are also available

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO OFFER SAMPLES TO THE ATTENDEES Summer 2015

Contact us on: 01908 542 720 or email: damian@eventsandpr.co.uk

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

marketing 13

Make it direct!

ANNA BIELECKA, MARKETING MANAGER AT COLOSSAL PRINT TELLS US WHY DIRECT MAIL IS SUCH A POWERFUL TOOL YOU CAN EASILY EMPLOY AS YOUR SUMMER MARKETING CAMPAIGN Direct mail is about making direct contact with potential clients. Is it really working?

YES! Just think about your own letterbox; it’s not full only of requests from charities to sponsor them, right?

In the B2B world, direct mail is still considered one of the most powerful marketing campaign tools, and one that successful companies use to their huge advantage.

The main advantages of direct mail are that it is perfectly targeted, and most importantly, it is very cost-effective.

TARGETING

Direct marketing is a great tool that can help you market your business, gain new clients and increase turnover.

It’s targeted, personalised and cost-effective. It is also easy to analyse and tweak your campaign so that it meets its full potential for helping you and your business.

So, next time you’re thinking about or looking for new marketing strategies, bear in mind that sending out a letter can raise more interest than any other advertising campaign method.

You can contact Anna by calling 01908 307114 or alternatively, visit the website www.colossal-print.co.uk

Direct mail is highly targeted. It allows you to carefully pick and choose prospective customers based on a variety of factors, such as demographics (age, position, sex), geographic location (local, within 100 mile radius, county) and company size (number of employees, turnover).

Whatever product or service you are offering, direct marketing enables you to directly communicate with only those people who will find your offering most suitable for them.

FULL CONTROL Once you have identified your audience, it is entirely up to you as to what you put into the envelope.

If you are an event organiser, you will most likely know already what materials will be most appealing to, say, a business association organising an anniversary gala, or a nursery looking for unique birthday parties and so on.

Bearing in mind your prospective clients, even if there are just a handful of them, makes it so much easier to personalise your posted brochure.

COST-EFFECTIVENESS Most entrepreneurs reach for the calculator when they are offered a direct mail opportunity.

Their first thought is usually, “It’s going to cost an arm and a leg to

BUSINESS IS

BOOMING! Make sure you’re part of it.

Advertise with Inspire.

post 450 A5 letters, each weighing 25 grams.”

But if you’re savvy and do a bit of shopping around, you can likely find a very good deal.

inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk

Bulk mail products actually work out relatively cheap, particularly if you establish a regular, long-term relationship with a direct mail service provider.

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Issue Eight

14

apprecticeships

IN A BRAND NEW COLUMN WORKING SOLUTIONS RECRUITMENT ENCOURAGES COMPANIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE THAT AN APPRENTICE CAN OFFER YOUR COMPANY

Apprentices

made simple

At Working Solutions Recruitment we recognise the need to put more emphasis on Apprenticeships within our range of recruitment services, so much so that we are in the process of rolling out a new sister company “Apprentices Made Simple” to complement our existing services.

The government pays a proportion of the training costs for apprentices, depending on their age. The apprentice’s employer will normally cover any remaining training costs.

The government contributes: • 100% of the training costs if the apprentice is aged 16-18.

• 50% of the training costs if the apprentice is aged 19-24.

• Up to 50% of the training costs if the apprentice is aged over 25.

We want to offer the full recruitment services, and encourage companies to take advantage of the wonderful experience that an apprentice can offer your company.

From choosing the right candidate, the training and the managing of the process – we do all of this for you.

We have two apprentices ourselves.

Charlotte has just finished her apprenticeship in Recruitment Consultancy, and we were very proud when she was asked to speak at the FSB conference in Birmingham in March to share her experience of completing her apprenticeship.

Charlotte has now been asked to be an Ambassador for Skills Funding.

Elizabeth has just started her Marketing Apprenticeship and is already exceeding our expectations.

We can therefore highly recommend and endorse apprenticeships to all of our clients.

The apprentice will be paid at least the minimum wage during their placement with you, and must work with experienced staff, learn job-specific skills. They must also study for a work-based qualification during their working week. But don’t worry… we’ll talk you through the whole process.

APPRENTICESHIPS: UPSKILLING THE STAFF OF THE FUTURE! Apprenticeships are paid jobs that incorporate on and off the job training. An apprentice will qualify with a nationally recognised qualification on completion of their contract.

Summer 2015

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS Did you know…

• In February 2014 a national newspaper reported that “the lack of apprenticeships is holding back the UK economy. Just 6.6% of people aged 16 to 24 were in training schemes in the UK” • In 2014 the most popular apprenticeships were; health and social care, business administration, management, hospitality, customer service, retail, construction, engineering and hairdressing.

• Since 2010, there have been over 2 million apprenticeship starts in England • Apprenticeships are available in over 170 industries including aerospace, fashion, broadcast media and finance – with 1500 job roles available.

Charlotte and Elizabeth: Apprentices Made Simple

• • • • • •

Women now take up 55% of apprenticeships.

100 years ago the most common apprenticeship was dressmaking, followed by engineering 90% of apprentices stay in employment after finishing their apprenticeship 71% of apprentices stay with the same employer More than 850,000 people have been earning and learning on an apprenticeship in 2013 to 2014 There has never been a better time to employ an apprentice, or start an apprenticeship

FACTS ABOUT EMPLOYERS • 1,000 businesses are now involved in designing the new apprenticeship standards – the first new apprenticeships due to be delivered in 2015 • The government invested 1.5bn in apprenticeships in 2013 to 2014.

• Businesses report an average increase in productivity by £214 a week when they hire apprentices.

• If you’re a small business, you may get a £1500 grant to help cover the cost of starting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 years old.

We work with our clients to manage the full Apprenticeship Service for you.

We advertise the vacancy, sources candidates and interview each candidate. We then supply the client with a short-list of candidates to interview.

Once the placement has been made, we then work with the client, apprentice and the training providers to tailor their specific training programme – we’d like to think that this apprentice is your star employee of the future.

Through the ATA model we offer a choice of payroll options for our clients. You can either employ the apprentice directly, or we can employ the apprentice and charge a monthly management fee (thereby we take on the employment risk).

It really is that simple!

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

security 15

Summer is finally round the corner!

JON SPELLEN OF DYNO LOCKS AND ALARMS GIVES SOME TIMELY SECURITY ADVICE AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP

5. IF AWAY KEEP THEM GUESSING

It feels like a lifetime since we last wore flip flops, but it’s finally round the corner – that summer feeling with long days in the sunshine (or that’s the hope anyway!).

A timer switch can be perfect when away to switch on lights at night and give the impression someone is home

6. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Burglary rates can sometimes increase this time of year with people away on holidays, or windows being left open for opportunist theft.

So with this in mind we wanted to ensure that everyone had some key tips for summer home security….

Maybe ask a neighbour to pop in at night and close curtains, move post and generally check on the house, this can be a great deterrent.

1. DON’T LEAVE WINDOWS AND DOORS OPEN THAT ARE OUT OF VIEW

7. WINDOW LOCKS These are a great and inexpensive addition to windows for added protection

This is an open invite to opportunist theft and remember insurances may be void if there is no actual break in.

2. RELAXING AT THE BACK OF THE GARDEN, BUT WHO’S KEEPING AN EYE ON THE FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE? Maybe an investment in a WIFI IP camera you can view from your iPhone like Watchbot (see www.thesecurestore.co.uk )

3. KEEP KEYS AND VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT Don’t make your house a shop window

4. PUT AWAY THOSE GARDENING TOOLS Don’t make their job easy, your tools could be exactly what they need to gain entry.

8. MARK YOUR POSSESSIONS Smart water is available from your local police which can be used for marking your possessions should the worst happen We want to ensure everyone has a great, safe summer, so help these tips come in handy. But if ever in doubt call in an expert.

So why not take advantage and call us now on 01582 519910 to book. Alternatively if you have any questions about any of the security measures we have suggested please do not hesitate to contact me on 01582 519910 or email jon@dynoalarm.co.uk Be safe people.

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(+++ *)( (++0 gj nakal \qfg&[ge Issue Eight

16

finance

Page kindly sponsored by

Telephone: 01582 608601

Valuing your business JOHN WRIGHT OF STOTEN GILLAM IN DUNSTABLE DETAILS THE REASONS FOR VALUING A BUSINESS One of the most common reasons for valuing a business is for sale purposes.

However, valuations are also sought for other reasons, including:

• on gifts or sales of shares • on the death of a shareholder or business

process. These may help to greatly enhance, or unfortunately reduce, the value of a business depending upon their significance. These include:

• Growth potential: Good growth potential is a key attribute of a valuable business and as such this is very attractive to potential buyers.

• External factors: External factors such as

partner

• when certain transactions in take place, for example, purchase of own shares by a company.

Share valuations may also be required:

• under shareholders’ or other agreements • in disputes between shareholders or partners

• for financial settlements in divorce • in insolvency and/or bankruptcy matters.

While there is a ready-made market and market price for the owners of listed public limited company shares, this is not the case for smaller, private businesses. This can create practical problems.

Methods Various valuation methods have developed over the years and include: • Earnings multiples: these are commonly used to value businesses with an established, profitable history. A difficulty with this method for private businesses is in establishing an appropriate multiple.

• Discounted cashflow: this is generally appropriate for cash-generating, mature, stable businesses and those with good long-term prospects. It is a more technical method which depends heavily on the assumptions made about long-term business conditions.

• Asset based: this type of valuation method is most suited to businesses with a significant amount of tangible assets, for example, a property owning business.

• Industry rules of thumb: Where buying and selling a business is common, certain industry-wide rules of thumb may develop.

For example, the number of outlets for an estate agency business or recurring fees for an accountancy practice.

• There are a number of other factors to be considered during the valuation

Summer 2015

the state of the economy in general, as well as the particular market in which the business operates can affect valuations.

• Intangible assets: Business valuations may need to consider the effect of intangible assets as they can be a significant factor.

These in many cases will not appear on a balance sheet but are nevertheless fundamental to the value of the business, and include the strength of a brand or goodwill that may have developed, a licence held, or the strength of customer relationships.

With any of these matters, it is important to remember that valuing a business is not a precise science.

In the end, any price established by the methods described above will be a matter for negotiation.

Ultimately, when the time for sale comes, a business is worth what someone is prepared to pay for it at that point in time.

We at Stoten Gillam would be pleased to discuss how we can help value your business, as well as help you develop an exit strategy to maximise the value of your business.

We can be contacted on 01582 608601 or at john.wright@stotengillam.co.uk

Backing Bletchley The railway bridge in Buckingham Road in Bletchley will be upgraded with state-of-the-art LED lighting in (late) summer 2015.

These improvements are part of the multi-million pound regeneration project for Bletchley called ‘Fixing the Links’. This project includes a number of initiatives to improve the pedestrian links between public transport services in Bletchley and the town centre.

The new East-West Rail link will bring more visitors and commuters to and from Bletchley Station.

The lights should last around 20 years before being replaced.

Cllr Rob Middleton, Cabinet Member for Resources and Commercialism at Milton Keynes Council said: “Over recent decades, Bletchley Town Centre has seen little investment, meaning today it is a shadow

of its former proud self. I’m determined to reverse this decline, and begin the area’s revival. New bright lighting for the underside of the railway bridge is an important first step in improving the area for residents and businesses alike.

“In the coming months, further announcements will be made about the wider multi pound programme of improvements to Bletchley Town Centre’s transport and pedestrian links. The goal, encouraging more people to visit Bletchley high street, spending in the local shops, and supporting the high street’s long overdue revival.”

The council submitted a successful funding bid for the project via the SEMLEP Strategic Economic Plan process. This secured government funding of £1.5 million as part of the Growth Deal announcement made in July 2014. The council will also be matching this investment with funding of £2m.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

in the news

17

In the news finance hr

Dragon boats Online

courses

The Incuba and Central Bedfordshire College have been awarded funding from the European Regional development Fund to support small local companies to develop and thrive and have put together a comprehensive package of courses that businesses can access from home or the office.

Companies are signing up for the Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday, June 21.

One of the entrants is Technip, a global engineering and construction company for the oil and gas industry with around 400 staff based at Witan Gate, Milton Keynes.

Daniel Weeks, Principal Materials Engineer, at Technip said: “We have re-entered this year because last year was so much fun! We found the dragon boat festival to be an incredible opportunity to bring together a wide range of

Open garden A Dunstable company will be opening its Show Garden for a charity event on Sunday, May 17.

Garden Care Services in Whipsnade Road features a waterfall, lake and cave as well as a woodland walkway at its base, which will be used for an open garden event.

The Open Garden will raise funds for Luton charity Level Trust.

To book tickets in advance contact Jane Malcolm at Level Trust by email at jane. malcolm@leveltrust.org or 01582 797347

employees from many disciplines, raising money in the process.”

Money raised from the day will go to Age UK Milton Keynes.

Other companies signed up are Fossil Group UK, EDW Technology Ltd, Calverton Finance Ltd, Makita (UK) Ltd, Computacenter and SMC Pneumatics (U.K.) Limited.

There is also set to be a memorial flypast from a Spitfire!

For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718.

Quarterly survey Businesses in Milton Keynes have reported strong overseas trade in the first part of 2015, according to Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).

The findings of the regular independent business survey in Q1 of 2015 contains responses from 63 businesses, employing 2,617 people across the Milton Keynes area.

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

There are more than 100 training courses to choose from including web design, office software, social media marketing, bookkeeping, safeguarding children, sales and marketing, management and many, many more.

Central Bedfordshire College is working with partner brands like Cisco to provide free specialist ICT training or Lynda, a leading specialist provider of on-line business training based in the USA. There is no catch to this offer, your business just needs to complete a registration form and when the organisers have confirmed you are eligible for the funding you will be sent a link to our online portal and login details (one log-in per company) and then you will be able to go ahead with as many CPD courses as you like!

You will have access to the portal until the end of June – so lots of time to learn.

To find out more about the available courses and to receive a registration form please contact the Incuba Team on 01582 343810 or email incubaprojects@centralbeds.ac.uk Don’t miss out on this opportunity to develop your business for FREE!

Issue Eight

18

inspiration

The boy Don good MK DONS CHAIRMAN PETE WINKELMAN WAS GIVEN A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT A RECENT CEREMONY. INSPIRE TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT HE HAS DONE Pete Winkelman famously wanted league football so much that he bought a club and relocated it from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes. Recently the club, MK Dons, has won a place in the second tier of English football by securing automatic promotion to the Championship.

The record producer turned property developer was inspired to take league football to the burgeoning new town by watching the on-field exploits of his young son and wondering why Milton Keynes did not have a league club of his own.

There was a standing ovation as Pete’s name was read out as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards.

The MK BAA Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Barclays, is given to an individual or organisation that makes an outstanding contribution

Summer 2015

to the business community, raising the profile of their own sector, organisation and that of Milton Keynes in a positive way.

He told guests at DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at Stadiummk that he was stunned to have been chosen and said building a football team, the stadium and the developments they brought was the result of Milton Keynes people working in partnership with each other.

“That is what makes us special,” he said.

Joked He said he felt ‘a bit of a fraud’ as last year’s choice, Christian Horner and the Red Bull team had won F1 world championships – “and we can’t get out of the ‘Third Division’!”, he joked.

Pete, a regular speaker at business events in the new city, moved to Milton Keynes in 1993 and established Great Linford Manor as one of Europe’s leading residential recording studios following a successful career in the music industry in London.

He has also worked long and hard with the public and private sectors, to develop a landmark multi-purpose sports and spectators events complex and brand new retail park.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

inspiration

19

Pete’s

Date

Line

JUNE 2003: Wimbledon FC went into administration and was bought by Pete Winkelman.

SEPTEMBER 2003: Wimbledon FC plays its first game in MK at the National Hockey Stadium.

JULY 18 2007: The 22,000 seater, stadium mk in Denbigh hosted its first game

NOVEMBER 29, 2007: stadiummk officially opened by the Queen as part of the new city’s 40th birthday celebrations.

2008: The Dons win the League 2 championship and the Football League Trophy

2009: MK bid to become a Candidate Host City in England’s 2018 World Cup Bid.

MAY 2013: the organisers of the Rugby World Cup 2015 announced that they had selected this stadium to be one of thirteen to host the tournament.

JUNE 2013: he was awarded an

All Winners The Bletchley Park Trust, the home of the wartime codebreakers, won the Business of the Year sponsored by The Open University.

Judging panel chairman Sir John Southby said The Bletchley Park Trust, which also won the Leisure & Entertainment Award and which has gone from being threatened with demolition to become an international heritage site, was ‘exciting, dynamic and innovative’.

Impressed “We were most impressed with their strategy, development and constant improvement. :Their tenacity to move forward has meant their great success is a triumph, recognised within the Milton Keynes area and beyond,” he said.

Earlier, almost 600 guests heard journalist Kate Adie announce the winners of the MK BAA award categories, who were:

• g2 Energy - Environmental, sponsored by PJ Care

• The Parks Trust - Community Impact, sponsored by Destination MK

• Worldwide Logistics & Distribution • • • • • • • •

Logistics & Distribution, sponsored by Howes Percival Shoosmiths LLP - Professional Practice, sponsored by Keens Shay Keens Formula Fast Indoor Karting - New Business, sponsored by MK Council Giovanni’s Downtown Gelato Independent Retailer, sponsored by thecentre:mk Bletchley Park Trust - Leisure & Entertainment, sponsored by MK Dons/ Arena MK Bistro Live - Hospitality, sponsored by MK College FSG Property Services - Private Business, sponsored by PwC White Leopard - Design & Creativity, sponsored by Freeths DR Studios - Innovation & Technology, sponsored by Nifty Lift

Honorary Doctorate by the Open University.

2015: MK will host three Rugby World Cup games later this year.

2015: Completion of the new cinema and restaurant complex which brings IMAX cinema to the area for the first time, sealing the Stadium site’s reputation as a destination point in its own right

MAY 2015: The MK Dons win automatic promotion to the Championship.

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Issue Eight

20

manufacturing

Driving force NEW RESEARCH REVEALS THAT BRITISH CARS ARE BEING MADE WITH MORE BRITISH SOURCED COMPONENTS British cars and vans are being made with more British sourced components as the UK automotive industry’s renaissance continues apace, research reveals.

The new Luton built Vauxhall Vivaro van is an example of the recent upturn in local supply.

The latest model, which started production last year, contains more than twice the number of British sourced components at 40% than its predecessor’s 16%.

This means an extra £600 million will be spent with British suppliers, allowing local companies to expand – and in some cases it has saved whole factories.

Overall figures from an Automotive Council report show that domestic component makers sold 19% more products to UK vehicle producers last year than in 2013.

Renaissance The figures are an important step in the right direction for the UK automotive supply base. Currently around one third of the components in a UK-built car are domestically sourced, compared to more than 90% in the mid-1970s.

However, vehicle manufacturing in the UK is undergoing a renaissance – British car production has increased by more than 50% since 2009 – and this is creating new opportunities for domestic suppliers.

Vince Cable, the then Business Secretary said: “Our automotive industry has seen a resurgence in recent years and that success means work of some £1 billion has returned to the UK. This is testament to the strength and capability of our supply chain manufacturers and will no doubt lead to new jobs and further growth.

“This has not happened by accident but is the result of government and industry working together through the Automotive Council to strengthen our supply chain –

Summer 2015

© antonmatveev - Fotolia

meaning an increasing number of parts made in this country are contained in vehicles rolling off UK production lines.”

Mike Matthews, of plastics supplier Nifco UK Ltd, said: “There is a renewed optimism and confidence in the UK automotive industry and this is reflected in our future projected growth.

Strategy “Our order book is full for the next 5 years and we have a clear strategy to grow the business into a £75 million company by 2016 and £100 million by 2018. We are moving our offer on, working closer than ever with our customers to develop products that help them to innovate.”

Much of this success can be attributed to UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Automotive Investment Organisation (AIO), which was set up in 2013 to bring more foreign investment into the UK automotive sector. Since its inception, AIO has secured or created more than 10,000 jobs, and delivered more than £768 million investment into the UK supply chain.

AIO Chief Executive Joe Greenwell said: “This is fantastic news for UK automotive.

As well as showing that the UK continues to grow as a serious global automotive destination, it demonstrates the dramatic power of foreign investment, which has helped to revitalise the UK supply chain and secure critical jobs and growth for the UK. “We at UKTI will continue to work hard with our partners to address the growing opportunity identified in the report.”

Success Chief Executive of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Mike Hawes said: “A strong domestic supply chain is critical to the success of the UK automotive sector. We want British suppliers to capitalise on the renaissance in UK vehicle manufacturing, and these figures show that positive strides are already being made.”

The report, Growing the Automotive Supply Chain – The Opportunity Ahead, identifies a further £4 billion per year opportunity for UK automotive suppliers to expand their business in the coming years.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

food and drink 21 Pictured, from left: Daniel Charles Mouawad of SEMLEP, Andy Sztehlo of Unilever, Keith Purdie of Colworth Park, Valeria Mizuno-Turner of the Incredible Bakery Company, Rachel Mallows of The Mallows Company and Victoria Dale of SEMLEP

Appetite for growth Food and drink companies across the South East Midlands have pledged to join forces to help continue to grow the industry and establish the region as a national centre of excellence New research unveiled by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) during the organisation’s recent ‘Appetite For Growth’ session revealed that the food and drink manufacturing industry across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Cherwell is worth £5.8billion per year.

That figure is growing year-on-year, with a wide range of established global brands based locally and an increasing number of small start-ups making the most of the South East Midlands distribution network and manufacturing expertise to help grow their business.

Leading players in the industry have now agreed to team up with SEMLEP to help develop a growth strategy for the food and drink sector, with proposals in place for potential mentoring schemes, knowledge sharing and further business support.

Daniel Charles Mouawad, chief executive of SEMLEP, said: “The South East Midlands is one of the most vibrant economies in the country and we want to continue that growth. The food and drink industry is a huge growth area and we are committed to taking it forward.

“We want the rest of the UK and Europe to see what we are doing here and make sure that everyone is aware of the manufacturing expertise we have on our doorstep.”

Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

The Appetite For Growth saw presentations from global brands such as Bedfordshire-based Unilever – who unveiled a new portable ‘My Cornetto’ ice cream machine – and successful start-ups such as the Incredible Bakery Company, a produce of allergen-free bread and cakes based in Northamptonshire.

Agreement

A series of workshops were held to hear concerns of employers, agencies and training providers, which resulted in a wide-ranging agreement for the industry to work closer together to address existing problems and grow the industry further in the future.

Valeria Mizuno-Turner of the Incredible Bakery Company said: “I relocated to this area because it is so much better for me to do business here than in London. It makes sense financially and the transport network is perfect. There is a lot to celebrate and by working together the industry can grow even further.”

Strengthen

The research commissioned by SEMLEP and carried out by the University of Northampton revealed around 16,300 people are currently employed in the food and drink manufacturing sector across the South East Midlands.

SEMLEP has vowed to further strengthen its links with colleges and universities to help increase the number of apprenticeships available in the food and drink sector while further meetings will be arranged with industry leaders later this year.

Issue Eight

22

radio

On your wavelength

INSPIRE EDITOR DAVID TOOLEY IS ON BOARD AS A BUSINESS PRESENTER JUST AS COMMUNITY RADIO STATION SECKLOW SOUNDS IS AWARDED A FIVE-YEAR, FM COMMUNITY RADIO LICENCE BY OFCOM. Volunteers with Milton Keynes community radio station Secklow Sounds have welcomed the news that they have been awarded a licence to broadcast on FM. The award is the culmination of four years work by a total of over 70 volunteers who have maintained the service on the Internet, in preparation for this announcement.

The new FM status will enable Secklow Sounds to deliver a wider service to the community; with programmes produced and presented by local people and will include topical discussions, news, community features, interviews, promotion of local organisations and talent, plus mainstream and specialist music shows.

Ofcom’s Broadcast Licensing Committee said of Secklow Sounds FM application, “Secklow Sounds will also broadcast to Milton Keynes, although this service will cater specifically to the interests of its identified “communities of interest”: people who are disadvantaged; people from diverse backgrounds; the local music and arts scenes, and; the voluntary sector.

“The BLC was satisfied that the applicant had the relevant experience to maintain its proposed service for the duration of the licence, noting that the applicant has been broadcasting a similar type of service online since 2011.”

The BLC also took into consideration the applicant’s links to the community; for example, its relationships with local youth groups,

Summer 2015

businesses, mental health and disability charities, and its proposed partnership with the University of Bedford. The BLC considered that these links will enable the applicant to deliver specific and identifiable social gain to Milton Keynesand to provide a service which caters to the tastes and interests of its target communities.

Secklow Sounds Managing Director, Mike Johnson, says, “This is great news for the people of Milton Keynes both in terms of programme provision and access to radio and training.

“Our success is evidence of the fact that people of varying backgrounds and abilities can work together for the good of all. I want to acknowledge our founding partners, Campbell Park Parish Council; where the project was conceived; Inter Action MK, our studio partner, MK Pulse Magazine, and the commitment of past and present volunteers who have helped to make the station what it is today.”

The bid team was led by Sales Director, Jim Cleland and included John MacDonald, Finance Director, and Managing Director, Mike Johnson.

There is still some ways to go until the frequency is allocated and FM transmissions begin but preparations have started in readiness for the switchover.

A recruitment drive for new volunteer presenters and administrators is also under way as well as a search for increased studio space.

The team has recently been joined by Inspire business magazine editor David Tooley, who presents a show called #MKBusinessBrunch from 11am-12noon on Wednesdays.

The station is committed to using its programmes, training, and other initiatives to deliver social gain and meet the needs of their “Communities of Interest” which are: DISADVANTAGED GROUPS Offering volunteering and work experience opportunities for the unemployed and people with learning disabilities and difficulties.

DIVERSITY Inclusive programmes on faith, business, ethnicity, young people, local governance, and community organisations.

EMERGING ARTS Reflecting the arts in all its forms and providing a platform for local emerging talent across various disciplines.

VOLUNTARY SECTOR Profiling the work of local charities and community groups.

Visit www.secklowsounds.org and our ondemand programmes receive over 5,000 plays each month at www.spreaker.com/user/secklowsounds Secklow Sounds is looking for new volunteer presenters and administrators and those interested in being part of the future success of the station, should email volunteers@secklowsounds.org The station is also looking for increased studio space and would like to hear from companies who could offer around 500 square feet of accommodation.

Please contact Mike Johnson, mike@ secklowsounds.org or call 07757 816316.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

inspiration 23

Mums on a mission MUMS ARE GETTING TOGETHER IN MILTON KEYNES TO FUNDRAISE TO CREATE A SOFT PLAY CAFE SUITED TO PARENTS AND CARERS OF 0-4 YR OLDS A group of Milton Keynes mums have joined forces to create a cafe for parents and carers of 0-4 yr olds.

The Tots Cafe project needs at least £30,000 to get it off the ground and is fundraising via the website www.gofundme.com/mktotscafe Fundraising team member Sarah Chambers said: “I became pregnant and it dawned on me when I was at home with the baby that there is nowhere to go and sit and play.

“It’s isolating being at home all the time so it would be great to have somewhere open from 9 to 5 where parents can take their young children to have a hot drink and chat.

“We thought ‘instead of moaning about there being nothing’ we would set out and get something going.”

There are an estimated 20,000 nought to four year olds in Milton Keynes and Sarah believes that if just six per cent of that market became involved it would be successful.

Friends As well as being somewhere where parents and carers could go anytime during the day to meet friends and make new friends, The Tots Cafe would be a hub for workshops and classes.

A Community Interest Company has been set up which is also looking to provide employment for mums looking to gain experience, training and confidence before returning to full time work.

Sarah said: “When you become a mum for the first time your whole world changes, this can lead to feelings of insecurity, vunrability and loneliness.

“Many mums find they no longer have anyone to talk to in the daytime because family and friends work and the evenings when they would have socialised with family and friends are now taken up with babies routine.”

The Tots Cafe could look something like this © JackF – Fotolia

Advertise your vacancies with Inspire

Community She added: “Milton Keynes has a huge online community of mums wanting to meet new mums but lacks a venue which is open throughout the day where children are able to play securely on age appropriate equipment, has food and drink available and comfortable seating in a warm welcoming environment.”

The Tots Cafe is using GoFundMe as a crowd funding platform where they hope to raise the minimum needed to set up and open the doors. They are also looking to make contact with people able to donate their services, money or products.

They are looking for people to provide classes in pregnancy yoga, hypno birthing, music groups, baby signing, dance, drama and baby massage.

Contact the The Tots Cafe via email: thetotscafe@gmail.com or the website www.thetotscafe.co.uk Please mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk Issue Eight

24

exhibition

Tech to the fore EXHIBITION HAS THE “POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM THE WAY PEOPLE VIEW THE CITY”, ACCORDING TO ITS ORGANISERS. INSPIRE TAKES A LOOK

How do you a whole

A new, modern and fresh national technology exhibition in Milton Keynes will be helping to put the city in front of a wider audience as a tech hub.

The MKEX Technology Exhibition will be a day of events, demonstrations and talks at stadium:mk on June 24, 2015, to be opened by MK Dons chairman, Pete Winkelman.

“This will be a true first for Milton Keynes and has the potential to transform the way people view the city,” said Peter Barnett, of the organising team.

Exciting Maximise your reach and your budget. Get the attention of a wider audience and let your message be heard loud and clear.

Inspire Business Magazine and Community Magazine.

Sometimes two reads are better than one. www.communitycommunications.co.uk

Summer 2015

“Milton Keynes is already carving a niche as a world leader in smart technology and the internet of things – this expo will be bringing all the strands together in one exciting day.

“We’re confident it will set the standard for technology expos nationally.”

Peter, who runs sales and marketing company Sales Managed, which he set up five years ago, has been joined by Matt Cove, Managing Director of Events Managed, who is well known for his events work in the voluntary sector with organisations such as MK Dons SET, Milton Keynes City Orchestra and The Parks Trust.

MKEX is also partnering with Biztech, the technology forum in Milton Keynes and

SEMLEP, to bring in range of key speakers and technology workshops.

MKEX has developed out of the Milton Keynes Exhibition, which has a track record of success with local business expos in the city. The organisers were inspired by a new phase in the growth of Milton Keynes to sharpen the focus to technology.

There will be four exhibition zones appealing to distinct sectors. These will be for technology based companies, service providers to technology companies, companies using technologies to deliver services and digital marketing, software and online resources.

Awareness Peter said: “Anyone looking to launch a product or service or to achieve heightened awareness for what they do must be a part of MKEX Technology Exhibition.”

There are a range of exhibition packages designed to provide a range of options for exhibitors.

And with prices starting at just £245 + VAT there packages are an excellence investment in high profile marketing.

For more information, visit the website www. mkex.co.uk telephone 01908 900 908 or email info@mkex.co.uk Follow the hashtag #MKEX on Twitter and follow @MKExhibition

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

local business 25

Cyber Security is top of the agenda Photographs printed with the kind permission of www.amazing-mk.co.uk/Words/Prosper

BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY FORUM BIZTECH IS ORGANISING A RANGE OF ASK THE EXPERT EVENTS, THE LATEST ON THE SUBJECT OF IT SECURITY

BY INSPIRE EDITOR DAVID TOOLEY @INSPIREBIZMAG

Cyber security is one of the biggest issues facing Milton Keynes businesses, with an array of threats that could derail them.

A Biztech / UCMK Ask the Expert gathering on the subject of Cyber Security on May 14, aims to give people the information they need to prevent them becoming cyber victims.

Fredi Nonyelu, chairman of Biztech, said: “Being online is absolutely vital to most companies, both for communication and, increasingly, for e-commerce.

“Despite being aware that there are cyber security risks to their businesses, we know

that companies remain vulnerable to all kinds of attacks. The cyber security industry around the world is worth billions of pounds.”

The Biztech/UCMK Ask the Expert event will be held in the early evening on May 14 at University Campus Milton Keynes (UCMK), in Avebury Boulevard, MK9 3HS.

Challenges Dr Paul Sant, Associate Dean, UCMK, said: “As well as looking at the challenges from a corporate security perspective we will also look at the digital forensics and research angles.

“People who attend this event can expect to leave with a fully rounded view of the issue.”

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The Cyber Security Ask the Expert panel is made up of: Dr Gregory Epiphaniou, Cyber Security Technical Consultant, QA Limited Andrew Sheldon, Managing Director of Evidence Talks.

Lee Barney – Head of Information Security at Home Retail Group PLC Tickets are £20 for non-members, £15 for members and free of charge for students.

For ticket details, visit the shortened URL http://goo.gl/tttC1S Follow the hashtag #BiztechEvents and @MKBiztech on Twitter

Issue Eight

26

regeneration

Transport of delights MAKING HEMEL

HEMPSTEAD’S BUS

AND TAXI STOPS MORE ATTRACTIVE COULD

BRING MORE PEOPLE INTO THE TOWN TO SPEND MONEY WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES A modern bus interchange is being built in Hemel Hempstead in a bid to bring more visitors into the town.

The access improvements, which also include extending and moving the taxi rank, are a key part of Dacorum Borough Council’s Hemel Evolution regeneration programme.

The taxi rank will move from its current location on Marlowes to its new

Summer 2015

permanent home on the freshly resurfaced Waterhouse Street.

This puts it within easier reach of shoppers along the main pedestrianised zone.

The new purpose-built Hemel Hempstead Bus Interchange is intended to make access to and from the town centre quicker and easier.

Information The facility in the centre of town will include new shelters, lighting, seating and green landscaping, while real-time passenger information boards will provide regular updates on arrivals. There will also be two short stay drop-off spaces for coach users with luggage and additional public toilets next to a new Arriva ticket office.

Patrick Sibley, General Manager for Arriva Hemel Hempstead, says: “We welcome the

investment in Hemel Hempstead. The more central location of the bus interchange will allow quicker, easier access to the town.

New shelters and lighting will provide a more pleasant place for passengers to wait.

“We hope these improvements will encourage more people to use public transport and visit the town centre.”

Regeneration Mark Gaynor, Director of Housing and Regeneration at Dacorum Borough Council, added: “As part of our Hemel Evolution regeneration programme, we want to make it easier for shoppers, visitors and local residents to get to the shops and the Jellicoe Water Gardens.”

For more information on our Hemel Evolution programme, visit: www.dacorum.gov.uk/hemelevolution

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business support

27

Inward investment CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE HAS SEEN A 280% INCREASE IN INWARD INVESTMENT SUCCESSES IN THE PAST YEAR AND IS OUT FOR MORE

A new interactive, online portal has been launched to showcase all that Central Bedfordshire has to offer new and existing businesses and provide an extensive package of support to aid growth and development.

Whether it is to enable a smooth relocation or offer guidance through the steps to create a business, the www.becentralbedfordshire. co.uk website – an innovative public-private partnership facilitated by Central Bedfordshire Council – has been designed to harness the benefits and possibilities of the location.

Value World leading companies such as Amazon, Nissan Technical Centre Europe, Lockheed Martin, BE Aerospace and the national Aerospace Technology Institute have already discovered the value in Central Bedfordshire, which has seen a 280 per cent increase in inward investment successes in the past year and around 400 new jobs through new and expanding companies.

The expertise of Cranfield University and Millbrook Proving Ground has shaped the area into a leading centre for innovation with key research and development centres connected by an easily accessible road, rail and air network,

all within a fast and convenient distance to London.

The design-led, high quality website features a responsive and evolutive online commercial property search, allowing the wider business community to discover available properties, land holdings, plus current and future developments and regeneration projects, including those of the council.

Interactivity A top level search is available instantly to all users, while further details and interactivity can be accessed via a free and simple initial registration.

An enquiry handling system will manage and monitor enquiries and be able to direct businesses to partner organisations and this added value aims to encourage businesses, intermediaries and partners to continue the Central Bedfordshire growth story, while celebrate its success stories.

Exciting Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration and Business, said: “We are in an exciting period for business and regeneration in Central Bedfordshire as there’s never been a time where we’ve had quite as much investment.

“Our new website is specifically aimed at promoting this as a way of life to new and existing organisations and showcasing a growth story that is really worth shouting about.

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This website is designed to continue that outstanding achievement.”

Jason Longhurst, Director of Regeneration and Business at the Council, said: “The BeCentralBedfordshire.co.uk website is about moving from being responsive to the market to being far more enabling, in order to give business the right development and the right investment that we would like to see in this area and build on our strengths.

Connect “It will offer the wider business community up-to-date information about existing activities, offers and a way to connect that to other parties.

“It is a starting point and our intention is that it will grow to have more interactive content, in terms of all active sites, property and development information.

Unique “While it is distinct from the Council, we are in the unique position of increasingly making available to businesses the market intelligence that we as a local authority can gather, while also responding to new opportunities.

“Of course, inward investment is important but it is equally important that we focus and showcase the business partners that we have already got in the area, enabling those businesses to stay, expand and continue the developing growth story that is Central Bedfordshire.”

Issue Eight

28

business support

Voted down Businesses on the Middlefields Industrial Estate have voted against plans to make the area a Business Improvement District (BID).

COMPANIES IN SANDY HAVE REJECTED PLANS FOR BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BUT THE PROCESS HAS BEEN POSITIVE

Following a ballot in March, only 42 per cent of businesses on the Sandy industrial estate, voted in favour of the area becoming a Business Improvement District.

They make up 64 per cent of the rateable value there.

In order for the BID to go ahead, 50 per cent of the businesses who took part in the ballot had to vote yes, and those businesses needed to hold more than 50 per cent of the rateable value of all those who had voted.

The BID business plan was put together by a steering group of 10 businesses

© Andrey Burmakin / Fotolia

from across the estate, and had it been agreed it would have seen businesses pay a levy on their rates to fund improvements to the estate such as new directional signage and increased security.

Listened

We’ll help you leave a rather more lasting impression Sometimes it’s not about the right here, right now.

Sometimes it’s about creating something that will stay in the mind and make a lasting impact.

When that’s what you need, we’re the people to talk to. Always reliable, ever professional with the passion and expertise to deliver a more enduring product.

Call us today to find out more.

Disappointment

Central Bedfordshire Council worked with the steering group to support the BID development, as well as funding the ballot, and the authority’s Director of Regeneration and Business Jason Longhurst said: “I can understand the disappointment of members of the steering group who consulted extensively with other organisations on the estate about their business plans.

Respect

Tel: 01582 573 471 e-mail: info@barthamgroup.com

Summer 2015

Michael Tucker, managing director of Manor Concept Refrigeration and chairman of the steering group, said that he was “disappointed” that the business plan had been rejected. But he added: “Although the result is not what we hoped for, the BID process enabled the steering group to get to know many more of the people and businesses located on the industrial estate.

“It has listened to their concerns and business objectives and hopes to build upon these relationships in the future through developing a business community which can do what they can on a voluntary basis.”

“However, we must respect the outcome of the ballot and hopefully businesses on the estate can build on the work that has been carried out and the relationships that have been fostered to help improve the area in other ways.”

Had the five-year BID business plan been agreed, Middlefields would have been the first Business Improvement District in Central Bedfordshire.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

development

29

Forum catalyst to revitalising town Construction has started on a new shared services hub called The Forum in Hemel Hempstead town centre.

It means the demolition of the town’s Magistrate’s Court and library and the construction of a new public services building that brings together a range of partners, including Dacorum Borough Council, the police and voluntary services.

A residential scheme on this site has also been given planning permission, which includes a £41 million private investment in 200 new town centre flats (a third of which will be classed as affordable). A privatefunded £17 million leisure scheme is also planned on neighbouring Market Square.

Dacorum Borough Council reckons the single modern, energy-efficient 70,000 sq ft building will mean local residents will be able to access better services from a single, central location.

The new multi-purpose building will house various voluntary groups, the police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, the registration services, a state-of-the-art library and a café, as well as our own services.

The Magistrate’s Court and library will be the first buildings to be demolished. The Forum opens to the public in early 2017, but until then, the library is making a temporary home in Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre.

Mark Gaynor, Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration at Dacorum Borough Council, explained: “Moving in together means that we can improve services, achieve savings and encourage regeneration all in one go.”

A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN HEMEL HEMPSTEAD IS RELEASING MONEY FOR THE REGENERATION OF THE TOWN CENTRE

Dacorum Borough Council alone will save around £300,000 in running costs each year through the move. The inefficient existing Civic Centre would have needed £5 million to refurbish it, plus substantial on-going investment.

Partners Thc council has engaged private sector partners Endurance Estates and R G Carter to deliver this next phase of its Hemel Evolution town centre regeneration programme.

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Tim Holmes, Director at Endurance Estates, commented: “The Borough Council’s proactive approach in coordinating this scheme – linking together community services, private housing and leisure developments – is acting as a significant catalyst to revitalize Hemel Hempstead’s town centre.”

For more information visit: www.dacorum.gov.uk/hemelevolution

Issue Eight

30

entrepreneur

Winning with women BUSINESSES FROM THE INSPIRE PATCH HAVE APPEARED IN THE FORTUNA 50 LIST OF THE UK’S FASTEST GROWING FEMALELEAD SMALL BUSINESSES An female-lead event catering company in Herfordshire has appeared in 22nd place in the Fortuna 50 list after achieving a remarkable 66% growth rate.

The Main Ingredient, in Potten End, near Berkhamsted, was launched

by Julie Anderson in 2002 who started off with a small charity lunch for six guests.

A big win was when The Main Ingredient won the contract to run all the events at The Royal County Of Berkshire Polo Club. It soon had to move to its own home at Boxted Farm with offices and professional kitchen where it still is now.

Achievement Julie, also known as “Hoops”, and her business partner Flip Woods, received a letter from the Prime Minister to congratulate them on the achievement.

Fortuna 50 showcases the great variety of businesses that are run by women in the UK, inspiring others to do the same.

The list is formulated from compound annual revenue growth using the last three years of reported Companies House data as of February 25. They are the fastest growing small businesses in the UK with single or majority women listed as founding directors, have experienced positive growth in each year, and have reached £100,000 in turnover but not exceeded £5 million.

Matt Smith, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurs said: “Entrepreneurial activity is undoubtedly rising in popularity, and this list shows the breadth of sectors experiencing growth and job creation across the UK.

Summer 2015

These women are inspirational role models that will surely encourage a greater number of people to start and grow a business.

Damian Kimmelman, CEO of DueDil said: “These remarkable businesses have been identified from over 10 million UK companies indexed in DueDil’s database.

“The data shows that there are many brilliant examples of women-led firms across the country.

Diverse “Hopefully the diverse variety of companies on this list will demonstrate that there is no barrier to becoming a successful entrepreneur and inspire others to follow in the footsteps of those on the Fortuna 50.”

Yasmina Siadatan, Creative Director of the Start Up Loans Company said: “There has clearly never been a better time to start a business in Britain as a woman. Hopefully this survey will encourage even more women to start their own businesses in 2015.

Proud “We are proud at the Start Up Loans Company that a third of all our lending has gone to women and we will continue to strive to make 2015 an even better year for women who want to start a business.”

Businesses appearing in the top 50 embrace a range of sectors, including the law, property development, domicialliary care, nurseries, housing, paint and decoration.

Other companies in the list include EC Care, a nursing and care agency serving clients in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas, with 93% growth.

Watford-based Ultimate Branding, provides promotional and personalised items and was founded by Joanne Simmons. It has an impressive 34% growth rate.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

agriculture 31

Enterprising food A NEW FOOD ENTERPRISE ZONE IS BEING SET UP TO ENABLE FASTER GROWTH FOR FOOD, DRINK AND FARMING BUSINESSES IN BEDFORDSHIRE

A Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) is being set up to help food, drink and farming businesses to set up and expand in the Biggleswade and Ivel Valley area.

Central Bedfordshire Council has secured £50,000 of government funding to aid Agri-food which is one of the key sectors in Central Bedfordshire.

The aim of the FEZ is to make it easier for existing businesses to expand and new ones to set up, attracting investment and boosting the rural economy.

Links They will also forge closer links through the entire food chain, joining up farmers, manufacturers, retailers and researchers, helping businesses to realise the full value of our food and drink.

The FEZ, working with Cranfield University and other key partners, will support the creation of 2,000 jobs and up to 30 new businesses by 2020 in a new food and drink cluster.

It will be underpinned by a Local Development Order focused on food and farming. This will be set up by the council to ensure that planning processes are easier for agri-food businesses and their related supply chains. The FEZ will be subject to public consultation.

Funding Central Bedfordshire’s successful bid was one of six new FEZs across England revealed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs today (25 March) and the council will receive the funding by the end of next month.

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Jason Longhurst, Director of Regeneration and Business at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “We are improving the support we give to our key sectors, one of which is the agri-food sector. “The Ivel Valley area is the ideal area to secure funding for a Food Enterprise Zone due to the developing cluster of agri-food businesses there.

Opportunities “Jordans & Ryvita is a key anchor company on the Stratton Business Park, plus there are the land development opportunities offered through the coming three phases of the business park expansion, 65 farms in the area including Blunham’s chillies and a successful Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) that has received £1.6million of LEADER funding.

“Cranfield University’s own experimental farm is also close by in Silsoe, and Cranfield are eager to be involved in establishing a centre of excellence for Agrifood in the area.”

Collaboration Among the advantages for businesses in a Food Enterprise Zone are greater collaboration between food and farming businesses, better links to research and education institutions helping to provide innovation in the sector, improved services and support from environmental health and planning teams, increased workforce specialism and supply chain efficiencies and the fact that attracting investment is easier.

Despite the successful bid, the council is keen to stress that this will have no impact on businesses outside of the food, drink and farming sector wishing to set up or expand in the area.

Issue Three

32

leisure

Raising a glass to the leisure economy CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL IS USING AN AWARDS SCHEME TO MAKE TOWNS AND CITIES GREAT PLACES TO GO FOR A NIGHT OUT BY MAKING PUBS AND CLUBS EVEN MORE WELCOMING PLACES FOR VISITORS. Pubs, bars and other licensed premises in Dunstable and Houghton Regis are being offered another chance to prove that they are Best Bar None.

Following last year’s Best Bar None pilot scheme, which saw Club Cookies, from Dunstable, named as overall winner, the awards event will be running again this year.

Best Bar None is being organised by the Community Safety Partnership, which includes Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It is part of a national awards scheme supported by the Home Office which has been adopted by more than 100 towns and cities nationwide since it was piloted in 2003.

Best Bar None aims to make towns and cities great places to go for a night out by making pubs and clubs even more welcoming places for visitors.

By improving safety for customers and staff through reducing binge drinking and alcoholrelated crime and disorder, and encouraging licensees to work with enforcement agencies, the scheme aims to boost improve the nighttime economy for everyone.

Summer 2015

www.flickr.com/photos/transportgovuk - Licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ No changes made to the images Some friends take a drink on a bar. © pololia - Fotolia

To qualify for Best Bar None accreditation, businesses have to meet a number of criteria set down by the Community Safety Partnership.

Edd Clayson, owner of Grove Park-based Club Cookies, will be speaking at the launch event. He encouraged other businesses to get involved in the awards scheme.

Ecstatic He said: “We were ecstatic to be named overall winner in last year’s Best Bar None awards as it recognised the team and the hard work they put in to making Club Cookies what it is. They are the ones who work to the high standards we set.

“Winning Best Bar None has helped us to maintain our focus on keeping standards high through all of our procedures.

Safety “I am a big fan of the awards as they help licensees to go the extra mile in promoting safety for their customers, and would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the launch event.”

Neill Waring, Chief Inspector of Crime Reduction and Community Safety at Bedfordshire Police, was part of the judging panel for last year’s awards.

Ch Insp Waring added: “Best Bar None is all about getting licensed premises to work with councils, police and the fire authority to put Dunstable and Houghton Regis on the map as great places for a safe night out.

Professionalism “Everyone who got involved in last year’s pilot event showed that they are working really hard to do that, and as a judge I was incredibly impressed by their professionalism.

“As well as improving safety for customers and staff there is also the positive knock-on effect that if more people want to go out in Dunstable and Houghton Regis, it can only have economic benefits for the pubs and clubs there.”

For more information about Best Bar None awards, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov. uk/bestbarnone Businesses were invited to a launch event on Wednesday, May 13, where they could find out more about the awards and get their entries in for this year’s scheme. It was to take place at HQ Sports Bar, in Grove Park, Dunstable, at 2.30pm and all licensed premises from Dunstable and Houghton Regis are welcome to attend.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

aylesbury 33

Council going commercial

© David Rickard www.flickr.com/photos/kingdavera

THE NEW COMPANY IS PART OF A WIDER STRATEGY TO TACKLE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CUTS BUT WILL IT COMPETE WITH YOU? Aylesbury Vale District Council has taken a step closer to setting up a trading company with the potential to develop new income streams for the authority.

Councillors have approved the establishment of a company wholly owned by the authority to allow it to sell consultancy services externally to non-public bodies.

The new company would initially focus on selling energy and sustainability consultancy services to the private sector but could, in the future, be extended to other services.

Potential There is potential for the council to generate income in the energy management market following recent law changes.

All businesses with a turnover of more than £39 million or employing more than 250 staff now have to comply with the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS), which involves an audit every four years of energy and transport issues, or face a fine of up to £50,000.

Nearly 170 businesses in Buckinghamshire will require ESOS certification.

The council is well placed to offer independent specialist advice to these businesses following its successful efforts in reducing its own carbon emissions.

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The new company is part of a wider strategy to tackle central government cuts. AVDC, like other local authorities across the country, has faced unprecedented funding reductions over the past five years, which have created significant pressures on budgets and services.

Restructuring Since 2010, the council has saved more than £10.5 million through a number of measures and efficiencies, including restructuring senior management, redesigning services and creating new income streams such as the Local Development Order (LDO) for home extensions and the paid-for garden waste collection service.

Determined Andrew Grant, Chief Executive of AVDC, said: “Despite the financial challenges the council is facing we are determined to remain ambitious and visionary about the role public services play in our district.

Projects “The new consultancy firm is just one of a range of innovative and fascinating projects we are pursuing in order to make up the expected shortfall in our budget. In the current climate we must work creatively to raise income if we are to maintain services within our communities.”

Issue Eight

34

in the news

In the news Energy booster Joining forces

Up to 30 energy installers in Milton Keynes have been offered funding to become PAS2030 certified.

Certification will allow gas engineers, insulation and renewable energy installers access to finance, cashback and grants for their customers.

Installer support comes from the Government’s Green Deal Communities programme and is being delivered by Green Homes Together, a council-backed community interest company working with Milton Keynes and the National Energy Foundation.

Gas Flo Heating, has been PAS 2030 (Green Deal) certified since the beginning of the scheme. They have worked with Green Deal finance Providers and ECO partners to secure grants and funding for their customers.

Shafaqat Hussain, owner of Gas Flo Heating, said: “PAS2030 certification has given me access to funds through Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation, both of which have provided me with more prospects and work.”

As a Gas Safe installer, Mr Hussain found the process to become green deal certified straight forward. He said: “In terms of what was required, the certification process was quite simple, I work to a similar process on a day to day basis, having the right experience and qualifications has made the process much speedier.”

Asked whether he would recommend becoming PAS2030 certified to other installers, Mr Hussain said ‘It is worth investing in, I would definitely recommend it to other installers’.

To find out more about the process to certification visit: www.greenhomestogether.org. uk/green-homes-together-blog/installers-urgedto-take-advantage-of-the-home-improvementfund

Childcare scheme Childcare providers in Milton Keynes are taking part in a scheme which allows parents and carers of eligible two year olds to access up to 15 hours a week of free early education and childcare in a nursery, preschool or with a childminder.

Parents can find out if their two year old qualifies in just a few clicks through an online eligibility checker at www.timefortwos.com.

The system has been praised by the Department for Education as the first of its kind in the country. The system generates an email and a letter that parents can print off and take to a local childminder, nursery or preschool that is part of the Time for Twos scheme to take up their place. Milton Keynes has been named one of the top council’s in the eastern region for its success in placing two year olds into childcare and early education.

Summer 2015

A joint trading standards service covering Buckinghamshire and Surrey aims to protect business and residents from scams and rip-offs.

A merger between Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards took effect on April 1 with the aim of harnessing their collective expertise to give consumers even stronger safeguards and businesses an even better service.

The two counties see similar crimes against consumers and their trading standards teams each boast specific strengths which will be shared to better serve the public in both areas.

While Surrey has particular expertise in tackling doorstep crime, protecting vulnerable residents and working with businesses to help them comply with regulations, Buckinghamshire is noted for its food safety and authenticity, and animal welfare work, as well as its success in recruiting Community Champion volunteers to be the eyes and ears of the service on the ground.

Carnival Capers Luton International Carnival will take place on Sunday, May 24 and run from 12noon – 6pm.

Hopeton Walker, chair of UKCCA Board, is looking forward to the day: “One of the highlights of the Luton calendar is the Luton International Carnival, a fantastic event that showcases what Luton has to offer – the artistic flair, the community involvement and wealth of talents and skills.

“It is one of the safest carnivals in the country, a great day out for all the family.”

The event has been sponsored by London Luton Airport, Arts Council England and Luton Borough Council.

Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967

in the news

35

Developers’ levy Waste

The way developers in Dacorum borough contribute towards local facilities and infrastructure should become simpler from July 1, when the Borough Council’s new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) comes into effect.

Changes in government policy mean that instead of S106 legal agreements currently negotiated to ensure developers contribute to community facilities and infrastructure, some types of development will, from July 1, pay a set charge called a CIL on each square metre of new development.

The money will be spent on infrastructure and facilities needed to support the development of the local area – such as facilities to support education, transport, open spaces, sports and leisure, health, and social and community buildings. 15% of the charge will be passed to the town, parish or neighbourhood in which the development is taking place, for them to spend on proposals to support growth in the area.

James Doe, Assistant Director for Planning

and Regeneration at Dacorum Borough Council said: “The Community Infrastructure Levy will help balance the impact of development on our communities, ensuring that there we have funds to help provide the local facilities that residents want and need without lengthy, complex legal negotiations.

“We are lucky in Dacorum to have a buoyant housing market and a strong local economy. Our charging schedule has been carefully devised to ensure there is appropriate investment in the local community’s infrastructure whilst supporting new development and growth in the area.”

Based on development projections for Dacorum the Community Infrastructure Levy could provide around £23.5 million by 2031 to invest in new facilities and infrastructure works in the borough.

The charge will take effect for planning permissions granted from July 1, so those applying for planning permission from May 4 this year may be affected by the new charges.

Anyone thinking of applying for planning permission from May 4 is advised to find out how they may be affected as soon as possible.

Road investment Buckinghamshire County Council is putting the focus on value for money as a £25 million investment programme to improve roads begins, involving more than 200 separate schemes planned for the coming year.

Working through Transport for Buckinghamshire, the Council has controls in place to make sure roadworks deliver value for money and compare favourably with levels and standards being achieved nationally by other councils.

However, this year the Council is going a step further and subjecting £10 million of the programme to even more stringent market testing so that the best prices and standards can be achieved for local council taxpayers.

The County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation, Ruth Vigor-Hedderly said: “We must remember this is public money and we have a duty to make sure we spent it as wisely as possible. This year we will be offering £10 million of work to a wider potential market. This means we can gain even more knowledge about the current marketplace and what options we might use for future roadworks. We are also arranging additional monitoring of roadworks to make sure work is delivered on time and to the quality standards we set.

“This year, we will be delivering the largest road surfacing programme since 2009 as we continue the task of getting our roads back in shape.

The more we can stretch every penny of our resources, the more we can do on the ground.

Full details of the countywide programme are available at buckscc.gov.uk/transport or follow TfB on Twitter @TfBalerts.

Kite spectacular Bedford is preparing for its 13th Annual Kite Festival on June 6 and 7 in Russell Park.

The event, which is free to attend and open to all, is hosted by Bedford Borough Council.

Each year, approximately 40,000 people gather for the occasion which sees Russell Park jampacked with food stalls and entertainment.

Andy Pidgen, Events Manager at Bedford Borough Council said: “This event grows in momentum each time and it is now very wellestablished. People have this in their diaries for months in advance.”

The programme throughout the weekend will feature kites never seen before in the U.K. For more information on the Kite Festival events visit http://www.bedfordevents.co.uk

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lines

Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park is continuing to take shape, with work to install key pieces of equipment underway.

The major element of work currently in progress is the second installation phase of equipment for the Advanced Thermal Treatment (ATT) plant.

This work, which began in mid-March, will take eight weeks and includes the delivery to site and installation of components which will comprise the ATT.

Specialist With some pieces of equipment weighing up to 80 tonnes and measuring up to 4.7m wide, this delivery and installation has required careful planning and coordination including specialist crane lifting operations.

Elsewhere on site, the construction of the buildings which will house the Mechanical Treatment and Anaerobic Digestion processes is ongoing.

Progressing The majority of the steelwork for the Mechanical Treatment building is complete, with work progressing well to install cladding to weatherproof the structure. Work in the Anaerobic Digestion area is progressing as planned.

Construction is due to be completed by January 2016.

The facility will then go through commissioning and testing periods before it is fully operational in September 2016.

Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park will be located on Dickens Road in Old Wolverton and will use a combination of three state-of-the-art technologies – Mechanical Treatment, Anaerobic Digestion and Advanced Thermal Treatment to treat ‘black sack’ waste collected from homes in Milton Keynes.

Recyclable Together, the technologies will increase the amount of recyclable materials which are removed from the waste, in turn cutting the amount of rubbish sent to landfill to around 3%.

VolkerFitzpatrick is AmeyCespa’s construction partner for Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park, and is carrying out the civil engineering and building works.

Issue Eight