BUSINESS
ECHO
★★★★
Tasty new cafe in fight for funding PAGES2&3
Start Survive Thrive
From back room to big business PAGES4&5
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JST LAWYERS is hosting a free Women in Construction networking event tonight, from 6pm, at Brew Tea Bar in St Paul’s Square. It will feature a talk by Liverpool Echo deputy business editor Tony McDonough on how to raise your company’s profile through the media. To confirm attendance, email laura @design-foundry.co.uk or call 0151 706 7413.
‘I won’t stop fighting for my money’
A FREE meeting to ● advise DHSS landlords on how they
SIGN OF THE TIMES: William McCarthy protesting outside KPMG’s office in Liverpool Picture: ALISTAIR HOUGHTON
can protect their rental income once LHA rent payments are cut from October 1, 2011, is being held at the Queens Royal Hotel, New Brighton promenade, on October 5, from 7pm. Details are available from the Merseyside and Wirral Property Landlords Action and Support Group on 0151 639 6253.
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SKELMERSDALE law firm Scott Rees & Co has appointed two new associates, in former team leaders Tony Mills and Greg Taylor. Managing partner Royston Smith said: “Scott Rees is currently experiencing a period of strong growth and we are making significant additions to our management tier.”
BUSINESSES in ● Liverpool can learn how to beat the effects
EXCLUSIVE By ALISTAIR HOUGHTON Business Reporter
A FORMER off-licence franchisee has spent the past few weeks protesting outside the Liverpool office of accountancy firm KPMG after losing thousands of pounds when parent chain First Quench collapsed. William McCarthy, who ran Threshers in Hoylake, has begun a one-man protest outside KPMG’s home in Princes Parade on the Mersey waterfront – where he clutches a home-made sign saying “KPMG stole my shop”. Mr McCarthy, 58, of Moreton, Wirral, agreed to sell his Threshers franchise back to First Quench last year for just under £31,000. But when the company went into administration weeks later, he was told he would not get his money. He may now
Franchisee lost thousands when chain collapsed only get 1p for every £1 he was owed. Mr McCarthy insists First Quench was already talking to KPMG, who became its administrators, when it agreed to buy the franchise. That means, he says, that KPMG has an obligation to give him the money in full. He said: “There’s no way I’m taking £300 and walking into the sunset.” Mr McCarthy bought the Threshers franchise in 2007 but says he soon became frustrated with First Quench about issues including the quality of its till system. He said the company had an
“Orwellian” attitude to monitoring its franchisees and tried to stop them from talking to each other about their problems. Mr McCarthy threatened to make his frustrations public and says First Quench instead agreed to buy him out. He said they even sent a representative to Wirral in late September to hand him the documents in person to ensure he left quickly. He was promised payment within three weeks. But, before he was paid, First Quench went into administration on October 28. Mr McCarthy tried negotiating with KPMG but has failed to get any money back. He has been left so short of money he has struggled to pay his mortgage. He said: “If I can’t keep up with my payments I could lose my home. What’s fair about that?” Mr McCarthy was unable to go to a creditors’ meeting in London in January due to bad weather, but is determined he will soon visit London to
protest at KPMG’s London office. He says passers-by in Liverpool have been supportive of his protest “One of the most fruitful days was when The World, the giant cruise liner, came into the city,” he said. “I had a lot of well-wishers. “All I need is one person who’s going to come and listen. I’ll be here next week, whatever happens.” Richard Fleming, UK head of restructuring at KPMG and First Quench’s joint administrator, said: “We are aware of the reason for Mr McCarthy’s protest and his claim against First Quench Retailing (FQR). “Since FQR went into administration last October, we have fully explained the legal position and although we sympathise with his situation, we are bound by the law relating to how we are obliged to deal with the claims of unsecured creditors, of which Mr McCarthy is one. “This means that all unsecured creditors must be treated equally.”
of severe winter weather at a presentation tomorrow by the Liverpool Business Continuity Management Forum in the Cunard Buildings, from 8.30am11am. Places can be booked and further information is available from BCM@liverpool. gov.uk or 0151 225 6008.
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BIRCHWOOD design and engineering consultancy Morgan Sindall Professional Services has promoted Priti Gadani to the new post of associate director, interior design. Priti joined in 2006 and has been promoted from her previous role as a principal interior designer.
2 NEWS
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS LIQUIDATION BECKONS FOR BOOTLE TRAINER
A BOOTLE training provider is expected to be put into liquidation tomorrow. Business Focus & Associates (BFA), on Derby Road, ceased trading last month, said Clive Morris, the nominated liquidator with insolvency specialist Marshall Peters from Heskin, near Preston. BFA provided training on behalf of Learn Direct for a number of years, but Mr Morris explained: “The relationship seems to have deteriorated and BFA is owed £170,000 from Learn Direct. “As a result BFA can’t pay its bills and its debts are £400,000.” The collapse affects 800 trainees, including 200 who have completed their NVQ qualifications but have not received certificates. Mr Morris said: “We are in contact with Learn Direct to achieve that.” Learn Direct spokesman Adrian Beddow added: “Our primary concern is for those learners who are currently awaiting their certificates and we are, therefore, working with the liquidators and BFA to review the learner files so that we can resolve this situation as quickly as we can.” A shareholders’ meeting will be held at Liverpool’s Jurys Inn Hotel tomorrow at 10.30am, followed by a creditors’ meeting half an hour later.
ARTEMIS MEDIA IN CBI LINK-UP
BIRKENHEAD PR firm Artemis Media & Public Affairs has been appointed to help manage the north west media for bosses’ organisation the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The CBI speaks for 2,000 firms in the region and is seeking to promote its events and work in the region more widely as the economy recovers. Artemis director Emma Parker-Goff said: “We are hugely excited to be working with the CBI.”
SMALL
BUSINESS of the Week
B
ANKERS’ claims that everything is hunky dory on the small business loans front cut no ice with Joe McDermott and Natalie Hardman. The 24-year-old couple have just opened their own cafe in Allerton after a frantic six months trying to pull everything together, including finance. Prospects for The Kitchen in Storrsdale Road look promising, but Joe and Natalie recall that trying to get a bank loan for their foray into self-employment was particularly frustrating. Joe said: “It was hard to get a loan. “A 24-year-old chef is on the bottom rung as far as banks are concerned and it was quite difficult.” In the end Joe’s mum came to their aid by standing as guarantor, which enabled them to embark on the balancing act of funding their dream business which, to date, they estimate has cost about £19,000. Joe admitted the opportunity came completely out of the blue for the pair who were working at the time at the Neighbourhood cafe in nearby Woolton Road. One of his aunties knew the landlord of the premises and was aware he was interested in establishing it as a cafe. “She asked if we were interested in it,” he said. “We weren’t planning for it. It was just before Christmas last year, but it is just what I wanted in this game, because you don’t make much money working for someone else.” The premises had lain empty for about three years, and although the couple didn’t feel they were in a financial position to take on such an important project, the opportunity was too good to pass up. They admitted that the “incidentals” in setting up a business took them by surprise. Joe said: “There were things like a licence to play music in the cafe that cost almost £400, but which had to be paid. “We got by through loans, some savings and some credit cards.” Natalie added: “We were playing the zero per cent balance transfer game.” Acquiring the necessary business skills virtually overnight was also a huge challenge, but they found lots of encouragement from Debbie Elliott-Brown of business support group Waves Enterprise. Natalie admitted: “The business side was just a minefield in terms of some things we had not even considered, like insurance and business rates, liability and the lease. Debbie was a really big help and they do networking events which were
The Kitchen couple with a recipe for success in Allerton
Reporter Neil Hodgson talks to Natalie Hardman and Joe McDermott really helpful, too.” Their big opening took place in July and they expected a ‘honeymoon’ period, but have found that custom is still pretty strong. Natalie said: “For the first couple of weeks we had friends and family and locals who wondered what was going on come in, but it is still really busy. It’s been better than we thought.” The couple had planned to put a little bit of cash aside to see them through the first few weeks, but they said the cafe is already making enough to pay the bills thanks to a growing band of regulars hungry for Joe and Natalie’s breakfasts and afternoon treats. Natalie said: “The big seller is the
big breakfast. “We thought it would be cakes and lunches, but the big market is breakfasts. “We get lots of tradesmen and taxi drivers and regulars from the Storrsdale pub over the road who spotted we have opened.” Dads and lads from nearby Saturday and Sunday under-nines football leagues are also fans of the big breakfast, she added. But variety is the spice of life and Natalie said they recognise that they will have to offer a wider choice: “We do try and do things differently, like smoked salmon and pepper mackerel fillet with fried eggs and smokey salsa.”
Joe added: “You have to change the menu every three or four months – make it seasonal and use local products. Everything here is homemade, like the ham sandwiches we do which I braise and bake here.” He admitted: “I had never made cakes before I worked here, and I can’t stop now.” Natalie added: “His carrot cake is very popular.” With the summer holidays barely over they say it is difficult to get a feel for customer trends or routines. Natalie said: “It will probably change as we get into September and October, and we’re looking forward to opening over Christmas and doing all our Christmas specials and mince pies.” They enjoy The Kitchen’s informal atmosphere which is helped by having family and friends working for them. “During the week Joe has his cousin helping in the kitchen and two girls, who are friends of the family, in the cafe.” She said they also keep in touch with their former employers at the Neighbourhood Cafe, who are regular visitors and who helped them prepare
Small firms group calls for extension to NI tax breaks SMALL business lobby group the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has welcomed a National Insurance (NI) holiday for some start-up firms, but says it should go further. The scheme gives new firms around the UK, except London
and the south east, a “holiday” on employers’ NI contributions for each of the first 10 staff they hire in the first year of business. It is open to new businesses set up on or after June 22, 2010 and will run until September 5, 2013.
The government is hoping to create a private sector-led recovery, with small business growth at the forefront. But the FPB is warning that unless further cuts follow, disproportionate taxation will remain a major barrier to growth for small businesses.
FPB chief executive Phil Orford said: “If the government is serious about creating conditions for real economic recovery it needs to introduce even bolder tax policies. “Given the significant threats to cash flow and
business growth from issues such as a lack of bank finance and increasing late payments, recruitment is likely to be slow during the first 12 months for many new firms. “The scheme should be available for a longer period than just the first year.”
SOM have
★★★★
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
NEWS 3
NEW TALENT NURTURED BY REDROW
METHING COOKING: Natalie Hardman and Joe McDermott e opened the Kitchen Cafe in Storrsdale Road, Allerton for opening their own Do you want venture. to be our Business She said: “I worked of the Week? for the Neighbourhood Cafe for two years, Contact Neil where I met Joe. He Hodgson 0151 472 had worked there 2451 or email since he was 16, starting as a dish neil.hodgson washer and working up @liverpool.com to head chef.” Joe said: “I learned from the Neighbourhood and saw how they got busy. I also went to Majorca for a year to help open a restaurant there, which helped me with this. I learned what not to do.” He admitted the business is a gamble for them, but they believe they have the recipe just right to make a go of it at The Kitchen. Natalie said: “This is small and nice and manageable, and something we can have a go at.” And she said they believe the best way to develop the business is by reputation: “Word of mouth is fantastic. You can see a poster for something, but unless you hear a friend or family member say ‘that’s really nice,’ you probably wouldn’t go.” Natalie said The Kitchen’s reputation has already started to spread locally and they plan to consolidate that through a number of events, such as supporting the national Macmillan Coffee Morning fund-raising event this weekend and last weekend’s fifth annual Hope Street Feast featuring a range of Joe’s home made tarts, tortillas, quiches, piccalilli and chutney. Natalie said: “It’s all about spreading the word.”
TREATS: Natalie shows off some of The Kitchen’s cakes
HOUSE builder Redrow, founded by Scouse entrepreneur Steve Morgan, has helped Ormskirk student Cara Henderson with her career aspirations. She has been awarded a year-long placement in Redrow Homes’ commercial department as part of a training programme to nurture future talent. Cara, 23, who attended Merchant Taylors’ School for Girls, in Crosby, and King George V College, Southport, has just finished her second year on a degree in commercial management and quantity surveying at the University of Central Lancashire. She expressed her gratitude to Redrow, saying: “Taking a year out during my course is strongly encouraged by the university, but finding companies to take students on was a real struggle this year. “About 95% of my classmates have gone straight back into their final year. “The opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience are simply not as available as they were a few years ago, with many companies no longer offering placement schemes. “I feel very fortunate to have achieved a placement with Redrow and the opportunity to put all I have learned into practice.” Redrow training manager Richard Beadsmoore said: “An unfortunate knock-on effect of the downturn in the housing market was the lack of opportunities for young people to get a foothold on the career ladder. We’re delighted to be reintroducing our under-graduate trainee programme.”
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4 NEWS
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS
BIG
INTERVIEW Reporter Alistair
Houghton talks to Phil Warren, MD of Warmer Heating in Knowsley
Trea job a you a work your hous
QUALITY: Phil Warren’s business has grown from a back-bedroom business to one employing 250 people
Picture: ALISTAIR HOUGHTON
T
ODAY Phil Warren’s company is hot property – but 20 years ago it was just a back-bedroom business in Croxteth Park. Phil’s business, Warmer Heating, employs 250 people and is all set to move into a huge new home after outgrowing yet another building. The business, which installs central heating systems for housing associations and other social landlords throughout the North, today turns over £17m a year. Warren puts Warmer’s growth down to the quality of its work – its staff, he says, should treat every job as though they were working at their mother’s house. And while Warren is a naturally modest and quietly-spoken man, he admits he is proud of the way his company has grown. “I didn’t think I’d ever get to this stage,” he said. “Back when I was working for myself and took on some temporary workers, I never thought I’d get to the position I’m in now, running a company with more than 200 staff.” Phil, originally from Stockbridge Village, was inspired to become a plumber as a child. “My uncle had a central heating business,” he said. “I can remember him coming to do some work at my mum’s house, and I thought ‘that’s what I want to do’.” After leaving school he joined a YTS scheme at JT Plumbing and Heating in Croxteth. “It was just me and the owner,” said Phil. After completing his training he moved on to work as a plumber for other local companies, including Stockbridge Village Trust, before joining Heatcraft. At Heatcraft he travelled the UK installing heating at caravan sites, and began working with British Gas. He moved to London for two years to carry out more commercial plumbing work before returning to Heatcraft. But, aged 23, he decided the time was right to strike out on his own. He began subcontracting for British Gas, but the future of his business was decided when he won a contract with Liver Housing – today part of Arena Housing – and began focusing on the social housing sector. At first, his business was based in Phil’s Croxteth Park house. “I set up in a bedroom at my house where I did my paperwork,” he said.“That’s when I started taking on engineers.” By the time Phil had 12 engineers working for him, he realised the business was too small to run from home. So in 1994 he moved the business, by then called Warmer, into a
former corner shop in Breck Road. In the 1990s the Government launched the Warm Front programme to help people out of fuel poverty by offering grants to fund insulation and heating improvements. Warmer began picking up contracts through the scheme, and the company’s growth quickened. Phil needed more engineers and decided he could grow more quickly through acquisition. So in 1994 he bought out
Heatcraft, the company he has worked for years earlier. “It took off after then,” he said. “We were doing five installations a week, and it went up to 40.” In 1998 the business moved up Breck Road to a double-fronted shop, with offices upstairs and a trade counter downstairs. The business continued its growth and in 2006 moved to a new home in Beech Road, Kirkby. Phil designed the internal layout of the building, transforming it from a
‘It’s important to bring people out of fuel poverty’
shed into a complex of offices and storage space. He also took charge of decorating the boardroom – which is festooned with memorabilia of his beloved Liverpool FC. But now Warmer is on the move again to a new unit nearby that is almost twice the size of its current home. The company recently took on more staff after taking over heating and renewable energy firm IQ Energy, and Warren is planning more growth. Warmer Heating is now bidding to win more private sector work, but Phil says there are still opportunities to be had in the social housing sector. In just the last few weeks Warmer has picked up contracts with three
social landlords, including Venture Housing. Phil is also hopeful that Warmer will be able to team up with other companies on other refurbishment projects. The company is talking to British Gas about potential opportunities, while it is also set to start working with utility companies on projects to insulate houses and so reduce carbon emissions. Warmer is also focusing on developing its green energy services, which include fitting solar panels and energy-efficient heat pumps. Phil is particularly proud of the work Warmer does under the Warm Front scheme. The scheme provides
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at every as if are king on r mum’s se grants so people can fit insulation and more efficient boilers, cutting their fuel bills. Government cuts mean the project’s funding is in question, but Phil is hopeful that it will continue. “It’s so important that the Warm front scheme continues in the future,” he said. “At this moment we don’t know if the scheme is going to be funded again by Government. “Particularly with the price of fuel at the moment, it’s important that we bring people out of fuel poverty. We want to see people in decent homes with energy-efficient condensing boilers. It’s vital we keep people warm, especially elderly and vulnerable people.”
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
NEWS 5
DARESBURY SIC’S GOLD STANDARD
NEW HOME: Phil Warren and his company Warmer Heating will soon move into a new home in Knowsley, above
DARESBURY Science and Innovation Campus (SIC) has set up links with four companies to offer its hi-tech tenants access to specialist services and improve business links across the site. The four inaugural ‘Gold Partners’ are business advisors CBG Group, Montpelier Chartered Accountants, business law specialist Stonecracker Scientific Legal Network/MSB and Shipley, which provides advice on intellectual property and technology law. The partners will deliver regular free surgery sessions; provide bespoke round-table discussions or access to specialist experts events for campus companies; and establish key staff members with a regular presence on campus. SIC general manager John Leake said: “We are delighted to be working with CBG Group, Montpelier Chartered Accountants, Stonecracker/MSB and Shipley to further strengthen our provision to the 100-plus high-tech businesses at Daresbury SIC, as well as companies within the wider network.”
ST HELENS BNI GROUP IS TOPS
RECOGNITION: Phil Warren, right, celebrates winning a National Energy Action Footprint award with then Energy Secretary Ed Miliband,
THE St Helens arm of support group Business Network International (BNI) has soared from 500th in the UK to top after generating more members and business. BNI Bravo meets each Friday morning at the Park Inn and has grown from 14 members to 36 in the past year. BNI rankings look at the amount of business generated, membership numbers and income generated from business at meetings and the St Helens group has surpassed all others. The group, whose members include bank managers to builders, says it aims to increase its membership to 46 and generate more business.
6 NEWS
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
★★★★
BUSINESS
INATTHEDEEP Peter Elson asks if franchising is the best way to start your own business
FOCUS D . . . on franchises
EAN Bee had a baptism of when he fire started a franchise business. As co-owner and director of the Coffee Republic franchise in Exchange Flags, Liverpool, he and his business partner, Andy Fernandez, were all set to open on November 24, 2007, when the credit crunch bit hard. In spite of that, he has no regrets about embarking on his new career two years ago and would never consider working for anyone else. All this from a man who had a successful career in the police and fraud investigation. He was also previously an environmental manager, which he say was an enjoyable job with good salary, bonus and a company car. “But I thought, I work very hard so why do it for someone else? I’d never go back now,” said Dean, 25. “We’d looked at franchises as an investment such as fast food outlets, with other people to run it. “Our research showed it must be a business which we could step in and run if necessary. “It was no good owning a Chinese take-away if you can’t speak Mandarin to the staff.” They decided that a coffee franchise would be the best fit and investigated what was on offer. “Franchises do differ and, for example, one chain wanted a huge investment we couldn’t afford.” Coffee Republic seemed the best fit for their needs and the initial outlay was £17,500 for the “brand entrance” fee. However, because of the bank crash and Coffee Republic’s original owners going out of business, their costs roared upwards. Dean reckons they have now ploughed an eye-watering £250,000 into the business between them. They had to pay for the shop fit-out, finance and residuals on turnover to Coffee Republic. “The financial goal-posts changed constantly over two years,” said Dean. Although the pair had a month’s training by Coffee Republic, they essentially had to learn to run the business themselves. The shop needs five to seven staff and, as finding the right manager proved so difficult, Andy took nine months sabbatical from his job at British Airways to bring the business on track. “We’ve now got a great manager,
NEW LOOK: Paul Griffiths inside the refurbished McDonald’s restaurant in Bromborough earlier this year. He is set to refurbish another £160,000 in his Birkenhead restaurant. McDonald’s has recently invested £1.2m in its Merseyside eateries Sean Hunter,” said Dean. “But we felt we needed to grow the business to start getting a better return on our money. “So I took a reality check and packed my job in on December 23 to concentrate on expansion.” They now do promotions, catering, outside catering, networking parties, charity quiz nights and psychic nights. “Quite simple ideas can work like a free toast offer and 99p coffee in the afternoon, which we launched in January when we anticipated sales would crash otherwise. “You need to maximise every opprotunity, as the market is now saturated. You have to add value and we want to stand out from the crowd. “Also you realised everyone seems to be a competitor. It’s not only the big names, but even little sandwich bars. “We put 110% into giving the best service. This is the
business district so staff are dressed properly and always call customers sir or madam. “This is my business and it matters that it is a success. “We have a five agreement which we’re nearly half-way through and will then have a mutual review with Coffee Republic. “I couldn’t have gone into business without the platform of an established brand. “I would never have taken the risk of investing all this money without that safety net. But I’d advise anyone to give it a go.”
Cooking up a franchise PAUL Griffiths took a McDonald’s franchise on Wirral as he felt it was a superb longterm investment. “My advice to anyone considering a franchise business is research, research and research - and look at the company track record.” Paul has been a McDonald’s franchise for 12 years and its contracts run for 20 years. He has invested more than £700,000 in his three outlets. “I’d chose a brand which will continue to grow, with an ethical business approach.” Paul has McDonald’s franchise for Bromborough, Wallasey and Birkenhead outlets. He worked as a McDonald’s staff member in London and the US.
“I knew the brand well, but the company’s selection process and training is rigorous. “McDonald’s gives fantastic support in the beginning and with continuous improvement. “I also partake in business strategy for further investment
END
MONEYMATTERS THESE are nervous times for businesses in the region. The coalition government’s comprehensive spending review is casting a shadow over the economy. While strengthening your business through investment is always key to growth, during recession this is even more essential. The ICAEW / Grant Thornton UK quarterly
NEWS 7
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
★★★★
Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) recently reported positive capital investment growth for North West firms. Capital investment grew by 1.1% in the year to Q3. These figures illustrate that businesses are starting to reposition themselves for the upturn. Times of uncertainty
with Carl Williams, audit partner, Grant Thornton
always lead to increased levels of mergers and acquisitions. Businesses considering this as an option need to bear in mind the recently increase to capital gains tax. The Budget in June increased CGT to 28% for higher-rate taxpayers.
It remains at an internationally competitive rate and certainly shouldn’t stop anyone considering doing a deal during the recession. Firms that continue to invest will be the ones that ultimately flourish. If you can make a profit during hard times, you can certainly soar once the economy revives. Remember, Microsoft and Disney began in recession.
ADVERTORIAL
Making the most of exporting opportunities By Leigh Taylor
AREA DIRECTOR fOR LLOyDS TSB COMMERCIAL In ThE nORTh WEST
COFFEE KING: Dean Bee has not regrets about taking on a Coffee Republic franchise
TOP GEAR: The interior of the Bang & Olufsen store in Castle Street in Liverpool and direction of the brand. “McDonald’s also gives me a local community role, as I’m chair of Arrowe Park’s Ronald McDonald campaign. “It’s a significant investment, you need 25% unencumbered, but because of the company’s
brand-strength banks will support the other 75%.” Another powerful franchise brand is upmarket electronic retailer Bang & Olufsen, with huge recent interest when its Castle Street, Liverpool, store advertised for a new investor.
The latest Lloyds TSB Commercial Business in Britain report (August 2010) showed that a balance of 25 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMes) expect order book levels to rise in the second half of 2010 – with 42 per cent expecting a rise in foreign sales as a result of the rebound in world demand and a sustained fall in the pound. According to a separate survey commissioned earlier in the year by Lloyds TSB Commercial, the number one reason for not exporting amongst SMes in the North West is the fear of a potential lack of demand. Over twofifths (46 per cent) of businesses listed this as their biggest concern. however, whereas exporting would have once always involved a lot of travelling, using the internet as a shop window can offer a low cost option to promote a business and generate sales. Once a business has set up an overseas fulfilment process they can sell to a global market for the first time using relatively low cost marketing such as Search engine Optimisation (SeO). Other common reasons for businesses in the North West not exporting include fears about possible late payments from their customers abroad (13 per cent), potential bad debts (24 per cent) and foreign currency fluctuations (13 per cent). Lloyds TSB Commercial offers a wealth of international business and foreign exchange services and products such as ‘forward exchange contracts’, which allow businesses to buy or sell a currency at a fixed exchange rate. Other services include a wide range of trade and trade finance solutions (many available over the internet) such as ‘letters of credit’ which can help companies retain an element
Opportunities: Lloyds TSB Commerical’s Leigh Taylor of control over the release of goods to their overseas buyers, whilst protecting their cash flow. All our international business managers are locally based and their expertise can help make exporting easier and potentially more profitable for businesses. They can introduce firms to organisations such as UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) which may be able to help make export expansion successful and sustainable. They are also supported by an experienced team of City finance specialists who run regional training sessions on how best to manage foreign currency fluctuations and will work with you to build the best approach for your business as it develops. Later in the year my team will also be holding another business seminar to help local companies looking to
explore exporting opportunities. A number of independent experts will also be in attendance to offer free impartial advice and this is a perfect opportunity for businesses to network and share best practice. For more information or if you would like to register your interest in attending one of our seminars please visit www.lloydstsb.com/ supportingukbusiness. To be put in contact with an international business manager please call 0800 328 5844. There really is a world of opportunity out there for businesses in the North West. Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15M. Calls may be monitored or recorded.
8 NEWS
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
★★★★
ECHO Business to Business
BUSINESS
Business For Sale
WATERLESS WASH SPRUCES UP CARS by NEIL HODGSON
Open until 9pm www.blacksbrokers.com LIVERPOOL - Newsagents
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LIVERPOOL - Off Licence
Industry Reporter A WATERLESS car washing service has been launched in Liverpool. The Car Wash Company offers an environmentallyfriendly wash and valeting operation for drivers from within the car park of Liverpool’s St John’s Shopping Centre. Car Wash Company founder Darren Humphrey worked with waterless cleaning specialists WOW Shine for three years to develop a biodegradable chemical that is sprayed on to vehicles to break down dirt and grime, doing away with the need for gallons of water to wash each vehicle. Once the solution is sprayed on to vehicles they can then be buffed just 20 to 30 seconds later, as the spray also contains a polishing agent. Darren, 34, who set up the company with business partner, 29-year-old Joe Costello, said the waterless
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LIVERPOOL - Newsagents & ESP 1797
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GLEAMING: Centre manager Iain MacGillivray (left), with Joe Costello (right) and Car Wash Company staff Yatek and David cleaning process achieves far better results than a traditional hand wash. “I’ve been in the car valeting business for around 10 years but began to develop this new system with WOW Shine around three years ago,” he said. “Our new location in St John’s is the first that we’ve opened in the north. “We chose Liverpool as we know it’s important for people here to look good, and that extends to your car too.” The St John’s centre is the first of its kind in Liverpool to
offer the waterless car wash service, offering shoppers an eco-friendly way to clean their cars. Shopping centre manager Iain MacGillivray said: “The Car Wash Company has only been operating in our car park a short time, but we’ve already had a lot of interest and people are already beginning to return to have their cars cleaned again. “It’s a fantastic idea and far better for the environment than taking your car to a hand car wash or doing it yourself.”
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LIVERPOOL - Fish & Chip Shop 1570
MERSEYSIDE - Newsagents 1588
BIRKENHEAD – Newsagents 1873
• Prime Main Road Position • W/t £6000 N/S £1,500, Nat Lott £1,400 • Densely Populated Residential Area • Scope For Off Licence, S/C 2 Bedroom Living Accom • Viewing Highly Recommended • Business £45,950 SAV
LIVERPOOL - Convenience Store 1626 • Busy Parade Of Shops, Wt £ 10,000, News Sheet £400 £450, Paypoint £1,500 & National Lottery £3,500 • High Quality Fixtures And Fittings • 3 Bed Living Accommodation, Well Est 10 Years • Viewing Highly Recommended • Business £189,995 SAV
•LIVERPOOL - Newsagents 1680
WIRRAL - Counter Newsagents 1745
• Established 30 Years • Wt £1,200 N/S £450 • Scope To Increase T/o • Located Within A Post Office • Busy Main Road Location, Viewing A Must • Business £12,000 SAV
LIVERPOOL - Newsagents 1785
NIGHTCLUB LEASE FOR SALE
EXCELLENT LOCATION, 500 CAPACITY WITH 250 MORE AVAILABLE ON SEPARATE FLOOR. 3AM LICENSE.
WIDNES
07970 007505 UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY To purchase well known established children’s play programme. Operating 5 days a week in Merseyside/Lancs. OIRO £34000. 07967 354767 CATERING BUSINESS Sandwich round, cafe. Eat in/ Takeaway. 3 vans and catering trailer for sale. £65k ono. No Timewasters please. 07776 184946 OFF LICENCE & Newsagent, Knotty Ash. £4,600pw takings WITHOUT alcohol. 1 bed flat above, long lease. £100pw. £35,000. 07908 613140 CAFE FOR SALE Nr LFC, Freehold, with 4 bed flat above (flat in need of repair). Sale due to illness £84,000 ono. Tel 07857 986851
RESTAURANT FOR SALE Hoylake Wirral, £160pw, 13yrs lease remaining £32,000 ono. 35 covers. 07754 161 063 CAFE Long est, refurbd, well equipped takings £3700pw, long lease. Offers around £60,000. 07940 177292
Commercial Property TO LET BRAND NEW Workshop/Industrial Units 1499− 2,558 Sq Ft Sefton Business Park, Aintree. Whittle Jones 01257 238666
Prime Position, Town Centre • Adjacent Multiples • Audited Turnover, Gp 22% • Counter News, Vast Scope • Opposite Railway Station • Business £150,000 SAV, • Prop £385,000 Or Rent
MERSEYSIDE - Hair Salon1865 • Established 9 Years, W/T£6,500 • Rent Income From Nail Bars • Large Detached Freehold Property • Scope To Increase The Turnover • Viewing A Must • Bus & Prop £369,000 SAV
UNITS TO LET Bootle Area 5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexible terms 0151 486 0004
TX4 07 & LPOOL PLATE Auto 1 owner fsh, 12 mths mot, warranty. 55k finance arranged Taxifix. 0151 482 5101 KNOWSLEY Cab & Plate 05 TX2 just passed plate 6 mths tax. £23,500 ono, financearranged. 07903 478034
DRIVER WANTED Long Collar £150pw inc insurance 07976 122795 BLUE LINE TAXISNew drivers wanted urgently. Earn £500 − £800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101
TX1 V REG Tax, mot. £1600. R Reg £1200. 07812 380 535 C I T Y L O N G C O L L A R TX1 £250pw. 07711 615124 NIGHT COLLARS available call Stuart Taxifix 0151 482 5101
Commercial Premises MAIN ROAD MAGHULL Large shop & offices. Fore court parking. 13 computer points. Roller shutter security. Fire alarmed. Kitchen & toilet. Well decorated & carpeted. Low rent. No deposit. Also large business/ sales business 3000+ sq ft. Well decorated. Secure yard, large warehouse. Kitchen & toilet. Will divide. 01695 423489
T J THOMAS 0151 708 6544 ERSKINE ST close to City centre Business units, 850 − 950 sqft. With or without int Office Space £106 − £125pw + vat
RAINFORD St Helens WA11 8HP. modern Industrial Units to let ideal for storage or small business, 24hr cctv, rural location. 600 & 1,200sqft fr £75pw Tel: 07841 915503
WORKSHOP To Let Rainhill, 630sqft £75pw 0161 980 1912
CITY DAYS,NIGHTS OR L COLLAR TEL: 07789 884399
L4/L21 UNITS−OFFICES from £45pw alarm, Secure yard s/c elec inc 0792O 461551
DAY COLLAR New cab c/o Old Swan over 35. 07884 190920
L4 GARAGE UNIT fully equip 2 sets of ramps, comp, 3 phase £160pw. 0792O 461551
KNOWSLEY PLATE £14,000 ono. 07900 108916.
OFFICE TO LET fr £40pw fully inc. 07785 562496
DAY COLLAR available c/o Walton 07840 049292
SHOP TO LET South L’pool. Very secure 07785 562496
LONG COLLAR Available TX1 07796 170778 CAB & LPOOL PLATE Wanted 07914 804497
Accountancy / Bookkeeping
CITY DAYS/Nights also Days L14. £120. 07715 172487.
CASH LOANS Secured against your car. Loans for any purpose. 0 1 5 1 2 2 0 4 4 8 8
LIVERPOOL - Bar/Restaurant 1763 • Excellent City Centre Location • Annual T/o £2 Million • Well Established, World Heritage Site • Scope To Increase T/o • Viewing A Must • Business £1,800,000 SAV
P R I V A T E H I R E Lpool & Knowsley plates. Excellent cars avail rent fr £140pw inc ins. Lady drivers welcome. Quarry Cars 07713 368196
DAY COLLAR TX4 C/O Kirkby 0788 0722845
Loans
LIVERPOOL - Convenience Store 1712
Industrial Property
D A V Y L I V E R T A X I S Have company cars available. Contact Alan on 0151 708 7080 or 0779 5417333 for more details.
L O N G C O L L A R S 05 Cab. 07889 368241
TX2 52 Cab & Plate for sale £40,000 ono. 07788 967845 LIVERPOOL CITY PLATE For rent £140pw 07923 599709. LONG COLLAR TX1 £260pw. 07960 938795 DAYS with c/o & Nights or Long collar. 07957 636549 05 CITY LONG COLLAR available 07769 708311
Fantastic Location • W/T £3,000 N/S £275 At Retail • Huge Scope • Excellently Fitted • Viewing Essential • Rare Opportunity • Business £25,000 SAV
• Freehold In Prime Position • Annual Turnover £ 45,000 • 3 Bedroom Living Accommodation • Massive Potential, Densely Populated Area • Viewing Highly Recommended • Bus. & Prop £185,000 SAV
Taxis/Cab & Plate
T O L E T N E T H E R L E Y Industrial/Workshop Units 506− 1,023 sq ft Rents from £62pw Wheathills Ind Estate. Whittle Jones 01257 238666
COMPANY DEBT increasing? Vat & tax arrears? We have solutions. 0151 428 0015
1638
• Excellent trading position • WT £5,300+, High quality equipment • Family Business for 27 Years • Excellent Reputation • Viewing Essential • Business £300,000 SAV
LIVERPOOL - Sandwich Bar 1619
• Established 52 Years, Affluent Area • Local Cliental Base • W/T £7,000 N/S £2,500 • Scope To Increase T/o • Viewing A Must, • Bus & Prop £259,995 SAV
LIVERPOOL - Cafe
• Excellent Trading Position • WT £ 900 - £1,200, Low Rent £ 150 Pw •High Spec Fixtures And Fittings • Potential For Deliveries And Rounds • Viewing Essential • Business £37,950 SAV
• Large Residential Area, WT £1,000 • Rental Income Of £1,000 pcm • Established 25 Years • Scope To Increase T/O With Outside Catering • Sale Due To Retirement • Business £30,000 SAV, Prop £245,000 SAV or rent
1604
LIVERPOOL -Sandwich Bar 1595
• WT £11,500 N/S £2,500, Lott £7,000 Pay Point £22,000 • Huge Potential, Prime Trading Position • Development Project, Planning Permission Granted • Will Split Premises • Bus & Prop £264,995 SAV
• Established Over 40 Years • W/T £4500 N/S £1500 Lottery £3500 • 1 Bedroom Studio Apartment, Huge Potential • Excellent Location - Close To Schools/Free Parking • Densely Populated Area , • Bus & Prop £189,995 SAV
• Busy Main Road Location • Located Near a Large Residential Area • WT £1,265 Gross Profit 65% • High Foot Flow, Established 5 Years • Viewing is a Must • Business £69,999 SAV
EVERTON - Takeaway
1382
• Thriving Business, Large Residential Area • WT £1,200 - Scope To Increase T/O • High Foot Flow • Match Day Traffic / Increased Turnover • Viewing A Must • Business £24,995 SAV
• Established 13 Years, Wt £2,000 • Scope To Increase T/o • Large Cliental Base • Busy Main Road Location • Viewing A Must • Business £29,995 SAV
• Wt £18,000 • Established For 15 Years • Large Premises • Potential For Extending Store • Must Be Seen • Business £109,950 SAV
LIVERPOOL - Takeaway •Densely Populated Area • Main Road Position • WT £2,100 - £2,400 •Immaculately Presented •Excellent Reputation •Business £49,950 SAV
WORKSHOP UNIT To let. Very secure. 07785 562496
Building Trade FRAMELINE TRADE SUPPLY DOORS, WINDOWS, UPVC CONSERVATORIES. 70MM Duraflex 70MM X Sculptured Suite 5 Day Turnaround Tel 0151 546 5577 Fax 0151 546 5588 ACCREDITED WITH BS7412 & BS7950
KITCHEN & BEDROOM FITTINGS from a hinge to a full kitchen/bedroom. 3D plans now available. Showroom & Trade Counter at 3 Rockley Street, Kirkdale, L4 0151−207 0008.
LIVERPOOL - Convenience Store 1872 • Well Established • W/T £2,500 - £3,500 N/S £250 At Retail • Huge Scope & Potential • Bespoke Building, Large Sales Area • Densely Populated Area , • Bus & Prop £79,995 SAV
Business Opportunities BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY For Heat/Fuel Merchants. Agents wanted nationwide to market quality heating product in all areas. For more details. email: aidan@hartepeat.com SHOP/FLAT TO LET St Johns Rd. Waterloo. L22. Large shop with 2 bed flat. Suitable for various of uses. £900pcm Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441 SHOP TO LET Would ideally suit Barber shop. Bridge Road. Blundellsands L23. £600pcm Call: 0151 9209999/ 07900424441 SHOP TO LET St Johns Rd. Waterloo. L22. Large shop various uses. £600pcm Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL UNITS To let. Peel Rd. Skelmersdale. WN8. From £550pcm Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441 FORMER HAIRDRESSERS To Let. South Road, Waterloo. L22. Prime location. £700pcm. Call: 0 1 5 1 9 2 0 9 9 9 9 / 07900424441
Business For Rent EAT IN & TAKEAWAY SHOP L7 Fully equipped, plus seperate access to 3 bed flat with dg & gch, recently decorated 07930 369048
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Appears every day in your
A-F TEL: 0151 472 2746 G-M TEL: 0151 472 2573 N-Z TEL: 0151 472 2377