Chamber leads way at

New workplace support put in place

To support employees in workplaces across Dorset through the Coronavirus Pandemic, Dorset Mind has created a suite of bespoke services to support the wellbeing of employers, employees (and their children where applicable) and reduce presenteeism. Dorset Mind believe this will help reduce the economic impact of the response to COVID-19. It’s important to Dorset Mind that they help support employers and employees: • Through periods of sickness and absence • Through periods of self-isolation • Through office lock-downs • When their children are out of school and at home All of the services they offer are designed to meet the changing needs of your workplace, and ensure you can all thrive at work – whatever work might look like.

Importantly, these services are designed to take pressure off your HR and EAPs (if you have them), who are no doubt experiencing an uplift in need.

They also take into account the inevitable wider challenges that employees will be facing out of the workplace. Dorset Mind will support employees through these challenges, so they can thrive when at work. Dorset Mind will seek to: • Support yours and your employees’ general mental health; to support wellbeing at work • Best equip your employees to support their children (if applicable) with the change in routine presented through periods out of school • Provide access to support for those with pre-existing mental health conditions, when surgeries and CMHTs may be under strain How do they plan to do this? • Regular employee 1-2-1 video and telephone wellbeing check-ins, with education about working productively and maintaining mental health through the challenges presented in the Coronavirus outbreak • Webinars to help people cope with anxiety and depression • Webinars to educate employees who are also parents with tools to support their children’s mental health If you would like to find out more visit their website dorsetmind.uk

Suttles’ Swanworth solar system

IN A bid to reduce Suttle Stone Quarries’ carbon footprint and energy costs, Swanworth Quarry’s workshop has recently undergone installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system supported by Low Carbon Dorset and installed by Wessex Eco Energy.

Throughout the year when solar radiation is produced (not just in bright sunlight), the panels will generate electricity to provide power for the workshop, security and any fixed electrical systems within the quarry. Importantly it will also help to power the quarry’s 160kW crusher motor which was upgraded to electric from diesel back in 2014, significantly reducing bills and some reliance of fossil fuel energy sources.

The system, which has a capacity of around 49kWp (Kilowatt peak of a system), has been part funded by Low Carbon Dorset as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will save around 25 tonnes of CO2 per year. This along with an ever-increasing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles means the company is estimated to be saving in the region of 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions combined.

Suttles Stone Quarries began working on the project in the latter part of 2019 and was approved for the grant from Low Carbon Dorset in time for work to be ultimately completed in October. The process, which included numerous site visits from Low Carbon Dorset’s Renewable Energy Technical Officer, Dr Derek Moss, was concluded with a feasibility study and application for £16,693 of grant funding. Once the supplier was selected and the grant was officially awarded, Suttles were able to instruct Wessex Eco Energy to complete the works. In October, over the course of a week, 120 Canadian Solar 405w PV panels were expertly and neatly installed onto the workshop roof.

John Suttle commented on the project’s completion; ‘I was really impressed with the professionalism and speed of the installation by Wessex Eco Energy and I think Low Carbon Dorset are doing a great job in helping to fund projects like this. I think that every business that is suitable for solar or other renewable energy generation and efficiencies should be applying and hope that Low Carbon Dorset continue to be able to provide funding in future.’

In the coming years it is hoped that a decision on an extension to quarrying at Swanworth will mean that Suttles can extend to a larger solar system that could entirely power activities on site and give scope to more electric vehicle charging. Nonetheless, after a lot of research and determination a low carbon vision is slowly becoming a reality and Suttles aim to roll out such technologies throughout other parts of the business.

Suttle Stone Quarries is a well-established local business based in Purbeck and Poole, Dorset. As well as operating two quarries and an aggregate sales and recycling depot, the company runs a fleet of modern tipper lorries for delivery of stone, aggregates and associated products as well as collection of inert wastes such as concrete and soils for the recycling facility for more information visit; www.suttles.co.uk

Chamber leads way at national conference

Business leaders from the Dorset Chamber flew the county’s flag at a national conference held in London amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The delegation heard from speakers including Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Trade Minister Greg Hands at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) event in Westminster. Mr Hands insisted that the Government’s policy was to ‘prepare for the worst and work for the best’ and urged businesses to play their part.

Earlier in the week, Dorset Chamber became one of the first nationwide to ask people to refrain shaking hands at events to help combat the spread of the disease. The chamber – Dorset’s leading business support organisation – was also praised for its Life Skills initiative in a keynote speech by BCC director general Dr Adam Marshall.

Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “It was a great event with Dorset well represented.

“Coronavirus was clearly at the forefront of people’s minds and it was reassuring to hear Matt Hancock address the business issues head on.

“At the Dorset Chamber we have been focusing on staying one step ahead and will continue to act as a focal point to give business the latest advice.”

Ian added: “Although coronavirus dominated discussions on the conference floor the wheels of commerce were still turning and it was very much business as usual.” The Dorset Chamber Life Skills project supports young people in care and care leavers on a charitable basis.

Dr Marshall singled out the initiative as a national example to show how businesses are making a difference in their communities. Businesses from Dorset attending the event included Blue Sky Financial Planning, the Bournemouth & Poole College,

Deep South Media, Digital Storm, HSBC, Liz Lean PR and Ouch Training Team.

Dorset Chamber is the county’s voice of business with more than 700 members representing 37,000 employees. It is the only chamber in Dorset accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce. Visit www.dcci.co.uk for more details.

New eco-coffee partnership for local holiday park provider

The Hoburne Group, which has holiday parks and golf clubs across the south and south west of the UK has announced a new partnership with The Eco Coffee Company, a Dorset-based coffee producer that offers a unique method of recycling coffee grounds.

Working to minimise its impact on the environment, and keen to grow its relationship with local suppliers, Hoburne has chosen to work with The Eco Coffee Company to supply its coffee beans.

The Eco Coffee Company, which is based in Ringwood and has been established for two years, collects and recycles the used coffee grounds into Biofuel. This Biofuel is then used to roast the next batch of coffee.

With a choice of four blends, Hoburne has introduced the Spinnaker Blend, a dark roast coffee that is now available for guests across its holiday parks and three golf clubs.

As part of the new partnership, The Eco Coffee Company will service Hoburne’s machines, offer barista training to Hoburne’s food and beverage team and supply Hoburne with re-usable travel cups, which are made of recycled plastic as well as offering 100 per cent compostable single-use cups if required.

Commenting on the new partnership, Ben Dalton, Hoburne’s Group Retail Manager, said: “As a large holiday and leisure provider, Hoburne is committed to minimising its impact on the environment and where possible work with ecofriendly local suppliers.

46 April 2020 | Dorset Business Focus “We have always had a strong sense of responsibility for the environment and the demand for sustainable leisure has become increasingly critical across the industry. As a family-run business, with holiday parks and golf clubs positioned in some of the most unspoilt locations, we are committed to ensuring we have several initiatives in place to help improve our environmental footprint for future generations.” Stuart Atkins, Managing Director of The Eco Coffee Company, added: “We are delighted to be working with Hoburne, it is such a big name locally and within the leisure and tourism industry. For us as a business, it is important we work with like-minded companies that are considerate of the environment.

“We offer a unique, sustainable way of producing coffee and the recycling of grounds is one of the key elements to the carbon neutral, zero waste process. The Eco Coffee is ethically sourced, roasted in Dorset and features a range of premium 100 per cent Arabica blends”.

www.hoburne.com

Dorset Business Angels impressed by pitch

Bournemouth based business showcasing ‘google maps for sailors’ grabs investor attention at Dorset Business Angels pitch event

A Bournemouth based business, whose marine navigation platform’s proud boast is that its innovative product is the ‘google maps for sailors’, has grabbed investor attention in their pitch to Dorset Business Angels (DBA), in a Dragon’s Den type pitch.

The founder of the business, a former Google employee, is a seasoned sailor who described his passion for the seas, which started at the tender age of 8, learning from his grandad. This resulted in him taking part in the illustrious Clipper Round the World Yacht race. He described how his sailing experiences had taught him that literally millions of sailors struggle with navigation! He advised that a third of sailors typically use more than 4 different apps when planning a trip and spend approximately 1 to 2 hours per day on navigation during their sailing trips. “There are too many variables to check such as weather, waves, chartered hazards, ocean currents and boat performances.

“Mistakes can be deadly and running aground on chartered shallows happens far too often and it’s not surprising that many sailors are intimidated when planning their trip and getting out on to the water.”

The marine navigation solution was presented to the savvy Angel investors and described as ‘an app that can get the safest route in seconds, save hours of work and manage winds, tides and charts and in just one app.’ The business already has an impressive 20,000 sailors using its platform. The opportunity was identified as the fact that there are 140 million boat users each year, with an addressable market of 76 million, which includes sailing boats larger than 7.5 metres.

The impressive team behind the business was introduced and a line- up of formidable and experienced ambassadors listed, including former world champion sailor, Hannah Stodel. Ambitious financial projections were shared, with the ambition of an exit strategy with a trade sale in 4 to 6 years, having become ‘the de facto solution for navigation at sea.’

The company is looking to raise £750,000, of which £450,000 has already been secured. Dorset Business Angels with sailing experience showed great interest and belief in the product and shared their positive experiences of already having used the platform. Further due diligence will be undertaken by interested investors. Other pitching businesses included: • A returning business to the Angel investors’ ‘den’. Having pitched 3 years previously and having secured DBA investment, the tethered drone systems business was invited back to update investors on the business and the journey to date and launch a further round of funding. The business operates in the commercial drone sector and has continued to develop its impressive technology over the past couple of years and has successfully acquired a CAA licence to operate its equipment. • A company in the health & safety sector which offers alert technology. Established in 2017 this business manufactures the world's first and only real-time warning devices for airborne asbestos – the world’s biggest occupational killer. Their vital early warning technology is incorporated into their monitors, that help reduce the risk of prolonged exposure, reduce costly project delays and improve asbestos safety in the workplace. • A business in the sustainability sector, specialising in creating native forests, planting small, medium and large commercial woodland all over the world. The company has been contracted to work on numerous projects for The Environment Agency, The Forestry Commission and HS2 Woodlands. • An online childrens’ outdoor clothing retailer business which was incorporated into a retail group as part of its expansion. The Company stocks a range of clothing and footwear for children aged from 6 months to 14 years. The brand portfolio consists of over 50 of the best brands from around the world, selling over 1300+ outdoor wear products and offering an unsurpassed choice to its customers. DBA Chairman Don McQueen advised, “As a keen sailor and an imminent participant in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the marine navigation platform was of particular interest to me. We were delighted to welcome some new investors and interest in DBA to the room. We are always keen to welcome new members and would urge anyone interested in joining us at future events to get in touch. We are delighted to be hosting a special event to educate, inform and inspire new investors to become involved in DBA. Please visit https://dorsetbusinessangels.co.uk/ become-an-angel-investor to find out more and make a booking. We’d love to see you there!” The official Brexit date has now passed and the process has begun for the UK’s full departure from the European Union over the coming months, what does this mean for business infrastructure and what do you need to know?

New Business Director at IT software solutions provider, KFA Connect, Richard Austin sets out his advice for businesses and eCommerce operations: “Now that the withdrawal from the EU is underway, there’s several considerations that businesses need to be aware of, specifically around IT systems.”

“Firstly, if you are a UK-based business buying or selling into Europe you will need to plan for potential changes to VAT.”

KFA Connect - which provides tailored IT solutions and IT support for businesses - recommends allowing more time for delivery and receipt of goods, as changes to systems at customs in 2021 will require additional time to clear and be prepared for delays, at least initially. Richard continues: “If you’re relying on procuring products from the EU, then ensure that your forecasting is as accurate as possible, allow for more time to make sure that you can continue to meet production demands.

“If you have an eCommerce arm to your businesses, you may need to review your pricing, allowing for additional charges from suppliers, customs and logistics providers. The relocation of offices or accounts from the UK to EU countries will require system changes to add additional locations and integrate with other systems.

“The physical location of where an eCommerce website is hosted will become more important to your business,” explains Richard. “Companies with websites currently hosted in EU member states may decide to move these back to the UK. It might also be worth considering new language translations, new delivery methods, new product pricing in foreign currency or new VAT charging functionality if new trade deals are struck with different countries.”

“New systems and processes may increase the requirement for purchase orders and invoices to be processed using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).”

“If you are a UK business or organisation that receives or holds personal data from contacts in the EU, you will need to take extra steps to ensure that the data continues to flow after Brexit, whilst adhering to GDPR regulations.”

As UK businesses head into the transition period for the remainder of 2020, business leaders should focus on planning, to ensure all opportunities are considered and advice sought. Richard concludes: “Although the government has committed to a ‘business as usual’ phase until the end of this year, now is the time to start thinking about 2021 and beyond and planning for a no-deal. Make sure you seek advice to check that your IT systems are ready for the challenges and opportunities.” www.kfa.co.uk Are your business IT software systems all set for Brexit?