Somerset Chamber Magazine December/January 2017/18

The Official Magazine of Somerset Chamber of Commerce

December 2017 / January 2018

Devolution and local focus in Somerset 18 | FEATURE

6 | CHAMBER NEWS

Emphasis on change at Somerset Chamber AGM

10 | FOCUS ON: HEALTH & SAFETY Insider perspectives on topical sector issues

24 | THE BIG INTERVIEW

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Somerset

Over 40 business sectors and more than 32,000 employees represented

60+

550

members across Somerset

Connect

25

Pulse e-newsletters a year

Bi-monthly Somerset Voice Magazine

discounted events a year

Be heard lobbying and representation

Includes: • Networking • Training • Development • Briefing • Panel discussion • CEO forum

Raise your profile within the local business community

50+

inter-member discounts

Influence

Use of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce logo

Grow

Contribute to and receive Quarterly Economic Surveys Event sponsorship

400 attend Somerset Business Awards

T: 01823 444924 E: membership@somerset-chamber.co.uk

3

CONTENTS First Word 4 Patron News 5 Chamber News 6-9 Focus On: Health & Safety 10-11 Members Area 12-17 Feature: Devolution 18-19 #WellConnected 22-23 The Big Interview 24-25 Members News 26-31 Business News Town Chamber News

32-33 34

Disclaimer The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Chamber. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, any database or any part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, Somerset Chamber do not accept any responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce Equity House Blackbrook Park Avenue Blackbrook Business Park Taunton, Somerset TA1 2PX

Editorial and advertising: E: marketing@somerset-chamber.co.uk T: 01823 444924 Printers: Print Guy, Somerset Design by: Thoroughbred Design & Print, Somerset

18 | THE BIG INTERVIEW

LORD-LIEUTENANT OF SOMERSET

6 | CHAMBER NEWS

10 | FOCUS ON: HEALTH & SAFETY

12 | MEMBERS AREA

32 | BUSINESS NEWS

We are social @chambersomerset

Watch us on YouTube

Find us on LinkedIn

4

FIRST WORD A few decades ago, travelling overseas or communicating with people who speak a different language was not part of everyday life. Today though, countries and communities around the world are becoming more connected. Travel is more affordable and accessible, and businesses are able to operate on a global scale, irrespective of how large or small they are.

Technology and transport options contribute to the accessibility of different locations, helping our world become smaller. Another country may only be a few hours away on a plane, or a few time zones away via email or Skype, which means that opportunities are available to make new connections, start new careers and visit new places.

Within this ever changing landscape, I am a firm believer in the ethos that a business must ‘think globally but act locally’. This is further brought into focus by the government’s long term approach to economic development, which steers towards decentralisation by encouraging decision making away from Westminster and into the regions through devolution.

On the subject of ‘local’, the recent Somerset Business Awards was a perfect opportunity to focus on our local success stories and talent, celebrating the best of what Somerset has to offer. There are plenty of other examples in this issue of Somerset Voice too, showcasing the exceptional businesses and great opportunities we have here in our local business community.

Meanwhile, maintaining the theme of keeping it local, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Ritchie Cridge as the Chamber’s new Membership Manager. Born and bred in Taunton, Ritchie will be responsible for growing our membership over the months and years to come.

As the year draws to a close and following the recent AGM, which you can read more about in this issue, I would like to say thank you to the Chamber’s departing board directors for their valued service and a hearty welcome to our newly appointed directors.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and wish you all a prosperous and productive 2018.

Dale Edwards CHIEF EXECUTIVE

OUR PATRONS

Get in touch Marketing

Scarlett Scott-Collins

Marketing and Communications Supervisor T: 01823 444924 E: scarlett.s.collins@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Membership

Alistair Tudor

Head of Chamber Services T: 01823 444924 | M: 07912 054195 E: alistair.tudor@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Ritchie Cridge Membership Manager

T: 01823 444924 | M: 07706 292143 E: ritchie.cridge@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Jenn Chidley-Sanders Service Delivery Manager

T: 01823 444924 | M: 07872 063039 E: jenn.c.sanders@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Events

Loren Gray Events Manager

T: 01823 444924 | M: 07821 950379 E: loren.gray@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Brooke Gilbertson Events Coordinator

T: 01823 444924 E: brooke.gilbertson@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Hinkley Supply Chain

Sam Evans

Hinkley Supply Chain Business Engagement Manager

Contact us to find out what benefits Somerset Chamber Patrons receive.

T: 01823 443425 | M: 07525 809274 E: sam.evans@hinkleysupplychain.co.uk

T: 01823 444924 E: membership@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Hinkley Supply Chain Data Coordinator

Alan Windsor

T: 01823 443425 E: alan.windsor@hinkleysupplychain.co.uk

General Enquiries

Laura Rigby Administrator

T: 01823 444924 E: manager@somerset-chamber.co.uk

5

PATRON NEWS A-Plant invests £2.4m in mobile lighting A-Plant has boosted its extensive fleet of mobile lighting towers with a £2.4m investment to help keep sites bright and illuminated during winter.

A total of 300 of the latest LED mobile tower lighting units have been purchased, providing long running times, fuel efficiency, innovation and reliability.

Available through A-Plant’s 185 regional service centres in the UK and Ireland, the new units are among more than 200,000 items of plant, tools and equipment available for hire.

as well as ensure continuity of supply and technical back-up.

Procurement Director of A-Plant, Andrew Winlow said the new investment meant they were ideally placed to meet the needs of customers during winter.

“A-Plant is committed to providing the right equipment to get the job done.

A-Plant has purchased 150 of Trime’s X-ECO model, 100 V20 units from Generac and 50 TL90 units from Morris Site Machinery.

“It is essential that we have a good supply of the very latest and most appropriate equipment as winter approaches to keep sites bright and illuminated when reduced daylight hours and low levels of visibility can significantly impact on projects and timescales.

emissions, long running times as well as a range of additional benefits.

The investment forms part of A-Plant’s purchasing and procurement strategy to work with brand leaders and meet quality, health and safety requirements

“We have invested in brand leading tower lighting units that provide crisp, clear light over a wide area with maximum fuel efficiency, low

“We look forward to working closely with customer project teams this winter to identify the most appropriate solutions to meet their needs.”

Bridgwater & Taunton College Celebrate Apprenticeships An evening of celebrations were in order on Thursday 29 November as Bridgwater & Taunton College held its annual Apprenticeship Awards Evening at The McMillan Theatre, to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and their employers.

UKHO, Sedgemoor District Council and ABP Food Group sponsored the event which was attended by 120 people. Fifteen awards were presented during the evening. Each of the following awards were categorised according to the curriculum area: Apprentice Champion Award 2017: Sophie Hodson and Cassandra Walker Apprentice of the Year Award 2017: Kiah Durham, Rachael Crichton, Melissa Teacy Reaching your Potential Award 2017: Craig Lancaster, Henry May and Billy Dampier James Satchell Award 2017: Daniel Cresswell Outstanding Individual Learner Award (Festival of Learning) 2017: Julian Sula

All winners demonstrated extraordinary determination to develop their career whilst contributing to the success of their employer.

Bridgwater & Taunton College’s Employer of the Year was awarded to ABP Langport. This company works closely with Bridgwater & Taunton College to deliver a bespoke Apprenticeship programme that will facilitate the transfer of experienced workers’ knowledge and skills, offering young people, locally, a recognised qualification in this industry.

The Bridgwater & Taunton College Apprentice of the Year 2017 was awarded to Kiah Durham. Kiah has demonstrated remarkable progress and showed how perseverance and promotion of a positive life outlook can overcome challenges. Kiah was described by her employer as an absolute pleasure to support and work alongside.

Jason Gunningham, Assistant Principal for Land-based, Sport and Foundation Studies at Bridgwater & Taunton College, said, ‘This is a real highlight

of the year and an opportunity to celebrate the success of so many apprentices from across the College. This year we received our highest number of nominations, with 2500 apprentices studying here at Bridgwater & Taunton College and 16 employers out of the 600 plus employers we work with.’

To find out more about how an Apprenticeship through Bridgwater & Taunton College can benefit your business, call the Business Development team on 01278 655111 or email business@bridgwater.ac.uk

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

6

CHAMBER NEWS

Emphasis on change at Somerset Chamber AGM Change was the principal theme of the recent Somerset Chamber AGM, with positive changes reported from the Chamber, while the guest speakers eflected on changes in business from the past to now and into the future.

Held at the Holiday Inn, Taunton on Wednesday 22 November, around 60 business people attended the AGM to hear an update on Chamber activities over the past 12 months. This included an improved financial position, new Somerset Chamber branding, a new business manifesto and new forms of member communication.

Chief Executive Dale Edwards reviewed the objectives presented a year ago and outlined the organisation’s key focuses beyond 2017, which included further growth of the Chamber’s financial reserves, continuing development of the Chamber team, and the establishment of additional commercial contracts that will benefit members and the wider Somerset economy.

Reports from the Chairman, Finance Director and Chief Executive were followed by presentations to member companies that had achieved ten years of continual Chamber membership.

A vote was held to appoint three new directors to the Chamber board, with Helen Lacey from Red Berry Recruitment being re-elected for another three year term.

Debbie Morris from Concilium HR and Neil England from Hinkley Point Training Agency were also elected to the board for a period of three years.

Andrew Smith from Numatic International was presented with an award recognising his Outstanding Contribution to the Somerset Business Community. He spoke about his impressive 54 years at Numatic and the huge changes in the work environment during that time, from the slide rule and comptometer when he started at the business through to the

CHAMBER NEWS

7

investment in high end technology and design capability in order to reenergise the UK’s aerospace industry, enabling it to continue to compete on a global scale.

Summing up the AGM, Somerset Chamber Chairman Greg Saunders said, “The 2017 AGM was a resounding success. It was wonderful to be able to report to our members about the Chamber’s excellent growth in the last financial year and, more importantly, the progress already being made in this current financial year. Dale Edwards reiterated the Chamber’s strategy for the coming years and we had an excellent contribution from Andrew Smith of Numatic, while Simon Barker of Leonardo provided a fascinating insight into the aerospace industry in the region as well as the opportunities and challenges it faces.

Smartphones we all regularly use today. He highlighted the importance of development, education and training in this ever-changing environment, and encouraged people not to fear change but to embrace it as an opportunity.

Following dinner, keynote speaker Simon Barker from Leonardo Helicopters talked to guests about the many changes he has seen during his 34 years at the company, as well as providing insight into the developments and challenges that Leonardo and the aerospace industry are facing, now and in the future. He highlighted that the South West has long been at the forefront of technological advancement in the global aerospace sector, with innovation, productivity and skills at the heart of that success. However, he emphasised the need for

“On a personal note, this marked the end of my first year as Chairman and I could not be happier as to the progression we have achieved, despite the obvious challenges that the country is currently facing. I am confident of continued growth and support for the business community of Somerset.”

The event was sponsored by Somerset Chamber Patron, Cornish Mutual. Head of Technical Development Paul Mahon commented, “Cornish Mutual was very pleased to sponsor the Somerset Chamber of Commerce AGM. It was a well-attended event that helped local businesses connect and showed how thriving Somerset Chamber is. Cornish Mutual has been insuring businesses and individuals in Somerset for decades. We think it is important to play a part in the local communities in which we operate. Being a Patron of Somerset Chamber and attending more of these events in the future will enable us to do just that.”

Pictured: Representatives from companies who this year achieved ten years of continuous membership

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

8

CHAMBER NEWS

Businesses gear up for GDPR at Somerset Chamber panel event More than sixty business people attended a panel discussion on 14 November to find out more about the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is due to be enforced from May 2018.

Organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the event was held at The Canalside in Bridgwater and was attended by businesses from across Somerset and further afield.

The panel of speakers covered the topic from a range of perspectives including IT, legal, HR and data processing, providing useful information and practical tips to help businesses identify the key actions they need to take in order to be compliant with the new GDPR. Introducing the event, Head of Chamber Services Alistair Tudor highlighted that GDPR will affect every business and the data it holds, changing the way in which we ask for, store, use and dispose of data. With fines of up to €20million or 4% of turnover, whichever is greater, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that everyone within the business and its supply chain is fully compliant.

Chris Coughlan from Ashfords provided a legal perspective, covering the data protection principles behind GDPR and the key changes from the existing legislation. He stressed that all areas of a business collect data so every department must be involved in auditing it and taking responsibility for it. He also talked about the EU ePrivacy Regulation, the principle of Consent and the resources available via the Information Commissioner’s Office website to provide information and advice for businesses on how to comply with the new law.

Durgan Cooper from IT service provider CETSAT focused on the data issues that come from outside an organisation, underlining that all businesses are vulnerable to external attacks. He highlighted that the focus of GDPR is around privacy and discussed the implications of a data breach, referencing some of the external cyber threats that businesses should be aware of. He outlined a number of steps and technical controls to help businesses implement GDPR and protect their data.

Garry Ford from data processing specialists Latcham Direct spoke about the issue of needing to send data outside the business to a third party in the supply chain. He highlighted the need to review contracts and processes with all data controllers and processers, including third parties, ensuring that all are GDPR compliant and follow the code of practice.

He recommended that businesses start planning now and reviewing their systems, cleansing and refreshing their data to ensure that they are GDPR-ready.

Amy Cooke from Rebecca Bevins HR Consultancy referenced the wide range of sensitive personal data held within businesses, from recruitment records and personnel files to medical and financial details. She stressed the importance of ensuring that all areas of the business are involved in preparing for GDPR and presented a list of key considerations, from auditing the personal data held to training staff and revising policies, processes and contracts.

Following the individual presentations, delegates posed questions to the panel covering a range of topics including how to go about auditing data, issues around historical data storage, liability insurance, social media implications, and planning for a potential data breach.

Overall the panel agreed that GDPR compliance needs buy-in from everyone in the business, from the board to trainees, becoming part of the organisational culture so that good data protection becomes a foundation of business practice.

Following the event, Somerset Chamber Chief Executive, Dale Edwards, said, “Today’s event certainly provided food for thought and addressed many of the questions posed and concerns raised by the businesses present. However, there are still plenty of questions to be answered, not least from the Information Commissioner’s Office and from the government as well in terms of the implications following Brexit.

“As businesses, we should see the new GDPR regulations as an opportunity to re-engineer the way we work, making our processes more productive and more efficient, and putting in place a better customer relationship strategy, whether those customers are other businesses or end consumers. By having a compliant and respectful approach to personal data, firms can demonstrate good business practice and ethical credentials, creating a positive platform to build and develop stronger relationships.”

CHAMBER NEWS

9

Somerset Business Awards 2017 In front of nearly 400 influential business professionals, the 2017 Somerset Business Awards were announced and celebrated on Friday 20 October, at the annual celebratory dinner, held at Wellspring Leisure Centre in Taunton.

Greg Saunders, Chair of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce – organisers of the Awards – welcomed all the finalists and sponsors to the event, and congratulated them on making it this far in the Awards process. He commented, “The quality of this year’s entrants was exceptional. If you’re sitting here today, you should be incredibly proud. On behalf of all the sponsors, congratulations and enjoy the evening!”

Eight-time title sponsor and leading local accountancy firm, Albert Goodman, also took to the stage to welcome everyone to the Awards and congratulate all the finalists.

Managing Partner, Richard Bugler, commented, “We are delighted to return as the main sponsor for the most prestigious awards in Somerset. Albert Goodman was established in Somerset over 150 years ago, and throughout that period it has been our vision to assist businesses throughout our county. Through our involvement with this year’s Awards, it is inspiring to view first-hand the large number of successful, well-run businesses and individual talent within our county. Congratulations on getting this far and we look forward to celebrating with you.”

BBC News Presenter and TV personality, Alex Lovell, presented this year’s Awards, returning by popular demand for the second time. She said, “The range of businesses in Somerset is incredible.

We hear of worldrenowned firms that have been running for several decades from our part of the world.

It’s really important to recognise best practise, innovation and ambition in new and established businesses.”

One of the many highlights of the night was presenting cheques to 2017’s Charity of the Year finalists. A raffle was held and guests on the night collectively raised £2,240 for the three charities; We Hear You, Art Care Education and The Willow Set Pre-School.

A special celebration document was produced to commemorate the occasion, with full details of all finalists and winners.

As a thank you to all those who supported the Awards this year, and our members, we have sent a copy of this document to you.

An online version will be available to view on the Somerset Chamber website soon…

Next year’s Awards will open for entries in June 2018, so keep an eye out for more information over the coming months.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

10

FOCUS ON: HEALTH & SAFETY Taking a Stand on Fake PPE Jon Mellor, Technical Product Manager for Bunzl Greenham explains that fully Certified PPE & Safety Products will always be paramount in the Health & Safety world, and being extra vigilant when looking after your workforce is essential when precious health and lives are at risk. By just being aware of the counterfeit goods available in the marketplace, and remembering that offers that appear ‘too good to be true’ usually are, is a step in the right direction. Purchasing the right PPE is a huge responsibility for an employer and safety equipment that doesn’t perform properly just isn’t inconvenient, it may actually cost lives.

To combat the huge influx of counterfeit & illegal PPE into the EEC, (for example it is estimated that more than 50% of High Visibility Clothing on the UK market is fake and not supported by compliance with the PPE Regulations and carries

fake Certification or none at all), the EC Commission has upgraded the old PPE Directive 89/686/EEC into a new Regulation (EU)2016/425 that more strictly controls the activities of “Economic Operators”. This means distributors & importers who place PPE on the market under their own name or brand are now required to take on all the obligations as if they were the manufacturer including the responsibility for compliance under the law.

Additionally, the BSIF, (British Safety Industry Federation), official Regulator of the Safety Industry in the UK, has introduced the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme which requires members to identify themselves as having made a formal declaration that the safety equipment supplied meets the appropriate Standards, fully complies with the PPE Regulations and is appropriately CE marked.

This Declaration is, as a condition of the Scheme, independently & robustly audited through special provisions set out within the members formal SO9001 Certification process.

Jon concludes by saying that Bunzl Greenham are fully cognisant of their responsibilities to their Customers in respect of the new PPE Regulation and as a leading member of the BSIF Safety Suppliers Scheme will always be ahead of the game in keeping Customers Safe at Work. www.greenham.com

FOCUS ON: HEALTH & SAFETY

11

Under the influence?

Ageing working populations are characteristic of high-income nations.

Unemployment among 50 to 64 yearolds in members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is half that of 25 to 49 year-olds. In 2012, 26% of the working age population in the UK was between 50 and state retirement age. That proportion will rise to 35% by 2050.

Medical advances, which have cut the incidence of many conditions, have doubtless contributed to this longevity. However, others are on the increase among workers of all ages.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there were 415 million people aged 20 to 79 with diabetes in 2015 and that there will be 642 million by 2040 if the trend continues.

are required to manage them affect the risk of injury to the individuals affected has been little considered.

To improve the evidence base, IOSH commissioned Professor Keith Palmer of the University of Southampton to look at the role of health problems and drug treatments in accidental injury at work. Palmer and his colleagues used a source of information with which safety and health practitioners may be unfamiliar: the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

Set up in 1997 to help with clinical trials and to gather data about adverse drug reactions, the CPRD holds the medical records of five million patients

IOSH Magazine’s “Working through…” series earlier in the year considered the adjustments employers can and should make to accommodate workers with chronic conditions and keep them at work. But the question of how these conditions and the medications that

– about 6% of the UK population – from 590 GP practices. For all those patients, the database includes details of GP consultations as well as trips to hospital accident and emergency departments and inpatient treatment.

The researchers estimate that 10% of workplace injuries could be avoided if these risks were fully controlled Palmer and his team looked at data for all consultations from the previous 20 years, which included one of 479 codes relating to occupational injury.

They analysed 1,348 cases plus 6,652 control subjects, matched by age, gender and GP practice. They also identified codes for health conditions, including diabetes, epilepsy, mental health problems, sensory impairments and compromised balance.

For more information, please visit: www.ioshmagazine.com/article/ under-influence

Occupational Respiratory Marketing in a mobile world Diseases: A Focus on Silicosis In recent years ‘respirable crystalline silica’ or RCS has become an increasingly common cause for concern in the workplace, being described as ‘the new asbestos’. It is however by no means a new problem. As far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans it was recognised that lung conditions were related to stone dust inhalation, with the term silicosis first used in Italy in 1870. The production of stone dust, and hence workers’ exposure, dramatically increased with the advent of industrialisation and the introduction of power tools, resulting in rising numbers of workers suffering from a range of lung diseases.

Silica is present in sand and quartz and is one of the most common naturally occurring compounds on the planet. Materials that contain silica are not normally hazardous to health. A concrete block can’t be inhaled! Problems arise when blasting, cutting, chipping, drilling or grinding such materials, producing small-sized dust particles which can get into your lungs.

Inhaling RCS can lead to serious, sometimes fatal illnesses including silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It only takes a very small amount of the fine dust to create a health hazard. Unlike a work-related injury where the effects are seen immediately, RCS-related

illnesses may not show up for many years after exposure.

The attitude toward respiratory risks has been poor in the past; with attention focussed on more traditional safety issues, such as working at height. Health now needs to be given the same priority, attention and investment. HSE statistics suggest that whilst annually 40-45 construction workers are killed in workplace accidents, 500 fatalities can be attributed to past exposure to RCS. The first steps in protecting workers are to identify which materials used in your workplace contain silica (e.g. bricks, cement, mortar, stone, sand, tiles), to obtain data sheets from suppliers and carry out an assessment. The priority for any control strategy should be based on keeping silica dust out of the air, with engineering controls (e.g. dust extraction) given priority over respiratory protective equipment. Health surveillance may be required if exposure levels are likely to approach workplace limits. HSE guidance “CoSHH Essentials” is a must read, with further information available via the website www.hse.gov.uk.

For further advice, contact SSG Training and Consultancy on 01752 201616 or www.ssg.co.uk.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

12

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY Q3 2017 The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey – Britain’s largest and most authoritative private sector business survey – based on more than 7,100 responses from firms across the UK in Q3 2017 – indicates that despite improvements in the manufacturing sector, the UK economy grew at a muted rate in the third quarter of 2017.

“

The uninspiring results we see in our third quarter results reflect the fact that political uncertainty, currency fluctuations and the vagaries of the Brexit process are continuing to weigh on business growth prospects.

The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget is a critical opportunity to demonstrate that the government stands ready to incentivise investment and support growth here at home. A failure to act, or a conscious choice to provide a short-term sugar hit to the electorate rather than the protein boost the economy needs, would have significant consequences for the UK’s medium-term growth prospects.

“

Now is the time to take bold action, and create the conditions to help the economy rebound from a period of anaemic growth. Government must demonstrate competence, coherence, and above all a clear plan to support the economy through a period of change.

Dr Adam Marshall Director General, British Chambers of Commerce

Domestic Sales

AT A GLANCE

Positive balance (+) = growth | Negative balance (-) = contraction

0%

UK GDP Growth vs. QES Domestic Sales

0% +25%

-25%

60%

2.0%

+25%

-25%

1.5%

40% -50%

+50%

+24%

-75%

+75%

1.0%

-50%

+50%

+19%

-75%

20%

0.5%

0% +75%

0.0% -0.5%

-20%

-1.0% -40% +100%

-100%

...of manufacturers reported improved domestic sales in Q3 2017, up from +20% in Q2 2017

GDP % -1.5% Growth (ONS) -2.0% 2015 2017

QES %

+100%

-100%

...of service firms reported improved domestic sales in Q3 2017, unchanged from Q2 2017

-60% Balance 2005 2007 GDP Growth

2009

2011

Service Sector QES

2013

Manufacturing QES

Balance of firms reporting improved export sales 0% +25%

Export Sales

-25%

50%

0% +25%

-25%

40% 30%

-50%

+50%

+29%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+14%

-75%

20% 10%

+75%

0% -10%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers reported improved export sales in Q3 2017, up from +27% in Q2 2017

+100%

-100%

...of service firms reported improved export sales in Q3 2017, up from +13% in Q2 2017

-20% QES % -30% Balance 2005 2007 2009 2011 Manufacturing Sector QES

2013 2015 Service Sector QES

2017

Employment Growth

Balance of firms that grew their workforce +25%

-25%

40%

0%

0%

+25%

-25%

30% 20%

-50%

+50%

+20%

-75%

+75%

-50%

-75%

+50%

+14%

10% 0% -10%

+75%

-20% -30%

-100%

+100%

...of manufacturers reported an increase in their workforce in Q3 2017, up from +17% in Q2 2017

-100%

+100%

...of service firms reported an increase in their workforce in Q3 2017, up from +12% in Q2 2017

-40% QES % Balance -50% 2005 2007 2009 2011 Manufacturing Sector QES

2013 2015 Service Sector QES

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

2017

13

MEMBERS AREA

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

LOOKING AHEAD

The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) examines business sentiment on a range of forward looking indicators, including investment intentions, turnover confidence, and prices. In Q3 2017, the forward looking indicators show that while the service sector expects a continuation of the slow growth seen in Q2, a greater proportion of manufacturers are confident that their turnover will increase over the next 12 months.

0%

Firms facing pressures to raise prices due to the following factors:

0% +25%

-25%

Manufacturing Sector

+25%

-25%

Service Sector 61% -50%

+50%

+35%

Prices

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+28%

-75%

+75%

28% 18% +100%

-100%

...of manufacturers expect their prices to increase, up from +34% in Q2 2017

+100%

-100%

...of service firms expect their prices to increase, unchanged from Q2 2017

19%

15%

Pay settlements

33%

12%

14%

Raw materials Financial costs

Other overheads

Balance of firms increasing investment in training 0% +25%

-25%

50%

0% +25%

-25%

40%

Employment Expectations

Investment

30% -50%

+50%

+20%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

+75%

0% -10%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers increased investment in training in Q3 2017, down from +21% in Q2 2017

+100%

-100%

...of service firms increased investment in training in Q3 2017, unchanged from Q2 2017

-20%

QES %

-30% Balance 2005 2007 2009 2011 Manufacturing Sector QES

2013 2015 Service Sector QES

2017

Balance of firms expecting to grow their workforce 0%

50%

0% +25%

-25%

40%

+25%

-25%

30% -50%

+50%

+29%

-75%

+75%

-50%

+50%

10% 0%

+21%

-75%

20%

+75%

-10% -20% -30%

+100%

-100%

...of manufacturers expect to grow their workforce over the next three months, unchanged from Q2 2017

+100%

-100%

...of service firms expect to grow their workforce over the next three months, unchanged from Q2 2017

0%

-50%

+50%

+51%

-75%

+25%

-25%

+75%

-50%

2013 2015 Service Sector QES

2.0%

60%

1.5%

40%

1.0%

20%

0.5%

0% +75%

0.0%

-20%

-0.5%

-40% -100%

+100%

...of manufacturers are confident turnover will increase in the next 12 months, up from +46% in Q2 2017

-100%

2017

+50%

+40%

-75%

-40% QES % Balance -50% 2005 2007 2009 2011 Manufacturing Sector QES

UK GDP Growth vs. balance of firms confident 80% turnover will increase

0% +25%

-25%

Confidence

10%

+14%

-75%

20%

+100%

...of service firms are confident turnover will increase in the next 12 months, unchanged from Q2 2017

-1.0%

-60% QES % Balance -80% 2005 2007 GDP Growth

2009

2011

Service Sector QES

2013

GDP % -1.5% Growth (ONS) -2.0% 2015 2017 Manufacturing QES

14

MEMBERS AREA

MEMBERS AREA: UPCOMING EVENTS Tuesday

19

Christmas Coffee Morning

December

Somerset businesses are invited to join the Chamber team for festive treats and a hot drink at our offices.

We will also be supporting Chamber charity member Bibic, and on the day would be grateful for any donations.

Time: 10.00 – 12.00 Venue: Somerset Chamber Offices, Taunton Cost: Free to attend

In association with

LinkedIn Workshop Are you making the most of LinkedIn?

16

Breakfast with Somerset County Council

January

Somerset Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend our annual breakfast update with the Somerset County Council, where Deputy Leader Cllr, David Hall will update us on the council’s current initiatives.

Time: 07.30 – 09.30 Venue: Taunton Racecourse Cost: £18.00 + VAT (members)

£25.00 + VAT (non-members) In association with

30

January

Somerset Chamber, in association with Cosmic, are running a half-day LinkedIn workshop. Learn the basics to ensure you and your business are taking advantage of this popular social media platform.

Time: 09.30 – 13.00 Venue: Somerset Chamber Offices Cost: £45.00 + VAT (members)

£75.00 + VAT (non-members)

In association with

Tuesday

Sponsored by

Tuesday

MEMBERS AREA

15

*Prices are now plus VAT unless otherwise stated

Friday

Wednesday

Business to Business (B2B) Dinner - South Somerset

31

January

Our next Business to Business Dinner takes place in Sparkford near Yeovil. Join us for a three-course dinner in a friendly and relaxed setting with multiple opportunities to network throughout the evening.

Time: 19.00 – 22.30 Venue: Haynes International Motor Museum Cost: £27.00 + VAT(members)

£37.00 + VAT (non-members)

In association with

Meet the Expert: Digitizing your processes

2

February

Members only Event. Do you want to discuss your technology investments or consider a digital business strategy? Punit Shah, Digital Transformation Lead from ITEC will be offering free 1-2-1 advice for your business at our office. Limited places available.

Time: 09.00 – 13.00 Venue: Somerset Chamber Offices Cost: Free hourly appointments (members)

Pre-booking is required.

In association with

Wednesday

Behind The Scenes at Screwfix

7

February

Working in partnership with Screwfix, for the first time, we invite you to join us at this exclusive event with access to Screwfix’s Directors of Departments, lunch and site tour.

Not to be missed!

Time: 10.00 – 13.00 Venue: Screwfix HQ, Yeovil Cost: £22.50 + VAT (members)

£32.50 + VAT (non-members)

In association with

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

16

MEMBERS AREA

New Members Welcome to our newest members of the Somerset Chamber.

AirSW Hospitality Lisa Curtis T: 01278 420592 E: hello@airsw.co.uk www.airsw.co.uk

bibic Charity Lynda Williams T: 01458 253344 E: lynda.williams@bibic.org.uk www.bibic.org.uk

Aquila Nuclear Engineering Drew Corbett T: 01962 717000 E: DCorbett@aquilaeurope.eu www.aquilaeurope.eu

Blackburns Metals Ltd (Amari Metals) Manufacturing Wayne Kelly T: 0117 9482673 E: w.kelly@blackburns.co.uk www.blackburnsmetals.com

Artius Property Protection Limited Health and Safety Mr Keenan Seenan T: 0208 7638800 E: keenan.seenan@artiuspp.co.uk www.artiuspp.co.uk

Business Partnership Business Consultancy Philip Shearing T: 01823 275777 E: shearing@business-partnership.com www.business-partnership.com

Backline Logistic Support Services Ltd Recruitment simon steer M: 07538 424309 E: simonsteer@backlinelogistics.co.uk www.backlinelogistics.co.uk

Citizens Advice Sedgemoor Charity Amy Jones T: 01278 459009 E: amy.jones@sedgemoorcab.org.uk www.sedgemoorcab.org.uk

Begbies Traynor Finance Neil Vinnicombe T: 01823 726271 E: neil.vinnicombe@begbies-traynor.com www.begbies-traynorgroup.com

Evosite Ltd Media Mr James Shakespeare T: 01823 278500 E: james@evosite.co.uk www.evosite.co.uk

Lesson Moore Limited Insurance Martin Blain T: 03333 556405 E: martinblain@lessonmoore.co.uk www.lessonmoore.co.uk Love Musgrove Charity Katherine Wylie T: 01823 344437 E: katherine.wylie@tst.nhs.uk www.lovemusgrove.org.uk Psychology Assured Ltd Health and Wellbeing Sarah Whitwham M: 07717 845241 E: swhitwham@psychologyassured.com SITU Property and Development Debbie Hutchinson T: 01392 690986 E: debbie.hutchinson@situ.co.uk www.situ.co.uk Western Science Events CIC Events and Conferencing David Spears T: 01823 481894 E: david@spearsimaging.co.uk www.cloudshillimaging.com Yeovil Town Ladies FC Sport and Leisure Trevor Jenkins M: 07736 595951 E: trevor.jenkins@yeoviltownladies.com www.yeoviltownladies.com

Member Profile What does Love Musgrove do?

Tell us what makes you special.

Love Musgrove is the official charity for Musgrove Park Hospital with the aim of helping to improve the experience of patients admitted to the hospital and the experience of their family and friends. It provides state of the art equipment, enable wards to buy items to make a patient’s stay more comfortable, and provide staff with training and development opportunities, ensuring Musgrove Park Hospital is leading the way in care, treatment and research.

Currently, Love Musgrove is running a campaign to raise ÂŁ1 million for a new MRI scanner; an essential tool for the quick diagnosis of many conditions including breast cancer, prostate cancer and cardiac issues.

Musgrove Park Hospital is a special place, which most people in the area will need at some point in their life, and Love Musgrove is proud to help ensure the hospital is the best it can be.

What can local businesses support or get involved with Love Musgrove?

Love Musgrove relies on voluntary donations and is grateful for the generous support it receives from the community, local businesses and trusts and foundations. The charity has a dedicated team of fundraisers who are there to support people with fundraising events; from afternoon teas to the three peaks

challenge, art exhibitions to open garden days. It also offers a tiered package for business partnerships, Charity of the Year support, and organises a few high profile events throughout the year. If you are interested in getting involved with the charity, or would like to know more about being a business partner, get in touch with us using the details in our listing above.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

17

AUTUMN BUDGET 2017: Marketing in a mobile world ECONOMIC SUMMARY

Budget “choked on delivering change” says Somerset Chamber CEO

BCC VIEW OF OBR ECONOMIC FORECAST “The downgrades to the OBR’s latest GDP forecasts are significant, and are now closer to our view that the UK economy is in a prolonged period of sub-par growth. Their projections confirm that consumer spending, a key driver of UK growth, is likely to remain under pressure over the next few years, with pay growth not expected to exceed price growth until 2019. The OBR’s latest outlook also confirms that the imbalances in the UK economy are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future. Business investment is forecast to be much weaker than in the OBR’s March outlook, and net trade’s contribution to overall UK growth is expected to remain limited. The downgrades to the OBR’s projections for productivity highlight the deep-rooted structural problems in our economy – from skills shortages, to infrastructure bottlenecks – that continue to undermine the UK’s long-term growth prospects.

“On the public finances, it is encouraging that government borrowing for this financial year is now expected to be lower than in their previous forecast.

However, over the next few years the pressure on the UK’s fiscal position is likely to increase by more than the OBR is currently predicting, in the face of subdued growth and weak productivity. In order to make sustained progress in cutting the deficit, more needs to be done to deliver the type of economic growth needed to achieve a real strengthening and widening of the UK’s tax base.”

Suren Thiru – BCC Head of Economics KEY POINTS: 1. Economic growth: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects GDP growth for 2017 of 1.5 per cent, down from their previous forecast of 2.0 per cent published in March 2017. This is slightly lower than the latest BCC forecast of 1.6 per cent. The growth forecast for 2018 has been downgraded to 1.4 per cent (previously 1.6 per cent). Forecasted growth in 2019 has been downgraded to 1.3 per cent (from 1.7 per cent).

2. Inflation: The OBR expects CPI inflation to be 2.7 per cent in 2017 and 2.4 per cent in 2018, higher than its March 2017 forecast. CPI inflation is expected to move back to the Bank of England’s target of 2 per cent by 2019.

3. Labour market: The OBR now expects unemployment to reach 4.4 per cent in 2017 and 4.3 per cent in 2018. This is lower with their March 2017 forecast of 4.9 per cent in 2017 and 5.1 per cent in 2018.

4. Fiscal Forecast: The OBR now expects public-sector net borrowing to reach £49.9 billion in 2017-18. This is £8.4 billion less than the OBR forecast in March 2017. Public sector net debt as a share of GDP is forecast to peak at 86.5 per cent in 2017-18, before falling to 79.1 per cent of GDP in 2022-23.

5. Public spending: Total public spending is expected to amount to around 38.9 per cent of GDP in 2017-18. Public spending has been forecast to total £795.3 billion in 2017-18, £7.1 billion lower than the March 2017 estimate of £802.4 billion. Total public spending is now projected to fall to 37.7 per cent of GDP in 2022-23.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer did not go far enough in delivering change to support the economy, according to the Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Responding to Philip Hammond’s Budget speech on 22 November, Dale Edwards, said, “The 2017 Budget comes at a time of uncertainty, both politically and economically, not just in the UK but throughout the world. But the Chancellor, whilst attempting to inject humour into his speech including the cough sweet gag, metaphorically choked on delivering change to drive real economic growth.

“The fact that the OBR has downgraded productivity over the next few years should have been the stimulus for both significant capital and revenue investment throughout the UK. However, the message came out loud and clear that the funding will go to cities and those areas embracing devolution, at the expense of areas like Somerset that are dominated by rurality and small towns.

“It was pleasing that The Chancellor had listened to Chambers across the country regarding the much needed changes to business rates, but he still has not been ambitious enough to look at a total reform of the system.

“There were welcome skirmishes in the side-lines, such as £20m for further education in the implementation of the new T levels and £30m on distance digital learning, but in the grand scheme of things these are very minor.

“The big talking point was house building with a £44billion capital and loans fund to stimulate new house building programmes, but when there is a shortage of labour and skills it is a big ask. His crowd pleaser was the scrapping of stamp duty for first time house buyers for properties costing up to £300k. Like most things, the devil is in the detail on what is meant by a ‘first time buyer’ and brings further complexity to the tax system.

“Overall the Chancellor could have done more to stimulate growth to provide certainty for businesses across the UK, particularly considering the borrowing amounts were reducing.”

18

FEATURE

DEVOLUTION: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE The term ‘devolution’ seems to be a frequently used buzz word at the moment, but are you clear on what it actually is?

Devolution is one of the most fundamental changes to the way decisions are made for local areas and how public services are funded. In England, devolution is the transfer of power and funding from national to local Government.

Since 1999, the way the United Kingdom is run has been transformed by devolution - a process designed to decentralise Government and give more powers to the three nations which, together with England, make up the UK. The idea is to achieve more effective, better targeted public services, greater growth and stronger partnerships between public, private and community leaders in local areas.

Devolution in the UK created a national Parliament in Scotland, a national Assembly in Wales and a national Assembly in Northern Ireland. This process transferred, and continues to transfer, varying levels of power from the UK Parliament to the UK’s nations - but kept authority over the devolved institutions in the UK Parliament itself.

Indeed, since its election in May 2015, the Conservative Government has brought forward measures to devolve more powers away from Westminster. The devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales have received extra powers, and a number of “city regions”, notably Greater Manchester, have been granted extra control over some local spending and decisions.

What to expect Over the coming years there will be more power devolved to city regions through the implementation of “devolution deals”.

These deals model themselves on the devolved government in London, which has been in place since 2000.

According to the Government, the new deals will give cities and their surrounding areas certain powers and freedom to: •

Take charge and responsibility for decisions that affect their area

•

Do what they think is best to help businesses grow

•

Create economic growth

•

Decide how public money should be spent

The government has concluded bespoke deals in areas including Greater Birmingham and Solihull, Bristol and the West of England.

The concept of devolution is to ensure that decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect. It is supposed to provide greater freedoms and flexibilities at a local level, meaning councils can work more effectively to improve public services for their area.

Information sourced from BBC and Parliament websites.

FEATURE

19

LOCAL FOCUS & DEVOLUTION Somerset is wonderfully varied in terms of geography and economic activity, with over 21,000 businesses spread across the county. The vast majority are owner managed and 76% have less than 5 employees, with Somerset having a disproportionate number of micro enterprises compared to the national average. At the Chamber we think globally but act locally, with business at the heart of local growth.

We must demonstrate that Somerset is a great place to do business, but all too often Somerset gets overlooked, with much emphasis placed on the Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse for example. Somerset needs to work collaboratively with its neighbours in the South West to ensure our regional voice is heard, which will in turn benefit our business community.

Over a long period of time, the Government‘s approach to economic development has been one towards decentralisation, by encouraging decision making from London and into the regions through devolution.

This presents an opportunity and a challenge for Somerset to shape its own economic future. A number of devolution deals have been struck in England, mainly in urban and metropolitan areas, with more in the pipeline.

Somerset is part of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSWLEP) area, which consists of 20 political and economic partners including Somerset County Council, Devon County Council, Torbay and Plymouth Unitary Authorities, Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, along with 13 district councils and the NHS. In a diverse and complex environment a strong and clear

business voice is needed across the region to ensure the interests of business are at the core of any proposed devolution deal.

A draft productivity plan aiming to place Somerset at the heart of the national industrial strategy was launched earlier in the year by the devolution partnership comprising of HotSWLEP representatives. Whilst the HotSWLEP has seen an increase in employment we rank poorly in terms of productivity, but there are some sharp variances. To compare median gross annual pay to the national average, Somerset workers receive 12% less and productivity measured as Gross Value Added (GVA) per full time equivalent job is £42,787, which is substantially lower (18%) that the UK level.

It is clear that there are some significant opportunities in a variety of sectors of the Heart of the South West (HotSW) including nuclear, food and drink, marine, health and care, aerospace and advanced engineering which could see transformational growth. The aspiration is to ensure that the area makes a significant contribution to the UK’s future productivity growth, resulting in improvements to living standards and associated economic benefits. A figure of £70 billion has been mentioned by 2036 which would double the size of the HotSW economy.

The draft plan which was out to consultation until 30th November, of which the Chamber promoted has taken in views from businesses and individuals alike. The results from the consultation will be considered by the joint committee of the Leaders of the HotSW and HotSWLEP Board, before a final productivity strategy is agreed in early 2018.

Whilst it is fair to say that the Government focus has been on Brexit in recent months and will continue to be the case, when the ask is made to government the Chamber will be at the heart of lobbying for the best outcomes for Somerset.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

20

FEATURED MEMBERS

SDS – a business built on customer care & consistent service SDS Limited are celebrating 15 years in business, providing print solutions and support for companies in the South West and beyond. They have clients in many industries, including leisure, property, engineering, education, law and charities.

From their base in Edington, near Bridgwater, SDS pride themselves on customer service and credit this with their continued success over the past 15 years.

The majority of the staff have been with the company since it began and a low staff turnover means that customers benefit from a consistent service, delivered by familiar faces.

This enables SDS to build strong working relationships with their clients, giving them the confidence that SDS will deliver on their promises.

SDS believe that a company is only as good as its staff. By creating a pleasant working environment and investing in staff, SDS have nurtured a motivated and professional workforce.

All of the staff live locally, which promotes a healthy work/life balance.

This in turn helps maintain high standards and a strong customer focus, something that was highlighted recently when a customer reflected that; “for a relatively small company, I always feel that you can cope with any size of organisation.”

SDS’ home in the heart of the county (near Bridgwater and close to the M5) means that on-site support, if needed, is close to hand. However, it’s SDS’ investment in remote access technology (giving clients access to secure and immediate online IT support), that adds a major cost saving benefit to their customers.

SDS keep abreast of developments in the print market, ensuring that the technology they offer to customers is amongst the best and most innovative available. SDS research products supplied not only by large, well-known companies but also those available from independent vendors. These products and services form the basis of the highly popular, annual SDS Open Days, which have been running for over eight years.

As they look to the future, SDS Limited are confident that their strong customer focus, central location and product innovation will enable both growth and continued success. Please visit www.sdsltd.uk.com for more details.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

FEATURED MEMBERS

Taunton Racecourse Taunton Racecourse is the right place to be over the next two months when the action comes thick and fast at England’s youngest jumps track, that celebrated it’s 90th birthday in September.

To set the scene for the holiday period first up is the Dave Criddle Travel Festive Race Day on Thursday 14 December, when the first of the seven races on the card is due off at 12.30.

However there is something for everybody on that day and the racing is only half of what is happening.

Taunton Racecourse wants everyone to get into the festive feeling and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies on offer.

There will be a wide variety of seasonal trade stands and entertainment by the King’s College Band playing Christmas Carols.

Taunton’s biggest meeting of the season is taking place on Saturday 30 December when the racing gets going at 12.15.

This is a huge social event and a permanent fixture on the seasonal calendar for everybody, so don’t forget to book your tickets in advance to save money and be sure to get there in plenty of time to avoid the queues.

Taunton hold their first meeting of the New Year on Tuesday January 9, when the first race is due off at 12.40.

People who purchase their tickets in advance online can take advantage and buy one admission ticket and get another free for this meeting.

Saturday racing returns to Taunton on January 20 when action on the course starts at 12.30.

The Orchard Portman course hosts Sunday Racing on February 4, starting at 13.05.

Looking further ahead Taunton Racecourse hold meetings on Tuesday 20 February, Thursday 1 March, Monday 12 March, Monday 26 March, Thursday 12 April (Ladies Day) before bringing the curtain down on 25 April with an Evening Meeting.

To take advantage of the generous discounts that are available, racegoers should book online in advance before 10.00 on the day prior to the meeting. Tickets can then be printed at home.

To book tickets or for any other information log onto www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk

21

22

#WELL CONNECTED Somerset Business Awards

GDPR Panel event

p Alan Denby, TDA; Ian Timms, Taunton Deane Borough Council

p Joanna Whitehead, Somerset County Council; Rachel Parvin, and Alison Twiney, Centre For Young Musicians Taunton

p Greg Saunders, Clarke Willmott; Dale Edwards, Somerset Chamber

p Hannah Parish and Lily Worner, Willow Set Pre School

p Andrew Finn and Nick Blake; Purple Monkey Recruitment

p Alistair Tudor, Somerset Chamber; Rebecca Bevins, Rebecca Bevins HR

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

#WELL CONNECTED

AGM 2017

23

Business to Business Dinner, Ilminster

p Greg Saunders, Clarke Willmott; Durgan Cooper, CETSAT

p Claire Gillard, M Wages; Vicky Williams, Yeovil College

p Greg van Laun, Astron Fire and Security; Kevin Smith, Brook Financial Management

p Sam Evans, Somerset Chamber; Nathan and Kirsty Mode; Dome Marketing

TWEETS

@chambersomerset We had a fantastic time at the @SomBizAwards last Friday, such a brilliant evening! #SBA2017 #Somerset #Business #ADPR @ADPRLtd

Thank you to @chambersomerset and @events_scoc for an extremely interesting and informative #GDPR event. Best get planning and implementing some changes! #SCOCGDPR #transparantdata #minefield @Elitestaffingsols

Thank you @chambersomerset @events_scoc for a fascinating & thought provoking #GDPR event.

So much to think about... #scocGDPR @kirstymode

Wow what a night @SomBizAwards an honour to win ‘Young Employee of the Year’ - thanks @AG_LLP @PorterDodsonBD @clarksshoes #SBA2017 @LjFrancis26

A lovely evening, fabulous hospitality as ever - thank you @TheMonksYard @events_scoc @chambersomerset @alistair_scoc @Mandy_Bridge

24

THE BIG INTERVIEW An Interview with… Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Somerset; Anne Caroline Maw Born 29 October 1947, brought up and educated within sight and sound of the Thames, Anne moved to Bristol with her husband, a Barts trained doctor, when he was appointed Consultant Surgeon at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in 1973. They lived for a short period in Clifton, Bristol, soon moving to the Somerset countryside via Abbots Leigh. Anne and her husband lived for 25 years in the Chew Valley moving to their current home, in Pilton, after Anne had broken her back and her husband had retired from surgery in Bristol. They have two sons and a daughter, and now two granddaughters and four grandsons.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a small child, I was strongly influenced by a great aunt who had been a ward sister at Westminster Hospital, when it was still located in Parliament Square in London during and after the WW1. All I wanted was to follow in her footsteps and become a nurse.

What was your very first job?

In January 1966 I began my training at Westminster Hospital, by now in Praed Street in Westminster, and became an SRN. I worked as a staff nurse at the hospital until I married in 1971.

How did you become Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Somerset, and what does the role entail?

The process which led to the appointment of a Lord-Lieutenant is not known to the incumbent! However, suffice to say that the request that I take up the post on the retirement of Lady Gass came as a complete surprise. I had served as High Sheriff of Somerset some years ago so I had some inkling of what the Lord-Lieutenant did, but only from a very peripheral point of view. It has had as much impact on my life as breaking my back did 16 years ago. The appointment is a tremendous privilege and a great opportunity but, it is also a great responsibility. The Lord-Lieutenant in each county represents the Crown and this requires attendance at formal ceremonies and presentations, visiting and celebrating achievement and excellence to demonstrate the approval and congratulations of Her Majesty. The Lieutenancy also makes the arrangements for and hosts visits from members of the Royal family. It is, also, the duty of the Lord-Lieutenant to pass back to the Royal households, information about the activities’ points of interest and achievements across the community in the county.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

25 What do you see as being your greatest success to date?

What is your vision for Somerset?

Somerset is a truly beautiful and unique county. It is also diverse, varied and amongst those who inhabit our county there is a wide spectrum of both wealth and deprivation. The problems experienced by some of the residents of the county seem impossible to resolve, but it would be marvelous to reduce or alleviate them. To achieve this, to share prosperity and happiness, without losing all that is valuable about Somerset, would be a legacy I would love to be able to leave.

What has been your most important lesson learned during the course of your career?

In all the years that have passed since those first days of nursing, I have learnt above all that we are all equal.

We are also interdependent and our lives complement each other. The most vital and important feature of our culture is family life. We benefit and blossom if we have companionship, friendship and love. Those whose lives seem to be easier will often owe it to circumstances which were out of their own control. It is natural and should be regarded as a duty for those who are lucky to support those who are not.

Philanthropy is important to you. What drives you to contribute to charity?

We are a gregarious species and we should always share as equals. Aristotle told us that ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts’. Those of us who have had the benefit of a good education and a secure home should use this to contribute to the welfare of those who did not have such good fortune.

There is nothing which can compare with the sense of satisfaction of being part of that process.

I cannot say that I am able to point to any one thing which would entitle me to rest on my laurels. There is so much to be done. I hope to draw attention to the plight of those of us who suffer spinal injuries and live with the consequences. In a rural county where there is much evidence of equestrian sport with several famous racecourses and as many racehorse training yards, I would like to throw some light on the value of the protective clothing worn by people who ride horses, both professionally and for leisure, because I have doubts about their effectiveness. I would feel reassured to know that work is being done to bring help to women who are living in danger and under duress. It would be good to know that every young person, whatever their background and social circumstances, has access to the good education they deserve in the 21st century in one of the most prosperous countries in the world. This sadly is not the case. In Somerset, there are pockets of real deprivation and many vulnerable people, and I want to try to contribute in a beneficial way to this. There are so many problems and shortcomings in everyday life, so many people living with insurmountable problems and difficulties, and there isn’t time to consider what has been achieved.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

As Lord-Lieutenant I have been welcomed by the community in Somerset with great kindness and generosity. I have found friendship and hospitality wherever I have been. The most striking thing has been meeting people who live quietly but actively, with no desire for attention or thanks, but whose lives are focused on giving and supporting others. I am very privileged to have met them and to feel able to think that we are now good friends.

Do you have any hidden hobbies or talents?

For leisure I love to read and to paint. Once, I enjoyed riding across the Mendip Hills, quietly and alone, with just a dog and a horse for companionship. I can no longer do that but, as an avid reader, the world is still my oyster and though physically I can no longer be very adventurous, mentally, with a book and a paint brush, there are no limits.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

‘Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think’. Sent to me recently on a birthday card from Elizabeth Tudway-Quilter.

26

MEMBER NEWS

Andika Accounting Services expands to cope with increasing demand Andika Accounting Services has been offering a professional bookkeeping and payroll service for several years but needed more staff and more space to meet demand. They moved to Blackbrook Business Park in Taunton five years ago, but little did they realise the move would open up a whole new world of opportunity.

The company has now grown beyond anything MD Penny Farrar had ever anticipated. A lot of Andika’s work comes from referral from Accountants. Together with embracing all the new technology that is now available this has really placed Andika Accounting Services firmly on the map, meaning they now deal with clients from across the country.

The right equipment, in the right place, at the right time.

Bookkeeping and Accounting is about to go through a radical transformation through digital technology. Data import and export and digital recognition are fast becoming the norm and bookkeepers are having to adjust to a completely new way of working.

With clients ranging from small start-ups to large companies, who wish to outsource their entire accounts department, Andika has been able to step up to the challenge. In January 2017, the company had to expand the office space for the fourth time at Equity House, and in doing so, had a complete refit to give Andika, and its dedicated team of bookkeepers, a modern professional environment to be proud of.

Penny Farrar (Managing Director) and Andy Farrar (Director) are proud of the team of dedicated staff who work extremely hard on their client’s accounts to meet HMRC’s deadlines and to produce a set of accounts that can be submitted at year end to the clients Accountant. www.andikaeq2.co.uk

www.aplant.com

0370 050 0797

enquiries@aplant.com

MEMBER NEWS

27

Talented Beauty Therapy Student Competed at UK WorldSkills Final Having battled through the WorldSkills UK Beauty Therapy National Qualifiers and after months of intensive training, former Strode College student Charlotte (Lottie) Modley made it through to the final 2017 WorldSkills UK showdown in front of 70,000 spectators at The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Lottie was one of the top eight scores throughout the country invited to participate in the UK Finals at the NEC. WorldSkills is the UK’s biggest skills and careers event and annual celebration which aims to inspire the young skilled stars of the future. This unique event, which took place on 16-18 November, showcased the exciting opportunities in further education, skills and Apprenticeships, highlighting the vital importance of skills to economic growth in the UK. Marcie Mickleburgh, course manager for Level 2 Beauty Therapy, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Lottie has made it to the final heat. I was her personal tutor when she started Beauty Therapy two years ago and

she stood out immediately. She is an absolute pleasure to teach. She always showed great commitment to any task she carried out and gave treatments to the highest standard with a professional image throughout.”

Sue O’Meara, course manager for Level 3 Beauty Therapy, said: “It is an amazing achievement for Lottie to be selected for the final eight Level 3 Beauty students in the country. Lottie is always very dedicated and professional and remains calm under pressure and is an exceptional student. This has been an amazing opportunity for Lottie and we were very excited for her.”

Marcie and Sue accompanied Lottie and her model, Strode College Level 2 Beauty Therapy student Emma Trebble, to the World Skills UK Finals with the results announced on Saturday evening at the medal ceremony. Lottie did incredibly well but was not placed in the top 3, she received excellent feedback from the judges and everyone involved was very complimentary about her professionalism and her performance.

Lottie has competed at regional level twice over the last 2 years and has been under the expert guidance and encouragement of Sue and Marcie throughout.

Stand Against Violence vs The Chaser!

‘Stand Against Violence hosted their annual quiz night at Taunton Rugby Football Club on Friday 17th November. Once again it was kindly hosted by comedian and professional quizzer Paul Sinha from ITV’s The Chase. 200 attendees enjoyed a fun filled night with some stiff competition. This year’s winners were Whale Oil Beef Hooked, a team from one of the charities sponsors Claims Consortium Group.

The evening raised £2,187 for the charity. Adam Fouracre, CEO of Stand Against Violence said ‘we were thrilled to have our patron Paul Sinha back in town for the quiz.

The evening is always a success and people thoroughly enjoy themselves whilst helping us raise much needed funds. We look forward to next years quiz!’ standagainstviolence.co.uk

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

28

MEMBER NEWS

Two more electrical apprentices join the ACIEM team Two more electrical apprentices have joined the ACIEM team, adding to the growing number of apprentices across the business.

Samuel White and Jacob Saunders embarked on their five-year Advanced Electrical Apprenticeship in September, which comprises three years at college and two years’ site based NVQ with assessments from the training provider.

Samuel commented, “When applying for apprenticeships, I was looking for a company that would provide me with an exciting working environment and give me the knowledge and experience I need for a successful career. It was clear during my interview that ACIEM was the company for me.

Since joining ACIEM, I have been made to feel very welcome by everyone and I am excited to prosper within the business, whilst being surrounded by highly skilled individuals who are helping me every step of the way. I look forward to growing within ACIEM and eventually qualifying as an electrician.”

welcome our new apprentices into the ACIEM team and look forward to helping them achieve their career ambitions.”

Meanwhile, Max Watson is the latest ACIEM electrical apprentice to become qualified, having passed his final AM2 exams in July. Commenting on his experience to date, he said, “I enjoy working within this company and industry, which offer wide-ranging opportunities for progression.

There are a number of challenges that we overcome on a daily basis, ensuring that we are always learning and achieving personal growth. My colleagues and mentors have offered great support through helping me learn the necessary skills to pass my AM2 exams and qualify as an electrician here at ACIEM.”

Martin Whitfield, Managing Director, added, “As a company, we have always recognised the need for and benefit of skills training and development. Apprenticeships offer an ideal opportunity to introduce people into our business who want to learn a trade and build a career, enhancing the capability within the ACIEM Group at the same time. We’re delighted to

COME AND JOIN US

at our

Christmas Coffee Morning 2017 in support of bibic

Tuesday 19 December 10:00 - 12:00

DESIGN | PRINT | COPY We DESIGN and PRINT Magazines l Newsletters Village Journals l Flyers Stationery l Banners GIVE US A CALL OR EMAIL FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE

Pop in for a mince pie and a coffee at the Chamber offices in Taunton.

It’s a perfect opportunity to catch up with fellow members and the Chamber team before the Christmas break.

For information visit our website.

AND NOV 2017

FREE PICK ME

lington nton, Welg Areas ted Tau ndin Distribu & Surrou

UP I’M

V H NO SAT 25T TON TAUN E CIC AT TH NIGHT S ROLL RE PAGE CK N THE CENT GE, RO GUIDE ON GARA LIVE MUSIC SURF, K OUT OUR CHEC aunton d-booted-t f/suite Find us on

CONTACT US TODAY ON 01823 279008

www.charactergraphics.co.uk

MEMBER NEWS

29

Architects Reed Holland launch new website and brand Reed Holland is excited to announce the official launch of its new website and brand.

Our chartered practice was established over 35 years ago and we have a firm reputation for providing high quality design solutions. We can assist in all sizes of project, from residential schemes to multi-million-pound commercial developments. A selection of our latest projects is showcased on our brand new website at www.reed-holland.co.uk.

We are very proud of our long and successful history, but as Reed Holland has grown and evolved, our old image – fronted by our original wordy logo – no longer accurately represented our current design ideology or the creative vibrancy of the studio.

Our social media has been optimised and more cohesion has been introduced to all representations of our brand. The recent retirement of both company founders, John Reed and Richard Holland, started us thinking about our new identity and where we wanted to go from there. Rebranding felt like an important part of that process. We were sad to see John and Richard go, but felt it was important to show people that we were still here, still active, and – thanks to the legacy they’d left us – still have an exciting future ahead of us.

So this year we embarked on an adventure to revamp our website and our brand. First of all we stripped back our company name and logo to Reed Holland, dropping the

(rather stuffy-sounding!) ‘Associates’. We’re a friendly bunch of creatives and problem-solvers, driven by the challenge of bringing a client’s vision to life, and we wanted our new image to reflect this. We hope that our new website helps visitors get to know us better, as a team and as individuals, and get a flavour of the personal and attentive service we give all our clients. Our aim is that our website should be the warmest welcome we can provide before sitting down in our cosy town centre studio with a cup of the best coffee around!

Our new website can be found at www.reed-holland.co.uk, where you can find out more about our rebranding journey and read all about the team and our work. You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn; links provided on every page. Visit us soon!

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

30

MEMBER NEWS

New alliance brings a website solution for starter businesses A very unusual alliance has been formed to help starter businesses within their first few years, access professional, yet affordable websites.

Somerset Web Services, professional web developers and White Knight Marketing, a specialist marketing agency, first identified a gap in provisioning a few years ago, and set about finding a solution that would be affordable but effective for their clients.

“We had new businesses coming to us who needed a website, but were unsure how they could write it, needed help and advice in presenting their company and not surprisingly, a bit more handholding in a marketing sense than we could supply,” explains Tim Church, Director of Somerset Web Services.

On the other side, Pam Knight, Director at White Knight Marketing was finding a different problem: “We found clients coming to us who were trying to build their new websites on free platforms such as WIX or Vista

Print. These sites are not great if you really are serious about your online presence, ranking and branding.

You are also limited in how you can influence the speed of the website and many of the other technical elements that are needed in the mobile first environment. It was generally eating hours of their time.”

The two companies already shared a few clients at this time and worked collaboratively, so it wasn’t a huge leap of faith for the conversation to be initiated: could they solve their respective clients’ needs through a new alliance?

The two companies created Weblite Websites – an affordable package that offers a combined approach; one that includes a quality website, written professionally with the client costing from £400 plus VAT. “So far this approach has worked successfully for over 20 businesses so we are ready to roll this offer out further”, added Tim.

“From a marketing perspective we are building websites that can be grown as the company grows and at their own pace,” Pam explains.

Somerset Web Services and White Knight Marketing also offer additional services to help develop the growing businesses at a later date.

For more information about a Weblite Website visit www.weblite.website For more information on Somerset Web Services visit: www.somersetwebservices.co.uk For more information on White Knight Marketing visit: www.whiteknightmarketing.co.uk

Brook Financial upgrade their premises After almost a year of building work, staff at Somerset-based firm Brook Financial were excited to complete the move into a new, two-storey barn extension at Ashwell Business Park in Ilminster.

2017 has seen Brook Financial grow not only their premises, but their workforce too. A successful and busy year has allowed the staff numbers to increase from 14, to the current team of 21.

Director, Alison Smith, said: “We have been so pleased with how the old and the new office have blended together – it almost feels like it has always been there. With our recent increase in staff, we have definitely welcomed the extra space!

“With Cloud Accounting and MTD making such a big impact on the accounts industry, we are expecting significant further growth as we continue to provide growing businesses with professional Finance Team solutions.

“Another highlight this year was being chosen as a finalist in the Somerset Business Awards for the Business of the Year Award: 11 -25 Employees category. The whole team were very proud to be selected. It gave us a great opportunity to step back from our day to day work and reflect on how far our business has progressed in 11 years, from starting out in a home office with just one employee to where we are now.” www.brook-financial.co.uk

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

Somerset Training Provider SS&L Back on Course SS&L, a leading apprenticeship and training provider, is reassuring local businesses that it is operating ‘business as usual’ despite dealing with a significant funding cuts to another part of its business.

“Delivering high quality education and training to businesses in Somerset has always been a priority and we’re proud to work with many local companies to help them develop their staff to grow their organisations,” he said.

The community interest company, formerly part of Somerset County Council, was informed by the Skills Funding Agency during the summer that despite a successful tender process, it would only receive a fraction of the amount requested to run adult interest and leisure courses, meaning the company had to put a hold on that part of its business.

SS&L are currently offering free training to businesses via a partnership funding agreement and are also delivering Health and Safety, Safeguarding and English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) courses.

“However, we continue to run our apprenticeships, pre apprenticeships and employee training programs as usual and this continues to thrive,” explains SS&L Employer Engagement Manager, Dave West.

Delivering high quality education and training to businesses in Somerset

“We approach employee training and development comprehensively,” says Dave West. “We conduct a full training needs analysis on your business and then work with you to plan a program of training which will most benefit your company and help strengthen your team, whether that’s through apprenticeships or short training modules.

“We want to reassure businesses that we’re still operating and, although we’ve had to meet the challenge of a funding cut within our own organisation through a restructure, our apprenticeship and training arm continues to grow and our knowledgeable team are still delivering high quality apprenticeships, training and qualifications throughout the county and beyond.”

FREE Training Courses for Staff SS&L are offering FREE courses in communication, leadership, teamwork, ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) and more. Many of these courses are accredited and all are delivered by qualified, professional tutors.

This FREE offer is only available for a limited time so book your consultation today to find out how we can upskill your workforce.

Call 0330 332 7997 or email enquiries@sslcourses.co.uk quoting Free Business Training Courses and the team will be happy to help.

Do you want to develop your staff and invest in your business at no cost to you? #lovessl

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

32

BUSINESS NEWS

Source: BAD News (Business Advisers News)

Consumer spending falls at fastest rate for four years

Vouchers available to fund superfast full-fibre broadband

Consumer spending fell by 2% year-on-year in October 2017, figures released by payment provider Visa have revealed. This represents the greatest year-on-year fall in four years and was mainly attributed to the continuing poor performance of high street retailers. The value of high street spending fell by 5% in the 12 months to October 2017, representing the second-biggest year-on-year decrease since April 2012. In addition, online spending by consumers increased by just 2.2% over the same period.

A £2 million voucher programme to help small and mediumsized firms install gigabit broadband is being piloted in four areas of the UK. Gigabit broadband is superfast full-fibre broadband that delivers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. Successful programme applicants will receive a voucher worth between £500 and £3,000 from their broadband supplier to put towards the cost of gigabit broadband installation. The pilot areas are: Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire; Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset; Coventry and Warwickshire; and Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield and York.

Read more about the figures at: www.visa.co.uk/newsroom/october-spending-declines-atfastest-rate-in-four-years-driven-by-poor-performance-onthe-high-street-72665?returnUrl=/newsroom/listing

To read more about the programme and begin an application, go to: gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk

Call for greater use of Business Rates Relief Scheme

Non-compliant employers of non-EEA workers risk closure

The Association of Convenience Stores has called for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to do more to ensure that local authorities use the discretionary Business Rates Relief Scheme. Figures released

by DCLG last week have revealed that 110 local authorities had not yet reduced business rates bills under the scheme.

In addition, 36 local authorities had not yet capped bills for small firms that lost small business rate or rural rate relief after the recent revaluation of commercial property, as was promised in the Chancellor’s 2017 spring Budget.

A survey by law firm Migrate UK has suggested that many smaller firms employing staff from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are failing to meet the requirements of their sponsorship licence. In order to receive a licence from UK Visas and Immigration, an employer must have systems in place to monitor and keep records of foreign employees.

However, of the 1,000 small and medium-sized firms with licences surveyed by Migrate UK, just one in three knew what documents they needed to keep on file.

Read more about the DCLG figures at:

Read more about the survey at:

www.acs.org.uk/news/over-100-local-authorities-still-yetdistribute-discretionary-relief-businesses

www.migrate-uk.com/up-to-93-of-businesses-risk-sponsorlicence-revocation-and-many-at-risk-of-instant-homeoffice-closure/

£30m funding to boost business growth and innovation

Call for more financial support for R&D

Innovate UK has announced an additional £30million of funding for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to support business growth and innovation across the UK. KTPs connect UK firms with an academic or research organisation and a suitably qualified graduate to work on innovation projects. Each KTP is part-funded by a grant from Innovate UK that covers up to two thirds of project costs. Firms participating in KTPs are expected to cover the remaining costs and smaller firms typically contribute an average of £27,000 per project.

The Government must provide more financial support for R&D to help manufacturers to capitalise on the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0, according to a new report from KPMG. Industry 4.0 is the use of new technologies to pioneer and improve the competitiveness and productivity of manufacturing. The report has revealed that manufacturers believe one of the key priorities of the UK’s industrial strategy should be more financial support to help develop the new technologies needed for Industry 4.0.

For further information, go to:

Read more about the research at:

www.gov.uk/government/news/30-million-for-businessand-graduate-partnerships

www.consultancy.uk/news/14604/uk-manufacturers-callfor-rd-and-industry40-focus-from-government

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

BUSINESS NEWS

33

Non-compliant employers of non-EEA workers risk closure

Investing for Children The perfect lifetime Christmas Gift… an article by Greg Sellers – Investment Manager at Hawksmoor Investment Management.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, it seems an apt time to consider the subject of investing for children and grandchildren.

With the spiralling costs of further education and housing to consider, giving a child a financial kick-start in life could be the best Christmas present you will ever give.

I should start by suggesting you consider taking tax and/or financial advice before embarking on any investment scheme and that this is only a limited overview of the options available. Moreover, there is no single answer of what is ‘best’ – personal preferences and risk tolerance are key. Having said that, the joy of investing for children is a lengthy investment timeframe; a child will be blissfully unaware of the short-term fluctuations of many investments.

The government provides several tax-incentivised savings options for children.

There is the junior ISA (JISA) which offers parents or guardians an opportunity to save up to £4,128 annually (in 2017-18) for their loved ones. As with the adult ISA, all income and capital growth is free from UK tax.

Another surprising option is a pension scheme! An annual contribution of up to £2,880 (and topped up to £3,600 by the taxman) may be made to a child’s pension scheme. As with a JISA, there is no UK tax due on income or capital gains.

If you want to invest more, an alternative is the bare trust, although it does not enjoy the same tax benefits as the JISA/pension route. Indeed, if the child earns more than £100 in a year on money gifted by a parent, that income will be taxed as if it is the parent’s and so this is often used by grandparents. Although children are liable to tax on the investments in a bare trust, they benefit from the same allowances as an adult and therefore, unless the investments made are substantial, this is unlikely to be an issue. Another benefit is that gifts to a bare trust are classed as a ‘potentially exempt transfer’ for inheritance tax purposes by the taxman. In other words, seven years after the gift, it is completely out of the donor’s estate.

An important consideration of the various routes is access. With a bare trust and JISA, children may use the funds when they turn 18 and this is not always desirable! Indeed, parents may wish to maximise their own ISA allowances before considering a JISA and use this as a vehicle to give funds to their children at a time of their choosing. With a private pension scheme, the money is locked away until age 55 (rising to 57 from 2028 and higher for future years).

Investing for children is surprisingly cheap. For example, children’s investment trust savings schemes start from as little as £25 per month. A regular savings scheme like this provides a disciplined approach to investing and ensures you are emotionally detached from the whims of the market. With a suitable investment strategy, time and the magic of compounding should build a useful nest egg by the time the child reaches adulthood.

The Industrial Strategy sets out a long-term plan to boost the productivity and earning power of people throughout the UK. If the key aim of the industrial strategy is to lift the UK’s standing in international league tables of productivity, two of those foundations stand out.

The government has highlighted five key areas where the UK needs to improve its performance: • ideas: the world’s most innovative economy • people: good jobs and greater earning power for all • infrastructure: a major upgrade to the UK’s infrastructure • business environment: the best place to start and grow a business • places: prosperous communities across the UK Greg Clark, the business secretary, announced the creation of an independent watchdog to monitor progress made in boosting innovation, upgrading infrastructure, increasing the level of workplace skills, ensuring that the strength of the City is reflected in funds for companies and spreading prosperity to all parts of the country.

The full report can be viewed on the GOV UK website Commenting on behalf of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Dale Edwards, Chief Executive, said: “The long awaited Industrial Strategy mission document outlining the 5 pillars to grow productivity is very much welcomed. Whilst it references the South West and key sectors including nuclear and aerospace, it does appear at first glance to be focused towards city development.

“Somerset and the South West has a strong rural and service sector bias and must not be overlooked.

We look forward to working with partners to ensure that Somerset is an integral part of the nation’s industrial strategy.”

34

TOWN CHAMBER NEWS

Yeovil Chamber of Commerce Yeovil Chamber continues to go from strength to strength, and is widely regarded as the one-stop shop for the Yeovil business community, with influence among key personalities in local, regional, national government and other stakeholders. Over one hundred businesses of all sizes and sectors currently benefit from Yeovil Chamber membership. Current activities include: helping align the Yeovil College curriculum with local employment conditions and opportunities; consulting with South Somerset District Council as a ‘key stakeholder’ on Town Centre and Economic Development Strategies; working with Somerset County Council Highways to minimise disruption for local businesses during ongoing and extensive roadworks programmes, and lobbying our MP over issues such as business rates, broadband coverage, and central government investment in the South Somerset area.

Yeovil Chamber President David Woan (pictured) said, “Great things are about to happen in Yeovil. Since 2015, central government has invested

over £24million in arterial road system upgrades, and a new rotary-wing aerospace R&D facility to augment the growing high-tech sector.

Yeovil Chamber has made its mission to influence and secure new opportunities for the town, championing joined-up thinking and open dialogue, which the Chamber sees as the catalysts for success.”

January 2018 will see the launch of a patronage scheme, revolutionising member interaction. Yeovil Chamber will be able to assist with delivery of the member’s specific requirements by harnessing outreach and influence. Yeovil Chamber has been affiliated to Somerset Chamber since 2007. The benefit of dual membership for any business allows Somerset to provide the regional and national picture, while Yeovil Chamber keeps its finger on the daily local pulse.

Diverse, high-quality, informative networking events continue to engage members. Open promotion of members’ events delivers a diverse programme of workshops, support, and business briefings. Members are encouraged to visit the web-hub www.yeovilchamber.org to add their own news stories and events, and to participate in a Member 2 Member scheme, which delivers a discounted range of products and services exclusive to Yeovil Chamber members.

Affiliate Town Chambers & Business Associations Axbridge Chamber of Commerce T: 01934 733078 | E: mike.sartain@hale-events.ltd.uk www.axbridgechamber.co.uk

Levels’ Best Community Interest Company T: 01935 851280 | E: enquiries@levelsbest.co.uk www.levelsbest.co.uk

Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce T: 01278 228004 | E: talk@bridgwaterchamber.org.uk www.bridgwaterchamber.org.uk

Shepton Mallet & District Chamber T: 01749 681413 | E: alanpaulstone@gmail.com www.shepton.biz

Bruton Chamber of Commerce T: 01749 813291 | E: brutonchamber@gmail.com www.brutonchamber.org

Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce T: 07530 042627 | E: plenty.jon@gmail.com www.somervalleychamber.com

Burnham-on-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce T: 01278 238959 | E: deryk@kds-interiors.co.uk www.burnhamonseachamber.org

Taunton Chamber of Commerce T: 01823 230898 | E: office@taunton-chamber.co.uk www.taunton-chamber.co.uk

Cheddar Chamber of Commerce & Industry T: 01934 742326 | E: mike@lanesofcheddar.co.uk www.cheddartradersassociation.co.uk

Wells Chamber of Commerce T: 01749 685236 | E: info@wellschamberofcommerce.co.uk www.wellschamberofcommerce.co.uk

Frome Chamber of Commerce T: 01749 342255 | E: president@fromechamber.com www.fromechamber.com

Wincanton Businesses Together T: 01963 34327 | E: john@wincantonbusiness.co.uk www.wincantonbusiness.co.uk

Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce T: 01458 835678 | E: office@glastonburychamber.co.uk www.glastonburychamber.co.uk

Wiveliscombe & 10 Parish Business Group T: 01984 684777 | E: secinfo@10pbg.co.uk www.10pbg.co.uk

Ilminster Chamber of Commerce T: 01460 240554 | E: info@ilminsterchamber.org.uk www.ilminsterchamber.org.uk

Yeovil Chamber of Commerce T: 01935 804999 | E: secretary@yeovilchamber.org www.yeovilchamber.org

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

OUR MEMBERSHIP AT A GLANCE MEMBERSHIP 24

104 2-10 Employees

177

250+ Employees 26 56 27

46 558

29 79 30

sectors members

85

UP 19,493 STAFF COMPARED TO 2013

148

50-249 Employees

UP 120 MEMBERS

31

COMPARED TO 2013

98 36

81

Sole Traders

11-49 Employees

SECTOR DATA TOP 10

Banks and Monetary 22

Construction

Accounting 22

104

46

Manufacturing

26

sectors

36

Marketing

Transport, storage and communication

24

27

Education

29

31

30 Business Management Consultants

Real Estate, renting and business activities

Computer and related activities

16 AFFILIATES Axbridge

Cheddar

Somer Valley

Burnham-on-sea

Frome

Wells

Levels’ Best

Bridgwater

Glastonbury

Shepton Mallet Bruton

Wiveliscombe

Wincanton Taunton

Ilminster Based on figures up to 31st March 2017

Yeovil

TRUST BRADFORDS FOR BUILDING SUPPLIES, PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLIES, KITCHENS & BATHROOMS AND TOOL HIRE Clevedon

WITH 10 BRANCHES ACROSS SOMERSET WE’RE NEVER FAR WAY! Bridgwater Crewkerne

Weston-super-Mare Axbridge Cheddar

Burnham-on-Sea

Minehead

Evercreech

Highbridge

Porlock

Glastonbury Ilminster

Bridgwater

Shepton Mallet

Glastonbury

Dulverton

Taunton West & East Yeovil Trusted by Trade Since 1770

Evercreech

Street

Martock Weston-super-Mare

Keynsham

Nailsea

Somerton Taunton Martock Ilminster

Chard

Yeovil

Crewkerne

bradfords.co.uk