Somerset Voice - April/May 2017

The Official Magazine of Somerset Chamber of Commerce

April / May 2017

The Levy – impact on business 18 | FEATURE

5 | PATRON NEWS:

Somerset Chamber welcomes Strode College as Chamber Patrons

10 | FOCUS ON:

In this edition we focus on design & print

32 | BUSINESS NEWS:

Eight New Non – Executive Directors Appointed to Heart of the South West LEP Board

3

CONTENTS First Word Patron News Chamber News Focus On Members Area Feature #Well Connected The Big Interview Members News

4 5 6-9 10-11 12-17 18-21 22-23 24-25 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 | FEATURE STORY THE APPRENTICESHIP LEVY

6 | CHAMBER NEWS

12 | MEMBERS AREA

22 | #WELL CONNECTED

24 | THE BIG INTERVIEW

We are social @chambersomerset

Watch us on YouTube

Find us on LinkedIn

4

Get in touch FIRST WORD ‘Growing our own’ is a phrase that I have been using regularly to highlight the need to develop people, as without a skilled and motivated workforce, businesses will struggle to grow. On a daily basis business owners talk to me about the challenges they face in finding the right people when recruiting. In conjunction with our Business Manifesto pledges on skills and employment, it is only right that this edition of Somerset Voice has a heavy focus on skills.

In February, I attended the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference with colleagues and was delighted that the work of Somerset Chamber was recognised on a national level by various speakers including Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, clearly demonstrating that our voice is being heard. We will continue to press the case for Somerset and the South West to be an integral part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

I am delighted to see the vibrancy of the town chamber network, having recently attended Bruton and Burnham-on-Sea Chamber events, and we will continue to work in partnership with many others through joint events in the future.

See you soon.

Dale Edwards CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Marketing

Carla Tier

Marketing and Communications Manager T: 01823 444924 | M: 07702 537630 E: carla.tier@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Scarlett Scott-Collins Marketing Coordinator

T: 01823 444924 E: scarlett.s.collins@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Membership

Alistair Tudor

Membership Sales Manager T: 01823 444924 | M: 07912 054195 E: alistair.tudor@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Events

Loren Gray Events Manager

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

Brooke Gilbertson

Advanced Business & Administration Apprentice T: 01823 444924 E: brooke.gilbertson@somerset-chamber.co.uk

Hinkley Supply Chain

Chris Langdon

Hinkley Supply Chain Project Lead

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

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

T: 01823 443425 | M: 07771 791736 E: chris.langdon@hinkleysupplychain.co.uk

Sam Evans

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

Alan Windsor

Hinkley Supply Chain Data Coordinator T: 01823 443425 E: alan.windsor@hinkleysupplychain.co.uk

General Enquiries

Hazel Hutchison

Senior Administrator and PA to Chief Executive T: 01823 444924 E: manager@somerset-chamber.co.uk

5

PATRON NEWS Somerset Chamber welcomes Strode College as Chamber Patrons Strode College in Street, Somerset, is one of the very best performing colleges in the country. The College’s reputation for quality and excellence is well documented; it has the highest possible ratings from Ofsted and the QAA for its 16-18 year old provision including Apprenticeships, A Levels and Vocational courses; for its university level courses; and its nursery care.

The College’s recently renamed Employer Engagement and Apprenticeship team aims to make Strode the Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeships in Somerset. The College’s reputation for quality, combined with its’ patronage of the Somerset Chamber and recent work to support employers with the Apprenticeship Levy, shows that Strode is well on its way to achieving this aim.

A-Plant Announces Specialist Acquisition and New Agreement The UK’s largest equipment rental company A-Plant has announced the acquisition of Kier Construction’s hoist business as well as the award of a new 5-year trading agreement.

A-Plant has purchased the assets and ongoing business of the Kier hoist business, which will be incorporated into GB Access, A-Plant’s specialist personnel and goods hoist hire and sale division. The acquired business provides hoist services to Kier as well as a number of third-party customers, and it is very much business as usual for both parties.

Claudio Veritiero, Group Strategy & Corporate Development Director at Kier said, “The new agreement builds on our existing framework with it now extended to cover telehandlers, lighting, generators, trackway, climate control equipment, hoists, specialist utilities equipment and powered access.”

Sat Dhaiwal, CEO at A-Plant commented, “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Kier Group, through the acquisition of their hoist business and by extending the long standing trading relationship we have enjoyed over many years. We look forward to playing a leading role in providing support to all Kier operating divisions as they deliver their strategic growth plans over the next five years.”

Over 100 delegates attend Cricket Club for first Business Club Event of 2017 Somerset County Cricket Club’s first Business Club event of the year, sponsored by Clarke Willmott, PKF Francis Clark and Somerset Life, was an enormous success, with over 100 delegates turning out for some high quality networking, a fascinating speaker and a delicious two-course meal.

Attendees heard from guest speaker Nigel Laughton, who gave a captivating insight into his life as a sports consultant, supporting elite athletes, which was tremendously well received.

With almost an hour of networking before the event, businesses in attendance were given plenty of opportunity to meet with associates and build relationships with new acquaintances.

Somerset County Cricket Club will welcome members back to the next event for afternoon tea and a spot of cricket on Friday 19 May! If you have any queries regarding the Business Club, hiring the Club’s facilities, or signing up for an event, such as the Golf Day on Wednesday 19 July, or for some hospitality this season in the exclusive suites, please contact Sam McIntyre or Brian Lee on samm@somersetcountycc.co.uk or brianl@somersetcountycc.co.uk or telephone 01823 425323/305.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

6

CHAMBER NEWS Somerset presence firmly felt at the British Chamber’s Annual Conference in London On Tuesday 28 February, representatives from Somerset Chamber attended a top-level conference organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in London. Somerset Chamber Chairman, Greg Saunders, Chief Executive, Dale Edwards and Marketing & Communications Manager, Carla Tier, attended on behalf of Somerset Chamber, to hear from several significant speakers throughout the day.

The conference focused on three key themes: growing business in the regions and nations, turning Brexit uncertainty into opportunity and keeping the UK competitive.

Delegates heard speeches from Boris Johnson on globalisation, John McDonnell on the need for business rates reform, Greg Clark on the role of business in shaping and delivering the emerging Industrial Strategy and Ciaran Quilty, Facebook’s EMEA Director SMB about the growth of social media as a business tool. George Osborne contributed to a discussion about freeing up the regional potential of the business community to boost prosperity.

Mr Clark, said, ‘In Somerset, Dale Edwards and I spent some time together in recent months making sure that the opportunities for the nuclear sector and at Hinkley Point C galvanizes the local economy and businesses across the area benefit from it.”

Mr de Rivaz said that EDF Energy ‘is not a London-centric company’ and is well aware of the importance of regions. The vast majority of the company’s operations are outside London and the South East, he said, with important sites in Scotland, the North East, North West and South West. He specifically cited Hinkley Point C in Somerset as a strong illustration of industrial strategy in practice, where EDF Energy has worked with local Chambers of Commerce and colleges to prepare both businesses and local people for the project.

As an example, he told the audience about the thousands of “bacon butties” which will be provided to workers on site – and several journalists who were present picked up on the “bacon butties” story. Mr de Rivaz said it would have been easy to give a catering contract to a large company rather than to smaller, local businesses.

However, with the help of the Chamber of Commerce, local suppliers had joined forces and won the catering contract for Hinkley Point C with a new group called the Somerset Larder. This means that all the food – including

every single bacon butty – is supplied locally, said Mr de Rivaz, making it a good example of what a partnership approach can achieve.

Dale Edwards, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber, said, ‘The spectrum of speakers at the BCC Conference from businesses leaders to prominent politicians, all placed great value and importance of the chamber network. In many respects each Chamber of Commerce is a civic business in terms of connecting, influencing and growing; being an ambassador for the area they are in, which is certainly true of Somerset Chamber of Commerce. A number of references were made to the strategic importance of the Hinkley Supply Chain managed by the Chamber in helping to secure a positive legacy for the South West and developing sectorial expertise. A very enjoyable and beneficial day for the Chamber and the business community of Somerset’.

Greg Saunders, Chairman of Somerset Chamber, added, ‘I was so proud to see Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Dale Edwards name checked by both the CEO of EDF and the Business Secretary, Greg Clark. It was a brilliant event, taken very seriously at the highest levels of Government and the business sector and it is a wonderful fillip to see the recognition of the Chamber as a key partner to future economic success for the region’.

The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon Theresa May MP, also spoke to the conference attendees via video link.

The county’s presence was felt both from The Rt. Hon Greg Clark, MP Secretary of State who recognised the work of Somerset Chamber and Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive of EDF Energy, who praised the work of the Somerset Chamber’s Hinkley Supply Chain, responsible for ensuring that local businesses can benefit from the project.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

Budget 2017: Key Points

CHAMBER NEWS

7

• Taken together, millions of self-employed workers could pay an average of £240 a year more but ministers say those earning £16,250 or less will pay less

Business

• No changes to National Insurance paid by the employed and employers or to income tax or VAT

• £435m for firms affected by increases in business rates, including £300m hardship fund for worst hit

• Personal tax-free allowance to rise as planned to £11,500 this year and to £12,500 by 2020

• Pubs with rateable value of less than £100,000 to get a one year £1,000 discount on rates they would have paid

Pensions

• Rate rises for businesses losing existing relief will be capped at £50 a month • A £820m tax avoidance clampdown, including action to stop businesses converting capital losses into trading losses and introduction of UK VAT on roaming telecoms services outside the EU • Privately-owned SMEs to get extra year to prepare for tax digitisation and quarterly reporting

• Reduction in tax-free allowance on share dividends from £5,000 to £2,000 • The measure, affecting small business owners and investors, will come into force in April 2018, raising £2.63bn by 2021-2022 • Dividend income paid on shares held in a stocks and shares ISA will remain tax free.

• Measures to tackle abuse of overseas pension schemes

• Review of taxation of North Sea oil producers

Transport & Infrastructure • £350m in funding for Scottish Government, £200m for Welsh Government and £120m for Northern Ireland Executive • Transport spending of £90m for the north of England and £23m for the Midlands to address pinch points on roads • £690 million competition fund for English councils to tackle urban congestion.

• £270m for new technologies such as robots and driverless vehicles • £16m for 5G mobile technology and £200m for local broadband networks

Skills & Education • £300m to support 1,000 new PhD places and fellowships in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects • Free school transport extended to all children on free school meals who attend a selective school

Budget did not go far enough, says Somerset Chamber CEO The Spring Budget simply did not go far enough for Somerset businesses, according to the Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

• Upgrade fund of £216m for existing schools • £320m of funding for 110 new free schools and grammar schools • New T-Levels to be introduced to give parity of esteem for technical education • Number of hours of training for technical students aged 16 to 19 increased by more than 50%, including a high-quality, three-month work placement

Personal Taxation • The main rate of Class 4 National Insurance contributions for the self-employed to increase from 9% to 10% in April 2018 and 11% in April 2019 • The increases, applying to earnings between £8,060 and £43,000, will raise £145m a year by 2021-22 at an average cost of 60p a week to those affected. All Class 4 earnings above £43,000 will continue to be taxed at 2% while those below £8,060 will pay nothing.

• Class 2 National Insurance, a separate flat rate contribution paid by self-employed workers making a profit of more than £5,965 a year, is to be scrapped as planned in April 2018

Speaking following the Chancellor’s Budget on 8 March, Dale Edwards said, “Somerset Chamber of Commerce welcomes the measures relating to business rates, however we see this as just the start, as a thorough overhaul of the business rates system is needed to make it fit for purpose and fair.

“Business rates, along with up-front taxation, are areas that Somerset Chamber has and will continue to campaign on, on behalf of the county’s businesses. Somerset has a disproportionate number of micro businesses and the increase in national insurance contributions for the selfemployed could be seen as an inhibitor for the growth of fledgling businesses across the length and breadth of Somerset.

“We would be concerned if a further rise in the next Budget was planned. Overall the Chancellor has delivered a low key Budget and it was a shame that the South West was excluded for additional support on infrastructure, which is very much needed across the region.”

8

CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber highlights labour market concerns as Article 50 is triggered The Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce has highlighted the importance of securing the rights of EU nationals living in the UK who make a significant contribution to the local economy. His comments come following the news that the Prime Minister has triggered Article 50, signalling the start of a two year process that will see the UK formally exit the European Union.

Dale Edwards, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said, “There are businesses in Somerset that would significantly struggle if restrictions were placed on the EU nationals currently working for them. These workers, employed in a variety of sectors and at different levels, are valued colleagues and partners within these businesses.

“If the government, right at the outset of Brexit negotiations, made a commitment to all those currently employed in the UK that they would be allowed to stay, continuing to be productive and important members of our local and national economy, this would provide a much-needed boost for businesses and their staff.

“Already some business owners have commented privately that some of their valued colleagues have left to return to their native EU countries. If this trickle becomes a stream, this will have significant implications for all businesses, particularly with the exceptionally high employment levels we have in

Somerset. Retaining and recruiting people to make the goods, provide the services and take advantage of opportunities locally, nationally and internationally will become even more challenging. With employers often citing the lack of available talent to help them develop and grow, it would be counterintuitive if we did not agree to let EU working nationals remain in the UK at the start of the negotiating process.”

On business expectations beyond Brexit, Dale added, “Whilst Brexit is important, we must not lose sight of matters closer to home including a fundamental reform of business rates, addressing the provision of a co-ordinated approach to careers advice and guidance, and delivering first class infrastructure, both physical and technological – not just in Somerset, but also regionally and nationally. These are as important, if not more so, than the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.”

Somerset Chamber launches Business Manifesto The Somerset Chamber’s Business Manifesto details the main policy objectives and campaigns we believe are at the heart of ensuring we develop and support a vibrant Somerset economy over the next three years.

This Manifesto has been developed following extensive consultation with our members and the business community through surveys, Council and Bank of England meetings and in light of this, we are pleased to have provided all of our members with paper copies of the Manifesto by post.

For more information or to view the Manifesto online, please visit somerset-chamber.co.uk/about/ business-manifesto

Record number of responses to Chamber QES

CHAMBER NEWS

9

QES competition winners

Fieldwork for the first Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) of 2017 was carried out in February this year, with Somerset Chamber receiving a total of 114 responses – a record number to date.

Thank you to all who took part in the Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 in late February.

Somerset Chamber manages the QES survey within Somerset and reports its findings to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) once a quarter, contributing to the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK.

Everyone who submitted their answers to the survey was automatically entered into a free prize draw, and the lucky company’s name was pulled out of a hat by CEO Dale Edwards.

Each quarter more than 7,500 businesses across the country participate in the QES. Businesses are questioned on a wide range of issues, including: home sales and orders, export sales and orders, employment prospects, investment, recruitment difficulties, cashflow, confidence and price pressures.

Big congratulations to Kitchen Langport who won a box of delicious chocolates and an extra-large bottle of bubbly, presented by Carla and Scarlett of the Somerset Chamber marketing team.

The QES is the first economic indicator of the quarter, published in advance of official figures and other private surveys, and it consistently mirrors trends in official data. For this reason the survey is closely watched by policymakers such as the Treasury, the Bank of England, the Office for Budget Responsibility, the EU Commission and the IMF. The results from Q1 will be released by the BCC on 13 April, at which time Somerset Chamber will publish them online via our website.

We will also be hosting a breakfast update on the Q1 results in May, where we will look at what the outcomes mean for Somerset businesses. Keep an eye out for further details to follow.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

10

FOCUS ON: DESIGN AND PRINT Does size matter?

The significant other of any branding designer can tell you the frustration endured as they scrutinise, drool and soak-up the colossal array of design at every turn. Supermarkets, duty-free, internet, shop windows - nowhere is safe! And we’re all the same. We can’t help ourselves - constantly reviewing trends, brand personality and exploring what makes them successful.

The importance of design and understanding the influence on business growth, has never been so acknowledged. So why is there often a reluctance to see design as an investment? And why, during challenging times, is design habitually considered nonessential? It’s absolutely crucial not to ignore it particularly when times are tough.

Too frequently modest scaled agencies are deemed too small to manage the demands of large clients; and those smaller businesses, unfamiliar with commissioning design, can perhaps feel the experience initially to be an

intimidating one.

Perhaps an apprehension of affordability is an issue. But neither are a reality. Creating design, that works, is a prerequisite of good design ethics and often smaller agencies, the result of creative talent nurtured within larger consultancies developing global brands, shouldn’t be underestimated; and low overheads can make them a compelling alternative.

According to a recent survey by ‘Up to the Light’ - in association with Design Business Association, 79% of businesses thought their consultancy was too expensive. Yet, more often than not, businesses stick with what they know.

Is the future ‘on-demand’?

It looked as though digital marketing would signal the end of print, but on-demand printing is proving to be equally or more effective than an email campaign, as well as bringing cost savings.

As websites and social media create pages and discussion groups for different audiences, on-demand print allows companies to create bespoke material to appeal to those groups.

This enables companies to stand out from the numerous email campaigns which are sent every day, and which risk falling foul of spamming laws.

Print allows companies to establish an emotional connection; it can trigger a response in a way that emails cannot through different materials and finishes; and of course, printed content has greater longevity than online, which can so easily be deleted.

Hardware developments mean that it is now possible to produce print in the hundreds rather than thousands, significantly reducing wastage and cost. This means that companies can concentrate more closely on

Be brave! We’re all design nuts constantly striving to create provoking reactive design that sells and makes our clients business grow and turn a profit. Get to know local design firms.

You might be amazed at the results.

In a digital world – Print is certainly not dead Does new digital technology, social media and email signal the death of print?

We don’t think so.

Business owners are struggling to cut through all the digital noise and get heard, they are missing out by not using print and direct mail as one of their marketing pillars.

Digital sales letters that remain unopened, eNewsletters never read, banner ads that never get clicked and email campaigns that disappear with the tap of a mouse. It is becoming harder and harder to stand out and attract attention.

This is where print can give you a huge advantage. Quality print marketing can cut through that noise and grab attention.

Print is tangible – it is something real that people can feel, touch, and even smell.

Print has a longer shelf life – when online, how often do you see things that are interesting and think, “I’ll read that later”, but never do? Eye-catching

print can be put to one side and read later.

Print can grab attention – different papers, sizes, and finishes give opportunities to create something unique that is on brand but also showcases your business’s personality.

Print holds attention – compared to online content, it holds readers that critical bit longer.

I am not saying ditch the online stuff, just embrace print as well to support your online marketing.

A print campaign does need more thought but be creative with your print and use it to ‘wow’ your customers and prospects - build your reputation and make more sales.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

FOCUS ON: DESIGN AND PRINT

segmentation and targeting without the concern that they will either have to disregard some of their target segments, or send something which will not appeal to them.

11

Looking for an item to promote the business When companies start looking for items to promote the business, every choice needs to reflect the under pinning qualities of the brand. When it comes to promotional items however, most customers seem to be concerned frustratingly with price.

Smaller print quantities also mean that items can progress with companies, so a new email address, website address, company director, award or accreditation will not result in large amounts of wastage.

Letterheads can be printed on demand, rather than keeping large amounts in storage taking up valuable office space.

Is opting for a slightly cheaper pen the best option? What impact could it have on the companies’ brand if the pen falls apart when dropped, runs out a couple of days after it’s been given out or if the ink goes all blotchy?

What testing has been carried out on promotional mugs, to minimise the handle falling off a corporate mug when full of hot tea?

The cost efficiencies do not end with external print needs, as software technology is helping companies to control their internal printing costs. It is now possible to monitor and control print usage to prevent large amounts of printing remaining unclaimed and ending up in the recycling pile.

Will the power banks be reliable, over heat, or worse?

From an ethical perspective do the promotional products originate from a factory where staff are paid fairly and are of a working age?

Print at an end? Never!

On-demand print is only just beginning…

When you run out and need a quick re-order of ‘exactly the same as last time, printed exactly the same as the

last batch’- will the supplier have the right product in stock? Will they have your artwork held on file, to be able to meet your short deadline? How much time may this quick task take the person in charge of a simple re-order?

Thoroughbred was represented at a recent meeting of promotional suppliers and distributors. These were a few of the issues discussed during the open forum session.

The next time a member of staff is tasked with sourcing promotional products, there are certainly more elements to consider than the bottom line. Take steps to ensure when ‘Unleashing Your Reputation’ you safeguard your brand as much as possible.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS, TAX CONSULTANTS & FINANCIAL PLANNERS

Working hard for your business We are passionate about helping you grow your business profitably. We have established and dedicated teams giving a highly specialised service through a focused and personal approach.

Wealth Protection Pensions and

Accountancy and Audit Personal and Business Tax Outsourced Accounting Services Financial and Cash Flow Modelling

auto-enrolment

Corporate Finance Financial Planning*

Online Accounting Solutions from Albert Goodman

01823 286096 www.albertgoodman.co.uk www.agconnex.co.uk *Albert Goodman Chartered Financial Planners is a trading style of Albert Goodman Financial Planning Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

TAUNTON

YEOVIL

CHARD

WESTON-SUPER-MARE

SEDGEMOOR

WEYMOUTH

BURNHAM-ON-SEA

WEDMORE

12

MEMBERS AREA

LET’S GET POSITIVE ABOUT GDPR Somerset Chamber member, Latcham Direct, discusses the General Data Protection Regulation By now many of you will have attended a briefing or read about the General Data Protection Regulation. You may be aware of the apocalyptic scenarios about the huge fines and business risks associated with non-compliance when the GDPR overwrites and replaces the Data Protection Act from 25 May 2018. If you haven’t, then there are countless events being offered by legal and corporate advisors designed to both inform you and scare you into action.

Indeed, fines for non-compliance are increasing to an eye watering €20 million, or 4% of your annual turnover, whichever is the greatest.

Even more alarming is the news that Elizabeth Denham of the ICO intends to pursue Directors personally for fines of up to £500,000.

Reputational impact could be equally devastating for your business through a legal obligation to report harmful breaches of personal data to the ICO within just 72 hours.

SO, ARE YOU READY? If the answer is no, or even “what is GDPR?” then you can join the vast majority of businesses who are just waking up to these changes.

Recent surveys by the Direct Marketing Association suggest up to an alarming 50% of marketers still do not fully understand GDPR regulation.

WHAT IS GDPR? When Directive 95/46/EC, or the Data Protection Act, was written in the mid-1990s, the highly networked and interconnected world in which we live today was merely a glimmer on the horizon. Consequently, courts and the ICO have increasingly had to adapt the Directive to a world it simply was not designed for.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will replace the Data Protection Act from 25 May 2018. The new regulations are in response to recognition of the value and importance of citizens’ and consumers’ personal information. Critically, it introduces a raft of sorely needed clarifications and updates, which will carry EU data protection law forward, well into the next decade.

GDPR asserts that consumers will have a number of rights in relation to their personal data. These include; the right to be forgotten, the right to request (for free) data which is being held by companies, the right to request their data is supplied to your competitors.

Probably the biggest single change for most organisations will be the changes in gaining consumer’s consent before sending digital marketing messages such as emails and social media messaging.

Consent must be freely given, specific to the exact purposes that you wish to use their data, and consumers must be informed via clear and unambiguous language. Furthermore, it must be given by clear affirmative action – in other words, gone are opt outs and pre-ticked consent boxes!

Withdrawing, or changing consent needs to be just as easy as it was to give in the first place. Providing a means for people to opt out at any time, or change their consent, will have interesting and significant implications for website and systems design.

GDPR applies across all the member states of the EU – which means the UK. And it will apply despite Brexit, as this regulation will be adopted into British law from 25 May 2018.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BECOME GDPR COMPLIANT? In broadest of terms, if your business handles personal information (and most businesses do), you need to ensure that you have implemented appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the ongoing confidentiality, integrity, availability and resilience of the data processing you undertake.

But what does this actually mean and what should your business be doing right now? Mike Hughes at Latcham Direct advises that a simple approach may be to start initially with a 3-step health check of your organisation.

1) Map your data and your data flows so that you are clear about where consumer data is, its format, the conditions under which it’s kept, and the transfer methods between different parts of your organisation and your contractors.

2) If you don’t have one already, seek guidance in how to establish a privacy compliance framework that covers your people, processes, and technology objectives, such as ISO 27001 or a personal information management system such as BS 10012.

At the very least, understand the six new GDPR principles.

3) Finally, conduct either internally or with outside help, a GDPR Audit, including a GAP analysis. This will provide you with details of what changes will be required to make to your policies, procedures, controls, records, and IT systems compliant.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

MEMBERS AREA

13

Gender Pay Gap Are you ready?

What is it?

FINALLY, LET’S GET POSITIVE ABOUT GDPR! GDPR should be seen as a great opportunity to clean up your client data. After all, it is not uncommon to find customer databases littered with poor, unqualified data and as a result you will be wasting money sending promotions to the wrong people at the wrong address and email or, worse still, sending inappropriate or offensive marketing messages.

GDPR will force companies to clean up their act, but surely this is a good thing, and good business will want to do this anyway?

GET GOING NOW - DON’T LEAVE IT! The new General Data Protection Regulations will come into force from 25 May 2018 and the information commissioner will be keen to set some early examples of business that are non-compliant.

To be prepared, you need to start your GDPR journey now!

Remember, organisations that act quickly to ensure compliance will be those that thrive in this rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Ensuring that your data has a purpose, is transparent, and accurate that you are compliant with new data protection law will lead to greater trust from your customers.

Good luck!

From April 2017, all employers with 250 or more employees are legally obliged to report publicly on six key metrics about their gender pay gap and gender bonus gap using data inputs and calculations based set out in Regulations. The gender pay gap is an equality measure that shows the difference in average earnings between women and men. The UK gender pay gap is at its lowest level ever - just over 18 per cent. The gender pay gap does not show differences in pay for comparable jobs. Unequal pay for men and women has been illegal for 45 years.

What are the causes of the Gender Pay Gap? The causes of the gender pay gap are complex and overlapping: •

A higher proportion of women choose occupations that offer less financial reward (e.g. administration). Many high paying sectors are disproportionately made up of male workers (e.g. information and communications technology).

• A much higher proportion of women work part-time, and part-time workers earn less than their full-time counterparts on average.

• Women are still less likely to progress up the career ladder into high paying senior roles.

• 2.2 million women who are not working want to work. Equalising participation rates could add 10% to the size of our economy by 2030.

Over one and a half million women already in work would like to do more hours. If they worked just one extra hour each week, that would contribute 80 million more hours a year in productivity.

How can I find out more?

You can contact the team at Latcham Direct via our website at www.latchamdirect. co.uk/GDPR or call us on 0117 3118200 for further help and advice on your GDPR journey.

If you are interested in finding out more, the official website is https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ uk-gender-pay-gap

Alternatively, contact Rebecca Bevins, HR Services & HR Consultancy on 01935 411191 or email admin@rebeccabevins.co.uk.

14

MEMBERS AREA

MEMBERS AREA: UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday

Meet the Chamber Taunton

20 April

Recently joined the Somerset Chamber or interested in joining us? This lunch time networking event will give you an insight into Somerset Chamber networking including a short presentation on the benefits of membership.

Time: 12.30 – 14.30 Venue: The Holiday Inn, Taunton Cost: £20 (members) £20 (non-members)

Thursday

Business to Business (B2B) Dinner Highbridge

27 April

Our next Business to Business Dinner of 2017 takes place in Highbridge. 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: Battleborough Grange Hotel Cost: £30 (members) £60 (non-members)

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Tuesday

Cybercrime Business Breakfast

25 April

Join us for a breakfast update with Guest Speakers Geoff Revill and Durgan Cooper of the South West Cyber Security Cluster (SWCCC).

They will present on the latest changes to the General Data Protection Regulations as well as top tips on how to prevent cyber threats.

Time: 07.30 – 10.00 Venue: Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet Cost: £18 plus VAT (members)

£30 plus VAT (non-members) In association with

Wednesday

QES Breakfast Briefing

3

May

We are delighted to be hosting our first ever Quarterly Economic Breakfast briefing where the Chamber will present the results of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey. This event will be hosted by Tangier Central who have a range of office space to lease in Taunton town centre. Tours will be available.

Time: 07.30 – 9.30 Venue: Tangier Central, Taunton Cost: £20 (members) £20 (non-members) In association with

Sponsored by

MEMBERS AREA

15

*All costs include VAT unless otherwise stated

Wednesday

Meet The Neighbours Dorset

10 May

Thursday

MD & CEO Round Table Forum

25 May

We are delighted to be teaming up with Dorset Chamber of Commerce for a two course lunch and excellent networking opportunities. These events are typically well attended so book early to avoid disappointment.

This quarterly forum led by Dale Edwards, CEO of the Somerset Chamber is designed to bring together key decision-makers from similar sized businesses to discuss common growing pains over drinks and supper.

Time: 12.00 – 14.00 Venue: The Grange Hotel, Sherborne Cost: £27 (members) £40 (non-members)

Time: 19.00 – 22.00 Venue: Woodlands Castle, Taunton Cost: £38 (members) This event is for

Somerset Chamber members only

In association with

Tuesday

Sponsored by

Profiting from the Somerset Business Awards 2017 Thursday

18

Mastering Office 365

May

Want to get the most out of new or existing Office 365 subscriptions? Why not attend this practical half-day workshop for an overview of current applications and potential uses for your business.

Time: 09.00 – 13.00 Venue: Somerset Chamber Office, Taunton Cost: £45 (members) £90 (non-members) In association with

6

June

The Somerset Business Awards 2017 opens for entry on 1 June. Join us for the official launch event, where you can pick up some useful tips on how to enter, hear from past winners, and meet some of this year’s judges.

Time: 12.00 – 14.00 Venue: The Mount Somerset Hotel, Taunton Cost: £20 (members) £20 (non-members)

In association with

Sponsored by

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

16

MEMBERS AREA

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

A2O People Recruitment Mr Shane Keaney T: 01278 732073 www.a2opeople.co.uk

Hatfield White Property Development & Agencies Mr Nigel Hatfield T: 01823 353033 www.hatfieldwhite.co.uk

South West Foreign Exchange Ltd Finance Mr Tim Sheehan T: 01548 857009 www.southwestforeignexchange.co.uk

Allied International UK Ltd Engineering Mr Michael Duncan T: 01324 667488 www.alliedfittings.co.uk

Lean Games Ltd Manufacture Mrs Elizabeth Hill T: 01984 667379 www.leangames.co.uk/games.php

Spacenet UK Recruitment Mr Gareth Reardon M: 07961 034917 www.spacenetuk.com

Analytic Eye Ltd ICT Mr Edward Ross T: 0117 325 8024 http://www.analyticeye.co.uk

Lightning Electrical Construction Construction Mr Keith Lightning T: 02380 865890 www.lightninggroup.co.uk

Springboard IT ICT Mr Steve Bloomer T: 01934 710666 www.springboardit.co.uk

Arbuthnot Latham Finance Mr Rob Salisbury T: 01392 474184 www.arbuthnotlatham.co.uk

Marshall Volkswagen Van Centre Bridgwater Retail and Online Mr Gavin Martin M: 07469 377617 www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/ van-centres/bridgwater-van-centre

Tangier Central Property Development & Agencies Mr Nigel Hatfield T: 01823 353033 www.tangiercentral.co.uk

Avery Capentry Contractors Construction Ms Deborah Wholey T: 01823 251500 www.averycarpentry.co.uk Blackdown Financial Finance Mr Neil Rossiter T: 01823 321616 www.blackdownfinancial.co.uk Brite Services Recruitment Mr Andrea Wilcox T: 01626 280 077 www.briteservices.co.uk CRC Industries Manufacture Ms Samantha Bird T: 01278 727217 www.crcindustries.com Delux Digs Ltd Property Services Mrs Gina Legg M: 07980 796983 g12naa@yahoo.co.uk

PSG Law Mr Andy Towers T: 01460 249314 www.psgconnect.co.uk Rotork Engineering Mr Graham Rayner T: 01225 733564 www.rotork.com/en/ SHB Hire Ltd Transport Mrs Hesty Carroll 07789 651311 www.shb.co.uk Skylark Media Audio Visual Mrs Jo Haywood T: 07817 599234 www.skylarkmedia.co.uk

Taunton Association for the Homeless Charity Miss Rosie Hather T: 01823 271326 www.tah.org.uk TDA Business Consultancy Ms Ges Green T: 01278 550250 www.torbaydevelopmentagency.co.uk Tiverton Fabrications LTD Engineering Mr Craig Mogford T: 01884 250966 www.tiverton-fabrications.co.uk Word Gets Around Design Print Mr Paul Smith T: 01823 256119 www.wordgetsaround.co.uk

For more information on Somerset Chamber membership and what we can do for your business, please contact Alistair Tudor, Membership Sales Manager on 01823 444924 or email alistair.tudor@somerset-chamber.co.uk

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

MEMBERS AREA

Latest Member to Member Offers

17

Member Profile

As a member of Somerset Chamber, all member business employees are able to take advantage of our great range of member to member offers. To post your own offer or to view all our member to member offers, visit:

www.somersetchamber.co.uk/membership

10%

10%

Ashtead Plant Hire

Clerksroom – Taunton

A-Plant is offering an additional 10% discount to Chamber members when booking using the number below

10% reduction on all services (Barrister’s Advice, Advocacy, Mediation or Room Hire at Equity House, Taunton)

Call 0800 5871 545

Call 0845 0833000

DISCOUNT

DISCOUNT

Name: Nigel Reece Company: Cognique Job Title: Managing Director Based in Wells, Cognique work with ambitious businesses in Somerset, the South West and beyond, delivering websites together with integrated marketing.

What does Cognique do?

15%

15%

DISCOUNT

DISCOUNT

Identity Workwear

Kellaway Building Supplies

Identity Workwear are offering 15% off all their branded clothing and workwear.

Somerset Chamber members receive 15% off non sale retail items at Kellaway Building Supplies.

Call 01460 432862

Call 01179 063 060

We help businesses grow using effective marketing strategies. The ‘tools’ we use in these strategies include website design and development, graphic design, digital and offline marketing.

Cognique recently returned as a Chamber member. What made you restart your membership?

We were attracted by the Chamber’s positive, forward thinking attitude, combined with its desire to understand what businesses really wanted from membership.

What is the driving force behind your business?

40%

10%

Porcelanosa

White Knight Marketing

DISCOUNT

Porcelanosa are offering a 40% discount for any Chamber member on stock items in Bristol, Exeter and Cardiff.

Call 01179 597 155

DISCOUNT

Somerset Chamber members receive 10% off White Knight Marketing services Call 01823 429495

Results. Generating a ROI for our clients generally results in them wanting more from us – they’re also more likely to become ambassadors of what we do.

Why would you encourage businesses like yours to join the Chamber?

Networking has been massively important to the growth of Cognique.

The business and individual connections that are generated through Chamber membership are incredibly valuable to any business – regardless of their size.

18

FEATURE

The Levy – impact on business From 1 May 2017 all business with a payroll of more than £3m will have to pay HMRC a monthly levy contribution at 0.6% of their payroll bill.

There’s been lots of talk about Levy but not so much about the Apprenticeship reform and we think the opportunities for businesses to reskill and develop their workforce at very low cost are being hugely overlooked.

Did you know that most new apprenticeships recently developed are Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, meaning that you could use your levy to fund an existing and valued member of your team through a degree. And if you’re not a levy payer, you could do the same and pay no more than £900 a year for that; Apprenticeship funding will pick up the remaining £8,100 fees per year, how could you develop your workforce with opportunities like that?

Investing just a couple of hours in a detailed conversation with a well informed College could easily be worth £1,000’s of pounds to any business but it’s not just about the money.

The research conducted over decades has proven that the return on investment from workforce training, particularly apprentices is tangible, delivering greater productivity, a culturally aligned workforce, greater loyalty and discretionary effort from staff and many more financially valuable benefits to the organisation.

of working to maximise the benefit of the changes to our customers. If you’re not 100% clear about what it means for your company, spend 30 minutes on the telephone and start making a plan; a good training partner will do most of the hard work for you.

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the Summer Budget 2015 the introduction of a new tax charge called the Apprenticeship Levy which would apply to UK employers on or after 6 April 2017.

Governments aim is to persuade employers to take on more apprentices. Apprentices can be new to the organisation; you can also retrain current employees to take the next step on their career ladder or to change career direction.

The Apprenticeship Levy is an annual charge, but employers report and pay it each tax month, as they do other PAYE liabilities. The monthly calculation of levy liability is based on the employer’s total pay bill for the tax month, which may include weekly as well as monthly pay runs.

Not all College’s and providers have the same approach and I would encourage any business to invest time in a phone call or face to face meeting with a few Colleges or providers to see what their approach is and which fits best with their business. I know that Yeovil College and colleagues at other college’s have worked incredibly hard in the last year to understand and respond to the Governments changes. Yeovil College has thought about the changes from the perspective of our business partners and developed a collaborative way

Scarlett Scott-Collins visits Paris on EU funded Erasmus+ programme Scarlett Scott-Collins, Marketing Coordinator for the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, recently returned from an international business themed trip across the Channel as part of her degree studies.

Scarlett, along with four fellow adult students based at Richard Huish College, travelled to Paris in February for ten days on an EU funded Erasmus+ programme.

The aim of the trip was to give students an insight into the inner workings of some French businesses through both company visits and individual work placements. All aspects of management were on the agenda with students visiting iconic Parisian attractions, such as Palais Garnier Opéra and Musée d’Orsay. There was also time spare for the students to explore the beautiful city of Paris and get a taste for the exciting French culture.

Scarlett’s work placement was carried out at a French nuclear research facility, CEA, which gave a fascinating comparison and perspective into the developments at Hinkley Point. The visit included meetings with company directors, a tour of the site, practicing French with staff and writing a report on the visit.

In the final few days, the students all took part in a programme called the C2 Mission, an initiative organised with the aim of providing a platform to link technology, marketing and creativity between the two cultures. With each English student working independently from one another, placed groups alongside their French counterparts, they all had to create and develop a concept for a new company that combined the latest technology with modern social issues.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

FEATURE

What will it cost?

If you have an annual pay bill of more than £3 million then the Apprenticeship Levy is charged at 0.5% of your annual pay bill above £3m.

Why? The aim of the Apprenticeship Levy is increase both the quality and quantity of apprenticeships. The levy is a new tax which aims to fund three million new Apprenticeships in England by 2020.

Are any employers exempt from paying the Levy?

No, if you have a pay bill of £3 million or more you will pay in to the Levy.

19

How can the levy be spent?

Levy funds can be spent on apprentice training for either existing staff or new recruits as long as the training meets an approved standard or framework and the individual meets the apprentice eligibility criteria.

Key Dates April 2017 Employers affected will begin making Levy payments on a monthly basis May 2017 Employers are expected to draw down vouchers and use Levy payments by end of this month Checklist of what businesses need to do etc.

Do you know if you will need to pay Levy?

Do you know how much you will need to pay?

When does the levy come into effect?

Does the finance team have the mechanisms to pay the levy contribution to HMRC in May?

The levy will start in April 2017. Employers should have their first payment taken on this date.

Do you have any plans to take on apprentices and do you know how much levy this training will use?

How will the government collect the levy?

Payments will be collected monthly by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) through Pay as You Earn (PAYE), alongside tax and National Insurance.

The project then culminated in final presentations, where, in front of a French audience, each English student had to speak a proportion in French, and vice versa for the French students. A panel judged each group and asked probing questions regarding the fine details of their proposals.

Commenting on her overseas visit, Scarlett said, ‘The trip to Paris was about gaining an insight into French business and education, and using that knowledge to align our own career paths. We were lucky to be able to embrace the cultural aspects that come with visiting such a beautiful and historical city and it was an experience that will certainly stay with me.

‘The best bit for me was the independent work experience at the nuclear research facility, shadowing their young employees and having meetings with the directors to learn how they do business.’

Do you have a provider partner to make this easy for you?

Have you registered for your Apprenticeship Service digital account?

What is the business going to do with Apprentices over the next 24 month?

Dale Edwards, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said, ‘I am passionate about developing the next generation of business leaders. When Scarlett presented an opportunity to broaden her skills and experience in team work, project planning and communication in this Anglo French Erasmus C2 initiative in association with Strode College, I was immediately supportive.

‘I am certain these skills will be incorporated in to her work including the Erasmus Life on Line programme which the Chamber is working in partnership with Bridgwater & Taunton College. Scarlett has developed considerably since joining us as an Apprentice in 2014 and I can only predict a continuing bright future for her with the Chamber.’

20

FEATURE

A Day In The Life Of Brooke As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2017, we asked our very own Advanced Business and Administration Apprentice, Brooke Gilbertson, to write a blog entry to raise awareness about the sort of activities she gets up to on a day to day basis.

On this day, Brooke attended the Somerset Chamber’s Meet the Neighbours networking event – a collaboration between Somerset, Devon and Exeter Chambers of Commerce. Brooke herself played an active role in organising the event, and below she writes about her experience on the day.

I began my day by checking my emails, as I usually do, seeing if there were any urgent queries to be dealt with. Luckily, there was nothing that required my urgent attention, as we were set to be busy today, preparing for our largest event of the year so far. My morning was filled with finalising and printing literature for our Meet the Neighbours event – just a few hours away. I ensured the bags containing copies of our Business Manifesto, branded pens and event flyers were packed and ready to go, also making sure there were enough for the day all 120 delegates!

We left for the event promptly – bags full of equipment and banners in hand. It was exciting to know that all the literature used was that of which I had created during the week leading up to the event. Once we arrived at the venue, we met with the other Chambers’ representatives and set to work. One of my first tasks was setting out the registration table, laying out the many delegate badges that I had prepared the day before. Following that, I arranged our latest Chamber magazines and other pieces of literature, including agendas and delegates lists, all proudly marked with our new branding.

Before we knew it, the event was off to a flying start. With attendees flooding through to registration, we were taking their names and handing out badges at a hot pace. There is always a great atmosphere with big events. You could hear the growing murmur of people in the next room, all chatting and networking, excited by the scale of the event.

By 12:30 we had everybody seated and ready for the first course. Our Chief Executive, Dale Edwards, opened the event with a short but sweet introduction, informing delegates on the format of the event, meanwhile I was snapping pictures of the room and guests.

The event itself was a great success. It is always great to meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces, especially when there is a two course meal thrown in! Following the meal, I was once again on reception, thanking the attendees and making sure that they had a great time before seeing them out. It is always fulfilling to see that attendees enjoyed their time at an event, especially one that you played a role in planning.

Apprenticeship Q&A What first attracted you to taking on an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is such a great way to learn vocationally while having the option to earn money, the thought of having a debt after learning is something that made me choose an apprenticeship over uni.

Can you give us an overview of your position at Somerset Chamber?

I work alongside the events manager at the chamber, shadowing her and doing event admin. As I am an administration apprentice I also help out on the membership admin, sending emails and membership packs to new members.

What do you enjoy the most about being an apprentice?

I really enjoy going to events and seeing that the work that you have done has helped out in creating something successful. I’m very thankful to have gained this experience.

Are you getting any further qualifications with your apprenticeship? Or do you have plans to in the future?

Currently I am studying my NVQ level 3, however I hope to continue studying and obtain my degree while still working.

What is your ‘end goal’ and how do you think your apprenticeship will help you get there?

My end goal is to gain a full time place as an events coordinator, by doing this apprenticeship it will allow me to have a vast amount of knowledge in events as well as the confidence to carry out events successfully.

Is being an apprentice what you expected?

Being an apprentice is about being an employee, and that is exactly how I am treated, I am one of the team and respected in the workplace. This apprenticeship is even better than expected, I enjoy waking up and going to work every day as I am doing something that I am interested in.

Would you recommend the apprenticeship route to other young people considering their options post-16?

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to gain real life wok experience. Apprenticeships help you understand what you want to do in the future and how to be confident in doing it.

FEATURE

21

Record-breaking attendance at Yeovil College Apprenticeship Recruitment Event As part of National Apprenticeship week, on Tuesday 7 March Yeovil College opened its doors to a phenomenal number of attendees to showcase the fantastic range of Apprenticeship vacancies currently on offer. Employers attended the event to actively recruit local people to join an Apprenticeship scheme at their company.

Over 230 potential Apprentices attended the event to discuss the progression opportunities and support offered at the College, exceeding last year’s record of 189 attendees. It was a hugely successful night with more than 150 learners checking-in within the first hour!

A wealth of employers were exhibiting, including; Yeovil District Hospital, The Emporium, Tods Aerospace, Kingcombe Aquacare, BAE Systems, Salon Fish, the Royal Air Force, Neal’s Yard, Leonardo Helicopters, Dorset County Council, the British Army, Rebecca Bevins HR Services, Old School Gallery, Honeywell Aerospace and the Royal Navy.

Each curriculum area was staffed in order to deliver advice and guidance to all learners interested in traditional Apprenticeships as well as the brand new Degree-level higher Apprenticeships. Experienced staff members were on hand to advise all on how to become an Apprentice, the benefits of training and the latest vacancies available, and Apprenticeship Levy and Reforms advice was delivered to employers.

Mark Bolton, Director of Employer Engagement, said, “This was a unique and dedicated recruitment fair where our partner companies joined us at the College to hold quality conversations with new learners and potentially their next employees.”

“Yeovil College has an impressive retention rate of 93%, which means that almost all of our apprentices continue with their employers after their formal apprenticeship has ended.”

“We have also launched our brand new Higher-level Degree Apprenticeships, meaning that our new students will be able to work with our partner employers whilst undertaking a degree via day release at Yeovil College. We believe this is a fantastic alternative to the traditional route of university.”

Yeovil College trains over 1,000 apprentices every year at centres in Yeovil and Shaftesbury (Yeovil College at North Dorset) and at over 850 workplaces across the UK. For more information on Apprenticeship vacancies with Yeovil College, visit http://www.yeovil.ac.uk/Apprenticeships/ Apprenticeships.html.

For more information about Apprenticeships and training for businesses, please visit www.yeovil.ac.uk or call 01935 845392.

Yeovil College, helping shape the local workforce and community for over 130 years.

University Centre Somerset to Take Education in Somerset Higher As part of National Apprenticeship week, Bridgwater & Taunton College launches new brand for Higher Education On Wednesday 8 March 2017 Bridgwater & Taunton College launched the University Centre Somerset, its new brand for more than 60 higher education degree-level courses it now has on offer.

The launch was attended by representatives from many other organisations and companies, including partner universities, the County Council, District Councils, the Chamber of Commerce, the Heart of the South West LEP, EDF Energy, Thales, Numatic, Summerfield and the UK Hydrographic Office.

The core hub for the University Centre Somerset will be based at the College’s Taunton Centre from September 2017 following refurbishment work during the summer, with additional facilities located at its Bridgwater and Cannington Centres for subject areas such as Engineering, Motorsport, Animal Management and Agriculture. Dedicated facilities for University Centre Somerset students will include study areas, libraries, classrooms, social hubs, practical facilities and eating areas.

The University Centre Somerset will focus mainly on the delivery of technical and professional programmes which meet the specific needs of employers in the region. It will therefore aim to be responsive to employer demand by offering programmes, including degree apprenticeships,

which are quick to establish and include non-traditional modes of delivery. There will also be a key focus on Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) priority areas for Somerset and Devon, including Health and Care; Nuclear/Civil Engineering; Aerospace; Digital; Land-based/Food and Drink; and Creative Arts. Developments will build upon the strong reputation that the College already has for engagement with employers and for meeting their education and training needs.

Mike Robbins, Principal of Bridgwater & Taunton College said: “We already have more than 1000 higher education students in the College and we anticipate that the University Centre Somerset will provide improved facilities for these students and help to raise the profile of higher education in the county to people both inside and outside Somerset. The take up of higher education programmes by the Somerset population has traditionally been below the national average, partly because of the lack of higher education opportunities locally, and the result is that many young people leave the county and don’t come back. The University Centre Somerset will aim to address this issue and also attract young people into Somerset. At the same time, by focussing particularly on employer-led programmes providing routes into work, it aims to develop the higher level skills base needed by employers and to support economic regeneration in Somerset and the wider region”.

More information about University Centre Somerset is available on its website: www.somerset.ac.uk, by calling the Information Advice & Guidance Team on 01823 366 366, or by visiting an Open Evening.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

22

#WELL CONNECTED

Meet the Neighbours, Devon

Ladies Afternoon Tea

p Chamber members enjoying networking q Chamber members networking and enjoying a buffet dinner p (L-R) Dale Edwards, Somerset Chamber, David Savill, Exeter Chamber, George Cowcher, Devon Chamber

Raising The Bar – How to engage with HPC

p (L-R) Lyndsay Blackshaw, Albert Goodman and Gill Ainge, Gill Ainge Marketing

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

#WELL CONNECTED

23

Somerset Young Professionals, Gothelney Farm

p (L-R) Carol McGeary, Talem Recruitment, Anita

t (L-R)

Spurway Rebecca Bevins HR Consultancy,

Antonia Stokes,

Helen Abbott Rebecca Bevins HR Consultancy

Milsted Langdon, Kasia Rezmer, Rebecca Bevins HR Consultancy, Anna Frampton, NatWest, Dawn Mills, Albert Goodman

TWEETS

@chambersomerset

Thank you @chambersomerset for an enjoyable afternoon tea at @HornsburyMill & Hannah Morden from @dnaworldwide - such an inspirational talk!

Abigail Doggrell @abigaildoggrell

p (L-R) Mike Morgan, MMES Ltd, Mark Bass, John West Contractors

Great afternoon networking with fellow business ladies, thanks @events_scoc for organising it and the CAKES! Gill Ainge Marketing @GillAingeMRKTNG

Great networking lunch @Woodbury_Park today thanks to @Chamber_Devon @chambersomerset @exeterchamber #meettheneighbours Andy Towers @PSG_Towers

p (L-R) Tracey Clay, Meridian Business Support

#Somerset #businesses Raising the Bar for #Hinkley one of the many events @chambersomerset are a fantastic help with SDS – Photocopiers @sdscopiers

Ltd, Phil Stone, Set Square Recruitment Ltd, Lucy Wiltshire Meridian Business Support Ltd

Great evening speaking at @events_scoc Somerset Young Professionals @chambersomerset #SYP at the beautiful Gothelney Hall The Team Experience @TheTeamEx

24

THE BIG INTERVIEW An Interview with…

Fiona McMillan, Independent Non Executive Board member of EDF Energy’s Nuclear New Build (NNB GenCo).

Born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, Fiona moved at the tender age of three to Purley in Surrey (made famous by Monty Python), where she grew up. She moved to London to study and then began a teaching career. Fiona met her husband John in London - she moved into the flat next door to his in Haringey.

Several moves followed: to Dorset, where her first daughter, Siobhan, was born; and then to Wales following promotions: first Neath, in West Glamorgan, where Sinead was born, then Pontypool in Gwent. Fiona returned to the West Country, to Bristol to take up a senior management role at South Bristol College, and finally to Bridgwater, where she was Principal for 18 years. Fiona left the College in 2012, subsequently taking up national roles in Further Education for two years and also joining the Board of EDF Energy’s Nuclear New Build GenCo. When not working, Fiona’s time is divided between family husband, children and elderly parents - with a little bit of space for self-improvement in the form of learning the piano and improving her rather rusty French.

When you were at school, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was young I was mad about ballet so I wanted to be a ballet dancer, following in the footsteps of the great Margot Fonteyn. Once I realised that wasn’t going to happen, I turned my attention to acting, and then to singing.

What I was absolutely sure I didn’t want to be was a teacher, because I didn’t like school very much at all. Ironically, of course, that was what I finally became!

What was your very first job?

I was quite entrepreneurial when I was young, so I was good at persuading my parents to part with their money in return for car washing, cleaning, the odd bit of questionable decorating. Eventually I did get a regular Saturday job as a care worker in an elderly care home, in the days when care workers didn’t have to be qualified. I actually think I was quite good at this, and enjoyed it to the extent that I added nursing to the list of possible jobs I might do when I grew up, until I remembered that I didn’t really like the sight of blood very much, and that Biology was one of my least favourite subjects at school!

25 Tell us a little about your work for EDF Energy Following my retirement from Bridgwater College in 2012, I joined the Board of Directors of EDF Energy’s Nuclear New Build (NNB GenCo) as an Independent Non Executive Board member. There are four independent Non Executives on the Board, each with our own area of expertise. Given my background, my focus naturally is on skills and training, and the development of people. However, given that I have lived and worked in Somerset for over 20 years, I am also able to bring to the Board an understanding of and empathy with the locality and the issues that are important to local stakeholders.

In addition to my role with NNB GenCo, I am also a member of the EDF Energy’s Training Standards Accreditation Board , which is a body that assesses and accredits standards of training within the Nuclear Generating Fleet, as part of the drive for continuous quality improvement.

What do you think you are able to bring from your previous role as Principal of Bridgwater College to your current one with EDF Energy?

My previous role gave me an in-depth knowledge of the education, training and skills landscape, both locally and nationally, and I have been able to offer that knowledge to EDF Energy in the critical work of developing pipelines to employment, and ensuring that local people and local skills providers can play an important role in the delivery of the Hinkley Project.

There are very significant skills challenges today for all employers, but especially in relation to large infrastructure projects, and it is important that we all do what we can to ensure that both young and older people not only have the opportunity to acquire the right mix of skills to gain meaningful employment, but also that they have the right career advice and guidance to enable them to understand what opportunities exist and how they can be accessed.

What are your key aims for the next 12 months?

I will be playing my part in supporting my colleagues on the NNB Gen Co Board to achieve the milestones set for the next 12 months for the Hinkley Project, so that the new station can eventually be delivered safely, on time and on budget. However, it is also really important that we realise the great benefits that Hinkley can offer as legacy to the South West. So I am very pleased that I have also just been appointed to the HotSW LEP Board as an Independent Board member, and I look forward to making a contribution there, particularly in the development of skills and the further development of the nuclear agenda across the South West.

In the meantime, I will also be continuing in my role as Chair of the Somerset Employment and Skills Steering Group, and I will now be chairing the Partnership Board for the West Somerset Opportunities Area Programme, which will provide some additional exciting opportunities for the West Somerset community and its education and business partners to make a positive impact on social mobility in the West Somerset area.

Outside of work, what is your biggest passion?

I have a fantastic and very long suffering husband, and two wonderful daughters, so I think I could safely say that they are my biggest passion away from work.

In your opinion, what have been your biggest achievements to date?

I am very proud of the achievements of Bridgwater College while I was Principal.

During that time, the college was able to establish its reputation as an outstanding provider of education and training, as well as for its responsiveness to the needs of business and industry. I am delighted that the college has continued to thrive under my successor, Mike Robbins, and will no doubt continue to do so under his successor, Andy Berry. The new merger with Somerset College provides still greater opportunities both for the combined colleges and for Somerset businesses.

From an EDFE / NNB GenCo perspective, I am absolutely delighted that, after several years of preparation, negotiation and considerable hard work on behalf of all involved, we finally achieved the Final Investment Decision and the go-ahead for Hinkley, and now the Project has been able to get going in earnest. I feel very privileged to have a part to play in the renaissance of nuclear energy in the UK.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

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

Probably the best advice I ever received was from a seasoned Principal when I was still quite green in the role. He gave me two bits of very useful advice: avoid ‘corridor’ decisionmaking and allow yourself time to reflect; and secondly don’t believe your own propaganda.

Both have served me well on various occasions!

26

MEMBER NEWS Solicitor celebrates Law Society success South West law firm Battens is celebrating after solicitor Gemma Galvani gained Law Society accreditation as an expert in children’s law and became a member of the specialist Law Society Children Panel.

to undergo a rigorous assessment at the Law Society in London which scrutinised her skills, knowledge and expertise in handling Children’s Act matters, before finding out if she had been accepted.

The accreditation is a recognised hallmark of quality and helps guardians and other professionals working with children, identify highly qualified legal practitioners who can act on behalf of children in specific cases where they need legal representation, such as care proceedings or difficult private law disputes.

Gemma Galvani, comments: “I am thrilled to become a member of the Children’s Panel. I have extensive experience in this area but wanted to evidence my knowledge by passing the Law Society’s stringent application process so that I can act on behalf of children and represent them at a very difficult time in their lives.”

Qualifying is not easy. Ms Galvani, like all prospective members, had

Ms Galvani’s membership means that Battens is now the South West’s go-to Family Law team guardians can trust

to manage sensitive and complex children law cases.

Louise Gidley, Head of Family Law at Battens, said: “Gemma’s accreditation means we now have six members of the Children Panel in our firm, making Battens Family Law team one of the strongest legal teams in the region in terms of children law expertise.”

Claims Consortium scoops UK Customer Satisfaction Award March 10, 2017, Taunton, Somerset – A Taunton-based business has won a major award at the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards announced on Wednesday, for its home-grown IT platform, Synergy®.

Claims Consortium Group, which provides property claims handling services for insurance businesses across the UK, was announced as winner of the Customer Satisfaction Innovation Award at a packed Hilton Park Lane in London.

The awards, which are run by the Institute of Customer Service, are seen as UK’s most authoritative customer service event. Claims Consortium beat off competition from 9 other businesses in the category including BMW Group UK, Barclays, Prudential and National Express.

Jeremy Hyams, CEO at Claims Consortium, said: “This is a great achievement for our business and I’m incredibly proud of the team that has worked on developing our Synergy® software, and my staff who use it every day to provide excellent customer service.

“It is particularly important to me to know that an independent judging panel reviewed our work and chose us above so many great businesses that also put their customers first.”

The award recognises the Synergy® platform which brings an insurer, claims handler, contractor or surveyor, and the insurance policyholder together online to handle an insurance claim.

Synergy® is being used by some of the country’s leading insurers and service providers to reduce claims duration, lower costs and increase customer satisfaction.

This is the second scoop of the year for Claims Consortium, which was announced in the top 100 mid-sized employers in the Sunday Times Best Companies To Work For list in February.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

MEMBER NEWS

Award-winning accountants expand team with new appointments

Having won a number of awards in the last year – including being named Best Tax Practice in a Regional Firm 2016 at the Tolley’s Taxation Awards – the practice has been inundated with new work and enquiries, which has led to an expansion in many of its specialisms and the appointment of eight new members of staff.

Richard Warwick, who is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, joins the firm’s Insolvency Department and brings with him a wealth of experience of both Corporate and Personal Insolvency Work, in the UK and overseas, following his time with large multi-regional and international firms.

Richard’s recruitment means that the firm now boasts no less than six Licensed Insolvency Practitioners.

Another senior addition to the firm’s specialist teams, Ricki Critchell, has joined the firm as a Corporate Finance Manager in the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions team based in Bristol.

Ricky specialises in managing sales processes for SMEs and ownermanaged businesses, having worked on a number of transactions, in a variety of sectors, helping with deals ranging from £5 million – £30 million in value.

In addition to growth in corporate recovery and corporate finance, Milsted Langdon has also managed to attract some exciting high level talent to the tax team where Mike Bagg has joined as a Tax Director in Yeovil and Julian Borley as the firm’s new Director of VAT. In addition to the senior recruits, the firm has continued its long tradition of helping the next generation of accountants take their early steps into a career by appointing two new trainees, Emily Cockram and David

Thank Somerset’s Volunteers The annual Somerset Star Awards are open for nominations. This very special campaign is a chance for individuals and businesses to say a big thank you to all the volunteers and volunteer groups who play such a vital role across the county.

One of the South West’s leading accountancy firms Milsted Langdon has experienced a flurry of new appointments as it operations continue to grow.

Richard Warwick, Ricki Critchell, Roshanthi Redwood, Rebecca Brown, Emily Cockram, David Thorne, Mike Bagg and Julian Borley have all joined Milsted Langdon in recent weeks and months.

27

The awards are supported by Somerset County Council working alongside Somerset You Can Do, Spark and Engage.

Jonathan Langdon, Chairman of Milsted Langdon, has welcomed the firm’s new starters.

Thorne, both of whom will work within the General Practice department to gain experience of the day-to-day work of an accountant, alongside their studies towards professional qualifications.

Finally, the practice’s support teams have also grown with the recruitment of two former Debenhams employees Roshanthi Redwood and Rebecca Brown. Roshanthi joins Milsted Langdon as a Finance Administrator in their Financial Services team, while Rebecca will join the administrative staff at the firm’s Taunton office.

Jonathan Langdon, Chairman of Milsted Langdon, said: “I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of our new starters. It is wonderful to see that our practice continues to attract the best local talent.

“These days there is tremendous competition for experienced staff and I am delighted that our professional reputation, commitment to training and flexible approach to employment means that we are seen as a very attractive place to work, as was confirmed in a recent employee survey.

Nominations are open from Monday 27 February until Friday 21 April 2017 and anyone can put forward individuals and volunteer groups who go that extra mile in their communities and have such a positive impact on other people’s lives.

Each district will choose a final Somerset Star Volunteer Award winner and they will be presented with their ‘Somerset Star’ award at events planned to coincide with National Volunteers Week (Thursday 1 to Wednesday 7 June 2017). All five district winners will then be put forward for the opportunity to be crowned ‘County winner’, who will receive their award at the Somerset County Council’s Chairman’s Awards in the autumn.

How can my business get involved?

Nominate Volunteers - You could nominate the volunteers of the charity your business supports or perhaps you want to recognise employees who volunteer in the community or are trustees for local charities. Nominate a ‘Star Volunteer’ by downloading a form at www.somersetvolunteer.co.uk/ Sponsor an award - Alternatively you may be interested in sponsoring one of the awards or an event.

• Contact Spark on 01935 475914 to sponsor awards in South Somerset, Mendip or Sedgemoor • Engage on 01643 707123 to sponsor awards in West Somerset or Taunton Deane.

28

MEMBER NEWS

Nexus 25, the new Junction 25 development unveiled at business launch jobs, attracting new business and investment to the area.

Nexus 25 will offer a prime location for business, with a range of flexible premises including areas for research and development, health, education and digital technology alongside high quality office space, light industrial units and warehouses.

Taunton’s new strategic employment site at Junction 25 was unveiled at a business launch at the Holiday Inn at Junction 25 on 1 March.

Supported by Taunton Deane Borough Council, the development could create thousands of high skilled

The name, Nexus 25 was chosen because of its meaning, which reflects both the location and the connectivity that the development will provide.

Conceived as a ‘green campus,’ Nexus 25 will create an environment designed to encourage collaboration and the innovation that will support economic growth across the South West.

Work to improve Junction 25 and the A358 planned by Somerset County Council and Highways England will include access to the site. Access to gigabit fibre across will ensure it is connected for business.

Taunton Deane will use a Local Development Order to set out the design principles and site-specific criteria that the development must meet to speed up the planning process. If successful, go ahead for the plans could be granted in August 2017.

The designs are being prepared by Taunton Deane Borough Council in consultation with a team drawn from the public and private sectors.

Hydrock ranked inside top 30 of Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list for third consecutive year 1st March 2017

company is known for contributing engineering design work to schemes such as the new UK Hydrographics Office in Taunton, the clean-up of the proposed site for Hinkley Point C, terminal extensions at Bristol Airport, infrastructure support for St Modwen at the Locking Parklands scheme and the structural design of the new Energy Skills Centre at Bridgwater College.

South-west based engineering consultancy Hydrock, is celebrating another outstanding position in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For. Announced at last week’s awards ceremony in London (23rd February), Hydrock was placed an impressive 29th, representing a third consecutive ranking inside the top 30 for this leading study.

The annual ranking is widely acknowledged as the most rigorous and extensive research into employee engagement in the UK. All the scores and ratings that are assessed to compile the lists are based on employee opinions.

James McKechnie, Hydrock’s Tauntonbased Director of Transportation, said: “Being placed 29th – within the top 30 companies for the third year running – is such a proud achievement for us all at Hydrock.

“That our ranking is based entirely on staff responses shows that the company is living by its values, putting the motivation and well-being of our people at the heart of what we do.

We set out to create a genuine, fun atmosphere in our work and I think that the Best Companies survey demonstrates we’re succeeding.”

Almost half of Hydrock’s 500 UK staff are based across the south-west region, including the company’s office in Taunton. Locally in Somerset, the

The citation on Hydrock

by Best Companies states that 84% of employees are inspired by Managing Director, Dr Brian McConnell’s leadership – 10th among mid-size organisations in the survey – with 86% believing the company is run on sound moral principles (13th in the survey).

Photo attached: Matt Hilton, Managing Director of Hydrock Consultants Ltd (right) receiving the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For award at the evening ceremony in London on 23rd February.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

29

MEMBER NEWS

Local marathon man makes world headlines in wife carrying race Kieran Hughes, a solicitor in Pardoes’ criminal law team in Bridgwater, has captured the imagination, and headlines, of the national and international press after coming last in a peculiarly British event – the annual UK Wife Carrying Race.

The race, held in Dorking, has become an annual favourite for spectators who relish watching competitors face the challenge of a course complete with hay bale hurdles, a 15-metre climb and a section where they can throw buckets of water over the competitors.

Pardoes’ intrepid ‘up for anything’ runner persuaded his partner, Tracy, to come along for the ‘ride’, proving in the process that solicitors are human and can enjoy a good joke.

Kieran Hughes, Pardoes Solicitors, with his partner Tracy at the UK Wife Carrying Race

Clerksroom receive 2017 Global Excellence Award for Most Outstanding Mediation Practice 2017 The team at Clerksroom Mediation are delighted to receive the 2017 Global Excellence Award for Most Outstanding Mediation Practice 2017 from the Awards Team at Corporate Vision Magazine.

The Global Excellence Awards is one of the magazines most popular and wide-reaching programmes, based on quantitative and qualitative research, carried out by an in-house team over the previous 12 months. The Global Excellence Awards were launched to celebrate and promote those firms and individuals that our team believe have done extraordinary and innovative work in their sector, industry or region.

THE LONG ROOM

2017 BUSINESS CLUB Join Somerset County Cricket Club’s EXCLUSIVE Business and Networking Club

EACH PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Kieran Hughes commented, “I enjoy a challenge, but this has got to be one of the craziest I have ever undertaken.”. Pardoes’ Managing Partner, Guy Adams, said, “We

• 2 Long Room Platinum Memberships Access to all home Somerset matches including a reserved seat for T20 matches* Access to a private bar Afternoon tea, coffee and cake • 4 Exclusive networking events throughout the year 1 pre season, 2 afternoons during the season and one post season

like to encourage staff to get involved with

• 4 guest invites per networking event

community and charity events, but this has

• 2 Invites to the Club pre and post season events

taken it to an altogether new level.”

JUST £1250 + VAT per Membership For more information or to join please contact: samm@somersetcountycc.co.uk | 01823 425323 Official Business Club Partners:

*Excludes knockout fixtures

30

MEMBER NEWS

BT announces major new recruitment of apprentices and graduates in the South West that the country remains a digital leader. The latest recruitment of 1,700 apprentices and graduates across the UK builds on the employment of nearly 2,500 in the past two years.

BT has announced it is creating about 120 new apprenticeship and graduate jobs in the South West in its drive to equip young people with the skills and training needed to meet the challenges of a changing jobs market.

About 80 apprentices will be recruited in locations such as Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, Cheltenham and Swindon, whilst about 40 graduates are expected to be based in Cheltenham, Bristol, Exeter and Swindon.

This year’s BT apprentice and graduate recruitment, which includes mobile operator EE, will see the new employees work in a variety of roles, ranging from customer service, vehicle maintenance and finance to cyber security and software development.

BT is committed to building a culture of tech literacy within the UK so

The company also funds and runs Barefoot Computing, a project that helps primary school teachers get confident with teaching computer science. One million children, including more than 77,000 in the South West, have already been reached via the programme, which sees primary school teachers provided with resources and training, and BT plans to reach five million UK children by 2020.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, Robert Halfon, has welcomed the announcement. He said: “It is always good to talk about apprenticeships and the ladder of opportunity they give people to secure the career they want.

By committing to injecting 1,700 new graduate and apprentice jobs into the UK, BT is offering a real chance to be trained by some of the best in their field.”

Jon Reynolds, chairman of BT’s South West regional board, said: “This latest major recruitment is a further example of BT’s commitment to the South West as one of the region’s leading employers and investors. We

are offering exciting, high quality careers in a fast moving industry in order to ensure the households and businesses of this region are able to benefit from the latest, first class communications. The new recruits will be joining a world-leading company, which has already invested hundreds of millions of pounds in the South West in technologies such as superfast broadband and 4G.” BT is one of the UK’s largest employers with 81,000 UK-based people. According to a recent report by Regeneris Consulting, the company supports around 15,100 jobs in the South West through direct employment, spending with contractors and suppliers and the spending of employees - and gives an annual boost to the region’s economy worth nearly £1.5 billion.

Openreach, BT’s local network business, will launch its own recruitment drive in due course.

Yarlington benefits from great bond deal through Affordable Housing Finance (AHF) Yarlington will receive £15million at an effective interest rate of 2.057%, which is priced 0.28% over the Gilt yield. The loan will be repaid in 2043, providing long-term debt at a low interest rate.

The Housing Finance Corporation (THFC) priced an £88m tap of its second long-term bond under its governmentbacked finance scheme yesterday, bringing the total bond to over £1bn.

Caroline Moore, Yarlington’s Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, said: “This is a fantastic deal for Yarlington, providing low interest rates and long-term debt to enable us to meet government affordable housing targets and our own.

“This deal also falls at the same time we launch our new corporate strategy – Yarlington Next-Gen –which has committed to providing up to 1,500 new homes by 2021.

“This bond is linked to supporting £33.2m of development spend on 261 affordable properties of multiple tenures including social rent.”

Yarlington is one of several housing associations who will benefit from this deal, thanks to sector collaboration through the AHF. Yarlington looks to fully secure and draw down the money by October 2017.

AHF, as a subsidiary of THFC, is the delivery partner for the government’s Affordable Homes Guarantees Programme (AHGP) which guarantees debt for affordable homes.

The AHF partners with the government, sourcing cost-effective and long-term finance to help deliver affordable housing where needed. The AHF is funded by European Investment Bank (EIB) and bonds issued through capital markets.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

MEMBER NEWS

31

Millfield Pre-Prep School study at Clarks Village Located in the heart of Somerset, Clarks Village, recently welcomed local pupils from Millfield Pre-Prep School to its all-new play park, King Arthur’s Forest, to undertake an investigative science lesson.

Sixteen school children, aged six and seven, took the opportunity to explore the new and exciting equipment.

They discovered how different forces affected performance and speed on the equipment, such as incline and friction, and how gravity played its role. Pupils commented, “There was less gravity on the small slide because it was not as steep”, “It was slippery because it was wet”, and “On the slide, I found that if you put your foot down, it makes you go slower.”

As well as the effects of gravity and different forces, the pupils were able to test the things they had learnt about muscles and movement in lessons. They told Clarks Village, “When I was on the

green climbing frame, I used my biceps to pull me up” and “I used my legs for pushing and my arms for pulling”.

Marketing Manager for Clarks Village, Steve Burge, comments, “King Arthur’s Forest has been a significant project for Clarks Village and we are delighted to not only provide a fun and exciting place to play, but also an educational environment for local schools and groups to use. It was great to see the children put their new theories into practice.”

Ms Amy Denbee from Millfield Prep School, adds, “We had a fantastic time at King Arthur’s Forest. The pupils were able to explore the different forces using the exciting variety of equipment at Clarks Village, giving them the opportunity to test out what we have been learning in class.

They were particularly fascinated with the different speeds at which they travelled when coming down the two different slides.

The children had a wonderful morning at the new play park, and we’d like to say thank you to the Clarks Village team for inviting us along.”

King Arthur’s Forest is now officially open to the public and features exciting apparatus for children aged from 2 to 14, including talking slides, swings, tree-house towers, bridges, rockers and friendly wooden creatures.

32

BUSINESS NEWS Eight New Non – Executive Directors Appointed to Heart of the South West LEP Board The Heart of the South West LEP Board has approved the recommendation of the NonExecutive Director interview panel to appoint eight new LEP business board members.

The new board members will take up their positions as the existing LEP board members come to the end of their period of service after the end of May. The board members who are leaving have made a significant contribution to the development and achievements of the LEP since its creation, which now manages an

investment programme of nearly £3/4 billion.

The calibre of the candidates was high, and those appointed have the right skills and expertise to take the LEP forward on its journey towards increased productivity in the HotSW area. Extracts from their CVs are set out in the table below; these newly appointed board members have highlighted areas of interest that relate to the LEP’s priorities and roles covered by those directors who are retiring from the LEP board this year.

Karl Tucker Current Position Joint Managing Director Yeo Valley Farms (Production) Ltd Other roles • Member HotSW LEP People Group • Member Somerset E & Skills Steering Group • Member Somerset Economic Growth Board • Member SW CBI Council

Richard Stevens

Fiona McMillan

Helen Lacey

Current Position Managing Director Plymouth Citybus Ltd

Current Position Non-Executive Director EDF Energy New Build Gen Co Ltd

Current Position Managing Director Red Berry Recruitment

Other roles • Managing Director Plymouth Citybus Ltd • Chairman Plymouth & Devon Chamber • Chair Plymouth Growth Board • Member PRTF • Numerous other local groups

Other roles • Member HotSW LEP People Group • Chair Somerset E & Skills Steering Group • Member Somerset Economic Growth Board • Previously Principal Bridgwater College

Other roles • Member HotSW LEP People Group • Chair IoD Somerset • Vice Chair Somerset Chamber • Previously Vice Chair FSB Somerset • Non-Executive Director Inspire To Achieve

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

BUSINESS NEWS

33

Mel Squires

Jackie Jacobs

Stuart Brocklehurst

Current Position SW Regional Director NFU

Current Position Board member and joint owner EIC Group / SW Metal Finishing Ltd

Current Position Chief Executive Applegate Marketplace Ltd

Other roles • Member SW CBI Council • Member SWRFN • Previously Member HotSW LEP Executive • Chairman of the Seale-Hayne Education Trust

Other roles • Board member WEAF

Other roles • Governor Petroc College • Patron of Pilton House Trust • Previously Group Communications Director Amadeus IT Group Madrid, Senior Vice President Visa International, Bishop’s Council Diocese of Exeter

Chair of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Steve Hindley CBE DL, said:

David Bird Current Position Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking Other roles • Board member DCBC • Joint Chair Devon Wooden Spoon • Trustee Exeter Foundation (Exeter Chiefs)

“I’m delighted that these high calibre business and skills leaders are joining us at the helm of the HotSW LEP. They will bring renewed expertise in a cross section of areas that are relevant to our growing programme of investment, and I look forward to working with them to develop the HotSW Productivity Plan to deliver increased prosperity across the area.

“On behalf of the Partnership, I would like to thank those board members who come to the end of their terms of office this summer. Their insight and commitment has helped our LEP develop into a highly successful partnership that has so far secured circa £750 million of investment from the public and private sector. The new board members will continue the momentum to take us forward on our journey towards transformational growth.”

34

TOWN CHAMBER NEWS

Burnham Chamber of Commerce Burnham-on-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce was delighted to welcome Dale Edwards, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, to its March meeting.

A wide range of topics were discussed, including the Burnham Chamber’s latest initiatives which include shop window competitions to boost footfall and a new edition of a Burnham-on-Sea shopping guide booklet which has a distribution of 40,000 copies.

The Burnham Chamber, which has over 80 members, is also leading on a project to bring more coach visitors to the seaside town this summer which is already paying dividends in terms of increased business.

The Burnham Chamber is also working on organising town centre events for Christmas, with a festive lights switch-on planned for 25 November, and a Small Business Saturday promotion in December.

For more details about our activities, committee and how to join, please contact www.burnhamonseachamber.org

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: abbie@theteamexperience.com www.shepton.biz

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

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 Cheddar Chamber of Commerce & Industry T: 01934 742326 | E: huw@riversidecheddar.co.uk www.cheddartradersassociation.co.uk Frome Chamber of Commerce T: 01749 342255 | E: president@fromechamber.com www.fromechamber.com Ilminster Chamber of Commerce T: 01460 240554 | E: info@ilminsterchamber.org.uk www.ilminsterchamber.org.uk

Taunton Chamber of Commerce T: 01823 230898 | E: office@taunton-chamber.co.uk www.taunton-chamber.co.uk Wincanton Businesses Together T: 01963 34327 | E: john@wincantonbusiness.co.uk www.wincantonbusiness.co.uk Wiveliscombe & 10 Parish Business Group T: 01984 684777 | E: secinfo@10pbg.co.uk www.10pbg.co.uk Yeovil Chamber of Commerce T: 01935 804999 | E: secretary@yeovilchamber.org www.yeovilchamber.org

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL/MAY 2017

Creating opportunities to connect – stimulating business growth for Somerset

Get in touch to find out how we can help your business grow

Become a member today - membership packages starting from as little as ÂŁ150 per year

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

As the No.1 supplier of personnel to the South West, Morson have been rooted in the community for the last 20years.

With offices in Bristol, Yeovil, Bridgwater and Devonport, Morson are strategically positioned to supply skilled resource to the area.

We are looking to engage with SME’s on a number of major projects in the South West.

Whether you’re a company searching for the best talent or for a job seeker looking for your next opportunity, get in touch: Email: julie.devine@morson.com Call: 01452 225 120

www.morson.com

MORSON POWERING PROJECTS EMPOWERING PEOPLE #thebesttalent