Bringing trusted businesses and the community together
May 2015
TheVoiceOfEpsomandEwell
The People Behind the Businesses Pg.2
Our Achievers Club
Pg.3
Dates for your Diary
Pg.7
Eating the (proverbial) Elephant Is it really May already? It seems like just a few weeks since 2015 arrived! No doubt, like me, those early days in January heralded the start of a great new plan; how you would make your business bigger, brighter, bolder for 2015. Well, here’s the bad news. It wasn’t just a few weeks ago, it was 18! For those of you sitting there, safe in the knowledge that you are on plan, you need read no more, but for those of you reaching for a glass of the strong stuff, lamenting the demise of your best laid plans, there is an upside... there are at least 30 weeks of 2015 left! The size of the task might seem a little overwhelming but don’t let that put you off. Obviously you will have to make some changes. That ‘Winter Warmer’ email campaign you planned to run in February, is unlikely to work when read to chimes of the Mr Whippy Ice Cream van. Stick those ideas in a swipe file for next year. For the rest of your master plan, a rejig is required.
Break it into Bite Sized Chunks
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! If a task seems too big to tackle, break it into manageable sized chunks.
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Start With the End in Mind
Just imagine how it would feel if you’d successfully completed your plan yesterday. How it would feel to have more customers, more time or more profits. That feeling is all the motivation you’ll need to get on with your plan. After all, it’s the outcomes that make all the effort worthwhile.
Deadline, Deadline, Deadline
It may not feel like it but, deadlines are your friend. Invariably, the reason people fail to meet their goals is because they don’t have a deadline. It’s too easy to put off a job for another week when there’s no date to do it by. Lots of small deadlines make it easy to hit the big ones. Go through your plan and set dates to have each area completed by.
Set Reminders
There are thousands of ways to remind yourself of the things you need to get done. From the simple Google/ iCalendar to the all singing, all dancing CRM. The important part is that it reminds you to stick with the plan and get things done. Putting these actions in place will not only help your business get bigger, brighter, and better. It will also mean when you look back at 2015 you will be looking at your achievements, not the proverbial elephant!
Jump in...
The
People Behind the
Business
The People Behind the Business Hilary Carruthers – A Lady to Bank On! immediately hooked and wanted to become part of the revolution. In January 2014, Hilary proudly opened the first new bank on Epsom’s High Street in hundreds of years and she now stands as a Local Director, aligned to the Epsom store.
Hilary Carruthers worked for a high street bank for over 10 years as Deposits Director and although she loved her job, she felt a little institutionalised, so when a former, well-respected colleague moved to Metro and couldn’t stop talking about it, something clicked. Upon hearing the tale of Metro, Hilary ‘biked it’ from her home along Worthing’s coast to her nearest Waterstones and bought herself a copy of Metro CEO Vernon Hill’s book ‘Fans Not Customers’. Having read the book in 4 hours flat, she was
Often quoting Metro’s own slogan ‘no stupid bank rules’, Hilary tells us, “…genuinely the heart of everything we do is our customers, it’s all about convenience and service and as a result we’re going from strength to strength! We are really challenging the high street banks and what they do for their customers”. The store on Epsom High Street which prides itself on being a ‘community bank’ has hosted fundraisers for key charities in the area, such as Epsom Foodbank and Queen Elizabeth Foundation and offers such organisations enhanced interest rates. Speaking of Metro as an ‘approachable and supportive’ bank, Hilary tells us, “I love the Money Zone initiative. CSRs and trained advisors from Metro Bank go into primary
2 | The Voice of Epsom and Ewell - May 2015 | thebestof.co.uk/epsomandewell
schools and teach them about finance. They get loads of branded goodies and even get to meet our mascot, Metro Man! No other bank does this.” In Hilary’s spare time, she takes comfort in spending time by the sea (just outside her front door)! A keen kayaker, she also goes fishing for sea bass at the weekend, “sometimes I just pinch myself – I am so lucky to have the escape” says Hilary. Metro Bank, 91A High Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8DR Tel: 0203 402 7750 Hilary.Carruthers@metrobank.plc.uk
Have you made great progress with thebestof? We’d love to hear about your success and share your story here
of the month
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(Offer available until 30th June 2015 T/C’s may apply)
ERS
ACHIEV
Our Achievers Club Awarding outstanding businesses locally…
David Patrick The hair & beauty salon, formerly known as ‘Saks’, rebranded in March 2014 to David Patrick. Owner, Patrick, has over 40 years of hairdressing behind him and has worked alongside some of the best in the business, Vidal Sassoon, Trevor Sorbie & Tim Hartley – as a result, he is a perfectionist! David Patrick have created an extremely friendly and relaxing environment, offering a 5 star service. Customers of David Patrick benefit from: • Online booking for convenience • WiFi and an iPad to use within the salon •N espresso coffee, a selection of fine teas, fruit juices, still or sparkling water • Beauty room playlists are available, so that clients can choose their favourite music • Heated treatment beds in winter • An outside relaxation area To ensure a perfect service, David Patrick allow extra time for each hair and beauty appointment. Therefore, there is always a comprehensive consultation, no need to leave the client during their treatment and time to provide quality after-care advice. If, for some reason there is a delay of 10 minutes or more, the salon provides a £10 voucher for clients to use on their next visit. David Patrick has an incredibly supportive customer base. As a result of their hard work, the salon team have managed to raise around £5,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital, and that’s all thanks to their clients, friends and family that have supported them. David Patrick - David Lloyd Club, Horton Lane, Epsom KT19 8PL t: 01372 747064 thebestof.co.uk/epsomandewell | The Voice of Epsom and Ewell - May 2015 | 3
Working Well Want to shine in our next newsletter? Share your successes and let Nigel and Maggie know what bits of thebestof are working for you!
Mercedes Epsom make use of thebestof Epsom & Ewell’s e-marketing services Mercedes Epsom needed to notify a group of hand-selected thebestof Epsom & Ewell subscribers of their upcoming premium retail event running 12th-15th March and had a professional e-shot created by thebestof Epsom & Ewell sent out to promote the event – the feedback was brilliant! Visit www.mercedes-benzepsom.co.uk
Ges Ray of Speaking in Public works with Venti Venti to upgrade website Ges Ray of Speaking in Public has recently become a keen blogger and wanted to make sure his website had the capability for readers to share his posts via various social channels – Venti Venti made the relevant upgrades to the website and it now has easy-to-use social tools! Visit www.speakinginpublic.info
Grayside contract Indigo Office Design to revamp office interior Grayside Financial Services have contracted Indigo Office Design to refurbish their Epsom offices, with improved filing systems and comfortable, ergonomically-designed work stations. Visit www.grayside.co.uk
We are looking for... At thebestof Epsom and Ewell we are on the lookout for other great members. This month we are looking for...
• Vets • Garden Centres • Indian Restaurants If you know a business that fits the bill, please contact the team:
01737 350079 | epsom@thebestof.co.uk 4 | The Voice of Epsom and Ewell - May 2015 | thebestof.co.uk/epsomandewell
Marketing’s Mythical Monsters There are probably more myths, legends and fables spread about marketing than any other subject. It’s easy to see how. Marketing seems to evolve at a speed akin to the winning horse at the Grand National, unfortunately the information out there about it does not. So, when it comes to marketing, how do you sort your Dragon from your Dolphin?
building relationships with potential customers. However, I would suggest that if you’re a washer manufacturer you will probably see more business come from LinkedIn or Twitter.
5. Cheaper prices mean more people buy. If this were true no-one would ever fly business class. Price is just one small part of your overall offering. This list isn’t exhaustive by any stretch so if you want some good quality advice, speak to an expert. That small investment could make the difference between your business being legendary or mythical.
Here’s 5 popular myths debunked to help you make a start.
1. If you build it, they will come. No they won’t! It doesn’t matter how great your website/event/premises are. If no-one knows you exist how can they come?
2. Articles, PR Stories and blogs should be 500 to 800 words long. A person could almost be insulted by this myth… almost. It implies that we all have the attention span of a goldfish! If that’s the case, how come people are still reading books? The truth is, it’s the quality of the content that matters.
3. Size Matters. Ah the old database chestnut. Again, you can see why this myth continues to perpetuate. Saying you have a database of 2000 sounds impressive, but if none of them are interested in you, or what you have to say, what’s the point in having it? I would rather have a 200 strong engaged and interested audience any day!
4. You have to be on Facebook. Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying Facebook isn’t a brilliant tool for creating and thebestof.co.uk/epsomandewell | The Voice of Epsom and Ewell - May 2015 | 5
Meet The Members We’re consistently uncovering hidden gems. Say a big hello to our local heroes.
Give them a call and say hello!
Stuart Walker Golf Store Learn - Practice - Play. For everything golf including lessons, clubs, equipment and full size indoor Golf Simulator Studio – with Stuart Walker Golf Store at Epsom Golf Club.
STUART WALKER GOLF STORE
t: 01372 741 867
Adriaan Van Heerden Photography Award winning International wildlife and landscape photographer Adriaan Van Heerden, passes on his skills to all levels of photographers with his photography workshops and holidays at stunning locations.
t: 01372 826551
Fibre Clinic It’s amazing what a difference a clean of your carpets or hard flooring can make to your home or office. Fibre Clinic also offer a repair service saving you the need for expensive replacements.
t: 0208 166 5947
Lloyd HR Consultancy Charlie Lloyd and her HR Angels offer you HR from the heart. Dealing with all aspects and the complicated legislation surrounding HR - outsource your HR needs into their safe hands.
t: 01737 336 336
Enhanced Hygiene Solutions For serious cleaning issues – commercial kitchens and washrooms and all your deep cleaning needs – Enhanced Hygiene Solutions tackle the jobs other cleaners wont.
t: 07984 472619
ehs enhanced hygiene solutions
Ewell Credit Control Solutions Are debtors affecting your cash flow? Ewell Credit Control Solutions put solutions in place to advise and monitor who owes you what and when. Keep on top of your debtors.
t: 0208 393 0657
Want to be featured on our Meet The Members page? Call us on 01737 350079 and let us know! 6 | The Voice of Epsom and Ewell - May 2015 | thebestof.co.uk/epsomandewell
Dates For Your Diary An important date coming up in the calendar!
14
th
May
Premier Connexions Networking Event At Epsom Golf Club 9:30 to 11:30am Every other Thursday
t: 01737 350079
27
th
May
An Evening With thebestof Epsom & Ewell Cocktail & Canapés Networking Event 6:00 to 8:30pm Last Wednesday of alternate months
t: 01737 350079 .
Community Partners For people who go out of their way for the community. Ashley Centre The Ashley Centre choose GirlGuiding Epsom as their 2015 charity and TWM donate £250! The Ashley Centre recently announced they’d be supporting GirlGuiding Epsom as their charity for 2015. In March, TWM Solicitors who are located by The Ashley Centre, generously donated a £250 cheque to the charity to help with their fundraising to build a lodge at Horton Country Park.
Children’s Trust The Children’s Trust Tadworth hold Easter fundraiser for families. In April, The Children’s Trust in Tadworth held an Easter Fair. It was a great family fun day with Peppa Pig, and TV presenter Laura Hamilton made a surprise visit with her family, raising funds for this wonderful charity.
Metro Bank Metro Bank CSR Advisors visit local primary schools to support maths curriculum. As part of the ‘Money Zone’ initiative, Metro Bank CSR Advisors have been going into local primary schools to support the maths curriculum with ‘real life’ banking advice. Children have been able to meet Metro Man and have received tons of branded goodies!
Foodbank Epsom Foodbank announce fundraising total of over £5000. Local charity, Epsom Foodbank are proud to announce that as a result of the Epsom Mayor, Robert Foote’s fundraising efforts over 2014 and into 2015, they have received money in excess of £5000. thebestof.co.uk/epsomandewell | The Voice of Epsom and Ewell - May 2015
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thebestof Epsom and Ewell is run by Nigel, Maggie and the team.
At a glance At thebestof we go out of our way to provide our members with all the marketing tools that will help them grow locally. We pride ourselves on being committed and dedicated in working with only thebest local businesses that are recommended by local people. Focussing on 4 key areas, thebestof has a proven track record of ensuring our members get; Local Exposure Connections Marketing support Brand Building We do this through 17 core elements including our reviews facility, our consumer app, our dedicated feature pages for each member and through social media, not forgetting direct email campaigns to our ever growing local database - plus much much more!
Hi, we’re Nigel, Maggie and the team, and we’re here to connect you with all the other brilliant businesses on thebestofepsomandewell site.
Everything we do is about bespoke, results driven marketing, ensuring that our members get what they need, at the right time for them and the good news is that we can tailor everything we do, to your local budget. We really do what we say we will do;
Bringing trusted businesses and the community together
We’re passionate about all of our members and we’re here to help, please get in touch!
Call us on 01737 350079 The bestof team Epsom@thebestof.co.uk
Did you know... We can offer a full marketing service for your company. As well as positively promoting your business in the local community, we can also manage your social media, email marketing campaigns and website CMS. Make sure people in the area know about your business. For more information email Nigel.Stickland@thebestof.co.uk Call 01737 350079 www.thebestof.co.uk/epsom /thebestofepsom
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Bringing trusted businesses and the community together