Iod Suffolk winter 2012

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suffolk WINTER 2012 | www.iod-suffolk.co.uk

Suffolk supply chain

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The A6 allroad.

Performance, whatever the conditions.

As the name suggests, the Audi A6 allroad is perfectly suited to all driving surfaces. Its responsive quattro® permanent all-wheel-drive is fitted as standard and it is this that gives the car precise handling no matter what the terrain. What’s more, we’ve refused to compromise on performance. We’ve included adaptive air suspension and Audi drive select which gives you four preconfigured modes so that you can change the car’s dynamics at the touch of a button, letting you adapt with ease to any driving situation.

If you’d like to book a test drive, please speak to a member of our team.

Bury St Edmunds Audi

Ipswich Audi

Skyliner Way Moreton Hall Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP32 7YB 0844 776 0618 www.burystedmunds.audi.co.uk

2 Bath Street Ipswich Suffolk IPS 8SG 0844 776 0483 www.ipswich.audi.co.uk

Part of the Marriott Motor Group Franchise Group

Part of the Marriott Motor Group Franchise Group

Official fuel consumption figures for the A6 allroad in mpg (l/100km): Urban: 23.9 (11.8) – 40.4 (7.0) Extra Urban: 39.8 (7.1) – 51.4 (5.5) Combined: 31.7 (8.9) – 46.3 (6.1). CO 2 emissions: 206 – 159g/km.

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CONTENTS

Welcome. It’s almost the end of a memorable year, when we look back at the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics – and continuing challenges in the UK economy.

But Suffolk is bucking that bumpy trend. The renewable energy sector is offering our region billions of pounds’ worth of business – and it’s not just the technology companies who’ll benefit. In our Supply Chain special feature we find out about opportunities for a huge range of Suffolk businesses, from financial and legal services to catering.

Our cover shows a wind turbine viewed through shading at The OrbisEnergy Building, Lowestoft.

We’ll also learn how to make great investments in fine wine and IoD Suffolk member Tim Fenton tells us how the world of journalism is changing.

And we raise a glass to Paul Winter, as he steps down from his role as IoD Suffolk’s chairman.

Have a happy Christmas break and a prosperous New Year, everyone!

Email us at IoD-feedback@tilstonphillips.com or write to us at the address below. Jane Chittenden – Editor

Published by: Tilston Phillips Magazines Limited 141 Norwich Road, Ipswich IP1 2PP enquiries@tilstonphillips.com www.tilstonphillips.com

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Designed by: Alan Brannan Design www.alanbrannandesign.co.uk Cover image used by kind permission of OrbisEnergy.

Portrait images of Johnathan Reynolds used by kind permission of Gary John Norman. www.garyjohnnorman.com

All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without the prior consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The content of this magazine is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time of publication. All times, prices and details of events were correct at time of going to press. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers, proprietors, the Institute of Directors or others associated with this production.

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18

Contents

1

From the Chair

3

Events for your diary 2013

4

IoD Suffolk Annual Dinner

6

Across the region

9

Pensions

12

Protecting the Director

17

Joining the energy supply chain

18

Recent IoD events

23

Investment

24

A word from the accountants

27

Charity

28

Human resources

29

Leisure

30

Books page

31

Member profile – Tim Fenton

32

© Tilston Phillips Magazines Limited 2012

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 1

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From our solutions comes your certainty 01473 346046 www.poundgates.com Pound Gates St Vincent House, 1 Cutler Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1UQ Pound Gates & Co Ltd, trading as Pound Gates, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, and is an ISO and Investor in People accredited company.

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WELCOME

New members to Suffolk branch Gordon Baird Americana International Ltd Stephen Basey-Fisher Century Logistics Ltd Robert Bell Jordans Ltd Carrie Bendall Inspire: Marketing & Design Ltd Stephen Bourne Cambridge University Press Edward Bowman Edward Bowman Lesley Calladine British Petroleum Co Plc Andrew Cann Cicero Communications Ltd Jacqueline Carr-Phillips Effective Communication Timothy Dearing Da Vinci Direct Relationships Cathy Ferguson Ferguson Consulting Dawn Hunt Nottingham Trent University Paul Innes Paul Innes Consulting Ltd Vaughan Rhys Jarvis Voith Turbo Ltd Andrew Mcbride QBE Insurance Frank Hoyt Moxon Hoyt Moxon Ltd Paul Nickerson Ebbage Seeds Ltd Sagar Patil Gud Gaming Ltd Jane Petit St Elizabeth Hospice Gregg Phillips Effective Communication Mr Sutton Cotswold Publishing Consultants Ltd Edward Watt Store it All Ltd Henry Watt Store it All Ltd

From the Chair As 2012 draws to a close, I suspect most people will remember it firstly for the wonderful Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which lifted the nation despite the appalling weather. Secondly, who will forget the fantastic summer of sport led by the Olympics and Paralympics?

However, these events shouldn’t overshadow the very serious problem we still face in the UK and indeed the world economy. The UK had a double dip recession, which may be behind us, but has left the country with no certainty of being in a more robust situation.

The Eurozone crisis staggers on and now we see Japan returning to negative growth and India’s industrial production falling. Let’s hope 2013 sees better economic news.

In Suffolk though we have seen sound progress. The imminent roll-out of superfast broadband will undoubtedly improve the economy and all those who have worked on this project are to be congratulated.

This will be my last ‘From the Chair’ as I step down as chairman of IoD Suffolk on 31 December. I am delighted that Luke Morris from Larking Gowen is currently going through the appointment process and on the success of his application he will take up the chairmanship early in 2013.

IoD Suffolk membership benefits • • • • • •

IoD Travel Services IoD Car Rental IoD Director’s Liability Insurance IoD Professional Indemnity Insurance IoD Home and Contents Insurance IoD Health Plans

For a complete list of the current affinity member benefits, please see www.iod.com/speciallynegotiated

The three years have gone incredibly quickly.

I have found my time as chairman both rewarding and enjoyable. Thank you to all members and guests who have attended events in that time.

Our successful programme of events does, I think, demonstrate the important role IoD plays in the business community.

I would also like to thank my colleagues at Ipswich Building Society, particularly my assistant Katy Spink, for their support whilst I’ve been chairman. Thanks, too, to the IoD Suffolk Committee for all of their support and my great thanks to our branch administrator Caroline Kearney whose efforts make the job of chairman possible.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very prosperous 2013.

Paul Winter December 2012

To find out more about joining IoD Suffolk branch please contact: Caroline Kearney Suffolk Branch Administrator 07917 699 498 caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk Institute of Directors Suffolk Branch 25 Wilding Drive, Grange Farm, Kesgrave Ipswich IP5 2AE www.iod-suffolk.co.uk Follow @SuffolkIoD IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 3

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Events for your diary

2013

Green shoots and getting your workforce energy going!

23 JANUARY 2013 7.30am – 10.30am Sir Bobby Robson Suite, Ipswich Town FC, Portman Road IP1 2DA IoD members and their guests £35.00 (ex VAT). Non-members £52.50 (ex VAT)

Come along and join us in sharing views and ideas regarding energising the workforce. The first breakfast workshop of 2013 will look at creative ways to raise morale and get you, as senior managers and directors, all playing your part in leading with energy and passion.

Make a great start to 2013 by joining us for this fresh-thinking workshop, which includes a full English breakfast and interactive discussion.

About Jane Bowen The effects of the economic downturn may have created uncertainties in your workforce so there has never been a more important time to show your strength and resilience in guiding your teams to get the best from them. Led by corporate trainer and team builder Jane Bowen of Tailored Training, the workshop will give you new ideas for keeping momentum and morale up and for generating creative and innovative people.

Jane says: “Many organisations have had to go through redundancies, and the workforce still with a job may have been left with more responsibilities and more ‘work’ to do as a result and may feel very unsafe. They, therefore, need guidance and leadership more than ever before.”

We are delighted to announce our 2013 event sponsors

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Jane is an experienced and motivational corporate training consultant who delivers group and one-to-one training courses, workshops and seminars, for organisations of all sizes and industry sectors. There are many courses in her portfolio including management and leadership, sales and communication skills.

You may remember Jane from the past two annual conferences in which she presented and facilitated the topics of ‘motivation’ and ‘team work’, which were very well received.

See www.tailored-training.com

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A year on down the line

in association with Ensors

Palace of Westminster hosted by Ben Gummer MP

31 JANUARY 2013

11 FEBRUARY 2013

13 MARCH 2013

8.00am – 10.00am Wherstead Park, The Street Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BJ IoD members and their guests £15.00 (ex VAT) Non-members £22.50 (ex VAT)

11.00am – 2.30pm House of Commons London SW1A OAA IoD members and their guests £50.00 (ex VAT) Non-members £75.00 (ex VAT) Excludes travel to London

7.30am – 9.30am Hintlesham Hall Hintlesham IP8 3NS IoD members and their guests £27.50 (ex VAT) Non-members £41.25 (ex VAT)

Pensions – what should you be doing?

In a significant year of change for the longterm retirement environment, the UK finds itself part way through the implementation of ‘Work Placed Pensions’ for all.

Dan Smith, director of Ensors, financial planning and pensions expert, will provide a commentary on how this overhaul of the nation’s pension legislation is progressing.

He will focus on employers’ obligations and the timing of when these will impact on your business as well as review what you can do personally to ensure you have an efficient ‘saving’ scheme for the future.

What wealth-creating opportunities remain available and how they fit into the context of ‘sensible’ retirement planning will also be included in the presentation at this workshop, which includes a buffet breakfast.

For this visit we will meet our host for the event, Ipswich MP Ben Gummer, in the Central Lobby of the splendid Palace of Westminster, before embarking with a specialist guide on an exclusive tour arranged for IoD members and guests.

Ben will accompany us as we experience the seats of power and soak up some of the history and splendour of this magnificent palace. The House of Commons, where the UK’s 650 elected MPs represent our interests, and the richness of art and royalty in the House of Lords and ceremonial rooms.

We’ll also discover the splendid Westminster Hall.

Following the tour, which lasts approximately 75 minutes, Ben Gummer MP will host a buffet lunch in one of the House of Commons’ dining halls.

Abellio has provided intercity, commuter and rural rail services throughout the region since February 2012. It is responsible for 3,000 employees and the safe operation of 43,000 services a month, carrying two million passengers a week.

This will be an opportunity to hear about Abellio’s plans and give your views on its customer service and operational performance over the past year.

During 2013 the Suffolk community will be involved in a consultation on the contract specification for the forthcoming 15-year franchise for the Greater Anglian passenger services.

Ruud Haket from Abellio Greater Anglia will give the presentation and there will be a Q&A session afterwards. Price includes English breakfast.

About Dan Smith Dan Smith is a law graduate, certified financial planner and holder of the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate.

He has worked in the East Anglia region as an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) since 1991. He holds the G60 and G10 qualifications, enabling him to give specialist tax and trust and pension transfer advice.

As well as managing the Ensors financial planning team, Dan has his own portfolio of corporate and individual clients.

BOOK YOUR EVENTS To book any of our events you have the following options: Contact our Suffolk IoD branch administrator Caroline Kearney Telephone 07971 699498 or email caroline@iod-suffolk.co.uk Caroline will take credit card bookings or invoice your business.

Book online at www.iod.com/suffolkevents Use our booking form – Each of our events has a marketing leaflet with a booking form you can return by post. If you have not received a leaflet and would like to receive one please contact Caroline Kearney.

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 5

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IOD SUFFOLK ANNUAL DINNER

Sponsors of the dinner with Olympian Derek Redmond (left to right) are David Hall (The Ideas Centre), James Skellorn (Barker Gotelee), Richard Trott (Marshall Jaguar Ipswich), Derek Redmond, Paul Winter (chair, IoD Suffolk and chief executive, Ipswich Building Society), John Matthews (Ensors) and Simon Quantrill (Quantrills)

Aim for a personal Gold says Olympian Olympian Derek Redmond gave an inspiring after-dinner speech at IoD Suffolk’s Annual Dinner.

The event, held at Stoke-by-Nayland hotel on 18 October, was held in association with Marshall Jaguar and was sponsored by Quantrills, Barker Gotelee, The Ideas Centre and Ensors.

Adnams kindly sponsored the champagne reception and wine during dinner.

Derek held Commonwealth and World 400m titles but suffered injuries at both the 1988 Olympics, when he snapped his Achilles tendon in his heat, and in 1992, when he tore a hamstring in the 400m semi-finals in Barcelona. After collapsing in agony on the track, Redmond memorably got back up and limped to the finish, with his father running onto the track to help him across the line.

He then spent 18 months trying to make a come-back having six hamstring operations.

Despite a surgeon telling him his days of representing his country were over he went on to become an English basketball player and to play professional rugby for Coventry.

6 | IoD suffolk | winter 2012

Speaking at the event, which was attended by 90 Suffolk Institute of Directors members and guests, he said: “When things seem to be going wrong the true champion in you can come out. Look at a problem as a challenge and you can take it on and look at it differently.”

A raffle during the evening in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice raised £1,000, with prizes kindly donated by Marshall Jaguar, Adnams, Stoke by Nayland and Penny Jones Pilates.

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IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 7

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Creativity, stimulation, provocation, sharing...

Providing a forum for regular practice of creativity techniques and facilitation, the Ideas Centre also provides a range of provocative and energising seminars to motivate and excite your change agents.

The change process inevitably drains the energy levels of even the most passionate individuals, so the Ideas Centre provides a resource to re-charge the batteries, to provide new ideas and to provide a source for innovation and transformation. This is not about continuous improvement – but more about discontinuous change, introducing step-function change into a business by challenging conventional thinking.

Meetings are held on a monthly basis in a range of locations. Attendees are urged to be selfish – ensuring that sessions deliver benefit for their own organisations.

Contact Dr David J Hall d.hall@ideascentregroup.com See www.ideascentre.co.uk for further information.

The Ideas Centre Ltd French’s Hill Pond Hall Road Hadleigh Suffolk IP7 5PQ

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ACROSS THE REGION

New advice service is set up for SMEs A new and novel business initiative has been welcomed by Suffolk MP David Ruffley.

He said: “The NonExecutive Board is a new model for delivering expert advice to local businessmen and businesswomen. It could be of especial help to start-up entrepreneurs.

We need more thriving SMEs and I wish the NonExecutive Board well in its efforts to make this happen.”

The NonExecutive Board will consist of seven business leaders who will pool expertise and knowledge to learn from each other in a confidential environment. Each month they will brainstorm issues that members bring to the table. They will each then have a follow-up, one-to-one meeting with the facilitator and eighth member of the board, Ralph Auchincloss.

Mr Auchincloss, who sold his award-winning family business, Antec, to Dupont in 2003 and has hands-on experience of building a business from scratch, said: “There is a lot of advice to SMEs to take advantage of nonexecutive directors but the cost can be prohibitive. This new initiative is more cost-effective.

“I believe strongly in the power of the individual to achieve exceptional results in their business and personal lives and my role is to act as a catalyst in that process.”

‘Bootiful’ biogas to help cut costs Rural finance provider, Eastern Counties Finance (ECF), has provided 100% of the funding for the UK’s largest turkey farmer Bernard Matthews (in association with Glendale Power, Xergi and H20K) to finance a biogas plant to improve the company’s waste handling and energy costs.

The new plant will be close to the Matthews existing processing site in Holton, Suffolk, and will use biogas to generate electricity for the processing plant solely from waste matter.

ECF has financed more than 100 renewable projects in the past year – from wind turbines and solar panels, to AD and biogas plants.

The company says it is always keen to get involved in new ones.

MD Matthew Smart said: “We are extremely passionate about providing financing solutions for renewable projects. We are happy to work with clients, large and small, and it’s extremely rewarding seeing their projects get off the ground, knowing that our help made it possible.”

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Our team will work hard for business recovery...

Mark - When things get tough, it's good to know Mark is on your team - a highly experienced business recovery and insolvency practitioner.

He looks for positive solutions, working closely with owners and professionals to trade the company out of its problems. But he's also a realist who tells it like it is. So if it's the only option, he'll help achieve an efficient sale or winding up, delivering the best performance possible for shareholders and creditors.

David - If you need someone to provide inspiration and a safe pair of hands, David is your man. An imaginative thinker with real drive and dynamism, he has the skills and stamina to help struggling businesses get back on solid ground. With a wealth of expertise in corporate finance, he's an intuitive communicator who delivers vital advice and support in a no-nonsense way.

He's also well connected in the business community, with a 'can-do' approach that gets results.

Ensors expert Business Recovery team are committed to helping business survive and, where possible, trade out their difficulties.

Contact either Mark Upton on 01223 420721, mark.upton@ensors.co.uk or David Scrivener on 01473 220081, david.scrivener@ensors.co.uk

Ensors Chartered Accountants Making you more than just a number

CAMBRIDGE HUNTINGDON SAXMUNDHAM BURY ST. EDMUNDS IPSWICH

www.ensors.co.uk

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ACROSS THE REGION

Helping youngsters make right choices The Government is increasing the number of years young people in England must spend in education or training. From 2013, they will stay in education until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17, and from 2015 until the age of 18.

Raising the participation age (RPA) does not mean young people must stay in school – they can choose a college course or an apprenticeship.

Re-engaging young people disillusioned with education can be a tough job and some students will need a different approach to give them better chances later in life.

The Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service at West Suffolk College, Bury St Edmunds, provides impartial help to support young people’s choices about the next stage of their education and training. Schools, colleges, local authorities, careers advisers and employers all work together to present the full range of options.

The college has a dedicated School of Participation, helping deliver the government-backed Youth Contract to tackle youth unemployment as well as Prince’s Trust team-building programmes and the Synergy programme, which prepares young people for further education, training and eventual employment.

To find out more call 01284 716333 email info@wsc.ac.uk or visit www.westsuffolk.ac.uk

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 11

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Protecting your world since 1975 Building long-term relationships with our clients is of ever increasing importance to us. Today's continually changing environment has placed increased demands on businesses and individuals alike.

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Call us on 0800 093 4462

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PENSIONS

Workplace pensions reforms Whatever your Company's size and however good its current pension arrangements are, the new pensions auto-enrolment laws apply to all. As an employer it will be useful for you to understand your obligations in respect of the automatic enrolment duties and be aware of The Pensions Regulator’s role in maximising compliance with those obligations.

The work-based pension reforms require auto-enrolment into 'qualifying schemes'.

Where there is no existing staff pension, employers will either need to set up a suitable scheme or find one in the marketplace. Employers already providing pension arrangements will need to ensure the provision in place is a 'qualifying schemes', as it may require changes such as contributions arrangements.

SOS-HR recommends that you review your current pension’s policy clause in your contract of employment and also any procedure detailed in your staff handbook to make sure it covers all your obligations and responsibilities under the new Pensions Act. We advise the policy includes notification

12 | IoD suffolk | winter 2012

that your current pension arrangement qualifies or the expected date that you will need to comply by, what provision you will be making and how this will be facilitated.

Communicate how your employees will access the scheme information, which workers are eligible and when and also how the auto enrolment process works.

Communicate clearly to your employees, so they understand their options and are able to make sound decisions about their retirement plans and savings.

If you require further advice or assistance in writing a pensions policy and procedure please contact clare.whight@sos-hr.co.uk or telephone 01473 276170.

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ACROSS THE REGION

Hotel is aiming to retain family feel Operations director Mark Suddes is in charge of day-to-day management. Originally from Durham, he has worked around the country, most recently at the Best Western Marks Tey Hotel and at a hotel in Hereford.

Mark said: “It’s business as usual at the hotel.

There have been many small, short-term, quick changes, which our regular customers will enjoy. More importantly, we are launching a new menu which will allow our customers to eat the same food in the bar, lounge and gardens. We will still have our two-rosette quality restaurant, but now with the opportunity to choose a menu to your personal taste. Whilst we will still have traditional a la carte dishes on the menu there will be some contemporary dishes offering a wider choice.”

A new era is under way at Seckford Hall Hotel with the arrival of new owners. The hotel, near Woodbridge, was sold in the summer to a family from London.

The hotel has been part of the Bunn family since 1935, more recently run by Michael Bunn and his wife Christine. Mark said: “As well as repositioning the hotel in the Suffolk marketplace, my vision is to continue its family ethos and build on its impressive reputation. All the existing staff will still be working for the hotel. ”

Private sale may be best option It is generally accepted that if you want to sell something, you tell the market you want to sell it and wait for someone to make an offer. Agricultural land is no different from any other commodity in this respect and to date in 2012, Savills Research reports that more land has been publicly marketed in Suffolk than in the same period in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Will Hargreaves, of Savills Ipswich rural team, said: “Whilst selling in the open market can give the vendor comfort that the best price has been achieved, and this is our usual advice, it is sometimes the case that a private sale will generate a significant premium over an openmarket sale. Of course, the vendor will never know whether a higher price could have been achieved in the market place, but quite often the discrete nature of the transaction is worth more than any niggling doubt.

“An opportunity to purchase land with restricted competition is particularly attractive to investment buyers and they are often prepared to offer a premium price for

the chance to keep a property out of the open market. There can be the added advantage for the seller that it may be easier to negotiate terms more favourable to the outgoing farmer than when dealing in the open market.”

He added: “To date in 2012, over 50% of the Suffolk land transactions handled by Savills Ipswich have taken place off market and it is clear the average price paid per acre privately is higher than in the open market. If a private buyer cannot be found, the land can be offered more widely, but, of course, the reverse is impossible. Once the cat is out of the bag, it can’t go back in.”

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 13

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A leading national firm with a local Suffolk presence Baker Tilly based in Bury St Edmunds offers the benefits of a national, Top 10, accounting firm with a local Suffolk presence.

Baker Tilly Bury St Edmunds is one of Suffolk’s leading professional services firms and possibly Suffolk’s largest firm of Chartered Accountants. We benefit from a national and international network to add to the depth and quality of the advice provided to our clients.

If you want the best of both worlds, a local service with a national and international reputation, please contact Stephen Duffety on 01284 763311 or email stephen.duffety@bakertilly.co.uk

www.bakertilly.co.uk

Baker Tilly, Abbotsgate House, Hollow Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7FA

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ACROSS THE REGION

Suffolk weathers economic storm Suffolk businesses have proved very resilient during a period of continued harsh trading conditions both in the UK and across the global economy, according to the findings of an annual survey.

The results of the report – by Suffolk Ltd – were presented to more than 160 business leaders at a breakfast seminar organised by business and financial advisers Grant Thornton.

substantially by 41.1%, from £147m to £207m. Profit before tax rose from £137m to £184m, representing a 34.1% increase.

Total employment stood at 27,332, slightly down on last year’s 27,477.

Suffolk Ltd, now in its 11th year, provides an in-depth financial analysis of the 100 largest companies owned and managed in the county. The 2012 report showed that combined turnover for Suffolk Ltd’s constituent members increased and operating profit grew significantly, while employment remained broadly static.

James Brown, of Grant Thornton, said: “Despite the challenging trading conditions, Suffolk Ltd’s constituent members have withstood the storm very well, whether their markets are local, national or international.

Should market conditions start to improve during 2013 and beyond, Suffolk Ltd looks in good shape to respond and fully exploit any rebound in fortunes.”

The study was based on the latest available accounts and so relates mainly to a UK still in recession. Annual turnover among the top 100 companies grew by 5.2%, from £4.05bn to £4.26bn, while operating profit increased

For a copy of the report, contact Sandy Button on 01473 221491 or email sandy.button@uk.gt.com

Students learn from guru Handy Revered management guru Charles Handy spoke to students at West Suffolk College, Bury St Edmunds, during the college’s Enterprise Week 2012 in November.

Handy, one of the world’s most influential business thinkers with almost two million book sales across the globe, focused on The Acorn Economy – illustrating how, just as acorns turn into oak trees, small businesses and ambitious individuals can grow into big companies and important people.

One student said: “The talk was very much about gaining experience in the workplace rather than getting a degree without developing the practical skills you need in the world of work. I found it really interesting.” Another added: “Everything he said made sense; he was telling us that if you believe in yourself enough you can do anything you like in life.”

A key aim of Enterprise Week is to showcase the enterprising students. College courses help them gain the skills they need to run a successful enterprise or to be creative and innovative within an existing organisation.

Mr Handy’s wife, Elizabeth, brought her photographic exhibition entitled The Acorns of Diss, showing business people from the town with the tools of their trade.

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PROTECTING THE DIRECTOR

Many present day commercial leases contain a ‘break clause’ which gives the tenant the right to terminate the lease before the end of its term.

Break Clauses in commercial leases traps to be avoided Landlords will often include conditions attaching to the break clause such as: n

The rent has been paid up to date.

n

The tenant gives up the premises with vacant possession.

n

The tenant must have complied, or materially complied, with all the covenants in the lease.

n

The tenant must not be in breach, or materially in breach, of the repairing covenants.

Break clauses will be strictly interpreted by the courts and tenants must ensure that they comply with all the terms of the break clause. Particular attention should be given to the following: The notice must be served on the correct party and the correct number of months before the break date. The lease often contains provisions relating to service of notices and these should be followed literally.

If there is a requirement for vacant possession to be given on the break date the tenant must ensure that they have vacated the premises and all their possessions have been removed by that date. A tenant who remained on the premises to carry out dilapidation repairs after the break date was deemed not to have given vacant possession, even though he had no intention of excluding the landlord from access to, and occupation of, the premises from that time.

If there is a condition that the rent must be paid up to date, the last quarter’s or month’s rent should have been paid. A tenant who paid the rent up to the break date was held not to have complied with this condition.

The tenant should check that there has not been any previous late payment which may be subject to an interest charge, which has not been claimed by the landlord. If there is a potential liability, it should be calculated and paid to the landlord. Also the tenant should ensure that cleared funds have been provided.

If there is a condition requiring compliance with repairing obligations, the tenant should consider carrying out a compliance audit with their surveyor so that any breaches can be remedied by the break date.

If you would like advice in connection with your commercial lease or wish to ensure that notices are served correctly during its term, contact David Temperton at Birkett Long LLP – david.temperton@birkettlong.co.uk or 01206 217310.

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 17

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:51 Page 18

Johnathan Reynolds at OrbisEnergy

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 19

SUFFOLK SUPPLY CHAIN

Joining the energy supply chain Huge offshore wind projects are creating some of the biggest opportunities in a generation, but aren’t they just for the technical companies specialising in renewables? No – there are opportunities for a much wider range of expertise, says Johnathan Reynolds, business development lead for Suffolk’s flagship innovation centre OrbisEnergy and Director of energy firm Nautilus Associates.

He tells Jane Chittenden why more Suffolk businesses should join the energy supply chain.

The world’s largest market for offshore wind

What’s the opportunity for Suffolk?

We’re meeting at OrbisEnergy in Lowestoft, Britain’s most easterly point, to talk about the offshore wind opportunity and why the wider Suffolk economy should be getting involved.

But where is the long-term business opportunity for Suffolk? Can we (and should we) gear ourselves up for turbine manufacture and installation on this vast scale? Or is the opportunity in something else?

Suffolk is at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind. There’s around £30.8bn of planned investment in new energy projects in Norfolk and Suffolk by 2020, according to NSEA’s Energy Supply Chain Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk.

But most people aren’t aware of its scale and they haven’t spotted the business opportunities for the whole of the region – not just the energy sector.

“If you look at the map, you’ll see just how much has been happening in the last few years,” says Johnathan Reynolds. “It’s only the beginning. Already we’ve got the biggest offshore wind farm projects right here off our coast: Round One projects such as Scroby Sands, and the Round Two projects such as Sheringham Shoal and Greater Gabbard.

Then there’s the Round Two extensions – the Galloper and various other projects around our coast. And now there’s Round Three.”

“There will be a thousand-plus wind turbines in one major project: the East Anglia Offshore Windfarm. It’s colossal… in just one geographic area it’s one and a half times the size of Suffolk. It’s one of the larger projects, but it’s only one of nine Round Three projects around UK waters. We’re looking at a market that’s tens of thousands of offshore wind turbines.”

“The long term goal and the long term opportunities are around operations and maintenance – that’s the 20 to 25 year business,” says Reynolds. The operational life for an offshore wind farm is between 20 and 25 years, typically. There’s a three to five year contract period for build and installation; but after that it’s the operations and maintenance phase – and that’s the ‰

The offshore wind farms on the East Coast n Round 1 n Round 2 n Round 3

Source: NSEA Energy Supply Chain Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk

And there’s more. Offshore gas is still a major activity, with more than £44bn of new investment in gas exploration and production and gas storage projects. The Southern North Sea is also a focal point for the whole of Europe for the storage of CO2 captured from power station combustion; the depleted gas reserves here are ideal for storing captured CO2. There are even plans for cultivating algae offshore, for biofuels and biomass production. “It’s the energy hotspot across Europe,” Reynolds says, “because it has pretty much everything to offer.”

Nowhere in the UK has a broader energy mix or provides as much business potential as Norfolk and Suffolk. The area’s offshore gas business is well established and still growing after 45 years of operating; nuclear power facilities are being decommissioned and two new sites are being developed.

There is also a growing biofuels market and plans for the storage of gas and captured carbon in the Southern North Sea. The region is at the heart of the world’s largest market for offshore wind and the UK’s most intensive area of offshore energy development; the area has an energy business worth billions.

Source: Energy Supply Chain Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk, NSEA

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 19

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 20

SUFFOLK SUPPLY CHAIN

long term contract goal. “We are ideally positioned for longer term operations and maintenance, “ he explains. “We already have companies setting up their O&M bases here.

For example, there’s SSE Renewables just down the road at the dockside here in Lowestoft – they have their own specialist operations base for the Greater Gabbard project. We’re hoping to attract more inward investment for the Galloper offshore wind project when that comes onstream, and for projects like the East Anglian Offshore Windfarm as well.”

In parallel, the renewables sector is looking not just at local projects, the ones off our own coast, but around the world. “We have a long and established history within the oil and gas industry of supplying products, services, personnel and resource right around the world,” Reynolds says. “There’s no reason why we can’t replicate that for offshore wind or other renewable energy technologies; local companies are already winning global business.”

Not just for the specialist companies But aren’t the supply chain opportunities exclusively for the big companies and the niche specialists providing technology-based products and services?

Reynolds explains that the supply chain spreads much wider than most of us realise: “ We’ve spent a lot of time over the last couple of years, trying to educate companies of all disciplines that there are opportunities within the wider energy sector – not just providing specialist technical services.

These companies all need core disciplines, whether it’s finance, personnel, marketing, contracting, procurement, legal disciplines – and how you make those services relevant to the needs of the energy sector is important.

And it’s the same with the more indirect supply chain – bed-and-breakfast, hoteliers, taxi firms – they’re needed to make the whole supply chain work, but they’re seen as on the outside of the fence. It’s vital that we work with them, to make sure they understand when the opportunities are coming, because they need to gear up and build their own capacity to support other companies in the supply chain as well. We need virtually more of everything if we’re going to reap the real rewards that this region has on its doorstep.”

Supply chain development support from EEEGR EEEGR (East of England Energy Group) is providing business development support to local companies who are already active in the sector or who want to join but need some help to grow their business. It’s also raising awareness for companies who haven’t yet identified that there are opportunities for them.

EEEGR is focusing on three complementary approaches to develop our supply chain. > Support businesses that have already secured opportunities within the sector, and build on these strengths. > Engage with businesses planning to enter the market and help them to understand the industry. > Explore opportunities for companies unaware of the sector, matching gaps in the supply chain to the capabilities of businesses.

This support is completely free through EEEGR. Call 01493 446535 or email supplychain@eeegr.com

Suffolk businesses with potential for opportunities in the wider supply chain 160

140

120

100

80

60

40

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Bo at s, Ha rg o, rb Ai Ha ou rcr B r nd uil af lin din s & Sh t g, g s& ipp Tra ing ns Co po ns rt, t r uc Im tio po n rt & Ex Co po ns rt ult Cl an ea cy n ing & Bu sin Clo th es in sA ssi g sta n Ed ce Em uc at plo ion ym E en t & lectr ic R En gin ecru al itm ee rin g & ent De sig En n vir o n He alt men t h& Sa fet y M ac hin M an ery uf a M eta cturi n lS pe g cia lis Oi ts l& Ga Pr od s uc ts Ot & he Eq r u Pr op ipm en ert t yS erv ice s Se cu rit y Tra ini ng

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Source: NSEA Energy Supply Chain Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk

20 | IoD suffolk | winter 2012

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 21

OrbisEnergy is a national innovation centre for offshore renewables based in Lowestoft, owned by Suffolk County Council and managed by enterprise specialists NWES. They hold a database of over 9000 businesses based in Norfolk and Suffolk. Around 1700 of those companies have existing or potential capability to be a direct part of the energy supply chain, providing services, equipment and materials used in manufacturing, engineering, construction and operation of energy-related projects.

That’s around one-fifth of all the businesses operating in the two counties. Then there’s a huge range of supporting services to the supply chain, from legal advice through to catering and hotels, so the actual proportion of companies that could benefit is much higher than 20 per cent.

Size of the offshore wind opportunity

> Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk – £30bn > UK – £271bn > Europe – £647bn

Power Transmission Nuclear New Build Offshore Wind Upstream Oil & Gas Transport Infrastructure

Source: NSEA Energy Supply Chain Strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk

Onshore Wind Port Infrastructure Biomass/Biofuel Generation

UK offshore wind £138bn

CCGT Power Generation CCGT/CHP Power Generation Wave & Tidal Generation Coal Generation

Reynolds has been involved in delivering the EEEGR Supply Chain Roadshows across the region in the last few months. These roadshows are raising awareness about the energy sector opportunities – the major contract opportunities over the next twenty years, both from offshore renewables and from oil and gas, decommissioning, the new nuclear build programme and a range of other energy sector-related opportunities.

He’s also part of the team providing follow-on business development advice and support to companies in three different groups.

The established companies The first group of companies is already successful in the energy sector, winning contracts and providing business for their own supply chains. Seajacks is a good example of this type of company, says Reynolds. They own and operate jack-up installation vessels, both for oil and gas and for offshore wind. Just six years since their start-up, with support from NWES and

OrbisEnergy, they’ve grown into a global company operating all over the world in major markets, both oil and gas, and offshore wind. “It’s one of the companies that has really listened to what customers want and has responded to the changing market conditions very well. It’s been able to spread its portfolio, not just in offshore wind; it’s looking at oil and gas; and the technology that it uses on their vessels caters for a number of different markets.”

These established companies make it a priority to keep up with the rapidly evolving energy market. New technologies and new players are coming in at all levels of the supply chain. For example, the Frenchowned company Areva visited OrbisEnergy last month, exploring the scope for involvement in the East Anglian Offshore Windfarm project. Areva is a major turbine manufacturer in Europe (they’ve just announced plans for a factory in Scotland) and what draws them to our region is the opportunity for long-term operation and maintenance contracts on a huge scale.

New entrants to the supply chain Secondly, there are the companies that have the right capability and an awareness of these opportunities but perhaps need support to win a major contract, position themselves with the right kind of customer, or obtain investment in specific areas to realise their growth potential. “We’re seeing a lot of those sorts of companies attending EEEGR’s supply chain roadshow series. They want to learn a bit more, understand some of the issues and barriers and challenges that the market and the industry is facing, and how they can realise their growth opportunities over the next few years – but recognising that this is a rapidly changing industry,” Reynolds says.

This second group is made up of every type of company that could be imagined, regardless of whether they are already working with the offshore industry - not just the technical services, manufacturing and engineering.

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 21

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 22

SUFFOLK SUPPLY CHAIN

The analogy we give is that everyone’s waiting for delivery of an order that’s not yet been placed, and nobody’s quite certain when that order is going to be placed – everyone’s sitting around waiting for delivery, but they don’t know for what, how big and when – and that’s the challenge.

The companies that aren’t aware it’s their opportunity too And the third group? “By understanding the first two groups, we should have an idea of where the gaps in the supply chain might be and how we might fill those gaps… and that’s the third group. We’re identifying the companies that we feel have the right sort of capabilities, and going to them, helping them to understand that they have the right contracts or right capabilities to win business in this sector. For example, we’re meeting a lot of professional services firms at the supply chain roadshows. So whether it’s chartered accountants or legal firms or chartered surveyors – whatever it might be – they’re all working with us to understand the opportunities for them, as well as for their direct customers.”

The challenges If this is such an enormous opportunity – and clearly it is – what are the challenges that companies are facing, and what are the barriers that stop them from joining the energy supply chain?

One of the main challenges is uncertainty in the market, Reynolds explains, and that comes from a number of areas. At the moment UK energy policy is seen as the biggest barrier by investors and major manufacturers, because they need to be able to plan for the long term with some certainty.

Legislation that’s currently going through Parliament could have a major impact on incentives and support to invest in renewable energy projects and low carbon energy projects. New Anglia LEP and other interested parties have been lobbying the government, and there’s strong support in the region for their proactive approach. It’s seen as critically important, to make sure that the timescales proposed for legislation such as the Electricity Market Reform stay on track, to give longer term certainty with policy.

22 | IoD suffolk | winter 2012

Finance is another significant challenge.

It’s a complex picture. The SMEs need access to credit in order to fund their growth, but so too do the major companies. They will be unlikely to want to provide all of their investment in the major projects from their balance sheets; they’ll be looking for funds from elsewhere and for that they’ll need longterm guarantees. In the short to mediumterm they need cashflow to make the projects economically viable, while there is political uncertainty about the longer term investment decisions to be made.

For new entrants to the supply chain there’s the challenge of gaining a thorough understanding of the sector and how it works. The companies at the top of the offshore renewables supply chain, the developers, are mostly utility companies, so their ultimate product and driver is the sale of electricity. That’s very different from the oil and gas industry, where the operators’ commodity is gas or petroleum-based products. Then they need to understand how that top level works with their Tier One companies or what’s called OEMs - original equipment manufacturers – the offshore wind turbine manufacturers and suppliers, the substation manufacturers and so on.

And it’s important to understand their culture – how they deal with suppliers and contractors, and how that cascades down to other companies through the supply chain.

They are all looking to build strong trusted relationships for the long term.

Visibility of the timescales for major projects “But the biggest barrier we find for most companies we talk to is visibility of contracting timescales and project development timescales,” says Reynolds.

“They need to understand when to make certain decisions and when to make certain investments, whether it’s in new facilities, in staff or training or whatever it might be.

OrbisEnergy is facilitating in dialogue between the developers (the utility companies), the government and SMEs to try to give them the best information possible at this stage. “We don’t have all the answers, but what we can try to do is to give a level of certainty, a level of information for them to make some more informed decisions. So we know roughly within a three to six month period when major decisions or project milestones are likely to happen, based on information today. We’re also going into more detail about how much might be in certain manufacturing or how much of that contract opportunity might be in electrical engineering or lighting or something else.

We’re trying to break it down into slightly more bite-sized chunks to help the smaller companies to see specific opportunities that are right for them.”

This time we’re in the right place Whatever the challenges, this is an opportunity we can’t afford to ignore; this time round we’re in the right place.

Unlike the last industrial revolution, when clearly we were in the wrong place (no coal or fast-running inland water), we really are in the right place.

“We are absolutely at the heart of what’s going on with offshore wind, here on the East coast. With OrbisEnergy being situated right at Britain’s most easterly point, in Lowestoft, you can’t get much closer to the action unless you’re on a boat – quite literally! – so it really is happening all around us. And we do have a lot of specialist expertise and the right resource to reap a lot of the rewards from these opportunities, right across our region.”

What we need is more of what we’ve got.

We need more investment into companies; we need more manufacturing capacity; we need to build on the strong roots we have, from forty years of working on offshore oil and gas. And we need companies of all types to join the supply chain across Suffolk and Norfolk, to take advantage of the prosperity offered by the offshore wind market for many years to come.

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 23

RECENT IOD EVENTS

Mods and Rox fun Members and guests enjoyed a fabulous evening on 24 September at Mods and Rox, the New Wolsey Theatre’s latest actor-musician production with classic period songs including Substitute, Keep on Runnin’, She’s not there and many more.

“It was a great evening and it’s no wonder the show enjoyed an extended run,” said Dean Willingham, vice chair, IoD Suffolk and partner, DPS Technology Group.

IoD members also enjoyed a drinks reception and pre-show talk by Sarah Holmes, chief executive, New Wolsey theatre.

Best Practice Master Class

Britain’s best female jockey steps in for Sir Henry Cecil Britain’s most successful female Flat jockey Hayley Turner stepped in to give a fresh and entertaining talk about rising to the top in the male-dominated horse racing world on 21 November at the breakfast event held at the West Wing at Ickworth House Hotel. Unfortunately, Sir Henry Cecil was unable to attend because of ill-health.

‘How to manage the underperforming employee and avoid an unfair dismissal or discrimination claim’ was the topic of a Best Practice Master Class presented by Simon Quantrill of Quantrills in October.

More than 60 people managers attended and benefited from Simon’s theme that wellprepared but informal counselling is often the best way of tackling employee underperformance. Formal procedures and HR best practice was also covered with the help of case studies and video clips.

Excellent feedback was received from the event, including: “A practical and logical approach to the subject, simplifying the red tape into a workable strategy”; “Highly topical material excellently presented”; “The structure of the master class was superb. The balance between the legal facts and open discussion was spot on.”

Hayley Turner at the November breakfast

In a speech which understated her determination and competitive spirit, Hayley said she always took tiny steps towards her goals and never set unrealistic targets.

She said: “If you think you’ve arrived then you’re never going to do any better.”

She wasn’t from a horse racing background and ‘never had a leg up from anyone’ so Hayley left school at 16 determined to work with horses. After a course at Northern Race College in Doncaster she was bitten by the bug to become a jockey, which she achieved aged 17. In 2011 Hayley became the first female jockey to ride 100 UK Flat race winners and win a British Group 1 race.

She said: “Never in a million years did I think I’d have a Group 1 winner when I was asked to ride in the July Cup at Newmarket in 2011, when I won on Dream Ahead. Frankie Dettori came up and ‘high fived’ me afterwards.

It was madness, a dream. It’s moments like this that make you want to carry on.”

Hayley has her sights set on continued success in 2013 and will be developing her own brand profile. “I want to be a step ahead and social media is a real interest I’d like to do more on. I don’t want to be a galloping granny.”

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 23

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 24

INVESTMENT

Which are the most investable wines and why?

Wine Investment with Johnny Wheeler of Culver Street, a leading Fine Wine Investment Specialist based in East Anglia

The logic for investing in fine wine – to facilitate the supply of mature vintages in future years – goes a long way towards defining the pool of investable wines. We are not talking about the 99% of wines produced that are drunk within a year or two of being bottled. And we are not talking about wines whose likely value, when mature, is less than a couple of hundred pounds a case. Storage and handling costs act as a ‘drag’, eating into and often destroying any prospect of return on these.

To understand the scope of wine investment it is worth asking who the eventual buyers are. Some are private collectors who simply want to compile a collection of rare and historic bottles in their cellars and have reached a point in their lives when they have the resources to do it. However the vast majority of corks of mature fine wines are pulled in restaurants around the world.

Diners from Shanghai to Sao Paulo and from

Cape Town to Moscow are the ‘willing buyers’, prepared to pay perhaps several hundred pounds for the pleasure – some say privilege – of sharing a difficult-to-find bottle of great repute.

The market is therefore made up of high quality wines, usually produced in restricted quantities, and with a global cachet.

The category has been dominated for decades by the great names of Bordeaux, wines which still account for the lion’s share of trade on the Liv-ex wine exchange. It is common to talk of the five celebrated First growths – the likes of Latour and Margaux, whose attraction is based on centuries of prestige and demand – as the best examples, but these are far from the only candidates.

Tastes change and new wines enter the fray.

Burgundy, for long considered too fragmented and too complicated for its wines to be traded around the world, is now a contender.

There is growing confidence in its best domaines and vintages. Italy too provides many wines of increasing celebrity; ditto the Rhone valley, Australia and California, where there is a growing expectation of price appreciation. Vintage champagne too, the likes of Louis Roederer’s Cristal and the rare Salon or Krug, now form components of wine investment portfolios.

A portfolio approach is generally seen as the key to safe investing in wine, with no one label or vintage being over-dominant. There is an element of fashion in the wine world especially amongst affluent newcomers.

Sensible advice has to be to assemble a diverse collection so as to avoid the risk of picking losers rather than winners in the long

24 | IoD suffolk | winter 2012

term popularity stakes. A solid portfolio will comprise 90% of usual suspects, blue chip wines for which there is a steady and predictable demand, and which can be resold into the market almost at will. The remaining 10% can be dedicated to alternative and even speculative choices.

Great name, great vintage and great rarity: these seem to be the watchwords.

Next time: Which wines will be the stars of tomorrow?

Culver Street is a boutique fine wine trader specialising in managing cellar portfolios for private clients. Culver Street has recently launched Vinsignia, a wine fund qualifying under the Enterprise Investment Scheme. www.culverstreet.co.uk

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 25

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A WORD FROM THE ACCOUNTANTS

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Twelve months into the outcomes-focused regulation (OFR) introduced by the SRA, it will be interesting to see the results of its research looking at the effects of OFR since the regime was introduced.

The research will identify and explore the impact of OFR on firms and their clients, identify any which are specific to distinct groups within the profession and strengthen understanding of compliance costs; always a concern, and one of which we are aware.

Larking Gowen has a specialist team of staff experienced in acting for clients in the legal sector. Jon Woolston, our lead partner for legal services, is a member of the steering committee for the Chartered Accountants Special Interest Group for Solicitors and a founding member of the Expert Witness Institute. In addition, we are able to bring national specialist resources to our clients through our membership of MHA, an association of independent, like-minded firms, providing us with some 42 offices across the UK.

Our legal team offer an in-depth understanding of the requirements of practising solicitors and recognise the challenges that will result from deregulation, which will see competition from nontraditional sectors in the high street, including banks and supermarkets. We believe, however, that we can help turn these into opportunities for the legal profession.

In addition to the regular compliance areas, we are also able to assist clients in developing their practices in a wide range of areas, including: n n n n n

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Raising finance Banking arrangements Computer and management systems reviews Business plans

For more information on how we can help you with any of your legal practice issues please contact Peter Glading on 01473 833411 or at peter.glading@larking-gowen.co.uk

LLP Conversions Mergers and acquisitions Drawings and capitalisation policy Car policies Retirement and admission of partners

This article is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this article may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Larking Gowen is registered to carry out audit work in the UK and Ireland by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. ŠLarking Gowen.

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IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 28

CHARITY

The Suffolk Foundation has launched its second Surviving Winter appeal to help alleviate fuel poverty among older people in Suffolk.

CAN YOU HELP US TO SAVE VULNERABLE LIVES THIS YEAR? A recent study shows that, from 2007 to 2010, an average of 454 vulnerable people in the county died each year from causes directly linked to cold and poor living conditions. The vast majority were aged over 65.

Sadly, this is just the tip of the iceberg – more than 56,095 households in Suffolk live in fuel poverty, suffering in silence during the coldest months, often hidden from view, withdrawn from the world around them.

organisations like Age UK Suffolk that can help them. Last year, the Surviving Winter appeal was a huge success and, thanks to the support of the public, the campaign raised a total of £55,000.

With many older people having to make the stark choice between heating their homes or putting food on the table, the Suffolk Foundation, working in partnership with Age UK Suffolk, is asking anyone who feels able to forgo their government winter fuel payment to donate either part or all of it to the appeal this winter to help make a difference to someone’s life and reduce fuel poverty.

“But this still wasn’t enough, the demand was even higher and we know we could have helped many more people. This is why we are launching the appeal again. With the experience and support of Age UK Suffolk, we want to reach out and help older people again this winter.”

Nationally, this is the second year that community foundations are running the appeal. Last year, it received huge support from the public, generating more than £2.5million across the UK. In Suffolk, the appeal proved to be a lifeline for those struggling to keep their homes warm.

The Suffolk Foundation was overwhelmed by people’s generosity, with many choosing to donate their winter fuel payments to help others.

Working with Age UK Suffolk, 250 grants were distributed in the county, with each totalling around £250. These went a long way to help the elderly and vulnerable keep warm, contributing towards the cost of heating their homes. Some grants were also used to buy mobile heaters and others helped to cover the cost of repairing old heating systems.

Stephen Singleton, Suffolk Foundation’s chief executive, said: “Winter is a worrying and isolating time for Suffolk’s older population, with many people unaware there are

28 | IoD suffolk | winter 2012

This year’s appeal also has the support of the East of England Co-operative Society and pledge forms will be available in all its stores throughout the winter.

Amanda Long, the Co-op’s executive officer – membership, marketing and media, said: “Winter can be a cold and lonely time, with the cost of heating a real concern for so many. Surviving Winter is a fantastic initiative and we are sure our members and customers will join us in helping their neighbours.”

One beneficiary who received money from last year’s appeal said: “What a worry off my shoulders – I do indeed feel blessed that there are people out there who care and help others.”

Anyone who would like to donate the winter fuel payment, or make a donation, should call 01473 602602. For more information, visit www.suffolkfoundation.org.uk To donate online go to www.localgiving.com/suffolksurvivingwinter

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 29

HUMAN RESOURCES

Gary Cattermole and Jaime Johnson are joint co-founders and directors at The Survey Initiative, a leading staff survey provider. Here they discuss how employee engagement can lift profitability and improve staff wellbeing.

Employee engagement is the key to success In November, the government-backed independent Employee Engagement Task Force launched a new movement ‘Engage for Success'. Its mission – to be an inspirational force to drive measurable improvement in employee performance, creativity and innovation.

Engage for Success firmly believes that the next generation of successful businesses will be those that can free people’s personal potential. Their hope is that employee engagement can release more of the capability and potential of people at work – enabling personal growth, organisational growth and, ultimately, growth for Britain.

So what is employee engagement?

It is a workplace approach designed to ensure employees are committed to their organisation’s goals and values, motivated to contribute to organisational success and, at the same time, able to enhance their own sense of wellbeing.

But is all this just management gobbledegook or can employee engagement be useful for Suffolk-based businesses?

The research speaks for itself. Many businesses have undertaken employee engagement research and those that score

highly also have higher rates of profitability, lower staff turnover and associated costs of recruitment, and higher customer loyalty than businesses with average employee engagement ratings.

It is simple really. If employees are happy, enjoy their work and feel valued they are keen to excel in their role and help the business succeed.

What does become difficult for managers is identifying who is engaged and who is not.

Typically, this is much easier for the MD of an SME than of a multinational operation – but everyone can be blinkered to what’s going on in their own organisation, which is why independent research can help pinpoint areas for development.

Some businesses may think it is particularly hard to spend time looking at employee engagement in a recession. During times of cutbacks, however, staff tend to take on more tasks, responsibilities and work longer hours, sometimes without a pay increase or promotion.

Staff morale is also hit when redundancies are announced and it is, therefore, often even more important to target employee engagement at such a time – to ensure your business stays fighting fit.

We all want happy employees so why not undertake a little research for yourself?

Walk into the office on Monday morning and ask yourself: Do my employees look happy?

Are they going the extra mile? Also ask yourself: What can I do to improve employee engagement in my workforce?

To find out more, visit www.surveyinitiative.co.uk

TOP TIPS FOR ASSESSING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: Do your teams regularly exceed targets?

Are they highly innovative? Do they provide excellent levels of customer service?

If so, this could indicate high levels of employee engagement.

Do you have a high staff turnover?

If you see a jump or steady increase in staff turnover this could be a sign you have an employee engagement issue.

Undertake an employee engagement survey.

This will help benchmark where you are at present. You can then compare your organisation against these results in 6-12 months’ time.

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 29

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LEISURE

Strengthening your relationships round of golf can be in finding out a little more about their clients’ preferences.

This can help you to interact with them more confidently in the working environment.

Finding out that your client or colleague is a rugby follower may mean that a ticket to a match at Twickenham could have a more positive effect on how they feel about you and your company than the usual Christmas hamper!

As the green shoots of recovery are now becoming visible (for some businesses more than others), it is a good time to consider strengthening the relationships you have within your business. This may involve lunches, dinners, parties or other forms of entertainment often including the sporting arena. My clients often tell me how useful a

If they are into fast cars, send them a voucher for a track day at Silverstone: into music – tickets for their favourite band: into golf – book them a round at St Andrews or Wentworth! Make it part of your quest to find out more about their hobbies and interests so you can form a closer friendship with them. The adage “ they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” still holds true, so perhaps this Christmas you can be more creative with the present. Rather than just another gift or product with your company logo, give them a memory they will cherish for ever.

COST EFFECTIVE CREATIVE DESIGN WHATEVER YOUR SIZE OR TYPE OF BUSINESS In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to market your business, so excellent service and value for money are crucial.

Contact Paul Newman or visit our website to find out how we can help take your business forward.

ALANBRANNANDESIGN s

01359 240202 www.alanbrannandesign.co.uk

30 | IoD suffolk | winter 2012

For any of you who now realise you do not know your clients orcolleagues as well as you hoped for, make 2013 the year you decide to play more golf. You will be amazed what you can learn about someone in four hours on a golf course when they are concentrating on their game rather than their business.

If you need help with your game or would like to start playing golf please contact me on the details below.

Stuart Robertson Director of Golf – The Doctorgolf Academy Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa Ufford Park, Woodbridge IP12 1QW Telephone: 01394 383480 Email: doctorgolf@uffordpark.co.uk Facebook: The Doctorgolf Academy Twitter: @doctorgolf247

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 27/11/2012 10:34 Page 31

Culinary Books by Local Restaurateurs East Anglia is home to numerous thriving restaurants and food and drink is an important part of the local economy. Worth £400 million to Suffolk, from ‘field to fork’, it accounts for approximately 200 businesses in Suffolk (11% of Suffolk businesses). This year three leading restaurateurs have produced books to showcase their culinary prowess, enabling you to recreate their dishes at home.

Bon Appetit!

by Régis Crépy £18.99 Available from: www.greathouse.co.uk, Waterstones in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich.

Bon Appetit!, an inspiring collection of delicious contemporary and traditional French recipes. Régis, the charismatic, passionate and uncompromising French chef who owns three award-winning restaurants in Suffolk, has dedicated the past 30 years to creating the perfect experience for his customers at The Great House in Lavenham, Mariners at Ipswich Waterfront and Maison Bleue in Bury St Edmunds. It is with this same passion that he has now published Bon Appetit! The 65 recipes written by the classically trained head chefs and Régis are modern and fresh, revealing the expertise and understanding of good food and wonderful flavour combinations, as well as showing how easy it is to create vibrant, tasty, Gallic dishes.

The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs of the dishes as well as descriptive images of the lives of those behind the scenes, from the kitchen porter to the head chef at the renowned restaurants.

All instructions are set out in simple terms with no fancy terminology. Quantities and cooking times are stated precisely with handy tips included.

Recreate: The Milsoms Restaurants Cookbook

by Stas Anastasiades with Laura James and the chefs from the Milsom restaurants £25 Available from: www.milsomshotels.com Published by highly acclaimed food and drink publisher, Jon Croft Editorial, the book is a selection of more than 100 classic recipes from the Milsom restaurants to enjoy at home. Head chefs from all the restaurants, including Le Talbooth and the seafood restaurant The Harbourside at The Pier, have contributed their favourite recipes, tailored to suit the demands of the home cook. The book features a collection of dishes with ‘the kind of food you really want to eat’, be it for a casual supper with friends or an out-to-impress dinner party. This is food that will impress, soothe, comfort, nourish and dazzle – just as they do at the group’s restaurants in Dedham, Harwich or Kesgrave.

St Joseph’s College

BOOKS PAGE

Entrance Examination Day Saturday 26 January 2013 Informal Open Morning Friday 8 February 2013 Whole College Open Morning Saturday 9 March 2013

The British Larder Cookbook: A Book of Seasonal British Recipes

by Madalene Bonvini-Hamel £30 Available from: www.britishlarder.co.uk and all good bookshops.

From the founder of the award-winning gastro-pub, The British Larder (most recently Best Food Pub of the Year in the Great British Pub Awards 2012) comes a beautiful and informative recipe book that celebrates the seasonal bounty of Britain’s produce as refracted through the mind of one of the country’s most exciting new talents. In this, her first book, Madalene Bonvini-Hamel brings her passion for seasonal, locally-sourced produce to the fore, aiding her crusade to convert all who love food to thinking and eating seasonally. This is a substantial 447-page book, a month-by-month tour of the best produce that the country has to offer, paired and transformed in the unique way that has been responsible for so much of The British Larder’s swiftly-gained and extremely fast-growing reputation. Madalene’s own sumptuous photographs of food created and styled by her own hands make The British Larder cookbook a glowing testament to her immense talent and her admirable ethos.

A co-educational Independent Day School for 3-18 year olds with boarding facilities.

Scholarships and bursaries up to 100% of fees available.

A Christian School in the Lasallian Tradition.

Belstead Road, Ipswich, England IP2 9DR Telephone: 01473 6980281 registrar@stjos.co.uk www.stjos.co.uk

IoD suffolk | winter 2012 | 31

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MEMBER PROFILE

Tim Fenton Tim Fenton runs a consultancy and training business and is on the board of two other Suffolk-based companies. After Ipswich School and Bristol University, he started work as a journalist in Suffolk, moving on to become a Westminster lobby correspondent and Managing Editor of BBC News Online.

He was elected to the committee of IoD Suffolk earlier this year and helps with communications and the marketing of Institute events.

You still do some work for the BBC. That must have been interesting in recent months?

The internet has had a huge impact on journalism. Does the industry have a future?

It has been. I know some of the people involved and feel sorry for those who’ve suffered unfairly. But what Savile appears to have got away with at the BBC and elsewhere is shocking. Everything possible has to be done to stop anything like it happening again.

I strongly believe it does. Anyone who is trying to make money needs up-to-date, relevant information presented in a palatable way. They won’t succeed without it. I realise that via the web there’s now more data available than ever before but it still takes a journalist to work out what is true and significant and make it interesting.

I ran the training that followed the Andrew Gilligan broadcast and Hutton Inquiry.

That was a very difficult time, too. But the organisation recovered. At its best the news output is better than it’s ever been, I believe, and the Olympics were brilliant. But good, original journalism requires that reporters be given some space and independence. The BBC does a lot to try to ensure they work to the appropriate standards but it’s not easy to guarantee that.

Did you come back to Suffolk or did you never leave?

We came back when the children began to approach school age. My wife comes from Suffolk. Her mother and my parents live nearby. It’s great to be able to get together regularly. I’m a bit less keen on the early train to Liverpool Street. But returning on a summer’s evening to get off at Manningtree, surrounded by Stour Valley meadows, makes you realise how lucky we are to live in this part of the world.

My parents moved to Suffolk when I was nine so, strictly, I will always be a ‘blow-in’. But I am very proud of my adopted county and pleased that our children were born and brought up here. I like to think I’m loyal. Although I like to get away for a bit of sunshine in the winter, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be in summer.

We live near Pin Mill and a walk by the river and a pint in the Butt and Oyster makes for a very pleasant Sunday afternoon. Ipswich Town FC have tested my loyalty in recent years but I’ve still got my season ticket.

One can only hope better days lie ahead.

32 | IoD suffolk | winter 2012

Before this all blew up, I was doing some work on impartiality and social media with the BBC College of Journalism. I may be involved in whatever follows this.

What exactly does your business do?

We do two things that might not immediately appear to be linked. We know about multimedia editorial production. So, we can help print businesses move online or websites extend their brand back into print or we can help develop whole new production systems. We’ve worked with EMAP, Metro, gapyear.com, government departments and others.

The second thing is values-based training.

We link personal and organisational values to key points of everyday practice. It works well in an industry like journalism where quite a lot of responsibility is devolved. But it can benefit most types of business.

The Economist magazine has now pretty much made the transition from primarily print to primarily digital and is making a good profit. There’s no reason why more general publications can’t do the same.

If they understand their brands and the enduring needs and wants they satisfy they will prosper, but investment is required.

Too many publishers were taking too much money out of the businesses too late and, for some, the opportunity is now past.

I have written an MA course in journalism for University Campus Suffolk. It draws on experience of working in all media plus some of the lessons learned at the BBC through its various crises. We hope to have our first students next year. I think it’s likely they’ll go on to start work as freelancers or running their own businesses but I do think they’ll make a living. UCS is a big plus for Suffolk.

I hope it can succeed.

What do you like about the IoD? It is tempting to concentrate on your core business when times are tough. But, in my experience, that’s when it is most beneficial to reach out and work with others. In Suffolk, I believe the IoD is the best place to invest that time and effort. And we’re all nice people!

IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 33

Come and see us

We supply an extensive range of ceramic, porcelain, glass and natural stone wall and floor tiles. Our showroom has a comprehensive display with the majority of products being exclusive in our region. Prices for the tiles start from ÂŁ18.99 per sq metre alongside a large selection in our mid-price range which complement our more exclusive products.

As well as our quality tiles we have wonderful sanitaryware products on display along with very stylish designer radiators and towel rails.

There are also many related products and accessories available including a range of shower enclosures, showers, taps and underfloor heating.

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IoD Winter 2012 issue_Layout 1 26/11/2012 15:52 Page 34

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