B4 Buckinghamshire Issue 4

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE EDITION

B4

Magazine

ISSUE 4 SPRING 2013

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Setting Socal Media Standards BP Collins LLP take a closer look at the issue of social media in the work environment

Employee Care the Top Priority For High Wycombe-based chartered accountants The Fish Partnership

Celebrating Business in Bucks We spotlight the launch of the Bucks Ambassadors’ Awards

B U I L D I N G

B R I D G E S

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B U S I N E S S E S

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So What is B4?

B4 is the fastest growing business to business network, providing over 500 businesses in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire with four great platforms to promote and connect their businesses. It's a business network with a difference where we facilitate face to face contact with other Members at B4 events held in iconic locations.

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New rates coming 1st May, Call now to book at these starter rates

4 Effective Platforms to Help You Connect 1

B4 Magazine - Packed with great features, news and promotional articles mailed free to 3,000 business decision makers (separate circulation of 3,000 in each county)

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B4 Website - Upload press releases direct to the site and promote forthcoming events and seminars. All B4 articles printed are uploaded to the business directory on the site.

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B4 Events - Meet other B4 members at high quality B4 events in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire...Why not even bring a guest?

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B4 Workshops - Promote your business to other B4 members at our workshops, a great way to get your message across.

Why Become a Member?

Memberships are specific to one area, not all, and gives your business a listing in the back of your chosen area B4 Magazine. A listing on the business directory of the relevant B4 website but access to all B4 events in all areas (restrictions may apply due to capacity limitations and we do have some Platinum Ambassador only events). Members can also promote their status on company e-mails and websites with our new B4 Member icons

Why Not Upgrade to an Ambassador?

Becoming an Ambassador gets a face to represent your business in the B4 community. Your chosen Ambassador will feature alongside your listing in the magazine directory, on your on line business directory listing and also in the Ambassadors’ section on the B4 website. Being an Ambassador gives you something in common to approach other B4 Ambassadors throughout the network.

The rate to become an Ambassador is £250+VAT per annum.

Become a B4 Member in less than 24 hours Here's what we need to get you started: 1. Your Logo - high quality is a must and in one of the following formats: jpeg, eps, pdf, ai 2. Between 50 and 300 words about your business - See the website for some great examples 3. Basic contact details - Basic contact details e.g. Address, telephone number, email address Our system will automatically generate a user name and password (which you can change) and you are ready to put up your first Press Release. But Don't Worry! There's a helpful online guide to assist you and we're always at the end of the phone.

Join B4 for as little as £150+VAT per annum B4 Membership is based on your number of employees and not the number of staff who could attend events: Rates start at just £150+VAT for sole traders and other single person entities.

Rates increase to £250+VAT for 2 to 5, £375+VAT for 6 to 20 and so on. See www.b4-business.com for full details.

What about Editorial in the Magazine?

Looks complicated? Well it's not! We can set you up to have your picture taken at our associate's studio. We can get one of our freelance PR or Editor to interview you. You have Full Editorial Control so, nothing's printed without your agreement. Editorial pages start at £500+VAT and we can do almost all of it for you! Just ask!

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www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01494 373183 info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@designs-on.co.uk Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson artwork@b4-business.com Assistant Art Editor Rob Scotcher rob@b4-business.com Assistant Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com B4 Events Tina Rosser events@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser Editorial contributors Elton Boocock James White Kelly Stroud Lucy Holmes Michael Barratt Phil Strachan Simon Deans Tony Thomson Tracey Jefferies B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Gleed Photography Studio Photography Gleed Photography www.gleedphotography.co.uk Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 01494 373183 info@b4-business.com

welcome to B4 Welcome to Issue 4.

This issue of B4 sees the first of a series of integrated supplements in the magazine which appears in all three editions of B4 – Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Over the past two years, having interviewed some of the Thames Valley’s leading educational establishments, I have seen the link between these establishments and the local business communities in which they are located increasingly work together for the ultimate benefit of their pupils and students. Hence, we have published The Business of Education which shines a light on some of the initiatives already in place and exciting plans for the future.

I am pleased to welcome back our regular contributors to this edition of B4, including BP Collins who provide us with a fascinating insight into the world of social media in the workplace. We have also started working in partnership with Buckinghamshire Business First to provide members with an irresistible package of benefits and promote some of the excellent BBF initiatives such as the forthcoming Buckinghamshire Ambassadors’ Awards.

Inside

27. Boxing Clever Featuring David Coulton

We welcome Right Hand HR and The Archive Centre to this edition of B4 plus the many new B4 Buckinghamshire Members who have recently joined, taking our overall B4 membership to well over 600 Thames Valley Businesses.

This issue also sees the results of a Lingo Telemarketing survey which many of you will have kindly participated in, the launch of B4TV and the Seven Minute Success Interviews and the B4 Events Diary in association with BBF. 2013 sees a fantastic series of events lined up at some fabulous locations including The Vineyard, Buckinghamshire New University, Rhodes House, Aylesbury College, The Oakley Court, The Forbury Hotel, The Manor Hotel, Hawkwell House Hotel, The University of Oxford Examination Schools and Blackwell’s.

36. Social Media Written by Elton Boocock

For members, please make sure you register for these events as soon as possible – see the B4 Events tab on the B4 website and the Diary Page in this issue – and for those of you thinking about joining B4, why not come along to see what B4 is all about? We’re also currently looking at the B4 membership structure and so those of you who are on the verge of joining might be advised to do so sooner rather than later!

Enjoy B4

41. On Board Richard Rosser Editor

Featuring Lisa Williams

Each business with a Buckinghamshire postcode is entitled to one free copy per issue.

For additional copies and for businesses outside of Buckinghamshire, there is an annual subscription charge of £25.

© Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine.

Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate and correct in every way, the publishers cannot be held responsible or liable for any inaccuracies or errors within the publication. Information reproduced from this publication is permitted with the express permission of the publisher and the advertiser, where relevant. All information is correct at time of going to press.

B4 Magazine is printed by

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About

B4

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. With B4 Berkshire and now B4 Buckinghamshire, we hope to achive greater success now that the model has been established and refined. Direct mailed to three thousand business decision makers in Buckinghamshire every quarter, and with a further four and a half thousand copies circulated to key outlets, featured businesses and made available at B4 events, we hope to make our mark in Buckinghamshire businesses. See more at www.b4-business.com.

B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial, although some editorial is granted without charge at the discretion of the Editor. Please call us to find out how you can get involved.

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE AT @B4Bucks

74. B4TV Featuring Jackie Jarvis

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22 Setting social media standards in the workplace: BP Collins LLP look at social media and office productivity.

20 Developing skills vital for business growth: A focus on National Apprenticeship Week

LEAD

SPOTLIGHT

40 If You Have to Think‌.It's Too Late: With British motorsport legend Robb Gravett

28 ADVICE

28 Employee care is top priority for award winning accountants: For High Wycombe-based chartered accountants The Fish Partnership

45 Mark McGeehan: B4 meets the PGA Qualified Professional at Magnolia Park Golf & Country Club 47 The Business of Education: Our new supplement looks at the interaction between the education sector and the local business community 70 Is B4 Speaking Your Lingo?: The findings of Lingo Telemarketing's B4 member research 84 B4: Art & Interiors: Sarah Wiseman talks to Carol Peace about her wonderful sculptures

11 NEWS 11 15 17 19 21

B4 News Bucks New University BDO B4 Events Diary BBF

27 SERVICES

27 Boxing Clever: With David Coulton of The Archive Centre 30 Growing your business and seeking new opportunities through learning more about your customers: Part 5 of the story of Modern Direct Marketing 34 Cause for alarm at home!: There’s no place like home in the eyes of a burglar!

38 Leading the way in nationwide, next day delivery and value: With Paul Milbourn of London & Counties Office Supplies

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B4 contents 36

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36 Social Media: Getting Underneath the Numbers: With Elton Boocock of Urban Media

76 The B4 Bike Ride from Edinburgh to Blenheim Palace: Join in, sponsor us, donate - find out how to here

MARKETING

HEALTH

86 A Great Time to Talk Turkey!: B4 Platinum Ambassador, Phil Strachan, talks to B4, hot off the press!

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B4TV - 7 Minute Success Interviews: B4 are moving into video and we spotlight our interview with Simon McCrum of Darbys

BBF

25 Guy Lachlan joins Buckinghamshire Business First: We throw the spotlight on Guy 26 East West Rail: Where everyone’s focus should be 33 Celebrating Business in Bucks: The Buckinghamshire Ambassadors’ Awards start in style

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41 On Board: We meet Lisa Williams, Managing Director of John Lewis

WIDER B4

72 Your Manor: B4 enjoyed a simply divine stay at The Manor Hotel, Weston-on-theGreen, the new home of The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 78 Destination Blenheim Palace...: A role to play on the global stage 80 Exciting Times: Claire Stiles talks to B4 about the forthcoming changes at WILA and the company's 20th birthday

42 HR

42 Putting people first: With new B4 Bucks Ambassadors, Right Hand HR

www.b4-business.com

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CONTACTS 7

B UC K I N G HAM S HI R E

B E RK SH I RE

B4 Platinum Ambassadors We would like to thank our B4 Platinum Ambassadors for supporting B4 Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. To find out more about joining them and over five hundred B4 Member companies, please call us on 01494 373183.

OX F O R D S H I R E

D E S I G N P R I N T P U B L I C A T I O N S

O X F O R D

Residential Letting · Property Management

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meet oxfordshire

With annual memberships starting at £150+VAT*, entitling you to a business directory listing and unlimited press release, event, job vacancy and offer uploads, it’s no wonder our membership is increasing daily.

Members are also invited to events in all B4 areas, up to 12 per annum. Call us now on 01494 373183 to book your membership or e-mail sales@b4-business.com for more details.

The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC! *Quoted rate is Membership for single person businesses. Rate increases for 2 to 5 employees to £250+VAT, 6 to 20 employees to £375+VAT per annum, £500+VAT for 21 to 50, £900+VAT for 51 to 100 and £1200+VAT for over 100 employees. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge.

B4

AND

CPS

B4 news Gardner Leader identify the legal business challenges of 2013 from the Thames Valley region, has revealed the biggest legal challenges facing business owners.

Companies across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire joined Newbury & Thatcham based law specialist, Gardner Leader, to discuss concerns and share solutions. Around the table were founders of Wilson Partners Limited, Laudis Business Advisers, 100 percent IT, Three Steps Consulting, Vici Language Academy and Eyes Wide Open.

A Roundtable hosted by leading local solicitors, Gardner Leader, and involving business leaders

A range of subjects were covered including the

complexities of employment law particularly; unfair dismissal claims, flexible working and the new maternity legislation. Issues were also raised around the Bribery Act and what constitutes as bribery versus hospitality, as well as questions around succession planning and the legalities behind online and social media communications.

Read about the issues raised in the March edition of B4 Magazine Berkshire. For any questions regarding the areas discussed, please contact Gardner Leader on 01635 508080 or visit www.gardner-leader.co.uk

Helping to Bridge the Skills Gap David Podger, Managing Director of Thames Valley Training & Development, explains the background to the company’s creation and its strategy for the future.

“I don’t know how familiar you are with the various economic assessments produced for the counties making up the Thames Valley, but one of the interesting issues common to them all is that there is a significant disparity between the relatively low skills levels in certain parts of the region, and the typically highly-skilled nature of the jobs available.

“As an example, one of the industries employing the largest number of people across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire is the IT sector, and yet many IT companies struggle to recruit suitably qualified IT technicians. At TVT&D we offer industryrecognised vendor certification from HP, Cisco and Microsoft – which are all passports to jobs in businesses throughout the Thames Valley and the rest of the country. Further still it’s not just IT technicians that are in demand; similar level roles are available for accounting technicians, sales

people and supervisory staff in manufacturing.”

Thames Valley Training & Development, a whollyowned subsidiary of Bucks New University, has been set up to help companies and individuals across the region get the qualifications they need to meet the challenge of economic growth.

This is part of the University’s strategy of engagement with the wider community. As Professor Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Bucks New University explained recently: “The University is committed to the region’s contribution to economic growth by helping business to recruit the right people now.

We also aim to ensure that in five years’ time, there are not the same skills gaps as there are at present.

Our aim at Bucks is to prepare a pipeline of people ready for work with the right kind of skills and attitudes.”

David Podger continues: “We are pleased to be part of this commitment to the region. So, if you are either an employer who wants to upgrade the skills

of an existing workforce, or an individual looking to invest in a new career, contact us to find out how Thames Valley Training & Development can help you get the qualifications that count.”

David Podger, Managing Director Thames Valley Training & Development T: 01494 603060 W: thamesvalleytraining.com

Referrals Marketing: A New Service Takes Flight For most professional advisory firms, recommendation is a powerful source of new business. Yet few have a process in place to maximise this source of work – and so miss out on great new clients.

Recognising this, Milton Keynes-based marketing firm Culminas has launched a brand–new service to help advisory firms unlock this valuable source of new business. The Advocacy Model starts with identifying their ideal client and then putting in place a simple process to help other to identify and

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recommend them.

Director Cathy Rhodes is excited by the possibilities: “Advisory firms do great work in building relationships with clients and other service providers – often, all it takes is a few tweaks here and there to join it all up and maximise the return from their efforts.” cathy.rhodes@culminas.com www.culminas.com

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B4 news The Telegraph Young Enterprise Media Award The Young Enterprise Awards took place recently at Buckinghamshire New University; a common theme running through the team presentations was that planning, teamwork and communication were essential to success in business.

Karen Pawlowksa, judging for the Media Award sponsored by Take One TV, remarked that, “Those same three things are also essential to the creation of good video; good video never just happens, it’s always the result of careful planning, teamwork and

communication. When done well, video on a home page makes a business 53 times more likely to be found, and once found the quality of that video will be a key influencer on the viewer’s perception of the business.”

The Media Award for the TV Advertisement that carried the best visual message and would give confidence to potential customers was won by Highcrest Academy for their company, Voyage. www.takeonetv.com

Dr Lynda Shaw helps vital progeria research Cognitive Neuroscientist and Age Specialist Dr Lynda Shaw from Chalfont St Giles plans to fund key pieces of equipment for Brunel University’s Progeria Research Fund in 2013.

The aim is to support scientific research into Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome, a rare genetic disease causing premature ageing in children. The first signs of Progeria often begin within the child’s first year and include growth failure, loss of body fat and hair, aged-looking skin and stiffness of joints. As the child and the disease develop, children can start to suffer from

osteoporosis and heart disease, many dying from heart attacks and strokes in their teens.

“The research of Brunel University and my specialism in ageing has made choosing the Progeria Research Fund as my charity of the year a very easy decision.”

“For every new client, new contract, speaking engagement and books sold, I pledge to donate money to support this vital research.” www.drlyndashaw.com

Craig Clements of Brunel University, Dr Lynda Shaw.

Looking for corporate partners Age UK Bucks is reaching out to the Buckinghamshire business community to help them continue to provide vital services to the growing community of older people in the county. Fundraising Manager Evelyn Daley says: “Funding cuts have resulted in us entering a new phase in our fundraising efforts and we’re looking for local businesses to partner.”

The charity puts the interests of older people living in the county at the centre of everything they do, helping them to achieve and maintain their

independence and wellbeing. They’ve put together an exciting programme of activity for 2013, including a Golf Day where companies can put forward teams of four to play, and a Treasure Hunt which can double as a team-building exercise at the same time as fundraising. “We would like to hear from any organisation who can help by taking part in an event, sponsorship or providing prizes,” says Evelyn. Tel: 01296 431911 for more information. www.ageuk.org.uk/buckinghamshire/

Why you should choose Hartwell House for meetings and special events Reasons you should choose Hartwell House: 24 years of Red Star experience. Luxury, comfort and style. Proven service levels. Value for money. Easy access to motorways, airports and rail. Meeting and dining rooms. Superb Spa. Experienced support staff. Privacy and quiet surroundings In addition to all of the above we are offering for April 2013 a 24hr delegate rate of £215 + VAT (saving £50 pp) and a 8hr rate of (£65 + VAT

www.b4-business.com

(saving £30pp) or if it is just accommodation you are looking for then in April rooms are from £125 + VAT for single occupancy inclusive of cooked breakfast, free wifi and use of the Spa. Hartwell is characterised by discretion and comfort, rather than ostentatious luxury, and by the dignity of its architecture, setting and history. All of which goes to ensuring guests leave knowing they have had a true country house experience. www.hartwell-house.com

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news Business continuity planning - how prepared is your organisation?

Business continuity courses are taught at the award-winning Gateway building at Bucks New University’s High Wycombe Campus.

Business continuity planning and management are essential components of modern organisational activity and enable an organisation to maintain critical functions at all times, throughout routine working as well as unplanned events and incidents.

Buckinghamshire New University offers a range of continuity and resilience-related educational programmes. Its undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses, such as the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) Diploma and the MSc Business Continuity, are delivered in both

Phil Wood, Head of the Department of Security and Resilience.

www.b4-business.com

attendance and online formats to suit individual students' learning needs.

The BCI Diploma is a 30-week, distance learning programme which covers the BCI Good Practice Guidelines, and current and future risk and impact planning and management. It is designed to develop practitioner knowledge and skill levels in this business critical management function, and provides a route into full membership of the BCI. For those who wish to develop their knowledge in considerably more depth, there is the MSc Business Continuity, Security and Emergency Management.

This programme runs part-time for 18 months through a combination of online learning and attendance at workshops at the University's High Wycombe Campus, and is designed to provide students with the high-level knowledge, confidence and capability to operate successfully in the modern business environment.

The University has a number of mature students who have begun the part-time master's degree in Business Continuity, Security and Emergency Management. Many of these students currently work in a range of business organisations and have decided to enrol on the course to get a step ahead and provide the crucial business continuity function that all companies need.

According to Phil Wood, Head of the Department of Security and Resilience, which delivers the MSc Business Continuity: "Business continuity planning allows organisations to be prepared for unknown eventualities and times of change. Its importance cannot be underestimated if organisations are to weather the storms that will undoubtedly be encountered during their lifespan. “The University is a leading provider of training in this field and we have designed a series of educational programmes which will suit the business continuity needs of all types and size of organisation. The challenges facing organisations continue to grow and it is often surprising to find, on close observation, how many such organisations don't have the knowledge, people or plans to deal with them. Those who study with us are required to demonstrate depth of knowledge and capability in this field, thus making them a huge asset for organisations that want to remain competitive in times of stress and in the demanding and dynamic operational environment."

For further details about the business continuity programmes available at Bucks New University, please go to bucks.ac.uk or call 0800 0565 660.

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An inspired choice of venue The Oakley Court Hotel has vast experience of hosting major conferences in stunning surroundings making it an inspired choice of venue. Hold your conference at Oakley Court and you’ll impress, captivate and inspire your delegates.

We guarantee the very best in service standards offering conference suites and executive boardrooms within a prestigious location. Our unique rooms range from original rooms in the Mansion House which are over 150 years old with high ceilings and original features, to a purpose built function room called The Boathouse on the banks of the River Thames.

It’s not only the picturesque riverside setting that creates the wow factor; extensive leisure facilities, fine dining and impeccable service all play their part in creating a memorable conference.

At A Glance UÊDedicated Meeting and Conference Coordinators UÊ virence facilities for up to 170

UÊ « i Ì>ry water UÊ Õ ÞÊÃÌ V i`ÊÃÌ>Ì iry kit UÊ1ÃiÊ vÊ i ÃÕre facilities for overnight

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delegates – indoor pool, gymnasium,

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tennis and 9 hole par 3 golf course

requirements

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The Oakley Court, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor SL4 5UR. 01753 609988 www.theoakleycourthotel.com

news

measuring results

business barometer

BDO launches the Q1 Thames Valley Business Barometer Following the commencement of the Business Barometer in 2012, BDO has launched the first of its quarterly surveys for 2013. This quarter the focus is on FINANCING THE BUSINESS AND FUNDING GROWTH. The Q4 Thames Valley Business Barometer published in January 2013 showed that economic confidence and business sentiment for the region as a whole had strengthened, after a clear levelling out in the previous quarter. However, there continued to be caution when respondents considered the performance of their own businesses, with lower expectations, especially when it came to profitability, and access to funding remained an issue for many.

On funding investment, Simon Brooker, partner and head of BDO in the Thames Valley commented: “The emphasis on the need for robustness is a marked change we’ve seen building over the year with a ‘flight to quality’ as those with finance to lend have a much clearer aversion to risk taking.”

This quarter, in addition to general economic

www.b4-business.com

confidence and business performance the barometer looks at funding structures within Thames Valley businesses. Are businesses looking for additional funding – and if so, what is available?

What options are there when it comes to funding for growth and is access to finance still a major issue?

TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY The Q1 barometer survey will close on 28th March 2013. To take part now, put THAMES VALLEY BUSINESS BAROMETER into your search engine.

This will take you through to the Barometer page on the BDO website where there is both an online survey and the option to download a hard copy of the survey to complete. Alternatively, contact karen.meenderink@bdo.co.uk for a link to the survey and also for a copy of the Q4 report.

NOMINATE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE PROFILED IN Q1 A selection of Thames Valley businesses have the opportunity to be profiled alongside the full survey

results, giving their own perspective on operating within the region. If you would like to nominate your business to be interviewed, please contact Karen for more information.

RESULTS IN MAY The report of the findings will be available in early May, and a review of the results will take place at the next Twenties Club breakfast meeting on 14th June 2013.

The BDO Thames Valley Business Barometer is a collaboration between BDO LLP and business network The Twenties Club, providing a quarterly snapshot of business and economic confidence in the Thames Valley. The results offer a compelling street-level view of business sentiment, helping to inform decisions on growth, investment and employment in the region.

For more details, please contact: Karen Meenderink Tel: 01189 254448 or Email: karen.meenderink@bdo.co.uk

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Oxfordshire is guaranteed to get everyone thinking Meet Oxfordshire is the first point of contact for anyone considering the county for a meeting, conference or event. Our services include free venue finding and accommodation bookings.

www.meetoxfordshire.com contact us now call 01608 731802 Follow us on Twitter @meetoxfordshire

B4 diary In Association with Buckinghamshire Business First

Event Organiser

OXFORDSHIRE

Venues

Date

Time

Event Details

Blackwell’s Examination Schools Rhodes House The Manor Hawkwell House

11th Apr 4th Jul 12th Sep 2nd Oct 21st Nov

6.00pm “ “ “ “

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

Bucks New University Aylesbury College The Compleat Angler

25th Jun TBC TBC

6.00pm TBC TBC

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

Oakley Court Hotel The Vineyard The Forbury Hotel

TBC 28th Aug 17th Oct

6.30pm 6.00pm 5-8pm

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

Royal Berkshire Conference Centre

16th Apr

9.00am

TVT&D will be exhibiting at ‘The Future of Berkshire Business’ Expo

9.00am

‘Barclays Cashflow Challenges Clinic’ in partnership with Buckinghamshire Business First - Aimed at helping small businesses understand the importance of managing and forecasting cashflow and how to do it successfully.

To book please visit: cashflow-challenges-clinic.eventbrite.com

11.00am

Undergraduate open day - find out more about Bucks New University's great range of undergraduate courses. Full details at: bucks.ac.uk/opendays

5.00pm

Postgraduate and professional open evening this event offers a great opportunity to find out about Bucks New University’s postgraduate and professional courses. Full details at bucks.ac.uk/openevenings

6.30pm

Buckinghamshire Ambassadors Enterprise Awards - Dedicated to recognising the achievements of companies in Bucks.

Honouring leadership, vision, innovation and strategic accomplishments. To book please visit: buckinghamshire-ambassadors.org

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

B E R K S H I R E

The Clare Charity Centre, Saunderton

Bucks New University, High Wycombe Campus

Bucks New University, High Wycombe Campus

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

27th Apr

27th Apr

1st May

23rd May

B4 Members can feature their events on this page, subject to availability – please get in touch for your complimentary listing.

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B4 SPOTLIGHT One education establishment leading the way in terms of apprenticeships and developing close working relationships between education and local businesses is Aylesbury College.

In support of National Apprenticeship Week, Aylesbury College hosted an important business breakfast, sponsored by The National Apprenticeship Service, which featured a comprehensive overview of how to recruit apprentices and young talent. The free event was supported by Buckinghamshire Business First, Aylesbury Vale District Council, Bucks County Council and local businesses. Guidance and best practice shared at the event covered areas such as how to fill skills gaps, improving the bottom line, motivating workforces, obtaining funding towards training costs, receiving contribution towards salary costs and benefiting from free vacancy matching services.

The event was also supported by Aylesbury Enterprise, a new initiative and brainchild of Aylesbury College’s latest recruit Director of Business and Curriculum Development, Tim Keighley. Aylesbury Enterprise has been launched as a further development in the College’s key business offering and is designed to ensure that the skills and qualifications employers have come to rely on are both current and job-relevant. As the business services arm of the College, Aylesbury Enterprise will work closely with a range of employers to help them grow, develop and reach their potential through cost-effective, results driven training and innovative business consulting. Aylesbury Enterprise will offer apprenticeships, business training as well as a hub for networking and business innovation.

DEVELOPING SKILLS VITAL FOR BUSINESS GROWTH Apprenticeships are back onto the media agenda this week as David Cameron pledges to make apprenticeships the ‘new norm’ for school leavers who decide against going to university. The Prime Minister has called on employers, educators and MPs to expand on apprenticeship roles for young people to meet this goal. This announcement coincided with the start of National Apprenticeship Week, an initiative designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy.

“I see great potential for growth for the College by working more closely to meet needs of local businesses”

Tim Keighley joins Aylesbury College from Wiltshire College and brings with him to the role a strong combination of senior business experience, teaching qualifications and Further Education experience. As Director of Business and Curriculum Development Tim will be focussed on developing a curriculum that meets the further education needs and wants of local businesses, including bespoke training courses, legislative training, diplomas and apprenticeships.

Commenting on his new role, Tim Keighley said: “I am very pleased to be working with the team at Aylesbury College. I see great potential for growth for the College by working more closely to meet needs of local businesses. Further education establishments don’t often look beyond the student population to see how they can help the wider community through learning and development, and this is the area I will be focussing on. I want employers to be using Aylesbury College as a one stop shop for learning and development, where we can deliver high quality training to their employees which will benefit their business.”

Under Tim’s guidance, Aylesbury College will be exploring the additional skills and learning that youngsters require to be employable, in addition to the curriculum, to ensure employers view them as truly work ready. It will also be encouraging employers to up-skill existing staff to maximise potential. Tim will be conducting meetings with many local businesses over the coming months to ascertain these education needs.

Tim’s skills come from a background of running successful food and leisure businesses for 12 years before retraining as a teacher in further education. As a teacher he specialised in maths, helping adults apply it to everyday business. It was during these times that Tim developed a passion for further education, and the role it could play in helping businesses retain and develop staff, improve profitability and business performance. Tim worked his way up through the ranks of Andover College before being head-hunted by Wiltshire College for the role of Director of Wiltshire Enterprise.

To find out more about Aylesbury Enterprise, please call us on: 01296 780224 or visit www.aylesburyenterprise.co.uk

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www.b4-business.com

news

Philippa Batting Managing Director Buckinghamshire Business First

Campaign to bring superfast broadband to Buckinghamshire has secured support of over 10,000 residents A campaign launched by Buckinghamshire Business First and Buckinghamshire County Council to support improvements in broadband coverage in parts of the county which don’t currently have access or suffer very slow connection speeds, has secured the support of over 10,000 residents in Buckinghamshire.

From town to town and even street to street, connection speeds vary significantly. Some of the areas which suffer from particular difficulties include • Large swathes of the Vale of Aylesbury • North and south of Amersham and Chesham • Rural areas in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Managing Director of Buckinghamshire Business First, Philippa Batting said: “We’re living in an increasingly digital society, with more and more services and information becoming available online all the time. The fact that so many people have signed up to this campaign demonstrates that people have realised the importance of securing better broadband for Bucks.”

Chris Rawson, Broadband Project Manager at Buckinghamshire Business First goes on to say: “Despite this great response, we still need more support.

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Securing better broadband for Bucks is a major priority and will significantly benefit the lives of people in the county. We would encourage people to take action to help us achieve our aims.”

Residents can check their current internet connection speed and register their interest in superfast broadband at www.superfastforbucks.org - it only takes a couple of minutes and doesn’t cost a penny.

By registering, residents will be helping Buckinghamshire Business First and Buckinghamshire County Council demonstrate to broadband service providers that there is strong demand for superfast connectivity in Buckinghamshire.

The campaign is backed by the Bucks-Herts Broadband Project, which will utilise public and private sector funding to invest in broadband across the county. This is expected to increase superfast broadband coverage to 90% of premises in Bucks by 2015, with work commencing later this year.

Twitter users can join in the conversation and help spread the word with #superfastforbucks www.bbf.uk.com

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SETTING SOCIAL MEDIA STANDARDS IN THE WORKPLACE Try as we might, it’s very hard to escape the clutches of social media. Whereas once the workplace was exactly that – a place to do work – today it seems you are just as likely to find employees tweeting away to their friends or posting pictures on Facebook, as opposed to doing something more productive.

Jo Davis, employment law partner at leading Buckinghamshire and Thames Valley law firm B P Collins LLP, takes a closer look at the issue of social media in the work environment and sets out some guidelines which can help.

“It’s really important for employers to ensure they have an effective social media policy in force and that staff are trained so they fully understand the rights and wrongs of what is allowed,” said Jo. “An effective written social media policy will restrict usage of social media websites within working hours, allows the employer to take disciplinary action regarding comments if necessary and avoid potential liability if the issue comes to court or an Employment Tribunal.”

And, while she says it’s impossible to restrict what employees do in their free time, if their actions have a negative impact on your business reputation, you can act.

In one case, explains Jo, a manager left his mobile phone unattended and colleagues posted a comment on his Facebook profile saying: “Finally came out of the closet. I am gay and proud.” The manager was upset, embarrassed and distressed because his family and friends could see the post. He was not gay and his colleagues knew he wasn’t.

He successfully claimed harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation against his employer, arguing that the comments were posted by his colleagues in the course of their employment, during working hours and involved dealings between staff and their manager.

“It is a defence to such claims if the employer has taken all reasonable steps to prevent the discriminatory act complained of. Employers are in a much better position to successfully claim this defence if they have a written social media policy, backed up by staff training, making it clear such actions are not allowed 22

and could result in disciplinary proceedings and dismissal,” said Jo. “The policy also needs to make it clear that discrimination on ground of sexual orientation can occur even if the target does not have the orientation alleged by the perpetrator and the perpetrator knows this.”

In another case, an Employment Tribunal ruled that an employee who made derogatory comments about her work and colleagues on Facebook was unfairly dismissed by her employer.

The employee was 'friends' on Facebook with current and ex work colleagues and also with staff from one of her employer's major clients, Volkswagen. She posted a comment saying 'I think I work in a nursery and I do not mean working with plants'. When an ex-colleague replied 'Ya, work with a lot of planks though!' she replied '2 true'.

“a written policy which gives clear guidelines to employees on what they can and cannot say about the company

”

The comments were visible to all her Facebook 'friends', including those from Volkswagen. Two of her colleagues, who were also 'friends', reported her to their employer.

The employer instigated its disciplinary procedure and she was eventually dismissed on grounds that her comments could potentially damage the employer's relationship with Volkswagen and its reputation.

The Tribunal ruled that the dismissal was unfair as it was not within the band of reasonable responses open to an employer.

This was because, among other reasons, the comments were relatively minor, the employer had no evidence to show if the relationship with Volkswagen had been damaged and, lastly, it had failed to consider an alternative option, such as demotion.

Jo continued: “Employers should make sure it is reasonable, in all the circumstances, to dismiss an employee for posting derogatory comments about their work on networking sites, taking into account factors such as the seriousness of the comments and who can see them.

“It also helps to set out specific penalties if there is a breach, rather than having to rely on more general grounds.”

She suggests a written policy which gives clear guidelines to employees on what they can and cannot say about the company; explains the company’s approach to issues, such as monitoring social media postings, and how disciplinary rules will be actioned.

Many businesses now encourage employees to use LinkedIn and Twitter to network with professional colleagues and clients but what happens if those individuals decide to jump ship and set up their own business or, perhaps worse still, join a competitor? Their LinkedIn and Twitter accounts are suddenly a valuable way for the departing employee to tell their professional contacts that they’ve left and where they can now be found.

“It’s all very well encouraging staff to be involved with clients online, but from a business and employment perspective, I would urge caution,” said Jo. “If you had an employee who was leaving and proactively wrote to clients to let them know where they were going, that would be considered solicitation.

“The fact that if they update their online www.b4-business.com

B4 LEAD

“Overall, the tide of social media complaints is increasing rapidly; complaints about crimes involving social media have risen by 780% over the last four years

”

profile, notification is automatically emailed to their contacts which can be very damaging to your business.”

Jo recommends companies consider if employment contracts need additional clauses instructing individuals to delink from existing professional contacts on termination of employment and can advise further on the topic.

Overall, the tide of social media complaints is increasing rapidly; complaints about crimes involving social media have risen by 780% over the last four years.

Recently, the Crown Prosecution Service laid out interim guidelines which aim to raise the threshold against which people can be prosecuted and help to protect online freedom of speech.

The guidelines are designed to create a balance between maintaining the law and protecting people's freedom of expression. It means only messages which pose valid threats of violence, constitute consistent harassment or break court orders could lead to prosecution under the new rules. Grossly offensive messages would only be prosecuted if they surpassed a particularly high threshold.

Jo concluded: “Clearly the nature of comments posted on social media sites will be very wideranging and people have the right to communicate in ways which some may find obnoxious or disagreeable.

Contact Jo Davis for advice on your employment law matters on 01753 278659 or email employmentlaw@bpcollins.co.uk.

Jo Davis, Employment law partner at B P Collins LLP

www.b4-business.com

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Photography: Andrew Gleed

“While only those at the higher end of the spectrum will now face prosecution, employees can still do a lot of damage to a brand’s reputation and cause offence to others if they are allowed to do so.

Having a social media policy in place ensures employers can act promptly to redress the situation.”

B4 BBF

“I would encourage all businesses in the local area to join Buckinghamshire Business First. It’s an important resource which exists to support local businesses and encourage economic growth

”

GUY L ACHLAN B B JOINS

UCKINGHAMSHIRE

USINESS FIRST

Guy Lachlan is the latest addition to the Buckinghamshire Business First board. Guy owns and operates Jones & Cocks, a retail hardware and gas supply company founded in Aylesbury in 1899, serving commercial and domestic customers around Aylesbury Vale. The company's subsidiary, Classic Oils Ltd, sells specialist lubricants and related products to the classic car, motorcycle and steam engine market, primarily through online sales.

Prior to acquiring Jones & Cocks in 2009, Guy pursued a career in aviation, firstly with Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge, and then internationally with Honeywell in Phoenix, Arizona, and then Prague in the Czech Republic from where he ran their European Business Aviation Aftermarket business. After leaving Honeywell in 2007, Guy relocated to Buckinghamshire where he served as Chief Executive of a national trade association responsible for representing the interests of Business Aviation in the UK. Guy and his wife Claire bought Jones & Cocks in 2009 in order to enjoy a more local and familyorientated working life. They have three young children who attend school in Waddesdon and who occasionally help out with the business. Guy has an HND in Mechanical Engineering from Oxford Polytechnic.

Guy explains why he joined Buckinghamshire Business First and how he hopes to use his position on the board to support local business.

‘I joined Buckinghamshire Business First in 2010 after running my business for a year. I was particularly interested in the organisation's commitment to representing the views and needs of businesses in the county. It is vital for the private

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sector to be represented in Parliament and Buckinghamshire Business First has become an influential organisation doing just that.

‘My own reasons for joining the Buckinghamshire Business First board are threefold. Many of my customers are small manufacturers - the ‘thinkers’ and ‘doers’ - and they aren’t often well represented in the business community. My aim is to encourage these businesses, which are the lifeblood of the UK manufacturing industry and indeed the local economy, to get more involved in business groups and make sure their voices are represented within Government. To really survive and thrive, these companies need to work together to ensure they get the support they need.

‘Bucks is a great place to do business, with what I consider to have the best infrastructure in the country, with great transport links and a can-do attitude.

‘Localism gives us a great opportunity, but we have to make sure that it doesn't become nimbyism. To ensure growth in the county we should give new housing and industrial developments the consideration they deserve rather than dismissing them out of hand. We also need to ensure that new developments are planned to benefit the business community and that they include space

for businesses to grow.

‘This would also help keep young people in Bucks, since house prices in the area do mean that it’s more difficult for them to get on the property ladder and they move away. We need to encourage the next generation to remain in Bucks but at present the prohibitive cost of housing is forcing them to look elsewhere to establish their careers and start their families. These young people are after all the future lifeblood of our local economy.

‘I would encourage all businesses in the local area to join Buckinghamshire Business First. It’s an important resource which exists to support local businesses and encourage economic growth. I believe that the priorities for the area are to further improve transport infrastructure, such as the local roads, support the creative industries, which are, after all, what the success of Bucks was built on and the school system, which offers opportunities that truly benefit our young people.’

‘I am delighted to have joined the board of Buckinghamshire Business First and hope that I will be able to represent the views of the local manufacturing industry to help them get the support they need on both a national and local basis.’ www.bbf.uk.com

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B4 BBF

Iain Stewart MP for Milton Keynes South, Graham Botham Principal Strategic Planner, Network Rail, Cllr Peter Hardy - Buckinghamshire County Council – Chair of the East West Rail Joint Delivery Board (Western section) and Cabinet member for Planning and Transportation for Buckinghamshire County Council and David Sexton - Rail Strategy Manager, Department for Transport.

EAST WEST RAIL

When it comes to trains, East West Rail is where everyone’s focus should be, and ours certainly is at BTVLEP. Each new multi million pound rail development is justified with the same benefits – there will be ‘more services running, shorter journey times, better connections, improved services, reduced congestion on the roads, financial benefits for all.’ But it is rare to see a business case for a railway that promises to deliver on every one of these benefits as convincingly as East West Rail.

That is why BTVLEP, along with Buckinghamshire Business First and business groups all with the hope of an ever more prosperous Buckinghamshire in their hearts, are supporting these plans with gusto.

The economic case for East West Rail is impressive –up to 12,000 more jobs, an increased annual regional GDP by £38m and £17m a year more in tax revenue to the Exchequer. This brings real value for money for the £500m total investment into the

project. Given the locations East West Rail will serve and the great use commuters will get from it, East West Rail has an unprecedented Benefit to Cost ratio of 6.3 to 1 – and is expected to operate without public subsidy within five years of opening.

But put that to one side and it still sounds good when you boil it down to how much easier and more pleasant travel will be for people just looking to get around. Better connections will enable rail travel between Oxford and Bedford in just one hour – half the time it takes to make the journey by road – with stops at a new station for Winslow. The Marylebone to Aylesbury service will be extended to Milton Keynes, with an interchange at Winslow to connect to stations between Oxford and Bedford. Sweet relief for those tired of long, congested journeys by road or the inconvenient commute into London just to get back out again.

The new rail journey and reduced journey times within the region – and beyond – will make

Buckinghamshire an even more attractive place for existing and new business to be located.

The East West Rail line won’t carve up a lot of protected countryside either, as many of the upcoming improvements will see mothballed or underused rail lines being re-commissioned. Tracks will be upgraded between Oxford and Bicester, and Aylesbury and Claydon Junction, and disused track between Claydon Junction and Bletchley will be reconstructed. And a brand new station at Winslow will benefit the town and surrounding villages.

These improvements to the rail network will substantially boost the efficiency and productivity of the county.

So roll on 2017 for the start of East West Rail services; we are eagerly awaiting the first arrival!

Visit www.eastwestrail.org.uk to stay informed

Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP) Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP) is a business-led ‘partnership of equals’ between local government and the private sector, building the conditions for sustainable economic growth in Buckinghamshire.

The engine that drives BTVLEP is Buckinghamshire Business First, a not-for profit enterprise with a 26

wholly private sector board that is open to every Buckinghamshire business to join for free.

It is our ambition to ensure all business leaders are kept informed and have a say in the direction of the local economy. To that end, we will bring you information in each edition of B4 this year about

infrastructure projects supported by BTVLEP and BBF that will bring economic benefits to our county, the Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain.

Alex Pratt, Chairman Buckinghamshire Business First & BTVLEP. www.buckstvlep.co.uk www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES

BOXING CLEVER Whilst we live in a digital age, most businesses and organisations still need to keep paper records - space and security issues can be a real problem, unless you find a friendly local document archiving and secure destruction Company who can file away your problems and securely destroy confidential paperwork when it is no longer needed.

Owner David Coulton

“If it fits in a box we are happy to store it, as long as it’s not perishable or dangerous! We already have firms storing dental moulds, stationery supplies, marketing material and equipment among other items

”

Despite talk of the paperless office there is no let up in the paper trail generated by businesses and organisations. As we all should be well aware, for operational and statutory reasons records must be kept safely and securely for many years: ‘Even if you are a voluntary group,” says David Coulton, owner of The Archive Centre, “you will probably have several boxes of documents to look after. Everyone has the same problem - where do you keep these papers, so that they are safe and secure, yet easily accessed? Document archiving is a simple, efficient, secure and cost effective service with many returning to retaining paper records rather than digitising or using self-storage.”

back when they only need a file from each?”

Founded in 1999, the company is owned and run

by David Coulton, wife Ruth and son Andy supported by an experienced team of staff. As an ISO9001 approved company clients can be confident that all aspects of the business and procedures are quality assured.

“We supply a good quality archive box at minimal cost, but customers can supply their own if they prefer and the boxes are suitable. It doesn’t have to be paperwork in the boxes either. If it fits in a box we are happy to store it, as long as it’s not perishable or dangerous! We already have firms storing dental moulds, stationery supplies, marketing material and equipment among other items! Whatever your storage needs it is well worth discussing your requirements with us”

The company has a large, secure, heated warehouse full of racking and boxes, providing archiving services for all types and sizes of organisations: from playgroups and village shops, who may only have five or ten boxes, to firms of solicitors with anything from 100 to several thousand boxes, accountants, public bodies and a lot of private healthcare firms. The care and education sectors requirement for the secure retention of confidential information has become increasingly apparent and a key growth area.

In addition to the storage and management aspects, the company offers an impressive retrieval and delivery service. The client is not restricted to retrieving whole boxes when only single files are needed; The Archive Centre’s services can include the picking out of single files: “Even if a client wanted 20, 30 or more files and they were stored within equally many different boxes, we could find the files you specified and deliver them to you,” says David. “Many other archives would only be able to deliver the whole box, which is not as convenient – who wants 20, 30 or more boxes

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“We charge a matter of pence per month per box for storage. Self-storage units are not an inexpensive storage solution – three new clients have just moved to The Archive Centre from selfstorage and are saving substantial amounts on their storage costs. Similarly, digitising is not necessarily a cheaper option – for a recent new accountancy client the comparison was done - retaining paper files was far less expensive. There are no administration or take-in fees and no charges for collection into store. We charge just a simple single all inclusive fee per trip for retrieval/deliveries which includes return to store collection when the client is finished with the paperwork.”

“If a client is obliged to keep records for a certain period, such as financial information, we can monitor the dates and then securely destroy the data when the time comes – we then provide a Certificate of Destruction.”

“You don’t have to archive with us to use our secure destruction services,” says David, “but you’d be unlikely to find anywhere that offered a better secure destruction service at such reasonable rates!”

Why use The Archive Centre? Service, Cost and Security are obviously key factors when deciding upon which archiving or secure destruction service to use. Our 2012 customer survey reports 99% rating our services as ‘Excellent’ and 1% as ‘Good’ We will always aim not to be beaten on price. www.thearchivecentre.com

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This priority has been celebrated recently with two notable achievements.

First, in May 2012 Fish were presented with the Gold award from Investors in People, while in November the firm took home the Best Employer award at the British Accountancy Awards 2012.

“Our prime objective is to provide a great service to our clients and the best way for us to deliver this is for us to make sure our staff are properly looked after,” said partner Martin Sheehy.

“Feedback from our award successes tells us that all our staff enjoy working for The Fish Partnership. This is evidenced by our high level of personal commitment by every member of the team, the very low level of staff turnover and the long length of service of many of the team here.”

So what is the secret to Fish’s success?

“We have a business structure which builds and maintains a highly selfmotivated team and in which everyone is encouraged to contribute and are rewarded for good results,” said Martin.

“Our prime objective is to provide a great service to our clients and the best way for us to deliver this is for us to make sure our staff are properly looked after

”

individual staff member when I am managing them and I have to be understanding and flexible in communicating and discussing what needs to be done,” said Martin.

“Without exception, everyone receives an equal opportunity to learn – it is vital for us that they do.”

Maintaining a good work-life balance is also critical to keeping employees happy.

There is a clearly stated strategy in place in Fish’s Business Plan which gives an undertaking by partners to “ensure working commitments allow for a good work-life balance” and a great deal of effort goes into trying to ensure that on a day-to-day basis, work-life balance strategies embrace this overarching pledge, mainly through flexible working.

“We have stayed very busy throughout the year so we haven’t had the troughs,” said Paul.

“Our work life balance strategies include that everyone must take their holidays or even defer and still have entitlement to them. We also make sure we give time off when family concerns arise.

“Ensuring that our employees have a good work-life balance helps keep the energy, commitment and enthusiasm at high levels, so everyone maintains the motivation to achieve the best possible results for our clients.”

The firm also encourages its staff to get involved in helping the local community, particularly at local schools where staff have been involved in numerous activities over many years.

“We have put in place an exceptional training programme that offers excellent career development opportunities but most of all, we try and involve staff as much as possible in planning the firm’s overall strategy.

The nature of the firm and its staff is very much one of total professionalism in the traditional accountancy and financial sector. Nevertheless, employees are well rewarded for the contribution each makes to the practice.

“All our people have a great deal of client contact and from this we learn a lot about our clients’ priorities and needs. By then involving the whole team in setting our future objectives, we can make sure that everything we do is focused towards meeting our clients’ requirements.

“Our focus is our clients and our reward and recognition strategies, including the team building ones and various social events, encourage everyone to work

“Involving all staff in decision making ensures we all play a part in setting our goals and objectives and this helps strengthen each individual’s motivation to do their job well and consequently improves client service and relationships.

This strategy has seen us lose very few clients during the recession and the overall client base has continued to grow year on year.”

the energy, commitment and enthusiasm at high levels, so everyone maintains the motivation to achieve the best possible results for our clients

Training and development is an important priority for The Fish Partnership. The firm has a highly structured approach to training which includes access to a wide range of courses for all staff members, irrespective of what role they fulfil in the practice. In-house training and mentoring is also an integral part of the firm’s development activities.

“We have created a culture of continuous learning. This is one of the expectations clearly laid out within the Business Plan which says that everyone should take individual responsibility for their training and development. We also expect everyone to take themselves out of their comfort zone and seek personal development and improvement – to aim high,” said fellow partner Paul Laird.

Partners at the firm ensure there is equality of opportunity and everyone is supported in the same way. The firm has a system of yearly appraisals with an additional six monthly review for students together with a comprehensive induction for new staff and for those picking up new responsibilities.

“a good work-life balance helps keep

”

as a team and ensure that the service to the client is delivered seamlessly. So it is all linked to our business strategy,” said Martin.

“We benchmark salaries against the marketplace and there is also a staff bonus scheme which is geared to a number of key performance criteria. We also have incentives for staff who bring in a new client, while there is also a reward scheme for our students’ exam success.”

“We also have a long service award, meals out to recognise effort and there are many other things we do to reward and recognise effort, including simply saying ‘Thank you’ for something done well.”

There are also support mechanisms in place when people need them with specific support and flexibility in place where there has been a long term illness or bereavement.

By providing the right training and rewards programmes, staff members at the Fish Partnership are motivated to contribute to and engage with the long-term strategy of the firm. As a result staff motivation is strong and every employee enjoys extremely high levels of work satisfaction which all helps to contribute to the firm’s continued success.

“I recognise the different priorities, experience and length of service of each

www.fishpartnership.co.uk

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B4 ADVICE

SUCCESS: Paul Laird and Martin Sheehy (centre) pick up the Best Employer Award at the British Accountancy Awards from comedian Stephen K Amos and Peter Burke from Best Employers

EMPLOYEE CARE IS TOP PRIORITY FOR AWARD WINNING ACCOUNTANTS

Keeping their employees happy has always been a key focus for High Wycombe-based chartered accountants The Fish Partnership.

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GROWING YOUR BUSINESS AND SEEKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

THROUGH LEARNING MORE

ABOUT YOUR CUSTOMERS. Part 5 of the story of Modern Direct Marketing. The who, what, where and why of testing. Information sourcing to help you deliver stronger results again and again.

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B4 SERVICES

“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”

Voltaire

Sir Francis Bacon said “Knowledge is power.”

We know this is true, and what we also know to be true is that the more you know about your customers the more likely you can sell to them. Also, the more you test the more likely it is that your results will improve – small changes can make significant differences to your profitability.

A test is an experiment. It has an aim, a method, results and conclusion. Everything should be documented clearly. Any statistical analysis needs to be compared, understood and rationalised.

Direct Mail is without doubt the best way to find out knowledge about your customers and your product, how it is perceived and what the best price for it is. We call it A/B or split testing. Split down your customers with 2 or more different offers or changes of copy.

You don’t need fancy software, complex features, or advanced algorithms; you do need common sense and to follow a few basic rules. Below are some invaluable rules to consider when testing.

Every test should start with a question - a short sentence that summarises what you’re trying to prove and should include a success metric that determines the result. Your question could be “What price will increase my conversion rate and profitability?" which defines the parameters of the test and focuses on the test variable (price increase) and its effect on the result.

In A/B testing we test one variable at a time. This means that everything else must stay constant. For example, if you test a price change all other information must be the same – copy and creative, response time, call to action, etc. If anything else is different between the two versions, your results won't be conclusive because you won’t be able to tell the success of one version to one specific variable. A/B testing doesn’t mean that you create 2 completely different approaches it just means that you have one variable to test at a time.

Before you run the test, decide how you’re going to measure success. This is important and really has to correlate with the question you are trying to answer. Keeping it simple is the best advice we can offer here, you need to make sure that simple answers give rise to simple problems to solve. The complexity of results should come from the number of individual questions asked – price, products bundled together, headline copy changes, or an additional message for instance on the envelope or call to action - use your knowledge, gut instinct and experience to guide you.

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For a successful test you have to have enough volume to make the data statistically significant.

The volume needed isn’t just in the test groups, but also in the results and the difference between them. Ideally the larger number in a test the more you can rely upon the results.

For example, if you run a test and send it to 5,000 people and your success metric is calls to order, or credit card purchases, the volume you need to achieve should be on the number of calls and the difference between the results as a percent of the size of the test.

Volume should be applied not just to the overall size of the test but also to the test group. You can decide to do an even split between the control and test groups (50/50) or apply an uneven split of up to 70/30.

If you have a variable that you are confident in its success, apply a small, uneven split (80/20) to the test. This way you don’t harm your overall performance whilst still pushing your knowledge forward. If you start a test without a clear start point, start the first test with a 50:50 split. It is always better to start to test the variables of headline copy or price first. If you break into a new market, you need to reapply the tests treating the new market with the same rigour as your existing market.

Since you’re only testing one variable, you want to eliminate the variables in the audience selection process. Your control and test groups should be picked randomly from certainties of behaviour. A random sample allows all subjects an equal probability of being selected. Don’t apply processes that will skew your results like demographic or socio-economic grouping. These are selections that should be tested separately and shouldn’t be used to build your random test groups.

And when you’ve done it, you have to do it again, and again, and again… your results will improve, you will make more money and your ability to grow will be enhanced.

As we said “Knowledge is power.”

Need help ? call 01494 539300 and ask for David Amor and he will assist your search for significant improvement. www.firstmove.co.uk

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B4 BBF

CELEBRATING BUSINESS IN BUCKS The Buckinghamshire Ambassadors’ Awards Start in Style. Cliveden Country House Hotel was the prestigious venue for the launch of the Bucks Ambassadors’ Awards on 26 February.

The event saw winners past and present mingle with sponsors and some of Bucks’ leading entrepreneurs and members of the Bucks Ambassadors.

Awards, organised by Buckinghamshire Business First, are Bucks’ leading business awards and this year, will be held at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre on 23 May 2013.

Marion Clayton, President of Bucks Ambassadors and Chair of Buckinghamshire County Council (pictured top right) introduced the event and talked about the importance of entrepreneurship in the county and she was followed by brief talks by Chris Williams, Chief Executive of Buckinghamshire County Council, Tony Laurenson, Bucks Ambassador and CEO of Global Infusion Group and Alex Pratt, Chair of Buckinghamshire Business First.

Sponsors of the awards include Pinewood Studios, Coms Plc., The Share Centre, The Bucks Free Press, Ringway Jacobs, Mix 96, Buckinghamshire County Council, Wycombe District Council, Four Group and The Bucks Herald and categories include Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Rural Business of the Year and Green Business of the Year.

The Buckinghamshire Ambassadors’ Enterprise www.b4-business.com

Philippa Batting, Managing Director of Buckinghamshire Business First is delighted by the response to this year’s awards:

‘We have been overwhelmed by the response to this year’s awards and we have seen a very high standard of entries from very successful and ambitious businesses, all of whom back up our status as the ‘entrepreneurial heart of Britain’. The launch event was very successful and we’re looking forward to the Bucks Ambassadors Awards now in May.’ Tickets are now available to purchase for the Buckinghamshire Ambassadors' Enterprise Awards Ceremony and Dinner on the 23rd May 2013 at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury. Visit www.bbf.uk.com or call 01494 568 976.

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CAUSE FOR ALARM AT HOME!

Broadcaster Michael Barratt investigates methods of enhancing domestic security. There’s no place like home – your home – in the eyes of a burglar, especially if you live in a wealthy neighbourhood or perhaps in a fairly secluded spot out of town.

Yet business managers who properly insist on sophisticated security measures for their commercial or industrial premises often pay less attention to the need for professional protection for their own homes which may be unoccupied through many hours during the day and, of course, when the family goes away on holiday.

outstanding levels of service with excellent customer support, choose to keep it simple and ensure the customer fully understands what they are purchasing and can expect to receive.

If your home is within the Thames Valley, there’s a service available to you through the trusted specialists, Risk Management Security Services.

bear in mind that RISK have a special relationship with the Thames Valley police force”

Keyholding and Alarm Response provides fully-trained, licensed and vetted officers who’ll deal with any need from the simple reset of an alarm system to a call-out in the event of a potentially dangerous situation.

As I’ve reported in these pages before, RISK boasts an ultramodern Control Centre which is in operation round the clock, 365 days a year. If there is an alarm activation from a home, an officer from the Patrol and Response team will immediately be dispatched to the premises where a thorough check of the building will be carried out and the necessary action taken. If it’s a false alarm, the officer will communicate with the Alarm Receiving Centre and reset the system having identified what caused the alarm to trigger. If there’s been a break-in, arrangements will be made for boarding up windows and doors as necessary – after liaising with the police.

In my experience, choosing a security service for the home can be a daunting task. There are too many companies to choose from and a plethora of different charges as well as industry jargon that can baffle the lay person. RISK, whilst providing

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“It’s important, I think, to

As for the cost of their services, there’s a wide range from which to choose when you’re protecting your home. It simply depends on the extent of protection you need: There’s a range of service levels from a basic annual retainer each year plus a call-out fee of £35 and £25 to a fully inclusive “Platinum” service embracing a long list of “extras” such as out-of-hours boarding and lock changing for £675.00 a year.

For more information please take a look at their website – www.riskmanagementsecurity.co.uk or email them at sales@riskmanagementsecurity.co.uk or call them on 01494 441 805 or 535 830.

You could, of course, visit them to see their Control Centre, talk to one of the team – and even ask them to show you round their new onsite apartments! – at The Old Courthouse, Hughenden Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 5DT.

www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES

www.b4-business.com

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SOCIAL MEDIA GETTING UNDERNEATH THE NUMBERS Social Media is the biggest shift the business world has seen since the industrial revolution. Whilst many are engaged and use social media on a daily basis, others are being left behind. We are at the start of this new business revolution and there are plenty of well respected business leaders that are struggling to see how social media can actually work for their business. This month we speak to Elton Boocock of Urban Media to get under the numbers and provide some practical examples of how social media is already working.

Before we get into some examples, what is the current state of Social Media?

OK, as we stand today, there are still in my mind three big players. Twitter has 34 million UK users, Facebook has 33 million UK users and Linked in has 11 million UK users. These numbers are at the start of 2013 and of course they grow daily. After the big three, there are the likes of Google+, Pinterest and Instagram. Then, there are a stream of others that many will not have heard of. YouTube is also used by a lot of people as a social network, so you could throw that into the mix too. If you generally categorise the big three as Facebook being B2C, LinkedIn being B2B and Twitter bridging the two, this is a crude evaluation, but a simplistic starting point.

With these big numbers, the case for using social media is very compelling, but where do you start?

The first step is to work out where your clients (existing and potential) are. And also, where they may be open to hearing from you! With over 50% of the UK adult population on Facebook, there is no doubt that your clients are on there, but what are they doing? If they are using leisure time and sharing their personal life, do they really want to hear about your 'engineering' (replace as applicable) services at that point in their day? Basically, find an appropriate time and place to share your message. Consumer brands do well on Facebook and professional services do well on LinkedIn. The social media sceptics among us would take that as good reason to avoid social media altogether.

This is true. The true sceptic will avoid social media until it is too late. Remember, a lot of businesses did not adapt to the industrial

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revolution either. I believe though that the vast majority of those who are currently 'sceptical', just need to be shown how it is already working for others. One of my favourite examples is so easy for any company to follow. It works especially well for local businesses. The example is 'Be the real news'. Now this could be industry news or local news. I have a great example of how this has been done well in my town.

“The main thing is,

don't just ignore social media. It isn't a fad and we are just at the beginning, so you have not missed the boat�

One small local business decided to use its Facebook page to report on the snowfall. Yes, just that. Our town is large and hilly. Some areas are hit before others, some areas hit worse than others. As they started to report the snow falling where they were, and others chipped in to add to the conversation, all with photos, this new 'service' became more accurate than any weather forecast. It was live. It was real. Now, you could say that this was a waste of time because it didn't directly help them to sell more of their gardening services. But now with 1800 people actually adding to the report and following more than just snowfall, this company; Manor Estates, have become the go to people for what is happening in High Wycombe. To sponsor this activity would costs hundreds and possibly thousands. They get that for free! Now if I want gardening services, where will I go?

That's a great story for a local business, but what about bigger businesses?

There are many success stories about larger businesses. What I find more exciting is the way social media can help these businesses turn bad situations around. It used to be that if a customer had a bad experience, and let's face it, the more customers you serve, the more this can happen, they would tell family, friends, colleagues and anyone who would listen. Now, they resort to social media. Depending how you look on this will decide whether you feel this is better or worse than what we had before. I say it is better. Imagine having the opportunity to put things right in public where everyone else gets to see that you are good guys. After all, even the best businesses drop the ball. People care more about how you respond when the ball has been dropped. It is not quite the old no publicity is bad publicity, but responded to correctly, you are getting a platform to demonstrate superior customer service.

These are great examples, but clearly there is a lot more to it than this. If someone wanted to take their first steps, what can they do?

Fortunately, there are a lot of social media 'experts' that know the value of sharing their knowledge. Now you have to sift through and don’t just join a social network because someone suggests you should. Look for the reason and have a plan. There is a lot of training both in person and online learning available. You could also look at my eltonboocock.com website where I provide a lot of free help and advice.

The main thing is, don't just ignore social media.

It isn't a fad and we are just at the beginning, so you have not missed the boat. The boat hasn't even fired its engines, let alone set sail. www.urbanmedia.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 MARKETING

www.b4-business.com

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“our would be competitors took the opportunity to increase their prices to customers from the start of the New Year, we chose not to increase our prices, therefore in effect handing our customers a reduction as a reward for their business

�

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www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES

LEADING THE WAY IN NATIONWIDE, NEXT DAY DELIVERY AND VALUE Paul Milbourn of London & Counties Office Supplies explains to B4’s Richard Rosser how businesses can make immediate and meaningful savings without in any way compromising on quality or service.

Importantly, while most of our would be competitors took the opportunity to increase their prices to customers from the start of the New Year, we chose not to increase our prices, therefore in effect handing our customers a reduction as a reward for their business.

How can we do this you may ask? The reason is quite simple. Our buying group collectively sells in excess of £400 million annually and as a result of this buying power, we are able to secure competitive and long term contracts with our suppliers which we then pass on directly to our customers.

The benefit to prospective customers looking to not only improve the level of services they receive from their current supplier but also to have peace of mind about their pricing, is that they can rest assured that the prices we quote them will not change during 2013 or indeed into 2014.

This is particularly helpful to busy CEO’s, Finance Directors, business owners and facilities managers. This approach provides pricing stability, enabling accurate budget forecasting, not only on their office supplies but also a host of other products including toners, catering & janitorial supplies, office furniture & business seating, printing and promotional merchandise, all of which we supply at very competitive rates.

www.b4-business.com

Taking into account the environment, which is a growing concern for many businesses nowadays, London & Counties take great pride in offering a very extensive range of environmentally friendly alternatives to those that people have bought historically. Being ISO 14001 accredited ourselves, we naturally strive to reduce our own carbon footprint. In September last year, we introduced recyclable packaging cartons in which we deliver our

“In September last year, we introduced recyclable packaging cartons in which we deliver our customers orders, the benefit being that these can be re-used up to four times, reducing our packaging use by no less than 75%

”

customers orders, the benefit being that these can be re-used up to four times, reducing our packaging use by no less than 75%. Our customers love these recyclable cartons and they were very quick to take advantage of our scheme which reduced their waste because they simply hand them back to our driver when their next order is delivered.

part way to free up cash for businesses to spend by reducing corporation tax a long way ahead in the future, it is surely the case that most businesses would have preferred to benefit by having that extra cash now. In contrast, at London & Counties we can help these businesses to reduce their costs immediately, not only on product but in many other ways.

Inertia often leads to many buyers simply automatically continuing to buy the same product time after time - for no particular reason other than because they always have. But such behaviour comes at a price and means that they may simply not be aware that at London & Counties we have a range of our own brand products that compete very favourably with the brand leaders. Not to single out any manufacturer in particular, they all have to build their marketing costs into the final price of the products they offer but their customers have to pay for that. That is not the case with us, so we can offer similarly high quality, fit for purpose alternatives that often cost a fraction in comparison. When tendering for office supplies business, we can offer our own brand as an alternative and the price differentials can be truly eye-watering.

To find out how to reduce your spend on business critical, must have office products, contact Paul Milbourn on 01494 791221 or drop an e-mail to paul@lacosltd.co.uk We guarantee that our response will be quick, painless and fruitful. www.lacosltd.co.uk

I feel that I should make a comment on the Chancellor’s budget because although it went

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Photography: Andrew Gleed

Assisted by our presence in B4 Buckinghamshire, we have started off with a very good set of trading results for the first quarter of 2013. This was due not only to an excellent level of customer retention, showing how well we look after our regular established Clients, but also to a good number of new accounts coming on board.

B4 SPOTLIGHT

“Ultimate Car Control is now the emerging leader in its field and is setting new standards in driver training and road safety”

After completing a hugely successful international motor-racing career Robb has used the experience he gained on track to develop the most effective driver training platform in existence. Having won over a hundred races and eleven championships in a professional career spanning sixteen years Robb founded Ultimate Car Control in 2001.

Driver Encoded Knowledge Having spent more than five years developing and trialling the programmes that now make up the company’s core offering, Robb is confident that Ultimate Car Control is now the emerging leader in its field and is setting new standards in driver training and road safety.

From the company’s operational base at the world famous Transport Research Laboratory in Crowthorne, Ultimate Car Control runs regular courses for people of all ages, both genders and all demographics aimed at improving the driver’s ability and saving the lives of people of Berkshire and the rest of the country.

With a fleet of new Volvo and Jaguar cars, Robb and his team of highly trained professional instructors deliver bespoke driver training courses to

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IF YOU HAVE TO THINK...

IT’S TOO LATE

Berkshire born resident, and British motorsport legend Robb Gravett has spent a decade creating what today is the only fully compliant, track based advanced driver training company in the country.

individuals and companies at any of twelve sites across the country.

Courses available include: DEK – Driver Encoded Knowledge: Superior car control for drivers of high performance motor cars EPD – Excellence in Professional Driving: The most innovative educational fleet driver training programme in existence DEK Inspiration: The ultimate dynamic driver training experience in the country DX – Drive Xtra: The shape of things to come for young and inexperienced drivers Ultimate Car Control also has a series of specialized courses focusing on the needs of high profile people and their families, for overseas visitors and diplomats, for chauffeurs and close protection officers and will tailor courses to suit the specific needs of the individual.

Audited accident reduction rates of nearly 50% are justification that what Robb has created really works! This coupled with reduced insurance premiums, a reduction in vehicle running and repair costs means that Ultimate Car Control is having a profound effect on business in these difficult economic times.

B4 Berkshire As an active B4 member Ultimate Car Control is delighted to offer its services to our fellow B4 colleagues for all their driver training and business compliance needs.

A complimentary risk assessment audit for B4 members will identify the issues that need to be addressed by each individual company.

Thereafter Ultimate Car Control will provide a full service offering at special discounted rates available exclusively to B4 members.

ACT on the ACT Are you concerned about your exposure to the Corporate Manslaughter Act? If so act on the act today and call Ultimate Car Control for advice.

Robb Gravett and his team are ready to speak to B4 Members about their driver training needs and invite you to call us for advice and assistance.

Contact us on: 0845 459 1002 or email: enquiries@ultimatecarcontrol.com or visit our website: www.ultimatecarcontrol.com

www.b4-business.com

B4 BBF

“One of the most important things that Buckinghamshire Business First offers its members is the networking opportunities”

ON BOARD

Lisa Williams, Managing Director of John Lewis grew up in Buckinghamshire and now lives in Little Kimble. Lisa joined the board of Buckinghamshire Business First earlier this year and here, explains why she took the role and how the business community benefits from the work of the organisation.

‘Another thing that I believe is unique to the county is the strong relationship between the business community and the local MPs who are very supportive of local enterprise and really listen to the views of business groups, particularly BBF. ‘Here in Buckinghamshire we also have an www.b4-business.com

excellent education system. I was educated in Buckinghamshire and so I have particular respect for the school system and at John Lewis we actively support local schools by working with them to ensure we give something back to the local community. Buckinghamshire Business First is also committed to helping young people in the area with initiatives such as its 100 in 100 scheme, which encouraged businesses to pledge to take on an apprentice. This benefits both businesses and young people and the organisation is dedicated to giving young people in the area the best opportunities it can.

‘One of the most important things that Buckinghamshire Business First offers its members is the networking opportunities. The reason that Bucks has such a strong business community is because they get the chance to meet and interact with other businesses and entrepreneurs in the area. Buckinghamshire Business First holds a vast number of events throughout the year, from training sessions on finance and PR to the annual Ambassadors’ Awards’ right through to events at venues such as the Houses of Parliament and the Speaker’s House. The most recent addition to the

schedule is the series of Athene lectures which are due to start in 2013 and will see well known speakers visit the area and share their experiences and encourage debate about entrepreneurship.

‘To other businesses in the area I would say if you’re not a member of Buckinghamshire Business First, why not? It’s a fantastic organisation which offers the opportunity to meet some the county’s leading business people, take advantage of expert business advice sessions and even use the free Hub which gives access to free meeting space and meeting room facilities. We are the leading voice of business in Bucks and here to represent the interests of the business community, so I would urge anyone serious about the success of their organisation and the county to join. There’s nothing to lose.’

For more information on Buckinghamshire Business First and to join, visit www.bbf.uk.com/register-today or call: 01494 568937 or e mail us: info@bbf.uk.com

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Photography: Andrew Gleed

‘I joined Buckinghamshire Business First in 2012 after being appointed Managing Director of John Lewis High Wycombe. When I began working in the area, I was immediately struck by the sense of support from the business community in the area. I have worked in eight other branches of John Lewis in my career, but have never come across the same can-do attitude in any of the other areas I’ve worked in and this drive and determination is what makes Buckinghamshire so successful, and the breeding ground for so many successful businesses. There is a strong determination to help other businesses and people are very giving of their time to support local initiatives.

Businesses here are dedicated to ensuring the county maintains its title of the ‘Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain’.

The correlation between people and profit is now recognised to an extent that the phrase Human Capital has been widely adopted within the HR (Human Resources) industry. More is expected of the HR function than ever before.

Historically an administrative role, HR is now charged with enabling growth, increasing productive and profitability. But managing people is fraught with difficulties. People are unique, often unpredictable and making sure you employ and retain the right people can be a minefield. Get it right and employees will play a significant role in sustaining competitive advantage, get it wrong and you can be looking at costly litigation and damage to internal relationships leading to poor productivity, both of which ultimately affect the bottom line.

Recent statistics from surveys undertaken by The CIPD, ‘Britain’s Top Employers’ and work reported in the Economist and the Harvard Business Review highlight the benefits of getting it right:

• Each staff member that must be replaced incurs an extra cost of between half and one times their salary

Labour Turnover

• The mean annual cost of sickness absence is £673 per employee. Indirect costs such as lower customer satisfaction will significantly increase the effect of absence.

• Average staff turnover (voluntary and involuntary) is around 18% but less than 11% in higher performing organisations

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“employees’ views are sought out; they are listened to and see that their opinions count and make a difference”

Best Performers • ‘Above average’ employees will be between 20% and 40% or more productive than average employees depending on the complexity of their role But where to start? Assuming your organisation is already fully compliant Right Hand HR suggest your leadership team pose the following questions: • What will our organisation look like in three years time?

• What are the stepping stones that will get us there?

Absence • The average absence rate is around 3% (7 working days per annum). The organisations best at managing absence achieve absence levels of 1% or less.

• What are/will be the key measures of our success?

• What are the characteristics of our best performing staff?

• How will we keep our people fired up and motivated as we grow?

Then consider: • What is being ‘fired up and motivated’?

www.b4-business.com

B4 HR

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST Employing the right people, at the right time, with the right skills and abilities is perhaps an obvious target to aim for. Choosing and retaining people, who know what to do and who want to do it, is what makes the difference.

• What is different from now?

• How do we build the characteristics of best performance into our recruitment, performance management, pay and training and development processes?

• What is expected of us as leaders of organisation and how will we know if we are doing a good job?

Borrowing from the now classic ‘Balanced Scorecard’ model, key measures of organisational success can be broken down into four areas: Financial, Operational, Sales and Marketing and Development and Growth. Establishing aligned objectives and initiatives in each area that contribute to overall success will generate focus.

But there is an additional element – engagement – that makes the difference in achieving the ‘want to do it’ magic we are all looking for. The organisations that have got it have four common features: Leadership – They are providing a strong strategic narrative, which has widespread ownership and

www.b4-business.com

commitment from managers and employees at all levels. Characteristics are stretch, discipline, trust and support. The late Professor Sumantra Ghoshal, formerly of the London Business School, described this as “both tough and tender”.

Voice - An effective and empowered employee voice – employees’ views are sought out; they are listened to and see that their opinions count and make a difference. They speak out and challenge when appropriate

“Being able to provide

Integrity - Behaviour throughout the organisation is consistent with stated values, leading to trust and a sense of integrity

tailored HR support to an organisation not only saves valuable time, effort, money and headache. It contributes to real results” Engaging Managers are at the heart of organisational culture– they facilitate and empower rather than control or restrict their staff; they treat their staff with appreciation and respect and show commitment to developing, increasing and rewarding the capabilities of those they manage.

They are confident.

Engaging for Success (2008) David MacLeod and Nita Clarke

Right Hand HR is a specialist provider of bespoke, outsourced HR services and solutions.

“We have vast experience of working with leadership teams to drive organisation success by increasing employee engagement and it is work we really enjoy. Being able to provide tailored HR support to an organisation not only saves valuable time, effort, money and headache. It contributes to real results - profit, customer satisfaction and sustainable growth!”, said Campbell Ritchie, MD Right Hand HR. Photography: Andrew Gleed

• What is being fired up and motivated worth?

www.rhhr.com

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2

Great Memberships in

Sign up today for B4 Buckinghamshire membership and qualify for membership of Buckinghamshire Business First at the same time

B4 Benefits

1

ß Your business contact details are listed in the business directory of four quarterly editions of B4 Magazine (printed and electronic, circa 8,000 copies per quarter) ß Your business is listed in the online B4 business directory ß You are issued with your own user name and password to upload unlimited press releases, events, offers and jobs direct to the B4 Buckinghamshire website ß Your press releases are pushed through B4’s own social media channels to an even wider audience ß Attend up to 12 B4 Events in the Thames Valley at no additional charge. 2013 confirmed events are as follows, with three more Buckinghamshire events to confirm:

Location

Event

Date

Newbury Racecourse

B4 Berkshire

This event was held in January

Blackwell’s, Central Oxford

B4 Oxfordshire

Thursday 11th April, 6pm to 9pm

The Oakley Court, Windsor

B4 Berkshire Garden Party

Date TBC

Bucks New University

B4 Buckinghamshire

Tuesday 25th June, 6pm to 8pm

Oxford Examination Schools, Central Oxford

B4 Oxfordshire

Thursday 4th July, 6pm to 8pm

The Vineyard

B4 Berkshire

Thursday 22nd August, 6pm to 8pm

Rhodes House

B4 Oxfordshire Garden Party

Thursday 12th September, 6pm to 8pm

The Manor Hotel

B4 Oxfordshire

Wednesday 2nd October, 6pm to 8pm

The Forbury Hotel

B4 Berkshire

Thursday 17th October, 5pm to 8pm

Hawkwell House Hotel

B4 Oxfordshire

Thursday 21st November, 6pm to 8pm

Buckinghamshire Business First Benefits

ß Connect with a huge variety of likeminded business owners through regular events, workshops, e-newsletters and social media ß Take advantage of our fully equipped FREE meeting rooms and office facilities at the Business Hub within The Clare Foundation in Saunderton ß ccess business support services, commercial property and business directories, local economic research and market information to help your business grow and thrive in the future ß Add your voice to those of other business leaders and owners within Buckinghamshire to influence positive change in economic policy by joining the Business Leaders LinkedIn group. ß Stay up to date with local and national business news, current funding and grant initiatives, plus member to member offers – all featured in our weekly newsletter For more information about Buckinghamshire Business First see www.bbf.uk.com

B4

Working in partnership with

What are you waiting for? Call us now on 01494 373183 to book your membership NB Membership rates will be increasing in May

B4 SPOTLIGHT

MARK MCGEEHAN B4 went along to meet the PGA Qualified Professional, specialising in player development and coaching at the Premier Golf Academy at Magnolia Park Golf & Country Club.

The facility boasts the latest in the state of the art technology with an indoor swing studio, specific for custom fitting and a fabulous diagnostic tool being the 3D Motion Gears Golf.

The amateur golfer can now learn like the pros, with body angles, x factors, centre of gravity, alignment and clubface positioning. Viewing the swing from all angles allows the golfer to see themselves within an avatar.

The experience is very powerful and in the hands of Mark McGeehan who has extensive training with this revolutionary tool, the golfer will experience fast improved results. The technology also has a feature called “Ghosting” this allows the player to see the before and after effects of the lesson. The golfing equivalent of a makeover! Proud to be official stockists and a fitting centre for Cleveland and Srixon the golfer will be sure to be impressed with the overall service to take their games to another level.

Mark has recently returned from working in the Canary Islands and now with International Experience and having learnt so much about modern technology he is very enthusiastic at the opportunity at Magnolia Park Golf & Country Club in the heart of Oxfordshire.

www.b4-business.com

Mark has been a PGA Professional for 17 years and has devoted his life to studying the science and art form of the game of golf. “I love coaching, Golf is in my blood and it is great to pass on my knowledge to those wishing to improve and seek support to achieve their golfing goals” To be at the forefront of designing bespoke corporate golf days and specialising in this area of the market is very exciting, offering the golfers a first class memorable golf day His teaching background is extensive having taught at two Open championships, involved with the development of Junior Golf and grass root school programmes. County Squads, teaching all levels of players from beginners to elite Professional touring players, you are sure that your golf game is in good hands. Also qualified in Sports Psychology Mark can help you with the course management and the ever important mind factor.

Mark also is a keen competitor, playing on the PGA circuit and National Professional Tours. Last year’s achievements included a win and several top ten finishes. Mark says “Playing on the Tour and alongside world class players has certainly been beneficial to not only my own game but also as coach. I now have the insight to player

development programmes and with my mentoring skills I am able to hone the games of up and coming players” In the ever competitive world of Sport, Golf and business Mark has been dynamic, flexible and motivated learning new skills. Mark now runs mind workshops and team building events. “There is definitely a synergy to thinking correct in sport and achieving success as there is in business. The workshops are fun and even for non-golfers they will be sure to leave the day feeling a real sense of pride and achievement.

Throughout the winter months Mark runs short Golf breaks to overseas destinations across Europe developing all aspects of the golfer’s game. The intense training in the sun ensures that the players are ready for the season ahead, whilst enjoying the relaxation of fabulous hotels and dining out in style.

There are sponsor opportunities for corporate businesses with Mark McGeehan and Magnolia Park and in return receive many benefits and good exposure throughout the course of the season. For more details please contact Mark on 07787937627.

Please view www.magnoliapark.co.uk and www.mcgeehangolf.com to find out more.

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THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATION I N

A S S O C I AT I O N

W I T H

B 4

M A G A Z I N E

Thames Valley Training & Development Professional Training is key to future career success

Aylesbury College Mind the Gap - ensuring students are ready for the challenges of work

Buckinghamshire New University Launches innovative education partnership with Sennheiser UK Ltd

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THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATION I N

A S S O C I A T I O N

W I T H

B 4

M A G A Z I N E

04 Intro by Sally Dicketts

05 Intro by David Podger

06 Thames Valley Training & Development

08 Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking

10 Aylesbury College

12 SAE Institute

14 Pegasus Theatre

15 Cokethorpe School

16 Bloxham School

18 Buckinghamshire New University

21 Oxford & Cherwell Valley College

22 Reading College

See The Business of Education on line as a separate supplement. Want to feature in next year’s edition?

Call us now on 01865 742211.

From the producers of B4 Magazine

OXFORD & CHERWELL VALLEY COLLEGE MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITY You don’t need to be an employment expert to know that today’s young people face a very different jobs market than their parents did.

The economic downturn and a shift in employment culture means it is unlikely that people starting out today will enjoy long careers with a single organisation.

Just last month the media declared that Britain could be on course for its third recession in four years, following news that the economy shrank 0.3% in the last three months of 2012.

Youth unemployment is at an all-time high, having exceeded the one million mark, and the prospect of a further recession will do little for employer confidence.

However, whilst there are undoubted challenges, today’s young people also face immense opportunities.

We are living through a time of unprecedented technological change and this generation is at the cutting edge of a revolution in the way that we communicate and engage.

The Government is investing in funding and support for new business start-ups, for young people in particular, as a means of stimulating economic growth. For these new business builders, the routes to their customers and markets are more direct than ever before thanks to the technology at their fingertips.

What these changes require are new approaches to teaching, learning and assessment that help our young people to navigate the challenges and make the most of the opportunities that surround them.

To thrive in this new landscape our students will need skills of teamwork, resilience, creativity and problem solving. They will need to be adaptable to change and be prepared to collaborate beyond the boundaries of traditional employment sectors.

As a provider of post-16 education and training we are working locally and nationally to drive educational reform, using entrepreneurial principles to help our students succeed in the 21st century workplace.

We are helping students to develop the enterprise-related skills that will give them the best chance of success, whether they launch out on their own or go on to work for an SME or big business.

This approach recognises that the learning experience must be rooted in commercial environments that teach real-world skills. Students must have the opportunity to put what they learn into practice every step of the way, and to take risks in safe environments where they can learn, grow and develop.

Partnerships with local employers and business leaders are central to helping us develop meaningful programmes that go far beyond the simple work experience placements of the past.

Find out more about our approaches on page 22.

Sally Dicketts is Chief Executive and Principal of Oxford & Cherwell Valley College

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THAMES VALLEY TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT I am delighted to have taken up the challenge of starting an entirely new training and development business for the region, the result of a Bucks New University initiative to provide services to the wider business community.

Although closely associated with educational institutions and a subsidiary of Bucks New University, Thames Valley Training & Development has very much a commercial focus. We are tasked with engaging with businesses to address some of the skills gaps that exist in the region. One striking example of this is that, despite being the national hub for entrepreneurial development in digital technology, local employers find it difficult to recruit enough ICT technicians. We are helping to fill this gap by offering entrancelevel industry ICT certification from HP and Cisco from our state-of-the-art facilities in High Wycombe.

Similar gaps exist in the provision of training for support staff to the professions, most notably the accountancy and legal professions. In association with our partner, Aylesbury College, we are developing courses for professional qualifications from bodies such as the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). These will be available from September of this year.

A major catalyst for growth in the regional economy is sales expertise – often neglected in vocational training. We are launching an Institute of Sales and Marketing Management Level 3 Certificate in Sales and Marketing this April to develop the skills needed to drive increases in orders.

Thames Valley Training & Development may be new, but it draws upon a wealth of experience derived from the excellence of its long-established parent, Bucks New University. Because of our close links with the University, we can also provide alternative pathways towards academic awards for those who wish to complement their professional training with University qualifications.

Contacts C: David Podger, info@tvtd.co.uk A: Thames Valley Training & Development, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2JZ T: +44 (0)1494 603060 W: www.thamesvallleytraining.com

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PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IS KEY TO FUTURE CAREER SUCCESS A wholly owned subsidiary of Bucks New University, Thames Valley Training & Development was officially launched in mid-2012 and offers a wide variety of IT, business and management courses taught by professionally qualified and accredited instructors.

Heading up the organisation is David Podger, a training and development professional with more than 20 years’ experience at a senior level.

“We can offer the best of both worlds because we have the benefits of the University, such as the excellent facilities and support services, but at the same time we are an autonomous organisation with complete independence in the way we operate and the courses we provide,” he said.

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“We work very closely with different professional bodies to ensure our qualifications are accredited, and all our trainers or instructors come from the commercial world. They bring real-life workplace experience to enable our course participants to gain the relevant skills they need for their working careers.”

“Research shows that across the wider Thames Valley area, there is a requirement for more people

at support levels, particularly in the IT sector where good technicians are in short supply. The entry level IT qualifications that we offer such as HP ATA or Cisco CCNA, make a very good starting point for someone to fill those gaps,” he said.

David says the qualifications can also stand participants in good stead if they want to continue their studies. For some, he says, gaining an introduction to higher education via professional

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“We work very closely with different professional bodies to ensure our qualifications are accredited, and all our trainers or instructors come from the commercial world.”

qualifications can provide a vital stepping-stone to a future degree course, and the company’s unique links with the University mean the team is able to support them throughout the process.

For businesses and individuals with specific training requirements, he has this message: “We stand by our strapline, professional training, delivered professionally. Our offering is very much professional, practical training that is designed to improve performance.”

“The real benefit is that our links with the University mean we are here for the long term. Bucks New University has made a substantial commitment in setting up this business and our ongoing association means there are many ways we can help to equip the region with the skills and qualifications it needs for sustained economic growth.”

About Us Thames Valley Training & Development exists to www.b4-business.com

provide an alternative vehicle for employers and individuals to engage in professional development.

Our promise is ‘professional training, professionally delivered’. All our instructors are subject experts with extensive professional and commercial experience and relevant training qualifications.

It is a measure of the confidence placed in us by industry that we are proud to have been selected as one of the very few organisations globally to offer the new HP Accredited Technical Associate certification, and the only organisation in the UK to be able to deliver this training to those from outside academia.

Courses are offered in a variety of formats, either extensively as part-time evening classes or more intensively as full-time courses. We also deliver training in-house at your premises and would be happy to discuss your training requirements with you.

Facilities On-site training is delivered from the iconic Gateway building on the Bucks New University High Wycombe campus. Winner of a Royal Institute of British Architects award, the Gateway building contains a learning resources and technology centre and boasts state-of-the-art facilities. ICT training is delivered in specially designed labs, supported by designated technical staff.

Participants on Thames Valley Training & Development courses have access to the University’s learning resources centre and qualify for a discounted membership for the superbly fitted out gym on the ground floor of the Gateway building.

Instruction is delivered in comfortable, purposedesigned teaching spaces equipped with the latest learning technology. thamesvalleytraining.com bucks.ac.uk 7

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SUPPORTING THE EDUCATION SECTOR IN OXFORDSHIRE From its world famous university down to its primary schools, Oxfordshire has always been proud of its education system. At Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, we work hard to ensure we support this system as much as possible.

With several routes for schools to choose, from independent schools to academies, it is more important than ever that educational establishments have the support they need to manage their finances properly.

At Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, alongside the National Association of School Business Management (NASBM), we have developed an accreditation programme to make sure our Education Relationship Managers have a thorough grounding in the sector.

Martin Warren, who is one of these Relationship Managers in Oxfordshire, said: “We know that as running a school day-to-day is such a demanding job, it can be a challenge to balance this with effective financial management. That’s why we aim to become an integral part of a school’s support network to help them manage their money properly.

“As part of this, we offer a dedicated education bank account, which is suitable for both state funded schools and academies, as well as other services such as ParentPay to allow easy, online payments for items such school dinners, field trips and extra-curricular clubs.”

This is alongside our other services for schools, such as a high interest deposit for any surplus funds and even the arrangement of cash collections for you by our authorised security company.

One of the biggest changes that the education system across the country has seen in recent years is the introduction of academies. Since the programme was introduced in 2000, there are now over 1.25 million pupils across the UK receiving an academy education.

highest regarded benefits to converting – the freedom from local authority control – can also become one of the biggest burdens if not properly researched and managed.

This highlights the importance of proper budgetary and financial control for academies. Many choose to employ a School Business Manager in recognition of the fact that education professionals may need support with the financial responsibilities of managing an academy.

“We know that as running a school day-to-day is such a demanding job, it can be a challenge to balance this with effective financial management. That’s why we aim to become an integral part of a school’s support network to help them manage their money properly.”

We can work with management teams to provide full banking facilities. Also, as independent schools may have ambitions of growth to help them thrive in such a competitive sector, we can also provide funding packages to help support expansion projects.

Loans can be secured up to a 25-year term, and through the Government-backed Funding for Lending scheme schools can benefit from up to a one per cent reduction in the interest rate.

Peter Rogers, who is an independent schools specialist at Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, said: “Those management teams in charge of independent schools are custodians and plan for the long term success of their school, and we aim to support them in providing the best education for the next generations.

“We understand that independent schools face all the challenges of education as well as business, so our Relationship Managers work hard to become an integral part of their support network to help them overcome these hurdles.”

No matter what the status of your school, the Oxfordshire-based Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking team is here to help you achieve your ambitions. For more information, please contact Peter Rogers (07836 618 323) or Martin Warren (07921 548 532). Alternatively, you can visit: businesshelp.lloydstsbbusiness.com/ industry-focus/education Any property given as security which may include your home, may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured

Martin Warren added: “It can prove challenging to take budgetary control from the local authority and this really brings home the importance of a strong financial support network.”

In Oxfordshire, ten per cent of primary and secondary schools have converted to academy status with more potentially looking to make the change. This goes to show that while the academy programme continues to court controversy, it looks set to feature on the educational landscape for years to come.

At Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, we also offer support to the independent schools sector, which presents a very different set of opportunities and challenges to those of state schools.

The aspects of school life affected by the change to academy status are wide reaching. One of the

With independence from Government in terms of finance and governance comes the need for

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management and control more akin to that of a business. As a result, we have a team of Relationship Managers who are fully immersed in the independent schools sector to enable them to help achieve their ambitions.

on it.

All lending is subject to a satisfactory credit assessment.

Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street,

Independent schools

London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no.

2065. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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“We run a commercial gym plus Harding’s Restaurant which is a fully functioning restaurant…Such facilities provide an invaluable insight and experience.

”

MIND THE GAP Tim Keighley recently joined Aylesbury College as Director of Business and Curriculum Development. As someone with senior business, teaching and Further Education experience, Tim is passionate about ensuring that young people are work-ready. So we asked Tim to outline where he feels the gaps are, and the steps Aylesbury College is taking to remedy the situation.

There has been much talk in the media about work-readiness, with pundits talking about a workforce with plenty of qualifications on paper, but without the attributes or skills employers actually need. As a College which prides itself on working closely with the business community, we wanted to see whether this was a real concern for local companies. So we conducted research among 107 businesses of all sizes, operating in a mix of industries.

Work Readiness - The Local Picture Those we questioned paint a mixed picture. Three quarters think there is a genuine issue with young 10

people not being work-ready, and for many the problem is worsening. Only 14% think young people are more work-ready than they were 5 years ago and 31% think they are less.

The young peoples’ shortcomings range from poor time keeping, cited by almost half, and spending too much time on their mobile phones during the working day, mentioned by 44%, through to having unrealistic expectations about what they should be doing, an issue for 43%. The same number of local businesses also says that younger employees are often too informal when dealing with customers or senior staff.

Faced with figures like this it is all too easy to come down hard on young people. However our research also shows work-readiness is affected by a number of factors that are not within the control of young people. For instance, 78% of employers believe work-readiness is massively improved if a young person has had a part time job or work experience, but such opportunities, in a downturned market can be in short supply. 88% say the attitude of the young person’s parent or carer to work will be a huge influence. Businesses also resoundingly say that schools and colleges have an important role to play in the workreadiness debate.

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Some of the Answers At Aylesbury College we’d wholeheartedly agree.

We believe young people can be a tremendous asset but they need more help. So we’ve been actively weaving into our curriculum important additional employability, enterprise and customer service skills – all things which are a valuable determinant of someone’s work-readiness. For instance as part of their courses our hair and beauty students gain practical experience working in the reception area and managing stock control.

We also have real-world working environments within the College itself. These include a fully commercial salon, where hair and beauty students can gain practical experience. We run a commercial gym plus Harding’s Restaurant which is a fully functioning restaurant. We also have H’s Deli where apprentices hone their skills alongside the professional team. Such facilities provide an invaluable insight and experience.

We also cover soft skills during tutorials and special sessions. These include practical topics such as how to talk to customers, the dress code for work, timekeeping, even how to enter a room, shake a would-be employer’s hand and maintain eye contact during an interview.

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Two-Way Street We are not doing such activities in isolation, as local businesses are an important part of the mix. So we run employer/student meetings during lunch hours. We also encourage companies to come in and talk to students about what it’s like to work in their business or industry, the opportunities and the skills needed.

The recent Work Wise Week was a concentrated burst of such activity. During the week over 350 young people attended an open event at the College to learn about CV writing, interview and presentations skills and how to become work ready.

Over 400 ‘have a go sessions’ were completed where young people could have a go at skills such as hair and beauty, carpentry and catering.

Furthermore, 303 young people attended career workshops delivered by organisations and local businesses such as: the Royal Air Force, Taylor Wimpey, Urban Media, Aquaforest, Horigan Marketing, Energy PR and Deafax.

young people bring extra energy to the workplace, 53% said they are better at technology than most existing employees, 49% find them eager to learn and 48% say they are open to change. A further 44% value they different perspective and fresh ideas that young people bring.

So it’s in all our interests to ensure young people are not just qualified but are truly work-ready – equipped with the attitudes, skills and experience employers need. Initiatives such as Work Wise Week, plus embedding work-readiness throughout our curriculum are important but we want to do more, and will. That’s why I’d welcome input from employers in terms of what you feel we should be covering.

To get in touch with me call 01296 780224 or email TKeighley@Aylesbury.ac.uk

Why It’s Important We are doing all this because, as our own research shows, young people are a tremendous asset to business. Indeed 60% of local companies told us

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SAE INSTITUTE OXFORD Your chance to study for a creative media degree – in 2 years!

In schools and the world of Higher Education, SAE Institute Oxford is firmly established as a dominant player when it comes to teaching creative media technologies.

They have gained a global reputation for preparing students to become professionals, laying the foundation for their chosen career in the creative media industries.

SAE’s Littlemore Park facility (33,000 square feet) is not only a state of the art creative media campus offering bespoke teaching facilities; it is also the world headquarters to 55 campuses in 27 countries. HRH the Duke of York accepted an invitation from SAE Institute to attend the official opening as guest of honour and unveil a plaque declaring their new global headquarters officially open.

The Institute was the first to pioneer a combination of practical hands-on training with a solid theoretical grounding creating world-class professionals

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specialising in audio production, 3D animation, digital filmmaking, games programming and web development.

Now, 37 years on, they are the world's largest creative media college and immensely proud of their fast track 2-year BA/BSc (Hons) degree programmes, validated by Middlesex University.

Such is their standing within the creative media industries; they are able to attract the top industry names to speak at their distinguished guest lectures, sharing their experiences and knowledge with students.

Visit the campus and you will see that support is always on hand; putting their students first and at the very heart of everything they do, providing excellent resources and exceptionally high standards of teaching that include one-to-one tutoring. oxford.sae.edu

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TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH PERFORMING ARTS Magdalen Road has been home to Pegasus, one of Oxford’s most exciting arts venues for the past 50 years. Following our major building redevelopment in 2010, the iconic copper cladding has housed a modern interior of world-class standards with its bar and cafe, theatre space, dance studio, dressing rooms, meeting rooms and workshops.

Fundamental to Pegasus is our belief that young people are our future and we strive to engage, inspire and equip them for their lives ahead. We are justifiably proud of our national reputation for youth activities and opportunities. Last year alone, we held over 2,000 workshops and worked with more than 9,000 young people, 137 artists and 87 volunteers.

And at Pegasus, it is about so much more than ‘just’ the performance. Throughout their time here, young people find that as their confidence and social skills develop, so they discover an aspiration to aim higher in life outside of Pegasus. We absolutely believe in empowering the young and never cease to be impressed at how well they rise to the challenges of the leadership roles and responsibilities we offer them.

Recently we sent a young representative to the United Nations in New York to take part in an international presentation of a performance called the Gaza Mono-Logues that we had staged here in Oxford.

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And during MESH, our international festival of youth arts, our Youth Theatre members not only perform alongside groups from all over the world but are involved on the Planning Committee where their responsibilities range from attending meetings, to organising advertising and PR to fundraising in order to host the visiting groups.

Pegasus are now in the second year of our exciting Create for Change project which aims to use the arts as a vehicle for young people to explore global issues. Working with OXFAM, the Youth Theatre are examining the topic: ‘Food, Poverty and Justice’ and will perform in two unique shows and tour local schools, leading workshops and discussion on the issues raised. They are also busy behind the scenes designing costumes and sets and will take on technical roles for the shows, gaining hands-on experience of stage-management, lighting and sound.

Through their involvement at Pegasus, the young acquire a myriad of skills. Not just technical or performance skills. Not just social and interpersonal skills as they work as part of, or lead, a team. But more than all of this, by their engagement in the whole process of showcasing the performing arts, they are exploring who they are and who they have the potential to be.

Rosanna, aged 18, has been a member of Pegasus for 8 years. She has leant technical, leadership and teaching skills and even travelled to France and

Russia with the Youth Theatre Group. She now works as a Youth Assistant for the Design and Making Group, leads sessions and is herself delighted now to be ‘playing a part in building the confidence of other young people.’

Will joined Pegasus’ Youth Theatre Group at 8 years of age. He describes how he found an immediate home and how members of staff quickly became ‘ mentors and role models.’ He chose to pursue a degree in theatre, which led to an MA in Theatre at the University of Exeter. He is now applying for a PHD. Will says ‘Institutions like Pegasus are part of the life blood of Great Britain, not just artistically, but socially as well.’

Pegasus would like to warmly thank all the companies who have supported us, including Dragon School, Finders Keepers, HMG Law, Henmans Freeth, John Wiley & Sons, Lucy’s Properties, MINI plant Oxford, Oxfam, Oxford Bus Company, Rotary Club Oxford, Roundtable, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford University Press, Torpedo’s and Unipart among many others.

If you would like to find out about the partnership opportunities that your business could enjoy with Pegasus, contact Bel Crewe 01865 812 173 or email bel.crewe@pegasustheatre.org.uk www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

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COKETHORPE SCHOOL About Cokethorpe School Cokethorpe is a thriving and energetic coeducational day school that offers the full 4 to 18 age range with distinct but inter-dependent Junior and Seniors Schools on the same site. It is a member of HMC, IAPS and The Society of Heads. Founded in 1957, it is situated in 150 acres of inspirational Oxfordshire parkland, two miles from Witney, ten from Oxford. We operate 22 bus routes, which encompass a large area, and over 70% use this service exclusive for Cokethorpe pupils. There are a variety of scholarships and awards on offer and means-tested bursaries (financial assistance) are also available.

What are Cokethorpe’s Strengths?

We strive for academic excellence without being a hothouse and we encourage our children to champion their strengths and challenge their weaknesses in a friendly, supportive and productive environment. There are a lot of families with more than one child in the school, catering for their sons and daughters of differing ages. This contributes to our family atmosphere and we are proud of our reputation for being a happy, stimulating and caring community where children will flourish and excel.

How would you define a Cokethorpe pupil?

We look for rounded individuals with enquiring minds who are open to learning with interest and enthusiasm and who achieve in as wide and varied a way as you can possibly imagine. Our pupils are encouraged to test and learn about themselves, to develop a concern for others and to grow intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally.

They are purposeful, happy and unpretentious and

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we encourage our pupils to understand that learning is a lifelong endeavour.

Tell us more about the Junior School The size of the Junior School is such that there is a perfect balance between being large enough to provide a lively, diverse and enriching atmosphere with opportunities for trying many different things, sport fixtures, music ensembles and healthy academic competition, and small enough for an intimate and caring environment where the dedicated and enthusiastic staff know the children as individuals and there is a distinct sense of belonging and wellbeing. The Junior School retains its distinct character whilst benefiting from being linked to the Senior School. Children get to know older pupils through shared activities and feel part of a wider community and they gain enormously from having access to the Senior School facilities and the academic and sporting specialist staff.

Whilst the independence of the Junior School ensures a real sense of progress as children move into Year 7, the continuity in education means they will benefit from knowing many of the Senior staff and the School site.

What about pastoral care?

We take seriously the business of looking after our children and value our reputation for outstanding pastoral care. The House system, personal tutoring, year-group specific social and health programmes, and a joint Anglican and Roman Catholic foundation create a positive support structure. All focus on development of the whole person, encourage loyalty and participation, and instil a sense of personal responsibility. Having pupils aged

four to 18 on the same site fosters an atmosphere of mutual support, where everyone knows everyone else and looks out for each other.

What about academic matters?

Through a process of target setting and progress review evenings we aim to challenge our pupils to consistently produce the very best they can. 2012 saw our most successful GCSE and A Level examination results to date, with 41% achieving A*As grades at GCSE and 73% achieving A*-B grades at A Level. Nearly all students go on to Higher Education, enrolling on a variety of degrees and foundation courses, many at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.

What kinds of extra-curricular activities are on offer?

In addition to the wider curriculum (trips, workshops and visiting lecturers) there are many clubs and societies that extend the work of academic departments and encourage a diversity of interests. An hour at the end of each day and extended Friday lunchtimes are for an extensive range of over 50 ‘AOB’ activities, from yoga to American Football, and public speaking to Japanese culture. In addition, a flourishing programme of music, drama, art and sport provide numerous opportunities for pupils to get involved in concerts, performances and competitions of all kinds. Other activities include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Young Enterprise, language exchanges, ski trips, sports tours and cultural trips abroad and there is a World Challenge expedition to Thailand in the summer of 2013. www.cokethorpe.org.uk

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BLOXHAM SCHOOL Bloxham School has lined up an impressive team to jointly present its Annual Careers Fair to its 5th and Lower 6th form pupils at the school in early March.

Representatives are drawn from the school’s alumni, parents past and present and, teachers and governors and will offer advice and specialist knowledge on a rich diversity of future careers including Brewing, Design, Engineering, Fashion, Charity Sector, Journalism, Management Consultancy, Market Research, Marketing, Media and Film, Medicine, Aviation. Police, Public Relations, Law, Surveying, Teaching (Secondary and Primary) and Financial Services Industries.

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This invaluable fair gives Bloxham pupils the chances to hear directly from local business and industries the skills that are being sought in the age of digital media and electronic communications.

That the information is often coming from people who one wore the Bloxham blazer makes the whole experience so much more real and has been appreciated by generations of Bloxhamists.

The Careers Fair complements other career work being carried out throughout the senior school.

Bloxham is fully committed, for example, to the ISCO ‘Inspiring Futures’ programme and ‘Futurewise’ which sees pupils receive personalised career guidance and planning following on from

the paper-based Morrisby psychometric profiling.

‘Future Focussed’ Training, which involves 1 week off timetable at end of L6th develops Leadership, Presentation, Management and Communication Skills in an intensive body of work. (www.isco.org.uk) Further practical business acumen can be picked up by those who decide to join Bloxham’s ‘Young Enterprise’ schemes each year. Although the school’s popular Business Studies department spearheads the Young Enterprise Scheme the places are by no means limited to those following the Business Studies A level course. This scheme has been very successfully run at Bloxham over a

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number of years and has seen the School successfully winning awards and even going abroad as one of the UK’s choisen representative teams.

The pupils gain hugely from the experiences, from the failures as well as the successes. Coming up with a product concept from scratch and involving themselves in the product design ,manufacturing and pricing, marketing and sales processes is a steep learning curve as is the face to face contact with the general public at one of the many trade fairs where they try to sell their ideas and products to the unsuspecting shoppers! It makes business come alive and provides them with many important lessons for life.

A high percentage of Bloxham pupils will be looking to extend their education at Universities and Colleges post A Level and the options open to youngsters has never been greater. Clearly the financial impositions on students in recent years has made choosing the right course and the right

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university even more important than ever and working hand in hand with the other careers advice is guidance on plotting their way through the very complex and ever changing maze of higher education and career options.

Further inspiration for Bloxham pupils (and their parents!) will come at the Founderstide celebrations in May when the guest key-note speaker will be Melody Hossaini, a contestant in the 2011 series of ‘The Apprentice’ on BBC TV. Although Melody was ultimately not the one hired

by Sir Alan Sugar she did leave with his accolade ‘a woman of exceptional ability, ringing in her ears.

She is now putting those considerable abilities to driving her own Social Enterprise company ‘InspirEngage International’. It is her inimitable inspiration and drive that Melody will be delivering to the Bloxham pupils this year as she offers her support in building confident, work-ready and enterprising youngsters.

The life skill set that pupils need to leave formal education with has never been more important than it is today in a modern and global job marketplace. The ability to show flair, flexibility, imagination and to be prepared to go not just the extra mile but the extra 5 miles is key Bloxham is confident that it will continue to turn out young men and women fit for purpose for the world that awaits them and that they will be a generation that will become used to hearing the expression ‘You’re Hired!’ as they enter the world of business and enterprise.

(The photo below shows the BloxhamYoung Enterpise Stand at the Cowley trade Fair 2013) www.bloxhamschool.com

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BUCKS LAUNCHES EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADING AUDIO MANUFACTURER Buckinghamshire New University has launched an innovative education partnership with leading audio manufacturer, Sennheiser UK Ltd, which will create new industry-linked opportunities for students and focus their employability.

Prof Ruth Farwell and Phil Massey, pictured with students Jamie Leeming and Gemma Robinson

The launch of the partnership with Sennheiser took place in the audio studios of the High Wycombe-based University’s Gateway building.

Professor Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor of Bucks New University, and Phil Massey, General Manager of Sennheiser UK Ltd, were guest speakers at the event.

The partnership between the two High Wycombebased organisations provides a range of educational benefits for students. It also includes the renaming of the University’s main recording studio to ‘The Sennheiser Sound Lab’, with the company providing various equipment for use in the studio, including state-of-the-art digital microphones.

Sennheiser will also offer a scholarship, starting annually from September 2013 and worth £3,000, 18

to a talented second-year student studying BA (Hons) Audio and Music Production.

The company is also providing two, six-month student internships. Third-year BA (Hons) Music Management students, Jamie Leeming and Gemma Robinson, have already taken up the roles at the firm’s headquarters in Century Point, High Wycombe, working as a marketing executive and a consumer channel executive, respectively, following a selection process involving interview workshops.

Jamie Leeming said: “The internship at Sennheiser means everything to Gemma and I and creates an avenue into the industry before we have even finished university, which is something I think every student strives for.”

Other elements to the partnership include organising ‘industry insider’ days, in either the live or broadcast market, for the second-year BA (Hons) Audio and Music Production student with the best academic performance in a year. The partnership will also facilitate work with current students, staff and alumni, to develop a wide range of online media assets for the company.

Prof Farwell said: “Students have increasingly heightened expectations so universities need to be at the cutting-edge.

“Having access to equipment of the standard provided by Sennheiser, as well as the expertise of the company's staff, is fundamental to what we can offer and helps to put our students ahead of the game when they graduate.

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“The partnership with Bucks New University gives us the opportunity to invest in the future of the industry and develop young people” Phil Massey, General Manager of Sennheiser Steve Levine, award-winning British record producer and honorary graduate of Bucks New University.

"This partnership is very good for the University and likewise we hope that Sennheiser will benefit from the link-up. We would like to thank them for their support and we are excited about the possibilities offered through the partnership."

Phil Massey added: “The partnership with Bucks New University gives us the opportunity to invest in the future of the industry and develop young people and we are extremely pleased with the way the relationship with the University has grown. We are both gaining a lot from this partnership.

“We are keen to share our latest technology and developments with Bucks and feel the range of aspects making up this partnership will be beneficial to both of us.”

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Frazer Mackenzie, Head of the School of Applied Production & New Media, said the partnership was a ‘hugely exciting development’ for the University.

He said: “Sennheiser is now one of the largest microphone, headphone and in-ear monitoring manufacturers in the world. We’ve worked with the company for a number of years and this agreement will bring a wide range of benefits to both the University and our students, including providing students with a wealth of opportunities to gain employability skills and help them in attaining jobs.” w: bucks.ac.uk t: 0800 0565 660 e: advice@bucks.ac.uk

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BRAVE NEW WORLD An enterprise academy, business incubation scheme and commercial operations led by teams of talented students.

It may not sound like your typical further education college, but Oxford & Cherwell Valley College is leading a fresh approach to education that equips young people for success.

Spend any time at Oxfordshire’s largest provider of vocational training and you are likely to be asked to part with some cash.

That’s not because Oxford & Cherwell Valley College is short of funding, but because its students are busy developing the business acumen needed to succeed in today’s workplace.

Whether it’s the craftsmen in residence producing bespoke commissions at the prestigious National School of Furniture, fashion students selling jewellery and tote bags, or hospitality and catering students promoting the restaurant’s special offers, a commercial approach comes through loud and clear.

Of course it’s not just about making money. Walk into any learning environment and you are likely to find students engaged in projects with a real-world flavour – whether it’s business students pitching their marketing assignment to a Dragons Den-style panel of experts or creative media students developing the brief for an external filming project.

It’s an approach which has already caught the attention of Ofsted, which visited last year as it sought to identify best practice in promoting enterprise-related skills and the entrepreneurial capabilities of 16 to 19-year-olds.

The focus is also forging closer links with local businesses, many of whom came along to the college’s first ‘conference season’ last October to find out how students were being made ready for employment. www.b4-business.com

Sally Dicketts, Chief Executive and Principal of Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (OCVC), said: “In today’s marketplace it is not enough for students to achieve a qualification alone. We need to equip our students with the transferrable skills that employers demand and that could also help them to succeed as one of the increasing number of new business start-ups.

“Employment has changed radically in a generation, and the way that we educate and train our young people must also adapt so that they can thrive. We want to provide an environment where students can develop real-world skills in commercial environments, where they can take risks and develop their curiosity and resilience through independent learning.”

The college is working at a local and national level to promote grassroots enterprise as a member of the Gazelle Colleges Group, a cluster of further education colleges using entrepreneurial principles to drive educational reform. The network has attracted some big names, including original Dragon’s Den panelist Doug Richard who will speak at OCVC in March. As a founder member of Gazelle, OCVC students also get access to initiatives such as the Start-Up Britain bus tour, which brought a host of young entrepreneurs and business advisers to the Oxford campus last year.

OCVC recognises that to promote an enterprising culture, it needs to walk the talk. To this end it has set up its own Community Interest Company, SweetFE, which operates as a social enterprise and

is able to generate income for social good. SweetFE is connecting a group of around 50 ambassadors – drawn from the local business community and from the college’s own staff team. These ambassadors act as mentors for new student businesses (through an incubation scheme) and also meet to develop ideas that will generate income or improve ways of working. Among the success stories have been SweetFE Learning, an online resource where students can have their work published, and the Oxford campus car parking scheme which generated £70,000 in its first year.

Sally said: “We realise that we need to embody the behaviours and principles that we are helping our own students to develop. SweetFE has helped us to achieve a cultural shift which is now being felt across the sector and which is also improving links with the local business community.

“In the year ahead we will be further developing our approach by establishing learning companies, which will provide students with employment as well as a qualification and enable us to build on the work to date.”

If you are a local business and would like to find out more about SweetFE or other ways to get involved in the work of Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, contact info@sweetfe.co.uk. www.ocvc.ac.uk

21

IN PRINCIPAL

Reading College students Gloria Arias and Jack Phillips met with their Principal, Lesley Donoghue, to find out more about the College’s ethos and future plans. This article was written and designed by Gloria and Jack.

Principal Lesley Donoghue is a big part of the on-going change at Reading College and, having worked in Further Education for twenty fi ve years, Lesley’s passion and commitment are still at their maximum today. She recognises what is happening all around her and knows what needs to be done to achieve the excellence that she knows Reading College and its students are capable of.

Lesley has been the Principal at Reading College since its change from Thames Valley University to the much improved educational facility that it is today; she has given the present and future students more choice for their chosen careers with courses that will give a wide range of paths to select from. Implementing courses that range from Level 1 to Level 4, the College has opened up new doors to allow in students from all backgrounds because, as Lesley puts it, “it is a challenge to break that cycle and to move into employment and to get ready for employment”. Reading College is doing its level best to help students from disadvantaged families where, historically, qualifi cations are rare and unemployment more frequent, to improve their quality of life.

The college wants people to ‘get their fi rst foot on the ladder’ and have helped them do this by developing short programmes that will enable them to work effectively within the college and be able to move on quickly into employment. As Lesley states ‘direction is all and achievement is all’ and these ‘short and sharp’ programmes enable them to progress quicker which is especially useful for people who can’t or don’t feel like they could stay in education for a full year.

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Education is a key institution necessary for our society to grow both in knowledge and awareness of the expanding opportunities of the world, not just in Reading. There is so much out there for students, whether they are from state school or public school education and Lesley is quite obviously aware of that. “Sometimes, further education colleges tend to do their own thing and don’t always take account of what’s happening around them, but certainly we, in this college, intend to do that and are doing that.”

Lesley continues to build strong links with local businesses for work experience and apprenticeships to help both staff and students obtain a vital understanding of the skills needed and what businesses want from their employees. Reading College provides students with the training needed to successfully excel, in part, due to these close links and the insider knowledge provided from the employers.

The joining of Reading College with B4 Magazine has enabled the college to obtain a strong tie with outside employers. Aiding students by giving them more opportunities to thrive within their courses, whether it be Media, Graphic Arts, English or Maths, there are options available for everyone that will give them something more; if they apply to university or go into full time work - whatever path they choose- having real working-life experience is invaluable. “The opportunity to work with B4 has been incredible. Giving students a taste of real life business is invaluable for them. We recently had a student photograph Sir John Madejski at Reading FC and others have presented their ideas to B4 about design improvements. We are now welcoming B4 clients to the College to have

professional photographs taken for the magazine and this is all gold dust for the students and reinforces our links with the business community.”

Commented Lesley.

It is hoped that in 2012, Reading College’s University Technical College will be opened as a fantastic addition to Reading itself. Reading’s UTC has been recently approved by the Government’s UTC nationwide programme and intends to produce highly qualifi ed staff for specialised roles within cutting edge technological companies.

As tuition fees rise for universities, colleges like Reading College are going to be in more demand due to the increased opportunities available, such as the Level 4 courses which provide pre-degree learning and compliment any further education.

At Reading College there is currently one Level 4 Art and Design Foundation course and two more to be added next year which will be 2 year programmes; one in Business and Enterprise, the other in Childcare which will ‘give students more opportunities to stretch’ and it can be seen that Reading College is a ‘great stepping stone’ for university. But Lesley has made it clear that Reading College ‘gives the best opportunity of increasing student’s life chances’ and that’s what any student would want from an educational institution; where they feel they have an opportunity to do more, to be more. www.reading-college.ac.uk

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MISSION To help local people maximise their talent, knowledge and skills through a stimulating learning experience which gives them the edge to compete in Reading’s enterprising global economy.

• 1955: Opened as Reading College of Technology • Later became Reading College and School of Arts and Design • 2004: became part of Thames Valley University • 2010: Re-launched as Reading College • 6000 local learners • 900 further education courses • Wide range of Entry Level to Level 5 courses • Curriculum includes: IT, engineering, hair and beauty, health and social care, construction, accountancy, business, creative arts and media, catering and A-levels • Wide range of apprenticeships with local businesses • Varied higher education programmes • University Technical College (UTC) specialises in computer science and engineering • Industry partners of the UTC include Microsoft, Cisco, Peter Brett Associates, Network Rail and University of Reading

“A teacher

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Photography Carolina Soler Gomes

affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops.”

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IS B4 SPEAKING YOUR LINGO? We asked B4 members, Lingo Telemarketing, to hit the phones and ask our B4 members where we were going right but, more importantly, where we could make improvements. After all, the only way to keep everyone happy is to keep moving forwards. Lingo also took the opportunity to ask our members how they would be winning new business in 2013. With thanks to Su, Penny and Antonia.

The Brief B4 and Lingo Telemarketing partnered to create a survey of 313 B4 members with certain aims in mind, to include; 1. To check that the B4 membership is happy, 2. To find out what other features / activities they would like from the B4 membership and 3. Within their own businesses, B4 members were asked what sales and marketing activities were most popular in 2012 and what they will be focusing on in 2013.

The market research campaign took place over several days in late December 2012 and early January 2013.

Campaign Outcomes – see Figure 1 Of the 313 customer records on the B4 database, 51 scripts were completed in total (16%).

Of the 51 completed surveys, 6 (12%) were completed as a result of the online B4 Newsletter link and 45 (88%) as a result of telemarketing interaction.

36 (70%) were completed over the telephone with a telemarketer and 9 (18%) were completed online as a result of the telemarketer conversation followed by an emailed link to the survey. These figures demonstrate the value of telemarketing and follow up.

Companies Contacted From the 51 companies that completed the survey, a high proportion (39%) of these companies are in the business and professional services industry sector. Business efforts were focused either nationally or internationally for 35% of the companies whilst the remaining companies’ focus was in southern counties only.

Areas where B4 is most valued B4 members were asked to rank the major reasons for continuing membership as either Strongly Agree, Agree, Somewhat Agree and Don’t Agree. The responses were as follows:

Aspect

Strongly Agree Somewhat or Agree Agree

Don’t Agree

B2B Networking Opportunities

76.5%

17.6%

5.9%

Raises Your Company Profile

82.4%

11.8%

5.9%

Local Business & Community News

70.6%

17.6%

11.8%

Mix of Business Sectors / Industries

76.4%

17.6%

5.9%

Quality Events

76.5%

19.6%

3.9%

Quality Magazine

86.3

13.7%

0%

Website Features

58.8%

27.5%

13.7%

E-Mail Newsletter

49%

27.5%

23.5%

q COMPLETE SURVEY BREAKDOWN 18%

In more detail, with the focus on networking in 2013, 10 people said they would like to see a change of format including an increase in networking events. Holding networking events in a wider range of local areas was also requested by 10 people. Some people asked for introductions at events and a list of attendees, although it is a B4 policy not to give out a list of attendees.

Every respondent agreed, to some degree, that the quality of the magazine was a reason for their membership – 39% strongly agreeing. 35% of people strongly agreed that the B2B networking opportunities were a reason for their membership. However, some members are beginning to complain of a lack of focus in the magazine – what they’d like is more concentration on new companies, and more focus on themes, although few suggestions were made.

We would like direct examples from our members.

The email newsletter was least valuable, with 23% of people disagreeing that this was a reason to continue the membership. It is interesting that one of the companies who said that they did not agree that the email newsletter was of significant value to them, did complete the survey via the online newsletter.

B4’s areas for focus are therefore the website, which is being revamped in 2013 with some great new features enabling members to communicate with each other and their staff more easily, and the e-mail Newsletter which is now being sent out each week rather than on an ad hoc basis.

Focus for 2012 – see Figure 3 When asked where they had focused their new business activity in 2012, 96% of companies said via their company website and through networking and memberships. 70% of companies said they used PR (such as editorial and newsletters) as well as social media.

When asked to rank these activities as 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice, the most popular first choice was networking, with 27% of companies putting this activity top and 19% of companies putting networking as their most popular second choice.

It is interesting that telemarketing (21%) came out below direct mail - email and post - (56%) as an activity focus for 2012 as this survey statistically proves that telemarketing is significantly more successful than direct mail in achieving results. In this survey, 88% of the completed surveys were a direct result of telemarketing activity opposed to 12% from email activity.

Focus for 2013 – see Figure 4 When asked which business development activities they plan to focus on in 2013, the majority of companies (72%) are focusing on networking and memberships, followed by company website (66%) and social media (62%).

If you'd like to comment on these findings or provide us with more feedback on your membership, please contact us on: 01865 742211.

w AREAS WHERE B4 IS MOST VALUED

12% 8% Emailed Newsletter Link (B4) 70%

Telephone Survey Telephone Call, Email link sent

Networking & Events

6% 4% 34%

16%

The Magazine Other

32%

Website, Email & Newsletters Referrals Workshops & Seminars

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

e LOOKING BACK ON 2012, WHICH ACTIVITIES DID YOU USE TO GENERATE NEW BUSINESS? Direct Mail (Email & Post)

56.9% (29) 37.3% (19)

Field Sales Activities Telemarketing

21.6% (11)

Events / Roadshows

58.8% (30)

Networking / Memberships

96.1% (49)

Advertising (e.g.

Magazine, Radio)

58.8% (30)

PR (e.g. Editorial, Newsletters)

70.6% (36)

Company Website

96.1% (49)

Social Media

70.6% (36)

Digital

37.3% (19)

Other (specified)

37.3% (19)

0

10

20

30

40

50

r WHICH BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES DO YOU PLAN TO FOCUS ON IN 2013?

72.5% (37)

Networking / Memberships

66.7% (34)

Company Websites Social Media

62.7% (32)

PR (e.g. Editorial, Newsletters)

47.1% (24)

Direct mail (Email & Post)

43.1% (22)

Events / Roadshows

39.2% (20)

Other (specified)

35.3% (18)

Field Sales Activities

33.3% (17)

Advertising (e.g.

Magazine, Radio)

33.3% (17)

Digital

25.5% (13)

Telemarketing

17.6% (9)

0

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10

20

30

40

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B4 WIDER

YOUR MANOR Undergoing a major refurbishment, The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green is enjoying not only a facelift but a complete rejuvenation. Under the expert stewardship of General Manager Christian Kaberg and his more than able team, the new owners are creating a gem just five miles from Oxford.

It’s the little touches which make the difference.

The clever shaping of the entrance drive centrepiece hedges into sheep as you drive in to The Manor, the hotel’s new signature logo, is ingenious and has instantly provided The Manor, formerly Weston Manor Hotel, with an identity which relaxes its guests and adds a touch of humour.

Overseeing the transformation, Christian Kaberg has a background steeped in quality establishments including The Goring, Great Fosters, Le Meridian Piccadilly, London Hilton Park Lane and The Lanesborough, and he is certainly relishing in his role at The Manor. “We decided that, as we were starting with a blank sheet of paper, we would give the hotel a new name and anew identity.

Hence, the sheep. The real ones which reside in the grounds, were to be our signature and we have used them across everything – our smart new brochures, menus, dressing gowns, everything – and they have been very well received. With over twenty four years of experience within hotels, restaurants, contract catering and a private members club, I have managed to create a very broad knowledge of our industry. I am now implementing these skills by turning The Manor into a luxurious retreat, a haven for the more discerning guest where service, excellence and

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quality are taken for granted.”

It’s a project Christian and his team can rightly be proud of. Under the former owners, I was never shown past the front reception but ever since our first meeting back in September, Christian has outlined to me what was to be done to what has now been completed and it has been a pleasure to see the overhaul step by step, to see his and the new owner’s vision come to fruition. Although there are still changes in the pipeline, the results to date are stunning.

Prior to checking in, I was to meet Christian and his Executive Chef, Tyrone MacConnell, for a meeting about the 2013 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards which are taking place at The Manor on 1st October. We were meeting in the new Snug, the old hotel’s offices, which provide a light and airy space in which to have private meetings or afternoon tea – we did both! The adjacent morning room has had a similar makeover, with sumptuous furnishings and tasteful décor. These are sophisticated spaces which have really elevated the property to five star status.

Tina was to meet me later at the hotel so I took the opportunity after the meeting to check in and relax in our beautifully appointed room. It was a real

home from home room, with everything you might need, most importantly an amazingly comfortable bed which became too hard to resist after a long week – an hour later I was awoken by a knock at the door after falling into a deep slumber.

Tina was ready so I quickly changed and we made our way to the bar for a pre dinner drink. A first! We were actually early for a review and it gave us time to enjoy the property and take our time with a much anticipated drink, my first of 2013! We took to our high chair seats at the bar of Bertie’s, a stunning hotel bar with a spectacular drinks display, rich green walls and dark wooden furniture, adorned by hunting art and fabulous equine sculptures. This was a bar, a real bar and Vito, the attentive Italian bar tender, was on hand with my medicine and an astonishing mind of information about our drinks, his homeland and life generally.

It was a wonderful way to start the evening.

Francisco, our attentive maître d’, showed us the menus so we could prolong our stay in our new favourite bar, so we deliberated over the mouthwatering choices for a good fifteen minutes before making our way to The Baron’s Hall, accompanied by the hotel’s resident dog, Holly, a beautiful golden retriever who never left our side in the communal spaces of the hotel but who knew the restaurant

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MORE ABOUT

THE MANOR The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green has 28 beautifully appointed rooms, all with en suite bathrooms. With only the finest bed linen, pillows and beds to ensure you have a night of sweet dreams. Enjoy the range of luxury bath & body goodies, and wrap up in a fluffy dressing gown.

Settle in and enjoy the view from your windows. Help yourself to a glass of complimentary sherry as you unwind. Room service is available for a more private evening, or for a relaxing breakfast in bed.

In the grounds of The Manor you will find much to please: discover the hidden knot garden – scene of many secret trysts over the years. Pick up a mallet and enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn. The team of gardeners plant and tend for all seasons. Languidly or energetically, revel in the heated pool. Enjoy a drink and a snack on one of the beautifully appointed terraces and watch the sun set over the fields beyond.

The gardens at The Manor at Weston-on-theGreen are designed to celebrate the changing seasons. Stroll along the scented lavender walk in summer, or wander through the woodlands during autumn and listen to the birdsong.

was a no go zone.

Dating back to the 11th century, the Baron’s Hall has been carefully restored to show its linen fold oak-panelling to ensure an unsurpassed dining experience. Above the Baron’s Hall is the original Minstrel’s Gallery where private dining parties up to sixteen take place. The five course tasting menu changes daily, and Tina went for this whilst I chose from the full à la carte menu, accompanied by a

our way there for an after dinner drink and more inspirational chit chat with Vito, by now our favourite bar tender in the world! But that bed was soon calling and we said our goodnight’s to Vito, Francisco and Holly and enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep and woke to snow on the lawn – a magical sight!

We showered and returned to The Baron’s Hall for breakfast, where naughty Danish, egg’s benedict

“We decided that, as we were starting with a blank sheet of paper, we would give the hotel a new name and anew identity. Hence, the sheep” glass or two of chilled Macon Villages, whilst Tina plumped for a glass of champagne. Our scallops, pigeon, honey roast duck and beef, plus a few more courses for Tina, not to mention the rhubarb and custard we shared for desert were all presented immaculately and the tastes were spectacular. We couldn’t find fault in any way and our waiter was attentive throughout, offering an excellent knowledge of the food we were enjoying.

The Manor provided us with a real ten out of ten experience. Great food, excellent service and a wonderful room. If this is part way through the refurbishment, well, we’ll just have to check out the finished article, won’t we!

We were so enchanted with the bar that we made

themanorweston.com

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and scrambled eggs and salmon were our choices.

Once again, attentive and polite service and a first class breakfast to set us up for a day out.

Discover the secret Wedding garden, perfect for a summer celebration. Slip through an opening in the yew hedge and you will find the heated outdoor swimming pool, where you can relax with a drink after your dip.

The south and west facing terraces invite you to linger as the sun sets, and lights the warm stone of the beautiful Manor.

Celebrate the seasons at The Manor at Weston-on-the Green with changing menus to reflect the best in local, seasonal produce. The kitchen brigade is led by Executive Chef Tyrone MacConnell. Take your time to enjoy the fabulous five-course tasting menu in the oak-panelled Baron’s Hall; relax in Bertie’s Bar with a sandwich made with the finest Montgomery cheddar. Soak up the sun on the Topiary Terrace and indulge yourself with freshly cooked fish and chips, or treat your loved one to a Champagne afternoon tea in the elegant Morning Room. The Manor can cater for all your requirements, from breakfast to a midnight snack. themanorweston.com Visit The Manor for the B4 Event on 2nd October - sign up at the B4 website.

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B4TV – 7 MINUTE SUCCESS INTERVIEWS

Something new from B4 – the first in a new series of 7 Minute Success Interviews starting with the man behind the success of one of Oxfordshire’s leading firms of solicitors, Simon McCrum of Darbys. So why video? We talk to B4’s very own presenter and B4 member, Jackie Jarvis, who helped B4 come up with the idea.

“I initially approached B4 about a series of coaching videos, but we soon realised this would be time consuming, costly and there would be no guarantee that we’d generate the web traffic. Attention spans are becoming shorter and shorter these days, so Richard and I decide to focus on what B4 is good at, delivering good news. We felt that by packaging an interview into a specific time period, on an interesting subject, would be the way to go.

“And so the B4 7 Minute Success Interviews were born and we had the opportunity to interview the charismatic Simon McCrum, Managing Partner of Darbys at the fantastic new Conference Annexe at the Said Business School. It 74

was the perfect setting, and with the expert skills of Sander Aben and XXXX at Shining With Productions we put the first interview together.

“Through the series of B4 7 Minute Success Interviews I aim to get to the heart of what ambitious business owners have actually done to really make something great happen in their business. I believe that we can learn a lot from those who have overcome challenges, have a real passion for what they do and have taken brave and positive action to make their businesses work well.

There are a lot of really interesting, inspiring people in businesses of all types and sizes who have a story to tell and have implemented strategies that achieve positive results www.b4-business.com

B4 MARKETING

“I believe that we can learn a lot from those who have overcome challenges, have a real passion for what they do and have taken brave and positive action to make their businesses work well” owners who want to share their insights to inspire others. I will help you to capture this through our relaxed video interviews and you just have to tell us www.b4-business.com

how you have made it happen!

So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be the star of the show, get in touch with B4 now. Packages for the B4 Success Interview start at £1,750+VAT and include a double page spread in B4 Magazine, use of the video for your own website and other media and our promotion through B4 on Twitter, eNewsletter and the magazine. If you want to make your interview part of a more in depth company video, we can arrange for this alongside the Seven Minute Interview so you have the complete package to promote your business.

Call us now on 01865 742211 and if you’d like to see the results of our interview with Simon, log on to www.b4-business.com and click on Video and Photo.

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Photography: Rob Scotcher

“I want the B4 Success Interview series to capture the best of what has made a ‘real difference’ when growing a business. We are looking for business

The B4 Bike Ride - Edinburgh to Oxford May 24th to May 27th, 2013 The B4 Bike Ride launched in 2012 with our 270 mile trip from Paris to Blenheim Palace. The 2013 challenge sees the group cycle from Edinburgh to Blenheim Palace, a 411 trek over four days.

With five great charities to raise money for, why don’t you get involved…or even join us?!

How To Get Involved Shirt Sponsor Get your company logo on the team shirt from just £50 – contact the office to book.

Come on the Ride Want to really get involved? Why not join us. We have 5 spaces remaining and would love to have you on the ride with us. Contact the office to find out more.

Make a donation

We have five fabulous charities that we are riding for. Log in to the donation page below and make your donation today!

http://virginmoneygiving.com/team/teamb4

Communication Partner

Media Partner

Support Vehicle Partner

Fitness Partner

Hotels Restaurant Partner

Banking Partner

Accommodation Partner

Finish Line Partner

Cheque donations can be made payable to 'B4 Bike Ride' – please send your cheques to B4 Charity Bike Ride, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford OX3 0BT

JOIN THE 2013 B4 BIKE RIDE - WE HAVE GREG BARNES

Craig Aston

Darren Aston

Jackie Jarvis

Breckon & Breckon

Aston & James

Aston & James

Marketingco

“I want to be challenged and this is a big one – really looking forward to it. It’s a long way but I am sure as a team we will pull eachother through. Heard great things about the Paris ride so can’t wait for the trip from Edinburgh in May!”

“First, it will be great to raise money for the very worthy charities we are riding for and secondly it will be great to ride alongside my brother and build some good business relationships as well as friendships”

“I was impressed with the effort the team put in last year! It really did sound like something I wanted to be a part of this year. I like a challengeand I am very much looking forward to it”

“I do always what I can to support the cancer charities. My father died of cancer 5 years ago and I feel that it is important to do all we can to help other sufferers. He would be very proud of our efforts.”

Nigel Pursall

Stuart Palmer

Rupert Reid

James White

Orangestripe

Bower & Bailey

Security Exchange Ltd

Intouch CRM

“I really enjoyed the camaraderie last year. It was superb and looking forward to it again with some of the 'Paris 12' plus some new faces. I can’t wait to take part in this ride! there will be the feeling that another large challenge has been achieved!”

“I am taking part in the B4 Charity Bike Ride to challenge myself. It provides a great opportunity to really get to know my fellow participants.My wife’s mother died of cancer and my parents have luckily both survived cancer in recent years so this is a chance to do something positive”

“No-one who has witnessed Helen and Douglas House’s work in helping both children and their families deal with the last few precious days of their lives can fail to be moved. I am riding to raise funds so that they can continue their fantastic work”

“We have extended the distance this year as well and so riding 130 miles in 1 day is going to be a real challenge, but I am up for it.

It will be great to raise money for charity and also for a personal cause that I am supporting here in Somerset where I live”

Rob Scotcher

Richard Rosser

Tim Spittles

John F Kennedy

B4 Magazine

B4 Magazine

Hawkwell House Hotel

Wildbore & Gibbons LLP

“I really enjoyed the ride from Paris to Oxford last year. Not only was it a great experience, but the team were a fantastic support and we really gelled as a unit, both on and off the road. Can’t wait for this year.”

“Last year was quite a mountain to climb but we got there – the rest of the team were a massive support and helped me up more than one tough hill! This year we’ve raised the bar again – it will be a real test.”

“I have always thought about getting involved in more organised rides connected to charity, and this seemed an ideal way to combine getting involved with B4 and doing something that I enjoy. The sense of achievement will be a real buzz for me, the group and for Helen and Douglas House”

“The B4 Team is always a great group of people to cycle with and the camaraderie from doing such a challenge is a wonderful experience. I am glad to be part of a really diverse team who will all work together to achieve the joint goal – getting to Blenheim and raising as much money as possible!”

Ciaran Cullen

Graham Upton

Mark Attwood, Gavin Smith and the team

intouch crm

High Sherfiff of Oxford

“Last year I took part in the Great North Run and decided I wanted a different challenge this year. I have never really cycled any great distances I believe this will be the toughest challenge yet! I’m actually looking forward to getting stuck into the training and the ride itself.”

“I've done a lot of long rides including Land's End to John O'Groats, C2C and even Newcastle to Edinburgh but mainly on my own or in very small groups and I'm looking forward to riding with a big group with fullback up. The route looks great and should be a brilliant ride.”

Browns Oxford

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US ON THE RIDE, PLEASE CALL RICHARD NOW TO BOOK YOUR SPACE – JUST 5 SPACES REMAINING!!!!

Call 01865 742211 or see oxfordshire.b4-business.com

YOU?

B4 WIDER

DESTINATION BLENHEIM PALACE...

A ROLE TO PLAY ON THE GLOBAL STAGE 2013 is the year that Blenheim Palace starts to realise its full potential, according to Paul Liczbinski, Head of Sales, as he explains ambitious plans for ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ to B4 Magazine, writes Kelly Stroud.

From high-end weddings with guest lists that could often rival most celebrity newspaper columns, through to James Bond themed team building events, exquisite fine dining experiences, and a strong British heritage, Blenheim Palace has it all.

But all isn’t enough for the team behind Blenheim Palace who have bigger plans in mind. As Head of Sales, Paul Liczbinski’s challenge is to transform his vision into reality, enabling surrounding businesses to benefit from the success of Blenheim Palace in addition to supporting Oxford internationally.

with a destination marketing strategy that spans Europe, Middle East and African markets (EMEA).

“Our marketing and sales plans include exhibiting at international shows to ensure that Blenheim Palace and Oxford are noticed, pushing us to the forefront of event organiser’s minds. This will include taking a stand at IMEX in Frankfurt.

“Last year, we were

in-hand with a fruitful partnership Paul Liczbinski is developing with a business a little closer to home.

“Oxford Airport share similar ambitions to us and our offerings most definitely complement each other. The airport has authorisation to fly people in from Lagos (Nigeria) and Moscow. People from high-end markets now have the opportunity to fly direct to Oxford presenting a perfect opportunity for a Blenheim Palace meet and greet.”

very much focused on our home market, but Blenheim Palace has a far greater reach and appeal than that”

According to Nigerian newspaper, Punch, the acquisition of private jets is a luxury trend which rose by 650 per cent between 2007 and 2012, an industry worth a sum of $6.5bn in the last five years. With this in mind, Paul Liczbinski continues:

“Last year, we were very much focused on our home market, but Blenheim Palace has a far greater reach and appeal than that. The Olympics provided a strong showcase for the UK as a destination to host events and it is now time for businesses to ensure they profit from that success.”

We will also target conference and event organiser’s defined by sector, for example, oil and gas, banks and insurance companies. We are working closely with Visit Oxfordshire to ensure the county is showcased on a global stage.”

Paul Liczbinski is looking further afield than the UK

International plans for Blenheim Palace go hand-

Blenheim Palace is already one of the UK’s most sought after wedding venues. This enables Paul Liczbinski to present a strong case to hold four weddings per week, including Thursday and Sunday, whilst ensuring that high standards are maintained with only one wedding held at one time.

“I joined Blenheim Palace in November 2011 so I’ve had a good 12 months here to put ground roots down, and in that time I’ve built a strong team who have proven their experience and capability of delivering a busy calendar of high-end and bespoke events,’ explains Paul Liczbinski.

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“We would like to provide African events from fine dining through to African weddings. I would like to do the same for Russian and Chinese events and weddings and have plans to strengthen ties in those markets.”

www.b4-business.com

Conferences that wow To support its expansion into other markets, Blenheim Palace is about to launch a new meetings and conference offering. The Palace presents a choice of seven impressive conference and meeting rooms that have recently undergone a facelift.

Blenheim Palace offers a number of conference packages and have the staff and capability to provide bespoke events delivered to an extremely high standard with options available for a wide range of budgets.

The Palace has also recently formed a partnership with nearby Heythrop Golf Course, which can now be extended to delegates.

Scope for new events Visitors to Blenheim Palace can already experience a vast array of events from The Blenheim Triathlon through to Sunday Jazz Brunch and there are plans to introduce a series of food entity based events later this year with themes such as canapé making, defined champagne tastings and cocktail making, to name a few.

www.b4-business.com

Paul Liczbinski still has ambitions to add more to an already busy calendar: “We are Britain’s Greatest Palace and in terms of event venues in the UK, I would place us in the top five for quality, size of event and flexibility. We have 2,100 acres and could easily host a client event for up to 12,000 people.”

“We are Britain’s Greatest Palace and in terms of event venues in the UK, I would place us in the top five for quality, size of event and flexibility” “The Palace is only just starting to realise its full potential and we are now bringing the right people together to ensure it happens. Whether it is a wedding, fine dining event or conference, our events will always be tailored to suit our clients’ individual needs and treated with utmost confidentiality.

“One thing is for sure, we can absolutely guarantee that Blenheim Palace has the ‘wow factor’ that guests will always take away with them,” concludes Paul Liczbinski.

Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The Palace was created a World Heritage Site in 1987, in recognition of its architectural importance.

Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace is a world-renowned visitor attraction and a superb venue for weddings, banqueting and conferences. Blenheim Palace is “Britain’s Greatest Palace”.

If you are interested in hosting an event at Blenheim Palace, contact 01993 813874 or email sales@blenheimhospitality.com. To keep up to date with Blenheim Palace news and events, visit www.blenheimpalace.com

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www.b4-business.com

B4 WIDER

“Trust, honesty, integrity and respect are essential ingredients to ensuring our continued success as a profitable business unit”

EXCITING TIMES In February 1993 Mike Collett joined the then WILA Leuchten GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany and the UK operation of WILA Lighting Limited was formed in September of 1993. The WILA business was started in Mike’s home with some garden furniture that was used for a desk and chair, a mobile phone and a fax machine and one other member of staff.

2013 is a BIG year for WILA in the UK for more than one reason; It is not just the 20th year of trading, but WILA will also be celebrating the launch of the NEW WILA Vision and Strategy, the NEW architecturally led website and the introduction and launch of the NEW and exciting alphabet range in the coming months, whilst maintaining a lean operation here in the UK.

WILA moved into its Didcot offices in September 1993, before relocating to its current offices in Grove, Wantage 7 years later, and November 2010 saw the opening of WILA UK’s manufacturing facility in Abingdon. Claire explains, "As the business grew in size and success we always retained the family feeling mentality with the people we employ, and this now forms part of the company culture. She continues “We are a very close knit team and believe in and understand our values. Trust, honesty, integrity and respect are essential ingredients to ensuring our continued success as a profitable business unit. WILA boasts a large company ethos through our means of recognition and remuneration. We are proud to have been accredited with IIP since 1997. This in itself is a huge achievement following the dramatic changes within the standard, the demise of funding and support networks such as Business Link, and the fact that we remained accredited as an Investor in People during our own period of change and through the MBO process”.

Claire goes on to say “WILA currently employs 33 members of staff across the two sites in the UK and an additional 100+ in Germany”. Claire proudly tells us that out of the 33 employees, 6 have been with the company over 10 years, including herself and a further 10 over 5 years. As much as we would like this to be higher we recognise and understand the changing industry and markets we operate in.

www.b4-business.com

Claire explains that WILA has introduced an Apprenticeship Scheme this year, with apprenticeships available within administration and technical Sales support.

The successful individuals will be placed on a two year training plan and will work in each department for a 3 month period whilst continuing to improve their knowledge and skills further. They will do that initially via the NVQ route and if successful they will have the opportunity to go on to do professionally recognised qualifications. In previous years WILA has supported numerous employees on apprenticeships, NVQ trainee schemes and

professionally recognised qualifications such as CIM Marketing Diplomas, MSc in Light & Lighting, Management & Leadership qualifications and an MBA. Claire and the management team are passionate about how all departments at WILA pride themselves in delivering exceptional service and support whether that be from a sales inquiry, quotation, through to an order, product development, purchasing, assembly, post sales support if required or an accounts or systems query. All departments are cross trained where possible to ensure that systems and processes are in place to meet all eventualities.

Claire goes on to say, “Oxfordshire itself has seen many changes in recent years and although Oxford itself has a large number of people employed in universities and the public sector, it also has significant jobs in other sectors including publishing, tourism, hospitality and a growing hi-tech sector fuelled by a highly-qualified workforce. Whether those positions be full time permanent, temporary or part time it is difficult to get a real feel of the employment statistics”. Claire is confident that WILA will continue to be strong in a very competitive market as the team it has is highly skilled and talented and is the vital ingredient to its continued future success. www.wila.com

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Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Claire Styles talks to B4 about the forthcoming changes at WILA and the excitement surrounding its 20th year of trading here in the UK.

NEW YEAR INSPIRATION AT

JOHNSONS BUILDBASE

At this time of year everyone’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of home improvement. After the harshness of winter, this is the season when people take a long, hard look at their homes and gardens – and find them wanting.

As birds begin to nest and snowdrops poke their heads through the soil, many of us decide our own habitats could do with brightening up too. With this in mind, builders’ merchant Johnsons Buildbase Oxford will launch its 2013 landscaping catalogues on 1 March 2013, aimed at attracting both the professional tradesperson and the DIY enthusiast.

Named National Builders Merchant of the Year 2012, Buildbase is one of the UK’s fastest growing builders’ merchants with 130 branches nationwide. Its flagship Oxford branch was the first to open and has its roots in the local firm founded by the Johnson family more than 120 years ago.

One of Oxfordshire’s oldest and most wellknown businesses, the company’s five-acre site in Cowley holds extensive stocks of all the principal timber and building materials needed to make the most of our living spaces. All products are backed up with first-class customer service provided by experienced and helpful staff.

Kitchens, bathrooms and tiles Since nothing improves the look – and value – of a property more than a revamped kitchen or bathroom, Johnson’s Buildbase is currently running a winter sale, which ends on 28 February.

There are tempting bathroom offers galore, from complete suites, shower sets and enclosures, to quality bathroom furniture. In addition, the sale includes accessories such as taps, mirrors and tiles – the important finishing touches that can turn a tired bathroom into a stylish one.

In the kitchen department, selected kitchen carcasses have been reduced, as well as 82

worktops, hob and oven packs, and waste disposal units, among other items.

Stumped for design ideas? A wander through the extensive kitchen, bathroom and tiles showrooms at Watlington Road or a talk with a knowledgeable member of staff should inspire you. The variety of high quality kitchen and bathroom collections on display ranges from modern to traditional, and can fit most budgets.

“Since the showroom refurbishment was completed in time for Christmas 2012,” says Buildbase Branch Manager, Craig Tarrant, “we are happy and encouraged by customers’ responses to our new look. Our comprehensive range and services cater for all budgets. We are pleased to be able to offer 0% finance and look forward to the coming year.”

Garden landscaping With the kitchen and bathroom spruced up and looking good, it’s time to head outside to give the garden a make-over. Here again, you are in safe hands. Buildbase prides itself on being able to supply everything for the garden but the plants – although it does stock topsoil, turf and pre-planted sedum matting.

Attractive landscaping can greatly increase the appeal of the garden and is another way of adding to the value of property. The Oxford branch stocks a wide range of timber and stone products, as well as fixing products, including sand and gravel, and preservative and cleaning products.

Hard landscaping materials available include stone, slate and tile paving, decorative aggregates, walling, edging, fencing and gates.

Timber garden products are another area of expertise. If you have a yen for creating a quiet corner in your garden, you’ll find a range of www.b4-business.com

B4 PROPERTY decking, arches, arbours, gazebos, pergolas, sheds and garden furniture to choose from.

Unsure about tackling a job? Buildbase can provide information on construction and information, or direct you to a website where you’ll find help. If you are not intending to do the work yourself, branch staff can use their local knowledge to put you in touch with contractors in the area.

“Johnsons Buildbase is one of the most respected companies in the Oxford area, trusted and relied on by both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike

”

As for completing the job, Hirebase, the plant, tools and equipment hire division of Buildbase, offers a wide variety of products to hire on a short or long-term basis.

Hirebase can supply hand and power tools and equipment, as well as safety equipment and protective clothing. Whether it’s a shovel or a circular saw, a concrete mixer or a sledgehammer, having the right tool makes all the difference.

Going green Environmental awareness is high on Buildbase’s agenda and the company has taken a number of green initiatives. It is committed to responsible sourcing and wherever possible products are sustainably sourced and ethically traded. Most timber products, for example, are obtained from sustainable, well managed forests and woodlands, and carry FSC and PEFC certification.

Continuing the green theme, Johnsons Buildbase stocks the latest in rainwater harvesting systems to assist gardeners in coping with unpredictable weather conditions. 2012 might have been one of the wettest on record but who knows what summer 2013 might bring?

Wise gardeners are prepared for anything.

In addition, ‘green areas’ in the kitchen, bathroom and tile showrooms display sustainable products to help consumers cut their household heating and energy bills.

Long established With a trading history that can be traced back generations and a current reputation for providing outstanding customer service, Johnsons Buildbase is one of the most respected companies in the Oxford area, trusted and relied on by both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Johnsons Buildbase Oxford is in Watlington Road, Cowley, where there is plenty of parking and easy access. www.buildbase.co.uk 83

B4 SPOTLIGHT

B4: ART & INTERIORS

Artist Carol Peace discusses her artistic practice, her new solo exhibition at Sarah Wiseman Gallery, and the art of collecting sculpture.

As one of the U.K’s best known and exciting visual art talents, these last couple of years have been non-stop for Carol Peace; she has completed work for numerous exhibitions and commissions, nationally and internationally. An alumnus of The Prince’s Drawing School in London, Carol lives and works in Bristol, and in 2011 was made a patron of The Royal West of England Academy.

Her new exhibition, entitled ‘Present’ at Sarah Wiseman Gallery will feature some of her newest sculptural work, and for the first time, her drawings, allowing us an insight into this other, vital side of Carol’s artistic practice.

‘Drawing has always fed my work,’ she says.

‘It’s not direct; I don’t draw someone then sculpt them. Sculpture is more about ideas, whereas for me painting and drawing is the pure but never simple act of looking and recording.’

‘This show is about a recently recurring theme, ‘The Present’’ she says. ‘It is a gift to see what you already have and to appreciate the now.

I am ambitious…but there is a danger of not living in the present, of regretting the past and always looking to the future, but life is about today…about being here, now.’

Carol is inspired by the everyday; relationships, friendships and sometimes poetry, using the human figure as a conduit for these ideas and themes. A figure’s hands and feet may be proportionally enlarged, giving the impression of a mythical, partly imagined, but expressive human being. They are often quietly reading, standing, or gazing skywards or sitting atop rock-like plinths; couples, sitting closely together, or solitary figures looking benignly on.

Some figures are verging on abstraction – in ‘Take Me’ (pictured) the figure is stripped back of detail, and appears to be swept up by a gust of wind, her hands transformed into a giant sail. It’s impossible not to feel uplifted just by looking at it, imagining the sensation of being lifted.

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‘‘Take Me’ was originally about intrinsic ambition’, she explains, ‘but it is like many of my [other] pieces really, mostly about freedom. To me freedom is what I imagine a pianist feels after hours of practice, or a dancer, after years of training, flies across the stage. It’s not carefree, but it is a great free, it’s intense, it’s exciting and thrilling’ A typical day in the studio starts early. ‘I am a morning person. There is a certain smugness that morning people have, but it’s just the way my brain works best!’ she says. But as she explains, working as an artist isn’t all about sitting around, waiting for inspiration. ‘Being an artist gives you a certain freedom, maybe a certain pigheadedness, but you can’t forget your customers as otherwise you would be unable to make work any more; but at the same time you have to remember the core reasons you are working and keep that as your main focus’ ‘The best days, I go in early, I unwrap my clay and move it around into shapes that I like. I think, I write…it’s hours and hours of [working in] silence. From the outside it seems fun… it’s always intense’.

Throughout her career, Carol has created a number of permanent, public sculptures which are in locations around the country. But a sculpture could be overlooked as a viable way to live with art at home - In the every day, surely sculptures must be too expensive to buy or simply too impractical to install? But Carol is quick to dismiss this, clearly applying her aforementioned ‘live for now’ logic to collecting; ‘If I buy sculpture or painting I work out where it’s going to go afterwards!’ she laughs. ‘It’s about loving the piece [of art] not worrying about where it will go – things change, you move house…I tend to discuss various plinth ideas with clients, but the usual advice is to treat the sculpture as they would a vase of flowers. They can also go outside, small sculpture works well in a small or intimate area of the garden. I’ve put tiny things outside before.’ www.b4-business.com

So it would seem the days of needing a vast parkland or huge courtyard to show off a sculpture collection are long gone; it’s possible to find sculptures that aren’t monumental in their scale.

Carol’s advice is to think of any purchase as you do when buying music – an initial outlay could in the end give you years of pleasure. She tries all the time to make sure her art is attainable to as many as possible. ‘I make sure some pieces are in bigger editions so that the time spent making, and the mould costs are spread out over the edition.”

“It’s about loving the piece [of art] not worrying about where it will go” She adds that with her own art collection, she finds the smaller works by artists that she likes, working up to larger pieces when she can. She also maintains that while putting practical needs aside can seem crazy at the time, but in the long run, they pay off. ‘I have customers who bought a Dali when they were a young couple, living in New York, before they had any furniture…they still have it now – only they have the furniture to hang it above! It was an incredible investment, but the best kind; one that has given them enormous pleasure over the years.’

So what’s next for Carol? ‘I would like to make a large version of ‘Take Me’ one about three metres tall. I will also be working in Barcelona for six months this year, not for any particular reason other than to experience it and see where it leads. I tend to get inspired from working. When I make a piece I think of another while I’m making it - so I like to be working’ www.wisegal.com

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Phil Strachan

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www.b4-business.com

B4 MARKETING

A GREAT TIME TO TALK TURKEY! Hot off the press - some topical food for thought and something to chew over in the year ahead to ensure that you keep abreast of latest thinking in Branding, Identity and Graphic Design - Phil Strachan of Strangebrew shares his recipe for success with B4’s Richard Rosser.

It happened again! Sad news really – but the results of research just recently conducted and published have indicated that over 95% of Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Marketing Directors and Marketing Managers who commission Branding, Identity and Graphic Design projects, ended up with a turkey at the end of last year. Sad news all round except perhaps for Bernard Matthews!

brought home to roost if businesses and brands are to have any chance of carving out a real opportunity for themselves and getting a decent slice of the action.

But it didn’t have to be this way- if only they had gone to and worked with Strangebrew for all their Branding, Identity and Graphic Design needs. The fact is that despite good intentions and stout resolutions (plug for Guinness there!) made at the start of the year, they all just fell into the trap of failing to break with tradition, failing to be different and therefore ended up just like everyone else – headless chickens who had cooked their goose, almost certainly heading for a real roasting. Put very simply, they failed to think brand - not bland!

Taking a quick gander at the topline results, it is all too clear that what is sauce for the goose isn’t necessarily sauce for the gander and that every business and brand requires its own individual recipe that is both creative and original. It is also manifestly clear that all high-flying business and brand owners

Bad news all round for all – except perhaps for Paxo!

To crown it all, the research very clearly concludes that all businesses and brands behaving in that manner will never rule the roost. It goes on to note that by choosing to follow the flock and operate on a wing and a prayer, such businesses and brands will simply be left without a leg to stand on, left to fight for the leftovers and destined to end up totally plucked and well and truly stuffed. Bad news all round for all – except perhaps for Paxo!

Without wishing to make a meal of these findings and at the same time attempting to cut through the inevitable gobbledegook, the research makes it very clear that it is time to ruffle some feathers. Some basic fundamental truths, some of which may at first seem totally unpalatable, need to be

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The research concludes that business and brand owners should never duck their responsibilities and that they should take great care not to kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

“The research goes on to say that if they don’t like the heat, they really should get well and truly out of the kitchen” need to understand their businesses and brands better. They should therefore give free range to the strategic and creative strengths of their chosen Branding, Identity and Graphic Design partners rather than simply relying on growing their businesses and brands organically. They quite simply need to think brand - not bland!

Bold, frank insights and a generous helping of mirth

brand owners who fail to keep abreast of the latest Branding, Identity and Graphic Design thinking, might turn tail and take flight at the very idea of sticking their necks out too far and running fowl of established conventions.

The research goes on to say that if they don’t like the heat, they really should get well and truly out of the kitchen. The research strongly recommends that they should appoint a really good Branding, Identity and Graphic Design partner such as Strangebrew who can make sure that they think brand - not bland and won’t end up with a turkey at the end of the year - and will help add to their festive cheer in 2013 with an injection of bold, frank insights and a generous helping of mirth.

If they don’t, it will probably just be tough turkey all round again at the end of 2013.

And the moral of this story is that if you don’t want to end up with a proverbial turkey at the end of 2013, leave the production of turkeys to Bernard Mathews and leave the stuffing to Paxo. Instead, place your trust in Phil Strachan and Strangebrew for all things Branding, Identity and Graphic Design related – and let him help you to dish up success on a plate by helping you to think brand - not bland.

To make sure that you don’t end up with a turkey at the end of 2013, please call Phil on 07770 753 975 for an initial no charge meeting to find out how an injection of Business and Brand Alchemy from Strangebrew could really benefit your business or brand this year. www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

Finally, the research notes that many thickskinned and chicken-livered business and

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CONTACTS DIRECTORY Advice..................................................................................................................................................88 Business Services....................................................................................................................88 Property & Building..............................................................................................................88 Conference, Events & Venues......................................................................................88 Education......................................................................................................................................89 Finance..............................................................................................................................................89 Health & Leisure.......................................................................................................................89 HR...........................................................................................................................................................89

A M B A S S A D O R

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IT & Telecommunications..................................................................................................89 Manufacturing...........................................................................................................................89 Marketing & Design..............................................................................................................89 Transport..........................................................................................................................................91 Retail....................................................................................................................................................91 The Wider B4................................................................................................................................91

ADVICE

BUSINESS SERVICES

CHARITIES

ACCOUNTING

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

Fish Partnership P Paul Laird Partner

Buckinghamshire Business First A Philippa Batting Managing Director

Horizon Sports Club A Anita Templar Club Chairman

t: 01628 527956 w: www.fishpartnership.co.uk

t: 01494 568941 w: www.bbf.uk.com

Flackwell Financial Services t: 01628 525450 www.flackwell.org

Federation of Small Businesses A Rodney Mallinson Chairman

BUSINESS ADVICE

t: 01628 602 983 w: www.fsb.org.uk

Thirdwave A Tony Thomson Managing Director

Institute of Directors t: 01494 718699 w: www.iod.com

t: 01628 487 912 w: www.thirdwaveweb.co.uk

ARCHIVING AND STORAGE

Adhere Training Club A Lisa Butler Training Manager

StoreNGo A Minesh Patel Senior Executive

t: 0844 846 3866 w: www.adheretraining.co.uk

t: 07775 702082 w: www.storengo.co.uk/

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS

RSM Tenon t: 01628 478 100 w: www.rsmtenon.com

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

Stupples Chandler Garvey A Michael Garvey Managing Director

Automatic Vending Association A Jonathan Hilder Chief Executive Officer

t: 01494 460 250 w: www.stuppleschandlergarvey.com

t: 01494 568 960 w: www.ava-vending.co.uk

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES

Avocet Investments Ltd t: 01494 726173 w: www.avocet-investments.com The Compliance Bureau t: 07771 733 788 w: www.compliancebureau.co.uk

LEGAL B P Collins A David Stanning Partner t: 01753 889995 w: www.bpcollins.co.uk

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London & Counties A Office Supplies Ltd Paul Milbourn Managing Director t: 01494 791 221 w: www.lacosltd.co.uk

t: 01844 345432 w: www.horizonsc.org.uk Buckinghamshire Community Foundation A Richard Dickson Director t: 01296 330134 w: www.thebucksfoundation.org.uk

SECURITY Risk Management A Security Services Peter Smith Managing Director t: 01494 441 805 w: www.riskmanagementsecurity.co.uk

PROPERTY & BUILDING

CONFERENCES Kents Hill Park Training & Conference Centre t: 01908 358000 w: www.kentshillpark.com

VENUES CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING Partners With You Limited t: 01923 842435 w: www.partnerswithyou.co.uk

Hartwell House A Jonathan Thompson Director & General Manager t: 01296 747444 w: www.hartwell-house.com

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network.

B4 contacts West Wycombe Estate t: 01494 524411 w: www.west-wycombe-estate.co.uk Chicheley Hall t: 0800 085 1660 w: www.chicheleyhall.co.uk The Tree Hotel t: 01494 881183 w: www.cadmore.treehotel.co.uk

TAX PLANNING

MANUFACTURING

Your Money Friend Ltd A Ted Yeates Managing Director

ARLA Foods t: 0113 382 7000 w: www.arlafoods.co.uk

t: 01235 838542 w: www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

MARKETING & DESIGN

Wealth and Tax Management t: 01908 260418 w: www.wealthandtax.co.uk

EVENT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY The Active Network A Banks Holcombe Head of Business Development

HEALTH & LEISURE

t: 0207 313 5744 w: www.activenetwork.com

Magnolia Park Golf Club P Mark McGeehan Golf Pro

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

CATERING SERVICES Global Infusion Group Anthony Laurenson Managing Director

A

t: 01844 239700 w: www.magnoliapark.co.uk The Sculpture School t: 07810 480884 w: www.thesculptureschool.co.uk

t: 01494 790 700 www.globalinfusiongroup.com

PSYCHOLOGIST

EDUCATION

Dr Lynda Shaw t: 07967 271274 w: www.drlyndashaw.com

Aylesbury College P Pauline Odulinski Principal and Chief Executive

HR

t: 01296 588588 w: www.aylesbury.ac.uk

Right Hand HR t: 0844 880 4582 w: www.rhhr.com

Thames Valley Training A & Development Sunjiv Sharma t: 0808 231 4818 w: www.thamesvalleytraining.com

RECRUITMENT

HR CONSULTANT HR2You P Sarah Morris Owner

BANKING Metro Bank plc A Junaid Mumtaz Local Director High Wycombe t: 07983 409228 w: www.metrobankonline.co.uk

t: 01865 742211 w: www.berkshire.b4-business.com

DESIGN Blink Design & Print P Keith Simpson Senior Designer t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com

MARKETING Strangebrew P Phil Strachan Proprietor

First Move Direct Marketing A David Amor Managing Director t: 01494 539300 w: www.firstmove.co.uk Urban Media A Elton Boocock Founder t: 01494 538441 w: www.urbanmedia.co.uk

t: 07789 711997 w: www.hr2you.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM PRODUCTION

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Andrew Gleed Photography A Andrew Gleed Owner

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

FINANCE

B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Managing Director

t: 07770 753975 w: www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

COLLEGES

Buckinghamshire P New University Phil Wood Head of Enterprise t: 0800 0565 660 w: www.bucks.ac.uk

ADVERTISING

InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director t: 0845 310 9973 w: www.intouchcrm.co.uk

t: 01494 718557 w: www.gleedphotography.co.uk Adby Creative t: 020 3239 1084 w: www.adbycreative.co.uk

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Piers Photography t: 07787 505786 w: www.piersphoto.com

Coms A David Breith CEO

Take One Business Communications Ltd t: 01494 898919 w: www.takeonetv.com

t: 01494 561603 w: www.coms.com

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network.

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e focus solely on providing face-to-fface advice and offer a dedicated, personal wealth management ser vice to build longterm, trusted relationships with our clients. Together, we would look to create a working plan, providing you with a clear direction towards meeting your financial goals. This includes clarifying your objectives and r esearching all of the options available to you.

We have the experience to help you successfully secure and enhance your financial future by offering specialist advice in a wide range of areas including: s )NVESTMENTS s 2ETIREMENT PLANNING s 4AX AND ESTATE PLANNING For fur ther information, or to r equest your complimentary guide to wealth management, contact:

FLA FLACKWELL CKWELL IAL SER RVICES VICES FINANCIAL SERVICES Senior Par PPartner ar tner Pr Practice ractice actice of St. JJames’ James’s ames’’s Place W Wealth ealth Mana Management aggement

0! 2 4 . % 2 3 ) . - ! . ! ' ) . ' 9 / 5 2 7 % ! ,4 (

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The title ‘PPar tner Practice’’ is the marrketing keting term used to describe St. JJames’ ames’’s Place Wealth Manaaggement representatives.

B4 contacts PUBLIC RELATIONS Esplin PR A Louise Esplin Freelance PR Consultant t: 07775 678237 w: www.esplinpr.co.uk Cirkle A Caroline Kinsey Chairman t: 07774 181610 w: www.cirkle.com

TRANSPORT TRAVEL Chiltern Railways A Rob Brighthouse Managing Director t: 08456 005 165 w: www.chilternrailways.co.uk

RETAIL Buildbase A David Grimsdale Divisional Director South East t: 01438 364627 w: www.buildbase.co.uk Coffox Ltd t: 07736 950673 w: www.coffox.tel

THE WIDER B4 Miele Company Ltd A t: 0845 365 6600 w: www.miele.co.uk

Lady Margaret Hall P Bill Kemp Head of Conference Services t: 01865 611079 w: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk Williams F1 Conference Centre A Brendan Caffrey Conference Centre Manager t: 01235 777900 w: www.williamsf1conferences.com Nominet A Lesley Cowley OBE CEO t: 01865 332211 w: www.nominet.org.uk Bloxham School A Nick Irvine Marketing Director t: 01295 724332 w: www.bloxhamschool.com Blenheim Palace P John Hoy Chief Executive t: 01993 810501 w: www.blenheimpalace.com Santander A Justin Hayward Business Development Director t: 07809 493563 w: www.santander.co.uk Oxford Fine Dining Sue Randall Managing Director

t: 01865 728240 w: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk BDO LLP A Julian Frost Lead Partner 0118 925 4400 w: www.bdo.uk.com

Reading Football Club Limited P Sir John Madejski Chairman

Haslams Surveyors LLP P Conrad Hill Managing Partner

t: 0118 968 1100 w: www.readingfc.co.uk

t: 0118 921 1500 w: www.haslams.co.uk

The Bird in Hand Country Inn t: 01628 826622 w: www.birdinhand.co.uk

Bearwood Lakes Golf Club A Martyn Norris Head of Marketing

Rhodes House A Martin Gubb Director of Finance

t: 0118 979 7900 w: www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk The Vineyard P Hayden Bowl General Manager

Why Become a B4 Member?

Why not join over 500 B4 Members in The Thames Valley and benefit from fantastic events, an online business community and listings in the B4 Magazine directory.

P

The Art Room t: 01865 779779 w: www.theartroom.org.uk

t: 01865 270918 w: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

B4

New rates coming in May – join today to take advantage of our excellent rates from as little as £150+VAT per annum for membership.

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B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print e: studio@on-the-blink.com t: 01494 373183 w: www.on-the-blink.com

t: 01635 528770 w: www.the-vineyard.co.uk

Call us now on 01494 373 183 to join the growing B4 network.

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