B4 Magazine issue 25

OXFORDSHIRE EDITION

B4

Magazine

ISSUE 25 WINTER 2012

A DVIC E P R

•

•

www.b4-business.com

CO N F E R E NC E

N ET W O R K I N G

•

•

E DU C AT IO N

•

CO M M U N I C AT I O N

H E A LT H •

•

M A R K ET I NG

P R O P E RT Y

•

R & R

•

H R

•

I T

Coutts Coutts talk to B4 about the Eurozone and the future for the UK economy

Grant Thornton by

Tax for entrepreneurs explained

B U S I N E S S E S

w

B E T W E E N

w

B R I D G E S

O

B U I L D I N G

w .sh aw

nl in e

gi

Iss ue

Make the move to the cloud - B4 did!

bb s.c om

Sp on so re d

CIS

Join the B4 Community 2

1

3

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.

B

U

I

L

D

I

N

G

B

R

I

D

G

E

S

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)

2

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.

3

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

4

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!

Get Connected to our Growing Community Now:

Call Us Now - 01865 742211 B

E

T

W

E

E

N

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

E

S

LIFE’S GRAND.

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE NOW AVAILABLE WITH £4,200 DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION.

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE GRAND CHEROKEE 3.0 CRD V6 LIMITED 237 BHP V3 36 Monthly Payments

On the Road Price

£359

£37,995

Jeep Customer Amount Deposit Deposit of Credit Contribution

£4,200

£10,099 £23,696

Optional Final Payment (inc £295 fee)

£12,879

Total Duration of Payable by Contract Customer (months)

£35,902

37

Rate of Interest (fixed)

Representative APR

3.28%

3.8%

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CHRYSLERJEEPOXFORD

Now at: Chrysler & Jeep Oxford. Banbury Road, Shipton on Cherwell, Kidlington, Oxon, OX5 1JH. Tel: 01865 376000

sales.oxford@chrysler.co.uk www.jeep.co.uk

O F F I C I A L F U E L C O N S U M P T I O N F I G U R E S F O R T H E J E E P G R A N D C H E R O K E E R A N G E I N M P G ( L / 10 10 0 K M): E X T R A U R B A N 3 9.

9 . 2 ( 7.

7 . 2 ) , U R B A N 2 7.

7 . 4 (10 ( 1 0 . 3) 3 ) , C O M B I N E D 3 4 . 0 (8 ( 8 . 3) 3 ) . C 0 2 E M I S S I O N S I N g / k m 2 18 18 .

VVehicle ehicle sho shown: wn: Gr Grand and Cher Cherokee okee 3.0 Limited in White. October to December 2012 off offer er (e (excluding xcluding SR SRT8).

T8). W With ith Jeep Horizon PPersonal ersonal Contr Contract act Plan yyou ou ha have ve the option to rreturn eturn the vvehicle ehicle and not pa payy the final pa payment, yment, subject to the vvehicle ehicle not ha having ving eexceeded xceeded an agr agreed eed annual mileag mileagee (a char charge ge of 12p per mile ffor or eexceeding xceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this eexample) xample) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guar Guarantees antees ma mayy be rrequired. equired. TTerms erms and Conditions apply apply.. AAtt participating Dealer Dealerss only only.. W Wee wwork ork with a number of cr creditors editors including Jeep Financial Ser Services. vices. Jeep Financial Ser Services, vices, PO Bo Boxx 4465, Slough SL1 0R 0RW. W. *See Jeep.co.uk ffor or details. Prices and specifications corr correct ect at time of going to pr press ess (10/12). Jeep is a rregistered egistered trtrademark ademark of Chr Chrysler ysler Gr Group oup LL LLC. C.

www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742211 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 Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser B4 Events Tina Rosser events@b4-business.com Editorial contributors Claire Thompson Gail Buckle Hannah Howell Kelly Stroud Louise Esplin Lucy Holmes Sarah Airey Sarah Wiseman Tracey Jefferies B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525

welcome to B4 Welcome to Issue 25.

I am delighted to welcome Coutts to B4 who complete a clean sweep of lead articles in 2012 from the banks. An interesting article, I hope you will agree, and food for thought as we all look forward with continuing concern about the future of the UK economy.

Our Platinum Ambassador group continues to grow and I am pleased to announce that not only have Darbys, Lady Margaret Hall, Rhodes House, Breckon & Breckon and Wenn Townsend all renewed their commitment to B4, but we also have CIS, The Manor Hotel, Hawkwell House, Blackwell’s, The Feather’s Hotel, Ultimate Car Control and Magnolia Golf Club as new Platinum Ambassadors.

One more new Platinum Ambassador that I would like to extend a warm welcome to, on behalf of all of us at B4 and the wider B4 community, is London Welsh RFC. I had the pleasure of spending some time with some of the players, staff and Chairman, Kelvin Bryon and they have had a fascinating road to Oxford and it’s important we all get behind the team in any way we can.

B4 Magazine is printed by

Enjoy B4 and all the best for 2013.

47. Penny & Sinclair Written by Kelly Stroud

Richard Rosser Editor

48. Wenn Townsend Written by Louise Esplin

About

B4

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. Direct mailed to three thousand business decision makers in Oxfordshire every quarter, B4 is regarded as Oxfordshire’s leading free distribution business publication. B4 stands for Building Bridges Between Business and that is what B4 helps businesses to do, aided by our first class website at www.b4-business.com, quarterly B4 Ambassador events and monthly workshops.

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.

www.stonestheprinters.co.uk

Written by Tracey Jefferies

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2013. If you are able to come along to any of our remaining events of 2012, particularly the Ambassadors event at Williams F1 (13th December) and the Christmas Lunch at Pembroke College (19th December) there are still places at the time of going to press.

Put Together in Oxfordshire B4 is all about Oxfordshire. Designed, produced and printed in Oxfordshire.

© 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.

34. Darbys

We have a new sponsor of the news in Breckon & Breckon, Mike Jennings runs the first of a series of columns and we also introduce B4 Box Office with Charlie Allen of Altis.

Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 01865 742211 info@b4-business.com Each business with an Oxfordshire postcode is entitled to one free copy per issue. For additional copies and for businesses outside of Oxfordshire, there is an annual subscription charge of £25.

Meet The Writers

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

82. Lady Margaret Hall Written by Sarah Airey

22 LEAD

22 Coutts: The outlook for the Eurozone and the UK economy.

48 The Wenn Townsend Business Lunch: Discussion between a wide range of Oxfordshire businesses over lunch.

56 Owen Mumford: 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of Owen Mumford, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of specialised medical devices.

70 Cllr Ian Hudspeth: Facing the challenges.

72 Platinum Ambassador Spotlight: David Robertson, Commercial Director, Buildbase.

135 2012 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards: All the results from this year's ceremony.

26 ADVICE

26 Tax for Entrepreneurs Explained: With Grant Thornton's Vicky Lad.

11 NEWS

11 The Last Bookshop 91 Institute of Directors

34 Managing Stress in Your Workplace: Delaying with the drama Darbys help to ease the load.

29

PROPERTY 29 The Oxford Property Market: Robin Swailes tells us what is happening.

38 VSL: Commercial Property News from our Platinum Ambassadors.

47 Penny & Sinclair: Further increases Summertown presence.

100 Group Savvy: Strong foundations are at the heart of this Oxford based property company.

132 Putting Habitat First: Where the living is easy...Lower Mill Estate.

62

EDUCATION 62 The New Team: Meet the new team at Magna Carta College.

50 Wills, Trusts & Inheritance Problems: You may have more rights than you think.

53 5 Easy Steps to Protect Your Brand: With Manches' Intellectual Property partner, Rachael Parman.

97 Darbys 111 The New Theatre 119 Glooo

60 Claims Against Professionals: The clock is ticking - act now before it's too late...

123 Oxford Wine Company 127 Oxfam

40

SPOTLIGHT 40 A Brave New Digital World: David Prescott, Managing Director of Blackwell UK Limited talks to Victor Glynn.

6

105 Jennings: Thinking Differently...

44 HR

44 Does Your Social Media Image Make You A Commercially Irresistible Candidate?: B4 Platinum Ambassadors, The Career Boutique, with more great recruitment advice.

67 Recruitment That Goes Against The Norm: With Allen Associates.

102 HR2YOU: Showing no signs of letting up with continued expansion.

www.b4-business.com

B4 contents 58 TRAVEL

58 Customer-ised: Making your Jeep your own.

36

98 Are you concerned about your exposure under Corporate Manslaughter Laws?: Ultimate Car Control UK Ltd.

FINANCE

36 Consider Risks To Protect Your Rewards: With Lloyds' Dave Atkinson.

78 R&R

IT & COMMS

69 SERVICES

EVENTS

75 Oxford Town Hall: We welcome you to a taste of modern luxury.

82 First Story at Lady Margaret Hall: The schools literary charity celebrates its festival of creative writing.

92 The King's Centre: What you want to get done, gets done here.

www.b4-business.com

87 112 Clinic 95 - How I Did It The passion and vision behind Clinic 95 with owner Maria Hardman.

30 75

128 Strangebrew: Potent and intoxicating but reassuringly inexpensive.

87 Eyesite Opticians: Eyes failing you? In need of a new pair of specs? Look no further.

64 Managing Your Cashflow: With Julie Smith, Head of Trade and Working Capital South at Barclays.

43 And The Winner Is?: Intouch CRM wins The Software Satisfaction Award.

116 Keep Calm and Carry On!: Mel Cooper of Oxford Fine Dining gives B4 readers an insight into good planning for events.

HEALTH

54 Local Business Benefits From A Flexible Approach: How Santander are breaking new ground.

30 Make the Move to the Cloud: The Cloud? No, nor did we until we did it at B4!

108 studio8: A one stop shop for photography, video, and digital media marketing with no trudge all the way to London required.

69 WILA Group Limited: Investing in the future.

76 Roots of Oxford: How a relatively new venture has grown up almost overnight.

81 Workplace and Safety Solutions: With B4 Platinum Ambassadors, Aston & James.

84 Executive Security: At the forefront of changes and development in fire and security installation.

106 A Passion for Frames: Simple business framing? No, there's a great story behind every job.

78 The Feathers Hotel: First class food, service and surroundings - what more could you want?

88 Sign-up for B4 Box Office: Why be sofa bound when you can enjoy live events in style?

94 Community Engagement: We welcome London Welsh RFC to B4.

114 The Old Swan and Minster Mill: Just a short drive from Oxford you will find this haven, immerse yourself in its tranquility.

120 Cockadoo: Fine food, great atmosphere and a charming host.

124 The Oakley Court: Need a break? Need a venue? The Oakley Court has it all.

131 The George & Dragon: Surpassing expectations - what a find this fantastic restaurant was for B4.

136 Malmaison: Foodie Delights On Your Doorstep.

139 CONTACTS

7

B 4 P L AT I N U M A M B A S S A D O R S

D E S I G N

&

P R I N T

Residential Letting 路 Property Management

meet oxfordshire

Why not join them?

Call us on 01865 742211 now for details about our Platinum Ambassador packages.

We have a capacity of 75 Platinum Ambassadors in each area.

AMBASSADORSHIPS ALREADY TAKEN OXFORDSHIRE 48 BERKSHIRE 15 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 8

B4 contributors PICK OF THE B4 PLATINUM AMBASSADOR CONTRIBUTORS

75

26

82

78

44

48

38

36

94

80

30

58

B4 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER) B4 Box Office...........................................................................................................................88 Barclays.......................................................................................................................64 Buildbase.................................................................................................................................72 Darbys................................................................................................................................................34 Glooo.................................................................................................................................................119 Henmans........................................................................................................50 HR2YOU.......................................................................................................................102 Intouch CRM................................................................................................................................43 IOD..................................................................................................................................91 Magna Carta......................................................................................................................62 Malmaison.....................................................................................................................136

www.b4-business.com

North Oxford Property Services...............................................................................29 Oakley Court Hotel...............................................................................................................124 Oxfam.....................................................................................................................127 Oxford Fine Dining................................................................................................................116 Penny & Sinclair.......................................................................................................................47 Santander.............................................................................................................................54 Strangebrew..............................................................................................................................128 Studio8.......................................................................................................................................108 The New Theatre......................................................................................................................111 Ultimate Car Control..........................................................................................................98 WILA.......................................................................................................................69

9

Corporate AS A COMPANY, HOW DO YOU SAY ‘THANKS’ TO YOUR STAFF, YOUR CUSTOMERS OR SUPPLIERS? c WE HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR YOU. vouch have been providing fantastic offers to the general public for over three years now, great places like:

with more vouchers coming up for sale weekly c It’s a great way for you to buy a voucher at a 50% discount (at least) and say ‘thanks’ to someone for their hard work. Corporate vouch offers you the opportunity to buy 12 vouchers for the price of 10* c Just call 01865 742211 quoting ‘Corporate vouch’ and we can put a package of vouchers together for you. c To see the full range of vouchers, click on the vouch logo on the www.inoxford.com site c Follow vouch on Twitter or sign up for the e-newsletter at www.vouchoffers.co.uk

giving you much more for less *the credit you get for the two vouchers you don’t pay for is equivalent to the average of the 10 vouchers you do pay for.

B 4

Ne w s

i s

S ponsored

by

B4 news

In the Clouds…

October has been a fantastic month for CIS moving a record number of new and existing clients to our Private Cloud solution including B4. From local charities and schools to well known organisations such as accountants & architects with multiple offices, it’s apparent that more and more organisations are now looking to move their intellectual property to a trusted cloud solution.

With the recent devastating damage which

Superstorm Sandy has delivered knocking out power to datacentres powering a number of online portals and sites across the US, it’s essential that companies in the UK considering cloud now look to keep their IP hosted in the UK. Most people underestimate the damage to UK companies who believe their data is kept in the UK when actually their data is being hosted in the US. Speak to CIS and see how we can help by hosting your IP in our data centre in Berkshire.

www.cisltd.com

University of Oxford Shop launches bespoke Oxford range A new collection of Oxford inspired gift and homeware is now available from the University of Oxford shop. All items in the range have been commissioned exclusively for the University’s official shop on the High Street and online store, OUshop.com.

Made and designed in the UK, the collection features ranges by members of the Oxfordshire Craft Guild, as well as homeware by up and coming UK designer, Lizzie Prestt.

“We sell an incredible selection of official gifts and apparel in the shop aimed at the tourist market, but we aren’t really thought of when it comes to main stream gift buying at key times of year such as Christmas,” commented Emily Withers, Head of Product Development. “Bespoke Oxford will help change that perception and encourage local visitors and residents to pop in and take a look.” www.oxfordlimited.co.uk www.oushop.com

Gazella HR At Gazella HR, we help companies to put the building blocks for change in place so that you leave each phase of business development with the right people in place doing the right things.

Our experience shows that during major change, the focus can be on the affected employees – those being recruited, transferred or made redundant - leaving the remaining workforce to find its own way. We help leaders minimise the impact of the change, releasing employee’s energy for the

journey ahead, protecting your brand and bottom line, by: • Taking the fear out of recruitment - targeting only people right for your business tomorrow, as well as today • De-risking restructures and redundancies - so that the right people leave and the remaining employees are engaged for what lies ahead • Support through complex transitions - as part of

outsourcing, TUPE or your M&A strategy We believe in straightforward advice and support, not HR for HR's sake. For a discussion without obligation, call us on 01865-339411 today.

Henmans and Freeth Cartwright join forces in £50m merger staff including 125 partners, 10 offices nationally, and a total revenue approaching £50m.

On 8 October 2012 Henmans and Freeth Cartwright announced that they have agreed to join forces; the integrated Group will have 629

www.b4-business.com

Henmans is one of the largest law firms in the Thames Valley and is a leading force in the charity, private client, agricultural and insurance sectors. As with previous additions to the Freeth Cartwright Group, Henmans will remain a separate entity and will rebrand as Henmans Freeth once the merger has completed.

Malcolm Sadler, Senior Partner at Henmans, said: “This merger presents us with an opportunity to expand our client base across the country. By combining our resources, Henmans and Freeth Cartwright will become a key player among the UK’s top law firms. This is a very exciting time for Henmans and we very much look forward to the opportunities this merger will provide”. www.henmansllp.co.uk www.freethcartwright.co.uk

11

‡ 6HUYLFHG RǸ FHV ‡ 0HHWLQJ URRPV ‡ 9LUWXDO RǸ FHV

Where business is inspired

Easy Access

Witney Business & Innovation Centre provides VPDOO DQG PHGLXP RǸ FHV WR UHQW RQ ï H[LEOH terms, a selection of meeting rooms for up to 40 people to hire by the hour or by the day, DQG YLUWXDO RǸ FH IDFLOLWLHV IRU WKRVH QRW \HW UHDG\ IRU D IXOO WLPH RǸ FH

The centre is located on the Windrush Industrial Estate, close to Witney town centre. ,W LV HDV\ WR ĂŽ QG RQ IRRW RU E\ FDU DQG SDUNLQJ is available on site.

%HQHÎ WV ‡ )OH[LEOH VHUYLFHG RǸ FH SDFNDJHV ‡ Short licence agreements available with as little as one month’s notice

7RZQ Centre

‡ Full reception services to greet visitors ‡ Hire of meeting rooms at special rates when you need them ‡ High speed internet and telephony services ‡ Business support services

W H ZLWQH\#R[LQ FR XN

ZZZ ZLWQH\ ELF FR XN Witney Business and Innovation Centre Windrush Industrial Park, Burford Road, :LWQH\ 2[IRUGVKLUH 2; ';

2SHQ $IWHUQRRQ Wednesday 5th December 2012 3.30 - 5.30 pm

Witney Business & Innovation Centre has opened its doors for business and this is your invitation to join us for some networking, nibbles and the chance to be nosy.

RSVP at http://witneyopenday.eventbrite.com or contact Will Burnett on RǸ FHV#R[LQ FR XN or 01865 261489 for more information.

B 4

Ne w s

i s

S ponsored

B4 news

by

Ian Gillespie returns to Carter Jonas Ian Gillespie MRTPI has returned to Carter Jonas’ Oxford office after four years at South Bucks District Council. Whilst with the Council he led on the preparation of the South Bucks Core Strategy (adopted February 2011).

Ian has joined Carter Jonas to resume his previous role as partner and head of planning for the firm’s southern region. He will advise a wide range of clients on all aspects of planning, specialising in the promotion of land and sites through the Local Plan

process, the preparation of Development Briefs and advising on the drafting and interpretation of planning policy.

James Bainbridge, head of planning and development, Carter Jonas Oxford said: “It’s great that Ian has returned to us. His experience in both the public and private sectors is a significant advantage when seeking to advise clients on strategies for realising the development potential of land and buildings.” www.carterjonas.co.uk

Stephen Black

Stephen Black is a familiar figure in the Oxfordshire business community, having run his own telemarketing business for the past 9 years.

He provides the usual services - cold and warm calling, qualified lead generation and appointment setting, and the provision of data - but has several USPs; "I have always sought to tailor my services to the individual client" He says, from his office in Central Oxford; "So I can be booked from 3 hours upwards, will work from the client's office if requested, and offer a flexible range of pay-as-yougo' services .

businesses , as it helps them to maximise their marketing spend, and telemarketing is the fastest, most productive way of getting your message across."

All Stephen's services, special offers, free tips, testimonials list of previous clients and more are on his website - www.stephen-black.co.uk

This is particularly suited for new and small

Arts at the Old Fire Station Arts at the Old Fire Station on George Street, Oxford, is a year old and there’s much to celebrate. In just 12 months, this beautifully refurbished building has established itself as a lively city centre venue.

The charity offers over 20 regular weekly classes, has hosted 68 shows and counting, and over 190 artists have shown work in 16 different exhibitions.

Regular monthly events including short story readings, improvised jazz, performance poetry and theatre scratch nights have also established

Working Together

themselves as the place for artists to meet, experiment and try out new work.

As well as these opportunities to take part, the public have been flocking into the Crisis Skylight café and the beautiful Shop that opens out onto Gloucester Green. The Shop is a treasure trove of unique items by local and UK based artists and designers, and every penny spent there helps this ambitious charity support the work of emerging artists and help end homelessness. www.oldfirestation.org.uk

When Mike Foster from A1 Financials joined Oxfordshire B4 he never imagined he’d find the solution to his HR troubles through fellow member Belinda Clapp from leading psychometric assessment company Thomas International.

‘I had a real problem with staff attrition and felt I was hiring the wrong people for the role,’ says Mike, ‘Discussing my situation with Belinda in an informal setting was a great way to get a different viewpoint and I instantly knew Thomas International’s assesments would be instrumental

www.b4-business.com

in getting my HR back on track.’

Mike asked potential employees to complete a Thomas Personal Profile Analysis (PPA) assessment which takes just eight minutes and provides an accurate insight into how people behave at work, giving a greater level of certainty when recruiting. Thomas International consultant, Belinda Clapp, says: ‘It’s always a pleasure to be able to help a fellow networking member and to see such an improvement in Mike’s staff retention.’ www.a1financials.co.uk

13

breckon.co.uk

Helping you stay one step ahead of the market Just as your tan is fading and the nights are starting to draw in, the letting market traditionally begins to quieten down.

Don’t leave it too late!

65

years 1947– 2012

breckon.co.uk

The Breckon & Breckon Letting team

We still have many tenants actively looking for a property who are desperate to move before Christmas.

If you’re struggling to sell and would consider letting or are a landlord with an available property, now is the time to see what we have to offer.

Call us and discover our refreshing approach to letting your property.

Our Letting Offices Suzanne Webb (01865) 201111

13 Beaumont Street, Oxford suzanne@breckon.co.uk

Stephanie Judd (01993) 899972

21 Corn Street, Witney stephanie@breckon.co.uk

Kate Sinclair (01865) 763999

109 London Road, Headington kate@breckon.co.uk

Louise Passfield (01993) 810100

34 High Street, Woodstock louise@breckon.co.uk

City Centre (01865) 244735

118 High Street post@breckon.co.uk

Witney (01993) 776775

21 Corn Street witney@breckon.co.uk

Headington (01865) 750200

109 London Road headington@breckon.co.uk

Woodstock (01993) 811881

34 High Street woodstock@breckon.co.uk

Summertown (01865) 310300

274 Banbury Road summertown@breckon.co.uk

Oxford Apartments Summertown (01865) 558999 Headington (01865) 765555

Our Sales Offices

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

UÊExecutive boardrooms for 4 – 30

delegates – indoor pool, gymnasium,

UÊExtensively equipped to meet your

tennis and 9 hole par 3 golf course

requirements

UÊ*À Û>ÌiÊ` }Ê «Ì ÃÊ>Û> >L i

UÊ virence café

UÊ*À Û>ÌiÊ À }Ê> `Ê i «>`Ã

UÊ Ã« À>Ì > ÊTraining

UÊ ÊÓÊ, ÃiÌÌiÊ>Ü>À`ÊÜ }Ê }Ê,

UÊTailor made all inclusive packages

UÊ > ÃÌÊ Ê/ iÊ i>ÕÌ vÕ Ê- ÕÌ Ê Ü>À`Ã

UÊ

,Ê ÀÊÓ{Ê ÕÀÊ«>V >}iÃÊ>Û> >L i UÊ ÕÃ iÃÃÊÃiÀÛ ViÊÃÕ«« rt

v ÀÊ ÝVi i ViÊÓä£Ó UÊ/À «>`Û Ã ÀÊ iÀÌ v V>ÌiÊ vÊ ÝVi i ViÊÓä£Ó

The Oakley Court, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor SL4 5UR. 01753 609988 www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

B 4

Ne w s

i s

S ponsored

B4 news

by

Oxfordshire success story celebrates 10 years Forty per cent growth in a year of recession is hard to believe, but that’s what local company The Marketing Practice has achieved – just in time for its 10th birthday. Their growing demand also means that it is continuing to recruit.

The company, based in East Hendred, produces award-winning work aimed at generating leads and driving sales across Europe for clients such as O2, Oracle and Canon.

Clive McNamara, founder of The Marketing Practice, says it is important to share the company’s success locally. So far in 2012 the Foundation has raised nearly £24,000 for Oxfordshire-based charity Young Dementia UK.

The Marketing Practice is celebrating its 10th birthday by taking the whole company – nearly 100 people – to the Spanish resort of Puerto Banús for two days.

and helping The Marketing Practice to meet increasing demand, then visit www.themarketingpractice.com/careers. Or, to find out more about The Marketing Practice, contact Gemma Davies on 01235 833233.

If you are interested in becoming part of the team

New Partner Joins Marriotts Marriotts are pleased to announce that David Muir has recently joined the partnership which will add building surveying to the range of commercial property services the firm currently offers. The practice which has offices in Oxford and Bicester also provides agency, professional services and consultancy advice to a wide range of clients across the commercial property sector.

Left to Right: Neil Evans, David Muir, Martin Conway

Martin Conway of Marriotts commented "We are pleased to welcome David to the partnership. He has a wealth of experience in the building surveying and project management sectors and has worked in the Oxfordshire region for 20 years.

He will enable us to offer a wider range of services to both new and existing clients".

David Muir said "Marriotts already have a first class reputation with their commercial and education clients which I hope will be enhanced by the additional specialised skills which building surveying can offer".

Neil Evans said: "This is an exciting time for the firm. I am so pleased that David's expertise will enable us to offer an even better service to our clients" www.marriottsoxford.co.uk

The MGroup expand in to Witney B4 Ambassadors, The MGroup, a leading firm of Accountants and Business Advisers based in Summertown, North Oxford, have taken over Petersons Accountants in Witney.

The combined practice will continue to operate out of both Oxford and Witney and The MGroup will now become the largest Accountancy firm operating out of Witney. The Partners are looking forward to providing the firm's wide range of services to the existing and new Witney clients.

Peter Hellawell, who has been a partner in Petersons since 1986, commented. “We have been looking for a local practice that is able to continue to bring a high quality service to our

www.b4-business.com

clients and that is committed to both maintaining and expanding the Witney presence. We are delighted to have joined forces with The MGroup and believe that the local business community will benefit from the increased resources the new firm will provide”.

Peter Smith of The MGroup is the partner responsible for running the Witney office and is equally upbeat about the future. “I have lived in Witney for many years and the growth and popularity of the town have grown considerably in recent years. Some of the larger accountancy firms have abandoned Witney but we are delighted to be doing the opposite and adding our expertise to the existing Petersons business, which already has

Left to Right: Peter Smith and Peter Hellawell

a fantastic reputation and position in the business community.” www.themgroup.co.uk

17

B 4

Ne w s

i s

S ponsored

B4 news

by

New Last Bookshop opens in Oxford Last Bookshop owners Jake Pumphrey and Nick Walsh have opened a new bookshop in Oxford.

They have taken on a retail unit in New Inn Hall Street vacated by seller of natural and herbal products, Culpeper. The new shop follows their established business model of selling good quality remainders at £2 each.

The booksellers also run shops in Bristol and Salisbury and manage a wholesale business from a warehouse near Abingdon. The Last Bookshops

carry a range of titles, from children’s books and cookery to art, literature and philosophy.

Pumphrey said: “Oxford has long been a centre for writing, publishing and bookselling, and we are determined to do our bit to help keep this tradition going. The new shop is very close to Bonn Square, which features bronze street furniture incorporating piles of books which pay tribute to the city’s literary heritage.”

For further information call 01865 791881 or email lastbookshop.sa@hotmail.com

Breckon & Breckon support Movember Movember was established in 2003 by a few friends over a beer in a pub just outside Melbourne, Australia. The goal was simple – to create a campaign promoting the growth of the moustache among likeminded people and having fun along the way.

In 2011, over 854,288 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas raised over £79.3 million globally and in the UK alone 254,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas raised over £22 million. The money raised in the UK is directed to programmes run by Movember and the men’s health partners Prostate Cancer UK and The Institute of Cancer Research.

You may have noticed a recent increase in the number of moustaches over recent weeks, why? MOVEMBER (formerly known as November) is the answer, a month in which brave and selfless men around the world grow a moustache, with the support of the women in their lives, to raise awareness and funds for

men’s health - specifically prostate and testicular cancer?

Some such local ‘heroes of facial foliage’ are Breckon & Breckon, the new sponsors of B4 news – five members of their staff have joined a ‘Mo Bros’ to raise funds for this very worthwhile charity.

The bros at Breckon & Breckon are aiming to raise a significant amount for the charity and have agreed to match any donations given.

If you are able to offer your support then take look at their Mo Bro page at http://uk.movember.com/team/799125 or simply go to the Movember website at www.movember.co.uk and search ‘Breckon Mo Bros’.

Grove’s Modernised Conference Centre Conference facilities at Grove Technology Park have been modernised and upgraded and the unit re-named the ‘Grove Conference Centre’ A large silver screen and a ceiling–mounted HD projector linked to a cinema sound system provides sharp and clear images for audiences of up to 40 in cinema format or up to 22 persons in a conference layout with tables. Another option is a boardroom format, sized and shaped according to client specification. With furniture removed for Reception mode, the facility can accommodate 60.

www.b4-business.com

A lowered ceiling incorporating state-of-the-art lighting combines effectively with a new décor to create a fresh and pleasant ambience for conferences, business meetings, product launches or receptions. Broadband-linked, air conditioned and temperature controlled ensures maximum comfort and big screen viewing from the internet.

An adjoining annex enables a separate area for administration and/or refreshments. Car parking for all visitors to the Grove Conference Centre is

free of charge. Catering and refreshments by special order from a choice of menus.

More information from 01235 772992 or e-mail info@grovetechpark.com

19

Helping Oxfordshire businesses to flourish

Our give accountanc cy and an O ur winning tteams eams of experts gi ve more more than than accountancy from improve business advice. We We help businesses b from all industries tto o impr ove e their performance. performance. W their We offer extended e off er an ext ended rrange ange of specialist services, including: including: services, Audit Consultancy Business Consult anc cy Payroll Services ervices P ayroll S

Accounts Business Tax Tax Corporate Corporate Finance VAT VAT Consultancy Consultanc cy R Recovery ecovery & Insolvency Insolvenc nc cy

To arrange a free, no obligation meeting please call: 01865 292205, or email matt.wistow@shawgibbs.com

B 4

Ne w s

i s

S ponsored

B4 news

by

Blackwell’s Sponsor In Oxford Magazine In Oxford Magazine, B4’s sister title, are delighted to announce that Blackwell’s are the new sponsors of In Oxford Magazine. The In Oxford Group’s Richard Rosser commented.

“Anyone and everyone who has visited, lived or worked in Oxford will have visited Blackwell’s at one stage of their life. Blackwell’s are at the very heart of our fantastic City, we are delighted to have formed a partnership with one of the country’s most established retailers

We are also pleased to announce that through Vouch, our discount voucher scheme, we are now offering a wonderful opportunity to save £10 on your next purchase at Blackwell’s – buy your £30 voucher at www.inoxford.com for just £10 and then spend another £10 in Blackwell’s in order for your £30 voucher to be effective.

See Page 40 for Victor Glynn’s interview with Blackwell’s Managing Director, David Prescott.

Convergency Partnership Director publishes her first book Anne Augustine, Director at The Convergency Partnership, has published her first book. ‘The First 100 Days on the Job: How to Plan, Prioritise and Build a Sustainable Organisation’ is for sustainability leaders - in organisations of any size or sector - who want to make an impact in their first 100 days, and set themselves up for long-term success.

In the absence of complete and perfect information leaders will be expected to act quickly, often in partnership with other businesses, government and

civil society, and almost certainly by building relationships across functions, departments and geographies within the organisation. This book offers a process to make the most of those first 100 days; practical tools to set priorities and manage the programme and a heavy dose of realism about what can be done, and links to some practical support and inspiration. The book is available via Amazon UK or directly from the publishers Dō Sustainability. www.convergencypartnership.com

Suit The City Suit the City Oxfordshire offers an exclusive personal service to clients, providing high quality, made-to-measure suits and separates for both men and women.

The service can be done at your home, or office, and is perfect for the busy professional who does not have the time to seek stylish and unique business wear.

There are over 2,000 natural fabrics to choose from, including pure new wool, Merino wool, silk, linen and cashmere, or a variety of mixes to meet individual requirements. Bespoke detailing and styling is infinitely variable, buttons and stitching can be traditional or contemporary, with optional monograms.

If you would like to discuss your requirements, please call Nicola Manze on 01295 266662 or 07792 425495 for a friendly no obligation discussion about how Suit the City Oxfordshire can help you with your professional wardrobe. www.suitthecity.com

B4 Christmas Lunch, Wednesday 19th December, Pembroke College Relax with a pre lunch drink in one of Oxford’s most beautiful colleges and listen to Pembroke’s choir singing carols before sitting down to a memorable Christmas feast in the main dining hall, listing to The Camford Ramblers playing jazz while you eat.

150 B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests from the B4 community will be served a fabulous three course lunch at 1pm, including a half bottle

www.b4-business.com

of wine from the College’s cellars.

To book, see B4 Events at www.b4-business.com or call 01865 742211 to book your ticket. This event is open to all.

Tickets £75 for main hall or £100 for Top Table dining – just 9 tickets available for main dining or 6 for Top Table. Register at the link below: www.regonline.com/B4XmasEvent

21

COUTTS B4 were invited to the Coutts branch in Oxford to meet Alan Higgins, the bank’s chief Investment officer for the UK and local client partner Maggie Bradley in advance of a Coutts client presentation at Said Business School. The key topics discussed were the Eurozone crisis and the outlook for the UK economy, with a particular focus on record low interest rates. By B4’s Richard Rosser and Lucy Holmes.

As his job title suggests, Alan is responsible for managing the UK-based investment portfolios at Coutts, although as a voting member on the Investment Strategy Committee, he also has a significant influence on shaping the bank’s overall global investment strategy. With more than twenty years of experience of managing client money in the City, Alan has embraced uncertain economic and stock market conditions before.

We begin our conversation with Greece – a country that has been on the precipice of financial meltdown for more than two years now. The Eurozone crisis it triggered shows little sign of easing and its perilous financial state is a huge concern - not just for Greece but for all of Europe.

Alan believes that it is absolutely vital that Greece stays in the Eurozone. “Contagion is the key word when discussing Greece,” he said.

He recalls Argentina’s currency devaluation in 2001 when its banks were closed for a couple of days.

“When they reopened, 10,000 pesos had plunged in value to just 2,000,” he said. “If that happened in Greece – given 24/7 news on the television and the internet - investors would immediately rush to find a safe haven for their euros in Germany, France and Spain.

“This will mean those unfortunate enough to have their money tied-up in banks will suffer. This is contagion. You can imagine the BBC interviewing an old Greek lady who complains, ‘‘I had 20,000 euros and the government has taken the money off me’.”

Alan draws some comfort from German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, who he believes understands the contagion risk, hence her support for Greece.

He added: “Not all German politicians are behind Greece and that’s why there’s so much noise about the situation. If Greece pressed ahead with devaluation, you can just imagine if you lived in Spain, Italy, Portugal or Ireland that you would think to yourself ‘I’m not getting paid any interest so I may as well take the money out of the bank’.”

The Coutts view is that Greece could leave the Eurozone - and Alan admitted that if that were to happen the damage would be very hard to contain.

22

If Greece exits the euro, other countries could follow and that would be “pretty catastrophic”, he said.

He added: “Nobody will forget the knock on effects of Greece leaving the euro. Just imagine if a customer of ours is looking to buy a villa in Portugal in five years time. They won’t have forgotten Greece and will want the price of that villa to be very low to be attractive. It’s all very well everyone predicting Greece will leave because the signs all point to it, but the implications and ramifications of a Greek exit are disastrous, and we at Coutts don’t think this has been fully appreciated. We understand contagion and think this will prevent a Greek exit.”

Low interest rates here to stay Alan believes that record low interest rates will be around for many years because inflation and spending cuts will be the tools used to help Britain reduce the deficit over time.

He said: “There seems to be a general consensus that interest rates will stay low, but our view is that rates will stay low for multiple, multiple years. It’s one way of paying off debt and the link with Greece is this… companies, governments, individuals, have too much debt…..what can you do? You can default - Greece has already done that once and it may have to do so again. Or, you can grow your way out.

“There are several emerging markets with strong growth, and, actually, to be fair, the US has shown strong growth because taxation revenues have started to strengthen. Or you can inflate it away, as has been suggested in the UK. But not in the 1970’s style inflation that a lot of people might imagine, but more subtly, in fact just like we are doing now.

“So base rates at near zero, inflation at 2, 3 and 4%. If you do that for long enough, that does help to return the debt. In the UK our deficits are too large even for that but a bit of austerity and a bit of inflation is basically where we are going.”

Alan said that when he talks to clients who want to invest, he suggests that they should take “any interesting source of fixed income they can get”.

Coutts, he said has five portfolios, which includes a portfolio made up of 100% bonds to one which

is invested 100% equities. But its strongest performing portfolio is focused on bonds and fixedincome - and it’s up about 7% net of fees over the past year.

He added: “With any bank, you won’t get a return on instant cash, but most banks will offer rates paying around four times base rate, including Coutts, if you are prepared to tie your money up for a period of time.”

Despite all the gloom, Alan is optimistic that the UK will avoid another deep recession – even though he admits that the data might hint otherwise.

“The official GDP numbers show economic growth has been zero or slightly negative for quite some time. Unemployment has been coming down quite sharply, and unemployment is more reliable than GDP which is distorted by things like people writing computer programmes from home, the new digital economy, things like this which are really difficult to capture in an official GDP. “Even in 2009, to give you a flavour, GDP growth came out as -0.4 and the press said we were going back into recession. Many journalists were saying ‘doom and gloom’ but the number today is +0.4 and we still don’t have 100% reliable data. We get a swing from negative to positive because we have more information. So things aren’t good in the UK but they’re not quite as bad as the GDP data indicates.”

Alan is favouring equities that pay decent dividends and that are relatively cheap to buy. “It seems to us that severe recession isn’t going to take away your dividends, so the question is whether the price right.

“In the UK, the dividend yield is, a not unreasonable, 4%, and getting somewhat more technical, the price earnings ratio (the price you pay for profits) is about 12 times earnings, which is below average.”

Despite the uncertain outlook Alan does not think it is an unreasonable time to invest – especially for those who can afford to take a longer-term view.

He believes that the Eurozone will “muddle through” and that Germany will pay whatever it takes to keep Greece in, while low interest rates will be here for another five years.

www.b4-business.com

B4 LEAD

“there seems to be a general consensus that interest rates will stay low, but our view is that rates will stay low for multiple, multiple years”

“We may advise clients to stagger some money in, over six months or so. If you are in diversified bonds, we may advise clients to increase risk a bit and take a bit of goal and equity risk in the portfolios.”

In advance of the Coutts client presentation, Maggie gave an insight into what the Coutts clients have in store.

“Of course everyone wants an answer but there are no simple solutions. Our clients are given advice based on their absolute circumstances and we have to take many different factors into consideration, such as their age, their income, tax bracket, what assets they have already got, what their experiences have been. Ultimately, they have got to go away feeling very comfortable with what you’re proposing.”

Coutts, said Maggie, prides itself on the close relationship it has with its clients and what many need is reassurance.

She added: "We have very specialised services in terms of investments. I think a large proportion of our clients are looking for someone who is going to be a steady pair of hands looking after their wealth going forward.

“The relationship we have with our clients is vital because if you are seeing someone consistently, you are going to have to face up to their questions when things are tough - as well as take the plaudits when things go well. The relationship we have with our customers is crucial and has always been a key component of what we do. It’s why our advice is and has to be well-researched.” www.coutts.com

The information in this article is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities or any other investment or banking product, nor does it constitute a personal recommendation.

The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up, and you may not recover the amount of your original investment. Past performance should not be taken as a guide to future performance.

Opinions constitute our judgement as at the date of issue and are subject to change.

Alan Higgins, Chief Investment Officer

www.b4-business.com

23

IT’S NOT WHERE YOU COME FROM. IT’S WHERE YOU’RE HEADING. With unrivalled knowledge and experience, no-one understands the needs of the local market like we do.

To speak to our experts, call us on Oxford 01865 389039, Reading on 0118 3733509 or Eton on 01753 858731.

WEALTH STRUCTURING

PRIVATE BANKING

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

B4 LEAD

COUTTS HISTORY The John Campbell beginnings In the Spring of 1692, young Scot, John Campbell of Lundie, set up business as a goldsmith-banker at the sign of the Three Crowns in the Strand, London. The earliest records show not only did Campbell supply plate and jewellery, he offered a comprehensive banking service: discounting bills, making loans and taking deposits. Many of his customers were his fellow countrymen, including his clan chief, the powerful Duke of Argyll. In 1708, Campbell took another Scottish goldsmith, George Middleton, as partner. John Campbell died in 1712. That year, Middleton married his daughter, Mary.

The Middleton years Middleton was heavily involved with the business of the French financier, John Law. This, combined with the bursting of the South Sea and Mississippi Bubbles in 1720, led to Middleton stopping payment for three years. In 1727 George Campbell, the founder’s youngest son, joined Middleton and in 1744 a third partner, David Bruce, entered the Bank. The goldsmith element of the business had declined since the 1720s.

When Middleton died in 1747, the surviving partners called themselves simply “Bankers of 59 Strand”, the Bank’s home from 1739.

The Coutts family The name Coutts first appeared in the title of the Bank in 1755. James Coutts, a Scottish banker, was taken into partnership by Campbell on his marriage to Mary Peagrum, granddaughter of the founder. When Campbell died in 1760, James invited his youngest brother, Thomas, to join him. In January 1761 the Bank became known as James & Thomas Coutts. When James retired in 1775, the Bank’s title changed to Thomas Coutts & Company, which it was to remain until Thomas’ death in 1822.

The Bank flourished under Thomas and his partners Edmund Antrobus, Edward Marjoribanks and Coutts Trotter. The long reign of George III was a period of major political, social and economic change. Coutts’ customers were involved with such events as the American War of Independence, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars and the opening of India and the Far East.

Thomas’ customers, many of whom were also friends, ranged from the monarch to the Covent Garden cowkeeper.

The Victorian era During the Victorian era, the Bank had to face new challenges in a fast-changing world.

Developing industries were hungry for investment . New and successful joint stock banks meant fierce competition for the oldestablished private banking houses. Coutts’ name inspired confidence in the Bank during his lifetime. It was Angela Burdett-Coutts as the heir to the name and fortune, who was seen as the public face of the Bank in the Victorian period.

Into the 20th Century The Baring crisis of 1890 forced a number of banks to re-assess their position. Coutts & Co, after much careful consideration, decided to change its status. In June 1892 the Bank dissolved the partnership and became an unlimited liability company. 1904 saw more change. After 165 years at 59 Strand, the Bank moved to its current site at 440 Strand.

The merger of the Westminster Bank and the National Provincial in January 1969 meant that Coutts came to form part of the larger NatWest group.

Modern times Throughout the 20th century, Coutts opened more branches. The first West End branch outside 440 Strand was opened in 1921 in Park Lane. In 1961 the bank opened its first out-of-town branch at Eton. Coutts embraced modern technology, becoming one of the first banks to bring in machine-posted ledgers in the late 1920s. In 1963 it was the first British bank to have a fully computerised accounting system. In 1987, Coutts gained international representation when Coutts established operations in Geneva. In October 1990, Coutts and NatWest decided to strengthen their representation internationally and the Coutts Group was created when subsidiaries already owned by Coutts and NatWest (including Handelsbanken) were merged.

The acquisition of the NatWest group in 2000 established Coutts as the wealth management arm of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

For further information please contact: Maggie Bradley 01865 389039 (Oxford) Tim McInerney 0118 373 3513 (Reading) John Mullally 01753 709040 (Eton) www.coutts.com

Coutts is the Wealth division of Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Coutts serves clients from over 40 offices across the world offering tailored wealth management, banking, trust and tax services. Coutts is headquartered at 440 Strand, London with offices in other key international financial centres in Zurich, Geneva, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. Coutts has a robust regional network comprising 26 offices in 23 locations in the UK. Coutts provides access to the local expertise of Private Bankers and Wealth Managers coupled with the intellectual capabilities of the business’s international investment team and specialist advisers to ensure an exceptional experience for all clients, regardless of their location.

www.b4-business.com

“I think a large proportion of our clients are looking for someone who is going to be a steady pair of hands looking after their wealth going forward”

Maggie Bradley, Client Partner

25

TAX FOR ENTREPRENEURS

EXPLAINED

Vicky Lad from the Oxford office of leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP gives an overview of legitimate tax planning opportunities around income tax and capital gains tax (CGT) available to entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs have been much maligned in recent years as among those not paying their fair share of tax. Equally, however, the government has introduced many tax incentives aimed at entrepreneurs, which recognise how they use their additional cash investing in businesses to stimulate the sluggish economy and benefit us all.

investments of up to £1 million and £200,000 respectively. In addition, the new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) gives income tax relief of 50% on qualifying investments up to £100,000.

There are various criteria that both investor and company have to meet to qualify for these reliefs but some of these have been relaxed in recent years to make the relief more available.

• for every £1 put into a money purchase pension, the government adds 25p, which accounts for the basic rate tax that would have been paid on this income

Income tax The top rate of tax is currently 50% for income in excess of £150,000, but this is reducing to 45% from 6 April 2013. If considering taking a bonus, it is worth bearing in mind the timing to take advantage of the reduction from 50% to 45%.

Pension planning Pensions are a tax efficient way of saving for retirement. Each person has an annual allowance of £50,000 (gross), which can be contributed to pension funds. Any unused annual allowances during the previous three tax years can be carried forward and used now, which means anyone could potentially invest up to £200,000 now.

• the investments grow in the pension free of income tax and CGT

Tax efficient investments such as Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Venture Capital Trusts (VCT) attract income tax relief of 30% on

• higher or additional rate taxpayers can claim further tax relief of 20% or 30% (25% from 6 April 2013) respectively on their pension contributions

• tax benefits can be further enhanced if paid by an employer.

There is a limit on the value of retirement benefits that can be drawn from pension schemes before tax penalties apply.

Pensions are tax efficient in a number of ways:

“Some of the investments and planning tools can be complex, so it is always worth speaking to a professional tax adviser to ensure adequate tax planning

”

26

www.b4-business.com

B4 ADVICE

Samantha Vanags, Partner

Capital gains tax The CGT rate is currently 28% (or 18% up to the basic rate band limit for basic rate taxpayers). This is considerably less than the current income tax rate so, wherever possible, it is best to receive funds that are classed as a capital gain rather than income.

Another simple planning tool is to transfer assets to a spouse prior to sale so make use of their annual exemptions and use up their basic rate bands. Care should be taken if the asset also qualifies for entrepreneurs' relief (ER) as you could easily lose this valuable relief by transferring a qualifying asset. Transfers between spouses are not taxable. However, if you were considering transferring assets to other individuals, for example, your children, then a capital gain could arise.

A particularly useful tool for the entrepreneur is ER. If ER is available then the capital gain will be taxed at the lower rate of 10% on gains of up to ÂŁ10 million over your lifetime. ER is generally available on a material disposal of business assets, which includes shares in a company of which the

www.b4-business.com

Vicky Lad, Assistant Manager

shareholder owns at least 5% and is an employee, director or company secretary. There are various criteria that need to be met to qualify for this relief, the main one being that the qualifying conditions must have been met for a whole year prior to disposal. Therefore, if you are planning to sell a business or business asset in the future, it is imperative that you start planning well in excess of a year before the sale to ensure that you will qualify for ER.

be a trade-off between losing ER to obtain the deferment.

And finally These are just a few of the tax relief tools available that are supported by the government. Some of the investments and planning tools can be complex, so it is always worth speaking to a professional tax adviser to ensure adequate tax planning.

For more information please contact either:

“the new SEIS gives income tax relief of 50%

�

Investments in EIS/VCT are also efficient for CGT purposes. Any gains made on the investments themselves are not taxable. In addition, if you have other capital gains in a year, you can defer the capital gain with the investment into the EIS subject to certain conditions. Again, care should be taken if the asset being sold qualifies for ER as this could

Vicky Lad, Assistant Manager: T: 01865 799890 E: victoria.r.lad@uk.gt.com or Samantha Vanags, Partner: T: 01865 799805 E: samantha.j.vanags@uk.gt.com www.grant-thornton.co.uk

27

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

Book your place now B4 OXFORDSHIRE EDUCATION The Business of Education will be circulated to 9,000 business decision makers in the Thames Valley, inserted into the first editions of B4 in 2013. A mixture of educational establishments and businesses will be included in the publication, providing each with the opportunity to promote how they interact whilst at the same time promoting, for educational establishments, their facilities, courses, performance and other points of interest and, for businesses, and overview of what the company does and other points of interest.

There is no fixed structure to this publication, so although the following points are suggestions of content that could be included, they are by no means definitive and each educational establishment and business can promote itself how it wishes in order to get its message across.

Please see overleaf some examples of editorials which have featured in previous editions of B4 Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

You can view these articles in full on line by visiting the article archive at www.b4-business.com for each county website.

FOR EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS • About the establishment • Quotes from or interview with the Head or Principal • How the establishment interacts with the local business community • How local businesses can interact with the establishment • Courses on offer – MBA, even courses in self improvement • Benefits of a student attending the establishment • Outcomes of a student attending the establishment • Section on League Tables (if relevant) • Quotes from students • Images of the establishment • Partners the establishment has worked with in the local business community with case studies

FOR THE BUSINESSES • About the business • Quote from or interview with the Chief Executive or Student Programme Director • How the business interacts with the local educational community • How local educational establishments can interact with the business • Benefits of students working with the business • Quotes from students who have worked at the business or current employees who joined, initially, as students • Typical opportunities available to students • Educational establishments the business has worked with in the local community with case studies

T O B O O K O R F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , C A L L B 4 O N 0 1 8 6 5 7 4 2 2 1 1 T O D AY

B4 PROPERTY

Robin Swailes

THE OXFORD PROPERTY MARKET. WHAT’S HAPPENING? In this issue we look at what is happening to Oxford property as an investment. Article by Robin Swailes.

Over the last 12 months greater London prices have increased by 4.2% where the UK as a whole as decreased by -1.2%. Oxford itself has increased by 2.0%.

These figures reflect the steady demand in Oxford which to me is more pleasing than the runaway London market.

Oxford has a steady growth in commerce and education. The business parks are slowly filling up with large commercial units. I was recently invited to an early morning breakfast ‘party’ by Kemp and Kemp and Henmans to visit the new Centrica building in the business park opposite the mini works ‘Oxford Business Park’. This was an impressive environmentally sympathetic building which will house many hundreds of employees.

You only have to drive buy to see the buildings slowly but surely filling the park. All these buildings employ more people and people need houses.

The centre of Oxford is also growing, next time you drive through Walton Street passed the North Oxford Property Services office at 47 Walton Street you will see the gigantic buildings opposite rising from the ground. In fact they are some two or three stories underground before they see daylight.

The new mathematics institute will nurture nearly 1000 students and some 400 Oxford lecturers, this is a significant scale. Other buildings will include Humanities and the new very sexy building not yet underway which will teach parliamentary affairs.

This will be a white cylinder offset in several horizontal cores, designed by an award winning German Architect.

Oxford is looking good for investment. Property prices are higher than the 2007 peak in nearly all

www.b4-business.com

sectors. This is especially true of the £1,000,000 + properties.

Good schools, businesses like Harley Davidson, Oxfam and BMW in Oxford help keep a steady demand.

House prices are one indicator, rental growth is another. Unfortunately many younger people cannot buy their own homes as the deposits required by the banks is disproportionately high in my view. The average age of a first time buyer is above 30 whereas it was in the mid-twenties in 2006.

“North Oxford Property

Services let professional and student properties. I can reveal today that demand for student properties is the highest it has been for 23 years

”

North Oxford Property Services let professional and student properties. I can reveal today that demand for student properties is the highest it has been for 23 years.

Each year we open our doors to invite students to pick their properties for the next academic year. Our student release date is 22nd November and we often have a queue outside our Jericho offices. This year students have been outside our door with tents. The first student arrived at 0900 on Monday morning that is 3 whole days before we open our student list. This is the longest queuing time that

we have experience in 23 years of business.

This demand may be due to the recent legislation that effectively stops the formation of new Houses in multiple occupations in Oxford.

In times before February 2012 you or I could buy a small house and invite 3 students or professional sharers to live in the house. This is no longer an option. From February this year you cannot let a property which has not been let to students or professional sharers at the date of 23rd February 2012 unless you apply for planning permission to change the use of the property from a C3 use to a C4 use. For an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) planning costs are not cheap and in my experience you are very unlikely to be granted permission. . Some Landlords are pulling out of the HMO market as they believe the cost of licencing the properties and maintaining new HMO living conditions is too high.

There are rules the houses or apartments have to meet. It goes something like this for planning for C4 use…… Article 4 is states that there should only be 20% of HMO properties per 100m radius across the city. Most popular student streets in Oxford already exceed this limit.

Less student houses means a greater demand.

However it is a shortage of all types of houses in Oxford that is the overriding problem.

It is a difficult problem for the planning department to solve but in any event it means that Oxford is still a fantastic place to invest in residential property.

Robin Swailes finds investment property for professional investors. Telephone 01865 311745. www.nops.co.uk

29

MAKE THE MOVE TO THE CLOUD

My colleagues in the office will tell you I’m simply ‘not at the races’ when it comes to talking IT, so it was a disaster waiting to happen when I got it into my head that moving our office network to the Cloud would be a sensible move.

Now here’s a first….B4’s Editor, Richard Rosser, tells you about IT and why a move to the Cloud, although not right for everyone, is a move well worth making.

So the Cloud. ‘Um, right, ah, the Cloud.’ If you’d have asked me about the Cloud before our move, then that would have been my response. Didn’t quite get it. Sounded nice.

Sounded a bit risky. Sounded complicated.

Sounds familiar? But I had a gut feeling this would be right for us, and, for a change, my gut was right!

OK, I’m going to give you a really simple story here, a true story which will help you to understand what the Cloud really is all about.

Lorna, our fantastic Assistant Editor, quite sensibly booked a holiday when we were due to move offices recently. Not a postal move, just some internal reorganisation meaning that the admin and design staff were moving to a new office whilst the sales team could get on with selling in an office and not worrying about getting all excited when we get a new B4 member on the end of the phone!

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

So, Lorna goes off to Turkey for ten days, and in her absence, we move her desk, her computer and she even has a nice new chair! But two days after Lorna leaves, the guys from CIS come in and transfer all of our office data to the Cloud.

What? They take all of the information on all of our computers and move it to the Cloud.

Ok! You know the files you use every day? Those you can’t be without and are probably not backed up on your local machine!? Well, for those of you in companies where you can see the same files as

30

eachother, you’re on a network (sorry, I’m typing this simplistically so that I understand it myself), but you will also have your own files that only you can see on your computer that can’t be see by anyone else. So, you have personal and shared files.

Now, imagine your desktop screen. Some of you will have a messy screen, like me, and some will have a nice and tidy screen, like Lorna. That screen will include both your personal and shared files.

So, when the guys from CIS moved our files to the Cloud, they moved every last one of them, shared and personal.

So, Lorna comes back to the office. New office, new desk, new chair and, ‘where’s my computer????’ asks Lorna (she’s not a ranter, so asks quite gently, knowing something is afoot). ‘My computer is here somewhere, all of my desktop files are on my screen.’ Lorna is confused.

Her computer (tower) has actually gone and all that remains is a small A5 shaped box on her desk, a ‘thin client box’. This is how Lorna now connects to her files in the Cloud, all of the same files that were there before she went on holiday. This is all she needs. Everything is the same, except a new office, a new desk and a new chair. The files are the same, the way they were on the screen is the same.

EVERYTHING IS THE SAME!!!!! It’s just that Lorna’s files are all on the Cloud, and the best bit is….she can access them from any computer in the entire world! So if she’s feeling nostalgic, she can go back to the old office, her old desk and her old chair and

connect to the Cloud using the thin client box that is there now and HEY PRESTO!!!!! she’ll see her screen again and be able to use all of the same files, e-mail, Microsoft Office etc...

The move to the Cloud has been an absolute revelation for the office. Before our move, staff were asking me ‘when are we getting new PC’s, my PC is so slow etc...’ Now, they are bugging me for work because they are getting through tasks quicker and more efficiently. The PC’s (sorry, thin client boxes) are fast, they’re reliable and they’re simply brilliant.

So, if you’re thinking of investing in super duper new PC’s, think again. All you really need is a thin client box, which you can get from CIS, and your own Cloud. It will be the smartest IT move you could have made.

One last word for the CIS team. Lead by Richard Marsh and Lee Rudd, Senior Support Engineer, Andrew McMeeking and his colleague Matt Grantham, they were all an absolute joy to have in the office. Always considerate of our needs and working day, the move to the Cloud couldn’t have been smoother.

With very few issues post the move to worry about, we can all get on with the job in hand and thank CIS for making the move such a straightforward process. We can’t recommend CIS highly enough! www.cisltd.com

www.b4-business.com

B4 IT & COMMS

L to R: Lee Rudd (cis), Richard Rosser (B4), Richard Marsh (cis), Lorna Dobson (B4), Zoe Kemp (B4), Andrew McMeeking (cis), Rob Scotcher (B4) and Tony Pemberton (cis).

“The move to the Cloud has been an absolute revelation for the office” www.b4-business.com

31

Escape to beautiful islands ...in under an hour!

Isle of Man

Daily, all year round flights to Jersey and the Isle of Man

Reserve your escape...

from only

0871 200 0440

ÂŁ54.95

*

*single fare including taxes

www.londonoxfordairport.com info@londonoxfordairport.com T: +44 (0)1865 290 600 / 710

B4 IT & COMMS

Neill Lawson-Smith Managing Director CIS has been a fantastic voyage from starting back in the 80’s, through the dot com boom, and into Cloud Technologies. All these defining moments for ourselves and our customers have been a terrific insight into how we have leveraged technology to navigate these on-going challenges.

I am proud to say that our technology, relationships, staff and know how have helped our customers navigate these challenges. I think that our approach of listening to our customers has given us over two decades of growth, stability and partnerships. CIS is a fabulously creative and dynamic company which is exciting to lead and direct for the future.

Richard Marsh Director Working at CIS is a challenge, but an exciting one that brings me something new every day. Since starting with CIS 7 years ago I have seen and aided huge growth in the company. With an ever building team of great staff we make IT actually work every day! Recently I am focused more towards forming relationships with partners and customers. I enjoy meeting people and hearing about their business, the fun for me is then showing them how IT and Cloud can change things. That Eureka moment when they see how it works is worth all the effort! Our cloud offering is now our main focus, with large growth and an ever more aware market; we will see big things in the next year. We are about to move into new offices, and are winning customers quickly, CIS is maturing!

Tony Pemberton Senior Systems Engineer AOE - Virtualisation, VMware & Firewalls

Andrew McMeeking Senior Systems Engineer AOE - Exchange, Active Directory & Citrix

Matt Grantham Business Development Executive AOE - Exchange, Mail & Firewalls

David Poultney Senior Systems Engineer AOE - Active Directory, Terminal Services & Backups Lee Rudd Business Development Executive I joined CIS in February this year and already I have seen a massive move in todays marketplace. Cloud adoption is becoming more and more apparent with larger companies clearly concerned that if there competitors are making the move to the Cloud, it’s something they should be taking in to consideration as well.

SUPPLIERS REVIEW CIS Director, Richard Marsh, gave us a supplier’s view regarding B4’s move to the cloud. “CIS was delighted to welcome B4 to our private cloud. From an IT perspective, B4 had a very 'vanilla' network.... users, printers, desktops and a server delivering mail and holding the majority of data.

“Our engineers were soon to work, we always start with an audit of the systems, giving us a clear indication of the amount of data, the software involved and a chance to meet the staff and understand their individual functions and how they use IT. The usual questions were asked of us; ‘’Where would the data be?”, “How would we access it?” etc…. and the same quizzical looks when we reply, ‘In a nuclear bunker!’.

“In terms of access, it’s really simple. Remote Desktop is available on any version of windows or Mac and all you need to enter are a dedicated server address, username and password and you’re connected.

“Simply the cloud provides a better solution. Your system, as Richard has already highlighted, is more efficient, reliable, fast and accessible from anywhere! We test the migration locally first so as not to disturb the working environment. The engineers then plan an overnight move to the cloud and it’s done - B4 is now cloud based. The engineers returned to the B4 offices the following day to make sure everybody is happy with the new way of working and the job is complete.

“We have had great feedback from B4 on a seamless move, respecting their need to work, whilst delivering a clean move to the cloud overnight. We have had very few support tickets from B4 since the move but our monitoring can see they are all very busy working on the systems. We have changed the way they work with a very easy and cost effective solution for them. The devil is in the detail, and the smooth migration and lack of support issues thereafter is a shining reflection of our competent and experienced engineers. B4 can now just get on with doing what they do best - connecting businesses – and the IT headache is now ours to manage!

“We welcome interest from all companies regardless of size, budget or level of interest.

Cloud is still a new concept, but we have seen adoption rise rapidly in the last year and we look forward to serving the B4 network of members.

Please give us a call.” www.cisltd.com

www.b4-business.com

33

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

MEET CIS

“An important step in managing mental health in the workplace is to ensure you have taken steps to identify any issues early on” Victoria Marcham, Associate Solicitor

MANAGING STRESS IN YOUR WORKPLACE ‘Stress’ a word that has become somewhat commonplace and one might suggest, is often inappropriately used.

Rather than a little bogged down with work we are more likely these days to exclaim in somewhat dramatic tones that work is so stressful, when all we really mean is that we’re a little overloaded with, or tired because of, our current workload. In most cases it’s a temporary situation, which we know in time will ease. By Tracey Jefferies.

What many of us don’t realise, is that we all need a certain amount of pressure to live well; this might be better termed motivation, that certain something that gets us out of bed in the morning and encourages us to carry out regular, day-to-day activities. Pressure only becomes negative when there is too much, or too little.

Employees become stressed when the pressures on them, whether from work or at home, exceed their coping capacity, which in turn can lead to a myriad of physical and mental problems.

Work-related stress is an adverse reaction that people have to excessive pressures or other demands placed on them at work. But mental health is complicated. We may be unable to cope with the normal pressures of work due to the effects of a bereavement or divorce. In these tough economic times, redundancy is more common and

34

the impact on household income can be a huge worry. Our reaction to such situations can often lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, the most common of mental health problems.

Relationships This includes promoting positive working to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour (such as bullying in the workplace).

One in four people in the UK will have a mental health problem at some point in their life. Workspecific pressures, which can lead to stress include:

Role clarity Whether people understand their role within the organisation and whether the organisation ensures that they do not have conflicting roles.

Change How organisational change (large or small) is managed and communicated in the organisation.

Control/lack of control How much say people have in the way they do their work.

Demands of the job This includes issues such as workload, work patterns and the work environment.

Support/lack of support This includes the encouragement, sponsorship and resources provided by the organisation, line management and colleagues.

A responsible employer will want to support any staff member suffering from stress. But more than that, employers have a legal obligation to ensure they do so. Depending on the situation, legal obligations include those under Health & Safety

www.b4-business.com

B4 ADVICE

“A responsible employer will want to support any staff member suffering from stress. But more than that, employers have a legal obligation to ensure they do so” Sue Jackson, Solicitor

TEN TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS 1.

HR and occupational health to work in partnership to refer employees and inform employees about occupational health services.

2.

Absence policy with occupational health triggers.

3.

Avoid placing unreasonable demands on employees by prioritising workloads and delegating duties.

legislation, common law negligence and the Working Time Regulations 1998.

Victoria Marcham, Associate Solicitor at Darbys, commented: “An important step in managing mental health in the workplace is to ensure you have taken steps to identify any issues early on. In accordance with the Health and Safety Executive, we recommend that all employers deploy a step-by-step risk assessment on a regular basis. An assessment will help to identify the main risk factors for work related stress; help employers focus on the underlying causes and their prevention; and provide a yardstick by which organisations can gauge their performance in tackling the key causes of stress.”

Darbys’ Employment law team realise that keeping up to-date with HR regulations can be exhausting, if not somewhat confusing. To help those

www.b4-business.com

4.

Train managers to recognise situations, which may cause stress.

7.

Use of climate surveys with management standards (stress audit).

5.

Investigate work-related stress when given a Fit Note immediately.

8.

Early intervention to avoid costly sickness absence.

6.

Recognise when the employee’s health may be a symptom of a wider organisational problem.

9.

Train line managers on return to work interviews.

10. Stress policy. managing these tricky personnel issues in the workplace, Darbys’ dedicated Employment Law Training service ‘My Personnel Trainer,’ offers training, advice and support in bite-sized chunks, on a wide range of employment law issues, at very affordable prices. It is headed up by solicitors, Victoria Marcham and Sue Jackson.

“Our clients told us time and time again how difficult they found it to keep up with HR legislation, so we came up with the idea of offering training sessions to support those dealing with HR in their organisation. The programme is based on topical issues and feedback from delegates and existing clients.

We also regularly facilitate bespoke HR training packages, which we deliver onsite”, explained Sue Jackson. The training has been invaluable for many local businesses.

Customer Feedback “Good advice and solid guidance on tackling difficult situations.”

Debi Bond, Dominos Pizza “Really informal and interactive session that clarified many issues for me. Really helpful.”

Sue Brain, SMART CJS “As usual, very pleased with Sue and Victoria. I always find these sessions very useful and informative” Claire Love, Areva RMC For further information about ‘My Personnel Trainer’ courses, please contact Victoria Marcham at vmarcham@darbys.co.uk and for further information about our Employment team, please visit www.darbys.co.uk/business-legal/ employment-law.html.

35

CONSIDER RISKS TO PROTECT YOUR REWARDS The management of risk in business is at the heart of an entrepreneur’s purpose and creates the opportunity for reward. But with limited resources and the inevitable lag from decision to implementation, it isn’t enough to manage risk on the fly. Article by Dave Atkinson, Area Director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Gloucester and Oxon.

Some risks, like machinery wearing out, will happen and it’s just a question of when.

Other risks are identifiable but only have a certain probability of happening, such as staff grievances. For these you can have a policy.

Then there are risks that can’t be predicted and that’s what a company’s strategy is about – a framework to help you make the right decisions in the light of the circumstances.

Areas of risk can be categorised: Strategic – could something happen to disrupt your competitive position?

Regulatory – legislation may require different standards of supply or delivery.

Operational – what is your contingency for a failure in your supply chain?

Financial –where would you stand if a major customer went into administration owing you money?

Consider the strategic solutions first. Do your research into the wider sector and assess the landscape. What are the key trends in your largest customers’ markets? You should assess the implications of the threat or opportunity of change for your company before it happens.

Accountants, lawyers and bank managers are

36

good sources of information on changes and can contribute to your risk assessment planning.

Operational risks are often covered by insurance but you should also consider other risks which you might be able to mitigate.

“Whether a natural disaster or an industrial dispute, if you don’t have a back-up, you should consider spreading risk across multiple suppliers

”

Could you cope if something prevented you from dealing with your largest (or only) supplier, for example? Whether a natural disaster or an industrial dispute, if you don’t have a back-up, you should consider spreading risk across multiple suppliers.

Looking overseas As domestic markets continue to present challenging economic conditions, exporting represents a way to spread risk and is also a

proven route to further growth for well established businesses.

Due to the geographical proximity to the UK, European Union countries have traditionally played a fundamental role in many businesses’ exporting strategy. But as the eurozone crisis continues to affect the stability of many European economies, those businesses whose exporting strategies begin and end with the EU may be at risk of decreased demand for products and increased pressures on turnover.

For Oxfordshire businesses looking to trade their way out of these potential difficulties, emerging markets may offer untapped growth potential. While you may have already begun exploring options in Brazil, Russia, China or India (BRIC), the search for receptive markets has already led others to Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

It is vital to ensure you have sufficient protection mechanisms in place when looking to overseas markets. In emerging markets and in many developing regions payment terms may be extended far in excess of those you are used to, making the risk of non-payment far higher than in the UK or EU. Instruments such as bonds and guarantees may be a familiar part of your trading tools.

When dealing with customers in emerging markets, these need to be even more carefully considered, especially in those countries where

www.b4-business.com

B4 FINANCE

“in many developing regions payment terms may be extended far in excess of those you are used to, making the risk of non-payment far higher than in the UK or EU

”

banking infrastructures may be unstable.

It is vital to ensure that Letters of Credit, for example, are from acceptable foreign banks or confirmed by a UK bank. However, this does need to be balanced with local business etiquette – some Middle Eastern cultures would view a request for a Letter of Credit as an insult.

Having a professional support network around you that fully understands international trade can also be invaluable. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), for example, provides profiles on a variety of countries, with sections of its website dedicated to emerging markets for both importers and exporters to utilise.

A bank with experience of international markets is also a must. Lloyds TSB Commercial has a team of dedicated International Business Managers, who have a wealth of experience in the sector. These managers can also discuss which payment mechanisms would best suit your company and your requirements.

To find out more, please www.lloydstsbbusiness.com

visit

us

at:

Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15M. Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065. Telephone: 020 7626 1500.

All lending is subject to a satisfactory credit assessment.

Licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 under registration numbers 0004685 and 0198797 respectively.

We subscribe to The Lending Code; copies of the Code can be obtained from www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk

www.b4-business.com

37

PARK CENTRAL 40-41 Park End Street, Oxford TO LET

8,616 sq ft Possibly the best office space in central Oxford. High quality air conditioned space with impressive internal layout.

CHILBROOK Oasis Park, Eynsham TO LET

Ground Floor: 14,706 sq ft First Floor: 6,351 sq ft Total: 21,731 sq ft Refurbished air conditioned offices

CANVAS Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon TO LET/FOR SALE

13,150 sq ft – 43,534 sq ft High quality office building available as a whole or on a floor by floor basis within landscaped business park setting.

WINDRUSH COURT Transport Way, Watlington Road, Oxford FOR SALE/TO LET

Headquarters office building with fully fitted laboratories. On secure site.

71,955 sq ft

unrivalled local and regional expertise Richard Venables Tom Barton

rvenables@vslandp.com tbarton@vslandp.com

news Speculative development round the corner…..?

As the new 82,000 sq ft Headquarters for Centrica on the Oxford Business Park nears completion we look anxiously to when the next commercial construction project might appear. There is still a good supply of office space throughout the County but whilst Grade A space is diminishing any new speculative development would be a brave move. We don’t foresee any new office development for at least another 18 -24 months in Central Oxfordshire areas but there are noises that Milton Park may embark on a further major office development which reflects the strength of their market with greater links to the Thames Valley and London via Didcot station. The announcement in October that Chiltern Railways new Oxford to Marylebone service has been finally approved with work likely to start in 2013 will undoubtedly be a catalyst for City Centre office development in the medium term.

A lack of stock is a more common theme in the industrial market with very few quality buildings or freehold premises available. As a consequence we are starting to see rental incentives reducing. Again Milton Park has blazed the trail with a new industrial scheme taking advantage of business rates relief due to Enterprise Zone status. Other speculative development is unlikely until developer confidence returns with bank finance availability and business rates liability on empty units being the two main barriers.

Demand levels remain low for 2012 but October did see a spike in new enquiries as businesses looked to make property decisions before the year end. This appears to have been short lived and the phones have become quieter again although there are a number of larger office enquiries which could just create a bright start to 2013.

Deals, Deals and more Deals…..

Here are a selection of deals VSL and Partners have completed in quarters 3 and 4 in 2012.

243 Banbury Road, Summertown – Letting to Cara London Ltd.

114 High Street, Oxford – Letting to Gerry Weber.

31a Avenue One, Witney – Sale of industrial unit, 11,800 sq ft, to The Original BTC.

31c Avenue One, Witney – Sale of industrial unit, 7,400 sq ft, to Polythene Uk Ltd.

21-22 Avenue One, Witney – Sale of industrial unit, 10,200 sq ft to The Original BTC.

Unit 2, Network Point, Oxford – Letting of industrial unit, 21,500 sq ft, to Speedy Hire.

1B Colwell Drive, Abingdon – Letting of industrial unit, 15,000 sq ft, to ACL.

Ramsay House, Oxford – Letting of 2nd floor office suite, 18,000 sq ft to NaturalMotion Ltd.

Lakesmere Close, Kidlington – Letting of office suite, 1,000 sq ft.

www.b4-business.com

www.vslandp.com

39

Blackwell’s flagship store in Oxford

A BRAVE NEW DIGITAL WORLD David Prescott, Managing Director of Blackwell UK Limited talks to Victor Glynn about his plans for the legendary Oxford bookshop group.

It was a bright cold day in Movember. Yes, you did read that correctly. David Prescott, Managing Director of Blackwell’s, one of Oxford’s most cherished institutions was being uncharacteristically coy and refusing to have his photograph taken. Movember is the month in which those who can are encouraged to grow a ‘tache to raise awareness and funds for gentleman’s cancer. Mr Prescott is at that stage where he doesn’t yet look quite like Clark Gable, but give it a couple more weeks and the ghost of Vivien Leigh will be giving somewhat more than a damn!

Prezza, as he is now affectionately known, is clearly a can do sort of chap. Constantly on the move, he has been in Frankfurt, Belfast, Oxford and Aberdeen. Trying to pin him down for half an hour to quiz him was well-nigh impossible but somehow we made it happen in the end.

David joined Blackwell’s in August 1995 as a Goods-In person at Nottingham Trent branch.

Rapidly rising through the ranks of book-selling throughout the UK (there are currently over 40 branches) he became Head of Retail in 2007 before being appointed Managing Director in 2010.

His one regret was never having managed the

40

flagship store in Oxford.

On entering this extraordinary temple of books, which was opened by Benjamin Blackwell in Broad Street 133 years ago, one is struck not just by its welcoming warmth but the sheer scale of the enterprise. The Tardis like Norrington Room which extends under part of Trinity College, boasts three miles of shelving and houses over 200,000 volumes!

Blackwell’s UK Limited, which turns over in excess of £70m p.a., is still under the ownership of Julian (Toby) Blackwell, who is President of the company, and a family trust. Toby has announced his intention to form an employee partnership along the lines of John Lewis. The delivery of this ambition is one of the challenges facing David Prescott and his board colleagues.

The business has a very different shape from the one he joined. The world of 1995 was one where Bill Clinton was president of the USA and Robson & Jerome had the best-selling single of the year.

Some things have got better then. In print it was the year of High Fidelity, Angela’s Ashes, Bridget Jones and The Horse Whisperer.

David Prescott, Managing Director

More importantly perhaps, his beloved Liverpool FC won the League Cup. By the time he was El Prezzadente, the Managing Director, life was very different. From winning Retail Chain of the Year in 2008, when he was Head of Retail and earlier whilst Manager of the Glamorgan branch turning over £100,000 in one week he now has to contend with a brave new digital world. “The biggest challenge the industry has faced since Caxton opened his shop in 1476.” Every sixty seconds there are 2 million Google searches, and 204 million emails are sent and received against 40 million a day in 1995.

Blackwell’s directors feel that they are more than equal to this challenge and various projects are in train looking at what the bookstore of the future might look like and what has to be done now to get there. Not wishing to betray the detail of the plans at this stage Prescott did say that it would be “a more interactive experience whilst maintaining the strengths of the traditional bookshop including keeping and indeed developing the excellent customer service skills and knowledge of our staff."

Staff who are not just dealing face to face in the stores but also with major organisations ranging from merchant banks to the NHS.

www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

nook HD

The Norrington Room Bill and Ulric, former President and Norrington Room Manager

“the right book, in the right place, at the right price sums up the Blackwell’s ethos” Blackwell’s on Broad Street Oxford

It is of his staff that David is most proud, rightly as you will find when you visit. There is definitely something very special about these multi-talented people. Without exception, passionate about books, profoundly knowledgeable about their own area of expertise. Vivien, Mrs Graham Greene and Dorothy L Sayers among the famous names that have worked in Broad Street.

expandable memory slot it effectively has no limit to the number of books that can be downloaded, the battery life is longer and the Wi-Fi facility is 25% faster than the current competition. The attractive touch screen is one of the easiest to read, either in blazing sunshine or sitting in bed next to a sleeping partner. “Oh and do mention that it also comes with some seriously cool designer accessories.”

What a legacy! What a challenge! How on earth does one preserve and capitalize upon such a history in a digital world?

“As a company we have very strong values in terms of our place at the centre of the communities we serve. These include schools, universities, theatres, museums and similarly minded commercial organizations.”

The recent arrival of the Nook e-book reader and the anticipated arrival of the Nook Tablet later this month is a strong start to these plans. When asked why Blackwell’s had chosen it over other rival systems, Prescott was very clear. “We did spend a lot of time deciding who to go with but ultimately the Nook was the only choice for us. Developed with booksellers from Barnes & Noble, one of the most respected names in the industry in the US it has many advantages over rival systems.”

Many of the attractive functions of the Nook are on other machines but few have all of them. These include the ability to download eBooks in most formats, including PDF and ePub5. With an

www.b4-business.com

This place in the community, something ingrained in every employee, is even stronger when the Managing Director has spent so many years at every level at first absorbing and later sharing that culture which together with the mantra “the right book, in the right place , at the right price” sums up the Blackwell’s ethos.

included Bill Clinton, who popped in recently to say “Hello again!”, and less recently C.S.Lewis, J.R.R.Tolkein, Evelyn Waugh, Seamus Heaney, Aung San Suu Kyi. Mohammed Ali, and Mikhail Gorbachev.

This Blackwell culture is an essential part of the future of the business, a future that is regarded with genuine optimism and excitement. As David Prescott said as he rushed out for his next engagement, “Our history informs our future. We are not engaged in a fire fighting exercise but are building on our distinguished past into a multiplatform future that keeps our loyal and traditional customer base whilst attracting and appealing to a new digitally literate audience. Visiting Blackwell’s, especially the main stores will become even more of an event in its own right. There will always be things happening. Live interactive activities for all ages and, yes a wonderful supply of books to be chosen from.”

“Will that do? Can I go now?”

The vibrant schedule of Events brings excellent footfall to the store. Very recently Michael Palin, Philip Pullman and Sir David Attenborough, who The Oxford Mail estimated attracted 800 people, have been in Broad Street. Other visitors have

That moustache is definitely improving. http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk

41

How do you measure quality of life...?

Wealth well managed

I know that my family has worked hard for what we’ve achieved, so we want to make sure that we positively manage our opportunities, both today and in the future.

And that means intelligent management of our wealth.

That’s why we’re talking to Brown Shipley; they help us understand that there are choices, potentially exciting choices. And they listen. Brown Shipley, it’s a different kind of bank.

For further information, contact Tim Meikle, Intermediary Development Director, on 020 7282 3329.

www.brownshipley.com

INVESTMENTS . BANKING . WEALTH PLANNING

LONDON | MANCHESTER | BIRMINGHAM | EDINBURGH | LEEDS Brown Shipley is a trading name of Brown Shipley & Co Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Autho Authority. rity.

B4 IT & COMMS

L to R: Matthew Ruddle - Customer Service Director intouch crm, James White - CEO intouch crm and Giles Brandreth - Guest Speaker/Presenter

AND THE WINNER IS?

Intouch CRM wins The Software Satisfaction Award: Best Small Business CRM System, at this years Software Satisfaction Awards. Article by James White - CEO intouchcrm Well, knock me down with a feather! We won the best small business CRM system award at The Software Satisfaction Awards this year. A huge accolade not only from the industry but also from our customers.

The Software Satisfaction Awards are voted on by users of the system, so this means we had tremendous feedback from our customers that put us in first place for the Best Small Business CRM system of the year.

To say that I was touched by the recognition from our customers doesn’t really reflect the feelings of gratitude I have.

At Intouch CRM we are totally customer focused and it’s a delight that our users recognise that.

As a UK based software company we are often compared to much larger US based providers with very deep pockets and fancy marketing programs.

We spend our time finding out from our users what they like about the Intouch CRM system and more importantly, what they want us to spend time improving.

Our latest release of the system was based solely around user feedback and features they wanted to see included in the software. We took all the feedback on board and set the developers a task of integrating as many of the customer requests as they could in the latest release of Intouch CRM. So if you are a user of the system or are thinking www.b4-business.com

of adding the benefits of a comprehensive small business marketing platform and CRM system to your business, then you can be assured that here at Intouch we listen to our users, take their feedback on board and get our heads down to make sure we are constantly improving the system to deliver what our customers want.

The Software Satisfaction Award is a nationally recognised award so the prestige from winning it will have huge benefits for our business and means we now have a truly independent testimonial about

“At Intouch CRM we are totally customer focused and it’s a delight that our users recognise that

”

the value of our system. We are lucky to have regular feedback coming into the office telling us how much users like the system, which is very much appreciated.

However, having an independent validation to all the work we are doing is a big pat on the back for all the team here at Intouch CRM. One of the key elements that meant we pipped the competition to the post for the award this year, was the usability of the system and how easily customers and in particular new customers, could

start making use of the huge range of tools in the system. For us here at Intouch CRM, usability is a key factor to giving your customers a delightful experience.

The Intouch marketing system and CRM tool has a huge range of features, including robust email marketing, text message marketing tools, survey tools, calendar and task management to name just a few. Making these intuitive to all users, is a constant challenge and we are always looking at ways to help our users get the most from the system as quickly as possible.

In support of this goal we are developing a comprehensive learning resource that not only helps customers get the most from the system as quickly as possible but also means that we are able to share some of the knowledge we have developed on what marketing tools and strategies work best. Think of it as a Marketing Masterclass.

We will let you know as soon as we are ready to launch.

We like to think that it is effort and ideas like this, helping our customers become more successful that played a factor in us winning this award.

So to all our customers and fans we wish you a prosperous end to 2012 and a hugely successful 2013 from all of us here at the ‘Award Winning’ small business CRM system of the year! www.intouchcrm.co.uk

43

DOES YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGE MAKE YOU A COMMERCIALLY IRRESISTIBLE CANDIDATE? Social media has opened up a whole new marketplace of candidates and The Career Boutique tells B4 readers where and how they can make the most of it.

More and more candidates are using social media to look for jobs as it offers a new platform to directly network with recruiters and employers. Katherine Dales, Managing Director at The Career Boutique, is embracing this movement having filled approximately 60% of jobs this year through candidates sourced from social networking sites.

employment and it goes without saying that your profile should be without spelling mistakes, easy to read and accurate.

Our consultants spend up to three or four hours a day proactively looking for relevant candidates on social media sites.

Websites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter offer a whole new pool of applicants and it is important to be active on these sites when job searching.

Facebook – www.facebook.com Facebook is the largest of the social media sites with over 1 billion users that offers a unique way for recruiters to search and interact with job seekers, and if you are comfortable with your profile being public, a top tip is to put the key words relating to your career in your profile.

How you look, dress and behave can mean everything to get the job of your dreams. But it could all go down the pan if your social media profile doesn’t live up to the image you’ve tried so hard to portray. Having a photo of you in the pub won’t go down well with any new employer, it won’t portray the right corporate image or fit in with their idea of the kind of person you are.

Social media portals like Facebook and Twitter are your ‘shop window’, you update your status and add your photos, everyone can see and read about you, and how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking and what you’re doing. In this age of the internet and all the information available to us, employers can quickly Google you and find out everything they want (or don’t want) to know in the click of the mouse.

Joining LinkedIn groups and discussions will help raise your online profile. You can also include LinkedIn recommendations, which are effectively references from people you have worked with. These can sometimes make the difference.

As a recruitment consultancy we are constantly monitoring our client’s Facebook pages as those who connect and interact with the page are likely to have a genuine interest in the company and are potential candidates that we will consider when recruiting.

Twitter – www.twitter.com Twitter is a real-time information network where ‘tweets’ allow you to connect directly with your audience. The Career Boutique Twitter feed (@careerboutique) is a portal that we use to post job vacancies, advertise seminars and events that we are organising, and to post interesting articles to our followers.

If you’re in the job market, hunting for that perfect job, you should think about your public image. Take off those photos of you at a summer music festival, on holiday or at the pub and ensure your photos, comments and interests can’t be misconstrued or taken out of context.

In order for recruiters to be able to find you it is important that you put details about the job you are looking for into your Twitter bio. If you decide to tweet about your job search be aware that Twitter is in the public domain and other people can see the tweets that you have previously made, therefore a company may question your commitment and loyalty if they can see you have also approached several other companies.

LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com LinkedIn is one of the first places we go to as it is a network of over 187 million professionals from around the world. It is essential to have an up to date LinkedIn profile, and the more complete your profile, the more chances you will have to be found and contacted.

There is no denying that social media can allow you access to a huge number of job opportunities, however it is important to realise that with LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter having over 1.3 billion combined users it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and it takes time and effort to build up your online profile.

A professional looking photo can be the deciding factor whether a recruiter or employer makes contact with you, so ensure the photo is a clear, professional head & shoulders shot in smart dress.

Problems that we as a recruitment consultancy face are that many users will set up a profile but may not keep it up to date, the information submitted may not be accurate or it may portray an incorrect image. So whilst social media is unlikely to completely replace the more traditional recruitment methods, it is most definitely a tool that should be added to your job search repertoire. www.thecareerboutique.com

A LinkedIn profile should include all of the same details as your CV, such as qualifications, experience, and previous

44

www.b4-business.com

B4 HR

“Take off those photos of you at a summer music festival, on holiday or at the pub and ensure your photos, comments and interests can’t be misconstrued or taken out of context

”

www.b4-business.com

45

Fr From om

Christmas wrapped up at The Oxford Hotel

..95 95

£ £24 24 4

per p er g guest ue st

Christmas events include:

Our party packages take the hard work out of Christmas.

÷÷ Christmas Party Nights

Whether you’re getting together with friends and family,

÷ Festive Disco Party ÷ Lunches

VY HYYHUNPUN `V\Y VMÄJL WHY[` ^L»SS WYV]PKL HSS [OL MVVK HUK drink, entertainment and atmosphere you could wish for.

Why choose us? .YLH[ ]HS\L -YLL ^PUL PUJS\KLK 3\UJO WHY[` VW[PVUZ

+YPURZ WYVTV[PVUZ .YLH[ Z[H` V]LY YH[LZ

Beauty treatment offers

For more information or to book call 01865 489933 email oxford.events@pumahotels.co.uk VY ]PZP[ www.pumahotels.co.uk/christmas

*Terms and conditions apply.

The Oxford Hotel I Godstow Road I Oxford I Oxfordshire OX2 8AL

÷ ÷ New Year’ Year’s Y ear’s Eve Gala Dinner Dance

B4 PROPERTY

“Penny & Sinclair has already earned a fantastic reputation and is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with” Rob Hill, Sales Manager

PENNY & SINCLAIR

FURTHER INCREASES SUMMERTOWN PRESENCE The latest member of the Penny & Sinclair team, Rob Hill, talks to B4 about the Oxfordshire property market and how he considers his new employers ‘a force to be reckoned with’. By Kelly Stroud.

Summertown and City based sales and letting estate agents, Penny & Sinclair, continues to expand their successful team with the appointment of Rob Hill as Sales Manager.

Formerly of Breckon & Breckon-owned Oxford Apartments, Rob joins Penny & Sinclair at an exciting time bringing with him a wealth of experience gained over the last 17 years, largely in the Oxfordshire market.

In his own words, Rob explains what convinced him to make the move to Penny & Sinclair’s Summertown office: “I’ve seen Penny & Sinclair develop over the last few years as a young, progressive company that has made a big impact on the Oxford market.

The integrity and reputation of the firm is outstanding and I know I will be working with a team of driven people who all live locally with a genuine understanding of the community and property stock.”

Unlike the larger national firms who also operate in the high profile housing market in Oxford, Penny & Sinclair is a smaller and leaner independent agency and as such, is far more responsive to their clients’ needs.

www.b4-business.com

Rob continues: “The firm typically deals with mid to high-end properties and are more than rivalling the ‘big boys’ that have an Oxfordshire presence.

By pushing boundaries in service levels and price, Penny & Sinclair has already earned a fantastic reputation and is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.”

As an independent agency, Penny & Sinclair has the ability to adjust and deliver more rapidly, affording them a clear competitive advantage. This allows the company to work in partnership with their clients to provide bespoke solutions and cater for all eventualities.

Market comment and ring-road barrier The Oxfordshire residential property market has undoubtedly picked-up with ‘family homes’ proving to be the most buoyant. With hot-spots remaining the same as five-to-ten years ago, Rob Hill rekindles memories of years gone by: “There is definitely a strong demand for the family home, four/five bedrooms, in Central and North Oxford. This year has seen a shortage of those kind of properties on the market which has genuinely provided a flash back to the old days with asking prices being exceeded. We aren’t just talking a few thousand but by substantial amounts as people have been desperate to move inside catchment

areas for schooling or even just as an investment.

“Development opportunities are currently limited in Oxford and people seem to have placed an imaginary barrier around the ring road over the last few years. Everyone wants to be inside of it! Yet if you go the other side, it is often possible to achieve an extra bedroom, bigger garden or possibly even go detached. I believe there will be a ripple effect and a time when people will break through this barrier which will further strengthen our proposition.”

Penny & Sinclair has sustained market momentum throughout 2012 and has noticed an increase in viewings year on year, which led to the firm launching its second office on The Plain in St Clements as its City office to reinforce the firm’s Oxford presence to also cover East Oxford.

Rob Hill concludes: “The market may have slowed down a little due to the time of year, and it is hard to know how much of that is seasonal and how much is due to the economic climate. However, I have no fear of a reduction in property values. The Oxford market, particularly Summertown and North Oxford has a history of being rock solid which means Penny & Sinclair will continue to thrive.” www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk

47

THE WENN TOWNSEND

BUSINESS LUNCH The second working lunch sponsored by Wenn Townsend brought together a group of people from widely different organisations but all with one thing in common. Like other Oxfordshire businesses, they are being pushed to work smarter in today’s volatile business climate. By Louise Esplin.

Attending the lunch meeting were Charlie Allen of Altis Consulting, Justin Hayward of Santander, Darren Hazell of The Letting Centre, Sue Evans of The New Theatre Oxford, Carolyn Owen of Oxford International Study Centre, Victor Glynn of Blackwell’s, Maggie Bradley of Coutts, Richard Venables of VSL and Richard and Colin Rosser from B4. Written by Louise Esplin of Esplin PR. With two banking experts around the table, Chairman Tony Haines began by asking their take on current interest rates, inflation and availability of credit. The view from Santander, said Justin Hayward, was the economy would remain a low interest rate environment for the medium term.

Maggie Bradley from Coutts, the private bank and wealth manager, agreed. She pointed out that we are living in a global market where events in China, India or America - have an impact on the UK. In order for the UK economy to move forward, we need the global economy to do the same, she added.

Both bankers expect inflation to hover around 3 per cent, which although not great for savers given the low interest rates, means that anybody borrowing will see their debt gradually reduce. Indeed, Maggie Bradley thought that inflation might also be the tool the Government uses to gradually reduce the UK’s large deficit.

48

When Maggie Bradley first started out in banking, money was lent to customers and businesses on margins of around 4 or 5 per cent above base rate.

This didn’t seem extraordinarily high at the time.

Then followed a phase of increased competition as banks relaxed their lending criteria and this drove down mortgage rates. However, the landscape has changed again.

From his perspective in the corporate entertainment sector, Charlie Allen voiced his frustration that he felt individual banking relationship managers are being completely neutered in their ability to make lending decisions.

There’s a default where line managers and risk managers further up the food chain are very risk averse, regardless of how positive a business plan or business performance has been.

If you thought that changing to another banking provider is the answer, Darren Hazell advised you may want to think again, as this only results in facing a hefty charge to re-finance again. It came as no surprise to learn that some at the meeting had had at least four different business banking managers in as many years. Managing a portfolio full of hundreds of companies, it’s no wonder today’s managers find it impossible to get to know their customers well enough.

Santander is facing this problem head on by addressing exactly these grievances. Justin Hayward

said it has grown its SME customer base by more than 20 per cent year on year for the past three years, an achievement which hasn’t come about by saying ‘no’. Its relationships directors are based locally and have very small portfolios, so are therefore able to invest time in getting to know clients and their businesses.

The feeling was that there is a drive by banks in general to try to re-engage with their customers and a recognition from Maggie Bradley that bankers do need to understand what their customers need.

Changes in education in Oxford Caroline Owen from the Oxford International Study Centre, was asked what challenges her college had faced over the past few years and if any trends were changing the way it is working.

The tightening of regulations from the UK Border Agency brought into effect in October is one of the biggest changes affecting language study in Oxford, particularly affecting students from outside the EU. Blackwell’s Academic and Business Relations manager, Victor Glynn, comes into contact with students at Oxford colleges on a regular basis and reported that interestingly this year 40 per cent of all postgraduate students at Oxford and Brookes Universities are from outside the EU. Even more interesting was that 25 per cent of those are from China, bringing opportunities for local businesses www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT that he thought could be exploited. In fact, language schools and private education in the city are currently booming and are seen as a potentially huge growth area in Oxford by commercial property consultant, Richard Venables – something he believes the City Council needs to think carefully about.

The conversation led onto discussing a thriving Oxford city centre, bursting with tourists and students and flooded with even more overseas students in the summer. Yet despite this, more chains are moving in as independent retailers are squeezed out of business due to rising rental costs.

Inevitable, said Tony Haines, when the big corporates can afford to pay the higher rents and with the Government powerless to stop large

multinationals from paying almost no tax in the UK. This is a problem endemic to many other towns and cities across the country and in the case of Oxford is due, according to Richard Venables, to the fact that the majority of retail spaces are owned by the City Councils and Oxford colleges who are simply acting on market forces of supply and demand. This, of course, is no different from any other landlord, but we have an expectation that they should have a vested interest in keeping local, independent retailers. Oxford has a very limited retail market with an abounding amount of supply, which is why there are hardly any vacant units, ever. It comes down to supply and demand and if it means that independent retailers are being forced out, it is due to a combination of market forces, the internet and changing dynamics.

Entertainment in Oxford The New Theatre Oxford, known for a period as the Apollo Theatre, has seen more changes than most in Oxford since it first opened in 1836. As corporate entertainment budgets have been one of the first casualties of the current economic climate, marketing manager Sue Evans was asked how the venue is weathering the storm.

Surprisingly, a ‘regular’ theatre goer is perceived to be someone who goes to the theatre once, or perhaps twice a year. The New Theatre is fortunate to host some of the country’s biggest shows and www.b4-business.com

despite the recession audiences are still happy to pay around £45 per ticket to enjoy a one-off big treat.

From a different perspective in the corporate entertainment business, Charlie Allen has had to think hard about which sectors of his business to concentrate on. Despite being retained by Rothschild (which has survived the Napoleonic wars, so will survive this recession!), Charlie has had to cast his net wider. He has found a new market in oil and gas, but this is taking him away from Oxford to London and further afield. Hence his commitment to the B4 network to generate more local leads.

The impact of online retail Oxford is an internationally renowned centre for educational publishing and Blackwell’s flagship bookshop in Broad Street, which has been at the centre of the city for over a century, is part of the fabric of the UK. It has faced some challenging times in its history, but none more so than the advent of online *book selling. By that, we mean the American giant that is Amazon which began to change all our lives in the late 1990s.

Victor Glynn revealed that more than ever, the company is having to ‘box clever’ or ‘think out of the box’ to stand up to this online phenomenon which is often prepared to sell for less than cost price. Tasked with this dilemma, he says, Blackwell’s is appealing, on one front, to people’s better nature. Surely it is better to have the advice of a ‘real’ person who is well informed and passionate about what they are selling rather than negotiating with an algorithm at the end of a computer? The store has also become a major site for author events and so on, something you cannot get online. *The group was quite verbose about the takeover of the City of Dreaming Spires by a number of international coffee shops, fast food and restaurants chains.

The retail business is incredibly difficult, said Maggie Bradley, largely down to a climate where

consumer loyalty is key. Customers expect to be rewarded if they are to return to a retailer and money-off or loyalty schemes have become commonplace.

The group consensus was that internet is a real threat on a number of fronts. Customer service is affected as online selling obliterates all forms of human interaction and conventional offline retailers are losing out to cost cutting internet retailers across all sectors.

The Oxford infrastructure Before closing the lunch meeting, each member of the group was asked what one thing would improve their experience of working and running a

business in Oxford.

The theme was universal. Parking, parking and traffic congestion! How to travel from one side of the city to the other without waiting until the school holidays, an inset day, or until the rush hour was over.

Parking issues affect visitors to the New Theatre who don’t want to pay premium car park prices but also feel nervous about using Park and Ride facilities after dark. Why should customers have to pay £8 to £9 for parking on top of their once-a-year special treat to see a show, why should the theatre lose custom when disabled customers or coach parties are unable to be dropped off outside the theatre for lack of a permit? Furthermore, tradesmen are deterred from providing their services to businesses in the centre of Oxford for lack of parking and the threat of fines.

What is better - an Oxford full of hoards of tourists watching street musicians and entertainers blocking the pavements or tumbleweed blowing down Broad Street? This lunchtime discussion, aided by a bottle or two of wine from Malmaison’s excellent wine cellar, was in danger of continuing long into the afternoon, but had to be drawn to a close.

We can only look forward to the next B4 debate about what is affecting businesses in Oxfordshire. www.wenntownsend.co.uk 49

WILLS, TRUSTS & INHERITANCE PROBLEMS: YOU MAY HAVE MORE RIGHTS THAN YOU THINK...

Katherine Riley - Associate

Esther Stirling - Associate

When a loved one’s Will does not provide for you…

Many people never anticipate finding themselves in a situation where the Will of a partner or close family member fails to provide for them. However, this is a situation which we see frequently. While a testator can leave their estate to whom they wish, the law does allow for the certain individuals left out of a Will, or only receiving a small amount, to make a claim against the deceased’s estate for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975.

Strict criteria and time limits apply for making a claim, and applicants have to persuade the court that they are entitled to claim, and that the Will does not provide reasonable financial provision for them.

At Henmans, we have extensive experience of defending and making claims of this type for clients, with a very high success rate in resolving disputes through negotiation or mediation - without the need to go to court. This approach has been proven to save time, money and unnecessary stress for our clients.

50

Sally Goodger - Solicitor

James Thompson - Solicitor

…you suspect that a Will may not be valid…

There are many situations in which someone may want to argue that a Will is not valid. Validity is a highly defined legal issue. A forged Will would obviously be invalid, but a Will can also be invalid if it was not executed and/or witnessed in accordance with statutory rules. Alternatively the testator may not have had the necessary mental capacity to make a Will. A Will may also be overturned if the testator did not know and approve the contents of it, or if someone had unduly influenced the testator into making a Will (usually in their favour).

If you find yourself in the position where you are questioning the validity of a Will, we can provide advice as to whether, and how, you may be able to take matters further. …what if someone inheritance…

promised

you

promised? In certain circumstances it is possible to make a claim based on promises made to you if you relied upon those promises to your detriment.

This is known as a proprietary estoppel claim.

Although it is a difficult and sometimes complex claim to bring, if the criteria are met and the Court considers it unfair not to honour the promises made, the Court may find that you are entitled to the assets in question, regardless of the Will.

If you think that you are in a position to bring a claim of this type, you need specialist advice. We have longstanding expertise and a very high success rate in advising claimants, executors and beneficiaries of estates in connection with proprietary estoppel disputes. …what if an executor or trustee does not seem to be doing their job properly or is being difficult…

an

Sometimes people tell you that they will be leaving you money or property in their Will, but when the Will is read, they have not done so. What can you do if a Will does not leave you assets that you were

When someone dies, their estate will be administered by an executor whose responsibility it is to gather in all the assets of the estate, deal with any liabilities, including tax, and distribute the estate in accordance with the deceased’s last Will (or, if there is no Will, upon the terms of the www.b4-business.com

B4 ADVICE

Sarah Foster - Partner

Mona Schroedel - Solicitor

Intestacy Rules). Sometimes an executor fails to fulfil their obligations, or is difficult, slow, or fails to keep the beneficiaries properly informed. In some circumstances it is possible to ask the court to pass over or remove and replace the relevant person or make them account to the beneficiaries. If you are a beneficiary of an estate and you are experiencing problems of this nature, we can help.

Similarly, disputes may arise during the course of administration of a trust. Possible problems can

We come across problems like this regularly and are equipped to provide expert legal advice in relation to disputes between beneficiaries and trustees/executors, or disputes between the trustees/executors themselves.

Dispute resolution at Henmans LLP… We are a leading team of lawyers in the region advising on contentious trusts and probate disputes, with a dedicated team of six specialist

Goodger work alongside Sarah and a wider team of lawyers to provide a sensitive, solution based approach to our clients’ problems relating to estates and trusts, at what is often a difficult time for them.

We pride ourselves on our approachability, our robust, common sense advice, and cost effective service.

For more information on Wills, trusts and inheritance matters, contact Henmans’ dispute

“We have extensive experience of defending and making claims of this type for clients with a very high success rate in resolving disputes through negotiation or mediation without the need to go to Court

”

occur in relation to the investment of trust assets or payment to the beneficiaries of the trust.

There may be a dispute between executors or trustees where there is more than one of them entitled to act. They may be unable to agree how to proceed, or one of them may be acting against the interests of the beneficiaries, or in breach of trust. www.b4-business.com

solicitors. We are also supported by a large noncontentious private client team, who are able to advise on technical trust administration issues.

Our head of department, Sarah Foster, is a member of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists) and an associate of STEP (the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners).

Associate Katharine Riley and solicitor Sally

resolution team on 01865 781000. Or, contact a member of our team directly: Sarah Foster: 01865 781055, or email sarah.foster@henmansllp.co.uk Katharine Riley: 01865 781062, or email katharine.riley@henmansllp.co.uk www.henmansllp.co.uk 51

EVEN A WRANGLER RUNS OUT OF ROAD.

>i¼h jca^`Zan# 7ji ^[ ndj h]djaY ZkZg ÃcY ndjghZa[ l^i] cdl]ZgZ aZ[i

id \d! i]Z ?ZZe LgVc\aZg¼h hjeZg^dg d[["gdVY XVeVW^a^in! Vaa"iZggV^c!

Vaa"lZVi]Zg Yg^k^c\ XdcÃYZcXZ! * eVhhZc\Zg hZVi^c\ VcY VYY^i^dcVa

XVg\d gddb VcY deZc V^g dei^dch l^aa bV`Z hjgZ cdl]ZgZ ^h V

Xdb[dgiVWaZ eaVXZ id WZ#

® ® 8dbbVcY IgVX

) L]ZZa 9g^kZ HnhiZb 7aVX` ;gZZYdbIde

I]gZZ E^ZXZ BdYjaVg =VgY Ide

® EgZb^jb 6jY^d HnhiZb GZbdkVWaZ 9ddgh VcY ;daY"9dlc L^cYhXgZZc [dg :c]VcXZY D[["GdVY 6W^a^in >cÃc^in

A>@: JH DC ;68:7DD@

LLL#;68:7DD@#8DB$8=GNHA:G?::EDM;DG9

Now at: Chrysler & Jeep Oxford. Banbury Road, Shipton on Cherwell, Kidlington, Oxon, OX5 1JH. Tel: 01865 376000

sales.oxford@chrysler.co.uk www.jeep.co.uk

OR THE JEEP WRANGLER RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URB AN 29.7 (9.5) URBAN OFFICIAL FUEL CCONSUMPTION ONSUMPTION FIGURES FFOR URBAN – 39.8 (7.1), URB AN 17.0 (16.6) – 29.1 (9.7), CCOMBINED OMBINED 23.7 (11.9) – 34.9 (8.1). CO2 C O2 EMISSIONS IN G/KM 275 – 213.

Model sho shown: wn: Jeep WWrangler rangler 2dr Sahar Saharaa 2.8 CRD CRDAuto.

Auto.Corr Correct ect at time timeofofgoing goingtotoprint print(10/12).

(10/12).Jeep Jeep® is a rregistered egistered trtrademark ademark of Chr Chrysler ysler Gr Group oup LL LLC. C.

B4 ADVICE

5

EASY STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR BRAND

“If you fail to notify the copycat of your rights, you could be causing long term damage to your business” Manches’ Intellectual Property partner, Rachael Parman

Manches’ Intellectual Property partner, Rachael Parman, describes how a brand is more than just a company name and reveals her 5 Easy Steps to help companies to protect their brand value in the UK and abroad.

Protecting your brand throughout the world can be relatively straightforward with trade marks, designs and copyright, though hard-earned brand value can be corroded and diluted if your brand’s Intellectual Property rights are not carefully managed.

Trade Marks - explained Trade marks are the “classic” brand protection mechanism, such as a company name, logo, product shape or even colour. It is sensible to register your trade mark wherever you manufacture or sell your products or services.

Trade marks work on a territorial basis, so you cannot apply for a worldwide trade mark. It is therefore important to focus on your key markets and protect your brand in these territories. Registering a trade mark will prevent others from using your name/logo and thus prevent customer confusion.

Registering your brand entitles you to use the ® symbol alongside your registered brands (if you do not have a registered mark, you can usually use the “TM” trade mark symbol) reducing the chance of a dispute arising in the first place.

Design Rights - explained If you make a product, then design rights might be crucial to protect brand value.

At a European level, a ‘design right’ protects elements of ‘novelty’ in a design, for example the heel of a shoe or a uniquely designed perfume bottle. Depending on the industry and countries you operate in, registering design rights can last a few years, or up to 25 years as in Europe with small renewal fees being paid every 5 years.

Copyright - explained Copyright is available to protect 2D creations, like artwork, photos, paintings, software and scripts.

It can be a most valuable IP tool. In the UK, copyright arises automatically — you do not need to register it to own it or protect it. It can last for as long as 70 years after the death of the creator, making it one of the longest IP rights available. www.b4-business.com

As with the other IP rights mentioned above, if you believe that your copyright work has been copied by a competitor, you can rely on your copyright ownership to stop them from selling their version of your work.

What Happens If My Brand Is Copied?

Whether it is a trade mark, design or copyright, you should ask the infringer to stop immediately.

It is often the case that some sort of negotiated settlement can be reached before Court action is necessary or damages sought. If you fail to notify the copycat of your rights, you could be causing long term damage to your business, in that you might lose customers as a result.

5 Easy Steps to Protect Your Brand An effective brand protection strategy might include: Step 1. Prioritise the registration of rights in territories where you have sales, manufacture, or goods are transited and a risk of counterfeiting exists.

Step 2. Seek legal advice quickly if an infringement of your brand is suspected.

Step 3. Keep full, detailed records of product creation, development and manufacture, including the dates of design and when it was first shown outside your organisation.

Step 4. Maintain contact details of designers and obtain assignments of their rights before they leave the business or the country — if you use freelance designers, they may own the lP rights.

Step 5. Make effective use of trading standards and customs authorities who have powers to prevent counterfeit goods from getting into circulation.

Rachael Parman can be contacted on +44 (0)1865 813606 for initial consultation on IP rights advice. www.manches.com

53

B4 FINANCE

The Breakthrough Safari Brochure

“Breakthrough has at its

Google Masterclass

heart the commitment from Santander to invest £200m in fast-growth SMEs; and it is backing that up with a support network of experts and advisors

”

LOCAL BUSINESS BENEFITS FROM A

FLEXIBLE APPROACH The profile of smaller businesses is higher than ever – thanks to a combination of Dragons’ Den and increased government and media interest in smaller firms. But in a sluggish economy with increased competition, securing a foothold and growing in a consistent and sustainable way is by no means easy.

Access to finance has become more difficult, while customers and suppliers are less likely to extend terms.

54

www.b4-business.com

The importance of SMEs to the UK economy is well established. Smaller businesses account for around 48% of the economic activity in the private sector, employ 60% of the UK workforce, and play a central role in driving innovation and high value development.

Clearly, support for SMEs is critical to the health of the UK economy.

It’s with that in mind that Santander set up the Breakthrough programme, designed to provide a range of services, support and advice to smaller

probably be around £1m, so we aim to help at least 200 established fast-growth SMEs to achieve their potential.”

In practical terms, that means working with SMEs to provide support in a range of ways.

In order to continue meeting the supermarket’s rigorous trading conditions, Preston and her team need flexible finance arrangements to cope with any eventuality. “We’ve worked with the bank on developing a more flexible and less formulaic approach to invoice finance,” she says.

They include holding Breakthrough Live, a series of events to bring together entrepreneurs, finance providers and professional service firms to network and develop relationships; the internship programme, designed to match the cream of

“Initially it was pretty basic. Recently, we’ve looked at it again, examining the security and debtor book that the finance is provided on – we’re dealing with blue chip customers by and large – and that has allowed us to get a more sensible and nuanced

“Over the last year Santander’s Breakthrough programme has taken positive

strides to help entrepreneurs get the advice and support they need to grow and succeed” businesses. The programme is aimed at businesses that have advanced well beyond the start-up stage to achieve a turnover of between £500,000 and £10 million per annum while posting growth of 20% or more in turnover, profit or employment.

recent graduates with the growing businesses that need their skills and drive with subsidised threemonth placements; and master classes that offer entrepreneurs the chance to visit iconic businesses (such as Google) and absorb the lessons of success.

However, despite demonstrating great performance, many of these businesses sit firmly in a ‘funding gap’.

Underpinning all this is the commitment, through the growth capital fund, to provide mezzanine finance to eligible growth companies.

offering from the bank. This has freed up quite a lot of capital for the business.”

“In the next year I could foresee having a conversation with Santander about our expansion plans. Because they understand what we’re doing and have spent that time, I’d feel very comfortable going to them for further finance.”

Cheryl Adams, Regional Director for Thames Valley

John Williams presents at Breakthrough Live

Cheryl Adams, Regional Director for Thames Valley

Headed up by former Gateway to London chief executive John Williams, Breakthrough has at its heart the commitment from Santander to invest £200m in fast-growth SMEs; and it is backing that up with a support network of experts and advisors to stand alongside these “growth champions” as their journey continues.

Williams believes these businesses need help. “We are targeting the £500k-£10m turnover band.

Below half-a-million pounds turnover, business angels will generally be interested in providing support. Above £10m, private equity companies or venture capitalists will look to explore opportunities for investment. So there is a market segment of companies that are potentially the fastest-growing in the country, yet whose growth is being constrained by this funding gap”.

“The average level of finance we’ll provide will www.b4-business.com

Breakthrough has already made a significant impact in the Thames Valley region. For Sally Preston, managing director of Amersham-based Kids Food Company, working with Santander through a period of significant growth has been crucial in supporting the business’s expansion.

Over the last three years, Kids Food has grown at around 60% pa, in part thanks to securing trading relationships with major supermarkets. This is an arrangement that, while positive, does present the business with operational and financial obstacles.

“The big challenge is cash, and making sure you’ve got enough to pay for the raw materials before you sell them,” says Preston. “We import a lot, and we have to pay for goods before we sell them on. So utilising services like Santander’s invoice financing has been really important to us to keep the liquidity within the business.”

adds “Over the last year Santander’s Breakthrough programme has taken positive strides to help entrepreneurs get the advice and support they need to grow and succeed, entrepreneurs like Sally Preston and businesses like Kids Food are what our economy needs to get it on back on track and we will be doing everything in our power to help them achieve this.”

To start working with Santander Corporate Banking today contact Cheryl Adams, Regional Director Thames Valley on: Telephone: 0118 921 1641 Email: cheryl.adams@santander.co.uk or visit: www.santandercb.co.uk For details on our Breakthrough programme visit: www.santanderbreakthrough.co.uk

55

OWEN MUMFORD 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of specialised medical devices, and it was here in Oxfordshire that this innovative company first began. By Lucy Holmes.

Owen Mumford was originally founded in 1952

by John Mumford, Ivan Owen, and Ivan’s father Thomas. Sixty years on the company is still family run, with both co-founders’ sons on the senior executive team running their fathers’ business. A far cry from three men working in a lock up garage in Oxford 60 years ago, Owen Mumford’s head office in Woodstock now employs over 700 people across the UK, USA, Europe, and as of July this year, China.

Ivan and John began as engineers, working on improvements to existing medical products, such as the Macintosh Laryngoscope, which Professor Macintosh of the Radcliffe Infirmary engaged them to improve. So successfully did they do this, that he then commissioned them to redesign the Oxford Inflating Bellows, and later a new version of the Radcliffe Humidifier.

The company’s success in improving medical products continued for 20 years, with the two men moving towards designing aluminium moulds for the plastic injection moulding industry amongst others. By the late 1970s Ivan and John had become innovators and had already begun designing original medical devices using the latest moulding processes, but it was not until a chance conversation with two professors in 1977 that Owen Mumford reached their full potential, and the historical peak of their success.

The first momentous change to the business followed a chance meeting with professors Turner and Holman, who were working in diabetes research in Oxford in the mid-1970s. The professors were particularly interested in devising a less crude capillary blood sampling device than

was currently in use, since the hand-held lancet employed at the time was often painful for patients.

John Mumford recalls they believed “they had something that was going to revolutionise the world.” The professors were right. Their idea was the world’s first automatic lancing device, which was an automated method of pricking the finger and testing a diabetic’s glucose levels. After seeing a patented prototype Owen Mumford was given the opportunity to design and manufacture the product and they officially launched this revolutionary medical device, which became known as Autolet® in March 1978.

For Owen Mumford, a small business at that time, this was a pivotal moment in their history; sales of the Autolet® were considerable. But for the medical world this was also a significant moment; the invention revolutionised blood sampling for people with diabetes and led to a substantial increase in blood monitoring for diabetes worldwide. The company was recognised for this innovative device, and received an award from the Design Council in 1980. However the company’s success did not stop there and in 1999 they received the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement. Then nine years later Owen Mumford was one of only four companies in the UK to be awarded two Queen’s Awards in the same year; for International Trade and Innovation. The company still has impressive trade records today with over 80% of their total production exported to the Americas, Europe, Middle East, South East Asia, Australia, South Africa, Eastern Europe, India and, of particular interest China, where the company opened a new office in July this year. Heading up the Shanghai branch, general manager Jim Zhang believes Owen Mumford is ‘perfectly positioned to help’ in a

country where there is evidence of a real increase in diabetes.

Despite such impressive growth and expansion, the company still maintains its original mission, and Jarl Severn, the managing director of Owen Mumford, still believes they must strive: ‘to provide innovative solutions that exceed expectations, encourage compliance and improve quality of life.’ The Autolet® was certainly evidence of this in the 70s, but their focus on patient comfort and safety are also key features of the products they continue to manufacture today.

Products like Unifine® Pentips® Plus, the first all-inone pen needle and remover, continue to show that for Owen Mumford, patient compliance is fundamental to successful medical treatment. This philosophy has remained central to their thinking and is a contributory factor to their success and expansion to become the multi-million pound global business they are today.

Jarl Severn, managing director since 2008 says: “Our founders, Ivan Owen and John Mumford still play an active role in the running of the business today and this is important to us. Their experience combined with the latest in innovative thinking from our teams make Owen Mumford a very strong prospect for the 21st century and we are confident of achieving the company’s 2020 VISION growth strategy.” www.owenmumford.com

A PHOTO HISTORY 1. Owen Mumford founders and sons 2. Founders in 1952 - Ivan Owen and John Mumford 3. Unistik® 3 features unique Comfort Zone Technology® making capillary blood sampling virtually painless 4. Autopen® 24 a popular easy to use insulin injection pen 5. Oxford Inflating Bellows (second product from OM) Owen Mumford’s flagship product for many of its early years, the Oxford Inflating Bellows was the perfect, inexpensive, lightweight means of artificial respiration, usable in any part of the world and in any climatic condition. It was still selling 40 years later 6. Radcliffe Humidifier (third product from OM)

56

The Radcliffe Humidifier, which later became known as The Owen Mumford Humidifier, was used during surgical operations to keep gases moist. This was particularly important for procedures such as tracheostomies. The humidifier was to remain a core product for the company over decades, redesigned with new features to keep it up to date with medical advances 7. Their second and bigger lock up garage in Oxford It was from this humble structure that Owen Mumford produced the Oxford Inflating Bellows during the late 1950s. The success of this product meant they needed more space and so moved from their first small lock-up garage, but only next door into three lock-up garages that had been knocked in to one 8. The workshop in their second premises with Tom Owen (father of Ivan) stood at the bench

9. The Old Glove Factory, 58 Oxford Street, Woodstock Moving in to plastics and injection moulding, more space was needed again especially after the New York Civil Defence placed an order for 2,000 Oxford Inflating Bellows which required some of its glass components to be made in plastic instead And so Owen Mumford bought the Old Glove Factory in Oxford Street, Woodstock at auction. In January 1958 Owen Mumford settled into the historic town of Woodstock, where it is still to this day. When Owen Mumford purchased the factory in 1957, it was mainly stone and red brick and comprised two floors with workshops, stores, a canteen, and a range of outside privies 10. The Tool Room in The Old Glove Factory, Oxford Street in 1964

www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

a u

w e

r

q

t o

i www.b4-business.com

y 57

CUSTOMER-ISED

When people say the word "Jeep", the iconic image of the Wrangler jumps to mind. Viewed as one of the most iconic vehicles ever built, the Jeep Wrangler was practically designed to be customised. Cue Afzal Kahn – a designer of some magnitude!

The hallmark of his company - A. Kahn Design is its lack of pretence – what you see is what you get. And this is why you will see Kahn products in and around the smarter streets of London, New York and Shanghai. The common denominator is the Kahn brand. In automotive terms, A. Kahn Design is the ultimate designer label.

A self confessed expedition vehicle fanatic, Afzal Kahn insists elements borne out of diametrically opposite functions appeal to customers far and wide. And the principal British designer insists his latest venture exudes eccentricity, expertise and style.

58

He said: “I am a great fan of this vehicle; I have a wrangler jeep of my own which I take to the tranquil Lake District here in the UK. Our discerning customers made it clear that the Kahn Jeep Wrangler is a stylish icon, and the only way to compliment our distinct clientele was to develop a brand aimed towards this distinct vehicle and The Chelsea Truck Company compliments our commitment to the Kahn expedition brand, and rest assured, this is only the beginning, we will introduce a range of vehicles over the coming weeks and months ahead.”

Portraying a way of life synonymous with dexterity, and style, Kahn provide a number of editions

including the Military Edition, The Chelsea Truck, The Expedition Vehicle and The Limited Edition – all candid in the way they go about their business in such a calm way - you can't help but drive with graceful purpose, shrugging off the clamouring landscape.

From focusing on the vintage styles from archives, to using the right colours - the designs fit right in with the modern man.

You will find that you are not simply blending in with the other drivers on the road when you own a Kahn Jeep. You get noticed. And you do not simply "drive" from one place to another; instead

www.b4-business.com

B4 TRAVEL

you "experience the adventure" of getting from one place to another.

One of the trickiest things for a new Jeep owner to decide is which accessories to purchase and in which color schemes? There are so many choices... but thankfully, the most avant-garde designer of our generation is at hand.

Afzal Kahn could, for example, design for you a vehicle with an exterior the colour of your jeans and an interior with seats akin to the shade of, let’s say,

consists of brake calipers and door mirrors in body colour, fuel filler cap in smoked black, horizontal LED daytime running lights, rear light sections in body colour, rear lights and side repeaters (smoked), side wing blades in carbon, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover, mud flaps, xenon crosshair headlamps, door entry sill plates in stainless steel and Kahn branding.

Manufactured using the latest impact resistant technology, luxurious, with imposing looks and

with factory mounting points for easy installation, the Kahn Jeep front grille conveys linearity and purity.

Kahn wheels sit perfectly, on any vehicle, conveying the essence of the vehicle’s identity. Created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology, the Kahn RS wheels are available in 9 x 20 in the colour of your choice and fit all original centre caps.

With simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the

“you do not simply "drive" from one place to another; instead you "experience the adventure" of getting from one place to another.” your living room. Customers could also change the colour of the clock, or ask for anything else, the world is their oyster, so to speak.

The use of immaculate materials and outstanding build technology is truly extraordinary. An aerodynamically efficient exterior package generally

www.b4-business.com

plenty of visual presence – a new Kahn Jeep front grille endows the vehicle with the classic A. Kahn Design mind-set whilst maintaining the classic wrangler signature style.

edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre, the RS wheels are synonymous with elegance and innovation and perfectly complements the Jeep.

Uniquely styled to help disguise proportions - the functionality is equally stunning: designed to slot in

For more information about us, please visit: www.kahndesign.com

59

“If you believe you may have grounds for bringing a claim against your professional advisor, act promptly before the new regulations come into force�

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Philip Shaw

60

www.b4-business.com

B4 ADVICE

CLAIMS AGAINST PROFESSIONALS

THE CLOCK IS TICKING - ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE...

In this article Philip Shaw, Head of Dispute Resolution at BrookStreet des Roches LLP and member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association, explores the forthcoming reforms to funding arrangements that will undoubtedly make claims against professionals such as lawyers, accountants, surveyors, valuers, architects, stockbrokers and others much more difficult to pursue.

The changes will come into force on 1 April 2013, but before dealing with the new regime, something should be said about the current position.

Most people will be familiar with the phrase “no win - no fee” which is often associated with personal injury claims. However, similar models are used in commercial claims against professionals which often involve complex areas of law and can prove expensive to pursue.

The current rules allow a client wishing to bring a claim to enter into a Conditional Fee Agreement (‘CFA’) with their solicitor which will provide for either a reduced fee to be paid to the client’s solicitor whilst the case is ongoing (with a success fee being applied in the event of success) or for no fee to be paid to the solicitor during the life of the case but with a success fee being applied in the event of success (the true ‘no win - no fee’ model).

client in a not dissimilar sum to the solicitor’s success fee outlined above.

Thus, after 1 April 2013 where damages of £200,000 are recovered, the client will have deducted £50,000 from those damages in respect of the solicitor’s success fee and £50,000 in respect of the ATE Insurance Premium, leaving the client with damages of £100,000.

In order to illustrate the point I have set out a worked ‘before’ and ‘after’ 1 April 2013 example below.

Assuming a successful outcome, the pre and post position is as follows:

Legal costs incurred Thus, in the event of an unsuccessful outcome, the client will have either paid a reduced fee to their solicitor, or no fee at all.

However, where a case has proved unsuccessful, the opposing party will be entitled to recover their costs. This is where the second limb of the current arrangements comes into play.

Very often when a CFA is entered into the client will also obtain ‘After the Event Insurance’ (ATE). This is an insurance policy which pays the opponent’s costs in the event of an unsuccessful outcome.

However, the insurance premium is only payable in the event that there is a successful outcome and in those circumstances is claimed from the losing party. As such, the premium is never payable by the client!

In summary therefore, a client proceeding under a ‘no win - no fee’ CFA with an ATE policy will not pay their solicitor anything unless there is a successful outcome, and in the event of success, the solicitor’s fees (including the success fee) and the ATE insurance premium will be claimed from the other party, such that the damages recovered are paid direct to the client. There are situations where less than 100% of the damages are in fact payable to the client, but those issues are beyond the scope of this article as they apply on a case by case basis.

In the event the case is not successful, then no payment will be made to the client’s own solicitor and the ATE insurance will pay the opponent’s costs.

So far, so good Unfortunately all of this will change on 1 April 2013. Thereafter, the success fee (say 50% of the solicitor’s costs) will be payable by the client out of the damages they recover. In a professional negligence claim that goes to trial, the costs could be in the region of £100,000 meaning the success fee will be £50,000.

In addition, where ATE insurance has been obtained, the premium will no longer be recoverable from the opponent. Instead, it will be payable by the

www.b4-business.com

Damages incurred Success fee 50% ATE Balance due to the client

Pre 01/04/2013

Post 01/04/2013

£100,000

£100,000

(paid by losing party)

(paid by losing party)

£200,000

£200,000

£50,000

£50,000

(paid by losing party)

(paid by client)

£50,000

£50,000

(paid by losing party)

(paid by client)

£200,000

£100,000

However, the new rules are not retrospective, as a result of which, provided agreements are entered into before midnight on 31 March 2013, the current rules will apply.

In view of the above, it is imperative for anyone who believes they may have a claim against a professional advisor to act without delay as 1 April 2013 is fast approaching.

Professional Indemnity Insurers are likely to take a much harder approach to claims arising after 1 April 2013 secure in the knowledge that claimants will not be in a position to pursue claims so freely as a not insignificant percentage of their damages will be taken up in the payment of CFA success fees and ATE premiums.

Conclusion The above is a short précis of the existing and new regime and is not designed to provide anything other than a broad outline as to how the reforms will change the way in which professional negligence actions are pursued.

However, one thing is absolutely certain. If you believe you may have grounds for bringing a claim against your professional advisor, act promptly before the new regulations come into force.

Should you wish to seek formal advice on any of the issues outlined in this article then please feel free to contact Philip Shaw on 01235 836652 or philip.shaw@bsdr.com. Or see www.bsdr.com

61

THE NEW TEAM AT

MAGNA CARTA COLLEGE

In the last edition of B4 Sarah Airey interviewed Vadzim Tsitou, the new Chief Executive of Magna Carta College, Oxford. He has now appointed the College's new executive team to help him achieve his ambitious expansion and globalisation plans for the College.

Oxford business college, Magna Carta, specialises in delivering academic excellence in international degree studies in Business, International Management, Law, Marketing and Information Management. It may interest B4 readers that a degree at Magna Carta College, offers rigorous and exacting teaching standards equal to those found in state universities but at almost half the cost! In addition, Magna Carta has small, personalised teaching classes.

The reputation of Magna Carta rests on the success of its students and the first class education delivered by the teaching staff. Therefore, in making new appointments, the College is continuing its tradition of appointing staff with first rate credentials and experience. The new executive team, appointed Autumn 2012, is fundamental to the ambitious expansion plans for the College, and the launch of new corporate entrepreneurship courses in the spring 2013.

62

Emeritus Professor Alan Jones MSc, PhD, FCMI has been appointed as Dean of Magna Carta College.

Professor Jones joins Magna Carta from Regent's College, London, the UK's largest private provider of higher education. In his role as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, he was a key member of the team which led to the College receiving its own teaching degree awarding powers, granted in August 2012.

Alan Jones has enjoyed a long and successful career in education as well as business and management consultancy. Initially a teacher, he changed career and ran his own business and education management consultancy for ten years prior to becoming Senior Research Fellow at Warwick University Business School. He moved to Henley Management College as Director of Company Programmes, teaching on the Henley MBA and Doctoral programme and subsequently returned to Warwick as Director of Business Development at the Centre for Corporate Strategy and Change.

Alan has already led a major change initiative across two university campuses with particular focus on the international aspects of the Business School, offering degree programmes to students from 132

different countries.

He has developed excellent relationships with business leaders, senior civil servants and senior executives from organisations such as Severn Trent Water, Shell, the Home Office, HM Customs & Excise, BP, IBM, Motorola, Diageo, British Airways, Kraft and numerous overseas governments, securing substantial funding for business management and research programmes.

Alan Jones says, “Management and business education is now at a cross-roads. Much of what has been taught in the past is no longer relevant and the modern business management school is tasked with developing programmes and student experiences that address the ever-changing worlds of both academia and corporate life. Magna Carta is set to take a lead in this new process of development.”

Alan earned his master’s degree at Aston Business School and his PhD from Warwick University Business School. He is an external examiner at numerous universities and is a prolific author of papers and books on business education and management, especially in the area of management learning in organizations. www.b4-business.com

Photography: Rob Scotcher

B4 EDUCATION

In the last edition of B4 Sarah Airey interviewed Vadzim Tsitou, the new Chief Executive of Magna Carta College, Oxford. He has now appointed the College's new executive team to help him achieve his ambitious expansion and globalisation plans for the College.

Professor Roger Mumby-Croft has been appointed as an academic consultant to Magna Carta College prior to his appointment as Deputy Dean from April 2013. Roger is widely experienced in UK and International education and spent four years both as Deputy Dean at Oxford Brookes University Business School and as a Professor and at Warwick Business School. He is currently Ashworth Professor of International Management Practice at the Lord Ashcroft International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University.

Patrick Ramiah has recently been appointed as Chief Operating Officer.

Patrick is widely experienced in operations and change management for UK based educational institutions and industrial organisations. He is an Associate Continuous Improvement Consultant at Penmark Ltd, a sessional lecturer at The University of the West of England, and holds a Fellowship in Management at Cranfield University, with specialist master’s level qualifications in Strategic Management.

Joanna Mucha Jarmolinska, Magna Carta's new Business Development Manager, specializes in international trade and marketing. She is actively developing strategic projects for the College by www.b4-business.com

focusing on the analysis of major future trends and the development of innovative projects within the business world.

Joanna says, “My challenge is to successfully position Magna Carta College as one of the World's best centres of knowledge and talent development.”

“My challenge is to successfully position Magna Carta College as one of the World's best centres of knowledge and talent development

”

Joanna Mucha Jarmolinska

Joanna completed her Business and Marketing Spain and has over 15 experience, having held

Spanish, Polish and Russian companies, including Vice Chairperson for Astral Sp Z.O.O and Business Development Manager for Eastern Europe for cooperative Group Intercoop.

Joanna believes in the culture of effort and “an extra mile” attitude with regards to academic requirements and supports the challenge of boosting business processes and integral welfare to achieve professional excellence.

Magna Carta College is in the process of establishing a College Advisory Board. In addition to senior MCC Managers, the Board also includes John Netting, Dr. John Butler and Daniel Perez Vidal.

With the team in place, the College is now ready to embark on the next stage of its development. To keep up with progress, see the web site at: http://magnacartacollege.org or contact the College, telephone 01865 593131.

MBA at the prestigious School ESIC in Valencia, years in-depth business responsible positions in 63

Add in the complex negotiations that inevitably accompany import and export deals with overseas suppliers and it is clear that professional support from a bank with wide-ranging experience and a global reach is not just a bonus but a necessity.

Businesses have long been able to rely on Barclays to provide that all-important help with both managing risk and providing working capital, and an industry-leading change in the way the bank is structured has made life even more straightforward.

“The tougher economic climate has increased many clients’ concerns about how long they might have to wait to be paid and about the increased risk of customers defaulting,” explained John Bevan, Head of Trade and Working Capital, UK and Ireland.

“In these situations, managing the working capital cycle is increasingly important, and in discussions with corporate clients about how we could provide an even better service, we identified a need to bring together the products we offer across the whole trade and working capital cycle.”

As a result, Barclays has combined its invoice finance and trade finance specialists to form a single team that provides comprehensive, tailor-made solutions for its clients, including not only the provision of working capital but the risk mitigation and risk transfer tools required by

payment terms, but an increasing numbers of businesses are now turning to invoice finance as a more dynamic way of meeting the businesses funding needs” explained Julie Smith.

“Because funding grows as the business sales increase, there is no need to keep renegotiating limits as there is with a traditional overdraft.”

As an example of the kind of support the team is providing, colleague Sue Stuart-Lyon, Trade Director for Oxford, referred to a Barclays client who imports charcoal from Namibia, sorts and bags it and then supplies it to a major supermarket chain.

“The client has to pay the supplier for the charcoal when the ship leaves but then has to wait 30 days for it to arrive,” she explained. “He may then have to hold the stock for another 30 days before the supermarket needs it – and if the supermarket takes 60 days to pay the bill that’s four months before he sees a return on his investment.”

Barclays stepped in to help that particular business when it was offered a contract to supply 50 per cent more of the product. “It was a great opportunity for the business but it meant an even larger exposure than before,” said Sue. In the event Barclays provided a £3m trade facility to allow the company to take on the new contract.

Invoice financing and asset-based lending have

the risks associated with exporting goods.

“If exporters don’t check the small print on letters of credit that their customer’s bank provides, it can lead to problems later, on” she said. “In one case, where a client did not follow our advice, the business had to wait for four months to receive 60 per cent of what it was owed.”

Exporters like Oxfordshire-based Williams Performance Tenders also rely on Barclays to support their foreign exchange requirements.

The company builds upmarket tenders for supply to yacht builders worldwide, and while it invoices for its products in sterling, it pays the suppliers of the components it needs in a wide variety of currencies.

“It can make life complicated, particularly when we have to factor in the exchange rate when pricing our products,” explained financial director Simon Smith. “Fortunately we have good support from Barclays when buying the foreign exchange we need and deciding what to buy and when.”

Williams Performance Tenders knows it can also turn to relationship director John Thorne for support with the paperwork when arranging to export its tenders to some of the world’s more far-flung countries.

“We also run a very seasonal business, doing 80 per cent of our trade in six months of the year,

“Invoice finance has long been a popular form of funding for businesses as a means to overcome cashflow issues caused by long payment terms, but an increasing numbers of businesses are now turning to invoice finance as a more dynamic way of meeting the businesses funding needs

”

importers and exporters. A seamless service that supports importers and exporters throughout the whole process, from the moment the goods are shipped to the time the customer pays the final invoice.

The new approach has been welcomed by those businesses that have responded to the current economic situation by making the most of opportunities overseas, backed by structured, customer-focused support from Barclays.

Julie Smith, who took on her new role as head of trade and working capital (south) six months ago, ensures that multi-skilled staff can now support Oxfordshire companies through the whole import or export operation.

“Invoice finance has long been a popular form of funding for businesses as a means to overcome cashflow issues caused by long

‘come of age’ in recent years and are increasingly being used to free up working capital and support company growth.

The bank recently provided a working capital solution to allow Cotswolds-based Besana UK to expand its operation supplying dried fruit, nuts and seeds to supermarkets. The UK arm of an Italian company, Besana used its sales ledger to secure £5m of funding required to support its continued growth and offer a quicker response to supplier demand.

“Meeting customer demand is vital for business success, but waiting for invoices to be paid by larger customers can cause problems, and Barclays is here to help fund that gap,” explained Julie.

Sue Stuart-Lyon also highlighted the way in which Barclays can offer support in dealing with

so it is reassuring to know that we have Barclays behind us if we need cashflow support to allow us to build our stock of tenders in the winter months when we know we won’t be selling any of them until the warmer weather arrives,” Simon added.

In a further move to support clients seeking to grow through exporting their products, Barclays has not only strengthened its UK and European Trade and Working Capital teams but has increased its presence in Middle East and Asian markets. Barclays has the advantage of a long established presence in 12 African and Indian Ocean countries and a majority shareholding in Absa, one of South Africa’s largest financial institutions.

Contact Julie Smith, Head of Trade and Working Capital South 07775550480 or see: www.barclayscorporate.com

The views expressed in this article are the views of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Barclays Bank PLC Group nor should they be taken as statements of policy or intent of the Barclays Bank PLC Group. The Barclays Bank PLC Group takes no responsibility for the veracity of information contained in the third part guides or articles and no warranties or undertakings of ay kind, whether express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information given. The Barclays Bank PLC Group takes no liability for the impact of any decisions made based on information contained and views expressed.

64

www.b4-business.com

B4 FINANCE

MANAGING YOUR CASHFLOW Cashflow has always been an issue for businesses, but when the raw materials take a month or more to arrive by boat and the end customer is one of the big supermarkets, potentially paying suppliers later, it can quickly become critical. Article by Julie Smith, Head of Trade and Working Capital South at Barclays.

www.b4-business.com

65

In An Unpredictable Climate Good Planning Is Essential

The MGroup have the resources to help you weather the storm Personal, Inheritance and Corporate Tax Planning

Financial Planning Capital Management Pension and Investment Planning These services are provided by The MGroup Financial Services Ltd

Oxford Office: Cranbrook House, 287/291 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JQ Tel: 01865 552925

Vist the website: www.theMgroup.co.uk

Witney Office: Harvestway House, 28 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 6RA Tel: 01993 776476

Business Development General Business Advice

B4 HR

“Doing our job right

is about building a relationship with clients and candidates based on trust”

RECRUITMENT THAT GOES AGAINST THE NORM Oxfordshire recruitment specialist, Allen Associates, has been in profit every year since it was founded 15 years ago.

Louise Esplin talks to Managing Director Kate Allen and asks what makes her company stand out from the crowd?

The recruitment industry is often a reliable barometer of the economy, says Kate Allen, and this is certainly borne out by Allen Associates’ consistent profitability since setting up in 1998.

This profitability has continued despite the recession and they have bucked the national trend by weathering the storm which still affects the UK economy today.

But then, as you find out more about how Allen Associates works, it becomes clear that many things about this particular recruitment consultancy go against the norm. Or, as Kate Allen puts it, “We aim to be different.”

They were the first consultancy in Oxfordshire to gain REC Audited status following an independent assessment on behalf of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Only three points off ‘Gold’ status they have also achieved Silver Investors in People (IIP) status. These are not just ‘badges’. Working towards and keeping up these exacting standards impacts significantly on resources. But the company believes it is important to show commitment to quality standards.

Their own recruitment formula also sets them apart. They appoint their consultants from a wide business pool, very often outside the recruitment arena; people looking for a career change or from one of their specialist areas. This, Kate Allen says, is because their culture is primarily about service and building long-term relationships, not sales.

www.b4-business.com

She says: “Doing our job right is about building a relationship with clients and candidates based on trust. So much of our business is repeat custom, from companies where we have successfully placed candidates and from candidates who move onto new jobs and come back to us when they in turn, are looking to recruit.”

Kate believes that employers should expect recruitment companies to take work from them and that doesn’t mean playing a numbers game and sending clients loads of CVs, which, she says, is too common in the industry. Employers should expect the standards they do from other suppliers.

So Allen Associates would like to set the industry record straight. “Whilst it’s not a black art it takes expertise to analyse a CV, and experience is vital” says Kate. “When we send CVs to a client, that’s because each one is a potential employee. And we are honest on the rare occasions when we can’t find the right person.”

Another misconception can be found amongst SME owner/managers, who are convinced they can manage their own recruitment. They see paying a fee to a recruitment company as an additional cost and believe if they manage it themselves they will save thousands.

“There’s too much multi-tasking going on,” says Kate. “When you add up the time it takes to compose the recruitment advertisement, decide where to place it, book it, read 30 or 40 CVs,

respond to all applications and arrange first and subsequent interviews, it is certainly not a zero cost option. Then if they choose the wrong person, the team dynamics are upset and they will be recruiting again in a few months time.”

Last year, Allen Associates had their highest turnover since being in business and when asked what she thought they were doing right, Kate said it was down to a combination of factors, “great staff, a culture of customer service and professional standards, an empathetic approach to clients and candidates and no complacency are all key to our success.”

Allen Associates specialise in HR, marketing, finance, PA and admin and recruit in Oxfordshire.

Ninety per cent of candidates approaching the company are local or want to work locally and with thousands of potential staff already interviewed and on their database they have an impressively large pool of talent for businesses across the county to choose from.

Profitable year on year, high staff and client retention, 15 years’ experience in the sector, know their market and an enviable reputation. I think that answers the question: what’s different about Allen Associates? www.allen-associates.co.uk

67

B4 SERVICES

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE We are in the depths of the deepest recession for a generation. And manufacturing in this country has been deeply affected by this economic downturn. But there are glimmers of hope. In October George Osborne reported that the UK economy moved out of recession, growing 1% in the three months to September 2012, the fastest growth rate for five years. But it is in the manufacturing heartland that the chancellor knows real growth and business confidence will come from.

And he will be encouraged that some brave companies have taken the bold step of continuing to invest in their futures and that of their employees. Wantage-based lighting manufacturer WILA is one of those companies.

In August 2010 WILA, which has its manufacturing base in Germany, decided to open a new manufacturing plant in Oxfordshire. According to CEO Mike Collett, ‘part of our unique offering is to be able to fulfil one off ‘specials’, bespoke orders for our customers. And because lighting installation is usually near the end of a building project and the specifications often change near the delivery deadline – we are often up against it time-wise. So, having a UK factory servicing our domestic market makes sense from a speed of deliver perspective and from an industrial design skills-set basis too.

2. Amount of resource and available production line space to enable both practical work areas and health and safety criteria to be maintained, along with the appropriate amount of supervisory staff I believe that we reached our current capacity earlier this year, when we were processing and fulfilling two large projects in parallel. These projects were The Point Paddington (1514 off 900mm long linear fittings) and 5 New Street Square (335 off 1200mm long linear fittings) along with emergency conversions, Accent Nero downlights and Linic 60 orders. All these were completed within a 6-week delivery window. In terms of volume this translated into 308 units per week (in addition to the emergency conversion). In terms of turnover this came in at just over £50k per week. But this is just a snap-shot as these numbers can be heavily effect by the product mix.

“I’m personally very proud of our team effort which has resulted in increased turnover and improved margins”

What is your biggest achievement?

I’m personally very proud of our team effort which has resulted in increased turnover and improved margins - especially when you take into account the mix of products we are dealing with and the prevailing market place difficulties.

We also achieved ISO 9001-2008 for Design & Manufacturing at the first time of asking without any non-conformities. And the team delivered, on time and to the customers’ specification many large prestigious projects.

‘Two years ago when we opened our Abingdon plant we had 6 permanent employees. As we stand now we still have 6 permanent headcount but have also added 8 temporary staff. And in that time our turnover has grown by 10%.’

What do you consider to be WILA’s Successes, Challenges and Demands?

We asked Gary Dettmar, Head of WILA UK’s R&D some questions about the Abingdon plant.

What is your order capacity?

That very much depends on what product it is and its physical size and complexity. Capacity can be gauged in a number of ways, but the two that are most applicable to us are 1. Component size and storage adjacent to production lines required to enable the lines to be fed at the required levels

www.b4-business.com

Success is down to our ability to supply diverse project solutions using the latest technologies and ‘world firsts’ along with a well-established technically rich support service. That allied with our long standing quality reputation make us the lighting partner of choice for discerning architects and lighting professionals.

Challenges will be our ability to keep abreast of new technology and distinguish ourselves from the rest while demonstrating value for money.

Demands are meeting our customers’ ever decreasing lead times and ever increasing expectations both pre and post sale. But we enjoy the challenge and are investing for growth. www.wila.com

69

“I think, perhaps, we have got to look backwards and work with the schools to see if they can provide the right skill sets for students to have jobs�

Cllr Ian Hudspeth

70

www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

CLLR IAN HUDSPETH Cllr Ian Hudspeth, County Councillor for the Woodstock Division and elected Leader of Oxfordshire County Council in May of this year, talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about the challenges facing the Council in a testing economy.

Council bureaucracy is something which frustrates even the most mild mannered of human beings, and it’s with this issue that Cllr Hudspeth begins our interview, having experienced bureaucracy from the other side of the fence as a small business owner. “I understand the need to strip away the barriers between the Council and the general public which simply stifle any potential relationship development between the two.

“There’s a common misconception that the Council drags its feet and is unwilling to effect change.

That’s simply not true. We are working very hard to help everyone and we welcome constructive criticism to make life easier, whether it’s for businesses, homeowners, car drivers, anyone. It’s fair to say that, in general, the average man in the street doesn’t mind who is running the Council, they just want to see things done.

“I sit on the board of the Local Enterprise Partnership, which is the main funding source from central government and chaired by Adrian Shooter in Oxfordshire. We are working out what businesses want and we are aiming to deliver this as efficiently as possible. I also sit on what’s called the Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Partnership which is a combined committee with the other district councils. We are looking at what developments we can help to effect, and it’s not just about housing developments, we are talking about all sorts of economic developments.

“Another board I sit on is that for Science Vale, a key organisation in the local economy. By being involved in all of these very interesting initiatives, I can form a good view of what is happening across the county, what needs to be pushed, and what might need to be pulled back. It’s very important to make sure we get the correct structure for businesses in Oxfordshire and we are talking with all of the businesses that we can do to listen to what people actually want from us.

“With finances being so tight, we can’t just say ‘yes’ to everything or back every initiative. We have taken £119 million out of our budget over four years, and we are just over half way through the programme of cuts, so there will be more to come. We have to try and restructure our services so that we are still providing valuable services right across the county to the residents of Oxfordshire. We aren’t just

www.b4-business.com

talking about roads, we are also responsible for schools, although obviously with the academy process, that’s moving away slightly, but we also look after social services and children, so it’s a broad remit right across Oxfordshire that we are responsible for.

“One of the other issues about business is that we have to provide the right skill sets for children who are leaving school to go into business, and it’s interesting because I’ve been communicating with business people and they are saying that they get candidates coming along for the interview that haven’t got the right skill sets, they take them on, and then have to train them. So I think, perhaps, we have got to look backwards and work with the schools to see if they can provide the right skill sets for students to have jobs, and be prepared to go into a working environment and be ready for work rather than at the moment having to be retrained.

I think that’s very important.

“I want to see business in Oxfordshire expand, and more importantly let’s keep the businesses that we have got already, because rather than going elsewhere let’s keep business here” “We have to make sure that we have got the facilities to make the connections. There’s an awful lot of people who are willing to provide services and it’s a question of joining everybody up to make sure we are not duplicating effort because that’s a waste of time and resource. With an overview, I can often see where we can make savings and facilitate synergies rather than allow duplication to proliferate. This then helps us to save money.

“If people have jobs, Oxfordshire develops, it grows and it provides a fascinating place for everyone, and of course people in employment are paying their taxes and it uplifts everything, so there is a real win for everybody.

“Another area I am particularly keen on is ‘Thriving Families’. There is a program from central government called ‘Troubled Families’ which is targeting those people that need assistance and it’s about bringing all the agencies together, so that social workers work with the police and with schools, and actually identifying people to see how we can help. We feel the title ‘Thriving Families’ is more inspirational.

“It’s about offering, often, the simplest of help, but it makes a difference. There are plenty of families out there where getting a job in the household is a first and the person in employment doesn’t know how to cope. This can be from setting an alarm to get up to go to work, actually getting to work and even getting a bank account. If the mother and father have always been unemployed, the son or daughter with a new job has no role model to look to. It’s normal not to have a job for them.

“It’s easy for them to get into a rut and we really need to try and break that cycle. There’s no short term measure and we won’t see results overnight, and actually the results really play out after 10 or 15 years. If we break a child out of the cycle by getting them a good education, they then might go to college, then further education and ultimately get a job. They’re then out of that cycle and many costs related to the previous cycle are eliminated – policing, health, agency workers. It’s all about giving everyone opportunities so that we can all lead a better life – I’m really passionate about this. It’s about long term saving for a better economy and a better Oxfordshire.”

Cllr Hudspeth is also keen to hear from businesses who want to help him make improvements in Oxfordshire and he’s also keen to see businesses stay and expand in Oxfordshire. “I want to see businesses in Oxfordshire grow, and more importantly let’s keep the businesses that we have got already in the county. That would be a fantastic achievement, but the only way we can do this is through communication, and its direct communication, it’s as simple as that. I am contactable, as is my colleague Nick Carter, and we look forward to hearing from you and, working together, we can make a difference.”

Contact Ian: ian.hudspeth@oxfordshire.gov.uk

71

PLATINUM AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT:

D AVID ROBERTSON C D ,B OMMERCIAL

IRECTOR

UILDBASE

In the first of a series of profiles on B4 Platinum Ambassadors, we throw the spotlight on Buildbase’s Commercial Director, David Robertson. Dave’s tale is very much that of a local lad done good, climbing the ranks to the position he now holds in one of the country’s leading builders merchants. David was talking to B4’s Richard Rosser.

I have had the privilege of witnessing David’s fantastic qualities first hand, albeit I spent most of the time following his vapour trail from Paris to Oxford. Nonetheless his leadership, motivation and single minded determination were the reason we embarked on the B4 bike ride last year. If it wasn’t for David, I wouldn’t have launched the first B4 bike ride and most certainly wouldn’t have completed it. That’s all down to David’s infectious enthusiasm and his can do attitude which must be an enormous asset to his colleagues at Buildbase.

So where did it all begin for this likeable lad from Oxford Born and educated in South Oxford, David was an exceptional sportsman, captaining Oxfordshire County Under15’s and 16’s football.

He went on to captain England’s Under 16’s winning team in the Euroman European Championships, winning Man of the Match in the final and Player of the tournament following in the footsteps of Liverpool’s Steve Heighway no less.

David also made schoolboy appearances for Crystal Palace & Reading before joining Coventry City for apprenticeship trials. Having missed out on becoming a professional he joined Marlow Town and played to a very high standard of semi Pro football.

David qualified as a Carpenter – Joiner - Wood Machinist when he left school and also passed a BTEC in Building studies. He joined local builder’s merchant, RJ Johnsons, in 1987 as a telephone salesman. When the business was acquired by Grafton Group plc in 1996 and rebranded as Buildbase, David was already a key member of the Johnsons team and was quickly recognised and his career progression soon began.

Photography: Rob Scotcher

He’s very much a man in demand and his willingness to dig deep and help out mean that every minute of every day are precious. Before we start the interview, David is trying to find a ten minute spot in his hectic schedule to have a meeting with a colleague, much easier said than done!

Having recently reached the 25 year milestone at Buildbase, which David admits still puts a smile on his face, David recounts his fascinating rise. “My first role at the old R J Johnson was working in telesales,

72

but I was quickly promoted to a Sales Representative role and shortly after that, Field Sales Manager and then Key Accounts Manager.

“In twelve years on the road I developed a fantastic portfolio of clients, many of whom have become close friends. In 2000 I was promoted to Regional Sales Manager in London and spent five years commuting from Oxford to London where I was concentrating on building a team of salespersons to grow the London business. I then became the Regional Director for North London in 2005 where I was responsible for sales and operational budgets.

“In 2006 I came home, working as Regional Director Central Region in the office that I had actually built many years ago above Johnsons in Cowley. I spent six happy years at Johnsons before my recent promotion to Commercial Director of Buildbase, a more strategic role where I link the support centre, head office, and suppliers to the sharp end of the business, the 146 branches.”

David is very much a people person, as he admits.

“I’m at my best dealing with staff, customers and suppliers. I have never forgotten my roots, which helps me to deal with any situation. I am constantly taking calls from staff and the key thing is that I have been there and done it in my career which helps to come up with a logical answer. I love the challenge of getting the last ounce out of my team and relish the role of team leader – like getting you up that bloody hill!” Yes thanks Dave!

According to David’s colleagues, he is always smiling and one was heard saying ‘you know he’s coming because you can hear him whistling before you see him!”

But it’s not all sunshine. Through the smiles David has had to deal with a tough economy, personal loss and plenty of hard work. “We enjoyed the boom time of the late1980’s and 1990’s when everyone was building, but the last few years have been very difficult. I have to thank two people who mean the world to me. I will always be very grateful to both of them for their contributions to my career and life. Martin Lee, now retired from Buildbase, took me on in 1987 and was my MD and a real father figure. Martin helped me to become the person I am today. Another key person in my life

was Peter Butterfield. Sadly, Peter is no longer with us after passing away earlier this year. Peter was also my MD and was without doubt the cleverest person I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

Always there for me when I needed advice, without Peter I wouldn’t have made the progress I have.”

Outside of the office, David has led many fundraising campaigns, including extensive charity work for the Oxford Children’s Hospital. David championed a campaign to raise £55,000 to fund the adolescent waiting room and beat this total to raise £63,500. David and several colleagues walked 55km in one day as part of this initiative, despite the fact that he had a full hip replacement at the tender age of 39 due to a sporting injury.

But a little hip replacement was never going to stop this bundle of energy! He was the true inspiration behind the B4 bike ride, having asked B4 to join him on the London to Paris ride for Macmillan the year earlier. He certainly showed those of younger years a clean pair of pedals on more than one occasion and was always the first up the tortuous hills. Everything that David does is portrayed in a way which makes you want to get involved, and all of us on that ride last year have so much to thank David, and his wife Jane, for.

In his spare time as well as his passion for road cycling he is also a keen golfer and walker, climbing Snowdon and Ben Nevis last year and also likes to visit his daughter who is living and working in San Francisco.

David’s love of life, and his work, is refreshing and it’s great to be in his company. “I love to be happy and I love people to be happy at work too and in their lives. It might be work but we may as well enjoy it!”

“We have seen some very difficult and challenging times in our trading sector over the last few years, but thankfully there are signs of improvement and I am pleased to say that Buildbase are more prepared and focused to dealing with Trade & Retail customers than ever before” Visit one of Buildbase’s 146 branches today and if you hear or see a happy chap whistling, remember to say hello. www.buildbase.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

“ I love the challenge of getting the last ounce out of my team and relish the role of team leader” David Robertson

www.b4-business.com

73

the difference between for sale and SOLD COMMUNICATION Brilliant communication is essential in bringing the right properties and buyers together. At Carter Jonas we take time to understand what’s important to our clients and keep you informed every step of the way. Time and time again, it’s the difference between ‘for sale’ and ‘sold’.

Whether you’re selling, letting or buying, we can make the difference.

Call us on 01865 511444 or visit us at carterjonas.co.uk

B4 EVENTS

WE WELCOME YOU TO A TASTE OF MODERN HISTORY Opened by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on 12 May 1897, Oxford Town Hall has managed to maintain its remarkable grandeur for 115 years, impressing guests and customers alike with its ornate surroundings and intriguing history At the time of opening, the Oxford Chronicle pronounced the new building as “magnificent” and noted that Oxford Town Hall was one of “the finest rooms of its kind in the Kingdom”.

Little has changed since then to the appearance and wow-factor of Oxford Town Hall, with the exception of a few modern amenities. The original design placed the major rooms at first floor level where they remain in use today.

As its name implies, the Old Library formed part of the original Central Library for Oxford and is an attractive addition to the public rooms in the Town Hall. With a maximum capacity of 120, the room comes complete with original oak furnishings and natural lighting. The high curtained alcoves will be refurbished in the New Year to display beautiful antiqued books and bookshelves referencing the room’s original function.

The ten flexible conference/meeting rooms retain their original Victorian form complete with stonework, oak joinery and wood panelling. A popular venue with film companies for location work, the Court Room in particular was famously used in scenes for one of Oxford’s more famous residents Inspector Morse.

“This magnificent setting

The three event rooms comprise of the Assembly Room, Old Library and Main Hall.

The Assembly Room, also originally known as the Banqueting Hall, accommodates a party up to 150 and remains a popular setting for wedding receptions, conferences and dinners. It houses a great decorative fireplace and minstrels gallery carrying the date of 1895 and has wood panelled walls adorned with historic paintings and an open timber roof.

www.b4-business.com

along with its unrivalled hospitality ensures success for any event

”

The Main Hall is the jewel in the Town Hall crown.

Decorated with exquisite modelled plasterwork and a beautifully sculptured high alcove ceiling, it is simply a breath taking sight to behold. Galleries are present around three sides of the hall with a stage at the east end which can hold up to 200 performers. The organ remains in its original condition built by Henry Willis and Sons in 1896-7 with its twin residing in Blenheim Palace.

The Main Hall has been host to a variety of concerts and events over the years including playing host to bands, including The Rolling Stones, Supergrass and the Maccabees. With a capacity for 500 downstairs and 200 in the balcony, the possibilities for the use of this space are endless.

Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Oxford Town Hall has successfully combined Victorian magnificence with some brand new modern conveniences. Free Wi-Fi is now available to all guests of the Town Hall along with a variety of resources for hire such as PA system, plasma screens and Smart boards.

This magnificent setting along with its unrivalled hospitality ensures success for any event. The versatile space makes Oxford Town Hall the ideal venue for any occasion.

For more information about the Town Hall for hire, events and guided tours call 01865 252195 or email townhall@oxford.gov.uk.

Visit oxfordtownhall.co.uk befriend Oxford Town Hall and Museum of Oxford on Facebook or follow on Twitter @OxfordTownHall for the latest news updates and what’s on.

75

ROOTS OF OXFORD Roots of Oxford opened its doors in March of this year and its remarkable ability to attract new customers must at least be partially attributed to the passion of its founder, Mike Hirons, who believes that the key to Roots’ success is a combination of factors including happy staff, undoubted customer satisfaction, and a real local, family-business ethos. Surprising? Not when you get to know the people behind the business but incredibly impressive given that Roots isn’t even one year old. By Lucy Holmes.

Photography: Rob Scotcher

Of the opinion that the potential for greengrocery in Oxford has never been fulfilled, Mike Hirons has filled a niche with a small business that is growing rapidly. Employing thirty one staff when we met, there’s a fair chance this may have increased by the time you read this article. Roots of Oxford supply Oxfordshire and the surrounding Cotswolds with fruit, veg, dairy and much more. They currently deliver to around 200 customers a week. These daily deliveries include supplying forty Oxford colleges, several private schools, charities, local pubs and local restaurants. Mike believes that ‘it doesn’t matter if a customer is spending a fiver or a thousand pounds today… every single one of them gets the same service, we value them all the same amount and I believe if that changes you are flogging yourself to failure.’

Mike believes that the reason for the business’ growth is simple, good old fashioned customer satisfaction, and to maintain this he believes he needs to keep the company small. Mike is keen to ensure that growth doesn’t mean change, and stresses how beneficial it is that his whole team know their customers. This means, as he explains ‘on the off chance that there was an error, maybe a confusion between us and what the chef has said, my guys know the orders, so if they see that it’s wrong they can flag it up, that’s just knowing your customer.’ For this very reason Roots of Oxford runs in a slightly different way to most depots. ‘Every single driver of mine has the

76

authority to not deliver, if at that final point they flag something up as anything but perfect, I tell them not to deliver it. They will then tell the customer, explain to them what’s happened and that another vehicle will take the right product out to them as soon as possible.’ This means that every customer only receives the best, and as Mike points out, ‘No company gets everything right 100% of the time, it’s what you do to sort that out that makes the difference between a good company and a great company.’

customer base; with no website or advertising yet out there, (although they are in the making) pure recommendation alone seems sufficient for the company to be achieving its second year targets by the end of the first. Mike, however, claims that, ‘of course this is a business and that means it needs to make money, but what’s important to me is I want to do the job fantastically, I want to deliver the service that the customers want and deserve,’, profits will follow and, arguably, the purely ‘word of mouth’ success proves that they are doing this.

Mike also believes that manager accessibility is a necessity. There are no ivory tower offices in Roots of Oxford. Everyone is together in one room in the depot at Osney Mead less than a mile from the centre of Oxford. This means you can hear everything that is happening during your time at work and you are around to answer queries or sort out problems. This means that he is more engaged in the business. If staff need some help I’m completely accessible, and that’s making the business work. The communication is so much easier in a business like that.’ With this focus on people, it is unsurprising that Mike attributes the success of the business to his staff claiming ‘the business wouldn’t be what it is now without the personalities it has in it’, and this is something that Mike really believes in, ‘why not enjoy work, have a laugh, you are here a third of your life! We’re enjoying what we’re doing and we’re doing well at it, so we must be doing something right.’

Roots has, as Mike explains, ‘the ethos of a small family owned business with excellent backing’. This combination means that, from the beginning, Roots were able to deliver the high quality service of a business that had been up and running for some time, and its customers had the knowledge that the company wouldn’t be closing suddenly due to financial problems, and neither will they ever skimp on the quality of product. Ultimately, the business is up and running incredibly successfully, and credit must be given to Mike, who with infectious enthusiasm states, ‘I’m blessed with my staff and I’m passionate about fruit and veg, about what I do, and about what service I’m offering to the customer. If that feeds out to my staff and, in turn to my customers, then I’m doing my job.’

The proof of this success is seen in Roots’ growing

www.rootsofoxford.com

Without doubt Mike and his staff are delivering in spades and it will take a brave man to bet against Roots tearing up the budget in 2013.

www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES

“it doesn’t matter if a customer is spending a fiver or a thousand pounds today... every single one of them gets the same service” Mike Hirons

www.b4-business.com

77

B4 R&R

THE

FEATHERS HOTEL

The Feathers Hotel is an inviting country retreat that combines historic charm with a fun personality. Located in the historic market town of Woodstock, which was the birth place of Winston Churchill, the hotel is a two minute stroll from the magnificent Blenheim Palace. General Manager, Jeremy du Plessis, looks forward to welcoming you to The Feathers Hotel.

There are 16 bedrooms and five suites available at The Feathers, which have just undergone a major refurbishment. Each room has been given its own unique style by specialist interior designers, Trevillion, who have added boutique twists such as luxurious fabrics, ornate lighting, free-standing stone basins and even a decanter full of jelly beans!

The quirky bedrooms perfectly match the rest of the hotel, with its higgledy-piggledy hallways and five different staircases that add a delightfully whimsical feel. Contemporary wallpapers adorn the walls, alongside tastefully chosen art works, such as an eye-catching dressmaker mannequin. The bespoke carpet in the dining room bearing a feather motif is also testament to the hotel’s cool outlook.

mousse with vanilla ice cream and caramelised hazelnuts. Alternatively, guests could opt for “The Gin Experience”, a carefully devised menu incorporating specifically chosen gins throughout seven courses for example, in a “Gin & Tonic Jelly”.

“The hotel introduced the first

dedicated ‘Gin Bar’ in the UK. It currently has 167 types of gin and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of gin in the world”

Eating and drinking is at the heart of The Feathers experience. The hotel introduced the first dedicated ‘Gin Bar’ in the UK. It currently has 167 types of gin and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of gin in the world. Guests can enjoy a classic martini while connoisseurs can attend the “Gin Club” on the last Friday of every month.

The restaurant also serves a selection of afternoon tea menus, plus a variety of traditional picnic hampers starting at £39.50.

Head Chef Kevin Barrett features the best of modern English cuisine in the two AA rosette restaurant, using locally sourced ingredients in dishes such as: Local wood pigeon, Jerusalem artichoke, cherry & chocolate pastilla; Kirtlington Estate venison, parsley root, sprouts, chestnut puree, cassis; and Pear and blackberry

The stylish restaurant seats up to 60 guests, with room for a further 30 in the bar. Alternatively diners may prefer to dine al fresco in the beautiful, secluded outdoor Courtyard, complete with a summer house. The hotel was recently named Oxfordshire’s Restaurant of the Year 2012, along with winning Best

78

www.b4-business.com

“The hotel was recently named Oxfordshire’s

Restaurant of the Year 2012, along with winning Best Gastronomic Restaurant, at The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2012” Gastronomic Restaurant, at The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2012. It has hosted great names in gastronomy such as Ken Hom for dinner events. The Feathers’ sister hotel, The Lords of the Manor, has a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Feathers is also equipped for business meetings, with corporate rates available. The hotel can be used exclusively as a business retreat, starting from £4,000 including dinner. The private master bedroom has a conference table suitable for up to six, or alternatively one end of the restaurant can host up to 20 people in a boardroom style.

The Feathers is the perfect location for events. The

hotel can be exclusively hired for wedding receptions, and the ceremony can take place in the nearby church or town hall, which is a couple of minutes walk from the hotel.

The Feathers Hotel has a lively history. At the turn of the century, the reception area became a Drapers shop, and was subsequently converted into a Butcher’s shop in the early 1950s.

In the early 1960s the property was fully joined and turned into a hotel. Today, remnants of the building’s former life still remain visible, adding to the hotel’s character. www.feathers.co.uk

S UNDAY

LUNCH Sunday Lunch at The Feathers started in the bar with a gin and tonic for Tina, not sure why but a Margarita for me, whilst the kids had a soft drink each. Maybe it was because I had instantly relaxed the moment we walked across the threshold – it certainly wasn’t the weather stimulating a cocktail meant for more clement conditions!

We made our way to the dining room. It had been some years since my last visit and The Feathers had undergone a real WOW! refurbishment. It’s the sort of restaurant you could spend an afternoon in, not that there are many chances of that anymore!

Tina and Abi chose the wild mushroom starter which, judging from the ooh’s and ah’s was definitely a good choice. Ed and I both plumped for the celeriac soup – beautifully creamy and although Ed only asked for half a bowl, he polished off his full bowl in no time.

We were accompanied, well the adults were, by a half bottle of San Veran, beautifully chilled, incredibly buttery. I chose the Butchers choice for my mains, the suckling pig with cabbage, whilst the rest of the family all went for the traditional roast beef. Ed even managed to squeeze in an extra side of chips!

Perfect all round. The food and the service, the ambience and the décor were excellent. With its winning trophies on display from the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards, this restaurant is sure to gain an army of fans from Oxfordshire and beyond if the kitchen continues to produce first class cuisine such as this.

We all shared two lemon shortbreads for dessert, plus tea and coffee.

A star studded performance all round.

Ambience Décor Price range Food Service Overall experience

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH £30 per head

www.feathers.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

79

t: 01993 706 900 f: 01993 706 994 e: sales@aston-james.co.uk w: www.aston-james.co.uk OFFICE STATIONERY

TONER & CARTRIDGES

OFFICE FURNITURE

BUSINESS MACHINES

WORKWEAR

BUSINESS GIFTS

Fantastic value workwear now exceptional value!

10% OFF all Polos, Sweats & Fleece

15% OFF all Trousers & Coveralls

ALL TS MEN GAR BE CAN LIZED ONA UR S R PE H YO WIT GO LO

Our best ever deal on our popular workwear brand available until the end of the year! www.astonjamesworkwear.co.uk

What are you waiting for?

Email our team with your enquiry today workwear@aston-james.co.uk

B4 SERVICES

“Throughout our catalogue we have made a point of providing you with relevant guidance to help ensure you buy the product most appropriate to your needs

”

WORKPLACE & SAFETY SOLUTIONS Aston and James have all the products you will ever need to keep you and your workforce safe and productive.

You choose the right people for your workplace so make sure you protect them properly with the right health and safety equipment. With over 4,500 products, here at Aston and James we are working hard to help you provide a safe, legal and productive working environment for your employees.

shop sections. These are: Materials Handling & Access • Storage and Shelving • Premises & Maintenance • Waste Management • PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) • Safety & Security • Signs & Labels • Cleaning, Hygiene & Washroom • Packaging & Post Room • Retail Supplies • Kitchen, Catering & Restroom • Reception, Conference & Office Environment

Everybody has a duty to protect not only themselves but others from danger.

This implies heavily in the workplace, whether it’s moving large boxes, waste management, or just general health and safety. That’s why at Aston & James we want to achieve a one stop shop for our customer’s workplace and safety needs.

Throughout our catalogue we have made a point of providing you with relevant guidance to help ensure you buy the product most appropriate to your needs.

If you would like to discuss your workplace and safety needs in more detail or to request a catalogue, please contact us on 01993 706900 or Email us on: sales@aston-james.co.uk or see www.aston-james.co.uk

We have created a workplace solutions range broken down into 12 easy to www.b4-business.com

81

FIRST STORY AT LADY MARGARET HALL This autumn, Lady Margaret Hall hosted First Story, the schools literary charity, for its festival of creative writing. Sarah Airey spoke to the organisers and went to see 5 x 15, five writers talking for 15 minutes on their subject of choice.

Just before the beginning of the University term, 600 teenage students gathered together at Lady Margaret Hall in a celebration of creative writing. All were pupils at secondary schools in the London, Oxford and Nottingham areas, and were there as participants in the First Story festival of creative writing.

First Story was founded by William Feinnes and Katie Waldegrave in 2007 to foster creativity in challenging secondary schools. After only 5 years, the charity is now working with 32 schools to give

82

students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to interact with over thirty published writers.

Waldegrave said, “Today we are bringing 600 kids together from all three areas to start it all with a bang.�

The day of creative writing, workshops and talks was led by well-known writers, including Phillip Pullman, Jackie Kay, Mark Haddon and Frank Cottrell Boyce, with many of the students actively participating.

Over the year, First Story will work in 32 schools to raise achievement, self-confidence and aspiration through creative writing. Working closely with teachers and acclaimed writers in residence, who will run weekly creative writing workshops, with up to 21 students aged 14-18 in the participating schools.

The festival kicked off the year-long First Story programme which will run in their schools. As Katie

www.b4-business.com

B4 EVENTS

At the end of the year students’ work is published in anthologies, which were on sale at the festival.

Have I Got News For You regular John O’Farrell opened the show in the Big Tent. John introduced First Story student and performance poet Azfa Ali who talked about her experience of the First Story programme, followed by a reading of her work.

Then the students broke into smaller groups such as the performance poetry sessions given by rap

on the life of an actor at the age of 12, her time as an alien in Doctor Who and the prospect of auditioning for a part in a custard advertisement led her to “finding a way to storytelling, just not as an actress.”

Ross Raisin gave a thought-provoking talk about the search for the identity of the 31st victim of the King's Cross Fire. It took 16 years and a worldwide search, before body 115 was finally named and

me round. Bill explained how the versatile awardwinning new building can even be used for two events at the same time. He said, “We can easily accommodate two separate events on the same evening. For example we held a formal B4 Ambassador's dinner in the Monson Room, at the same time as an Opera was performed in the adjacent theatre without any problems. These areas can be run completely independently all year round.”

“First Story will work in 32 schools to raise achievement,

poet MC Angel and performance poet Salena Godden.

The festival is also a vital fund-raiser for the charity which needs around £400,000 a year to support its work. In the evening five writers took to the stage in the Simpkins Lee Lecture Theatre and spoke for 15 minutes on the topic of their choice. Thus Iain Banks provided an insight into where he gets inspiration from (the drugs don't work), and Esther Freud told us how, although she had determined

www.b4-business.com

buried as Alexander Fallon, a 72-year-old Scot, with four daughters who had sold his house after losing his wife to cancer and drifting to London. Salena Godden spoke on her childhood and comedy writer John O’Farrell took a serious turn to talk about his role in establishing Lambeth Academy.

LMH has several versatile areas for meetings, conferences and events in addition to the Simpkins Lee Theatre.

For more details see www.lmh.ox.ac.uk/Conferences or contact Bill Kemp by email conferences@lmh.ox.ac.uk telephone 01865 611079.

The evening also gave me the opportunity to visit the College for the first time in many years, and see the purpose-built conference facilities there. Bill Kemp, LMH Head of Hospitality Services, showed

You can find out more about First Story and make a donation at www.firststory.org.uk

83

Photography: www.RichardBudd.co.uk © 2012

self-confidence and aspiration through creative writing”

EXECUTIVE SECURITY Established in Oxford since 1990, Executive Security Services have been at the forefront of changes and development in fire and security installation. B4’s Richard Rosser met with owners John Keown and Micky Franklin to find out more about the company’s growth and services.

With a firm hand on security services ranging from automatic gates, to CCTV, safes and signage, Executive Security Services have built up an enviable reputation for first class service and customer satisfaction. The company’s portfolio of customers is impressive and retention rates are astonishing, reflecting the company’s undoubted strengths, as John explains. “Our development has been really pleasing and we are delighted that so many of our customers have stayed loyal to us. We offer complete peace of mind, full maintenance and servicing contracts for all our installations including a technical help desk, full telephone support and 24 hour 365 day a year call out should any unexpected problems arise.”

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

John began by supplying alarms, but organically grew to offer the wide range of services as detailed below. John first expanded into locksmiths, seeing the clear link between the two services, and later, in 1999, he began to examine the possibility of expanding again. The most natural way for this to happen was via extinguishers, and after a meeting with Micky Franklin concerning sprinklers, signage and extinguishers, Executive Fire and Safety finally became a whole in 2002.

Despite its growth to now employing around thirty staff, the company has maintained its ethos as a local business, with most of the customer base in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, but they are pushing the boundaries and now cover a wider geographical territory as far as Kings Lynn and Bristol.

“We have a large customer base, both residential and commercial, many of whom have been loyal customers since the business first started out in 1990. We have customers in the public sector

84

including Oxford University colleges and Oxford schools, and some fantastic locations such as Kensington Palace and national retail chains like Jack Wills.”

Such growth and expansion is exciting for any company, but seems to act as evidence of high customer satisfaction and word of mouth, as John explains. “Marketing has never been our forte so we have had to rely on word of mouth recommendations. Our customers recognise that they will always be able to contact us and our levels of service are the same for small or large customers. That’s been at the core of our ethos and has served us well in terms of retaining customers year on year.”

“Our customers

recognise that they will always be able to contact us and our levels of service are the same for small or large customers

”

Executive can arrange risk assessments and also same day surveys for one off jobs or small projects free of charge, as John explains. “Our remit is quite wide ranging. We’ll even arrange meetings with architects and building contractors for new builds and refurbishments.

“We’ve got a great team here including Micky Franklin and Alex Morgan with fantastic support

staff. Our two senior engineers, Scott Bayliss and Jason Thomas, head up our team of engineers.

Between them they offer our customers what they need – the complete security solution. We differ from other companies in the sector who incentivise staff with commission – that’s not us as we don’t want a customer to end up with five fire extinguishers when they only need one! We’re an honest, hardworking bunch and we would relish the opportunity to show you what we can do.”

EXECUTIVE ALARMS Intruder Alarms Executive Security are experts in protecting homes and businesses with high quality and reliable intruder alarm systems. We can supply and install the most up to date equipment individually tailored to suit your requirements, offering flexibility at competitive prices. We can offer all options of alarm systems both audible and monitored, hard-wired and wireless.

Fire Alarm Systems Fire and smoke damage costs UK businesses and homeowners millions of pounds each year. When it comes to safety, why take chances? Simple measures can be taken to prevent fire in the first instance, and detect it immediately should it happen.

Can your business survive record losses from fire?

Statistics show that if a company´s records are lost in a fire, 17% can no longer furnish a financial statement, 14% suffer a reduction in credit rating and 43% go out of business completely. No home or business is safe from fire. Your vital records and possessions are only as safe as the quality of

www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES

protection you provide for them. With our fireresistive safes, you can be confident your records will survive. We can also supply secure cages.

CCTV Systems for Home & Business CCTV is the next best thing to having a security guard on the premises but much more cost effective.

Over the past few years, CCTV has become increasingly affordable and effective to deter thieves and vandals. New digital technology means that CCTV cameras produce crystal clear images that leave no doubt about the offenders identity and can quite easily secure a conviction so potential offenders tend to avoid them. We can offer highly visible cameras that can work day or night, and can be motion activated.

ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS Door Entry Systems For many businesses it is essential that only the right people have access to their buildings. Access Control and Door Entry Systems manage and monitor access of personnel into and from areas or buildings within a site. They may also assist in the identification of visitors prior to allowing them into a property or premises.

Automated Gates, Operators & Barriers Automated Gates, Operators & Barriers are a great way to ensure that unauthorised guests aren’t even allowed access to the area surrounding your premises. By establishing a means of access security outside in the car park of your premises, you are making it that much more difficult for potential threats to gain access to your business.

With Automatic Gates, Operators, & Barriers which

www.b4-business.com

operate through ID Badges or are monitored by security guards, you can rest assured that your business is protected.

EXECUTIVE SECURITY LOCKSMITHS Locksmiths & Architectural Ironmongery Executive Security maintain a full 24hr Callout Service with technical assistance, 365 days of the year, to cover problems such as lock outs, damaged locks, broken, lost or stolen keys. We also provide a complete Architectural ironmongery service that includes surveying, specifying and door setting for all ironmongery requirements.

“Our remit is quite wide ranging. We’ll even arrange meetings with architects and building contractors

”

Security Doors & Grilles Executive Security can supply and install a full range of security doors and grilles to protect any vulnerable access point to your property or premises. We offer surveys to ascertain the current levels of security you have on your premises and make recommendations that could help you - all completely free of charge and without obligation.

Security Roller Shutters Protect your building's security weak points with our practical high quality roller shutters, all fully guaranteed with all the latest CE marks and mandatory emergency braking technology

certification.

We offer a range of roller shutters designed to protect commercial shop fronts, windows and doors. Our roller shutters have also proved very successful in residential applications. Manufactured from solid galvanised steel and perforated curtain lath, they offer maximum security against intruders.

A range of alternative aluminium, see-through and solid designs are available also.

Domestic & Fire Safes Installing the right safe will give peace of mind in protecting your valuables and vital records from fire or theft. Executive Security are experts in supplying and fitting the toughest, most secure safes, depositories, and lock-boxes.

EXECUTIVE FIRE PROTECTION Fire Extinguishers We can offer full assistance and advice regarding fire protection from enquires about extinguishers, basic fire safety advice to supplying and installing detection and protection equipment. We also offer a full service to maintain your portable fire fighting equipment to ensure that it works first time every time.

Sprinkler, Hose Reels and Supply Risers Sharphurst Fire Protection are now part of Executive Fire Protection, which now means we can expand the services we can offer our customers.

The new services we offer are servicing, call outs and small works for Sprinkler Systems, Hose Reels and Supply Risers. Our emergency call out service is manned 24/7. www.executive-systems.co.uk

85

The three floors of formal and informal spaces include three oak-panelled Harvard-style lecture theatres (seating 76, with purposebuilt translation booths for simultaneous lecture translation), three large flexible classrooms (seating 45-75), and 18 board-room style meeting spaces (seating 8). At the heart of the building is a large Club Room with a bar, lounge space, terrace and views down to the garden.

Our dedicated and experienced catering team serve fresh and delicious food throughout the day to be enjoyed in our private dining rooms with panoramic views over Oxford’s dreaming spires.

The building has excellent green credentials and is highly sustainable, using geothermal energy for heating and cooling, rainwater harvesting to flush toilets, and solar energy contributing to water heating. It includes a green roof which aids biodiversity and collects rainwater.

The stunning West Wing of Saïd Business School has opened its doors, boasting state-of-the-art facilities. The large variety of teaching and meeting rooms, finished and furnished to the highest of standards are now available to businesses and organisations for conferences, meetings and exhibitions. Designed by leading architecture practice, Dixon Jones, the building adjoins the Business School’s original site next to Oxford’s railway station.

The new facilities augment the original Park End Street building which includes a 300 seat auditorium and Egrove Park, a quiet business retreat set in 37 acres of Parkland, benefiting from 63 study bedrooms.

The combination of stunning spaces, impressive technology, delicious food and unbeatable locations makes Saïd Business School, the centre for Oxford’s conferencing .

For more information or to book an event, please contact 01865 288846/7 or email: conference@sbs.ox.ac.uk

B4 HEALTH

OCT technology allows Eyesite to look at the health of the layers of the back of your eye.

EYESITE OPTICIANS Of all our senses, the one that people regard as the most precious is their vision, and yet many of us don’t look after our eyes as well as we should. B4’s Richard Rosser went along to see the experts at Eyesite, who explained how important – and easy – it is to look after our eyesight.

I do a lot of work in front of a PC screen and my eyes had taken a bit of a hammering over the years. I was in desperate need of new glasses and popped in to Eyesite, initially for a test.

Cindy took me through a number of detailed sight tests and checked the health of my eyes. There had

another for driving, every day use. David explained the benefits of varifocal lenses, and made it quite clear that they weren’t for everyone.

Within 20 minutes I had chosen two new frames and was out of the door. The whole appointment lasted no more than an hour. The overall

them,” David assured me. I did so. I can’t do without them now. Your eyes obviously need time to adjust and the prescribed lenses work perfectly for me.

Eyesite’s David and Cindy were diligent, professional and courteous throughout our

“The whole appointment lasted no more than an hour. The overall experience was very enjoyable – no forced selling, just informative and the final decision was always with me ” been a deterioration and Cindy also spotted something of particular concern which necessitated a referral to the hospital – this was all handled incredibly efficiently by Eyesite.

Following the tests, David took me through some options. I was given the option of one pair of glasses which would work for me adequately in all conditions or a pair for close up PC work and

www.b4-business.com

experience was very enjoyable – no forced selling, just informative and the final decision was always with me.

Within 10 days I had my first pair, the ‘every day’ glasses. Robust and stylish, they were perfect. A few days later the varifocal pair were ready for collection. I’ll be 100% honest. I struggled with them and told David so after a week. “Bear with

dealings. Customer service is first class and the product is fantastic.

Are you struggling with your eyes? Book an appointment today and you won’t be disappointed.

Call 01865 242300 or see www.eyesite.co.uk

87

SIGN-UP FOR B4 BOX OFFICE

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

B4 Box Office launches in partnership with Altis Consulting to provide readers with exclusive access to a plethora of high profile sporting events coupled with bespoke VIP treatment to enhance the spectator experience. By Kelly Stroud.

88

www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R Whether your passion is rugby, football, cricket, horse racing, or any other event that regularly features on the UK sporting calendar, you can now expect access to one of the best seats in the house through Altis Consulting.

With unforgettable added extras ranging from the opportunity for an informal chat with a well-known sports personality, through to a fully managed bespoke, high-end corporate hospitality event, guests can’t fail to leave feeling impressed, irrespective of the result!

Exclusive offers currently available through B4 Box Office are: • London Welsh vs. Wasps (28 December) or Harlequins (6 January) at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium – a box for ten people with sit-down meal • RBS Six Nations tickets (February/March) • Cheltenham Festival tickets (March) • Premiership and Champions League tickets To find out more, contact T: +44 (0)1451 812237 and quote B4 Box Office. or see p 157.

The face behind Altis Consulting Founded in 2005, Altis Consulting is headed up by Charlie Allen, former Commercial Manager of the RFU during England’s finest chapter, which saw the team triumph in Australia to lift the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Commenting on why he took the plunge to establish his business seven years ago, Charlie explains: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the RFU but I had an idea for my own company and was starting to find working in one sport fairly limiting.

“Using existing contacts, I established Altis Consulting, based at the Cotswold Business Centre.

We now host corporate hospitality events at most of the high profile sporting fixtures in the UK and abroad. We have also crossed-over to the entertainment sector with strong links to the O2 in Greenwich and the Royal Albert Hall.”

Altis Consulting more than doubled its turnover year on year for the first three years, levelling off during the recession when corporate hospitality budgets were slashed. This hasn’t stopped Altis Consulting carving out its niche in a competitive market.

The company has experienced record breaking results in 2011/2012 in both sales and operating profit due to considerable business conducted on behalf of senior management teams for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

“Our point of difference is our specialisation in bespoke corporate hospitality or entertainment management in watched or participation sporting events like golf or shooting days. We also offer nonsporting event experiences like opera, ballet or rock concerts. Above all, we provide a truly confidential and personal service.”

Altis Consulting currently has an enviable client base spanning International and UK businesses from a range of sectors in addition to various high net-worth individuals from emerging markets that visit the UK to enjoy our prestigious sporting calendar.

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, Altis Consulting would like to reach out to businesses closer to home.

“Oxford is a fantastic location for business with great inroads to London in addition to commanding its own place on an international stage. The calibre of businesses in the area would most definitely benefit from the services we have to offer,” comments Charlie Allen.

“Taking a prospective client to watch an event they feel passionate about and sharing that experience with them can only help to reinforce and strengthen a business relationship moving forward.”

Altis Consulting is built on a solid business model making its services accessible to SMEs as well as Corporates.

The company offers debenture seat brokerage services at Twickenham, Wimbledon, Lord’s and Wembley along with season ticket management at Premiership football and club rugby. It also offers a buy and sell service across sport and entertainment on a ticket only basis making it possible to obtain access to the best events in the UK and abroad, for a range of different budgets.

Altis Consulting is currently organising spectator experiences for the 6 Nations, Ashes cricket 2013, British Lions June/July 2013, Ryder Cup Gleneagles September 2014, Football World Cup and the Summer Olympics in Brazil 2014 & 2016 respectively.

There’s nothing like watching a sporting event live and with B4 Box Office, there is no longer any excuse for being a fair weather fan. Why be sofa bound when you can now enjoy it in style!

To find out more, contact T: +44 (0)1451 812237 and quote B4 Box Office. www.altisconsulting.co.uk

“Taking a prospective client to watch an event they feel passionate about and sharing that experience with them can only help to reinforce and strengthen a business relationship moving forward

”

Charlie Allen - Altis Consulting

www.b4-business.com

89

Before you appoint a property lettings and management company, get some quotes.

We have used several letting agencies and without doubt College and County are exceptional. They have a professional approach which has been unrivalled and unexpected. Sooo pleased and really will bend over to use them again. Unusual in the letting world.

“ “ “ “ “ “ “

” ” ” ” ” ” ”

I feel I am in safe, professional hands with College and County. They are fair to tenant and landlord alike.

I speak highly of them whenever the opportunity arises.

Another year of excellent support from my letting/management agent College and County. They strike the perfect balance between keeping me informed of things I need to know and managing the rest without bothering me at all. Brilliant!

Very pleased with the service we get, nothing is too much trouble.

The mix of professionalism and flexibility of approach is what sets College and County apart.

Always prompt, professional and efficient. This is an outstanding letting agent for both landlords and tenants. Fair and direct honest dealing. Very well informed and sensible approach. I really appreciate the service they provide on my two properties.

Excellent letting agent, always willing to help, very good at finding reliable tenants.

9-10 St Clements, Oxford OX4 1AE T. + 44 (0) 1865 722722 E. info@collegeandcounty.biz www.collegeandcounty.biz

news Connecting with the IoD Under the leadership of our Chair Mike Collett IoD Oxfordshire has put together an engaging and inspiring programme of events aligned to its central tenets of inspiration and development.

Mike, CEO of Wantage based lighting manufacturer WILA, knows only too well that a strong statement of purpose and values, clearly defined and articulated, gives an organisation direction and meaning. Mike has been instrumental in helping the IoD define this purpose and embed it within our events and activities. A member of the IoD for 10 years, Mike was honoured to take up the role of chair earlier this year. Unfortunately, a change in circumstances has meant that Mike has decided to step down from the role.

Mike explained, ‘I always give 100% to any organisation I am involved with; my own company is undergoing a major rebranding and repositioning at present and opening up new markets and I feel that this is going to need more of my time. This in turn will make it difficult to give an appropriate amount of time and energy to the Chairman’s role of the IOD in Oxfordshire. We have a great team here in the county and I believe that they will continue to deliver for all IoD Oxfordshire members, under an appropriate new Chairman.’ This Autumn, your Oxfordshire IoD has lined up yet more inspiring events to help inspire you, and develop your leadership skills: Breakfast at St Hugh’s College, Oxford

Want to reduce your corporate tax rate to 10% ?

Dehns, Oxford, OX2 0JB Tuesday 22 January, 5.30pm £12 IoD members & guests, £18 non members From 1 April 2013 innovative companies will be able to access a 10% rate of tax on profits attributable to patents and certain other forms of IP. Grant Thornton UK LLP and Dehns Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys will provide a practical guide on how you can make the most of this reduced tax rate, including what can be patented (more than you may think), and what should be done now to ensure you make the most of this new relief.

There will also be a Q&A session for you to ask any questions on how this might apply to your company.

So you still want to be a Director?

St Hugh’s College, Oxford Wednesday 28th November, 7.30am £20 IoD members & guests / £30 non-members * – including a full cooked breakfast!

Speaker: Chris Gardener, MD Strategic Mentors Continuing our extremely popular series of business breakfasts, in this session we’ll look at perhaps the most fundamental question of all! Becoming a company director is both an amazing opportunity, and a huge challenge: get it right and it can lever you and your organisation to great heights; get it wrong and you can end up with a serious blot on your CV, a fine or even end up in prison.

Attendees will come from a range of experiences and both questions and answers from the floor should create a rich discussion where we’ll explore some of the risks and rules that surround the position of company director – and some of the fundamental things you should be aware of and look out for! * our prices include vat Being in touch with the IoD Oxfordshire branch There are many ways you can find out about membership benefits, events, sponsorship opportunities and local business news…

Visit our new website: www.iod.com/oxfordshire or contact Rebecca Upright, Branch Administrator: admin.oxfordshire@iod.net or 01865 390025 Join over 800 members on the ‘Oxfordshire Leaders and Directors’ group on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/Oxfordshire-Leaders-Directors1183557/about or Follow us on Twitter: @IoD_Oxfordshire

www.b4-business.com

91

Developed from old warehouses the King’s Centre has the advantage of being able to host multiple large-scale functions while also, essentially, maintaining privacy for each individual event. Testament to this, Sue Edridge, the Customer Manager at the King’s Centre explains how there are plans for a local school to hold examinations in their Thames Room, which is so well positioned, that it would be of no interruption to the students if other events were being held in adjoining areas of the

can hold up to 1,000 people in a theatre-style setup and up to 450 cabaret-style. This immense area is complimented by the Cotswold Hall, which can hold 850 people in a theatre-style set-up and 400 in cabaret-style. Sue adds that the options available for these rooms are endless. The centre recently hosted an event for the elderly where the organisers wanted to bring a limousine into the room. This was of no issue to the centre and they helpfully accommodated the request – with the help of the old warehouse doors that open from

catering, they can have the Thames Hall for their conference and then the Cotswold Hall for their refreshments. It works brilliantly for big events.” The natural light that streams into the room also makes the areas attractive as exhibition space, and the centre has previously hosted final degree shows from local universities with great success.

If the larger areas on offer swamp your needs, then the King’s Centre is not short of smaller break-out rooms with all the essentials available in the larger

“The diversity of space available to customers is not the only fantastic service that the King’s Centre offers. They are also able to provide catering and refreshments from their on-site kitchen”

centre. The layout of the developed space is extremely well thought out, and easily enables events to be tailored to each group’s meeting needs including the option of private entrances.

The King’s Centre has a multitude of rooms on offer for hire and customers are truly spoilt for choice. The Thames Hall, the centre’s largest area,

both the Cotswold and the Thames Hall. The King’s Centre’s motto, ‘What you want to get done, gets done here’ is certainly no exaggeration!

Sue explains that the Cotswold and the Thames Hall can also be used in conjunction with each other: “It’s a real plus that we have two huge rooms. If we have a big conference that also wants

rooms such as projection facilities and microphones. These rooms, The Vale, The Wytham and the Ridgeway are but a few of the areas on offer to customers. Each of the aforementioned can hold 40 people in a theatre-style, but if that is still too large, the Chiltern room holds a more modest 20 people in a theatre-style. However these are by no means the only rooms on offer and Sue

THE KING’S CENTRE WHAT YOU WANT TO GET DONE, GETS DONE HERE Tucked away on the bank of the Thames, the King’s Centre is an enviably located conference and meeting facility that offers both pleasant surroundings and a plethora of fuss-free meeting options for their customers. The magnetism of the King’s Centre does not stem purely from its history as the place where the first MRI Scanner magnet was produced, but from the friendly and accommodating staff who strive to fulfill any client request. Hannah Howell.

92

www.b4-business.com

B4 EVENTS

“the King’s Centre is also conveniently located just off

the Botley Road, boasting excellent transport links to accompany their endless event options

”

stresses that whatever a customer’s needs, they are sure to have a room that suits them.

The diversity of space available to customers is not the only fantastic service that the King’s Centre offers. They are also able to provide catering and refreshments from their on-site kitchen. With an incredibly friendly atmosphere the centre is also popular for local community groups including the Oxford Stroke Group who regularly meet in their café, an area which can seat anywhere up to 350 people for a more informal event.

As if this wasn’t enough already, the King’s Centre is also conveniently located just off the Botley Road, boasting excellent transport links to accompany their endless event options. Walking distance from Oxford City Centre and a mere fiveminute stroll from Oxford train station, the centre is easily accessible from locations in and around Oxford.

Whatever you want, the King’s Centre can certainly get it done. www.kingscentre.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

93

Left: London Welsh Captain Jonathan Mills, Top Centre: Alan Awcock, Right: Gavin Henson

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT It’s not just on the field at the Kassam Stadium that London Welsh are looking to make a success of their move to Oxford, but off it the club recently demonstrated its commitment to engage the local community with the unveiling of its new rugby schools programme

Details of the programme were announced in November with some lucky schoolchildren at Sandhills Primary School, Oxford, then getting a surprise visit from London Welsh club captain Jonathan Mills and fly half Gavin Henson, who turned up to their weekly Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme session.

The London Welsh duo, along with the club’s managing director John Taylor, were in attendance to help launch the club’s community programme in Oxfordshire.

“We’re here for the long haul. The Kassam Stadium is now our home and to build the club and our support base in the area we have to connect with the local community,” said London Welsh managing director John Taylor.

“As well as helping to promote the game of rugby 94

as a whole this programme is a very important element in making that happen.”

“The club is working hard to establish itself in Oxfordshire and the community programme is vital to that work, as these children are the future of the club

”

Under the supervision of London Welsh community development officer Alan Awcock, the

children got the chance to show off their rugby skills to Jonathan and Gavin, while the end of the session brought the opportunity for autographs and photos.

“It was great to see first-hand the work being done

by Alan and Matt (Walsh) they’re doing a fantastic job,” said London Welsh captain Jonathan Mills.

“The kids really seemed to enjoy the session and I think they would have been happy to have kept playing all afternoon.

“The club is working hard to establish itself in Oxfordshire and the community programme is vital to that work, as these children are the future of the club. They’re all future London Welsh supporters.”

Gavin Henson added: “The children really seemed to enjoy it and they picked up the basic skills of the www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

“We’re here for the long haul. The Kassam Stadium is now our home and to build the club and our support base in the area we have to connect with the local community” London Welsh managing director John Taylor

game very quickly.

“Hopefully today will inspire some of them to take up the sport and perhaps even join a local club, as well as coming along to watch London Welsh in action at the Kassam Stadium.”

Headed by the club’s community coaches, Alan and his colleague Matt, who are based at our offices in the Oxford University Sports Complex off Iffley Road, the club’s community programme is being rolled out in schools and clubs across Oxfordshire.

The core programmes will involve London Welsh coaching TAG rugby in over 70 schools within the Oxfordshire area, and will include the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme and the MBNA Tackling Numbers programme.

www.b4-business.com

In addition, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup and JP Morgan 7s Cup provide opportunities for clubs to compete in local Oxfordshire tournaments, and the chance to attend the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final and the JP Morgan 7s Final for the winners.

“To have Jonathan and Gavin involved today was great. It was hugely exciting for the children and they were very enthusiastic,” said Alan Awcock.

“If you can then channel that excitement back into playing rugby then it’s going to be hugely beneficial.

The children get to see these superstars and play rugby at the same time, and they’ll buy into the sport a lot more.

“As a club, London Welsh is trying to establish itself in Oxfordshire and the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme offers the chance to get kids

involved in rugby at grassroots level, hopefully with the aim of them growing up to support London Welsh.

“All the schools we’ve coached in so far have really bought into the idea. A lot of the children haven’t played TAG rugby before and we’re able to provide all of the equipment and the kids are really enjoying it.”

London Welsh can already boast strong links with schools, with one of the club’s major sponsors, Eteach, being the leading education jobsite for teaching jobs, support staff jobs and all the latest jobs in education across the UK. Please contact us on: 020 8940 2368 or see us at: www.london-welsh.co.uk

95

news New Arrivals for October!

October has been a busy month of recruitment for Darbys, with people joining both Oxford and Manchester offices.

Lelani von Moltke to its Residential Team.

Suzanne Brown to its Private Client Team.

Manchester Office Stephanie Macpherson and Gillian Sadler to its Construction Team.

Darbys would like to welcome, Oxford Office Ron Engineer, Catherine Boadle, Lena Barnes and Helen Caswell to its Commercial Property Team.

Samantha Mowlah, Quentin Duckworth and Clare Naylor to its Commercial Property Team.

Esther Wilkins and Employment Team.

Welcome on board to you all! www.darbys.co.uk

Erica

Bradshaw

to

its

Quentin Duckworth, Claire Naylor, Samantha Mowlah & Simon McCrum

My Personnel Trainer Families and flexibility – where are we now?

Our next training session is on Thursday 13th December at 9.30am until 12.30pm.

In recent years, this area of HR practise has experienced a host of legal changes, and now the government is planning to radically reshape the provisions yet again. We will show you how to approach the area of families and flexibility using current best practise and look at what the government is planning to introduce in the children and families Bill next year. We’ll also address some key HR questions, including:

• On what grounds can a flexible working request be refused • What are the rights of fathers who wish to take additional paternity leave?

• How can we avoid a discrimination claim?

• What are the rights of [parents in a gay relationship?

• What are our responsibilities to pregnant employees?

• Do we have to continue to pay childcare vouchers during maternity or paternity leave?

• Aren’t the government planning to radically change the law in this area? What’s happening?

If you would like to attend, please contact Laura Peach (lpeach@darbys.co.uk) www.darbys.co.uk

Oxfordshire Business Awards 2013 Be the Best. Oxfordshire Business Awards 2013 For 19 years, the Oxfordshire Business Awards has been recognising, rewarding and promoting the excellence of Oxfordshire-based companies.

Organised and supported by 13 of the county’s leading organisations, the Awards are firmly established as a benchmark for excellence in today’s competitive business environment.

To Apply Entry to the 2013 Oxfordshire Business Awards is free and simple and can be done online at www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk from 30th November. All entries must be received by no later

www.b4-business.com

than Friday 1st March 2013. Entry is free and simple.

Awards Dinner A celebration of Oxfordshire Business Awards Dinner on Friday 21st June 2013.

The number one night of the year for businesses in Oxfordshire.

Tickets for the dinner will be available from 30th November. For further details about the Awards, please contact Awards Secretary Jane Reeve by email jreeve@darbys.co.uk or by telephone on 01865 811218.

97

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR EXPOSURE UNDER CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER LAWS? Employers face unlimited fines, or even prison, over crashes involving company car drivers. New B4 Platinum Ambassadors, Ultimate Car Control, specialise in empowering drivers of high performance vehicles with a level of car control that is unsurpassed, worldwide.

Did you know that?: 1. The number of business drivers involved in fatal road accidents EVERY YEAR is 1,000. 2. The number of cars crashed whilst being driven for business use every single day of the year is 150. 3. The chance of a fatal road accident happening for every 25,000 miles driven is just 1 in 8,000.

4. The potential fine for your company if convicted under the new Corporate Manslaughter Bill is unlimited. 5. The potential prison sentence for negligence in discharging duty of care under the Health & Safety at Work Act is two years.

98

The Answer - Advanced driver training courses specifically designed for senior executives, VIPs and those with access to high performance vehicles Ultimate Car Control specialises in empowering drivers of high performance vehicles with a level of car control that is unsurpassed, worldwide. We teach advanced driving techniques that allow you to remain in control of your vehicle, reacting safely and confidently, even in extreme circumstances. This level of

www.b4-business.com

B4 TRAVEL skill becomes instinctive - we call it Driver Encoded Knowledge. The courses have been designed for all those with access to high performance motor cars, including not just owners, but immediate friends and family as well, ensuring all are able to approach their driving with the required skill and competence to remain safe at all times.

a lot more than I had expected, the course was very powerful at showing me the legal side of running a business and having company car drivers without coming across as being a lecture. We are changing our processes and transport policy as a result! Great fun with some very interesting facts and a great time with some very experienced and professional drivers.”

Respected lawyers and business risk insurance experts working in the field of road safety agree that the unique Ultimate Car Control system provides you and your business with the maximum possible protection.

UCC founder, Robb Gravett, has a unique driving sensitivity and awareness that has been developed from his many years of highly successful racing at the forefront of motorsport worldwide. Robb is a former British Touring Car Champion and winner of numerous races and car championships across the world.

“empowering drivers of high performance vehicles with a level of car control that is unsurpassed, worldwide

”

Four lucky B4 Ambassadors spent a day with Ultimate Car Control, and CIS’s Richard Marsh certainly derived maximum benefit. “The Ultimate Car Control course I was invited on with the B4 was a real eye opener! Like most busy business people I am guilty of multi-tasking in the car and although I like to think I am a good driver, and capable of handling speed, I certainly learned

www.b4-business.com

Years of success at the top of international motorsport has meant Robb has been able to reinvest his skills to develop a series of unique training programmes to protect drivers at every level of risk. The courses are incredibly empowering and provide the driver with the skills required to be able to react and adapt to the critical motions of car control.

Full course details at www.ultimate-dek.co.uk

99

CHRYSLER YPSILON.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L

C H R Y S L E R D E LT A .

01 8 6 5 3 76 0 0 0

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK WWW WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CHRYSLERJEEPOXFORD .FACEBOOK.COM/CHRYSLERJEEPOXFORD

CHRYSLER & JEEP OXFORD BANBURY ROAD, SHIPTON ON CHERWELL, KIDLINGTON, OXON, OX5 1JH.

SALES.OXFORD@CHRYSLER.CO.UK W W W.C H RY S L E R OX F O R D.CO. U K

RANGE OF OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE CHRYSLER DELLT TA AND CHRYSLER YPSILON RANGE: URBAN 34.9 – 60.1 MPG (8.1 – 4.7 L/100KM); EXTRA URBAN 54.3 – 88.3 MPG (5.2 – 3.2 L/100KM); COMBINED 44.8 8 – 774.3 4.3 MPG (6.3 – 3.

3.8 L/100KM). CO2 EMISSIONS 1 46 – 97 G/KM. MODELS SHOWN: CHRYSLER YPSILON 1.2 S INCLUDING METALLIC P PAINT AINT A AT T £9,170 ON THE ROAD (INCLUDING MANUFACTURER DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION OF £2,000) WAS WAS £11,170 AND CHRYSLER R DEL LT TA 1.4 S INCLUDING METALLIC PAINT A AT T £15,250 ON THE ROAD (INCLUDING MANUFACTURER DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION OF £2,000) WAS £17,250 AND INCLUDES ROAD FUND LICENCE, FIRST REGISTRA ATION FEE AND VA AT T. OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2012 OFFER. OFFER ONLY AVAILABLE WITH CHRYSLER HORIZON LOW COST PERSONAL CONTRACT PLAN. FINANCE SUBJECT TO STATUS. GUARANTEES MAY BE REQUIRED. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. AT P PAR ARTICIPATING DEALERS ONLY. WE WORK WITH A NUMBER OF CREDITORS INCLUDING CHRYSLER FINANCIAL SERVICES. PRICES AND SPECIFICA ATIONS CORRECT AT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS (10/12). CHRYSLER GROUP FINANCIAL SERVICES, PO BOX 4465, SLOUGH, SL1 0RW.. CHRYSLER IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CHRYSLER GROUP LLC.

B4 PROPERTY

GROUP SAVVY

Doric, Ionic and Corinthian: the three supporting columns of Ancient Rome.

Without these pillars many of the structures that signaled the birth of modern construction would have fallen into disrepair. Yet their strength, combined with the provision of a solid foundation for development, has ensured their continued success. The theory of providing a strong and reliable base is one that the three brothers at Group Savvy have put into practice, providing a triple pillar foundation for their rapidly growing building maintenance and refurbishment company.

Two years ago, David, James and Stephen Dunne took the opportunity to combine their individual expertise within the building industry to create their own company, Group Savvy.

Beginning their operations from an annex attached to Stephen’s house, the company has defied the recession to grow at an alarming rate. Yet this success is not down to sheer luck, their professionalism and drive to create a service for clients that is both reliable and flexible has propelled them in two short years from Stephen’s annex to new premises on London Road in Headington. Their new office has given Group Savvy a public face, and as Stephen excitedly adds, “This office is going to be the hub for us to grow even further”.

For Group Savvy the diversity of projects on offer in Oxford fits their capabilities perfectly. Each brother is trained in a different area of the construction industry, enabling them to combine their knowledge and take on a wide range of projects at different levels, from listed building maintenance with Oxford Castle, to adventure playground construction in Rose Hill. Projects such as these, and the success that they have had with them, helped Group Savvy to win the Oxford Mail’s ‘Local Business Accelerators’ award in 2011.

Stephen Dunne is a qualified quantity surveyor by trade who looks after the overall business side of the company. Stephen explains that: “the company goes right across the board, we have a lot of experience working with very established places.

www.b4-business.com

What we do depends on what comes through the door, we are incredibly flexible.” Having just taken on another surveyor and a young carpenter, their workforce has grown impressively to 15 employees over the space of just two years. Working alongside architects, surveyors, local landlords, commercial buildings and engineering companies for both public and private clients, they have built working relationships “effectively starting from the bottom and working our way up to take on bigger contracts for them.”

“Clients know that we will get it done, and that we can be trusted within the building

”

David Dunne, Electrical Engineer, is in charge of the maintenance side of the company and works alongside a diverse range of clients, tackling both modern and antiquated buildings. Testament to David’s abilities is the ease with which he becomes familarised with the fundamental workings of listed buildings around Oxford: “We know the buildings and they know they can trust all the guys. David knows these buildings like the back of his hand.

Surprisingly, there are no real plans for some buildings, which can make things difficult, but if a fuse board trips, or any fault with any service occurs, he will know what has caused it. It’s all

about local knowledge, knowing the individual buildings and how to deal with them”, says Stephen.

James Dunne looks after the refurbishment and renovation side of the company, which has completed some truly impressive work on listed manor houses in Oxfordshire. Many of James’ clients place a high value on top-class workmanship and the ability to develop a working relationship based on trust. “Clients know that we will get it done, and that we can be trusted within the building.” James’ ability to combine these essentials has lead to contracts for work being offered on property in London, based purely on the outstanding results of their Oxford-based work at places such as Bletchingdon Park and Studley Priory.

Group Savvy have, with the help of local banks, been able to exceed their ambitious business plan and are growing at a rate which sets a great example for start-up businesses in Oxford. Their success is based in their flexibility; contactable by clients for work “24 hours a day 365 days a year”, their triple pillared knowledge base and their drive to succeed has secured a promising future for Stephen, James, David and Group Savvy.

To see what Savvy’s clients are saying about them contact Email: info@group-savvy.co.uk or Tel: 01865 920020 or see www.group-savvy.co.uk

101

HR2YOU

In Issue 19 of B4, we met Sarah Morris of HR2YOU. Young, engaging and determined, Sarah spoke to us about her energetic plans for HR2YOU. Just over a year from her first B4 article, everything is still as fresh, vibrant and on the same path, but this time it’s all bigger and better. A beaming Sarah Morris tells Richard Rosser about great strides for HR2YOU.

The background provided in our first article with Sarah is important and it helps sets the scene.

With fifteen years sales, management and generalist HR experience, Sarah’s background within different market sectors and organisations has given her an incredibly invaluable understanding of her clients’ collective needs.

What strikes me about Sarah is that despite her years she has a wealth of knowledge in both business and human resources. It's really quite astonishing the progress the business has made in three short years which is down to the dedication and standards Sarah has set herself and the company.

So where did it all start to change for Sarah?

“Genuinely, looking back at the past two years, it’s really hard to believe that the business has come so far. I’ve been really lucky with the relationships I have built with my clients and their success has contributed to the success of HR2YOU.” Modest as ever, Sarah explains that this is a world away from where she would have imagined to be in year three of business, yet she is extremely excited about not only growing her clients’ businesses but HR2YOU as well.

Sarah has to pinch herself that she now heads up a team of five, with plenty of scope on the horizon for further expansion. “It's amazing that this time 2

102

years ago I would never have thought that by now I’d be running a business with five members of staff who are qualified in health & safety, employment law and payroll, adding even more value to the level of service we can provide to our clients.”

HR2YOU now has an impressive portfolio of clients, many of whom are expanding. The company has just started a new relationship with a large automotive company in Essex helping with their new Helpdesk. For expanding clients, HR2YOU is helping with back office processes, recruiting sales teams, implementing a management development programme and commission structure as well as helping with their ISO standards and Investors in People criteria. This has all given Sarah the taste for more.

been able to cope so far with clients pushing into new arenas and we have managed without problems. I have a real appetite to grow this business, I have a thirst for knowledge and love to find out more about businesses in new sectors and relish the challenge of a new client in a completely different sector with its own dynamics.”

Sarah is rightly proud of what she has achieved and believes that relationships with her clients are at the root of her business. “It speaks volumes that all of my customers are still with me. It’s all about building long term relationships and I really believe that becoming part of the senior management team for many of my clients allows me to understand what motivates them as a business and as an employer.”

Sarah explains that as the company has grown it has also allowed her to work on bigger and more interesting projects, including delivering ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) training courses, presenting at a number of events including B4 workshops, working with clients on extensive national expansion plans, implementing and managing a new sales team including designing commission structures to incentivise staff.

The future looks exciting for Sarah and HR2YOU with new ventures in training, plans to work more in London and develop the network of HR2YOU offices. I wouldn’t bet against this young lady delivering that and more over the next two years.

For more information about HR2YOU and talking to Sarah about your HR requirements, contact Sarah at info@HR2YOU.co.uk.

“I want to expand HR2YOU further now. I can see how we can develop further and have ambitions to develop HR2YOU offices in other regions. I’m not afraid of growth as I have seen how we have

www.hr2you.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 HR

“It speaks volumes that all of my customers are still with me. It’s all about building long term relationships”

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Sarah Morris

www.b4-business.com

103

Land for sale or lease

OX12 9FA

Be a part of this vibrant business community in West Oxfordshire

www.grovetechpark.com info@grovetechpark.com 01235 772992

meesonwilliams

01865 349011

Thinking Differently Running a successful business by putting people first We operate in an economic environment where people we interact with are our competitors, and we feel that we have to beat them in order to get ahead, and win.

We think that the more we have, or own, the better we will feel about ourselves, and the more people will respect us.

It is an illusion which most of us buy in to.

The world is changing, and it is imperative now that we look at alternative ways to run our businesses. Success will be measured in future by how we have served people, and not by how much we have made, or how well we are known.

When we look back on our lives who wants to be able to say “I have done well, look at how much I have made, how famous I have been, or how much power I have wielded”. Instead we want to be able to say “I have done well, look at how many people I have helped, used my fame to benefit others, and used my power for the greater good”. This is true fulfilment and it is selfless, not self serving.

At the moment it is a competitive, combatative business environment where control and having power over others is the norm, and indeed expected. But change is on the horizon. Customers are wising up. Their voices are being heard via social media, and they are effecting opinion. Business owners are going to have to behave properly in future – unsocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

Customers will choose to buy elsewhere.

In a series of articles for the B4 magazine I am going to show some lessons I have learnt, and principles I have tried to apply to my own family business, Jennings. I am certainly not saying that these principles are right, or wrong, but I hope they will give an indication of what might work for you as you adjust to the changing economic environment.

Mike Jennings - Chairman of Jennings

And by the way the outcomes for me have been: • The business is more profitable • Work is easier, less stressful • My team are highly motivated, and not by money • My team are innovative, not afraid to try new ideas • My team are autonomous, allowing me to find something else to do! www.jennings.co.uk

Would you like a Business Mentor?

Oxford Business Mentoring has been offering free mentoring to businesses in Oxfordshire for nearly 4 years now and has seen over 250 clients, and grown to 24 mentors all of whom run businesses in Oxfordshire. We offer no more than our experience.

We do not tell you what to do because we are not advisors or consultants, but rather we try to offer a different perspective to help you see things

and evaluate things differently.

Arguably everyone in business could benefit from a mentor. During the course of the next few issues of B4 I am going to explore some of the common themes that come up in mentoring sessions, and what we do to help our clients to see things differently. www.oxfordbusinessmentors.org

What makes a good Leader?

In conventional thinking the role of the leader is to lead. Of course that makes sense....or does it?

A leader who is put there because of his/her role of course has a ‘duty’ because of their role to lead. This is a matter of fact, but it says nothing about how they lead. Often their default will be a ‘command and control’ method of leadership.

An authentic leader, on the other hand, is someone who people naturally

www.b4-business.com

follow. They generally have a purpose, or vision. They communicate that purpose, and then their prime purpose is to serve their followers in recognition that their followers are motivated to drive the organisation towards its purpose.

In the course of the next few editions of B4 I will explore how an authentic leader will always have a greater long term positive impact on their organisation than leadership based on power and status derived from the role. www.conventionislimited.co.uk

105

A PASSION FOR FRAMES John Brooks has a passion for framing, and although he readily admits he’s not comfortable when the ‘so what do you do’ question comes around at dinner parties, please read on… you’ll be surprised! Richard Rosser meets the owner of Isis Creative Framing.

Starting business in Cave Street in St Clements, John’s picture framing career was something which took hold after a long career selling, amongst other things, toilet rolls, as John explains.

“My background is in sales and marketing, and I was a Sales Manager for a large Swedish paper company, initially with a team of twelve sales people covering the whole of the South of England and Channel Islands. We were the innovators of the centre feed paper handtowel system going back to the 1980s; they invented this whole concept of pulling a paper towel from its central reel. They then created jumbo toilet rolls and industrial wiping products, it was a huge multi-million pound business. Alas! toilet roll selling is more of a conversation killer than framing! ugh; I was with them 13 years but I had a succession of road accidents. For whatever reason, I must have had ‘please run into me’ on my car because it happened 4 times! It was after 3 back operations that I decided I just couldn’t continue working 70 hours a week and driving 40 to 50,000 miles a year. You can’t keep doing that if you’re suffering with a back problem. My brother had run a

106

successful picture framing business in the past and with his expertise I decided that maybe this would be the change that I needed and that was seventeen years ago.”

John went on to explain those early days “We started off in very tiny premises of 420 square feet.

That included an office, storage area, one workbench and stock! Customers used to have to shuffle around almost side-stepping to move. Well when I say customers of course when we first started all we had was an empty building as there were no customers, I hadn’t gone out to get them yet! It always makes me smile when I look back on those early years. After five years I reached a crossroads. Like a lot of small business start-ups I had to make a big decision. The business was doing ok but not really paying anyone a liveable wage. A bold choice was in front of me to either shut the business down and go and do something different, or look for larger business premises and step the business up.”

This was John’s turning point and from then on there was no looking back. “We found our present premises just off Abingdon Road in 2000 and

invested heavily in capital equipment and it just went from strength to strength.”

Still growing at around 25% a year, Isis Creative Framing have been doing that for the last 12 years.

“We must be doing something right. We’ve invested heavily in equipment and that has helped, which means that our turnaround times are less, the volume of work that we can cope with is greater, and we have increased the range of services that we can provide.”

If Isis’s range of clients is anything to go by, John’s investment is certainly reaping rewards. “From the person coming off the street, local colleges and local businesses, we are shipping out picture mounts right across the country on a daily basis.

We are doing contract work, work for businesses, offices, it’s everywhere, and that’s what’s probably given us this buffer whilst the Country is in this recession. When one side of our business is down, another side will be up. We are also diverse in what we do. People might think of picture framing as just photographs, prints and real artwork but we do more than that. We are taking people’s memories; we are taking life instances from birth, through life,

www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES to death. We get the stories that go with pictures, documents, everything and anything. We can frame a scan of a 12 week foetus or an unframed photo which has been rolled up in a drawer for 60 years…. it took 60 years for the photo to find its way on to somebody’s wall! To live life as we should, memories should be on the wall at the time, whether they are in the form of a photograph or a montage or it could be a sports shirt, hockey stick, it could be a cricket bat. All of these things can get framed and you know there is nothing better than having something on the wall that you can talk about. It can certainly help during dinner parties!” John continues; “What’s the point in taking photographs and leaving them on the camera. We have all gone digital now and we all have endless digital files, so why not do something with them? It’s so easy now to just make yourself up a montage and it’s really cheap to do it. You can then take that, frame it, block mount it, put it on to canvas, spread them around the house or office……..they look fantastic”.

something a little bit special with the mount. He has put all the tickets; the Olympic Park site map; a badge with his own photograph on; his tube ticket, everything that was relevant to that event has gone in. We have then finished it off with London 2012 cut-outs and logos. It looked fantastic and a great way of presenting that memory, and we can do that for anything. Still with the Olympic theme we are currently framing a skirt worn by a country name bearer when the Athletes entered the main stadium at the opening ceremony and this too is going to look fantastic.”

“Again on the creative side, a business has just given us probably 5 years’ worth of memorabilia from different events. These were just stored together in boxes and packets and envelopes, bits and pieces of programs, certificates, tickets, newspaper cuttings, all sorts of things. We must have 20 or 30 different bags of different bits and pieces, all just left to us to come up with creative layouts. People do have that sort of trust in us and where allowed, we always try to be a little bit more

Oxford University. It turns out it was a sponsored development and that it was being paid for, through a very kind donation, by the late founder’s wife of Atlantic records. We had to really move mountains to create a vast number of very difficult frames in a very short space of time. They kept hitting us with wanting more images framed as the deadline got closer. They were all large, very difficult pieces but my staff worked miracles to get them done on time. Both the University and Sponsor were so impressed, that I was introduced to Mrs Ertegün whose late husband, Ahmet, was the co-founder of Atlantic records. She is in her eighties and was an extremely pleasant lady. She called me into their offices locally to say thank you for everything we had done. I was firstly given a volume of 50 Years of the Atlantic Story and, being of a certain age, grew up with much of the music of that time”. John’s clearly getting excited at this point telling me this story and he continues; “The book wasn’t everything I was given. Being a Led Zeppelin fan I had tried to get tickets about five

“What’s the point in taking photographs and leaving them on the camera. We have all gone digital now and we all have endless digital files, so why not do something with them?

”

“We then get some really unusual and special pieces come in. I remember we once had to take in a deceased soldier’s beret; well it was more than a beret. We had to frame it with his belt and his epaulettes to travel with him on his coffin. His comrades had clubbed together to pay for this memorabilia to be framed because he had meant so much to them. To have this memorabilia travel with the coffin, the union flag and his regimental colours was very, very moving” “And as picture framers, we get the stories. It’s not just talking about how we are going to frame whatever it might be we are being asked to frame, there is always a story. People just can’t drop something off and say ‘frame it’. It does happen, of course it does, but you get completely wrapped up in what people are presenting and the story comes out.”

One of John’s biggest growth areas is obviously the picture mounts, as John explains. “We’ve had a lot of Olympic memorabilia in recently. There’s one we have just finished, where a very lucky chap was able to get tickets for seven events and we have just framed all those up, but we have done

www.b4-business.com

creative. Medals, badges, we are getting all sorts of things all the time” “There’s a fine line between where a picture framer stops framing and a cabinet maker takes over, but we can provide acrylic boxes for larger items (or smaller ones), so if a customer has a football or sports boots or a 3D object then we can provide acrylic boxes made to size.”

Customer service is key to Isis and John admits it’s a cornerstone of the business. “We are very keen to achieve 100% customer satisfaction with everything that we do. When people come in and they say ‘what’s your timescale?’ we will always turn round and say ‘well when do you need it? Our aim is always to meet the customer’s requirement, even if that means the same day!”

Ask anyone offering a service and appreciation isn’t always outwardly shown by customers, no matter how hard we all try. But John’s impeccable service and going the extra yard was recently rewarded in bucket loads. “It’s very rare that us Brits show our appreciation, certainly beyond a Thank You, but we have just recently done a job that was for the

years ago to a reunion concert they were staging at the O2 Arena. This was the first reunion since the group disbanded following the sudden death of drummer John Bonham in 1980. Being signed to Atlantic Records, the surviving members, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul-Jones along with ex-drummer John Bonham’s son, Jason, put the concert on to commemorate the life of Ahmet Ertegon. Around 20 million fans around the world applied for tickets and needless to say I didn’t get any. They did however film the event and five years later that footage was put together into the film, Celebration Day. My extra gift was to join the Atlantic Record party at the London Premiere screening. What a fantastic event that was. Not just because of the concert film itself but also sitting with the members of the band, Sir Paul McCartney, Harvey Goldsmith and many more celebrities.

Brilliant!”

“Every now and again, someone will come up with that extra bit of appreciation that just stabs the heart and just reminds you, life is good.” www.isiscreative.co.uk

107

STUDIO8 What? No floor to ceiling glass entrance? No stadium sized TV screens? No too cool for school, model looking, girl Friday behind reception? Then surely this digital media agency can’t be for me. But hold on a minute, a one stop shop for photography, video, and digital media marketing with no trudge all the way to London required. Perfect.

Multi Disciplined Integrated Agency Studio8 based just outside of North Oxford is a a one stop shop for everything visual and creative in digital marketing. Celebrating their 10th year in 2013, they have carved out a strong track record within Oxford and beyond. Successful recent alliances with reputable brands such as Thorpe Park, Blenheim Palace, Karma Resorts and Oxford University should fill you with confidence that this digital agency is worthy of being considered on that ever expanding pitch list.

Nurturing Young Talent Given Studio8’s credentials, client testimonials and breadth of services on offer, it is somewhat surprising to find that the driving force behind this agency’s success is a young husband and wife team with a payroll boasting the grand old average age of twenty eight.

A core philosophy running through the DNA of this business is a determination to provide a stable platform to allow the nurturing of young talent. This is evident in the number of work experience placements they encourage, the extra talent they use and the values they look for through their recruitment process; drive, creativity and awareness of the ever changing digital world around us.

This fresh approach has enabled them to remain at the top of their game, ahead of the competition and leading the way in terms of approaching Video marketing post the online and social media revolution. This hotbed of young talent naturally embrace, and themselves use all the online marketing tools available to them to increase brand awareness and quality traffic to websites. They intuitively get the power of video and social media within the marketing mix resulting in a fully integrated approach to strategic marketing planning and not a token amount of digital stuck on as an after thought.

A Visual Content Marketing Mix This is where Studio8 come in. Online visitors look for information faster and demand results sooner, and as a result internet users have changed from content readers into content browsers. At the heart of this movement is Video and Photography.

People love to share content and its easy to see why sites such as Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest work so well.

A recent survey by Social Media Examiner found that, 76% of marketers plan to add video to their sites in 2012 / 2013 making it a higher priority than Facebook, Twitter and blog integration.

This makes complete sense when Youtube, the worlds second largest search engine (also owned

by Google) suggests that 92% of all internet traffic will be Video.

“Video marketing is crucial to your marketing strategy when we live in an age where people are searching for easy to digest information - video speeds up the rate in which consumers can learn about your brand and products - through an entertaining medium not only in the office but on the move, in a cafe, on a train, at home - anywhere, the web is with us all the time.” - Clark Wiseman, Managing Director of Studio8.

With broadband speeds increasing on 4G mobile networks and a boom in mobile devices - your company focus should be on mobile content, as this is where we will spend most of our digital life. The ability to access high quality digital information immediately is becoming a reality - and Video is top of the list.

So a personal rallying cry to all local companies considering their next marketing success; why not do your budget, your time and your sanity a favour and give the local agency a try? www.studio-8.co.uk

108

www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES

“Video marketing is crucial to your marketing strategy when we live in an age where people are searching for easy to digest information

�

Clark Wiseman, Studio8

www.b4-business.com

109

es 1 iti 221 un 74 rt 5 po 186 op 0 ip on s h us or t ns tac po on rs ec Fo eas Pl

Join us on our 350 mile trip fr from om Edinbur Edinburgh gh to Blenheim PPalace alace in Oxford Oxford next May. Maayy.

H aving completed oing iitt aagain gain Having mile Paris Oxford wee aare doing completed the the 270 270 m ile ttrip rip ffrom rom P aris tto oO xford eearlier arlier tthis his yyear, ear, w re d n ext year, ycling next on May 24th, having up day before, year, leaving leaving from from Edinburgh Edinburgh o nM ay 2 4th, h aving ttravelled ravelled u p tthe he d ay b efore, ccycling b alace o n back Birmingham before Blenheim Palace on ack through through Newcastle, Newcastle, Leeds Leeds aand nd B irmingham b efore tthe he ffinal inal lleg eg tto oB lenheim P Monday May 27th Holiday Monday).

Monday M ay 2 7th ((Bank Bank H oliday M onday). ride is is open open to to everyone, everyone, and and we we already already have have a core core o 2 ccyclists yclists w ho w ere on The off 1 12 who were The ride on the the trip trip this year, year, plus plus a few few friends friends who who have have already already ssigned igned u p. C yclists w ill b earlier up.

Cyclists will bee eexpected earlier this xpected to to decent road road bike bike and and achieved achieved a minimum minimum level level o itness. FFurther urther d etails are have off ffitness. details have a decent are available available for all all those those interested. interested. for The cost cost of of the the trip trip is is £850, £850, which which includes includes professional professional g uides, a m edic, m echanic, all The guides, medic, mechanic, all and support support team team costs. costs. If If you you are are iinterested, nterested, w oh ave a payment accommodation,food wee d do have accommodation,food and payment plan plan option to to help help you you spread spread the the cost cost over over tthe he n ext ssix ix m onths. option next months.

W re ccurrently urrently aadding dding tto oo ur llist ist o referred ccharities harities and and hope hope to to make make further further Wee aare our off p preferred aannouncements nnouncements ssoon. oon.

S ow hy n ot p ick u p tthe he p hone aand nd g et iinvolved nvolved Ð itit will will be be a trip trip to to remember. remember.

So why not pick up phone get

Call 01865 7742211 42211 toda today ay or e-mail e-mail editorial@b4-business.com editorial@b4-business.com

Restaurant Restaurant Partner Partner

Communication Communication Partner Partner

Media Media Partner Partner

Support Support Vehicle Vehicle Partner Partner

2013 2013 preferred preferred charities. charities. More More to to be be aannounced. nnounced.

Fitness Fitness Partner Partner

Finish Finish Line Line Host Host

news Elizabeth Adlington Joins The New Theatre However, a career in theatre is rarely a predictable series of progressions. Elizabeth has worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Arts Council, and the Ambassador Theatre Group (which runs the New Theatre, along with 38 other UK theatres), becoming the Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Theatre in 2007. Soon after, in 2009, Milton Keynes Theatre won three Business Excellence Awards from the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, including the title of ‘Overall Winner’ - an outstanding achievement.

During the same period, the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre was developed as a project by the local council, and it was Elizabeth who oversaw the development of the Waterside operation for ATG, continuing to manage Milton Keynes at the same time. When the Waterside officially opened in 2010, Elizabeth took on its full time management and successfully guided that theatre through its first two years, helping to establish its place as the centre of the town’s theatre and live entertainment provision: ‘Building links with local business has

Elizabeth Adlington, new Chief Executive of the New Theatre Oxford

There’s a new figure at the helm of the New Theatre Oxford. Elizabeth Adlington, previously Chief Executive at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, took over the reins as Chief Executive of the New Theatre in September.

A theatre professional through and through, Elizabeth is no stranger to Oxford and its surrounding area, having previously worked as the Executive Director of the Oxford Stage Company.

‘Our offices were on George Street’, she explains, ‘and I could see the New Theatre (or the Apollo as it was then) from our windows. I could never have imagined that one day I would be on the other side of the street managing the place!’

jackie clune as violet newstead and amy lennox as doralee rhodes in 9 to 5 - the musical. photo simon annand

always been a key part of my role as a Chief Executive, working to ensure that the theatre plays its part in the corporate community.’

Starlight Express - Mykal Rand as Electra. photo eric richmond

www.b4-business.com

After working in two brand new theatres, the art deco New Theatre, opened in 1934 and positioned in the heart of Oxford city centre, presents a new set of day-to-day challenges, as Elizabeth admits: ‘The theatre’s age certainly brings a whole host of practical considerations, in terms of maintenance and the like.’ However, ATG have already begun to invest in the theatre, with the recent £200,000 redevelopment of the Stalls Bar and VIP Club Lounge an example of the company’s desire to properly maintain each of the theatres it now

The New Theatre, Oxford

manages. Ms Adlington makes it clear that there are more projects earmarked for the New Theatre’s future: ‘it is important that we make the theatrical experience as comfortable as possible for our audiences and visiting companies, as well as offering unusual and exciting opportunities for hospitality and corporate entertainment’.

The theatre’s history and place within Oxford’s theatrical scene is something that Elizabeth is keen to understand and develop: ‘I believe that the New Theatre has a great role to play in the local community, especially in a city with such a vibrant cultural mix.’ The New Theatre is certainly continuing to add to that mix with its broad range of programming – this December alone sees the theatre play host to 9 to 5, the brand new musical from Dolly Parton, a return visit from Starlight Express over Christmas and a one night show on New Year’s Eve from Gary Barlow. With 2013 seeing return visits from English National Ballet and Welsh National Opera, as well as a host of comics, musicians and musical theatre shows, is there anything Elizabeth is particularly looking forward to seeing?

‘I like it all, I really do! My preference is always for the visual spectacle of opera and ballet, as well as the big musical shows like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, but I’m a big fan of comedy too. I certainly try and see as much as possible’.

For more information on the New Theatre Oxford and its forthcoming shows, please visit www.atgtickets.com/oxford, or follow us on: www.facebook.com/OxfordNewTheatreAndOFS www.twitter.com/OxfordTheatres

111

“From the start, I had a clear idea of what I wanted, but I benefited hugely from good, professional advice

”

CLINIC 95 - HOW I DID IT The passion and vision behind Clinic 95, Maria Hardman, writes about how she has created one of the country’s leading dental practices right here in Oxford.

Writing this article has been good for me. It has made me ask myself not only how I did it, but more importantly, why I wanted to do it. It has made me examine my motives and reconcile in my own mind whether the project has been the realisation of a vision or an obsession. Or perhaps both?

The truth is that I have wanted to be a dentist for as long as I can remember. Even to-day, 27 years after graduating from Birmingham, I am as enthusiastic about the profession as I ever was. I worked in two NHS practices in Birmingham and one in Bristol and was a locum in a private practice in Oxford in the 80’s. Working with private patients was an eye opener for me because for the first time I could feel I was working with and for people who shared my enthusiasm. It was an important time and helped shape my thinking about the way I wanted to do dentistry.

By the late 80’s I realised that I would never be happy, simply being an Associate. This was no reflection on the Principals from whom I had learned so much. It was just that I wanted to do things my way and I needed a challenge. As a kind of preparation, I did some voluntary work in Israel

112

and sessions in Oxford and Bullingdon prisons as the visiting dentist. All of this was a good mental ‘toughening up’ process for what lay ahead.

had absorbed the teachings of such experts as Sacha Jovanovic, Nitzan Bichachio, Richard Lazarra and Professor Chanavaz.

In 1990 I purchased a practice in Winslow, Bucks and in 1991 I purchased another practice in Oxford.

I refurbished them and converted them from NHS to a combination of Denplan, BUPA and private. In 1995 I relocated the Oxford practice.

What really came home to me during this time was the paucity of mentoring available. With this in mind I started the Oxford Implant Study Group and in 2002 embarked on a 2 year Masters Degree in Implantology at Lille University.

At this stage I was trying to burn the candle at both ends.. Even with tremendous support from Associates in both practices, I was doing six days a week dentistry, bringing up a child, running a house and keeping (and exercising) a dog. I was working hard. I wasn’t working smart.

It was now 2006, ten years after I had decided to set out on the implant route. I felt confident I had mastered it in theory and in practice. And I also felt that I should take the next, all important step.

A career changing decision In October 1996, I enrolled on a Paul Tipton Restorative Course. Putting it simply, it changed by whole attitude to dentistry and I committed myself to understanding and becoming an expert in restorative dentistry. I say “becoming an expert”, because to master the subject and acquire the skill, requires time and patience. I would never work outside my comfort zone and did not attempt complex cases until I felt completely confident and

Doing it my way I do want to make it clear that my self confidence should not be mistaken for cockiness. I have been fortunate to learn from others and what I define as “my way” is, in reality, an amalgam of their teachings. What I wanted to do was use this learning and ultimately make a resource available that would help significant numbers of my colleagues benefit from the experience I had gained.

It was at this point that ‘the vision’ became the

www.b4-business.com

B4 HEALTH

dominant force in my life and the only obsession was achieving it. So the hunt was on for premises......somewhere special that would have the space to run courses and offer high quality, caring dentistry to patients that perceived a value in maintaining good oral health.

I wanted to stay in Oxford and spent a good deal of time looking for property that ‘ticked the boxes’.

Eventually I spotted somewhere that looked ideal.

It was well located, with convenient, free parking only a short distance away and the property itself had sufficient potential for extension. Also it was freehold....a major consideration. The property was in Botley, 2 miles from Oxford City Centre, but not controlled by Oxford City Council. I phoned the Local Authority and asked whether they would approve change of use. They indicated it shouldn’t be a problem.

From the start, I had a clear idea of what I wanted, but I benefited hugely from good, professional advice. Ray Cox of Medifinance and Peter Ward of Lloyds TSB were invaluable with sourcing and putting in place the funding and we completed on the property in June 2007.

I was fortunate in that a close friend, Graham Atkins, who was (and is) an architect was extremely helpful in guiding me from the start of the project.

Most importantly he understood the work flow procedures of a dental practice.

Going to tender In close consultation with a Quantity Surveyor, I had

www.b4-business.com

a fairly well informed budget, but it was exceeded by as much as 25% by the firms to which we went to tender.

Graham had ensured that we received quotations only from reputable builders, so whilst there was a slight variance on price, the quotations were, I believed, realistic.

Everything had been high specification, and whilst one could argue that architects should be aware of costs, the reality is that (in my experience), they are not. So we had to do some trimming and without compromising, be a little more realistic (and perhaps a bit harder nosed). The result? A quotation that was £214,000 below the original!! I do not think I need spell out the moral of this story.

And now.....?

When you have the practice you have dreamed of for years, I suppose you could be excused for relaxing. The reality is, of course, that you move to another level professionally and you have to make it work. You also need to keep in mind that your practice must continue to evolve. For me, this now means a personal focus on developing and running courses and mentoring.

We have tremendous lecture room facilities at the practice with televisual links to surgeries. The courses we will be running will concentrate on working together to develop skills rather than adopting the ‘one size fits all’ approach. I think that we all learn in different ways and some more quickly than others. To impose a single learning

protocol on those wishing to understand and practise implantology is, in my opinion, unwise. I prefer a bespoked, individual style of working with colleagues, in which objectives and standards are mutually agreed and achieved. It is not important how quickly you learn, but rather how thoroughly.

It is important to keep looking to the future for new innovations which can help us to improve what we have to offer, I wanted to invest in equipment which would complement my high standard of work and enable me to continue exceeding my own bench marks. Some of my investments have included; a CBCT machine which enables me to obtain precise visualisation of dental structures in their actual spatial representation. I have found this to be an invaluable asset to my implant work and I know that it is equally valuable to our other specialists; endodontist, periodontist and orthodontist. I also invested in intra-oral cameras, which help us to improve the patient experience by providing visual evidence and education, also aiding our dentists to make more accurate diagnoses. Another investment was our patient education dental animations, screened continuously in our waiting rooms and available in all surgeries where sequences relevant to the patients treatment can be selected and played to the patient to aid their understanding.

Personally, dentistry is still unashamedly my passion. I consider myself privileged to have worked and continue to work, with so many people who have shared my vision. www.clinic95.com

113

With over sixty five acres of picturesque Cotswold countryside surrounding it, Lana de Savary, wife of well-known international entrepreneur, yachtsman and philanthropist Peter de Savary acquired the Old Swan & Minster Mill in May 2010. Located in the village of Old Minster, Minster Lovell, between Burford and Witney, the 18th Century mill, where we stayed, is alongside the River Windrush. The Old Swan is an authentic six hundred year old inn.

We arrived for our overnight stay far too late. It was almost 8.30pm on a Friday night when Sam and Liz checked us in and I recommend you at least take the time to properly relax in the room or the bar before dinner. Whilst Sam walked Tina to the Minster Mill side of the complex, I drove from main reception to the Mill’s dedicated parking area and met them there (literally 20 seconds away). The Swan side was fairly quiet, but as Sam opened the door to The Mill, the warmth and happiness that was to accompany us during our stay hit us. A roaring fire to one side, jovial guests all around, this place had atmosphere. Our room was up a flight of stairs off the bar.

The room was perfect. A huge comfy bed, period furniture and a fantastic bathroom. The heart of this former mill had been retained but the luxury had been added in ample measure.

Sam showed us around and left us to a quick sip of Sloe gin before we headed back down the stairs to the restaurant.

Unfortunately we had to bypass the thriving bar which looked great fun and full of character (and characters!) as we were late for our table. We were welcomed by Emma, who was bright, engaging and very knowledgeable, and talked us through the specials and answered our questions politely and enthusiastically. I have to say, at this point, that ALL of the staff at The Old Swan and Minster Mill were a delight throughout our stay. So often you’ll pass someone in a hotel, a chamber maid, senior management, the gardener, and you won’t get a squeak out of them. This place is very different.

Everyone says hello, everyone is friendly and everyone has a smile on their face – it really is a genuinely happy place.

Tina pipped me to the Seared Dry King Scallops (which were as great as they sounded – I pinched

“The honey-coloured stone of the Cotswolds, weeping willows, thatched roofs and the rushing waters of the River Windrush make this one of England’s most enviable settings” 114

www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

THE OLD SWAN & MINSTER MILL It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic place, less than thirty minutes from the centre of Oxford. It’s all too easy after a busy week to just down tools and unwind, but take my advice and take the trouble to visit The Old Swan & Minster Mill just once – I guarantee you’ll want to go back. Richard Rosser reports for B4. one when she wasn’t looking) and I had the Old Swan Smoked Salmon (served warm). The salmon was delicious, although not cut traditionally, it was a perfect opener. We stayed fishy for mains as Tina had the Bream from the specials board whilst I opted for the Oxford Gold Beer Battered Brixham Haddock with chips and mushy peas.

The presentation of the food throughout was first class, but the imaginative layout of the fish and chips on a wooden board with small pot of vinegar and mushy peas was fun and very appealing.

The meal was wonderful, and we were accompanied by a couple of gin and tonics and a glass or two of Chablis along the way. No room in the inn for dessert I’m afraid – we were well and truly beaten and the bed was calling. We left a wedding party to have the fun and enjoyed a peaceful night’s rest.

I had booked a show around the grounds for 10am and was up and ready to see my host, Amber, in The Old Swan. It was only when we started to walk around that I really started to appreciate the beauty that surrounds this mini village. The backdrop of never-ending gardens, wild-flower meadows, orchards and the surrounds of what remains of the ancient Royal Hunting Forest of Wychwood, make the Old Swan & Minster Mill quintessentially English. The honey-coloured stone of the Cotswolds, weeping willows, thatched roofs and the rushing waters of the River Windrush make this one of England’s most enviable settings. Large chess boards are playfully dotted around the gardens, ducks quack from small ponds on the

www.b4-business.com

periphery of rooms and everywhere you look you see the rich dividends of hard work and considerate planning. I could have walked around all day, in every nook and cranny you see something to delight, something to engage, something to connect you with the nature that engulfs this oasis.

The only thing missing was another night’s stay – to really appreciate The Old Swan and Minster Mill, make a weekend of it!

Lana de Savary has done a fantastic job of restoring the hotel. All of the bedrooms are en-suite and offer all the modern facilities, including complimentary wi-fi access. New formal gardens, a traditional vegetable garden and one of the countries largest wild flower meadows (forty acres) were created alongside the River Windrush.

Besides the restoration, a number of new additional facilities and services have been added.

The completion of an architecturally stunning Dining Room – the Minster Room, two Yon-ka Spa Treatment Rooms, a super modern gymnasium and work-out area, vegetable & herb gardens which supply the kitchen as well as a children’s petting farm.

And with over three miles of superb fly-fishing and coarse fishing, the Old Swan & Minster Mill is set to become one of the countries great fishing destinations.

There are also three meeting rooms and five syndicate rooms with main rooms offering natural daylight and a maximum capacity of fifty five.

Equipped with free internet access throughout, LCD

and plasma screens, along with audio-visual equipment are available too. The Old Swan is ideal for a teambuilding event or seminars and with the River Windrush and Forest of Wychwood on its doorstep, the location provides the perfect opportunity for a themed country pursuits teambuilding event. Quad-biking; fishing; horse-riding; zip-wiring; falconry; archery - the list is endless. The team of dedicated conference co-ordinators can arrange a bespoke event, tailored to your requirements. The facilities are quite breath-taking and demonstrate the versatility of the estate.

My tour ended with a peek inside the new private dining room, The Minster Room. This was being prepared for the aforementioned wedding party and looked wonderful. Equally perfect for business lunches and dinners, thickset oak beams form bold lines around the room, leading to a large inglenook fireplace which takes centre stage. Architecturally stunning, the new room resembles the historical era, coupling traditional architecture with a modern twist, in the same vein as the bedrooms. With a capacity of forty eight, The Minster Room creates a dramatic atmosphere, for both individual dining and larger private parties.

Before we left, we had time for a spot of breakfast and a cheeky home made pain au chocolat. A hearty smoked salmon and scrambled eggs saw us happily on our way back to Oxford with a taste for life in the country, a yearning to go back, content that we had discovered a real gem. www.oldswanandminstermill.com

115

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON! Mel Cooper, Oxford Fine Dining’s Operations Manager, tells B4 that catering for an event is not just all about the food but that working with organisers throughout the planning process helps make for a successful stress free event.

As event caterers at weddings and celebrations as well as at corporate dinners, balls, canapé receptions and conferences, Oxford Fine Dining provides high quality food for hundreds of people each week whether it be a formal 3 course sit down dinner in a prestigious Oxford venue such as Rhodes House or the Bodleian Library; a canapé reception at a company’s offices or someone’s home; or a hot fork buffet in a marquee. Yet one of the key factors appreciated by the event organisers is that they are able to enjoy a stress free day, knowing that their event is in safe hands of an Oxford Fine Dining event coordinator.

Mel Cooper had previously worked with Oxford Fine Dining’s owners Sue Randall and Martin Bridgeman when she was at the Four Pillars Hotel group. Having started as a trainee hotel manager, Mel quickly rose to Deputy Hotel Manager before becoming Hotel Revenue Manager but it was her passion for event planning that brought her to join Sue and Martin at Oxford Fine Dining as Operations Manager in 2009. Says Mel, “I love helping organisers to plan their events and adding that little bit of extra value based on our experience. Oxford Fine Dining’s main aim is for every organiser, whether it be the bride herself or the brides’ mum to the MD’s PA or the marketing coordinator, to be able to enjoy their day without worrying unnecessarily – we do that for them!”

An Oxford Fine Dining event coordinator will work with the organisers from the very first enquiry through to being present at the event itself. Mel adds, ”By the time of the event we know the clients really well and understand what they want to achieve, so we can make sure that the event exceeds their expectations. Often this is making sure the bride’s mother has a cup of her favourite

116

herb tea without her having to ask or knowing which granny should have a G&T without any gin!”

Oxford Fine Dining can advise on catering whatever style or theme organisers require and all of their menus can be adapted to include favourite dishes or ingredients. Says Mel, “We recently did a high tea wedding with vintage cake stands piled high with cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and cakes which was just what the bride and groom wanted.”

Corporate events are often held at clients own premises which provides its own challenges. Not only do Oxford Fine Dining have to make the best of the facilities provided, which might just be the corner of an office or at the very least a small kitchen, but they have to work within strict time limits and ensure that they cause the least disruption to the daily running of the office. This is where Oxford Fine Dining’s experience and the close relationship with the event organiser really pays off. “We recently did a canapé and champagne reception for the opening of Sotheby’s International Realty’s new office in Henley on Thames which was, according to the organisers thank you note, ‘somewhat overpopulated at times’ and yet Sotheby’s had received ‘a steady stream of cards and compliments all mentioning the excellent food and service.’ It is these thank you’s that make the job so rewarding.” says Mel. Oxford Fine Dining also did a canapé reception at the Clerkenwell showroom of floorcovering manufacturer Desso and caters for monthly lunch events at Scott Fraser and at Autologic Diagnostics – not forgetting the successful B4 ambassadors event at Canvas Building in Abingdon earlier this year.

Conferences that overrun sometimes give organisers a few panics, but not the Oxford Fine

Dining team who are used to having hundreds of delegates arrive early for a coffee break and yet then have a session that goes on longer than expected and turn up late for lunch. Nothing is too much and service is always with a smile, regardless.

Oxford Fine Dining provides conference catering for Diamond at Harwell as well as for Oxera, Ernst and Young LLP and Deloittes, from teas and coffees with homemade brownies and cookies to lunches and afternoon teas with home baked cakes. Mel adds, “The standard of our food never slips whether it is a hot buffet, sit down meal or a finger buffet. Executive chef Martin uses the very best locally sourced ingredients and prides himself on the quality of every dish he and his team produces.

He also has a great reputation for his chocolate brownies – delegates often ask us for the recipe, which is a closely guarded secret of course!”

Oxford Fine Dining uses its own casual staff who have been trained in the OFD way to meet the high standards that Sue, Martin and Mel demand. Smart, friendly staff who have the ability to blend in by providing a discreet service go a long way to making an event a success and every member of the OFD team knows the value of customer service. Mel concludes, “We have built a very good reputation for providing a ‘fine dining’ experience at events, from the standard of the food to the service. The most rewarding things is to receive a heartfelt thank you from an event organiser who feels that we have gone the extra mile to make their particular event a success. Of course, what they don’t know is that every event is as special to us as it is to them!”

If you are running a conference, organising a dinner, ball or reception or getting married then visit www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk to find out more

www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES

“I love helping organisers Photograph: The Photo Boutique ©

to plan their events and adding that little bit of extra value based on our experience

”

www.b4-business.com

117

christmas and new year at the manor

Come and join us at The Manor during the festive season and enjoy a warm welcome and a convivial atmosphere. With an exciting range of special events including lunches, brunches and gala dinners, there are so many reasons to celebrate. We welcome you to our beautiful house, for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and our fabulous New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance.

Our Christmas and New Year programme has been specially designed to help you celebrate in style. Join us for our seasonal market menu in the run up to Christmas; bring your family for a superb Christmas Day feast, or a relaxed champagne brunch on Boxing Day. Celebrate the New Year in style with our exclusive four course gala dinner, dancing and fireworks. And why not stay overnight and enjoy a delicious brunch to begin 2013 in style? For more information, please contact our friendly team at The Manor.

CHRISTMAS MARKET MENU (PRE-CHRISTMAS EVE) CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCHEON BOXING DAY BRUNCH BOXING DAY GALA DINNER NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH OVERNIGHT AND WEEKEND BREAKS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVE SEASON

THE MANOR AT WESTON~ON~THE~GREEN OXFORDSHIRE, OX25 3QL TEL +44 (0)1869 350621 FAX:+44 (0)1869 350901 EMAIL: EVENTS@THEMANORWESTON.CO.UK

W W W. T H E M A N O RW E S T O N. C O. U K

the social

In association with

Unsung heroes of the Internet you manage it all? Well, in the old days you had a spreadsheet with all these outlets listed and the login details for each. A real pain and time consuming.

No longer with Hootsuite, its just one login and all of your media platforms are linked in the background. So it’s a social media management tool which allows you to post comments, files, videos and pictures to all your outlets from one place either instantly or on a scheduled basis. The basic free version allows you to manage up to 5 platforms, thereafter you are charged a small monthly fee for additional accounts.

Also, in these days of sending tweets and different corporate messages, just by a click of a button you decide what messages, images etc. go where and at what time. No longer can you say you haven’t got time, on average Hootsuite saves you 35% of time to update social media.

‘I haven't got time for Social Media' 'It takes so long' 'I can’t remember my passwords' 'I forget to schedule stuff'

There are many other platforms – Spreadfast, Tweetdeck (now owned by twitter) Media Funnel, sprinklr, Sendible, the list goes on – but for SME business, simplicity of implementation and costs, Hootsuite ticks all the boxes.

Sound familiar... As you know here on The Social, we talk about all things web and social media and this time round we want to focus on one of the unsung heroes of the Internet.

As a final thought, regardless of whether you enjoy managing your social media or you find the whole online world hard work, just remember it’s not just a bit of fun, the usual business rules from the real world still apply:

Hootsuite is one of the many management platforms available to manage social media and one of the reasons why we always smile when people say "we haven't got time for social media".

– Understand your target audience – Know what messages you want to send out to your target audiences – Plan your activity for maximum exposure – Monitor and analyse your results

Historically you had a LinkedIn account, a Twitter feed and a Facebook page.

Now your adding to that a Google + page and your business has changed so that LinkedIn account is now also a LinkedIn company page and a couple of groups, plus you've now got 2 twitter accounts for personal and business, whilst your Company Facebook page is now as important as your website … how do

To discuss how Hootsuite will work with your website plans and the benefits to your business, contact Glooo. Email chris@glooo.co.uk or call 01865 595707 www.glooo.co.uk

Glooo's Top 10 ‘Multiple Social Media’ users in Oxfordshire Oxford Multiple Social media users

Platforms

B4 Multiple Social media users

Platforms

First Line Support Ltd

T / D / Di / F / L / My

Studio 8

F / T / G+ / P / L / V / Y / FR

A1 Marketing

F/B/T/L/Y

Ashmolean

F / T / Y / FO / G+

Grundon

F/T/L/Y

Miele

G+ / F / T / Y

Kemp and Kemp

L/Y/T/F

Williams F1

T/F/Y

The Castle

F / T / G+

Oxfam

F / FR / Y

Thames Valley Police

F/Y/T

The Career Boutique

F/T/L

Milton park

F/T

Malmaison

F/Y/T

Carter Jonas

F/T

Shaw Gibbs

L/T/F

Meatmaster

F/T

In Touch CRM

T/F/Y

Oxford City Council

F/T

Blenheim Palace

G+ / T

Legend: D – Delicious. DI – Digg. F – Facebook. L – LinkedIn. My – MySpace. T – Twitter. V – Vimeo. Y – YouTube. G+ – Google+. B – Bebo. FR – Flickr.

P – Pinterest.

www.b4-business.com

119

COCKADOO

Just a short drive from Oxford at Nuneham Courtney, is a bar and restaurant definitely worth a visit on a regular basis, ideal for family, friends or an intimate meal for two. B4's Lydiah Igweh went to discover Cockadoo in Nuneham Courtenay.

120

www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

“The food and the atmosphere combined, left us wanting to return again, not only to sample from the extensive menu but to allow ourselves to experience this wonderful restaurant.”

“Cockadoo is a restaurant bursting with great food, a warm atmosphere, impeccable service and a wide range of customers.

”

Cockadoo is a restaurant bursting with great food, a warm atmosphere, impeccable service and a wide range of customers. When we visited on a busy Saturday night, there was a party of 18 year olds celebrating their coming of age, pockets of families with children and couples enjoying a cosy night out.

But we had gone to eat, and, boy did we eat! Our starters was a banquet on its own, including Spring roll, Braised pork spare ribs, Chicken satay, Fish cake, Fresh mint roll with minced chicken, Golden bags and Chicken toast and pickled salad. The dishes were elegantly presented with such detail including carved vegetables in the shape of flowers making the dish both appealing to the eye and stomach.

For our mains, we decided on Mongolian Lamb, fried with garlic, coriander, dried chilli, shallots and spring onion and stir-fried river king prawn in a

www.b4-business.com

golden mountain sauce, served with ginger, onion, curry leaves and shrimp. Both dishes sounded exciting and vibrant and they most definitely had the flavours to die for. The meat in the lamb dish was cooked to perfection, with the sauce so delicately marinated to bring about flavours of pure indulgence.

“make sure you book your table for Cockadoo – it’s a fabulous night out!

”

We also indulged ourselves in the Sweet and Sour Chicken, Crispy Aromatic Duck, Massaman Beef curry and accompanied our dishes with the House special fried rice which offered an abundance of additional flavours to accompany our very high quality dishes. We also squeezed in some stir fried noodles with spring onions and beansprouts –

don’t ask me how!

As our table buckled under the weight of the food, we couldn’t have been happier.

The food and the atmosphere combined, left us wanting to return again, not only to sample from the extensive menu but to allow ourselves to experience this wonderful restaurant.

Owner Allan Yeung is rightly proud of his restaurant.

“We have a lot of satisfied and regular customers coming to the restaurant. We have a lot of live entertainment and tribute acts – Kylie was here in October!”

So make sure you book your table for Cockadoo – it’s a fabulous night out! Not just for families and friends but also for corporate parties and events; there is something for everyone here. www.cockadoo.co.uk

121

news Multi Award Winning Wine Merchant Winner of ‘Best Customer Service 2012’ and ‘Best Wholesaler of the Year 2012’ in the Harpers Wine & Spirit Top Merchant Awards, 'Independent Wine Retailer of the Year 2012' in the prestigious Drinks Retailing Awards and ‘Regional Wine Merchant of the Year 2012’ by The International Wine Challenge.

The Oxford Wine Company has shops in Oxford, Cirencester, Tetbury and Standlake and also supplies a large range of restaurants, pubs and hotels mainly in the Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire areas.

The company has a large number of highly trained staff including head wine buyer Marcia Waters, Master of Wine (the industry’s highest qualification) with 2 other staff currently sitting this extremely difficult exam. As well as this 5 of the companies staff hold the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma, the industry’s top benchmark qualification which is one level below Master of Wine.

Services to the On Trade The Oxford Wine Company stocks a large range of around 1500 products that are not found on the High Street or in supermarkets (including a large range of specialist spirits) and being a local company is able to offer a highly flexible delivery service to all customers, both retail and wholesale.

The wholesale side of the company offers services such as customer’s wine lists printed in house, no minimum order for deliveries and delivery times to suit individual customers. A core range of wines for the trade are maintained year round to minimize disruption to the on trade’s wine lists and price increases for the core trade range of wines are limited to one annual increase with prices maintained for 12 months and a next day delivery service.

Sales representatives are matched to the premises and are not based on geographical areas to get the best match for wholesale customer’s requirements.

Regular Informal Wine Tastings, Dinners and Wine Fairs On the retail side, regular informal tastings, dinners and large wine fairs are held in a variety of locations from our shops to a number of top Oxford restaurants and The Randolph Hotel. We also run bespoke tastings for anyone from top corporates to private evenings and hen parties.

The Oxford Wine School also runs Wine and Spirit Education Trust approved wine courses up to WSET Diploma level. We run regular offers on wines in our 4 shops and cover all price points from £4.99 upwards.

Whether you are a retail or wholesale customer The Oxford Wine Company delivers top quality service across the board with great value for money wines at prices to suit every pocket.

Contact Theo Sloot on 01865 301144 or theo@oxfordwine.co.uk www.oxfordwine.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

123

THE OAKLEY COURT It was late August and we were making our way down the M4 to Windsor. Ironic really that recent guests at our destination, the fabulous Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor, included our victorious Olympic GB rowers. They’d have fared much better in the monsoon conditions which accompanied us throughout our fifty minute trip from Oxford.

But as we entered the hotel’s drive and parked outside reception, the clouds cleared and the sun shone on Oakley Court. Maybe the rowers had left some Olympic gold dust

The Oakley Court, part of the Principal Hayley Group of hotels, sits amid thirty seven acres of immaculately chiselled gardens and lovingly manicured lawns. There is even a private stretch of the River Thames running past the hotel, so no wonder it is a sought after venue for weddings, celebrations, conferences or short breaks.

A short drive to the heart of Windsor, The Oakley Court is the perfect venue for two, a corporate group or, as we discovered, a family of four. We arrived in time to relax in our room – two adjoining rooms creating a huge space. Ours, well after a fight it was ours, was slightly larger with a huge walk in dressing area. The kids had an Oakley Court teddy bear on the pillow – a welcome touch, even for fifteen year old boys (yes I know you’ve got it Ed!).

We had time to freshen up and even enjoy a glass of wine, with the compliments of the hotel, and made our way to dinner. In July 2012, The Dining Room at The Oakley Court Hotel was awarded a prestigious AA2 Rosette award. Just 10% of restaurants nationwide have one Rosette, so this gives you an idea as to the size of head chef, Michael Mealey and his team’s achievement.

124

Using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, it was obvious to us that the restaurant was a priority and not an after-thought as in so many hotel restaurants. Almost full on a Thursday, there were clearly locals dining in the restaurant which bears testament to its glowing reputation. The service was first class and the food impressive. During the day or on warmer evenings, it would be nice to eat al fresco on the terrace overlooking the river.

Between us we enjoyed, for starters, slow cooked chicken terrine with shitake, foie gras and fig compote, oven roasted pigeon with roasted pumpkin, puy lentil and cumin and the children went straight for their main courses off the children’s menus (well, Ed actually devoured two himself – one burger and one chicken!).

For our main courses, Tina chose the 48hr pork belly with garlic purée, braised red cabbage, sweet parsnip and “crispy crackling”, whilst I had the pan roasted cod with red pepper, baby aubergine and chorizo risotto. All plates were cleared – an astonishingly good meal for all of us. We even had room to sample the delectable desserts - apple mincemeat with pain perdu, cinnamon and toffee apple, star anise and muscavado mousse with

orange liqueur and glazed Orange and two dark chocolate ganaches with milk chocolate and port ice cream.

Pleasantly replete, we went back to the room to relax and slip into a long, comfortable sleep.

Morning was a different day – beautiful blue sky, with the sun beating down on the lawns where guests were enjoying their early morning strolls. We had ordered breakfast in the room and after an assortment of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, Frosties, apple Danish and croissants, we decided to go with the flow and walk around the gardens.

As we watched the boats go by, we could fully appreciate the appeal of The Oakley Court.

Relaxing, first class service, excellent food and wonderful facilities. The Oakley Court really leaves you wanting for nothing.

FACTS ABOUT THE HOTEL Overview With impeccable attention to detail, unbeatable service and within easy reach of Heathrow and www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R London, The Oakley Court is ideal for a range of different events. Whether you're planning a meeting for 5, a conference for 500 or a teambuilding training day, The Oakley Court has the facilities and space you need. And with its stunning location and tranquil setting, the hotel is a simply beautiful backdrop for your wedding.

Nearby With local attractions including: Windsor Castle, Ascot Racecourse, Legoland and Thorpe Park and fantastic onsite leisure activities, The Oakley Court is also the first choice for family breaks and weekend breaks in Windsor.

Meetings & Events The Oakley Court is just twenty minutes from Heathrow Airport and forty minutes from London, making it an ideal location not only for business meetings and conferences, but also for entertaining key clients, product launches or quite simply thanking your team.

Choose from a wide range of flexible spaces able

to cater for five to five hundred people. Traditional rooms with natural daylight and unique conference facilities such as the Boathouse on the river or the Walled Garden, where you can put up a marquee for up to 500 guests or even land your helicopter.

The 7 acre Oakley Court Field is ideal for larger scale team building activities such as quad biking or clay pigeon shooting.

Leisure Facilities Relaxation comes easy to guests with thirty seven acres of landscaped gardens, leading right up to the secluded banks of the River Thames. In addition to boat hire, there is also the croquet lawn, the snooker room and the full facilities of the Oakleaf leisure club, including an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium and beauty treatments.

Within the grounds there is a par 3, 9 hole golf course, ideal for both beginners and more experienced players.

Within the secluded walled garden there are 2 tennis courts that have recently been re-surfaced

“Relaxing, first class service, excellent food and wonderful facilities.

The Oakley Court really leaves you wanting for nothing

”

and upgraded in partnership with Wilson. Racquets can be hired from the club.

Inspirational Training As a training professional you want the perfect training venue in Windsor - The Oakley Court delivers.

Ideally situated just minutes from the heart of Windsor, The Oakley Court incorporates an inspired setting with an enviable position close to all major transport links. Combining stunning Gothic architecture and elegant suites, this inspirational training venue combines a first class training venue with beautiful grounds and a private stretch of the River Thames.

Food & Drink The Oakley Court is a stunning venue for a private dinner or celebration for anything up to 180 people within the hotel, or more within a marquee in the walled garden and grounds.

as ornamental ceilings, wood-panelled floors and sash windows, and of course the backdrop of manicured lawns and the meandering river create a stunning dining setting. Take some time out and enjoy the lounge menu and afternoon teas, or perhaps a beverage from the wide selection available in the stylish and comfortable bar.

Events at Oakley Court Whatever event you’re planning, at Oakley Court, a stunning event venue in Windsor the hotel can help you to deliver a night to remember.

The hotel will help you as much or as little as you want to put together your special event in Windsor.

From menu planning to setting up the room, arranging entertainment or theming, the special event co-ordinators will work with you every step of the way. And with the new special events banqueting package the costs are easy to manage too. www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

Flexible dining options offer a range of styles, from an informal hot or cold buffet, a fine dining celebration dinner to a full scale gala dinner.

Throughout the hotel, special historic features such www.b4-business.com

125

NEW HOME NEW ERA SAME GREAT CLUB LONDON WELSH

One of the most famous rugby clubs in the world has a new home London Welsh now play their Aviva Premiership matches at their new home, the Kassam Stadium in Oxford.

ADULTS FROM

£18

UNDER 16s £10

CONCESSIONS

£15

Buy online at www.london-welsh.co.uk Ticket Office: 0208 940 2368 London Welsh RFC, The Kassam Stadium, Grenoble Road, Oxford OX4 4XP

news Plan Bee In a remote region of Ethiopia, one of the seven poorest countries in the world, farmers struggle to work the barren land to provide for their families. Life here is tough, backbreaking work that produces nothing more than a little food. But with your help - and the hard work of a few thousand bees - life could soon taste a lot sweeter.

Beekeeping is an important economic activity in Ethiopia, employing up to two million people. But, the yield and quality of the honey is low, as people use outdated methods including using crude, makeshift hives made out of hollowed out logs.

Oxfam's Enterprise Development Programme is helping beekeepers modernise their beehives and processes, set up in business and access new markets for their honey. Export opportunities opened up when the EU approved Ethiopia as an exporter of honey in 2008, following a decline in global supply as a result of Colony Collapse Disorder. Today, there is a large global demand for honey, wax and other bee products. The introduction of modern hives to this project helps to meet the new demand, increasing productivity by up to 400%.

Wubalem Shiferaw is one of the first people to receive a new hive from a local community organisation supported by Oxfam. "We used to get around five

Women from the village of Mecha, dressed in protective clothing, during a workshop at the Ambrosia beekeeping demonstration and training centre. Tom Pietrasik.

kilos of honey a year, but by using modern hives we can get up to 20 kilos. For years we ate just one meal a day. But the beehives are changing that." Wubalem also received much needed protective clothing, as well as free training on how to use the hives and keep her bees healthy.

A generous donor, impressed by the difference the project is making, has agreed to match all donations made by 5 December up to a total of £100,000.

Donate as little or as much as you like, it will be doubled by our donor if you can give before 5 December (we will of course still welcome donations after that date): One modern beehive costs £35.60 One beekeeping kit, including hive, gloves and veil costs £44.50

Wubalem (left) checks a rack of honeycomb from her new beehive. Photo: Tom Pietrasik.

You'll find much more information on our website: www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/content/plan-bee-md or contact Anna Thorne on 01865 473775 athorne@oxfam.org.uk. Cheques can be sent to Anna at Oxfam GB, John Smith Drive, Oxford, OX4 2JY.

Eight Stories High Thanks to everyone who supported Eight Stories High at the Oxford Playhouse last month. It was a fantastic celebration of Oxfam's 70 years.

We heard some amazing stories, saw some incredible performances and met some inspirational people, all the while raising over £40,000 for Oxfam's work, enough to provide 15 schools with clean water, keeping 9,000 children healthy.

The evening was live streamed and watched by people in more than 50 countries around the world, bringing a global audience to join our intimate Oxford evening.

You can find out more about the eight stories: photos and videos of the evening are available at www.oxfam.org.uk/eight, do take a look and share with your friends.

www.b4-business.com

L to R: Kristin Davis and Bonnie Wright Oxfam Eight Stories. Photo: Nick Holmes.

127

Phil Strachan of Business and Brand Alchemists Strangebrew shares with Richard Rosser how clients of all shapes and sizes can benefit from investing in his special brew of ‘London quality at Glasgow prices’ Having spent 12 years on the consultancy-side in London working almost exclusively with multinationals and premium global household name brands, Phil Strachan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to any project he works on. Add to this the fact that prior to that he spent 14 years on the client-side in the marketing departments of major blue chip multinationals running premium brands such as Nescafe and you can begin to grasp the value he can add to any business or brand he works with.

“At one point trading as QED (Quite Extraordinary Design), my business partners and I employed 22 people and we were based in the converted Clergy House of St Michaels Church in London EC2. The Church itself had become the London Architectural Salvage Company which was one of London’s largest and longest established architectural antiques and salvage businesses. They were fantastic premises to run an Identity and Design business from but combined with 22 people to pay each month, our overheads and operating costs were quite high.”

Nowadays, trading as Strangebrew, Phil offers his special blend of client-side and consultancy-side experience and expertise from a low overhead base in Berkshire, meaning that businesses and brands of all shapes and sizes from one person start-ups to long established businesses and brands can benefit from an injection of what he calls Business and Brand Alchemy.

London quality at Glasgow prices Having previously spent many years refreshing, revitalising, re-energising and relaunching major brands such as Alpen, Foster’s Lager and Pontin’s Holiday camps to name but a few, more recent projects Phil has delivered have been much more varied. These have included the repositioning and relaunching of Aylesbury College, the creation of a Motivational Speaker brand for a sports and TV personality, and brand identities for a Martial Arts and Personal Trainer, an Accounting Practice and a Training Consultancy.

“My overall aim is to deliver real value, what I call

London quality at Glasgow prices, and that means business and brand identities that really work rather than just nice logos which all too often don’t. There is an inordinate amount of money wasted on an awful lot of very ordinary work, design for design’s sake, when what is required is an investment in something that truly captures and communicates the essence of a business or brand. Branding, Identity and Design, interlaced with creativity and innovation, are all part of a business or brand connecting, communicating and engaging with its target audience but in order to achieve this effectively, you firstly have to know exactly who the target market is, what the business or brand needs to be seen to stand for and what its competitive advantage is. It is all about adding value.”

Necessity is the mother of re-invention So why then do we see so many businesses and brands relaunching and being as you say refreshed?

“It may well just be that they did not get it right in the first place, but while the objective is obviously to build successful brands that will be sustainable and stand the test of time, the simple fact is that key business environment factors such as market conditions, economic climates and competitors are constantly changing. In such instances, necessity really is the mother of re-invention, requiring Businesses and Brands to respond in order to continue to prosper by re-inventing, re-branding, refreshing, revitalising and relaunching themselves as appropriate. Events like new competitors coming into a market can prompt such action but the aim has to be to always stay ahead of the curve. This means being creative rather than reactive in order to remain in control in your designated market/sector and making sure that you are building a strong and valuable brand rather than an ineffectual and effectively worthless bland. It is all about leading from the front and staying ahead.

It is important for businesses to periodically stand back, take a long hard look at themselves and assess how they and their brands are positioned because even if they themselves are not changing, the odds are that their competitors are and so are the needs of their customers and consumers. The

problem is that they are often too close to their businesses to be able to see this for themselves”.

Faith, hope and too little clarity “Businesses and brands need to know and communicate their “why” to their selected target markets but the truth is that all too many businesses and brands out there are operating with blind faith, relying far too much on hope and with too little clarity in terms of what they really have to offer and how they need to position and present themselves. All too often they don’t really know their USP or their potential to build sustainable competitive advantage That’s precisely why I put particular emphasis on making sure that I fully understand the business and/or brand of any new client, their objectives and aspirations, their competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats because it is only by distilling the essence of a business or brand that I can identify how best to free its spirit by helping them to think brand – not bland.

There are many businesses and brands out there that could really benefit from taking a good long hard look at themselves right now and it’s a great time for getting back to basics. They should make it their New Year’s resolution to re-evaluate the strength of their competitive situation and identify any action required refreshing their presentation or rebranding, relaunching or revitalising their businesses. In today’s recessionary market conditions, only the strong will survive and this can be a very cost effective way and a very sound investment in order to ensure that they emerge from these difficult times strongly positioned and with a secure future ahead of them.”

Contact Phil Strachan on 07770 753 975 or by email phil@strangebrew.co.uk if you would like to arrange an initial no cost, no strings attached meeting to discuss how an injection of Business and Brand Alchemy from Strangebrew could be of benefit to your Business or Brand. www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

STRANGEBREW 128

www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES

“My overall aim is to deliver real value, what I call London quality at Glasgow prices, and that means business and brand identities that really work rather than just nice logos which all too often don’t

”

Phil Strachan

POTENT AND INTOXICATING, BUT REASSURRINGLY INEXPENSIVE www.b4-business.com

129

a d a n a C v s d r k y c e l a f l f I , B d

l n u l o A r i g r y b Mafoord University rug Kick off 7.30pm

Ox V o N d r 3 2 Friday

Tickets priced from £5 to £15, available from the club office Tel: 01865 432000 Email: ourfc@sport.ox.ac.uk Website: www.ourfc.org

B4 R&R

THE GEORGE & DRAGON At the end of another busy week in the In Oxford office, Tina and I headed to Shutford, just outside of Banbury, for a real treat. The George & Dragon, run by the engaging Paul and Alison Stanley, is an award-winning 13th century freehold pub, serving five quality real ales.

I don’t think Shutford would be aghast if I labelled it ‘sleepy’ but the restaurant experience at this fascinating restaurant was anything but.

Serving stunning, freshly prepared, local, seasonal English food, Michelin star trained Head Chef, Simon Dyer, who served his apprenticeship under Gordon Ramsay, is working wonders at this family friendly gem.

“Alison and I are really happy to have Simon on board. It’s going to be an exciting development of our restaurant. We really love fine dining but

within a twenty mile radius. A lot of the game is shot and caught by the regulars. I enjoy the challenge of working out what specials to produce as you never know what may come through the door. My goal is to create food which is refined yet unfussy. My favourite item on the autumn menu is Roasted Hook Norton Venison celeriac and mushroom pave, served with runner beans. The Hook Norton brewery is just six miles away and it’s great to flavour match real ales with our menus.”

And so to the meal. After burning my menu, not a

As was the Hooky and peppercorn braised feather blade of beef with new potatoes, which I had for my main course (accompanied by a wonderful Rustenburg 2009 Stellenbosch red – so wonderful, in fact, that I left with two bottles under my arm!) Tina chose Simon’s favourite and was not disappointed either. Our knowledgeable waitress, Harri, served our finale, a chocolate and malt mousse with milk ice-cream.

You can’t ask for much more when you visit a restaurant than good service, a warm atmosphere

“You can’t ask for much more when you visit a restaurant than good service, a warm atmosphere and great food.” haven’t known how to push our restaurant a little more into that area. After first meeting with Simon and seeing his ideas I felt confident that Simon would create a menu that would really incorporate our community, it also helps his food is delicious!”

Commented Paul.

Paul, Alison and Simon work well together, as Simon recognises. “Paul and Alison share my passion for locally sourced food. All of our meat served in the restaurant is sourced from farms www.b4-business.com

good start, Tina and I were presented with the first course. Chicken and pistachio terrine with toasted brioche for me whilst Tina had the salt and pepper squid with soya and lemon dressing from the specials board. Neither disappointed. I think Tina must have been one of a few so far inland that night eating deliciously fresh squid. “Too much pepper?” Enquired Paul as he collected empty plates. Tina reassured him that the squid was spot on.

and great food. I couldn’t imagine eating in a restaurant every night instead of cooking, let alone the same restaurant. But the couple we met as we said our goodbyes are as regular to The George + Dragon as you are to your kitchen……..and I’d say they’ve got themselves nicely sorted!

You can contact the George+Dragon on Tel: 01295 780320 or www.thegeorgeanddragon.com

131

Architect Gregory Phillips

PUTTING HABITAT Nestled amongst the luscious meadows and lakes of the surrounding area, Lakeshore Reserve sits in a private estate in the heart of the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A rural idyll less than two hours from the bustle of London, the Cotswold area has become a popular weekend destination for prosperous residents of the capital.

In an exclusive retreat where nature is seamlessly entwined with cutting edge architecture, take pleasure in creating your own masterpiece here on plots ranging in size from one to ten acres, using your own architect or one of the eight represented architects here supported.

Lakeshore Reserve is a place to find your definition of tranquility. Lower Mill also boasts a spa with three pools, a gym and full spa services. Combine this with concierge services, lakeshore living, five hundred acres of nature reserve, ecology and sustainability in abundance‌‌what more could anyone want?

The most exciting place in the world to build a

vacation residence’, claims renowned architect Piers Gough.

Surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna, and set on a stunning 500 acre private estate, Lakeshore Reserve and Lower Mill have been described as the most significant private nature reserve in Europe. Over the past seventeen years, owners the Paxton family have nurtured and cultivated their longstanding fond memories into family business sense, and hope that you too will enjoy enchanting experiences here with your own family, generation after generation.

Create an iconic residence on plots set to become amongst the most sought after addresses in the world here in the heart of the Cotswolds, the region

widely regarded as England’s answer to the Hamptons. Lakeshore Reserve offers splendid isolation, yet is located just 10 minutes from an exclusive airport capable of handling all types of private jet where landing fees are waived for clients of the development.

All, or any of your needs from catering, maintenance, and staffing to private aircraft charter can be handled by the estate’s exclusive concierge service.

Escaping in this estate is not just about entering a charmed landscape: it’s about pouring attention on every aspect of your well-being. Unwind in your choice of two heated pools or the lily-filtered outdoor eco pool, cleanse and rejuvenate in the

Architect Andy Ramus

132

7R SODQ \RXU

LQVSLUHG#VKHHSVN ZZZ VKHHSVNLQO www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

I WANT ONE

FIRST sauna and steam room, or work it out in the technogym.

will be able to observe thousands of species in their natural habitat.

Combining award winning luxury and stunning design, breathe in the natural light, and let go of city stresses either at the spa itself or by arranging treatments at your own home.

RECREATION Lower Mill gives you and your family the freedom to explore many hundreds of acres of prime, unspoilt Gloucestershire countryside, including two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, on which to roam at will by bike or by foot.

There really is no better way to unwind and recharge.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS There are lakes where you can row, canoe, fish or swim in perfect seclusion, or relax in vast stretches of pristine meadowland where you

For a private viewing of Lakeshore Reserve call Red Paxton on 01285 863288 www.lowermillestate.com

“Concierge services, lakeshore living, five hundred acres of nature preserve, ecology and sustainability in abundance……what more could anyone want?

”

We were fortunate enough to experience Lower Mill for a week, staying in a superb four bedroom house overlooking one of the many lakes. Peaceful, luxurious and functional, the Lower Mill properties have it all. Combine that with proximity to local watersports such as cable ski-ing, canoeing, water skiing and much more, then Lower Mill is your perfect holiday base. The on site Spa and two pools are fantastic, as is the Eco pool – though that’s certainly not for the feint-hearted!

Not only do I want one of the houses – or the ones to the left will do too! – but I could also do with one of the fantastic Grand Cherokee’s which ferried us to the estate.

The forty minute trip to Lower Mill was too quick. I could have driven to Scotland and back and not given two hoots! The Grand Cherokee, kindly supplied by Chrysler Oxford for the week, was our bodyguard, ferrying us from Lower Mill to the next all action water sport or restaurant.

I couldn’t get enough of it. I could have quite easily engineered an argument so I had to spend the night in it! Tough, sleek, dependable, good looking, the Grand Cherokee has it all and although I’m not into my cars, this is a must purchase if it’s in your price bracket.

Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait until the next B4 trip to be reacquainted. www.chrysleroxford.co.uk

Private on-site spa

www.b4-business.com

133

M a g a z i n e s

■

D i r e c t o r i e s

■

C a t a l o g u e s

■

C o m m e r c i a l

the cream of british printing since 1826

www.stonestheprinters.co.uk

■

F i n a n c i a l

B4 SPOTLIGHT

OXFORDSHIRE RESTAURANT AWARDS 2012 Congratulations to the following winners from this year’s Restaurant Awards:

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

The Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year Winner of the Public Vote Best Service Award Traditional Pub and Great Bar Gastronomic Restaurant Express / Deli / Café Gastro Pub or Bar Asian Restaurant

The Feathers The Fishes Oxford Brookes Restaurant The Blue Boar, Longworth The Feathers Jacobs & Field The Lamb Inn at Burford 4500 Miles from Delhi

Thanks also to our fantastic sponsors: Miele, Malmaison, Roots of Oxford, Oxford Castle Quarter, Bean Bags Coffee, B4 Magazine, Blueprint Imaging, Brakspears Brewery, City Audio Visual, Culham Publishing Services, Isis Creative Framing, JACK fm, New Folium Marquees, Oxford Event Hire, National School of Furniture, Stones the Printers, Studio 8, TERA and The Beautiful Group, The New Theatre, Visit Oxfordshire and The Oxford Wine Company.

If you would like to enter next year’s Awards, please visit www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk For details about sponsorship packages and tickets, please call 01865 742211.

www.b4-business.com

135

“We like to balance our core menus with what we call the ‘Chefs Specials’.

This is a chance to tempt your taste buds with my unique twist on traditional flavours and food combinations” Chef Daniel Bell

136

www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

FOODIE DELIGHTS

ON YOUR DOORSTEP If I hear the phrase “locally sourced” one more time as a means of enticing me to eat at a restaurant, I think I might come over all Veronica Salt and scream very loudly!! Tracey Jefferies talks quality ingredients with Chef Daniel Bell at Malmaison Oxford When paying to eat out, I want the highest quality ingredients cooked to perfection. It’s that simple. Now this may cause something of a stir (no pun intended), but ‘local’ doesn’t always mean the best quality. Be honest, as a diner, would you prefer to only ever eat locally sourced produce, no matter the taste or substance to salve your conscience? No, I didn’t think so.

Malmaison Oxford takes a very sensible approach to this conundrum. Whilst actively seeking to support the local community and economy, they balance this with a desire to only ever serve the best quality ingredients.

Chef Daniel Bell explained why: “Having a good relationship with any supplier is incredibly valuable. Balancing this relationship with my budget is a careful juggling act, and luckily in my experience, local producers are often able to compete on quality as well as price. To give you an example, my local butcher visits me here every Thursday to discuss my order. Since I started at Malmaison Oxford, we’ve increased

However, they use a network of growers across the country, and take great care to ensure they are distributing to their customers responsibly, perhaps collecting one order on the way to distributing another. I do grow my own herbs, but with the space and time available to manage, it just wouldn’t be viable to do more in-house.”

Malmaison has to be one of the best exponents of a hotel brand. Visit any one of their hotels within the Group (including Hotel du Vin establishments) and you know you’re guaranteed a uniformity of high quality standards across the country, including the dining experience. This is good in most respects, but with menus being devised centrally by the Executive Chef, what scope does this give the chef from each individual hotel?

“Lots I can genuinely say that I have plenty of opportunity to explore my menu ideas. It makes sense to have a core menu devised centrally in so many ways and we know from

trimmings and if you’re still peckish you can finish with a selection of Artisan cheese, crackers and homemade chutney. Factor in being waited on hand and foot and surely the only consideration is what time to book.

I have to confess to be somewhat biased towards Malmaison Oxford. After all, Chef seduced me during the interview into foodie submission with a chocolate brownie topped with dark chocolate Ganache, ice cream and fresh raspberries. Despite this diversion into foodie heaven I did manage one last question; as the Chef, how did he influence the overall dining experience?

“Food is just one component of a good dining experience. People will only keep coming back if they feel we genuinely care about their custom. For waiting staff, this means spending time educating them about each new dish and making sure before they even start to wait tables, that they have a good appreciation of how the kitchen works. Any good restaurant experience relies heavily on strong and effective

“Food is just one component of a good dining experience. People will only keep coming back if they feel we genuinely care about their custom”

Another concern that we read about is ‘food miles’. A term that measures the distance that food is transported, from the time of its production, until it reaches the consumer. I asked Chef for his opinion.

“This can be a misnomer and I come back again to standards of quality and supply. We do use a supplier for some of our vegetable and salads who is based outside of Oxfordshire.

www.b4-business.com

experience that there are certain dishes that our customers will always want. We like to balance our core menus with what we call the ‘Chefs Specials’. This is a chance to tempt your taste buds with my unique twist on traditional flavours and food combinations. At Mal, we’re not about poncy food that just looks good, it’s got to taste good and satisfy your hunger at the same time. The Chefs Specials are also amazingly good value for money.” Good value is also available as a set menu, £15.95 for a two-course, or £19.95 for three. On a Sunday this will get you a Malmaison from ‘the shore’ smoked salmon blini, followed by prime rib of beef or free range chicken with all the

communication between Chef and the Restaurant Manager. You have to work as a team and to invest time on an on-going basis to ensure this relationship is a good one. When a well-orchestrated team comes together, the end result is customers that not only come back time and time again, but also spread the word.”

Having licked away all remains of my chocolate brownie that’s just what I intend to do.

Photography: Rob Scotcher

our order with this particular supplier and that’s largely due to the strength of our relationship and the knowledge that I’m offering my customers an excellent taste experience.”

www.malmaison.com

137

Sparkling CHRISTMAS PARTIES AT

STUDLEY STUD STU ST TUD UD DLLE D EYY W E WO WOOD OOD O D GOLF CL CLUB UB UB

SP S PARKLING P ARKLIN ARKLI ARKL ARK A AR ARKLING R RK K KLIN LIN LIN IN NG G CH CHR CH HR RIS RIS RI IST STMA ST TMA TM MAS MAS AS P PA PARTIES AR A R RTTTIIES RTIE IES IE ES FOR FO OR O ONL ON NLLLY N Y

£29.99 £29.9 £29 £ £2 29..9 29 99 99 PER PE P EER RP PERSO PERS PER PEEER ERS RSO RS R SO SO ON N

Invite Inv IIn nvi nv vite vit vi ite te e your yyo ou o urr colleagues u colleagues, co c olleagues, friends or o ffa am mily mi m ily lyy to to experience exp ex e xp pe perience eririence our sumptuous er family ffe est es e stiv sti st tiv ivve ed din di in nn n ne n err in e in a traditional ditional winter d festive dinner wo w on o nd n de d erlrla er e la an a nd n d sse ett et e ttiting tt tiing n att Studley W ng Wood ood wonderland setting Go G olflff C ol o Clu Cl lu ub u b.. b Golf Club.

EEx xclusive xclusive clllu c usssiiiv u ve v e & Shared Sh S ha h arrre a ed e dP Party Nights Exclusive Party FFor orr g o rro ou o up u pss o p off 2 - 1 80 8 0 groups 180 Available Available vva ailla ablle e from frro om o m the tth he h e 1st 1sstt to 23rd of De D ec e ce c em e mb m be b err 2 e 20 012 December 2012 Ou O urr ffe u essstttiiiv e ve v e package pa p ac a ck c ka k kage ag a ge g e includes Our festive t 8 FMMD DPNF H HMMBTT PG #VDLT 'J[[ t 8F 8FMDPNF HMBTT PG #VDLT 'J[[ t NQ QUV VP PVT GF FTUJWF EJOOFS t DPVSTF TVNQUVPVT GFTUJWF EJOOFS DPVSTF TVN t $I ISSJJTUUN NBT DSSB BD DLLF LFST OPWFMUJFT t $ $ISJTUNBT DSBDLFST OPWFMUJFT t JWF WF FOUF UF FSUSUSUB UB BJJONFOU t --JWF FOUFSUBJONFOU t VS SFTJJE EFOU %+ UP FOUFSUBJO ZPV BMM t 0 0VS SFTJEFOU %+ UP FOUFSUBJO ZPV BMM nig ni n ig ght gh htt lo llong on o ng n g night

Christm Ch Chri Christm Christ Christmas ristmas ristm i t with a difference iffffffference FFor or more information contact ontact Matt or K Ken en on o 01865 351144 P PS FNBJM LFO!TUVEMMFZXPPEHPMGDMVC DP VL S FNBJM LFO!TUVEMMFZXPPEHPMGDMVC DP VL

STUDLEY WOOD

. . . we w w will ill even eve ev ven dr drive drrive ive you yo ou home home af afterwards a fterwa ter wards

B4 contacts P

CONTACTS DIRECTORY Advice................................................................................................................................................139 Business Services...................................................................................................................139 Charities................................................................................................................................142 Conference, Events & Venues......................................................................................142 Education.......................................................................................................................................144 Finance.............................................................................................................................................144 Health & Leisure......................................................................................................................146 HR.........................................................................................................................................................146

ADVICE ACCOUNTING Wenn Townsend P Tony Haines Partner t: 01865 559900 w: www.wenntownsend.co.uk The MGroup P Richard Clayton Partner t: 01865 552925 w: www.themgroup.co.uk Shaw Gibbs A Peter O’Connell Partner

Sci Net A Duncan Ferguson Managing Director t: 01869 349949 w: www.sci-net.co.uk Jamesons Insolvency & Business Recovery t: 01993 707860 w: www.jamesons.co.uk Thomas International t: 01608 659910 w: www.thomasinternational.net Unique Business Strategies t: 01280 844966 w: www.uniquebusinessstrategies.co.uk Conduit Partners t: 01235 831777 w: www.conduitpartners.co.uk

Wellers A Stuart Crook Partner

Sandler Training t: 01608 611211 w: www.uk.sandler.com

Grant Thornton P Wendy Hart Managing Partner

Strategic Mentors t: 01993 771728 w: www.strategicmentors.co.uk

LEGAL

t: 01865 799899 w: www.grant-thornton.co.uk

Darbys Solicitors P Simon McCrum Managing Partner

Rees Russell LLP t: 01993 702418 w: www.reesrussell.co.uk

t: 01865 811700 w: www.darbys.co.uk

Baxter Payne & Haigh t: 01869 252151 w: www.bphonline.co.uk Russell Whitlock Accountancy t: 01865 481625 w: www.rw-accountancy.co.uk V J Hancock t: 01993 822817 w: www.vjhancockandco.com Richardsons Accountants t: 01844 261155 w: www.richardsons-group.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

BrookStreet Des Roches LLP A Paddy Gregan Partner t: 01235 836655 w: www.bsdr.com Henmans LLP A Malcolm Sadler Senior Partner t: 01865 781000 w: www.henmansllp.co.uk

A

IT & Telecommunications................................................................................................146 Manufacturing..........................................................................................................................148 Science & Technology.........................................................................................................148 Marketing & Design.............................................................................................................148 Property & Building..............................................................................................................152 R&R......................................................................................................................................................154 Retail..................................................................................................................................................156

BUSINESS ADVICE

t: 01865 292200 w: www.shawgibbs.com

t: 01865 723131 w: www.wellersaccountants.co.uk

A M B A S S A D O R

Manches A Richard Smith Managing Partner t: 01865 722106 w: www.manches.com Withy King A Mark Emery Partner t: 01865 792300 w: www.withyking.co.uk Hedges Law t: 01491 839839 w: www.hedgeslaw.co.uk White & Black Legal LLP t: 0800 035 2656 w: www.wablegal.com Morgan Cole LLP t: 01865 262600 w: www.morgan-cole.com Turpin & Miller LLP t: 01865 770111 w: www.turpinmiller.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVING AND STORAGE Ardington Archives A Janet Gibbons Director t: 01367 718710 w: www.ardingtonarchives.co.uk The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner t: 01296 425744 w: www.thearchivecentre.com

AUDIO VISUAL City Audio Visual A Peter Gunn Director t: 01865 722800 w: www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk

139

B4 contacts Bang & Olufsen t: 01865 511241 w: www.bang-olufsen.com Red Kite Video t: 07850 416212 w: www.redkitevideo.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION

SECURITY

Air Business Ltd P Adam Sherman Group Mamanging Director

Risk Management A Security Services Peter Smith Managing Director t: 01494 535830 w: www.riskmanagementsecurity.co.uk

t: 01727 890 620 w: www.airbusonline.com

BOOKKEEPING A1 Group A Mike Foster Director t: 01865 378559 w: www.a1-group.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES PAVY Ltd t: 01865 349014 w: www.pavy.co.uk

t: 01865 435435 w: www.executive-systems.co.uk

INSURANCE BUSINESS CONSULTANTS The Profitable Hotel Company A Stuart Harrison Owner t: 01993 706632 w: www.profitablehotelcompany.co.uk The Convergency Partnership A Anne Augustine Director t: 07506 139920 w: www.convergencypartnership.com Insight Oxford t: 01865 596 771 w: www.insightoxford.co.uk

CETA Insurance Ltd Sandie Schofield Managing Director

A

Institute of Directors A t: 01235 773500 w: www.iod.com/oxfordshire The Business Growth Show t: 0121 698 2370 w: www.thebusinessgrowthshow.co.uk

TRANSPORT

Chase Templeton A Charles Frost Independent Insurance Consultant

Chiltern Railways A Rob Brighouse Managing Director

t: 0800 018 3633 w: www.chasetempleton.co.uk

t: 08456 005 165 w: www.chilternrailways.co.uk

Osbornes Insurances t: 01844 214316 w: www.osbornesins.co.uk

West Oxfordshire A District Council William Barton Business Development Officer w: www.westoxon.gov.uk/business

Bizlinx t: 0333 700 1057 w: www.bizlinx.org.uk

West Oxfordshire A District Council Hayley Beer Tourism Services Manager t: 01993 861558 w: www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org

BUSINESS SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

NETWORKING GROUPS

Aston & James Office P Supplies Limited Darren Aston Director t: 01993 706900 w: www.aston-james.co.uk

B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor

CLEANING SERVICES Pinewood Cleaning Services t: 01993 862866 w: www.pinewoodcc.co.uk

140

Executive Fire A Protection Ltd Mickey Franklin Managing Director t: 01865 771133 w: executive-systems.co.uk

t: 0845 4583071 w: www.lowerpremium.co.uk

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director

t: 01865 742211 w: www.b4-business.com Witney Bigger Breakfast t: 01608 811533 w: www.witneybigbreakfast.co.uk

Hilltop Chauffeurs Nathan Thomas Owner

A

t: 07825 500852 / 01865 595262 w:www.hilltopchauffeurs.co.uk Isis Chauffeurs t: 01993 709023 / 07545 601515 w:www.isischauffeur.co.uk

MOTOR Chrysler & Jeep Oxford P Tim Keatinge Managing Director t: 01865 376000 w: www.chrysleroxford.co.uk Ultimate Partnerships Mike Rebello Director

A

t: 0845 4591003 w: www.ultimatepartnerships.com Ultimate Car Control Robb Gravett Founder

P

t: 01344 751669 w: www.ultimatecarcontrol.com

Opendoorz t: 01865 339434 w: www.opendoorz.biz

www.b4-business.com

Personal Training Private Group Training Triathlon Coaching Get Fit Outdoors TLA Fitness is an Oxfordshire based Ä[ULZZ JVTWHU` >L VɈLY [HPSVYLK [YHPUPUN ZLZZPVUZ [OH[ TLL[ H ]HYPL[` VM VIQLJ[P]LZ MVY NYV\WZ HUK PUKP]PK\HSZ 0M `V\ HYL SVVRPUN [V RLLW Ä[ Z[YLUN[OLU VY [VUL \W WLYOHWZ ^VYR [V^HYKZ `V\Y ÄYZ[ L]LU[ TLA Fitness OHZ [OL RUV^SLKNL HUK L_WLYPLUJL [V NL[ `V\ [OLYL

COMING SOON! ;3( -P[ULZZ ^PSS IL SH\UJOPUN HU L_JS\ZP]L WYP]H[L [YHPUPUN Z[\KPV PU 6_MVYK .V [V [SHÄ[ULZZ JVT MVY M\Y[OLY KL[HPSZ

Contact us!

07554 400401 PUMV'[SHMP[ULZZ JVT ;3(-0;5,:: *64

B4 contacts TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager t: 01865 790 522 w: www.citysightseeingoxford.com London Oxford Airport P James Dillon-Godfray Business Development Manager t: 01865 290 600 w: www.londonoxfordairport.com Visit Oxfordshire A Joanne Butler Tourism Team Leader t: 01865 252200 w: www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

CHARITIES Helen & Douglas House A Vanessa Fay Corporate & Trusts Fundraising Manager t. 01865 794749 w: www.helenanddouglas.org.uk Macmillan t: 01869 322279 w: www.macmillan.org.uk Oxfam A Joss Saunders Legal Advisor t. 0300 200 1292 w: www.oxfam.org.uk Oxford Inspires A Tony Stratton Chairman t: 01865 815525 w: www.oxfordinspires.org Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds A Graham Brogden Head of Community Fundraising t: 01865 743442 w: www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CATERING Oxford Fine Dining Sue Randall Managing Director

P

t: 01865 728240 w: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk Elegant Cuisine A Michael Ashton Managing Director t: 01865 391888 w: www.elegantcuisine.com

T: 01608 659900 W: www.meetoxfordshire.com Williams F1 P Conference Centre Brendan Caffrey Conference Centre Manager t: 01235 777900 w: www.williamsf1conferences.com Eynsham Hall t: 01993 885200 w: www.eynshamhall.com

Passion for Food t: 0845 2969 226 w: www.passion-for-food.co.uk

The Examination Schools A Kay Hogg Events Manager

CONFERENCES

t: 01865 276905 w: www.examschools.ox.ac.uk

Lady Margaret Hall P Bill Kemp Head of Conference Services t: 01865 611079 w: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk Pembroke College A Huw Edmunds Head of Conferences and Events t: 01865 276484 w: www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences Ashmolean Museum A Bénédicte Montain Head of Commercial Events t: 01865 288364 w: www.ashmolean.org Egrove Park A Jill Grievson Conference Manager t: 01865 422757 w: www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing Four Pillars Hotels A Chris Green Group Marketing Manager t: 0800 374 692 w: www.four-pillars.co.uk

Oxfordshire Community A Foundation Jayne Woodley Chief Executive t: 01865 798666 w: www.oxfordshire.org

Magdalen College School A Emma Bellenie Events Manager

CLIC Sargent t: 03003 300803 w: www.clicsargent.org.uk

Malmaison P Chris Steadman General Manager

t: 01865 242191 w: www.mcsoxford.org

t: 01865 268400 w: www.malmaison-oxford.com

142

Meet Oxfordshire A Julie Archer Managing Agent

Exeter College t: 01865 279600 w: www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences/ Howbery Estates t: 01491 822305 w: www.hrwallingford.co.uk The King’s Centre t: 01865 297400 w: www.kingscentre.co.uk Heythrop Park Resort A Tracy Stanton Sales Manager t: 01608 673372 w: www.heythroppark.co.uk The Crazy Bear A Mardi Hunt t: 01865 890714 w: www.crazybeargroup.co.uk The Burlington House t: 01865 513513 w: www.burlington-hotel-oxford.co.uk The Feathers P Jeremy du Plessis Manager t: 01993 812291 w: www.feathers.co.uk The Manor A Christian Kaberg General Manager t: 01869 350621 w: www.themanorweston.co.uk The Courtyard Hotel A Pawel Pudlik Manager t: 0844 809 4201 w: www.courtyard-hotel.com

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts FINANCE

Oxford Town Hall A Lucy Parr Sales Officer

Beautiful Group Chris Clinkard Chief Executive

t: 01865 252195 w: www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk

t: 01993 708330 w: www.beautiful-group.co.uk

Your Money Friend Ltd A Ted Yeates Managing Director

EVENTS

Basics t: 01993 706708 w: www.basictableware.com

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

Oxfordshire Registration Services A Jacquie Bugeja Head of Registration and Coroner's Services t: 0845 129 5900 w: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

EDUCATION

Battle Proms t: 01432 355416 w: www.battleproms.com

Magna Carta College P Vadzim Tsitou Chief Executive

VENUES

t: 01865 593131 w: www.magnacartacollege.org

Blenheim Palace P John Hoy Chief Executive t: 01993 810501 w: www.blenheimpalace.com Blenheim Palace Hospitality t: 01993 813 874 w: www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality Oxford Castle Quarter A Sophie Egleton Operations Manager t: 01865 201657 w: www.oxfordcastle.com Rhodes House P Martin Gubb Director t: 01865 270918 w: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

COLLEGES

FURTHER EDUCATION Oxford & Cherwell A Valley College Sally Dicketts Principal t: 01865 550550 w: www.ocvc.ac.uk

6TH FORM DAY AND BOARDING COLLEGE St Clare’s, Oxford P Paula Holloway Principal t: 01865 552031 w: www.stclares.ac.uk

SCHOOLS Bloxham School A Nick Irvine Marketing Director

EVENT MANAGEMENT The Active Network P Banks Holcombe Head of Business Development t: 08700 841 480 w: www.regonline.co.uk Altis Consulting Charlie Allen Managing Director

A

t: 01451 812237 w: www.altisconsulting.co.uk

t: 01295 724332 w: www.bloxhamschool.com d'Overbroek's College A Sami Cohen Principal t: 01865 302637 w: www.doverbroecks.com Tudor Hall Boarding School t: 01295 756276 w: www.tudorhallschool.com

TUITION EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner

Oxford International Study Centre t: 01865 201009 w: www.oxintstudycentre.com

ADVICE

Total Credit Management t: 01993 770770 w: www.totalcreditmanagement.co.uk Strategic Finance Director t: 07967 681 774 w: www.strategicfd.co.uk

BANKING LloydsTSB Commercial A Dave Atkinson Area Director t: 07764 625666 w: www.lloydstsb.com Barclays A Trevor French Corporate Director Oxford t: 07775 542467 w: www.barclayscorporate.com Santander Justin Hayward Business Development Director t: 07809 493563 w: www.santander.co.uk Coutts t: 01865 389039 w: www.coutts.com

IFA’s Mark Barclay Partner at St. James's Place Wealth Management t: 01865 793121 w: www.mbarclay.co.uk CMS Financial Management Ltd t: 01869 345588 w: www.cmsfinancialltd.co.uk

MORTGAGE ADVICE Mortgage Choices James Keene Principal Consultant t: 01993 862888 w: www.mortgage-choices.com

t: 01865 760158 w: www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk

144

www.b4-business.com

MAGDALEN: Great School,Great Venue Located in the heart of Oxford, with stunning facilities and ample parking to host conferences, corporate events, wedding receptions or parties, Magdalen College School is the perfect choice for your next event.

Call Emma Bellenie on 01865 242191 or email ebellenie@mcsoxford.org to find out more or to arrange a no obligation visit. www.mcsoxford.org

B4 contacts HEALTH AND LEISURE FITNESS

Oxford Radcliffe Private Healthcare t: 01865 221033 w: www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk/privatehealthcare

HR RECRUITMENT

TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder

SPORT

The Career Boutique P Katherine Dales Managing Director

t: 07554 400 401 w: www.tlafitness.com

Oxford United Football Club A Ian Lenagan Chairman

t: 0845 5204010 w: www.thecareerboutique.com

Prime Energy Fitness Ltd t: 01869 352000 w: www.primeenergy.org

t: 01865 337505 w: www.oufc.co.uk

Allen Associates Kate Allen Managing Director

Inner Space t: 01865 244321 w: www.innerspace.org/oxford

GOLF The B4/MGroup Golf Cup t: 01865 742211 w: www.b4-business.com Frilford Heath Golf Club A Alistair Booth Director t: 01865 390864 w: www.frilfordheath.co.uk North Oxford Golf Club A Bob Harris Managing Director t: 01865 553977 w: www.nogc.co.uk Studley Wood Golf Club A Ken Heathcote Managing Director t: 01865 351122 w: www.studleywoodgolfclub.co.uk

HEALTHCARE Eyesite A Duarte Meneses Manager

Oxford University Rugby Football Club A Tim Stevens Club Administrator t: 01865 432000 w: www.ourfc.org London Welsh Rugby Club A Mark Kemp Commercial Manager t: 020 8940 2368 w: www.london-welsh.co.uk North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club t: 01865 513560 (Clubhouse) w: www.northoxfordltc.org.uk

WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner t: 01865 339672 w: www.helenmoneynutrition.com

BEAUTY Electric Hair t: 01865 790440 w: www.electric-hair.com Bare UK t: 07773 764817 w: www.bareuk.co.uk

t: 01865 335600 w: www.allen-associates.co.uk myFD Recruitment t: 01869 354041 w: www.myfdrecruitment.co.uk Avatar Recruitment Consultancy Ltd t: 01295 724570 w: www.avatarrecruit.co.uk Hays t: 01865 727071 w: www.hays.com Mars Recruitment t: 0800 066 5606 w: www.marsrecruitment.co.uk Better People Ltd t: 01491 836632 w: www.betterpeopleltd.co.uk

HR CONSULTANT HR2You P Sarah Morris Owner t: 07789 711997 w: www.hr2you.co.uk Gazella HR t: 01865 339411 w: www.gazellahr.co.uk Spires HR t: 01865 880391 w: www.spireshr.co.uk

t: 01865 242300 w: www.eyesite.co.uk

Philosophy Hairdressing t: 01865 553553 w: www.philosophyhair.co.uk

Robert Stanley Opticians A John Edwards Director

Popham Hairdressing t: 01865 517040 w: www.popham.com

t: 01865 766488 w: www.robertstanley.co.uk

LEISURE

InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director

Clinic95 A Maria Hardman Business Manager

Enstone Flying Club t: 01608 678204 w: www.enstoneflyingclub.co.uk

t: 0845 310 9973 w: www.intouchcrm.co.uk

t: 01865 241661 w: www.clinic95.com Monica Franke t: 07970 119721 w: www.monicafranke.com

146

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS DATABASE MANAGEMENT

IT SERVICES Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director t: 01367 700555 w: www.cisltd.com

www.b4-business.com

HELPING YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS CONTACT 0845 130 6634 info@cardwellmarketing.co.uk

DELIVERING CUSTOMERS TO YOUR BUSINESS...

ProspectList.com for the provision of new prospect data ProspectList.com for email marketing campaigns

Cardwell House Great Rollright Oxford OX7 5SB

Cardwell Intelligence for the enhancement and expansion of your database Cardwell Intelligence for market penetration analysis

www.cardwellmarketing.co.uk www.prospectlist.com

Cardwell Marketing for quality appointment generation and telephone research

B4 contacts Nominet A Lesley Cowley OBE CEO

Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director

t: 01865 332211 w: www.nominet.org.uk

t: 01865 733710 w: www.torpedogroup.com

Oxford Knowledge Company P Mark Salisbury Director

Olamalu A Christoph Corvin Director

t: 01865 322100 w: www.oxford-knowledge.com

t: 01993 764566 w: www.olamalu.com

Bluespires IT t: 0845 5280505 w: www.bluespires.co.uk

Surefire Digital A Rob Jones Director

Data Efficiency t: 01993 608612 w: www.dataefficiency.co.uk

t: 020 3239 8055 w: www.surefiredigital.co.uk

Advanced IT Solutions t: 01235 833869 w: www.advancedits.co.uk

MOBILE PHONES Everything Everywhere Fauzzia Karim Senior Marketing Manager, Small Businesses t: 07968 107671 w: www.everythingeverywhere.com

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT QuarkXPress t: 0207 632 5612 w: www.quark.com

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Orange Stripe A Telecommunications Nigel Pursall Managing Director t: 0845 241 7772 w: www.orangestripe.co.uk Pink Connect t: 01865 592222 w: www.pinkconnect.com

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Blink Design A Keith Simpson Senior Designer

Evucan Web Solutions A Arjun Thandi Director t: 0845 8624400 w: www.evucan.com Momentum Solutions t: 01865 793520 w: www.momentumws.co.uk Grow Media Group t: 01865 339 379 w: www.growcreate.co.uk Urban Element t: 01993 776 999 w: www.urbanelement.com

WEB OPTIMISATION & SERVICES Oxford Digital Marketing A Simon Wallace-Jones Co-Founder t: 01865 600 508 w: www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk

MANUFACTURING LIGHTING WILA Group Ltd A Mike Collett Chief Executive Officer t: 01235 773500 w: www.wila.com

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Miele Company Ltd A t: 0845 365 6600 w: www.miele.co.uk

MEDICAL GOODS Owen Mumford A Jarl Severn Director t: 01993 812021 w: www.owenmumford.com RealTime Health Ltd t: 01865 811124 w: www.realtimehealth.net

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE Science Oxford A Dominic McDonald Head of Public Engagement and Business Networks t: 01865 728953 w: www.scienceoxford.com Mirada Medical A Simona Nita Digital Marketing Manager t: 01865 261410 w: www.mirada-medical.com

Zest A Alex Minchin Director

MARKETING & DESIGN

t: 0843 289 0161 w: www.zestdigital.co

In Oxford Magazine A Colin Rosser Chairman

Glooo A Chris Jones Director t: 07814 046747 w: www.glooo.co.uk

t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com

EMAIL MARKETING

Chris Fulton Design A Chris Fulton Owner

ClientMailer t: 01865 339406 w: www.clientmailer.com

ADVERTISING

t: 01865 742211 w: www.inoxford.com

CORPORATE IDENTITY Recognition Express A Andy Olejnik Managing Director t: 01295 257611 w: www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk/

t: 07745 033707 w: www.chrisfultondesign.co.uk

148

www.b4-business.com

HILLTOP CHAUFFEURS P R I VAT E

F L Y I NG

ABROAD?

L E T

DR I VE

US

H I RE

YOU

A L L MA J O R A I R P O R T S C O V E R E D - C A L L N OW F O R A Q U O T E WWW . H I L L T O P C H A U F F E U R S . C O . U K T . 01865 595262 M. 07825 500852 HAVE

A

N I CE

F L I GHT !

B4 contacts DESIGN Blink Design A Keith Simpson Senior Designer t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com Strangebrew A Phil Strachan Director

ClientMailer t: 07788 677512 w: www.clientmailer.com AWM Marketing t: 01367 244996 w: www.awm-marketing.com Reputation Selling t: 07976 684009 w: www.reputation-selling.co.uk

PUBLIC RELATIONS The Buzzworks A Sarah Airey Proprietor t: 01993 813848 w: www.thebuzzworks.co.uk Adapt Communications A Tracey Jefferies Partner

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

Marketingco t: 01491 822333 w: www.marketingco.co.uk

t: 0845 4591007 w: www.adapt.co

ADS t: 01993 885122 w: www.adsoxford.co.uk

JJ Marketing t: 01865 343100 w: www.jjmarketing.co.uk

Syncro PR A Claire Thompson PR Director

Let’s Brand It t: 02081 443366 w: www.letsbrandit.co.uk

The Project Managers A Peronel Barnes Director

t: 01865 886344 w: www.syncropr.com

mark-making t: 01608 649600 w: www.mark-making.com

t: 01865 751531 w: www.the-project-managers.com

Esplin PR A Louise Esplin Freelance PR Consultant

Isis Creative Framing t: 01865 203420 w: www.isiscreative.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

t: 07775 678237 w: www.esplinpr.co.uk

Studio 8 P Clark Wiseman Managing Director

GB PR A Gail Buckle Owner

t: 01865 842525 w: www.studio-8.co.uk

t: 01865 742940 w: www.gbprconsultancy.blogspot.com

Lyon Photography t: 01865 481550 w: www.lyonphotography.co.uk

To The Point PR t: 0845 055 9696 w: www.tothepointpr.com

PRINTING

PinkFish Media t: 01865 582685 w: www.pinkfish-media.co.uk

FREELANCE COPY WRITING AND EDITING Stoneleigh Associates A Erica Conlan Proprietor t: 07837 480 432 e: erica.conlan@ stoneleighassociates.com Wordsmith TM t: 01993 811579 w: www.wordsmithtm.co.uk

MARKETING RESEARCH / TELEMARKETING Lingo Telemarketing A Su Copeland Managing Director t: 01865 886340 w: www.lingotelemarketing.com Stephen Black t: 07866 204070 w: www.stephen-black.co.uk

MARKETING Marketing Sense A Jo Sensecall Director t: 01865 883579 w: www.marketing-sense.co.uk

Stones the Printers P Steve Palmer Managing Director t: 01295 819 300 w: www.stonestheprinters.co.uk Blueprint Imaging A Martin Matthews Managing Director t: 01993 892360 w: www.blueprintimaging.com The Oxford Duplication Centre t: 01865 457000 w: www.oxfordduplicationcentre.co.uk Culham Publication Services t: 01235 464904 w: www.culhampublicationservices.com Abbey Press Group t: 01235 543333 w: www.abbeypressgroup.com

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) t: 020 7215 8000 w: www.ukti.gov.uk Love Communication t: 07887 775271 w: www.lovecommunication.co.uk Spriggs David A Karen David Partner t: 01865 512662 w: www.spriggsdavid.co.uk

WEB PERFORMANCE Obergine A Jeremy Anderson Director t: 01865 245777 w: www.obergine.com

Cardwell Marketing A Ian Merriman Director t: 0845 1306634 w: www.cardwellmarketing.co.uk

150

www.b4-business.com

The B4 Christmas Lunch

Wednesday 19th December, 2012 What else could you be doing on the last Wednesday before Christmas?

Shopping perhaps or even, perish the thought, working?

Or maybe even digging the car out of the drive? Well, whatever the weather, we’ll be at Pembroke College for our 3rd Annual Christmas Lunch.

Why not join B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests at the B4 Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 19th December in the beautiful surroundings of the Pembroke College dining hall for wonderful food, great wine and excellent company?

Why not come along – it will be fun! Format of the lunch as follows: • 12pm - Welcome drinks and carols • 1pm - 3 course meal served banquet style in Pembroke College's main dining hall, including half a bottle of wine per person • Also includes musical entertainment by The Camford Ramblers • Ticket price: £62.50 + VAT (£75.00) per ticket for Main Dining area or £83.33+VAT (£100) for Top Table tickets • Capacity – 126 Main Dining and 24 Top Table • A four-piece jazz collective based in Oxford, The Camford Ramblers • 4.30pm Finish Register online at www.regonline.com/B4XmasEvent or call the team on 01865 742211.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Brought to you by

B4 contacts MEDIA

BUSINESS PARKS

DEVELOPMENT

JACKfm Helen Masters Marketing

Begbroke Science Park A Peter Dobson Managing Director

t: 01865 315980 w: www.jackfm.co.uk

t: 01865 283700 w: www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk

The Trevor Osborne P Property Group Trevor Osborne Chairman t: 01225 832302 w: www.topgroup.co.uk

This is Global/Heart FM t: 020 7766 6000 w: www.thisisglobal.com

Grove Technology Park Robert Lamplough Chairman

OX105FM t: 01865 777772 w: www.ox105fm.com

t: 01235 772992 w: www.grovetechpark.com

PROPERTY & BUILDING

Jennings A Mike Jennings Managing Director

ARCHITECTS

t: 01865 893303 w: www.jennings.co.uk

Riach Architects A Douglas Riach Principal

Bloxham Mill Business Centre A Ray Avery Managing Director

t: 01865 553772 w: www.riacharchitects.com

t: 01295 722800 w: www.bloxhammill.com

John Hallam Associates A John Hallam Director

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS

t: 01608 646969 w: www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk

VSL and Partners P Richard Venables Director

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS

t: 01865 848488 w: www.vslandp.com

Ridge and Partners A David Walker Partner

Carter Jonas A Scott Harkness Partner

t: 01993 815000 w: www.ridge.co.uk

t: 01865 511444 w: www.carterjonas.co.uk

Kemp & Kemp A Steven Sensecall Partner

Oxford Innovation Ltd A Jo Willett Sales and Marketing Director

t: 01865 240001 w: wwww.kempandkemp.co.uk

t: 01865 811127 w: www.oxin.co.uk

Pink & Black Property Consultants A Claire Moloney Director t: 01865 515919 w: www.pinkandblackproperty.com

Kemp & Kemp A Emma Jewson Partner

BUILDERS MERCHANTS Buildbase A David Robertson Central Regional Director t: 01865 787763 w: www.buildbase.co.uk

152

t: 01865 240001 w: www.kempandkemp.co.uk Meeson Williams Ltd t: 01865 349011 w: www.meesonwilliams.com

ESTATE AGENTS Breckon and Breckon P Keith Stacey Managing Director t: 01865 244735 w: www.breckon.co.uk Penny & Sinclair A James Penny Director t: 01865 318013 w: www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales t: 01865 759500 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk Kemp & Kemp A Graham MacDonald Director t: 01865 510000 w: www.kempandkemp.co.uk frontdoorz A Sonia Kearns Creative Director t: 01865 339444 w: www.frontdoorz.com

LETTING AGENTS Breckon and Breckon P Greg Barnes Director t: 01865 201111 w: www.breckon.co.uk Finders Keepers A Frank Webster Director t: 01865 302308 w: www.finders.co.uk scottfraser A Andrew Greenwood Group Managing Director

Marriotts t: 01865 316311 w: www.marriottsoxford.co.uk

t: 01865 761111 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk

Lambert Smith Hampton t: 01865 200 244 w: www.lsh.co.uk

Lucy Properties A Ian Ashcroft Managing Director

Jennings t: 01865 893300 w: www.jennings.co.uk

t: 01865 559973 w: www.lucyproperties.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

your time in a special place...

Romantic cottage hideaways for two.

Rural and rustic cottages for four, as well as rare and remarkable houses to share with family & friends

A boutique collection of hand-picked holiday homes.

Combining stunning and secluded locations with unique character and hotel quality finishing touches. Private spaces that you will fall in love with.

Sheepskin helps tailor your break to make the most of your precious time away.

“Rustic chic” describes the style of Sheepskin’s properties.

Each one is distinctive, packed full of character and located in an awe-inspiring landscape. Interiors range from city style loft in a rural environment to simple but stylish.

Sheepskin offers 25 unique and stylish properties: 17 in Wales, 7 in England and The Ferry House in Scotland.

To plan your escape 01865 764 087 inspired@sheepskinlife.com www.sheepskinlife.com

B4 contacts North Oxford Property Services A Robin Swailes Director

Westwood Hotel A Tony Healey Owner

Creation Theatre A Cheryl Pearce Marketing Manager

t: 01865 311745 w: www.nops.co.uk

t: 01865 735408 w: www.westwoodhotel.co.uk

t: 01865 761393 w: www.creationtheatre.co.uk

College and County A Mark Crampton-Smith Owner

Fallowfields Hotel & Restaurant Anthony Lloyd A Managing Director

GALLERIES

t: 01865 722722 w: www.collegeandcounty.biz

t: 01865 820416 w: www.fallowfields.com

Kemp and Kemp t: 01865 517584 w: www.kempandkemp.co.uk

Conifers Guest House t: 01865 763055 w: www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk

t: 01865 515123 w: www.wisegal.com

Bluestone Letting and Management t: 01869 327577 w: www.bluestonelm.co.uk

Old Swan & Minster Mill t: 01993 862510 w: www.oldswanandminstermill.com

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT

The Letting Centre t: 01865 759930 w: www.thelettingcentre.com

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons t: 01844 278881 w: www.manoir.com

Rentaflat Ltd t: 01865 726966 w: www.rentaflat.co.uk

Hawkwell House Hotel P Tim Spittles General Manager

Sterling Residential Lettings t: 01865 263183 w: www.sterlingresidential.co.uk

t: 01865 749988 w: www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk

Pegasus Theatre A Dominique Cadiou Development Director

PROPERTY SERVICES

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION

t: 01865 812160 w: www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

Savvy Maintenance A & Renovations Stephen Dunne Director t: 01865 920020 w: www.savvy-group.co.uk

Lower Mill Estate Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director

A1 Plumbing & Heating t: 01865 327732 w: www.a1ltd.co.uk

ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL

Windover Facilities A Management Edward MacFarlane CEO t: 01869 368095 w: www.windoverfm.com Next Generation Solar t: 01993 813105 w: www.nextgenerationsolar.co.uk

R&R ACCOMMODATION Macdonald Randolph Hotel A Michael Grange General Manager t: 0844 879 9132 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk The Royal Oxford Hotel A Tom Crampton-Smith Owner t: 01865 248432 w: www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk

154

t: 01285 869489 w: www.lowermillestate.com

New Theatre A Sue Evans Marketing Manager t: 01865 320760 w: www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk/ Oxford Philomusica A Simon Payne Development Manager

Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner

Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner t: 01865 742211 w: www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES The Oxford Wine Company A Ted Sandbach Managing Director t: 01865 301144 w: www.oxfordwine.co.uk First Class Products A Thomas Ellis Owner t: 07919 133476 w: www.firstclassproducts.biz

RESTAURANTS t: 07775 904626 w: www.oxfordphil.com The Old Fire Station A Jeremy Spafford Director of Arts t: 01865 263980 w: www.oldfirestation.info Modern Art Oxford A Hannah Evans Communications Manager t: 01865 813826 w: www.modernartoxford.org.uk

Browns Restaurant P James Pounds General Manager t: 01865 511995 w: www.browns-restaurants.co.uk The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards t: 01865 742211 w: www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk The Trout P Matt Cooper Head Chef t: 01865 510930 w: www.thetroutoxford.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts The Red Lion P Tom Crouch General Manager

Old Parsonage Hotel t: 01865 310 210 w: www.oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk

The Duke of Cambridge t: 01865 558 173 w: www.dukebar.com

t: 01865 726255 w: www.redlionoxford.co.uk

Quod Brasserie & Bar t: 01865 202505 w: www.quod.co.uk

COFFEE SHOPS

4500 MIles From Delhi A Nav Kandola Owner t: 01865 244 922 w: www.milesfromdelhi.com/oxford Spice Lounge A Ali Aktar Owner t: 01865 510071 w: www.spiceloungeoxford.co.uk Saffron t: 01865 512211 w: www.saffronrestaurantoxford.co.uk The Feathered Nest Inn t: 01993 833030 w: www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk Gee’s Restaurant & Bar t: 01865 553 540 w: www.gees-restaurant.co.uk

Maba t: 01869 328750 w: www.maba-restaurant.com Head of the River t: 01865 721600 w: www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk

Java & Co t: 07736 950673 w: www.javaandco.co.uk

RETAIL SHOPPING University of Oxford Shop t: 01865 247414 w: www.oushop.com

Cockadoo t: 01865 341030 w: www.cockadoo.co.uk Temple Lounge t: 01865 246660 w: www.templeloungerestaurant.co.uk

Bicester Village Helen Peters Sales & Marketing Manager - Tourism

BARS

t: 01869 323200 w: www.bicestervillage.com

O’Neill’s Oxford t: 01865 250708 w: www.oneills.co.uk

Casa Rose Boudoir t: 01865 510191 w: www.casaroseoxford.com

The House t: 01865 724 433 w: www.housebar.co.uk

Argenteus t: 01865 840810 w: www.argenteus.co.uk

B4 PARTNERS

Official E-Mail Marketing Partner

Official Events Software Partner

Official Business and Formal wear partner

Official Ticket Partner

Official Mobile Partner

Official Stationery Partner

Official Travel Partner

Official Car Partner

Official Cloud Partner

Official Photographer

156

B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print e: studio@on-the-blink.com t: 01865 742211

www.b4-business.com

4X B BO

E OFFIC

ue ions Leag p m a h C hip & sea Premiers al & Chel n e s r A e for t a alf way lin Football king the h rd Bridge ts overloo ason ticke mirates and Stamfo se IP V 6 Access to es at the E home gam + VAT use at all on 5 per pers From: £9

Rugby Union - Twickenham Ticket only & debenture lounge hospitality packages available at the QBE Autumn Internationals (England v N. Zealan d, Sat. 1st Dec) and at the RBS 6 Nations (England v Scotland 2.2.13, England v France 23.2.12, England v Italy 10.3.13) From: £295 per person + VAT

C

Rugby Union – London Welsh RF

d) – 15.12.12 – Xmas Party theme 10 persons, Old Deer Park, Richmon for e Tabl x (1 oble Gren v RFC h London Wels am Stadium, Oxford – 28.12.12 (1 x Private suite for 10 persons, Kass London Welsh RFC v London Wasps am Stadium, Oxford) – 6.1.13 x Private suite for 10 persons, Kass London Welsh RFC v Harlequins (1 From: £95 per person + VAT erages (approx. £50 per person). e: £750 + VAT excluding food & bev Special offer price to B4 Box offic discount to the usual price.

This represents more than 10%

Horse Racing at Cheltenham B4 Box office can offer a private box for 16 guests in the exclusive Queen Mother Stand.

Available at Festival Trials day 26th January 2013 or a day at the prestigious Festival itself, 12th - 15th March 2013 excluding the Gold Cup. Boxes in the QMS are extremely difficult to get hold of in the general market as they are privately owned.

The stand is located to the left of the Main Grandstand (as you look out onto the course) and overlook the Grandstand Lawn and the course. All boxes have balconies and the stand also has a rear balcony that overlooks the Parade Ring. Box holders are not restricted to using only on-course caterers and may bring their own picnic lunches and drinks.

We can advise on all the catering options.

Prices on application.

at Holland Clay pigeon shooting d & Holland, Northwoo vanced to ad experiences for novices Half day clay shooting ay to Saturd shots available Monday hments, + VAT (includes refres n rso pe r pe 5 £7 m: Fro 5 persons) minimum group size

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ALL THESE FANTASTIC OFFERS AND OTHER EVENT IDEAS CALL B4 BOX OFFICE NOW Telephone: 01451 812237 (lines open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) Email: info@altisconsulting.co.uk (we will respond within 24 hours) B4 Box Office powered by Altis Consulting Ltd (head office: Cotswold Business Centre, Rissington Businesss Park, Upper Rissington, GL54 2QB)

Founder and Music Director Marios Papadopoulos

Oxford Philomusica

W Which hich o off these these two two w will ill help help y you ou get get to the the top top of of Google?

Google?

Oxford’s Professional Symphony Orchestra In Residence at the University of Oxford

2012-2013 Season Wonderful concerts in Oxford and beyond Guest artists include: Nicola Benedetti Nigel Kennedy Tasmin Little John Mark-Ainsley Schola Cantorum of Oxford Peter Schreier Roderick Williams

Answer? o odmtips.com/b4-baby dmtips.com//b b4-baby

Box Office: 01865 980 980

www.oxfordphil.com Oxford Digital Marketing

The University of Oxford logo is the registered trade mark of the University of Oxford. Oxford Philomusica is licensed to use the mark in the branding of events in the United Kingdom.

Internet Internet Marketing Marketing Training Training & Coaching Coaching

01865 57 59 55

Reputation Selling

Generate leads using video testimonials Build credibility to attract new customers Bring your products and services to life Make your website more engaging for a Call osal prop

www.reputation-selling.co.uk nick@reputation-selling.co.uk 01844 278163 or 07976 684009

COHABITATION

PRE-

DIVORCE DIV O RCE

CHILDREN CHIL DREN

nUP

RELATIONSHIPS REL ATIONSHIPS

MAKING SENSE OF IT ALL o oxford@manches.com xf ord@manches.com d@ h www www.manches.com .manches.com Oxford, Oxf ford,, Reading,, London

People who care about their eyes choose Eyesite T The he o only nly O Oxford xford o optician ptician tto oo offer ffer tthe he s state tate o off tthe he a art rt OCT and and Optomap Optomap OCT eye scans. scans. These These eye technologies technologies help help us us confirm confirm that that your your eyes are are healthy. healthy. eyes

Eyesite 35 St Ebbes Street Oxford OX1 1PU

0 01865 1865 242300 242300 oxford@eyesite.co.uk

www.eyesite.co.uk w ww.eyesite.co.uk

free upgrade to our Advanced Advanced Gold e Gold eye ye e exam xam when by 30/11/12 when you you book book b y3 0/11/12 &b bring advert ring this this a dvert

AS AN INDEPENDENT OPTICIANS, WE ALSO OFFER:

• A fantastic range of frames and sunglasses • A comprehensive contact lens service

+44(0)1865 722106

ther there erre ar are ree m mor more ree than 12 days to a Browns Christmas...

Browns FESTIVE MENU threee cour courses rses fro from ÂŁ

B ROW RO W N S B A R & B R A S S E R I E oodstock R X2 66HA 55-11 -11 W Woodstock Road, oad, O Oxford xford O OX2 HA T elephone: 0 1865 5 11995 Telephone: 01865 511995 owns.o oxfford@mbplc.com Email: Br Browns.oxford@mbplc.com www w.browns-rrestaurants.co estaurants. .uk www.browns-restaurants.co.uk