B4 Magazine Issue 9

B4

B4 TITLE

Magazine

ISSUE 09 WINTER 2008

FINANCE

•

www.b4-business.com

ADVICE

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

•

•

P ROMOTION

PEOPLE

•

•

SPOTLIGHT

ISSUES

•

MEET

•

• IT

PROPERTY •

REVIEW

• •

NEWS

B EYON D

Energy Crisis Are We Running Out Of Puff?

Prepared to Litigate Darbys Head Of Commercial Litigation, Henry Mendus

Torus - Abingdon Business Park VSL Introduce New Property

B

U

I

L D I

N G

B

R

I

D G E S

B

E T

W E E N

B

U

S I

N

E S S

Apartments in Oxford intimate hotel offering

encapsulates the amenities and personal service of an

more space and home-from-home comfort that only a fully serviced apartment can provide.

short and long stays, AiO stands for comfortable living space, traditional and contemporary design and helpful, caring staff.

Specialising in both

Oxford’s Premier Confe

In Association with Apartments in Oxf

PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR NEW CONFERENCE & EVENTS FACILITY AT PARK END STREET OXFORD

CANTAY HOUSE, PARK END PLACE, OXFORD OX1 1JD T: + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 8 6 5 2 5 4 0 7 2 F : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 8 6 5 2 5 4 0 7 8 E : b a s e d @ o x s t a y. c o . u k W : w w w . o x s t a y. c o . u k

rence Centre - Coming Soon

ford Ltd T: +44 (0)1865 254072

F: +44 (0)1865 254078

Inside

70 GETTING THE

B4 PEOPLE

WOMEN’S NETWORKS MEAN BUSINESS

BLUES

B4 were invited to Iffley Road to meet some of the University’s First Team rugby squad to discover that the road to the Varsity Match in Twickenham is not only competitive, but incredibly demanding on a set of talented individuals who have to put study first, and put the boot in second. Sitting around the committee table were Tim Stevens, University Rugby Administrator; Peter Clarke, club captain; Brendan McKerchar, scrum half and Peter Wright, back row.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JACQUELINE ROGERS

Welcome to Issue 9 of B4

You co-founded The Athena Network nearly three years ago, why did you choose a networking business?

I rather think it chose me. Imagine my surprise when I set up my coaching and training business – after twelve years in corporate life – to find I needed to source my own clients. What a culture shock! Business advisors suggested networking and, though I hated the idea, I attended several breakfast networking events. I was challenged: my normally confident self became tongue-tied and anxious – it was tough. Then a friend told me that a networking group for women was launching in Watford. So I decided to make one last attempt. I loved it!

Money is tight and confidence is low, and it’s no wonder with some of the most solid names in finance failing. So now we’re in the proverbial hand cart, how do we deal with this economic Hades?

Do we stick our heads in the sand and hope for the best? Absolutely not. While many financial experts claim that things will get worse and may never be the same again, it will be ourselves to blame if we don’t shape up and fight, focusing on what we’re good at and find ways of doing it more efficiently and effectively. Read Paul Avins’ interview for a few tips, and look to Natalie Roach’s advice for dealing with potential, belt-tightening redundancies.

But it’s not all bad news. James Dillon-Godfray tells us about the changes at Oxford Airport and how London is becoming eclipsed, and with the environment in mind, we look to local office supplier B-Line to learn how to turn over a green leaf in your workplace. New Theatre General Manager, Jamie Baskeyfield, and Cormac O’Hara, General Manager of The Oxford Hotel, talk about their experiences in their respective professions, and how a fresh outlook can often be for the better. And Head of Commercial Litigation at Darbys, Henry Mendus, gives B4 the benefit of his experience, and explains how the face of litigation is changing.

Finally, three new names appear in this issue. VSL Commercial Property Consultants have nailed their colours to B4’s mast and tell us about Torus, their new project at Abingdon Business Park; Martin Powell, Managing Partner at Withy King, tells B4 why he chose Oxford for their new location and what the future holds for his enlarged firm; and finally, we welcome John Fissenden and Susannah Maxa of Amber Wealth and Amber Financial.

Louise Heasman was the business owner. When she and I met I became her business coach, we discussed developing her networking groups, and three months later we launched Athena together, combining our skills: Louise has a strong background in networking and mine is in business and motivation.

When was the decision made to franchise the Athena Network?

The intention was always to franchise and we launched Athena in January 2006.

Louise already had established groups and they came under the Athena brand. Both Louise and I are advocates of Michael Gerber’s “E-Myth Revisited”, and our founding principle was: ‘Start with the end in mind’.

And why a networking organisation specifically for women?

When Louise started a family she realised she couldn’t maintain her commitment to attend early morning networking meetings. She then decided to trial networking at lunch times and it attracted primarily women as opposed to men.

When we launched Athena we made the decision to carry on providing networking events specifically for women.

So, do men and women have different networking needs?

We certainly have different styles of networking. Women tend (forgive the generalisation) to see networking as a long-term strategy. I’ve been to networking events with men where my eyes have nearly been taken out by the business cards flying so hard and fast.

www.b4-business.com

B4 News 8 10 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27

Local Business News B4 Profiles VSL News Oxford Inspires Charitable Funds Oxford Brookes University Nominet Oxford Innovation Microsoft HM Revenue and Customs

B4 Spotlight 48 Managing The Boards New Theatre General Manager, Jamie Baskeyfield, literally in the spotlight 56 Withy King B4 are invited to talk to Oxford’s latest addition to the legal scene, and inter view Managing Partner, Martin Powell

84

71

What’s special about Athena compared with other women’s networks?

What differentiates us is that the members have embraced the values of Athena, they are proud to be members. There is a genuine feeling of community within Athena.

And why do you think Athena has become so successful so quickly?

Because of the training – like our upcoming Regional Conference in Oxford – the support and the community that has been created. Also members and visitors are fully briefed before they attend meetings so they know what to expect.

Our fabulous team of Regional Directors is totally committed to supporting our members. Many networking organisations, run by individuals as an additional revenue stream fail to get real commitment. Regional Directors may have other businesses, but they are as committed to Athena as they are to whatever else they do.

What are the key elements in putting together a successful franchise business?

Training, support, motivation, holding the vision for the franchisees and creating a simple, effective model to follow. Each process must be accurately documented, ensuring that you are constantly adding value and supporting them.

And is buying a franchise a better business option for women than other start up routes?

I spent two years developing a coaching and training business that was only just starting to earn the revenue that an Athena franchise could deliver in a month.

Women need to be discerning in their choice of a franchise, ensuring that it matches their values, their lifestyle and that they’ll still want to do it three years on.

What are your top tips for other business owners or those thinking of starting up?

Be kind to yourself. Surround yourself with experienced mentors and advisors.

Educate yourself daily and ask lots of questions!

Finally, how do you see the future of networking in the UK? The UK lags behind the USA in terms of networking strategies and I believe networking will explode in the UK within the next three years. Just look at the number of network start ups – but sadly very many fail because they don’t understand the principles.

Networking will become more diverse, there will be more gender- and profession- specific groups and for that I am grateful. One of our Regional Directors remarked that competition locally had made her “sharpen her pencil”. I’ll be doing the same within Athena nationally.

For details of the Athena Regional Conference in Oxford on 24th November 2008 contact Hannah@theathenanetwork.com

88

52 Wenn Townsend - A View from the Clients Motorbikes and Archaeology combine to approve

B4 Property 33 Torus – Abingdon Business Park B4 welcomes leading Oxfordshire Commercial Property specialists, VSL and Partners, who introduce Torus 58 Inspiration for Kitchens and Bathrooms Local Builders’ Merchant, Johnsons Buildbase, introduce B4 to their wide range of kitchens and bathrooms

B4 Meet 38 Considered Conferencing Oxford’s newest conference centre is leading edge, in every way

66 The Philosophical Hotelier The Oxford Hotel’s Cormac O’Hara gives B4 the benefit of his experience and introduces us to the new owners

B4 IT & Comms

B4 Finance

43 Turn Talk into Type No, we didn’t think you could do it either!

B4 is packed and bursting with stories, and with the support of our customers and readers, we have doubled the original size of the magazine. We plan to keep growing, to continue bringing you excellent local news and to help you get through the next twelve months, or however long it takes, intact.

34 Amber Wealth and Amber Financial Another fine match made in heaven – B4 meet up with a familiar face in new surrounds

B4 People

And from the businesses we have been speaking to in Oxfordshire, the overall feeling is that the bark is worse than the bite – at least for now.

28 Prepared to Litigate Darbys Head of Commercial Litigation, Henry Mendus, tells B4 how litigation has changed

Richard Rosser Editor

B4 Advice

46 Building Your Recession Beating Mind Set Staying positive with Paul Avins of The Oxford Wealth Club 50 Handling Potential Redundancies Brethertons broach a prickly but hot topic

www.b4-business.com

37 Get Support With increasing dependency on your PC, it is vital to Get Support

70 Getting the Blues Oxford University Rugby Club demon strate a passion for books and the oval ball 84 Women’s Networks Mean Business An Interview with Jacqueline Rogers

B4 Promotion 54 A Fresh Approach to Golf North Oxford Golf Club’s Bob Harris explains what changes are afoot at one of Oxfordshire’s most established golf clubs 74

Direction Marketing Services B4 visit the people responsible for delivering B4 to your desk

6

B4 ISSUES

E.ON

“Affordable energy at the flick of a switch is something that most of the world has come to take for granted, or is determined to have. Rising energy consumption that increases global warming is something the world has to avoid.” Paul Golby – E.ON UK Chief Executive.

As hot topics go, the rising cost of our fuel bills and global warming are almost at boiling point.

In a recent paper entitled “Carbon, cost and consequences”, E.ON have presented their concerns and recommendations for the best way forward to solve these hugely complex problems, and, talking to B4 from E.ON’s UK Head Office in Coventry, Paul Golby’s Chief Financial Operator, Brian Tear, sets out E.ON’s plan for the future.

“The issues we face as a company are faced by the country as a whole. I am under no illusions that what we do has a massive impact on the whole of the nation. We are also at a time when things are really getting quite hard work. Of course there is no getting away from the column inches our industry receives in the press daily, but if you stand back and look at the wider picture, you can appreciate that it really is one hell of a problem to solve and not just a case of big businesses playing at being big businesses.

“There are two crunches at the moment as regards the cost of energy now and going forward. Firstly, the demand for the raw commodity itself and the base product, be it coal, oil or gas, means that the common denominator with all commodities throughout the world, is that prices are going through the roof as demand is going up, and up, and up. If you see the amount of coal, for example, that China is using, it is rising astronomically and if you see the amount of gas generated in the UK and consumed here, it too is rising significantly.

“The second thing is how we turn this raw commodity into power. The key problem we are facing in this country, and we are facing it now, is that a lot of our power stations will be closing over the next ten or fifteen years and our nuclear power stations will be closing, so that by the early 2020’s, the only nuclear power station remaining is likely to be Sizewell.

“Some of the coal and oil stations will be phased out over the next decade as the LCPD (Large Combustion Plant Directive) really hits home, which basically aims to reduce acidification, ground level ozone and particles throughout Europe by controlling emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and dust (particulate matter (PM)) from large combustion plants (LCPs) in power stations, petroleum refineries, steelworks and other industrial processes running on solid, liquid or gaseous fuel. That will shut a lot of stations.

“Simultaneously, there is a level of demand which is constantly increasing. Even taking into account some energy efficiency, there is a need to replace the output of all of these stations, and to say this is a massive investment is quite an understatement. This is phenomenally huge. And the price of this investment is also increasing daily as the prices of raw products and also the demand for power stations increases.

“If you look at the average price of a gas fired power station, a year ago you would have been looking at £350-400 million. The equivalent price today is north of £700 million for the same station because everybody needs them and the cost of the product going into them is increasing dramatically. When you need several hundred thousand tonnes of steel for these sorts of projects, you can see how the price is rising given the increase in price of steel. So there is an incredible squeeze on the commodity and actually building the new infrastructure which is required.

“Add to this the obvious need to consider the environment. If we don’t do something about the problems facing us now, we will have major problems in the future, no matter how far off that may be, we have to act now. We are therefore investing significantly in renewable energy, but even that is not cheap and again the demand is incredibly high. For example, if you want to buy wind turbines, from the leading manufacturer of wind turbines, they have plenty of

demand in America where they are building hundreds and hundreds of wind turbines, so why are they going to be concerned about supplying us with a relatively small number?

contradicts our stance on the environment. However, we will need some in the overall portfolio, more the better if we can get it cleaner, which we are working on.

“The other major factor, when considering renewable energy is that, green as it might be, there must be back up generation. Our calculations show us that you have to have something of the order of 90% back up to wind generation. So, for every 100 mega watts of wind energy generated there must be another 90 mega watts of conventional plant to back it up. This is therefore extremely expensive. Why? The wind blows only now and again, and if you think about the coldest January days with clear blue skies and no wind, you can’t really ask customers not to use their power.

“We are not going to achieve this balanced portfolio without increasing costs significantly and I am afraid we are at the point in history where the days of cheap energy have gone. It is as simple as that. We need to create the infrastructure for the future, in an affordable way as possible, that is going to solve many of our environmental problems rather than continue to warm up the earth, and give us security of supply. In terms of numbers, we are investing well over £1 billion per annum in this.

“We are going to see significant rises in prices in real terms in the future. We have seen them this year and this will continue. British Gas prices have gone up 9% and 35%, EDF 17% and 20% and we are all under the same pressure to instigate price rises. Wholesale gas prices have more than doubled over the past year.

The consumer is actually being insulated from a lot of this increase. Prices haven’t doubled yet for the consumer, whilst the underlying product has, it’s a simple equation. I honestly wonder whether we will ever see prices plateau again.”

“There is therefore a considerable squeeze from a number of angles in terms of prices. As a company, we are absolutely not abdicating where we need to be on this. E.ON is one of the few companies that is big enough and has the fire power to actually invest here, but for this investment, we need to make a return, and if we don’t make a return, we don’t have the investment from our shareholders.

“Even with this complex calculation, it is all within reach. The Government targets for renewable energy are incredibly difficult and, in my opinion, not achievable. However, to have a significant proportion of renewable energy available, within a balanced portfolio, is feasible. The balance is the key. We therefore haven’t got one solution in renewable energy. We haven’t got one solution in new nuclear builds – even though this is necessary – and building more gas stations isn’t the only solution because we don’t want to be reliable on gas, as there are no longer the indigenous supplies of gas we have been used to.

We can get the gas from elsewhere, that is no problem, but for me I don’t want to be reliant on gas.

Neither can we rely on coal because it is relatively “dirty” compared to everything else and this

But the onus isn’t just on companies like E.ON to restructure and provide this balanced portfolio. Brian is clear that all of us have an obligation to be more aware of the way in which we use our resources.

“The key to the whole country sorting out the cost of energy is not just us investing in power stations, but it is down to all of us to use energy more wisely. From a moral point of view, there is only so much in the ground and when it’s gone, it’s gone – you don’t make oil easily.

13

“In terms of making our own properties more efficient, the main problem we face is with regard to the older housing stock. The Government and the industry is running a scheme called CERT’s (Carbon Emission and Reduction Targets) into which we contribute, as an industry, over £1 billion per annum in terms of supplying insulation, high efficiency lightbulbs etc. It doesn’t have the traction it should have, as it is a flagship scheme and we should be able to do more about that.”

Although this is a massive problem for all of us, there are solutions, however, Brian makes it quite clear, “There is no silver bullet.” And as Paul Golby concludes in E.ON’s report, “As a company E.ON are calling for a new, balanced and honest debate about the UK’s energy needs, one that truly assesses the consequence in terms of carbon, cost and security of our energy choices. Our interest in the outcome of this debate – and our willingness to fully participate in it – is driven by the fact that we have already begun to help build the energy infrastructure for the future. And at every turn – on renewables, on coal and no doubt on nuclear – the siloed, narrow and superficial nature of the current energy debate is hampering our ability to meet the country’s future energy needs. We must also take the opportunity of the current massive overhaul of its generation infrastructure to make sure that the energy of the future is low carbon, secure and as low cost as possible.”

Despite the 50% increase in average energy bills over the past three years, UK electricity prices are still on a par with the European average, and cheaper than those in Austria, Belgium, Italy and Denmark.

The UK is committed to becoming a low carbon economy. We have a short-term goal of cutting our CO² emissions by 26% and delivering 15% of our total energy from renewable sources by 2020, and a longer term one of reducing CO² emissions by between 60 and 80% by 2050.

Energy diversity is key to maintaining security of supply and managing costs for our customers.

As a group E.ON intends to invest circa £40 billion between now and 2010 and increase its renewable generation capacity from 1.3GW to 10GW worldwide by 2015.

We believe renewable energy is key to addressing the fundamental energy challenges facing the UK. Our target as a group is to have 24% of our energy generating capacity from renewable sources by 2030.

To make clean coal a reality, we need to press ahead with the Government’s CCS competition and build the new coal stations required to demonstrate that the technology works on a large scale.

Beyond 2020, the UK with depend on imports for more than 80% of its gas needs.

E.ON is investing more that £500 million in new gas storage projects.

www.b4-business.com

7

B4 GREEN

news The Market - Yes, it is still here

94 It’s a Funny Old Game Find out more about Oxford United’s golf day

With new housing stock comes more efficient energy use, but this is a tiny percentage of the overall housing stock in the country. There are, however, schemes to assist those of us in older properties conserve energy.

Key Points from E.ON’s “Carbon, cost and consequences” report

“My advice to the man in the street is not to be wasteful. I am not hear to preach and tell people how

www.b4-business.com

6

they should run their life or what lifestyle they should adopt, but it makes clear sense to be more conscious about how we use our energy supplies.”

Just how is the ‘credit crunch’/‘financial melt down’ affecting the Oxfordshire commercial property market? Tom Barton and Richard Venables who are the agency team at VSL, acknowledge a significant down turn in enquiries and landlords taking a long hard look at their portfolios. However, they are both confident of Oxfordshire’s economic resilience based on its ‘innovation industry’.

The property investment market re-corrected itself 12 months ago and

continues to do so, but the local occupation market still has demand with lettings and sales completing and no seismic shift in lease/sale terms due to a generally limited supply of property. Hot spots also exist such as in Oxford city centre, again a reflection of the strength of the ‘Oxford factor’. At the same time, good deals can be found in the ring road office market for offices between 5,000 and 15,000 sq ft. Changes to Empty Business Rates and the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates create two new burdens for business and landlords which may exacerbate the problems in 2009.

A brace of lettings at Oxford Business Park

ETHOS HOTEL

A HOTEL WITH A HEART OF A HOME Comfort, relaxation, consideration, all with sustainability in mind. The new Ethos Hotel, just off the Abingdon Road in central Oxford, certainly has one hell of a name to live up to. But it has been chosen wisely, and co-owners Simon Wilshaw and David Beaumont have made sure no stone has been left unturned in their quest to create a truly inspirational hotel. The website boasts that It’s luxury with a conscience…. Ethos Hotel Oxford strikes the perfect balance between home and hotel. And that’s about spot on, as B4 discover.

Acting on behalf of the international property group Goodman, VSL and joint agents Lambert Smith Hampton have agreed terms with two new occupiers at Oxford Business Park.

B4 Issues

Waldner Ltd, producer of laboratory suites will occupy 1,790 sq ft, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd is taking up 3,765 sq ft of space at The Quorum development at the Park. Both signed ten year leases at rents of £21.00 per sq ft at the Park, which is owned, developed and managed by Goodman.

Double Dealing

6

VSL achieved back to back success for NSM Research in August.

E.On Are we running out of puff or do we need to take stock?

NSM decided to relocate from their freehold owned offices at 16 Middle Way, Summertown and VSL quickly secured terms for the sale to Zinc Ahead, an Oxford based company involved in the pharmaceutical industry. The building totalling 1,900 sq ft sold close to the asking price of £550,000 and attracted a good level of interest. VSL then assisted NSM in relocating to their new base at The Kidlington Office Centre.

Summertown Success In July, VSL, on behalf of Prama Properties, completed the letting of the offices at Prama House, on the corner of South Parade and Banbury Road to Clarendon Enterprise Centres, who now occupy 17,600 sq ft. One of many buildings formerly occupied by Oxfam, it has now been transformed into a high quality serviced office facility.

B4 Move

Witney Double Two lettings by VSL completed over the summer in Witney. Craft- Ed (UK) Ltd have taken a new 10 year lease at an average rent of £6.00 per sq ft at Unit 1 Parkside, comprising 21,616 sq ft on behalf of landlords ING.

Also in Witney, Certikin International Ltd took a lease of Unit 21, Avenue 2, Station Lane at a rent of £5.60 per sq ft.

www.b4-business.com

44 Oxford Airport A new Terminal, a new vision and a bright future

B4 24/7 82 Royal Oxford Hotel A Review of one of Oxford’s most famous and central hotels

B4 Green 40 Ethos Hotel – Do Good, Feel Good The newest hotel in Oxford is full of unexpected surprises 62 The Green Hangar What have a leaf, a move and a happy ship got in common? B4 visits B-Line’s new premises

13

B4 Beyond 60 72 76 79 80 86

Parkers The Brasserie Donnington Valley Hotel on the Park Club Med The Vineyard Two Trains and a Cab from Bicester to Paris 89 Bateaux Parisiens 90 Hotel Champlain 92 Moulin Rouge

B4 Contacts 98 Business Contacts

With super king beds, feather top mattresses and furnishings which wouldn’t look out of place in the swankiest of interior design magazines, Ethos Hotel has an air of class and sophistication which oozes from every pore of this recently converted, detached residence. The twelve thoughtfully designed rooms are fascinating, each with their own identity and each providing a sanctuary for the guest. They have created the perfect setting, and, make no mistake, if you expect something better, Ethos Hotel will make sure you receive it.

We mustn’t overlook the thought process behind the hotel, and the compulsion to create a sustainable environment, where efficiency and economy have not been achieved at the expense of comfort and luxury, as David explains, “The property cost us approximately £2million. It is a huge property and we have done a lot to it since we took over in 2006. We replaced all of the floors and walls, completely tanked out the lower floors and gutted the whole building.

“The windows are special Pilkington solar glass, which keep heat out in summer and heat in during the winter. We have air source heat pumps throughout the building to facilitate efficient heating and cooling, depending on the weather. It is an exceptionally green building throughout, and even the produce we serve is fair trade. There are heated towel rails, underfloor heating and low voltage bulbs which should all keep utility bills to an absolute minimum.”

Simon has brought in a number of his native American ideas to the hotel, including black out curtains which reflect the heat during the day. “Blocking out noise, enhancing comfort and relaxation and ensuring our guests get a good night’s sleep is our top priority.

Would you go back to a hotel where you had had a bad experience?”

Through their experiences, staying in hotels around the world, David and Simon have tried to draw on the positives and eliminate the negatives in their own

40

establishment. They may be little things, but Simon and David are trying to make the whole experience of staying at Ethos enjoyable, not give their guests the slightest reason to choose another hotel if they ever return to the City.

All hotel guests should, in my opinion, be treated as an extension of your sales staff. What better recommendation for your hotel than someone who has had a good experience, who then tells their friends, colleagues and associates?

The provision of free sky movies and sports is designed to encourage you to relax, and the provision of free kids channels is intended to allow the parents to relax. Comfortable and relaxing chairs have been provided in the lounge areas of the studios, convenient work desks have been provided in all rooms and there is plenty of cupboard space in all twelve rooms. Wet bars with fridge freezers have also been included so that if you don’t want to venture out, you can practically

www.b4-business.com

“Our Ethos: to do our utmost to create the perfect setting.

Your Ethos: expect something better and receive it” live in the room. “We wanted to make the rooms as homely as possible,” comments Simon, “Breakfast is delivered to the room, so that you can really relax and unwind.”

a shame, as a resident of Oxford, that I will have little reason or justification for staying here! It is understandable why David and Simon are laying down the gauntlet to find a better bed in Oxford!

Simon has also demonstrated his artistic flair, by designing the leather headboards for the quite decadent beds. The oak panelled doors throughout were chosen by David and Simon from sustainable forests. David’s wife, Renate, (who owns Vanilla boutique in South Parade), has made her design mark throughout, nowhere more so than in the Skyloft suite, a real gem, again with wet bar and relaxing lounge area. Upstairs is a quite magnificent bedroom, beautifully furnished with vibrant pink cushion and wall art. The sky light affords stunning views of Oxford – it’s

Even though it is relatively early days for the hotel (it only opened in late August), occupancy is up on target and this is with little or no advertising or marketing, “We are trying to appeal to a lot of different markets – business, leisure, families, academics, students. Our disabled room offers guests direct access from a designated disabled parking slot directly outside the room, with walk in shower and other considerations for disabled guests. We even offer a room for guests with well behaved small dogs!”

www.b4-business.com

Access is also excellent. Located at Folly Bridge, just quarter of a mile from Christchurch College and one mile from the train and bus stations, Ethos is also just one mile from the Park and Ride at Redbridge, and, of course, the hotel is on the main bus route to the centre of Oxford.

This hotel is extremely well thought out and you can see in five year’s time a collection of Ethos Hotels where the whole approach, focused on sustainability, dovetails perfectly with the world’s green revolution.

As Simon concludes, “We already have eyes on another building…in fact it’s this afternoon at 2pm!”

Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

41

40

62

B4 GREEN

THE GREEN

HANGAR

There’s nothing like a spring clean to get rid of the rubbish and start afresh. Imagine moving your business, lock, stock and barrel to a brand new location, and squeezing it all into an area less than 10% of where you previously operated.

That’s exactly what B4’s preferred office supplies company B-Line have done, with ease. They’ve also gone green in the process and reduced their carbon footprint. Could they possibly have done any more!

B-Line like to set an example, and Chief Executive David Beesley will blaze a trail wherever he can, “Yes we like to be at the forefront, not that we feel an obligation to set an example. It is something which has come naturally for us, and by changing location, it gave us the perfect chance to look at what we were doing and ask ourselves, ‘how could we do this better?’”.

In previous editions of B4, we have looked at how B-Line has changed and evolved as a business (see all previous editions of B4 at www.b4-business.com), and how it has gradually been streamlining, making the operation more efficient and taking on board the green directives issued to many businesses which are, to a great extent, ignored. It is as if this move has been the final piece of the jigsaw. The previous location, in Bletchingdon, was perhaps the restrictive factor on the business, preventing it from going that last mile, and now everything has come together, is David pleased with the results?

“Delighted, we couldn’t be happier. And we couldn’t ignore the green pressure and demands on us as a business to conform. We honestly believe that other businesses have to tow the line and that if they don’t, they will fall foul in the future. We are now ISO14001 compliant, meaning that we have to increase our environmental performance against set objectives through our Environmental Management System. This gives us a systematic approach for managing the environmental impact of our operations.”

Look at the business five years ago, and the changes have been dramatic. By not holding stock (or very

62

limited amounts), B-Line have not only reduced their space requirements, they have also reduced their carbon footprint. And what they do deliver is delivered as efficiently as possible (see B4 Issue 7) by targeting business parks so they can deliver to multiple businesses at one location.

“The result really has been more dramatic than the management team could ever have wished for. The environmental approach is there for all to see, and clients who visit us are knocked out by what we have done, in a relatively short period of time.”

B-Line have installed heat pumps in the purpose built offices, and have also adopted a policy where full recycle options are available in the office – no more bins under desks. Plastic, bottles and tins, paper and general waste are all separated in the office, and as Kay Beesley, David’s daughter, points out, this has had a dramatic effect, “Our volume of waste has reduced dramatically. Simply by putting the coloured bins in the office has triggered something in everyone, to be more environmentally aware, to think about packaging, think about using paper and think about waste. The whole office has become more efficient, and cleaner, as a result.”

The downside, as David points out, is that customers think they are going to be charged more for green products. “They can buy from our bespoke green brochure, and yes, prices are more expensive, but not massively so. But often, they see what we have achieved, and have taken on board the costs that we have saved by moving premises, and agree that buying “green” stationery is a small sacrifice, and consequently order from the green brochure.

“We are definitely attracting new custom because of our stance. It is no big deal to go down the green route. We have managed it without too much hassle.

We may have downsized our business in terms of physical size, but in terms of sales, we have never been busier and the volume of sales is going up.”

There is also plenty of room to expand at the new site, with spare desks and more offices to grow into. But you get the feeling that if David Beesley could get everyone connected to one PC, sat on one chair and at one desk, he’d do it.

And of course the move had nothing to do with the fact that it’s only five minutes from David’s home, “two actually”, claims David, “I’ve timed it!”

Why B-Line?

With a network of warehousing across the UK and stock holdings in excess of £50million, B-Line is well placed to supply all of your office stationery needs on a next working day basis.

B-Line Business Supplies is a company at the forefront of the business supplies industry, and so has forged strong and efficient supply partnerships ensuring that customers receive orders as and when they need them.

Let B-Line add value to your business by taking advantage of their wealth of experience that will ensure you only buy 'best value' and 'fit for purpose' products for your business needs. Your dedicated account manager will work closely with you in ensuring that through product rationalisation, your objective of value for money purchasing is achieved.

www.b4-business.com

www.b4-business.com

63

E.ON

“Affordable energy at the flick of a switch is something that most of the world has come to take for granted, or is determined to have. Rising energy consumption that increases global warming is something the world has to avoid.” Paul Golby – E.ON UK Chief Executive.

As hot topics go, the rising cost of our fuel bills and global warming are almost at boiling point.

In a recent paper entitled “Carbon, cost and consequences”, E.ON have presented their concerns and recommendations for the best way forward to solve these hugely complex problems, and, talking to B4 from E.ON’s UK Head Office in Coventry, Paul Golby’s Chief Financial Operator, Brian Tear, sets out E.ON’s plan for the future.

“The issues we face as a company are faced by the country as a whole. I am under no illusions that what we do has a massive impact on the whole of the nation. We are also at a time when things are really getting quite hard work. Of course there is no getting away from the column inches our industry receives in the press daily, but if you stand back and look at the wider picture, you can appreciate that it really is one hell of a problem to solve and not just a case of big businesses playing at being big businesses.

“There are two crunches at the moment as regards the cost of energy now and going forward. Firstly, the demand for the raw commodity itself and the base product, be it coal, oil or gas, means that the common denominator with all commodities throughout the world, is that prices are going through the roof as demand is going up, and up, and up. If you see the amount of coal, for example, that China is using, it is rising astronomically and if you see the amount of gas generated in the UK and consumed here, it too is rising significantly.

“The second thing is how we turn this raw commodity into power. The key problem we are facing in this country, and we are facing it now, is that a lot of our power stations will be closing over the next ten or fifteen years and our nuclear power stations will be closing, so that by the early 2020’s, the only nuclear power station remaining is likely to be Sizewell.

6

“Some of the coal and oil stations will be phased out over the next decade as the LCPD (Large Combustion Plant Directive) really hits home, which basically aims to reduce acidification, ground level ozone and particles throughout Europe by controlling emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and dust (particulate matter (PM)) from large combustion plants (LCPs) in power stations, petroleum refineries, steelworks and other industrial processes running on solid, liquid or gaseous fuel. That will shut a lot of stations.

“Simultaneously, there is a level of demand which is constantly increasing. Even taking into account some energy efficiency, there is a need to replace the output of all of these stations, and to say this is a massive investment is quite an understatement. This is phenomenally huge. And the price of this investment is also increasing daily as the prices of raw products and also the demand for power stations increases.

“If you look at the average price of a gas fired power station, a year ago you would have been looking at £350-400 million. The equivalent price today is north of £700 million for the same station because everybody needs them and the cost of the product going into them is increasing dramatically. When you need several hundred thousand tonnes of steel for these sorts of projects, you can see how the price is rising given the increase in price of steel. So there is an incredible squeeze on the commodity and actually building the new infrastructure which is required.

“Add to this the obvious need to consider the environment. If we don’t do something about the problems facing us now, we will have major problems in the future, no matter how far off that may be, we have to act now. We are therefore investing significantly in renewable energy, but even that is not cheap and again the demand is incredibly high. For example, if you want to buy wind turbines, from the leading manufacturer of wind turbines, they have plenty of

demand in America where they are building hundreds and hundreds of wind turbines, so why are they going to be concerned about supplying us with a relatively small number?

“The other major factor, when considering renewable energy is that, green as it might be, there must be back up generation. Our calculations show us that you have to have something of the order of 90% back up to wind generation. So, for every 100 mega watts of wind energy generated there must be another 90 mega watts of conventional plant to back it up. This is therefore extremely expensive. Why? The wind blows only now and again, and if you think about the coldest January days with clear blue skies and no wind, you can’t really ask customers not to use their power.

“There is therefore a considerable squeeze from a number of angles in terms of prices. As a company, we are absolutely not abdicating where we need to be on this. E.ON is one of the few companies that is big enough and has the fire power to actually invest here, but for this investment, we need to make a return, and if we don’t make a return, we don’t have the investment from our shareholders.

“Even with this complex calculation, it is all within reach. The Government targets for renewable energy are incredibly difficult and, in my opinion, not achievable. However, to have a significant proportion of renewable energy available, within a balanced portfolio, is feasible. The balance is the key. We therefore haven’t got one solution in renewable energy. We haven’t got one solution in new nuclear builds – even though this is necessary – and building more gas stations isn’t the only solution because we don’t want to be reliable on gas, as there are no longer the indigenous supplies of gas we have been used to.

We can get the gas from elsewhere, that is no problem, but for me I don’t want to be reliant on gas.

Neither can we rely on coal because it is relatively “dirty” compared to everything else and this

www.b4-business.com

B4 ISSUES

contradicts our stance on the environment. However, we will need some in the overall portfolio, more the better if we can get it cleaner, which we are working on.

“We are not going to achieve this balanced portfolio without increasing costs significantly and I am afraid we are at the point in history where the days of cheap energy have gone. It is as simple as that. We need to create the infrastructure for the future, in an affordable way as possible, that is going to solve many of our environmental problems rather than continue to warm up the earth, and give us security of supply. In terms of numbers, we are investing well over £1 billion per annum in this.

“We are going to see significant rises in prices in real terms in the future. We have seen them this year and this will continue. British Gas prices have gone up 9% and 35%, EDF 17% and 20% and we are all under the same pressure to instigate price rises. Wholesale gas prices have more than doubled over the past year.

The consumer is actually being insulated from a lot of this increase. Prices haven’t doubled yet for the consumer, whilst the underlying product has, it’s a simple equation. I honestly wonder whether we will ever see prices plateau again.”

But the onus isn’t just on companies like E.ON to restructure and provide this balanced portfolio. Brian is clear that all of us have an obligation to be more aware of the way in which we use our resources.

“The key to the whole country sorting out the cost of energy is not just us investing in power stations, but it is down to all of us to use energy more wisely. From a moral point of view, there is only so much in the ground and when it’s gone, it’s gone – you don’t make oil easily.

“My advice to the man in the street is not to be wasteful. I am not hear to preach and tell people how

www.b4-business.com

they should run their life or what lifestyle they should adopt, but it makes clear sense to be more conscious about how we use our energy supplies.”

With new housing stock comes more efficient energy use, but this is a tiny percentage of the overall housing stock in the country. There are, however, schemes to assist those of us in older properties conserve energy.

“In terms of making our own properties more efficient, the main problem we face is with regard to the older housing stock. The Government and the industry is running a scheme called CERT’s (Carbon Emission and Reduction Targets) into which we contribute, as an industry, over £1 billion per annum in terms of supplying insulation, high efficiency lightbulbs etc. It doesn’t have the traction it should have, as it is a flagship scheme and we should be able to do more about that.”

Although this is a massive problem for all of us, there are solutions, however, Brian makes it quite clear, “There is no silver bullet.” And as Paul Golby concludes in E.ON’s report, “As a company E.ON are calling for a new, balanced and honest debate about the UK’s energy needs, one that truly assesses the consequence in terms of carbon, cost and security of our energy choices. Our interest in the outcome of this debate – and our willingness to fully participate in it – is driven by the fact that we have already begun to help build the energy infrastructure for the future. And at every turn – on renewables, on coal and no doubt on nuclear – the siloed, narrow and superficial nature of the current energy debate is hampering our ability to meet the country’s future energy needs. We must also take the opportunity of the current massive overhaul of its generation infrastructure to make sure that the energy of the future is low carbon, secure and as low cost as possible.”

Key Points from E.ON’s “Carbon, cost and consequences” report Despite the 50% increase in average energy bills over the past three years, UK electricity prices are still on a par with the European average, and cheaper than those in Austria, Belgium, Italy and Denmark.

The UK is committed to becoming a low carbon economy. We have a short-term goal of cutting our CO² emissions by 26% and delivering 15% of our total energy from renewable sources by 2020, and a longer term one of reducing CO² emissions by between 60 and 80% by 2050.

Energy diversity is key to maintaining security of supply and managing costs for our customers.

As a group E.ON intends to invest circa £40 billion between now and 2010 and increase its renewable generation capacity from 1.3GW to 10GW worldwide by 2015.

We believe renewable energy is key to addressing the fundamental energy challenges facing the UK. Our target as a group is to have 24% of our energy generating capacity from renewable sources by 2030.

To make clean coal a reality, we need to press ahead with the Government’s CCS competition and build the new coal stations required to demonstrate that the technology works on a large scale.

Beyond 2020, the UK with depend on imports for more than 80% of its gas needs.

E.ON is investing more that £500 million in new gas storage projects.

Contact details on page 98

7

Linden Homes gives £1,500 for Adderbury’s Party July 2008: Linden Homes’ sponsorship of this year’s Party in the Park in Adderbury has raised £1,500 for the charity. The firm is building new houses and apartments in the village and the money helped stage the charity’s community party earlier this month, raising funds for Katharine House Hospice.

Greenhill House is Linden Homes’ development of four-bedroom townhouses and 33 apartments, all set in established grounds, next the renowned Adderbury Bowls Club.

“We are delighted to help make Party in the Park happen,” says Zoe Dobbs, Linden Homes Sales Manager. “Our new homes are a significant part of Adderbury village and it’s good to be able to support the community in this way.”

Homes at Greenhill House start from £209,000.

Contact Sara Parker at Carter Jonas on 01865 511444 or visit Carter Jonas at: www.carterjonas.co.uk.

Local Journalist attempts The Impossible!

For the last fifty years, Manchester United have been the world's most celebrated football club. Their tale has mixed tragedy and triumph, humiliation and domination, full frontal assaults on goal and endless back-stabbing.

But how did a football club from a provincial English city, established as a way of keeping working men from the demon drink, become an institution renowned across the globe? What is it that has made United? And do the charcateristics of the club filter down through the generations? In this comprehensive, analytical, up-to-the-minute account of football's greatest story, Oxford based journalist, Jim White, attempts to find out.

And along the way he meets many of the extraordinary characters who have shaped this immense sporting institution, from Eric Cantona to Big Ron Atkinson, from Ryan Giggs to Sir Alex Ferguson. It is a book that is a must for anyone who has ever called themselves a United fan.

And at the last count, there were twelve million of them worldwide.

To win a copy of Jim’s book, visit www.b4-business.com and click on the book icon to enter.

To buy your own copy, visit www.amazon.co.uk.

Joint venture to create 5,000 jobs at Harwell The UK Atomic Energy Authority and the Science & Technology Facilities Council have announced a new 50:50 public-private joint venture with international property group Goodman.

The partnership, the first of its kind in the UK, will own, develop and manage Oxfordshire’s Harwell Science and Innovation Campus (HSIC) for the next twenty years.

Up to 5,000 high-value, knowledge-based jobs are expected to be created.

The vision for the campus was originally set out in 2006 by former Science Minister Lord Sainsbury. It will now form a key part of the Government’s ten-year UK Science and Innovation Investment Framework.

UKAEA CEO Norman Harrison said, “developing the campus has been both challenging and rewarding. This joint venture will help to unlock Harwell’s full potential over the coming years, putting Oxfordshire at the very forefront of global science and innovation.”

HSIC is expected to become a world-leading location for scientific innovation and knowledge transfer, attracting some of the planet’s brightest scientific minds. They will be joined there by a host of businesses and academic institutions.

The joint venture approach will allow HSIC to benefit from public sector access to global scientific communities, research programmes and facilities, as well as Goodman’s commercial expertise.

8

www.b4-business.com

B4 News Oxford law firm helped tennis ace towards Olympic Glory Disabled tennis ace Jamie Burdekin came home from Beijing with an Olympic bronze medal thanks to the generosity of an Oxford based law firm.

During his rehabilitation, Jamie discovered his special talent for tennis and huge amounts of determination and practice resulted in his success in Beijing.

Withy King (incorporating Marshall & Galpin), which is one of the city’s oldest and most respected legal practices, provided Jamie with a specially adapted wheelchair which he used in the Paralympic games.

However, despite his unique talent, the British Olympic Committee wasn’t able to supply him with the special wheelchair he needed which is why Withy King stepped in.

Jamie, who used to be a Royal Marine, suffered a broken neck in a road traffic accident whilst travelling as a passenger. It was then that Richard Dawson, a partner in Withy King’s Spinal Injury Claims Department, helped him during his successful claim for very substantial compensation.

Richard Dawson said: “We’re delighted to have helped Jamie. His determination and courage is an inspiration to everyone and its fantastic he came home with a medal.”

Jamie added: “It’s through the generosity and good will of firms like Withy King that I was able to attend the Olympics.

It’s the pinnacle in any athlete’s career and I’m delighted I could return Richard’s generosity with a medal.”

Destination Oxford Destination Oxford, the free conference and meetings venue-finding service for Oxford and Oxfordshire, is expanding its activities to benefit clients and partners alike.

Operated by Julie Archer and her team on behalf of commercial partners throughout the county, Destination Oxford works with a wide range of venues to meet the needs of all business occasions, from smallscale meetings to major residential conferences, corporate activities, exhibitions and special events.

Partners already featured in the Destination Oxford portfolio include such diverse names as Blenheim Palace, Eynsham Hall, Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre and the generous choice of hotels, conference centres and college facilities within the historic heart of Oxford itself.

Building on three initial years of brisk business, Destination Oxford is now embarking on a campaign to further raise the profile of Oxford and Oxfordshire in international markets. The campaign will include a presence at key overseas exhibitions, starting with EIBTM in December 2008 and the exciting revision of the Destination Oxford websites, due to be re-launched in October.

To find out how Destination Oxford can help source the right venue for your purpose, or how your venue, attraction or support services can benefit from joining the portfolio of partners, contact the team on +44 (0)1608 731802 or visit the website www.destination-oxford.com

Abingdon School unveils outstanding new sports centre On 4 October Abingdon School’s outstanding new sports centre will be opened

by Kate Hoey, MP and former Minister for Sport. Hoey will be joined by Olympic pentathlete Kate Allenby who is looking to fence in the 2012 Olympics; Robin Brew, the former British Olympic swimming captain and Martin Keown, the former England and Arsenal footballer.

The sporting facilities include a sports hall that accommodates football, badminton, volleyball, basketball and four cricket lanes; two squash courts, two fitness suites; a climbing wall and a martial arts and fencing studio. This studio has a sprung floor, mirrors and wall bars to enable dual use as a performing arts studio. The rowing ergometer suite looks over the 8-lane swimming pool and will offer the latest training facilities specific to rowing, whilst the general fitness suite will be used to increase strength and stamina across all sports. In addition, there is a physiotherapy suite.

www.b4-business.com

9

The Project Managers established and respected IT company to the pool of talent The Project Managers can draw on.

The Project Managers offers a low cost way to make business development plans, then go ahead and implement them, leaving business owners to get on with the next activity.

"We act as a low risk resource to move business to the next level" said The Project Managers' Managing Director, Peronel Barnes, who can be contacted on 01865 751531.

Hard-pressed, time-poor business owners now have one more reason to use The Project Managers to achieve their dreams of growth. A new association with Eurosolve Ltd adds an

"Partnering with Eurosolve made absolute sense," said Peronel, "as computing, and now the web, are vital to modern businesses. Now The Project

Managers can provide the drive and planning to push projects to the finishing line while Eurosolve Ltd dovetails in neatly delivering the technical elements."

"It was important that we found a company that understands that technology needs to fit businesses, not the other way around," she added, "and the way we offer our services makes it easy for companies to digest."

"We'll help you decide what you need done, then we'll get on and do it," laughed Peronel. www.the-project-managers.com.

Neil Ginger - Commercial Photographer I am a specialist commercial photographer. I enjoy the challenges it throws at you. To take what can sometimes be a difficult subject matter and produce a stunning image. With no two shoots being the same I love the opportunity to push the creative boundaries.

Over the last few years I have worked for some of the biggest brand names in the world Microsoft, Fujitsu, Sony, Samsung, Multiplex, BT, Barclays, Liz Claiborne, Swatch, Clarks shoes to name but a few. I also work with many Oxfordshire companies helping them with their corporate images, be it portraits, products or locations.

My extensive experience enables me to make a difference to how your company is perceived. Be it in print for brochures, annual reports, website, or album covers it is very important that your material has the maximum impact. The saying “ you never get a second chance at a first impression” is so true. Make sure your services or products look their very best and leave a lasting impression. Using my photography will get you noticed and help win new business.

Please call me on 07960 297250 to discuss any photography projects you may have. View my work at www.gingerphoto.co.uk

Wordsmith™ Creating cost-effective marketing that keeps the customers coming – and coming back for more…

All around there are messages of economic doom and gloom – “Be afraid, be very afraid” shout the media from headline to headline, day after depressing day. And of course, the prudent business-owner will be looking around for ways to safeguard their business, trimming budgets, cutting costs, looking with eagle-eyed vigilance to the bottom line.

Sarah Williams, founder and owner of Wordsmith™, specialists in words for websites. To find out more visit www.wordsmithtm.co.uk

10

Wordsmith™ help the hard-pressed business owner

to get the most out of their marketing buck by providing keyword-rich words for their website which not only get their marketing message across, but also keep the search engines happy – raising the ratings at no extra cost.

Says Wordsmith™ owner Sarah Williams, “We appreciate how important it is to our clients to get their message across to the right market in the right way – and to make sure that every penny invested earns its keep. Our clients have found that Wordsmith’s keyword-rich, well-written optimised website copy is one of the most cost-effective ways possible for them to reach their customers.”

www.b4-business.com

B4 Profiles Jigsaw Human Resources Are you spending too much time managing staff rather than managing your business?

Jigsaw HR is a human resources consultancy offering practical plain English advice for the smaller business on all things related to the employment, management, training and dismissal of staff in your business. We offer a friendly “Virtual HR Manager” service to small businesses. With the costs of ‘getting it wrong’ soaring in Employment Tribunals it pays to have the right infrastructure in place and to have helpful advice at the end of the phone.

Do you need help with any of the following?

Contracts of employment Recruitment Training or coaching of managers Appraisal systems Discipline & Grievance advice Redundancies Employment Tribunals If so, see our website www.jigsawhr.com or ring Heather Salter on 0845 810 0162 and see what we can do to help you.

Shaw Gibbs LLP number of areas, including audit and assurance, accounts, taxation, corporate finance, insolvency and corporate recovery and financial services. The firm operates from prestigious new offices in Summertown, Oxford and services a range of corporate and personal clients in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.

Shaw Gibbs is a leading firm of independent accountants and business advisors based in Oxfordshire with partners specialising in a

The result of a merger between Shaw & Co and Edmund Gibbs in 2006, Shaw Gibbs is a forward thinking firm providing all of the specialisms outlined above operating from one site and has enabled the firm to create sector specialisms in areas such as charities, technology, publishing and property, with additional sector specialisms.

The firm is also a member of IGAF Worldwide a global association of accounting firms enabling the firm to provide services to clients on an international level.

Shaw Gibbs is heavily involved in the Oxfordshire community and has recently been asked to sponsor the Oxfordshire Business of the Year Awards held annually in July of each year. In addition to this the firm is involved in a number of other local initiatives, sponsoring local sporting teams and local activities in the arts.

Key Members of the team include: From Left to Right: Steve Knowles, Peter O’Connell, Ian Wenman, Angela Caiger & Lorna Watson

Attract and retain more website subscribers Growing a healthy sales pipeline is crucial for any business, yet many companies are blind to the power of the internet in attracting potential customers.

Although most businesses have a website, a recent report suggests that 90% of these fail to fulfil the expectations of the business owners – perhaps you can identify with this?

Your company website is required to be effective in providing information and generating income (either directly or indirectly). These core objectives should be complemented with a digital strategy to attract and engage new potential customers at every opportunity. Maybe your website already has an Email newsletter subscription or another mechanic encouraging visitors to stay in touch, but

www.b4-business.com

how effective are your current methods and have you been measuring growth?

Would you like more subscribers? Of course you would!

In order to maximise the opportunities to attract and retain website subscribers a company should be benchmarking current performance before testing different methods of data capture. For example; try using a different call to action on your signup form besides the usual “Submit”, like “Keep Me Informed” perhaps, and see how your audience responds to different triggers.

For more free tips visit www.surefiredigital.co.uk/b4

Surefire

digital

at:

11

Cardinal House Marsh Baldon, Nr Oxford TO LET 4,120 sq ft Prestigious offices with ample car parking and within landscaped grounds only 3 miles from the Ring Road.

Unit 1, Rochester House Grange Farm, Nr Botley TO LET 1,476 sq ft High quality contemporary offices close to Botley with comfort coolling.

Units 1 - 5, Oxford Industrial Park Yarnton TO LET 9,000 sq ft - 54,000 sq ft Five modern industrial /warehouse units in a Ring Road location.

Chancerygate Business Centre Kidlington FOR SALE/TO LET 2,194 sq ft - 7,373 sq ft A newly completed scheme of 16 new industrial units.

unrivaled local and regional expertise Richard Venables Tom Barton

rvenables@vslandp.com tbarton@vslandp.com

news The Market - Yes, it is still here Just how is the ‘credit crunch’/‘financial melt down’ affecting the Oxfordshire commercial property market? Tom Barton and Richard Venables who are the agency team at VSL, acknowledge a significant down turn in enquiries and landlords taking a long hard look at their portfolios. However, they are both confident of Oxfordshire’s economic resilience based on its ‘innovation industry’.

The property investment market re-corrected itself 12 months ago and

continues to do so, but the local occupation market still has demand with lettings and sales completing and no seismic shift in lease/sale terms due to a generally limited supply of property. Hot spots also exist such as in Oxford city centre, again a reflection of the strength of the ‘Oxford factor’. At the same time, good deals can be found in the ring road office market for offices between 5,000 and 15,000 sq ft. Changes to Empty Business Rates and the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates create two new burdens for business and landlords which may exacerbate the problems in 2009.

A brace of lettings at Oxford Business Park Acting on behalf of the international property group Goodman, VSL and joint agents Lambert Smith Hampton have agreed terms with two new occupiers at Oxford Business Park.

Waldner Ltd, producer of laboratory suites will occupy 1,790 sq ft, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd is taking up 3,765 sq ft of space at The Quorum development at the Park. Both signed ten year leases at rents of £21.00 per sq ft at the Park, which is owned, developed and managed by Goodman.

Double Dealing VSL achieved back to back success for NSM Research in August.

NSM decided to relocate from their freehold owned offices at 16 Middle Way, Summertown and VSL quickly secured terms for the sale to Zinc Ahead, an Oxford based company involved in the pharmaceutical industry. The building totalling 1,900 sq ft sold close to the asking price of £550,000 and attracted a good level of interest. VSL then assisted NSM in relocating to their new base at The Kidlington Office Centre.

Summertown Success In July, VSL, on behalf of Prama Properties, completed the letting of the offices at Prama House, on the corner of South Parade and Banbury Road to Clarendon Enterprise Centres, who now occupy 17,600 sq ft. One of many buildings formerly occupied by Oxfam, it has now been transformed into a high quality serviced office facility.

Witney Double Two lettings by VSL completed over the summer in Witney. Craft- Ed (UK) Ltd have taken a new 10 year lease at an average rent of £6.00 per sq ft at Unit 1 Parkside, comprising 21,616 sq ft on behalf of landlords ING.

www.b4-business.com

Also in Witney, Certikin International Ltd took a lease of Unit 21, Avenue 2, Station Lane at a rent of £5.60 per sq ft.

Contact details on page 98

13

news Oxford Inspires is the cultural development agency for Oxfordshire. We work with partners in business, local government, with Arts Council England, The University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University to create new opportunities for arts and heritage organisations, nurture new festivals and spectacular events and to engage as many people as possible in exciting cultural experiences. We collaborate with cultural organisations across the county to support their ambitions, help them to reach a wider audience and to raise Oxfordshire’s profile as a cultural destination nationally and internationally.

The Planet Earth Season This autumn Oxford Inspires is working with arts and environmental organisations to promote The Planet Earth Season. Climate change is provoking artists and environmentalists across the county to take action and this autumn sees a windfall of events to capture your imagination, including Apple Days, theatre, lectures and exhibitions. See www.oxfordinspires.org for details.

Best Foot Forward Oxford based business consultants Best Foot Forward specialises in carbon accounting, ecological footprinting, tools development and broader sustainability support and advice. They are

using the opportunity of The Planet Earth Season to offer Pledge Cards so that both individuals and organisations can stand up and be counted for the contributions they are making to reduce their carbon footprint. These will be available to fill in for visitors at the spectacular ‘Earth from the Air at Oxford Castle’ from 20 September 2008 until January 2009, by photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Here you can pledge to switch off electrical appliances, use the car less, recycle more, and contribute to the growing energy of positive action towards making an eco-friendly Britain.

Businesses can also find out how to help reduce their environmental impact. For all of the practical solutions, including how to adapt your home to use

green energy go to www.oxfordismyworld.org. For information on Best Foot Forward go to www.bestfootforward.com.

OISSP- Schools The Season is reaching every sector of the community. The Oxfordshire Independent/State School Partnership is inviting every Year 8 child in the county to see ‘Earth from the Air at Oxford Castle’ and hosting a Sixth Form Conference as part of its extensive programme encouraging young people to go green.

Green Breakfasts Blake Lapthorn is taking on its global responsibilities and offers Green Business Breakfasts throughout the autumn at their offices at Seacourt Tower, West Way, Oxford. As well as being a major local corporate sponsor of the ‘Earth from the Air at Oxford Castle’, they have invited leading authorities on green topics to present and network with the local business and academic community.

Dates will be Wednesdays 1, 8 and 22 October, 5 and 19 November, 3 and 17 December from 7.30 -10am with speakers to present at 8am. Speakers and subjects for the October meetings will be the Environmental Change Institute, Busting through the Jargon: A beginners Guide to Climate Change on 1 October; Mike Mason, Founder of Climate Care, The Case for Carbon Offsetting on 8 October; and Mike Mason, Founder of Biojoule Ltd and George King IV, Senior Portfolio Manager at Alliance Bernstein, Tacking Climate Change Through Technology on 22 October. For more information please visit www.bllaw.co.uk and click through to the 'green breakfasts' press release.

Upcoming Coming soon with Oxford Inspires:- look out for WinterLight. Plans are being made for a dazzling programme of events leading up to Christmas in Oxford and all around the county.

Earth from the Air at Oxford Castle. 20 September 2008 -11 January 2009. www.earthfromtheair.com S 20°17’ E 148°59’ Australia. Queensland. White Haven Beach at high tide. Yann Arthus-Bertrand/Impact Photos

Oxford Inspires gives sincere thanks to its major partners: BMW Group Plant Oxford, Oxford Bus Company, First Great Western and Oxfordshire County Council and to its corporate members Barceló Oxford Hotel, Berman Guedes Stretton, Blake Lapthorn, Blenheim Colour, B4, Bicester Village, BMW Group Plant Oxford, The Corner Club, CPM, Carbon Colour, Finders Keepers, First Great

www.b4-business.com

Western, Four Pillars Hotel, Hook Norton Brewery, Image Works, Infineum, Lucy Properties, Oxford Bus Company, Oxford Castle, Richardsons, Torpedo and VSL. To learn more about how your business might be involved with Oxford Inspires contact Kathelene Weiss at kathelene.weiss@oxfordinspires.org

Contact details on page 98

15

news Cancer Campaign coming along nicely!

Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals (ORH) Charitable Funds exists to help provide facilities beyond the ORH Trust’s NHS budget which is why fundraising and supporting the Cancer Campaign is so important.

Not only will the Campaign help provide state of the art equipment but it will also fund four outdoor terraces that otherwise would have been left empty and unused.

Neil Ashley, former Chief Executive and Group Chairman of Amey plc and Managing Director of ARC Ltd and Balfour Beatty Group, and now Chairman of the Trust’s Cancer Campaign, has been the inspiration behind developing these spaces.

In 1995, following the death of his wife Jane, Neil set up The Ashley Charitable Trust which works closely with the ORH to help provide the most comfortable surroundings for women suffering from breast cancer. Part of this work has been the creation of a Unit which will become the Jane Ashley Centre along with the Jane Ashley Garden in the new Cancer Centre.

Graham Brogden, Head of Community Fundraising explains, “As we saw at the recent corporate reception, Neil totally understands the need for the business world to recognise its corporate social responsibility. We are very grateful to Neil for the

energy and motivation he generates in the sector on behalf of the Cancer Campaign.”

Already the progress of the Jane Ashley Garden has motivated others to get involved. Several companies have given their services or products at greatly discounted rates including Smiths of Bletchington who have gone 20 tonnes further by donating that amount of gravel!

There are many ways you and your business can help: Make a donation – did you know you can offset certain donations to charity against your tax bill therefore making giving to charity a real benefit to both parties?

Charity of the Year – by adopting the Cancer Campaign as your Charity of the Year and making a pledge your business can benefit from positive PR and a naming opportunity in the centre clearly demonstrating your commitment to the community.

Take part in an event - enter a team in ‘It’s Not Just A Walk In The Park’, a three mile sponsored walk (suitable for all ages and abilities) around the beautiful Oxford University Parks on Sunday 26 October.

Randolph Hotel are busy organising a Charity Auction Dinner and Dance on Friday 7 November in aid of the Campaign. This black-tie occasion will feature a drinks reception, three-course meal and live band. Charlie Ross from ‘The Antiques Roadshow’ will preside over the auction. It promises to be a great evening and a charitable way to sample a venue that you may want to use for your own business functions in the future. Tickets cost just £55. Contact Anu Basra on 01865 743447 if you’d like to sponsor the evening or purchase tickets.

‘Morse’ support – our friends at Oxford’s famous

Celebrate the opening of the Cancer Centre Not only are clinical staff preparing to move into the new centre when it opens later this year but some are also busy organising a Ball to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Sandy Hayes (senior sister on the haematology ward) is leading the planning and is looking for local businesses to sponsor the event on Saturday 22 November at the Kassam Stadium, donate raffle prizes and book tickets. Indeed many people see this as a great way to save some time by coming to the Ball instead of organising their own Christmas Party… and refreshingly there won’t be a turkey in sight! Tickets cost just £50.

Christmas will soon be here Choosing your corporate Christmas card from the Charitable Funds range will help a whole range of good causes across the hospital. You are even able to specify which fund and area you would like to support.

www.b4-business.com

With such a variety of ways you and your business can get involved there really is something for everyone! For more information about the Campaign, any of the ways you can get involved or for event info please call Graham on 01865 743442.

Contact details on page 98

17

Better for getting to London from the north or east of Oxford.

If you travel regularly to London or Birmingham from Oxford by train (or by car) you may well find that taking Chiltern Railways from Bicester North or Haddenham & Thame Parkway suits you better.

Both stations are easy to get to with plenty of secure parking spaces, but it’s not just the convenience you’ll appreciate. Our award-winning service could work out cheaper and more reliable than your current rail journey. And of course, compared with driving all the way, it saves on petrol, congestion charges and frustrating traffic jams.

Yet even though you pay less, you get more on the Chiltern line. More time to work, think or relax; on comfortable air-conditioned trains. More reliability, with 95% of Chiltern trains arriving on time in the past year and a 90% customer satisfaction rating.

So next time you’re off to London on business or for a day out, try travelling via Bicester North or Haddenham & Thame Parkway. Better for business, better for pleasure, better all round.

Visit www.chilternrailways.co.uk

J10

Motorway Services

BICESTER NORTH STATION

M

40

A41

J9 A44

A40 A34

A418

A34

A40

Motorway Services

J8a

OXFORD A4142

A420

J8

A418

J7

HADDENHAM & THAME PARKWAY

A329

London Marylebone

A34

J6

Haddenham & Thame Parkway SatNav: HP17 8EP Bicester North SatNav: OX26 6EF

news Ken Hom and Chris Patten provide food for thought at Oxford Brookes Ken Hom and Lord Patten combined forces for an evening at Oxford Brookes University to share their thoughts on how society can improve its troubled relationship with food.

The event, on 15 September at Brookes, was Oxford Gastronomica’s inaugural Ken Hom Lecture where the chef and author invited leading thinkers to Oxford Brookes to debate one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Ken Hom is one of the founding members of Oxford Gastronomica – which is the UK’s only university centre dedicated to the study of food, drink and culture.

Mr Hom used his lecture series to highlight crucial issues like sustainable food, food prices, obesity and malnourishment.

At this year’s lecture Lord Patten focused on

globalisation and food in a lecture titled ‘Feast or Famine’ which is the subject of his forthcoming book.

Donald Sloan, Head of Department Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management at Oxford Brookes said: “Oxford Gastronomica was formed when a diverse range of food experts came together determined to do something about society’s unhealthy relationship with food.

Our founders feel passionately that modern attitudes to food are causing huge challenges in a range of areas which can be seen in today’s headlines on the spiralling cost of food and the obesity epidemic.

The root cause of these crises – our relationship to food – is often overlooked or forgotten. We hope that through debate and education, Oxford Gastronomica can make a contribution to rebalancing our relationship with food. Our first Ken Hom lecture was an excellent start.”

New Projects Aims to Inspire Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs With the economy hitting hard times, encouraging enterprising attitudes amongst young people is even more important. Oxford Brookes University’s Centre for Creativity and Enterprise Development (CrED) is launching a £200,000 pilot project (in partnership with NESTA and SEEDA) and working with 70 Further Education colleges across the South East, to help FE colleges foster a culture of enterprise and innovation in young people.

Richard Beresford, Director of CrED said “the government’s objective to create a seamless enterprise journey through school, college and university is not immediately apparent with enterprise often ‘lost in translation’ as it travels across the sectors. We hope that this project will help in this regard; making a real difference, changing what and how young people are taught, and encouraging FE colleges to exemplify enterprising attitudes.”

Rick Stein backs Brookes entrepreneur If a person can be judged by who their friends are, then Sam Harrison is certainly doing well. The 30 year old Oxford Brookes alumnus has now opened his second restaurant with the financial backing of his friend and former boss Rick Stein.

Harrison’s opened last October in Balham, west London, following the success of Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick which opened in July 2005 (also backed by Stein).

Sam is the only restaurateur to have won the backing of the chef. They first worked together when Sam joined Rick Stein’s Padstow operations, becoming general manager within a year, aged just 27. This was after Sam had graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a BSc in Hotel and Catering Management. After studying, he undertook a management training programme with Walkers Crisps

www.b4-business.com

before heading to Cornwall. After two years with Stein, he spent some time in Australia before returning to the London restaurant scene.

After establishing Sam’s Brasserie, he decided to move the idea to another, similar part of London. His research was meticulous, and he spent days outside Balham tube station. ‘I was trying to get a feel for who lived in Balham and where they were going. I also talked to taxi drivers about who was coming to Balham on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and why.’

Stein is clearly impressed with this sort of preparation, but also talks warmly of Sam’s abilities as a restaurant manager. ‘What I was impressed with during Sam’s time in Padstow was how much he liked giving this quiet but efficient service,’ he says. ‘And while at heart I’m a chef, I know that one of the most important parts of running a restaurant is the service – making people

feel at home. And Sam is very good at it.’

Stein’s television work and his commitments in Padstow mean Harrison doesn’t rely on him for day-to-day advice on the business, but he still comes to tastings to help decide the menu, and they are in touch whenever they can be.

And does Sam have plans to expand further? He’s determined not to be seen as running a chain of restaurants, but says although he will look at opportunities in the future, ‘two is plenty for now, and anyway, I’ve run out of names!’.

For more information about Harrison’s, go to www.harrisonsbalham.co.uk

Contact details on page 98

19

Our full, undivided attention.

That’s what your business deserves.

Making a difference to business.

We’re always thinking about how we can help make your business better. A return to traditional levels of personal attention, coupled with the best technology and specialist knowledge is the very essence of our approach to business banking.

That means quick decision making, practical and useful seminars, and a host of networking opportunities. It’s all about one team, one location and one focus.

That focus is you.

We think of ourselves as more than just a bank and our customers as more than just customers. They’re members.

We think that’s the way to do business.

To find out more, contact Oxford Financial Solutions Centre on 01865 265 400.

Always thinking beyond banking.

www.cbonline.co.uk

Clydesdale Bank PLC. Registered in Scotland (No. SC001111). Registered Office: 30 St. Vincent Place, Glasgow G1 2HL. A member of the National Australia Bank Group of companies.

C6954 EXP AUG 09

news Stepping up our fitness levels at work In July we held our first Wellbeing week to encourage staff to take a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing.

We presented a varied programme of events, with a different theme to each day, covering topics such as hydration, sun protection, health checks, nutrition and exercise. We also gave all 115 of our staff a pedometer and challenged them to fit 25,000 footsteps into their working week. Through activities such as regular organised walks around the Oxford Science Park, more than half them achieved the target.

We rounded off the week with our team relay race

involving space hoppers and hula hoops, which was highly competitive as well as a lot of fun!

The Wellbeing initiative is not a one-off – we had another stepathon challenge in August where we set the target at 50,000 footsteps for the week. We are planning more events over the next few months to reinforce the message, that we want to help our people to invest in themselves, to remain fit and healthy, so that they can deliver their best work. We have also been encouraged to see other companies on the Science Park doing the same, with their own pedometers and regular walks.

Increased growth shows the value of .uk domain names .co.uk address for their web site and email. A recent survey of 2,352 Internet users, carried out by Opinion Matters, also shows that 72% of users are more likely to choose a .uk rather than a .com address when looking for information online.

It is pleasing to see that the .uk registry is growing year on year, and together with the high level of consumer trust in .uk this emphasises the value of businesses having a .co.uk domain name. It has become a key element of any UK-based company’s brand identity.

In August we celebrated another significant milestone as the .uk domain name register that Nominet manages passed the seven million mark.

This registration marks significant growth in the .uk registry, with an extra one million domain names since July 2007.

The increase in .uk registrations is further evidence that British Internet users recognise the value of having a

A case in point is Toots Driving School, based in Ilford, London who registered the seven millionth domain name. They chose a .uk domain name to give their web site a local feel, and they believed that a .uk site is something their customers recognise and trust, making them more likely to visit the site and book driving lessons.

Despite the encouragingly high current levels of registrations (an average of 143,000 per month so far this year) we are not resting on our laurels. During August and September we have been running

advertising campaigns in print and online media to encourage more people to renew their domain names.

The focus of the www.keepyour.co.uk campaign is to raise renewal rates by encouraging people to think about the value of their domain name and to ensure that they make arrangements with their registrar to renew it before the end of its two year registration period.

Businesses are well advised to make arrangements to ensure that their .uk domain name is renewed ahead of its expiry date. Statistics show that 15% of domain names that are not renewed are re-registered by someone else within one day of expiry, and that astonishingly 7.5% are re-registered within 10 seconds.

As soon as this happens someone else will benefit from that company’s web traffic and the search engine rankings associated with their domain name.

We hope our campaign will help ensure that more businesses take the necessary steps to protect their online brand identity and benefit from the value of .uk.

The Apprentice comes to Nominet In June, the Oxford Trust (a charitable foundation that encourages the study and communication of science, technology and engineering) launched a new project called the Venturefest Apprentice.

student was to come and work at Nominet during the summer. After four gruelling rounds, Natalie Wylde, 17, from Waddesdon School, Bucks was selected as the winner and joined us for a two week work placement.

The competition, based on the BBC favourite The Apprentice, aimed to give year 12 students an insight into the business world and the opportunity to prepare them for a future career in business, science and technology. The prize for the best

After visiting all our departments to find out how the company worked as a whole, Natalie was based in the Marketing and Communications team researching statistics for our domain name industry report. The team were very impressed by her

www.b4-business.com

dedication, eagerness to learn, and most of all her refreshing enthusiasm. At the end of her placement Natalie gave a presentation about her experience that was more polished and professional than some of our own! She was very complimentary about Nominet as a company, praising the positive attitudes and happy faces of everyone she had met. We would hire her!

Contact details on page 98

21

WHAT IF WHAT IF YOUR AGENT KEPT IN TOUCH YOU KNEW WE CARED WE KEPT THINGS SIMPLE

NOT SELLING ?

WE ARE

01865 515919

www.pinkandblackproperty.com info@pinkandblackproperty.com

14 Oakthorpe Road, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7BE

news Oxford Innovation Oxford Innovation is the UK’s leading operator of Innovation Centres and manages 14 centres across the country that provide flexible office and lab space for over 350 high-growth technology companies.

The company also delivers a range of business support programmes, including the Innovation Advisory Service South East, the Oxfordshire Enterprise Hub, and three Investment Networks that raise funding for start-up and growing companies throughout the UK.

The Networks include Oxford Investment Opportunity Network, the Thames Valley Investment Network and Oxford Early Investments which collectively have helped over 90 companies raise £20m during the last five years.

WaveSense Joins the Innovation Centre Network As Oxford Innovation’s network of Innovation Centres continues to grow, so does the number of innovative companies that choose our Innovation Centres as the ideal location for their company. One notable recent addition is WaveSense, a highly innovative company that provides a line of products designed to improve the quality of diabetes care.

This is achieved by using a new dynamic, electrochemistry technology for self blood glucose testing that personalises each test to provide world class accuracy.

UK General Manager, Alec Winton, took the decision to locate WaveSense at Harwell Innovation Centre, one of Oxford Innovation’s most established and prosperous Centres, earlier this summer and is in no doubt as to the benefits that this has afforded the company.

WaveSense Blood Glucose Monitoring System

He said: “As an innovative technology company in the process of setting up operations in the UK, we were looking for something very specific in terms of a location that could meet our various needs and really add value to our business – Harwell Innovation Centre ticked all the boxes for us. Competitive rates

were a must, but more important was flexibility in terms of the space available to us as we need to be able to adjust the amount of space that we have to reflect our growth. This is where the Innovation Centre really came into its own. It has been able to offer us the exact space that we have needed at each stage of our development, but crucially, we haven’t been required to commit to anything in advance and this sort of flexibility is absolutely invaluable to any business in the early stages.

This flexibility, combined with the range of support services available to us; the fact that we aren’t tied into a long-term contract; the prestige of an address on the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus and the general helpfulness of the Centre staff has ensured that we have surpassed our early expectations and are due to take on yet more space in the near future as the business continues to grow. It’s clear that Oxford Innovation’s Centres are designed explicitly with start-up and growing businesses in mind and I would certainly recommend that any such business should consider locating their business at an Innovation Centre.”

Calling all Business Angels...

Early stage companies in Oxfordshire are looking to raise funding to develop their technology products and services.

The Investment Networks managed by Oxford Innovation have over 150 active investor members that we match with companies seeking funding from £25,000 to £2 million. Our existing investors include serial entrepreneurs, venture capital trusts, funds and corporate venturers.

During the past five years our Investment Networks have helped over 90 companies raise over £20 million. Our experienced Investment Network managers select a range of interesting companies and organise informal ‘Dry Run’ panel sessions which include active investors ahead of presentation.

Members of our Investment Networks have the opportunity to attend the monthly investment presentation meetings; become involved in growing businesses – sharing the benefit of their management skills and experience and enjoying regular networking opportunities. Companies who present at the monthly meetings bring a host of innovations from medical and healthcare sectors, green technology, media and precision engineering.

The main aim of our Investment networks is to improve the flow of investment capital and management expertise into start-up and fast-growth companies much like the clients we have in our Innovation Centres. We believe that building and strengthening existing links between investors, entrepreneurs, businesses and innovation support organisations will lead to a more dynamic innovation economy.

For the Investment Networks to succeed we focus on identifying companies with fast-growth potential to present to our investor members. We assess a company’s suitability by reading through their business plan, talking with the management team of the company and understanding their vision.

If you would like to become a member of one of our Investment Networks, please contact Heni Sanislova on 01865 812048. She will be delighted to discuss the benefits of individual and corporate memberships which are available for one or more of the networks.

Enrol now to receive details of the next meeting taking place in Oxford on 21st October 2008.

To find out more about the range of services Oxford Innovation provides, call: 01235 838555. email: marketing@oxin.co.uk. web: www.oxin.co.uk.

www.b4-business.com

Contact details on page 98

23

news The importance of perception in business and how to appear bigger than you are of what little disposable income they have to spare.

It becomes more important than ever to them that they purchase from a company they can trust, meaning that the perception of a business can be the real make-or-break in securing a sale. By building a professional website, local companies can ensure they appear as safe and trust-worthy as the bigger brands, and that they don’t lose out on business to the more established names.

As Britain faces up to the implications of the dreaded credit crunch, SMBs are tending to find themselves the most at risk. With consumers having less spare cash to spend every month, local businesses are being backed into a corner within a fiercely competitive market, no matter what their industry. Indeed, in a recent poll by GFK NOP, 57% of respondents said they had not bought something they wanted in the past 12 months because of concerns about their household finances. With less money to be had, SMB bosses are increasingly viewing their glass as half empty – and draining away at a worrying rate. To highlight this pessimism, The Opinion Research Business found that that 38% of SMBs thought that under the current economic uncertainty it was a bad time to have a business in the UK. This might all seem a little bit doom and gloom.

However, as opposed to previous financial crises across the decades, SMBs today have a unique arsenal at their disposal which can help them beat the squeeze. Free online tools, such as Microsoft Office Live Small Business, are allowing local businesses to fight the multi-nationals on a more level playing field. Even a one man start-up can access a global audience, appealing to future customers as a reliable, professional organisation whilst maintaining their local charm.

Furthermore, an online presence can enable SMBs to appear bigger than they are. In such a fraught economic climate, consumers become protective

www.b4-business.com

Tim Kimber, Office Live Product Manager at Microsoft UK, believes that SMBs can boost their sales by taking just a few simple steps to make the most of how they are perceived. “In the current economic climate it is very easy for small business owners to feel they’re doomed. However, free help is at hand which allows even the most local of organisations to spread their wings and achieve sales from far afield. With the right professional image, there is no reason why SMBs can’t compete with the big boys of business”.

Below, Tim offers some tips on how businesses can manage the way they are perceived, and reap the benefits from appearing bigger than they are: Time to act – With the credit crunch affecting businesses of all sizes, it is vital that smaller organisations look at how they are perceived.

Recent research from Loudhouse showed that a staggering 96% of people believe it is important that that a small, local business appears professional, with 81% saying this is now more important than ever before. Simple steps like switching from using personal email to having a company domain, maintaining an informative website, and managing customer relationships with the latest internet tools ensure that SMBs look like the real deal.

Reaching a broader market means more sales – It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise that the more people you reach, the greater sales you are going to make. An online presence means that small businesses can reach more people than was previously imaginable. Isabelle Gellé, owner of Les Parfums d’Isabelle, a small business that creates and sells perfumes that are composed only of natural essential oils, highlights how a professional website can drive results. “Because the internet is

becoming a popular tool for purchasing, I can see my business increasing - 90% of my business is generated through my Office Live website”.

Local businesses with global appeal – A first-rate customer experience is desired by consumers all over the world. With this in mind, there is no reason why local start-ups should restrict themselves to selling according to their geographical location. By using search engine optimisation, an antiques dealer in Cornwall can easily reach an interested collector in Calcutta, and build an ongoing client relationship based not on location but on the great service provided.

Looks are important – 92% of people surveyed say they have checked a company’s website at some point before deciding to buy something for the first time. By having an attractive website, businesses can ensure that any hesitant potential customers are convinced by their time spent online.

However, the idea that this involves great expenditure is a modern business fallacy. Free online tools such as Office Live Small Business allow even the biggest technophobe to build an effective online presence in just a few hours.

Retain your local charm – Small businesses can enjoy a unique advantage over the multi-nationals by enjoying the best of both worlds. Whilst appearing big underlines the reliability of a company, a well-managed online presence can simultaneously ensure that SMBs lose nothing of their hometown charisma. 61% of people think small, local businesses usually provide a better quality of service than large, multi-national businesses. By stressing the company’s roots to a global audience, a simple website can spread that local charm around the world.

For further information on how to build your customer base using the power of the web please visit http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/

Contact details on page 98

25

news Don’t forget next month’s new tax return deadline Self Assessment is going through a big change this year. But change is nothing new. Some people love it, others loathe it. We’re all different.

So what are the changes to Self Assessment this year? Well, the main one is the new 31 October deadline for filing paper tax returns. It’s an important change, and one you can’t afford to ignore, because if you file a paper return after 31 October, you may receive a £100 penalty.

Even if you filed on paper last year, you can easily

switch to online filing this year. And if you do file online, you’ll have until 31 January to file your return.

But you need to make the decision now – paper or online – while you’ve still got the option to file on paper before 31 October.

And remember, you have to pay any tax you owe by 31 January, whether you file your return on paper or online.

• Over 100,000 individuals in Oxfordshire are within the Self Assessment tax system

HMRC reminder about changes to basic personal income tax allowance • Around 40 million tax code numbers for those individuals under the age of 65 will change in September. This follows the increase in the basic Personal Allowance for 2008/09 by £600 to £6,035.

This was announced by the Chancellor in May and included in this year’s Finance Act. The Chancellor also announced that the increased allowance should only go to individuals who pay all their tax at basic rate. So, to make sure that this happens, the basic rate limit for 2008/09 has been reduced

by £1,200 to £34,800. This will have the effect of leaving existing higher rate taxpayers paying the same amount of tax as they were before the changes.

• The new tax codes must be applied by employers on the first pay day on or after 7 September 2008. The majority of the codes will be changed automatically by employers who will only get a small number of individual notifications of changed codes and most

people will not get a revised notice of coding (P2).

Further details of how the changes affect people are available by visiting the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk and clicking the ‘Extra Personal Allowance for 2008/09’ link.

HMRC Launch Telephone Lines for Oxfordshire Accountants Accountants and tax advisers with client records in Oxfordshire will get a more efficient telephone service from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) with the introduction of a local Agent Dedicated Telephone Line (ADL).

By ringing 0845 366 7897 accountants and tax advisers (agents) will have their own dedicated line to HMRC. They will get to speak to a well trained adviser

who can help with difficult and complex issues. And if the query cannot be answered straight away there is an immediate escalation route to a specialist within HMRC. Agents have told us that they needed telephone lines that offered them a unique service that catered for their needs. These dedicated numbers will help us improve the service we offer. We have already had positive

feedback from people who have used the lines elsewhere in the country.

The dedicated lines are part of the work of the Agents and Employers Service Improvement Programme (AESIP) which aims to ensure that accountants see a real difference in their interaction with HMRC.

Join up today for instant news from HMRC Accountants and tax advisors can get the latest news from HMRC as and when it happens by signing up to its instant news alert service today.

They will be able to subscribe to the free ‘RSS feed’ service which will automatically notify them of the

latest news specifically for accountants and tax advisors.

This is a free and simple way to keep up to date with what is going on in HMRC. It’s easy to subscribe – just go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/news-agents.htm

We have also revamped our dedicated web pages for accountants and tax advisors – they are well worth a look. A lot of useful information can be found - just a few clicks away at www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents.

Don’t miss Penalties Podcast HMRC has launched its latest podcasts for agents, on the new penalty regime and HMRC’s services for agents.

In the podcast, Brian Redford, Director of HMRC’s Agents & Employers Service Improvement Programme (AESIP) discusses ‘reasonable care’ and what practical

www.b4-business.com

help is available for agents on the new penalty regime for incorrect returns. He also talks honestly about HMRC’s services for agents, and how his team are working to improve them.

Further information on the new penalties regime, including guidance and FAQs, can be found on the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/new-penalties/index.htm

The podcast can be downloaded for free from HMRC's podcast page at www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts.

Contact details on page 98

27

PREPARED TO LITIGATE

Henry Mendus is Head of Commercial Litigation at one of the region’s largest law firms, Darbys. With a reputation as one of the finest litigators in the county, his calm exterior masks the fighter within.

B4 discovered that the impressively calm Henry Mendus is the man you want in your corner. He gets results, and his overriding desire, almost obsession, is to get that result as quickly and, believe it or not, as cost-effectively as possible.

a case should be progressed, and at what stage it is sensible to start talking to the opposition, to see if the dispute can be brought to an early conclusion, without issuing proceedings at all.”

Do companies try to avoid litigation?

“Any lawyer who thinks that dragging a case out will help his business is much mistaken – quick, successful and cost effective results are what our clients want and they not only come back to us for more, but also recommend us to others.”

So what support will Darbys Commercial Litigation team provide me with in a dispute?

“I always try to put myself in the position of the client – what would they like to see?

Legal knowledge and legal experience, yes,” Henry has both of these in abundance.

“But just as important, is someone who understands the client’s business and what they are trying to achieve. This is what I tell my team. I want our clients to know that we are working together with them, also as a team. We have to perform and demonstrate to our client, through our determination, professionalism and single-mindedness to win the case, that we were the right team for the job – we want the other side to wish they’d appointed us! We do, but are expected, to work extremely hard in order to achieve this. We leave nothing to chance - in my experience, preparation and attention to detail pays dividends, and this usually leads to a successful outcome.”

Is litigation always the solution?

“Not at all. We are entirely open and frank with our clients. If your claim is a good one, I will do everything I can to ensure that it succeeds. If you do not have a strong case – I will tell you from the outset. The last thing any client wants is to become embroiled in a case where the chances of success are uncertain – that is not good for your business or ours. My team and I will not promise what we cannot deliver.

Litigation can be uncertain, and costly, not just in financial terms. It can be utterly draining for clients and their businesses. Some clients underestimate the time and money investment they have to make in the litigation process.

“The first question we ask a client is ‘what do you want to achieve?’ We look at whether that wish is realistic or forlorn. We decide how we can achieve the result the client wants, and if that isn’t possible, we tell them what their options are.

“In my experience, the main reason a company will avoid litigation is because they have been involved in it previously, their actions were in vain, and it was an extremely expensive course of action. Companies that have a trusted, dedicated litigation lawyer don’t hesitate to involve them. I believe that such a lawyer is an asset, and I like to consider myself and my team as an asset to our clients.”

(See page 30 for Client Comment feedback from some of Darbys’ Commercial Litigation clients.)

Isn’t the old open-warfare style of litigation a bit out of date?

“It is, but if litigation is the course of action which gives our client the best possible chance of succeeding in their claim, that is the route we will take. Where a case has weaker foundation, is particularly complex with a higher degree of risk, we may advise our client to mediate with the other side. Meditation removes a degree of the uncertainty, stress and expense which comes with litigation.

“An eminent QC once said to me that the problem with old-style litigation is that it involves embarking on a journey when you do not know how long the journey will last or where it will end, and that sort of uncertainty is unsatisfactory for anyone.

Mediation offers an attractive alternative which allows a client to settle a dispute at a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time.

“It is down to my team and I to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a case, to minimise the risks and obviously press for a successful conclusion.

“Rest assured, there are times when mediation is the last thing that a client wants, or that a case warrants. We are experienced, savvy and, for want of a better phrase, “street-wise”, and where litigation is the only way to resolve a case, we have proved time and again that we are more than capable and can secure a swift and decisive victory for our client. After all, we are litigators first and foremost, and although old-style “bare-knuckle” litigation is a thing of the past, we mustn’t lose sight of our ability to litigate very successfully.”

“Being open and realistic with the client from the start is key. We will advise how far

28

www.b4-business.com

Photography: Studio8. Tel: 01865 842525.

B4 ADVICE

www.b4-business.com

29

B4 ADVICE Your client base must be varied?

A positive future for Darbys?

“We act for a wide range of clients, from large corporations, small to medium sized businesses, local authorities, charities, and various educational institutions. These are locally, regionally, and nationally based.

“It is vital that we don’t get carried away, but we are delighted with the progress that the firm is making. We are not perfect, but we are trying our level best to be.

It is our considered view that, during these challenging times, although there are variables outside of our control, provided we do what we do well and exceed our clients’ expectations, then the firm will be robust enough to weather the storm.

“My team and I cover a broad spectrum of work, including company and partnership disputes, intellectual property and copyright disputes, professional negligence claims, property-related litigation, libel and slander cases, and trusts and probate disputes.”

Darbys as a firm is really enjoying something of a renaissance?

“Darbys has become a very lively place to work and the atmosphere within the firm means that we are not only retaining, but also attracting, excellent staff. Clients are continually praiseworthy and enjoy witnessing the evolution of the firm as much as us.”

Is the team relishing the challenges ahead?

“For years, Darbys has grown in every way. We reached the stage where we were one of the top two hundred law firms in the country, out of some nine thousand law firms. There was still room for improvement, however, and as a partnership took the unprecedented (for a law firm) step of appointing a new Managing Partner from the outside in Simon McCrum. Simon most certainly has a unique skill set, coupled with a different experience and vision to us, which is great for Darbys.

“Simon has brought with him a fresh impetus, and has us aiming very high indeed. He enthuses staff and his infectious will to ‘be better than the rest’ and to provide a service that is nothing less than “great” has struck a chord with our clients too, who certainly approve of his various initiatives and like what they hear and see. He is changing the perception of Darbys. We used to hide our light under a bushel, but we are now blowing our own trumpet more, and justifiably so”.

And how does the future look for Commercial Litigation at Darbys?

“With the enthusiastic input of Simon McCrum, who is himself a Commercial Litigator by background, there is now a definite drive to grow our Litigation team. We want to look after the Litigation needs of businesses beyond our existing client base. We have successfully entered into a number of competitive tenders, and we believe our reputation in the market place is continuing to grow.

“Our BLUE and PURPLE legal support schemes for businesses and their owners respectively, and the GREEN legal support scheme for those in the agricultural sector, are not only revolutionary in the way that they attract new clients to the firm – they are also the beginnings of a revolution in the delivery of legal services from which all of our clients will benefit.

“Under these schemes, we offer businesses our LitigationLite service, by which they can ask us to assess their case, free of charge, to evaluate the pro’s and con’s of the case and advise accordingly. We have had very positive feedback from new and existing clients about these schemes and about LitigationLite in particular.

“Of course. Litigation remains an essentially confrontational process. But my team are confident that we are experienced and hardy enough to succeed in the toughest climates.”

Client Comment: Kelvin Bryon, Managing Director of Basildon Chemicals, Abingdon: "We have been extremely impressed in our dealings with Henry. He is sharp, incisive and clear in his advice and most importantly, he understands what we need for our business. He is also determined to achieve the best results for us and where necessary, will take a tough approach with the opposition. He's the man to have on your side."

David Hogben, Courtney Pianos: "The service that we have received from both Henry Mendus and Victoria Wright on two separate matters, has been professional, informative, friendly and constructive."

Roger File, Property Director, Blenheim Palace: "When a potentially litigious situation arises we consult Henry early on, to obtain a quick assessment of the situation and to advise on the potential courses of action available to us. We have always found his advice clear, with a view to our commercial needs. His calm exterior and quiet demeanour mask a steely determination to achieve excellent results. We would rather he was acting for us, than against us!"

Nicolas Rees, Director, Savills: "I have used Henry's team for many years for work related issues, but I also used them for a personal issue that arose earlier in the year - I can pay them no higher compliment. What I need from a litigation team are solutions not technical legal answers. Henry's team have always found the solution, which in many instances has avoided the Courts, saving us valuable time and money.

We use Darbys because we get vital, pragmatic advice which is crucial to our business."

L I T I G AT I O N

T

E A M

PROFILES Sean Hazell Sean is one of Oxford’s leading landlord and tenant dispute lawyers and believes that the successful resolution of a dispute depends on identifying from the start the clients’ needs and objectives and bases much of his success on this. His work includes forfeiture claims, recovering business premises, contract disputes, professional negligence and specialised land related areas, involving applications to the Lands Tribunal and the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal. He is currently developing a client package for businesses to help minimise unpaid debtors and to pursue outstanding debts promptly.

Nick Wright Nick specialises in commercial litigation including contractual disputes, rectification of business leases and commercial and residential repossession. He also specialises in professional negligence, putting right the mistakes made by other professionals. Oxford born and bred, Nick is an extremely good lawyer acting for many nationwide clients and is also part of the Darbys Equine Team.

Victoria Wright Victoria qualified as a solicitor after achieving a distinction in the Legal Practice Course from the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. She has quickly become an integral part of the Commercial Litigation Team, with particular interest in corporate and intellectual property disputes. Victoria has been involved in a number of successful mediations and firmly believes in alternative dispute resolution.

Prisca Bradley Prisca is a trainee who brings with her extensive knowledge of discrimination and employment disputes.

She has experience of mediation and has conducted various tribunal cases. Before joining Darbys, Prisca spent three years as a legal adviser at the British Medical Association and regularly provides external training to clients on legal issues.

Contact details on page 98

30

www.b4-business.com

STYLE LIGHT WORK ENERGY SPACE

TO LET 3,400 - 39,900 SQ FT

ABINGDON BUSINESS PARK, OXFORDSHIRE WWW.TORUS-ABINGDONBUSINESSPARK.CO.UK

020 7629 8171 Contact: RICHARD VENABLES RVenables@vslandp.com

Contact: CHARLES STEVENS Charles.Stevens@knightfrank.com

B4 PROPERTY

T ORUS A B BINGDON

As you travel down the A34 towards Abingdon, you might have noticed a large green roof dominating the skyline. Once the office and research centre for Oxford Instruments within Abingdon Business Park, it was sold in 2007 to The Greater London Property Fund, a joint venture between property developer IVG and AXA. The building has now been substantially refurbished at a cost in excess of £2 million. It has been re branded TORUS and is being jointly market by VSL and Knight Frank.

TORUS is the scientific name given to a doughnut like structure which aptly describes this building. Not sugar coated, but with office space which wraps around a large central atrium ensuring the building is flooded with natural light throughout.

www.b4-business.com

USINESS

Yes, this sounds like a fairly standard refurbishment, but this building is different. Richard Venables of VSL predicts “We are confident that this building will be able to significantly reduce energy costs over a standard office building, perhaps by 50%.” A bold statement, but with energy costs rising all of the time this is a feature to take note of.

This building is not air conditioned, but is naturally ventilated and the 3,500 tonnes of concrete structure provides a thermal mass which ensures a fairly constant internal temperature of 21oC throughout the year. In the same way that period stone buildings tend to remain cool in the summer, a similar effect is created here. In the summer, internal fans assist circulation of cooler night time air through the building reducing the temperature of the floor slab. In the day,

PARK

when warmer air is brought into the building, it is then cooled as it travels over the floor. In the winter, the internal area is warmed by a gas fired system and also encompasses a heat recovery system.

Charles Stevens of joint agent Knight Frank adds, “Whilst the whole building is 40,000 sq ft and would make an ideal headquarters, it can be split into individual suites from 3,400 sq ft. The site also has expansion space for a further 30,000 sq ft.” .

For further information why not have a look at the website, www.torus-abingdonbusinesspark.co.uk

Contact details on page 98

33

B4 FINANCE

MARKET COMMENT It has now become clear that banks have been involved over the past decade with building up the greatest credit bubble of all time. The extent of the problem was hidden by debt instruments which were (perhaps deliberately) complex. Even professional credit ratings agencies were blind to the problems, as until recently they rated the securities highly (AAA) by credit ratings agencies.

The resulting car wreck has caused the global economy to shudder and stall in the short term at least. Yet the good news is that sanity is being restored, forcibly, and valuations of many credit-driven assets such as starter homes have fallen back to what many would see as sensible levels. The ease of availability of credit pushing up prices reminds me of the double-MIRAS boom of the 1980s (now I am showing my age!) where small flats were sold for highly inflated prices due to a market distortion, namely the availability of two lots of tax relief on mortgages. Normality – or perhaps sanity - was

restored once the distortion was removed, and prices fell. Now the distortion is the credit crunch and a similar process is occurring.

What does this mean for investors? Those who have kept funds in cash have become canny investors over the past year purely by accident, as cash has been the top-performing asset class - due to weakness in all other areas. However, it is these cash investors who should now consider moving at least some funds into the sharemarkets as prices are so low.

As for the future, if I can polish my crystal ball, it seems likely that we have ahead of us a period of retrenchment and adjustment to a new environment in the short term. This period will be marked by generally lacklustre stockmarkets, but despite this there will be bargains for those who care to look.

We believe the markets will recover at some point.

They always have before, so this fallow period may be viewed as the ideal time to acquire cheap stock, and this is where good investment managers are invaluable for the man-in-the-street investor.

This is also a good time to make pension contributions as they will purchase more units in funds today than at any time in the last year or more. Pensions remain very attractive investment vehicles as (a) generous tax relief is available on contributions made and (b) the funds are tax-preferred.

As Independent Financial Advisers, we can assist by identifying fund managers who are likely to do well for you in any recovery, as well as advising on the best tax structure for investments to minimise tax on any profits.

Please note that investments may fall as well as rise in value and past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

AMBER WEALTH & AMBER FINANCIAL 34

www.b4-business.com

B4 FINANCE Since B4 launched in 2006, we have had the pleasure of working with key individuals in the Oxfordshire business community who have really seized the mettle and worked with B4 to help their business through contact with other B4 customers. One such customer is Susannah Maxa, previously of STL Communications. Having taken the opportunity to step back from STL when it merged with Intellion, Susannah spent a fruitful 9 months working to great effect with ORH Charitable Funds, raising the Trusts awareness within the Corporate community, we now have the pleasure of dealing with Susannah at Oxfordshire financial services company, Amber Financial Management.

And it was through Charitable Funds that Susannah solidified links with John Fissenden, Managing Director of Amber Wealth Creation Ltd. They both worked together when Susannah was at STL as John acted as IFA for the company, another example of B4 customers working together! John has had a long and successful career in the financial services industry, initially working for CIS. John then became a co-director of Amber Independent in 1998, expanding this into his own business (Amber Wealth) in 2004.

increased complexity of financial services, and as a result, we are able to provide high quality, professional advice in almost all circumstances.

Amber Wealth is a financial services company which provides independent financial advise. The company provides its clients with an excellent and professional service and its client portfolio is expanding rapidly due to client referrals

“We use state-of-the-art financial planning and modelling tools to assist in making recommendations.

In addition, we maintain a computer network, and keep all client records on a secure database.”

The company operates from its own premises in Hanborough Business Park, Long Hanborough, near Oxford.

“Our philosophy is to offer specialised area-focused advice,” explains John” and to this end, we employ a number of specialist staff. This is mainly due to the

“Susannah is coming in to expand our range of services yet further and extend the Amber brand. As a qualified accountant Susannah will be able to provide high level management advice tied into detailed knowledge of accounting principles. She has also had extensive experience of growing, managing and subsequent sales of businesses at various levels.

One of Amber Wealth’s Oxfordshire success stories is Racing Challenge.

Racing Challenge is an out of the ordinary franchise that takes you into the event entertainment business with the only 4 and 8 seater mobile driver racing car simulators in Europe.

Amber became deeply involved and with the help of a specialist franchise consultant brought everything together to allow Racing Challenge to open their first franchise in March 2007.”

By the end of 2007 Racing Challenge could boast five franchises across the U.K. and Ireland. So far in 2008 they have added another six to date and hope to continue this exceptional growth in partnership with Amber.

“With the involvement of Amber Financial and Susannah’s breadth of financial knowledge we are looking forward to taking the Racing Challenge to its next level.”

Susannah added, “With the demands of the current economic climate this is an exciting time for business’s, with senior executives struggling to juggle the many roles placed upon them. The addition of my financial management experience and qualifications will compliment Johns existing financial services allowing business’s to bring all their financial requirements under one roof.”

Mike Yeats, Managing Director of Racing Challenge, started the business in 2002 with the flagship Super 8 racing simulator. Over the next four years the business built up a sterling reputation with many large businesses and private clients. "By 2006 our calendar was packed, so the next logical step was to create another Super 8 to share the workload. However realising a niche market that we were not targeting, we decided to design a smaller version of our simulator."

As a result in September 2006 the Super 4 was born.

Mike Yeats commented “Almost instantly we were swamped with party and corporate requests from clients who had previously considered us but due to space or budget restrictions had been unable to proceed. It was at this point that John and his team at

AMBER SERVICES Specialists within Amber provide advice for different products and services a flavor of which are, as follows:

Corporate investments: Bank accounts; Medium to long term investments.

Corporate tax planning: Dividends versus salaries; pension contributions; available reliefs.

Group schemes for directors: Stakeholder pension schemes; Group personal pension and/or employees schemes; Executive pension schemes; Self-invested pension schemes.

Company structures: Voting rights and shareholdings.

Corporate protection planning: Shareholder protection insurance; Partnership protection Insurance; succession planning.

www.b4-business.com

Individual financial planning for company directors: Extraction of profits; Salary sacrifice; Pension planning: Life and critical illness planning; Income protection insurance and Inheritance Tax planning.

Financial Management: General monthly and quarterly financial accounting support from a 'Virtual FD' role to detailed advise on preparation of annual budgets and business plans Financial Accounting: Assistance in preparation and completion of statutory financial requirements from quarterly VAT returns to annual company tax returns

Amber Wealth Creation Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Contact details on page 98

35

B4 IT & COMMS

GET SUPPORT Get Support is based in Garsington – just outside of Oxford. Ideally placed for easy access to the city and outskirts, the team of six dedicated consultants and technicians are passionate about using IT to help customers cut costs, streamline their businesses and free up time to focus on their own trade. And their customers are happy, as B4 found out.

“I set up Get Support to help small businesses navigate the minefield of computers”, explains James Craddock, Managing Director of Get Support, “Technology should work for a business – not get in the way of it. Get Support’s services benefit our customers to such an extent that a small financial outlay is recouped many times over, simply by reclaiming wasted time by using computers and systems that work first time.

“The Men Commandments” is a book for MEN. The web site needed an interactive forum for men to discuss hot topics, as well as video and audio highlights, and sample chapters from the book. With an ambitious deadline, the team at Get Support worked tirelessly together and the web site was successfully launched at www.themencommandments.co.uk on 14th September.

“Small business owners seldom have time to get into the technical side of computing, and cannot commit key members of their senior staff to chase around after trivial IT concerns. Get Support is here to take all of the hassle away from you and replace it with expert advice and support in plain English.”

“James and his team at Get Support were simply brilliant. I really didn't know what I was doing and what I wanted from the site, but he produced a fantastic site for me that exceeded my expectations” said Christian, “They also did all of this in next to no time!”

And the proof is in the pudding for these customers.

Web site launched for Christian O'Connell’s new book “The Men Commandments” At the beginning of September, Get Support were approached by award-winning radio host Christian O’Connell to create a web site for his book “The Men Commandments”, scheduled for launch on 15th September.

www.b4-business.com

Absolute Radio Absolute Radio is the new name for Virgin Radio, following the sale of the station to TIML earlier this year. Get Support has been working closely with the new owners to handle the registration and transfer of a number of internet domain names from around the world, as well as playing a key role in the design and rollout of their new computer infrastructure over the following months.

“Having dealt with many IT support companies in the past, it is safe to say that Get Support has outshone them all,” said Clive Dickens, Chief Operating Officer, Absolute Radio (www.absoluteradio.co.uk).

It’s always impressive when customers are prepared to go on the record, and Get Support’s clients are ready to be seen and heard. Check out what a number of them think of the service they receive on www.getsupport.co.uk It’s not just the usual anonymous testimonials, there’s video clips of MDs from various companies, including Pink & Black Property and Paul Avins Enterprises, saying what they think. They’ve been prepared to go the extra mile and take the time to record Their Support for Get Support.

And that speaks louder than acres of print.

While you’re browsing the website (www.getsupport.co.uk), you’ll see the technical resources that can transform your website or deliver immediate support when a crisis hits. It’s more efficient than having your own in-house IT department with none of the hassle.

So … Get Support Contact details on page 98

37

CONSIDERED CONFERENCING

Steve has world-wide experience producing Conferences as far away as Sydney, Cape Town, Las Vegas, Shanghai, virtually every major European city and throughout the UK, so he is a voice to be reckoned with.

He told B4, “What surprised me from that initial meeting were two things: the first was Roger’s determination that this was going to happen and, secondly, that he wanted a person who operates at the Conference ‘coal face’ to be involved in its design. All too often, venues designated as Conference Centres are little more than large open spaces with poor access, inflexible design and no infrastructure. Making venues cable to perform to the client’s requirement gets harder as they demand higher standards and quality production for their audience. In-house facilities are invariably outdated as a by-product of failing to keep up with technology, and even then their product is usually priced at a premium. For CVP, it normally means taking our own equipment and technicians, - a logistical nightmare for any location and even worse when you consider the documentation required outside of the EU.” Accepting Roger’s challenge, CVP joined Conference Centre Oxford’s project team to add its wealth of experience into the design of the new Centre. This input was

38

crucial in bringing to life two main function rooms, suitable for one hundred and fifty and two hundred and fifty people respectively, plus smaller breakout meeting rooms.

For the latter, Steve brought in local company, Image, who’s experience and specialism in fixed boardroom and meeting room installations made them ideal to fulfill this aspect of the development. B4 fired a few questions at Steve: What special consideration do you need to give to “live” function rooms?

“The first consideration for ‘live’ function rooms is the infrastructure. The design of the cabling systems for data, video, sound and lighting need to not only meet today’s requirements, but the next generation of technology. The equipment in Conference Centre Oxford’s main function rooms represent the best available today, but what is important is that any new technology can be incorporated easily. This is why Conference Centre Oxford is different - it will be ahead of the game.

“This is vitally important if you consider how quickly technology moves and what users of the Centre will want or bring with them. Whether it’s an outside production company or an individual, you have to be ready to meet their needs.”

www.b4-business.com

B4 MEET

Steve Coles, Managing Director of Oxfordshire based conference production company, CVP (Oxford) Ltd, met with Roger Watts, Managing Director of Conference Centre Oxford, fifteen months ago to consider Roger’s concept to create a leading edge Conference Centre in the heart of Oxford. Steve Coles explains to B4 what happened next.

What sorts of activities will take place in these rooms?

“Anything that is ‘live’ i.e. Conferences, Exhibitions, Seminars, Dinners, Fashion Shows and so on.”

For anyone considering an event at Conference Centre Oxford, what equipment and services can the Centre provide?

“Projection with screens and drape backdrop, a high quality sound system, lighting and trussing. There is also staging, together with controllable room lighting and air conditioning, all of which is fully integrated. It is designed to be fit for purpose.”

Is there good access to the rooms?

“Both are situated on the ground floor, with high and double door entrances with access directly into the room.”

Is technical support available?

“There is on-site technician support which is responsible for the operation of the equipment. All controls for the integrated systems are located in the technical control rooms However, these controls can be accessed through the patch systems

www.b4-business.com

available throughout the function rooms for those clients who bring in their own equipment or via outside production companies and show producers.

For major a conference that requires additional technical support, Conference Centre Oxford can meet the challenge.”

What else will Conference Centre Oxford offer?

“The Centre will also offer something different in terms of ‘Themes’ for a particular function. Because of its flexibility, all of the integrated elements in the function rooms can be arranged to dress particular themes. Any Conference or meeting can be enhanced by using a theme which engages participants to make it more meaningful and memorable. Further information will soon be available as the Centre approaches its opening date.

How soon can customers book?

“Our planned opening will be in March 2009”.

And as we all know, March will be here before we know it.

Contact details on page 98

39

ETHOS HOTEL

A HOTEL WITH THE HEART

OF A HOME

Comfort, relaxation, consideration, all with sustainability in mind. The new Ethos Hotel, just off the Abingdon Road in central Oxford, certainly has one hell of a name to live up to. But it has been chosen wisely, and co-owners Simon Walshaw and David Beaumont have made sure no stone has been left unturned in their quest to create a truly inspirational hotel. The website boasts that it’s luxury with a conscience…. Ethos Hotel Oxford strikes the perfect balance between home and hotel. And that’s about spot on, as B4 discover.

With super king beds, feather top mattresses and furnishings, which wouldn’t look out of place in the swankiest of interior design magazines, Ethos Hotel has an air of class and sophistication which oozes from every pore of this recently converted, detached residence. The twelve thoughtfully designed rooms are fascinating, each with their own identity and each providing a sanctuary for the guest. They have created the perfect setting, and, make no mistake, if you expect something better, Ethos Hotel will make sure you receive it.

We mustn’t overlook the thought process behind the hotel, and the compulsion to create a sustainable environment, where efficiency and economy have not been achieved at the expense of comfort and luxury, as David explains, “The property cost us approximately £2 million. It is a huge property and we have done a lot to it since we took over in 2006. We replaced all of the floors and walls, completely tanked out the lower floors and gutted the whole building.

40

“The windows are special Pilkington solar glass, which keep heat out in summer and heat in during the winter. We have air source heat pumps throughout the building to facilitate efficient heating and cooling, depending on the weather. It is an exceptionally green building throughout, and even the produce we serve is fair trade. There are heated towel rails, underfloor heating and low voltage bulbs which should all keep utility bills to an absolute minimum.”

Simon has brought in a number of his own ideas to the hotel, including black out curtains which reflect the heat during the day. “Blocking out noise, enhancing comfort and relaxation and ensuring our guests get a good night’s sleep is our top priority. Would you go back to a hotel where you had had a bad experience?”

Through their experiences, staying in hotels around the world, David and Simon have tried to draw on the positives and eliminate the negatives in their own establishment. They may be little things, but Simon

and David are trying to make the whole experience of staying at Ethos enjoyable, not give their guests the slightest reason to choose another hotel if they ever return to the City.

There is no reason why hotel guests shouldn’t be treated as an extension of your sales staff. What better recommendation for your hotel than someone who has had a good experience, who then tells their friends, colleagues and associates?

The provision of free sky movies and sports is designed to encourage you to relax, and the provision of free kids channels is intended to allow the parents to relax. Comfortable and relaxing chairs have been provided in the lounge areas of the studios, convenient work desks have been provided in all rooms and there is plenty of cupboard space in all twelve rooms. Wet bars with fridge freezers have also been included so that if you don’t want to venture out, you can practically live in the room. “We wanted to make the rooms as

www.b4-business.com

B4 GREEN

“Our Ethos: to do our utmost to create the perfect setting.

Your Ethos: expect something better and receive it” homey as possible,” comments Simon, “Breakfast is delivered to the room, so that you can really relax and unwind.”

little reason or justification for staying here! It is understandable why David and Simon are laying down the gauntlet to find a better bed in Oxford!

Simon has also demonstrated his artistic flair, by designing the leather headboards for the quite decadent beds. The oak panelled doors throughout were chosen by David and Simon from sustainable forests. David’s wife, Renate, (who owns Vanilla boutique in South Parade), has made her design mark throughout, nowhere more so than in the Skyloft suite, a real gem, again with wet bar and relaxing lounge area. Upstairs is a quite magnificent bedroom, beautifully furnished with vibrant pink cushions and wall art. The sky light affords stunning views of Oxford – it’s a shame, as a resident of Oxford, that I will have

Even though it is relatively early days for the hotel (it only opened in late August), occupancy is up on target and this is with little or no advertising or marketing, “We are trying to appeal to a lot of different markets”, explains David, “business, leisure, families, academics, students. Our disabled room offers guests direct access from a designated disabled parking slot directly outside the room, with walk in shower and other considerations for disabled guests. We even offer a room for guests with well behaved small dogs!”

www.b4-business.com

quarter of a mile from Christchurch College and one mile from the train and bus stations, Ethos is also just one mile from the Park and Ride at Redbridge, and, of course, the hotel is on the main bus route to the centre of Oxford.

This hotel is extremely well thought out and you can see in five year's time a collection of Ethos Hotels where the whole approach, focused on sustainability, dovetails perfectly with the world's green revolution.

Find an excuse to stay.

Access is also excellent. Located at Folly Bridge, just Contact details on page 98

41

e b l Joi r e nu s to cele Can b cer rate and yo Ha ur e n

B a ll

o n i t a

!

The new ew 217 bed hospital on the h ho C hurchill site in Churchill He eadington will Headington ca re for patients care in attractive surr o oundings surroundings with the la atest high-tech latest equipm ment. Help us equipment. celebrate celebr rate our “new home” ho me” and raise funds fun nds to support f th enhancements further e h t to pa atient car e and patient care rresearch essearch that ar aree beyon nd the NHS to beyond fund alone.

C e ntr e

C

rregistered egistered charit charity ty 1057295

w e o l o t gy a m

22nd d November er 2008, 2008 8, 7.30pm m Kass sam Stadium Stad dium Kassam TTickets ickeets £40 for NHS N staff staff £50 forr the public Tickets iinclude Tickets nclude thr ee-ccourse meal, three-course and da d ance band. dance

conttaact contact 01865 0186 65 743444 for 65 f more re information , to bu uy tickets or to buy discu uss sponsorship discuss oppo opportunities ortunities

B4 IT & COMMS

TURN TALK INTO TYPE B4 is turning into a bit of a monster. Having increased from 60 pages to almost 120 in two years means twice as many articles and twice as many interviews. That means that any time-saving efficiencies are greatly welcomed. Richard Rosser at last discovers what the rest of the world probably already knew!

Interviewing a wide range of business men and women in Oxfordshire is all part of evolving B4, part of creating the network of contacts which each B4 customer can feed off and, hopefully, benefit from. But each time the tape recorder came out meant an equal amount of time, if not more, sat at the PC in the early hours of the morning listening to the interview and typing out the notes, word for word – and that’s before I had the chance to even contemplate writing the actual article or going anywhere near proofing it with or for the customer and getting it externally proofread!

It did feel slightly prehistoric, I must admit, so when Bob Harris of North Oxford Golf Club (see Page 54), rather surprisingly found out that I didn’t know anything about voice recognition software, he was gob-smacked. “So I can feed the interview in and it types it out for me?” I asked, astonished. When I first purchased my tape recorder, as a wannabe journalist (well, to be honest, I didn’t really want to be a journalist, it was a case of needs must), I did flirt with the wish that it would be bloody brilliant if I could connect the tape to the PC and it would splurt it out for me, without having to listen again. But this is the man who bought a BBQ tray for an outdoor event expecting the pork chops and sausages on the front cover to be in the box!

“Don’t be stupid!”, I told myself, that would be impossible.

But impossible it isn’t, Bob was spot on. Within days, Dragon NaturallySpeaking Software was showing me what I had missed and what I had dreamt about. It saved me so much time.

per minute, but type less than forty words per minute. What if you could create email, documents and spreadsheets simply by speaking? What if you could control your PC just by talking to it, starting programs, using menus, surfing the web?

This isn’t Star Trek; it’s Dragon NaturallySpeaking, the world’s best-selling speech recognition software. This revolutionary and easy-to-use product gives you everything you need to be more efficient with your PC. Turn your voice into text three times faster than most people type, with up to 99% accuracy. It’s so easy, you can use it right out of the box. It learns to recognize your voice instantly and continually improves the more you use it.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking works with the most commonly used desktop applications, including Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, AOL and more! Just about anything you do now by typing can be done faster using your voice. Create and edit documents or emails. Open and close applications. Control your mouse and entire desktop. It’s incredible.

The biggest reason more people worldwide rely on Dragon NaturallySpeaking is that it works. With more than 175 awards for accuracy and ease of use, it’s the undisputed leader in speech recognition software. If you want to get more done, more quickly, just say the word and Dragon NaturallySpeaking will transform your productivity.

It did it for me, and I’m dozy!

And it doesn’t stop there. Most people speak over one hundred and twenty words Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

43

OXFORD AIRPORT

B4 last had the pleasure of interviewing Oxford Airport’s Marketing and Development Manager, James Dillon-Godfray, for B4 Issue 2. Since then, the airport has undergone a significant makeover, with £2 million invested in a brand new, state of the art terminal and new owners with a vision for the airport which will not only serve to boost the airport, but also the local economy.

With the likes of Sir Richard Branson and Flavio Briatore housing their jets at Oxford Airport and business aviation traffic increasing at a steady pace, it was important to raise the bar concerning the facilities for a relatively demanding clientele. The terminal building was completed in five weeks flat and opened on 17 July. The new facility boasts high end interior decor, space (gallons of it) and the feeling that you’ve arrived at a real airport, rather than an airstrip in Kidlington with a few buildings on it. It certainly lives up to the swanky high class magazines dotted around the departure lounge, and James explains the new look is the tip of the iceberg.

Chelsea), we are a more palatable option than London airports. On a reasonable day, the journey from West London to Oxford can be achieved in just over an hour. To be clear, that is front door at home to seat on the plane, as the beauty of checking in at Oxford is that it is swift, there are no queues, no hassle and is relatively painless. And that’s the big plus.

Kensington to Heathrow on a good day will take thirty minutes. Add on the obligatory hour before check in arrival, the actual check in process and then probably a good thirty minutes before boarding, and the process is more like two to three hours. For a busy person, driving to Oxford means massive time savings, and that can be crucial.

“We have fifteen jets based here, over half of which are owned by individuals living in London, simply because it is fundamentally more convenient for them to have their jets in Oxford, as opposed to a London airport. We are actually turning away new business because we don’t have the hanger space to accommodate new customers. This is an issue we are addressing, as we are building a large new hanger which will be ready by February 2009, with several additional facilities over the next couple of years, which will help us to meet the demand.

“The process here is so quick that you can be at the gates of the airport and running down the runway in ten minutes – and that isn’t just for business aviation (i.e. private jets), it goes for chartered services also.

“The attraction of Oxford is intensified due to the lack of space at the main London airports, so Oxford, Cranfield and Cambridge are now very much on the radar for London based jet owners, as they are all within, more or less, an hour’s drive from the West End of London.

“As an alternative to London, we rank very highly. Given the connection with the M40, and the concentration of the more affluent individuals in areas west of London (such as Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and

44

“For example, earlier this week, we had a limousine pick up in Canary Wharf in the East End of London, which arrived at Oxford Airport in one hour and ten minutes. The client arrived, had a glass of champagne, flew to Brussels (which took forty five minutes in a light jet) and, interestingly,” James adds with a wry grin on his face, “they had to come back commercially from Brussels to City of London Airport and the whole journey from Brussels to their offices in London took them five hours, compared to just over two hours through us.

“We also have helicopter services operating from here which make travel to and from London even quicker.

Often we will have fifteen seater aircraft (Gulfstream and Global Express business aircraft) flying to Oxford Airport where a helicopter (provided by Oxford Air Services) will be waiting for the passenger, literally with

its rotors running to fly on to Battersea, just twenty two minutes away. That happens a couple of times a week, although it is a frighteningly expensive option given Battersea’s helicopter traffic monopoly.

“We are, therefore, proving to our customers that in terms of ranking with our key competitors for business aviation, i.e. Luton, Farnborough and Biggin Hill, the drive time to London is essentially the same, and that Oxford is a fantastic option.”

And there is no reason to see Oxford’s appeal diminish as there is no chance to realistically expand the capacity of London Airports. James continues, “Sites such as Luton and the main commercial hubs, such as Stansted, are all ‘maxed out’. If there was any capacity and it came down to a choice of satisfying the airline demand or the business aviation demand, the larger airports will always side with the former, as it is simply better business for them.”

And it is not only the business aviation traffic which is looking towards Oxford as a viable alternative to London. Companies looking to set up a maintenance business servicing business jets, regard Oxford as a more attractive option, and this sits well with Oxford Airport’s plans, as James explains, “Ultimately, we want to develop the airport as an aerospace business park so that we have a number of service providers that are providing maintenance and other support services for a wide range of aircraft types, not just business aviation, but also some of the small regional airline type aircraft. So, it is feasible that we could attract something like the Flybe turbo props, fifty to eighty seat turbo props that would come in for maintenance support and have their engines maintained and their avionics sorted out. The lack of space is still a restriction to us offering space for such businesses, but

www.b4-business.com

B4 MOVE

we are addressing this as the demand is huge.

“For the future, we will be welcoming Flairjet who will be bringing the new generation of baby business jets, two of them, which will take two passengers in the front and back and fly at 400 mph. But the cost of renting these is considerably less than what it has typically cost to hire a light business jet. As a rule of thumb, it would probably cost about £1,200 an hour to fly four people 400 miles, compared to flying business class with one of the main airlines, with the associated hassle of going to Heathrow or London City Airport. Factor in the time saving, and for four key professionals, a two hour round trip, costing £600 each, is a small price to pay given the cost saving in terms of hours saved for such a trip, when compared to flying out of the major airports – especially if the client is paying for travel hours.

Within 45 minutes, you could be in Edinburgh, and this illustrates the distance and time saving elements perfectly. Again, factor in the associated costs of other means of transport, which will mean an overnight stay for trips to destinations such as Edinburgh, and there is also a cost saving in terms of hotel and restaurant bills and other miscellaneous expenses (see B4 Issue 2, page 13, on line at www.b4-business.com). “These are huge time savings in an age when time is so crucial.”

Oxford Airport is already a vibrant and vital part of the local economy. As a skills hub, there are approximately seven hundred employees working at the airport, all knowledge based employment and Cherwell Council are keen to attract more of this sort of business.

“We are also seeing more interest in the airport from other skills hubs in the area. For example, the growth

www.b4-business.com

of science and technology in the area means more people need to visit Oxford from all over the world, a growing number of whom will come through us. There are international and multi-national companies who are considering relocating to Oxfordshire, and with an established regional airport, this cements this decision and will only serve to attract more relocations like this.

“We have one business relocating here next year from Blackbush airport in Hampshire. They literally ran out of space there and we are converting an existing 1940’s facility for them to move in, completely gutting it. That will bring in forty engineering jobs to Oxford overnight.

That is very significant for us in terms of putting a marker down to say what we are doing is working.”

Other key transport link developments are also set to boost the airport as Chiltern Railways recently announced they are going to build a station in Kidlington, at Water Eaton Park and Ride (see B4 Issue 8 interview with Adrian Shooter, page 38 / 39). “This will be pretty significant for us – it will connect the two Bicester lines and more or less every half hour there will be a train to Marylebone, which will take just under an hour. This will make Kidlington, as a place to do business, much, much more attractive.

“We would then have a shuttle bus service from the new station which would mean travellers from Marylebone could be on a plane in just over an hour.

This will open up the market even more to the smaller commercial airlines and scheduled services. If needs be, tomorrow we could do a 15 – 30 seat turbo prop service to any destination. Long term, with the station, it makes it as practical coming here as it does to go to Stansted (Liverpool Street and then a fifty minute ride to Stansted, plus the obligatory two hour check-in).

This is still three years away. But it will soon be here

and will open up things phenomenally.”

In the two years since B4 last interviewed James, £15 million has been spent on the airport, a significant portion of which has been on the runway. The runway is now exactly the same as London City runway, the same strength, the same width, and is much safer. The instrument landing system now allows access in all weather conditions, 365 days a year. In the winter months two years ago, there would only be a 50 / 50 chance of landing given the weather conditions. This therefore has a dramatic effect on the attractiveness of the airport and has facilitated the increase in business aviation traffic.

“In the first six months of this year compared to the first six months of last year, we have doubled the business aviation throughput. With that, fuel sales have increased in a similar vein. We now see ten business jet visits per day.”

Not only does the new terminal present an attractive face of Oxford Airport, it also services the businessman looking to have that whistle-stop meeting between flights, as there are a number of high specification meeting rooms which can be hired by business aviation customers, emulating the successful facility which has been offered at more established airports such as Farnborough.

“Our meeting rooms are now rented out every second day for business travellers who need that half hour meeting en route to their next destination. And this is a vital part of the overall package we now offer.”

Contact details on page 98

45

B4 ADVICE

BUILDING YOUR RECESSION BEATING MIND SET We all know the last few weeks and months have been nothing short of spectacular in terms of market swings, banking takeovers, and talk of recession worries dominating the papers. Yet even in the midst of all this uncertainty a number of large companies have posted above average profit figures … not that the press really noticed!

So how do you stay positive in such a negative environment? Paul Avins of the Oxford Wealth Club, keeps us positive.

Take a look around and you will see some business owners who are thriving in the uncertainty and turning it into profit opportunities, while others are focusing on what they could lose and how best to survive the economic crisis.

So what is it that makes the difference in their mindset, and how can you develop this key skill to ensure your bank account grows, whatever the markets are doing?

First you have to take ownership for what you are focusing on and just how much negative news you let into your life. I agree as business people you need to be informed in order to adapt your businesses to change, but do you really have to be inundated with sensationalized news? In fact, the worst thing you can do, in my experience, is to watch the late night news before you go to bed. Why? Because while you sleep your subconscious will be concerned with what you have just seen …… and you wonder why you wake up feeling worried and drained. Take control. Turn off the TV and read a book on sales or marketing which could help you right now.

Notice people’s language. If you hear somebody

46

saying “how can I survive this crisis” what are they looking for? Ways to survive it, not ways to profit from it! Why not ask a better question, such as: “Where is the opportunity for my business right now in this changing market?” Our brains are very powerful computers and will go to work to answer the questions we ask them and then show us paths to achieve our desired results. Knowing this, why would you not ask where your best profit opportunities are right now? A coaching client of mine recently did this and was able to save £390,000 on purchasing new capital equipment, which he bought from a receiver when one of his competitors went bust. Bad for them but great for him!

Try this quick test Look at the following words and letters – Opportunity is NOWHERE. What do you see?

Is Opportunity NO WHERE or is Opportunity NOW HERE? Same letters very different outcomes!

The worst thing any business can do right now is to adopt the wait and see attitude, or worse still, decide to do nothing at all. With the right mindset backed by solid strategies to help you, you can and will move your business forward.

Here are my top 7 tips for building a winning mindset: • Insulate yourself from negative people and bad news as much as possible.

• Start to get around more positive people and networking groups such as The Oxford Wealth Club is a good example.

• Look for the opportunities out of today’s situations and capitalise on them.

• Read more business books to learn skills to increase sales and profits etc.

• Book onto a personal development course to build mental muscle.

• If you can’t personally influence something – don’t worry about it, focus on the areas of your business and life you can impact and recognise when good results happen.

• Hire a coach who can keep you on track and focused on positive actions.

So keep your focus on what you want to see and the results you desire.

Paul Avins Speaker, Trainer, Coach, Author, Entrepreneur Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

MANAGING THE BOARDS Jamie Baskeyfield, General Manager of The New Theatre, Oxford, has worked for the same company since he left University, almost twenty years ago, but that company has had various guises and Jamie has had an extremely wide range of roles. Jamie talks to B4 about his passion for the entertainment business and why The New Theatre means so much to him and to Oxford.

So how did it all begin?

I started with the company in April 1991. I cut my teeth in Edinburgh when I was at university. Prior to becoming GM of the Hammersmith Apollo, I was part of the management team at the Dominion Theatre then went on to be GM of the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

The Hammersmith Apollo was synonymous with big, headline gigs, but was also suffering something of an identity crisis as it was still hosting the old, one nighters and a few weekly shows.

I supported the opinion that we should mirror what had been achieved at our sister venue the Manchester Apollo whereby the seats could be removed for audiences who wanted to stand. We spent upwards of one million pounds to achieve that.

John Mayer was the first show we had in to test the new format. We estimated that we would need something like twenty standing shows a year for the next five years to recoup that investment, but we actually recouped it in 18 months - it was that successful.

We attracted Prince in for three nights and AC/DC and a host of other big names. Our biggest coup was securing David Bowie, who performed his last live show at Hammersmith - even now it makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. We went on to do sixty eight “standing room only” shows in the first year, in addition to the other shows we had on.

So how did you top that?

When I left Hammersmith, I joined the managing director for Live Nation Music ‘Stuart Galbraith’ and assisted him as a concert promoter nationwide. For a couple of years I took bands out on the road, including Stereophonics and Simply Red. I learned an immense amount of what I know now from Stuart, who at the time was not only co-ordinating dozens of UK tours but produced the Download Festival, the Wireless Festival, Hyde Park concerts as well as the Summer Nights concert series. Stuart has moved on from Live Nation since and recently been involved in the Wakestock Festival at Blenheim Palace.

48

Being the boss of the Hammersmith Apollo, I had so much autonomy and control managing people on a direct level. I went from that to becoming an employee. That was a bit of a culture shock for a couple of years. The outdoor shows were amazing – Download in itself hosted 50,000 in just over three days, but it was exhausting to be there 24/7.

But the big thing which came out of this was my burning desire to start a family, no matter how fun and fantastic things were at work. The incredibly long hours weren’t for me. People who are really successful in this business live it, they breathe it. The genuine promoters in the industry are so dedicated. They were promoting and putting on live shows at University, and they continue to do it now.

figure increase in the rent we had to pay from the year before. But that is the challenge, and I am very much of the opinion that if it was easy, we wouldn’t do it.

Last year was a very good year – we exceeded our target at the start of the year by some margin. The fact remains that for just an 1,800 capacity room, we still play host to some premier staging and live entertainment in the UK. There have been dozens of fantastic acts that have come through in all genres. We play host to musicals, really big musicals, some great one night concerts and some multiples. Comedy is big for us - if you look at comedy over the course of 12 months, it’s probably the most successful genre in terms of occupancy. Most of them sell out, to be honest.

When you’re immersed in that for two years, it’s a real eye opener. You gain so much respect for the people involved. Stuart in particular, has great respect on my part. He’s at it 24/7. We would be out at a party, wining and dining, maintaining face and talking to people in the industry, until two in the morning and that’s where most people would call it a day. Not Stuart, he would go back to the office as he could deal with the American market during the small hours. That wasn’t for me.

Are you personally adapting to your new role?

And the move to Oxford, how did that come about?

When I first arrived in January of 2006, like any new management should do, I acknowledged what had been achieved but had to quickly identify areas for improvement.

Having been in London for thirteen years, my wife and I were keen to move out of town to start a family. An opportunity came up in Oxford and we moved down to Oxford a couple of years ago.

How have the first two years been for you?

It’s been an interesting couple of years - there have been some real challenges. I think, like most businesses of this nature, that they were probably struggling to keep hold of the income and struggling even harder to maintain their costs.

Our costs in particular are just enormous. We have just signed a fifteen year lease and the rent was renegotiated as a part of the lease, which meant a five

I had never run a regional theatre before, but marketing and selling shows is the part of the business that I enjoy the most, really. It’s that challenge of taking a meagre budget and stretching it as far as we can to tell everybody what is going on that really motivates me. I think last year’s results probably speak for themselves. As a team, we really have made a positive impression on the people of Oxford.

I thought that our backstage areas, in particular, had not had a lot of love. So we went about decorating everywhere, laying down new floors and decorating the dressing rooms so that we now have a half decent standard.

Structurally, even though the building is owned by Oxford City Council, it is our job to maintain it over the term of the lease, even though the Council don’t contribute. I work with our property services department to maintain the building within our budget.

We had an awful lot of issues, first and foremost the roof was leaking in various areas. We have s pent the

www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT last twelve months or so and £100,000 repairing the roof. That’s great, because I used to come in in the morning after a flash flood and ask my maintenance manager where we had been leaking! It’s now dry.

Air conditioning has been installed in the Balcony auditorium and funds have been requested for 2009 to extend air conditioning into the Stalls auditorium.

In total, we have probably spent half a million pounds on servicing and repairs which the customer won’t necessarily benefit from (other than the air conditioning), but they were key jobs to be ticked off the list.

For next year we need to get new seating in and maybe address the possibility of standing as we did at Hammersmith, but with the economic climate as it is, we have to face the more pressing challenges of getting bums on the existing seats!

So do you want to try and emulate your success at Hammersmith?

If we can create what we did at Hammersmith, it wouldn’t be in any way, shape or form on the same scale of the success there, because we wouldn’t play host to the same number of acts. We’re actually considered the secondary market here in Oxford. If you look at how the tours are routed through the UK, most promoters go for the safest option and the biggest cities such as Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, London and maybe Cardiff. Anything else is regarded as being a secondary market. Oxford certainly falls into that category.

We’ve now costed that scheme up and it’s definitely on the table for discussion currently. We’re just waiting on a test to be carried out inside the auditorium. When the results of that come back, we’ll be in a position to decide whether we’re going to do it or not - this is a million pound project.

show. If we only sold 100 tickets and the producer can’t blame us, then I am happy as we would be considered again and we maintain our reputation. It’s almost better than us having a sell out and the producer finding fault in something we have done and accusing us of bad service.

My role is about trying to keep everyone happy, all of the time, and that, in a nutshell, is what being the general manager of a regional theatre is all about. No news, as they say, is good news!

My name and e-mail address are clearly written in the programme and on the interval information screen.

This means I get e-mails from customers asking about all sorts of things, but that is what I believe customer service should be all about, me answering their queries.

charges. The booking fee will go to Helen and Douglas House.

Accessibility is the key word for Jamie Baskeyfield. He wants to make himself more accessible to his customers and make the theatre more accessible for the local community, and if he can put something back in the process, then all the better. Drawing on his wide and impressive experience, he certainly has what it takes to make The New Theatre a venue for all of us to be proud of.

Contact details on page 98

How are you making the theatre more accessible to Oxfordshire residents?

We put on a show for Helen Douglas House every year where they get to stage for free. They are beyond brilliant. We have produced two sellout shows in the last couple of years – they get everything from the night, from the bar, everything – I just want them to maximize their return.

Through that association, we got to talking about the various Helen Douglas House shops, in and around the county. We will shortly be running a trial through four of the shops to sell our tickets – this not only makes our tickets more available around the county, but overcomes the objection of some potential customers who point blank refuse to buy tickets through Ticketmaster because of the commission

So how do you manage to attract the big shows, despite the relatively small size of The New Theatre?

Promoters are confident in me because of my Hammersmith experience and they know we have a great team here which will work with them, the acts and everyone else concerned to passionately promote the act and ensure it is marketed as well as possible to achieve a sell out.

I have been delighted with the success of some of the big shows here recently. Stomp took us by surprise.

Cats at Christmas did well, as did Starlight. Chicago is coming back and we have Riverdance and Lord of the Dance lined up again, both of which are going to do great business.

How can The New Theatre keep hold of the big acts?

The producer needs to know we have done absolutely everything we can, within the budgets, to sell their

www.b4-business.com

Photography: Studio8. Tel: 01865 842525.

It also helps having been in the industry for seventeen years, as most of the UK promoters and certainly a lot of the agents know who I am.

49

Photography: Studio8. Tel: 01865 842525.

B4 ADVICE

HANDLING POTENTIAL REDUNDANCIES

In today’s difficult times the issue of restructuring and consequent redundancies is one that is in the very fore of people’s minds. In this article Natalie Roach, Partner at regional law firm Brethertons LLP deals with questions relating to the requirements employers and employees have to cover with when faced with redundancy issues.

What Is Redundancy?

A: “What is viewed by some as redundancy is not always of itself a genuine redundancy situation.

Sometimes redundancy is used to explain the exit of poor performers or difficult employees out of the business; however this is not a genuine redundancy.

“A true redundancy situation is as set out in s139 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. This is that either the place of work has ceased or diminished, the work has ceased or diminished or the requirement for the number of people to do work of a particular kind has ceased or diminished. (There is then a catch all justification which is Some Other Substantial Reason or SOSR, which can cover such scenarios as a need to save money.)

“If there is no longer a need for a particular role in the organisation, maybe because others can absorb it amongst theirs, or the role simply no longer exists and there is only one person who does that role, then it is the role that is redundant.

“If there are say 3 people who do a particular role and the work has ceased or diminished to such an extent that you only need one person to do that role, then objective selection criteria needs to be used to identify who it is that will be selected for redundancy.

This is much harder than it may seem as many criteria are fraught with risks of discrimination claims.”

Can’t I Just Use Last In First Out? A. “No. ‘Last In First Out’ was a widely used criteria in selecting who was to be made redundant however, since the introduction of the Age Discrimination Act this criteria is considered discriminatory as long service requires the person to be older. Also, sickness absence

50

will disadvantage those who have had time off sick due to a disability.”

What Procedures Must I Follow?

“Having a genuine redundancy situation is just the first of many requirements to affect a fair dismissal by reason of redundancy. The dismissal must satisfy the statutory dismissal 3 step procedure. You must write to the employee inviting them to a meeting, tell them what the meeting is about and give them the right to be accompanied. They must be given the details of why their job is at risk of redundancy. They must be given the opportunity to offer suggestions to avoid their redundancy and throughout the Company must look for alternatives too.

“A fair redundancy with a proper consultation process will involve 3 or maybe more of such meetings before all avenues have been explored over a month or so.”

What is suitable alternative employment?

“Suitable alternative employment is a job that is on ‘all fours’ with the role they currently do – an almost perfect swap as it were. This means if they do not accept it then, they forfeit their right to a redundancy payment.”

What is alternative employment?

“Alternative employment involves a job that is different to their current role; it may be on less money or have less responsibility, for example. The employee does not have to accept this and the more different the role, the more reasons the Company will have not to offer it in the first place. Although, do be wary of what the Company thinks is not an alternative job, as it might not be the same as the employee thinks!

“If an employee accepts an alternative role they can do it on a 4 week trial basis. If either party then thinks it isn’t working out, the employee can still be made redundant and will still get their redundancy pay.”

Beware constructive dismissal?

“Often companies tell their staff that times are tough and just change their roles or reduce their hours or pay – doing this without consultation and agreement can lead to disgruntled employees bringing constructive dismissal claims. Also be aware of outsourcing, as this can be caught by TUPE (The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006) where the employee goes with the work!”

I still need to make redundancies?

“Difficult situations arise in times like these and sometimes difficult decisions have to be made. An honest, fair, compliant, open approach with staff, treating all staff with compassion and consulting genuinely will at least make a difficult situation as dignified and painless as it can. What is also not to be underestimated in a redundancy situation, is the impact this can have on the whole workforce in terms of job insecurity and morale, all of which can impact upon productivity and general workforce relations. It can also cause employees to be so fearful of their jobs, even if they are not directly affected by the redundancies, that they look for jobs elsewhere so the Company loses other employees too.”

If you as a business or as an employee find yourself in a redundancy situation and you need some advice, please do contact Natalie Roach Head of Team Employment at Brethertons on 01295 661459 or natalieroach@brethertons.co.uk.

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

The warmest of welcomes await...

Christmas bookings now being taken

38 Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 2AH 8IPITLSRI ˆ *EGWMQMPI email: stay@hotelonthepark.com web: www.hotelonthepark.com

B4 ADVICE

52

www.b4-business.com

WENN TOWNSEND A VIEW FROM THE CLIENTS Key B4 supporter Wenn Townsend not only have their headquarters based in St Giles, Oxford, but have two satellite offices in Cirencester and Abingdon. B4 met with Cirencester Partner, Stephen Shelley, who turned the focus of our interview on two long established clients.

“In terms of services that we offer, I think it

to concentrate on running our business. Their help

“We now work way beyond Cirencester and the

would come as something of a surprise if most

and expertise over the years has enabled us to

Cotswolds, offering a national service. Much of our

B4 readers didn’t know that we are like many

become somewhat of a rarity these days, a small

work takes place in central, southern England and

other established firms of accountants in terms

family business still flourishing and looking forward to

Wales, where we have just completed a major

of what we do. I think a good way to

its 50th Anniversary next year.”

programme of archaeological investigation in advance

demonstrate our success over the years is

of the laying of a new gas pipeline between Milford

through the eyes of two of our clients who by

Focusing on the second client in this review, Stephen

Haven and Brecon. Archaeology is now an established

virtue of their very existence can illustrate how

provides

Cotswold

part of the planning and development process, and we

we have helped them continue to thrive and

Archaeology, and explains why 2008 is such an

sit on the inside as an integral part of the design and

survive through difficult times.

important year for the company.

construction team. To survive and flourish we have

Peter Hammond Motorcycles Ltd is a family run

“In 1958, the Cirencester Excavation Committee was

client-focused service, backed by the full range of

business based in Cirencester. Started in 1959 by

established

support services.

ex-international trials rider Peter Hammond and his

programme of archaeological work in the town, most

wife Betty, it still operates from its original base in

of it salvage recording in advance of new development.

“Wenn Townsend have provided sound advice over

Watermoor Road.

Having grown from just one

The Committee was largely an amateur affair, with digs

the years, as we have faced the issues that pertain to

motorcycle for sale to a showroom holding up to 100

being undertaken by University lecturers in their

growth and the increasing, and ever changing,

new and used machines, the business has flourished

summer holidays. That was the way that archaeology

reporting requirements of the Charity Commission. The

over the years. Most of the current staff of 10 have

was in those days, and the system persisted pretty

band of University lecturers who sat down in 1958 to

been there in excess of twenty years, giving customers

much unchanged until 1990, when new planning

establish Cirencester Excavation Committee would be

continuality and familiarity that seems lacking in many

guidance was introduced, which placed an onus on

amazed by how times have changed, and one doubts

businesses these days.

developers to pay for the cost of archaeological

that they could ever have imagined that one hundred

investigations generated by their activities.

and fifty million pounds is now spent annually on

some

background

about

developed to

undertake

the

first

systematic

an

efficient,

cost

effective

and

archaeology in the UK.

Still a family concern, but now run by son and daughter, Dave & Trish Hammond, the business holds

“Almost overnight, archaeologists had to move from a

two main franchises, Suzuki and Yamaha, along with a

voluntary, grace and favour environment to a fully

“Archaeology is now a business, and to survive we

large spares and clothing department and a fully

commercial one. In response to this brave new world

have had to become business-like. Wenn Townsend

equipped service and MOT workshop.

Dave has

of commercial consultancy, Cirencester Excavation

have helped us make this transition. As for the future,

maintained the family tradition by competing in many

Committee became Cotswold Archaeology, a fully

I would like to think that in another fifty years’ time,

international events, including the world famous Paris

self-funding professional archaeological company and

Cotswold Archaeology will still be doing its important

– Dakar Rally.

registered charity.”

and valuable work, but I imagine that the world in

And Trish is quick to recognise the impact of Wenn

Neil

Cotswold

will always have a future, but who can say just what

Townsend. “The connection with Wenn Townsend

Archaeology, expands on the role played by Wenn

that will look like. After all, archaeologists are trained

dates back to the beginning, nearly 50 years ago; first

Townsend. “We appointed Wenn Townsend as our

to look back rather than forward.”

with Mr Williams, then Mr Willis and now latterly with

auditors from almost day one, and they have been

Steve Shelley.

with us ever since. Their advice was crucial in the early

With such established and growing businesses

days as we strove to adjust to a new, and initially

amongst its portfolio of clients, Wenn Townsend in

“Over the years Wenn Townsend have supplied

foreign, way of working. Cotswold Archaeology started

Cirencester can most certainly take an enormous

excellent help and advice during both the good and

out as a very small concern with a handful of staff, but

amount of credit in the success of these and other

bad times that all businesses go through. They have

over the last 19 years has developed into one of the

clients it acts for.

been extremely accessible when needed, and with all

largest archaeological organisations in Britain, with a

the complex and ever- changing reforms in the tax and

staff of over 70.

which we will operate will be very different. The past

company laws addressed by them, it has enabled us

www.b4-business.com

Holbrook,

Chief

Executive

of

Contact details on page 98

53

B4 PROMOTION North Oxford Golf Club Manager Bob Harris is, I’m sure he won’t mind me saying, part of the fixtures and fittings. If anyone knows the golf club, Bob does. But having been in situ since 1987, he knows that a changing golf landscape demands changes at his club, and these are changes he is excited to tell B4 all about.

“When I arrived at the Club twenty one years ago, there were very few courses in the Oxfordshire area and so very little competition for the club, for the retail and the tuition side of the business. All facets of the business were doing very well. The club was vibrant and there was a waiting list.

“The English Golf Union (EGU) then made it easier for a whole host of other courses to be set up, as they believed there was an under-provision of golfing facilities nationally. This resulted in an additional eight hundred golf courses. In theory, this was to the industry’s benefit, but in reality, it was to the industry’s detriment. I strongly feel that the value of golf has declined, the standards have dropped, the level of etiquette isn’t what it used to be, and dress codes have slackened.

“A lot of people are now playing golf who haven’t been introduced to the basic rules and regulations of etiquette surrounding golf – I am not saying it is their fault, it is just a fact. Manners aren’t as good and the industry as a whole is suffering – standards then drop as competition increases and this also forces prices down which impacts on standards again. It is a vicious circle, and we need to address the problems facing us as an industry.

“We are not alone in looking at how we can improve our amenities and facilities. Some clubs have diversified into health clubs, others have developed driving ranges. We now have an association with Heathfield Driving Range, which means that, hopefully in the winter, we will offer target golf. This will be great for our members to have a competition in the depths of winter and then come back to the Club for a drink, a casserole and the prize-giving. This will be another string to our bow in the winter.”

Bob is also planning structural changes at the Club which he hopes will serve as a massive boost in the campaign to recruit new members.

“We are currently looking at redeveloping the Club House, which has been our general failing.

Maintenance hasn’t been carried out where necessary, and the level of investment hasn’t quite been what it should have been. The extent of the refurbishment will be significant. The wet rooms and locker rooms will all be upgraded. The Club House itself will be fully fitted with new dining facilities, carpets and furnishings. The hope and expectation is that we will then appeal to a new generation of members who we need to attract.

“Our greatest asset is arguably our greatest handicap.

The golf course is short and flat and therefore appeals to seniors and ladies. This makes it harder to attract the next generation, but we have to work around that and work to our strengths. No, there aren’t any five hundred and seventy yard par five holes, but then again, the club has a good community feel, a great spirit and a fantastic body of people who love it and

54

enjoy coming here.

three or four new members at a time.

“Geographically, we couldn’t be better placed. There is ample parking and two bus stops right outside the Club gate. Literally ten minutes from the city centre, we are an excellent option for golfing, together with dining. We also have an excellent Course Manager who makes great use of the tight fairways, the mature trees and the contours of the course. We now have complaints that the course is too tough, which means we must be doing something right! The rough is thick, the fairways are narrow and the trees are mature, and so this combination presents an interesting challenge.

And the new approach to memberships is working – memberships are up this year so far and there is a buzz of excitement about the changes amongst the membership.

“The course layout enables golfers to play seven holes in just an hour and finish up just outside the Club House, or nine in ninety minutes. This is one of our marketing packages, to promote the “seven holes in an hour” option. This is quite an attraction compared to modern courses where it will take you at least two hours to complete nine holes.

“We are also trying to attract more business members.

Our business rate is £1,000+VAT, which includes an advert so the VAT is reclaimable. After tax, this is actually less than a full member would pay.”

Bob is realistic enough to appreciate that even though the Club is a private members club, it has to attract more members in order to exist.

“We have to modernise, we have to grow the members together with the associate memberships, where a smaller introductory fee will be paid, plus a green fee only when you play. This hopefully will appeal to the golfer with a young family who can’t commit to a full membership.

“We will then embark on a marketing campaign and a re-branding to re-launch the Club and drive the membership up on all fronts.”

I ask Bob how he reconciles attracting a wave of novice golfers who may just compound the problems he highlighted earlier in our discussion concerning the failure to observe the basic principles of golf etiquette.

“We are trying to get accreditation with Golf Mark (a scheme devised and run by EGU). If you conform to their legislation and offer what they believe to be right for the long term future of the Club, we will be entitled to grants, which will enable us to offer free tuition to new members, through our golf professional. In my opinion, two hours for a golf novice is sufficient to furnish them with the foundations of golf etiquette.

“On the whole, members that I know don’t like to get it wrong on the golf course, but if they haven’t been told differently, how can they be expected to know?

It’s not their fault. It is the system that has failed them.

Once they learn and are told, they respect it. This will then be a condition of joining and we would tutor

“Our first priority is to our members – we are not profit driven, we are a private members club first and foremost. We therefore don’t sacrifice peak times (e.g.

Saturday mornings) to make extra revenue to the detriment of our members, who are our kings and queens. Why would I allow four novice golfers in on a Saturday morning who could, theoretically, upset the day for sixty committed members?

“Yes, we do need to generate revenue, but I know how to make the Club work for the benefit of the members without over-commercialising it. And that is something which is reaping rewards, as members know we give them our focus and try and add value to their memberships where we possibly can. This message gets out to the local golfing fraternity, and does attract new members.

“If we can just get the Club House right we will be in very good shape. This has restricted us, but once we get the development completed, we will be able to expand both off course and on course. We will attract a new type of member. It is a wonderful golf course to equip you to play anywhere. The course makes you play fairways – you have to. On Championship courses, if you don’t hit fairways, you are not just looking for your ball, but your golf clubs also!

“I think this is a very warm club. We offer “roll ups” where members can come in and play along with forty or fifty other members, a great way to get to know the membership – these take place up to four times a week. We also have competitions every Sunday, which again is a very sociable occasion and creates a real buzz for the membership. Our club pro, Lee Jackson, is also first class and has been a PGA instructor for ten years. He is a great asset to the Club and has integrated into the club extremely well. All of the members have taken to him and he is also a great coach, with some brilliant ideas to help the members.

“All in all this is a great Club, but the bottom line is that we have to appeal to the members and have more on the shelf to attract and retain new members. There is no doubt it is harder, but I know that we have the raw materials here to re-invent North Oxford Golf Club and create a Club which the next generation of members can be as proud of as the current generation.”

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

A FRESH APPROACH

GOLF

Photography: Studio8. Tel: 01865 842525.

TO

www.b4-business.com

55

Withy King has an impressive track record. With principal offices in Bath, Swindon and London, the firm has won two Innovation Awards from The Financial Times ‘Innovative Lawyer’and was also nominated alongside Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Pannone and Addleshaw Goddard in the category of Most Enterprising Law Firm of the Year. And Martin points out that whilst the firm is very strong in the provision of mainstream legal services, the increasing complexities of living and working in the modern world are also minefields where Withy King has significant experience and expertise.

“Lots of people now have interests abroad, whether they are personal interests concerning property, or businesses with issues connected to exchange rates and the strength of the pound. There is also the wider gambit of issues concerning the global economy, especially in today’s troubled climate, and, as any provider of professional services, you can’t be parochial with one location in the country and expect to be able to deliver the level and quality of services that businesses and individuals now require. Beyond the UK, we’ve also joined an international network of independent law firms to provide a more comprehensive service to clients.

“So, we have had to grow to stay competitive and provide an excellent service, and that has enabled us to recruit and retain talent and develop our skills in specialist areas.”

So why did you choose Oxford?

“For the last nine years, since I have been Managing Partner, we have been growing and it was vitally important to continue this growth. We made the strategic decision to expand along the M4 corridor and Oxford was chosen as a consequence of looking at the legal landscape and The Clementi Review, The Legal Services Act and the introduction of “non solicitors” being able to invest capital in law firms.

“I have always supported this change and it will have a significant impact on the market we operate within. I think the Government is right to bring these reforms in, as it will sharpen the focus on how legal services are delivered. It will also promote value for money. Ultimately, the client, either an individual or business, should be able to receive appropriate levels of service for the issues they are faced with, rather than in a more “traditional” way – the way in which the vast majority perceive solicitors. Perception is extremely important. I believe that how the business community

M A RT I N

POWELL

Martin accumulated experience across the private client side of the business when he first qualified, and that has held him in good stead now as he feels he has a balanced view across the whole business.

In 1998, Martin opened the second Withy King office outside Bath to develop the commercial side of the business.

Prior to becoming Managing Partner, Martin headed up the commercial area of the practice and worked heavily in the healthcare, commercial retail and commercial property sectors. The retail and healthcare areas of the commercial business are two

56

key areas that the new firm will be looking to develop here in Oxford and the Thames Valley.

He became Managing Partner in 1999, when Withy King was a £3 million turnover business. Turnover is now £17 million.

“It’s good that I trained with the firm as I have a real passion for what we are doing, but, curiously, I am a businessman first and a solicitor second. I am quite comfortable with that. A lot of the time in law firms you find solicitors trying to develop their business whilst retaining a portfolio of clients. I haven’t performed any client work for seven years, and that has allowed me to focus on growing the business.”

www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

and the local community perceive any business is vital

“It is a rare thing to experience this level of excitement,

“Withy King’s strategy is to continue to grow through

to its success, and we feel we can get this right in

commitment and anticipation from a merger.

merger and acquisition, and, subject to meeting our

Oxford.

Anticipation is often mixed with caution and fear of

criteria as to how we want to grow, I would expect

change, but throughout the consultations, we have

more activity in the short rather than long term - if all

“There are also cultural similarities between Bath,

been very encouraged by the very positive response to

of the opportunities I have on my desk were to come

where we are very strong, and Oxford.”

the opportunities that the bigger resource brings, not

to fruition, we might look very different in a year’s

only in Oxford, but across locations and regions. It is a

time!”

And why Marshall and Galpin?

genuine feeling of improved strength.”

“Marshall and Galpin have always had a very strong

Is Oxford the final piece or is the jigsaw still a work

private client team here in Oxford and that was one of

in progress?

Are there any pitfalls of expanding too rapidly, and do you eventually become a target?

“I am very watchful about growing too quickly. You

the key reasons we wanted to move to Oxford.

“This is certainly a stepping stone to more, but it is a

have to balance growth with consolidating in the

“The second key reason concerned the commercial

vital piece in the jigsaw. Yes there will be more

marketplaces that you are actually in and make sure

side of the business. We felt we would be able to

mergers and yes we will continue to grow.

the focus isn’t just on growing, otherwise the model doesn’t work.

extend and build on the commercial practice which we have built up, very successfully, over the last ten years

“In the legal profession, “aggregation” is the watchword

in Bath and Swindon. Technology and media is an

at the moment and is something I personally have

“Culture is also a key ingredient. If there isn’t a culture

example of just one key sector that provides excellent

been preaching in the marketplace for ten years.

“fit” of two businesses trying to merge, then the merger won’t work. The fact both firms got on

commercial opportunities in Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley.

“The key is to find the practices that can overcome the

exceptionally well was almost reason enough to marry

issues which exist in many firms and which can focus

the two businesses.

“Finally, we also have considerable joint personal

on the client, and Marshall and Galpin certainly fits this

injury and clinical negligence strengths, including a

mould. We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that we are in

“The businesses we have merged fit well together and

catastrophic and spinal injuries team, as well as teams

the professional services business and we are

I suppose that, in itself, makes us an attractive target.

dedicated to birth injuries and dental negligence.

expected to deliver a service. We need to focus on that

Any decent business that says they are not a target is

Richard Dawson, a spinal injury partner of Marshall and

delivery, and we are very committed to that. In the

deluding themselves. You can never say never - there

Galpin, has a national reputation and a strong

current economic downturn, firms that have this focus

may come a time when someone may well approach

following through a host of contacts in the north of

will be best placed to both survive and thrive in the

us. However, for the moment, we are enjoying what

England, and so we felt that this would help to

long-term.”

we do and it is reaping rewards.”

practice.”

As a delivery model then, bigger will be better?

How do you expect Oxford and the local business

But identifying an area and a firm which would tick all

“Most definitely. Lots of law firms are now looking at

of the boxes for Withy King was just the start of the

how best they can cover their specialist services, the

“I hope that we will be welcomed by the business

process, as Martin explains, “It was crucial that we

costs of IT, the increasing regulatory costs, the

community - my colleagues in Oxford have certainly

made sure things were going to work, especially with

infrastructure costs and the recruitment and retention

received plentiful good wishes for the future. We

the difference in size of the two firms. There also had

of talent.

appreciate that it is a competitive market in Oxford,

enhance the brand in terms of that area of the community to welcome the merger?

however, competition is healthy, and we are very

to be a certain degree of confidence on both sides that what was being proposed would work. I am

“Unless you are a small firm with a very niche

confident that Withy King has all the attributes to make

immensely proud of the job that my colleagues in both

specialism, I can’t see how a small firm can survive. In

the firm a great success in Oxford.”

firms have done. The initial integration of the firms has

my view, the plethora of single partner or sole trader

been delivered as seamlessly as possible, which is a

firms dotted around the towns and cities of England

great testament to the people involved and the

will gradually disappear, and therefore there will be

collective willingness to make this work.

more aggregation.

Contact details on page 98

WITHY K ING

On September 1st, Oxford's oldest law firm, Marshall and Galpin, announced that it had merged with leading South West law practice, Withy King. B4’s Richard Rosser was invited to chat with Managing Partner, Martin Powell, about the background of the merger, which has created a firm in excess of three hundred employees, and the plans for the future.

www.b4-business.com

57

B4 PROPERTY

INSPIRATION FOR KITCHENS & BATHROOMS Whether you’re planning a beautiful new kitchen or bathroom the best place to go for inspiration is your friendly local builders’ merchant, Johnsons Buildbase. Its luxury first-floor Select showrooms have the most exclusive kitchen and bathroom displays in fully tiled room settings.

In total Johnsons Buildbase has displays for over 30 kitchens and 50 bathrooms including its large ground floor showrooms. Tiles can be found here too, together with the newest in bathroom accessories like illuminated mirrors and specialist bathroom lighting that is safe even for showers.

Many kitchen units are contemporary in cool, pale colours with matt or gloss finishes, from leading German manufactures complemented by simple brushed steel handles and splashbacks. Warmer timber finishes in beautiful cherry or light, waxed pine may be more suited to rural properties. Customers can relax in an informal seating area while they choose from hundreds of door panel samples, and as many handles.

Worktops feature solid slabs of granite with shimmering quartz highlights and Minerelle a modern work surface offering an attractively priced alternative.

A ‘gadget kitchen’ has been created to illustrate all the latest in practicality and space-saving ideas.

58

Homeowners want as much care and attention when planning their new bathroom. At the Select showrooms many of the bathrooms have an understated, continental style. Most are white with clean, modern lines from leading manufacturers.

The latest working displays in the Select showroom include Whirlpool baths, showers and steam enclosures incorporating body jets, stereo systems and luxury fittings and accessories. Attention to detail is superb with imaginative towel rails, which double as room heaters.

As a builders merchant the business serves the local building trade. Where contract kitchen or bathroom ranges are needed there is a wide choice of very keenly priced ranges with appliances to suit. Ask about the latest special offers.

Johnsons Buildbase is well-known for its beautiful tiles – the selection is huge – and prices are kept low by directly importing from factories on the continent in Spain and Italy. For floor tiles choose from granite, marble, porcelain whose natural beauty comes in many shades and patterns.

Johnsons Buildbase recently launched an eco-room that brings together all the newest building products to achieve a greener lifestyle. ‘Go Green at Buildbase’

on the first floor is devoted to energy-saving and eco-friendly products and systems that can be specified for new homes or installed in existing products. It is designed for builders, architects, specifiers, self-builders, local authorities, schools, businesses and any homeowners looking to save energy and resources.

As well as a working solar panel display, there are less familiar products such as a Greenstore ground source heat pump system that harnesses ground heat in different ways. Other new heating systems include a boiler which uses wood pellets in place of gas or oil or an air source heat pump that harvests thermal energy from the air.

A rainwater collection system stores water in a huge underground tank for use in the washing machine, toilet or garden. Photovoltaic roof tiles produce electricity from solar energy. Roof light tunnels are a simple way to increase internal light in place of lightbulbs. One display shows how different energy saving insulation materials can be installed in walls, loft, roof and floors.

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

1 Year’s Interest Free Credit* on Kitchens and Bathrooms

• FREE PLANNING & DESIGN FABULOUS BATHROOMS

• A SHOWROOM VISIT IS ESSENTIAL • FREE PARKING

0% APR Typical on min £1000 balance 20% Deposit STUNNING KITCHENS

*Subject to status only available to persons aged 18 or over Excludes fitting. Further terms and conditions apply.

Please ask in store for details.

JOHNSONS BUILDBASE Watlington Rd, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 6 LN Tel: 01865 787705 Fax: 01865 777947 Mon - Fri 7.30am- 5pm Saturday 8am- 4pm

SINKS & WORKTOPS

www.buildbase.co.uk

PARKERS THE

60

BRASSERIE

www.b4-business.com

B4 BEYOND

If the hotel doesn’t wow you - and believe me, it will – Parkers Brasserie will leave you crying “more”. One of Cheltenham’s top restaurants, Parkers is the “Oh My God” of Hotel restaurants, definitely not the “Oh dear!”

Opposite Cheltenham's famous Pittville Park lies The Hotel on the Park. Grand yet welcoming, the 18th-century building is as beautiful as it is imposing and inside elegant period features have been preserved and complemented by contemporary and stylish design elements.

Whilst relaxing on the sofas in the lounge bar, you can choose from the delights on the à la carte menu. Orders can be placed here allowing you to relax over a glass of wine – or even an expertly created cocktail – without being rushed to your table. Once seated for your dining experience, Parkers the Brasserie demonstrates excellence, a Cotswold Life Restaurant of the Year award is just one of the accolades which reflect the absolute quality and overall attention to detail that is found here.

Expect to find an abundance of mouth-watering seafood, poultry, meat and game on the menu.

The culinary creations at Parkers the Brasserie deserve praise indeed – simple works of art that taste delicious – and the entire menu reflects the season’s best produce. For such high quality, well-presented food, you would expect to pay high prices, yet we were pleasantly surprised to find the dinner menu was just £35 per head for three courses with coffee.

We sampled the cured organic salmon gravadlax with beetroot preserve and the baby Italian artichoke salad with warm goat’s cheese crostini and black olive tapenade from the starters menu – both were beautifully presented and delicious. We followed with substantial portions of slow cooked belly of Gloucestershire old spot with seared scallop, spinach, thyme and garlic confit potatoes, and the duo of Cotswold lamb which consists of best end and slow cooked belly accompanied by carrot puree, broad beans and shallot confit. Again, our choices couldn’t fail to impress in both presentation and flavour.

It was difficult to choose between the mouth-watering desserts, especially with such treats as raspberry brulée with vanilla shortbread, and coconut ice cream lollipops with milk caramel sauce, but the rich and delicious baked chocolate molleaux with clotted cream was well worth the 15 minutes we were requested to allow. The wine list is well-balanced and features many different varieties from around the globe, yet it doesn’t overlook the connoisseurs who may prefer something a little special.

A restaurant offering such a decadent experience may seem like a place for very special occasions – and it certainly is – but as it’s so pleasing on the wallet, you really don’t need an excuse.

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

61

THE GREEN

HANGAR

There’s nothing like a spring clean to get rid of the rubbish and start afresh. Imagine moving your business, lock, stock and barrel to a brand new location, and squeezing it all into an area less than 10% of where you previously operated.

That’s exactly what B4’s preferred office supplies company B-Line have done, with ease. They’ve also gone green in the process and reduced their carbon footprint. Could they possibly have done any more!

B-Line like to set an example, and Chief Executive David Beesley will blaze a trail wherever he can, “Yes we like to be at the forefront, not that we feel an obligation to set an example. It is something which has come naturally for us, and by changing location, it gave us the perfect chance to look at what we were doing and ask ourselves, ‘how could we do this better?’”.

In previous editions of B4, we have looked at how B-Line has changed and evolved as a business (see all previous editions of B4 at www.b4-business.com), and how it has gradually been streamlining, making the operation more efficient and taking on board the green directives issued to many businesses which are, to a great extent, ignored. It is as if this move has been the final piece of the jigsaw. The previous location, in Bletchingdon, was perhaps the restrictive factor on the business, preventing it from going that last mile, and now everything has come together, is David pleased with the results?

“Delighted, we couldn’t be happier. And we couldn’t ignore the green pressure and demands on us as a business to conform. We honestly believe that other businesses have to tow the line and that if they don’t, they will fall foul in the future. We are now ISO14001 compliant, meaning that we have to increase our environmental performance against set objectives through our Environmental Management System. This gives us a systematic approach for managing the environmental impact of our operations.”

Look at the business five years ago, and the changes have been dramatic. By not holding stock (or very

limited amounts), B-Line have not only reduced their space requirements, they have also reduced their carbon footprint. And what they do deliver is delivered as efficiently as possible (see B4 Issue 7) by targeting business parks so they can deliver to multiple businesses at one location.

“The result really has been more dramatic than the management team could ever have wished for. The environmental approach is there for all to see, and clients who visit us are knocked out by what we have done, in a relatively short period of time.”

B-Line have installed heat pumps in the purpose built offices, and have also adopted a policy where full recycle options are available in the office – no more bins under desks. Plastic, bottles and tins, paper and general waste are all separated in the office, and as Kay Beesley, David’s daughter, points out, this has had a dramatic effect, “Our volume of waste has reduced dramatically. Simply by putting the coloured bins in the office has triggered something in everyone, to be more environmentally aware, to think about packaging, think about using paper and think about waste. The whole office has become more efficient, and cleaner, as a result.”

The downside, as David points out, is that customers think they are going to be charged more for green products. “They can buy from our bespoke green brochure, and yes, prices are more expensive, but not massively so. But often, they see what we have achieved, and have taken on board the costs that we have saved by moving premises, and agree that buying “green” stationery is a small sacrifice, and consequently order from the green brochure.

“We are definitely attracting new custom because of our stance. It is no big deal to go down the green route. We have managed it without too much hassle.

We may have downsized our business in terms of physical size, but in terms of sales, we have never been busier and the volume of sales is going up.”

There is also plenty of room to expand at the new site, with spare desks and more offices to grow into. But you get the feeling that if David Beesley could get everyone connected to one PC, sat on one chair and at one desk, he’d do it.

And of course the move had nothing to do with the fact that it’s only five minutes from David’s home, “two actually”, claims David, “I’ve timed it!”

Why B-Line?

With a network of warehousing across the UK and stock holdings in excess of £50million, B-Line is well placed to supply all of your office stationery needs on a next working day basis.

B-Line Business Supplies is a company at the forefront of the business supplies industry, and so has forged strong and efficient supply partnerships ensuring that customers receive orders as and when they need them.

Let B-Line add value to your business by taking advantage of their wealth of experience that will ensure you only buy 'best value' and 'fit for purpose' products for your business needs. Your dedicated account manager will work closely with you in ensuring that through product rationalisation, your objective of value for money purchasing is achieved.

Contact details on page 98

62

www.b4-business.com

B4 GREEN

www.b4-business.com

63

Skin ki Care?

C Caring C aring for for yyour our sskin kin iiss a real real sscience. cience.

Skin S kin pproblems roblems ssuch uch aass sskin kin ccancer ancer aand nd aallergies llergies aare re oonn the the increase. increase. Treating Treating skin skin problems problems requires requires HH[SHUW NQRZOHGJH ,I \RX ZDQW WRWDO FRQĂ€GHQFH LQ WKH [SHUW NQRZOHGJH ,I \\RX ZDQW WWRWDO FRQĂ€GHQFH LQ W Q KH aassessment ssessment of of your your skin, skin, you you should should see see one one of of our our Consultant Dermatologists.

Consultant De rmatologists.

Wee treat W treat all general g skin problems prroblems including: includiing: (F]HPD SVRULDVLV DFQH URVDFHD ‡ 6XQ GDPDJH ‡ 0ROH FKHFN SUH DQG SRVW KROLGD\ PROH FKHFN (F]H HPD SVRULDVLV DFQH URVDFFHD ‡ 6XQ GDPDJH ‡ 0ROH FFKHFN SUH DQG SRVW KROLGD\ PROH FKHFN $OOHUJ\ WHVWLQJ XUWLFFDULD IRRG DOOHUJ\ HF]HPD JUDVV SROOHQ GHVHQVLWLVDDWLRQ $OOHUJ\ WHVWLQJ XUWLFDULD IRRG DOOHUJ\ HF]HPD JUDVV SROOHQ GHVHQVLWLVDWLRQ 3URPLLQHQW EORRG YHVVHOV DQG VZ ZHDWLQJ ‡ /XPSV EXPSV Z ZDUWV VNLQ WDJV DQG EHQLJQQ PROH UHPRYDO 3URPLQHQW EORRG YHVVHOV DQG VZHDWLQJ ‡ /XPSV EXPSV ZDUWV VNLQ WDJV DQG EHQLJQ PROH UHPRYDO Women’ o s dermatological conditions c Women’s

The ISIS IS SIS Skin & Allergy Alllergy Clinic P off Oxford Part O f d Radclif R Radcliffe d liffffe Pr P Private rivate i H Healthcare lh D ospital, Headington, Oxfor rd.

Department of Dermatology Dermatology,, Churchill Ho Hospital, Oxford. .oxfordprivvatehealth.co.uk 018655 228222 www www.oxfordprivatehealth.co.uk

More M ore tthan han jjust ust sskin kin de deep… ep p…

W

hen we hen we spend spend m money oney o on n ssomething, omething, wee wa want will work. w nt tto o kknow now tthat hat iitt w ill w ork.

Wee h have W ave tthis his sstraightforward traightforwa w rd aattitude ttitude towards whether towards most mos o t tthings hings – w hether iit’s t’s a large large purchase purchase such orr a wa washing machine, such aass a ccar ar o shing m achine, oorr ssomething omething smaller smaller like like a CD or or even even lunch lunch (we (we don’t d n’t want do want to to leave leave a restaurant restaurant still still feeling feeling hungry.) hungry.) .)

Yet with health, wee sseem bee a b bit more willing Yet e w ith our our h ealth, w eem tto ob it m ore w illing to to chance chance our our arm arm on on unproven unproven products products and and approaches. estimated approachess. It It is is es timated tthat hat tthe he ttotal otal aalternative lternative medicine Britain worth medicine market market in B ritain iiss w orth ssome ome £1.6 billion, billion, and and a growing growing areas areas of of this this industry industry iiss therapies marketed therapies m arketed ffor or sskin kin ccare are aand nd aallergies. llergies. IIn n fact fact there there seems seems lately lately to to have have been been a rash, rash, so so to to speak, off aallergy speak, k o ller l gy experts experts with with a whole whole l range range of of unproven unproven remedies. remedies. The The aalternative lternative industry industry iiss poorly poorly rregulated egu ulated and and its its boasts boasts of of success succcess are are often often little little more more tthan han aanecdotal. necdotal.

In protecting In fact, fact, ccaring aring ffor or yyour our sskin kin aand nd p rotecting against against aallergies lleergies is is a real real science science that that requires requires expert been expert kknowledge nowledge and and ttreatments reatments that that have have b een scientifically want scientific fi ally and and clinically clinic l ally tested. tested. IIff yyou ou wa nt ttotal otal confidence confidence in the the assessment assessment ooff yyour our u sskin, kin, yyou ou need who will need to to see see a consultant consultant dermatologist dermatologgist w ho w ill have off m medical have yyears ears o edical training training behind behind them. them.

““All All iin n aall, ll, w wee ssee ee ourselves ourselves as not not just just eff ffeective, but but also also value value for for money, money,” effective, ssays ays Dr R eed.

Reed.

Dr JJohn Reed, consultant ohn R eed, an an Oxford-based Oxfford-based co nsultant dermatologist dermatologgist ssays: ayys: ““II rregularly egularly see see people people who who have previously have p revio ously sspent pent llarge arge amounts amounts of of money money on on complex complex but but spurious spurious aallergy llergy testing testing to to no no good good effect. properly, eff ffeect. In In fact, f t, done fac done p roperly, aallergy llergy ttesting esting iiss straightforward effective, only off straightforwa w rd aand nd eff ffeective, not not o nly in tterms erms o diagnosis but profound effect have diagnosis b ut aalso lso tthe he p rofound eff ffeect iitt ccan an h ave on on someone’s someone’s life. liffe.”

Dr R Reed eed and and his his colleagues colleagues at at the the Isis Isis Skin Skin & Allergy Allerrgy Clinic Headington, Oxford Clinic in H eadington, O xfford offer off ffeer an an integrated integrated and and proven proven e approach approach to to the the whole whole range range of of skin skin complaints, complaints, t from from allergy allergy testing testing to to dietary d ary advice. diet advice.

Backed Backed up up by by a team team of of specialist specialist nurses nurses e and and support support staff, staff ff,, ttheir heirr aapproach pproach iiss eevidence-based, vidence-based, cclinically linically proven byy rrecommendations proven and and supported supported b ecommen ndations ffrom rom both Royal both the the R oyal College Colleg l e of of Physicians Physicians and and the the House House of of Lords.

Lords.

“W “We We know know that that our our services services are are grounded grounded iin nm odern m edicine, aand nd h ave aalready lready modern medicine, have w orked ffor or tthousands housands of of people. people.” worked “Holistic word like “Holistic iiss a w ord aalternative lternative ttherapists herrapists li ke tto o use, Reed. use,” ssays ayys Dr R eed. “But “But we we like like to to think think that that our our approach approach is is truly truly holistic, holistic, because because we we don’t don’t just just test test and wee ccan provide and ttreat reat for for skin skin conditions, conditions, w an aalso lso p rovide an an entire entire package package of of advice, advice, support support and and follow-up follow-up to people to help help p eople ttake ake ccare are of of their their skin. skin..”

Whilst one off the common Whilst o ne o the most most co mmon aallergies, llergies, hay hay fever, may be on the way out for another year, feverr, may be on the waay out for another year, many people will many p eople w ill be be coming coming back back from from holiday holiday with sun damage to their skin or may be worried with sun damage to their skin or may be worried about about moles. moles. Whilst Whilst many many mole mole clinics clin nics use use nonnonmedical practitioners, at the Isis Skin & Allergy medical practitioners, at the Isis Skin Allergy Clinic, patients are all seen by a consultant.

Clinic, patients are all seen by consultant. And And with the full infrastructure of The Oxford Radcliffe with the full inffra r structure of The Oxf xford Radcliff ffee Hospitals NHS Trust behind them, if it is something Hospitals Trust behind them, it is something more serious, there more serio ous, there is is rready ead dy access access tto o le lleading-edge adin d g-edg d e cancer treatment. cancer treatment.

Thankfully, Thankfully, most most skin skin complaints complaints t aren’t aren’t life liffe threatening, people’s threatenin ng, but but they they can can seriously seriously aaffect ffeect p ff eople’s lives: acnee o orr wa warts, excessive sweating lives: whether whetther iit’s t’s acn rts, ex cesssive sw eating or dermatological or women’s women n’s der matological problems problem ms that that may may be but have effect on be invisible invisible b ut ccan an h ave a sserious erio ous eff ffeect o n relationships. both male relatio i nshi h ps. The The Isis Isiis SSkin kin i team team includes i cludes in ud b oth m ale l and and female feemale l consultants consultants with with a range range of of specialities, specialities, from urticaria. from acne acne tto o ur ticaria.

THE PHILOSOPHICAL

HOTELIER

Many of us will pass The Oxford Hotel on Wolvercote roundabout on their way into work. Cormac O’Hara, the effervescent General Manager, will not mind me saying that the average impression is of a hotel which is more corporate than leisure, pumping in delegates for huge conferences. But the hotel has a heart and an identity which belies its initial impression as the big corporate hotel on the hill. As a highly credible, respected and refreshingly realistic character, Cormac O’Hara is the man to make it happen.

As Chairman of a Board of Governors of a special needs school in Oxfordshire, Cormac O’Hara, without meaning to, provides me with the perfect analogy and example he is trying to emulate.

“What the staff at the school do is mind-boggling, and the children are just amazing. One particular child came to the school and couldn’t speak and was lacking incredibly in confidence. The staff transformed the child into a speaking, confident person and that makes it such a rewarding environment and makes my job seem so simple.”

But that is Cormac’s job with The Oxford Hotel, to give it an identity, a voice and a confidence, something which it lost during the change of ownership from Paramount Hotels to Barceló Hotels last September.

And the hard work is paying off. Although Barceló are a big organisation across the world, it was a new name and a new brand in the domestic market.

“Our signage only changed in June, which I am sure created some confusion, as, on the whole, people hadn’t heard of Barceló. You therefore have to work hard to sell a new hotel, all over again! I only came here in March, in the heart of the re-branding, and have had to re-educate people.

“That has been a big part of my job since I joined – from branding, to bannering, from appearing in the media and getting myself back into the local community for the benefit of the hotel, to effectively re-launch both of us. I believe strongly in links with the local community, and publications such as In Oxford Magazine (B4’s sister magazine www.inoxford.com) and organisations such as Oxford Inspires have been crucial to help this process – I have always been a corporate supporter of Oxford Inspires since their creation and a big fan of what they do to help forge

66

links.

“I have a steadfast belief that you have to be involved in the local community and have gone out of my way to meet people here in the local area of Wolvercote, a very affluent area, full of decision makers from all sorts of businesses. Yet prior to my appointment, the hotel had little relationship with the people and organisations on its own doorstep. A lot are now members of the leisure club and we have had a really enjoyable time getting to know them. Simply donating prizes and being a part of fundraising initiatives that go on in village communities is vitally important. We also sponsored one of the Arts and Business Awards which took place at BMW in June.

“This all helps us get the logo, brand and name out there in the local community, both business and residential. I think local credibility is so, so important.

Some businesses aren’t that bothered about it or just don’t need to be, by virtue of the strength of their own brand, position or success. This means they don’t need to put so much effort in.”

Barceló is ranked 24th in the world in terms of hotel groups. It is Spain’s number one hospitality company, a one hundred per cent owned family company based in Majorca. All of the key positions in the business are headed up by family members, so it is truly a family run organization, with no debt and no bank involvement, a huge plus for Cormac. “This was quite unusual and refreshing for me to come across an organization which wasn’t at the behest of the banks in some way shape or form. They are really into hospitality and being debt free can focus on delivering this.

“I trained at The Howard Hotel in London for five years, working for the Barclay Brothers, and then spent twelve years working for Holiday Inn (working in various

locations and countries) and then left to join The Oxford Belfry (part of Q Hotels) for just over a year.

None of these entities were owned by families as such and were all operated very much in a corporate environment. This is a very successful worldwide group owned by a family and it is easy to get hooked on their passion and drive for the business.

“We went to Majorca to meet the family, and the father gave a speech which was extremely inspirational. He gave us the story of the business and explained how they had lost everything during the war, lost it again during the reign of Franco, and still came back to be the worldwide success they are now. I have been in lots of rooms with incredible people, who are often paid a lot of money to say things which don’t necessarily come naturally. But there was this eighty year old father of a successful company, who wanted to come and meet us and give his speech about the history of the company, about what they believe in. It was mesmerizing, mind-blowing stuff which makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck just thinking about it. This sort of thing rarely exists in businesses these days and it gives you something that you can really believe in”.

Although the re-education process is a work in progress, Cormac has covered a lot of ground in his short tenure. His focus is now on running a smooth hotel, something complicated by the recent downturn in the economy, and our discussion inevitably turned to the current economic climate.

“Lots of people are holding their breath and waiting to see what is going to happen next. We are certainly noticing a change in decision-making, patterns are changing and there are shorter lead times for bookings. The frequency of bookings is also changing – a company who may previously have had five or six events in a year, are now concentrating this to three or

www.b4-business.com

Photography: Studio8. Tel: 01865 842525.

B4 SPOTLIGHT

four and having more people at each event. Politically, having less is the way forward for a lot of companies – the total spend may well be the same, but they need to be seen to be having less get-togethers - they need to be seen to be being more efficient. But that isn’t a problem for us. Larger meetings or conferences would previously have taken longer to organise, however, we are now very adept at organising large bookings with very little lead times, and do it very well.

“In a busy week we host conferences and corporates and on a Friday afternoon there is a very specific switch to leisure trade – we are a very lively leisure destination at the weekends and so have a great balance between the two travel types, which should stand us in good stead if there is a downturn.

However, we have had a good August and September and are confident that Oxford has enough going for it to see us through.”

A crucial piece in Cormac’s jigsaw is getting the right staff on board, a moveable feast, complicated by the fact that the majority are from overseas, which in itself brings additional complications.

“Although we do have some excellent local staff, the overseas staff are very transient, which brings with it training issues, language issues and quality issues. It is a constant process – you never get to a position where you have a settled staff. And during a company sale, everything is put on hold. No one is able to spend anything and this does have a negative effect on the staff.

“We have a locally based head chef joining us shortly.

He will want to make his mark, but this is even harder in this climate with the rising cost of food – it is almost impossible to pass this on to the customer and so we have to be creative and think. Testing times bring out the best in skilled management – it shows who can

www.b4-business.com

think on their feet and react to the additional pressures and still produce results. I find it really is about manipulating people, in the best possible way, manipulating beliefs, skills, expectations etc….. to your benefit, without taking advantage of them.

making their staff feel better, but as Cormac points out, “How do I make someone cleaning toilets feel valued?

To me, housekeeping is the hardest job at this hotel, and I have to keep the housekeeping staff motivated and try and keep a smile on their faces.”

“Little things like putting a hotel name sign behind the front desk staff has given them a boost – positive energy creating positive energy. There was a problem with the staff canteen which no one could identify. We redecorated it, but it still wasn’t right. Eventually, we realised that there was no leadership in there – that leadership meant someone tidying up, directing, putting away trays. Leadership sounds like a very inflated term for this role, but that’s what was missing.

There was no one individual in the canteen, no constant. It is a fact that a lot of staff need someone to guide them, and this was the solution and has made the canteen a much better place, which is vitally important for the morale of the staff and the atmosphere in the hotel.

It is abundantly clear that Cormac has a burning passion for his hotel and the company he works for.

“They have great ethics. They leave it to me – after all I am the closest person to this business, and on the whole, I am accountable and I am therefore given control.

“Getting staff in the right frame of mind is crucial for the hotel to deliver. We can have a great product, but if a moody member of staff transmits this negative energy to a customer, everything else is forgotten and that is the impression the customer is left with. One member of staff can literally ruin it for the rest of us, and that is why the team needs to be on its game and performing all of the time, whatever their role.

“I have worked in a brand new hotel where the product was perfect. But, it wasn’t cleaned, the staff were awful and the customer got the feeling that they weren’t being looked after. The hotel was hated, plain and simple, because of the staff.”

Managing people’s emotions is a huge part of Cormac’s job. He admits you have to be clever to get it right. Huge organisations like Microsoft invest in

“They don’t believe in someone coming to tell me about my business – I have had that before, where a table thumper will come in and tell me what to do. If I don’t know there is a problem, there is something wrong with me, with my ability. Most hotels will tell their General Manager they have control, but this doesn’t materialize.

“By leaving me to it, my loyalty is increasing. Anyone who wants to use anger to point out the obvious won’t wash these days. If you feel respected, you are more motivated to work. Because of the family involvement, I felt a greater sense of loyalty. We all believe in the end goal and we will all use our best skills to get there.

You will never get anywhere by chastising people, especially in this economic climate. The Gordon Ramsay approach to motivation is not, in my opinion, suitable.

“When you get the culture right it then takes on a life of its own. We invest a lot of time in the who are we, what do we do, so that everyone knows the culture.

We now have to implement this culture and attract people back who didn’t realize what we were and missed the point of what we had to offer. Now we have that straight, we can sell the culture to customers we have lost and to customers we never had.”

Contact details on page 98

67

>i\\eD`elk\j

Greenminutes™, Greenm minutes™, STL Communica Communications tions commitment to eco-friendl eco-friendlyy se services rvices is aapproved pproved bbyy the Carbon TTrust rust and is used bbyy the Hondaa Racing F1 team’s team’s earthdreams® environmental aawareness wareness cam campaign. mpaign. STL STL’s ’s stra strategic tegic partnerships include the world le leaders eaders in telecommunica telecommunications tions Avaya Avaya and Samsung Telecoms.

Telecoms. © 2008 STL Communications Communications Limited. All rights reserved. reserved. Head Office, O Office, STL Communica Communications tions Limited , Park House Station Station Lane, Witney, Witney, Oxfordshire Oxfordshire OX28 4LH, UK. t +44 (0)1993 77710 f +44 +444 (0)1993 777101

EFN PFL :8E I<;L:< PFLI :8I9FE G?FE< GI@EK

>i\\eD`elk\j# JKC j \Zf$]i`\e[cp k\c\Zfddle`ZXk`fej _\cgj pfl kf f]]j\k pfli ZXiYfe ]ffkgi`ek% gXg\ic\jj Y\jgfb\ Y`cc`e^ ]i\\ Xl[`f m`[\f Zfe]\i\eZ`e^ ]i\\ Zfee\Zk`fe f] _fd\ Xe[ i\dfk\ nfib\ij JKC k\c\g_fep lj\j cfn gfn\i# cfn ZXiYfe @G e\knfib ?fe[X IXZ`e^ =( n`k_ JKC c\X[ k_\ nXp `e Zfekifcc`e^ k\c\Zfddle`ZXk`fej Zfjkj Xe[ i\[lZ`e^ k_\`i ZXiYfe g_fe\ gi`ek% =i\\g_fe\ JKC fe '/'' *(-'()* kf ]`e[ flk _fn >i\\eD`elk\j ZXe i\[lZ\ pfli ZXiYfe ]ffkgi`ek%

nnn%jkcZfddj%Zfd

9lj`e\jj :fddle`ZXk`fej Jfclk`fej Jfclk`fe ej

B4 PEOPLE The Varsity Match on 11 December will be the 127th, a fixture steeped in tradition which goes back to the formation of the University Rugby Club in 1869.

Tim Stevens (TS) – “The Varsity match is the fixture we are all aiming for, it’s only twelve weeks away and our entire focus, from when we meet at the start of term, through the tour to Shawnigan Lakes in Canada to the fixtures during the term, is on the Varsity Match.

“It’s a big event and it’s getting bigger. We have great links with the city firms, through sponsorship and the firms who now employ many ex-players. We really want to open that up to Oxford firms, to encourage them to come and support us, not just at Twickenham but at games throughout the term.”

B4 – So as Captain, there’s a lot of pressure on you?

Peter Clarke (PC) – “Yes, but I enjoy it. It’s a very exciting time for everyone, an opportunity for the guys coming back to make amends for last year’s defeat and obviously for the new guys it’s going to be a tremendous challenge, a great opportunity to be involved in such a prestigious club. Those of us who have experienced it all before, know it goes in a flash.

There really is a lot of pressure, but you have to enjoy the pressures of being a student, enjoy the privileges of Oxford University and the tremendous journey you are on.”

B4 - Knowing you’ve got a cup final at the start of the season must be quite a strange position to be in?

PC – “It makes the whole melting pot even more interesting and fascinating. With so much strength in depth, nobody wants to get injured, with a such a short period of time to recover and invariably with someone ready to jump into your shirt.”

B4 – I presume there’s a fair mix of backgrounds in the melting pot?

PC – “Yes we have Anton Oliver, who with fifty five New Zealand caps is a huge addition for us. There are a lot of young lads coming through mixed with the experienced players.”

TS - “I think this year there’s a very good mix of experienced players arriving, experienced playing being here, plus there’s some very ambitious youngsters who’ve come through our under 21 system, who will keep those more experienced players on their toes. I think that is crucial and I think it just adds to the mix. I believe the mix of people and personalities you get at Oxford, or indeed Cambridge is unique and very different to a professional club.”

Brendan McKerchar (BM) – “OURFC is very different from a professional rugby club. Professional rugby is all about winning and, ultimately, money. Therefore, big name players will play ahead of other players even if they had not trained the whole week in the build-up to the game, because they will add to the gate.

Obviously, this can affect the dynamics of the team.

“Pro rugby is so political, whereas here, it’s you play well or you don’t and everyone is on a level playing

70

field, which has to be a good thing - it makes it seem that the work you put in is valued and you get rewarded for it. The boys here are also a lot more rounded. The guys have got their studies to concentrate on and the rugby is a pleasant release. You have guys who are stupidly talented, guys who are playing in bands, playing other sports, but who still manage to achieve success on the field and in their studies.”

B4 – Says the man who is a double Blue in Rugby and Cricket!

BM – “Maybe, but I’m not in a band yet! So the boys here are much more well rounded and it’s a healthier environment to be in, whereas a professional environment can be a bit “murkier”. I much prefer the rugby here because it’s brought the enjoyment back to the game which used to be a run of the mill, everyday grind.”

B4 – Tim tells me that the selection process for the squad and the final team for Twickenham is quite an open process and everyone finds out at a meeting for all of the various teams selected. That must be a difficult situation to handle?

PC – “Yes, but if you’ve performed, you’ll get in.

Simple as that. What is really interesting about the club as well, is that you have a lot of guys coming from abroad and there’s a mix of different nationalities, cultures, all that sort of thing and it’s obviously a quick turnaround. They only have a short period of time to understand what Varsity is about, what the club is about and, like I said before, the twelve weeks are over and the moment to impress has gone. It is vital you get up to speed day one.”

TS – “It really does develop their characters and helps define the person they are when they leave. A lot of the boys are targets for the big city firms because they are well rounded, thanks to their experiences in the team and throughout their studies. Don’t forget these are academics first and sportsmen second, and they get into their Colleges based on their intelligence, not on their sporting ability. How they juggle everything is quite incredible, particularly in these next twelve weeks, because they don’t abdicate their study duties in favour of training, they can’t afford to, they’d get booted out of College.”

Peter Wright (PW) - “Last year for me was pretty difficult. As a finalist, you see everyone else in the year group doing pretty much a twelve hour day in the library for most of the year. We have to weave in the training with the studying and it is difficult. But it really is sink or swim. You have friends living in the library, committing so many hours, so you have to try and do what you can to keep up, and often the Christmas break is just that, a chance to catch up.”

B4 – Is there extra pressure on you from your tutors?

PW - “I think within a college, as an undergraduate, everyone else in the college knows who you are because they come and watch you play and so that’s a strange thing in itself. On the one hand your college is proud of you, but your tutor is on your back knowing that you need that extra encouragement to

keep all the balls in the air. I have had pressure from tutors, but the statistics tell the story. Of three undergraduates playing in the first team last year, two got firsts and I think both of them would say that if they hadn’t played rugby, they probably wouldn’t have managed their grades. The lessons they learnt through time management and also staying realistic and giving themselves a break, meant they had a change of scenery. A lot of students get sucked into this finals atmosphere, and the Oxford undergraduate expectation to work hard and they overwork and burn themselves out, trying to be too much of a perfectionist. Whereas rugby, I think, keeps you grounded.”

PC - “It also provides you with a support network as well, because like the boys are saying, there’s a lot of pressure. I think the guys know when it comes to the last exam period, that everyone is in the same boat and, if anything, you get a lot of support from your team mates.”

PW - “Yes a lot of the guys are on the same course and we all understand that everyone’s got to go through it at some stage, whether “it” is doing their exams or writing their dissertation or a 30, 000 word thesis. Everybody at some point is going to have to be focused on their studies and other things do just get put on the back burner. Having said that, even during finals, you know that you have one hour a day where you’re going to go in the gym, or have a game of touch rugby and that is a great release.”

Tim concludes that the University Rugby Club has been criticised for not being open enough to the community of Oxford, apart from, maybe the Major Stanley’s fixture.

“Despite this, we are trying to make the Club more accessible to the local community and the businesses of Oxfordshire and encourage them to come down and experience what we have to offer.

“We have a marquee and there’s an opportunity to buy a table and get good seats in the stand. It is arguably the best rugby that people can see in Oxford and in thesurrounding areas. We want the people of Oxford to feel they can come and support us.

“We have a supporters club scheme where people can join and gain benefits like free entry to the games.

They can apply for international tickets and other benefits. We are also trying to extend our corporate hospitality at Twickenham to encourage local businesses from Oxford to come along to support, hopefully, their home team and perhaps tie it in with a Christmas function or staff reward or to entertain some clients. It’s not often that people get the opportunity to experience hospitality within Twickenham Stadium itself, in a hospitality facility run by the RFU. Most of the hospitality packages available on international days are taken up by the sponsors of England. On Varsity Day you can actually get into suites within the stadium itself at a very reasonable rate, and excellent stadium seats.”

So now you’ve got to know more about the Blues, give them your support – after all, they’ve worked hard for it!

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

GETTING THE BLUES

B4 were invited to Iffley Road to meet some of the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Team rugby squad to discover that the road to the Varsity Match in Twickenham is not only competitive, but incredibly demanding on a set of talented individuals who have to put study first, and put the boot in second. Sitting around the committee table were Tim Stevens, University Rugby Administrator; Peter Clarke, Club Captain; Brendan McKerchar; scrum half and Peter Wright; back row.

www.b4-business.com

71

DONNINGTON VALLEY

If you are looking for the perfect weekend retreat, in luxurious surroundings and with plenty to do, or not to do, as the case may be, you would be hard pressed to find a more suitable alternative than Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa. B4 were invited to experience the wonders of this charming, yet at the same time exciting, hotel and spa.

On first impressions, the hotel is incredibly inviting.

Atmospheric lighting and music in the restaurant

experiencing one of the specifically designed Spa Days,

It is not only the pleasant reception staff, but the

ensures that it reflects the time and mood of the

or if you are lucky enough to have a whole weekend

general ambience which hooks you as soon as you

evening, to create a warm and intimate ambience. The

of indulgent Spa luxury, Donnington Valley Hotel will

walk through the front door. This is a retreat – you

WinePress menu and “Bat + Mezz” menu offer lighter

leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to

could spend a week here and not feel in a hurry to

snacks, coffees, cakes and pastries throughout the day

greet life with renewed vigour. Watch as the stresses of

leave. Friendly, sophisticated, fun and vibrant –

and cocktails at night.

life just float away!

quite a cocktail.

Chef Kelvin Johnson has created a menu which offers

Donnington Valley Hotel also provides purpose-built

Surrounded by its own eighteen hole parkland golf

a choice of both modern and traditional British dishes.

conference facilities offering organisers the finest

course and boasting the ultimate in Health Clubs and

By using fresh produce which is locally sourced, he

facilities for conferences, meetings or incentive

Spas, the hotel is ideal for a weekend break for two,

prepares meals that are light and stylish in their

gatherings. Every detail has been designed for comfort

but also oozes ample facilities for the perfect wedding,

appearance, with classical combinations and seasonal

and

meeting or conference.

ingredients. From Fillet of Seabass to Braised Shin of

comprehensive audio-visual equipment and dedicated

convenience

offering

unrivalled

flexibility,

Beef to Tale of Three Chocolates, Kelvin’s innovative

service. Whether a small board meeting for ten, or a

All of the bedrooms and suites have been designed

creations continue to inspire gourmet guests to return.

large seminar for one hundred and twenty, the hotel

with Egyptian cotton duvets, marble bathrooms, air

In addition to the WinePress Restaurant, “Greens” is

has everything and more you need to ensure your

conditioning, Wi-Fi internet access and laptop safes. For

the perfect setting for exclusive private parties and

corporate event goes according to plan.

extra comfort, the executive suites are equipped with

dinners.

a mini-fridge. The rooms are exceptional, in terms of quality and value, many of which offer mesmerising

Donnington Valley’s Health Club and Spa has

And if you have time, stretch your legs on the golf

views over the golf fairways and rolling Berkshire coun-

everything you could wish for. Relax in the eighteen

course. Re-designed and lengthened between 1998

tryside. There are also Classic, Executive and Family

metre pool, steam room, sauna, aromatherapy room,

and 2000, the course is set in beautiful rolling

rooms to suit all budgets and party sizes.

monsoon shower, generous poolside relaxation lounge

countryside, and is now a challenging 6353 yards, 18

and sun terrace. There is also a large air-conditioned

hole, par 71 from the back tees.

The Award-Winning WinePress Restaurant offers an

gym with state-of-the-art equipment and studio.

Whatever the reason for your visit, Donnington Valley

intimate, yet informal setting. Guests can enjoy superb dishes complemented by wine from an excellent

From the moment you start your journey by sinking

Hotel and Spa has the answer. With so much to do

cellar, which has been awarded “Johansens wine list

into the comfort of your robe, to when you are resting

and in such wonderful surroundings, don’t leave it too

of the year” and celebrates a vast range of Californian

in the hands of professionals, the sense of comfort and

long to sample the hotel for yourself.

wines, including wines from the Peter Michael Winery.

well-being is overwhelming. Whether you spend a day

72

www.b4-business.com

B4 BEYOND

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

73

DIRECTION MARKETING SERVICES

COMPLETE MARKETING SUPPORT FROM A SINGLE SOURCE Direction Marketing Services was formed in 1998. After a number of years in the business as a director and shareholder with a company similar to DMS, Managing Director, David Hart, saw the opportunity to provide a more flexible and personal service to clients. This has been the single driving force behind DMS since day one and continues to push the business forward. In today’s competitive market, you need a company that works with you to deliver programmes on time, on brief and on budget and that is where DMS score every time.

“Individual service starts with us fully understanding a brief and providing clients with the right solution. All of our staff here ensure that we consistently delivery excellent results on all client projects”, explains David.

My experience in marketing support services goes back to 1982 – when I started a contract packing operation with a colleague, this was then amalgamated into another group of companies which became ABC with 250 employees and a 250,000 sq ft operational warehouse. I left in 1997 and formed DMS in 1998. Carl Law (who I had worked with at ABC) joined in 1999 and with his expertise of mailing and fulfillment, the real guts of the operation, together with his IT skills, manages the production. This enables me to concentrate on sales, marketing and administration.

Phil Hussey, ( formerly of Bookpoint & Thompson Publishing Services where he was Distribution Director), has recently taken over all warehouse operational responsibilities with a view to managing all of production in the near future. This will further enable Carl to devote more time to developing our new Warehouse Management System & Bond Facility.

Carl says “Our strength is that we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, think about the task in hand and often make an over-complicated procedure more straightforward. DMS are passionate about the business and do everything we can to get the best job done for our clients and our experience in the field allows us to guide and support the client to streamline their marketing program. We provide a flexible approach to a client which allows us to provide a bespoke solution to our clients requirements.”

Our customer base consists of FMCG ( fast moving consumer goods) companies, industry, agencies and individuals on a small or large scale. A growing part of our business is the fulfillment of e-commerce business where we provide the complete service for an e-commerce site, starting with on-line design through to receiving, processing and dispatch of orders on a daily basis.

David concludes, “as a small company, we will go the extra mile and can add value as we know customers appreciates our flexibility. In the current economic climate, its important to use a company which can help advise on how to optimize your activity whilst making the most of your budget. We pride ourselves on being an extension of your business.”

As the company chosen to pack and distribute 3,000 “B4 Magazines” – DMS do deliver.

• Response Handling & Fulfilment inc e-Commerce & Mail Order • Data Capture & Order Processing • Pick, Pack & Dispatch • Contract & Promotional Packing • Collation, Handwork & Promotional Kit Assembly • POS Handling & Management • Stock Management & Reporting • Mailing Services – Machine & Hand Enclosing • Telephone Marketing • Storage & Distribution UK/ Overseas • IT Support & Database Management • Print & Design Service • Material Sourcing & Procurement • Archiving • H.M. Customs & Excise Bonded Warehouse • Campaign Management, Coupon Redemption & Prize Draws • 30,000 sq ft Operational Warehouse with “GMS Redcare” security alarm system.

Contact details on page 98

74

www.b4-business.com

Photography: Studio8. Tel: 01865 842525.

B4 PROMOTION

www.b4-business.com

75

HOTEL ON THE PARK Standing proud in the centre of Cheltenham is one of the most gorgeous hotels you could wish to discover. Hotel on the Park is the perfect combination of grandeur, style and chic with stunning effect. B4 sent the ebullient Karen Lawton to enjoy herself and she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let us down.

76

www.b4-business.com

B4 BEYOND

Got rather over excited at this one, (yes I have

ruin the surprise. I suppose I should tease you by

We didn’t dine there this time, but we will, as the

been getting around this month haven’t I!) as

saying they are sumptuous; there’s a definite ‘oh wow’

smells

I’ve been eyeing up this lovely place for ages.

when you walk in, and extra good beds (natch). Ours

mouth-watering. Managed to sample the gin though.

There’s the pretty façade, the tastefully planted

had a glowing fire, well stocked mini bar and a totally

If you are staying, there is full room service and

urns and the glistening Morgan parked out front

outrageous curved walnut wardrobe that opened into

nothing is too much trouble. In the morning the

(you can book it for the day with a luxury

a golden cavern of delights, fluffy robes et al. There’s

breakfast was as good as the room, the Full English

hamper – just see the website), and all plonked

even a specially built drawer by the bed with ipod’s

aficionado was more than delighted (nice eggs and

neatly down opposite Pittville Park – heaven.

nestled in it.

mushrooms apparently) and the service very good.

I love small boutique hotels and I adored this one. It’s

What will really hook you though are the bathrooms.

The hotel holds various intriguing events and has very

just so well done, with a marble entrance hall that

This is what makes this hotel unique and rightly so.

appealing Christmas and New Year packages – we

sweeps straight back to the completely desirable

These are spa bathrooms ladies and gents, with the

may be tempted I’m afraid. It would be a lovely place

courtyard garden at the rear and a feeling of elegance

most glorious toys. Soft chromotherapy lighting that

to spend Christmas, with a walk in the park to blow

throughout. This is all very grown up folks, with tasty

glows blue when you enter and changes slowly to relax

way the cobwebs and perhaps a trip in that Morgan.

décor, atmospheric, beautifully lit rooms and a great

you; run water into a basin and it glows blue, even the

Again, see their website for more details.

bar (with an astounding supply of strange gins and

loo roll changes colour! There’s a TV to watch in the

whiskeys). If I was whisking my darling husband away

bath, a deluge shower that’s amazing - I had to be

We came away completely relaxed and smitten with

for a wicked weekend…this is the place I’d choose.

pulled out before I turned into a prune - and so many

the hotel. I’m already planning that weekend

You feel naughty just walking over the threshold.

gorgeous touches I can’t list them. Other rooms have

away…gird your loins Mr Lawton.

wafting

from

the

glam

interior

were

whirlpools, Jacuzzis and aromatherapy sprays…oh yes, I’m not sure how much to tell you about the rooms; it could be like giving away the plot of a good film and

www.b4-business.com

indulgence thy name is Hotel on the Park!

Contact details on page 98

77

Understanding your world Your tax affairs are safe in our hands whether they be private or corporate matters.

Rooks Rider offers a truly integrated legal service to provide our clients with Onshore and Offshore advice for their private and corporate legal requirements. We have experience in every offshore destination and our lawyers can ensure that all your tax issues are dealt with in the most advantageous manner.

We have advised clients and protected their interests since 1761.

Please visit us at www.rooksrider.co.uk

B4 BEYOND

C LUB MED L P ’A A

LANTATION D

LBION

Club Med opens new premium deluxe resort set on the North West Coast of Mauritius

Club Med’s brand new deluxe property La Plantation d’Albion, Mauritius is now open, becoming the newest addition to the collection of 80 Club Med resorts worldwide.

Set on a beautiful white sand beach sheltered by coral reef, Club Med La Plantation d’Albion is located on the north west coast of the island and is the second Club Med resort in Mauritius. The newly opened resort is primarily aimed at discerning couples, and embodies Club Med’s premium offering of ‘Friendly Luxury’, setting new standards in elegance and hospitality.

The opening of La Plantation d’Albion marks Club Med’s dual investment in Mauritius. December 2007 also saw Club Med’s Le Pointe aux Canonniers reopening as an upscale family resort following extensive upgrades and refurbishments. The resort accommodates children from 4 months to 17 years, perfectly complementing the more tranquil retreat of La Plantation d’Albion.

La Plantation d’Albion offers 270 well appointed rooms and 30 suites. Each of the rooms are spacious and welcoming and range from Club rooms to Deluxe rooms, all equipped with the latest gadgetry and fully stocked mini-bars. Each room also boasts a sizeable terrace offering garden or ocean views.

www.b4-business.com

The 30 deluxe suites are the centre piece of the resort. Each suite is 71 m2 and has a separate living area, ‘dreaming bathroom’, dressing area and a private garden, with Indian slate outdoor shower and Jacuzzi.

Guests staying at the suites benefit from a priority ‘meet and greet’ at a private ‘salon’ as they land in Mauritius. Alternatively for those arriving by helicopter, a helipad is available at the resort for guest access.

The resort has been designed by Marc Hertrich, using local products such as culm, rough wood and lava stone which perfectly blend in with the properties lush, natural vegetation.

A highlight of La Plantation d’Albion is the Club Med signature spa, Cinq Mondes where guests can indulge in therapeutic treatments, whilst enjoying 180-degree ocean views.

Gourmet visitors to Club Med La Plantation d’Albion have the choice of two fine restaurants each offering ocean perspectives. Club Med’s cuisine is of an acclaimed status and the menus offer a fusion of local flavours with an international influence. Wine aficionados can also appreciate the extensive wine list with Old World and New World vintages on offer.

Additionally, Club Med is exclusively offering champagne as part of the all-inclusive offering, along with fine wines*.

In addition to the Club Med activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, tennis and golf, guests can undertake an island hopping excursion to local caves such as Deer Island for picnics.

Sarah Mason, Marketing Manager, Club Med UK, said “We are delighted to announce the opening of Club Med La Plantation d’Albion and look forward to welcoming families to our flagship resort. Aimed at holidaymakers seeking true indulgence, the resort is perfect for couples and active honeymooners looking for an intimate retreat amongst breathtaking landscapes, coupled with excellent sports, fine dining and world-class leisure facilities”.

Club Med has more than 30 years of experience in the holiday sector and over recent years has spearheaded a consistent drive upmarket to cater for increasingly sophisticated and discerning British holidaymakers.

This year, Club Med unveils even more facilities than ever before, to bring British holiday makers the most luxurious inclusive experience ever. * after 6.00pm.

Contact details on page 98

79

B4 BEYOND

THE

VINEYARD

B4 was fortunate to visit The Vineyard over a year ago when we met with John Campbell, the revered head chef of this fantastic hotel and restaurant just outside of Newbury (see www.b4-busines.com, Issue 4). We were delighted to be invited back to explore the hotel and again sample the immensely likeable chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magic. Welcome to Sir Peter Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world of pure indulgence.

80

www.b4-business.com

B4 TITLE

“Welcome

smart

insignificant other. And as my tour continued through

the reception area and the circular pond adjacent to

receptionist as I walked sheepishly to the front

back

Sir”,

exclaimed

the

the bar, restaurant and to my room, each step of the

the entrance, now ablaze with water lights - what a

desk. Was she talking to me? No matter the brief,

way I was drawn more into its magical vibe.

stunning sight.

could intimidate, but the friendly faces and

The rooms are a treat, decadent, luxurious, sumptuous

Our food order was taken by a very familiar face – we

genuine welcome soon ensure you are at ease

and above all, incredibly relaxing. The Grand Suites –

flirted with the Tasting Menu, but chose from the main

with this outstanding property. Fine art abounds

Mon Plaisir and La Carriere – boast a stylish combina-

menu. From the service, the presentation and the food

and are an integral part of The Vineyard. Inspired

tion of specially woven fabrics, stunning four poster

itself, we couldn’t fault our choices, which were as

by Sir Peter Michael’s patronage of the arts,

beds, coolly elegant bathrooms and spacious sitting

expected - exceptional. Had I gone for something I

intriguing sculptures form focal points throughout.

rooms. The Atrium Suites, where we were staying, are

didn’t want, I’d have probably liked it!

This truly is an experience to savour, and it just

on a split level and are luxuriously furnished with

keeps getting better.

modern fabrics and contemporary design, with flat

John Campbell gets the very best out of food,

screen LCD televisions and DVD players. In total, The

whatever he prepares, and the fact that your wines are

I was given a tour of the property by Alex, the Duty

Vineyard has forty nine individually designed rooms,

chosen for you only serves to intensify the experience.

Manager. Whilst The Vineyard’s sister hotel, The

all named after wines. All rooms have air conditioning

Not only are you excused the embarrassment of

Donnington (see page 72) is vibrant and lively, The

and beautiful marble bathrooms with baths to sink into

choosing the wrong wine for your food, the wine is

Vineyard enjoys a more leisurely pace. The scale is also

for at least an hour, if not more!

actually included with the meal – perfect!

suites for the “must impress” business meeting to the

But there was no time for sinking, we had to sample

We followed with a post-dinner drink in the bar, raving

Spa’s suites or tranquil pool. As the brochure says; The

Mr Campbell’s delights and after a quick, well,

about the food, the wine and the surroundings. How

Vineyard is a “timeless sanctuary”.

probably half an hour, bath, it was off to the California

could you ever have enough of The Vineyard? They

Bar. Entertained by the enchanting piano music, we

often say “never go back”, but in this case, you simply

Everything about The Vineyard serves to impress, but

sipped pre-dinner drinks in the comfort of lavish

must go, and keep on going.

you are made to feel part of the fabric, not an

armchairs, in front of a roaring fire. The bar overlooks

this was impressive. The opulent surroundings

more intimate, from the four elegant self-contained

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

81

B4 24/7

ROYAL OXFORD HOTEL We dashed from the car into the lobby of The Royal Oxford Hotel on a typically rainy June evening, leaving the dismal grey world outside and stepping into a sanctuary of calm and tranquillity. The hustle and bustle of the busy Park End Street and nearby station disappeared as the friendly and helpful reception staff in the recently modernised lobby greeted us. In fact the whole hotel has undergone renovations, with lovely new bathrooms in all the rooms.

There are 26 rooms in total including two family rooms. We were shown to our spacious and comfortable room on the second floor. Our room overlooked Park End Street but thanks to the wonders of double-glazing we heard not a sound of the Saturday-night party crowds from the street below.

Each room is equipped with tea and coffee making

82

facilities, bottled water and a delicious fruit bowl. For hotter days all the rooms are conveniently fitted with air-con units. The bathroom was large and stocked with a range of complimentary goodies. All rooms come with hairdryers, big fluffy towels, and extra blankets and pillows.

We dried off and ventured back out into the now drier street. Within two minutes, we were in the heart of Oxford – in the buzz and atmosphere of George Street and Oxford Castle. We opted for a meal at Jamie’s new restaurant, but you are spoilt for choice at that end of town. We called in at Carluccio’s before heading back for the night. By next autumn the new Café Coco will be open on the ground floor of the Hotel itself.

The front door is locked at 11pm, but a very efficient night porter quickly ushered us in. He checked our

breakfast order and morning paper request before bidding us goodnight. The bed was a good king-size and meltingly comfortable. The night was blissfully quiet; the first we knew of morning was the arrival of our breakfast and the Sunday papers. We opted for the continental – croissants, cereal, juice and tea, but a full English breakfast was available downstairs in the dining room.

And that was it – the end of our night off from home.

Back to reality. We’d had a great night out, a good night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast. What more do you need from a hotel?

Reviewed by Catherine and Alex Sternberg

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

www.*O5PVDI$3..co.uk

4.

4.4 .4 & . .BJM & .BJM .B BSLFUJO OH .BSLFUJOH CCAMPAIGN AMPPAIGN A MARKETIN MARKETINGG FROM ANY PCC

HTML MARKETING

SMS MARKETING

t 4FOE PVU B VOJRVFMZ CSBOEFE )5 t 4FOE PVU B VOJRVFMZ CSBOEFE )5.- FNBJMT UP 5.- FNBJMT UP ZPVS DVTUPNFST GSPN BOZXIFSF UIFO NFBTVSF Z PVS DVTUPN NFST GSPN BOZXIFSF UIFO U NFBTVSF DVTUPNFS JOUFSFTU BOE DMJDL UISPVHIT DVTU PNFS JO OUFSFTU BOE DMJDL UISPVH HIT

t 4FOE t 4FOE F PVU PVU UIPVTBOET UIPVTBOET PG PG NFTTBHFT NFTTBHFT XJUIJO XJUIJO NJOVUFT NJOV VUFT JOG JOGPSN PSN DVTU DVTUPNFST PNFSTT PG PG OF OFX XF FWFOUT WFOUT BOE BOE QSPNPUJPOBM PòFST PS DIBOHFT QS PN NPUJPOBM PòFST PS DIBOH HFT

NBSLFUJOH JT B tt )5.- )5.- NBS N LFUJOH JT B USVMZ USVMZ DPTU FòFDUJWF DPTU FòFDUJWF TPMVUJPO XJUI TPMVUJPO X XJUI FYDFMMFOU FYDFMMFOU SFTQPOTF SFTQ QPOTF SBUFT SBUFT DDPNQBSFE XJUI EJSFDU NBJM PNQBSFE XJUI X EJSFDU NBJM

tt "O JNNFEJBUF BOE FòFDUJWF GPSN PG NBSLFUJOH "O JNNFEJBUF BOE FòFDUJWF GPSN PG NBSLFUJOH NFTTBHFT BSF TFOU BOE SFDFJWFE JOTUBOUMZ XJUI B NFTT TBHFT BSF TFOU BOE SFDFJJWFE JOTUBOUMZ XJUI B BWFSBHF SFTQPOTF SBUF PG NPSF UIBO B WFSBHF S B FTQPOTF SBUF PG NP PSF UIBO

t 8F FOTVSF t 8F FOTVSF UIBU UIBU BMM BMM NBSLFUJOH NBSLFUJOH JT JT TFOU T U TFDVSFMZ TFO TFDVSFMZ BOE JT TP UIF UIF BOE JT GVMMZ GVMMZ Z EBUB Z EBUB QSPUFDUJPO QSPUFDUJPO DDPNQMJBOU PNQ QMJBOU TP SSFQVUBUJPO PG ZPVS DPNQBOZ JT HVBSBOUFFE FQVUBUJPO PG ZPVS DPNQBOZ JT HVBSBOUFFE

t "T XJUI t "T XJUI PVS )5.- NBSLFUJOH XF FOTVSF UIBU BMM X PVS )5.- NBSLF FUJO OH XF FOTVSF UIBU BMM NFTTBHFT BSF GVMMZ EBUB QSPUFDUJPO DPNQMJBOU JO NFTT TBHFT BSF GVMMZ Z EBUB QSPUUFDUJPO DPNQMJBOU JO PSEFS UP QSFTFSWF ZPVS DPNQBOZ T SFQVUBUJPO PS EF FS UP QSFTFSWF ZPVS DPNQ QBOZ T SFQVUBUJPO

Free support, regular updates and 24/7 web accessibility from any location - all from just £15.99 per user per month!

Sign up for a free trial at www.customersreallymatter.co.uk InTouch is developed by: Sales & Marketing Office: Office 2, Ebdon House, 89 Ebdon Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 6US

CUSTOMERS

website: www.customersreallymatter.co.uk email:info@yourcrm.co.uk Tel: 0845 310 9973 Fax: 0845 280 2089

MATTER Registered in England & Wales No: 5561195 VAT No: 862 7218 Data Protection Registration No: Z1238358

B4 PEOPLE

WOMEN’S NETWORKS MEAN BUSINESS AN INTERVIEW WITH JACQUELINE ROGERS You co-founded The Athena Network nearly three years ago, why did you choose a networking business?

“I rather think it chose me. Imagine my surprise when I set up my coaching and training business – after twelve years in corporate life – to find I needed to source my own clients. What a culture shock! Business advisors suggested networking and, though I hated the idea, I attended several breakfast networking events. I was challenged: my normally confident self became tongue-tied and anxious – it was tough. Then a friend told me that a networking group for women was launching in Watford. So I decided to make one last attempt. I loved it!

“Louise Heasman was the business owner. When she and I met, I became her business coach, we discussed developing her networking groups, and three months later we launched Athena together, combining our skills: Louise has a strong background in networking and mine is in business and motivation.”

When was the decision made to franchise the Athena Network?

“The intention was always to franchise and we launched Athena in January 2006.

Louise already had established groups and they came under the Athena brand. Both Louise and I are advocates of Michael Gerber’s “E-Myth Revisited”, and our founding principle was: ‘Start with the end in mind’.”

And why a networking organisation specifically for women?

“When Louise started a family she realised she couldn’t maintain her commitment to attend early morning networking meetings. She then decided to trial networking at lunch times and it attracted primarily women as opposed to men.

“When we launched Athena we made the decision to carry on providing networking events specifically for women.”

So, do men and women have different networking needs?

“We certainly have different styles of networking. Women tend (forgive the generalisation) to see networking as a long-term strategy. I’ve been to networking events with men where my eyes have nearly been taken out by the business cards flying so hard and fast.”

What’s special about Athena compared with other women’s networks?

“What differentiates us is that the members have embraced the values of Athena, they are proud to be members. There is a genuine feeling of community within Athena.”

And why do you think Athena has become so successful so quickly?

“Because of the training – like our upcoming Regional Conference in Oxford – the support and the community that has been created. Also members and visitors are fully briefed before they attend meetings so they know what to expect.

“Our fabulous team of Regional Directors is totally committed to supporting our members. Many networking organisations, run by individuals as an additional revenue stream fail to get real commitment. Regional Directors may have other businesses, but they are as committed to Athena, as they are to whatever else they do.”

What are the key elements in putting together a successful franchise business?

“Training, support, motivation, holding the vision for the franchisees and creating a simple, effective model to follow. Each process must be accurately documented, ensuring that you are constantly adding value and supporting them.”

And is buying a franchise a better business option for women than other start up routes?

“I spent two years developing a coaching and training business that was only just starting to earn the revenue that an Athena franchise could deliver in a month.

Women need to be discerning in their choice of a franchise, ensuring that it matches their values, their lifestyle and that they’ll still want to do it three years on.”

What are your top tips for other business owners or those thinking of starting up?

“Be kind to yourself. Surround yourself with experienced mentors and advisors.

Educate yourself daily and ask lots of questions!”

Finally, how do you see the future of networking in the UK? “The UK lags behind the USA in terms of networking strategies and I believe networking will explode in the UK within the next three years. Just look at the number of network start ups – but sadly very many fail because they don’t understand the principles.

“Networking will become more diverse, there will be more gender and profession specific groups and for that I am grateful. One of our Regional Directors remarked that competition locally had made her ‘sharpen her pencil’. I’ll be doing the same within Athena nationally.”

For details of the Athena Regional Conference in Oxford on 24th November 2008 contact Hannah@theathenanetwork.com

84

Contact details on page 98

www.b4-business.com

B4 TITLE

TWO TRAINS AND A CAB FROM BICESTER TO PARIS B4 were invited to visit to Paris, courtesy of Chiltern Railways and Eurostar, to find out just how easy it was to travel from Bicester in just over four hours. It was raining again as I parked the car at the station for the long weekend as the four of us embarked into the unknown. Four hours? I had my doubts, and as the rain lashed down, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t honestly care how long it took, as long as I was dry.

86

www.b4-business.com

B4 BEYOND

Travelling by rail to the Continent is much more environmentally friendly than flying. Independent research has shown that a Eurostar journey between London and Paris generates one-tenth of the carbon dioxide produced by an equivalent flight. Under its ‘Tread Lightly’ initiative, Eurostar has set a target of further reducing its CO2 emissions by 25% per traveller journey by 2012.

Eurostar is the world’s first train operator to make all journeys carbon neutral, so as we set off from Bicester North, we not only felt good because we were getting away from England, but were being eco-friendly to boot.

Having deposited the luggage in the ample racks, we took our designated seats and began to look forward to the trip, flicking hurriedly through the Paris guide, as if in preparation for an exam, half expecting to be told that “I could take it out with me when sightseeing.”

In just over an hour, the train drew into Marylebone, and in little over fifteen minutes we were arriving at St Pancras. What a station. It really was breathtaking.

Unusually, we were early – the efficient Chiltern Service had done the job and we even flirted with the idea of getting an earlier train to Paris. As we were in good time, we had a coffee, read the papers and had the chance to make a few last minute calls before boarding the train.

Incidentally, there are thirteen services a day to Paris and through-fares from Bicester North to Paris, Brussels and Disneyland Resort® Paris with Eurostar and Chiltern Railways start from £74 standard return.

www.b4-business.com

Eurostar to and from Paris Gare du Nord was an absolute pleasure, without a hitch, either way, and the perfect way to travel from the crux of London to the heart of Paris. The rain was soon forgotten as we exited the station to beautiful sunshine, which lasted throughout the trip – but for fear of getting over-smug, the rain arrived on cue as we arrived back in London.

Through-fares are available to over 75 destinations across France, any station in Belgium, Dutch destinations including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Schipol and The Hague, and Aachen and Cologne in Germany.

Through-fares are available from www.eurostar.com or on 08705 186 186. Through fares are available up to 84 days in advance, in line with UK train operators’ booking horizons.

Eurostar is currently operating a restricted service and timetable. Please see website for full details.

B4 would like to thank Chiltern Railways and Eurostar for their generosity and assisting us with the trip.

For more information about Paris, see: www.parisinfo.com for general info on Paris (accommodation, events, etc.) www.convention.parisinfo.com for our business tourism department (venue finder etc.).

See following pages for more information about B4’s trip to Paris, including The Hotel Champlain, Bateaux Parisienne River Cruises, and The Moulin Rouge.

For further information please visit: www.chilternrailways.co.uk or call 08456 005 165.

87

B4 BEYOND

BATEAUX PARISIENS

Celebrating its 50th anniversary last year, Bateaux Parisiens carries more than two million passengers every year, as, arguably, Paris’s leading River cruise company. What better way to get your bearings than a one hour, wind in the hair (that would be nice) jaunt up the river?

We joined the mightily impressive trimarans at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. A friendly crew welcomed us aboard for the relaxing one hour cruise. The boats are entirely glassed over with a terrace at the stern and outside walkways, and are perfectly designed for ex-

www.b4-business.com

ploring and admiring the architectural treasures of the capital.

A clear, lively commentary enhances the reality that you are in Paris, with a mixture of commentary and music. The headsets are an unusual design and could come in handy if you were to be involved in a mid-trip “fracas”. Fortunately, the rest of the passengers were more preoccupied with the vast array of superb monuments which we passed, to the left, to the right, and to the left again – a great workout for the neck muscles.

The Louvre, Palace of Versailles and Notre Dame were all clearly visible, in all their splendour, and the trip certainly served as a great teaser to the on foot sightseeing we were to embark on the next day. As we swept around Notre Dame, we were encouraged to sit outside, and why not.

To sample Paris by night, take one of the later cruises or one of the moonlit dinner cruises.

With thanks to Bateaux Parisiens.

See www.bateauxparisiens.com

89

B4 BEYOND

HOTEL CHAMPLAIN

The newly refurbished Hotel Champlain Paris Saint-Lazare is ideally situated in the peaceful 17th Arrondissement, steps away from Gare Saint-Lazare and not fifteen minutes by taxi from Gare du Nord and provides the perfect base for sightseeing in arguably one of the world’s most landmark-rich cities.

Within walking distance of the Opéra, Madeleine

refined

Square and L’Arc de Triomphe, and not even fifteen

air-conditioned room is equipped with mini bar,

Web: www.hotelchamplainparis.com

minutes from Paris’ business districts, close to the

hairdryer, Cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet Access and personal

Email: hotelchamplainparis@jjwhotels.com

famous Parisian Department stores and the Grands

safe. The rooms are fresh and considerately furnished

Boulevards, and within easy access of picturesque

for the modern traveller, and most of all thoroughly

JJW Hotels & Resorts overview:

Montmartre and Sacré Coeur, Hotel Champlain

clean with crisp white linen and sumptuous towels in

Established in 1980, JJW Hotels and Resorts Group

could hardly be better located for our three days

the bathroom.

currently owns and operates a portfolio of 47 hotels

of

sightseeing

in

Paris.

Our

Friday

contemporary

interior

décor,

each

night

• Car: Ring road, exit at Porte d' Asnières

in Europe and the Middle East, ranging from budget

entertainment (see Page 96) at the Moulin Rouge

Hotel facilities include a warm welcoming lounge-bar

was just a five minute taxi ride away and The Latin

in which to relax after a busy day, 24-hour check in,

Quarter, where we spent much of our Saturday in

room service from 6pm to 10pm, buffet breakfast and

JJW Hotels & Resorts properties fall into 4 distinct

Paris was just ten minutes away by taxi.

parking facilities.

brand names: JJW Luxury Collection, Amarante,

Nearby Rue de Lévis has a bustling Saturday market

Hotel Champlain Paris is part of JJW Hotels and

in Europe (Austria, England, France and Portugal),

where fresh produce stalls offering ripe vegetables, fruit

Resorts Hotel Group, comprising of 44 hotels in

predominantly in France with 34 hotels.

and fresh fish intermingle with busy brasseries and

Europe and 34 properties in France.

hotels to 5* properties.

Median and Stars. The Group enjoys a strong presence

JJW LUXURY COLLECTION – 4* DELUXE & 5*

coffee shops, not to be missed on a bright sunny day where the visitor can feel part of a thriving local

Hotel Champlain Contact Details:

This stylish collection comprises 12 prestigious

community.

Hotel Champlain Paris Saint-Lazare

properties in the heart of major European Capitals and

Design Hotel Paris Right Bank

cities. Particularly designed for the discerning business

The Hotel, opened in April this year, provides an

99 Bis, Rue de Rome, 75017 Paris

traveller, each of these properties boasts a refined

inviting base and a warm welcome to Paris. Attentive

Tel: +33 (0)1.42.27.49.52

interior décor and superior levels of comfort and service.

staff on arrival at the front desk and throughout our stay meant we were looked after and assisted with any

Access:

request concerning our stay.

• Metro Station: "ROME" 200m (Line No.2 - Porte

The properties are located:

Dauphine/Nation)

Paris: Hôtel Balzac (4* Deluxe), Hôtel de Vigny (4*

• Bus: No. Rome Batignolles (Lines 53 & 30)

Deluxe), & La Trémoille (4* Deluxe)

Featuring fifty one comfortable guest rooms and

90

www.b4-business.com

London: The Academy (4*), The Colonnade (4*) and

resort offering panoramic views over the stunning bay

Threadneedles (5*)

of St Tropez

team to discuss how they can help.

RESERVATION DETAILS

Edinburgh: The Glasshouse (5*) and The Scotsman Hotel (5*)

MEDIAN 3*

A central reservation office is available in France

Leeds: 42 The Calls (4*) and Quebecs (5*)

The Median brand includes five 3* hotels conveniently

providing guests with a unique contact for reservation

Vienna: Grand Hotel Wien (5*) and The Ring Hotel

located in the French capital, close to major airports

and information, and also:

(5*)

(Roissy-CDG, Geneva) and international fairs and exhibition centres. Each hotel offers a friendly

• A website enabling guests to book online, to view

AMARANTE ****

environment,

each hotel, its amenities, local attractions, along with

The Amarante brand consists of six elegant four star

sound-proofed guest rooms. Each property is

Boutqiue Hotels, three of which are ideally located in

equipped with WiFi, ideal for business travellers.

the Parisian “golden triangle”, two on the French Riviera

Meeting capacities are available, accommodating up

• Representation and listing in all major Global

and one in Portugal (Faro).

to 120 people (Comfort MEDIAN Paris Congrès).

Distribution Systems including Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre

These distinctive mid-sized properties enjoy superb

The properties are located:

locations, combining a warm and welcoming

Paris and Suburbs: Paris Châtillon, Paris Porte de

atmosphere and superior quality of comfort and

Versailles, Comfort Paris Congrès, Paris Roissy CDG.

service. Most of them offer meeting and conference

Ferney Voltaire: Geneva Airport

spacious,

air-conditioned

and

photographs for each hotel – www.jjwhotels.com

and Worldspan, and Internet Distribution Systems.

capacities (up to 140 delegates at Amarante Golf Plaza in Sainte-Maxime near St Tropez).

STARS 20 budget hotels decorated in a refreshing blue and

The properties are located:

yellow nautical theme, located in France’s main cities.

Paris: Amarante Arc de Triomphe, Amarante Beau Manoir and Amarante Champs Elysées

Corporate Facilities

Algarve: Amarante Formosa Park

Throughout the group, whatever your corporate or

Cannes: Amarante Cannes

conference requirements, there are facilities to suit all

Sainte-Maxime: Amarante Golf Plaza, a superb golf

of your needs. Please enquire with the reservations

www.b4-business.com

Contact details on page 98

91

B4 BEYOND

MOULIN

ROUGE

The Moulin Rouge, world-wide famous thanks to its French Cancan, and immortalised by the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, has always presented sumptuous shows to its spectators, over 600,000 of them each year with two shows a night, seven days a week, 365 days a year. B4 were the guests of President and CEO, Jacki Clérico, to witness a spectacle of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, fabulous settings, original music and of course….the most beautiful girls in the world!

Stepping on the red carpet in the foyer of the Moulin Rouge, and with the world-wide reputation of this great show, I think we would have been forgiven for thinking that we were just another magazine in town to review the show, a daily occurrence. That may well be, but that didn’t matter. It is second nature for the management of the Moulin Rouge to welcome, to make sure you enjoy and to insist you are looked after.

Prior to being shown to our centre of the house table overlooking the stage, Monsieur Clérico asked, as if in a James Bond scene “Champagne?” – one word which was a question for me and an order to his attendant waiter.

With so many shows a year, you would expect the staff of the Moulin Rouge to be good, but they are slick, attending to your every need and making sure that the show is everything and more that you expected. And what a show! Glitz, glamour, camp and outrageous, this is a show not to be missed, a show with pzazz and colour, humour and romance, a performance that leaves you breathless.

For 115 years, the most legendary cabaret in the world has welcomed millions of spectators and today the show of the Moulin Rouge, “Féerie”, continues the tradition.

"Féerie” consists of a troupe of 100 artists, including the 60 Doriss Girls, recruited world-wide ; 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, made in the most famous Parisian workshops; sumptuous sets in shimmering colours uniquely designed by Italian artists ; the best, most outstanding international acts ; and the awaited return of the giant aquarium, all performed to original music recorded by 80 musicians and 60 chorus singers.

Make a night of it at the Moulin Rouge and dine in the restaurant, supervised by Henri Poussimour, ably assisted by 115 maître d’s, headwaiters and servers, in a venue accommodating up to 850 guests. Dinner is accompanied by the Moulin Rouge orchestra and allows you to enjoy the dance floor until the revue begins.

Many international stars have performed on stage at the Moulin Rouge: Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minelli, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, following in the footsteps of well known French celebrities including Maurice Chevalier, Jean Gabin, Edith Piaf and Yves Montand. So be a part of this fantastic show’s rich history and make sure it is a must the next time you are in Paris.

B4 would like to thank Press Relations Manager, Fanny Rabasse and the management of the Moulin Rouge for their extremely generous hospitality.

Contact details on page 98

92

www.b4-business.com

The First step to a healthier Lifestyle The best corporate deals Fantastic student memberships Friendly, qualified staff Membership to suit you!

• Cardio theatre • Free weights • 30+ classes per week • Jacuzzi • Sauna and steam room • Sunbeds • Personal Training • Injury Clinic • Nutritionist • Massage therapy • Beauty clinic • Powerplate

6 High Street Oxford OX1 4AB T: 01865 251261 E: oxford@bourtonmill.net W: www.bourtonmill.net Opening Times: Monday - Friday 6.30am - 10.00pm.

Saturday & Sunday 9.00am - 7.00pm. Bank Holidays 10.00am - 6.00pm

B4 PROMOTION

IT’S A FUNNY OLD GAME… The difference between success and failure in professional football can often be measured by the width of a goalpost. As a result, the sport is rife with many clichéd expressions; ‘sick as a parrot’, ‘..taking one game at a time’, ‘a game of two halves’ and perhaps most commonly heard…’It’s a funny old game’. And many of you will lay claim to that particular expression being applicable to another pastime that footballers themselves find themselves playing….golf!

In spite of the popularity of virtual entertainment, the professional footballers of Oxford United appear to be resisting the lure of PSPs, DSs and Xbox in favour of the traditional retreat of their predecessors; the golf course.

Matt Day, a cultured full-back who is now in his third season with the club, is heralded as the foremost golfer among his peers, playing ‘off scratch’. Others with serious golfing interests include popular goalkeeper Billy Turley, Chairman Nick Merry and former manager and now Director, Jim Smith.

Fitness coach Jordan Milsom actively encourages the

players to hit the fairway after training to ‘walk off’ the lactic acid build up caused by strenuous physical exercise.

“We ‘warm down’ the players towards the end of training and after matches but one of the best ways we’ve found of helping players relax their bodies and minds is on the golf-course. The current group of players is particularly competitive on and off the pitch so I am delighted that they choose to relax by playing golf as opposed to returning home and playing computer games whilst their muscles stiffen up” It therefore will come as no surprise to hear news of Oxford United’s annual Golf Day. Planned for the new year and co-hosted by Abingdon’s Paul Mason Consultancy, the club’s foremost golfers will be in attendance ensuring that the day will be competitive, fun and memorable.

Commercial Manager Barry Phillips takes up the story: “We have hosted Golf Days before but there has perhaps been a tendency towards involving ‘usual suspects’ and not opening the day to everyone. Our next event will therefore be a return to the true

principals of bringing businesses together in an informal and fun environment whilst retaining the competitive edge that all leading business people find hard to let go of. Perhaps we should be building a target-dossier of the region’s leading golf-playing businesses but in truth, we would rather invite those that share our ideals. To this end, I am keen for those involved to encourage participation and sponsorship by word of mouth, rather than by close-questioned invitation. PMC have had great success in hosting their own golf days that have inspired new business relationships along the way so their cooperation is greatly appreciated.”

Some might perceive that modern-day footballers would have far too many distractions, and yet it appears that many at Oxford United are satisfied by the traditional pursuit of the stars of the past. And with Ryder Cup exploits fresh in the mind, others might be inspired to pick up their clubs.

For further details of Oxford United’s Golf Day and other corporate events, call 01865 337517 or email commercial@oufc.co.uk Contact details on page 98

94

www.b4-business.com

How do you turn opportunities into reality ?

Home Menorca estate agents.

S´arravaleta, 21, 3º 07702 Mahón Menorca, Spain

www.homemenorca.com (+34) 971 35 70 70 info@homemenorca.com

SPECTACULAR FRONT LINE VILLA ON THE SOUTH COAST OF MENORCA

Your business, our passion Each client is unique and has a distinct set of needs – we understand that. That’s why our solutions are designed around you and your individual circumstances.

Our core aim is to help you realise your financial and corporate goals.

We do this by working in partnership with you and helping you make the most of the business opportunities out there.

As one of the leading firms of accountants and business advisors to individuals and businesses in Oxfordshire, we offer an extensive range of services, including: Company audit & accounts Tax returns and tax planning Business consultancy Corporate finance*

Debt advice & insolvency Financial services* Payroll services Property tax advice

For a free and confidential consultation, contact Peter O’Connell on 01865 292245 or by email at peter.connell@shawgibbs.com

www.shawgibbs.com Shaw Gibbs LLP, 264 Banbury Road, Oxford. OX2 7DY *Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Son Ganxo. Ref: 333124 - 1.395.000 euros Currently arranged as 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, it has planning permission to extend the property into a contemporary home with large reception room, feature swimming pool and a 4/5 bedroom configuration.

www.22songanxo.com for more details

University of Oxford • Conferences • Day meetings • Corporate hospitality • En suite accommodation • Beautiful buildings and gardens

We look forward to welcoming you soon For further information please contact Gemma Sedgwick, Conference & Events Manager Tel: 01865 274320 or email conferences@lmh.ox.ac.uk

“Complete Marketing Support from a single source” • Response Handling & Fulfilment inc e – Commerce & Mail Order • Data Capture & Order Processing • Pick, Pack & Dispatch • Contract & Promotional Packing • Collation, Handwork & Promotional Kit Assembly • POS Handling & Management • Stock Management & Reporting • Mailing Services – Machine & Hand Enclosing • Telephone Marketing • Storage & Distribution UK/ Overseas • IT Support & Database Management • Print & Design Service • Material Sourcing & Procurement • Archiving • H.M. Customs & Excise Bonded Warehouse • Campaign Management, Coupon Redemption & Prize Draws • 30,000 sq ft Operational Warehouse with “GMS Redcare” security alarm system. for a cost effective solution and a company to work as an extension of your business call us now on 01235 510932 or email: enquiries@directionmarketing.co.uk.

For further information please visit our website: www.directionmarketing.co.uk

Quality Re-upholstery • Large selection of fabrics • Free estimates • All contact work undertaken

Antique & Modern Fine Furniture Restoration

David Gibbons Telephone 01869 278119 Mobile 07939 316340

Premium Level Document Storage

“We protect your business assets”

Ardington Archives White Horse Business Park Stanford in the Vale Faringdon Oxfordshire SN7 8NY Tel. 01367 718710 info@ardingtonarchives.co.uk

We provide premium level BS5454 climate controlled storage, with fire suppressant systems.

Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine T: 01865 742211 E: info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser E: colin@designs-on.co.uk Art Editor Keith Simpson E: artwork@b4-business.com Editorial Richard Rosser E: editorial@b4-business.com Editorial contributor / assistant John Kennedy Kimberley Manning Rachael Bristow Proofreading Shani Farrant Advertising E: sales@b4-business.com Administration Sue Edwardson E: admin@b4-business.com Studio Photography Studio 8 T: 01865 842525 B4 Partners Amber Financial Apartments in Oxford B-Line Buildbase Conference Centre Oxford CRM Darbys Direction Marketing Services Get Support Isis Innovation Ltd Oxford Airport Oxford Inspires Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds Oxford United FC STL Communications Studio 8 The Oxford Wealth Club VSL and Partners Wenn Townsend Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: T: 01865 742211 E: 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.

Key Page reference: 26 Distribution Direction Marketing Services Ltd 01235 510932 www.directionmarketing.co.uk © 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.

98

1. Advice Professional Accountants Wenn Townsend 52 Contact Name: Tony Haines E-mail: aehaines@wenntownsend.co.uk Telephone: 01865 559900 Address: 30 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LE Website: www.wenntownsend.co.uk Information: Chartered accountants and tax advisors with particular expertise in owner managed business. Offices in Oxford, Abingdon and Cirencester.

The M Group 14 Contact Name: Richard Clayton E-Mail: r.clayton@theMgroup.co.uk Telephone: 01865 552925 Address: Cranbrook House 287/291 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7JQ Website: www.theMgroup.co.uk Information: The MGroup Partnership are a leading firm of Chartered Certified Accountants in Oxford, now providing a range of services far beyond the traditional role of accountancy.

Shaw Gibbs LLP 11 Contact Name: Peter O’Connell Telephone: 01865 292200 Address: 264 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY Website: www.shawgibbs.com

Business Support and Regulation Government Organisations

Communications

Revenue and Customs 27 Employers Helpline: 08457 143 143 Newly Self-Employed Helpline: 0845 915 1545 Online Services Helpdesk: 0845 60 55 999

STL Communications Ltd 68 Contact Name: Mark Vanner E-mail: sales@stlcomms.com Telephone: 0800 316 0123 Address: STL Communication Limited, Park House, Station Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 4LH Website: www.stlcomms.com

2. Finance Banking Clydesdale 20 Contact Name: Chris Andrews Telephone: 01865 265400 Address: Financial Solutions Centre, Seacourt Tower, West Way, Botley, Oxford. OX2 0JJ Website: www.CBonline.co.uk

Financial Services Amber 34 Contact Name: John Fissenden E-mail: john.fissenden@amberwealth.co.uk Telephone: 01993 886333 Address: Prosperity House, Hanborough Business Park, Long Hanborough, Witney, Oxon, OX29 8SB Website: www.amberwealth.co.uk

3. Meet Solicitors Darbys 28 Contact Name: Ema Murphy E-mail: emurphy@darbys.co.uk Telephone: 01865 811700 Address: 52 New Inn Hall Street, Oxford, OX1 2DN Website: www.darbys.co.uk Information: One of the largest law firms in the region, Darbys specialist departments deliver legal services to businesses and their owners in some unique ways.

Withy King 56 Contact Name: Chris Kane E-mail: enquiries@withyking.co.uk Telephone: 01865 792300 Address: North Bailey House, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford. OX1 2EA Website: www.withyking.co.uk Information: Withy King is a full service legal firm offering a comprehensive range of both private client and commercial services..

Brethertons 50 Contact Name: Claire Thompson E-mail: clairethompson@brethertons.co.uk Telephone: 01295 661492 Address: Strathmore House Waterperry Court Middleton Road, Banbury OX16 4QD Website: www.brethertons.co.uk Information: Brethertons LLP undertakes all kinds of legal work including company commercial matters, property, conveyancing, debt recovery, litigation, family, wills, trusts, probate and agriculture.

4. Communicate

Conference and Meetings Conference Venues Conference Centre Oxford 38 Contact Name: Fafar Watts E-mail: FafarW@oxstay.co.uk Telephone: 01865 254075 Information: Oxford’s premier conference centre, at the heart of the City with first class services and facilities to ensure that your event runs smoothly and professionally.

Witney Lakes Resort 26 Contact Name: The Sales Team E-mail: sales@witney-lakes.co.uk Telephone: 01993 893000 Address: Downs Rd, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 0SY Website: www.witney-lakes.co.uk Information: With an attractive lakeside setting we are situated on the edge of the market town of Witney, Oxfordshire. Our facilities include meeting rooms, Health Club, Golf Course, Restaurant, Spa and Large function room.

Venue Hire The Corner Club Contact Name: Julie von Sperling (Club Manager) E-mail: hello@thecornerclub.co.uk Telephone: 01865 200404 Address: 16 – 17 Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DH. Website: www.thecornerclub.co.uk Information: Private members club in the heart of Oxford.

Information: Oxfordshire’s leading provider of communication solutions.

5. Compute IT Microsoft UK 25 Contact Name: Microsoft UK E-mail: businessaudience@infernopr.com Telephone: 0208 735 9735 Address: Microsoft, Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley Park, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1WG Website: www.microsoft.com/ik/smallbusiness Information: Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

Customers Really Matter 83 Contact Name: James White E-mail: james.white@yourcrm.co.uk Telephone: 0845 310 9973 Website: www.customersreallymatter.co.uk Get Support 37 Contact Name: James Craddock E-mail: info@getsupport.co.uk Telephone: 01865 594000 Address: Unit 6, The Boundary Business Park, Wheatley Road, Garsington. OX44 9EJ Website: www.getsupport.co.uk Information: Get Support provide a full range for Computer Services designed for small businesses.

Computer Consultancy, Day-to-Day Technical Support, Hardware Sales & Web Development.

Web Services Nominet 21 Contact Name: Phil Kingsland E-mail: nominet@nominet.org.uk Telephone: 01865 332211 Address: Minerva House, Edmund Halley Road, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4DQ Website: www.nominet.org.uk Information: Nominet is the Internet registry for .uk domain names, and provides a safe, stable and reliable .uk namespace.

Software Developer.

Naturally Speaking Software 43 Telephone: 0870 760 5192 Website: www.nuance.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 Contacts 6. Office Office Supplies B-Line 62 Contact Name: Kay Thomas E-mail: kay@b-line.co.uk Telephone: 08701 633340 Address: The Green Hangar, Horton Road, Stanton St John, Oxford, OX33 1AG Website: www.b-line.co.uk Information: There are many reasons to choose B-line as your preferred stationary, print and furniture supplier as we are totally committed to product quality, reliability, combined with a professional approach.

8. Property Professional Services Commercial Property VSL 13 33 Contact Name: Richard Venables E-mail: rvenables@vslandp.com Telephone: 01865 848488 Address: 22 Bankside, Kidlington, Oxford. OX5 1JE Website: www.vslandp.com Information: VSL are commercial property consultants specializing in the Oxfordshire area advising on agency/ landlord and tenant/ rating and investment work.

Utilities

Estate Agents

E.on 6 Website: www.eon-uk.com

Pink and Black Property 22 E-mail: info@pinkandblackproperty.com Telephone: 01865 515919 Address: 14 Oakthorpe Rd, Summertown, OX2 7BE Website: www.pinkandblackproperty.com

7. Stay Hotels Barceló Oxford Hotel 66 Contact: Reservations Team E-mail: oxford.reservations@barcelo-hotels.co.uk Telephone: 01865 489988 Address: Godstow Road, Oxford. OX2 8AL Website: www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk Information: Adjacent A34 & A40 with extensive conference facilities and free parking. A stylish, modern 4* hotel just 2 miles from the city centre.

Royal Oxford Hotel 82 Contact: Marzena James E-mail: info@royaloxfordhotel.co.uk Telephone: 01865 248432 Address: Park End Street, Oxford. OX1 1HR Website: www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk Ethos Hotels 40 Contact: Simon Walshaw E-mail: swalshaw@ethoshotels.co.uk Telephone: 01865 813580 Address: 59 Western Road, Grandpoint, Oxford.

OX1 4LF. Website: www.ethoshotels.co.uk Information: City Centre new boutique-style hotel located within easy walking distance to Oxford University Colleges, restaurants and shops.

Whether your travel is for business or pleasure, alone or with family, your stay with Ethos Hotel will provide an unparalleled atmosphere for comfort.

Short Stay Accommodation Apartments In Oxford 2 Contact Name: Fafar Watts E-mail: based@oxstay.co.uk Telephone: 01865 254075 Address: St Thomas Mews, 58 St Thomas Street, Oxford, OX1 1JP Website: www.oxstay.co.uk Information: Luxury self-catering accommodation in Oxford, fully serviced to a high standard. For overnight, short or long stays in Oxford's City Centre.

www.b4-business.com

Information: Pink & Black Property Consultants is a dynamic, fresh thinking and independent Oxford-based agency, offering a full range of property related services across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Accommodation Business Park Grove Technology Park Contact Name: Steve Head (Park Manager) E-mail: info@grovetechpark.com Telephone: 01235 772992 Address: Boston House, Grove Technology Park, Downsview Road, Wantage, OX12 9FF Website: www.grovetechpark.com Information: Grove Business Centre is located at the heart of Grove Technology Park. Offering Serviced offices, starting from as little as £54 per week, we are sure we can meet your business' needs.

Oxford Science Park Contact Name: Shannon Blaszko (Manager) E-mail: Shannon.Blaszko@oxfordsp.com Telephone: 01865 784 000 Address: 1 Robert Robinson Avenue, Oxford, OX4 Website: www.oxfordsp.com Information: The Oxford Science Park is a unique and exciting location, designed specifically for science, technology and business occupiers.

Property Services and Materials Builders Merchants Johnsons Buildbase 58 Contact Name: Mike Augar (Heavyside) Craig Tarrant (Lightside) Telephone: 01865 787700 E-mail: mike.augar@buildbase.co.uk craig.tarrant@buildbase.co.uk Address: Watlington Road, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 6LN Website: www.buildbase.co.uk Information: We offer a wide range of building materials, timber, landscaping, hire, plumbing, kitchens, bathrooms, tiles, flooring & decorative items.

9. Market Marketing Chase Marketing Solutions Ltd Contact Name: Nina Hutchins (Managing Director) E-mail: info@chase-solutions.co.uk Telephone: 01235 851529 Address: Penny Chase, Bessels Way, Blewbury, Oxon OX11 9NH Website: www.chase-solutions.co.uk Information: Our ‘thinking beyond the obvious’ approach is all about the delivery of uniquely structured and sometimes unexpected marketing solutions. As a full service marketing agency we are committed to creating inspired design as part of a complete service.

Felicitas Contact Name: Karen Lawton E-mail: felicitas@btinternet.com Telephone: 07989 936270 / 01684 273656 Address: 28 Vine Way, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 5FJ Information: Working alongside small businesses, arts organisations, museums and festivals to provide marketing advice, support and a cup of hot, sweet tea.

Oxford Inspires 15 Contact Name: Kathelene Weiss E-mail: info@oxfordinspires.org Telephone: 01865 815525 Address: Central Library, Westgate, Oxford, OX1 1DJ. Website: www.oxfordinspires.org Information: Oxford Inspires is the cultural development agency for Oxfordshire. We create new opportunities for arts and heritage organisations, nurture new festivals and spectacular events and work to engage as many people as possible in exciting and enjoyable cultural experiences, raising Oxfordshire's profile as a cultural destination within the UK and internationally.

Direction Marketing Services Ltd 74 Contact Name: David Hart E-mail: David@directionmarketing.co.uk Telephone: 01235 510932 website: www.directionmarketing.co.uk

Design Blink Design Contact: Keith Simpson E-mail: art-work@btconnect.com Telephone: 01865 742211 Address: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT. Information: Whether you are looking for a new identity or a suite of professionally produced corporate literature, Blink Design are able to provide a solution for you. Web design and maintenance also now available.

Photography Studio 8 88 Contact Name: Clark Wiseman E-mail: info@studio-8.co.uk Telephone: 01865 842525 Address: 8 Oxford Road, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1AA Website: www.studio-8.co.uk Information: Studio8 is about making photography fun! Whether its a high energy portrait session, a classic wedding or a commercial project - studio8 have the skills to capture the images you want.

Business Club The Oxford Wealth Club 46 Contact Name: Angela Beaugeard E-mail: oxfordwealthclub@paul-avins.com Telephone: 01869 278900 Website: www.oxfordwealthclub.co.uk Information: The Oxford Wealth Club is a unique club, structured to help grow your wealth network, business skills and profits through world class training every fortnight.

Athena - Women’s Networking 84 Contact Name: Hannah Lewis E-mail: hannah@theathenanetwork.com Telephone: 01189 661178 Website: www.theathenanetwork.com

10. Learn Colleges Said Business School Contact Name: Kate MacDonald / Clare Andrews E-mail: conference@sbs.ox.ac.uk Telephone: 01865 288846/7 Address: Conference Office, Saïd Business School, Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HP Website: www.sbs.ox.ac.uk Information: Established in 1996, Oxford University’s Saïd Business School is one of Europe’s youngest and most entrepreneurial business schools, with a reputation for innovative business education.

Oxford Brookes Business School 19 Contact Name: Business School Enquiries E-mail: business@brookes.ac.uk Telephone: 01865 485858 Address: Wheatley Campus, Oxford, OX33 1HX Website: www.business.brookes.ac.uk Information: Our mission is to prepare individuals and organisations for the challenges of a continually changing, global business.

99

B4 Contacts Oxford University

Restaurants

Isis Innovation Ltd 23 Contact Name: Tom Hockaday Telephone: 01865 280839 Address: Ewert House, Ewert Place, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7SG Website: www.isis-innovation.com

Witney Lakes Resort See Section 3 “Meet” for contact details under Conference Venues

Information: The technology transfer company of the University of Oxford.

Oxford United FC 94 Telephone: 01865 337500 Address: Grenoble Road, Oxford, OX4 4XP Website: www.oufc.premiumtv.co.uk

11. Play Cars Bugatti Contact Name: Ian Patton E-mail: club@bugatti.co.uk Telephone: 01242 673136 Address: Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington, Cheltenham, Glos, GL52 9RD. Business Category: Motor Racing Website: www.prescott-hillclimb.com Information: Top class motor sport in a glorious setting, suitable for corporate entertaining, promotion & PR.

Golf Clubs Witney Lakes Resort 26 Contact Name: The Sales Team E-mail: sales@witney-lakes.co.uk Telephone: 01993 893000 Address: Downs Rd, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 0SY Website: www.witney-lakes.co.uk Information: With an attractive lakeside setting we are situated on the edge of the market town of Witney, Oxfordshire. Our facilities include meeting rooms, Health Club, Golf Course, Restaurant, Spa and Large function room.

North Oxford Golf Club 54 Contact Name: Bob Harris E-mail: professionalshop@nogc.co.uk Telephone: 01865 554924 Address: North Oxford Golf Club, Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 8EZ Website: www.witney-lakes.co.uk The B4 / MGroup Golf Cup Contact: Colin Rosser E-mail: colin@designs-on.co.uk Telephone: 01865 742211 Contact: Gary McHale E-mail: g.mchale@theMgroup.co.uk Telephone: 01865 404707 Information: Oxfordshire’s premier business golf cup challenge staged over four separate dates during the spring and summer.

Private Club The Corner Club See Section 3 “Meet” for contact details under Conference Venues

Health Clubs and Spas Witney Lakes Resort See Section 3 “Meet” for contact details under Conference Venues.

100

Information: High quality chauffeur driven Mercedes fleet aimed at meeting corporate clients travel needs.

The Vineyard 80 E-mail: general@the-vineyard.co.uk Telephone: 01635 528 770 Address: Newbury, Berkshire Website: www.the-vineyard.co.uk

Public Transport Sports Clubs

Information: The county’s leading professional football club.

Oxford University Rugby Club 70 Contact Name: Tim Stevens (Administrator) E-mail: tim.stevens@sport.ox.ac.uk Telephone: 01865 432000 Address: Oxford University Rugby Football Centre, University Sports Centre, Jackdaw Lane, Oxford, OX4 1SR Website: www.ourfc.org

Theatres The New Theatre 48 Contact: Jamie Baskeyfield (General Manager) Email: jamie.baskeyfield@livenation.co.uk Telephone: 01865 320 760 Address: New Theatre & Old Fire Station Studio, George St, Oxford, OX1 2AG Website: www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk

12. Give Charitable Organisations Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals 17 Charitable Funds Contact Name: Susannah Maxa E-mail: campaign@orh.nhs.uk Telephone: 01865 743444 Website: www.orhcharitablefunds.nhs.uk Information: Donations to Charitable Funds improve the facilities and environment for patients at the John Radcliffe, Churchill and Horton hospitals.

13. Travel Air Oxford Airport 44 Contact Name: James Dillon-Godfray E-mail: info@oxfordairport.co.uk Telephone: 01865 290 710 Address: Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1RA Website: www.oxfordairport.co.uk Information: Oxfordshire’s only airport and the only commercial airport between Heathrow and Birmingham International. Provides a number of air services for both private and business use.

Chiltern Railways 18 Telephone: 08456 005 165 Website: www.chilternrailways.co.uk Information: Welcome to Chiltern Railways winner of 'Passenger Operator of the Year' at the 2007 National Rail Awards and winner of 'Innovative Transport Project of 2008' at the London Transport Awards for our innovation in text ticketing.

14. Health Medical Trials Preempt Contact Name: Rena Hockney E-mail: Rena.Hockney@psych.ox.ac.uk Telephone: 01865 226409 Website: www.psychiatry.ox.ac.uk/preempt Information: Depression and mood swings are common problems and we are trying to find out if we can prevent them by a simple nutritional supplement. Oxford University are carrying out a clinical trial to find out whether a vitamin called folic acid can prevent mood disorders in young people who may have inherited a tendency to develop them.

Private Hospital John Radcliffe Private Healthcare 64 Contact Name: Alex Barnes, Assistant Director Private Patients Telephone: 01865 (2)21033 Address: Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, Academic Corridor, Level 3 Website: www.oxfordprivatehealth.co.uk

Parkers 60 Contact: Benjamin C. Bowen Managing Director E-mail: stay@hotelonthepark.com Telephone: 01242 518898 Address: Hotel on the Park 38 Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL52 2AH Website: www.hotelonthepark.com Information: Parkers is the perfect place to enjoy our chefs’ delicious culinary works of art created using the best fresh, local produce.

Chutney Mary E-mail: chutneymary@realindianfood.com Telephone: 0207 351311 Address: 535 Kings Road, Chelsea, London.

SW10 0SZ Website: www.chutneymary.com

Hotels Beyond UK Club Med 79 Contact: Niall Douglas E-mail: niall@fullcircletravel.com Telephone: 01491 833227 Address: 59 St Mary's Street, Wallingford, Oxon.

OX10 0EL Website: www.fullcircletravel.com Information: Full Circle Travel provides a tailored, efficient and personal service toensure that your travel needs are ideally suited to your requirements.

Entertainment UK The Lion King Address: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street London WC2E 7RQ Website: www.thelionking.co.uk

15. Beyond Hotels UK Hotel on the Park 76 Contact: Benjamin C. Bowen Managing Director E-mail: stay@hotelonthepark.com Telephone: 01242 518898 Address: Hotel on the Park 38 Evesham Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL52 2AH Website: www.hotelonthepark.com

Entertainment Beyond UK Moulin Rouge 92 E-mail: reservation@moulinrouge.fr Telephone: 33 (0) 1 53 09 82 82 Website: www.moulin-rouge.fr The Bateau Trip 89 Website: www.bateauxparisiens.com

Information: A 12-bedroomed luxury Regency Town House Hotel, offering individually designed rooms with exceptional bathrooms and Morgan car for hire.

The Chesterfield Mayfair E-mail: bookch@rchmail.com Telephone: 0207 491 2622 Address: 35 Charles Street, London. W1J 5EB Website: www.chesterfieldmayfair.com

Executive Car Travel Pryors Contact Name: David Pryor E-mail: bookings@pryors.co.uk Telephone: 01235 812346 Address: 3 Mereland Rd, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 8AP Website: www.pryors.co.uk

Restaurants UK

Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa 72 E-mail: general@donningtonvalley.co.uk Telephone: 01635 551 199 Address: Old Oxford Road, Donnington, Newbury, RG14 3AG Website: www.donningtonvalley.co.uk

If you wish to list your business on this page, the charge is £75+VAT for a basic listing and £100+VAT for a listing including explanation of the business. The rate includes presence in 4 issues of B4.

www.b4-business.com