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MAGAZINE I S S U E
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THE FINANCE ISSUE Sponsored by Wenn Townsend who dispel the myths surrounding accountants
OXFORD CASTLE QUARTER
W W W . B 4 - B U S I N E S S . C O M
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Welcome to B4 in print
on-line
You're holding it right now. High quality, printed bi-monthly and circulated to 9,000 business decision makers throughout the Thames Valley.
With the new site launching in June, the B4 website provides B4 Members with a great platform to promote their business by giving them access to upload unlimited press releases, event details, job vacancies and offers.
How it could help your business: This magazine lands on the desks of key decision makers. Having an editorial or advert in here could gain you potential clients.
How it could help your business: The B4 website attracts over 6,000 unique visitors every month. Sharing your content and having your business listed on the B4 site is bound to attract some attention!
Get started today By becoming a B4 Member you immediately join over 600 other businesses across the Thames Valley benefiting from the following as part and parcel: B4 Magazine: B4 Website:
Business listed in the B4 Magazine Business Directory. Business listed in the B4 Website Business Directory and ability to upload unlimited content as above. B4 Events: Access to B4 Events at no extra charge - Members can even bring guests. B4 Social Media: Member tweets and mentions are re-tweeted through the B4 Twitter accounts.
What is B4, you ask? 'B4' stands for 'Building Bridges Between Businesses' and that is just what we do. So how do we do that? Well we provide you with 4 very clear platforms as follows:
events
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High quality networking events that B4 Members can attend in some stunning locations. A great opportunity to meet other members and guests interested in joining B4.
We promote B4 news through our B4 Twitter accounts and also post out your news, giving you excellent added reach.
How it could help your business: Our events always have an interesting focal point to them, whether it be an activity like our Day At The Races or a tour around Williams' F1 Collection. We make networking a wholly enjoyable experience.
How it could help your business: Our accounts in all areas have a total follower count of over 9,000. Tweet us and we'll re-tweet you - A great way to get yourself seen.
B4 Interested in becoming a B4 Member? Call 01865 742211 today with membership starting at just ÂŁ250+VAT for 12 months.
Residential Letting 路 Property Management
B4 gold & platinum members We would like to thank our B4 Gold & Platinum Members for supporting the B4 Business network. To find out more about joining them and over six hundred B4 Member companies, please call us on 01865 742 211.
PLATINUM MEMBERS
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GOLD MEMBERS
With annual memberships just £250+VAT*, entitling you to a business directory listing and unlimited press release, event, job vacancy and offer uploads, it’s no wonder our membership is increasing daily. Members are also invited to events in all B4 areas, up to 12 per annum. Call us now on 01865 742 211 to book your membership or e-mail sales@b4-business.com for more details. The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC! *Quoted rate is per company entitling selected employees to attend B4 events. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge of £250+VAT for the first Ambassador.
B4
B4 contributors PICK OF THE B4 PLATINUM AMBASSADOR CONTRIBUTORS
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Everything for the Workplace
REGULAR B4 CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE
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Focus.......................................................................................................................................25
Brethertons..............................................................................................................................52
Oxford LEP..............................................................................................................................36
Obergine..............................................................................................................................57
Wilson Partners......................................................................................................................35
Scottfraser......................................................................................................................................79
Pembroke College...............................................................................................................48
DCResponse..................................................................................................................................85
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Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com
Chairman Colin Rosser colin@designs-on.co.uk Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson artwork@b4-business.com Sub Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com Features Editor Matt Wright matt@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser
Money, money, money. The root of all evil but a necessity for most of us. This issue of B4 focuses on all things finance with contributions from a wide range of B4 members, fronted by one of our longest serving (is was either that or oldest, Tony!) members in Tony Haines of Wenn Townsend. But it’s not all about the money. Look out for Aston & James who celebrate 25 years in business; there’s an update on the Chiltern Railways new line; we meet one of the brains behind the Oxfordshire Business Festival; there’s a new look for Brethertons; ‘Meet the Experts’ at Carter Jonas; we take a look back at our B4 event at Weston Library and the inaugural Living in Oxford Magazine Awards; Blenheim goes Bollywood with CAV; we meet Eddie Pepperell at Frilford Heath Golf Club and there are also features on great venues including Modern Art Oxford and Pembroke College. On a personal note I would like to thank evveryone who supported me in the recent London Marathon - read more inside. Enjoy Issue 35.
Meet The Writers
82. Clinic95 Written by Isabelle Saers
B4 Events Tina Rosser events@b4-business.com Editorial contributors Kelly Lea Matthew Wright Isabelle Saers Claire Thompson Olivia Lane-Nott
Richard Rosser Editor
85. DCResponse Written by Rachel Warren
Enjoy B4 35.
B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525
Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com Each business with an Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire postcode is entitled to one free copy per issue. For additional copies and for businesses outside of the three counties, there is an annual subscription charge of £25.
© Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate and correct in every way, the publishers cannot be held responsible or liable for any inaccuracies or errors within the publication. Information reproduced from this publication is permitted with the express permission of the publisher and the advertiser, where relevant. All information is correct at time of going to press.
B4 Magazine is printed by
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We continue our 2015 series of themed editions with our proprietorial 'Finance Survey', which explores B4 members' views on this topic. To back up these opinions with technical knowledge, we have a range of finance-related articles from B4 professionals, including our feature article from Wenn Townsend which delves deeper into the world of tax savings. Matt Wright Features Editor
86. Endeavour Consulting Welcome to B4 Issue 35! We’ve worked very hard (as usual!) on this issue and are proud to bring you some real gems. We’ve got a great events spread this time around, with recaps from the Living In Oxford Awards, Newbury Racecourse, City Audio Visual, Modern Art Oxford and more. We hope the budget has treated you kindly – Be sure to check out some of the top advice in our Finance Feature. As always, we here at B4 love to see our members shouting about their recent successes and new endeavours, so if you have anything you’d like to share don’t be shy. Get in touch today!
Written by Richard Rosser
Lorna Dodson Sub Editor
99. Oxford Castle
About
B4
Magazine
Written by Louise Esplin
B4 Magazine was established to provide Thames Valley businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. Direct mailed to nine thousand business decision makers in once every two months, B4 is regarded a leading free distribution business publication in the region. B4 stands for Building Bridges Between Business and that is what B4 helps businesses to do, aided by our first class website at www.b4-business.com, monthly B4 Classic and Masterlcass Events. B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial. Underpinning B4 is a membership of over 600 of the Thames Valley’s leading businesses.
WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON
100. The Crown Written by Donald Sloan
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Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT
welcome to B4 35
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20 What Can Accountants Really Do For You?: B4's Matt Wright chats to Wenn Townsend about common misconceptions.
106 Driving Ambition: Read about Hilltop Chauffeurs' Nathan Thomas and his plans for the future.
venues 48 Why Choose Pembroke College?: Take a look at all this beautiful college has to offer for your conference or event.
news 11 B4 Event Diary 12 B4 News 115 Hawkwell House News
advice 42 Shared Parental Leave: Darbys lets us know what to expect from the new SPL system.
spotlight 36 The Future Of Oxfordshire: See what OxLEP and others have in store for the county.
17 B4 Finance Feature
47 Inspire, Convince, Galvanise: Alison Haill of Oxford Professional Consulting talks to us about how to lead through communication.
18 The B4 Finance Survey: Check out the results from B4's Finance Survey regarding sentiment for the future.
121 The Rise Of Apprenticeships: Active Education & Training takes a look at why you should consider an apprentice.
25 A Mortgage Market Review: Nick Walker of FOCUS LLP tells us how the market today offers some of the keenest rates ever seen.
38 Happy Birthday, Aston & James: We catch up with this great supplier of office necessities as they celebrate their 25th year.
26 Are You Seeking Pension Advice?: Grant Thornton talks about the importance of seeking professional advice on pensions for the future.
52 Fresh Feel For Friendly Firm: Brethertons discuss their new look and the importance of branding.
29 Not Just Numbers: We visited Wellers Accountants to get the inside scoop on their fresh way of thinking.
57 Embracing E-Commerce: Obergine talks to us about their work with Boswell & Co. and the important of online retail.
30 Prepare For Auto-Enrolment: Advice from The M Group on how you should prepare to support your workforce for their retirement.
72 Bollywood Blenheim: Catch up with City Audio Visual and their plans for some hot summer events.
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finance feature
85 DCResponse: Why is it so important to protect your business against power outages?
travel
33 The 2015 Budget: Join FOCUS LLP in looking at how changes might affect you and your business.
116 Cameron Supports Inbound Tourism: West Oxfordshire District Council spoke with David Cameron about plans for tourism in the area.
44 Oxford to London Before You Know It: Chiltern Railways announces the opening dates for their new line to London Marylebone.
35 It's Not About The Pension: Don't be alarmed! Further advice from Wilson Partners shines a light on this autoenrolment business.
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B4 contents property
80 The Twin Town Challenge 2015: A fun-filled points-based fifty-car challenge through France!
marketing
99 Oxford Castle: Take a look at what you can expect from the castle over the coming months.
75 The Art Of Choosing A Name: O Consultancy talks to us about the importance of your company name.
60 VSL & Partners: VSL's latest commercial properties and news.
122 Going The Distance: B4's own Richard Rosser ran the recent London Marathon, and here are his thoughts.
86 Success Is No Mystery For Endeavour: Catch up with Amanda Baker of Endeavour Consulting after her first year of consulting.
62 Meet The Experts...: Let us introduce you to the brains behind Carter Jonas' wealth of knowledge.
124 Rainbow Runs: See how you can get involved with these exciting charity events with Helen & Douglas House.
58 New Facilities, For Science!: Take a look at the great new lab and other refurbishments happening at Culham Science Centre.
69 Prestigious Projects For Savvy: Read all about Savvy's latest and greatest renovation projects.
110 Jump Off The Blandwagon!: Strangebrew talks about how to stand out from the crowd by thinking 'brand' not 'bland'.
79 Don't Sell Your Home...: Let-To-Buy might be the option you're looking for, explains Scottfraser.
112 Quick Wins In Sales & Marketing: ake a sneak peak at Jackie Jarvis' new book and join us at the launch party.
health 82 Word Of Mouth: Read about Zoe Naylor's amazing transformation courtesy of the talented team at Clinic95. 96 Relax At The Oxford Hotel: You might not be aware of the wonderful Spa at The Oxford Hotel - Read about it here.
events 54 Oxfordshire Business Festival: We talk to Lynn Shepherd of Venturefest about the birth of this great new event. 64 A Summer At The Races: Some of the great events taking place at Newbury Racecourse over the summer.
91 Do You Have An Accidental Brand?: Concise marketing advice from Simon Gregory of Clear & Creative.
104 The Changing Face Of Beauty: B4 catches up with Tao Beauty Salon in Oxford to learn about their rich history.
sport 88 Frilford's Rising Star: B4 met with Frilford Heath GC's Eddie Pepperell to talk about his recent successes.
r&r 92 Crisp White Tablecloths...: B4 visited the splendid Riverside Brasserie along the River Thames. 100 Peace At The Crown In Woodstock: Need a break from bustle of the city? B4's Donald Sloan reviews The Crown in Woodstock.
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103 Marco's Italian Delights: Looking for something fresh, vibrant, and chic? Look no further than Marco's.
66 The 2015 Living In Oxford Awards: Join us in recapping the winners and nominees from this great new event.
70 End Of Life For Windows Server 2003: CIS explains how Windows' termination of support might affect your business.
109 Circling The Dreaming Spires: Take a look at a City Sightseeing tour through the eyes of B4's Isabelle Saers.
76 Modern Art Oxford: Upcoming exhibitions and events at Oxford's very own modern art gallery.
95 Your New B4 Is Coming Soon: Catch up with our plans for the brand new B4 website, set to reach you this Summer.
118 First Class Food and Exemplary Service: Look no further than The Forbury Hotel - B4's Richard Rosser talks about his great experience here.
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127 CONTACTS
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B4 diary
In Association with Carter Jonas
Event Organiser
Venues
Time
Event Details
7:30am 9.30am
THE BUSINESS HUB: Invitation Only, SME Business Owners Club. Cost £20 for Full English Breakfast & presentations on "BUSINESS WATCH: Key impacts of the outcome of the General Election on Your Business". Co-organisers Machins Solicitors LLP, Barclays Bank, Sylo Associates (HR) Clarkson Cleaver & Bowes (Accountants). Please contact roger.bibby@avocetinvestments.com for an Invitation, pre event booking essential.
7:30pm
Derek Paravicini Jazz Quartet: Derek Paravicini’s unique musical abilities are recognised all over the world. Now, with three exceptional musicians - Hannah Davey (vocals), Ben Holder (jazz violin) and Ollie Howell (drums), they create an exciting ensemble - the Derek Paravicini Quartet. Following their successful debut on Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’ programme, their incredible blend of musicianship and virtuosity has been winning over audiences around the country. www.osj.org.uk
8am 10.30am
A fun and interactive Masterclass on “Better Teamwork”, with networking, from business communication expert Alison Haill. Designed for team members and team managers, we will address key questions such as Why bother? How can I make a difference? What’s the first step? You’ll leave with practical ideas you can use at once. For details, contact alison.haill@opcOxford.com or phone 01865 436791.
9th Jul
9.30am 1pm
Social media has transformed the way businesses engage with their customers. It’s powerful, cost-effective & can be used by any type of organisation to build awareness & sales but plenty of them are yet to fully realise its potential. Are you one of them? This workshop will give you the knowledge & confidence you need to get started, and get results! Places are first come first served - Contact Lisa Chaffey on 01235 868 888 to register.
High Wycombe Campus, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 2JZ
15th Jul
4pm 8pm
The next Open Evening at Bucks New University is on 15th July from 4-8pm. Come and find out about the University’s careerfocused programmes, meet their specialist tutors and discover what Bucks New University can offer you. To ensure you get the best experience, register in advance by visiting bucks.ac.uk/openevenings or calling 0330 123 2023.
Frilford Heath Golf Club, Oxfordshire
3rd 7th Aug
All day event
Frilford Heath Open Competitions week. A range of Mixed, Men’s, Senior’s and Pairs events for Visitors on all 3 championship courses. More details available: www.frilfordheath.co.uk/visitors/open_competitions/ or contact us on 01865 390684.
All day event
Modern Art Oxford presents a major solo exhibition of American artist Lynn Hershman Leeson. An early practitioner of installation and interactive art, Hershman Leeson has received international acclaim for work that explores privacy in an era of surveillance, the relationship between real and virtual worlds and the mutability of identity in an increasingly mediated society. www.modernartoxford.org.uk
Hartwell House, Aylesbury
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Malmaison, Oxford Castle, Oxford
Manor House, Howbery Business Park
Modern Art Oxford, 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP
Date
18th Jun
21st Jun
1st Jul
30th May 9th Aug
B4 Members can feature their events on this page, subject to availability – please get in touch for your complimentary listing.
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RAF Benevolent Fund Dragon Boat Challenge To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain the RAF Benevolent Fund are hosting a Dragon boat challenge at Willen Lake, Milton Keynes. Dragon boat racing is a competitive team rowing sport that dates back over 2000 years to Ancient China, and is still a popular rowing team sport to this day. Open to all within the RAF; families, friends and civilian supporters who want to jump on board and race in the competition. Participants must be over 16 years of age (16-18
with parental consent) and do not require any previous experience. The dragon boat crew consists of 17; 16 rowers and a drummer to keep the pace. Sign up as a team or individually and we will allocate you to a team. A day for all the family with lake side attractions, refreshments and entertainment. Please visit www.rafbf.org/dragonchallenge for more information. Email: dragon@rafbf.org.uk or call 0207 3073434.
12 Hay Hill launches partnership with Michelin-starred chef 12 Hay Hill, the innovative new club where London’s business elite will be able to work and play under one roof, has announced that Michelin-starred chef, Shaun Rankin, will provide the entire dining offering at the exclusive Mayfair venue, giving him a permanent home in London for the first time. Rankin, who has held a Michelin star since 2005, will serve his Jersey-inspired cuisine to members and tenants at 12 Hay Hill, a new club which will offer its members a luxurious environment in which
to conduct business, network and dine under one roof. 12 Hay Hill is set to open in the 2nd quarter of this year. Capitalising on London’s position as the centre of global business, the club will sit at the forefront of a growing international trend of clubs which combine business and social space. For further information, please contact: Laurence Jonas of Dragon Associates on 0207 495 4401. www.12hayhill.com
The Wormsley Estate launching new Members’ Club The Wormsley Estate in Buckinghamshire opens its gates to a new private members’ club in May 2015. Members of The Wormsley Club will have special access to the full range of sporting and cultural facilities that have been developed on the Getty family’s estate over the past 30 years. The club has been developed by former Warwickshire and England cricketer Tim Munton, who has licensed the facilities on the estate. Fellow international cricketer Matthew Hoggard MBE has joined Tim to
help develop the club and its events. The Wormsley Club members will be able to enjoy the finest hospitality and private dinners, in association with catering partners Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts. There is also the opportunity to play on the famous cricket ground with former international cricketers in one of our special 6-aside events. For further information please contact Victoria Scott of Dragon Associates on 020 7495 4401.
www.wormsleyestate.com
Oxford Web Developer has Global Impact
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Oxford-based software and website developer Alberon has completed a watertight website for the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH). Top level security for e-commerce payments and membership details were key requirements, alongside future-proofing to allow for development and change.
language text with an easy to use content management system.
The new responsive site also had to work globally, appeal to non-native English speakers using clear design and icons, and be able to handle multi-
Alberon offer local website development for global impact. Please contact us on e: info@alberon.co.uk t: 01865 794009 or visit www.alberon.co.uk
Kellie Nicholson from the IAH said: “We immediately received positive messages from our members, boosting confidence and future commitment.”
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B4 news Oxford’s premier new venue at The Bodleian Library has three new event spaces available to hire The newly refurbished Weston Library is now open to the public with a modern entrance atrium overlooking Broad Street. This ‘Blackwell Hall’ which has a 360°glass fronted floating book gallery all around, can accommodate up to 250 guests for dinners or 450 guests for receptions. The Exhibition Rooms, currently home to the Marks of Genius: Masterpieces from the collections of the Bodleian Libraries, can be hired with your event in Blackwell Hall offering your guests a private view of
this fascinating exhibition. The purpose-built Lecture Theatre has state-of-the-art AV equipment for up to 120 delegates. Or, you could WOW your guests with the best view of Oxford’s famous skyline from the Roof Terrace, the perfect venue for drinks receptions. To arrange an appointment to view these venues, please contact the Events Team on: t: 01865 877224 e: events@bodleian.ox.ac.uk w: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson/visit
Avocet Investments
Building Your Business is vital for any SME business owner for: • Growing An Alternative Pension Pot of lightly taxed gains when selling the business • Enjoying the Improved Security & Lifestyle of increased profits along the way to exit
To assist in these twin objectives Avocet Investments has therefore introduced its 1=4 Increasing Business Value Programme
Avocet Investments has been established 13 years serving the SME Business Owners of Berks, Bucks, Herts & Oxon with:
• A Business Valuation NOW • Working with the SME Owner on a quarterly basis to help increase this value & identify who to sell to, when it is time for exit
• Sourcing Business Finance • Business Advice • Sale of Businesses
Why 1=4 ? Well that is typically the rate that every £ of Sustainable Profit increases the Business Value.
Contact: Roger Bibby on 01494 726173 or e mail roger.bibby@avocet-investments.com www.avocet-investments.com
Develop From The Top To Improve Your Business You budget for staff training, you recruit the very best candidates to enhance your team, but as the leader of your business how much do you invest in yourself? How much is a better decision or behaviour of the business leader worth? Self-development allows you to better lead your business and safeguards the future of your staff and customers. MD2MD provides Leadership Development with a difference; MD2MD members build confidence and competence learning with and from other leaders. Our members meet for one day each month, applying continuous improvement principles to learning. Improving your business one step at a time, month after month, ultimately delivers radical performance improvement. Each member comes away with at least one action that they can use to improve their business the very next day. If you lead a team of ten or more people, have revenues of over £500k pa, contact us to arrange a free guest space now. 01865 600800.
Action Man wins SUB100 place Adventurer, Explorer, Atlantic Rower, former marine and personal trainer Tom Alden of TLA Fitness has been quietly undergoing an elite selection process to join the SUB100 team to trek 1800 miles across Antarctica. Having conquered the 3000NM row across the Atlantic ocean, Tom will be part of the first team to
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emulate Sir Ernest Shackleton’s crossing of 100 years ago. The expedition will take place towards the end of 2015 with an intense level of training throughout the year. Hear Tom at the Business in Oxford event on 30th June at Saïd Business School when he will be talking about the challenges he faced breaking into the final team.
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RO W N S R E A D I N G B ROW Unit 5A, The Oracle Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG t: 0118 9503137 ee:: browns.reading@mbplc.com
Enjoy Champagne moments with Bro Browns wns every Friday Chilled bottles of Mercier Champagne for only ÂŁ24.95. Ge Gett your evening off to a spectacular start.
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Open: 8.30am Close: 11.00pm (Fri & Sat close at 12am, Sun 10.30pm) der: 11.00pm L a s t F o o d O rrd (Sun 10pm)
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TM
B4 finance
feature
Welcome to the B4 Finance Feature, where you will find great insights and advice following the recent budget announcements from key business such as FOCUS LLP, Grant Thornton, Wellers and more. This issue’s lead article is brought to us by Wenn Townsend.
Contents 18 Finance Survey 20 Wenn Townsend 25 FOCUS 26 Grant Thornton 29 Wellers 30 M Group 33 FOCUS 35 Wilson Partners
WILSON PARTNERS ACCOUNTING. TAX. ADVISORY
The B4 Finance Survey is brought to you in association with KyteMark Solutions
B4 Finance Survey – April 2015 The professional’s view of Finance Trends in the Thames Valley B4, in conjunction with research specialists KyteMark, have undertaken a survey of member’s views of Finance Trends in the Thames Valley. WRITTEN BY: MATT WRIGHT
THE SURVEY Over the course of April, B4 members were polled on their thoughts, opinions, and forecasts for the outlook for the Finance Trends for 2015/16. In an Online Survey, B4 members were asked 10 tick box multiple-choice questions, with the option of providing further freeform answers and explanations. The results were collated into a 20-page presentation, but owing to space constraints, only a short summary is reprinted here. The full presentation will be sent out to all participants.
How do you view the outlook for your business from Apr-15 to Apr-16 (hereafter referred to as 2015/16)? Overwhelmingly optimistic business outlook
Very optimistic Growth projections varied from market to market, with opportunities postconsolidation being cited in the legal market, whereas the accountancy market saw continued strong underlying demand across the board. In fact accountants are arguably one of the main beneficiaries of political uncertainty - when did a new government and hence a new budget strategy ever fail to produce a significant amount of additional work?! Some firms are optimistic whatever the outcome - take Chris Newell (Quantuma, Restructuring): “Businesses will need our services, whether for funding in times of growth or for rescue in distressed situations”
Optimistic Neutral Pessimistic Very pessimistic 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
“This is an exciting time to be in business in Oxfordshire” Paddy Gregan, BrookStreet des Roches LLP
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B4 finance
Optimism: what are your biggest causes for optimism for 2015/16? Post-budget changes Macro environment
feature
OPTIMISM UNDIMMED BY ELECTIONS, BUT WORRIES REMAIN It is notable the optimism for market growth is so strong in spite of political concerns….just think what it would be like if we weren’t about to have a General Election! Hence, the mood seems to be that businesses will get on with their growth plans and deal with any political fall-out as and when it happens. The view from the survey is that when everything is going relatively well, less government involvement is the preferred solution. However, the fear is that post-Elections, there will be more meddling, with the big risk being a change in overall power, or a new coalition.
Regulation & Legislation Market demand Online expansion
“Alternative financing
Expectations of market demand led growth confirm the earlier optimism for business volumes (Q2)
Other 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
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options such as crowdfunding are supporting, not replacing traditional bank lending” Stuart Crook, Wellers Accoutants
“Political uncertainty will
Nevertheless, as Roger Bibby (Avocet Investments) puts it, there is still cause for optimism: “Political uncertainty will harm large companies more whilst being better for nimble-footed SMEs.”
harm large companies more whilst being better for nimble-footed SMEs.”
STRONG ONLINE INVESTMENT PLANS AFOOT Substantial online investment is planned, for both staff training and for website development, as online activity is predicted to keep on growing.
Roger Bibby, Avocet Investments
CONCLUSION
IT outlook: in which of these online areas will you be investing for 2015/16? Website development Online advertising
“A big concern would
Social media engagement deemed more imporatnt than online advertising
be to end up with a Government where a small minority could have undue influence”
Social Media Cyber security Fund raising 0%
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10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
This survey was carried out before the General Election, so one of the key fears - that of political uncertainty & change - has now been removed, which should see finance-related business confidence surge even further. The full survey report will be automatically sent out to those who participated - if you would like to receive a copy, please email us a enquiries@b4-business.com.
100%
G.Jackson, Critchleys
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Wenn
ToWnsend B4’s Matt Wright went along to talk to Wenn Townsend’s Tony Haines about what exactly accountants can do for your business and about the common misconceptions people hold. WRITTEN BY: MATT WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8
The common perception of accountants is that they are a limiting factor; a group who impose restrictions and ensure conformity, be it for the purposes of compliance with tax or company legislation. However, accountants can be far more creative (and not in an Enron-type way!), the only caveat being that they need to be engaged early on. For the non-financially minded, think of it like stopping a fire at source before it’s got going, rather than tackling it once it’s turned into a raging inferno complete with fire trucks, hoses, personnel….in short, a huge amount of resource.
“People tend to wait until after something bad has happened before they seek help from an accountant ...if only they’d come to see us sooner
”
Tony Haines, Wenn Townsend
I sat down with Tony Haines, partner at Wenn Townsend to quiz him on his firm’s fire fighting skills, and to illustrate this by way of practical Case Studies. I hope this illustrates how accountants can be ‘enablers’, and help people to structure their finances to save money. For some clients, finance will always be about tax saving and compliance, and that is all they require from their accountants. However, for any professional advisor to be successful over the medium to long term, they need to know their clients, which means knowing what they want now, and knowing what they are aiming for in the future. Hopefully, these Case Studies illustrate how Wenn Townsend puts itself in its clients’ shoes. After all, this firm is about longevity – we’ve been around for a long time, as have lots of our clients, and we hope to be stopping fires from starting for many years to come! Turn overleaf to Read more about Tony and Wenn Townsend
CONTACT DETAILS aehaines@wenntownsend.co.uk 01865 559 900 www.wenntownsend.co.uk
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CASE STUDY 1: Industry: Farming Issue: Land valuation • An elderly farmer coming up to retirement age, with 2 children neither of whom are interested in carrying on farming. • The farmland has been ring-fenced for possible housing development, which if granted could be worth in excess of £50m Problem: Capital gains tax ‘CGT’, Inheritance Tax ‘IHT’ • The difference between farmland at Agricultural value versus Land Development value can be huge, up to £1m per acre. • This would create an immediate massive CGT liability, and a deferred IHT liability, plus the elderly farmer would have to survive 7 years for any lifetime bequests. Solution: Set up a company beforehand to offset liabilities • Transfer the land into a Property Development Company at Agricultural v Land Development value i.e. before planning permission is granted • Issue shares to the family • The Agricultural value of the shares will revert to the farmer • The potential uplift in the land value will be reflected in the share values held by the other shareholders • The potential building value is now out of his estate into the company / can have various shareholders / most of the gain held in the value of shares held by people other than him £’s saved : based on estimated values + IHT at 40% = >£20m
CASE STUDY 2: Industry: UK subsidiary of a German parent company Issue: Provision of Financial Controllers • Owing to the structure of the company, most of the group’s transactions were passed through the UK subsidiary • However, German Head Office management kept having to fly over on a weekly basis to sort out finance and personnel problems at the UK end • The 2 people in the UK finance department subsequently resigned Solution: Wenn Townsend ‘WT’ stepped in temporarily to cover their roles on a short-term basis • The German management were delighted; “I don’t think they’ve had to come back over to the UK in the past 18 months for financial reasons” • All of the responsibility for the production of management accounts, payroll and filing of returns (VAT…etc) was devolved to WT • As well as the direct cost saving on x2 salaries, there was now no downtime for holidays, sickness…etc, and no need for the German management to travel over as regularly £’s saved: 50% cost of 2 salaries = £40k + opportunity management costs
CASE STUDY 3: Industry: Sole Trader Issue: Volatility of income and high PAYE payments • Once profits have been declared, an individual is limited in the ways he/she can limit their tax liability; e.g. increasing pension contributions • This is further complicated if profits are above the higher rate threshold • Income varied greatly from year to year Solution: Creation of limited company and crystallization of goodwill • A goodwill valuation was agreed with HMRC • The ensuing valuation crystallised into a tax-free balance on the directors’ current account (after CGT of 10% had been paid) • The sole trader (now the director) could now manage his ongoing trading income to produce a regular salary & tax-efficient dividends. £’s saved: £15k pa on an £80k income
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“Wenn Townsend puts itself in its clients’ shoes. After all, this firm is about longevity – we’ve been around for a long time” Tony Haines, Wenn Townsend
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CLIENT SUPPORT AUDIT ACCOUNTANCY CHARITIES COMPANY SECRETARIAL CONSULTANCY FINANCIAL PLANNING FORENSIC ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS PAYROLL TAXATION TRUSTS
OXFORD 30 St. Giles, Oxford OX1 3LE Tel . 01865 559900 email . information@wenntownsend.co.uk CIRENCESTER 5 Gosditch Street, Cirencester GL7 2AG Tel . 01285 659778 email . partners@wenntownsend.net ABINGDON 10 Broad Street, Abingdon OX14 3LH Tel . 01235 548700 email . abingdon@wenntownsend.co.uk www.wenntownsend .co .uk
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aBouT Wenn ToWnsend Wenn Townsend offer a complete portfolio of professional financial services to our clients whether as commercial businesses or other, not for profit, organisations. From audit, accounting, taxation, financial valuations and management consultancy through to client support services we have a highly experienced team available at your disposal. Founded in 1876, Wenn Townsend is one of the longest established firms of accountants in this country. Our continuity underlines the firm’s ability to adapt to meet the changing needs of our clients. The quality service and advice we give to our clients is secured on a base of expert technical resources, particularly our highly trained and motivated personnel, using the latest information and communication technology. Our success is derived from the high level of care and commitment we provide to our clients.
Tony Haines BiograpHy The youngest of four brothers, Tony was born and brought up in North Oxford before studying a degree in Microbiology at the University of Sheffield. He still retains a keen interest in the world of life science. After completing his degree he came back to Oxford and joined Wenn Townsend as a trainee Chartered Accountant, qualifying in 1991. Since then Tony has remained at Wenn Townsend joining the partnership in 1997 initially as the training partner and latterly as the partner responsible for the development of the firm’s client base. “The firm’s wide range of owner-managed businesses, extending to almost every conceivable industry is the reason we have, within the partnership, the experience and expertise to deliver the level of service to our clients expected by a modern firm of Chartered Accountants”, says Tony. Tony lives in West Oxfordshire and has always been an enthusiastic cricketer and golfer enjoying both the sport and the after match socialising. Tony is also a supporter of the Arts and is a regular attendee at the Oxford Playhouse.
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THE ALL NEW JAGUAR XE. XE FROM £295 A MONTH + VAT ON JAGUAR CONTRACT HIRE* Get ready to rewrite the rules. With its F-TYPE inspired design, the new XE is now at Ridgeway Oxford and it’s going to be a wake-up call for every other car in its class. With an engine range that delivers thrilling performance and impressive efficiency, the new XE will redefine the sports saloon. Contact us today for more information. *Business users only. Initial rental in advance of £1,770 +VAT. 36 Month term. VAT at 20% may be payable. Model pictured (including optional metallic paint) from £302.49 a month +VAT, plus initial rental in advance of £1814.94 +VAT. BIK from £174 a month.**
RIDGEWAY JAGUAR CUMNOR HILL, OXFORD OX2 9PL
RIDGEWAY.OXFORD.JAGUAR.CO.UK 01865 565421
HOW ALIVE ARE YOU? Official fuel consumption for the Jaguar XE range in mpg (1/100km): Urban 24.4-64.2 (11.6-4.4); Extra Urban 46.3-83.1 (6.13.4); Combined 34.9-75.0 (8.1-3.8). C02 Emissions 194-99 g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. Based on an XE Saloon 2.0D Prestige 4dr standard specification, with a mileage of 10,000 miles per annum, non-maintained. Excess mileage charges (at 9.7p per mile). Must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Contract Hire subject to status. This promotion cannot be used together with other manufacturer’s promotions and is subject to availability at participating Retailers only for new vehicles ordered by 30th June 2015. Jaguar Contract Hire is a trading style of Lex Autolease Limited, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB. **Based on the same model and specification as described above, for a 40% tax payer. Vehicle shown is XE Saloon 2.0D Prestige 4dr standard specification with optional metallic paint.
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“Banks and Building
Societies do want to lend money and it is a fallacy to suggest that they are making it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage in this new era.
�
Nick Walker, Partner – FOCUS Oxford LLP
a MorTgage MarkeT revieW The mortgage market today offers some of the keenest rates that we've ever seen. Two-year tracker rates at just over 1%, five-year fixed rates at 2.5% and generous levels of mortgages offered by many lenders are just the start. WRITTEN BY: NICK WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JACQUELINE CROSS
The problem is, however, that tracking down and securing the most appropriate and competitive mortgage can literally be a nightmare because published rates and fees on the internet only tell a tiny part of the story. There are so many underwriting factors that will ultimately impact on whether or not a mortgage is granted and it is therefore vital that proper independent mortgage advice is sought before any application process starts with lenders. Many people failing to do this simply end up tripping up at the first hurdle and can, inadvertently, scar their credit file and further complicate any application procedure going forward. Often, those rejected just accept the fact and do nothing more. Many others will not have applied for a mortgage within the past 5 years and, because the world of mortgages is completely different to what was available during the Noughties, it can be a dangerous place in which to venture without proper independent advice.
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Banks and Building Societies do want to lend money and it is a fallacy to suggest that they are making it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage in this new era. It is simply wrong to think that once you enter your forties that you will no longer qualify for a mortgage. What lenders are doing, however, is that they are being far more selective in what type of customer they are ultimately looking to assist. Because lenders can't specifically discriminate against certain borrower types, they each set much of their criteria in such a way so as to initially sift the business. Just as in many other industries, companies choose to specialise in niche areas that suit their investment/risk profile and therefore set their stalls out accordingly. For the average borrower, however, finding and understanding what each lender is offering, or even if they'll be welcomed at the stall, is particularly hard. Using an independent, qualified, professional mortgage adviser in the process of mortgaging a residential or buy-to-let purchase, or re-mortgaging an existing
property, is therefore vital in order to save valuable time and money. The future of mortgage lending appears very bright - it's just that it's now very different. For those looking to invest in additional property, now is an excellent time to borrow to assist in the process. With fixed interest rates looking to remain low for the foreseeable future, borrowing costs are set to be well below anticipated rental yields and landlords can therefore enlarge their property portfolios without necessarily dipping into valuable cash reserves. For more information and advice please contact Nick Walker, Partner at FOCUS at the e-mail address or number below. CONTACT DETAILS Nick.Walker@focusllp.co.uk 01865 295 295 www.focusllp.co.uk
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are you Taking advice on your pension To secure your financial fuTure? Carl Tremlin of the Wealth Advisory team at Grant Thornton in the Thames Valley talks about the importance of seeking professional advice on pensions for the future. WRITTEN BY: CARL TREMLIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ALEX CAMINADA
The 6 April presents one of the biggest overhaul of personal pensions in generations. Experts at the Thames Valley office of financial and business advisers Grant Thornton are urging savers to get to grips with the new regulations if they are to safeguard a financially secure retirement. One of the most notable aspects of the pensions shake-up introduced from 5 April is that individuals aged 55 or over will be allowed unlimited access to their defined contribution pension pots in a move designed to give people more freedom over how they use their life savings for old age. For some, it may no longer be sensible to buy an annuity at retirement and instead, individuals may decide to either cash in their entire pension in one go or drawdown from their pension pot in stages to take a regular income. Under the new system, from the minimum pension age (currently 55), individuals will continue
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to be able to take out up to a quarter of their pension as a tax-free lump sum. The remaining fund will be subject to income tax meaning that individuals should consider their tax position when deciding how to access their pension pots. Commenting on the pensions overhaul, Carl Tremlin of Grant Thornton Thames Valley's Wealth Advisory team, said: “The Chancellor shocked the pensions world last year when he announced the new plans which included handing over the power to retirees to do whatever they want to with their nest egg." “The changes are very welcome and present a great deal of opportunity to plan for a sustainable, tax efficient retirement. However, with this increased freedom comes responsibility and it is now more important than ever for individuals to make well thought out decisions about their pension and non-pension investments which are tailored to their long-term objectives. This will help to ensure the money they have worked so hard to
save during their lifetime does not run out.” Another key aspect of the pension reforms is that from April 2015, benefits on death before the age of 75 years can be paid out as a tax free lump sum. Even after the age of 75, it will also now be possible for pension funds to be kept as a pension and passed down to the next generation without the previous 55% tax charge on death. This presents an interesting estate planning opportunity as some people may choose not to use their own pension funds themselves and instead look to maximise the amount that is left to pass on to their children or grandchildren. Carl Tremlin continues: “As life expectancy continues to increase and fewer people have Defined Benefit pension schemes to fund their retirement, striking the right balance between meeting immediate and long term income requirements, whilst potentially maximising the estate left to beneficiaries, is very important.
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“The Chancellor
shocked the pensions world last year when he announced the new plans which included handing over the power to retirees to do whatever they want to with their nest egg
”
Carl Tremlin - Associate Director, Wealth Advisory at Grant Thornton
“Most people will of course understand that blowing your pension pot in one go to buy an expensive car or holiday is not a sensible long term move. However, taking advantage of the new pension changes can be complex as there are various tax implications depending on how pension savings are accessed. Therefore it’s vital to take expert advice so you can look forward to a financially worry-free retirement.” Grant Thornton Wealth Advisory works very closely with the Grant Thornton Private Client tax team to offer a holistic approach to private client advice. Contact Carl Tremlin, Associate Director, Wealth Advisory below.
CONTACT DETAILS carl.j.tremlin@uk.gt.com 01189 559 132 http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk Carl Tremlin - Associate Director, Wealth Advisory at Grant Thornton
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Oxford Parkway opening 26 October
This autumn you can travel to London from our brand new station at Oxford Parkway. With over 800 parking spaces and table-topping punctuality, it’s the smarter way to London. To find out more, go to chilternrailways.co.uk/mainline
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“what are your goals
for the business, and what are you wanting out of it?” Stuart Crook – Wellers Accountants
Wellers accounTanTs:
noT JusT nuMBers WRITTEN BY: ANTHONY LLOYD PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WELLERS
Having been on the Oxfordshire networking circuit for quite some time, I first came across Wellers 5 or 6 years ago, meeting a number of their partners and personnel at various events over that time. I have always held the view of accountants that they spend all their time reviewing the past, rather than planning for the future and adding value. Wellers, however, always impressed me with a native pragmatism regarding the financials, combined with a total focus on the strategic side of business. Additionally, I caught the vibe that here were advisors one could relate to. I have used the same London based accountant for the last 40 years. Recently his small firm has been taken over. So the question is do I want to www.b4-business.com
move to a local Oxford based practice. The opportunity to go and talk to Wellers for this review was therefore a compelling one. Wellers' offices are conveniently located in the centre of Oxford, just off the High Street, and a light and airy meeting room awaited. In consideration for the way we run our businesses these days, the WiFi access code was prominently displayed and having arrived early the opportunity to catch up on a few e-mails was gratefully taken. I was to meet Stuart Crook, a partner, whose very first question sure enough was “what are your goals for the business, and what are you wanting out of it?" We spent some considerable time looking at these and Stuart came up with some really creative and practical solutions.
I was left with the overall impression that Wellers would deliver significant value through their role as business advisors, over and above the number crunching that is the bread and butter work of most firms out there. This added value approach is integral to the service they provide their clients. If one is looking for a firm prepared to be your business partner, interpret the numbers and assist you in your strategic commercial decision making – look no further.
CONTACT DETAILS stuart.crook@wellersaccountants.co.uk 01865 723 131 www.wellersaccountants.co.uk
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auTo-enrolMenT is Here – are you prepared? Over the coming months many more groups of UK employers will be required to help their workforce save for retirement. The Government estimates that currently about seven million people aren’t saving enough for their retirement. As a result, it is (and has been) putting the responsibility on employers to help encourage more people to save. WRITTEN BY: DARREN GREEN OF THE MGROUP PARTNERSHIP
The Government are doing so by requiring all employers to automatically enrol ‘eligible employees’ into a ‘qualifying pension scheme’. This requirement has been in place for larger employers since 2012 but the regime will ultimately impact on even the smallest employers such that by 2017 all employers will be required to comply with the reforms. Eventually all employers will be required to contribute a minimum of 3% of each employees ‘qualifying earnings’ which is intended to incentivise them not to ‘Opt out’. The employees own contributions and tax relief will be added to this to meet a minimum 8% contribution from 2018. The Government recognise that these reforms continue to place employers at the heart of pension provision and so can only succeed with their support. Accordingly then, the key measures are designed to minimise the burden on employers: • Minimum employer and employee contributions will be phased in. • Simple, straight forward, qualifying criteria for existing company schemes, meaning many existing schemes will meet them already, perhaps with minor changes. • A ‘light touch’ compliance regime for new employer duties. Who do I have to enrol? Employers will have to automatically enrol all ‘eligible employees’, with these being defined as: • those who aren’t already active members of a qualifying scheme; and • be aged between 22 years old and the State Pension age; and • meet the minimum earnings threshold for eligibility, which is the income tax personal allowance (currently £9,440) Employees aged between 16 and 21, or over state pension age but under 75 can ask to be enrolled and employers will be required to make contributions. Employees earning below the minimum earnings threshold can also ask to enrol but the employer will not be required to contribute.
What will Contributions be? By 2018 the minimum contributions will be 8% in total with this being: Employee 4% Tax relief 1% Employer 3% It is possible for the Employer to pay a higher proportion of the total contribution, as long as the total contribution is at least the minimum. For example, if the employer pays the full 8%, the employee does not need to contribute. However, the minimum contributions will be phased in, rising from 1% initially to 2% in October 2017 and 3% a year later.
Before October 2017 October 2017 – October 208 From October 2018
Employee pays* 1% 3% 5%
Employer pays 1% 2% 3%
* Less tax relief
While employees can choose to ‘Opt out’, for those who do not, contributions will be payable based on the employees ‘Qualifying earnings’ which is currently deemed to be earnings between the lower and higher National Insurance thresholds of £5,824 and £42,385 respectively, with this band being reviewed annually to keep it aligned with increases in earnings. Does my existing pension scheme qualify? The Government has designed simple qualifying criteria for Company Schemes, such that many existing schemes will already qualify. The main requirements are as follows: • Does it permit automatic enrolment? • Are employees automatically enrolled within 3 months of joining the company? • Does the scheme have a default investment option? • Does it meet one of the minimum contributions tests?
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B4 finance If the scheme passes the required criteria then the employer will not need to offer an alternative scheme. If you have an existing scheme in place then please check with them for compliance as many existing schemes will not comply.
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• Consider the profile and needs of your employees. Step 4: Decide what scheme(s) you want to operate Step 5: Communicate to your staff
What to do next? Step 1: Check your staging date (the date when Auto enrolment compliance is required)
The reforms will come at a significant cost to many employers but it is important that employers do not put themselves at risk by falling foul of the new requirements such as by offering employees incentives to ‘Opt out’.
Step 2: Identify the potential financial impact on your business It is our view that with proper planning the impact of these reforms can be managed and put in place alongside existing remuneration strategies, which will help mitigate the financial impact upon businesses.
Step 3: Consider the options available to you, such as: • Gradually increasing existing scheme membership. This will help avoid sudden increase in costs. • Gradually phasing in contributions so that the full financial impact on your business is managed.
CONTACT DETAILS • Offering salary exchange (known as salary sacrifice) can reduce costs by saving tax and National Insurance. However, operating salary exchange in conjunction with automatic enrolment can be complicated and so professional advice should be sought.
d.green@themgroup.co.uk 01865 552 925 www.themgroup.co.uk
“If auto enrolment is approached in the right way then Employers can introduce pension contributions as part of an Employees ‘remuneration package’ which will help manage the cost burden
”
Darren Green, Partner at The MGroup Partnership
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Where you see land, we see potential. With a network of 50 offices throughout the UK, we have the local market knowledge, expertise and outstanding track record for helping landowners extract the maximum value from their land. The Strutt & Parker team can advise you on everything from planning, viability, valuation and disposal of the site. To find out more about the latest planning updates and how these could unlock the potential of your land please call our Development & Planning team on 01865 366666.
269 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7LL 01865 366666 | struttandparker.com/oxford
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2015 BudgeT, THe iMpacT on savers and invesTors The 2015 Budget Statement contained several announcements which will have an impact on savers and investors. Here, we take a look at the key impact areas. WRITTEN BY: PHIL ROUSE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JACQUELINE CROSS
PENSIONS Flexibility – For those already with modern, flexible, Personal Pension (Defined Contribution) plans, the “Freedom and Choice in Pensions” reforms become a reality from 6 April 2015. Annuities - From 2016/17, it is proposed that access to the new flexibility will be extended to those already receiving an annuity by allowing them to sell their annuity for a cash lump sum. Consultation is underway on the fine details of these proposals and it is not clear yet whether or how such a scheme can be built. Allowances - Every individual has a set level of benefits that can be drawn from pension schemes without triggering certain tax charges, known as the Lifetime Allowance. From 2016/17, this will be cut to £1 million from the 2014/15 limit of £1.25 million. It is proposed that this allowance will be indexed in line with CPI from 2018/19. A new, transitional protection option will be introduced to allow those with funds already in excess of the new £1 million. FOCUS Comment “This is clearly excellent news for all those with Personal Pensions. The ability to be able to plan for your retirement with full flexibility and access is quite remarkable. “However, as with all these things, there are pitfalls and we would urge anybody who is considering accessing their retirement benefits to seek advice before taking any action.”
ISAs – PROPOSED CHANGES FROM AUTUMN 2015 Help to Buy ISAs – A new type of Cash ISA will www.b4-business.com
be launched. Designed for first-time buyers, for every £200 saved towards a deposit for a first home, the government will add a £50 bonus up to a maximum bonus of £3,000 on £12,000 of savings. Savers will have access to their own money and will be able to withdraw funds from the ISA if they are needed for another purpose. However, the bonus payments will only be made available for home purchase. Cash ISAs –Following consultation on the technical detail, ISA savers will be able to withdraw money from their ISA and replace it – without it counting towards their annual ISA subscription limit for that year. FOCUS Comment “The Help to Buy ISAs offer an incentive to savers and in turn, should boost the property market. “The new flexibility allowing withdrawals to be returned to a Cash ISA by the end of the tax year will help to maximise the benefit of the now much higher ISA subscription limit by removing what was, in effect, a penalty on those who needed temporary access to their savings.”
TAX RATES & ALLOWANCES Personal Allowance – This will increase to £10,600 from 2015/16 with a further increase to £10,800 for 2016/17 and to £11,000 for 2017/18. Personal tax - The higher rate tax threshold, above which higher rate tax applies, will increase from £42,385 to £42,700 from 6 April 2016 and then to £43,300 on 6 April 2017. Savings Rate Band – The starting rate band for savings income, taxed at 0%, increases to £5,000 for 2015/16.
New Personal Savings Allowance – From 6 April 2016, a tax-free savings allowance of £1,000 will be available to those earning less than £42,700. Higher rate taxpayers benefit from a £500 tax-free allowance. Those earning over £150,000 are not entitled to an allowance. FOCUS Comment “The substantial increase in the Personal Allowance means that higher earners can achieve an even greater benefit by using pension contributions to reduce adjusted net income above £100,000. A large percentage of the population will still be higher rate taxpayers who can benefit from tax-relief on pension savings at 40%. “The Personal Savings Allowance provides more incentive for low earners to save as they will potentially pay no tax on their savings where total taxable income is less than £16,800 in 2016/17.”
“The ability to be able
to plan for your retirement with full flexibility and access is quite remarkable
”
Phil Rouse, Partner, FOCUS Oxford LLP
CONTACT DETAILS mail@focusllp.co.uk 01865 295 295 www.focusllp.co.uk
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iT’s noT aBouT THe pension! There has been a lot of talk about the tsunami of businesses that will soon hit their staging dates and have to comply with the new workplace pension legislation (known as auto-enrolment). Introduced back in 2012 for the largest employers, auto-enrolment is now firmly hitting the SME sector with over 150,000 businesses employing fewer than 50 people expected to stage in 2015/16 and a further 620,000 in 2016/17. WRITTEN BY: ALLAN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOHN CASSIDY
It’s a complex area but one where being prepared well in advance will pay dividends – the fines for non-compliance are significant. The Pensions Regulator provides a lot of good information but it’s still an area which we find employers want to be guided through the choices they need to make. BUT, and here’s the thing, the headache for auto-enrolment only starts once you’ve got a pension scheme set up. You may have thought that the initial assessment your workers, choosing a pension provider, working out your contribution basis, deciding whether to use a postponement period and figuring out how much it’s going to cost would be the tricky bit. It’s not. The real burden will come from the on-going administration, record keeping and communication. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PAYROLL The ongoing requirement at every pay date includes checking employee eligibility, enrolling those that have become eligible into a chosen pension scheme, deferring those that may not want to be enrolled and sending out communications in line with the new legislation. You are also required to retain all documents and information for a minimum of 6 years. Assessing your workforce and getting a pension scheme set up should not be complex – especially if using an adviser that can make it simple, low hassle and cost effective to get set up with a scheme. The real hard work comes after everything has been set up – it’s the ongoing month-in, month-out administration that will cause the real headaches. Whether you plan to do your payroll in house, or through an outsourced provider, it is vital to ensure that you’re clear on how it will work to ensure you don’t give yourself a major headache. In our opinion the assessment of your workforce, the communication with them and the ability to maintain an audit trail should be all done off the same data and as much of it as possible automated. Pulling information from a pension system to put back into the www.b4-business.com
payroll system doesn’t sound like a great solution. Automated communication with employees will take a lot of the pain away. Our clients benefit from a solution that assesses their employees as part of the payroll process, auto enrolling employees into a qualifying pension scheme. Our e-payslips service publishes P60’s payslips and pensions’ communications directly to their employees. This happens within the payroll system, and can then be viewed by their employees online, or directly on their smart phone or tablet. This alleviates the entire burden of distribution from the employer.
“Assessing your workforce and getting a
pension scheme set up should not be complex – especially if using an adviser that can make it simple, low hassle and cost effective to get set up with a scheme
”
Allan Wilson, Director – Wilson Partners
Allow us to take care of your auto enrolment responsibilities and alleviate the headache that comes with it, and be totally confident that all your legislative obligations have been met. There is no need for employers to spend weeks to implement auto enrolment, nor the 1-3 days per month to deal with the process on an on-going basis.
CONTACT DETAILS allan.wilson@wilson-partners.co.uk 07798 845 403
www.wilson-partners.co.uk
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The Vision for Oxfordshire By 2030 we will have strengthened Oxfordshire's position as a vibrant, sustainable, inclusive, world leading economy, driven by innovation, enterprise and research excellence. PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DAVE STROUD PHOTOGRAPHY
OxLEP is one of 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships launched by the Government in 2011 to drive economic growth across the county. It is a private sector led partnership between businesses, county, city and district councils and academia.
years at less than 1%, we recognise the challenges we are facing locally in finding the right skills to meet the strategic plan for 85,000 new jobs by 2031.”
Oxfordshire’s Strategic Economic Plan is already delivering projects which enable economic growth. £55M of City Deal funding is being invested in four innovation hubs with transport connectivity, supporting apprenticeships and progressing the delivery of over seven thousand new homes.
People: Deliver and attract specialist and flexible skills at all levels, across all sectors, as required by our businesses, with full, inclusive employment and fulfilling jobs.
£118M of Government Growth Fund has been awarded for transport infrastructure, more innovation and technology centres and the flood channel. £19M of European Structural Investment Fund awarded to Oxfordshire will deliver the programmes identified including social inclusion, education, skills and life-long learning, high speed communications and SME competitiveness. Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive comments “Oxfordshire is focusing on its four key priorities of People, Place, Enterprise and Connectivity. We have a great world offer with global demand for major technologies which are currently offered by some of Oxfordshire’s most innovative businesses.
OxLEP's Mission
Place: Provide the quality environment and choice of homes needed to support growth and capitalise upon the exceptional quality of life, vibrant economy and the dynamic urban and rural communities of our county. Enterprise: Encourage innovation led growth, underpinned by Oxfordshire’s strengths in University research and development, business development, business collaboration and supply chain potential. Connectivity: Allow people to move freely and connect easily and provide the services, environment and facilities needed by a dynamic growing and dispersed economy. For further information about Oxfordshire’s Strategic Economic Plan contact Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. CONTACT DETAILS
We will continue to drive economic growth across the county and support businesses to grow and expand in Oxfordshire. With unemployment across the county currently at its lowest for several
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info@oxfordshirelep.com 01865 261 433 www.oxfordshirelep.com
Who’s Involved Oxfordshire Business Support encourages startups, growth and innovation through a range of local products and services via the OBS web portal helpline, supported by specialist advice and guidance through a team of expert Network Navigators. Advice is available to all entrepreneurs and businesses, regardless of their size or sector and wherever they are in the business lifecycle. w: www. oxfordshirebusinesssupport.co.uk t: 01865 261448 Oxfordshire Apprenticeships supports employers through the process of recruiting and employing apprentices including help to find the right Apprenticeship framework and training provider and providing opportunities to promote vacancies. w: www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk t: 01865 323477 Opportunities to Inspire "O2i" is Oxfordshire's one-stop-shop for education business links. O2i is increasing the number of volunteers from business spending time in schools, enabling business leaders and directors to give something back directly to young people, in terms of knowledge, experience, inspiration and business wisdom. w: www.o2i.org t: 01865 323483 Invest in Oxfordshire is the inward investment service for Oxfordshire providing confidential and tailored assistance to place and grow businesses within Oxfordshire. Their aim it to help companies to set up, succeed and grow in Oxfordshire. w: www.investinoxfordshire.com t: 01865 815866
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B4 spotlight
“Oxfordshire is focusing on its four key priorities of People, Place, Enterprise and Connectivity. We have a great world offer with global demand for major technologies which are currently offered by some of Oxfordshire’s most innovative businesses
”
Photo © www.davestroudphotography.co.uk
Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive OxLEP
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B4 spotlight
Aston & James Celebrate 25 Years As the date of Aston and James’ 25th anniversary approaches, Matt Wright chatted with Darren Aston about the past, the present, and his outlook for the future. WRITTEN BY: MATT WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RIC MELLIS PRODUCTIONS
Q: Darren, what have been the biggest changes you’ve witnessed over the past 25 years in the wide and wonderful world of office printing and supplies? I’ve been a part of Aston James for 18 years and have seen a fair bit of change during my time here. When my brother started out back in 1990, he sold from a wholesale catalogue of traditional office stationary products; i.e. paper, envelopes, labels, file folders…etc. Now in 2015, we offer everything for the workplace, from furniture to workwear to facilities supplies, and services…..oh and not forgetting the office stationary! Q: So how have Aston James’ priorities changed? Well, now one of our priorities is Facilities Management rather than just the office stationary cupboard. Times have changed, what with the internet (see I am showing my age here!), hotdesking, and flexible working practices, as so much more communication now takes place in the virtual world rather than via hard copy. In summary, we are now a 1-stop shop for anybody managing an office who doesn’t want the hassle of co-ordinating lots of different suppliers.
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Q: You’ll be telling me you’re selling tea bags next!
Q: Printing is often portrayed as wasteful – how do you stand on the ‘Green argument’?
Well yes, we do, and lots of them…although we’re not looking to topple the supermarkets off their perch just yet! We label it under ‘Workplace Solutions’, but this includes everything from commercial supplies, cleaning products, washroom essentials….just about everything you can think of to make an office run smoothly.
We’re all for it – it’s part of the ‘Workplace Solutions’ we were just talking about. So, we will take charge of the complete product lifecycle; i.e. we’ll deliver paper supplies, shred confidential documents, recycle paper, dispose of used toner cartridges and donate the money to charity – in short, we feel it is important to be seen to be green, as it’s important both to us and our customers.
Now in 2015, we “ offer everything for the
Q. You mentioned moving with the times – can you give any examples?
workplace, from furniture to workwear to facilities supplies, and services...oh and not forgetting the office stationary!
Well our ‘Workwear’ department is doing very well at present, we’ve had some high profile clients. We supply fleeces, polo shirts and trousers to Cotswold Wildlife Park and front of house corporate clothing to North Oxford BMW, which included suits, shirts and blouses. We even branched out into cycling leisurewear for the 2014 B4 Edinburgh – Oxford bike ride.
Darren Aston, Aston & James
”
We operate our own in-house fleet and have most items available for free next day delivery. After all, if your office is running low on coffee or toilet paper, we can guarantee that you’ll soon hear about it from your staff!
Q. So do you customize this Workwear yourselves as well? In a manner of speaking. Our ‘celebrity’ cousins who are based in the North – Sam & Joe Aston (Sam also plays Chesney in ‘Coronation Street’) – operate an embroidery business, which means we
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“Our core focus
remains the same; to put you, our customer, at the centre of everything we do Darren Aston, Aston & James
”
have unparalleled flexibility when it comes to quick turnaround and the placing of trial orders.
Why Choose Us
For example, at the moment, embossed hoodies are very popular with end-of-year schools and university leavers.
Over the past 25 years, Oxford have won the boat race 14 times, the Oxfordshire population has grown and with this local business requirements have evolved. Aston & James have built a wealth of experience, knowledge and an outstanding reputation through working in partnership with local businesses.
Q. What about looking forwards – what new markets are you looking to break into? We’ve been moving more into the Education Market, especially at nursery and primary school levels, supplying their exercise books, as well as their interactive teaching aids such such as laptops, wall boards, monitors, and printers. This includes all the big brands such as Apple, HP, Dell, and Smart so I guess you could say it’s a place where the old and the new co-exist happily side by side. Q. Finally Darren, what about the next 25 years – where do you see Aston and James then? I’ll be pushing retirement by then (hopefully), but I’d like to see us as the supplier of choice throughout Oxfordshire, with a national reach beyond that. Our heart will always be in Witney, and we’ll remain a family-concern with a focus on businesses who share our values and want to grow alongside us as partners, not just customers.
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So much so, that we won the West Oxfordshire Small Business Award in 2015. Starting from a ‘one man band’ back in 1990 to now employing over 18 people across a multitude of business functions, our core focus remains the same; to put you, our customer, at the centre of everything we do. By getting to know you and investing the time to fully understand your business, we will provide you with relevant and suitable solutions, delivered in a way which is best for you and at the price you want to pay. When you choose to partner with Aston & James, you get all the benefits of ‘buying local’ with absolutely no compromise. We are partnered with powerful global buyers, enabling us to successfully compete against our largest national competitors. Even though we are your local choice, we have the network and ability to deliver our services UK wide.
If you operate from multiple locations, we’ve got you covered. Everything we do, sell and supply is dedicated to fuelling your business with products and solutions that keep your office running smoothly.
Delivered by local people Our business is run by local people who understand your needs and care about the Oxfordshire community We can provide everything your company desires, including: Stationery Print Facilities / Management Ink & Toners Furniture Machine & MPS Shredding and Eco Soutions.
CONTACT DETAILS sales@aston-james.co.uk 01993 706 900 www.aston-james.co.uk
39
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B4 spotlight
A one-stop shop for all your school supplies As a local supplier our goal is to help our Oxfordshire based schools get a better deal on education supplies and receive an improved overall experience. Enhanced customer service and delivery times are our main focus. Aston & James is one of the largest independent resellers across Oxfordshire and has recently launched an additional range of education supplies. We can provide a vast range of education supplies and services. From nurseries, to schools, academies, colleges and universities
service is what makes Aston & James the education supplies provider of choice for so many. Our aim is to take the hassle out of purchasing essential school and educational supplies whilst helping your budget go further. We currently sell over
It is our mission to “supply Oxfordshire
We can provide you with everything for your education supplies : Office Supplies, Education Furniture, Office Furniture, Classroom essentials, Audio Visual Equipment, Exercise Books, Facilities Supplies, Janitorial products, Laptops/Computers, Charging Units, Printers & Printer Cartridges, customised classroom storage solutions, Bespoke Clothing including School leavers hoodies and many more products.
based schools with all the necessary resources to create an enjoyable and effective learning environment
We understand exactly what you, the customer, requires from a supplies partner. Great value, reliability, fast delivery and exceptional customer
20,000 stationery and office products so if we don’t have what you need, we’ll source it for you. 100% customer satisfaction is what drives Aston & James.
www.b4-business.com
”
It is our mission to supply Oxfordshire based schools with all the necessary resources to create an enjoyable and effective learning environment, allowing your pupils and staff to truly flourish. From art and craft materials to cutting-edge technology, from innovative teaching aids to education furniture, Aston & James is the one-stopshop for all your school needs. Do you have any projects that you need assistance with? Contact the team on 01993 706900 or visit our website for further information.
CONTACT DETAILS sales@aston-james.co.uk 01993 706 900 www.aston-james.co.uk
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Shared Parental Leave Darbys’ Employment Team looks at the new system of Shared Parental Leave (“SPL”) WRITTEN BY: VICTORIA MARCHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8
What’s new? The old system of maternity and paternity leave has been given a significant ‘shake up’ by the government, and a radical new system of ‘Shared Parental Leave’ has come into force. It will apply to parents of babies born on or after 5 April 2015, or to parents who adopt a child after that date. The new system will enable eligible parents to take up to 52 weeks of leave in total, to be shared between them, either in alternating blocks or taken together. How it works The existing period of compulsory maternity leave of 2 weeks (or 4 weeks for certain workers) remains unaffected by the new regime. Essentially, how it works is that the remainder of the mother’s 52 weeks of leave and 39 weeks of pay are ‘put into a pot’ and the parents can choose to ‘share out’ the remaining leave and pay as they see fit, either by taking leave and pay at the same time as each other or separately. For example, both parents might opt to take the first month off together after the birth of the baby. The mother might then opt to return to work for a month to complete a specific project she is
involved in. The father would take an additional period of SPL and stay at home with the baby and return to work when the mother had finished her project. Within the first year of the child’s life, there may be other occasions where the parents wish to revert to this arrangement and so the mother would return to work and the father would take another period of SPL. ‘SPLIT Days’ Another key feature of the new system of SPL is that each parent taking SPL is to have 20 ‘KIT-style’ days, called Shared Parental Leave In Touch Days or ‘SPLIT’ days. This is in addition to the mother's 10 KIT day entitlement during maternity leave. This will enable parents to ‘keep in touch’ by coming into work and being paid for that work during a time of SPL, without ending their SPL period or losing their statutory pay for that week. Like with KIT days, a SPLIT day must be mutually agreed by the employer and employee. Also there is no obligation on either party to agree to a SPLIT day. Do employers have to agree to any leave pattern employees choose? One of the key questions for employers is “do we
have to allow employees to take whatever pattern of leave they request” The simple answer is no. If an employee requests a period of discontinuous leave an employer can refuse the pattern proposed. However employers do have to allow employees to take the amount of leave requested in a single block. One way however of an employee guaranteeing several separate blocks of leave is by them booking up to three blocks of leave separately, giving the appropriate 8 weeks’ notice before each block. Need advice? If you have any questions on the new system of Shared Parental Leave or any other employment law query, then please feel free to speak to a member of the Darbys’ Employment Law Team. You can contact Prisca Bradley, Head of the Employment Law Team below.
CONTACT DETAILS pbradley@darbys.co.uk 01865 811 741 www.darbys.co.uk
Darbys Employment Team Prisca Bradley (Partner) who has been with Darbys for 9 years heads up the Employment Team is pleased to announce the arrival of Kate Benefer (Associate) who joined in November 2014 from Shoosmiths. “Kate has a wealth of experience which has been put to good use in our increasingly busy department. Kate combines a wonderful Prisca Bradley - Partner
mixture of excellent interpersonal skills with total confidence in her area of law. She is very approachable.” Prisca also commented “at present, the queries about shared parental leave have been more theoretical but we anticipate as the take up continues that advice on patterns of leave will arise. We have been helping many organisations get all their policies and procedures in place as well as providing training for managers on how to deal with such requests – it is important to be ready”.
Marcham, Paul Lawton, Esther Wilkins, Stephanie Merritt, Alexandra Keane and Tamara Barbeary. The Team has grown over the years in response to volume of work and increasing expertise especially in the Education sector.
Kate Benefer - Associate
“Kate has also produced a fantastic flowchart which has been very well received not only by clients but also by employment lawyers who have asked to use it! We wanted to reproduce it here for readers but would be happy to send it separately to anyone who requests it on email.” Kate joins a very strong employment team comprising Natasha Jones, Paul Edwards, Victoria
42
www.b4-business.com
B4 advice
Shared parental leave - process Mother gives notice to curtail her maternity leave / pay
Parent notifies employer of intention to take SPL
Employer may request evidence within 14 days
Employee must provide the evidence within 14 days of the request
Employee makes leave request
NO
Is the request at least 8 weeks before the leave is to start?
YES
Requested leave is continuous
Not valid
Requested leave is discontinuous
Employer MUST accept SPL request
Employer has two weeks to consider request
Counts as one request
Employer refuses request
Employer proposes alternative and employee agrees
Employer agrees to the request
Counts as one request Employee takes total amount of leave requested as a continuous period
Counts as one request
Withdrawn within 15 days of request
Withdraw notice
Counts as one request
YES
NO
Counts as one request
YES Employee makes a further request for leave
Employee makes a request to vary the leave
Is the number of requests / variations less than 3?
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NO
Not valid - Don’t need to consider
43
Chiltern Railways Oxford Parkway to London launch date announced Chiltern Railways has announced the opening date of its pioneering rail project that will see a new rail link open between Oxford and London Marylebone, the first between a major British city and London in over 100 years. WRITTEN BY: SALLY GILLESPIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROLFE MARKHAM
The Chiltern Railways Oxford Parkway to London Marylebone line will open on Monday 26th October and will see services from a brand new station Oxford Parkway, in the north of Oxford, to London Marylebone. The launch will also bring the opening of another new facility, Bicester Village station, which will provide Bicester with more trains to London in addition to those currently running from Bicester North. As well as the new stations, Chiltern Railways will start services into Oxford city centre from spring 2016.
“The line will transform
travel in Oxfordshire, helping passengers avoid city centre traffic congestion and benefit from more convenient journeys to London via our new stations, Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village station
”
Oxford Parkway is the first new station to open in Oxfordshire since 1944. Once opened it will be one of the best located stations in the county due to its positioning adjacent to the existing Water Eaton park and ride site just off the A34 and close to the A44. Oxford Parkway has been designed as a modern transport hub and is expected to be hugely attractive to those living in north Oxfordshire wanting to escape the congestion of Oxford city centre. The new station will have level access and integrated transport with over 150 cycle spaces, 800+ car parking spaces and access to the many buses serving the park and ride site.
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The contemporary Bicester Village station will have level access, two new platforms and a rebuilt car park. It will also have a greatly improved station approach road and integrated transport with cycle parking and bus stops. Lighting across the station will be energy efficient and the station building has been designed to make as much use of natural light as possible. The new line will give Oxfordshire rail passengers a real choice, with two trains an hour to the capital, and the re-establishment of long abandoned links such as to High Wycombe and the National Stadium at Wembley. Onboard, free Wi-Fi, plug sockets and tables have all helped Chiltern to be rated by passengers as the top DfT franchised train operator for customer satisfaction twice in a row. Managing Director Rob Brighouse said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce the official opening date for the new Oxford Parkway to London rail link as 26th October. The line will transform travel in Oxfordshire, helping passengers avoid city centre traffic congestion and benefit from more convenient journeys to London via our new stations, Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village station. The project is the first new rail link between a major British city and London in over 100 years and will bring significant economic benefit to the region.” The project is being delivered in partnership with Network Rail as part of the Bicester to Oxford Collaboration.
CONTACT DETAILS press@chilternrailways.co.uk 0207 333 3113 www.chilternrailways.co.uk
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B4 travel
“The project is the
first new rail link between a major British city and London in over 100 years and will bring significant economic benefits to the region
�
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45
Goldstar is an independent Recruitment Agency based in Woodstock, right by Blenheim Palace. As a business we specialise in Commercial and Hospitality and offer both temporary and permanent solutions across these sectors. You will often find our temp staff working at Oxfordshire’s sporting venues, heritage sites, colleges, restaurants and hotels
Our Hospitality Division can source, or supply Chefs of all levels Restaurant and General Managers Front of House & Bar staff Events Reception & Reservations Our specialist Commercial Division covers Sales, Marketing, HR, Finance, Customer Service & Office Support. We work with a variety of businesses in Oxfordshire from start-ups, through to large Nationals.
Looking to fill a vacancy, or need temporary support? If so, please call the office on 01993 225 075 or visit; www.goldstarrecruit.co.uk
B4 advice
What new skills can help you inspire, convince, galvanise others? You don’t have to lead a corporation or head a political party to be a leader. You can lead an SME, a team or a project. But could you do it more effectively if you change how you communicate? WRITTEN BY: ALISON HAILL - MANAGING DIRECTOR, OXFORD PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING
When we want to get something done, or make something happen, it involves convincing and inspiring others to join in and follow. That’s when it’s a matter of leadership, not just management.
your leadership style on top.
And that’s when it matters how you communicate, if you want the best and most efficient results.
1. Build greater trust • Listen and take a real interest in your team. It takes time but builds trust. • Keep your word • Show integrity – play fair
Leadership communication Whatever the project, how you communicate makes a huge difference to its success, how easily it is achieved – and, more importantly, how far (and how willingly) your followers cooperate. Planning helps. Strategy too of course. But in implementing plans, communication distinguishes ‘effective’ from ‘average’. Inspire, convince, galvanise I’ve learnt to combine communication and leadership through trial and error, in a long career including teaching, training, managing, consulting – and being a parent. (I’m not talking about public speaking here - that’s for another day and another article.) As a trainer, I must inspire delegates to make changes in skills and mindset. And as an Executive Coach I have honed my communication skills over the last 10 years. Clients come to me because they want to make changes: • in their organisation • in their thinking • in their behaviour • in their skills • in their confidence. Each one wants to feel galvanised by their time with me; they want to feel inspired to take action, to implement the changes we discuss. It’s these skills that I want to share here. I have chosen four so see them as cornerstones and build www.b4-business.com
Leadership communication cornerstones If you don’t see yourself as a leader, don’t worry they work for managers too.
2. Know what motivates each one • Take time every month to have a 1;1 conversation with each • Find out what frustrates them (this creates an appetite for change) • Discover what motivates them • Make sure their targets and tasks include a result they care about 3. Vary your style to suit them • Discover more about communication preferences: one size doesn’t fit all • Use Psychometric Profiling (eg DISC) to quickly learn how people are predictably different in preferences, and how to adapt • Be speedy for big-picture people, detailed with others, gentle with the risk-averse 4. Be the leader inside and out • Think yourself into being the leader. Know your purpose in leading. Be really clear what you want to accomplish. This clarity and confidence will communicate itself through your body language. • Does your posture show leadership? Check in the mirror how you look with chin up, shoulders back and compare to the opposite • Do you look worried or stressed? If so, find a new facial expression! Case-study A team of data analysts were frustrated because their line-manager seemed not to value the high
quality of their research and the time they devoted to answering client questions. He was frustrated because, despite careful briefing before meeting clients, they gave excessive detail on process and stressed potential flaws over benefits. He wanted to lead a change in communication. Through 1;1 conversations he discovered the team’s frustrations, so was able to explain how a change in communication would benefit them, clients and sales. We used DISC Psychometric Profiling for the whole team, managers included, and it quickly became obvious that the problem was conflicting communication styles and preferences. The clients and managers wanted factual, succinct recommendations in order to make quick strategic decisions. This ran counter to the analysts’ preference for detailed examination of pros and cons as well as research processes. By following the DISC system and communication advice, everyone was enabled to make changes. The analysts reduced the information they gave to customers, thus saving their own time and giving customers the succinct information they wanted. Customer satisfaction rose and was reflected in improved sales. Plus, the managers have recognised they lead more successfully when they too communicate according to the preferences of others. With the analysts, they give more detail, allow time to consider pros and cons, and acknowledge the contribution made by their highly accurate work.
CONTACT DETAILS alison.haill@opcoxford.com 01865 436 791 www.opcOxford.com
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B4 venues
peMBroke college Nestled on Pembroke Square, next to St Aldate’s Church, in the centre of Oxford, Pembroke College is something of a hidden gem. A University of Oxford college since 1624, Pembroke can count amongst its members prominent names such as the lexicographer Samuel Johnson, scientist and founder of the great US Institution James Smithson, and jurist William Blackstone. In more recent years High and Supreme Court Judges, US Senators, the King of Jordan and a former UK Deputy Prime Minister. Sir Roger Bannister is a former Master of the College and J. R. R. Tolkien penned the Hobbit whilst he was a Pembroke Fellow. WRITTEN BY: HUW EDMUNDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: QUINTIN LAKE
In recent years Pembroke has undergone something of a transformation. Extending its footprint to the south by means of a bridge over Brewer Street, the College has opened a new wing which houses 100 new bedrooms, a café, an art gallery, a suite of meeting rooms and a brand new auditorium. This has given the College capacity for larger more sophisticated residential conference groups for up to 170 people. The brand new Pichette Auditorium creates a great new facility right in the heart of the city. Seating up to 170 people, it is complemented by a large foyer area and conveniently located breakout spaces, so that groups can easily split or have parallel sessions. The new development is secluded, with its architecture being sympathetic to the College’s historic buildings and that of neighbouring Campion Hall – the open quad gives wonderful views over their previously hidden Lutyens building. 48
Amongst the first to take advantage of these new facilities were National Grid, who held a senior leadership meeting in early 2014. This truly international audience required extensive audiovisual and computer support, fine dining and use of almost all of the space that the College could provide. The Oxford environment provided an inspiring backdrop for their serious discussions. The high expectations of a multinational meeting such as this meant that the College worked flat out to deliver all requirements, something that the team continues to do for all clients two years on. A large number of blue chip companies and high profile speakers have passed through our doors and to our great pleasure many are returning year after year. “The interest in our new facilities has been overwhelming”, says Huw Edmunds, Head of Conferences and Events. “Companies are increasingly searching for quality and value for money when running their events. Pembroke
delivers on both fronts. We are seeing a large increase in the number of international meetings. Oxford being within striking distance of Heathrow and being such an inspiring city, makes a very appealing proposition.” Pembroke also takes accessibility to its facilities very seriously and every effort has been made in all buildings to design the spaces to be as easy to get around as possible. Pembroke is the only Oxford College that has had all of its spaces specifically mapped for disabled access, creating an online resource now available at www.admin.ox.ac.uk/ access/colleges/pembroke/ The College has accessible bedrooms located throughout the site and all are en suite. Currently, work is taking place in Old Quad to complete step-free access for the entire site, as well as improving the welcome area.
With large formal dinners held regularly for College www.b4-business.com
praise for
peMBroke college New British Omani Delegation “Pembroke was the perfect setting to bring together the future leaders of Oman and Britain. So many of our delegates commented on how incredibly helpful the staff were and the porters in particular.” Oliver Blake, Sultanate of Oman
Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International “Our hopes were in every way exceeded by the welcome, facilities, catering & presentation” Neil MacIntosh HR Director, www.CABI.org
Clinical Negligence Conference “The auditorium and new rooms are a tremendous facility, and the catering staff did a great job” Angus McCullough QC, www.pnba.co.uk
Sir Robert Taylor Society Conference “I just wanted to express my personal thanks for all your assistance with our conference over the last couple of days. We are very pleased with how it went and a large part of that was due to the efficiency and general loveliness of Pembroke. So many of our delegates commented on how much they enjoyed their stay and how impressed they were by the grounds and by your wonderful staff. I hope we can work together again in the future.” Natasha Ryan, Sir Robert Taylor Society
“Companies are increasingly searching for quality and value for money when running their events. Pembroke delivers on both fronts
”
Huw Edmunds, Head of Conferences – Pembroke College
Fellows and Alumni, the 19th Century Pembroke Hall is often the venue for prestigious banquets (capacity 50 to 150). Guests can also enjoy the opportunity to experience dining in one of Oxford’s older Colleges. The atmosphere with silver and candles is truly memorable, as is the locally-sourced food, all lovingly prepared on site and beautifully presented for your guests. The College has other dining spaces available, including The Forte Room adjacent to the Hall (capacity 20 to 48), and The Harold Lee Room – a stunning new addition with beautiful views
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of Pembroke old and new (20 to 40). Pembroke’s staff are used to catering for groups of different sizes and requiring different balances of formality and friendliness. From gala banquets to more intimate affairs, we can cater for your exact needs. Client feedback invariably mentions the efforts made by team members to be flexible and accommodating in responding to client and delegate needs – something which the College works hard to promote.
About Pembroke College Pembroke College offers modern and traditional meeting spaces and accommodation in the centre of Oxford for day and residential meetings, dinners and both private and corporate functions throughout the year. For more information, please contact Huw Edmunds, Head of Conferences and Events below:
CONTACT DETAILS Conferences@pmb.ox.ac.uk 01865 286 098 www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/conferences
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Abu Dhabi
fresH feel for friendly firM Chances are, you’ve never really thought of a top-flight legal practice as a major corporate brand, certainly not in the same way as you think about Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Google or Apple. And if we’re honest, you probably wouldn’t imagine there’s enough to say about it to commit it to writing. WRITTEN BY: BRETHERTONS
It’s hard to conjure a picture of lawyers discussing ‘identity’ or ‘brand values’, and it’s even more unlikely that you think of senior lawyers conducting a cost/benefits analysis of pay-per-click advertising or musing over the drawbacks of one website content management system over another. Far more likely you’ll have an image of mahogany desks, piles of paperwork and ticking clocks in your head. But times have changed, and those purchasing legal advice are the same savvy customers that snap up the newest gadgets and tech innovations. The traditional view of law firms is that of stuffy suits and ivory towers, yet law firms need to keep pace with their counterparts in the commercial world. Legal practices have always lagged behind other businesses in terms of marketing and customer service and, with the rise in alternative forms of competition, law firms need to catch up with their new, commercially astute competitors. Why now? Brethertons is an established law firm with a heritage stretching back over 200 years. The firm is one of the region’s largest and most highly accredited legal service providers; one of the top 200 law firms in the country by size and financial turnover. Shaun Jardine, Chief Executive Officer at Brethertons, explains why the firm decided the time was right for an updated brand: “Changing customer needs and pressures from new competition have prompted the organisation to reevaluate its outward facing persona and update its brand identity. The introduction of a new practice management system, which incorporates a modern CRM system, highlighted the need to refresh the company’s image to bring it in line with customer values and the firm’s own unique and embedded culture.” The new brand The new branding adopts a clear focus on people rather than services. This follows research which showed that the most popular pages on the old website were the lawyer profiles. The current logo device remains part of the updated brand, but is presented in dynamic settings using large colourful
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imagery and snatches of bold text. The team is vocal on the fact that this is not an exercise in rebranding, more a brand refresh which aims to express the firm’s existing culture and values in a more engaging and descriptive way. Deborah Atkins, Head of Human Resources at Brethertons, explains how the new brand demonstrates the firm’s ethos: “At Brethertons, we have a strong culture of ‘people first’. We value our colleagues, our customers and are always looking for ways to excel through personal development and ambition. The new website really reflects our philosophy with its focus on people and The Knowledge Within® strapline highlights the expertise our staff work hard to uphold.” The process Key to the success of the new brand was its acceptance by staff. The Marketing Team at Brethertons worked closely with colleagues across the business to ensure buy in and engagement at all levels. A formal tender process was implemented to guarantee transparency and select the most suitable supplier in terms of technical ability, value for money and ‘fit’ with the business.
the message externally, with an online quiz as the call to action. The quiz encouraged the public to visit the new website in the hope of finding answers to questions on items found in the site, in order to be entered into a draw to win an iPad. The firm also donated £500 to its charity of the year, SpecialEffect. Alison McCormack, Head of Client Services at Brethertons, thinks the new brand will be well received: “We’re confident that customers will welcome the new design and layout. It is far more interactive and dynamic than ever before. The new site is easier to navigate and is now responsive to all forms of media, from smart phones and tablets to PCs and Macs. It really is the brand of the law firm of the future, making Brethertons even easier to do business with.” To experience Brethertons’ new website see below.
CONTACT DETAILS info@brethertons.co.uk 01295 270 999 www.brethertons.co.uk
The successful agency, Switch, conducted a programme of research which included a benchmarking exercise against competitors and desk research into the legal market. A quantitative survey circulated amongst staff identified the key descriptors (welcoming, considerate, forwardthinking, adaptable, quality) and a further phase of qualitative focus groups expanded upon these attributes to define the brand language and values. The refreshed corporate identity was then taken up by two further agencies (Hunts and Conscious Solutions) who implemented the designs into revamped marketing material and a new website. The launch The new stationery, collateral and website were officially launched internally a week before the external launch. The unveiling followed a journey of engagement punctuated by milestone ‘reveals’ to staff through a series of staff meetings and dropin sessions culminating in a headline article in the internal staff newsletter. A digital campaign encompassing email direct mail and social media activity was designed to publicise
www.b4-business.com
B4 spotlight
“At Brethertons, we have a strong culture of ‘people first’. We value our colleagues, our customers and are always looking for ways to excel through personal development and ambition. The new website really reflects our philosophy with its focus on people and The Knowledge Within® strapline highlights the expertise our staff work hard to uphold
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Deborah Atkins, Head of Homan Resources at Brethertons
www.b4-business.com
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The Oxfordshire Business Festival B4’s Isabelle Saers meets with Lynn Shepherd, former Group Director of Communications at Oxford Instruments, now Executive Chair of Venturefest and one of the initiators of the forthcoming Oxfordshire Business Festival, to talk about the birth of the festival and this year’s Venturefest. WRITTEN BY: ISABELLE SAERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER
It was quite appropriate that I had this opportunity to interview Lynn as being relatively new to the world of business and with aspirations of my own to succeed in business, there were many parallels between our interview and what Venturest aims to do this year. Not least that Venturefest will focus on the various stages of business from birth through to child, adolescent and adult and my interview with Lynn threw together the experienced adult and someone very much at the birth stage. Venturefest will aim to put together the experienced business community with the knowhow and resources to support the younger entrepreneurs and innovators coming through. Lynn added, “I also feel that I need to give back some of the experience that I have had as well, so I am the living embodiment of what Venturefest is all about.” The experience Lynn has gathered throughout the years will naturally benefit her with Venturefest and the Oxfordshire Business Festival. Lynn retired in March 2015, but since the thought of ‘going cold turkey’ didn’t appeal at all, taking on the role as Executive Chair of Venturefest was an easy decision to make. At Oxford Instruments, Lynn’s role was to promote the business and to engage with the Oxfordshire business community and she was also responsible for all internal and external communications which helped to build the brand,
and that’s what she is now doing at Venturefest. Lynn’s vision is to make Venturefest more sustainable throughout the year and offer more opportunities so the brand gets even more established in the minds of the people of Oxfordshire. “For the last sixteen years, Venturefest has been an annual event bringing entrepreneurs and investors together with support services so they can find financial and mentoring support. This year’s event will take place at Saïd Business School on 8th July.” “Business in Oxford, launched last year and organised by B4, takes place this year on June 30th, so it seemed really sensible to have a conversation with Richard Rosser from Business in Oxford and Sebastian Johnson from Oxford City Council to see how we could try and combine these two events under one umbrella. Over a very informal cup of coffee, we all agreed that the Oxfordshire Business Festival would be a great way to link the events and Business in Oxford will launch the festival on 30th June and Venturefest will close it.” “In between there will be what is now a growing number of events run by other organisations, all under the Oxfordshire Business Festival umbrella. For example, there will be open days at Oxford Instruments, Siemens, Oxford Bus Company, an Entrepreneurs Network drinks, events at The
Oxford Trust and Oxford Science Park, an Experience Oxfordshire “Meet Oxfordshire Summer Showcase” and even The B4 / MGroup Golf Cup. “We genuinely didn’t have a huge series of events in mind for the first year which we thought would be four or five events at best, but the Festival seems to have captured the business community’s imagination and there is significant appetite to get involved. We are now pushing towards fifteen confirmed events and have more interest every week.” Not knowing just how big this Festival could get clearly excites Lynn and the possibilities are endless as Lynn continues. “We can see the Festival growing year on year and what’s to stop us having aspirations of an annual month long programme of events showcasing everything that is great about business in Oxfordshire?” Visit the Festival website for details about new events added and you can find links to the various events through the site. Registration for most events is free but places will be limited.
CONTACT DETAILS 01865 742 211 www.oxfordshirebusinessfestival.com
Confirmed Event dates 30th June 1st July 2nd July
3rd July
6th July Date Tbc 8th July
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Business in Oxford at Saïd Business School Oxford Professional Consulting masterclass / ‘Quick Wins’ book launch Oxford Instruments Open Day The B4 / MGroup Golf Cup at Frilford Heath Golf Club Entrepreneurs Network Drinks Oxfordshire Apprenticeships & Oxford City Council Open Event Oxford Bus Company Depot Visit Meet Oxfordshire Summer Showcase Grand Prix Ball at Blenheim Palace Oxford Science Park site visit Site visits: Siemens, Culham Jet and British Gast Venturefest at Saïd Business School
www.b4-business.com
B4 events
We genuinely didn’t have a huge series of events in “ mind for the first year which we thought would be four or five events at best, but the Festival seems to have captured the business community’s imagination and there is significant appetite to get involved
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Lynn Shepherd, Executive Chair of Venturefest
www.b4-business.com
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Allen Associates
Recruiting Excellence
Finding the perfect Finance Professional – Just a numbers game? If you are looking for a Finance professional it’s no coincidence that numbers are key. Number of minutes you spend preparing and placing the advert, number of online job sites you use, number of CVs you have to assess. You may get down to that Number One candidate but you’ll have to go through some big numbers to get there. At Allen Associates we believe passionately that we can improve the odds in your favour. We have a 16 year track record and recruit at all levels, for permanent, temporary, contract and interim Finance roles in Oxfordshire. So if you are looking to recruit Finance professionals in Oxfordshire why not take advantage of a 20% reduction in our permanent fees* Email us at Finance@allen-associates.co.uk or call Eleanor Bromage on 01865 335608. *Terms apply
01865 335600 www.allen-associates.co.uk
B4 spotlight
HoW one TradiTional reTailer Has eMBraced ecoMMerce How do you keep a 276 year old business relevant today? That was the question facing Boswells of Oxford at the beginning of 2014, when they were planning the launch of their new ecommerce website. Since then the venerable department store has implemented a new marketing strategy that integrates online and offline and gained a strong social media following, setting it up for a digital future. WRITTEN BY: BEN MOREL PHOTOGRAPHY BY: OBERGINE
“The challenge” says Benjamin Morel, Marketing Consultant at Obergine, Boswell’s marketing agency, “has been around audience: getting Boswells’ existing audience comfortable with buying online while engaging new audiences who have never encountered the brand before”. To overcome that challenge Boswells and Obergine have taken advantage of the store’s history and standing, positioning Boswells online as pillars of the Oxfordshire community to reflect local residents’ feelings about the physical store. They have also integrated 21st century shopping habits into Boswells’ formerly very traditional modus operandi. A Pillar of the Community Boswells’ customer base is heavily skewed towards parents and grandparents who live in and around Oxford. These people have known about the central Oxford department store for a long time, having been taken there by their own parents and grandparents. Previously Boswells was only able to engage with them when they made the trip into Oxford, but Benjamin says that these parents and grandparents are now interacting with the brand all the time. “We find that they comment and share online in the evenings, often after the store has closed. Our best times for email opens are weekday lunchtimes, when people are at work, and at around 7pm. This means that Boswells are able to reach people at moments that would never have been possible before.” Boswells and Obergine has achieved this by using the store’s age and unique position in the Oxford www.b4-business.com
community as a strength. They create and share content like gift-buying guides, lists of local seasonal events, and recipes that they know their audience will find useful and have tapped Boswells’ extensive product range to find prizes for competitions run over social media, which has increased visibility on these platforms greatly.
“[Boswell’s] progress shows that even the oldest and most traditional of local businesses can thrive in the digital world.
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As Becky Jones, web manager at Boswells, notes, the store has “met and surpassed all of our community growth and engagements for the past 12 months, which we think puts us in a strong position for the future”. Indeed, the Boswells Facebook community stands at over 3,000 people, its mailing list has grown by 45% in one year, and its average online basket size is 75% larger than its offline basket size.
of our Oxfordshire-based website visitors have no intention buying online: they are checking prices and availability before they visit the physical store. Our customers don’t think about “online” and “offline” shopping, they just want the Boswells shopping experience”. Developing an integrated online and offline strategy has helped Boswells to show that even an 18th century company can take a very 21st century approach to shopping. What Does the Future Hold? It is still early days online for the department store. They recently partnered with Oxford Brookes, commissioning a survey on how residents and students interact with their website, and the results of that survey will influence changes in policy and strategy over the coming months. They are also working with Obergine to run what Benjamin describes as a “strong and ongoing” conversion rate optimisation programme, making the ecommerce site more efficient at driving revenue. Boswells might not be seen as a business that would benefit from an ecommerce store and online community, but their progress shows that even the oldest and most traditional of local businesses can thrive in the digital world.
CONTACT DETAILS Online Experience Drives Offline Sales Boswells have also learnt from competitors like John Lewis and made the website a key part of the offline buying experience. Becky says that, “Many
ben@obergine.com 01865 721 449 www.obergine.com
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neW laB and WorksHop space creaTed aT culHaM innovaTion cenTre Culham Innovation Centre located at Culham Science Centre is undergoing a two-phase refurbishment to create 2,000 sq. ft. of laboratory and workshop space in addition to a new conference room facility. WRITTEN BY: KELLY LEA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RIC MELLIS
Science and technology businesses that move to the centre will benefit from free consultancy or workshop services from leading engineers at Culham Centre for Fusion Energy through a unique Technical Support Package.
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The laboratory and workshop space is available now and will certainly be welcomed by science companies in Oxfordshire with the recently reported shortage in laboratory space.
www.b4-business.com
B4 property
“Oxfordshire’s science and technology community is thriving and Culham Innovation Centre is a perfect fit for university spin-outs, start-ups and growing businesses
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David Roberts, Assistant Centre Manager, Culham Innovation Centre, said: “Oxfordshire’s science and technology community is thriving and Culham Innovation Centre is a perfect fit for university spin-outs, start-ups and growing businesses who can benefit from CCFE’s expertise in addition to being surrounded by like-minded businesses already established at the centre.” “Our regular coffee morning is famous amongst our centre community and has helped to form the basis of many successful collaborations.” Culham Innovation Centre, managed by Oxford Innovation, is currently home to over 50
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David Roberts, Assistant Centre Manager, Culham Innovation Centre
employees from a variety of science and technology businesses including Culham Electromagnetics, AMR and Tokamak Energy. The centre is part of the Science Vale and has over 10,000 sq. ft. of office, lab, workshop and meeting room space with offices available from just 100 sq. ft.
according to their current demand.” Phase two of the refurbishment work involves the fit-out of a new conference room facility with stateof-the-art equipment, due for completion in April 2015. For further information see below.
Sandie Alcock, Centre Manager, Culham Innovation Centre said : “Businesses can either take individual lab, workshop or office space or a combination of all three. However, we recognise that business needs often change so we maintain the flexibility of just one month’s notice period to allow companies to expand or take a smaller space,
CONTACT DETAILS culham@oxin.co.uk 01865 408 300 www.culham-ic.co.uk
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OF FE R DE R UN
4300 NASH COURT Oxford Business Park, Oxford TO LET 9,139 sq ft
Two storey self contained office on popular Business Park. EPC Rating – C(72)
NUFFIELD TRADE PARK Abingdon TO LET 4,368 – 12, 7322 sq ft New trade counter development with excellent prominence to A34. Unit 9A Now Let to Tool Station. EPC Rating – D(83)
SEACOURT TOWER Botley Road, Oxford TO LET 1,704 sq ft – 10,361 sq ft High quality air conditioned offices. EPC Rating – D(78)
KING CHARLES HOUSE Park End Street, Oxford TO LET 8,072 sq ft
High Quality City Centre Office Suites. EPC Rating - D(91)
unrivalled local and regional expertise Richard Venables Tom Barton Duncan May
rvenables@vslandp.com tbarton@vslandp.com dmay@vslandp.com
news VSL Brokers RM deal to find new home for councils VSL & Partners, Oxfordshire’s leading commercial property consultants, played a leading and vital part in finding and securing new offices for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council staff – and at the same time making savings for one of the world’s leading education technology companies. Director Tom Barton explained: “The councils were urgently looking for office space and the RM plc, one of our clients on the Milton Park estate, had just over 30,000 sq ft of surplus space to let. “We managed to agree a deal to suit both parties and I am delighted that we saved RM a substantial sum in rent and other lease liabilities, whilst also solving an urgent problem for the district council and helping them maintain their services for people in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. The accommodation works geographically for both local authorities and benefits from good parking as well as public transport amenities for the general public.” The district council had to find new premises as a matter of urgency after their offices at Crowmarsh Gifford near Wallingford was burnt down in January this
year. Since then about half the 300 staff have been working at Abbey House in Abingdon and others have been working at home. Matthew Barber, leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council, told the Oxford Mail: “The last couple of months have been quite tough for everybody but once we’ve moved our staff will be able to settle down and work much more effectively, with a bit of normality to their working lives. “Milton Park ticks all the boxes in terms of facilities and I’m sure it will serve us well over the coming years.” The 30,212 sq ft of office space for the councils’ staff is at 135 Milton Park and the lease runs for a period of three years. The RM group is a world leader in education technology and was one of the first major companies to establish its headquarters at Milton Park. www.vslandp.com
Deals Done... Here are a selection of the transactions which we have completed in the last quarter:
16 North Parade Avenue, Oxford INVESTMENT SALE Sale of this character retail property in north Oxford
Summertown Pavilion, Middle Way Letting of 1,155 sq ft to Lemongrass Marketing
Cardinal House, Marsh Baldon Sale of 4,120 sq ft this prestigious headquarters office building to owner occupier.
10 Fairfax Centre, Kidlington Letting of 978 sq ft etail unit in popular parade to Evolution Reptiles
165-167 Botley Road, Oxford Letting of 2,522 sq ft retail warehouse to HSL Chairs.
3 Witan Park, Witney Letting of 5,527 sq ft industrial unit to Clockwork Components.
127 High Street, Oxford Letting of prime High Street retail unit of 1,420 sq ft to Yorkshire Bank.
Bury Knowle Club, Windmill Road, Headington Sale of this former club to Keble Homes Ltd
7 Station Yard, Adderbury Letting of 1,204 sq ft industrial unit on this popular estate to Pure Motion Ltd
www.b4-business.com
www.vslandp.com
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Meet the Experts...
ADELE HILL
NICK WILKINSON
Title: Head of New Homes Team: New Homes Southern Counties
Title: Associate Partner Team: Commercial Agency and Professional
How many years' service at CJ/property industry experience: 16 years’ property industry with three months at Carter Jonas. Initially I worked for Bradford and Bingley, which became Countrywide New Homes, then worked for developers such as Blenheim Developments, Strata Homes, Redrow Homes, and also Arun Estates’ land and new homes team.
How many years' service at CJ/property industry experience: 22 years’ property experience, initially client side when I specialised in Telecoms working as an acquisition and management surveyor for Vodafone UK based in Newbury. I joined Scott Harkness and his team in 2006, and then his firm merged with Carter Jonas in 2007, and I’ve been here ever since.
Describe your typical client: Developers and housebuilders.
Describe your typical client: I act for a variety of private and public sector clients seeking commercial property advice on rent reviews, lease renewals and disposals.
Brief overview of what you do for your client: I bring all my in-house developer experience to oversee a property portfolio of clients to strategically advise and market their new home sites throughout Oxfordshire and the southern counties. What's the most unusual thing you've seen in your job? Many years ago, I caught a sales advisor sunbathing in her bikini on a sun lounger in the garden of show home when she should have been in full uniform in the marketing suite – it was a beautiful sunny day but obviously wasn’t appropriate. And finally, what you've learnt? I’ve learnt that all clients have differing requirements and need to be managed on an individual basis. Also that it’s imperative to take time to get to know and understand the multi skilled sales managers in my team so that I can match the right manager to the right client instruction.
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Brief overview of what you do for your client: I provide clients with freehold and leasehold marketing advice for the disposal of all types of commercial property, primarily within Oxfordshire. I also provide rent review and lease renewal advice. Recent key instructions include Culham Science Centre, Howbery Park Wallingford, Abingdon Business and Science Parks and Thorney Leys Business Park in Witney. What's the most unusual thing you've seen in your job? I was once asked to provide a marketing appraisal for a public convenience that was surplus to requirement and thought to have development potential! And finally, what you've learnt? Treat every contact with respect; you never know when your paths will cross again and in what capacity.
www.b4-business.com
B4 property
We meet four property experts from Carter Jonas' 80+ strong team based in Oxford and hear their stories: two new recruits, a commercial property stalwart, and one who started as a rural graduate. WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA LANE-NOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AURELIEN LANGLAIS
CLARE O’HANLON
ROSS KENT
Title: Associate Team: Planning and Development
Title: Associate Team: Rural, Oxford
How many years' service at CJ/property industry experience: 20 years in planning roles including most recently at South Northamptonshire Council, with six months at Carter Jonas.
How many years' service at CJ/property industry experience: I joined Carter Jonas as a graduate in October 2008, and have been here 6.5 years.
Describe your typical client: Developers and landowners who want us to promote their sites or to prepare and submit planning applications on their behalf.
Describe your typical client: Private, rural landowners.
Brief overview of what you do for your client: I provide advice on planning strategy and carry out site appraisals to assess development potential. I submit representations on their behalf to try and secure site allocations for development in the Local Plan and I prepare, submit and manage planning applications on their behalf. I also deal with appeals against the refusal of planning permission and negotiate Section 106 Agreements. What's the most unusual thing you've seen in your job? I once received an objection to a planning application from a dog! Grounds of objection included risk of flooding and the resulting inconvenience to those with ‘short legs and tummies near to the ground’
Brief overview of what you do for your client: Professional property advice from valuation, purchase and sale, and also estate management at a practical and strategic level, also agricultural advice. What's the most unusual thing you've seen in your job? Whilst inspecting a farm as part of a valuation we bumped into a nudist rambler, sunbathing. It was funny at the time, but not sure who was more shocked: me or the naked middle aged man! And finally, what you've learnt? To manage expectations, and that communication is key.
CONTACT DETAILS And finally, what you've learnt? Do what you said you were going to do, when you said you were going to do it.
www.b4-business.com
oxford@carterjonas.co.uk 01865 511 444 www.carterjonas.co.uk
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THis suMMer aT neWBury racecourse Newbury Racecourse, one of the UK’s most distinguished racecourses, sits in the heart of the town, combining heritage and tradition with everything a modern sporting and events venue can offer. Renowned for its quality racedays and glorious countryside views, the racecourse is also a contemporary location for a variety of business and private events throughout the year. PHOTOGRAPHY BY: NEWBURY RACECOURSE
This summer the racecourse will be hosting a thrilling five-night series of evening fixtures from June through to August. Each will feature quality flat racing cards as well as unique entertainment off the track, providing the perfect opportunity for Berkshire businesses to invite colleagues, clients or friends to network and socialise in a spectacular yet informal environment.
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Racing is particularly ideal for corporate social occasions as it has something that appeals to everyone, be it fine food and drink, the fun of dressing up, live entertainment, the thrill of placing a bet, the chance to get close to thoroughbred horses, or simply to relax amidst stunning scenery.
www.b4-business.com
B4 events Evening fixtures start conveniently at the end of the working day, with gates open by 5pm and the last race finished by 9.30pm. What’s more, they provide the added opportunity to get a little hard
“the perfect opportunity for Berkshire businesses to invite colleagues, clients or friends to network and socialise in a spectacular yet informal environment
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work done first, before the evening’s fun commences. Newbury Racecourse’s private boxes and suites can accommodate a range of meeting
and conference needs during the day, which can then be converted to a luxurious hospitality space with balcony views of the racetrack in the evening. Guests can enjoy menus designed by the head chef and prepared by their chef brigade whilst drinks can be pre-ordered from an extensive bar menu and wine list to ensure your guests are treated to a lavish experience. The summer night series kicks off on Thursday 25 June with Pump Technology Race Evening and Irish Night. Ireland’s affinity to racing is famous and Newbury Racecourse will be celebrating this with a host of on-course Irish entertainment, food and drink, culminating with live Irish music after racing. Whether you’re a fan of the black stuff or simply fancy giving a green nod to the Emerald Isle through your outfit, it promises to be an evening full of ‘the craic’. The second night of the series is Key4Life Charity Race Evening and 80s Night on Thursday 2
www.b4-business.com
July. Reminisce about this iconic decade in style by entering the fancy dress competition, and dance the night away after racing at an 80s disco in the Champagne Hall. Prom in the Paddock takes place on Thursday 9 July featuring six competitive flat races along with classical accompaniments off the track. A string quartet will serenade the crowds on the terrace during the evening, building to a crescendo after racing with a classical ensemble. Picnics will be available to purchase for those looking to host a more informal event and to dine al fresco. The fourth night in the series is the NSPCC Charity Race Evening and Live Comedy Night on Thursday 23 July. Racegoers can gather after the last race for an evening of laughs in the racecourse’s on course pub, the Crafty Filly.
General admission tickets start from just £17, with additional discounts of up to 20% available for early booking and groups. For those looking to host a more premium event in a shared or private setting, a range of boxes and suites are available to cater for individual needs. The racecourse is easily accessible from the M4 and A34 with free car and coach parking. It also benefits from an on-site train station with mainline links to London Paddington and the southwest. For more details about the summer series of evening fixtures, hospitality packages or conference facilities please see below.
CONTACT DETAILS The last in the series of evening fixtures on Tuesday 25 August will be a finale party to the summer season including entertainment after racing and a delicious BBQ on the terrace. It
events@newburyracecourse.co.uk 01635 40015 www.newburyracecourse.co.uk
promises to be a true celebration of the final days of British summertime.
“From Grandstand
tickets to premium hospitality packages, Newbury Racecourse offers a raceday experience to suit all budgets and requirements.
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From Grandstand tickets to premium hospitality packages, Newbury Racecourse offers a raceday experience to suit all budgets and requirements.
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Winner of ‘Oxfordshire’s Favourite Event’ - Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite for leisure’ - Millets Farm Falconry
All of the 2015 Living In Oxford Awards winners
Living In Oxford Magazine Awards 2015 The inaugural Living in Oxford Awards ceremony took place at the fabulous Weston Library and as Bodley’s Librarian, Richard Ovenden, explained during his address to over 270 guests, this was the largest event so far to take place at the venue since its £80 million refurbishment and opening in March. Alice Ogilvie, Head of Venue Services at Bodleian Libraries, gave the guests a wonderful insight into the amazing new venue and invited guests to view the Marks of Genius Exhibition, featuring the original Magna Carta, and take in the breath-taking views over the City from the Roof Terrace. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8 & ROB SCOTCHER
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite for Kids’ - Stagecoach Theatre, Oxford
Beautiful Catering from Indulgence Boutique Catering
Winner of the ‘Living In Oxford Team Favourite’ - City Sightseeing
The fantastic views from the roof terrace at Weston Library
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favoirite Place to Eat’ - La Cucina
Tasty Hook Norton Brewery ales were sampled
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www.b4-business.com
B4 events
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite For Shopping’ - Blackwells
A packed house at the B4 Weston Library event
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite for Health & Beauty’ - Bare UK
Over 250 guests attended this fantastic B4 event
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite Charity’ - CLIC Sargent
Wiinner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite for Accommodation’ - Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Throughout guests were treated to champagne, wine and beer from Hook Norton Brewery, excellent street food from Indulgence Boutique Catering and live Jazz from the Oxford Jazz Agency. Thanks also to sponsors Oxford Event Hire for supplying the equipment, Goldstar Recruitment for providing the front of house staff and OxUniPrint for providing the evening’s programme and signage. Josh and Freddie from Studio 8 took photos which are available to buy at the link below. The event was expertly organised by Tina Rosser from TERA Events who co-ordinated brilliantly with the team from Weston Library including Alice Ogilvie, Emma Lear and Jennifer Townshend. Following speeches, guests enjoyed more networking followed by the Awards ceremony for Living in Oxford Magazine. Presenters representing a wide range of Oxfordshire businesses including Ridgeway Jaguar, Oxford City Council, Prime Energy Fitness, VSL and Partners, Oxfordshire LEP, Venturefest and all of the sponsors presented the awards. Hayley Beer, the new Chief Executive of Experience Oxfordshire, also introduced herself to the audience having only recently taken up her position as the head of Oxfordshire’s tourism organisation. If you would like to enter the 2016 Living in Oxford Awards or find out about sponsorship opportunities, please call Living in Oxford Magazine on 01865 742211. Order photos here: www.onlinepictureproof.com/studio8/albums/b4_business_magazine/481649 To find our more about hiring Weston Library, contact Alice Ogilvie at alice.ogilvie@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
B4 Members and guests networked in the newly refurbished Weston Library
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite for Nightlife’ - The Duke of Cambridge
The £80 million newly refurbished Weston Library
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite for Arts & Culture’ - Modern Art Oxford
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite for Education’ - City of Oxford College
Winner of Oxfordshire’s ‘Favourite for Business’ - Hedges Solicitors
www.b4-business.com
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scottfraser’s latest property magazine
At Home Spring 2015 is out now
Receive your copy by emailing sales@scottfraser.co.uk or visiting your local branch
Thinking of letting or selling? Book your free valuation this Spring and discover how scottfraser consistently achieve exceptional results Headington 01865 759500 | Summertown 01865 553900 | East Oxford 01865 244666 | Witney 01993 705507
B4 property
Studley Priory –Savvy will be adding an Indoor swimming pool complex and gym worth £4 million
Prestigious Projects for Savvy Savvy Construction, a Chartered Building Company, have been awarded over £12 million worth of prestigious projects in Oxfordshire for 2015. WRITTEN BY: STEVE DUNNE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDLEY PRIORY / MATTHEW PITT
Part of the Savvy Group, Savvy Construction prides itself on producing the highest quality and level of service to our clients. Savvy are involved in delivering schemes with project values ranging from £400,000 to £8 million in a wide variety of sectors. Although Oxford-based, Savvy Construction undertake new-build and refurbishment projects throughout the South East, covering Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, London and Wiltshire. “We construct exceptional buildings and spaces by working in partnership with our clients to understand their vision and bring it to life. Over the years, we have built on our reputation for delivering quality projects on time and to budget, through our team of skilled craftsmen. We work with the application of state-of-the-art technology, applied to a broad range of construction expertise and experience to achieve outstanding results”, notes Director, Stephen Dunne. An example of some of the exciting projects that Savvy have been awarded recently are: Jesus College – Summer Works 2015:£750,000 Savvy Construction are due to commence the refurbishment of the prestigious Jesus College, Oxford in May 2015. Works include façade and roof repairs, internal and external decorations, window repairs and the refurbishment of the student accommodation block on Ship Street. Renovations to the Principals’ lodgings and gardens conclude the works towards the end of the year. Studley Priory – Indoor Swimming Pool Complex & Gym:- £4 million Over the years, Savvy have carried out many phases of work on this beautiful grade II listed building and are now delighted to have been awarded a very high profile scheme to create an underground indoor www.b4-business.com
swimming pool complex including a gym, showers and ground level entertainment orangery, designed to the highest specification. Landscaped gardens and an auditorium complete the works which are due to commence late 2015. Brewers Garage Development, Nuneham Courtenay – 6 Luxury Homes:- £2 million Works will commence on the construction of 6 luxury houses in the elegant village of Nuneham Courtenay on the outskirts of Oxford in spring 2015. Following a successful tendering period, Savvy Construction were awarded the build contract on behalf of a private development company. The scheme comprises high specification finishes, car ports, extensive external works & landscaping and is due for completion in spring 2016. Henley on Thames – 4 Luxury Homes:- £1.5 million Savvy have successfully negotiated a contract to construct 4 bespoke luxury homes on two different sites in the beautiful riverside town of Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire. Works will commence with the demolition of the existing building on the first site in summer 2015. Beech Court Care Home, Eynsham - New Accommodation:- £2.5 million Following the successful completion of the first phase of work at the Grade II listed Beech Court Care Home, Savvy are due to embark on the larger second phase of work in spring 2015. Works comprise the creation of 19 further en-suite bedrooms, 2 day rooms, offices, a new reception & associated external works. With the obvious challenges of working on a Grade II listed building Savvy have also to contend with the challenges of working on a live care home site, having an archaeological watching brief when excavating the
ground, considering the ecological implications of working in the vicinity of a local bat colony and multiple party wall & access agreement issues with the neighbouring properties. Savvy Maintenance & Renovations are involved in a whole range of refurbishment projects and maintenance works, ranging in value from £100,000 to £400,000. Savvy cover all aspects of building maintenance services, specialising in planned preventative maintenance, emergency call-out and repair of building services for all types of commercial and domestic buildings. Our clients include private landlords, universities, colleges and research centres, hospitals, offices, hotels and local authorities, throughout Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. The maintenance division continues to expand, regularly adding new clients, primarily by recommendation. Savvy Maintenance & Renovations have recently secured a number of projects totalling a value of circa £1 million with the likes of Christchurch College and St John’s College, to name but a few. Working for Savvy Savvy have built a reputation as a high quality construction company with a proven track record in delivering schemes of varying size and complexity, both on time and to budget. As such, we are always keen to hear from experienced, skilled and talented people to join our team of experts. Contacts below:
CONTACT DETAILS steve@savvyconstruction.co.uk 01865 920 040 www.group-savvy.co.uk
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CIS Explain Windows Server 2003 ‘End of Life’ The end of Windows Server 2003’s shelf life is around the corner, but how does this affect your business? From July 14th, your business could be at risk from unsupported software and security threats. Read on to see how CIS can help you make the change to a smarter and safer way of working… WRITTEN BY: LUKE BROADHURST
Microsoft’s support for Windows Server 2003 has already terminated and Server 2003 R2 is also rapidly approaching its ‘end of life’. This means any updates including security patches will no longer protect your business from the latest security threats… How will my business be at risk, what happens if I do nothing by July 14th 2015? Your Windows 2003 Server won’t stop working, but it will mean if anything goes wrong, it won’t be supported by Microsoft. You’ll also no longer receive any windows updates or security patches. How will this affect my business? On July 14th 2015, Windows Server 2003 updates will be no more, which means your business could be open to increasing security risks and data theft. Key Business Risks • No Windows Server 2003 updates • Software/Hardware compatibility issues • No Windows Server 2003 support Why should I migrate my data? Imagine explaining to your client why you can’t access their data, or even worse, why the client data has been stolen from your servers through a security attack that your IT infrastructure simply can’t handle. By making the change, you’ll protect yourself from having to answer these difficult questions and more importantly keep your clients happy and on the right side of your business. Okay, so what are my options? To ensure that your IT stays constantly protected, CIS recommend that
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you migrate your servers to our Ultra-Secure, Private Cloud Solution. This will help keep your business fully in line with all the latest security patches by using the Windows Server 2012 platform. If you’re not ready to move to the Cloud, then we can re-build your Windows 2003 Server on-site to the latest 2012 or 2008 version. How does this happen? 1. We take a snapshot of your entire server. 2. We rebuild and update your system from 2003. 3. We transfer your data back to your new server. Windows Server 2003 Key Highlights: • July 14th 2015 Windows Server 2003 Support ends. • No security updates for Server 2003 after this date. • Migration to Windows Server 2008/12 is a must for most businesses. • An opportunity to move to the Cloud for a smarter way of working. How can CIS help? CIS are currently running free over the phone consultations in-line with Microsoft’s end of life campaign. This means if you have any questions or queries, CIS will help your business get back on track with your IT. Please contact us using the details below.
CONTACT DETAILS solutions@cisltd.com 01367 700 555 www.cisltd.com
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B4 it
& telecomms
“Imagine explaining to your client why you can’t access their data, or even worse, why the client data has been stolen from your servers through a security attack
”
Luke Broadhurst – CIS Ltd
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B4 spotlight
BollyWood BlenHeiM
I know it may seem trivial, but plenty of changes occur when the clocks come forward. In short, it signals busier times for all of us in the audio-visual industry. Put simply, the notion of a gig outdoors no longer sounds unconscionable. No doubt a hot (yes, it’ll be hot; I wouldn’t lie to you) and eventful summer awaits. In the meantime, however, a round-up of the last few months here at City Audio Visual. WRITTEN BY: RHYS DANINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MARK HEMSWORTH
There’s nary a quiet moment in our own backyard. As the universities’ students slipped away for the Easter break, the Oxford Literary Festival sprung immediately to life. It’s one of the most comprehensive projects we cover during the year: not only does it encompass well over a dozen venues, but the variety of speakers and events is rather formidable. Over the nine days, we hosted (amongst other guests): an audience with Alan Bennett at the stunning Sheldonian Theatre; the University Chancellor’s conversations with esteemed Indian author Amitav Ghosh (also at the Sheldonian); and an afternoon programme focussed on Daphne du Maurier. (I myself am something of a fan of du Maurier, and was glad to see her work being treated with the gravitas it deserves!) I also heard tell of a somewhat riotous masterclass on cartoon drawing with children’s author Emer Stamp. We’ve had the pleasure of working for the Literary Festival
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and its partners (including the ‘FT’ and Blackwell’s booksellers) for a number of years, and look forward to 2016. I’d like to single out one of the venues in particular. After a painstaking refurbishment (remember those black hoardings along Broad Street?), the Weston Library reopened in coincidence with the Festival. Not only does the library boast a bright, wellequipped lecture theatre, but this is the first time the Bodleian has space dedicated to the public. The library boasts both a permanent exhibition of some of the Bodleian’s finest artefacts, and a space for temporary exhibits. It truly is an impressive space, and I thoroughly recommend visiting. Another highlight in the last few weeks was the Smashing Conference, held over several days in our perennial haunt, Oxford Town Hall. It’s certainly one of the most esoterically-named conferences to cross our path! As it transpired, Smashing is a long-
running international programme dedicated to web design, and online innovation. As you can imagine, we had to be on top of our game. With a high level of interactive tutorials during the schedule, this was a conference others could do well to emulate! As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, we’ve offered our services to the charity Breast Cancer Care, primarily during their Pink Ribbon Walk fundraisers. For the uninitiated, the charity organises 5, 10, and 20-mile sponsored walks across the country, including a new night-time walk across London. With the exception of walks in Scotland, we are glad to provide staging and sound equipment at the start/finish line. Naturally, though, the walk through our familiar stomping grounds at Blenheim Palace is the one in which we are most keenly invested. Speaking of Blenheim Palace, I’ve one particular gig I’d like to describe. As you may well be familiar,
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the Palace is a prized location for filming of all kinds. Cinema isn’t strictly our field; we work more in live events. However, we do have plenty of experience in rolling out the red carpet at Blenheim - in this case, literally. Last week (at time of writing) saw the recording of ‘Fan’, an upcoming Bollywood film starring Shah Rukh Khan. If you’re a Bollywood aficionado, keep an eye out for familiar locations and one of our carpets at work! Meanwhile, back at base, we’ve rounded off a small … I was going to say ‘move’, but ‘expansion’ is a more appropriate term. Following last year’s renovation of our first floor - mainly for office space - we noticed that our warehouse floor was still a shade cramped. (The perils of buying new kit!) Luckily for us, we have expanded into the unit adjacent to our central Oxford base. From now on, we’ll have plenty of space for storage, preparation, and maintenance of our inventory. Finally - as a follow-up to last issue’s article - I should mention that our installation work has
“Last week (at time of
writing) saw the recording of ‘Fan’, an upcoming Bollywood film starring Shah Rukh Khan. If you’re a Bollywood aficionado, keep an eye out for familiar locations and one of our carpets at work!
”
continued apace. It’s invigorating to have seen a gentle fall in the cost of professional A/V equipment over the years, coupled with a general increase in quality. In short, it’s a fantastic time to consider an installation. We recently worked with the Porsche Club GB, furnishing them with a PA system and a large-screen projector for their headquarters. We wish them many hours of happy watching. To summarise: there’s been ample work recently and this is before spring has even yielded to that long, hot summer I promised! Let us know what we can do for you in the coming months - we await your call.
CONTACT DETAILS info@cityav.co.uk 01865 722 800 www.cityav.co.uk
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Conference @SaïdOxford Your future is our business The combination of stunning spaces, impressive technology, delicious food and unbeatable locations makes Saïd Business School, the centre for Oxford’s conferencing
• • • •
P Professional roffessional and fr friendly iendly cus custom tom ser service vice and dedic dedicated ated A AV V suppor supportt orld clas actions of Ox ford Ac Accessible cessible ccentral entral England loc location ation with w world classs attr attractions Oxford E Excellent xcellent tr transport ansport link linkss etty of meeting rroom atres Wide v variety ariet oom and lec lecture ture the theatres
Park Park End S Street treet
E Egrove grove P Park ark
• State-of-the-art State-of-the-art ffacilities acilities
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B4 marketing
The art of choosing a company name Choosing a name for a new business is both exciting and terrifying. But getting the name right and for it to be memorable and effective is an art. WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA LANE-NOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BLOOMUA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
You may not have heard of Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering, Brad’s Drink, Jerry’s Guide to the World Wide Web? But instead if I was to say what they are called today: Sony, Pepsi and Yahoo, I have no doubt that these will all resonate. But it’s interesting that all these brands started life with a different, and more complicated, name. And who can forget Marathon, Opal Fruits and Jif - Snickers, Starburst and Cif? Indeed the latest trend for tech startups and one that has become the norm is to drop a vowel: originally Flicker, the photosharing website, couldn’t secure the same website domain, so went to Flickr. Tumblr, the blogging site, supposedly said their argument for dropping their ‘e’ was because “Tumbler.com looks…stupid.” Others who have followed suit include: Blendr, Pixlr, and Readr. The missing ‘e’ has become a trademark for a trendy new tech company. And in 2012, high street bookshop Waterstone's announced it was dropping the apostrophe from its name to make it more "versatile" for online use, and caused debate around Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s! But how do you go about choosing a name that has impact, stand out, and reflects your services or products?
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Patrick, who is my motorsport engineer husband, and I were in ‘new company name predicament’ just last month. Patrick has worked in motorsport for the last 20 years both inhouse at various F1 teams, and as “Lane-Nott Track Support”, and whilst the world of motorsport isn’t directly linked to my line of business at “O Consultancy”, where my clients are predominately professional services and property companies looking for branding/marketing and PR advice, his knowledge and experience when it comes to data, software, analytics and web/emarketing is second to none. So we have merged our businesses and set up our first company. Last year, I took Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy, through a brand refresh, but the value and equity in their established and respected name meant that it was a ‘brand essence and look and feel’ refresh rather than a complete rebrand, unlike when Kraft went to Mondelez, and Orange to EE. So what is the name of our new consulting company? Well, we’re officially and so very proud to be launching Spacecraft Consulting Ltd, bringing O Consultancy and Lane-Nott Track Support together.
We loved “Spacecraft” for what they do: Spacecraft are used for a variety of purposes, including communications, earth observation, meteorology, navigation, and planetary exploration; and we bring together into one vessel: brand, digital, communications, engineering, data, telemetry, and technology to offer each client an intelligent and simple answer, one that works for their needs. We will be delivering many different and innovative consulting services to our clients and customers, and tapping into our network of amazingly skilled graphic designers, photographers and video directors. And as for whether Spacecraft will have impact and memorability? Well, as the new pilots, and when the time comes to expand our crew, hopefully time will tell.
CONTACT DETAILS olivia@spacecraftconsulting.com 07968 081 128 spacecraftconsulting.com
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Modern Art Oxford Modern Art Oxford is a leading UK contemporary art space with an international reputation for inspirational and innovative programmes. The gallery is located in central Oxford and provides free entry for all. WRITTEN BY: RUBA ASFAHANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BEN WESTOBY & SAM KING
Founded in 1966, Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK’s most exciting and influential contemporary art spaces with an international reputation for ambitious and innovative projects. The gallery is open to all and all our exhibitions and events are completely free of charge, unless stated. We aim to make contemporary art accessible and engaging to the widest audience through presentation and participation. The programme celebrates the relevance of contemporary visual culture to society today. Our agenda is shaped by a belief in dialogue between
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contemporary art and ideas, and seek to create new relationships between artists and audiences at the beginning of the 21st century. Debora Delmar Corp: Upward Mobility 28 March – 17 May 2015 Upper Gallery Modern Art Oxford presents a major new sitespecific installation by Debora Delmar Corp. (b. Débora Delmar, Mexico City, 1986). Working with sculpture, video and installation, Debora Delmar Corp. explores the way in which globalised consumer culture influences our lives and routines. Debora Delmar Corp. creates intricate
assemblages that appropriate and reconfigure familiar branded goods and imagery in an attempt to deconstruct the visual language of corporate advertising. Upward Mobility includes a group of dramatic banners emblazoned with aspirational imagery found on the social media page of a bank in Mexico.These are fenced in by a series of kitchen countertops and garden hedges, creating a mazelike effect which the visitor will need to navigate around to encounter a series of household appliances and objects from the artist’s native Mexico City.
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B4 events
“Debora Delmar Corp. creates intricate assemblages that appropriate and reconfigure familiar branded goods and imagery in an attempt to deconstruct the visual language of corporate advertising
”
Through this unique and immersive environment, Debora Delmar Corp. invites visitors to consider the implicit messaging within the advertising imagery that surrounds us each day. Test Run: Performance in Public 28 March – 15 May 2015 Piper Gallery, The Project Space, The Yard Modern Art Oxford presents Test Run: Performance in Public – a multidisciplinary exploration of ideas which focuses on artists who use public space specifically for performance. Through a selection of new and historical works, Test Run examines what happens when ‘normal behaviour’ in public spaces is disrupted and how expectations of public behaviour can be exploited. Using film and documentary material, discussions and interactive sessions, Test Run explores the making, curating and presentation of performance in public space. Including live performance, talks, workshops and a series of three new commissions, Test Run links the interior space of the gallery to public locations in Oxford’s city centre.
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Günter Brus | Jeremy Deller | Song Dong | Rose English | Valie Export | Alicia Frankovich | Hamish Fulton | Jefford Horrigan | William Hunt | Sanja Iveković | Serena Korda | Bruce Lacey | Jérôme Leuba | Klara Lidén | Lilly McElroy | Florence Peake | Alex Schady | Mike Smith | Theatre of Mistakes | Gillian Wearing Alongside the exhibitions, Modern Art Oxford hosts a special juice bar throughout, opening between 12pm – 3pm daily, in which you can buy an artistdesigned juice and sit down to relax, chat to staff or run through the activity guide. Test Run: Performance in Public also hosts an incredible array of free talks, films, workshops and performances, including four concerts organised by Divine Schism (3, 10, 23 April & 14 May), lunchtime tours with our staff and the films La Haine, The Servant and The Century of the Self. Across two days participants will engage in a durational public performance working with artist Jérôme Leuba on a new public performance in the streets of Oxford city centre.
Battlefield #95 / gaze will involve participants meeting the gaze of passers by while maintaining a fixed position in the streets of Oxford city centre for the duration of the performance. For Test Run: Performance in Public, Hamish Fulton will devise a new walk for Oxford. Participants are invited to meet at an exact location and time before being given a set of instructions for the walk and being led along the route. Over the space of seven weeks, Modern Art Oxford and the surrounding streets will be taken over by performances and immersive conceptual art that aims to challenge our perceptions of art and engage with it on differing levels. For more information about either of the exhibitions or related events, see our contacts below.
CONTACT DETAILS info@modernartoxford.org.uk 01865 722 733 www.modernartoxford.org.uk
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B4 property
iT’s noT every day THaT your esTaTe agenT Will advise you noT To sell your HoMe For most of us our house represents our biggest and probably best investment, yet every time we move we make the assumption that we need to sell it. WRITTEN BY: EDWARD PARKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SCOTTFRASER
it is no surprise that “ Oxford is a haven for buy-to-let investors with approximately 30% of the housing stock in the private rented sector; 13% higher than the English average
”
Edward Parkinson, Manager, scottfraser, East Oxford Office
There is another way that is not widely publicised and allows sellers to retain their home as a rental investment, whilst releasing equity as a deposit to be used on their next purchase. A Let-to-Buy mortgage can allow a homeowner to release between 75% and 85% of the equity in their property. Why would you want to sell when property values are increasing? Prices in Oxford rose by 11.6% over the last twelve months and are up at least 25% since their previous peak in 2008. Such rapid growth in property prices has led to many people being priced off the property ladder as the average house price is now 11.4 times the average wage in Oxford. This disparity has led to growth within the rental market as buyers find it ever more difficult to raise a deposit. Average rents have risen by 4.9% over the past year to put average rental yields at 4.7%, which is significantly higher than you can get in a high interest rate savings account! With rising rents and house prices, it is no surprise that Oxford is a haven for buy-to-let investors with approximately 30% of the housing stock in the private rented sector; 13% higher than the English average. With
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Oxford’s population at 155,000 alongside a further 32,000 full time students and an estimated 9.3 million tourists each year, there is never a shortage of tenants whether landlords are looking for short or long term tenancies.
wish rather than having to invest in annuities which often provide disappointing returns. This is great news for sophisticated investors or buy-to-let landlords but a potential minefield for the rest of us.
Such figures have attracted many Oxford homeowners to retain their property as a rental investment when looking to purchase their next home, particularly if they plan on moving back in the future and don’t want to risk being priced out of the market. With mortgage rates at a record low, now could be the perfect time to capitalise with a let-to-buy mortgage.
There are great benefits to be made although investing in property and let-to-buy mortgages will not be for everyone. We recommend anyone considering this option to seek expert advice. scottfraser are happy to provide a free, no obligation valuation of your property’s rental and sale value to help you make the right decisions for you. In addition we are able to organise advice from regulated financial advisers to direct you to the best let-to-buy mortgage options available.
This is welcome news if you are approaching middle-to-old age, as you may be looking rather nervously towards a potentially impecunious retirement due to expensive and underperforming private pensions and the longer wait for the state pension. Most of us are relying on our homes to provide the equity that will fund our retirement when we are ready to downsize. Recent changes to pensions have however enabled another avenue into the buy-to-let market. As, from April this year, the Government is allowing pensioners to draw cash from their pension funds to invest as they
Contact Edward Parkinson, Manager, scottfraser, East Oxford Office
CONTACT DETAILS eastoxfordsales@scottfraser.co.uk 01865 244 666 www.scottfraser.co.uk
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Twin Town Challenge is back bigger and better Last year 50 cars costing just ÂŁ500 invaded France in a fun filled points based challenge to raise money for SpecialEffect. Next year organisers are doubling the event and taking 100 cars with the aim of raising twice as much for the charity. WRITTEN BY: JO SENSECALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SIMON WILLIAMS
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B4 events
“The 2014 event
raised £130K for SpecialEffect and made such a huge difference to this small charity.
”
Brendon Cross, MD, STL Communications
Registrations are now open for the 2016 Twin Town Challenge which will see 100 cars costing £500 drive from Witney to its twin town of Le Touquet over a bank holiday weekend. Departing from the majestic setting of Blenheim Palace, the cars will travel to Brands Hatch for some driving challenges before heading to the tunnel and a civic reception in Le Touquet. The weekend will also include a visit to the Criox en Ternois circuit, a street party with live bands, a ‘money can’t buy auction’ and a celebration event back at the finish in Oxfordshire. The Twin Town Challenge is organised by STL Communications’ MD Brendon Cross, who said, “The 2014 event raised £130K for SpecialEffect and made such a huge difference to this small charity. Couple that with the demand from teams to repeat the event, we decided to take 100 cars and raise £250K.” Businesses and groups of individuals can enter a team of up to four people.
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SpecialEffect is an Oxfordshire-based charity that puts fun and inclusion back into the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them to play video games. Nick Streeter of SpecialEffect commented, “The Twin Town Challenge was the biggest ever donation we have ever had and it has enabled us to employ another Occupational therapist, set up an assessment room and to help more people beat their physical disabilities to enjoy video games.” Sponsors for the 2016 event, which include B4 members Bridle Insurance and Focus, have given generously so that all the costs are covered meaning that every penny raised by the teams goes straight to the charity. Brendon adds, “I am grateful to many of STL’s friends and supporters from the local business community for their very valuable support in sponsoring the 2016 event.” Louise Gray of Achilles, who took part in the 2014
event, said “It was an amazing adventure, better than a breakfast club for meeting new people and businesses and all for a truly fantastic cause. The best fundraising event I've done and an experience of a lifetime.” The Twin Town Challenge 2016 will take place from 27 to 30 May 2016. With places limited to 100 cars, businesses and individuals are being encouraged to register at www.twintown16.co.uk in order to guarantee a place on the starting grid. To find out more contact the organisers. See below.
CONTACT DETAILS support@twintown16.co.uk 01993 220 666 www.twintown16.co.uk
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Word of Mouth B4’s Isabelle Saers met Zoe Naylor to find out about the incredible journey Zoe embarked with B4 Platinum Members, Clinic 95. This was a journey which originally began with Zoe in her early teenage years and culminated in an extremely contented customer with a wonderful smile and previously unsurpassed levels of confidence.
“I am more
confident and maybe that’s because I feel that people aren’t judging my teeth. My barriers are lower and I don’t think about my teeth at all
”
WRITTEN BY: ISABELLE SAERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8 Zoe Naylor
Zoe was diagnosed with a genetic gum disorder when she was about 14 years old. The two teeth next to her two upper front teeth were growing inwards instead of outwards. Her family orthodontist, at the time, decided to put tracks on her teeth, which was quite hard for her as a teenager. Zoe kept her tracks until she was 19, when she decided to remove them. This helped in later years as she developed her professional career as a management accountant. Zoe’s teeth movement, combined with the gum disorder, had a price. Later in adult life the ‘ingrowing’ teeth were diagnosed as only having ten years ‘life’ left in them. Her dentist at the time was a traditional English dentist and he always favoured preserving the natural teeth and didn’t look deeply into the cosmetic alternatives. His plan was to remove the two side teeth and replace them with two implants. Given the not insignificant magnitude of such a procedure, Zoe, reasonably, wanted to get a second opinion to explore the opportunities open to her. As luck would have it, she was introduced by a fellow B4 Member to Maria Hardman of Clinic95 for an initial consultation. Zoe found Maria’s approach sympathetic and considerate, since she wanted to know everything about her lifestyle, activities, day-to-day routines and what she wanted to achieve, both cosmetically and medically due to the gum disease. Due to her profession as an accountant, Zoe, by her own admission, is a ‘details’ person and wanted to see detailed plans of the proposed different stages of treatment, before and after shots of previous clients and timelines. Although an unusual request, this was something that Maria was pleased to provide Zoe with. Maria showed Zoe an ageing profile of how her teeth would age with the genetic gum disorder, and there were several options available for Zoe to combat this. “In hindsight, I was probably a very difficult customer. Maria laughed at my requests because she said that I was the first person to ask for a spreadsheet and a
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flowchart, which took her out of her comfort zone. But Maria appreciated being challenged like this because it made her look at the situation from a different client’s perspective because no one had ever challenged her like this before.” During the initial consultation, it became very clear that to achieve a better end result, cosmetically speaking, it would be beneficial in the long term to embark on a more in depth programme of treatment. In the end, it was decided to remove the upper front and back teeth and get them replaced with implants. This option would not only fulfil what Maria wanted from a medical dentistry point of view, it also meant that Zoe would end up with a full smile that was as natural as possible. Maria always made sure that Zoe was comfortable with all decisions that were made and she was also meticulous in her preparation. The surgery lasted a full day, starting at 7am through to later in the evening on the same day. Zoe left the surgery with all implants in. “They couldn’t have handled me any better. The surgery itself was completed easily and I was very well treated by the staff. Maria was also there the entire time - nobody left until the work was completed.” The initial surgery gave Zoe a ‘dummy’ version of the implants which would take Zoe a while to get used to. This process was longer than Zoe had expected, around a week and a half. In addition, Zoe was taking pain relief whilst also adjusting to speech with her new implants. “I don’t think anyone, not even Maria who is a professional, can prepare somebody for what your dummy teeth are going to feel like post operation. People will look at you and say that you look really good, but the feel is unusual and your speech is impaired because you’ve had a major operation.” Amazingly, Zoe went back to work within 48 hours,
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B4 health
& beauty
and even though she bore no outward signs of what was major surgery, she was reliant on pain relief. Initially Zoe had to constantly mouthwash and cleanse. Hygiene is crucial, but due to Zoe’s professional role, she sometimes forgot to take pain killers because she was so focused on her work role. “One night, I was driving home and I had to stop because the pain was severe. It was simply because I’d forgotten to take my tablets and to cleanse during the day. The pain killers required three hours to kick in, so when I got into my car at night, it was already too late. It was entirely my fault because Clinic95 provide you with a rule book and it’s up to you to stick to them. It all comes down to being on the ball, even at work, and you always need to have your plan close to hand. My only regret is that I didn’t take enough time out during working hours. I should have cleansed and taken my tablets, because it is really important, as I found out to my expense. “I never used to smile; only amongst people I knew really well. I used to restrain myself, but now I smile. Some would even say I am more confident and maybe that’s because I feel that people are not judging my teeth. My barriers are lower and I don’t think about my teeth at all. I used to have insecurity about my side smile, especially during financial presentations. Now, that insecurity has gone.” Maria originally forecasted the treatment period being one year, but it ended up lasting for two years. Zoe stresses that she was happy that Maria didn’t give in to her constant demands about when to put in her final teeth. “If you get a dentist that is not as professional as Maria and is only thinking about the financial aspects of the treatment, then they will bottleneck it all into a twelve month period. I simply can’t fault Maria’s approach, the professionalism of her entire team and the results speak for themselves. Maria made herself available to me at all times. Particularly post treatment I knew that if I had a problem Maria would see me. That’s extremely reassuring and took a massive weight off my mind and I am convinced that was a huge factor in the overall success of the treatment.” Zoe’s beautiful new teeth are the handywork of dental technician John Davies. Without his creative collaboration, none of this would have been possible. After two years in and out of Clinic 95 they are no longer client and contractor: Zoe and Maria are confirmed friends.
CONTACT DETAILS info@clinic95.com 01865 241 662 www.clinic95.com
www.b4-business.com
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Think Rhodes for Business... For full information on exclusive use, meetings, seminars, team building and conferences please call 01865 282599 or email events@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
Rhodes House, Oxford, OX1 3RG
Telephone 01865 282 599 events@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk www.rhodeshouseoxford.com
B4 spotlight We can now engage “ potential clients through deeper and richer content on our website - which features over 500 new products and helps educate businesses on the importance of having a UPS solution in place that protects their critical data
”
Danny Shurey, DCResponse
dcresponse
Richer online content educates businesses in the importance of protecting critical data against power outages. WRITTEN BY: RACHEL WARREN
DCResponse are UPS, generator and data center experts, with an enviable client base that includes Oxford University, Venture Photography, New Look, IBM and Aston Martin. Whilst the business is growing from strength to strength, the team at DCResponse recognise the value that an effective online presence can bring to their business. They talked to us about how they made their online content more engaging. Many businesses are still unprotected against power outages! Based in Witney Oxfordshire, Danny Shurey, National Service Manager at DCResponse states “The most vital thing within your business is often your businesses critical data. If you don’t have a UPS and/or generator in place your business is at risk of losing data as well as downtime during a power outage. With power outages forecasted to increase, having an unprotected business is a huge risk to take when there is power protection so easily available. We wanted to increase our reach to potential clients through online engagement”
and identifying opportunities to improve the users’ online experience. It became clear that visitors were looking for a much more detailed specification of the products DCResponse supply. We worked with DCResponse to create an extensive catalogue of product pages, detailing exact information about the options available to clients.
The traditional approach still boosts sales and retains existing clients
The website now features over 500 new products, including extensive product information, product images, and downloadable technical data. The website and e-catalogue means that customers can now benefit from richer online content that is easier to navigate assisting the specification process.
Great customer service is fundamental to our business
Working together with Urban Element to create impactful online results
With a vision for richer online content, Danny turned to Urban Element to help turn this into reality. Urban Element have worked with DCResponse for over 18 months, developing and maintaining their website as well as helping facilitate their online marketing presence.
The now live pages describe individual products, meaning that the user is presented with clear information. This makes for more educated, qualified leads. This has also helped improve PPC – adwords conversion by allowing for more targeted and effective adverts.
www.b4-business.com
Danny continues: “our next project has to be to make the website responsive, especially with Googles new way of ranking sites. Urban advised us of a government fund matching scheme which we applied for and were awarded, so this money is going towards achieving a responsive website in the very near future.”
Web Design and Online Marketing is an evolving process and it has been a pleasure to work with a company like DCResponse who recognise this. We work closely with their marketing team which has enabled us to be part of the bigger picture and wider marketing campaigns. This has meant that there has been a strategic approach from day one that has delivered strong, tangible results for the client”
Driving effective online presence through a better user experience and quality content to engage and share expertise.
Matthew Gilbert from Urban Element said “part of our service involved monitoring the sites performance
The online work does not stop there
It’s not all about being online. DCResponse are proud of their existing and loyal client base, and believe that it is the products and service they offer, alongside the relationships they build through regular contact that helps retain and engage their client base.
As part of building a relationship with a potential new client, DCResponse offers a free site survey, and ensures that they completely understand their clients’ needs and requirements, so that the appropriate solution is put in place to provide optimum protection against power outages. To discuss how DCResponse could help protect your business against a power outage, or to arrange a free site survey, please contact them on: CONTACT DETAILS sales@dcresponse.co.uk 01993 708855 www.dcresponse.co.uk
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Amanda Baker and the one and only Colin Dexter
endeavour’s success is no MysTery Endeavour Consulting celebrated its 1st Anniversary in style at The Randolph Hotel last week. Special guest was the one and only Mr Colin Dexter, who granted Amanda special permission to use the name Endeavour. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER main image
Amanda Baker, founder of Endeavour Consulting, decided to branch out on her own in 2014, specialising in providing a Sales & Marketing Consultancy for Oxfordshire based businesses.
So, twelve months ago, enjoying tea with Mr Dexter, the name ‘Endeavour’ was suggested by Amanda and the world famous author was more than delighted to give his permission and blessing to use the name.
"Colin has been a dear friend of mine for many years" Amanda said. "Before I started the venture, I knew that the company name was going to be important as I needed it to represent Oxford, as well as being thought provoking and meaningful".
On her first year Amanda reflected, “I’ve had a very enjoyable 12 months and once I’d overcome the initial concerns about going into business for myself, I have really settled into the role and worked for some wonderful people and businesses.”
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www.b4-business.com
B4 marketing Uniquely designed eco modular building by Green Unit
Fallowfields Hotel and Restaurant
Judith Blacklock Flower School
With her knowledge and experience, Amanda has helped a wide range of local companies to increase their brand awareness and implement efficient sales and marketing strategies.
“She has used her expertise, exuberance, knowledge and her determination in assisting me in putting my work out into the marketplace. It has been a joy working with someone with such positivity and drive, an experience that has given me the much needed confidence that has been missing. Amanda's professionalism, and her business acumen will, without doubt, benefit any business shrewd enough to engage her services.”
Anthony Lloyd , owner of Fallowfields Hotel and Restaurant in Kingston Bagpuize commented. “Amanda has, for the past eight months, helped us plan and execute our sales and marketing strategy to increase our corporate accounts and promote Fallowfields to local and national businesses. Amanda offered her expertise and guidance with our branding message and we have successfully re-branded the hotel and restaurant and created new collateral for our wedding, leisure and corporate offering as well as nationally promoting our newly acclaimed three AA Rosette restaurant.’ Artist, Haydn Austin commented, “I have been an artist for nearly 30 years, but have not had the nerve to commercialise my efforts until recently. Engaging Amanda to promote my artwork has been the catalyst that has given me the confidence to take the first steps into letting my work be promoted.
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Jonathan Finnerty, Director of Green Unit, is another satisfied customer. “We are delighted to be working with Amanda. We could not have run and delivered on our summer internship initiative with 4 eager Oxford University students without Amanda’s expert marketing guidance which ensured the whole programme was kept on track. Amanda’s great tenacity and determination to deliver on her own sales targets in the hospitality sector has been an invaluable part of our business start-up strategy. Amanda’s good nature and professionalism has been most welcome at a time when business conditions have been particularly challenging.”
Pencil Drawing by Haydn Austin
And finally, revered florist Judith Blacklock was also full of praise. “It has been a pleasure to work with Amanda in connection with our event ‘Flowers at Oxford'. She applied herself to a difficult role with patience, charm and professionalism. She worked incredibly hard to ensure that her part of the project was a success and she succeeded. I very much hope to work with her again in the future.” If you would like to discuss your sales and marketing requirements with Amanda, please contact her by phone or e-mail or visit the website for more information. Details below. Also see: www.fallowfields.com www.haydnaustin.co.uk www.greenunit.co.uk www.judithblacklock.com CONTACT DETAILS amanda@endeavour-consulting.co.uk 07711 825 005 www.endeavour-consulting.co.uk
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frilford’s rising sTar With a packed audience of over 150 expectant golfers waiting for their home grown star, Frilford Heath Golf Club put on a splendid show for their local boy, Eddie Pepperell. WRITTEN BY: COLIN ROSSER
Eddie and his caddie Jamie Herbert answered the probing questioning of Alistair Booth, the Chief Executive of the club with great assurance and sincerity. It certainly highlighted how important the player / caddie relationship is and of each knowing the other inside out. Eddie was a junior here from the age of 11 and went through the ranks winning Junior Gold Medal and the Gold Medal. He went through the talent pathway in BB&O eventually into the England squad and then GB&I. They have of course known each other for most of their lives, but their professional lives only came together three years ago. They have a very tight relationship with the caddie having to tolerate the swings in emotion of the professional.
if he needs to carry a ridge on the green for example.
They always travel and stay together while Jamie keeps all the yardage charts and his knowledge of the courses improves year on year. He always walks the course even if there is a practice round. One time he forgot to rake a bunker that brought a £500 fine! If you are in a group that gets fined for slow play, you all get fined even though it is not your fault.
”
Regarding club selection Eddie normally has a feel for the right club to hit, but listens to Jamie if he points out that all the trouble is if you hit it long or
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Eddie uses Taylor-made clubs and tends to change his driver and putter more than anything else. Although he was hitting his five wood well but not quite long enough he seemed to hit his three wood more ‘steamly’. To get the right club he put a four wood head on the five wood’s shaft and got the result he wanted.
“[Jamie] He always walks
the course even if there is a practice round. One time he forgot to rake a bunker that brought a £500 fine!
Eddie’s putting stats have improved every year for the last three years. IMG Management Company now looks after Eddie, where he has a good agreement that puts his own interests at the heart of the relationship. They were also instrumental in Eddie getting a clothing sponsorship with Wolseley. Although 2015 started brightly, a bad dose of flu knocked Eddie back which meant that he missed
the next two tournaments. However he is in action again on March 26th in Morocco, where he is hoping to improve on his current position of 36 in The Race to Dubai. He ended 2014 very strongly and had six top ten finishes in his last fourteen tournaments. He was asked about the ups and downs of a professional golfer, of missing cuts and the frustration it caused and almost always after such an event he would go back to basics. Both Eddie and Jamie agreed that the way players and caddies are treated at tournaments has improved remarkably and they both thought that the event at Wentworth was the best of the year. This was closely followed by the last four events in the Race to Dubai. I am sure we will all be following Eddie’s career as closely as possible and wish him every success.
CONTACT DETAILS reception@frilfordheath.co.uk 01865 390864 www.frilfordheath.co.uk
www.b4-business.com
B4 sports
“Although he [Eddie] was
hitting his five wood well but not quite long enough he seemed to hit his three wood more ‘steamly’. To get the right club he put a four wood head on the five wood’s shaft and got the result he wanted
”
www.b4-business.com
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B4 marketing
Do you have an Accidental Brand? Most Small businesses are underselling themselves”, says Simon Gregory, Creative Director at Clear & Creative, Oxford’s specialist branding agency for SMEs. WRITTEN BY: CLEAR & CREATIVE
“We like to work with firms with 5 to 50 employees because we can make a bigger difference to them.” Simon Gregory, Creative Director at Clear & Creative
When you set up a small business there’s a lot to learn and most of your time is spent simply finding and serving customers. Big firms have entire sales and marketing departments, but that’s a luxury most small business owners can’t afford And according to Simon, that can lead to all kinds of problems. “Nobody can be an expert in everything”, he says, “When you start a company it’s usually because you’re an expert at what you do - actually making the product or delivering the service. So when you’re setting up and short on cash you tend to go for DIY solutions: designing your own logo, building your own website and placing your own ads - or getting a mate who’s ‘good with computers’ to do it for you.”
work to higher-priced competitors with lower quality products.”
there. It’s hard to get that kind of job satisfaction working for blue chip firms”.
So is it just about the way they look?
“Our process begins with a Brand Clarity Clinic - a session that allows company owners to really get to grips with what makes them different and who they’re showing up for. One client said he’d been involved in two major rebrands with large firms that used big London agencies, but never been through such a thorough process. That was satisfying to hear.”
“Absolutely not. That’s part of it, but the biggest issue is that they don’t understand their customers. They focus on what they sell rather than how that solves the customer’s problem. Companies that understand their client’s problems, then sell solutions rather than just products outsell their competitors and attract higher value customers. Of course, if their brand and marketing materials are beautifully designed that helps too!”
Why is that so bad?
Simon spent 15 years at agencies working on multinational accounts like British Aerospace, Roche and Budget Rent a Car, then set up Clear & Creative in 1995 to bring London agency standards to small businesses who traditionally couldn’t afford it. He expained why:
“It can be fine at the start, when you’re working out of your back bedroom or garage, but there are plenty of firms who’ve grown over the years and are still using the logo their daughter knocked up in Word Art on her PC. Because they’ve got used to it they don’t realise how unprofessional they appear. We call it ‘Accidental Branding’. A lot of these firms are baffled when they continually lose
“We like to work with firms with 5 to 50 employees because we can make a bigger difference to them. We recently rebranded an Oxford-based IT Support firm that’s been running for 20 years. They’d always done their own advertising and were wary of spending money with an agency. Since the rebrand they’ve gained higher value customers, sales are up by over 50%, and their staff are excited to work
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Simon’s team includes a copywriter, a graphic designer, a web developer and a digital media specialist. So far this year Clear & Creative have handled rebranding, websites and marketing for Tekeez IT Support, Gotcha recruitment, The New Driveway Company, The British Association for American Studies, Beacon Sales, Mutt’s Nuts Clothing and Vera Rosa Gallery. If you have a small business and think you might have an ‘Accidental Brand’, contact us below to book a Brand Clarity Clinic. CONTACT DETAILS brand@clearandcreative.co.uk 01865 204 200 www.clearandcreative.co.uk
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riverside Brasserie
Located in Bray Marina on the River Thames, The Riverside Brasserie is conveniently located for all B4 readers in the Thames Valley. We drove the thirty minute or so journey from Oxford on a fresh spring Friday in eager anticipation of what we knew was going to be a real treat. Isabelle Saers had the arduous task of reviewing this gastronomic gem.
WRITTEN BY: ISABELLE SAERS
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www.b4-business.com
B4 r&r
“Crisp white tablecloths, a welcoming bar and smiling faces to greet you… what more could we have asked for”
It’s fair to say the entrance to this wonderful restaurant on the banks of the Thames is fairly understated in comparison with what greets you inside, but then you have to remember that many visitors to the Riverside Brasserie will be seeing the restaurant from the river first and will be greeted by the wonderful terrace which must be a haven on a beautiful summer’s day. We chose to eat inside, but could still appreciate the beauty of the river and all that nature had to offer in this mini paradise. The restaurant is smart, tastefully decorated with a sturdy nautical feel to it. Crisp white tablecloths, a welcoming bar and smiling faces to greet you…what more could we have asked for. Our engaging waitress took our drinks order and served us with a selection of home cooked bread and olives whilst we perused the menu which had us rather perplexed as to what to choose…it all sounded so tempting.
www.b4-business.com
To start, I had the goat’s cheese and beetroot salad with crushed walnuts, a perfect combination where all components joined to give me a fantastic taste experience. The juicy and sweet beetroot combined with tangy goat’s cheese was a delicious way to start. My guest chose the smoked salmon served with cucumber salad and mustard sauce – his clean plate suggested that he was more than happy with his choice! He followed this with the grilled tuna Stemperata with rocket salad and commented this was the best tuna he had ever had ‘perfectly cooked, moist and beautiful to taste.’ I chose the Crêpes Casserole, filled with spinach, mushroom and Gruyère cheese. The crêpes had been baked in the oven in the deep dish that it was served in. A lot of love had gone in to this gorgeous offering – I felt thoroughly spoilt….it was utterly delicious!
meal. Compliments to the chef and with a bottle of Pouilly Fumé, Les Champs, Roger Pabiot 2012/13 to really get us in the weekend frame of mind, we couldn’t have asked for more. Well, come to think of it, some decent company wouldn’t have gone amiss but, hey, a girl can’t have everything! The Riverside Brasserie is open 7 days a week from 10am to 9pm until August, and from September will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 10pm and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm. They have also recently launched a brand new lunchtime and dinner menu and their first ever breakfast menu, available from 10am ‘til noon, followed by a relaxing afternoon tea time special at 3pm. A recent refurbishment also means even more splendid décor and an increased capacity. CONTACT DETAILS
With two course and bread and olives to start, we couldn’t manage a dessert each so shared, appropriately, an Eton Mess with Passion fruit and panacotta. A sublime way to finish a 10 out 10
info@riversidebrasserie.com 01628 780 553 www.riversidebrasserie.com
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join
Bod4ay t
not a member?
The new B4 website is on its way... For summer 2015! B4 have been working hard alongside Hutchhouse to bring you the best website we can. The rebuild will see great new features and functionality added to the site such as communication between members, easy registration for events, simplified profile editing, smart searches and directory listings (making your business highly visible), feeds and subscriptions to keep up to date with your favourite topics, employee listings and accounts for businesses and so much more! Plus all
the current features like press releases, job offers, event listings and article archives. We at B4 are extremely excited and hope all of our members will find the new site easy and enjoyable to use. Working with Hutchhouse gives us the opportunity to really be creative with what the B4 website can offer, so who knows what you’ll see from us in the future!
Here are just a few of the great features you can expect to find on your new B4 website: An even wider reach for your business and content B4 are expanding in to many more counties in the coming months: Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire, to name just a few. On-site registration for B4 Classic Events and Masterclasses No more having to remember your RegOnline login details; We'll take care of everything through the new website. Completely autonomous management of your B4 Membership Want to check on your subscriptions, expiry dates, and add-ons? This will all be done on the website! Recommend and review your peers We'll be introducing this new system to enable you to leave reviews for businesses you've worked with and would recommend. Privately connect and refer your peers Private messaging will be available on the new website, as well as the ability to 'refer' one party to another who you think should get to know each other. Get in-depth analyses on your audience Through our 'Subscriptions' feature you will be able to see just who is reading your content and connecting with you.
Did you know you can take advantage of these features right now: B4 Member Badges Drop us an e-mail to membership@b4-business.com today and we'll send you your own 'I'm A B4 Member' badge to use on your website or e-mail footers. B4 Newsdesk Don't have the time to log in to the site and upload your own? Send your press releases to newsdesk@b4business.com and we'll take care of it for you!
Visit www.b4-business.com, e-mail membership@b4-business.com, or call us on 01865 742211 today to sign up
THe oxford
HoTel
We sent B4’s Gillie Coghlan along to spend the night at The Oxford Hotel and sample the relaxing spa treatments and delicious cuisine from the restaurant. WRITTEN BY: GILLIE COGHLAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: OXFORD HOTEL
I arrived at The Oxford Hotel after work around 4.45pm and found it very easy to park in the large and spacious car park, which is barrierprotected, with exit codes available from Reception. The hotel is located on the A40 on Oxford's northern ring road, so is extremely well-placed for trips into Oxford (bus routes close by so leave the car in the car park!). It is also just a short hop to the A34 leading to Bicester Village (10 miles); and the A44 to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace (5 miles). The beautiful village of Burford is 16 miles west along the A40. The lobby area is open and bright with chairs dotted around. There were four staff manning
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Reception and I was warmly welcomed and asked how my day was going. I was issued with my key, offered a dinner reservation and help with my luggage; the staff were warm, pleasant and welcoming, and made me feel a valued visitor. I enquired as to Spa and Pool times and was given all the relevant information about timings and opening hours. The Reception area is modern, clean and airy. I had a 'room with a view' on the first floor (220) with lovely views over the fields, a huge bed, writing desk, two armchairs, a sofa, wardrobe and modern bathroom, with good-sized toiletries. The decor is modern and functional, and the rooms perfect for business clients. I had a relaxing hot bath after dinner.
There is a spa, pool and gym for relaxing after all that work and shopping, which is very welcome. I enjoyed a swim after breakfast, and it was very quiet. Breakfast is self-service and was delicious with plenty of choice, both hot and cold. The restaurant is one floor above the large bar, and the staff there were friendly and helpful. I dined at a corner table. The dinner menu was short but varied and I started with the grilled sardines, followed by the herb-crusted cod on seasonal vegetables (delicious), and finished with the dark chocolate cheesecake. The food was tasty, hot and wellpresented. I was delighted to find several types of fizz on offer by the glass... Excellent! I visited the spa and had their hour-long
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B4 health
& beauty
spa packages Luxury Pamper Day (£105.00) - Aromatherapy body massage, Decléor vitamin glow facial, Jessica deluxe manicure.
following - Back, Neck and Shoulder massage, Decléor discovery facial, Jessica express manicure, Jessica express pedicure or scalp massage.
Treat Me Pamper Day (£80.00) - Select two of the following - Decléor vitamin glow facial, Aromatherapy body massage, Jessica deluxe manicure or Jessica deluxe pedicure.
All prices include lunch, robes, slippers and use of the facilities. All spa packages incur a £5.00 surcharge for weekends. Full list of individual treatments available on The Oxford Hotel website.
Indulgence Pamper Day (£70.00)- Deluxe Jessica manicure PLUS Decléor express facial or Decléor soft feet. Signature Pamper Day (£50.00) - Select two of the following - Back, Neck and Shoulder massage, Decléor discovery facial, Jessica express manicure, Jessica express pedicure or scalp massage. Morning Booster (£39.00) - Select one of the
aromatherapy massage with Spa Manager, Rosie. I was welcomed on arrival by Rosie and a young man at the Spa Reception, which is on the first floor of the hotel, I was asked to complete a health form. Both were very chatty and friendly and the Reception area is furnished with comfortable sofas for relaxing before your treatments; the pool and gym are alongside Reception, with sauna off the treatment room. Rosie took me to the treatment room, which is comfortably warm, softly lit and inviting, with a large, heated massage table. She left me to undress and lie on the table, with pleasant and relaxing 'massage music' playing. On her return, Rosie asked how I like my massages and I
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THe Meal Grilled sardines: £7 Herb crusted cod: £18 Dark chocolate cheesecake: £5 2 x glasses Codorniu Brut Rose Cava: £4.45 Breakfast: Cereal; eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, tea, fruit.
requested fairly firm. The hour-long massage, starting on my front, arms and legs and followed by a glorious back massage, was extremely enjoyable and de-stressing; I could have stayed all day! Afterwards Rosie left me to slowly get dressed and brought me water, advising me to drink more throughout the day. Rosie was trained at the Oxford International College of Beauty and has many years of experience. I would recommend the Oxford Hotel Spa for a treat or 'just because you're worth it'! The full menu includes scalp treatments with essential oils; deep massage for tired feet; detoxifying wraps; various moisturising facials; and
specialist treatments for men too... Or you can opt for a whole Luxury Pamper Day with a variety of treatments. In short, if you're looking for a hugely convenient place to stay for both Oxford and Bicester Village, The Oxford Hotel is the place for you; clean, comfortable and welcoming.
CONTACT DETAILS stay@thehotelcollection.co.uk 01865 489 988 www.thehotelcollection.co.uk/Oxford
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grow your business We create bespoke software and websites that simplify processes, transform performance, and give businesses the scope to grow. For more information call 01865 794009 or email grow@alberon.co.uk
the software and web solution specialists
www.alberon.co.uk
“It's a significant part
of Oxford’s past and we're determined to make sure people feel that it is a part of their present and future too
”
Sam Pace, Operations Manager, Oxford Castle
oxford casTle
The Oxford Castle Quarter is a striking social and cultural development in the centre of the city connecting into Oxford’s West End. In this historic corner of Oxford you can discover the secrets of Oxford Castle's 1,000 year old history alongside a modern and exciting sustainable mixed-use development. WRITTEN BY: LOUISE ESPLIN
Overlooked by the Castle Mound and St George's Tower are the remains of a Norman Oxford Castle, an ancient county gaol and the more modern prison. Side by side with the ancient walls today are an art gallery, hotel, education centre, heritage visitor attraction, residential apartments, restaurants and bars across the site, set around public squares and gardens, each with its own distinct character It is testament to the vision of property developer the Trevor Osborne Property Group that the site has become such an appealing part of the city and the community. The challenge was always going to be how to attract visitors to the site, which by its very nature was designed either keep people out (when it was a castle) or keep people in (when it was a prison)! It may be true that the appeal of the castle site is too great to ignore, but it is innovative thinking which has turned the site into the exciting hub and must-see attraction you see today. At the Castle, visitors can discover where Oxford began, not just in terms of physical structures but also from a social perspective. The history of the castle is where Oxford’s sense of identity originates. For example Geoffrey of Monmouth was teaching at the chapel at Oxford Castle in the early 12th century, before any of the colleges were founded. www.b4-business.com
Operations Manager Sam Pace explains: "All of this means that the people who live in Oxford should feel a real sense of pride in, and ownership of Oxford Castle Quarter. It's a significant part of Oxford’s past and we're determined to make sure people feel that it is a part of their present and future too.” An early indicator that the people of Oxford certainly are taking the venue to its hearts was revealed recently when Oxford Castle was voted Oxfordshire's favourite attraction in the Living in Oxford Awards 2015. The Awards are voted for entirely by the public and Oxford Castle was competing with some of the county's leading venues and attractions. So they were delighted to also be voted Oxfordshire's overall favourite attraction. What was so rewarding, says Sam Pace is that their visitors appear to love the Castle as much as they do. She believes their success is down to an amazing joint effort between all the commercial tenants and the Castle staff, working alongside each other towards a common goal.
attraction is a City Garden, where visitors and city residents can relax in a peaceful space with grass islands, benches, tables and parasols. It's the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing or shopping, to enjoy lunch or have a picnic, away from the hustle and bustle of the city crowds. Over the summer, the Castle will play host to the Oxford Shakespeare Festival with eight weeks of brilliant outdoor theatre performances in the historic Castleyard. From May to August, the Cult Screens Open Air Cinema will present a great line up of films which people can watch under the stars on a giant outdoor screen, (rugs provided if it's a chilly night!) There will be storytelling and living history events, plus Alice's Day for younger visitors. One minute you can be taken on a guided tour by 18th Century celebrity and convicted murderess Mary Blandy, while the next minute enjoy a glass of wine or a meal in the shadow of a medieval castle. There is no other venue in Oxford with such a wide variety of entertainment on offer in such a beautiful historic setting.
CONTACT DETAILS The Castle Quarter is busy all year round, but particularly in the summer, when its historic buildings provide the perfect backdrop for a host of outdoor events for all ages. The latest seasonal
em@topgroup.co.uk 01865 201 657 www.oxfordcastlequarter.com
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photo © Ed Nix Oxford Mail Newsquest ltd
B4 events
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www.b4-business.com
B4 r&r
THe croWn, WoodsTock Sometimes, when the intense congestion of Oxford city centre is proving too much to handle, I entertain thoughts of moving somewhere more peaceful. WRITTEN BY: DONALD SLOAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: THE CROWN
Maybe Woodstock? Well OK – such thoughts don’t last very long. Despite the undoubted charm and beauty of this Cotswolds market town, there are only so many strolls in the grounds of Blenheim Palace and visits to antique shops I could take before I’d miss something more lively. It remains a destination to visit, albeit more frequently than before given the quality of its various restaurants and bars. I’ve enjoyed lazy summers’ evenings on the terrace of the Feathers Hotel; outstanding lunches in the Kings Arms; and authentic regional Italian cuisine from Lucio and his team in La Galleria. There is now another reason for a return trip to Woodstock – the stunningly refurbished Crown – the latest offering from Julian and Justine Rosser, known for their successful track record with restaurants and bars in Oxford. They have given this grade 2 listed coaching inn a new lease of life. It has various rooms including an immaculate bistro leading to an attractive courtyard; a more rustic dining room, complete with oak beams and polished wooden floor; and a cosy bar, with two open fires to enjoy in winter months. The number of dishes on offer is reassuringly limited and the wine list (that will look very familiar to those who have dined at The Anchor in Jericho) offers sufficient choice. To start we shared three small plates – chorizo, cannellini beans and purple
sprouting broccoli; beef carpaccio, capers, rocket and parmesan; and octopus, tomato, capers and dill. Whilst the first two were seriously enjoyable, it was the octopus that stole the show. It was incredibly tender, full of flavour, and the sharpness of its accompanying ingredients was a joy. To follow, my companion chose Provencal fish stew, gurnard and mussels. The quality and freshness of the components was clear, and together they were comforting and moreish. I went for rump of lamb, roast potatoes, spinach and anchovies. Whilst the meat was cooked perfectly, I would have welcomed potatoes with more of a crunch. We finished with a ‘special’ dessert – a delicious lemon polenta cake that was light and moist. To drink – a smooth Chardonnay from Venezie, the northern Italian region better known for the production of Pinot Grigio. It seems Julian and Justine have applied their winning formula once again. Elegant interior design that is respectful of architectural heritage; dishes that fulfil (high) expectations; and service that is friendly and informal. I’ll be back at The Crown in the very near future!
CONTACT DETAILS info@thecrownwoodstock.com 01993 813 339 www.thecrownwoodstock.com
“elegant interior
design that is respectful of architectural heritage; dishes that fulfil (high) expectations; and service that is friendly and informal” www.b4-business.com
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eFeathers is an inviting country retreat that combines historic charm with a fun personality. Named Oxfordshire’s Restaurant of the Year 2012, it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of gin (167 varieties). “e Gin Experience” menu is £75 per person for seven courses.
MARKET STREET, WOODSTOCK, OXFORDSHIRE, OX20 1SX. TELEPHONE: 01993 812 291. WWW.FEATHERS.CO.UK
B4 r&r
siMply sTunning
Marco’s Looking for something fresh, something special, something vibrant, something chic. Look no further. Marco Pierre White has set up shop in Oxford and boy does he deliver. B4’s Editor, Richard Rosser visited not once, not twice, but three times (a lady – who said that?) and every time it got better and better and better. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER
Visit one. A family lunch on Good Friday which turned out to be a 5pm lunch so I’d class it more as children’s tea without the children – ours are 14 and 18 now so not really of the high chair brigade, more the high and mighty gang with lip in buckets. Notwithstanding, we all enjoyed a fabulous lunch, although the atmosphere was never going to be what it proved to be during visit 3 on a busy Friday night. We were the first arrivals of the early evening trade and slowly the tables started to fill around us. Rather unnervingly, Ed ordered a vodka and coke, specifying his favourite vodka into the bargain… how quick they grow! We all shared the Antipasto Misto to start with, comprising Salami Milano, prosciutto, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, buffalo mozzarella, tomato bruschetta, olives, baked mushrooms stuffed with spinach & blue cheese. A great way to begin a stunning meal.
shared Melting Chocolate Truffle Cake with vanilla ice cream was always going to be an ‘eyes bigger than our bellies’ experience, even sharing one between four. Sometimes you’ve just got to admit defeat! Visit two. A business lunch with our friends from the Corpus Christi conference office. The burgers were again a popular option even though the average age had increased markedly – sorry ladies
food was excellent. “TheFresh, beautifully presented and, most importantly, tasty with excellent service from knowledgeable staff Richard Rosser, Editor B4 magazine
”
For our mains, the kids both tucked into Marco’s American BBQ Burger…old habits die hard! Tina had the Sea Bass with Mediterranean vegetables and new potatoes and I opted for the Chicken Saltimbocca with lemon butter and rosemary roasted potatoes.
– but I plumped for the Yellowfin Tuna Steak, chargrilled with spinach, puttanesca sauce and new potatoes. A different atmosphere this time with a more business-like clientele although there were pockets of tourists enjoying the tasty fayre.
The food was excellent. Fresh, beautifully presented and, most importantly, tasty with excellent service from knowledgeable staff – what more can you ask for? We couldn’t fault the experience, although the
Visit three. A Friday evening visit with an old friend. Now we were seeing Marco’s in all its glory. Not a seat in the house to be had – we had to start in the gorgeous Eastgate Hotel bar (not too much of
a hardship I can assure you) – but were soon seated bang smack in the middle of the action. And a first, a chance to have a drink. I was immediately drawn to Bolla Soave, according to the menu it was Ol’ Blue Eyes favourite white wine. And after two bottles, it was certainly up there with mine! Beautifully creamy and, as you can gather, incredibly drinkable! And after my second Yellowfin Tuna Steak, Marcos was rapidly turning into my favourite Oxford restaurant. This has been, until now, a restaurant which has struggled to gain a foothold. It’s not easy being a restaurant attached to a hotel, we all know that. But this combination works beautifully. Separating the hotel and restaurant with the introduction of a respected chef has, in my opinion, proved to be a masterstroke. My remit wasn’t to eat there three times for this review, just the once. But it was that good that I chose to return as a paying customer twice. And for those that know me, that’s about the biggest compliment I can pay any restaurant! With thanks to Peter Watt, Dorota Pluta and all of the staff for making us so welcome, three times! CONTACT DETAILS
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info@marcosoxford.com 01865 248 695 www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk
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L to R: Julie Mutton and Su Bluett
Tao Beauty Salon B4 met with Tao Beauty Salon’s Su Bluett which incorporates Julie Mutton’s Bare UK, which specialises in IPL and laser hair removal and advanced facial rejuvenation, to discover that a salon which was established almost 50 years ago in the heart of Oxford is continuing to provide a first class service to its ever expanding client base. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PS:UNLIMITED & ROB SCOTCHER
Su is proud of the fact that Tao’s client base has solidified over the past 47 years and is now the envy of beauty salons for miles. “I’ve got clients who have been coming here since I started in 1981. Our client base has remained very loyal… we’ve been incredibly fortunate. Other salons have tried to establish themselves but it’s very difficult to do so with the costs in Oxford being so high not only in terms of premises costs, but equipment and staff and you don’t build a reputation overnight, as we well know.” Su explains how treatments have changed over the years. “I remember we used to do loads of lashes when I first started. They then fell by the wayside when the natural look came in but now we’re seeing clients wanting lashes again. Also our fabulous new HDBrows is hugely popular as are Gel Nails, we stock a wide range of wonderful nail colours. The style of waxing has changed a lot also because of the arrival of IPL to treat larger areas, but we still see many clients for this service also. Other treatments that are in demand include electrolysis, massage, and St Tropez tanning.” Tao Beauty Salon has been in Oxford since 1968 when it was part of a much larger group of 32
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salons throughout England and Scotland. Andrew Ingram and his brother William inherited the salon from their mother in the late 1970’s and sold the majority of the salons en bloc in 1984. Tao in Oxford was purchased by the current owners who have retained Tao for over 30 years. Su was actually at Tao before the change of ownership and in that time the salon has expanded twice, as she explains. “We used to have just the first and second floor at 99 St Aldates. We are now on the top floor of number 99 and in 2000 we went over to number 100 so we have four more fantastic treatment rooms.” The salon began life very modestly, with just 4 electrolysis machines & one wax pot in 1981, but has now expanded beyond all recognition. Su explains how the nation’s beauty habits have changed drastically over the years. “I think the whole nation has changed. We used to get really organised days, where women knew they were coming into town and they knew they would make an appointment. Wednesday was market day and they would come into town and do all of their errands in one day. But now, with mobile phones, we get calls from customers who are passing by
asking if we can fit them in. I would much rather it was like this, after all, years ago when the appointment book was empty in the morning it wasn’t going to change for the rest of the day, it’s fantastic that people see us as flexible, and we aim to support our customers evolving needs.” “Products also come and go, however we have had Dermalogica products since 2007 as they are consistent, the treatments are highly effective, therapist training is thorough and their head office is excellent and way ahead of the competition and we have been with our wax suppliers for many years as they constantly research different styles of wax product." In terms of customer profiles things have certainly changed over the years. The salon’s client base is predominantly Oxfordshire based, but clients come in from way beyond as Julie explains. “Most of our customers are local… treatments are a personal thing and certainly from a woman’s point of view, we like to build up a trust with someone and given that some of the treatments can be very personal, connecting with the right specialist helps us to retain our customers. The client gets to know the therapist treating them and hopefully keep coming
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B4 health
& beauty
“
Of course both Su and I mainly have female clients, but there are more and more men now because it’s simply becoming more acceptable for men to have beauty treatments
”
Julie Mutton, Bare UK
back; many people make the journey back to Oxford after they move area just to see their favourite therapist.” On the subject of gender, Julie explains how she is seeing more and more men coming through the salon – in 2013 The Guardian reported that the men’s skincare market alone was worth £600 million. “Of course both Su and I mainly have female clients, but there are more and more men now because it’s simply becoming more acceptable for men to have beauty treatments, I think the likes of David Beckham have influenced this. It’s a growing area for both of us. Men are realising that there are treatments out there for them and they are no longer shy or hesitant with regards to stepping into a salon. Now they can’t wait to get their hair on their chest and backs removed!“ Su also notes that whilst there may be more men coming through the doors, the age range is also widening. “I’ve seen generations here and the age at which my clients introduce their daughters to us is getting younger and younger. If mum is comfortable and feels safe with what we do, she’s inclined to bring her daughter.”
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That’s exactly how Julie was introduced to Tao explains Su. “I knew Julie’s family well because her mother is a client and started to bring Julie in to see us when she was younger. Julie had set up in Boars Hill and was looking to move as her client base grew. I was getting questions about IPL and laser hair removal I didn’t necessarily have the answers to and it made sense to have a chat with Julie as this was her specialist area. One thing lead to another and Julie moved in.” Julie explains how the fit works perfectly. “We really do complement each other well. Su had considered getting someone trained in to do what I do but felt she needed someone focused 100% on the IPL/laser treatments and the space on offer was just right for me. We moved things around upstairs and created a great working area for me and now we have expanded having recently taken delivery of a new state of the art laser machine as the technology continues to improve to reduce treatment time. Lunch time appointments are always in demand – so being able to treat quickly and effectively is really important to me. IPL and laser hair removal has been a life changing treatment for many as it offers a more permanent solution for the removal of unwanted hair for all
areas of the body and face, I get great satisfaction out of seeing how happy many of my clients are with their treatment!” Julie says, "Tao & Bare UK work really well because there are a number of services I can’t offer which Su can and we pass a steady stream of referrals to each other which is wonderful. We’re both really comfortable at how it is working and the relationship has stood the test of time. We’re both very respectful of each other and the crossovers simply don’t matter in view of the business we can generate for one another.” So a match made in heaven and with the excellent reputation that Tao have established over the past 30 years, the cutting edge services provided by Bare UK and a widening profile of customers, the future looks very bright indeed for Su and Julie.
CONTACT DETAILS Tao: 01865 249 347 www.taobeautyoxford.co.uk Bareuk: 01865 930 339 www.bareuk.co.uk
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The new slimmed down Nathan
As long as you “ provide a good service and have a positive reputation, you’re going to be able to build your business
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Nathan Thomas, Owner, Hilltop Chauffeurs
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B4 services
Driving Ambition
Arriving in his shining, black BMW, I met the well-dressed Nathan Thomas, proprietor of Hilltop Chauffeurs, to chat about his company’s history and vision for the future and also his personal journey over the last few years. Isabelle Saers writes for B4. WRITTEN BY: ISABELLE SAERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER
It all started in 2009 with Nathan and a Mercedes. He had always been keen to start his own business and since he has a burning passion for driving, establishing a chauffeur company felt like the natural progression. After his daughter was born, he decided that it was now or never. By networking, with among others the B4 network, and hard work, Hilltop Chauffeurs was built up and became increasingly established. The company started off with shorter runs but today the focus is certainly on executive travel to airports and the like. Unfortunately, the business had to take a back-seat when Nathan went through a divorce and there were other priorities. Now, two years later, he is back on track and ready for new challenges, keen to build the business further. His vision is to acquire more cars and drivers and to re-establish the Hilltop name.
driving and then go out and get more clients and run the day to day business. There is plenty of work out there and business people will always need someone to take them to the airport. As long as you provide a good service and have a positive reputation, you’re going to be able to build your business.” But even if building the business is essential for Nathan, he wants it to be manageable without the risk of letting people down and getting a bad reputation. “Companies that focus on growing bigger and bigger tend to lose the vision that was important when they started, which results in losing customers and a negative effect on reputation. As long as you have reliable drivers and cars and always put the customer first, the business will be successful. It is all about remembering where you came from and why you started up the business in the first place.”
Hilltop Chauffeurs consists of, in addition to Nathan himself, five drivers and another one starting in May. This will help Nathan to take on a more managerial role and drive the business forwards.
“If you are a well known chauffeur, then you get work. Even if we do have a lot of work right now, we still want to expand our business more. We are busy, but I want to make it busier, but not so much that we let people down.”
“Driving is my passion and I love cars, but if I am out driving all of the time, I can’t run and build the business. I need to strike a balance, with some
Not only have the years after his divorce made him more eager to push his business, Nathan has also made some major changes in his life. During the
last two years, he has lost no less than six stone and given up smoking. He has completely turned his life around. “When I was in the middle of the divorce, I could have done two things; just sit back and let everything fall away, or get up and do something about it. The gym was my therapy and now I’m always active. I do triathlons and marathons and I am constantly pushing myself.” He likes the thought of being an inspiration for others that might be in the same dark place he was a couple of years ago. “I was at a low point, but I turned it all around and made it positive. I only know what worked for me. If someone reads this article and might be in the same place, my experiences will hopefully be an inspiration. If I could help one person, that would be amazing. Maybe I have and I just don’t know about it. I would like to be successful and be remembered for something, something good.”
CONTACT DETAILS hilltopcars@live.co.uk 01865 595 262 www.hilltopchauffeurs.co.uk
The Old Nathan
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THe Bear & ragged sTaff cuMnor
Unpretentious Wining & Dining with Accommodation in the Oxfordshire Countryside
not only does the Bear and ragged staff serve fantastic food throughout the day, its conversion to a country inn means it is now in a position to offer a full suite of services to the discerning traveler whether on business or just looking for a home away from home for a few days. our food ethos can be summed up very simply, local where possible, absolutely fresh, prepared in our own kitchen. e Bear's food offering can best be described as eclectic, mainly British food, prepared with loving care and attention in well equipped kitchens, beautifully presented and served by well trained floor staff. and all this with a wine list carefully selected for quality and value.
To Book a TaBle or rooM call 01865 862329 food served all day: Mon-urs 12:00 - 21:30. fri-sat12:00 - 22:00 & sun 12:00 - 21:00
01865 862329
28 Appleton Road, Cumnor, Oxfordshire, OX2 9QH enquiries@bearandraggedstaff.com www.bearandraggedstaff.com
B4 r&r
ciTy sigHTseeing
oxford
A very popular way amongst tourists to experience Oxford, the beautiful University City, is to take a ride in the City Sightseeing bus. It is definitely one of the most efficient ways to see as much as possible, with its hour-long route and 20 stops at the landmarks and historical sites. WRITTEN BY: ISABELLE SAERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8
Even though I have lived in Oxford for nine months now, going on the guided bus tour with City Sightseeing was surprisingly informative. Regardless if you are a tourist, visiting Oxford for a couple of days, or if you, like me, have spent months or even years in this lovely city, the bus tour will teach you more interesting things about it. The double-decker bus allows you to sit either downstairs or upstairs, and if you choose to sit on the upper deck, you can either do it under or without a roof. With the English weather in mind, this is very advantageous since it might be sunny one minute and the next one it is pouring down. Seated on the upper deck of the characteristic red bus, my friend and I enjoyed the sun while the recorded commentary, which was available in ten languages, told us anecdotes about the places we passed. On some departures, there is also a live guide who compliments the audio guide, but we
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only had access to the audio. That guide was rather brief, but it was enough since we got the most important details and facts.
“Even though I have lived in Oxford for nine months now, going on the guided bus tour with City Sightseeing was surprisingly informative
is that you can jump off at any stop, explore the sight and later jump on the next bus to continue the tour. The ticket is either valid for 24 or 48 hours, which is convenient if you visit Oxford for a weekend and want to have time to experience it. You are also provided with a leaflet with a map of the route, timetables for some of the bus stops and offers regarding some of the sights along the route. When the circuit was complete and my friend and I had seen all the stops, from Oxford Railway Station to Randolph Hotel, we were both amazed with how much we actually had missed during our time here and how many new things we had learnt about our beloved city.
”
CONTACT DETAILS Some of the most popular stops of the tour were Christ Church, Sheldonian Theatre, Queen’s College, Trinity College and Castle Unlocked. A big advantage by going with the City Sightseeing buses
info@citysightseeingoxford.com 01865 790522 www.citysightseeingoxford.com
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“It is as simple as this – the blandwagon is already overcrowded and overloaded. There are far too many ill-defined and undifferentiated AN Others out there already and being AN Other anything is definitely not the recipe for success. Jumping on the blandwagon is just a case of the bland leading the bland, heading without purpose on the road to nowhere. To put it very bluntly, there is just far too much bland out there. Far too many businesses and so called brands just lost in and drowning in a sea of sameness and struggling to survive, let alone thrive. Everywhere we look, we can witness competitive offering after competitive offering so heroically succeeding in failing to differentiate themselves from one another. Hardly a recipe for success. But in every direction we can see example after example of the bland following the bland, blands dancing to someone else’s tune and rushing blindly towards certain failure like lemmings and seemingly oblivious to the fact that in the kingdom of the bland, the bland brand won’t be king – indeed, it won’t be anything. There is simply no point in being the same as everyone else. The fact is that businesses need to ‘Think Brand – not bland’ if they are to connect, communicate and engage successfully and effectively with their target audiences. It’s time to stand out from the crowd This is so often the case with longer established businesses, because they themselves have been emulated, if not directly copied, by would-be competitors. Perhaps they once set the standard but because they have been saying the same thing about their business for so long, they may have become too complacent and they are now undifferentiated. What they are now saying, and their identity and presentation as a whole, may well have become outdated and out of touch with their market. As a direct result, they have been overtaken by newer, hungrier competitors whose messaging and presentation is much more in tune with the market as it is today and as it needs to be for the future. We particularly see many examples of this in the professional services arena, where the question begs ‘Why should anyone come to you rather than one of your competitors?’ What is your point of difference, what do you stand for, what makes you
better, what is your promise? All key questions covering fundamental issues and all questions requiring to be answered if you are to build a distinctive and successful brand as opposed to a distinctly unsuccessful bland. After all, we were all born different, so why would we want to end up being the same. And in any case, being seen to be the same as anyone else amounts to little more than an act of flagrant blandalism. There’s no point in just blanding in Whatever business you are in, you quite simply have the choice of creating and building a distinctive and successful brand or a business that is distinctly bland. There is certainly no point in just blanding in. You need to stand out from the crowd because if you want to be seen to be outstanding, you firstly have to stand out.
business you “areWhatever in, you quite simply have the choice of creating and building a distinctive and successful brand or a business that is distinctly bland. There is certainly no point in just blanding in. You need to stand out from the crowd Phil Strachan, Strangebrew
”
Just being seen to be yet another anonymous blot on an already overcrowded blandscape is no recipe for success. Importantly though, you must be honest and not try to be seen to be something you are not. Authenticity is essential, as is originality, because you have to be true to yourself and you need to be seen to stand out for the right reasons. For certain though, it is better to be seen to be a distinctive brand as opposed to a business that is distinctly bland.
Avoid displaying delusions of blandeur There’s plenty of them out there. Blands built on hollow empty bland promises rather than compelling brand promises, blands masquerading as brands but with no idea of identity, of what they stand for. They have a name, they have a logo and they have a website – but they don’t know what they stand for and need to be seen to stand for in order to be successful – a not insignificant problem when the reality is that your brand is what you are seen to stand for. They are not certain who their target market is or what their point of difference is and they probably lack character and personality. Also, if they have been in business for a while, both what they are saying and how they are presenting themselves are probably well out of date and past their sell-by date. They may well now just be perceived as being AN Other Solicitor, AN Other Architect, AN Other Accountant or AN Other whatever profession they are in. Throw away the bland guidelines manual However, necessity really is the mother of reinvention, and unless such businesses identify the position they are in and the need to do something about it, they are unlikely to thrive and are more likely to struggle to survive. At some point every business needs to refresh, revitalise, reinvigorate and even reinvent how it presents itself to its target audience in order to remain competitive.” So, might now be a good time to get down off the blandwagon and throw away the bland guidelines manual? Call Phil Strachan of Strangebrew to find out how his special blend of London quality Branding, Identity and Graphic Design at Glasgow prices could be of value to you and your business. Think Brand – not bland! Just do it – because you’re worth it!
CONTACT DETAILS phil@strangebrew.co.uk 07770 753 975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk
Time to jump off the blandwagon! 110
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B4 marketing
At some point every “ business needs to refresh, revitalise, reinvigorate and even reinvent how it presents itself to its target audience in order to remain competitive
”
Phil Strachan, Strangebrew
Strangebrew’s Phil Strachan talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about the requirement to ‘Think Brand – not bland’ rather than just blindly running the risk of becoming the bland that time forgot. www.b4-business.com
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Book Review:
‘Quick Wins in Sales & Marketing’ by Jackie Jarvis Jackie Jarvis is a business mentor, sales coach, and co-owner of Heart of Business. This is her 2nd published book, inspired by her daily work with business owners and other professionals. WRITTEN BY: MATT WRIGHT
’Quick Wins in Sales & Marketing’ is aimed at busy business owners, who lack the time or motivation to sit down and read a business book from cover to cover. Each Quick Win (there are 50 of them) is formatted in exactly the same way to make it easy to refer to at short notice – remember, this is a book which is meant to become dog-eared and dirty, not sit pristinely on the book shelf! The book is split into 7 chapters to guide the reader on a journey through Sales & Marketing. Each chapter contains a number of ‘Quick Wins’ from 4-6 pages long. Introduction – sets the scene Quick Question - Identifies the issue Quick Win - provides the structure Quick Success – a real-life Case Study Quick Actions – a plan to implement
There is an abridged Quick Win #24 to provide you with a flavour of the book, and the full version is available on my website www.jackiejarvis.co.uk. This Quick Win ‘Keep in Touch’, is especially pertinent, as B4 Events form a key part of my own Keep in Touch Plan, enabling me to connect on a regular basis with potential and existing clients. Get your copy If you would like a personally signed copy they are available at £8.99 (free delivery) through www.jackiejarvis.co.uk, or unsigned copies can be purchased via Amazon. Come to our Book Launch party B4 in conjunction with Malmaison are kindly sponsoring the 'Quick Wins' Book Launch party in Oxford, on the 1st July 2015, when business owners will share their favourite Quick Win and you can enjoy a glass of wine, nibbles and some relaxed networking.
To join us please book your place via the following link http://quickwinsbooklaunch.eventbrite.co.uk Signed copies of Quick Wins will be available on the night. Ambitious? Need help growing your business? For more information about business mentoring and our approved business service partners or to contact Jackie personally to arrange a conversation over coffee, please see below:
CONTACT DETAILS jackie@heart-of-business.co.uk 01865 ??? ??? www.heart-of-business.co.uk
Excerpt: Quick Win number 24: Keep in touch “If you care enough, you keep in touch” In order to keep any relationship alive, you need to keep in touch, we all have so many different business relationships that if you do not talk to or see somebody regularly, it is easy to lose the connection. Quick Question What systems do you have in place to keep in touch with your important clients? Quick Win The starting point is to have a plan and then create some systems around it to enable you and your team to implement a number of ‘touches’ that both maintain and build your relationships. Your plan may include a communication calendar for all the individual ‘touches’ you plan to make over the course of any twelve-month period. This is a complete schedule of events and activities. It could be through email, social media, newsletters, blogs, information updates, telephone calls, social events, free talks, direct mail promotions, or 112
website links. You need to have a calendar that offers the right amount of touches. Your customers will not want to be bombarded with information. Each part of your plan should ultimately fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Each element can support and link to each other. Quick Success By keeping in touch, I won a new mentoring client I had first met at a training course five years ago. At the time, we swapped business cards, and I asked her if she would like to receive my monthly newsletter.
and what I had to offer. Quick Actions • Create a communication calendar • Come up with ideas for a newsletter or Expert Tips bulletin • Explore outsourcing your social media To view other sample Quick Wins, please visit http://www.jackiejarvis.co.uk/quick-wins/blog/4-aquick-win-that-will-grow-your-business.html
Jackie Jarvis
At the time, her business was very small and she operated from home. Five years later, her business had expanded significantly, with an office in London and a turnover of nearly half a million pounds. At that stage, she gave me a call as she was looking for a business mentor for her and her team to move to the next stage. I received the call because I had stayed in touch and kept the connection. She felt she still knew me, www.b4-business.com
B4 marketing
Win a copy of Quick Wins Which is the Quickest Win? A. Marketing for new clients B. Reviewing the requirements of your existing clients and selling up C. Improving your sales process and skill level Enter by emailing: Jackie@jackiejarvis.co.uk Quick Win A, B or C
“I'm not an avid reader, but this book really held my attention. It was pitched just right for me - short, punchy chapters, with lots of interesting Case Studies and Mind Map summaries at the end of each chapter. I thoroughly recommend it
�
Richard Rosser, Editor, B4 Magazine
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MAGDALEN: Great School,Great Venue Located in the heart of Oxford, with stunning facilities and ample parking to host conferences, corporate events, wedding receptions or parties, Magdalen College School is the perfect choice for your next event.
Call Emma Withers on 01865 242191 or email ewithers@mcsoxford.org to find out more or to arrange a no obligation visit. www.mcsoxford.org
news Billie Holiday Night at Iffley Blue Billie Holiday’s music comes to Iffley Blue accompanied by a special menu taken from Pennsylvania and New England. One hundred years after she was born, Eleanora Fagan, known as Billie Holiday remains one of history's greatest jazz singers. Although she lived a tough life, full of misfortune and heartbreak, Holiday transcended it with her short but brilliant career, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy through the extraordinary depth of feeling and classical blues found in her songs. Iffley Blue together with Marta Capponi accompanied by some wonderful musicians is pleased to present Saturday the 6th of June 2015 as a heartfelt tribute to Billie Holiday, one of the most iconic jazz singers. The concert will include a variety of the music of Billie Holiday interpreted and harmonized by Marta's delicious tones, which are reminiscent of time gone all too soon,, she takes hold of any song, and turns it inside out with such beauty that it leaves the listener simply breathless.
Chef Alex Turner has put together an inventive menu based on food ideas from New England and Pennsylvania. Food will come in the form of a starter platter followed by a main course platter. New England Lobster rolls with sweet corn mayonnaise and Scrapple (pulled pork with nutmeg and spices) will feature in the first platter, as well as Cheesesteaks, Johnny cakes and Turkey, maple and cranberry kebabs for the second platter!
The evening will start with a “Billie Holiday” cocktail on arrival, all for the price of £19.95 pp. Music is starting to play an exciting role at Iffley Blue, with the recent Brazilian Night being a great success, selling out well beforehand.
Wine Delight at Iffley Blue Neil Gladding again dons his Sommelier’s apron on the 8th May for another evening of food and wine at Iffley blue. The menu will consist of dishes from the new A la Carte menu and wines from the new list that has come in for spring, supplied by The Oxford Wine Company.
The evening is an informal one, which astartes wuth trying the new wines with Neil talking us through them, accompanied by some tasty nibbles from the kitchen, followed by a meal in Iffley Blue with the chance to try more of the wines just tasted at discounted prices. All for only £25 per person.
More Cycling for Tim.... Hawkwell House Hotel, General Manager, Tim Spittles, is dusting off his lycra again, in aid of Helen and Douglas House. He is taking part in two bike rides to raise more funds for the worthy Oxford charity. The first is a 251 mile ride from Calais to Amsterdam, which, as Tim says is just up his street as it’s nice and flat, and this is on the 8th May, for three days. His second ride, is one that could be rather challenging for Tim’s “larger” physique!! Combining a closed road sportive alongside a UCI sanctioned professional race, Velothon Wales promises to
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deliver a weekend of cycling on a scale that Wales has never before witnessed. On the 14th June 2015, he will be joining up to 15,000 riders will make history as they roll across the start line in the heart of Cardiff and embark on a completely closed road cycling sportive that takes in some of Wales’ most breathtaking scenery. The route is 95 miles long and incorporates two rather big climbs, one of which is known as the tumble challenge – close to Abergaveny. Please feel free to support Tim raise money for Helen and Douglas House via his just giving site.
timspittles@hawkwellhouse.co.uk
01865 794 009
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david caMeron supporTs inBound TourisM in THe oxfordsHire coTsWolds The importance of overseas visitors to UK destinations like the Cotswolds and ‘Oxfordshire Cotswolds’ was the talking point at a seminar for local, regional and national tourism representatives. WRITTEN BY: HAYLEY BEER
left to right; David Edwards - Head of Research and Forecasting at VisitBritain, Jo Leslie - GREAT China Welcome Project Manager at VisitBritain, Hayley Beer – Director of Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism (now Chief Executive of Experience Oxfordshire), Deirdre Wells - Chief Executive of UKinbound, Rt Hon David Cameron MP for Witney, Sally Balcombe - Chief Executive of VisitBritain, Jimmy Greene - Director of International Friends, part of the GTi Travel Group, John Hoy – Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace.
Prime Minister and Witney MP, the Rt Hon David Cameron, was a special guest at the event organised by West Oxfordshire District Council’s tourism team, which brands the District as the ‘Oxfordshire Cotswolds’ and works to promote and support the local industry. Speaking at the seminar at Eynsham Hall, Mr Cameron stressed the importance of tourism to the UK and its economy and outlined steps taken by the Government to support the industry. This included promotion and investment in the ‘GREAT’ campaign, and encouraging inbound tourism through measures such as simplification of the Visa application process and reductions in passenger duty. He said “Today’s event has seen local and national organisations unite to promote the importance of inbound tourism. I am very proud to have such a wonderful destination in my constituency and the work that the tourism team at the Council do to promote the Oxfordshire Cotswolds is exemplary. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to have 116
Q&A with the businesses and hear about current tourism issues affecting them. Through continued collaboration there is real opportunity to further exploit inbound tourism to our advantage.” Over 70 representatives from local businesses and attractions, and regional and national organisations attended the ‘Value of Inbound Tourism’ seminar. Speakers at the event are photographed left to right above David Edwards - Head of Research and Forecasting at VisitBritain, Jo Leslie - GREAT China Welcome Project Manager at VisitBritain, Hayley Beer – Director of Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism, Deirdre Wells - Chief Executive of UKinbound, Rt Hon David Cameron MP for Witney, Sally Balcombe - Chief Executive of VisitBritain, Jimmy Greene Director of International Friends, part of the GTi Travel Group, John Hoy – Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace.
the local economy, and there is potential growth from the overseas market from countries such as China and it is important that everyone works together to foster this. Our tourism team does a fantastic job in promoting our District as a mustsee destination and in support local tourism businesses. This seminar is just a part of this work and we are grateful to all of the speakers and the Prime Minister, in particular, for his continued support.” Hayley Beer the Director of Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism said “We have been delighted to host this event in partnership with UKinbound and VisitBritain. The quality of the guest speakers has been excellent and the businesses were really enthused and engaged and it offered them a unique opportunity to have question time with the Prime Minister!”
CONTACT DETAILS Cllr Richard Langridge, the District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for tourism, said: “Tourism plays a significant role in West Oxfordshire, bringing in nearly £275m a year to
tourism@westoxon.gov.uk 01993 861 563 www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org
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B4 spotlight
coMMenTs Deirdre Wells, Chief Executive UKinbound “We at UKinbound were delighted to partner with the Oxfordshire Cotswolds on this special event. Inbound tourism is a key driver for economic growth in the UK and it was a great honour to welcome the Prime Minister and hear his endorsement for this great industry. This beautiful region has already done a huge amount, with the excellent support of Hayley and her team, to maximise the opportunities which inbound tourism can offer and we look forward to working closely in the future” Shaun Bowles, General Manager, Eynsham Hall "The Oxfordshire Cotswold and UK Inbound event was hugely successful with a fantastic panel of speakers bringing great insight to the room. We were delighted to host and we are dedicated to supporting tourism, Oxfordshire Cotswolds and Visit Britain as part of our commitments to the sector - we look forward to the next meeting very much".
“
Tourism plays a significant role in West Oxfordshire, bringing in nearly £275m a year to the local economy, and there is potential growth from the overseas market from countries such as China
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Cllr Richard Langridge, District Council Cabinet Member
Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain “The natural beauty of a destination’s landscapes remains one of the most important drivers for international travel. Our recently launched Countryside is GREAT campaign will be our biggest effort yet to distribute these valuable international tourists, not only to the Cotswolds, but across the nations and regions of Britain. We will continue to focus on rebalancing this growing industry to benefit the whole country throughout 2015 and beyond. Inbound tourism is an export industry at which Britain is demonstrably successful – breaking records for visitors in 2014 with further growth predicted in 2015 and VisitBritain has played a key role in this success.” Jimmy Greene, Director, International Friends “It was a pleasure to be involved in the recent Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism event at Eynsham Hall. The past year for International Friends has been a great example of how independent tour operators can launch successful products with the help of regional tourist boards. Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism service help and advice when developing our products for your region was invaluable, resulting in fantastic customer feedback and sales numbers in year one. We were more than happy to share how this partnership worked for us with other tourism related businesses, the partnership was very much key to our success and will be an integral part of future plans” John Hoy, Chief Executive Blenheim Palace “An excellent event that fully explored the current state of inbound tourism and which highlighted the importance of this sector for the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Such events are very valuable in getting people together, sharing best practice and in driving new business opportunities.”
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B4 r&r
THe unforgeTTaBle forBury HoTel For readers with high standards, high expectations and in high need of a great night out in opulent surroundings, with first class food and exemplary service, you really need look no further than The Forbury Hotel in the centre of Reading. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER
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We were booked in to stay at this fabulous hotel on a Friday night after a long week at work. The drive to Reading from Oxford took less than 40 minutes and as we parked the car, our bags were whisked away whilst we checked in. The helpful receptionist than showed us to our room, but in the process we passed not one, not two but a multitude of incredible characteristics which makes The Forbury stand out as a hotel with the maximum attention to detail in every nook and cranny. The stairs leading to the front door are extravagant enough, providing a good photo opportunity the following morning before we set off on a special visit to London, but then the reception area takes some beating with sumptuous soft furnishings and lavish pieces of furniture which are each unique and work brilliantly together. The marble flooring throughout was a signature of the hotel throughout, but the centrepiece is an 86,000 Italian glass bead chandelier running the height of the building in the old lift shaft. It’s truly mesmerising, as you gaze up, with lights catching every aspect, throwing off a tiny rainbow from each delicate bead. Quite incredible. And then we make it to the room. Wow! We were staying in a suite, with a wonderful lounge complete with high ceiling (no cramming in rooms here) and made to measure furniture, including a beautiful piece which contained books, TV, and stereo, not to mention many fascinating pieces of art. We then went through to the bedroom. Again more wow and lots of ooh! The bed was vast, the furnishings once again perfectly combined and that was before we got to the bathroom which was superb. Walk in shower, huge bath and surround sound stereo, all shrouded in sand marble. It’s a good job we had both arrived ready for dinner as our open mouthed walkabout would have given us little time to pretty ourselves – OK maybe not including me – although it was tempting to jump in the bath. We chose to have a drink in the attractive courtyard just off the Cerise Restaurant where Friday night couples and a larger party celebrating had gathered. The evening was still warm and conducive to one of The Forbury’s wonderful cocktails – I had a Sloehito whilst Tina plumped for The Last Word. If you can’t make it for dinner, I would highly recommend a cocktail and if you’re planning to come to the B4 event at The Forbury later this year, make sure you pop in afterwards to sample the delights of Cerise’s award winning mixologists! It was time to go through for dinner where we were greeted by our attentive waitress and, having given our order in the garden, our starters arrived shortly after, accompanied by a glass of champagne for Tina with a bottle of Macon www.b4-business.com
Village Cave de Lugny which kept me company most of the night. Tina chose the sautéed tiger prawn and baby squid with a soy and ginger dressing whilst I had the confit chicken and apricot mosaic with toasted brioche and baby shoot salad. Both divine – we tried eachother’s – and set us up perfectly for our main courses. I had the braised ox cheeks with savoy cabbage, red wine onions and celeriac mash, whilst Tina went with the fish and had roast monkfish fillet wrapped in Parma ham with Jerusalem artichoke puree and oxtail sauce. Not only were our starters and mains all first class, the presentation was exemplary and the service first class – friendly without being stuffy although professional throughout, mind you, I don’t think the wine would have gone without some friendly encouragement! For dessert, we shared the apple tart tatin with caramel sauce and cinnamon ice cream. I’m not a big cinnamon fan but this worked superbly well together and I soon wish we’d ordered one each! The Forbury has 23 luxury bedrooms over three floors, each with Bang and Olufsen audio-visual systems, Molton Brown toiletries and Nespresso coffee machines. All superior bedrooms have king size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets, walk in showers, under floor heating, broadband and direct dial telephones. You can certainly mix business with pleasure at The Forbury. All meeting rooms are fully air conditioned with natural daylight and complimentary wi-fi. The Cellar provides a unique venue for business meetings up to twelve guests. Other public rooms can be used for meetings and The Lounge is also available for impromptu meetings and the Library is suitable for more formal events.
“An easy 10 out of 10 experience from the very top to the very bottom of that unforgettable 86,000 bead chandelier!
”
The Eden room is recommended for larger events with hand painted flowers adorning the walls or what was the original council chambers. There is even a private cinema for presentations, lectures of film screenings for up to 30 guests seated in Italian leather seats. The Forbury is Disney for adults, if that doesn’t sound too twee. It’s mind-blowing to walk through and the experiences will stay with you forever, from the stylish rooms to the continental ambience of the cocktail ‘garden’, to the formidable performance of the kitchen in The Cerise Restaurant. An easy 10 out of 10 experience from the very top to the very bottom of that unforgettable 86,000 bead chandelier!
CONTACT DETAILS reception@theforburyhotel.co.uk 01189 527 770 www.theforburyhotel.co.uk
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B4 advice
The rise and shine of Apprenticeships Why should your company consider employing one? WRITTEN BY: JO LOVE
You may know Oxford Active as the company behind the Active Camps children’s holiday camps at Oxford High, Windsor, Wokingham and Reading. Or your child may attend one of their many after school clubs running at primary schools across the county. Not many realise however that they are also the driving force behind Active Education and Training – provider of training and apprenticeships for both public and commercial organisations. Owen McGovern, Managing Director says it is his passion to improve the lives and prospects of both young and more experienced people through more effective training and linking them with the right organisations so they can continue to become valued, permanent members of staff. So who do you picture when you think of an apprentice? Well, it’s no longer the stereotypical 16 year old keen to leave school and start earning money. The number of apprenticeships for 16-18 year olds has in fact been broadly static since beginning of century, but the number of apprenticeships for 1924 year olds has doubled from around 70,000 in 2002-03 to 160,000 in 2012-13. So how have apprenticeships become so popular across a much larger age range? Well firstly the rising cost of university fees is making apprenticeships a much more attractive
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alternative. The number of different apprenticeships has increased across many more sectors and there are also more government-led initiatives encouraging employers and students alike. It’s not all moonlight and roses however. There has been a decline in the number of apprenticeships in the last year and so the government has upped the support available. David Cameron has said he will use the £227m fine imposed on Deutsche Bank for rigging the Libor rate into a new three-year fund to create 50,000 new apprenticeships. So, what’s in it for an employer? Well, you might be surprised at the advantages of choosing an apprentice as your next employee. From April 2016, employers will no longer be required to pay employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices under the age of 25 on earnings up to the upper earnings limit. If you’re a small business, you could get a £1500 grant to help cover the cost of starting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 years old. 84% of employers say they are satisfied with the programme and almost 9 in 10 employers that take on an apprentice report benefits to their business. 70% reported that apprenticeships improved their productivity or the quality of their product or service.
How do you choose the right apprenticeship? You could let Active Education & Training do the searching for you. They not only deliver all of the training for apprentices in topics such as customer service, business administration, childcare and teaching. They also work with local schools and colleges to find the perfect candidates. They can also access all of the current grants available. Most apprentices have no formal training or qualifications so it’s difficult to know how suitable they are on paper. You can however look for people who are passionate about your business and sector and who will bring energy and enthusiasm to the job. While they might not have direct work experience, they can demonstrate their interest and skills in other ways, including hobbies and personal experience. So next time you go to place that recruitment ad, why not stop and consider the alternatives. An apprentice could be the answer to providing you with a mature, long term member of your team… as well some funding to boot.
CONTACT DETAILS info@oxfordactive.co.uk 01865 594 325 www.activeed-training.co.uk
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26.2 Miles of Magic Job Done! Total Raised - £2,957.01 Time: 4 hours 43 minutes WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: VIRGIN MONEY LONDON MARATHON & ROB SCOTCHER
Ok so I was never going to win it, but after over 550 miles of training running early in the morning, late at night in the wind, rain, snow and the odd bit of sun, I was just chuffed to get around. It really is an experience you can’t put into words, even having done it. Some things have to be lived
to be believed and this is one of them. I had run every training run alone (well not with another human), but surrounded by thousands of other runners with the crowds literally pulling you along, this was unreal. Ok it got rather annoying when “Mr Cheese String” was behind me because the crowd cheered for him and nobody else, but once I’d pulled away from him (honest!), past Mr Gorilla, Mr
Thank You for the Support
Fireman (they’re very respectful the kids of the East End) and Mr Pizza Man, I got a few shouts of “Rich, come on” and the more you smile, the more cheers of encouragement you receive and it all helps fuel you, more than any energy drink, jelly bean or sports gel can ever do. The crowds were unbelievable – I have never seen
very impressed - good luck! From John and Jane. Good luck Richard from all at Breckon & Breckon, you'll walk it....not sure that's the right phrase on this occasion!?!? Good luck Richard - all
Good Luck Richard, We are so proud of you. Love Tina, Edward,
Do a few dance moves as you go ... From Amarita Vargas at
the best from us all at Darbys Solicitors. Good luck Richard. The
Abi & Kilby (running buddie!!) xxxx. Best of luck Rich, love from
Aiden Meller Gallery.
Good luck from Kevin Dudley at
fact that you've shunned cycling for running is very distressing, but
Mum & Dad x.
Good luck Richard. Up the Arsenal! From
Pembroke College. Good Luck Richard. We'll keep an eye out
apart from that, I'm very impressed. Tim Spittles at Hawkwell
Sebastian Johnson at Oxford City Council. Good Luck from
for you on the TV. From John Stiles at Hutchhouse Ltd. Best of
House Hotel. Good luck Richard! From Linda Flanigan. Lunatic.
Su Bluett at Tao Beauty Salon. Hi Richard Good luck from Sue
luck Richard! From Executive Fire & Security. Good luck from Jarl
Or should I say well done and best of luck?! From David Parry at
Randall at Oxford Fine Dining. You've done the hard bit, now
Severn at Owen Mumford. All the best Richard. From David
Parry Employment Law. Best of luck, rather you than me! From
enjoy the day! From Mark Taylor at Darbys. Quite mad but a
and the team at Laurent-Perrier. This is for the taxi at 5 miles.....
Mark Charter at Carter Jonas. Best of luck mate! From Tim
great thing to do. From Lynn at Venturefest. Good luck Richard
From Sam Strange the Magician. Good luck Richard.. from
Gentles. Good luck Richard! Another mad cap fundraiser - what
- hopefully not as many hills on this one as there where from
Alison and the team at H.I.M x. Good Luck From Harris. Run
can you do but keep going! Well done... From Paddy Gregan at
Edinburgh to Oxford. From Graham at Experience Oxfordshire.
Richard Run.... leave enough in the battery for Blenheim !!! ;) From
BSDR. At least you're not cycling across Europe this time. Good
Good luck Richard, rather you than me so all the best! I'm sure that
Julie Mutton at Bare UK. Good Luck Richard from Selin Malta
luck! From Tony Stratton. Good luck Rich! From John Arney at
you will be going down on the X90! From Phil Southall at Oxford
and the team at Goldstar Recruitment, Woodstock. Good luck
ARLE. May the wind be behind you and the breeze be light and
Bus Company. Great effort best of luck! From Chris Lewis at
Richard. Done it once never again!!! From Ian Wilton. Richard -
cooling. Well Done you! From Amanda Baker at Endeavour
Chris Lewis Fire and Security. Wishing you all the best Richard!
Pace yourself and you'll make it! Best wishes Harry Carrier. We're
Consulting. Try to avoid stopping at every pub !! Best of luck..
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B4 events anything like it and they were a huge factor in getting me around. Little kids on the side of the road giving you high fives, people handing out sweets and oranges, incredible costumes – the 19 Rhino’s coming through to the start line was like watching 19 Gladiators going into the colosseum with everyone cheering, a wonderful moment – not forgetting portable running Karaoke man getting us all going with his very bad rendition of Deliliah! The last six miles along the embankment were incredible. I felt like I’d hit the wall at 8 miles but seeing my parents and niece at 14 miles was a great boost and to see the children and Tina at 21 was just the tonic I needed to spur me on the last straight. Tower Bridge was an unforgettable highlight – a sea of people – and pushing through to the finish past Buckingham Palace will always be a memory to cherish.
Huge thanks to CLIC Sargent who looked after us all the way and were a great charity to run for. Massive thanks to some special people who were an immense help during my training: Barry Grinham from Prime Energy Fitness for not only giving me the benefit of his wisdom and experience during my training but also getting me the place in the Marathon in the first place; Joanne O’Donovan who has helped soothe away my many aches and pains over the past three months and made sure I’m in as good a shape as possible to tackle the Marathon; Tina and the kids for their support; mum for washing my kit and dad for his never ending encouragement; and of course to all of my family and friends for their support during my training.
runs before the race. And to all of the following for believing I could do it from Dave in Sydney to my best school mate John, the support was never ending. If you’ve ever wanted to do it but were unsure, let me tell you….you’ll never regret it! You can still make a donation at Virgin Money Giving – just put my name into the search and make your donation. Thank you. www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving www.primeenergy.org www.sportsmassageoxford.com www.clicsargent.org.uk www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com
But my biggest thanks, other than to my fantastic sponsors, goes to Kilby, our dog, who was my training partner for a good 40 of my 127 training
Tower Bridge was an “ unforgettable highlight – a sea of people – and pushing through to the finish past Buckingham Palace will always be a memory to cherish Richard Rosser, B4 Editor
”
From Richard Dunbabin at Ascot Lloyd. 0Bravo Richard. Hope
Tamesis Partnership Ltd. Good luck Richard. Are you wearing a
mate. Very best of luck Robin Garnett. Best of luck Rich, James
you enjoy the run. Remember: pain disappears but pride lasts
comedy costume??? Hannah Aspey, Oxford Limited. Good luck
White, In Touch CRM. Well done Richard! Jacquie Bugeja,
forever. From Nikki Poole at Hedges Law. Great cause; great
Richard. Hope all goes well Tony Bullock, Barclays Bank. Good
Oxford Register Office. Now about the Ironman you were talking
event. You'll love it! All the best from Rupert and the SE team.
luck! Wishing you the best of luck for such a great cause. Emma
about in the pub last time.....? Matt Wright, B4. Well done Richard,
Good Luck & Don’t forget your water bottle. From Kieran Lynch
Gascoigne, Chiltern Railways. Good Luck Richard! From Claire
an amazing effort for a great cause. Martin Gubb, Highfield
at Oxford Event Hire. Good luck from the Ian and the Lucy
and WILA team. Run, Richard, run. Good luck! Paul Gingell,
Business Associates Limited. Hope it went well Richard! Looking
Real Estate team.
Good luck Richard! From Brendon &
Burford Garden Company. Go go and enjoy !! Andrew Noton,
forward to hearing all about it. What was your time? Ben Hutchins,
everyone at STL. Good Luck Richard! Martin & Nicola Keown.
Ashmolean Museum. Good luck Richard from Jane Marshall
Hutchhouse. Off line donors: Joanne O’Donnovan Complete
Good luck Richard Chris Jones. Richard, very impressed, small
and the City Sightseeing team. Good luck (though good
Massage Oxford; Clare Coull White October; Kelly
donation attached with a performance bonus to double the amount
preparation will be what actually counts!) Rob Pickering, Action
Gavaghan Ridgeway Jaguar; Mark Dean MR Digital, Marion
if you get under 4 hours...go for it! Martin Orrill, British Gas.
Coach. Not sure of the form guide today but my money is on you,
and John Farr; Alan Hine My FD; Yola Drage La Cucina;
Good luck Richard from everyone at Darbys Solicitors. Well done
good luck! Darren Aston, Aston & James. Good luck Richard!
George and Mary Elliott; Sir John Madejski Reading FC, Tara
Rich. I am sure all your donors will give you a bonus if you finish
Julian Rosser, The Duke of Cambridge. Good luck Rich xx
Howard Venus Awards; David Rosser Microsoft; Bob Price
within your PB. John Kennedy. Good luck Richard, Training:
Debbie Rosser. Good luck Richard Hope the banana suit isnt too
Oxford City Council; Thomas Knowles City Sightseeing Geoff
'Commitment is a line you must cross, it's the difference between
tight.... Richard Venables and all at VSL. Good luck Richard
Coppock
dreaming and doing' Enjoy...TLA Fitness Team. Well done Richard
Mark Barclay, St James Place. Make sure to wear a hat so you
- great effort , Johnny & Cherwell Boathouse team. Good luck!!
don't blind the other runners. Best of luck! Rob Scotcher Top effort
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B4 events
rainBoW runs
A crazy, fun, laughter-filled Rainbow Run, with people being showered with all the colours of the rainbow at different paint points on a 3km route, just might seem like the complete antithesis of most people’s perception of a children’s and young adults’ hospice. this event on the 21st of June in Reading is not so far removed from the Helen & Douglas House ethos. Both are about making the most of life, having the most fun you can in colourful, bright surroundings, and people being supportive and sharing a common goal. WRITTEN BY: HELEN & DOUGLAS HOUSE COMMUNITY & EVENTS TEAM
Helen & Douglas House in East Oxford is a registered charity caring for children and young adults aged from birth to 35, who have lifeshortening conditions. That is the hard fact. These young people will not have long lives and they and their families will face up-hill struggles and physical, emotional and practical challenges almost every day of their short lives. But this is the good thing. With your help they can be supported by the clinical expertise we offer to make the most of the time they have.
• Have great fun • Know that you are helping us support children, young adults and their families – some of the families from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire will be at the events. • Take the opportunity to do something as a family, group of friends, or colleagues – great team-building!
• Make the most of online and offline marketing opportunities available. Interested? To sign up for the run itself visit www.hdh.org.uk If you can’t take part, but would like to donate to the charity so that families don’t have to face the unthinkable alone, visit www.helenanddouglas.org.uk or contact us on
• Engage with the local community How can you help them and benefit at the same time? By taking part and raising sponsorship money, you can achieve a number of things in one fell swoop.
• Take one morning of your life and feel good about the fact that you are helping to raise an aimed-for £170,000, that would pay for our specialist medical team for both houses for 6 months.
T: 01865 799150 E: fundraising@helenanddouglas.org.uk
Pctured: Left - Cath and Richard Laurie whose son Thomas came to HH. Centre: The Paint point on last years run. Right: Gemma Radnor (Care Team) and Sian Davies (HH patient) at Rainbow Run Oxford 2014
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“Take the
opportunity to do something as a family, group of friends, or colleagues – great team building!
”
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B4 Friday Afternoon Draw
;G>96N 9G6L Every Friday we will select one B4 Member at random who will win this week's prize So all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is be a B4 Member Prizes include: Event tickets VOUCH Restaurant and Spa vouchers R&R Collection Hotel Vouchers Prizes donated by B4 Members
Winners announced on Twitter HYHU\ )ULGD\ DW SP DQG QRWL´HG GLUHFW
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A
AMBASSADOR
IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS.......................................................................................133 MANUFACTURING..................................................................................................................135 MARKETING & DESIGN......................................................................................................135 PROPERTY & BUILDING.....................................................................................................137 R&R......................................................................................................................................................138 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY...............................................................................................139
BUSINESS ADVICE Jamesons Insolvency & Business Recovery A Carolyn Dunn Partner 01993 707 860 www.jamesons.co.uk Splash Resolution Consulting A Jonathan Lane Director 07503 891 331 www.splash-rc.co.uk
PARTNER? 07798 653 139 www.partner-in-business.co.uk The Mustard Concept 01865 589 507 www.themustardconcept.com VCA Consulting 01993 883751 www.vcaconsultinguk.com Dragon Associates 0207 495 4401 www.dragonassocs.com
Business Doctors A Martin Vessey Managing Director 0845 219 7077 www.businessdoctors.co.uk
The Entrepreneurs Mentor 01865 593933
Avocet Investments Ltd 01494 726 173 www.avocet-investments.com
Darbys Solicitors P Simon McCrum Managing Partner 01865 811 700 www.darbys.co.uk
Hilltop Consultancy 01844 238 692 www.hilltopconsultancy.co.uk OPP 01865 404 584 www.opp.com Oxford Professional Consulting 01865 436 791 www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com Quantuma Restructuring 01628 478 100 www.quantuma.com RTS Breakthrough Solutions 07789 405 079 www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk Sandler Training 01608 611 211 www.oxford.sandler.com Action Coach 01183 400 351 www.actioncoach.com Active Education and Training Ltd 01865 594 325 www.oxfordactive.co.uk Endeavour Consulting 07711 825 005 www.endeavour-consulting.co.uk Exilia 07817 767 649 www.exilia.co.uk
LEGAL
Hedges Law P Nicola Poole Managing Director 01491 839 839 www.hedgeslaw.co.uk White & Black Legal LLP A Phil Thompson Partner 0845 201 3147 www.wablegal.com Henmans Freeth A Malcolm Sadler Senior Partner 01865 781 000 www.henmansfreeth.co.uk Gardner Leader LLP A Derek Rogers Managing Partner 01635 508 080 www.gardner-leader.co.uk B P Collins A Chris Hardy Partner 01753 889 995 www.bpcollins.co.uk Blake Morgan LLP A Michael Stace Partner 01865 248 607 www.blakemorgan.co.uk
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B4 BrookStreet Des Roches LLP Paddy Gregan G Partner 01235 836 655 www.bsdr.com Brethertons A Karina Ray Key Client Manager 01295 661 425 www.brethertons.co.uk Field Seymour Parkes A Penelope Garden Associate 0118 951 6312 www.fsp-law.com Turpin & Miller LLP A Emily Boardman Partner 01865 770 111 www.turpinmiller.co.uk Penningtons Manches LLP Richard Smith A Managing Partner 01865 722 106 www.manches.com Family First Solicitors Ursula Rice A Managing Director 01865 311 112 www.familyfirstsolicitors.co.uk White & Black Legal LLP 0800 352 656 www.wablegal.com Lewis Silkin 0207 0748 494 www.lewissilkin.com David Parry Employment Law 01993 848 247 www.parryemploymentlaw.com Parrott & Coales LLP 01296 318 500 www.parrottandcoalesllp.co.uk
BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVE & STORAGE Ardington Archives A Janet Gibbons Director 01367 718 710 www.ardingtonarchives.co.uk The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner 01296 425 744 www.thearchivecentre.com
AUDIO VISUAL Bang & Olufsen P Mark James Director 01865 511 241 www.bang-olufsen.com
www.b4-business.com
City Audio Visual P Peter Gunn Director 01865 722 800 www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS The Profitable Hotel Company A Stuart Harrison Owner 01993 706 632 www.profitablehotelcompany.co.uk Evolution CBS A Rob Goddard Managing Director 0118 402 6892 www.evolutioncbs.co.uk Quest TGO Ltd 0203 394 0123 www.quest-thegreatoutdoors.co.uk
contacts
CLEANING SERVICES Excel Dry Cleaners 01865 511 773 www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk Pinewood Cleaning Services 01993 862 866 www.pinewoodcc.co.uk
DOMESTIC SERVICES Busy Offices 01494 672 233 www.busyoffices.net
GAS & ELECTRIC
CHARITIES Helen & Douglas House A Hugh Thompson Head of High Value Partnerships 01865 799 150 www.helenanddouglas.org.uk Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds A Graham Brogden Head of Community Fundraising 01865 743 442 www.charitablefunds.org.uk Oxfordshire Community Foundation A Jayne Woodley Chief Executive 01865 798 666 www.oxfordshire.org RAF Benevolent Fund A Paul Hewson Regional Director, S. England 01296 656 586 www.rafbf.org.uk The Ley Community 01865 373 108 www.leycommunity.co.uk Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research 020 7504 2231 www.beatingbloodcancers.org.uk British Red Cross, Thames Valley 01235 552 680 www.redcross.org.uk
MOTOR BMW North Oxford Garage Marcus Elliot P Corporate Sales Manager 01865 319 000 www.oxfordbmw.co.uk Ridgeway Landrover A Guy Twiselton General Sales Manager 01865 590 777 www.ridgeway.co.uk
British Gas Business Services A Martin Orrill Head of Energy Technology and Innovation 0845 485 3528 www.britishgas.co.uk/business
NETWORKING GROUPS
DCResponse A Paul Anderson Managing Director 01993 708 855 www.dcresponse.co.uk
MD2MD 01865 600 800 www.md2md.co.uk
HEALTH & SAFETY
Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director 01865 435 435 www.executive-systems.co.uk
BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Aston & James Office Supplies Ltd P Darren Aston Director 01993 706 900 www.aston-james.co.uk
OxfordshireLEP 01865 261 433 www.oxfordshirelep.com
Shawcity Ltd 01367 899 553 www.shawcity.co.uk
INSURANCE Osbornes Insurances 01844 214 316 www.osbornesins.co.uk Macbeth Insurance Brokers 0118 9165 480 www.macbeths.co.uk
LOCAL GOVERNMENT West Oxfordshire District Council A Hayley Beer Director, Oxfordshire Cotswolds 01993 861 558 www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org West Oxfordshire District Council A William Barton Business Development Officer 01993 861 000 www.westoxon.gov.uk/business Oxford City Council A Environmental Development Helen Burkhalter Business Development Manager 07770 347463 www.oxford.gov.uk Oxford City Council 01865 252 845 www.oxford.gov.uk
B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor 01865 742 211 www.b4-business.com
SECURITY
Security Exchange 01491 683 710 www.securityexchange24.com
TRANSPORT Findlay Chauffeurs A Claire Hickson Managing Director 0845 644 7099 www.findlaycs.com Hilltop Chauffeurs G Nathan Thomas Driver 07825 500852 www.hilltopchauffeurs.co.uk Chiltern Railways 020 7333 3113 www.chilternrailways.co.uk JK Oxford Chauffeurs Ltd 01865 423 916 www.jkoxfordchauffeurs.com Teletrax Limited 01235 856 054 www.teletraxltd.co.uk
TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager 01865 790 522 www.citysightseeingoxford.com
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B4 London Oxford Airport P Tony Farmer Head of Sales and Route Development 01865 290 600 www.londonoxfordairport.com Venture A Joe Kennard Director 01865 582005 www.ventureoxford.com Short Let Space Ltd. 01993 811 711 www.weeklyhome.com
CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CATERING SERVICES Oxford Fine Dining P Sue Randall Managing Director 01865 728 240 www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk Passion for Food A Philip Baker Managing Director 08452 969 226 www.passion-for-food.co.uk Lamb Catering A Emma Tasker Events and Marketing Director 01865 772 446 www.lambcatering.co.uk Elegant Cuisine 01865 391 888 www.elegantcuisine.com Philip Dennis Foodservice 01993 700 030 www.philipdennis.co.uk
CONFERENCES Lady Margaret Hall P Anna Killough Head of Conference Services 01865 611 079 www.lmh.ox.ac.uk Oakley Court Hotel P Richard Smith Sales Manager 01753 609 988 www.principal-hayley.com /theoakleycourt Williams Conference Centre Faye Bellamy P Business Development Executive 01235 777 735 www.williamsconferencecentre.com The Feathers P Dominic Bishop General Manager 01993 812 291 www.feathers.co.uk
www.b4-business.com
Stoke Park A Nick Downie Head of Communications 01753 717171 www.stokepark.com Magdalen College School Emma Withers A Events Manager 01865 242 191 www.mcsoxford.org Heythrop Park Resort A Tracy Norcup Sales Manager 01608 673 372 www.heythroppark.co.uk Pembroke College A Huw Edmunds Head of Conferences and Events 01865 276 484 www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences The Examination Schools Kay Hogg A Events Manager 01865 276 905 www.examschools.ox.ac.uk Howbery Business Park A Angela Andrews Marketing & Lettings Manager 01491 822 305 www.howberypark.com Four Pillars Hotels A Chris Green Group Marketing Manager 0800 374 692 www.four-pillars.co.uk Egrove Park A Jill Grieveson Conference Manager 01865 422 757 www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing The Forbury Hotel A Peter Farquhar General Manager 01189 527 770 www.theforburyhotel.co.uk Macdonald Windsor Hotel Beverley Molmans A General Manager 0844 879 9101 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Exeter College 01865 279 600 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences Malmaison 01865 268 400 www.malmaison-oxford.com Oxford Town Hall 01865 252 195 www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk St Hugh's College 01865 274 424 www.st-hughs.ox.ac.uk
contacts
The King’s Centre 01865 297 400 www.kingscentre.co.uk Malmaison Reading 0118 956 2300 www.malmaison.com
EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner 01865 760 158 www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk Millie Miles A Lorna Miles Director 01869 351 603 www.milliemiles.co.uk BHK Rentals 01993 703327 www.bhkrentals.co.uk
EVENT MANAGEMENT Jazz Donkey A Muffy Dawson Managing Director 01993 898400 www.jazzdonkey.com The Active Network 08700 841 480 www.regonline.co.uk
EVENTS Oxfordshire Registration Services A Jacquie Bugeja Head of Registration and Coroner's Services 0845 129 5900 www.oxfordshire.gov.uk Newbury and District Agricultural Society G Daren Bowyer Chief Executive Officer 01635 247111 www.newburyshowground.co.uk Venus Awards A Tara Howard Founder & Managing Director 01202 559039 www.venusawards.co.uk Venturefest 01865 810 025 www.venturefestoxford.com Business in Oxford 2015 01865 742 211 www.businessinoxford.com Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 01865 742 211 www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk Oxfordshire Business Awards www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk
VENUES Oxford Castle Quarter P Sam Pace Operations Manager 01865 201 657 www.oxfordcastle.com Blenheim Palace P John Hoy Chief Executive 01993 810 501 www.blenheimpalace.com Rhodes House P Isabelle Barber Business Development Manager 01865 270 918 www.rhodeshouseoxford.com Danesfield House Hotel A Anthony Cox General Manager 01628 891 010 www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk Hartwell House Hotel A Jonathan Thompson General Manager 01296 747 444 www.hartwell-house.com Venue Services, Bodleian Library A Alice Ogilvie Head of Venue Services 01865 277 224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk Donnington Valley Hotel A 01635 551 199 www.donningtonvalley.co.uk Blenheim Palace Hospitality 01993 813 874 www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality
The Tree Hotel 01494 881183 www.cadmore.treehotel.co.uk
EDUCATION City of Oxford College P Ian Francis Principal 01865 550 550 www.cityofoxford.ac.uk Reading College P Lesley Donoghue Principal 0118 955 4300 www.reading-college.ac.uk Oxford International Study Centre A Benjamin Llewelyn Principal 01865 201 009 www.oxintstudycentre.com Buckinghamshire New University 0800 565 660 www.bucks.ac.uk
131
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Ardington Archives Ardington Archives LLP White Horse Business Park Stanford in the Vale Oxfordshire SN7 8NY Tel. 01367 718710
enquiries@ardingtonarchives.co.uk
www.ardingtonarchives.co.uk
B4 Corpus Christi College 01865 276 708 www.ccc.ox.ac.uk
FINANCE ADVICE Ergowealth A Brian Page Managing Director 01494 616 522 www.ergowealth.com Critchleys 01865 261 100 www.critchleys.co.uk NGI Finance 01993 706 403 www.ngifinance.co.uk Herbert & Webster 01865 407 755 www.herbertandwebster.co.uk
BANKING Lloyds TSB Commercial A Tim Hanley Senior Manager, Oxford Group 07970 566 065 www.lloydstsbbusiness.com RBS Corporate Banking A Donald MacDonald UK Head of Deposits & Director, Professionals 07768 427379 www.rbs.co.uk/corporate.ashx HSBC 0845 850 174 www.hsbc.com Santander Corporate Banking 0845 607 0666 www.santander.co.uk Metro Bank 0345 08 08 500 www.metrobankonline.co.uk Coutts 01865 389 039 www.coutts.com
IFA Focus A Nick Walker Managing Director 01865 295 295 www.focusllp.co.uk
MORTGAGE ADVICE Mortgage Choices A James Keene Principal Consultant 01993 862 888 www.mortgage-choices.com
HEALTH & LEISURE FITNESS TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder 07554 400 401 www.tlafitness.com Prime Energy Fitness Ltd G 01869 352 000 www.primeenergy.org Cherwell Boathouse Punting 01865 552 746 www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk
GOLF Frilford Heath Golf Club P Alistair Booth Director 01865 390 864 www.frilfordheath.co.uk Rye Hill 01295 721818 www.ryehill.co.uk The Oxfordshire Golf Club 01844 278300 www.theoxfordshire.com
contacts
Oxford University Rugby Football Club A Tim Stevens Club Administrator 01865 432 000 www.ourfc.org
Digital Oxford www.digitaloxford.com
The Jockey Club - South West Racecourses A Matthew Foxton-Duffy Regional Head of Marketing - South West 01242 537 608 www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Crossland Employment Services 01235 841 506 www.crosslandsolicitors.com
London Welsh Rugby Club Cerys Roberts Head of Corporates 07768 306 007 www.london-welsh.co.uk
Oxfordshire Cricket 07790 102130 www.oxoncb.com
WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner 01865 339 672 www.helenmoneynutrition.com
STL Communications Ltd A Philip Donigan Sales Director 01993 777113 www.stlcomms.com
DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director 0845 310 9973 www.intouchcrm.co.uk
ClientMailer 01865 339 406 www.clientmailer.com
HR2You P Sarah Morris Owner 07789 711 997 www.hr2you.co.uk
IT SERVICES
Gazella HR 01865 339 411 www.gazellahr.co.uk
NatWest 01865 792 348 www.natwest.com
Spires HR 01865 880 391 www.spireshr.co.uk
Barclays 0800 015 4242 www.barclayscorporate.com
Linda Flanigan Hypnotherapy 07866 360 359 www.lfhypnotherapy-oxfordshire.co.uk
Clydesdale Bank 0844 736 2616 www.cbonline.co.uk
SPORT
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS
HR CONSULTANTS
Clinic95 P Maria Hardman Business Manager 01865 241 661 www.clinic95.com
Reading Football Club Limited P Sir John Madejski Chairman 0118 968 1100 www.readingfc.co.uk
IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
EMAIL MARKETING
HR
MB HR Support Ltd 01993 882 744 www.mbhrsupport.co.uk
Handelsbanken 0118 959 5444 www.handelsbanken.co.uk/reading
Gold Star Recruitment 01993 225 075 www.goldstarrecruit.co.uk
A
North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club 01865 513 560 (Clubhouse) www.northoxfordltc.org.uk
HEALTH CARE
Newbury Racecourse P Tracy Skinner Head of Sales 01635 40015 www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk
Allen Associates 01865 335 600 www.allen-associates.co.uk
Sylo Associates 01844 216 290 www.sylo-associates.co.uk Right Hand HR 0844 880 4582 www.rhhr.com
RECRUITMENT Secondsite Recruitment A Laura Harris Branch Manager 01865 203 356 www.secondsite.co.uk
Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director 01367 700 555 www.cisltd.com Nominet G Sally Ockwell Brand & Marketing Manager 01865 332211 www.nominet.org.uk Simeio A Ollie McGovern Founder 07795 235995 www.simeio.co.uk Bluespires IT A Richard Fuller Owner 0845 528 505 www.bluespires.co.uk Flex Information Technology Paul Horseman A Director 0333 101 7300 www.flex.co.uk
myFD Recruitment 01865 339 313 www.myfdrecruitment.co.uk
133
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B4 The Cabling Company A David Jackson Sales Director 07796 140 348 www.thecablingcompany.com Storm Internet 0800 817 4727 www.storminternet.co.uk QPQ Software Ltd 01235 522 516 www.qpqsoftware.com Oxford Knowledge Ltd 01865 322 100 www.oxford-knowledge.com First Line Support Ltd 01865 260 220 www.firstline-it.com Security Exchange Ltd. 01491 683 710 www.securityexchange24.com AgilityWorks 08445 610 930 www.agilityworks.co.uk
SECURITY Dionach 01865 877 830 www.dionach.com
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Sophos 01235 559 933 www.sophos.com
Urban Element 01993 776 999 www.urbanelement.com White October 01865 706 017 www.whiteoctober.co.uk
MANUFACTURING MEDICAL GOODS Owen Mumford A Jarl Severn Director 01993 812 021 www.owenmumford.com WILA G Claire Styles Director 01235 773500 www.wila.co.u
MARKETING & DESIGN ADVERTISING B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Managing Director 01865 742 211 www.b4-business.com Living In Oxford Magazine Colin Rosser P Chairman 01865 742 211 www.inoxford.com Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767837 www.focal.co.uk
WEB OPTIMISATION SERVICES Zest A Alex Minchin Director 0843 289 161 www.zestdigital.co
CORPORATE IDENTITY
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
Recognition Express P Andy Olejnik Managing Director 01295 257 611 www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk
Alberon A Tim Ault Managing Director 01865 263 220 www.alberon.co.uk
Strangebrew P Phil Strachan Director 07770 753 975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk
Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director 01865 733 710 www.torpedogroup.com
Bicester Vision P Placi O’Neill-Espejo Partnership Manager 01869 324 244 www.bicestervision.co.uk
Olamalu A Christoph Corvin Director 01993 764 566 www.olamalu.com
Clear & Creative 01865 204 200 www.clearandcreative.co.uk
Method and Class A Robyn North Digital Marketing Consultant 01280 821 840 www.methodandclass.com
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BrandAsylum 01235 828 508 www.brandasylum.co.uk
contacts
DESIGN Blink Design A Keith Simpson Senior Designer 01865 742 211 www.on-the-blink.com One Hat Design A Steve Legge Owner 01993 702 075 www.onehatdesign.com ADS 01993 885 122 www.adsoxford.co.uk Apt-Art 01865 372 981 www.aptart-design.co.uk Kingdom Signs Ltd 01235 812 299 www.kingdomsigns.com Kettle Studio 01491 837 336 www.kettlestudio.co.uk
FRAMING Isis Creative Framing 01865 203 420 www.isiscreative.co.uk
FREELANCE COPY WRITING & EDITING Noble Word A Matt Wright Owner 07500 531 485 Nicholas Newman 01865 762 710 www.nicnewmanoxford.com
MARKETING Experience Oxfordshire A Martin Walker Head of Marketing and Development 01865 252409 www.experienceoxfordshire.org Marketing Sense A Jo Sensecall Director 01865 883 579 www.marketing-sense.co.uk Obergine A Jeremy Anderson Director 01865 245 777 www.obergine.com Hutchhouse Ltd G Ben Hutchins Creative Director 0845 467 8089 www.hutchhouse.co.uk
Heart of Business A Jackie Jarvis Director 07801 293022 Oxford Digital Marketing 01865 575 955 www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk KyteMark Solutions Ltd 01491 410 061 www.kytemark.com
MEDIA Oxford Media Factory A Chris Smith Director 01865 552 678 www.oxfordmediafactory.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY Studio8 P Clark Wiseman Managing Director 01865 842 525 www.studio-8.co.uk Hills & Saunders A Richard Shymansky Photographer 07878 162 452 www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk Shane Miller Photography 01491 671 864 www.shanemillerstudios.com Nikreations Photography 07929 305 247 www.nikreations.co.uk
PRINTING Advent Colour P Mike Ackerman Sales Director 01264 359 359 www.advent-colour.co.uk Blueprint Imaging A Martin Matthews Managing Director 01993 892 360 www.blueprintimaging.com OxUniPrint A Ian Wilton Managing Director 01865 844 918 www.oxuniprint.co.uk Hunts A Simon Froud Account Manager 01865 853 633 www.hunts.co.uk MRD Digital Print 01865 715 181 The Oxford Duplication Centre Cheryl-Lee Foulsham Managing Director 01865 457 000 www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk
135
SHARING COMMERCIAL PERSPECTIVE Penningtons Manches LLP - expert legal insight for businesses and individuals across the Thames Valley. To find out more, call us on 01865 722106 or e-mail info@penningtons.co.uk
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B4 Amberley Court Associates Ltd 07767 424 000 www.amberleycourtassociates.co.uk
PUBLIC RELATIONS Papa Romeo PR A Claire Thompson Managing Director 07811 339 577 www.paparomeopr.com Spriggs David A Karen David Partner 01865 512662 www.spriggsdavid.co.uk
Antonia Taylor PR A Antonia Taylor Director 07968 775 571 www.antoniataylorpr.com Esplin PR A Louise Esplin PR Consultant 07775 678 237 www.esplinpr.co.uk The Buzzworks A Sarah Airey Proprietor 01993 813 848 www.thebuzzworks.co.uk Cerub PR A Ceri-Jane Hackling Managing Director 01494 761651 www.cerubpr.co.uk O Consultancy 01295 811 781 www.oconsultancy.com Harvest PR 0239 244 9655 www.harvestpr.co.uk HeadOn PR 07920 792 183 www.headonpr.co.uk Stature PR 0207 100 0855 www.staturepr.com
PROPERTY & BUILDING ARCHITECTS John Hallam Associates A John Hallam Director 01608 646 969 www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk Gray Baynes + Shew 01865 305 130 www.gbsarchitects.co.uk
www.b4-business.com
BUSINESS PARKS Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 www.oxin-centres.co.uk Westcott Venture Park P Nigel MacKenzie Project Manager 001296 651 888 www.westcottventurepark.com Begbroke Science Park A Peter Dobson Managing Director 01865 283 700 www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk Bloxham Mill Business Centre A Ray Avery Managing Director 01295 722 800 www.bloxhammill.com Pure Offices 01865 811110 www.pureoffices.co.uk
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS VSL and Partners P Richard Venables Director 01865 848 488 www.vslandp.com Carter Jonas P Scott Harkness Partner 01865 511 444 www.carterjonas.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton (Oxford) A Kevin Wood Director 01865 200 244 www.lsh.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton (Reading) 01189 606909 www.lsh.co.uk Meeson Williams Phillips 01865 349011 www.meesonwilliamsphillips.com Marriotts 01865 316311 www.marriottsoxford.co.uk
contacts
Bracknell Enterprise & Innovation Hub A Shelley Furey Centre Manager 01344 388 000 www.bracknell-hub.co.uk
North Oxford Property Services P Robin Swailes Director 01865 311 745 www.nops.co.uk
HighGround A Graham Turrell Founder 0800 612 6601 www.highgroundproperty.co.uk
Oxford Property Solutions A Emma Righton Managing Director 01865 311 696 www.oxfordpropertysolutions.co.uk
DEVELOPMENT The Trevor Osborne Property Group P Trevor Osborne Chairman 01225 832 302 www.topgroup.co.uk
ESTATE AGENTS Breckon & Breckon A Keith Stacey Managing Director 01865 244 735 www.breckon.co.uk scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales 01865 759 500 www.scottfraser.co.uk scottfraser A Marc Hatcher Senior Branch Manager 01993 705 507 www.scottfraser.co.uk Strutt & Parker A Miles Collison Partner, Development Land & New Homes 01865 366 660 www.struttandparker.com Penny & Sinclair A James Penny Director 01865 318 013 www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk Pink & Black Property Consultants A Claire Moloney Director 01865 515 919 www.pinkandblackproperty.com GP Residential 01865 246 399 www.gpresidential.com
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 www.oxin-centres.co.uk
LETTING AGENTS Breckon & Breckon P Greg Barnes Director 01865 201 111 www.breckon.co.uk
Finders Keepers A Frank Webster Director 01865 302 308 www.finders.co.uk scottfraser A Andrew Greenwood Group Managing Director 01865 760 055 www.scottfraser.co.uk Lucy Properties A Ian Ashcroft Managing Director 01865 559 973 www.lucyproperties.co.uk College and County A Mark Crampton-Smith Owner 01865 722 722 www.collegeandcounty.biz Premier Letting A Charles Bartlett Partner 01865 792 299 www.premier.uk.com
PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS Kemp & Kemp A Steven Sensecall Partner 01865 240 001 www.kempandkemp.co.uk Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd 01865 362 780 www.f-eds.co.uk Thameside Surveying Ltd 01628 421 504 www.thamesidesurveying.com Ian Bridge Consultancy Ltd 07917 881465 www.ianbridge.com
PROPERTY SERVICES Savvy Maintenance & Renovations A Stephen Dunne Director 01865 920 020 www.savvy-group.co.uk
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Your local firm with a national strength
Providing a full service offering in the Thames Valley
EIFLA-3D A Nigel J Blanchard Founder & CEO 0844 7767 187 www.eifla-3d.co.uk Windover Facilities Management A Edward MacFarlane CEO 01869 368 095 www.windoverfm.com Darke & Taylor Ltd 01865 290 000 www.darkeandtaylor.co.uk A1 Plumbing & Heating 01865 327 732 www.a1ltd.co.uk
R&R ACCOMMODATION Hawkwell House Hotel P Tim Spittles General Manager 01865 749 988 www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk The Oxford Hotel P Debbie Priestley General Manager 01865 489 988 www.pumahotels.co.uk/hotels /the-oxford-hotel
www.bakertilly.co.uk
Westwood Hotel P Anthony Healey Owner 01865 735 408 www.westwoodhotel.co.uk Macdonald Randolph Hotel Michael Grange A General Manager 0844 879 9132 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
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The Bear & Ragged Staff A Mark Greenwood Landlord 01865 862 329 www.bearandraggedstaff.com The Royal Oxford Hotel A Tom Crampton-Smith Owner 01865 248 432 www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk Fallowfields Hotel & Restaurant G Anthony Lloyd Managing Director 01865 820 416 www.fallowfields.com Eynsham Hall 01993 885 238 www.eynshamhall.com
ƋĘå ŸŅüƋƵ±ųå ±ĹÚ web solution specialists
Conifers Guest House 01865 763 055 www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk
www.alberon.co.uk
Spirit Health Club 01865 888 444 www.spirithealthclubs.co.uk The Burlington House 01865 513 513 www.burlington-hotel-oxford.co.uk The Langham Hotel 0207 973 7540 www.langhamhotels.com
ARTISTIC & CULTURAL Modern Art Oxford A Hannah Evans Communications Manager 01865 813 826 www.modernartoxford.org.uk Orchestra of St John's A John Lubbock Artistic Director 07765 252489 www.osj.org.uk Ashmolean Museum 01865 288 364 www.ashmus.ox.ac.uk The Old Fire Station 01865 263 988 www.oxfordphil.com Oxford Philomusica 07775 904 626 www.oxfordphil.com Rachel Ducker www.rachelducker.co.uk
COFFEE SHOPS Java & Co 07736 950 673 www.javaandco.co.uk
CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner 01865 742 211 www.samstrangemagic.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT Pegasus Theatre A Bel Crewe Development Director 01865 812 160 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk Oxford Playhouse 01865 305 305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com
FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES Laurent Perrier UK P David Green Regional Account Manager 01628 475 404 www.laurent-perrier.co.uk
B4 The Oxford Wine Company Ted Sandbach A Managing Director 01865 301 144 www.oxfordwine.co.uk
GALLERIES Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner 01865 515 123 www.wisegal.com
RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Lower Mill Estate A Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director 01285 869 489 www.lowermillestate.com
RESTAURANTS Browns, Oxford P Simon Stonehouse General Manager 01865 511 995 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk Browns, Reading P 0118 950 3137 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk Browns, Windsor P 01753 831 976 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk The Red Lion P Mark Purton General Manager 01865 726 255 www.redlionoxford.co.uk
4500 Miles From Delhi A Nav Kandola Owner 01865 244 922 www.milesfromdelhi.com/oxford Organic Deli Café A Trevor Bennett & Cristina Campos Owners 01865 364 853 www.oxfordorganic.co.uk Aziz A Aziz Rahman Proprietor 01865 794 945 www.aziz.uk.com Aziz Express A Abdul Rahman Proprietor 01865 395 870 www.azizexpress.co.uk The Snooty Mehmaan A Asad Ahmed Director 01367 242 260 www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk The Tree Hotel at Iffley Village A Kavita Pal Director 01865 775 974 iffley.treehotel.co.uk L’Ortolan A Sally Albin Marketing Manager 0118 988 9107 www.lortolan.com
contacts
Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons 01844 278 881 www.manoir.com
Clements and Church 01865 511 212 www.clementsandchurch.co.uk
Pierre Victoire 01865 316 616 www.pierrevictoire.co.uk
Riche de Fleurs 01993 869 202 www.richeflowers.com
Saffron 01865 512 211 www.saffronrestaurantoxford.co.uk
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE
The Chequers at Burcot 01865 407 771 www.thechequers-burcot.co.uk Café Aloha 01865 792 696 www.cafealoha.co.uk Marco's at Mercure Eastgate Hotel 01865 248332 www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants /marcos-oxford
Oxford Instruments Plc A Lynn Shepherd Group Director of Communications 01865 393 378 www.oxinst.com Oxford Technologies A Stephen Sanders Business Development Director 01235 544 871 www.oxfordtechnologies.co.uk
SHOPPING The University of Oxford Shop P 01865 247 414 www.oushop.com Blackwell’s P David Prescott Managing Director 01865 382 500 www.blackwell.co.uk Bicester Village P Helen Peters Sales & Marketing Manager – Tourism 01869 323 200 www.bicestervillage.com
B4 partners
Official E-Mail Marketing Partner
Official Events Software Partner
Official Cloud Partner
Preferred supplier of Home Entertainment
S
THAME
Official Photographer
Official Transport Partner
Official Stationery Partner
Official Print Partner
B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print t: 01865 742211
www.b4-business.com
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Fo ON llo wu LY s@ 63 bu TIC sin KE ess TS ino RE x MA INI NG !
BUSINESS
Following on from the success of Business in Oxford 2014 which saw 36 Oxfordshire based businesses present to 300 delegates at Sa誰d Business School. Business in Oxford 2015 will be a full day event with talks delivered by 48 Oxfordshire businesses. Book your tickets for either morning or afternoon sessions at the website below. For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, please call the team on 01865 742211.
see www.businessinoxford.com
TUESDAY 30TH JUNE - 7.30AM - 7.30PM - SAID BUSINESS SCHOOL
In association with
xLEP
driving economic growth