B4 Berkshire Issue 2 by B4 Magazine

BERKSHIRE EDITION

Magazine www.b4-business.com

ISSUE 2 SPRING 2012

ADVICE P R

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CON F ER ENCE

N ET W O R K I N G

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EDUC ATION

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CO M M U N I C AT I O N

H E A LT H •

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MAR KETI NG

P R O P E RT Y

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R & R

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The University of Reading A World Class University - Vice Chancellor, Sir David Bell, talks to B4

Momentum Hub How lateral thinking is keeping Momentum ahead of the game

Haslams Surveyors LLP On the Front Foot with one of the largest independent firms of Chartered Surveyors in the Thames Valley

B U I L D I N G

B R I D G E S

B E T W E E N

B U S I N E S S E S

B4 Platinum Ambassadors We would like to thank our B4 Platinum Ambassadors for supporting B4 Berkshire. To find out more about joining them, please call us on 0118 317 7183.

With annual memberships starting at £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. Call us now on 01183 177 183 to book your membership or e-mail sales@b4-business.com for more details. The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC! *Quoted rate is Membership for up to 5 employees. Rate increases for 6 to 20 employees to £375+VAT per annum, £500+VAT for 21 to 50, £900+VAT for 51 to 100 and £1200+VAT for over 100 employees. Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a separate charge.

CHAMPIONS!!!!!! Congratulations to the players, Chairman, staff and fans of Reading FC on your quite remarkable achievement. On behalf of everyone in the B4 network, we wish you all the very best in The Premier League.

www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 0118 317 7183 E-mail: info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@inoxford.com Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Events Director Tina Rosser Client Services Director John F Kennedy john@b4-business.com Art Editor Rob Scotcher rob@b4-business.com Assistant Editor Anne Kamphausen assistanteditor@b4-business.com Editorial Contributors Ashley Merry Emma Watts Laurence Cruse Liz Maloney Louise Esplin Lucy Holloway Phil Strachan Ryan Keane Sue Rosser B4 Photography Carli Adby of ADBY Creative Richard Shymansky Studio 8 www.studio-8.co.uk Studio Photography Richard Shymansky of www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

Subscriptions

Welcome to B4 Welcome to B4 Berkshire Issue 2 and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the businesses in Berkshire who have welcomed us to the area and supported the magazine and website in these early days. It is difficult for me to start anywhere else than offering our congratluations to Reading FC for gaining promotion to The Premier League. It’s incredible to think that since our first events at Malmaison in January the team have embarked on a quite remarkable run to secure promotion, overtaking the early runners. Well done to the manager, Brian McDermott, the Chairman, Sir John Madejski, the players, staff and fans for bouncing back so soon after last year’s Play Off final disappointment. We have a bumper issue of B4 Berkshire for you to get your teeth in to. Regular contributors Pitmans LLP, Lloyds TSB Commercial, Reading FC, Reading College, Malmaison, Reading 107fm and Oxford Innovation provide us with some excellent features.

© 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

www.stonestheprinters.co.uk

40. Pitmans LLP Be In It To Win It!

It is also our pleasure to welcome Haslams, one of the largest independent firms of Chartered Surveyors in the Thames Valley, to B4 as Platinum Ambassadors. I had the pleasure of meeting The University of Reading’s recently appointed Vice Chancellor, Sir David Bell. This was a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the University and how it engages with the local community, but to also find out how it is looking to the future by investing in more staff as it continues its fantastic work in areas of key importance. Sir David also tells us more about plans for the university’s Malaysian campus. There are excellent features from other ‘first timers’ such as Handlesbanken, TAG, Fredrick’s Hotel, Faculty Apartments, Momentum Hub, Thames Valley Chamber, Bbite, Voyage Design, Emma Watts and Nirvana Spa. Thanks also to Oakley Court, T Mobile and Windsor Racecourse for joining us as advertisers. The B4 Berkshire membership continues to grow and for as little as £250+VAT for an annual membership, your business can feature in the contacts of B4 Magazine, the B4 Berkshire website and can also attend our B4 events. With the addition of B4 Buckinghamshire from May onwards, B4 members now have the opportunity to not only mix with businesses in their own area, but also with those in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. See page 8 for more details about our next B4 event on May 17th in Abingdon, South Oxfordshire, where over 300 businesses will be attending presentations from, amongst others, Lloyds TSB Commercial’s Macroeconomic expert, Adam Chester.

60. Grant Thornton Salary Sacrifice

We are also holding our next B4 Berkshire event at The Vineyard, a truly wonderful venue in Newbury. Please note this event is limited to 100. See more details on page 16. I hope you enjoy B4 and look forward to hearing from you if you would like to find out more about joining our growing network in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Read more from the network in ‘The Wider B4’ which starts on page 86.

72. Oxford Innovation

For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 0118 317 7183 E-mail: info@b4-business.com Each business with a Berkshire post code is entitled to one free copy per issue. For additional copies and for businesses outside of Berkshire, there is an annual subscription charge of £25.

Inside

Grand Business Setting Richard Rosser Editor

About

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established in 2006 to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. With B4 Berkshire, we hope to achieve greater success now that the model has been established and refined. Direct mailed to three thousand business decision makers in Berkshire every quarter, and with a further four and a half thousand copies circulated to key outlets, featured businesses and made available at B4 events, we hope to make a mark in Berkshire businesses. B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial, although some editorial is granted without charge at the discretion of the Editor. Please call us to find out how you can connect with our networks in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. See more at www.b4-business.com which will give you access to both Oxfordshire and Berkshire networks, and now also Buckinghamshire. WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

85. The Wider B4 Articles from B4 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire

30 A World Class University: Recently appointed University of Reading Vice Chancellor, Sir David Bell, speaks to B4

14 B4 Launches in Berkshire: Our B4 launch at Malmaison Reading

LEAD

SPOTLIGHT

80 CHARITY

80 A Business Approach To Giving: With the Berkshire Community Foundation

40 Foreign Investment: Be In It To Win It: Advice from B4 Platinum Ambassadors, Pitmans LLP 68 Employ-Ability: Connecting your business with Reading College 76 Thames Valley Chamber - The Voice of Business: Spotlight on the members

PROPERTY 44 Haslams: On the Front Foot 72 Grand Business Setting Inspires Full House: Oxford Innovation’s Dianne Heath talks to B4’s Ashley Merry

10 NEWS

10 B4 News 20 BDO 22 IOD 24 FSB 26 Wealth Club 28 HR2YOU

TRANSPORT 48 Momentum: Louise Esplin meets a company which really is ahead of the game

ADVICE

60 Salary Sacrifice Schemes: A 'Silver Bullet'? B4 Platinum Ambassadors, Grant Thornton.

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B4 contents 86

THE WIDER B4

FINANCE

86 Miele: 112 Years of Perfection: Miele GB CEO, Simon Grantham, tells B4 more about this great international brand

36 Get Your Business Fighting Fit for London 2012: With Derek Beards of Lloyds TSB Commercial

90 The Big Event: B4 Oxfordshire’s Ambassador Event at The Ashmolean

37 Helping Businesses Get Into Peak Condition

92 Have You Thought About Your Next Career Move?: B4 Platinum Ambassador, Katherine Dales, talks to B4

39 Insight: The Currency of International Trade

94 Changing Address?: Nominet's Chief Executive, Lesley Cowley OBE, tells B4 that web addresses are changing

50 Banking……As It Used To Be: With Handlesbanken in Reading

95 The Feathered Nest: Award-winning restaurants are few and far between - The Feathered Nest has won three in its first year! 96 Tango Seduction at Lady Margaret Hall 98 Bridging Counties: B4 Oxfordshire member, Matt Wistow, on the growing B4 network

43 SERVICES

43 Getting The Right Team Is Paramount: Team talk from Reading 107fm 53 Brand and Deliver Growth 56 Take One: Business communications that work because seeing is believing 71 Bbite: Pyramids to Success 74

Strangebrew: Think Brand not Bland

99 Bucks New Uni

46 R&R

47 Home from Home 54 There's Even More To Reading FC Than Football: They’re ‘in the Prem’ don’t you know? 59 The Perfect Afternoon, Down To A Tea….: At Fredrick’s Hotel

81 The Social with Amanda Hill

62 Mal Life: Taste the Difference!

82 Emma Watts: A change in rhythm for Business and the personal assistant

65 Notanotherbill: A nice surprise! 66 Nirvana Spa: Come As You Are

84 Hills And Saunders: The man behind the camera for B4

78 Team TAG: Build your team spirit

101 CONTACTS

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B4 BUSINESS BRIEFING THURSDAY 17TH MAY @ CANVAS ABINGDON

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE B4 BUSINESS BRIEFING / AMBASSADORS EVENT AT CANVAS, ABINGDON BUSINESS PARK Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 3:00pm Open to B4 Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire Members, Ambassadors and their Guests* We look forward to welcoming you to this stunning 45,000 sq ft commercial property which will be the venue for our next B4 Ambassadors event preceded by an Economic Briefing from Lloyds TSB Commercial’s Head of UK Macroeconomic Research, Adam Chester. Martin Dare-Edwards of the Oxfordshire LEP will also be speaking alongside John Williamson of Learnership and Hugh Piper from Manpower PLC. Book your space via the online registration link on: www.b4-business.com – click on EVENTS in the menu. The format for the afternoon is as follows: 3pm Doors open for networking 4pm Presentations 5pm Break for tea and coffee provided by Illy 5.40pm Presentations and Lloyds TSB Economic briefing 6.30pm B4 Ambassadors Event – drinks and canapés provided 9pm Close

See the Events section of www.b4-business.com for more details about our speakers. PLEASE NOTE: Car Parking There is parking available, but our advice is to get to the event as early as possible to ensure you do secure a space Event Capacity We have a capacity of 300 for this event. *Anyone can attend providing they have not previously attended a B4 event as a Guest, in which case they must upgrade to members to attend this event. See www.b4-business.com for more details on B4 membership

BOOK ONLINE Register for the event here: http://goo.gl/iEf3f

MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKERS AND SPONSORS: MORE ABOUT THE HOST / OVERALL LANDLORD IVG The venue for this event, CANVAS at Abingdon Business Park, has been kindly provided by the landlord, IVG, a Pan European real estate investor with over £2.5billion under their management including ‘The Gherkin’ in the City of London.

Martin Dare-Edwards and The Oxfordshire LEP Dr Martin Dare-Edwards is UK Country Manager for Infineum's southern-Oxfordshire based Business and R&D operations, employing around 500 staff and contractors. In 2009 Martin became the Chairman for the "Oxfordshire Innovation and Growth Team" (OxIGT), which during its 23 months of existence was the most successful of South-East England's (SEEDA-sponsored) IGTs. Martin was elected Chairman for the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership in December 2010 and has been providing leadership, drive and coordination to help Oxfordshire to realise its economic potential.

Hugh Piper, Manpower PLC Hugh Piper is an Operations Director and member of the Board of Manpower UK. Hugh joined Manpower UK in 2000 and was invited to the Board as an Operations Director in 2005. In his current role, Hugh is responsible for the day-to-day operational delivery of innovative, effective and sustainable resourcing solutions for Manpower's strategic clients in the UK. Affectionately known as Manpower's 'Flying Scotsman', Hugh's charisma and natural charm, coupled with his determination to always make it happen, have ensured that he is a trusted adviser to many of Manpower's strategic clients.

Learnership Ltd – MD – John Williamson Since founding Learnership in 2000, John has consulted and presented on leadership and cultural change – with focus on generating business growth by building a distinctive customer experience. His work has taken him into UK, European, US and Global businesses. In recent years John’s focus has been with large dispersed businesses in the financial services and manufacturing sectors using Learnership’s core diagnostic tool to help leaders increase the involvement of stakeholders in continuous improvement activity, and in turn, build customer & employee advocacy to drive growth.

Adam Chester, Lloyds TSB Commercial In 2009, following the Lloyds takeover of HBOS, Adam joined the Lloyds Wholesale Markets division as Head of UK Macroeconomic Research. Adam is a Council member of the Society of Business Economists (SBE) and Managing Editor of the economics journal, The Business Economist. His job involves extensive contact with the media. He has written articles for various national newspapers and has regularly appeared in the financial press and on television.

MORE ABOUT THE VENUE: CANVAS is a 40,000 sq ft high quality office located in the attractive landscaped setting of Abingdon Business Park. The building is offered to let as individual suites from 8,000 sq ft and is available for sale as a whole via joint letting agents VSL and Savills. Increasingly, businesses of all kinds are realising that creative thinking is the key to surviving and thriving in today’s economic conditions. But as everyone knows, creativity needs the right environment.

clock teams, supported by digital CCTV covering the entire site and vehicle barriers at every entry point. But a feeling of security is not enough. To be at their most creative, people must also feel inspired and relaxed. There are specific aspects of Canvas’s setting and location that make it ideal for any company wishing to help its people feel this way. Visit www.canvas-abingdon.co.uk for more information.

To begin with, people need to feel safe. Canvas brings all the security advantages of being in Abingdon Business Park. That means round the

studio

Local charity celebrates over £1,000,000 of support for the community Connect Reading a local charity that works with businesses to help the local community is celebrating brokering over £1,000,000 of in-kind support. The charity was set up by businesses in 2003 to direct their support and create opportunities for them to help local charities, community groups and projects. The help ranges from volunteering to donating office furniture and stationary to providing mentors, work experience placements and sponsoring events. Over 70 members are part of

Connect Reading that works to make Greater Reading a better place for everyone; From SME’s like Article 10 Design and Bottomline Technologies to large corporates such as PwC, Thames Water and Yell. If you want to know more about how your business can be involved please contact Clare Wright, Managing Director at clare.wright@connectreading.co.uk

Appindo is Launched by Customers Really Matter After the delivery of a number of successful new projects, Customers Really Matter (owners of the intouchcrm platform as used by B4 for database management and email communication) have announced the launch of Appindo. Appindo helps a range of organisations (from the small to large government departments and multi nationals) develop in house databases, large bespoke websites or build large scale database driven web applications which can help

organisations become more efficient or meet new business objectives. Appindo have already delivered systems for a range of organisations including Berkshire based estate agent Warmingham and Wiltshire based MDF Solutions who specialise in providing services and software within the motor dealer industry as well as for the Irish Government. Appindo are very happy to talk with any organisation about their potential plans and see how a new application could be right for them. For further details, contact Appindo on 0800 056 6452 or email at sales@appindo.co.uk

Are You Running Your Business Or is it Running You? This workshop is for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to get control of their business, gain their personal lives back and stay ahead of the game. If you feel that: •You always have too much to do all at once •You are not spending enough time making sales and money •You spend a lot of your time being very busy but not achieving very much

•You just don’t have the time to take advantage of opportunities available and customers could be slipping through your fingers Please contact Harriet Slingo for more information at wokingham@clickberkshire.co.uk Tel: 07725 740311 Details: Mantle Ltd Wokingham 10 am – 3 pm Wednesday 23 May £120 per person

This is a rewarding and practical experience, covering marketing, customer communications, finance and operations which can be applied to your business and daily routine straight away. Presented by Nikki Burns Hosted by Click Berkshire

Enter a Team Today! Marlow Dragon Boat Festival - Sunday 10th June Marlow Town Regatta & Festival is an annual event held on the second weekend in June, the dragon boat festival is an unmissable event for participants and spectators.

available for the first, second & third placed teams as well as the best dressed & named teams on the day. Teams can be made up of friends and family, colleagues, team members or be an eclectic mix!

The Marlow Dragon Boat Festival annually attracts over 400 participants in up to 42 teams. Enter a team of up to 15 people (10 paddlers & a drummer are required for each race). Teams are guaranteed a minimum of 3 races and prizes are

If you wish to enter, or have any questions or queries, please contact Lauren on 0845 130 2248 or email lauren@tag-events.com

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B4 news Malmaison Reading Upcoming Events Valdivieso Wine Dinner - £40pp 10th May, 5 courses Wedding Showcase - Free to attend Sunday 20th May 11.30am - 3.30pm. Complimentary glass of bubbly and canapés on arrival for Bride and Groom.

7.00pm. 7.30pm wine dinner starts- 5 course dinner with a Spanish wine to complement each course. Our sommelier will be hosting the event. Tickets are limited and subject to availability. Please contact our events department to book on 01189 562300 or events.reading@malmaison.com

Spanish Theme Wine Dinner - £45pp Friday 15th June. Treat yourself to this 5 course Spanish delight. Arrival wine and canapés at

Commercial Property Solicitors set to build their Careers with Morgan Cole Law firm Morgan Cole has further strengthened its commercial property team in the Thames Valley with the appointment of two new solicitors. Marica Nicholson joins Morgan Cole as a Commercial Property Solicitor from Suffolk based Nicholsons Solicitors where she trained in all aspects of commercial and residential property law. With Morgan Cole, Marica will act on behalf of a range of clients ranging from local land owners to public bodies and funding institutions.

Charlotte Astley qualified with Reading based Blandy and Blandy in 2007. She will work alongside the planning, corporate and commercial teams at Morgan Cole to advise clients on all aspects of commercial property law including acquisitions, disposals, tenancy agreements, secured lending and development work. Commenting on the appointments, partner at Morgan Cole, Ruth Leadbitter said: “We have one of the largest teams of commercial property lawyers in the area and pride ourselves on offering a

comprehensive range of commercial property legal services.” “We have been involved in many of the most significant property transactions locally and, despite the challenging economic conditions have enjoyed strong growth largely thanks to the continued investment in our people and our infrastructure. Marica and Charlotte are therefore welcome additions to the team as they embark on the next stages of their careers.”

Momentum Coach Hire Momentum Coach Hire (MCH) have experienced 60% year on year growth in the value of quotes generated for customers looking for coach hire in the UK & Ireland. This amazing level of growth has been generated by optimisation of the marketing and quotation screen. Senior Software Engineer Rauf Agha says ‘The process of optimisation and continuous improvement of the customer journey is a challenging project and it is amazing to see the instant positive impact it has had on the business.’

MCH offer coach hire, group tickets, hotels, event transportation and event management services in the UK. As a business we are constantly working on improving our products, from user experience to customer experience it has been the perfect start to an important year for the business. For further information on Momentum Coach Hire (MCH) and our services please go to www.MomentumCoachHire.com.

The Charvil 5k - Sunday 17th June The Charvil 5k Fun Run and Walk on Sunday 17th June 2012 is a brand new race utilising a mixture of trails and footpaths as it meanders around Charvil Country Park and the surrounding countryside. Daisy’s Dream the local bereavement charity that supports children and families throughout Berkshire will be the main beneficiary through sponsorship raised. The event which takes place on Fathers Day gives a poignant reminder that many families have lost a special person over the past year.

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The charity which supports over 600 children each year works as an outreach service and visits children at home and school, it also brings children and young people together at events giving them the opportunity to meet others who really know how they feel. To enter simply visit www.daisysdream.org.uk and download an entry form or enter online at www.purplepatchrunning.com. T: 0118 934 2604 for details.

Create Value from Intellectual Property - 15 May 2012 at 8am It’s never easy to run a business, but when the economy is struggling to come out of recession you need to look for and add value in every element of your business. This should be a cultural drive within your organisation encouraging your colleagues and staff to create value and find efficiencies to enhance your performance. Among the many ways in which you can drive growth are enhancing your revenue generation from unique ideas.

· Have you considered this recently? · Are you confident that your trademarks and copyright are up to date and have secured your assets going forward? · Is your money working for you? · Could you release capital in order to ease cash flow? · Do you need to raise finance? Pitmans is at the heart of assisting companies large and small to address these concerns. We welcome you to our complimentary seminars at Regus office suites across the Thames Valley. To book your place, please visit www.pitmans.com/events

Glittering Gala Dinner at The Oakley Court Hotel Maidenhead Chamber of Commerce celebrated a highly successful year at its annual gala dinner held at The Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor. President Mike Walker was justifiably proud as he spoke of the chamber’s achievements in 2011. The event, which helped raise funds for Thames Hospice Care, was attended by VIP guests, The Rt. Hon.Theresa May, Home Secretary and local MP and her husband Philip and by Maidenhead Council leader Cllr David Burbage.

Guests at the luxurious riverside hotel were treated to a gourmet 3 course dinner before dancing till the early hours to Maidenhead’s Night Rider Disco and singer David Broe. Whether it’s a gala ball, wedding or milestone birthday, exceptional food and fine wine, impeccable service and a stunning riverside location make The Oakley Court Hotel the perfect choice for a celebration to remember.

Wilson Partners recently celebrated its 4th birthday Wilson Partners recently celebrated its 4th birthday in the same way it started out – Tenpin bowling!

Wilson Partners has also just been announced as finalist for the 2012 Taxation Awards, having won the prestigious title last year.

A lot has happened since the firms’ launch. In March 2012 the firm achieved one of its business plan milestones by achieving its Olympic year revenue target, ahead of schedule. Adam Wardle, who joined the firm in October 2011, continues to make a positive impact with the completion of the third corporate finance deal in as many months.

Allan Wilson commented, “We are thrilled by our progress and excited by the opportunities that lie ahead. Our new website features lots of testimonials from our clients – the only real judges of how good we really are www.wilson-partners.co.uk.”

RBS Economics forum Clients, Professionals and local Business Leaders joined the Royal Bank of Scotland, Thames Valley Team at the Madejski Stadium for an update on the UK and global economy. RBS Head of Professionals, Donald MacDonald, opened by confirming the Bank’s support for the Government’s ‘National Loan Guarantee Scheme’ and revealed that for every £1 lent to SMEs, RBS lends 48p.

Group Economist, Marcus Wright, discussed topics ranging from the impact of oil prices on world growth, the UK recovery compared to Japan’s ‘lost decade’ and the shift of economic power to newly industrialised nations, before leaving guests with some radical alternatives to boost the recovery.

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B4 news Santander Appoints Regional Director For Thames Valley Santander Corporate Banking has appointed Cheryl Adams to the role of Regional Director for Thames Valley. Cheryl joins Santander from HSBC, where she led a team of Commercial Managers in the North Hampshire region. In her new role, Cheryl will be based at the Corporate Business Centre in Reading and will lead a team of Corporate and Commercial Banking experts located in the Thames Valley region. The team in Thames Valley includes experts in various sectors such as Real Estate, Healthcare, Deposits, Asset Finance and Invoice Finance. As a whole, the

team is responsible for managing existing customer relationships and sourcing new business to support the continued expansion of Santander Corporate Banking throughout the region. Cheryl is well-known in the corporate banking market, having held a key role in the region at HSBC. Cheryl has a very successful track record, spanning more than 25 years and she brings a mix of leadership, relationship management and market experience to Santander Corporate Banking.

Simon Rowland Simon Rowland is the Relationship Director, Corporate Banking at Santander UK plc. In this capacity he is responsible for business development and ongoing relationship management of businesses with a turnover range £1m to £25m within the Thames Valley. He has a primary focus to establish Santander business banking in the Slough, Maidenhead, Ascot and Windsor area. He works closely with Santander Product Specialists to deliver a full banking proposition to the local business community. He also develops and currently holds National and Local Professional relationships to help support his business portfolio and to assist in new business opportunities. Prior to joining Santander in April 2012 he was a Senior Business Banking Partner at Clydesdale Bank Plc from 2000, through to March 2012. While there he was a founding member of staff that opened the Reading Business Centre in 2004 and assisted in establishing a new SME business bank within the Thames Valley. He was a Relationship Partner to a

trading business portfolio of fifty+ businesses, with a turnover between £1m and £50m. He was also lead Business Development Partner and was involved in the staff mentoring programme. He also provided credit coaching to Associates as part of their development plans. He has experience in the following industries: Manufacturing, Wholesale, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Retail, and Construction. He has specialization in Transport and Printing sectors. He also has over a decade of experience in Asset funding having been a Senior Asset Finance Manager at North West Securities, Lombard and Clydesdale Bank. He has been involved with funding a wide variety of assets in many industry sectors from large production facilities, national vehicle fleets, marine transactions through to yellow plant, printing presses and coach & bus to name a few. Simon Rowland graduated from Brunel University in 1995 with a BA Honours in Business Finance to include Strategic Management and International Marketing.

Ian Nash With over 21 years in the Banking Industry covering all aspects of retail and corporate banking, Ian is the new Business Development Director for Santander in the Thames Valley generating new business opportunity across all sectors with a turnover of between £500k - £150m. Based locally Ian joined Santander in October 2009 working as a Relationship Director in the Commercial space looking after business in the £1m - £25m area increasing his portfolio from a standing start to 60 customers over a 2 year period.

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

B4 LAUNCHES IN BERKSHIRE Photography: Hills & Saunders

We welcomed over 150 guests on consecutive evenings to Malmaison Reading to officially launch B4 Berkshire in January. Guests included representatives from B4 Platinum Ambassadors Pitmans LLP, Lloyds TSB Commercial and Reading 107fm and we were also by joined by another B4 Platinum Ambassador, Sir John Madejski , Chairman of Reading FC, who attended on both evenings. Thank you to Tracy Harrison and her staff at Malmaison for hosting the events superbly and to all of those who attended, plus some friendly faces from Oxfordshire. www.b4-business.com

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Sir John Madejski Unveiled Sir John was recently honoured at two unveiling ceremonies in Reading, at Reading Museum and Reading University. Reading Foundation for Art has added the work ‘Portrait of Sir John Madejski‘ by Tai-Shan Schierenberg - one of the most respected British painters working today - to its collection. The portrait was commissioned by the Reading Foundation for Art through Flowers Gallery, London, and with the help of the Bohun Gallery, Henley-onThames. It was initiated by one of the Foundation trustees who, as a patron of Reading Football Club, brought together a number of like-minded patrons Tradition has it that the University of Reading commissions an official portrait of its Chancellor during his term of office and, on Monday 26 March in connection with the Yearly meeting of the University Court, Sir John Madejski, the University’s seventh Chancellor since receiving its Royal Charter in 1926, stood by as Richard Stone unveiled his magnificent portrait to great acclaim. Fittingly, the unveiling took place in the University’s Great Hall where Sir John presides over Degree Congregations each year.

to honour their club’s chairman, Sir John Madejski, by funding the portrait. Sir John Madejski, OBE, DL, DLitt, is best known as an entrepreneur businessman, patron of the arts and lover of football. In 2009 he received a knighthood for his services to charity. Tai-Shan Schierenberg is one of Britain’s leading artists whose portrait sitters have included the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and recently Professor Stephen Hawkins. The portrait has been on public view in Reading Museum since Tuesday 27 March.

and his portrait now hangs where it will welcome visitors to the University’s fine dining facility. Richard Stone, one of the UK’s most distinguished portrait painters, has painted most members of the Royal Family as well as leading members of society and the community, and characterises his art as “a complex phenomenon … the result of a unique and creative collaboration between artist and sitter”. The portrait was completed over four sittings and Sir John has pronounced himself delighted with the result.

There is no name more synonymous with contemporary Reading than that of John Madejski

Stamp Duty Avoidance Measures Ineffective The introduction of a 7% Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) may be a deterrent for the very wealthy who are buying houses for more than £2m but this will have little effect on normal property sales or tax revenues. With SDLT mitigation plans costing 2%, or less, house buyers can still reduce costs significantly by entering into legitimate tax planning. SDLT Mitigation plans, traditionally arranged before Exchange of Contracts, can now be set up between Exchange and Completion. This provides additional

cost reduction opportunities for those buying Commercial Property or clients buying at Auction. No Win – No Fee For further information contact Ted Yeates Your Money Friend T: 0208 123 1193 E: ted@yourmoneyfriend.co.uk www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

The Vineyard B4 Ambassadors Event, Thursday 21st June, 6pm to 8.30pm We will be holding our next B4 Ambassadors Event in the wonderful surroundings of The Vineyard in Stockcross. If you’ve not been before, this is an event not to miss.

Drinks and canapes will be served from 6pm with welcome speeches from our host during the open networking. There will also be an opportunity to view the wonderful spa and restaurant.

This event is limited to just 100 and is open to B4 Berkshire Ambassadors, Members and their guests, and also B4 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Ambassadors.

Look out for the registration link on the B4 e-Newsletter or e-mail Tina at events@b4business.com to request a link to the online registration.

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B4 news Vision announces staff appointments Maidenhead based accident management company Vision has announced the appointment of two new members of staff. Nicola Barclay, has joined the marketing department working alongside operations and marketing director Martin Wills. Nicola graduated in 2010 with a degree in English Literature and Politics, she was then offered a scholarship to do her Masters but decided she wanted the challenge of the workplace.

Guy Radford has joined the sales team as business development manager and will be working alongside co-founder and commercial director Tony Copeland. Guy has many years of sales experience, across many different sectors. He has previously worked for Crown Golf organising/tailoring golf days across all thirty three of the companies UK and European golf courses and prior to joining Vision he was part of the sales team at Momentum Coaches, working with over 450 operators throughout the UK and Europe.

It was while working temporarily for a marketing company that she realised this was the path she wanted to follow.

Reading College Open Evening Reading College opens its doors again on Wednesday 16 May 6pm – 8.30pm for an open evening for all courses. The new Part-time Courses and Apprenticeship Guide will be available as well as information on new Higher Education courses starting in September 2012 including a Foundation Degree in Business and Enterprise (subject to validation) and Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (subject to validation), Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Higher National Diploma in Computing and Systems Development.

The college is welcoming attendance from local businesses who can exhibit free of charge (on a first come, first served basis). This is an opportunity for businesses to speak to potential employees, advertise Apprenticeships or other vacancies and raise their profile. It is also a chance to network with teaching staff and look around the college’s specialist facilities. For more information call the Employer Services hotline 0845 467 6068 or email employerenquiries@reading-college.ac.uk

2012 Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards From the 16 Best Enterprise and Best Start-ups to come out of the initial heats Lloyds TSB is proud to announce the overall winners following the Grand Final in Liverpool. Congratulations go to YASA Motors for winning the Overall Best Enterprise and KwickScreen for winning the Overall Best Start-up. YASA Motors was awarded a prize that includes £50,000 cash for investment in the business, a comprehensive two year mentoring package from senior Lloyds Banking Group representatives and free legal advice courtesy of LawNet. The award recognised YASA Motors as a ‘game changing’ business with the most potential for growth over the next five years. KwickScreen was selected ahead of the seven other finalists in the category because of the strength of

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its business model and in-depth understanding of the market place shown by its founder Michael Korn. Alongside KwickScreen at the London and South East regional heat, NOTANOTHERBILL were highly commended. Read more about this hugely innovative business with our interview on page 65 with founder, Ned Corbett-Winder. Event host and B4 Platinum Ambassador, Derek Beards of Lloyds TSB Commercial, was delighted for Ned. “The level of entries in our regional heat was phenomenal and we were all delighted when Ned was singled out for special praise. Ned was a guest on our table, along with B4, and it was only right that his inspirational idea was highly commended. Well done to all of those that entered and if you are interested in entering next year, visit the Lloyds website.”

An inspired choice of venue The Oakley Court Hotel has vast experience of hosting major conferences in stunning surroundings making it an inspired choice of venue. Hold your conference at Oakley Court and you’ll impress, captivate and inspire your delegates. We guarantee the very best in service standards offering conference suites and executive boardrooms within a prestigious location. Our unique rooms range from original rooms in the Mansion House which are over 150 years old with high ceilings and original features, to a purpose built function room called The Boathouse on the banks of the River Thames. It’s not only the picturesque riverside setting that creates the wow factor; extensive leisure facilities, fine dining and impeccable service all play their part in creating a memorable conference.

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B4 news Rickerbys Thames Valley Team Co-sponsors TeenTech Following the recent opening of their Thames Valley office, solicitors Rickerbys LLP are delighted to announce their co-sponsorship of the Thames Valley TeenTech event. TeenTech is an event co-founded by Maggie Philbin, of Tomorrow’s World fame and Chris Dodson, Chairman of the Institute of Directors (South). The aim of the event is to give students, prior to choosing GCSEs, the chance to see the excitement and opportunities in the world of science, technology, engineering and maths. The event, organised in Berkshire by the Education Business Partnerships is a unique collaboration between business, education and professional organisations and is now in it's fourth year. Held at Ascot Racecourse on 4 May, 300 teenagers and their teachers from 30 schools across the region will be finding out firsthand about careers they never realised existed. Scientists and engineers from some of the UK’s top companies are bringing their technology to inspire students and help them see how they could be the ones designing the technology of the future. These subjects have traditionally been dismissed as career

opportunities and the challenge for the exhibitors is to engage and inform the students. The feedback from previous events has been excellent. Rickerbys LLP have a significant presence in both the independent schools and academies sector and as part of their strategy of community engagement will be present at the Event and also assisting behind the scenes with the design work. Maggie Philbin commented “it is very exciting to have Rickerbys on board. They have been very helpful in assisting us to communicate the event and will be partnering us in the future. Their knowledge in the field of education is excellent. We are very happy to be working with them”. For further information please contact Robert Lynch, head of Rickerbys Thames Valley Office, Direct Dial: 0118 925 6096 Email: robert.lynch@rickerbys.com or Richard Levinge, Business Development Director, Direct Dial: 0118 925 6100 Email: richard.levinge@rickerbys.com

Mark Woolley & Electric Art Team present: The 50/50 Challenge Mark Woolley (Creative Director at Electric Hairdressing) and his Electric Art Team from the Reading salon took over the front window at HMV (Oxford Circus, London) recently for a live charity head shaving event. To celebrate the release of 50/50 on Blu-ray/DVD yesterday, Electric Hairdressing helped to mark the occasion with The 50/50 Challenge. The public were invited to raise at least £50 for the Teenage Cancer Trust in return for a bespoke buzz cut by Mark Woolley and his Electric Art Team.

Hundreds of people turned up for the event in support of the charity and the volunteers who were brave enough to bid farewell to their hair - just as Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character did in the film. Dozens of volunteers pre-registered for the head shave and curious Oxford Street shoppers were also invited to join in. The event raised over £3,500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

B4 Business Briefing: Canvas, Abingdon Business Park, Thursday 17th May We are looking forward to our next B4 Ambassadors Event on 17th May at Canvas at Abingdon Business Park. This event is open to all B4 Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Ambassadors, Members and their guests - we have a capacity of 300. This stunning 40,000 sq ft venue has been provided by the landlord, IVG, a Pan European real estate investor with over £2.5 billion under their management, including ‘The Gherkin’ in the City of London. See more about the building at www.canvasabingdon.co.uk.

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Doors open at 3pm with hot drinks provided by Illy. We will have a series of presentations starting at 4pm from The Oxfordshire LEP, Manpower Plc, Learnership Ltd and Lloyds TSB’s Head of UK Macroeconomic Research, Adam Chester. There will be ample opportunities to network either side of the presentations and during the Ambassadors event which starts at 6.30pm. If you’ve not been to a B4 event, make sure you come to this one and why not bring a colleague with you. Ample on site parking. This is a free event. More details on Page 8.

news New Business Barometer Launched to Measure Confidence Levels in the Thames Valley Accountancy firm BDO LLP and the Twenties Club have teamed up to launch a Thames Valley business barometer to measure confidence levels and business sentiment across the area.

streetlevel view of business sentiment, helping to inform decisions about growth, investment and employment, and which will all be based on real information rather than just gut feel.”

The new quarterly survey, which is online for companies in the region to take part before 1 May 2012, combined with a series of in-depth company interviews, will provide a portrait of economic recovery and confidence that is specific to the Thames Valley business community.

Paula Elliott, Managing Director, C8 Consulting comments: “This type of survey will be welcomed by businesses both large and small. These days, we often hear a lot of bad news, and it would be good to hear more positive stories. With this in mind we are also inviting participants on a quarterly basis, to nominate businesses in the Thames Valley region that they think are inspirational, outlining what that business has done that makes it special.

The survey is aimed at a cross section of companies located in the Thames Valley area including a mix of business type, size, public sector, private sector, independent, publicly quoted or divisions of a bigger entity. A selection of companies will also have the opportunity to be profiled alongside the full survey results. An extended focus group - the BDO/Twenties Club Roundtable Debate - will also take place quarterly after completion of the quantitative research, and further analysed to gain deeper insight on the results. Julian Frost, Partner and Head of BDO in the Thames Valley, comments: “In today’s uncertain economic climate, confidence and business sentiment plays an important part in defining long term, sustainable growth. Businesses hear and read too many conflicting messages and would benefit from a simple radar system providing the opportunity to benchmark themselves in relation to other businesses in the Thames Valley. The BDO Thames Valley Barometer will provide individuals and organisations across the region with a

“These inspirational businesses will be named alongside the barometer results. We will include some open ended questions in the survey to encourage respondents to expand on their thoughts or provide extra feedback that may be outside the scope of the questionnaire.” Join the debate BDO’s Julian Frost concludes: “We would encourage all organisations in the Thames Valley region to participate in this new online business survey. If there are businesses that would like the opportunity to take part in the survey, please get in touch.” The survey can be accessed directly via the BDO website on http://www.bdo.uk.com/press/bdothames-valley-business-barometer-launch until 1st May 2012.

Economic confidence Changes in headcount

For more information or to discuss the opportunities to get more involved in the Barometer please get in touch with Kit Booth on 0118 952 7362 or email Kit at kit.booth@bdo.co.uk

Essential investment Levels of profitability

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New business pipeline

Availability of finance

Revenue growth

measuring results

business barometer

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Telephone: 01753 498 400

www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk

your head and our heartâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;Śa winning combination

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news Should we take on a Non-Executive Director? Although there is no ‘golden rule’, it is worthwhile considering engaging a NonExecutive Director (NED) at a point in time when the business is entering a period of change.

that the NED will work with you and NOT for you, and as such they will provide ‘balance’ in the Boardroom and often thought provoking, but objective, guidance on all matters discussed at that level.

This may be as a result of significant business growth or decline, at the point in time when an exit strategy is being considered for the first time or before a period of acquisition or divestment. However, one rule that should be applied is to ensure that the NED is engaged early enough in the cycle so that they can add value to the debate around the period of change.

Understanding more about the role of a NonExecutive Director and how to find suitable candidates for such a role is one of the many subjects discussed on a regular basis at IoD Berkshire Breakfast Club meetings at Cliveden. These are members only meetings, although we do welcome guests sponsored by a committee member. Recent discussions have also been held on exit strategies, social media and pricing. Why don’t you come along and find out more about ‘our club’? Further information about NED’s can also be found at www.iod.com

A Non Exec will bring independence of mind to the Boardroom and should be capable of challenging the ‘norm’ through insightful and simple questioning. It is imperative that you understand

Henley Royal Regatta Finals Day: a UNIQUE Opportunity! Join IoD Berkshire & Oxfordshire at the prestigious Leander Club on Finals Day! Experience the intimate atmosphere of the Club, where the competitors mix with the guests amid the tension of the final races. This is a unique opportunity to share the ultimate Henley experience with colleagues or family on the final day of the 2012 event. In addition to access to all the Leander Club facilities, you will also receive a Stewards badge for all the racing starting from midday, an official race programme and parking in Wargrave Meadows.

Arriving mid-morning you will have coffee and pastries on arrival, followed by pre-lunch Bucks Fizz or Pimms. A gourmet 3 course lunch with wine will set you up for the afternoon’s racing. Traditional afternoon tea (if you have room!) will be served later in the day. This event is open to families including children over the age of 10, but bookings must be made before 25 April! Join us on Sunday 1 July 2012 at Leander Club, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2LP. £158.33 + VAT for members and guests; £175 + VAT for Non Members

Insight: Breakfast Workshops to challenge your thinking! Join us at Reading’s only Michelin starred restaurant: L’Ortolan Directors need to develop their skills far beyond the routine activities that enable them to run their business. They need to learn to lead and develop a team, set a strategic vision for the business and understand the principles of governance that should inform their day to day decision making. In fact, every Director needs to have insight into every aspect of their business and the external factors that can influence how that business operates.

IoD Berkshire helps develop a Director’s insight at regular breakfast workshops. The June 2012 workshop will be on the subject of Succession Management: a crucial consideration for filling key job functions and developing strategies to allow staff to progress in your organisation and deliver their full potential. Develop your insight: join us at L’Ortolan at 7.30 am on Friday 15 June 2012 for a great breakfast and lively peer to peer discussion! £26 + VAT members & guests, £36 + VAT non members.

Details on how to book and our full events programme can be found at www.iod.com/berkshire/events or contact the IoD Branch Administrator – Juliet Rushent on 0118 9429608 or via email at admin.berks@iod.net

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news FSB networking events May – July To book in to any of the events, please go to www.fsb.org.uk/thamesvalley and follow the events link unless otherwise stated

May Tuesday, 1 May 18:30 – 21:00 Windsor Business Community McDonald Hotel, High St, Windsor Any business welcome to attend. £15 per head payable on the door, includes a drink, delicious nibbles and a list of all attendees. Pre-registration essential through www.windsorbusinesscommunity.co.uk Wednesday, 2 May 07:00 – 09:30 Keller breakfast - The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, Binfield, Bracknell Join us on the first Wednesday of every month. Open networking from 07.00 a.m. - 09.30 a.m. includes full English Breakfast or continental, tea and coffee. One minute intros and one to one networking. FSB Members £15 / £20 non FSB members Wednesday, 9 May 18:00 – 20:00 Slough Business Network Haveli Restaurant 93 Stoke Poges Lane Slough Berkshire SL1 3NJ Organised by FSB members but open to all who enjoy casual style but serious business to business networking. £10 per head including good food. No booking necessary, pay on the door. Wed, 9 May, 18:00 – 20:00 Wokingham Curry Club Square Bar Market Place Wokingham If you like curry and networking, then this event is certainly for you. £13 for a two course buffet curry and this includes your first drink. You can pay on the night by credit card or cash and you need to email richard@focal.co.uk to book in. This has been running for a number of years and control and marketing of the event was taken over by the FSB about 2 years ago. Thursday, 17 May 18:30 – 21:30 Olympic Networking at Dorney Lake! Visit the 2012 Olympic Rowing venue and listen to our guest speaker, Toby Garbett. Toby is an Olympian and two time world champion rower, an experienced Pilates instructor and personal trainer. He first represented Great Britain in 1997 aged 19 and has competed in five world championships and two Olympic Games. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to visit the Olympic rowing venue, this will be a sell out event so book your tickets now. Tickets are £20.00 each and includes a delicious buffet at www.dorneylake.co.uk

June Tuesday, 5 June 18:30 – 21:00 Windsor Business Community McDonald Hotel, High St, Windsor Any business welcome to attend. £15 per head payable on the door, includes a drink, delicious nibbles and a list of all attendees. Pre-registration essential through www.windsorbusinesscommunity.co.uk Wednesday, 6 June 07:00 – 09:30 FSB Keller Breakfast The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, Binfield, Bracknell Join us on the first Wednesday of every month. Open networking from 07.00 a.m. - 09.30 a.m. includes full English Breakfast or continental, tea and coffee. One minute intros and one to one networking. FSB Members £15 / £20 non FSB members. Monday, 11 June 18:00 – 20:00 Slough Business Network Haveli Restaurant 93 Stoke Poges Lane Slough Berkshire SL1 3NJ Organised by FSB members but open to all who enjoy casual style but serious business to business networking. £10 per head including good food. No booking necessary, pay on the door. Wednesday, 13 June 18:00 – 20:00 Wokingham Curry Club Square Bar Market Place Wokingham If you like curry and networking, then this event is certainly for you. £13 for a two course buffet curry and this includes your first drink. You can pay on the night by credit card or cash and you need to email richard@focal.co.uk to book in.

July Tuesday, 3 July 18:30 – 21:00 Windsor Business Community McDonald Hotel, High St, Windsor Any business welcome to attend. £15 per head payable on the door, includes a drink, delicious nibbles and a list of all attendees. Pre-registration essential through www.windsorbusinesscommunity.co.uk

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news The Business Wealth Club Client Appreciation Awards Dinner

The Business Wealth Club Client Appreciation Awards Dinner is always the perfect way to get into the celebration season and festive mood! It happens a month before Christmas and it’s the most fun way to say thank you to all Clients and Members of all Club Members across all clubs.

entrepreneurs on track to break £1.5 Million turnover in only their 3rd year in business. As committed Members of the Northampton Club they apply all they learn and have seen huge growth in 2011 as a result. Izabela and Duncan Cooper of Selection Matters www.selectionmatters.co.uk

After a Fantastic Client appreciation and Awards Dinner on the 25th November, I wanted to share with you the lucky award winners and tell you a little bit about why they won so that you can be inspired to take even more ACTION towards your goals and dreams for 2012.

Turbo Turnaround Award it’s what you do about set backs that counts. To turn a business around requires determination, passion and HUGE effort. A 283% increase in new business in 12 months gives you some indication of how hard our winner Simon Gregory worked. When you consider that he’s now so busy he has taken on team members and implemented monthly marketing campaigns, it’s easy to see why he won. Simon Gregory from Clear and Creative Communications www.clearandcreative.co.uk

They are 2 ways Members and Clients can win awards, the first is they can nominate themselves and the second is someone else can nominate them. This year the cases for all the awards were extremely well argued and it was a hard task . . . taken over many hours of sitting around the meeting room table, strong coffee in hand, arguing for the Businesses that stood out above all the amazing nominations Business Of The Year Ian and Barbara live the phrase “MASSIVE ACTION = MASSIVE RESULTS”! As members they have sponsored the Oxford Open Day, worked with 5 other Oxford Club Members for Training, Video's Recruitment etc. Posted record Sales Months in the UK and the US Breaking all records. For a 10-yearold company that is a massive step up to the next level. Ian and Barbara Gifford of Christian Steven www.christiansteven.com Fast Start Award From the Northampton Club, very impressive

Joint Venture Award We wanted to recognise Members who had really embraced the Marketing strategy of working with each other to grow their businesses. There were some great entries in this category but one flew to the top. The “Spitfire Project Man” himself: Paul Fowler. With a BIG vision and the right strategy of lots of JV’s in lots of different formats, from Spitfire share ownership to building and eventually flying, Paul has really harnessed the power of a leveraged team. Well done Squadron Leader!! Paul Fowler from Enstone Flying Club. www.enstoneflyingclub.co.uk WOW Marketer of the Year Marketing is the key skill of a successful and growing business, always one of the most sought after awards. With so many new marketing

platforms to master including social media, video, blogging etc it’s often easy to over look the power of a blend of online and off line strategies. Charlotte demonstrated a huge commitment to IMPLEMENTING the largest amount of strategies we have seen in an entry, mixed with her Salon personality and fun. It’s no wonder client numbers keep growing. They lead the way for the Newbury members by picking up this well deserved award. Charlotte Falkenau from Segais Hair Design. www.segaishair.co.uk 40 Second Wizard Award... This one was down to Members votes. Phil is not just a Member of Maidenhead Club but he has really taken advantage of visiting other clubs and meeting other Members. “Wow”ing them with his blend of unique positioning and Scottish wit! So if you want London quality design at Glasglow prices……he’s your man. Phil Strachan from Strangebrew. www.strangebrew.co.uk Now I have a question for you…. Where do you want your business to be 12 months from now? What Awards would you like to be Winning? How would you feel knowing that all your hard work had paid off? Well….it’s down to you, and you alone to DECIDE now to Step Up and claim the business you deserve in 2012. Get focused, find out where club meetings and trainings are near you. Take Action and visit www.TheBusinessWealthClub.com

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news Approach to Performance Management secured by involving managers in the (re)design process and ensuring that they are reviewed on their performance management responsibilities. It also helps to secure feedback on the systems effectiveness.

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

3) Address interpersonal and interviewing skills Subjectively, interpersonal skills and human judgement are inherent in the process of good performance management. Appropriate training incorporating coaching and interviewing techniques will help. Appraisal reviews should start from jointly agreed objectives and focus on factual performance data rather than style or personality, encourage self-assessment and provide an appeal mechanism.

Q: Our Appraisal System is out of date – It’s a minefield out there – Please Help!

4) Define the objectives Setting future performance, management encounters difficulties when addressing a number of objectives. For example, when used for reward-related decisions any developmental impetus it is intended to have, is threatened. Playing judge and counsellor at the same time is highly problematic. It is best to opt for a combination of agreed, consistent and compatible objectives. Furthermore you should allow your employee to have an input into setting their individual objective. Why? Because they are more likely to take ownership of and achieve the target they have personally set.

A: Firstly, Don’t panic! Your appraisal system should focus on performance Improvement, but you also need to consider the behaviours that are going to deliver sustainable engagement – it’s less about quick fixes, particularly in a recession when most organisations are only concentrating on short term survival strategies and objectives.

5) Follow Up If you promise to provide additional resources or some form of personal development option, it is unlikely to enhance the systems reputation by persistently failing to deliver. In the long run the system is judged by the extent to which recommendations arising from review meetings actually materialise.

You should have a process that is relevant to your organisation; it should never be a one size fits all strategy. An appraisal system should be designed to reflect the short term tactics and the long term strategy of the organisation.

Q: What are the benefits of using HR2YOU?

B4 Ambassador, Sarah Morris, runs Oxfordshire based HR2YOU, a leading provider of Human Resources solutions for businesses of all sizes. Here Sarah answers questions put to her by B4 readers.

A: The answer is simple ... fewer headaches, reduced costs and exceptional results!

In the first instance I suggest: 1) Review the system It’s farcical to expect appraisal systems that were devised years ago to remain effective. Would you expect it of your IT and financial systems? Practices such as coaching, mentoring, 360 degree feedback and competency systems should not be allowed to remain static and become ritualistic as they quickly fall into disrepute and will be neglected. A full evaluation exercise is vital in order to (re)design an on-going, successful system. 2) Engage the managers The support of management is crucial to a successful system, this can be

Owners and managers of small companies also face another very real challenge - making sure that they don't get so bogged down in running the company that they are unable to focus on building the business. Our comprehensive HR Services are available on either a retained or Ad-hoc Basis. We don't just focus on employment law; we cover the full range of HR topics including, recruitment (including head hunting), training and development, change management, communication and HR strategy. www.hr2you.co.uk

“Thank you for the professional manner in which you handled a long standing employee issue, as a result of your help the individual has now regained their interest in both the type of work they are required to perform and their input into the longevity of the practice. This has been purely down to the advice and input from HR2YOU. By implementing the methods and processes you recommended, the issues have been resolved and this I feel is purely down to the guidance and efforts you have provided in what can only be described as extremely difficult circumstances. Any company that takes on HR2YOU to resolve their employment issues will extremely benefit in a way we ourselves have done” John Hallam – John Hallam Associates

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Richard Rosser meets the University of Reading’s recently appointed Vice Chancellor, Sir David Bell, to find out more about the University’s strength in depth, Sir David’s views on rising university fees and why the path to higher education is open to all. Written by Lucy Holmes.

“There is no doubt the university has earned its plaudits for what it has achieved. Generally in terms of specific areas of strength, we have an international reputation as leaders in our field. In meteorology for example, we have an internationally recognised world class capability, which is contributing hugely to a better understanding of climate change. “A university like Reading will cover a wide range of subjects, as you would expect any university to do. What we are doing now is trying to identify areas of particular specialism and we have just recently announced that we are going to be appointing fifty new academic posts, a huge investment for us. These have been grouped according to broad priorities, for example, areas such as climate science, which builds very much on our strength in meteorology. We are also developing our cardiovascular metabolic research and researching the crucial area of food security which links back to the climate, since much many of the threats to food production can be tracked back to changes in the climate. Another key area of research is in an area which we call ‘brain computer interface which draws together work in computer science and brain imagining to see whether there can be communication pathways between the brain and an external device. We are also strengthening our capability in law as we have one of the highest performing law schools in the country. “These are some of the specific areas of expertise which we will continue to develop, but we will keep a firm grip on the university’s overall strengths which appeal to students both in the UK and

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abroad. For that reason, we continue to be very proud of the work we do in arts and humanities, areas which are of continuing appeal to many students.”

numbers are up on last year, so it’s encouraging that we are able to combine key research and investment whilst maintaining the university’s appeal.”

Sir David relishes the challenges ahead but recognises the huge part his almost four thousand staff have played in helping him to ease in to his role. “This is a crucial time in the university’s life and we have taken the time to look at what we offer, to see which areas we are going to focus on and ensure we have a distinctive ethos that will continue to be attractive. The entire staff here at the university have been working tirelessly to ensure that we make the right decisions going forward, and my role has been to bring a fresh eye to the process and lead the preparation of a new strategy for the future”.

With seventeen thousand students, it has never been more crucial to remain high on the wish list for future students, a status which is enhanced by Reading’s excellent infrastructure, as Sir David explains.

“We have also invested hugely in the estate, with over £400 million spent in the last decade to develop some fantastic new buildings, with excellent facilities and student accommodation

”

Investment at a time when a serious question mark is being placed over the affordability of university fees takes a significant amount of courage and belief in the ultimate product which the university is delivering. Whilst not underestimating that the hike in fees will play a role, Sir David is adamant that the University of Reading will continue to attract students. “Keeping up our student numbers is obviously vital. But we are bucking the trend as our application

“We have three campuses: Whiteknights and London Road in Reading and Greenlands at Henley. We are fortunate to have three superb settings. Whiteknights is a wonderful campus, with three hundred beautiful acres, the London Road site has just been reopened after a £30 million investment and so combines the traditional old buildings, which are very much a part of the heritage of the university, with the more contemporary facilities which we have created, all in a great setting. Many people will know the Henley Business School at Greenlands as one of the most desirable and attractive sites anywhere in British higher education. “We have also invested hugely in the estate, with over £400 million spent in the last decade to develop some fantastic new buildings, with excellent facilities and student accommodation. But now is the time to move our focus away from investing in the physical infrastructure of the university to a period where we have to invest in the academic infrastructure of the university, hence our fifty new academic posts.” With over twenty thousand staff and students, it’s not surprising that recent estimates suggest the university contributes over £600 million to the local economy, a fact that Sir David recognises. “A very large percentage of our staff live within five miles of the university and up to 75% live within ten miles, so when we talk about the place of the university in the local economy and the local community, there is a considerable grounding in that statement. We all have a stake in the local community and the staff who live locally feel that very strongly. You know they want the university to be a good neighbour as employees of the university, but they

Photography by University of Reading

The term ‘world class’ can be used fairly loosely these days to put a positive spin on almost anything, but the University of Reading can count itself in the top 1% of universities in the world and quite legitimately deserves this accolade. Sir David Bell, barley into double digit weeks as the university’s new Vice Chancellor, has quickly got to grips with the major force he has inherited.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think one of the reasons why I was particularly attracted to Reading is the fundamental research we are doing here and how that helps us to connect with the wider world

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B4 LEAD

“From my own point of view, I’m living on one of the university’s farms, just ten minutes away and I already feel that community sense that you’re in the university and very much a part of the local community. It is vital that we make that contribution.” So what appealed to Sir David about the post he now occupies? “I think one of the reasons why I was particularly attracted to Reading is the fundamental research we are doing here and how that helps us to connect with the wider world, including the local business community. Any good university should always invest in research, but what appealed to me was that much of this research is applied to pressing global issues such as heart disease, climate change and even issues such as depression. A key part of this research is collaborating, which is great for us and for the local businesses with whom we collaborate. For example, we collaborate with food manufacturers who are interested to understand the impact of different products on health and wellbeing, and this demonstrates the excellent links we have with the business community.” B4 has seen, first hand, the benefits of engaging with students who have worked on the magazine both in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and Sir David emphasises the importance of real life experiences for his students in the future. “I think this is going to be one of the big themes for higher education, not just at Reading, but everywhere. We expect to see students coming to Reading for the life experience, but we also hope they will continue to come to university to help them prepare for life after higher education. We have created the opportiunity for all students to have some kind of work placement or another, as part of their course in the future. Depending on the course, this could be from two weeks to one year. I certainly know, talking to prospective students recently, that this is a really big deal for them. Students want to know how we can help them with their future career prospects, and whilst historically students will have focused on their degree and enjoying the experiences of university life, we are seeing increasing signs that they want to know how to engage with life after university. “This isn’t a new question for a university to deal with but it’s one which we are being asked more frequently. Now, unless you’re doing a very specific vocational related course, like teaching perhaps, you probably don’t know when you arrive here what it is that you want to do at the ‘other end’. We can’t prepare students with all the technical knowledge they will need for the multiplicity of careers they could go in to. I think the question then becomes, what are the adaptable skills that you want students to learn? That’s where we can help, the ability to think creatively, work as a team, the ability to be articulate and explain what you are doing. “All of those things are important, but it’s equally important that we give them an opportunity to see what the www.b4-business.com

world of work or another setting outside the course can be like. “It would be foolish of any university to think that it can prepare and give its students all of the knowledge they will need when they leave, because knowledge, as we know, is progressing at such speed. What we can do, I think, is educate students so that they are capable of dealing with knowledge as it’s changing, be flexible and adaptable in whatever setting they find themselves.” Sir David emphasises that to give students these experiences, the university is very reliant on businesses to help provide those sorts of placement opportunities. “That’s really important for us, and the staff here have extensive connections with local businesses. We have a shared interest in making this work. It is good for the university as work placements add to the student experience. At the same time, it is good for businesses too. Even if they don’t end up employing a student as a result of a placement opportunity, they’ve been able to share what they do and give a student an experience of what it’s like to be working in a more commercial setting. Connecting with more local businesses is obviously a high priority on Sir David’s agenda, but as important to connecting with local businesses is Sir David’s desire to see the profile of the university grow in the local community. “I have really been struck by the fact that our work here goes largely unnoticed in the local community and I aim to change that. I’m not saying we deserve daily recognition, but what we are doing here is something for the local community to be proud of and we need to engage the local community in what we are doing. I’ve heard that we are ‘Berkshire’s best kept secret’ but I don’t want to be a secret anymore. I want us to be prominent, I want people to see the contribution that we are making, and I actually want people to think that this is a university to be proud of; after all, what could be better for the Thames Valley than having one of the top 1% of universities in the world on its doorstep? Of course I recognise that we have to engage nationally and internationally, but that doesn’t detract from the aim for us to engage positively on a local level.” Driving academic investment, broadening research in critical areas which impact all of us, encouraging students to gain a window on their future careers and reinforcing the great work the university is doing nationally and internationally, are all at the forefront of Sir David’s mind. However, does he have concerns for the generation the university is currently educating? As fellow Scot, Ross Wilson, the former Berkshire Institute of Directors Chairman, outlined in Issue 1 of B4 Berkshire, there is a real fear that future generations lack motivation, lack endeavour and lack, most worryingly, a work ethic. Does Sir David endorse that view? “That’s a hugely interesting question. We don’t just take it for granted that students that arrive here are necessarily going to be super motivated and willing to take on the world. I think part of a university 33

Photography by University of Reading

also want the university to be a good neighbour as citizens in the local community, and I think that’s really very important.

education is to unlock that desire, to give students experiences so that they will become highly motivated, and I think it’s really important that a university, particularly like ours, provides students with good teaching, but also encourages them to develop the skills to be independent learners. And rather than talking about the teaching, I think it’s best to talk about the education that we provide, of which teaching is a part. But, equally, it’s not much good if students come to university expecting to be spoon fed. Sometimes students find the transition from school to higher education quite difficult, because we legitimately expect them to be more independent, to take responsibility and to show initiative. “But, we are also acutely aware that these are hard times for young people growing up. Graduates, we would argue, strongly on the basis of evidence, are more likely to secure a better job and a better lifetime income as a result of having come to university. Equally though, as the country produces more graduates, competition becomes fiercer, and therefore it’s not as straightforward or easy for graduates. But I think you’re right to allude to the wider generation of young people and not just those that come to university. I think it’s important that we don’t just have university as a good option for young people, but all sorts of other training and development routes, whether that’s apprenticeships or work experience tied up with college placements, or whether it’s a strong and vibrant further education sector offering a wide variety of qualifications. It’s really important that young people get the choice of the right path way that’s going to be best suited to them. And of course if you drill right the way down and look at those that are perhaps disengaged or leave school, either opting out or are forced to for various reasons, then that’s a real worry. Why? I think one thing we know is that for those who have no skills at all, and little or no qualifications, then actually it’s a pretty grim outlook. I don’t think any healthy functioning society can afford, in every sense, to have too many young people who are disengaged from society, and also unable to contribute in a positive way. That’s why I think it is, and remains, one of the highest national priorities to ensure we have a good education system from the time children enter school, and before, all the way through to further and higher education.” Does Sir David recognise that there is an even greater threat to the jobs available from students coming to study from abroad or even qualified students seeking work experience in the UK? “There is an undeniable awareness that students from abroad are keen to study and gain work experience in the UK. I am equally concerned that against the backdrop of our desire to establish robust work placements for our students preferably paid, we are in an economy where businesses are trimming the fat and looking simply to remain in existence. The offer of students looking to gain experience for free is often too tempting to resist. I recognise too that many students will come from abroad to further their careers and it is a threat. Combine this with the element of the population 34

who do not need payment as they are supported by their families, and there is a real concern that work experience opportunities are becoming increasingly thin on the ground. How do we turn the tide? I think that starts at school. We have to instil a work ethic amongst our children, a desire to be self-motivated and a recognition that abstaining from responsibility will get them nowhere. We have to drive home that the reality of a future career will be determined by students’ willingness to succeed from an early age, and the sooner they can become accustomed to accepting responsibility, the greater their chances will be of success. “I was astounded to see, for example, at first hand just how hard the Chinese work. It’s second nature to them, and I think we all have to look in on ourselves and ask whether we have the right conditions and incentives in place so that people are encouraged to work hard, they’re rewarded for doing so and not disincentivised in any way?” As it becomes harder to secure employment and more expensive to take three or even four years out of the cycle to stand a better chance of a better long term career by going to university, is it easier for a gifted student from a lower income family to take the career path rather than invest time and build up debt by going to university? If so, does this mean that we are losing a generation of talented potential students to an already competitive market for jobs? “I think it’s becoming an issue, certainly. I also believe that students are becoming increasingly particular about the university they choose rather than the course. In other words, those aspiring for a particular career might choose a non vocational course at a higher profile university than a course which might otherwise be a more suitable fit for their chosen career, in other words a vocational course. I can certainly see a situation where a higher profile university like Reading, which combines teaching and research, will be an even more attractive choice for students because of the kudos of gaining a degree from a highly respected institution. This could be one of the side-effects of higher fees. “However, it’s important that I set the record straight when it comes to the suggestion that higher fees will act as a barrier to entry to university. The support students from lower income backgrounds can now receive is more generous that it has ever been. And no student will pay their fees up front and they won’t be paying their fees back until they earn over £21,000. Whatever happens, after thirty years, any unpaid fees are written off. I’m not denying that some students will build up debt, but, in return, a degree offers them a better chance of a more rewarding future career. I certainly hope we won’t lose gifted students from lower income backgrounds because of the fear of university fees. Here at Reading, 80% of our students come from state schools or further education colleges and just 20% from the independent sector. We do have a system of fee waivers, cash bursaries, summer schools, outreach

activities to local schools, all of which are part of our mission to ensure that anyone with talent, wherever they come from, whatever their background, is encouraged to come to university. “I think that is something under the new fee system that all of us in higher education need to watch for; it will not benefit our country if talented young people from poorer backgrounds don’t have the opportunity to maximise those talents by coming to university. That’s not about dumbing down, far from it. It’s not about allowing people in ’through the back door’ or as a soft option. Rather, it means making sure that if a student has talent, and the right qualifications, they are not debarred from coming to university. “We have to ask the question;, ‘are state schools and FE colleges doing all they can to ensure that youngsters with the right talents are getting the best opportunity?’ From my own point of view, this is really quite a big deal. I was the first of my family to go to university and I benefited enormously from it. I taught in state schools, I was the head teacher of a state school, and my children have gone to state schools. I want all students, irrespective of background, to come to university. I feel very passionate about the fact that your background shouldn’t be any kind of impediment when it comes to pursuing your chosen path into higher education. It’s crucial for the university and the country to maximise talent, wherever it comes from.”

BRANCHING

OUT

The University of Reading is setting its sights to further its profile on an international stage with a new campus planned for Malaysia in 2015. Sir David is undoubtedly excited at the prospect. “I think it’s important for a university that has ambitions to be seen in the longer term as an international university. We are proud of our status as one of the top 1% of universities in the world and we must do all in our power to maintain that position. We have a large number of international students and we have a long standing tradition of students coming from overseas. The campus in Malaysia reinforces out international credentials, so when we open we will offer a number of subjects like law, finance, chemistry, pharmacy and construction management. I hope too that might be the springboard to other opportunities. “This underlines the need for us to communicate the message to the local community. Not only are we thriving at home, but we are also representing Reading internationally and that has to be great for the town and the county.” www.reading.ac.uk

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B4 LEAD

A BO U T S IR

DAVID

BELL Sir David Bell became Vice-Chancellor on 1st January 2012. Sir David was born in Glasgow in March 1959. He studied history and philosophy at Glasgow University and obtained his PGCE from Jordanhill College of Education. He also has a Master of Education degree in Management and Administration from Glasgow University. He held teaching posts at primary schools in Glasgow, moving on to become a Deputy Head, and then a Headteacher in Essex. Between 1990 and 1995, he was Assistant Director of Education at Newcastle City Council. During this time, he spent a year as a Harkness Fellow at Georgia State University, Atlanta, studying education and local government reform across the United States of America. Sir David trained as an Ofsted team inspector in 1993. He became a Registered Inspector in 1994 and carried out inspections in primary schools. He was promoted to Director of Education and Libraries at Newcastle City Council in 1995 and became Chief Executive of Bedfordshire County Council in 2000. Sir David was appointed HM Chief Inspector of Schools in England (HMCI) by the Privy Council in 2002. In 2006 he became Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education and Skills which, later, became the Department for Children, Schools and Families and then the Department for Education. As the most senior education civil servant in the country, Sir David served four Secretaries of State and three Prime Ministers.

Photography by University of Reading

Sir David became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2011 Birthday Honours.

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B4 FINANCE

“Many of your employees will naturally want to watch the London 2012 events, either at the venues or on television.”

GET YOUR BUSINESS FIGHTING FIT FOR LONDON 2012 By Derek Beards, Senior Business Development Manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the Thames Valley With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games Opening Ceremony rapidly approaching, businesses across Berkshire may be thinking that they have missed the opportunity to benefit from the event. But the truth is, there are still plenty of ways to experience the advantages both before, during and after the Games. As the official banking and insurance partner of the London 2012 Games, Lloyds TSB is keen to ensure that businesses are in the best possible position to take advantage of these opportunities. Here are some answers to the most common questions along with several points to consider, to discover, how the Games can benefit your organisation. Are there still London 2012 contracts available to win? While most of the larger, direct London 2012 contracts have already been allocated, the official tendering website CompeteFor still has opportunities for small and medium businesses to tap into a wider pool of contracts further down the supply chain. Why should I register with CompeteFor? There are over 140,000 businesses currently registered on the CompeteFor website, around three quarters of which are SMEs, while approximately 1,000 buyers use CompeteFor to advertise contracts.

useful for businesses as it features business opportunities with other organisations such as Transport for London, Crossrail and the Metropolitan Police.

Further information on the potential impact of London 2012 on your business can be found in our Games Time Ready Guide at www.lloydstsbbusiness.com/beprepared

More information on winning new business around the Games can be found at lloydstsbbusiness.com

Do the opportunities finish with the end of London 2012? It is estimated that many of the visitors who attend the Games will stay on to visit other areas of the country. This means that businesses in regions outside of London can also benefit from the increased numbers of people, and should aim to make their goods and services as appealing as possible to them.

What are the main points to consider for my business around London 2012? With over 5.3 million visitors projected to pass through London, the Games will be one of the biggest events ever seen in the UK. If your business is likely to require any staff to travel in or around London during the time of the Games, it is important to remember that public transport will be at capacity and delays in getting to destinations are likely. It is worth considering if meetings can be done via phone or video conferencing, in order to cut down on time spent travelling. Many of your employees will naturally want to watch the London 2012 events, either at the venues or on television. Will you embrace this and provide facilities for employees to watch the Games during work time, or take extended leave during them? If so, you will need to ensure adequate cover is available at all times to ensure your business continues to function smoothly. Correct documentation, such as TV licences, should also be in place if you are planning on screening events.

The influx of foreign visitors can also bring your business to the attention of international customers. This could serve to further cement your position as an overseas trader, if you already have an import or export strategy, or act as a catalyst for you to begin selling your goods or services abroad. At Lloyds TSB Commercial, we can help you meet your international ambitions with a range of guidance and trade mechanisms. These include those aimed at mitigating the risks of currency fluctuations, which you can read about in more detail on the next page. Information about further support we can offer to international traders can be found at www.lloydstsbbusiness.com/international Disclaimer

The site features some great information including a list of top tips for suppliers. It’s simple and easy to use and for a small amount of time in your working day, registering could bring great rewards. Beyond London 2012, the site can also prove

Businesses across the south can also expect an uplift in custom during the Games. Whether it’s bars and restaurants, retail firms or taxi and transport companies, it is important that you ensure you have enough stock and staff resource to cope with any extra demands on your business.

This article is produced for general information only and should not be relied on as offering advice for any specific set of circumstances. Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15M

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B4 FINANCE

(L-R) Ian Hudell (Senior Manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial) with Katie Newman, Day Manager at Heathrow Gymnastics Club

HELPING BUSINESSES GET INTO PEAK CONDITION A Hounslow gymnastics club will be keeping a close eye on London 2012, as five of its pupils are Olympic hopefuls anticipating a place at the Games. Heathrow Gymnastics Club, located on Green Lane within the boundaries of Heathrow Airport, offers a range of gymnastics, dance and acrobatic training for those aged between two and twenty. Fitness and gymnastics classes are also available for the parents of the young people involved in the club. The 22,000 sq ft site features three gyms, each fully equipped and separate from each other. It also has two dance studios and all the equipment needed to train for a variety of gymnastic and dance events. The club now has 1,100 members and a staff of around 60 coaches. The club is led by former international gymnast Vincent Walduck and was first opened in 1980. Now, five London 2012 Olympic hopefuls, Nicole Hibbert, Laura Mitchell, Danusia Francis, Charlotte Lindsley and Loriah James are members of the club. Heathrow Gymnastics Club is a registered, nonprofit-making educational charity. All funds received are spent on the running of the gym or re-invested to improve the service and facilities. The business is a customer of Lloyds TSB Commercial, and has been since it was founded.

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As well as providing day-to-day facilities, the bank has also provided a series of loans and finance packages over the course of this relationship to help the club to expand its facilities and services. Vincent Walduck, Managing Director of Heathrow Gymnastics Club, said: “From starting out as a social club with one badminton court to becoming the internationally recognised gymnastics club that we are today, we are incredibly proud of the progress we have made over the last 30 years.

Ian Hudell, Senior Manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “With Olympic fever set to grip the country, sports clubs like Heathrow Gymnastics Club is likely to see a boost in interest both during and after the Games as people look to get involved in the events they see on TV and at the venues. “Just as they work with young athletes to help them reach their potential, Vincent and his team have developed the club from its humble beginnings to what it is today.

“We have a host of talent here, from the group of young people who are members and train at the club to the coaches that work with them. It is this talent that has helped the club to develop in the way it has over the years and we are excited about the prospect of potentially seeing five of our members compete at the London 2012 Games.

“At Lloyds TSB Commercial, through funding packages and general guidance, we work hard to understand exactly what our customers need and how we can help them to develop their businesses. Our aim is to become an integral part of our customers’ support networks.”

“As a not for profit organisation, we face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Our long established relationship with Lloyds TSB Commercial means the bank has got to know our business and is able to support us to achieve our ambitions. This is epitomised by the funding the bank has provided over the years to help us develop the club in the way we have.”

Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers

Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB with an annual turnover of up to £15m. All lending is subject to a satisfactory credit assessment.

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B4 FINANCE

INSIGHT THE CURRENCY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE By Paul Smart, Area Director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the Thames Valley When businesses in Berkshire begin to measure turnover in millions of pounds, it’s fair to say that running them can generate a whole new set of headaches.

If exporting is something you plan to do more of, it is worth opening a foreign currency account so that transactions don’t have to be converted immediately.

Protecting cash flow from unpredictable foreign exchange fluctuations is one concern which will trouble companies that import and export particularly in these volatile markets.

But there is no real substitute for regional and market knowledge. While predicting currency fluctuations might be complex, the process of deciding which option suits a company can be made a lot simpler with some research and insight.

Little growth in the UK economy means revenue generated from fast growing overseas economies is increasingly the income stream needed to keep a growing business moving forward. Yet Lloyds TSB Commercial’s own research shows us that only 12 per cent of businesses in the area covering the Thames Valley plan to do anything to protect these transactions, despite a quarter (25 per cent) being active in overseas markets. With so many other pressures facing the management team of growing businesses, it isn’t surprising that predicting the ebb and flow of foreign exchange rates falls down a list of company priorities. Make revenue protection a priority Protecting your revenue streams and securing your costs when exporting or importing should make Foreign Exchange Risk Management a core part of your strategy. Businesses of all sizes in Berkshire have found a sudden shift in exchange rates can turn a good contract bad. Reducing the risk of that can be addressed with a few simple options: • You may be able to negotiate terms with your supplier which allow for adjustments due to currency fluctuations. • Some suppliers may be willing to let you invoice in sterling so that your transaction is only linked to the value of the pound. • Try and negotiate terms on a fixed price. • If you have a fixed price contract then you need to consider implementing a Risk Management Strategy to protect your fixed price currency exposure.

Knowing your market Our recently launched Arena e-solution from Lloyds Bank Wholesale Banking & Markets is designed to do just that. Arena combines foreign exchange and money markets deposit transacting with access to valuable market data and economic insight to help businesses determine the optimum time to trade. Arena lets users display only the information they need on their desktops, whether it’s charts of currency markets movements, currency analysis from the Bank’s economists or live market news. When they decide to transact they can do so easily and quickly on Arena. With finger-tip access to all the data, applications and economic research, Arena helps businesses to manage FX risk and trade effectively overseas. Don’t ignore the benefits of international trade due to a perception that the rewards are tempered by risk, seek insight to help you take the opportunity for expansion into new markets or strike up fresh supplier relationships overseas. For help with this, contact your relationship manager or visit www.lloydsbankarena.com Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15M. Lloyds Bank Arena is a registered trademark of Lloyds TSB Bank Plc.

“Protecting your revenue streams and securing your costs when exporting or importing should make Foreign Exchange Risk Management a core part of your strategy

”

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FOREIGN INVESTMENT: BE IN IT TO WIN IT The message is “business as usual in the Thames Valley” despite the recent disappointing news that Reading has again been overlooked for an award of city status. Many would argue that Reading has no need for the potential economic boost that such an award might have brought to the town. After all, business in the Thames Valley is a real success story; the region is home to one of the most vibrant communities in the UK and plays host to some of the world’s leading multinational companies and innovative small businesses.

negatives associated with immigration, how should policymakers weigh the political pressure to cut net migration against the fact that foreign businesses and high-net-worth individuals create jobs for UK workers and contribute significantly to the public purse? At a national level, the government has been quick to roll out the red carpet in an effort to encourage the inward flow of overseas capital. Tier 1 of the UK’s immigration points-based system (PBS) has been designed to facilitate the entry of wealthy investors and entrepreneurs into the country, with

“The carrot on the stick is that applicants who are successful in obtaining Tier 1 (Investor) or Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visas are placed on a fast-track to permanent resident status and citizenship.” Tim Smith, executive director of Reading UK Community Interest Company and chairman of the City Status Partnership Board, reacted to the news by saying: “While it would have been nice to become the City of Reading, this really doesn’t change anything for us. We will continue to out-perform and out-class most other towns of our size in the UK. Outsiders actually think of us as a city in any case. We’ll remain a city in all but name.” But neither Reading, nor the wider Thames Valley region, should rest on its laurels. Whilst the UK economy continues to stutter, the value of investment from overseas is perhaps more recognisable than ever before. The challenge we face is obvious; despite the burgeoning economies of the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China) there is only so much foreign investment to go around and competition to draw in those resources is fierce, with many cities and regions aiming to get a slice of the investment pie. Reading’s recent inclusion by FDi Magazine in its top 5 European cities of the future is sure to mark out both the town, and indeed the Thames Valley, as an attractive base for wealthy foreigners to make a substantial investment or set up and run their own company. But with the often-stated perceived 40

the ability to stay here long-term tied tightly to the contribution that such individuals subsequently make to the UK’s economy. The carrot on the stick is that applicants who are successful in obtaining Tier 1 (Investor) or Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visas are placed on a fast-track to permanent resident status and citizenship. This accelerated scheme means that, depending on the level of their investment and other business activity, an applicant should qualify for indefinite leave to remain much faster than they otherwise could. In short, to apply as a Tier 1 (Investor), an individual must be able to demonstrate that they have £1 million under their control or possess assets valued at no less than £2 million. Once in the UK, that individual is required to invest at least £750,000 within three months in a prescribed way: that is to say, in UK government bonds, or share capital or loan capital in active and trading companies that are registered in the UK. Investments in offshore companies or trusts, open-ended investment companies or property investment companies will not qualify. If the individual wishes to stay long-term, they must maintain that level of investment in the UK.

The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category was introduced to assist individuals who wish to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over and being actively involved in the running of one or more businesses. In order to apply, a business entrepreneur must have access to no less than £200,000 which needs to be held in a regulated financial institution and be disposable in the UK. The individual must register with HMRC as self employed or register a new business in which they are a director, or register as a director of an existing business within three months of their arrival in the UK. To stay long-term, the business entrepreneur must show that they have established a business that creates the equivalent of two new full-time jobs for people settled in the UK or that they have taken over a business with a similar job creation rate. In 2008, the year the PBS was introduced, just 43 Investors and 27 Entrepreneurs secured visas to remain in the UK. By last year, these figures had risen to 331 and 420 respectively; clearly, potential overseas investors are beginning to get the message that the UK’s immigration rules no longer remain a barrier to entry for them, but one wonders whether perhaps more could be done to publicise these immigration options within the Thames Valley. The conclusion is simple, to keep ahead, the region’s business leaders must continue to promote the Thames Valley on a global scale and provide support and assistance to investors and entrepreneurs who wish to set up shop in our locality. For further information about Business Immigration please contact Jamie Lynch or Richard Devall. Contact details: Jamie Lynch jlynch@pitmans.com 0118 9570 506 Richard Devall rdevall@pitmans.com 0118 9570 602 www.pitmans.com

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

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B4 SERVICES

“Every member of our team needs to be a part of your organisation’s plans to succeed and understand the full picture”

GETTING THE RIGHT TEAM IS PARAMOUNT Last month saw the first of a series of Business Meetings hosted by Sir John Madejski and the Reading 107FM team at The Madejski Stadium, with over four hundred attendees. Here we find out more about the presentations from media expert, Paul Allen and sales expert, Phil Jones. Phil talked about FRIENDS and how by using this acronym you can gain more leads from your Friends, not necessarily selling to them, but asking who they would recommend you talk to. From your Records, for example, how many times have you had business cards or lists from other companies and how are they important? Industry specific, what industries are your customers in and show why it is important to be specific in one or more industry. E-marketing, sending out emails and keeping in regular contact with your customers. Networking, do you attend and if you do, which ones you should be attending? Use Directories on line to find new business and then think of people of the Same name, so if you have a customer called Alan, think who else is called Allen and then think about the other first names and see how quickly your list will grow. Paul Allen talked about planning the right media campaign and the first area to think about, is planning a mix and not think just Social Media and how radio works as a hook to enhance newspapers, TV and Social Media campaigns. One area that he talked about was how your USP can create the right message and how this can be very powerful in creating a picture in your mind. Paul showed how radio in conjunction with other media becomes even more powerful with other media such as online, newspapers, magazines and Social Media. Paul also spoke about when planning any

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campaigns ask yourself what do you want to achieve? Do you want website hits? Do you want Facebooks likes? Do you want people to turn up to an event? He showed how ‘Good radio stimulates the mind’, one good word or carefully crafted script delivered in the right way, can create a thousand pictures, emotions and feelings. Paul demonstrated this with a 30 second commercial from Beamish Stout. If you want to build a strong business, you’re eventually going to have to get the right people and a strong diverse media savvy experienced team, is essential to get it right. One thing that came out from both presentations was our need to be more rounded as an organisation and having the right amount of knowledge, skills and experience in the right places. Radio stations can no longer rely on selling just 30 second commercials alone; our need to understand our customers is essential in all areas of advertising, marketing and media. It’s all about the creative. But with all that creativity, it is pointless if potential customers land on your website for that special offer and it’s nowhere to be seen. As well as understanding advertising, newspapers and magazines, our media consultants now need to have an understanding of the whole marketing mix, website, banner advertising and Social Media. Radio is a broadcast media like Social Media. When Twitter says engage, let me talk to you, ‘engage with me’, radio is no different, except

we are not relying on you sitting at your desk or on an Iphone, we’re saying tune in or engage with us on Facebook and Twitter in the same way. Yes, some of this may fall on deaf ears but there are plenty of messages hitting the right target audience and as radio is personal, you feel the presenter is already your friend and there will be an element of trust there already. Every member of our team needs to be a part of your organisation’s plans to succeed and understand the full picture. It’s not just about the numbers anymore, it’s about building a media business of their own. If your team understand the dynamics of the mission and has the same goals, then the business should be transformed. No longer is radio about just advertising. Gathering, identifying and communicating with radio listeners is essential and this will entail everything from targeted advertising in audio streams to coupon deals presented in a similar fashion to Groupon which Reading 107fm has already started with their deal of the week. The way forward is getting the right people who can adapt to these challenges ahead and to move with the changes in the marketing world. www.reading107fm.com

B4 ---

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B4 PROPERTY

HASLAMS… ON THE FRONT FOOT Haslams Surveyors LLP is one of the largest independent firms of Chartered Surveyors in the Thames Valley. Based in central Reading in high quality open plan offices, the practice is well known throughout the town and well beyond.

The profile of the practice and quality of the work undertaken has increased considerably over the past few years and this is largely due to the firms’ diversity and Partner led approach. The practice has 8 Partners including the recent addition of Stephen Holt who has been brought on board to head up the Lease Advisory and Rating departments. Stephen Holt has over 30 years experience in the Thames Valley commercial property market. He is well known and respected throughout the professional and property community having previously worked for Parkinson Holt, Holt Walters and Chesterton. “I am delighted to have joined the partnership. Haslams is a forward thinking firm with an impressive client base. I shall look forward to complementing the already strong team at the practice and I am sure my existing clients will benefit from the breadth of expertise within the firm” said Holt. “Since we moved offices in 2008, and despite the difficult economic conditions, the firm has continued to expand and Stephen joining the firm further consolidates our position in the market as a Thames Valley lead practice and a serious property consultancy. Stephen will fit in seamlessly. He has the same professional ethos as the rest of us. He values the advice he gives and his relationship with clients,” said Steven Smith, senior partner.

The commercial agency department led by Neil Seager has also recently expanded with the recent addition of Eilidh McAllister who joins as a graduate surveyor. Despite a challenging climate, Neil and his team has just completed the largest industrial letting in the Thames Valley in recent history. On behalf of clients Standard Life, a new build distribution unit of 208,972 sq ft on Suttons Business Park pre-let to Brakes Bros. Neil comments “We are exceptionally pleased to have secured this deal for Standard Life and it just goes to demonstrate our position as one of the leading independent industrial agents within the Thames Valley.” Elsewhere in the practice, residential development land continues to be an area of significant activity. The firm acts on behalf of a variety of high profile clients including the University of Reading. The practice was proud earlier this month to have sponsored the University’s Donor Day for the third year in a row. John Short who heads up the University team said “This event demonstrates our very close relationship with the University and was an excellent opportunity for all to meet the new Vice Chancellor, David Bell.” The success of the practice was demonstrated during March when the Partners hosted a client party in Dolce Vita, Reading. In excess of 170 clients and professional contacts joined them for, in the exact words of one guest, a truly memorable evening. Managing Partner, Conrad Hill comments “The event was a huge success and we were absolutely delighted to have been joined by such a diverse and high profile selection of clients.” During his speech on the evening Conrad Hill said “Despite challenging times, I am pleased to report that Haslams are doing well and indeed there is some extremely exciting work in the pipeline for 2012”.

Hill went on to thank the firms’ clients for their continued support and extended a special welcome to Stephen Holt’s clients who have now become clients of the practice. Having just hosted their big client party, the Partners are looking forward to their next big event, the Reading Real Ale and Jazz Festival which takes place in July. Conrad Hill says “We are once again looking forward to hosting our corporate event at the Real Ale and Jazz Festival which gets bigger and better every year. The clients really enjoyed the fun and relaxed atmosphere, though perhaps not the sore heads the following morning!”. If you would like to make contact with any of the Partners (shown in the photo), the relevant contact details are as follows; Steven Smith - Senior Partner - 0118 921 1527 stevensmith@haslams.co.uk Conrad Hill - Managing Partner - 0118 921 1524 conradhill@haslams.co.uk Keith Walker - Partner - 0118 921 1538 keithwalker@haslams.co.uk Matthew Ward - Partner - 0118 921 1533 mattward@haslams.co.uk John Short - Partner - 0118 921 1531 johnshort@haslams.co.uk Chris Newman - Partner - 0118 921 1521 chrisnewman@haslams.co.uk Neil Seager - Partner - 0118 921 1516 neilseager@haslams.co.uk Stephen Holt - Partner - 0118 921 1520 stephenholt@haslams.co.uk

Photography by Elizabeth Melvin Photography

Haslams Surveyors LLP is one of the largest independent firms of Chartered Surveyors in the Thames Valley. Based in central Reading in high quality open plan offices, the practice is well known throughout the town and well beyond.

www.haslams.co.uk

“The event was a huge success and we were absolutely delighted to have been joined by such a diverse and high profile selection of clients. ” www.b4-business.com

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B4 R&R

HOME FROM HOME Do you have clients who need to stay in Reading on business when they come to visit you, or do you have staff visiting from other offices who have to stay in the area? Nine times out of ten, it’s a case of ringing around a few local hotels and making the reservation. Here’s a superb alternative which ticks every box. Laurence Cruse writes for B4.

We were staying in Reading on business for a week as we had a week long project at one of our offices on Thames Valley Park. Three of us had stayed in Reading before, but after four nights in an, admittedly luxurious hotel, we were going a little stir crazy. We found out about The Faculty through the B4 network and decided to book in. What a great find! From the moment we booked, we knew this was a slick operation. If you need a place to stay, a great place might I add, and you like the idea of coming and going as you please, then this is for you. We didn’t see anyone from The Faculty during our four night stay, except for when we needed help with the free in-house movies – wow what a selection. The Faculty is just five minutes from the M4 in the heart of Reading. We had pre-booked on site, secure parking – Thames Valley Park is just five minutes away – and check in was simple. Our three bedroom apartment was incredibly spacious and luxuriously appointed with everything we could have needed – see panel. This is perfect for short stays in the town centre, in close proximity to all the local amenities. Just a five minute walk from The Oracle with its wide choice of restaurants such as Wagamamas, Jamie’s, Browns, Pizza Express and more. If you want to eat in, there’s a fully equipped kitchen and a Tesco Express just four hundred yards down the road for those last minute ingredients. The Faculty was purpose built ten years ago so it’s very much fit for purpose with every consideration www.b4-business.com

taken into account – there was even a heated smoking area in the courtyard for one of my colleagues who was in his element. The courtyard is accessed through a key coded gate, and security is high throughout the complex.

AMENITIES

Owner Daren Staples emphasised that The Faculty is really appealing for local businesses and has provided them with a brilliant alternative to hotel accommodation. “There are some great hotels in Reading, but even the nicest hotels can become quite stifling after two or three nights. We offer something very different. Your own space, your own home from home. We have a minimum booking of two nights because our clients tend to come to Reading for at least that length of time and it’s just a case of matching supply with demand. If there are two or three of you staying in town, it can get quite expensive in a hotel, so sharing the cost between three in one of our three bedroom apartments is very cost effective.”

Double Beds Rollaway Beds Available Cots Available High Chair Available

We found the whole experience great for team bonding. One of our colleagues had just joined the business and although we did have two meals out at The Oracle, cooking between us was great fun and was much better than closing the door and saying ‘see you for breakfast in the morning’. It helped break down a few walls and I would highly recommend it to any business with staff coming to stay in Reading. With rates well under £100 a night, why not give The Faculty a try the next time you’re in Reading. I think you’ll agree it’s a superb concept.

Bedrooms

Kitchen Oven Fridge – Full size Washing Machine/Dryer Gadgets Alarm Clock CD Player Clock Radio DVD Player Television Free In-House Movies Broadband Internet Access Misc Linen and Towels Provided Bathrobe available on Request Complimentary Tea and Coffee Iron & Ironing Board Non-Smoking Lounge Area Shower – separate

www.facultyapartments.co.uk 47

B4 ---

MOMENTUM What do you get if you combine an investment banker, a chartered accountant and a masters degree in economics? Louise Esplin found out when she went to visit data information company Momentum in Maidenhead.

The concept behind Momentum was developed in 2006 by Andrew Riley, the man who is the answer to all three questions in the introduction above. But he is quick to point out that although it all began with his belief that you could quantify a price for services, evolving the concept has been very much a team effort.

Photography by Hills & Saunders

In five short years, Momentum has added e-commerce and events management to its founding market intelligence offering, making the company highly specialist with no directly comparable competition. The company first set up Momentum Coach Hire (www.momentumcoachhire.com), an electronic marketplace trading in coach hire to the events industry. Anyone organising an event which requires coach hire, from the corporate sector or travel industry, to wedding, stag and hen party organisers, can request quotes and make a booking using the company’s online self-booking tool. Momentum currently has 700 coach companies active on their trading platform offering event organisers a coach for every occasion whether they need a minibus, a 75-seater double decker, or anything in between. Central to the e-commerce site is a unique algorithm developed to process incoming data on

the platform. Head of Marketing John Whitehurst says that a million pounds worth of quotes requested from customers in any two-day period is not unusual. Always prepared to adapt to new trends and opportunities is one of the reasons Momentum leads the field in the coach hire industry. A good example of exactly how the company responds to a changing marketplace is the imminent London

“a million pounds worth of quotes requested from customers in any two-day period is not unusual

”

2012 Olympic Games. John Whitehurst explains: “We expect the Olympics to have a significant impact on our business as we have contracts to bring in teams from all over Europe on top of organising coaches for staffing at the games.

“Some coach companies haven’t recognised the opportunities and are keeping vehicles aside for the events. But there aren’t going to be groups of people wanting to book a coach, as no-one has been given group bookings of tickets to events.” It is this type of lateral thinking which keeps Momentum ahead of the game, as well as looking to provide an individual service for niche sectors such as education. Since Government legislation has tightened up more recently on schools organising coach trips, Momentum has built up a reputation for compliance with best practice in this sector by taking care of all relevant operator licences, insurance and risk assessment and reassuring school trip organisers that all areas of health and safety and regulatory compliance are in order. They are sensitive to the needs and responsibilities of schools using public funds and are able to respond with a reliable and flexible service. Their understanding of and sympathetic response to schools processes has earned them regular bookings with 14,000 schools in the UK.

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B4 MOMENTUM

“Although the company has invested heavily in technology, it is ‘team’ which is most important to Andrew”

As the business morphed, Momentum began to look at the wealth of information on its customer database and asked the question ‘who are all these people and what else can we do for them, what else can we offer’? Does a wedding organiser also need details of a jeweller or a wedding cake company; if the journey is to an airport, is coach transport needed at the final destination? This led to another development in the company’s succession plan called the Momentum Hub (www.momentumhub.com), formed to help suppliers and businesses meet and trade with all the people organising events. Andrew explains that historically customer data is disappointingly woolly and imprecise, which is why Momentum was determined to develop the technology to provide meticulously gained market information to make their customer’s life easier as well as add significant value to suppliers. The Momentum Hub provides an overview of all events with information drawn from customer details entered at the point of coach hire. Suppliers can closely target an email campaign aimed at high quality leads to hot decision makers organising events around the country. They can choose from a selection of wide geographical

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regions across individual or multiple counties in the UK and Ireland, or specific postcode areas. The length of a campaign can be scaled up or down to suit the budget available using a simple self-help tool on the website. The technology behind the website automatically calculates how many email shots to roll out over a specified time range, drip feeding the mails in response to relevant enquiries as they come in. The third and most recent development in the evolution of the company came out of asking for customer feedback after every coach trip, building up an invaluable resource for both customers and coach companies. The coach comparison website (www.coachcompare.com), which employs the latest semantic technology, is described by Andrew and John as an organic progression for the business, with the website already featuring around 5,500 coach company ratings. No other database providing equally comprehensive information on coach hire companies is available anywhere in the industry. Although the company has invested heavily in technology, it is ‘team’ which is most important to Andrew and key to the company’s success to date.

All the people brought into the business have a high pedigree and expertise in IT, marketing, sales and customer service and have played their part in the lateral development of the business. Momentum believes they are in a unique position in the events industry, touching more events in the UK than any other business. They project they will be offering transport, marketing campaigns and coach company comparisons for around 200,000 events this year. Momentum already has an impressive conversion rate generating an average of £200 worth of quotes for every visitor. The intention is to increase this rate to between £500 and £1000 worth of quotes per visitor by increasing the company’s range of products and services in the near future. The next aim is to increase the amount of events, increase the services sold to those events and increase the number of suppliers selling to the event organisers. Momentum is changing the way event markets operate and is clearly not a company content to let the grass grow under its feet. www.momentumhub.com

“We are a very decentralised bank with a strong local presence due to a nationwide network of over one hundred branches and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each branch is a product of the people in the branch. So the way the bank operates is, you select the right person to be the branch manager, let them pick their team, and there isn’t a great deal of head office intervention. It’s traditional banking. As long as we keep things in order, we’re left to get on with it.” Commented Graham. Most business decisions are taken at the branches, close to the customer as the branch is the bank. “We are committed to building lasting relationships with our clients, and take a long term view by investing time with our customers. I’ve got a team of seven and it’s important that everyone works together, that we fit and that all of us have the same principles and beliefs. “It’s a team thing. We are all more than capable of covering each other and so

we will do a mixture of individual banking, commercial banking, a little bit of everything. We will cover private banking; corporate’s with billion pound turnovers, syndicates and all the way down to small businesses. We have a universal banking approach. The idea is that we are part of the community. We use local professionals and deal with the local businesses. Our bank’s philosophy works because we know our customers well and professionals well, if something goes wrong in the market we are ahead of the game, and when things are going well, we pick up the opportunities. We deal with local businesses, so people have a local relationship, unlike other banks. We don’t have a call centre so all of our customers deal directly with the branch.” In view of the ongoing turmoil in the banking market, Graham stressed the importance of customers selecting financially strong banks. He stressed Handelsbanken's very strong balance sheet and high levels of liquidity. "Recently Bloomberg highlighted that we were the strongest bank in Europe.

THE MOST SATISFIED CUSTOMERS Satisfaction

Photography by Hills & Saunders

Individuals

Loyalty

Businesses

60 55

55 Handelsbanken

Barclays

HSBC

Lloyds/TSB

RBS/Nat West

Industry

Handelsbanken

Barclays

HSBC

Lloyds/TSB

RBS/Nat West

Industry

Source: EPSI Rating UK 2011

Ranked top for customer satisfaction and loyalty, for the third year running, in an independent survey of UK bank customers.

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B4 FINANCE

BANKING…

AS IT USED TO BE B4 met with Handelsbanken’s Reading Branch Manager, Graham Beith, to discover that banking the Handelsbanken way is all about people, relationships and just making banking easier.

Companies and individuals therefore come to us because we are one of the safest banks around and because of our outspoken service.” Graham went on to stress the experience of Handelsbanken's team in Reading. "Our Reading branch staff has over 150 years of combined banking experience and a growing reputation for delivering a straight forward, no-nonsense service. Our customers benefit from direct contact with their own dedicated Account Manager and we provide simple but flexible products that are structured to meet your requirements.”

“Our model is that the customer is central and the most important person. It’s all about the customer being satisfied” Not only are Handelsbanken branches masters of their own destiny and build on rock solid foundations, but their prime focus is you, the customer. “Our model is that the customer is central and the most important person. It’s all about the customer being satisfied. As our branches grow, instead of putting more people in them, we are going to open new ones. We aim to do better than our competitor banks. And we have in the last forty years achieved more than most banks, and with one hundred and twenty branches we have a network capable of supporting the largest organisations in the world.” A survey of leading banks revealed Handelsbanken topped both the most satisfied business and individual customer lists, and has done so for the past three years (see charts compiled on figures supplied by EPSI*). * Today EPSI helps both national and international enterprises benchmark themselves within and outside their own industries and to improve their performance in a wide range of aspects, all aiming at being perceived as

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preferred partner by customers, employees and other stakeholders.

ABOUT HANDELSBANKEN Handelsbanken's goal Handelsbanken's goal is to have higher profitability than the average for its competitors. The goal should be achieved by the Bank having more satisfied customers and lower costs than its competitors. Handelsbanken's strengths For the past 40 years Handelsbanken has had higher profitability than the average for its competitors. In Sweden, Handelsbanken has had the highest level of customer satisfaction since surveys started in 1989. Here in Great Britain, Handelsbanken was also ranked top for customer satisfaction and loyalty in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Handelsbanken has been the most cost effective universal bank in Europe for many years. For a long time, Handelsbanken has had a lower loan loss ratio than its competitors. Handelsbanken's corporate philosophy A strongly decentralised organisation - the branch is the Bank The customer in focus - not individual products Profitability is always given higher priority than volumes A long-term perspective Oktogonen - the Bank's profit-sharing system www.handelsbanken.co.uk/reading

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F i n a n c i a l

B4 SERVICES

BRAND AND DELIVER GROWTH Some businesses get what brand is. Their staff are focused and working to a common purpose, their customers know what they stand for and what to expect from them. But to others, brand is a puzzle they can’t piece together. And their advertising and communications feel fragmented often falling short of expectations. So let’s do the egg sucking bit and look at what brand is. We like to think it is your corporate heart and soul. Your DNA. A shining beacon, that signals the type of organisation you are and radiating reasons – both rational and emotional – as to why people should do business with you. The visual identity or logo, is just the tip of the iceberg. People sometimes place too much value on these elements in isolation, not understanding that the real art and craft is creating what lies beneath. Your brand should give your company a single identity. It should attract and engage people – customers, employees, investors, everyone. It should bring a sense of ‘One Company, One Vision’, galvanising people from different parts of the organisation to work together more effectively. It can

also help you recruit and retain better talent. And, it encourages tighter, more coherent messages to emerge – important when competing for market share. To create a great brand, you need to connect with the people you deal with. They want certain things from you. By speaking to customers, employees, the management team and stakeholders, you can define those things, then triangulate them against the competition to ensure stand out. Then it’s time to develop your brand identity. Think about what it is that makes you different. Think about what you want to achieve long term (vision) and what your core purpose or centralised idea is (mission). Think about the words you’ll use to connect with people (tone of voice). Think about how to stand out visually (visual identity). And, most importantly of all, make sure everything you do is consistent – everywhere, digital and printed.

recommend you to others. And what’s in it for you? You’ll know exactly what you offer and waste less time on unfocused marketing. Developing a brand and making people aware of it is an investment. So is keeping it consistent. And for this idea to be a true brand strength, you need to show this clarity of what you stand for, with total consistency through every touch point of your business. Yes, it can evolve over time – develop and grow. But at its core, your brand identity is about developing strong values, communicating and living up to them. At Voyage, we’ve helped St Paul’s Cathedral, Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, 1st Credit and many more develop brand identities as well as rolled out the identity for St Pancras International. Speak to our MD, Jules James, to see how we can help you. Call 0118 9835 510 or email jules@voyagedesign.co.uk

Get it right and customers will find you attractive and relevant to them. They’ll get to know you, trust you, want to do more business with you and

“To create a great brand, you need to connect with the people you deal with” www.b4-business.com

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THERE’S EVEN MORE TO READING FC THAN FOOTBALL

Reading Football Club sits in the heart of Berkshire in the landmark Madejski Stadium, which has been its home since 1998. It’s an aspiring club, now able to look forward to life in the Premier League with TV audiences across 200 countries. Reading FC believes that it can make both a local and global impression! Liz Maloney writes for B4. The Club already boasts a loyal and devoted fan base, with over 80,000 members and regular match crowds of 20,000 ‘Royals’ fans and wants to extend its reach into the business community and help fuel the local economy: in the same way as the Club is driving for success, it believes that it can help aspiring businesses achieve their goals by working in partnership. Reading FC already has established a strong relationship with their main shirt sponsor, Waitrose. This relationship has developed around a set of shared values that have enabled both parties to

work together in an open and engaged way, establishing a credible partnership that has generated passion and excitement within both businesses. The key to this success lies in the engagement model between the Club and a partner business. Whilst there are a variety of partnership opportunities, each package is tailored to suit the specific needs of the individual business: improving success rates and developing real connection between the Club and local businesses. It is estimated that around 25 million adults in the UK have an interest in football, and the Reading FC supporter base can provide access for local businesses to that community via advertising and hospitality. Hospitality also provides a unique and exciting opportunity for client entertainment or employee reward schemes; whilst also providing networking opportunities amongst like-minded businesses involved with the Club. In addition to

traditional Club activities, Reading FC has an active Community Trust Department that works on a variety of schemes across the county from social inclusion projects to promoting sports within local schools. Reading FC can offer something for everyone, whether its group ticketing for your employees or perimeter advertising of your brand at the next game or a more complete tailored advertising and hospitality package. However you choose to work with the Club, you will find your interests and those of your business represented effectively and passionately by the Club at the heart of the community in Berkshire. If you want to find out more about working with Reading Football Club in the Premier League, visit the website at www.readingfc.co.uk or contact the Commercial Department on 0118 968 1010

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B4 R&R

PERIMETER ADVERTISING Perimeter advertising at Reading Football Club provides a unique and cost effective branding opportunity that addresses not only a captive football audience but remains as constant stadium presence. Perimeter advertising provides the perfect introduction of your brand to a loyal and local community.

“It is estimated that around 25 million adults in the UK have an interest in football”

Benefits – Highly visible bold branding at all 23 npower Championship games – Reach an audience of up to 20,000 per match day – Further brand exposure with complimentary company branding on readingfc.co.uk – Potential of reaching national audiences with local, regional and national media coverage

ATC H

S PONSORSHIP Sponsoring a Reading Football Club home match offers the perfect opportunity for you to promote your brand, as well as treating your guests to a truly memorable day at Madejski Stadium. With a choice of hospitality options: Royal Suite Entertain in style with a sumptuous three course meal and wine on a private table in the Royal Suite, situated above the half way line Premier Suite An informal way to entertain, enjoy unlimited complimentary food and soft drinks and have fun on gaming stations and table football Exclusive branding benefits – Company logo on the front of the official match day programme and on the video screen – Company name on the Team Sheet – PA announcement – Company name and your photo in the match day programme following your sponsored game Plus – Framed signed Reading FC shirt presentation with commemorative photographs – Man of the Match presentation with commemorative photographs – Stadium tour and corporate gifts

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B4 ---

TAKE ONE BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS THAT WORK BECAUSE SEEING IS BELIEVING Karen Pawlowska of Take One Business Communications based in High Wycombe met up with B4’s Richard Rosser to share with him her personal take on why a video really can be worth more than a thousand words by providing you with a sharper focus on your business communications.

you may well pass by a shop window which has a poor window display, potential Clients will quickly pass by a website that has a poor uninvolving presentation. “With over 25 years experience in video production, we understand that quality Video Production is far more than just being able to point a camera in a general direction and throw some images together; there’s a wealth of strategic input, well-honed skills and wide-ranging experience behind every Take One Video Production, and that’s why our clients tend to return to us time after time.” IT IS ALL ABOUT CREATING THE RIGHT IMPRESSION “Making a quality Video for your business has been proven to be an immensely powerful way to communicate with both customers externally, and staff and employees internally. It’s a well known fact that websites which include Video on their home page improve their chances of being found by potential customers who are searching for a particular product or service, but are uncertain who they should go too. A Video can give you a 53 times better chance of being found on the internet than sites with no media enrichment, and a good Video can also keep visitors engaged for longer, increasing the chances of contacts and ‘money in the bank business’ by up to 73 percent. However, it is worth noting that just as quickly as potential customers can be romanced by a well structured, quality Video on a website, they can also be easily turned off by something that doesn’t meet their expectations. Just as

For corporates, or for companies working in regulated industries, such as firms of accountants or solicitors where there is little to discriminate between them, a visitor’s high expectation of style or branding will almost instantly equate with the quality of their business. Depending on what they see and hear, potential customers will decide whether to stay on the site and linger or simply move on to the competitors. These days it is not difficult to go out and buy a reasonable digital Video Camera, download some free editing software and become your own director. But, before you decide on where to go for your next Video Production, consider carefully the value that an experienced professional can add. Have a good think about how you want to be perceived by customers and potential customers, and how you wish your business to be represented on your website. Consider carefully the messages you want visitors to your site to remember and the actions you want them to take after viewing your Video. “We can help you by providing you with a sharper focus on your business communications”. Choosing the right kind of Video that suits your brand is essential, as is choosing the right Video Production Company to work with in the first place. In order to work properly, Video needs to be part of a considered strategic business

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B4 SERVICES

communications plan. In fact, one of the first things we often ask Clients when they come to us for a Video is, ‘What’s the purpose of making this Video?’ It’s interesting that people often have to think for quite a while about their answer! We really make them focus on their communications objectives and on the key questions, such as ‘What’s the single most important message that you want your viewers to take away after watching your video?’ and ‘What type of response are you looking for, and what do you want to happen as a result?’ We are often asked, ‘How much does a Video cost to make?’ When it comes to the production budget, it’s true to say that you generally get what you pay for. But conversely, what is the point of paying for any production, if no one sees it or acts upon what they have seen, or the message is so confused the viewer gives up in despair! Actually, what’s the point of making a Video at all if it doesn’t create the right impression for your business or brand? Creating the right impression with Video is about making potential customers feel that they like you, and know you well enough to feel that they could trust you to provide what they need in a reliable and professional manner. Of course, they’re not going to love you just because you have a Video - for one thing, you have to live up to the expectations claimed, but if they can feel that they like you enough to want to know more, that can give you the small opening which can mean the difference between failure and success. Karen’s points were well borne out by several very pleased Clients. Peter Coyle of Litigation Specialists, Coyle White Devine said, ‘Making a Video was the best marketing spend we ever made. Take One truly understood what we needed to get across to our clients, and it certainly paid off.’

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Sarah Jousiffe of BSKYB Internal Communications contributed ‘We couldn’t get our message out as far and wide, or as quickly as we do, without Take One. They are totally professional, proactive and fun to work with; plus they have a real knack of being able to get inside our heads and give us results that really matter.’ Powerful words indeed as to the value of working with Take One Business Communications, and to supporting their claim that seeing really is believing. Karen Pawlowska trained with the BBC, managed the Recording Services sector and worked on live TV programmes for 12 years editing for CEEFAX and producing PR items for worldwide programming; a skilled interviewer, Karen excels in production and content management and Client/contributor liaison both in planning and production. Take One Business Communications produce bespoke Videos to meet your specific requirements. So, whether you require a full corporate Video Production, a 60 second web Video, an infomercial, customer insight materials, crews or post production editing of interviews and presentations, we’re here to help, offering complete facilities with our own HD Camera Units and AVID Nitris Edit Suites. For more information on how to make video work for your business take a look at www.takeonetv.com or call 01494 898919 to arrange a meeting - we’ll be delighted to hear from you! www.takeonetv.com

B4 R&R

THE PERFECT AFTERNOON, DOWN TO A TEA… When it comes to Great British traditions, afternoon tea has got to be right up there with talking about the weather and dedicating Sunday to the art of D.I.Y. Now - with Jubilee year well underway and the popularity of TV show ‘The Great British Bake Off’ - afternoon tea is undergoing something of a revival. Lucy Holloway reports for B4. Afternoon tea started in the 1840’s as a mini-meal to help the ladies who in those days didn’t lunch last through until their evening feast. It was popularised by Queen Victoria who turned it in to a social occasion. But, whilst tourists might like to believe the words of the popular song “at half past three everything stops for tea”, the reality is that nowadays most of us grab a cuppa rather than take time out to savour the experience.

and cakes. Scott is influenced by his childhood in the Philippines and fuses great oriental flavours mango, guava, coriander - with traditional British recipes and ingredients. Scott honed his chocolate skills at the Callebaut Academy in Belgium and mastered the macaroon with French master patissiere Oliver Bajard. And he’s still learning, having recently returned to Fredrick’s following placements with Alain Roux at Waterside Inn and Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Highlights on the afternoon tea menu at Fredrick’s include: almond cake, praline and citrus caramel tart, guava fool and purple potato tart. The sweet mango and coriander salsa macaroons not only taste delicious they look fantastic: bright and colourful. The very best of East meets west.

“We took time out and headed to Fredrick’s in Maidenhead. We’d heard that their pastry chef Scott Villacora - is something of a hidden gem.” Afternoon tea at Fredrick’s We took time out and headed to Fredrick’s in Maidenhead. We’d heard that their pastry chef Scott Villacora - is something of a hidden gem. The sad truth is that whilst so many of the London hotels make a big song and dance about their spread, very few of them actually create their own pastries, preferring to buy them in instead. Not so at Fredrick’s, where everything is made in-house.

Where?: Fredrick’s Hotel, Restaurant & Spa, Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 2PZ www.fredricks-hotel.co.uk When?: Every day. Booking on 01628 581000 or reservations@fredricks-hotel.co.uk is a must. How much? £17 for adults. £8.50 for under 12’s.

Scott is all pastry and no puff – a champion of delivering British tradition with a twist. The Fredrick’s afternoon tea experience includes all the classic goodies that we know and love – the smoked salmon and cucumber finger sandwiches, the scones with clotted cream and jam, the tea itself. The twist comes from his take on the sweet pastries

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Top Tip: Enjoy with a glass of Henri Favré – the house champagne at Fredrick’s - specially selected by The Vintner (www.thevintner.com)

SALARY SACRIFICE SCHEMES A

‘SILVER BULLET’?

Whether your business is growing or you are looking at ways to reduce your costs, an employee salary sacrifice scheme can offer a cost effective and tax efficient approach to staff retention and remuneration. Richard Webb, Tax Director at Grant Thornton in Reading provides insight into how it could work for you. Written by B4’s Liz Maloney. The current economic outlook remains uncertain, with employees' pay lagging behind inflation and many households feeling the ‘pinch’ from the rise in the cost of living. Employers remain cautious about the future: whilst some businesses are recruiting, many in the South East are adopting a more conservative approach, according to a Manpower survey conducted in the first quarter. One of the many issues facing businesses and individuals alike is the high tax and National Insurance (NI) burden. Employees paying the basic rate of tax and NI may only take home £60 for every £100 that the employer originally budgeted for salaries, and for additional rate tax payers, this is as little as £42. Businesses need to find ways to increase employee net pay without increasing their own operating costs. What is Salary Sacrifice? Salary sacrifice schemes offer employers the potential to reduce the ‘tax take’ in payroll through creative and flexible benefits that can be tailored to suit the values of the business and the needs of the individual. These schemes not only effectively increase the net take home pay of the individual, but also offer other benefits such as integration with the Corporate Social Responsibility agenda of the business to help align individual’s behaviour with the organisation’s own ethics. Pensions One of the most popular examples of salary sacrifice is seen in relation to pensions, where an employee can choose to take a reduction in salary. The employer pays less in NI as a result of the reduced salary, and the employee's pension is enhanced by that same amount being paid into the pension scheme as an employer contribution. As pensions auto-enrolment looms in October 2012, those employers not yet using salary sacrifice could adopt this approach to offset some of the cost of funding additional pensions.

However, pensions are not the only benefit that can be offered as part of a salary sacrifice scheme. Childcare vouchers, bikes for work, cars and car parking, among others, can all form part of a bundle of flexible benefits offered to employees willing to sacrifice an element of their pay to take advantage of tax breaks and harness the buying power of their employer. Childcare Vouchers These are of particular interest alongside recent Budget announcements to reduce the value of Child Benefit once an individual earns over £50,000, with the Benefit being negated altogether at an income of £60,000. Childcare vouchers can generate cash savings of over £600 per annum even for those falling outside the threshold for Child Benefit. For some the tax saving can be in excess of £900.

“Salary sacrifice schemes offer employers the potential to reduce the ‘tax take’ in payroll through creative and flexible benefits

”

Cars Some may think that an employee car scheme is a revival of the old Company Car policy, but although similar it is conceptually different. The fundamental principle of this scheme is to use salary sacrifice for any employee to leverage the attractive tax breaks on ‘green’ vehicles and lower employer fleet purchase rates. Implementing a Scheme The key to any effective salary sacrifice scheme is to ensure that it is fully understood, implemented correctly and managed proactively: • Ensure that the benefits on offer are aligned with your overall business agenda, rather than providing a random ‘bag’ of benefits.

• Take professional advice at the planning stage to ensure that you effectively build in any tax advantage • Stay aligned with market offerings and employee needs through an annual benefit survey • Review regularly to ensure that you are still achieving tax effectiveness Find out more A salary sacrifice scheme provides an employer with a creative mechanism to increase the value of the overall pay package to employees whilst managing their own tax costs. Saving money for the individual and the business comes down to effective planning and professional guidance to create a business environment in which employment can be maintained and there is potential for growth. If you want to find out more about Employment Tax Planning, join us at one of our Employment Tax events on Thursday 3 May at the Holiday Inn (M4, J10), Reading or Wednesday 9 May at the Oxford Centre, Oxford. To register or find out more details, call us on 01189 559100

P RO F I L E

RICHARD WEBB Richard Webb is Director in Employer Solutions at Grant Thornton, based in the Thames Valley offices at Winnersh IQ. He has over 25 years’ experience in tax, having started his career as an Inspector of Taxes and having worked with the Big 4 as well as a self-employed consultant. He works with employers of varying size, helping busy finance and HR teams to effectively manage employment tax risk and implement pragmatic pay and benefit structures to mitigate tax costs. www.grant-thornton.co.uk

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B4 ADVICE

“Childcare vouchers can generate cash savings of over £600 per annum even for those falling outside the threshold for Child Benefit.”

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MAL LIFE: TASTE THE

DIFFERENCE!

Located opposite the station in Reading, the Brasserie at Malmaison pays tribute to its industrial past in its dĂŠcor, but its food is more cosmopolitan. The atmosphere will seduce you into daring to experience new delights with traditional provenance and well executed flair! Liz Maloney had the pleasure of reviewing Malmaison for B4.

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B4 R&R Stepping into Malmaison in Reading is like entering a new world: intrigue and the promise of an experience out of the ordinary await you. Outside, the crowds rush past making their way from the station into the heart of the town; but inside everything is calm and the hotel wraps you in luxury and a feeling of well being. It’s a place for an intimate drink, a sophisticated get together or just a moment to catch your breath away from the day to day stress of life. Through the club like bar, with its own entrance off the street, is the funky and original Brasserie: with loft like high ceilings showcasing industrial strength ducts and pipes and exposed brick work, its style contrasts with the softer mellower décor in the rest of the hotel. However, the candle lit tables and warm welcoming staff soon lull you back into a feeling of comfort tinged with a sense of anticipation. The Brasserie is ideally organised to suit larger groups or tables for two: and on the night we went there were two large groups of 10 or

wicked horseradish cream. My other half started his meat ‘fest’, with one of the specials: a smoked venison and duck breast combination, which was complemented by a zingy citrus salad. Our waiter was quick to point out that I had selected his favourite dish for my main: with a nod to Spanish influence, the pan fried fillet of pork with chorizo, black pudding and haricot blanc was full of rich flavour and deeply satisfying, although interestingly not too heavy. The beef made its entrance as an entrecote steak served on a wooden platter with garlic butter and rich vibrant watercress. Its taste was more reminiscent of French meat than British, and the smokey char grilled flavour just added to the experience of well cooked quality beef. You must, by the way, have the hand cut fries with tarragon aioli – served in a little ‘plant pot’, they are simply delicious! We rounded off our indulgence with more of the same: sweet treats of crème caramel with soaked

“This menu is all about the ingredients and the source of those ingredients: fish and meat are showcased supremely, with Beef at the heart of the experience. Although there is a nod to vegetarians, this is a ‘meat lovers’ dream!”

more, a further group of 6 and the more usual mix of couples and foursomes. Like the audience, the menu is also an eclectic mix of style and tastes from the Belgian classic of moules mariniere with fries to the more traditional Chicken and Leek pie, there is something to suit every taste and budget. It is however a meat lovers treat, with a particular focus on Beef – more of that later! Head Chef, Daniel Bell is keen to demonstrate that his food is local, and uses the menu to provide individual listings of his suppliers with contact details so that the provenance of the meat, fish and cheese is clear to all. He also suggests some interesting combinations for his special three course menu, with each dish priced separately to give you more choice. Being a bit of a salmon fan, I opted for the smoked salmon on potato blini to start and this was a pleasure – perfectly smoked with a wonderfully soft but dense blini that was complemented by a

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raisins and a sharp Tarte au Citron with raspberry coulis. If we had been able to eat anything more, we might have added an extra cheese course before dessert, because the Brasserie does boast a rather splendid cheese trolley – the delights of which we experienced via our noses rather than our taste buds! I should also mention the wine list, which unlike other establishments, is presented simply in a Country of origin format, covering the regions of the world very ably and providing a wide range of price choice. There is also a strong list of wines by the glass and the dessert menu also suggests some very interesting after dinner cocktails to bring your evening to a warm but possibly ‘fuzzy’ close! This was a meal that ticked all the right boxes, matched by efficient and friendly service in a setting that is atmospheric, seductive and fun! www.malmaison.com

B4 R&R

NOTANOTHERBILL Ned Corbett-Winder has come up with a great concept. Hate getting bills but would prefer a present in the post? Ned, who was recently highly commended at the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards, has the answer. Richard Rosser met Ned at the Awards lunch and found out more about his fantastic idea. Ned made the move to set up his own business after a career surrounded by art and fashion. “Art and fashion has played a big part in my life. My mother is a painter and my sister a writer. I attended Central St Martins Art College and graduated with a 1st class degree. I then went to work at M&C Saatchi advertising agency as an Art Director. “I came up with the NOTANOTHERBILL concept after realizing that no-one gets anything good in the post anymore, just bills and the odd pizza menu. It's a simple idea but it’s really gathering momentum and some great press. A subscription service where you get sent a cool surprise present in the post each month - something that is not another bill – is putting a smile on the faces of our customers, at least for one morning in the month.” It all started in 2011 when Ned began building and designing the site. “I was running the business using every spare moment I had from Saatchi's, but by the end of 2011, I realized that, if I was going to make a go of the business, I had to concentrate on it full time. I’m now full time, looking to take on two staff and considering investment proposals.” As Ned explained more about his business to all of us during the Lloyds Awards lunch, it was clear to

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see that he is on to a winner. The other guests were genuinely hooked on Ned’s business idea and it was fitting that Lloyds recognised the sheer brilliance of the idea with a special Highly Commended Award. Ned admitted that the catalyst for NOTANOTHERBILL came from his good friend and copywriter, Martin. “The idea sort of came about after Martin winged that I used to always get cool post at work. The ‘cool’ post was mainly items I’d purchased on line, but he obviously thought I was getting unsolicited gifts! However, being an Art Director, one thing I did get through on a regular basis that I hadn’t purchased was examples of work from photographers and designers. That’s when I thought it would be good if people like Martin could get a mixture of internet purchased gifts and examples of work from photographers and designers.” Presents are sourced from far and wide with the aim of introducing subscribers to great new artists, designers and brands. You can subscribe for yourself or as a gift for someone very special, from 1 month to a year. Presents to date have ranged from limited edition art prints, exclusive leather products, Jewellery, silk scarfs, a Swedish Dustpan and brush and a take over the world kit! At just £15

per month, including delivery, it’s a great gift for you or someone special. The business has evolved organically, mainly because it’s just Ned involved. “I do everything, from design, web-build, logistics, fulfilment, curation, marketing and finance, and I can only go as quickly as I can. Having said that, I am now outsourcing the web-build with a new sign-up process and back end that will be automated and help make the business easily scalable.” So what of the future? “My vision for the business is to grow it to hold different level subscription tiers, and be able to break that down into just art based or fashion, lifestlye products etc...But beyond that, I plan to grow the 'NOTANOTHER...' as a brand. (The ethos behind it all of doing it but doing it differently). I want to have a shop 'NOTANOTHER....Shop' and from there be able to branch out/franchise anything NOTANOTHER... AdAgency/Gallery/Restaurant etc...” On his Award, Ned was delighted. “It means so much to have been Highly Commended at the Lloyds Enterprise Awards……. it makes all that queuing at the post office worthwhile!” www.notanotherbill.com

NIRVANA SPA COME AS YOU ARE

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B4 R&R Men in Roman times frequently spent a day at the spa – or Thermae as they called it – bathing, relaxing and catching up with friends. So why is it that in 2012 a spa day is seen as a girly indulgence rather than a man-thing? Nirvana Spa invited B4 reader Adam Davies to take the plunge. We caught up with a very chilled, postNirvana Adam to get his feedback and to see if he had any top spa tips for other members of the less fair sex. Hello Adam. Tell me; are you a regular spa goer? No, not at all. I’ve had a few massages at hotels before but mostly when I’ve been on holiday. I didn’t think a spa day was really my kind of thing – imagined it would be all about facials and I don’t really like people fiddling with my face. So why did you accept the Nirvana challenge then? I had a good look at their website before saying yes. They seemed to be offering a lot more than facials, with some good looking swimming pools and water based treatments. But I think it was the floatation experience that really tempted me. I’ve not been floating before and fancied giving it a go. Someone had told me that if you get an hour’s sleep in a floatation tank it’s the equivalent of a full night’s sleep, I’m not sure how true that is but – with a young family – I’ll try anything that promises peace, quiet and the option of a quick kip. What were your first impressions of Nirvana Spa? When I pulled into the car park I had no idea it would be such a large complex. It’s not the prettiest of buildings from the outside, but I was impressed by the scale of the operation. That scale makes Nirvana work when you’re inside it too – the sheer amount of space means that you’re not on top of other people. Even at its busiest times, you’re unlikely to feel cramped or part of a spa production line. My insecurities were put at ease by a great receptionist who explained everything very clearly – in a very personable rather than too scripted a fashion - and I was able to go on my merry way with a degree of confidence, not looking like the spa virgin that I was. What was the highlight of your visit to Nirvana spa? Two things. First, the hydrotherapy pool. Not really one for swimming in, more for standing, sitting and lying on the various jets of water that come out from the sides as you work your way around the pool. My top tip would be to allow a decent amount of time to spend in this pool.

detoxing and smoothing the skin. I arrived that morning with a tight neck and shoulders from hunching over my keyboard, but found this really loosened me up. My top tips: wiggle your hips from side to side and your body starts to ‘snake’ which really loosened my spine and other joints, and use the neck pillow that they offer for comfort. And, whatever you do, don’t be tempted to taste the water. I didn’t go to sleep (too busy wiggling) but the room is darkened and the ceiling is lit to resemble a star filled night sky so it was all pretty relaxing. What else did you get up to at Nirvana? I had a half hour back massage to really get to work on those knotted shoulders. I also had a steam, a swim and a chill out on a hot lounger. Lunch suited me down to the ground – I had an enormous plate of salad bar treats. How did Nirvana Spa make you feel? I felt at ease straight away. The atmosphere at Nirvana is relaxed and friendly and nobody seems to be on show. With some of the hotel spas that I’ve been to you almost feel like you should spruce up before going. At Nirvana you really can turn up as you are and feel comfortable. My five hours at Nirvana went by very quickly – almost too quickly. I felt all the clichés by the end of my time there – relaxed and de-stressed. Oh and I slept very well that night! What would you say to tempt other men to Nirvana Spa? If you work hard all year round and you find that a pint or a round of golf doesn’t relax you any more - then try a spa day. I still feel great from it and will be booking my day soon. Nirvana Spa Mole Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5DJ. www.nirvanaspa.co.uk For more information call 0118 989 7575 or email info@nirvanaspa.co.uk

“If you work hard all year round and you find that a pint or a round of golf doesn’t relax you any more then try a spa day. ”

Day spa packages at Nirvana Spa start from £119, which includes: use of all the facilities, an hour’s floatation, lunch up to the value of £10 and all soft drinks. Towels and robes are provided but – if you want them – best to bring your own slippers or flip flops. And you’ll need a £1 coin for the changing room. Membership starts at £9.00 a month. Written by B4’s Lucy Holloway.

The second was the float in a circular pool full of 21 Dead Sea minerals. The minerals are great for

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EMPLOY-ABILITY A recent CBI/EDI education and skills survey* reported that many young people are still leaving school and college with shortfalls in their employability skills. Over half of employers (55%) experience weaknesses in school leavers’ self-management skills and two-thirds (69%) believe they have inadequate business and customer awareness. This is something that needs to change and Reading College is leading the way in Berkshire to ensure that this trend comes to an end. The college’s aim is to ensure that every student will leave them confident that they are wellprepared, well-equipped and ready for the workplace. The best way for this to happen is to get local employers in Berkshire actively involved with the college. Who best to teach employability skills than the employers themselves? Peter Reynolds, Director of Business Development says ”Reading College already works with hundreds of employers across Berkshire which includes over 300 apprenticeships. We want to work with more businesses and are keen to speak to anyone who would like to work with us. There are a number of ways that local businesses can get involved. You can not only make a positive influence on young people’s lives but also the local economy. Our students are the work force of the future. ” Employers benefit by engaging students at a key time in their learning and development process. The college’s teaching staff are well-qualified and most have industry experience, but students also benefit from getting advice and tips from prospective employers. Susan Evenson, a mature student on the Administration – Return to Work course has just completed two weeks work experience at the Romans head office in Crowthorne “I was really nervous before I started my work experience and didn’t know what to expect, but everyone made me really welcome. The HR team had arranged for me to move around the different departments, working in auctions, HR, lettings and mortgage advice so I saw all the different aspects of the business. I got some amazing references and good feedback from my time there. It has really boosted my confidence.” There are a number of ways in which your business can get involved: Apprenticeships: Being paid to learn is a great incentive for most young people. It can benefit both the learner and the employer. A recently published report, The Skills Economy**, surveyed 1,200 employers across 26 industries about their views on apprentices. The results showed that 72% of

companies believe the benefits of apprentices far outweigh the costs, and 70% think that apprentices will play a bigger part in future recruitment. When it comes to success in the workplace, 68% of employers assert that modern apprenticeships are the gateway to a successful skills-based career. Peter Reynolds says ” We urge businesses in the Berkshire area to get involved and start working hand in hand with Reading College by offering more Apprenticeships. We will match your requirements to the skills and qualifications of our students and will help find you the best possible candidate.” Site visits: The advantage of young learners visiting a real work place can be instrumental in the type of attitude they take into the world of work. Seeing the hustle and bustle of the working environment for themselves, and speaking to one or two experienced members of staff can give them a great insight into what will be expected of them every time they show up for work.

“Our students are the work force of the future” Work experience placement: Either a one or two week work placement or one day a week over a slightly longer period of time will go a long way in preparing young people for work. This will help to familiarise them with the workplace routine. This is beneficial not just for learners but for local businesses who can pass on their advice and knowledge to these young people and help to shape their future. Visit the college: Reading College values the views of local employers. Why not come along and talk to their students about what being employable is all about? A talk from a successful business person about how they got to where they are today and what they are looking for in an employee will be a valuable addition to a student’s college experience. Reading College also values employer input in planning their courses, both on which courses to run and what content to include. You could also

assist with mock interviews, CV clinics or advice about your specific industry sector. Vacancies: When vacancies arise within your business, get in touch with the college. The Employment Shop can help you to not only find applicants, but can also help with the shortlisting of candidates and advertising your vacancies is free. This could be for part-time or full-time work, volunteering opportunities or work placements. Bespoke training courses: The college offers a wide range of courses, but if what you need to train your workforce isn’t available, bespoke courses can be arranged, often at the employer’s premises. Debbie Ferguson, Head of Adult and Community Education says ”Our doors are wide open for local businesses. Come and speak to us about your requirements and we will work with you to achieve this. We have had feedback from employers about skills that they feel some young people lack. This includes customer awareness, handwriting skills, self-management and problem solving. Other feedback suggested that there is no realism in terms of expectations when young people go into work. We want to work in partnership with local employers to put this right.” The college is already working with some of the new employers who have moved into the area, particularly in the logistics and warehousing sectors to get potential employees ready to apply for their vacancies. What are your requirements for future recruitment? Can you help put something back into the local economy by working with Reading College? Could you take on an apprentice? If so, they would love to hear from you via 0845 467 6068 or email employer.enquiries@readingcollege.ac.uk By Alie Sama, Reading College Business Administration student, and written with the support of the Marketing team during a two week work experience placement at Reading College. *Building for Growth: Business Priorities for Education and Skills. Education and Skills Survey 2011, CBI, May 2011 ** The Skills Economy Report. City and Guild, July 2010

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

WAYS YOUR BUSINESS CAN GET

INVOLVED WITH READING COLLEGE Apprenticeships There are already a wide range of Apprenticeships on offer, recent additions include Accountancy, Business Administration and Customer Service.

Site visits College students and/or staff visiting your premises

Work experience placements A week, two weeks or a longer term arrangement eg one day a week

Visit the college Come and speak to students and staff about your experiences and your business, carry out mock interviews or CV clinics.

Vacancies Advertise your vacancies free of charge

Bespoke training courses At the college or your premises

Want to know more? For more information about working with Reading College: Employer Services Hotline: 0845 467 6068 Email: employer-enquiries@ reading-college.ac.uk Text: APPRENTICE to 81400 (not case sensitive) www.reading-college.ac.uk

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B4 SERVICES B4 ---

PYRAMIDS TO SUCCESS “How do you build toward success? The England Rugby Team recently announced their Pyramid to Success. What can business leverage from that, its application and the role of “Coach“?

In March the England Rugby Teams interim Coach, as part of his bid to get the job full time and to demonstrate his clarity in approach as “Coach” revealed his Pyramid to success http://goo.gl/o7QdW His pyramid plan is based on the foundations of Enthusiasm, Honesty, Team Spirit, Positivity & Hard-Work laid down loud and clear to continue the bonding and growing success of a disparate, intermittently formed group of individuals into a team that excels. In many ways this is similar to what businesses experience when dispersed teams come together for meetings or training. There they re-form intermittently but disperse. What is the glue that can keep them together when apart and what is the role of “Coach” in nurturing that success? Pyramids Pyramids to success have been around since? Well, since the Pyramids. Maslow used a Pyramid to describe our hierarchy of needs from the basics of Breathing, Food, Water, Sex, Sleep, Homeostasis and Excretion, upward to a state of Self Actualisation. The key is to build from a solid foundation of core principles. A vision grounded by the direction of a plan. The foundation fixes a reference point, a home and an anchor for dispersed teams to return

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to if needed as they build and grow. It provides a basis to measure progress from. The “Coach” The enabler to building to success from our pyramids’ foundation is the role of “Coach”, whether that is somebody inside your company, yourself, a leader, a manager or an external organisation.

3. A coach who can understand you and your team, their personalities, abilities, goals and why they are in your business.

So, what makes a good “Coach”? Well, many skills can contribute to being a good coach such as being a good listener, an interpreter, an inquisitor, a regulatory body, someone who unleashes potential, a role model etc.

Summary Coaching is all about helping business achieve their dreams. Coaches motivate, assess performance honestly and instil a sense of urgency. It should be delivered in tune with you and your businesses culture, it should be done positively, smartly and with passion. The positive “Coach” building from a strong foundation; following a well-defined coaching philosophy is a key ingredient in the success of a business.

But for the “Coach” to produce optimum results I advocate that you understand the “Coach” their coaching philosophy and how that maps to yourself and your business; a person whose true experiences, values, opinions and beliefs align to yours and the culture of the company.

Know what you are aiming to do and establish a strong foundation to build from to ensure success. - Establish a strong foundation. - Focus on the process of becoming the best you are capable of. - Engage the role of ‘“Coach”.

All Coaches operate under a Coaching philosophy of some kind. It may be by instinct or it may be formally documented and well thought out.

P.S. March 29th 2012 Stuart Lancaster was appointed full time England Rugby Coach and given full support to climb his Pyramid to Success of World Cup victory in 2015 P.P.S. Me? When I was playing I was innovative, calm and decisive. That’s me. I believe the team is a reflection of you on the business field.

To reveal the components of an effective Coaching philosophy look for: 1. A coach who knows themselves 2. A coach who can recognise what you are up against

Tom Clark, Founder - Bbite Headquartered in Woodley, Reading www.bbite.co.uk. Contact on tom@bbite.co.uk

GRAND BUSINESS SETTING INSPIRES FULL HOUSE The Office for National Statistics recently concluded that UK full-time workers are chained to their desks on average for 42.7 hours a week, which puts us at number 3 in Europe’s league table. Long hours don’t always equate to high productivity – the UK ranks bang in the middle for productivity per hour worked - unless the environment works with your workforce rather than against it. Ashley Merry reports for B4.

Photography by Carli Adby of ADBY Creative

Aptly-named Oxford Innovation is an expert in providing perfect individual workspace for companies to evolve and prosper. Here in Berkshire, Oxford Innovation’s Regional Director, Dianne Heath, has led the programme to sympathetically transform Lily Hill House, a charming former hunting lodge, into a thriving and rather idyllic business centre. Nestled in parkland close to the centres of Bracknell and Ascot, and only 10 minutes away from the M3 and M4, Lily Hill House has become home to

some exceptional well-established businesses and promising newcomers.

approach and work with our customers to create the right package for them. Our solutions are always customer driven.

There is a peaceful creative energy about the place, and whilst offices elsewhere are standing empty, Lily Hill House is bucking the trend and flourishing. In the two years since opening, Lily Hill House has enjoyed rapid growth and is now home to 22 companies, occupying more than 88% of the available space.

We know how costly and disruptive moving premises can be for a business and its customers, so we have an ‘easy in easy out’ model, which removes the long traditional lease dilemma that can cloud a company’s horizon and restrict its growth and regional expansion.

So what is the key to Lily Hill House and Oxford Innovation’s success? Dianne Heath, Centre Director, is quick to respond and her passion warmth and professionalism for her customers and Lily Hill House is obvious.

We have a can-do approach when it comes to our customers, and the whole team work hard to meet their levels of expectation. Our commitment to them starts from their first contact with us to the last day of their occupancy.’

‘First and foremost we have two beautiful buildings set in natural parkland. From there we pretty much have a blank canvas, which enables us to listen to our customers and design a workspace aligned to their business and staff needs. We have a flexible

Three satisfied customers had high praise for the helpful friendly and professional staff. The Customer Framework shows organisations how to increase profit by effective customer

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B4 PROPERTY

engagement. With an impressive client list Neil Woodcock, Chairman and CEO, said, ’It is essential that we have the right ambience to encourage effective brainstorming and creative activities to address our clients requirements and deliver against incredibly tough deadlines. Lily Hill House is perfect for us.’ Consultant Jamie Pullen of Genesis Technologies experts and leading suppliers in designing and delivering home electronic system solutions said.’ We have created a high end showroom with exactly the right feel for customers.’ Kennett Wealth Management offers a dedicated and bespoke financial planning service for individuals and businesses. Principal Darryll Connor commented, ’Lily Hill House has the WOW factor, and it is nice to be associated with something so good. Being in a great environment makes you think and act differently, which benefits our clients.’

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The Centre Lily Hill House has two buildings and good parking. Lily Hill House has an area of just under 20,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and is a tasteful blended mix of modern and period features with state of the art technology. Lily Hill Court is an adjacent, standalone modern office building of just over 11,000 sq ft. Both buildings have been designed using colours and finishes which work in perfect harmony with the parkland location and create a ‘lifestyle’ rather than simply somewhere to work. The Centre also has a selection of meeting rooms (in both buildings) for hire by internal or external companies. The Ballroom is an exquisite meeting room. Seating up to 30 people for a board meeting or training event, 60 theatre style or for a networking event it is perfect for product launches, evening dinners, networking events, workshops or board meetings.

The Old Hall is ideal for informal meetings or breakout space used in conjunction with the main Ballroom. It is available for all centre occupiers free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Oxford Innovation manages 20 business and innovation centres in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Greater London, Hampshire, Northamptonshire and Yorkshire. Totalling nearly 346,000 square feet of prime office premises, the centres have more than 500 occupier companies. A virtual office space package is available at some centres including Crowthorne Enterprise Centre www.crowthorne-ec.co.uk, which is particularly suited to smaller companies. www.lilyhillhouse.com For further information and to arrange a visit please contact Dianne Heath on 01344 317900 or email lhh@oxin.co.uk

THINK BRAND NOT BLAND

Phil Strachan of Strangebrew presents an adaptation of the chapter of the same title in the multi–author compilation book ‘Breaking the Barriers to Business Growth’ by Right Angle Consultants The importance of thinking Brand not bland. Let’s face it, not every business can expect to be a Coca Cola, a Nike, an Apple, a L’Oréal, a Google, a Virgin, a Harley Davidson, an Armani or an Innocent overnight. However, every business owner, whatever size their business, can learn from what made these stand-out businesses successful by understanding what it is that they have in common and by applying this learning. One thing for certain is that none of these successful businesses could reasonably be described as bland. They are all most certainly brands rather than blands. They are iconic brands rather than just businesses – they stand out from the crowd, they are individual, they have personality and character in abundance and they all represent

a promise consistently delivered. They deliver real value, substantial added value, both to their target markets and to their owners and shareholders alike.

In the world of brands, perception equals reality and that is why I believe that branding is fundamentally the art of managing perceptions.

What many people running businesses do not understand is that they too are brands - even if they are not a Coca Cola and whether they like it or not and whether they have deliberately set out to create a brand or not. They may not be a good brand, they may not be the brand that they would like to be, but they are brands nonetheless. They already have a brand image and they are being judged on that image. What they have to decide is whether or not they wish to be in control of that image because what really matters is how your business is perceived.

Differentiation, differentiation, differentiation The brand of a business is what separates and differentiates it from its competitors and prevents it from being lost in a sea of sameness. Unless seen to stand for something in particular, your business might be in danger of being seen to stand for nothing in particular and therefore to represent no discernible added value. To be successful, you need to do everything possible to differentiate your business positively from your competitors. That requires knowing what it is that makes you different and better, combined

“So what is it to be?

Photography by Carli Adby of ADBY Creative

Do you just join the crowd, jump on the blandwagon and reach for the bland guidelines manual or do you elect to think brand not bland?”

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B4 SERVICES with the ability to connect, communicate and engage successfully and consistently with your identified target market. Clearly, there is a choice. You can choose to go for bland differentiation or brand differentiation. However, if you are looking to grow your business, there is simply no choice because the message has to be to think brand not bland. It is very simple. Do you want to be seen as a distinctive brand or distinctly bland, a complete non-entity or a well-known entity? It really is your choice. If you think about it, we live in a world in which we are surrounded by brands. There are brands everywhere we look and everywhere we go and we ourselves constantly choose and buy brands, whether in the Supermarket, the DIY store or the Off Licence and we probably made a deliberate brand choice about where to shop. We select and buy brands when it comes to clothing, cars, insurances or sporting good etc, so why then should we think that our consumers and/or customers will not be choosing to buy brands when it comes to the products and services that we offer? The simple fact of life is that there is no point in being a bland – the default brand bland – you need to think brand if you are serious about creating a business with serious growth potential. In fact, your greatest barrier to growth could be your own thinking, so break down this barrier and think brand not bland. Another anonymous blot on the blandscape? If your business is not seen to be different, it will be seen to be the same, to lack character, to lack any distinguishing feature, to be devoid of any distinctive merit, to be unremarkable, unexciting, uninteresting, dull – in short, to be bland rather than brand. If your business is simply seen as bland, as just another anonymous blot on the blandscape, this cannot possibly be a recipe for success in terms of building a successful business. What possible future can there be in being a corporate bland or having umbrella blands, product blands, service blands, FMCG blands, experiential blands, core blands or sub-blands all delivering truly forgettable bland experiences. There are plenty of bland brands out there already, plenty of blands masquerading as brands, for the simple reason that they are insufficiently differentiated from their competitors. Why be one of them? We have all come across them and many of them seem to be little more than wanton acts of brandalism, blands with delusions of blandeur and blands with very little hope and even less chance of any glory. There is surely absolutely nothing to be gained by having any kind of bland that is built on a bland platform, a bland positioning statement and a bland proposition. What good is bland integrity and bland

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alignment based on bland attributes and bland benefits? Precisely who is going to be wooed by a bland promise from a bland that is rich in bland personality and simply oozes bland character by the bucketful? There can surely be no future in creating a bland portfolio comprising mega-blands, global blands, premium blands, power blands, luxury blands, drive blands, challenger blands, fighting blands and niche blands all with their own bland identities and at varying stages of their bland life cycles because at the end of the day they will all still be blands. And what possible reason could there be to conduct a re-blanding exercise when surely it would be preferable for today’s underperforming bland to be transformed into one of tomorrow’s top performing brands with the injection of some good solid brand thinking? Similarly, it is completely pointless investing in bland innovation, bland evolution, bland building, bland stretching or bland extension programmes to leverage the bland. Bland in – bland out!

“If your business is not seen to be different, it will be seen to be the same, to lack character, to lack any distinguishing feature to be bland not brand

”

In the kingdom of the bland… And, if you stop to think about it, who could possibly be interested in bland licensing, bland franchising or co-blanding opportunities that simply fail to connect, communicate and engage with their intended target markets? Who could possibly aspire to be guardian of the bland or head of bland marketing? Yet they seem to be out there, busy writing bland plans that are clearly the direct result of bland vision, bland mission statements and the bland objectives they drove out in the first place. Nothing wrong with that providing that they are just looking to bland in and to create the bland that time forgot. If you are a sole trader, there is little point in aspiring to be the bland leader in your market or market sector because that would surely just be a case of the bland leading the bland and in the kingdom of the bland the one-man bland will never be king even if he religiously follows a carefully constructed set of bland guidelines to ensure that he or she is, at all times, well and truly blanded.

Armed with all the tools of bland management at our disposal, it is clearly a very easy matter to come up with bland names that fail to register, bland identities that fail to connect, bland advertising campaigns that fail to communicate, bland packaging designs that are instantly forgettable and bland promotions that fail to engage and result in unacceptable levels of bland loyalty. There is little or no value in being bland. There are no iconic blands out there because almost by definition this would be a contradiction in terms – iconic brands do not run with the pack but rather break with convention in a manner that ensures that their target consumer or customer has something powerful and individual to identify with and to relate to. They are perceived to be unique. On the other hand, it hardly takes a genius to work out that bland is bland and is not worth a lot to anyone. Time to jump on the blandwagon? So what is it to be? Do you just join the crowd, jump on the blandwagon and reach for the bland guidelines manual or do you elect to think brand not bland? Do you leave your brand to chance or take control of your own destiny? Whether you are looking to create a new business or to take an established business to the next level, stop and think. But don’t just jump in, grab a name and get a quick and cheap logo done and believe that you will have created a successful brand or even the basis for one. A name and a logo are only brand identifiers to assist brand recognition. They are not the brand, they are only what stand for the brand, forms of shorthand for the brand. They are not what the brand stands for which is what consumers and customers value and buy. So, know your target market, know your competitors, know your USP and know what you want to be seen to stand for. Then think about how you will express and communicate that including what your business name and business identity will be in order take ownership of that and make it your own. That is what will set you apart and provide the platform for business growth and success because good branding can be truly transformational. Take care to ensure that you are building your brand on a compelling brand promise and not on an empty bland promise – and make sure that you keep that promise because a successful brand is a contract and promise built on reputation and trust – and it has to be earned. So, just do it, because you’re worth it, be the real thing, be reassuringly expensive – THINK BRAND NOT BLAND and call Phil Strachan of Strangebrew on 07770 753 975 to find out how to get London quality branding, identity and design at Glasgow prices. www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

B4 SPOTLIGHT

THAMES VALLEY CHAMBER – THE VOICE OF BUSINESS The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group works with businesses across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire to help them achieve their full business potential. We are unique in our position as a business solutions provider owned by business, for business. We offer members a range of services including business advice, networking events and international trade, inward investment and international trade support.

The Chamber has a strong International Trade Service. Working closely with UKTI South East we are the UKs’ 2nd biggest export documentation issuing body, with more than 70,000 international trade documents processed each year. In 2011, our service increased by 12% and we process 23% of all of the UK’s international trade documents. This is a reflection of the large number of multi-national companies in the area and the proximity to the international hub of Heathrow Airport.

We are one of the largest Chambers accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in the UK, and are the only accredited Chamber in the region. Paul Briggs, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber said: “Our aim is to focus solely on our membership, its growth and meeting its needs. Chamber staff are here to help, give advice and support whether you are a sole trader or a global brand. At the heart of our values is a single minded desire to see our region’s businesses realise and sustain their full potential. We bring a unique and valuable dimension to business strategy.”

“Our aim is to focus solely

The Chamber provides a range of benefits for its members including a wide variety of networking events and topic or issue led Forums, marketing and PR opportunities as well as lobbying to local or national Government. A 24/7 Legal Advice Line and Legal & Professional Services insurance is also included. Discounts on third party services are also available including health plans, mailing lists and training courses.

on our membership, its growth and meeting its needs.

”

Our office in Slough is the National Headquarters for Link to China and the South East and South West regional office. Working with national partners the China Council for International Trade and Promotion (CCPIT) and the BCC, businesses in 15 regions in China and throughout the UK will have access to a Chamber led network focused on creating new opportunities for international business collaboration and inward investment. Thames Valley UK Launch Pad is a service coordinated by the Chamber to help foreign owned companies new to the area significantly reduce the

time and cost in the planning, establishing and growing a presence in the UK. This service was one of the first softlanding propositions in the UK and in three years the project has assisted over 70 new investors accelerate entry into the UK Businesses in the Thames Valley large and small recognise our talent pool and access to international markets that deliver growth. Our work alongside the world’s global brands and aspiring small businesses helps ensure that these location benefits continue by securing infrastructure projects such as Western Rail Access to Heathrow, and by creating ever stronger links between Universities and businesses. Recent successful projects such as LinkToChina highlight the potential market opportunities that Chambers’ international relationships and networks can provide and we look forward to building in these in other key markets in the future. To summarise: Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce is: recognised as the leading voice of business, representing micro to major multinational organisations; a ‘Centre for Excellence’ providing international trade services and global representation; committed to long-term relationships with members and providing them with relevant, value added services that help, support and protect regional, national and international business. Contact us on 01753 870500 www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk

visit

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B4 R&R

TEAM TAG A certain Henry Ford once said that, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.” I think we can all agree that he knew what he was talking about on the subject of teamwork and there is a Berkshire based Events Company that is certainly emulating those wise words. Team Activity Group (TAG) is a Windsor based company that is offering a fully comprehensive range of team building events whether you have a team of 4, 40 or 400. Laurence Cruse reports for B4.

The concept of team building is perhaps nothing new, but the methodologies and techniques that TAG are employing are nothing short of inspirational and certainly provide a fantastic business excuse to have an enormous amount of fun. This enigmatic company, run by Sarah Doyle and her husband, Joe, has been producing top quality events for almost two decades and they pride themselves on being able to do that little bit extra. This ability to tap into the psyche of their clients is what really differentiates TAG from their competitors. Their success is most certainly a combination of experience, hard work, meticulous planning and a mind-set that has become all too accustomed to thinking a little bit differently when presented with a challenge, explains Sarah. “Each event is unique so when we have a brief, even if

it’s an existing customer, I will sit down with my colleague Lauren and we’ll see what we can do to make the event not only successful but a great experience for all involved. It would be easy to say ‘let’s do what we did for so and so’ but we would rather do something new, add a twist, keep inventive. We have to keep fresh and that approach has served us well so far!” When a prospective client approaches TAG with an event request, their rationale for doing so may cover a range of circumstances. Perhaps the team is not functioning to the maximum of their professional capabilities, the morale is low or even they feel a reward is necessary – TAG can certainly create a tailor made package to suit their requirements. Options cover a plethora of activities, each with its own purpose and intended outcome.

“What TAG and its loyal team have created is a simply brilliant portfolio of challenging and entertaining ways to spend a business day or weekend.”

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Flicking through the TAG brochure, I am overwhelmed at the myriad of limitless possibilities, all of which sound exhilarating. Potential choices fall into indoor, outdoor, water, land and onboard (river cruise) categories. Perhaps the summer months could draw you to archery, super-sized garden games or laser clay-pigeon shooting. For the more sea faring of you there is traditional dragon boat racing, rowing or raft building. TAG’s events could also effortlessly challenge you on a cerebral level by tackling cryptic/team building challenges, taking on ‘The Cube’ or even daring to reveal your inner artist in ‘The Masterpiece Challenge.’ – all taking part at a venue of your choice, TAG can assist you in finding the most suitable venue for your event. The TAG methodology of approaching each client request with an open mind allows them to work with the client to achieve their objectives, explains

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Sarah. “Whilst every activity presents an enormous amount of fun, they are all fundamentally geared towards benefitting the participants in a host of productive ways. Our events are often run in conjunction with more functional theoretical training courses whereby the activities are used to reinforce concepts taught. It’s a system that has yielded fantastic results and justifies why so many of our customers keep coming back for more – be they SME’s or global Blue Chips.” TAG are most certainly a ‘complete solution’ type company – absolutely nothing is left to chance. The company owns and maintains their own equipment, provide all the relevant health and safety briefings, organise venues and accommodation and do it all with an assured confidence that comes from an ever increasing portfolio of successfully delivered courses. TAG are

also excellently placed to provide a consultative service using their industry knowledge and their relationships with venues across the Home Counties and beyond. What TAG and its loyal team have created is a simply brilliant portfolio of challenging and entertaining ways to spend a business day or weekend. What they can provide will surely meet any expectation, deliver the intended result and make a serious case for a return visit. They are always open to new enquiries and positively relish the opportunity to cook up ever more exotic ways to engage you and your staff. So why not call TAG… I know you’re feeling competitive already! Tel: 0845 130 2248 www.tag-events.com

B4 CHARITY

A BUSINESS APPROACH TO GIVING Berkshire remains a pretty affluent community when compared to other parts of the UK, yet it hides pockets of deprivation, and there are undeniably many lives which continue to be blighted by poverty and disadvantage. Whilst the papers are full of gloom and cuts in public spending, less column inches are highlighting the many corporate organisations having a positive impact by giving time, skills and resources to charities and community groups.

Rachel said, ‘I chose Berkshire Community Foundation for my placement because I was really interested in the project and the organisation. After a few weeks I know this was a good decision. I am used to working in a hot desk environment, so having my own desk for plants, photos and pots of pens is a real luxury!

One such organisation is Newbury-based Vodafone, which is giving 500 people from all over the UK a chance to work with their chosen charity through its World of Difference UK programme. Placements are either full-time for two months or part-time over a four month period (minimum of 15 hours per week).

realise that Berkshire Community Foundation is one of the best kept secrets in our local charity world

Rachel Haslam is one of the 500 Vodafone World of Difference winners, and has chosen Berkshire Community Foundation for her four month parttime placement. She will be using her time with Berkshire CF to gain valuable insight into the work of Community Foundations, and will then be using her skills and expertise in Business Intelligence reporting to write a ‘Good Business Giving Guide’. This guide will help Berkshire firms of any size who want to make the right choices and support local projects and community groups which matter to them. 80

“It didn’t take me long to

”

It didn’t take me long to realise that Berkshire Community Foundation is one of the best kept secrets in our local charity world, and is a valuable and very informed resource for donors and community groups. Berkshire CF‘s tagline, ‘Connecting people who care with causes that matter’ is so important to any donor. By donating to Berkshire CF, a business removes many of the gifting headaches and is introduced to groups and

projects which it would struggle to find on its own. It is a win-win for both parties. Andrew Middleton, Chief Executive of Berkshire Community Foundation, is delighted to have Rachel as part of the team, and hopes that other local companies will consider ‘gift in kind’ and offer staff time to other community groups. ‘Gone are the days when companies would simply write a cheque to support a ‘worthy cause’. Firms want to get involved and know they are having real impact in the community. We know that there are very positive outcomes for companies who donate financially or ‘in kind’; employees become more motivated, team work is improved and staff retention is increased without even considering the great PR opportunities which naturally flow. ‘Gifts in kind’ have real value for us as Community Foundation, but we will always need financial donations to literally keep us in business. Please visit http://worldofdifference.vodafone.co.uk/blogs/r achel-haslam to read Rachel’s blog. Contact us at the Berkshire Community Foundation, www.berkshirecf.org, if you would like to make a donation of time or money or register your interest in receiving a copy of ‘The Good Business Giving Guide’ when it is released.

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the social

In association with

Amanda Hill of The Social Media Cafe

What are your customers saying about you on-line? Even if you are not listening they are talking about you, especially if you mess up… if you are going to be on-line, which absolutely you should be… you at the very least need to have a listening device in place to see when you are mentioned. Here are a few to get you started: Google Alerts – just type it in to your search engine and create yourself a free account and set when you want to receive them, instantly, daily or weekly and have it email you. There are lots of ways you can use this.. one is to listen for your company, another is to monitor your competition and maybe even to find things in your world to share with others. You can also find it at www.google.com/alerts/create For your (or even your competitors) Facebook

Fanpages - you can also use Hyper Alerts which sends you emails of comments and interaction on the pages. You do not have to be an administrator of the page and you can have as many subscriptions as you want for free! Alerts are sent within minutes or a digest hourly, daily, weekly or monthly. Again this is completely free and can be found www.hyperalerts.no For things on Twitter you might like to think about another freebie called Twilerts (yep all twitter stuff seems to have TW at the beginning…) which monitors keywords, companies and whatever you want really and sends you an email. Keep up with what people are saying, listen for what they need and even keep an eye on what’s going on in your world without having to watch the endless streams. www.twilert.com

So what happens when you spot something bad? Whatever you do Do NOT Remove the comment. Respond civilly and politely and show you care and want to put it right. They have taken the time to share with the world their grievance so show the same audience you are human and want to get it right. The only time you should remove or ask for comments to be removed is when they are sexist, racist or contain profanities. You will get far more kudos for doing it and probably get more business. We are all allowed to be human. Some high profile companies have come a cropper for removing comments so no matter how bad they are bite your tongue and be nice.

Spring Clean your Social Media! OK so the weather may not know what to do with itself and your garden may be producing very unseasonal results but now is the perfect time to get cracking at spring cleaning your accounts. So here are some things you can do for better results. Facebook – you have a brand new timeline on your personal and business pages. • Edit the content on the page by clicking the right hand side of the box where there is a pencil and the pull down menu will show hide from page… if you post primarily text or feed your twitter feed it won’t look interesting.

• Add some pictures and video… a new look means a fresh start… ensure you post a picture at least every other day and a video at least once a week (they don’t have to be yours).

YouTube – changes a few months ago mean that the layout is very different so add a background picture to ensure your site ties in with the other social media out there and use it.

Twitter – prune those people you are following and the ones who are following you.. but don’t go too mad… use something like Twit Cleaner and get rid of spammers, bots and those people who are just not using it - www.thetwitcleaner.com. Then start posting quality stuff and following people in your location or niche…

Finally… Do Not Use your Social Media like a Gym Membership and expect it to work by osmosis… it doesn’t!

Followers

Company

38,719

Official Vodaphone - @vodaphoneuk

15,876

Official 3 - @threeuk

14,890

Video Game Retailer @shoptonet

13,801

Reading football club - @readingfc

11,730

Business Coach - @bizcopilot

10,405

Microsoft Small Businesses - @MicrosoftSB

8,117

Ascot Racecourse - @ascotinsider

6,063

Andy Phillips - @andyphillips101

5,834

Newbury Racecourse - @berkshireraces

5,552

BBC Berkshire - @bbcberkshire

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Twitter Facts for Berkshire Top 10 Berkshire businesses on Twitter in Berkshire It’s all about having a conversation and this lot are doing something right to have so many followers, should your company be in there? Let us know and make sure you mention it in your profile to be found by the people around you.

Amanda Hill You can find some free videos on our youtube channel thesocialmediacafeuk or come and find us on facebook, twitter (@amanda_hill) or linkedin. Amanda Hill is the founder of The Social Media Café and an ex journalist who has used social media for business over 13 years and is a Guest Lecturer at The University of Glamorgan for the first social media degree.

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B4 SERVICES

“A CHANGE IN RHYTHM FOR BUSINESS AND THE PERSONAL ASSISTANT…” Emma Watts, an Independent Business Assistant and Managing Director of Direct2PA, a tailored executive support business, talks to Richard Rosser about her work. As an experienced executive assistant, Emma appreciates the challenges and changing rhythms of any business, and understands that finding the right Assistant is more important than ever. In today’s business world of acquisitions, mergers and change management, office and boardroom support has changed considerably; making it all important for an Assistant to recognise this and move with the times.

Photography by Hills & Saunders

No longer do companies have a pool of support staff, so it’s now more important for the assistant to show key business skills and to “stand out in a crowd”. It’s all about being “a step ahead” and being the critical cog in the wheel that co-ordinates a diverse programme from managing the day-today needs of the office, to overseeing staff and being involved in strategic decisions. During her extensive career, Emma divulges that she has been lucky enough to work with some leading organisations and important business figures, saying that it’s from them she has learned so much about business. With a smile, she chats about how she started her career in the exciting world of motorsport, where deadlines and detail were all important – frequently facing the challenge of moving parts or people across the world, often at a moment’s notice! A solid foundation to enable her to step-up to the global corporate world where 82

her career progressed; but from the beginning she learned to be strong, adaptable and most importantly to understand that she doesn’t hold the knowledge to everything and that teamwork is paramount to success. But, her ability to connect with people and the fact that she thrives on new experiences and opportunities has certainly been a fundamental path to her achievements. The idea for the business - Direct2PA – stemmed from the recognition that there was a gap in the market for providing quality and invaluable flexible operational support, whilst also offering development and training to enable “career temps” to move forward and remain focused and driven. Following the path of the executive who advises to multiple companies, Direct2PA has the adaptability to offer a consistent and reliable service that gives the impression of “one business”, but partners with many organisations and people to build a network, whilst maintaining the integrity of their business and yours. Direct2PA has built a professional partnership with a medley of experienced assistants, to offer on-going support without the overheads of employing full-time staff. “Our partners bring connections that give you the support of a larger organisation - allowing you, as the customer, to get the very best service.“ And there are many more benefits of using an independent or freelance assistant, not least the fact

that they too are a business and are prepared to put the effort in to deliver. Reputation is paramount and at Direct2PA, whether they are wearing your brand or theirs, they remain professional and focused. Moreover they offer good value for money; cost effectiveness remains high on their priority list, pricing competitively and keeping within budget is completely achievable as they work with you to prioritise your projects. Direct2PA don’t just target the corporate world alone; their experienced partners will be pleased to work with any individual, SME or start-up organisation – adding great value to any growing business. Building a professional relationship, they will assist you in these budget conscious times – and can also be fun to work with! A good assistant is unflappable under pressure, they are composed and able to think on their feet – so use this to your advantage; an assistant should be considered an essential component of any well run office, enabling the “boss” to do their job effectively and focus their time. For more information on Direct2PA, and how they can work with you or your business; please contact Emma Watts on 0844 824 8608 or email: execsolutions@direct2pa.com Based in the Thames Valley, Direct2PA operates throughout the UK – connect with Emma on LinkedIn http://goo.gl/I0NjI

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relationships, lasting rewards

Nicky Wilkins, Justin Hayward, Paul Robinson and Dorothea Dunn from the Thames Valley team.

The team you can bank on We believe business is built on relationships. That’s why we invest time to listen, understand and shape the right solutions for our clients.

“When we turned to Santander, they were fantastic – they pulled out all the stops and got the loan done in just four weeks. Our Relationship Director has a really strong understanding of our business. Now, we’re really looking forward to working with Santander - they’re so different and actually willing to do things.” Davinder Virdee, Founder and Managing Director, PillBox Chemists

If your business needs a better banking relationship challenge us today

01189 211 680 paul.robinson@santander.co.uk

Santander Corporate Banking is the brand name of Santander UK plc, Abbey National Treasury Services plc (which also uses the brand name of Santander Global Banking and Markets) and Santander Asset Finance plc, all (with the exception of Santander Asset Finance plc) authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, except in respect of consumer credit products which are regulated by the Office of Fair Trading. FSA registration numbers: 106054, 146003 and 423530 respectively. Registered offices: 2 Triton Square, Regent’s Place, London NW1 3AN and Carlton Park, Narborough LE19 0AL. Company numbers: 2294747, 2338548 and 1533123 respectively. Registered in England. Santander and the flame logo are registered trademarks. B4B DEC 11

B4 SERVICES

HILLS AND SAUNDERS B4’s Emma Watts talks to Richard Shymansky, owner of Hills and Saunders Photography. Amongst the hustle and bustle of Eton & Windsor, one step takes you into the calm and tranquility of the Hills and Saunders Studio – now based in Dorney Reach - a family business which has been operating since 1852. And to say Richard, as the current owner, runs an established business is quite that; a space where tradition and excellence stands proud.

Photography by Hills & Saunders

As Richard introduces himself to me and takes me through to his purpose built studio, the first thing that strikes you is his passion for photography, he truly loves what he does and that instantly puts you at ease. A naturally calm and friendly person, he is very much his brand and he is truly energised by the work he does. Born in Poland, Richard has lived in the UK since the early 70’s; initially working as an electronics engineer in the biochemical industry – his photography was very much a hobby, but his skills and instinct encouraged him to move into the business full-time. Having owned Venture franchise studios in Knightsbridge and Eton, in 1982 he purchased the renowned business Hills & Saunders Photography. Established in 1852, Hills and Saunders was originally founded by two barbers, one of whom fell upon his skills meddling with glass plates and floating the negative in chemicals - a truly traditional

form of photography – and, as Richard says, “they quickly realised that there was more money to be made in photographing heads than cutting hair”, and so the business was built. Famous for their more traditional photography, the Hills and Saunders archive holds formal pictures taken at the boys schools of Eton and Harrow - with often a face that is now in the public eye - a traditional pose or a cheeky grin. Richard holds some special photographs from years past; and he

“keeping the business contemporary but with traditional values” is looking out for more, to build a real story of history – he reminisces over the times of traditional photography and the memories it reveals, he would welcome contact from anyone with photographs from times gone-by. But, as times move on with digital photography, the business grows through Richard’s desire to bring the name of Hills and Saunders forward; keeping the business contemporary but with traditional values, he sees

an opportunity to re-kindle the relationship with former customers, the area and their families old and new. Hills and Saunders continue their longstanding relationship with Eton, Harrow, Oxford, Cambridge, Sandhurst and York – but the modern style is such that no longer can youngsters run the bet that they can be at both ends of a photograph! And, you should count yourself “up with the stars” when having your photograph taken by Richard, for Richard has taken many photographs of The Royal Family, including some of Kate when she was young, Lord Sebastian Coe, Sir Stirling Moss, Linda Lusardi, Bill Wyman and Barbara Windsor, to name but a few. His professionalism is outstanding and his energy carries through; creating a natural photograph showing personality, character and pride in what he delivers. An Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography, and The Master Photographers Association, Richard is a leader in his field. Supported by his wife, Zoe, and family Richard remains fascinated by characters, his true passion is for portraits and he loves to take active photographs of children and their families having fun – family portraits will capture the essence and love of the family in a most natural way…. an amazing memory for years to come! Hills and Saunders Photography email: info@hillsandsaunders.co.uk www. hillsandsanders.co.uk

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Miele

86 The Big Event

Career Boutique

The Wider B4 Selected articles from the B4 Network Nominet

94 The Feathered Nest

Lady Margaret Hall

B U I L D I N G

Shaw Gibbs

Bucks New University

B R I D G E S

B E T W E E N

B U S I N E S S E S

MIELE:

112 YEARS OF PERFECTION B4 were invited to the impressive Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon, venue for the last B4 Ambassadors Event of 2011, by Miele GB CEO, Simon Grantham. As a world leader in the production of premium domestic appliances, Simon explains how this German family company have engrained a philosophy of perfection in everything they do.

Simon joined Miele six years ago and soon identified that the foundations of Miele were as robust and sound as their end product. “With one hundred and twelve years of history and experience behind Miele, it’s during tough economic times such as we are experiencing now that Miele can reinforce the quality of its product without compromising in any way. We are doing better than our competitors I’m pleased to say, but there’s no doubt we still have to work hard to give our customers value for money and we have never worked harder to do so. We are going into new areas, such as providing foraging experiences, embarking on wider advertising campaigns and providing even more support for our dealer network. In short, we’re not letting up.” Miele moved to the UK forty nine years ago and last year celebrated thirty years in Abingdon, now the UK headquarters. “Over the last 30 years in Abingdon we have expanded in the site considerably.” Outlines Simon. “We started with a small office in a small warehouse and now have five warehouses with an impressive Experience Centre for our customer events, such as the B4 event in September. “There are three hundred and sixty UK employees, two hundred of which are based in Abingdon. We regularly recruit twenty five people per annum from the local market, mainly for the Contact Centre. It is principally a sales and service operation in the UK and cover a broad base of skills, from

management positions to expert customer advisers, showroom advisers and a number of people who work in the warehouse and finished goods area. “We are always trying to recruit good people and, for instance in our contact centre, which operates six days a week and contains seventy staff, we have been casting our net wider to recruit University students between courses or students in their gap years. We are constantly aiming to recruit in this area.” The company, founded in 1899, has eight production plants in Gütersloh in Westphalia, Germany (where 97% of everything Miele sells in the UK is manufactured) and one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. Turnover for the year 2009 / 10 was £2.83 billion, the highest in the company's history) with sales outside Germany accounting for 70%. Miele has its own wholly owned sales subsidiaries in forty seven countries and is represented in a further forty eight countries by importers and distributors. With eleven factories within 50km of Gütersloh, each tends to specialise in one product, such as dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and cooking products. In total, Miele employ 15,000 staff in Westphalia. I had previously learned that the factories in Germany were a site to behold and asked Simon if thousands of washing machines really did hang from the production lines. “Miele at its heart is

principally an industrial company, a company made up of engineers. The factory, as a result, has been really cleverly designed whereby all of the space in the factory is efficiently utilised. So, literally hanging above you as you make your way through the factory are recently enamel-coated washing machine panels which will be going around in circles on a production line to be assembled in an automated way, much as you would see parts in a car factory. It’s a process very similar to car assembly, automated and very robotic. This means the process is not only efficient, but incredibly cost effective, meaning that the factory can stay in Germany, as opposed to all of our competitors who have moved to Eastern Europe or China, or Turkey, purely to keep costs down. Automation doesn’t mean that we don’t apply the human touch, on the product line someone runs a pair of silk stockings around every single Miele washing machine drum to ensure there are no snags. If there are it is not used and goes to be recycled. Miele is wholly owned by two families, the Miele family and the Zinkann family. Now in their fourth generation as owners, both families sit on the Operating Board, so they are actively involved in the day to day direction of the company, something which is clearly evident when Simon visits. “Two or three times a year, when I go to the factory with customers, Dr Miele and Dr Zinkann will know everyone because in the same way that they are fourth generation, there are fourth generation families working in that factory, which is great for binding everyone and creating a family spirit. They

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B4 TWB4 are very informal which means they are well known and nobody has an issue with going up to them to ask questions or make suggestions. The family culture certainly makes Miele unique in our market which is dominated by very large corporate companies, but Miele maintain that family feel.” Reinforcing this theme, all of the glass offices in Gütersloh are identical, even those belonging to Dr Miele and Dr Zinkann, who, like their staff, adopt an open door policy. This is a well oiled machine which has been assembled over a huge period of time as Simon underlines. “The two families have worked very hard to make sure that the manufacturing processes and the products which leave the factories are super efficient. The current

Dr Zinkann senior is 86 and still works three days a week, still designs products and still files patents and this, more than anything, illustrates that the family is entrenched in the business and isn’t just there because heritage says they should be.” In terms of Miele’s UK market share, Simon explains the three dimensions of the business and where Miele ranks. “We have the white goods business made up of washing machines, dishwashers and products for the kitchen like ovens, steamers etc…., there is a separate business

business. In terms of Miele’s production split, it’s a simple 60% / 20% / 20% split in favour of the domestic appliances market.” Simon reinforces that this is a premium product and that with particular regard to the commercial business where Miele performs so well, the fact that Miele provide a premium product fits in with the sector demand for heavy, industrial use of machines which are rarely idle. “The products are incredibly well made and run for years – they are a key purchase for large establishments such as hospitals and hotels and are built to last for twenty years.” Miele are also keen to engage their customers as

early as possible in the buying process to enable them to make an informed decision as possible when it comes to making their final purchase, whether it’s a domestic or commercial kitchen installation or a one off appliance purchase. Zoe Carter, Miele’s PR Manager, explains how Miele have gone one step further than the traditional sales events held for customers in the past. “These are our ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ events and our ‘Appliance Academies’, which are both held pre and post purchase. So a consumer looking to refit their kitchen can come here for the day, learn about the

ultimate purchase will be made from the dealer which has sent the prospect to the Miele Experience Centre, more often than not, the prospect’s original shopping list will tend to grow once they have entered our stunning showcase facility.“ Moving on from the pre and post purchase familiarisation days, Miele started running cooking schools a couple of years ago, which have, unsurprisingly also been very successful. But, in March, Zoe reveals that a second branded event will be launched. “We are launching ‘Kitchen Secrets’ with the focus on food and drink. We will be engaging with local producers and even taking customers out on foraging events and looking at

running a street food market here. The aim is to bring the latest food trends, stories and producers to the consumers at our Experience Centres in Abingdon and London and, soon, in Sutton Coldfield. We will also be running Design events which will provide a 'Beginners guide to Kitchen Design'. “We recognise that buying a kitchen is a potentially confusing experience given that there is so much choice in the market. These events are designed to give customers an even greater insight into what

“The products are incredibly well made and run for years – they are a key purchase for large establishments such as hospitals and hotels and are built to last for twenty years” selling vacuum cleaners and finally the commercial business, which supplies hotels, hospitals and care homes with high grade, high quality products for heavy use. For example, Miele supply huge sterilisers for use in hospitals. So there are three quite different parts making up the whole, and we have varying market shares. In the commercial sector we are very strong, particularly in the care home and hospitality sector and sell a high number of large washing machines, in particular into hospitals, care homes, fire brigades etc…. In the vacuum cleaner market, we rank third and much lower in the domestic appliances market which is dominated by global brands. However, despite having just a 4% domestic appliances market share, there is huge scope to grow this side of the www.b4-business.com

full range of our products and actually use our products. We have a Home Economist and also Product Advisers on hand to enable our prospective customers to identify the products that are right for them. We have been hosting these events for a number of years.” It goes without saying that an offering like this is not only time consuming but also provides Miele with nothing in the way of guarantees that the fortunate prospective customers will become actual customers. However, it would be hard to imagine an ultra efficient organisation like Miele continuing to provide this unique experience to would be customers without a successful track record, which, as Zoe confirms, is most certainly the case. “The days are incredibly successful. Although the

products are right for them and to ensure that their final choices are the right ones.” In a tough economy, all of us are thinking more about large purchases, holding off completely or wanting to know more about the products which we may or may not end up buying. Miele are therefore very in tune with the potential dilemmas their prospective customers have and these events serve to make sure that the final decision is the right one but also give the customer an even greater sense that they are dealing with a rather extraordinary company. www.miele.co.uk Read more about Miele overleaf

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MORE ABOUT MIELE Miele is a world leader in the production of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floorcare products. This line-up is augmented by dishwashers, washer-extractors and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washerdisinfectors for use in medical and laboratory applications (Miele Professional). Miele’s PR Manager, Zoe Carter, gives us an insight into the world of Miele. The Miele Philosophy “We are an independent, self-contained and familyrun company with traditional values committed to our workforce, customers and the general public alike. “We manufacture high-quality appliances and equipment for domestic use as well as for different branches in the commercial sector. At all times we aim to be a reliable partner for our customers. “We not only feel particularly committed to our workforce and customers, we also have a responsibility towards our suppliers and the general public. The relationship with our suppliers should be performance-oriented, reliable and longstanding. Furthermore, we are all committed to strengthening public awareness of our positive company image.” Miele GB “Miele GB was established in 1963 when Karl Heinz Wedekind was entrusted by Rudolf Miele to set up a sales and marketing subsidiary in Great Britain. Originally operating with a small staff from offices in Great Portland Street, the company moved to larger premises in Acton in 1972 and, in 1981, to our current purpose-built offices in Abingdon. “When the building was completed it provided an office area of 20,000 sq feet, which included a second floor built as a shell for future expansion, and 56,000 sq feet of warehouse space. In the intervening years, through the acquisition of two adjacent warehouses, the site has expanded to cover 13.5 acres, our storage capacity has been increased to 120,000 sq feet and the opening of our new customer centre, the Miele Experience Centre, in 2005 released much needed office space on the ground floor of the main building.” Miele in the Community “As a large organisation, we receive lots of requests for sponsorship or charitable support, and took the decision to focus our support on the local community. Recent activities include donations of vacuum cleaners as raffle prizes for local schools and nurseries, sponsorship of The Choose Abingdon Partnership and, of course, the In Oxford Magazine Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards.

Abingdon’s existing strengths and history to support and improve the economic, social and cultural vitality of the town for all its businesses, residents and visitors, and specifically to: • Envision, plan and act as a catalyst for positive change. • Bring together and coordinate those activities of various organisations and businesses concerned with the towns future. • Influence and engage with the visions, strategic plan and actions of various local authorities and other external projects. • Communicate the aspirations of the town. • Initiate and implement its own projects.” Miele Events “The aim of our kitchen events is to connect consumers and influencers, through a programme of exciting events, to the best-in-class resources they need to create a kitchen space that exceeds their perceived functional and emotional requirements. The events programme will showcase expert teams including product advisers, home economists, chefs, local producers, kitchen designers and architects. “Experience counts for everything, which is why we host a series of regular demonstrations and interactive events in our showrooms. Let's do Lunch days are ideal if you are in the process of planning a new kitchen and are the perfect opportunity to see Miele's cooking appliances in action. Appliance MasterClasses are perfect for anyone who wants to understand the finer details of their Miele appliances or those who want to try out appliances before they make a purchase. Simply Cooking classes are open to anyone who wishes to learn more about producing wonderful dishes.” Miele Centres • Miele Centres provide the highest level of service when purchasing a Miele appliance. Consumers are able to view the widest range of Miele products, helping to ensure they experience Miele appliances that are best suited to their requirements, whilst receive engaging expert advice. • Miele actively encourages and supports experimental activities within the Miele Centres, recognising that engaging and educating the customer empowers both our partners and the consumer. • Miele recognises that physical spaces still provide the best means to communicate with customers and offer a brand experience. • Fully live products across all core categories • Creating a flexible in-store environment through design, product offerings and promotions, ensures that each visit will feel like a brand new experience. • Dedicated Miele specialist within each centre. www.miele.co.uk

“The Choose Abingdon Partnership builds on www.b4-business.com

THE BIG EVENT Over 200 guests attended our first B4 Ambassadors event and celebration of In Oxford Magazine’s 10th Birthday at a stunning Ashmolean Museum on Thursday 26th January.

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Speeches were made by B4’s Editor, Richard Rosser, The Ashmolean’s Director, Christopher Brown, Richard Venables of VSL and Innocent Drinks founder, Richard Reed, who spoke on behalf of our preferred charitiy, Oxfam.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers and readers for their support over the last ten years and to Benedicte Montain at The Ashmolean for her assistance in making the event so memorable and also to our B4 Events Organiser, Tina Rosser, for her expert organisation. www.b4-business.com

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HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT YOUR NEXT CAREER MOVE? B4 Platinum Ambassador Katherine Dales of The Career Boutique has been consistent in her approach to recruitment, consistently different, that is, from the normal approach to this crucial aspect of our working lives… hiring new talent. Richard Rosser reports for B4. There’s nothing new about trying to secure good quality staff but Katherine Dales and her colleagues at The Career Boutique are certainly winning lots of friends with the way they go about doing so. It’s maybe not a crusade but it’s an approach which is definitely different and certainly working. “We are in our fourth year now and although we had very different ideas about recruitment when we started, they are now accepted as standard practice by our clients who have seen our approach reap rewards for them. I know that we all face challenges, but 2012 is going to be an exciting year for all of us. We are always positive, always up and we transmit that positive energy to our clients and the candidates we put forward for interview. We will be using events this year such as the Olympics and Jubilee to be the catalysts for a fresh approach.” Katherine concedes that recruiting new staff is still a challenge for many businesses but that there are plenty who are expanding and actively recruiting. “The market is still quite reserved, however, it is much more buoyant than it has been in recent years and we are seeing a lot of our clients shaking off the shackles and looking to make great strides in 2012. I can’t preach to my clients that just because we are in a new year means they should go and recruit for the sake of it. Nobody knows their business better than the client, but what we are saying is ‘explore the possibilities….there are some very talented people out there who may be able to push your company on to the next level.’” Over four years Katherine has cultivated a loyal customer base that trusts her and everything she stands for. With a company in its relative infancy, Katherine has had to make an impression on her clients and responds surprisingly when I ask why her clients are so loyal. “They trust us, plain and simple, but they trust us even more when things go wrong. By that I mean how we handle ourselves when the candidates don’t turn up, or when they ‘false stage’ at an interview. How we deal with the negatives has helped us to make an impression. We pull out all of the stops to put things right and our clients see that we are trying

to give them what they want – the right person for the job.” Katherine’s track record is impressive and the trust in her ability to deliver is growing and attracting new clients on a daily basis. “Clients know we are not time wasters. Where does sending a ‘dead candidate’ get anyone? What’s the point of recommending someone for a job interview when you know they’re not right? Our aim is to get success quickly and I’d rather not send my client a candidate at all than waste their time sending people who aren’t cut out for the job. This means we have to get to know what the client is looking for, and as we develop and gain more experience, we are becoming more in tune with our clients’ needs, enabling us to source the right candidate quickly.” Katherine admits some clients question her approach because they have been used to interviewing a stream of inappropriate candidates with other agencies. “Our approach isn’t typical, that’s for sure, and we do have clients expressing surprise when we tell them there haven’t been any suitable candidates for a job. It’s a very fine line we are treading here because some clients will actually expect to interview candidates who clearly aren’t up for the role as part of the process. That’s wrong. We are breaking the mould, but it has caused friction in the past, but we have won over so many clients with our fresh approach and, I’m pleased to say, they stay with us.” It’s a two way street, however. Katherine has the interests of two parties to protect in any placement, those of the client and the candidate, and she’s not backwards in coming forwards. If the client has got it, in her opinion, wrong. “We are here to deliver the right person for the job. We won’t deliver on appearance or age or any other tailor made requirements clients might like to throw into the mix. One client, in particular, would interview candidates and not come back to them, or provide constructive feedback, which wasn’t fair. It was damaging their reputation. The candidates are ringing up and saying they haven’t heard from them yet and thinking why are we working with The Career Boutique – it damages

our reputation and it comes to a point where you have to tell the client to be fair to the candidates – we eventually lose confidence that this is someone we want to employ our candidates. We have as much of a duty of care to our candidates as we do to our clients.” Differentiating The Career Boutique from the High Street has always been Katherine’s modus operandi. “We don’t want to be a ‘CV churner’ and we’re not into heavy cold calling to win business. If we see a business advertising a vacancy, we will send them a brochure and ask if we can help, but we’re not into bombarding them with our services. We are certainly gaining plaudits for our approach and, as I said before, we are winning. If I’ve learned anything in four years it’s that you certainly can’t please everyone, but there are enough people and businesses out there who share our views, our ethos and our way of working to ensure we continue to grow and build what is already a successful business.” With year on year growth, a healthy client base and heaps of very satisfied candidates, Katherine reflects on the first four years with a huge amount of satisfaction. “Not only are we growing but we are spreading our net wider and wider. From my point of view, I’m working on a European and global level. We want to achieve global placements and we are now in that arena. With clients now in their third or fourth year with us we know our approach is right and we are also getting candidates coming back to us after successful short term placements or where they need to make a change. Candidates are recommending their friends and we have excellent referrals between our clients.” Getting to know their clients is something of an art form. Knowing what your clients are looking for, second guessing their requirements, knowing which candidates will fit into their team takes skill and you need an agency with experience and, above all, someone who cares about the placement….. and there is absolutely no question that Katherine Dales cares. www.thecareerboutique.com

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Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

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B4 TWB4 At Nominet, where we manage the registry of Internet domain names ending in .uk, we are about to witness arguably the biggest shake-up our industry has seen when a raft of new web domains are launched from 2013. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the organisation which co-ordinates the allocation of domain names globally, recently approved changes that will see the number of web address endings, or what comes after the dot, increase dramatically. In fact, predictions are that there could be anything between 500 & 2,000 new applications submitted. Under the new rules, organisations will be able to apply for domains that end in virtually any set of characters beyond 2 letters. This opens up the possibility of community or industry domains such as .bank, .hotel or .london, or domains dedicated to specific brands, such as .google or .nike.

CHANGING

ADDRESS?

The future of the web address is changing. Chief Executive of Nominet, Lesley Cowley OBE explains what this means for the Oxford based not-for-profit company.

This heralds a new online era and with it new opportunities for companies and brands to market themselves online. With a branded domain, organisations can better control how they appear on the web, boosting consumer awareness and trust. At the same time, being part of a certain domain will make it easier for users too. For example, if a cause has a .charity web address, visitors will be clear about the type of organisation they are dealing with. For Nominet, this changing landscape means we are committed to ensuring that the .uk domain name space that we look after is as appealing and attractive as ever. We know that trust in our product is already strong. For example, recent research showed that 81% of people already prefer .uk web addresses when presented with them in search results. In the next few months we will reach a significant milestone of having 10 million .uk domain names on our register. More than 3 million of those sites are used for businesses and 25% of sites feature some form of e-commerce. This demonstrates the significance that the domain name industry plays in the digital economy.

“With a branded domain, organisations can better control how they appear on the web, boosting consumer awareness and trust” Applying for your very own .brand domain name will require significant investment both in terms of budget and technical preparation. However, every business needs to consider their strategy to make the most of the opportunities that these new web addresses will present. One approach could be to aim to register a relevant domain you previously missed out on or alternatively you might want to protectively register any domains relevant to your business. Entrepreneurs would be well advised to monitor the so called ‘sunrise periods’ for new domains as they present an opportunity for rights holders to secure relevant domains. Whatever approach you decide on, the important thing is to draw up a strategy now to ensure your business is prepared to make the most of the opportunities. www.nominet.org.uk

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THE

FEATHERED NEST The Feathered Nest, winner of The 2011 AA Pub of the Year and the inaugural Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards, has caused quite a stir given its relatively short life. Richard Rosser went to join in the fun.

Based in the beautiful village of Nether Westcote, the one downside of visiting this award winning restaurant on a cold December evening is that you miss the fabulous view over the Evenlode Valley. But that’s for another day, a Sunday Lunch, an afternoon tea perhaps, mind you, I like the sound of ‘a wholesome home cooked breakfast’ in the Garden Room having stayed the night in one of the four individually decorated bedrooms. We arrived for dinner at 8pm and went straight to the table in the conservatory area of the restaurant. I’d been looking forward to a pint in the inviting bar area which was alive with locals and families enjoying the fabulous food which has seen The Feathered Nest’s mantelpiece cluttered with accolades.

Salmon to start and rose to Tony’s challenge for our main courses by sampling the fine game on offer. Tina plumped for the Local Wild Venison and I chose the Roasted Pheasant Breast and Sausage. Both were delectable and both wonderfully filling. So incredibly filling that we had to submit and deny ourselves dessert.

“I would like to thank all of our staff without whom this would not have been possible. These awards are a reflection of their hard work and dedication to ‘The Nest’”

Originally an old Malthouse, the attention to detail is incredible, the flow of The Feathered Nest is genius, and the ambience is genuine and invigorating. Owners Amanda and Tony Timmer are the perfect hosts, having engrained their hearts and souls into every Cotswold stone, every sturdy beam and a devotion to a restaurant which has infected every guest fortunate to cross the threshold of The Feathered Nest.

We had been well and truly spoilt and I wished, more than anything, that I had booked that room!

Tina and I enjoyed a stunning meal. We indulged in Hand Dived Scallop and Home Cured Smoked

It’s hard to see why Tony, Amanda and staff were so surprised to win the first of last year’s Awards

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(technically, the first of three as not only was The Feathered Nest named ‘Restaurant of the Year’, it was also named ‘Best British Restaurant’). Tony commented at the time of receiving the Awards, “It was especially rewarding considering that we only opened our doors in early June last year! I would like to thank all of our staff without whom this would not have been possible. These awards are a reflection of their hard work and dedication to ‘The Nest’. I also wish to take this opportunity to thank you, all our customers-friends, for supporting us over the last year. We now look forward to the next challenges ahead!” Shortly after this first success, The Nest was named AA Pub of the Year (England) for 2011. The AA hospitality Awards were hosted by Sophie Raworth at the London Hilton on Park Lane in October. In front of an audience of seven hundred, Tony commented, “We are ecstatic and over the moon. There are many worthy establishments within the UK, and to be chosen to receive this prestigious award in recognition of all the hard work from our team – is truly an honour - a dream come true.” So well done to The Nest, the best by far! www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk

TANGO SEDUCTION AT LADY MARGARET HALL Historical portraits, vaulted ceilings and a building that is centuries old is perhaps not the stereotypical venue that comes to mind to host an intimate and downright seductive Tango evening. Yet this is what professional dancers cum organisers Dante Culcuy and Miriam Orcutt have managed to achieve in celebrating Oxfords very own, and first, International Tango Festival at the prestigious Lady Margaret Hall (LMH). Written by B4’s Laurence Cruse. For the uninitiated, the Tango is an inwardly technical and outwardly graceful dance with Argentinian heritage and is currently growing massively in popularity throughout the UK and across the world. Dance is inherently a multifaceted medium for self-expression and in this regard, the Tango offers a ‘complete package.’ The basics are technical and challenging to learn but once you get the hang of it, the skills are transferrable to any gathering of likeminded individuals. The gathering part is hugely important because Tango evenings are focused around sociability and the ability to approach strangers at will. In this respect, the Tango is an inherently formal affair, with a number of rigidly followed rules and procedures (such as moving around the dance floor in an anti-clockwise direction and not approaching a potential partner but merely offering a seductive wink to entice them to dance with you). It is these nuances that helped to shape and direct the course of the Tango evening, ably supported by the musical ebb and flow of the ever popular DJ Alberto Ortiz. Miriam and Dante are both classically trained dancers that have combined their love of the Tango with their undisputed ability to guide and teach new and improving dancers in their quest for

technical perfection. What started five years ago as the combination of a passion and a profession, has grown to the point where they are hosting classes and events across the UK, Europe and South America. They have indeed played a significant part in promoting and developing the Tango scene in the UK where the following has never been stronger – and they are struggling to return to Argentina due to the demand for their services! This festival is a celebration of all things Tango. The three day event saw a number of master classes by the internationally recognised professional couples Yanina Quinones & Neri Piliu and Selva Mastroti & Marcelo Ramer, stalls selling Tango related products (including shoes and clothes), beginner’s classes excellently run by Miriam & Dante and of course a number of Milonga’s (social dances). The Milonga’s encourage people to regularly change partners, so as to enrich the experience and ensure that your social circle has expanded by the time you call it a night. What they have managed to create in this most esteemed of venues is a fantastic dichotomy between an austere English bastion of intellectual history and a dance form that is laden with subtleties, intimacy and pleasure. The venue itself is spread across a number of interconnected halls and reception areas that can comfortably

accommodate many hundreds of people. Combining the venue and the simply excellent LMH events team, led by Bill Kemp, this event has been executed to the highest standard and has definitively laid the foundations for an annual return. Oxford’s first international tango festival has been a resounding success. The co-ordination was slick, the products and performances on offer were simply brilliant and they have certainly spread the word of Tango to Oxford. Without the facilitation of the LMH events team this festival would not have reached the heady heights that it has. This historical venue has given the Oxfordshire community an enticing introduction to the passion of the Tango – and surely many of its more stately portraitures would agree! Even if not to participate, events of this nature are well worth attending to simply soak up the craft on display and allow yourself to be educated by a rich and wonderful pursuit. The message from this is clear – the enjoyment of Tango evenings is not measured by levels of technical proficiency but by the degree of social interaction and overall personal enjoyment from what is quite simply an incredible dance form. www.lmh.ox.ac.uk www.oxfordtangofestival.com

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Photography: www.richardbudd.co.uk

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“This historical venue has given the Oxfordshire community an enticing introduction to the passion of the Tango – and surely many of its more stately portraitures would agree!

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“I am convinced that B4 can help reinforce this spirit of collaboration

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to everyone’s advantage

BRIDGING COUNTIES

Photography by Studio 8

As B4 expands into new territories, we talk to Shaw Gibbs’ Business Development Director, Matt Wistow who has ‘done time’ in both Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Matt talks to B4 about how the neighbouring counties of Oxfordshire and Berkshire can work well together and how the spirit of collaboration is thriving. Although B4 is well established in Oxfordshire it is still early days for B4 in Berkshire and now Buckinghamshire. Having seen first hand, the positive effects of B4 Matt Wistow explains how a clear channel of communication between counties can do nothing but good for all in the B4 Network.

B4 has seen the word ‘collaboration’ come to the fore in recent years. A turbulent economic landscape has thrust businesses together, forging a ‘strength in numbers’ approach which has reaped rewards, as Matt elaborates. “It’s a very different world now. We can achieve so much more by working together.“

“There’s no doubt that B4 has been successful for businesses in Oxfordshire and it’s a great concept which will grow and be as successful in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. I’ve operated in Berkshire and I think that it is great that B4 is bringing these communities closer together for everyone’s mutual benefit.

Matt highlights the key similarities and differences between Berkshire and Oxfordshire. “Berkshire and Oxfordshire are quite different in some respects. In Berkshire there are a number of larger centres of business such as Reading, Slough, and Windsor. In Oxfordshire, it’s more evenly distributed across Oxford and the Market Towns. There is also a different mix of businesses with more larger national/international businesses in Berkshire, whilst Oxfordshire is more SME based.

“We can all be a little protective of our territories, but I honestly believe there is more to be gained than lost if we know about all of our strengths and capabilities. There are, of course, some strong alliances already in place, within counties and crossborders, but B4 is great at raising the profile of businesses we might not know that much about, and, you can never have enough options or information about what resources and capabilities are available in or out of your county. The close proximity of Oxfordshire to Berkshire and Buckinghamshire makes this particular county triumvirate, potentially, very powerful.”

“There is a clear desire in both counties for firms to work with other firms in their respective county, but if I had to go one way or the other, I’d say Berkshire has perhaps been more open to collaborating outside of the county in the past than Oxfordshire. I think historically the larger centres in Berkshire have had more exposure to the benefits of collaborating with the likes of London firms than Oxfordshire has, but that has changed a lot in recent years and I am certainly much more aware of

Oxfordshire firms regularly, working with firms from a much wider geography. “There is no doubt that Berkshire has huge international presence, but I think it’s fair to say that on occasion both counties lose out to the likes of London and Birmingham unnecessarily. There is therefore definitely an opportunity to work together more closely to raise the profile and awareness of the capabilities of the Thames Valley network of firms. “There is a very strong network in both Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and I think B4 can help firms here and, of course, in Buckinghamshire to get to know each other better. At Shaw Gibbs we frequently work with Berkshire firms when our clients require access to particular expertise and capabilities, and I know the channel works the other way too. “There is definitely enough business in both areas to keep us all happy, the reciprocity of referrals is good and improving and I am convinced that B4 can help reinforce this spirit of collaboration to everyone’s advantage.” www.shawgibbs.com

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BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BUSINESSES SET TO BENEFIT FROM UNIQUE CONCEPT IN BUSINESS EDUCATION Pictured L-R: Prof Chris Kemp, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean: Design, Media & Management at Bucks New University; Prof Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor of Bucks New University; Mike Clare, patron of the Clare Business School; Pauline Odulinski, Principal and Chief Executive at Aylesbury College; and Pete Rowe, Headteacher, Princes Risborough School.

Schools, further education and higher education in Buckinghamshire have joined forces to create the Clare Business School, a unique educational approach to meeting the skills needs of today's employment market. Developed with patron, Mike Clare, one of Buckinghamshire’s most successful entrepreneurs, the Clare Business School works directly with local businesses to address employability and drive forward UK business through an exciting blend of education, enterprise, engagement and communication. It is a partnership between Bucks New University in High Wycombe, Aylesbury College, and schools across Buckinghamshire through the Bucks Association of Secondary Heads (BASH). By bringing together the three strands of education, the School aims to provide business experience and opportunities for young people from 14 years onwards. The Clare Business School supports local businesses by giving access to: • Professionals that offer business solutions via consultancy and research as well as live projects undertaken by students • Specialists in sales and marketing, finance, procurement and HR • Knowledge transfer partnerships part-funded by government sources • Market research through specialists as well as live student projects • Business networking in the UK and overseas • State-of-the-art business facilities.

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The Clare Business School is the brainchild of Professor Chris Kemp, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean: Design, Media & Management at Bucks New University. He said: “The cross-sector educational collaboration that forms the Clare Business School is unique and we can really help local businesses by providing them with sustainable solutions to their needs.

“The Clare Business School is unique and we can really help local businesses by providing them with sustainable solutions to their needs.

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He continues: “The initiative supports the strong government focus on employability and driving UK business. It will bring together businesses and students in an efficient and productive way to give students real experience within the business world, whilst at the same time providing tailored solutions to local business needs. Everyone benefits.” The Clare Business School already has the support of several high profile organisations including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, RBS, Hands of Wycombe, Dreams, Clarenco, NatWest and Eden Shopping Centre.

Nick Hill, Head of Innovation and Quality, Marks & Spencer Home, who is a member of the Clare Business School Strategic Board, said: “Like most large organisations we receive hundreds of applications from students every year. One of the key aims of the Clare Business School is to provide potential employers with graduates that not only have a sound education in business, but also come with a broader business experience. “During their time with the Clare Business School, students will have been exposed to a wide range of successful people and real-life business challenges. Business placements and projects give the students an opportunity to solve real problems and get an idea of the challenges they will face that are not in the text books.” Mike Clare, Executive Chairman of Clarenco, plays an active role in the initiative as patron, and added: “Buckinghamshire has been confirmed as the Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain, and the School aims to inspire and help managers and business leaders to develop solutions to deal with challenges within their business. I believe the Clare Business School will be a great success and I urge organisations to get in touch to see how we can help.” If you are interested in being a part of the Clare Business School initiative or would like to find out more, please contact Julie Catlow, Clare Business School Business Co-ordinator, quoting ‘CBS’, on 01494 603153 or info@clarebusinessschool.com www.clarebusinessschool.com

Sophisticated Tax Planning INVENTIVE TAX PLANNING and more.....AFTER the 2012 Budget "Every man is entitled if he can to order his affairs so that the tax attaching under the appropriate Acts is less than it otherwise would be”. IRC v. Duke of Westminster 1936 PROPERTY PURCHASE - Stamp Duty mitigation - SAVE UP TO 70% DIRECTOR’S BENEFITS - Less CT, IT, CGT & IHT - MORE INCOME CAPITAL ALLOWANCES – BTL/Commercial/HMOs –TAX REFUNDS Ted Yeates, Your Money Friend, on 0208 123 1193. E: ted@yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

( OPNO WYVÄSL T\S[P TLKPH Z\WWLY X\Pa coming to Newbury!

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The Watermill Theatre, in association with Savills is to host a Brain Game challenge on 8th November 2012 at Newbury Racecourse. Best described as a sophisticated supper quiz, this high profile multi-media event is expected to involve at least 225 participants. Over a two course dinner, teams of ten will compete against each other to win the coveted Watermill Brain Game Trophy.

Pit your wits against other prominent local individuals and businesses. Teams compete on a wide range of subjects including anything from history, science, sports, music, current affairs, to soap operas!

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Do you want to feature in B4 Berkshire Issue 3? Contact us for advertising and editorial rates. Out in July 2012 Tel: 0118 317 7183

-VY M\Y[OLY PUMVYTH[PVU WSLHZL LTHPS thewatermillbraingame@gmail.com or call Maggie Heath on 01635 269226 (Brain Game enquiries only please) Principal Sponsor

Print Partner

kdp kingsclere design & print

Media Partner

Savills Newbury 01635 277700

1HZEXU\%XVLQHVV 7RGD\

Celebrating our 300th edition in 2012

Magazine

B4 contacts ADVICE LEGAL Pitmans LLP Christopher Avery Managing Partner 0118 958 0224 www.pitmans.com FSP Law Ian Wood-Smith Founding Partner 0118 951 6200 www.fsp-law.com Gardner Leader LLP Derek Rogers Managing Partner 01635 508080 www.gardner-leader.co.uk Morgan Cole LLP Michael Stace Partner 0118 955 3000 www.morgan-cole.com Belinda Knight 0118 900 1712 www.belindaknightsolicitor.co.uk Clifton Ingram LLP 0118 957 3425 www.cliftoningram.co.uk Rickerbys LLP 0118 925 6100 www.rickerbysthamesvalley.com

ACCOUNTING BDO LLP Julian Frost Lead Partner 0118 925 4400 www.bdo.uk.com

Goringe Accountants Ltd 0118 941 9997 www.goringeaccountants.co.uk James Cowper LLP 0118 959 0261 www.jamescowper.co.uk

BUSINESS ADVICE Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP 0118 959 7222 www.crowehorwath.net The FD Group 0118 948 1080 www.theFDgroup.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS CONSULTANTS Direct 2 PA Emma Watts Executive PA 0118 932 6698 www.direct2pa.com The Business Growth Show 0121 632 2300 www.thebusinessgrowthshow.co.uk Clinical Professionals 0118 959 4990 www.clinicalprofessionals.co.uk Pace Equity Ltd 01491 577889 www.paceequity.com id-choices 0845 519 6237 www.id-choices.co.uk

Click Berkshire Harriet Slingo Owner 07725 740311 www.clickberkshire.co.uk The Business Wealth Club www.thebusinesswealthclub.com Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group 01753 870500 www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Archway Business Solutions Ltd 0118 324 0135 www.archwaybusiness.com

INSURANCE Coversure Insurance 0844 248 0021 www.coversure.co.uk/branch/hungerford Vision Vehicle Solutions Ltd 01628 780011 www.vision4accidents.com

TRANSPORT EMT Jets Global Aviation 08453 888248 www.emtjets.com

CHARITIES & GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS Berkshire Community Foundation 0118 930 3021 www.berkshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk

Grant Thornton Jim Rogers Audit Partner 01753 781001 www.grant-thornton.co.uk

Agenda for Change 01453 731 773 www.agendaforchange.net

Connect Reading Clare Wright Managing Director 0118 959 1236 www.connectreading.co.uk

Bbite 07836 205262 www.bbite.co.uk

Daisyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream 0118 934 2604 www.daisysdream.org.uk

Wilkins Kennedy 0118 951 2131 www.wilkinskennedy.com

Support Star Limited 07739 459469 www.mysupportstar.co.uk

Child Matters 07788720612 www.child-matters.co.uk

Wilson Partners 01628 770 770 www.wilson-partners.co.uk

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

CONFERENCE, EVENTS, VENUES

Ardhurst Accountants Limited 0118 925 3286 www.ardhurstaccountants.co.uk Berkshire Accountants Ltd 07794 510499 www.berkshireaccountants.com Chariot Tax Services 0118 986 3738 www.chariot-tax-services.co.uk

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Institute of Directors, Berkshire Branch Ross Wilson Chairman, Berkshire Branch 0118 942 9608 www.iod.com FSB Richard Knight East Berkshire Branch Chairman 01256 767837 www.fsb.org.uk

CONFERENCES Malmaison Tracy Harrison General Manager 0118 956 2300 www.malmaison.com The Bird in Hand Country Inn 01628 826622 www.birdinhand.co.uk

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Fredrick’s Hotel, Restaurant & Spa 01628 581 000 www.fredricks-hotel.co.uk

Handelsbanken 0118 959 5444 www.handelsbanken.co.uk/reading

Holiday Inn Reading 0871 942 9067 www.holidayinn.com

TAX PLANNING

Oakley Court Hotel Rachel Pearce Sales Manager 01753 609988 www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

VENUES The Vineyard 01635 528770 www.the-vineyard.co.uk Vintagenie www.vintagenie.com

EVENT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

Your Money Friend Ted Yeates Founder 0208 123 1193 www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

IT SERVICES ARTISTIC & CULTURAL Stanley Spencer Gallery 01628 471885 www.stanleyspencer.org.uk

BEAUTY

EDUCATION

FITNESS

Reading College Lesley Donoghue Principal 0118 955 4300 www.reading-college.ac.uk

Berkshire Fitness 07825 259612 www.berkshirefitness.co.uk

BANKING Lloyds TSB Commercial Derek Beards Senior Manager, Business Development 01442 233261 www.lloydstsbbusiness.com RBS Corporate Banking Donald McDonald UK Head of Deposits & Director, Professionals. 07768 427379 www.rbs.co.uk/corporate.ashx Santander Corporate Banking Paul Robinson Relationship Director 0118 921 1621 www.ukcorporatebanking.com Coutts & Co. Reading Robert Woodthorpe-Brown Client Partner 0118 3733509

Momentum Hub Andrew Riley Chairman 0800 0726075 www.momentumhub.com

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The Active Network Banks Holcombe 0207 313 5744 www.activenetwork.com

FINANCE

Livingstone’s World of Travel Ltd 0844 888 8383 www.livingstonesworldoftravel.com

HEALTH & LEISURE

Electric Hair Alan Short Director and Salon Manager 0118 957 1010 www.electric-hair.com

Reading University 0118 987 5123 www.reading.ac.uk

TRAVEL

Gareth France Mobile Personal Trainer 07853 381449 www.garethfrance.co.uk

SPORT Reading Football Club Limited Sir John Madejski Chairman 0118 968 1100 www.readingfc.co.uk

LEISURE ACTIVITIES Bedlam Paintball 08453 707571 www.bedlampaintball.co.uk The Lookout Discovery Centre 01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout Team Activity Group 0845 130 2248 www.tag-events.com Nirvana Spa 0118 989 7500 www.nirvanaspa.co.uk

In Touch CRM James White Managing Director 0800 056 6452 www.intouchcrm.co.uk

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Everything Everywhere Mike Tomlinson Small Business Marketing Director 07968 107671 www.everythingeverywhere.com

MANUFACTURING Miele Company Ltd 0845 365 6600 www.miele.co.uk

MARKETING & DESIGN ADVERTISING B4 Magazine Richard Rosser Managing Director 01865 742211 www.berkshire.b4-business.com Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767837 www.focal.co.uk

DESIGN Clever Little Design 01628 627853 www.cleverlittledesign.co.uk Blink Design & Print 01865 742211 www.on-the-blink.com Voyage Design 01189 835510 www.voyagedesign.co.uk

Barclays Corporate 07766 362053 www.barclayscorporate.com 102

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B4 contacts PROPERTY & BUILDING

MARKETING Strangebrew Phil Strachan Proprietor 07770 753975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES

The Social Media Café Amanda Hill 0844 3305679 www.facebook.com/TheSocialMediaCafe Glooo 01865 595707 www.glooo.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM PRODUCTION Hills & Saunders Richard Shymansky Photographer 07878 162452 www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk Take One 01494 898919 www.takeonetv.com

PRINTING Stones the Printers Steve Palmer Sales Director 01295 819 300 www.stonestheprinters.co.uk

Haslams Surveyors LLP Conrad Hill Managing Partner 0118 921 1500 www.haslams.co.uk Synergy Facilities Ltd Liz Maloney Managing Director 0844 800 2823 www.synergy-facilities.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES Oxford Innovation Ltd Jo Willett Marketing and IC Development Director www.oxin-centres.co.uk Berkshire Centres at: Crowthorne Enterprise Centre 01344 751 600 www.crowthorne-ec.co.uk Lily Hill House 01344 317 900 www.lilyhillhouse.com Quintons Specialist Commercial Property Advisors 01635 551441 www.quintons.co.uk

INTERIORS

Dartnell UK Ltd 01635 278568 www.dartnell.co.uk

Amarestone 0845 2608070 www.amarestone.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Esplin PR Louise Esplin Freelance PR Consultant 01235 850115 www.esplinpr.co.uk

Island Bar and Restaurant 0118 9479530 www.islandbar.co.uk

Morgan PR Nigel Morgan Founder 0845 00 33 666 www.morganpr.co.uk

MEDIA

WHY NOT JOIN THEM? 100 members and rising.

Become a B4 Member or Ambassador and in return, we’ll give you: • Presence in the B4 online and magazine directories • Access to the B4 site to upload unlimited press releases, event details, offers and jobs • Invites to B4 Ambassador events in 2012 Memberships for just £250+VAT per annum for companies with up to five employees*

It’ll be the smartest move you’ve made this year! www.b4-business.com for full details NOW!

RETAIL LUXURY GOODS The Vintage Affair 07855 951825 www.thevintageaffair.co.uk

*rates increase as employee numbers increase: 6 – 20 employees £375+VAT, 21 – 50 £500+VAT, 51 – 100 £900+VAT, 100+ £1200+VAT Ambassador rate £500+VAT per annum. Please call us for Platinum Ambassador rate details. VAT at 20% Tel: 0118 317 7183

Reading 107fm Alison Hedges Managing Director 0118 986 2555 www.reading107fm.com

B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print e: studio@on-the-blink.com t: 01865 742211

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