B4 Berkshire Issue 1 by B4 Magazine

Berkshire www.b4-business.com

ISSUE 01 WINTER 2012

A D V I C E P R

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C O N F E R E N C E

N E T W O R K I N G

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E D U C AT I O N

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H E A LT H

C O M M U N I C A T I O N

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M A R K E T I N G

P R O P E R T Y

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R & R

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H R •

I T

Lloyds TSB Commercial Choosing the Right Kind of Finance

Licensed To Thrill? Top Tips for the Hospitality and Leisure Sector from Pitmans LLP

In Principal Reading College students turn the tables and interview Principal Lesley Donoghue 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.

24 Choosing the Right Kind of Finance: Great advice from Senior Manager, Derek Beards.

16 Licensed to Thrill?: Top tips for the hospitality and leisure sector from Pitmans LLP.

31 The 3 Main Reasons Why Growing Businesses Run Out of Cash: ….and how to avoid it happening to you….

27 A Successful 2011: A recap from Paul Smart, Area Director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the Thames Valley.

28 It's Going to be Tough but it's the Only Game in Town: Sir John Madejski tells B4 why he remains optimistic about the future.

LEAD

SPOTLIGHT

ADVICE

43 The Number of Business Owners Considering MBO's Triples: Fascinating facts from Coutts as entrepreneurs consider all options.

32 Reading: The Heartbeat of the Recovery: Reading Borough Council Chief Executive, Michael Coughlin, talks to B4

47 Running on Empty: Barry Niven of Clifton Ingram LLP advises directors facing insolvency.

36 In Principal: College Students meet with Principal, Lesley Donoghue to find out more about their College

52 Poised to Grow: B4 meet with Grant Thornton's Perry Burton at their fantastic new offices

40 If You Could Bottle It: IOD Berkshire Chairman, Ross Wilson, airs his concerns for the future

78 21st Century Tax Challenges: Ted Yates of Your Money Friend gives B4 readers valuable tax advice

54 Why Is B4 Good for Business?: B4 Oxfordshire customers explain why B4 is good for their business 76 The Harrison Express: Tracy Harrison, GM of Reading Malmaison, talks to B4 about her career and ambitions.

08 NEWS

08 B4 News 14 Appointments 15 Events 18 IOD 23 RSM Tenon 66 FSB 79 The Social 108 The Business Wealth Club

TRANSPORT 86 3 Grand Voyages: We test drive The Grand Voyager in London, on the motorway and on Christmas Day! 100 SGT: 40 years in the business….of selling cars

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B4 contents 44

44 Fit for Business: Workers at Arlington Business Park are inspired to shape up

84 The Vineyard: Dinner at The Vineyard? Where can you go wrong?

PROPERTY

39 SERVICES

39 Jelf Finds the Blueprint for Success in the Thames Valley: An introduction to Jelf from Regional MD, Julian Hilton

64 Innovation and Ambition, Not Just in Oxford!: B4 meets up with Oxford Innovation's Jo Willett to find out more about its past, present and future 80 Maintaining the Future of Your Businessâ&#x20AC;Ś: Liz Maloney of Synergy Facilities explains why Facilities Management isn't just relevant to the big boys! 92 A Passion for Stone: The rise of Amarestone

48 Brewing up a Rather Special Kind of Magic: B4 Platinum Ambassador, Phil Strachan, explains the importance of a well thought out brand 51 A Calm Voice and a Safe Pair of Hands: B4 Platinum Ambassador, Phil Strachan, explains the importance of a well thought out brand 60 How Can I Connect with B4 Berkshire: Your queries answered, hopefully! 68 A Poacher Turned Gamekeeper Turnedâ&#x20AC;Ś.Social Media Guru?: Nigel Morgan talks PR and Social Media to B4 83 Familiarity Breeds Success: The Business Growth Show's founder, Mark Linton, explains the importance of networking 90 On the Crest of the Airwaves: 107fm's Alison Hedges explains why local radio is a great route to market 94 Charity Begins at Home in Berkshire: B4's preferred charity for 2012, Berkshire Community Foundation 95 Coversure: Getting the best deal for you 98 Esplin PR: Louise Esplin gives us the benefit of her twenty years' experience 104 Archway Business Solutions Ltd: We meet Phil Johnson of Archway

SPECIAL FEATURE

R&R

88 The Bird in Hand: Catering for all your business needs 96 Cilantro: A hidden gem of fine dining 102 A Living Landmark: B4 are invited to spend the night before Christmas Eve at Grosvenor House Hotel in London 106 The Cove: A weekend break in Cornwall

HEALTH & BEAUTY 71 Aspire Clinic: Christine Hamilton visits Aspire for B4 72 The Electric Business: Electric Hair owner, Mark Woolley, talks about his vision for now and the future

19 The cream of British printing since 1826: Promotional feature from the printers of B4 Berkshire

62 COMMS

62 2011 Was Better than we Thought and 2012 Will be Just as Good: Great news from Orange 67 Migosh!: Get to Know Nikki Burns - she could change your life! 74 How Do You Keep In Touch With Your Customers?: James White, of intouchcrm, tells us how we should

109 CONTACTS

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Introducing Introducing our Corpor Corporate ate Business Team Established in the Thames es V Valley alley for over 50 years, we pride ourselves in pr providing oviding a personal and attentive service for our corporate clients. W e ar e proud proud to say we have We are acted for many of them for over 20 years. Through Thr ough g our Thames V Valley alleyy of office, ffice, fice,, we bring g the highest high g quality knowledge of the local market and ar are e able to of offer ffer fer access to our str strong ong national firm expertise as necessary necessary.. Fr From om start-up companies to listed companies on AIM and the main market, our dedicated team of 8 local Partners and over 70 staf stafffff ar are e her here e to help. To T o find out how we can work w with you, please contact us on 0118 959 7222.

Ian Dale

Jer Jeremy emy Cooper

ian.dale@cr ian.dale@crowecw.co.uk owecw.co.uk

jeremy.cooper@crowecw.co.uk jeremy.cooper@crowecw.co.uk jaki.mitchell@crowecw.co.uk jaki.mitchell@crowecw.co.uk

Jaki Mitchell

Stuart Weekes Weekes stuart.weekes@crowecw.co.uk stuart.weekes@crowecw.co.uk

visit our website

www.croweclarkwhitehill.co.uk www .croweclarkwhitehill.co.uk

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 Client Services Director John F Kennedy john@b4-business.com Art Editor Rob Scotcher artwork@b4-business.com Assistant Editor Annette Kamphausen assistanteditor@b4-business.com Editorial Contributors Amanda Hill Erica Conlan Emma Watts Emma-Louise Pritchard Gloria Arias Jack Phillips John Kennedy Liz Maloney Louise Esplin Nigel Morgan Ryan Keane Sue Rosser B4 Photography Vera Bradashova (Reading College) Carolina Soler Gomes (Reading College) Carli Adby of ADBY Creative Jacqueline Cross Richard Shymansky Studio 8 www.studio-8.co.uk

Welcome to B4 It’s great to be able to write an introduction to our first edition of B4 Berkshire. We have had so much fantastic support and have been welcomed by Berkshire with open arms.

Inside

We have made a difference in Oxfordshire and, although the hard work starts now, we know we can have an impact in Berkshire. Thanks to everyone who has supported the first edition of B4 Magazine and / or become members of the new B4 website. There are some great features in the first edition and so much more ground to cover in future editions of B4. It’s very exciting to be here and if you think we can help you to connect with Berkshire businesses, please contact either myself or John Kennedy, our Client Services Director on 01183 177 183.

40. Berkshire IOD If you could bottle it

We look forward to meeting you and working with you.

Richard Rosser Editor

We are delighted to welcome you to the first edition of B4 Berkshire. We must thank the extensive range of companies and individuals who have demonstrated such positive support for B4 in Berkshire. The founding principles underpinning B4 are simple. Our objective is to build bridges between businesses and people so that everyone involved in the network benefits and can play an active role in promoting themselves, their businesses AND their colleagues and clients. Businesses and business people need a platform to promote themselves but that must be a platform flexible to their needs – the needs of their people, their clients and their plans for the future. B4, as a business magazine and as a network can be one element in helping us all to connect, develop and prosper.

62. Orange The future’s bright

Studio Photography Richard Shymansky of www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

Berkshire has many great businesses and many inspirational business people. In this issue we are fortunate to profile a number of these businesses and individuals, but I’ll leave this to Richard.

Subscriptions 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.

© 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

Please call me, e-mail me or catch me at a B4 event. We’re here to profile your business and to help you connect.

68. Morgan PR Poacher turned gamekeeper

John Kennedy B4 Client Services Director

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. WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

90. Reading 107fm On the crest of the airwaves

Side-step the Banks and Fund your Growth Elsewhere! Everywhere, we hear complaints about lack of bank finance for growing businesses. But, bank funding no longer has to be the first port of call for growing companies. Barry Neeves, Director of Funding and Banking for Pace Equity, the Thames Valley’s longest standing mid-market Corporate Finance House, comments: “Despite the doom and gloom, the choice of funding for growing businesses has expanded rapidly over the past few years and we probably have a wider range of funding for growth

businesses now, than at any time in the last 20 years.” The private sector, supported by a number of government initiatives, now offers a comprehensive range of funding alternatives which businesses can attract if they have the right approach and structure their requirements in the right manner. “As a result of urgent business needs all over the Thames Valley, Pace Equity is launching a number of new initiatives to help growth businesses attract the right funding” says Barry Neeves.

Our Focus is on You Crowe Clark Whitehill, is a leading national audit, tax and advisory firm, and a member of Crowe Horwath International, one of the world’s largest professional service organisations. Despite our size we are known for our approachability, and commitment to providing innovative solutions for clients. The way we work means clients spend more time with our partners compared to other leading accountancy firms. From our Thames Valley office we focus on

delivering high quality audit, tax and advisory services across the region. Our aim is to become a long-term, trusted business partner, and our blend of technical expertise and specialist industry knowledge allows us to create the right solutions for each client. Our focus is on combining the highest quality client service in the industry with innovative solutions at a reasonable price. In 2010 we won Accountancy Age’s top ranking for fair and transparent billing beating the industry average by 9%.

Fabulous food at a fantastic price at Fredrick’s Fredrick’s hotel and restaurant in Maidenhead has a legendary lunch offer for B4 Berkshire readers. Between now and the end of March 2012, you can tuck into a 2 course lunch for £12 or enjoy 3 courses for £17. The menu changes daily and includes seasonal specials and comforting classics.

The offer must be reserved in advance. Please contact the hotel on 01628 581000 or email reservations@fredricks-hotel.co.uk quoting ‘B4 Berkshire offer’. A great opportunity to enjoy fabulous food at a fantastic price.

Henley set to enjoy a little French flavour Henley Business School will be launching their MBA for the Music Industry in Cannes this month at the music industry conference Midem.

managers. As one of the key focal points in the Music Industry calendar, Midem provides the perfect platform for us to launch the programme.”

The launch will be hosted by Professor John Board, Dean of Henley Business School and Henley’s MBA for the Music Industry Programme Director Helen Gammons (MBA, author of 'The Art of Music Publishing')

The Henley MBA programme is aimed at experienced business managers and future business leaders from all segments of the music industry and will be delivered part time by flexible learning over two-three years at Henley to allow professionals to continue with their busy schedules.

Helen Gammons says of the Midem launch: "The music industry will always bring creativity and innovation to the table, and Henley Business School brings new business perspectives and insights to inspire future industry leaders and business

For more information or course prospectus please contact Helen.gammons@henley.com

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B4 news Clinical Professionals achieves top 50 ranking within the Sunday Times Fast Track 100. Fast Track, in association with the Sunday Times, has this week revealed Britain’s fastest growing private firms. Clinical Professionals was ranked in the Top 50 within The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table for 2011. The league table ranks Britain’s 100 private companies with the fastest-growing sales over their last three years. Since 2008, Clinical Professionals has achieved average annual sales growth of over 69.92% pa.

Managing Director, James Nyssen commented “Our business values of always exceeding our customer’s expectations have underpinned the success of Clinical Professionals since our inception in 2006. I am especially proud of the talented team that have consistently delivered exceptional service for our clients, Insourced Industry professionals and candidates.” Clinical Professionals is the only staffing firm within life sciences to have gained entry into the Fast Track

100 league this year, which against a backdrop of a generally weak UK and EU economy is a great testament to the work of the team within Clinical Professionals, a sentiment echoed by Sir Richard Branson: “2011 has been another challenging year for the UK in political and economic terms. Business has faced another tough year with uncertainty over the Euro and low economic growth. Against this economic background the strong performance of the Fast Track 100 companies is to be especially applauded.”

Bucking the Trend! Pace Equity, the longest running independent Thames Valley corporate finance boutique is pleased to report a flurry of mid-market Merger & Acquisition activity over the last two quarters, having completed deals in the IT & Telecoms, Distribution, Recruitment & Education sectors. Values achieved at sale were above current UK

industry averages, attributed in part to careful preparation of companies and management teams and in part to strong demand generated from wellfunded businesses and investors alike. Recent Experian research has highlighted the South East as one of the few areas in the UK where midmarket M&A transaction volumes actually increased

in 2011 and the region remains the most active in the UK behind Greater London. Focused on the mid-market sector, Pace Equity has advised shareholders across the Thames Valley in company sales, acquisitions, corporate fundraising and growth strategies since 1989 and remains cautiously optimistic for continuing M&A growth in 2012.

How much does it cost to save a child’s life? Spend wisely, invest in a life. Parents’ First Aid sessions are proving increasingly popular with mums and dads looking for peace of mind. Most parents worry about their child’s safety, yet have never learnt the basics of first aid. The typical first aid response is panic – not ideal if your child needs your help. Simply by attending a course and learning basic life support and first aid skills, you will gain the confidence to act decisively. Basic first aid knowledge can be learnt in as little as three hours, and training classes can be run in your home. You could arrange a coffee morning or an evening with drinks and nibbles. Alternatively you

can attend a public course and meet like-minded people. Often courses are for post-natal groups, where you can learn whilst your baby is with you. If you are a childcare professional and want to receive a certificate meeting the requirements of OFSTED, NCMA and EYFS then a 1 day or 2 day course is for you. For more information contact Child Matters to find out how you can host or attend a course E: contact@childmatters.info T: 07788 720 612 www.child-matters.co.uk Book a course in 2012 quoting B4 Berkshire and receive a 10% discount.

Wilson Partners Clearly one to watch, Wilson Partners was formed in 2008 by brothers Allan and Chris Wilson. The firm now employs 17 people. The addition of leading business advisor to SMEs, Ross Wilson, and senior tax practitioner, Alan Ross, provided further impetus to growth. 2011 was a significant year for the firm. Adam Wardle joined to head up the firms corporate finance team and quickly proved that his appointment was a shrewd choice. WP Audit was launched in the summer soon followed by WP Wealth Management when Iain Hopes brought his

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team of financial advisors into the fold. Allan Wilson commented. “We are committed to attracting talented people into our team. Our people and our clients are critical to our success and we never forget it! It was a major coup when we won a national tax award in 2011 and this definitely helped reinforce the message of what we have to offer.” See www.wilson-partners.co.uk information.

for

Breaking the barriers to business growth Phil Strachan of Strangebrew, featured on pages 48 and 49, has contributed a specialist chapter entitled ‘Think Brand not bland’ to Breaking the barriers to business growth, a compilation of expert insights into growing your business. Other contributors to this book are: Paul Ovington of Oxford Management Solutions Albert Wright of Millionaire Coaching Academy Anthony Pilkington of BookCheck Ltd Rob Warlow of Business Loan Services Sarah Williams of Wordsmith

Mary Thomas of Concise Training Jonathan Fink of Momentum Web Solutions Mark Salisbury of The Oxford Knowledge Company Sarah McCloughry of Anrah Training & Development Andrew Ludlam of Maverick Marketing Consultancy Cathy Dunbabin of Opendoorz David Winch of Selling Without Selling Edited by Sarah Williams, Paul Ovington and Albert Wright of Right Angle Consultants, this book can be ordered from: www.right-angle-consultants.co.uk

Jelf buck the trend with strong performance Jelf Insurance Brokers are riding the crest of a wave as they implement plans to expand in Berkshire.

October became one of only 88 UK businesses to attain Chartered Status from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

In December the insurance business announced 4.4% organic growth to £44.8 million for the year to September 30th 2011, clearly bucking the industry trend. This represented a 200% profit increase in addition to which Jelf Group reduced net debt from £7.3 million to £3 million.

Regional MD Julian Hilton said: “This is not expected to be a one-off – we are on the path to sustained profitability. We have an excellent team in place, focused on delivering for our clients and developing new business and we’re investing in the people, processes and systems to achieve that.” Julian Hilton (left) is pictured with Mark Nevitt, Operations Director for the M4 and SE regions. More on Jelf: Page 39

The company has had a regional base in Reading since 2006 when it acquired Goss & Co and last

Livingstone's World of Travel Historically everyone starts to think about holidays at this time of the year and the options available can make selection quite difficult. Budgets have to be taken into account particularly when families have to travel during high season and we recommend early booking. You have much more choice during peak periods and many tour operators have early booking discounts and low deposits to entice would be holidaymakers. Looking for your holiday? Why not call 0844 888 8383 now, our small knowledgeable team are waiting to help.

No trawling the internet for hours and, contrary to general belief, we are as competitive. Livingstone’s World of Travel make booking your dream holiday easy, like many of our regular clients you can use our out-of-hours service - you will be pleasantly surprised. We are used to meeting the demands of our discerning clientele and whether you’re considering Machu Picchu, Petra, the Taj Mahal, the great Wildebeest Migration or just a quiet Greek island holiday, we offer value-for-money and an outstanding personal service. www.livingstonesworldoftravel.com

Approximately every 30 minutes in the UK a Childs parent dies. Daisy's Dream supports children and their families affected by both life threatening illness and bereavement, throughout Berkshire. The charity supports over 650 children each year that have lost a special person in their lives through direct support and group events. The local charity has to raise over £300,000 each year to maintain and deliver the professional service. Currently a number of corporate partners support the charity, if you would like support Daisy’s Dream, discuss how you can help or simply find out

more please get in touch. There are a number of fabulous fundraising events in 2012, not to be missed! Join us for a prestigious and glittering evening of entertainment at the Daisy’s Dream Masquerade May Ball on Saturday 19th May at the Macdonald Berystede Hotel, Ascot. Please visit our website for details. www.daisysdream.org.uk T: 0118 934 2604 E: info@daisysdream.org.uk

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B4 news JFK B4 Berkshire We welcome B4’s new Client Services Director, John Kennedy, to the growing team at B4. John was part of the original team that came up with the idea of launching B4 and John was responsible for the name and explains. “B4 is all about building relationships and the 4 B’s stand for

Building Bridges Between Businesses. It’s great to now be a formal part of the team rather than working as a consultant and there are exciting times ahead for Berkshire. We already have one eye on our next territory, but my focus will be Berkshire and I welcome any interest from Berkshire businesses to help engage them with B4.”

The Cutting Edge of Commercial Interiors In December, leading office design & fit out firm ODB Group began work in the landmark Blade building in Reading for a client relocating from Chertsey. After considering several buildings, situated over 3 counties, The Blade, which provides an 8200ft² footprint, was unanimously favoured. Located on the twelfth floor, the space affords fantastic panoramic views over Reading and beyond and provides easy access to Reading’s University graduates. The interior, which takes inspiration from the recently re-designed US parent company headquarters, offers a textured working environment with the flexibility to adapt to varying staff requirements – private meeting booths, video

conference pods and product development areas helping to improve communication and efficiency. ODB Group have created a design which perfectly reflects their client’s brand and forward-thinking outlook. The ODB design team are very excited to unveil the scheme which is due for completion at the beginning of March 2012. Demonstrating the versatility of ODB Group, a second, very different fit out for a prominent precision engineering component manufacturer in a light industrial building, is also about to get under way in Suttons Business Park. ODB Group are making moves in Berkshire. If you would like creative or technical advice, please contact Will Shaw on 01252 704412, or email will.shaw@odbgroup.com

New Years Fitness Resolutions 1. “Why don’t I see results?” The lack of results are caused by factors such as an incorrect intensity, quality and technique of exercises. A personal trainer designs suitable exercises at an intensity relevant for your individual goals and abilities. 2. “I have injuries due to over training” Rather than jumping in the deep end, seek help from an experienced personal trainer who gives your training variety and structure.

3. “I Don’t enjoy the experience” You may find the gym environment intimidating and too busy. Personal training sessions can take place at the comfort of your own home, at a time suitable for you. Berkshire Fitness personal training www.berkshirefitness.co.uk Call Henna Hibberd on 07825259612 to book your FREE consultation!

The Royal Oak Paley Street The Royal Oak Paley Street is a 17th-c pub with a stylish elegance and a warm and friendly atmosphere. It is one of only 13 pubs in the UK to hold a Michelin star and the only one that also holds 3 AA Rosettes and a 6/10 rating in The Good Food Guide. Head Chef, Dominic Chapman, produces modern British food at its finest, utilising seasonal produce better than most. Signature dishes include the award winning Scotch Egg, Lasagne of Rabbit and

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Haunch of Venison. The extensive wine list offers something to suit most palates and purses. Last year the Oak celebrated its 10 year anniversary and this year is set to be a truly Olympic year, with a restaurant extension and the addition of rooms in the making. To mark 2012 The Royal Oak is serving a New Year Special Set Menu offering 2 courses for £25.00 or 3 courses for £30.00 plus petit fours, coffee or tea. www.theroyaloakpaleystreet.com

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appointments Clifton Ingram LLP Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors is pleased to announce that Carl Rae and Anne Deller from the firm’s Wokingham office have both been promoted to Partner. Carl Rae works in the firm’s Dispute Resolution department and has experience in just about every area of litigation with seven important cases recorded in the official law reports. Carl has extensive experience in handling a wide variety of commercial disputes and in resolving them through negotiation, mediation and court proceedings as well as particular expertise in the fields of property litigation, insolvency and factoring.

Anne Deller has specialised in family law for over 14 years. She acts for high net worth clients in divorce proceedings and has significant experience of all aspects of family law including emergency applications, enforcement and pre-nuptial agreements. She represents clients in complex children cases, including those with an international aspect or involving social services. Congratulating the new Partners on their promotions, Managing Partner Ian Graham said, “Carl & Anne are highly valued members of Clifton Ingram and their promotion to Partner is well deserved. We are delighted to promote such talented lawyers in key areas across the firm and look forward to their continuing contribution.”

New Executive Chef at Hilton Reading Hilton Reading is proud to welcome Dan Smith as their Executive Chef. Dan, one of the rising stars within Hilton UK & Ireland, moved from Manchester to Reading in early January. Dan is a master of event catering. He’ll have plenty of opportunity to put his expertise to practice at the Reading Hilton which – with one of the largest

event spaces in Reading – is no stranger to large parties and corporate events. According to John McLaughlin, General Manager at Hilton Reading: “Dan is not only a great chef, he’s an inspiring force in the kitchen and will nurture the talent that we have working at the Hilton Reading.”

Local firm Harrisons extends national reach Harrisons, the independent recovery and insolvency specialist for businesses, headquartered in Reading, has expanded its London capability with the appointment of Tony Murphy, an insolvency practitioner with over 20 years’ experience to head the firm’s new London office in Shaftesbury Avenue.

The firm has seen strong growth in the last six months of 2011 and now numbers some 50 staff with eight offices across the UK. Harrisons knows that people come to the firm when times are difficult, but the team’s flexible, open approach means it has no predetermined plan of action and is committed to the best

Ian Ross joins Wilkins Kennedy Top 21 UK Chartered Accountants and Business Advisory firm Wilkins Kennedy has appointed Ian Ross as a Director at the firm’s Western Region Reading office from November 1st 2011. Ian joins Wilkins Kennedy from his previous position of office Managing Director at RSM Tenon in Epsom, and prior to that, as Location Director at the Vantis plc Epsom office. Ian will be reporting to John Kirkpatrick, managing partner at Wilkins Kennedy’s Reading office, part of the Western Region, a rapidly expanding cluster of

offices including Winchester, Romsey, Egham, Guildford and Reading. As a Director in the Reading office, Ian will be offering a full range of accountancy, tax planning and business advisory services to businesses across the south of England. His role includes growing the Western region client base and providing services to a wide range of owner-managed businesses and SME clients, including: technology and I.T. based companies, internet start ups and US based firms with UK based subsidiaries.

outcome for the business concerned. The firm undertakes free, in-depth business reviews before recommending a course of action. Insolvency is always the last line of resort. To find out more about Harrisons’ business recovery and insolvency services please contact Debi Harvey, Harrisons, Reading on 0118 951 0798.

events “Collaborating For Growth” Business Show 2012 Organised in partnership with Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership & BMG Events. Wednesday 18th April, 8am – 6pm, Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Reading, Berkshire. Are you serious about doing business and are keen to help encourage growth and business in the Thames Valley area?..... If so, this is an event you cannot afford to miss! Join 100’s of fellow business people in forming a united front to help economic growth in the area.

This is a perfect opportunity to show case your skills or services as a business. The Show will be for all sizes of businesses from SME's to multinationals in the Thames Valley area. With a large exhibition hall, seminars, workshops, keynote speaker and networking this show is designed to accommodate every business professional and maximise business potential. For more details on exhibiting or attending this event please contact: Gemma on 0118 955 3390 or gkeeping@berksmedia.co.uk.

B4 Bike Ride: Paris to Oxford, 1st - 4th June ‘12 A team of at least 20 B4 members will be venturing into, for many of them, the unknown in June as they make the trip from London to Paris before beginning the ride of their lives back to Oxford.....all 270 miles of it! It’s all in aid, for Oxfordshire riders, of our 2012 preferred charity, Oxfam, and for Berkshire riders, our 2012 preferred charity, Berkshire Community Foundation.

Interested? Don’t worry about previous experience as there are many novices taking part, and lots of brand new bikes. We have a full support team of mechanics, medics etc.... and everything is organised, including accommodation, food and even a reception at the finish line! If you want to sponsor the team or even join the team, please call Richard on 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com.

BDO... investing in the future THAMES VALLEY TECHNOLOGY FORUM As leaders in the Technology Media & Telecoms (TMT) sector, BDO identified an opportunity to establish a TECHNOLOGY FORUM in the Thames Valley and held the inaugural event of the FORUM on December 1st 2011 at the Madejski Stadium. The theme was ‘Customer Service’ and over 50 corporate guests attended. The event featured speakers from BDO, Barclays, PocketApp and Microsoft. The goal for BDO is to establish a community of like minded people who are interested in understanding more about issues affecting the technology sector and who will share industry best practice and ‘real life’ experience amongst themselves. JULIAN FROST Julian Frost is Lead Partner of the Reading & Bristol offices and is also the Head of BDO’s UK TMT practice and therefore has been instrumental in establishing the Technology Forum. Julian transferred from the Baker Street office in January 2011 and brought with him his extensive

experience of providing business assurance services to clients in the technology and telecoms sector and his deep knowledge and understanding of the issues and challenges faced in the market. THE NEXT EVENT The next FORUM event will be held in March and will be focussed on corporate finance opportunities for the TMT sector in 2012. It will be examining trends in company valuations, the outlook for debt, private and public equity markets and offer advice for owners and management teams. Guest speakers will be on hand to provide insight into recent transactions and dealings with private equity. PRIVATE EQUITY SURVEY This upcoming event will build on results from BDO’s recent Private Equity Survey (2011/2012) which revealed that private equity houses are actively seeking investment opportunities. An overwhelming 94% of private equity respondents believe that now is a good time to invest, and a further 96% agree that the rate of investment activity will increase or at least stay the same over the next 12 months.

Julian Frost, BDO Reading & Bristol Lead Partner and National Head of Technology, Media & Telecoms sector group If you would like more information about the THAMES VALLEY TECHNOLOGY FORUM or would be interested in receiving a copy of the PRIVATE EQUITY SURVEY, please contact Kit Booth on 0118 952 7362 or email Kit at kit.booth@bdo.co.uk

LICENSED TO THRILL? TOP TIPS FOR THE HOSPITALITY & LEISURE SECTOR FROM PITMANS LLP The hospitality and leisure sector is heavily regulated and subject to rapidly developing areas of law so it is hardly surprising that many hospitality businesses struggle to navigate through the many legal issues affecting the industry. Here are some of Pitmans LLP’s top tips to prevent you from exposing yourself to avoidable legal difficulties.

Funding Every business requires funding. You may require debt financing (borrowing from a third party via loans, mortgages or debentures) or equity finance (third parties investing in your business for a share of ownership). Minority shareholders may refuse to participate in the running of the business or alternatively, third party investors may want to be acutely involved in making decisions pertaining to the business. A well drafted partnership or shareholder agreement can ensure all parties are aware of their obligations. If friction does arise between shareholders, staff or co-directors, make sure your contracts contain effective exit strategies and dispute resolution clauses. Premises When deciding on the key site or location for your business it’s essential that you carefully negotiate the commercial lease. A commercial lease is usually a long term commitment so concentrate on the clauses regarding refurbishment, break clauses, rent review and assignment. Claims involving dilapidations frequently arise at the end of the lease term so in order to minimise claims, try to negotiate the terms of the lease in your favour at the outset.

on a regular basis ensures that your business' interests are protected during the employment relationship and when the relationship ends. Well drafted policies and procedures can help employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities and may be key to resolving workplace disputes. Pension Enrolment The principle of ‘automatic pension enrolment’ requires that all employers will be obliged to pay contributions into a qualifying pension scheme for most of its employees. The auto enrolment system comes into force from October 2012 for large employers and from 2016 for all employers. It’s important to ensure that you are aware of the cost implications of auto-enrolment for your business and implement an efficient system to administer the scheme. This allows you to prepare for the future and plan for auto-enrolment in future projections and budgets.

business owner contending that they had the brand before you. Comparative advertising Comparative advertising can be very effective in the hospitality and leisure sector. However, businesses must ensure that they do not create confusion or take advantage of or discredit another comparable business. Making a claim that your hotel or restaurant’s goods and services are better than another’s is permitted providing it is not misleading. Consumer confidence is imperative so defending a claim for misleading or deceptive advertisements may not only cost you considerable amounts of money - it may also cost the business its reputation. Franchises Many hospitality businesses are operated as franchises because the financial rewards can be high. It can involve low capital investment by the franchisor and it offers small businesses with an

“Although franchising a successful and established

Licensing Most bars, restaurants or hospitality venues require a licence to supply entertainment, alcohol or gaming. Different types of licences exist to regulate different types of service and accordingly it’s crucial that the precise licence is obtained, varied, transferred or replaced as necessary. Businesses should ensure that they have a contingency plan in the event that the individual who holds the licence voluntarily leaves, is dismissed or is suspended.

business can be hugely beneficial, it still requires business acumen, hard work and commitment in order to secure a sustainable return.”

Agency Workers Many businesses are heavily reliant on students and/or temporary staff employed during Christmas or summer ‘peak’ periods. Agency workers play a key role in supporting businesses within the sector. It is therefore vital that you keep fully abreast of the rules that govern the engagement of such staff. The Agency Workers Regulations came into force in October 2011 and provide agency workers with a right to the same basic terms and conditions as permanent staff after a 12 week qualifying period. Reviewing your workers contractual documentation

Intellectual Property If your business has a unique logo, name or concept you should protect it from competitors. A business’ intellectual property can include trademarks, copyright or goodwill. It’s fundamental to know what rights you have or are likely to acquire in the future and how best to protect those rights. Owners of a registered trademark could sue if a competitor infringes much more easily than if the name or mark hadn’t been protected. You should also carry out a trademark search to ensure the trademark is available. This prevents another

opportunity to launch a business which is part of a well-recognised brand. However, franchisees require support, training and assistance with research, development and marketing as well as a proven business model. Although franchising a successful and established business can be hugely beneficial, it still requires business acumen, hard work and commitment in order to secure a sustainable return. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the obligations that exist under the franchise agreement and how the franchise agreement may be terminated in the event of a breach.

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

“If your business has a unique logo, name or concept you should protect it from competitors.”

Dealing with third parties When dealing with other third parties such as suppliers, make sure that there’s a right of redress for failure to perform. It’s fundamental that suppliers are fully aware of their obligations and supply on your terms of business with the necessary security in place. A well drafted supplier contract supported by adequate security is crucial. Plan for the future Succession planning and business structuring is critical to ensuring that tax and other liabilities are minimised. Many businesses in the hospitality sector are family owned. It’s vital that there are clear procedures implemented for the continuity of the business should a family member pass away or elect to leave. Pitmans LLP Pitmans LLP is one of the leading law firms in the Thames Valley. We understand the needs of our clients in this sector which is why we have a dedicated Hospitality team. Our clients in this sector include individuals, small businesses, large established chains, owners and franchisees of brands, creative clients, lenders and investors into the sector. We regularly advise on: • the sale, purchase and restructuring of businesses; • real estate concerns for developers/leaseholders; • the management and finance of hospitality groups; • brand management services; • health and safety prosecutions, accident claims and property damage claims; • litigation, dispute resolution and debt recovery; • employment; • licensing; and • pension matters. This article is only intended to provide a brief summary of some of the issues that can arise. If you’d like any specific advice on any of the issues raised or on other matters of concern to you please don’t hesitate to contact Nicola Kirk, Head of the Pitmans LLP Hospitality Sector, on 0118 957 0226 or nkirk@pitmans.com

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news Getting your business underway in 2012! Developing your team and building your network will be more important than ever this year- so find out how the IoD can support you by joining us at one of our events this year!

Speed Dating – professionally! People buy from people: so networking still has a significant role to play in the business development activities of many organisations. In fact, many people believe that networking is the only way to win business in a competitive environment when differentiation on price or service can be challenging. Whilst the IoD does provide networking opportunities at all of its events across Berkshire, our Speed Networking moves things up a gear! The frenetic pure energy of Speed Networking means that you will meet and talk to at least 20 new contacts on a 1-2-1 basis over the course of the evening. It’s fast, it’s energetic and it’s amazingly effective! Our experience of this type of event indicates that this demands a slightly different approach to how you network: • You need to think ahead about how you will explain what you do simply and effectively.

• You need to find ways to quickly and creatively explore potential opportunities to collaborate. • But above all, you need to present yourself and your business with passion, but integrity!. This is a great opportunity to challenge your thinking and approach to networking and ensure that you maximise the return on investing your time and energy. But don’t worry, we’ll be there to give you tips and hints along the way, and ensure that your speed dates get results! By the way, don’t forget your business cards - you’ll need them! Go on – take the plunge – join us on Monday 23 April 2012 at the Hilton Reading, Drake Way, Reading RG2 0GQ. £15 + VAT for members and guests – buffet and glass of wine included.

Setting Sail for Success! If networking is essential to your business, then your team is the foundation upon which that business is built. It comes as no surprise that team building can often be the first thing to go by the way when the business environment becomes tougher. However, difficult times mean that the need for strong leadership and a team that can deliver outstanding performance is even more essential than ever. Challenging your team in a competitive sailing environment provides the perfect development environment: it enables individuals to stretch their own goals and is a healthy and fun way to build collaborative working. Join us at Port Solent on 20 June, 2012 at our 11th sailing regatta with Sunsail! The day starts with coffee and bacon rolls. You will then be briefed by the boat skipper prior to setting sail. We will spend the morning sailing and getting acquainted with the boat and then drop anchor for lunch on board. After a discussion of race rules and tactics, we have a challenging afternoon ahead with

the return leg in the form of a race around the buoys. Boat against boat, just like the real thing! Finally back to the club house for prize giving and afternoon tea! This is a great team building exercise whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete novice. The day is also an opportunity for individuals to join us when we are more than happy to put you together as a team. Price includes: Professional skipper & 1st mate (if required) wet weather gear including lifejackets, all

briefings, lunch on-board the boats and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Tickets can be booked individually or get a special deal on booking a boat – pay for 8 people get the 9th place FOC. 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 at admin.berks@iod.net

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the cream of british printing since 1826

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Reputation through performance... In today’s harsh economic climate, there can be few businesses that can trace their origin back to 1826, but that’s exactly what Stones the Printers can do, as part of the printing group, bgp. The Banbury-based specialist sheet-fed printer is the sister company to Bicester-based bgp, both of whom are owned by renowned business entrepreneur and publishing magnate, and also Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Sir John Madejski OBE, whose other significant interest in the region is his ownership of Reading Football Club. Stones is seen as an industry leader in the print and publishing community, and is one of the most sophisticated sheet-fed printers in the UK, providing a 24/7 production facility and dealing with a wide variety of sectors, in both publishing and commercial, financial, directories and catalogues, fine art, greetings cards and calendars. All of which are produced in

reasonable volumes from 1,000 brochures or catalogues, up to runs of 1m leaflets. The business was founded and incorporated as Henry Stone in 1826, with Henry being the inventor of the Box File. In 1983 the company was purchased by The Goodhead Group and subsequently changed its name to Stones The Printers. It became part of the Madejski-owned bgp Group in 2001, and this has resulted in significant investment being made into the company, most notably in 2008, as part of a group-wide significant investment programme in new equipment and business improvements. All of the investments have not only helped to grow Stones

business, but also have provided it with a print production set-up that boasts five Heidelberg B1 10 colour presses. Additional investment is also currently underway, with a new press and laminator currently being installed, along with a new website which is soon to go live. As the company’s reputation has grown, so has its diverse client list, underlining Stones’ vision that is, “To be recognised as the market leader by providing world-class service and quality to its customers achieving sustained growth in financial performance”. Stones provides a one-stop shop facility, providing a “cradle to grave” service, with work often being taken in as productionready PDF files, all of which is overseen by its extensive team of account managers, who ensure a seamless production process is provided to clients. Explains Stones Managing Director Steve Palmer, “We operate with a can-do attitude and because of our experience and knowledge in the sheet-fed sector offer a different kind of rapport with our clients.” He continues, “In the sheet-fed sector we can be far more creative, and the fact that we (Stones) provide all our services such as finishing, spot-UV varnishing and laminating inhouse, allows us to show customers something they might not previously have considered for the printed material.”

Sir John Madejski

This was further underlined most recently, when Stones was

24/7 production facility

MD, Steve Palmer

“We operate with a can-do attitude and because of our experience and knowledge in the sheet-fed sector offer a different kind of rapport with our clients.” awarded a Highly Commended in the PrintWeek Awards Business Magazine Printer of the Year category, receiving the recognition for the production of Image magazine for the Association of Photographers. Stones’ impressive and extensive client portfolio is testament to the company’s professionalism, with some of its client relationships dating back to the 1970’s. Together with its track record of winning repeat business, and underlined by ISO accreditations, an environmental philosophy and professional development programmes for personnel, all of which ensure that Stones remains at the cutting-edge in all aspects of technology, business and service. With all production being handled on-site, and with such high print quality requirements from customers, Stones is also favoured by clients for its ability to provide facilities for press passes to take place, enabling any last minute tweaks to be made and provide the reassurance that high quality finishes have been satisfactorily met.

Due to its diverse production capabilities in the sheet-fed sector, Stones can print on a variety of paper stocks, some 80% of which is either Carbon Balanced Paper of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited. The Carbon Balanced Paper is a new production initiative, for which the production and distribution process is offset by the World Land Trust. By using carbon balanced paper Stones saved 816 tonnes of carbon last year, preserving over 609,000 square meters of critically threatened tropical forests. Stones is also a licensed member of PEFC, the world’s largest forest certification system, and has Chain of Custody certification, ensuring that it can not only trace certified material back to the forest, but that the material used originates from sustainably managed forests. Most of Stones staff also live within close proximity to the plant, and Stones plays a very active role in the local community, as an active support of both young people and sports teams, and is also the print provider of choice for many locallybased businesses.

www.stonestheprinters.co.uk

All stages of production handled on site

Experienced Account Managers to oversee trouble-free production

Customer lounge facilities provided for press passes

Unrivalled reputation, with many long-standing clients

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...the pick of british printers

Bgp group are proud supporters of B4 Business Magazine

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news

Thames Valley Business Leaders debate key local and national economic issues Leading business brains gathered recently for a top level forum on the current state of the economy. The RSM Tenon Thames Valley Business Leaders' Forum met at Cilantro restaurant at the Millennium Madejski Hotel for a discussion on national debt, unemployment, the property market, and how the International Crisis is impacting on the UK and local businesses. Guests included Sir John Madejski OBE and Rob Wilson MP, along with leading business figures from across the Thames Valley. As a universal concern, the issue of unemployment was first on the agenda, yet there remained optimism in Reading, particularly in retail where unemployment is lower than elsewhere in the region, boosted by the prospect of 4,600 jobs for Berkshire and about 2,500 for the greater Reading area. Tim Smith, Executive Director of Reading UK CIC, said, “I see a rebalancing of the economy, that’s to be welcomed. It's a really positive message.” The 'big three', he said, were food supplier Brakes’, Tesco's proposed warehouse at the former Berkshire Brewery site and Ikea. There are also plans for two more warehouses on the former Hewlett Packard site among a host of further opportunities; however the jobs issue prompted the question of whether British people would take that kind of work. Paul Lindley of Ella’s Kitchen commented, “Finding the right team, finding exceptional people and motivating them is such an important part of our success.”

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Personal debt and the credit culture have played a crucial role in the world's financial crisis, according to the forum delegates and this was also a key topic for discussion. “The UK per capita has one of the highest levels of personal debt in the world”, noted Mike Loftus from RSM Tenon, “It will take a couple of decades to sort that out.” The group then turned their attention to the challenges facing the property market and talked about the nervousness of many corporates when considering relocating to new premises. Some agreed that this is a result of CEOs and FDs in the current economic climate having concerns with the European and Global uncertainty and the many non-core property related matters affecting business in general. Simon Perkins from McKay Securities said “Confidence has dropped noticeably in recent years” and this is “a major influencer”. Against that background, the group also considered how the planning process and its increasing burden of red tape is a concern for some developers. Further on the agenda, Sir John Madejski raised the issue of the effect of the international crisis, particularly on Europe, insisting governments must overcome the problem. Andy Gass of Computer 2000 believes that it will be some while before real growth in the economy is seen and he is not anticipating a significant upturn in the short term. Rob Wilson MP reminded delegates of the seriousness of the effects of the continuing crisis in Greece and Italy and how dependent on it other countries were.

In summary, the forum accepted that whilst the economy was in unchartered waters and would take a considerable time to recover - Reading and the Thames Valley is well placed to benefit once business growth and the economy show signs of an upturn. From RSM Tenon: Mike Loftus, Forum Chairman Neil Gray, Regional Managing Director Nick Parker, Regional Head of Tax Jez Filley, Director of Audit Sandy Kerr, Reading Office Managing Director Guests: Sir John Madejski OBE Chairman, Reading Football Club Rob Wilson Reading East MP and Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Philip Seymour Managing Partner of Field Seymour Parkes Solicitors Andy Gass - Managing Director of Computer 2000 Distribution Ltd Paul Lindley Founder and owner of Ella's Kitchen Tim Smith MBE Executive Director of Reading UK CIC Chris Proserpi Catering Consultant and former Director of Major Events for both Sodexho and Compass Simon Perkins Managing Director of McKay Securities PLC Mike Baker Head of Corporate Solutions at Strutt & Parker

CHOOSING THE RIGHT KIND OF FINANCE Derek Beards, Senior Manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Berkshire talks to B4 Magazine about the importance of finding the right financing for your business. There are few things more important in business than choosing the right kind of finance. Choosing the right bank, and having an open and honest dialogue with them, should help your company flourish.

contact. They will have an understanding of your business and will have a view of what financial products and services could be of benefit. Accountants and Financial Advisors are also a good source of advice.

To gain the confidence of your lender or investor, businesses in Berkshire should consider the following important steps and considerations:

Review your options

A robust business plan This should include detailed financial forecasts, contingency planning, your market position, sector analysis and any regulatory changes that may impact your business in coming months. Seek guidance Your relationship manager is a good first point of

Consider the financing options that will meet the business’ needs in the short, medium and long-term. As businesses meet the day-to-day demands placed upon them, having the security and flexibility of working capital is paramount and short-term finance, such as securing an overdraft, is often viewed as a viable option in the first instance. Your business cashflow can also be improved through invoice financing, provided by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance. By bridging the gap between

supplying services and receiving payment, invoice financing can provide businesses with a cash injection to make the most of new opportunities, whilst also mitigating the risk of default. Whether it’s to capitalise on an upturn, or restructure to survive a downturn, term loans are a more structured borrowing method. Security over a company’s asset (whether equipment or stock) or some form of guarantee also characterise this financing method, making this suitable for the purchase or refurbishment of premises or other fixed assets. And, because the loan is protected by tangible security, the pricing often reflects the lower risk profile. Higher risk businesses, including business start-ups or unproven technological development, may want to consider equity investors, who are prepared to accept increased risk for the chance of greater

“Lloyds TSB Commercial is committed to providing you with appropriate funding to make your business plans a reality.”

SMILES ALL ROUND AS READING DENTAL PRACTICE EXPANDS Established 25 years ago, the practice is owned by husband and wife team Dr Robin and Christine Denville and is run by Max Argyle, practice manager, who joined the business last year. The practice celebrated the official opening of its new premises, on Kilnsea Drive in Lower Earley, last month, with Rt. Honourable John Redwood MP for Wokingham cutting the ribbon to declare the new site officially open.

Max Argyle, practice manager, Dr Robin Deville, Rt. Honourable John Redwood MP, Christine Denville and David Wood-Griffiths.

One business that has benefitted from funding support from Lloyds TSB Commercial is Reading-based dental practice The Gallery

Dental Centre of Excellence, which has expanded and moved to new premises after securing a £500,000 loan.

The Gallery, previously known as Maiden Lane Dental Practice, provides a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry, aesthetics and smile makeovers to local patients, both through the NHS and privately. Previously located two doors down, the owners decided to move to larger premises when the new

Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15M. Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065. Telephone: 020 7626 1500. Lloyds TSB Scotland plc Registered Office: Henry Duncan House, 120 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4LH. Registered in Scotland no. SC95237. Telephone: 0131 225 4555.

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returns. Business Angels or Venture Capitalists will consider equity investment, when the debt path is deemed too precarious or costly. The right funding and guidance can liberate your business and allow it to capitalise on opportunities as they arise. The key is to match your financing to your business purpose. Lloyds TSB Commercial is committed to providing you with appropriate funding to make your business plans a reality. For more information about how Lloyds TSB Commercial can work with you and your business, please contact me on 07739 817 176 or derek.beards@lloydstsb.co.uk To find out about invoice financing discounting visit www.ltsbcf.co.uk

Any property given as security which may include your home, may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured on it. All lending is subject to a satisfactory credit assessment.

site came on to the market, as it allowed them to improve services for patients and provide disabled access. The move has doubled the number of surgery rooms from three to six and the practice now employs five dentists, a specialist facial aesthetics practitioner, four hygienists, six nurses and four support staff. The practice has also acquired a substantial collection of art work from patients and local artists, which is exhibited for sale within the reception areas.

“The larger practice allows us to really improve our services for patients. We’ve designed every last inch of our new location to our specifications and requirements. “With six surgeries, we have effectively doubled in size and provide the latest in cosmetic dentistry and Botox as well as traditional dental services such as prosthetics and veneers.

This year, the practice is looking to continue to grow the facial aesthetics services and expand implant treatments for patients.

“Lloyds TSB Commercial, and our relationship manager David Wood-Griffiths, have been instrumental in helping us to achieve our ambitions. Our ethos is to provide the best possible treatment for our patients and with the bank’s support we have been able to expand and continue our drive for improvement.”

Max Argyle, practice manager at The Gallery, said:

David

Wood-Griffiths,

healthcare

consultant with Lloyds TSB Commercial in Thames Valley, said: “The Gallery has been an integral part of the Lower Earley community for the past 25 years and we are proud to be able to provide the funding so the services can be expanded. “It is fantastic to see a business thriving during these difficult times and it demonstrates growth is possible if careful planning is in place. “We are committed to supporting SMEs, and The Gallery is a prime example of a business that provides an excellent service, has a robust business plan and also provides training and support to its staff so that they can grow along in tandem with it.”

banking

Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman Service. (Please note that due to the schemes’ eligibility criteria not all Lloyds TSB Commercial customers will be covered by these schemes). Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority under numbers 119278 and 191240 respectively. Licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 under registration numbers 0004685 and 0198797 respectively. We subscribe to The Lending Code; copies of the Code can be obtained from www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk

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LAST YEAR WE APPROVED 80% OF ALL BUSINESS LOAN AND OVERDRAFT APPLICATIONS. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing small about our commitment to supporting small businesses. At Lloyds TSB our Relationship Managers understand the pressures you face. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to offer the support, guidance and funding you need to keep your business running smoothly CPF [QWT ECUJ Ć&#x2021; QYKPI HTGGN[ 6Q Ć&#x2020; PF QWV JQY YG ECP JGNR [QWT DWUKPGUU ECNN &GTGM $GCTFU Senior Manager, Business Development on 07739 817176.

Bank of the Year 2005-2011 FDsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Excellence Awards in association with ICAEW and supported by the CBI & Real Business. Figure relates to July 2010 to June 2011. We accept calls made through RNID Typetalk. Calls may be monitored or recorded. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Lending is subject to status.

B4 LEADE While 2011 has undoubtedly been a challenging year for the economy, businesses across Berkshire can be proud of the way they have risen to the challenge and seized opportunities. Figures published in 2011 by Eurostat showed Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire are 10th highest in the EU in terms of Regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head of population, with these areas being recognised as the most dynamic and competitive sub-regional economy in the UK outside of Central London. This means that there are many opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Berkshire to grow and expand in 2012, with the right help and guidance. Lloyds Banking group, of which Lloyds TSB Commercial is a part of, is committed to supporting UK businesses and we are on track to meet our share of the aggregate lending commitments in 2011, under which

and graduates around the country, with many launching successful businesses every year. To recognise these businesses, 2012 will see the first ever Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards to search for the small business stars that are emerging through universities in England, Scotland and Wales. There are currently more than 55,000 businesses being run by current or recent graduates. Nominations for the two awards - Best Enterprise and Best Start Up - are open until Monday 30 January 2012, after which a series of regional heats across England as well as events in Scotland and Wales will then be held. .Winners of both awards in each heat in February will then move forward into a grand final, in March where they will compete for overall Best Start-up and Best Enterprise. The business judged Best Start Up will recieve a cash prize of £10,000, with the owners of the Best Enterprise receiving

A SUCCESSFUL

2011 AND

LOOKING F O RWA R D TO 2012 At the start of a new year it is customary to reflect on the last 12 months, looking at the challenges and successes and then start planning the year ahead.

“We are dedicated to continuing our support to UK business and have pledged in our new Charter to lend £12 billion to SMEs in the UK over the next year

”

the participating banks agreed to jointly make available gross new lending of £190 billion to creditworthy UK businesses, including £76 billion for SMEs. As part of this on going commitment, Lloyds TSB Commercial carried out research in July 2011 which showed that 70 per cent of firms in the South East believe it is important for banks to simplify banking charges. This prompted the launch of Lloyds TSB Commercial’s Monthly PricePlan tariffs, which offer customers a simple fixed fee in exchange for a package of transactions. This makes their day-to-day banking transparent and puts them in control of their account charges. It’s not only established businesses we focus on. We also appreciate the importance of start ups to the country’s economy and so in 2009 we pledged to support the launch of 300,000 new businesses by the end of this year. As of November 2011, we had supported more than 200,000 new businesses to start up. In 2012, we are dedicated to continuing our support to UK business and have pledged in our new Charter to lend £12 billion to SMEs in the UK over the next year, including start-ups, helping rekindle business confidence, stimulate demand for finance, and fuel economic growth. We recognise that a significant number of start ups came from universities students www.b4-business.com

£50,000 to invest into their business. All winners will receive mentoring support. One of the local heats will be held in Reading on 16 February 2012, where businesses will pitch to a panel of locallybased judges to explain why they should be crowned as either Best Enterprise or Best Start Up. Paul Smart, area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in the Thames Valley, said: ““As small businesses play such a vital role in the region’s economy, we know how important it is to support these enterprises and the people who run them. “Universities are a major source of the next generation of business talent and through their innovation and creativity these budding entrepreneurs can help the UK continue to prosper in a highly competitive world. “We are launching these awards to celebrate their successes and hopefully inspire others.” Further information on the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards, including the full entry criteria and the entry form, can be found at: lloydstsb.com/enterpriseawards

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 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority under numbers 119278 and 191240 respectively. The Lloyds Banking Group includes Lloyds TSB Bank plc and a number of other companies using brands including Lloyds TSB, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, and their associated companies.

‘IT’S GOING TO BE TOUGH BUT IT’S THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN’ Sir John Madejski talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about the economy, the role we all have in reviving the country’s fortunes, and why he remains optimistic about the future of Reading and Berkshire. Written by B4’s Erica Conlan. ‘What good does feeling sorry for ourselves do? We are where we are and the only game in town is for everyone to be doing their level best to get the economic wheel grinding again. The situation is severe and everyone knows that.’ So begins Sir John Madejski, Chairman of Reading Football Club, Chancellor of the University of Reading, businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. It’s a whirlwind start to an interview which sees Sir John in a passionate frame of mind about why the country is struggling, and he’s not optimistic.

“For example, Health and Safety has gone off the scale. It’s getting impossible to work alongside all of the red tape and constant changes. We are being made moribund by the regulations and edicts coming out of Brussels. We must get back to normal - even in terms of political correctness. This country prides itself on free speech but from where I am sitting there is none left. The nation is sophisticated enough to know what is reasonable and we ought to recognise that and be treated like adults. If everyone adopted common sense, we would all be better off.’

Sir John sees, as many of us do, a country which has, in many quarters, given up. “We all need to sit up and take notice of the competition we are facing from the East. Having worked there, I understand the mindset. And it’s a great worry – on many levels there is no comparison and we have to up our game. When you are out there you get a real sense as to how keen they are to ‘out westernise’ the West and they are doing so in leaps and bounds.

Equally uncompromising are Sir John’s views on education. ‘It’s an absolute disgrace that so many people leave school unable to read or write. Education is key – it’s the one single foundation which has to be there – if it’s defective, then so will our workforce of the future. What children need is a back to basics approach with clearly defined boundaries and discipline. We all have to have boundaries…..we can’t blame kids if they go off the rails. Their role models should be setting examples, laying out the boundaries and if they are allowed to stray then the consequences are down to those responsible for setting the boundaries – parents, employers, teachers and the Government.”

“We have to knuckle down and get on top of the game again. We’ve had some glorious years of growth and high expectation. The change in the standard of living in my lifetime has been incredible - but we have to earn the right to keep it, not expect it to continue ad nauseam. We’ve got to get rid of the culture where people believe they can have something for nothing. We’ll achieve very little if half of the population are going to sit on their backsides thinking up the next excuse not to go in to work. Where is that going to get us? The big worry for me is that that mindset is the norm, that people think they’re entitled to the odd day off because they feel ‘a bit under the weather’. It’s a crying shame that a lot of people don’t have the fire in their bellies that the majority of the workforce in the East have. There genuinely is no comparison.” On a more positive note, Sir John is clear that we all have a responsibility, but more importantly, the capability to rescue the situation. “With every downturn there is opportunity, new champions of business emerging, the possibility of re-inventing an old system which has ceased to work. So I have high hopes in many respects. However, certain obstacles are in the way and if I may be blunt, in this country we are often our own worst enemy.

It is a subject close to his heart, having associations with the Sir John Madejski Academy in Reading. “Getting involved with the Academy has been best thing I have done in my life simply because it’s changing lives and the students who go there are a testimony to what can be done. Every student is good at something. It is the school’s job to find out what that is and to nurture it. That is the road to success and if we adopted that philosophy on a wider scale, then the future would be much brighter.” Sir John sees the environment children find themselves in as key to their future development. He recalls the takeover of Reading Football Club, describing Elm Park as ‘falling to pieces and well past its sell by date.’ “People didn’t value Elm Park because it wasn’t looked after. The example wasn’t being set. With the opening of the new Madejski Stadium, attitudes changed overnight. We didn’t go for bog standard, we went for state of the art and people respect that.

It’s the same with children. They will inherit the world, yet many schools have leaking roofs and text books that have seen better days. If you get the right environment for children, they will respond to it. If not, how can we expect them to respect it. Their standards and expectations will never be high enough and it’s then going to be a vicious circle.” Sir John believes it’s not all down to the schools. “Parents should engage more with their children and take responsibility. Everyone should make time to do so. Having children is a commitment which shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you can’t nurture your own children, then, quite simply, you are not responsible to have them in the first place.” Turning to the future of Berkshire, Sir John is more enthusiastic. “Berkshire is blessed. We have economic growth and logistically we are well placed with Southampton, Heathrow and London nearby. The Thames Valley has a lot going for it. Reading is a remarkable town with a unique university which is among the top 200 in the world. The University of Reading is leading research into climate change, and is right up there with food technology. It also has the largest business school in Europe. The time has come for us to boast about its achievements, which are considerable. We have a lot to be proud of in Berkshire and we must keep on striving to improve. “I am confident we have got a lot right here in Berkshire and we are undoubtedly a major part of the UK’s engine room. It will get a lot harder before it gets better in this country, but we have what it takes to get us through a very difficult period and make us stronger than ever. I certainly don’t envy David Cameron’s job. He has taken over at a very difficult time, probably the hardest economic era for centuries, but he is the right man to lead the country and we have to applaud and support him for what he is trying to achieve. “If we can all pull in the right direction, then we’ve got a chance.” www.readingfc.co.uk

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Photography by Vera Bardashova

B4 SPOTLIGHT

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“The second BIG mistake is not being able to turn to an experienced strategic person to guide your financial course someone that does more than just add up the numbers.”

THE 3 MAIN REASONS WHY GROWING BUSINESSES RUN OUT OF CASH AND HOW TO AVOID IT HAPPENING TO YOU …. By Trevor Wilson, Founder of The FD Group Are you building a successful business, but regularly find yourself hunting around for cash to meet commitments? Your business is growing and profitable, yet increasingly you’re spending your time managing the money side instead of doing what you do best? And that’s BIG mistake number one. Trying to be financial when you’re not! The second BIG mistake is not being able to turn to an experienced strategic person to guide your financial course - someone that does more than just add up the numbers. Number crunching is for bookkeepers and accountants. This results in the entrepreneur trying to wear the Finance Director’s hat! Far from overseeing and keeping the finances of the business under control, it’s a recipe for disaster. Lastly, the third error is not knowing the strategic financial pillars that generate a strong cash position.

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So that’s why, I’ve published ‘The Cash Blueprint’ (to get the full guide see below) for service business owner managers. The ‘Blueprint’ is based on ‘The 9 Cash Flow Pillars of Successful Service Businesses’, and it allows any service business owner to begin to see the key areas that affect the cash in their business (these are the same pillars experienced FD’s all over the world use in growing businesses). Here’s a summary… Cash Pillar No.1 Cash pillar number one is knowing how to create a ‘Strategic Financial Plan’. Countless studies have shown that business owners who know how to do this in the right way (and there is a right and wrong way to do this) are significantly more successful than those who don’t. Cash Pillar No.2 The next pillar to creating cash is through the preparation of ‘Cash Flow Projections’ that you can

count on and that are not best guesses. Again knowing how to do this right is a critical factor in cash management (how this is done is very different from the way most business owners do it). Cash Pillar No.3 Pillar three is ‘Working Capital Improvement’. By falling short in this area, it’s not unusual for a company to have significant sales and profit on the P&L, but no free cash in the bank. Most business owners don’t realise that effective management of working capital is the secret to positive cash flow. Unfortunately due to space restrictions, we can’t publish a complete summary of the ‘Cash Blueprint’ here. But you can get the full guide, and find out the other six ways to start improving cash in your business now, by just going to www.TheFDGroup.co.uk where you can download your own copy straight away.

READING: THE HEARTBEAT OF THE RECOVERY Reading Borough Council Chief Executive, Michael Coughlin, explains to B4’s Richard Rosser just why Reading is faring so well in the eye of the storm and that it’s very much open for business. Written by Emma-Louise Pritchard. With the long yearned for ‘City status’ potentially just a heartbeat away, Michael is not only confident about Reading’s future, he is adamant, assured and determined that Reading’s role in the re-energising of a fragile UK economy will be not just significant, but crucial. “Reading is as strong as I’ve known it with significant inward investment and a real appetite for future growth. It’s an exciting time for all of us in Reading. A lot of commentators have indicated that, because of our location and our role in the national economy, growth will take place in Reading first and that other areas will follow Reading’s lead.” With cranes clearly visible from Michael’s 8th floor window and gleaming new office blocks already

that companies and their staff who locate here do well, prosper and, more importantly, want to stay here for the long term. “Across the town work is going on to attract new business into the area with incentive packages in addition to the general infrastructure which is already excellent in terms of housing, road, rail and air links and the fantastic commercial property opportunities in the area. “There are very few towns or cities with the assets that Reading can boast, but we also have a high sense of awareness of the impact the current economic conditions are having on people’s livelihoods. We are of course aware of the serious difficulties a lot of people are going through and we

East. That’s a massive achievement and a direct result of the collaboration we have seen work so well. The next highest area created half as many apprenticeships, which demonstrates how successful we have been. “It’s also really important for us to be on top of the skills agenda and working with skills providers, both in the private and public sectors helps us to redress the imbalance between the qualifications available. Reading is well known for high end IT companies with the likes of Microsoft, Oracle, Verizon Business and Logica, which attracts a particular type of skill set, but with the opening of state-of-the-art distribution centres for Brakes and for Tesco, a different skill set is required and this helps to redress the balance, with opportunities from

“The town and Council genuinely wraps itself around issues and, lead by Councillors, gets something done about them.” forming an impressive skyline, it’s impossible not to relate to Michael’s positive outlook for 2012. “Everyone has been affected by the recession in some way, shape or form. It would be ludicrous to suggest that the town has been impervious to its effects but Reading has to a degree been, compared to other towns across the country, protected from the very worst ravages of recession. The relationship between Reading businesses and the local authority, with enlightened and very able Councillors, has been central to this. “At a recent SME event we made it very clear that Reading Borough Council is open for business and that it wants to support business to make sure

know of the risk to peoples’ employment and their jobs. The Council does a huge amount focused on the needs of those not in employment to assist them in securing jobs, training and housing. We have enjoyed some really positive success stories, working with DWP, Jobcentre Plus and Connexions and higher and further education providers and local businesses. “The town and Council genuinely wraps itself around issues and, lead by Councillors, gets something done about them. We knew that we could have an issue with young people entering employment. Now we are the highest performing authority, working with business partners, in terms of the creation of apprenticeships in the South

manual jobs right through to managerial positions.” Reading is also enjoying a High Street boost at a time when so many empty units are appearing on Britain’s high streets. “The Oracle Centre goes from strength to strength and together with Broad Street Mall, which is also very buoyant, the footfall of both shopping centres is second only to that of the West End in London. I witness the activity in our shops on an almost daily basis as I walk around the town from meeting to meeting. It is very lively and although we are not complacent, it would appear that we are bucking the national trend. For instance, we’ve had Apple, Cath Kidston, Hollister and Browns all open within Reading in the last few months. These are excellent brands that will only

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

K E Y FACTS 1. A recent LEP survey of Reading businesses discovered that 46% were expecting to expand their business a little in the next two to three years whilst 39% were expecting to expand their businesses significantly. _ 2. Apprenticeships in 2010/11 are up by 91% (to 1,320 )compared to 2009-10 _ 3. Our town centre retail vacancy rate is between 6% and 7% which is half the national average _ 4. 2300 new jobs in the next 24 months through investments in predominantly South Reading but including Tesco, Brakes, IKEA… _ 5. Month on month decrease in JSA claimants for the last four months (NOT for 18 to 24) _ 6. Centre 4 Cities ‘ Cities Outlook – in top 5 since its inception in 2008; expect to remain there this year. _

Richard Shymansky - www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

7. FT’s Foreign Direct Investment Awards (European Cities and Regions of the Future 2010/11), named Reading as the Best Micro City for Infrastructure and was ranked the 8th best Micro City overall. (Micro cities are defined as having a population of 250,000 or less.)

“it would appear that we are bucking the national trend.”

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B4 SPOTLIGHT move in to thriving areas. It’s a great feather in our cap to attract the likes of these companies to the town. “I recently spoke to Steve Belam, General Manager of the Oracle, and he said that many of the Oracle units were performing much better than expected. We have got half the level of vacant units as other similar shopping centres in the country and an indication of the popularity of Reading town centre for retail can be seen with our recent art project for empty units. We worked with Jelly, a local arts organisation, who agreed to display art in empty retail properties to make them more attractive. The buildings were frequently not vacant for long enough so a combination of the unit’s appeal and the art displays worked too well in many cases! “If you speak to the property agents, as I do, around the town, many empty properties or units are invariably under offer. The agencies have also commented that rentals of some properties in town are exceeding historic highs for the first time.” Reading continues to see regeneration with iconic building like the Blade and One Reading Central just two examples. “The developers of Thames Tower and Station Hill, Stanhope and La Salle, are working together and with the Council to deliver a co-

“Collaboration is very much a consistent theme in Reading as, for example, Reading UK CIC has demonstrated already. We have a great track record of businesses working with the local authority, making sure our common goals are realised and setting aside agendas which aren’t in line with the overall target of improving Reading – it’s a simple goal and these collaborations don’t allow us to lose sight of our aims. 2012 promises much excitement for Reading, continues Michael. “We’ve got the Diamond Jubilee with lots of activities surrounding that, and we also have the Olympic torch coming to Reading for an overnight stay in July. But before all of that we have the city status being announced we believe, in February/March, so we have our fingers firmly crossed.” Add to that a Reading FC’s hot run of form towards the end of 2011 taking them in to the play off places and, hopefully, a place in football’s elite league in May, and it’s easy to see why there is so much optimism at a time of national doom and gloom. Recent reports have claimed that Reading comes in the top 5 of thriving economies and with a mix of big ICT players and a talented workforce,

beneficial and helps to raise Reading’s profile internationally. “We are always working hard to improve and working with University of Reading, the LEP and Reading UK CIC, we are creating a tight knit community which is raising Reading’s performance and profile every day. There is a definite ‘can do’ attitude in Reading which is born from people wanting to do things and improve the status quo and able to work across sectors, be it education or public or private or voluntary sectors. Connect Reading for instance does a great job of helping the large corporate companies in the area connect with the local community.” It’s abundantly clear that Reading is open for business, but that drive and determination is well balanced by a clear awareness of the plight of those less fortunate, as Michael concludes. “We balance the positives with high degree of social responsibility and attention for those who aren’t feeling the benefits of growth and prosperity. We take those responsibilities very seriously and do our best to make sure that we can deliver ever better education to youngsters, facilitate apprenticeships and make training available to as many as possible. “We are certainly not complacent and there has to

“It will be critical to the nation’s rail infrastructure, so much so that if there is a delay at Reading, it will be felt as far away as Newquay and Edinburgh!” ordinated regeneration of this important gateway location adjacent to the station. Applications for both schemes are expected during the summer this year. Together these two schemes represent probably the most exciting development opportunity in the South East outside London. Work has already begun on the station itself and it seems that there’s almost a new platform appearing every day when I come in to work! The scheme is valued at over £850 million, hence, the time it is taking to get everything in place. But I can guarantee it will be worth the wait.” Michael explains that the scheme, championed by lead Councillors and supported by the Council, the Department for Transport (DfT), Network Rail and First Great Western, had enjoyed such significant support from DFT in part because the Minister responsible for approving funding had been impressed at the partnership work in place in Reading to make sure the scheme was successful. “It’s a unique collaboration. We have some very talented individuals working on this project to make sure it goes to plan and it’s been a great pleasure to work with people who have a common goal and the vision to appreciate the impact this development will have on Reading. 34

University of Reading, plentiful ‘R and D’ and incredible transport links, it’s hard to argue with that claim. Reading’s role as the heartbeat of the UK economy is gathering pace as Michael demonstrates. “Once the capacity of the station has been increased by a third, it will be the busiest outside of London, second only to Birmingham. It will be critical to the nation’s rail infrastructure, so much so that if there is a delay at Reading, it will be felt as far away as Newquay and Edinburgh!

be a balance. We have a community to serve, foster and protect and that’s widely felt across the town. On 24th November last year, 150 or so members of the public came to an open meeting to discuss what the town needed and how they could contribute. One group wanted to talk about how we can make a difference for the unemployed. The group went away and discussed the problem for an hour and came back with a strong commitment to make a difference…..and they are doing it!

The interaction with the bigger businesses occupying space in Reading is also very healthy, illustrates Michael. “The likes of Microsoft, Green Park (which has just been sold), Yell and Pegasystems are all very active in the community, and we have excellent dialogue with them. Wipro have also recently expanded their presence in Reading and they contacted me to ask me to come and see what they are doing. They have grown from 50 to 250 staff and have a genuine interest in the community as they have employees coming over on secondment for up to two years at a time and they have to establish good links here. This is an excellent example of how proactively working with new businesses is positive and word gets out in international business communities that working with us as a local authority can be mutually

It’s great to see such drive for continually improving Reading. It has strong foundations and huge potential to ride out the worst of the economic conditions, but there are many tough decisions still to be taken and of course, those who are adversely affected, supported and helped through difficult times. I am sure though that Reading, it’s people, businesses and Council will rise admirably to the challenge”. www.reading.gov.uk

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IN PRINCIPAL

Reading College students Gloria Arias and Jack Phillips met with their Principal, Lesley Donoghue, to find out more about the College’s ethos and future plans. This article was written and designed by Gloria and Jack. Principal Lesley Donoghue is a big part of the on-going change at Reading College and, having worked in Further Education for twenty fi ve years, Lesley’s passion and commitment are still at their maximum today. She recognises what is happening all around her and knows what needs to be done to achieve the excellence that she knows Reading College and its students are capable of. Lesley has been the Principal at Reading College since its change from Thames Valley University to the much improved educational facility that it is today; she has given the present and future students more choice for their chosen careers with courses that will give a wide range of paths to select from. Implementing courses that range from Level 1 to Level 4, the College has opened up new doors to allow in students from all backgrounds because, as Lesley puts it, “it is a challenge to break that cycle and to move into employment and to get ready for employment”. Reading College is doing its level best to help students from disadvantaged families where, historically, qualifi cations are rare and unemployment more frequent, to improve their quality of life. The college wants people to ‘get their fi rst foot on the ladder’ and have helped them do this by developing short programmes that will enable them to work effectively within the college and be able to move on quickly into employment. As Lesley states ‘direction is all and achievement is all’ and these ‘short and sharp’ programmes enable them to progress quicker which is especially useful for people who can’t or don’t feel like they could stay

in education for a full year. Education is a key institution necessary for our society to grow both in knowledge and awareness of the expanding opportunities of the world, not just in Reading. There is so much out there for students, whether they are from state school or public school education and Lesley is quite obviously aware of that. “Sometimes, further education colleges tend to do their own thing and don’t always take account of what’s happening around them, but certainly we, in this college, intend to do that and are doing that.” Lesley continues to build strong links with local businesses for work experience and apprenticeships to help both staff and students obtain a vital understanding of the skills needed and what businesses want from their employees. Reading College provides students with the training needed to successfully excel, in part, due to these close links and the insider knowledge provided from the employers. The joining of Reading College with B4 Magazine has enabled the college to obtain a strong tie with outside employers. Aiding students by giving them more opportunities to thrive within their courses, whether it be Media, Graphic Arts, English or Maths, there are options available for everyone that will give them something more; if they apply to university or go into full time work - whatever path they choose- having real working-life experience is invaluable. “The opportunity to work with B4 has been incredible. Giving students a taste of real life business is invaluable for them. We recently had a student photograph Sir John Madejski at Reading FC and others have presented their ideas to B4

about design improvements. We are now welcoming B4 clients to the College to have professional photographs taken for the magazine and this is all gold dust for the students and reinforces our links with the business community.” Commented Lesley. It is hoped that in 2012, Reading College’s University Technical College will be opened as a fantastic addition to Reading itself. Reading’s UTC has been recently approved by the Government’s UTC nationwide programme and intends to produce highly qualifi ed staff for specialised roles within cutting edge technological companies. As tuition fees rise for universities, colleges like Reading College are going to be in more demand due to the increased opportunities available, such as the Level 4 courses which provide pre-degree learning and compliment any further education. At Reading College there is currently one Level 4 Art and Design Foundation course and two more to be added next year which will be 2 year programmes; one in Business and Enterprise, the other in Childcare which will ‘give students more opportunities to stretch’ and it can be seen that Reading College is a ‘great stepping stone’ for university. But Lesley has made it clear that Reading College ‘gives the best opportunity of increasing student’s life chances’ and that’s what any student would want from an educational institution; where they feel they have an opportunity to do more, to be more. www.reading-college.ac.uk

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

MISSION To provide education and training for local people to improve their life chances and to support the development of the economy in Reading and Berkshire • 1955: Opened as Reading College of Technology • Later became Reading College and School of Arts and Design • 2004: became part of Thames Valley University • 2010: Re-launched as Reading College • 6000 local learners • 900 further education courses • Wide range of Level 1 to Level 4 courses • Curriculum includes: IT, engineering, hair and beauty, health and social care, construction, accountancy, business, creative arts and media, catering, A Level programmes, literacy and numeracy • Wide range of apprenticeships with local businesses • Higher education programmes from September 2012 • University Technical College (UTC) sponsored by the college opening September 2013 specialising in computer science, software engineering and communications technology.

“A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops.” www.b4-business.com

Photography Carolina Soler Gomes

• Partners in the UTC include: Microsoft, Peter Brett Associates, Blackberry, University of Reading, Network Rail, Oxford and Cherwell Valley College

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B4 SERVICES

“Having Chartered status also represents an on-going commitment to improving our standards in everything we do.”

JELF FINDS THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS IN THE THAMES VALLEY Not much happens in the business world without insurance and that means good brokers are well and truly at the heart of business communities. This is certainly true of Jelf Insurance Brokers which, formerly known in the Thames Valley as Goss & Co, have been a landmark business in the region since the company was founded in Reading in 1921. Jelf is now implementing plans to expand its insurance operation throughout the Thames Valley after a period of restructuring. And recent results suggest it is very well placed to achieve this. Julian Hilton, Jelf Insurance Brokers’ Regional Managing Director for the M4 Corridor, said: “We have now got great momentum in this business. In December we announced 4.4% or-ganic growth of our insurance arm to £44.8m in the year to September 30th. On top of this, Jelf reduced its net debt to £3 million from £7.3 million in 2010. “We are on the path to sustained profitability which clearly bucks the trend in our industry. And, while this is obviously good news for Jelf, it is also excellent news for our clients and potential clients. “It enables us to continue to invest in organic growth, in the people, the processes and the systems which will benefit all the clients we already work with and new ones who haven’t yet engaged www.b4-business.com

us. At this stage in the economic cycle it also differentiates us from the rest of the market. “Our success over the last two decades has been built on playing an active role in the local community wherever we do business. We’ve had a good look at what this meant in Berkshire and have realigned what we do to better fit our modern business ethos. For instance, in Reading we’re getting more involved in local communities and supporting initiatives such as the charity Thrive, based at Beech Hill near Reading, which uses gardening to help people from all sorts of backgrounds with all sorts of disabilities. “As a business, we offer bespoke solutions that are totally focused on the needs of our clients. Our staff are very familiar with the requirements of businesses throughout the Thames Valley. As an independent company, of course, we can get the best deals available in the marketplace by working with insurers who also have a very strong knowledge of the business scene in this region. “And we also focus on specialist areas of insurance work. In our Reading office, for instance, one of our specialities is the aviation sector. As a result, our teams have built up an in-depth knowledge of what’s available and attainable for businesses working in this niche.”

people has been the development of Jelf’s client proposition. Most significant in this was the very prestigious award of Chartered status to Jelf Insurance Brokers by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) last autumn. The CII is the leading professional body for the insurance and financial services industry, with more than 100,000 members. Yet Jelf is one of only 98 insurance businesses in the UK to have been awarded Chartered status. Julian Hilton said: “This achievement very strongly supports our client proposition and also our aim to be an employer of choice. Having Chartered status also represents an on-going commitment to improving our standards in everything we do. “The cornerstone for the award was the major investment we made in training, including our Sales Academy, our Sales Leadership Academy and the bespoke training and competence framework we use called Inside Edge. “We are very serious about developing our people and also adhering to the CII’s code of practice, so clients can be assured they are getting the best advice and service available. In today’s economic climate we think that is a powerful message.” www.jelfgroup.com

Hand-in-glove with the development of Jelf’s 39

IF YOU COULD BOTTLE IT Ross Wilson is a familiar face to many in Berkshire business circles. As outgoing Chairman of the Berkshire IOD, his natural networking abilities have seen him in his element, connecting, encouraging, advising and supporting. If only Ross could bottle his passion, it would undoubtedly help stir a segment of the population he has grave concerns for. Ross Wilson talked to Richard Rosser of B4. Written by Ryan Keane. “If I have a real passion, other than that for life, it is to help young people. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience most things in my business life and if I can pass on the benefit of my experiences then I would be delighted. Why? Because, from where I’m sitting, they need it. “In thirty five years I’ve never felt as concerned as I do for the next generation. There are many sixteen to twenty four year olds with nowhere to go, and for those with the drive and determination to succeed, the wind is often taken out of their sails. How can you stimulate the student who has secured a degree from University, but can’t get a job? It’s scandalous in many respects that the system is there to create the talent but there are brick walls all along the way.

stage to give them the benefit of my experience. Having helped Allan and Chris, I am eager to help out more budding entrepreneurs and give them the opportunity to develop.” Ross is keen to nurture the next generation, but sees lower levels of engagement with groups designed to help them get on in business as a danger sign which cannot be ignored. “Not only am I worried generally about the next generation coming through, but we are already seeing worrying trends. The Chamber of Commerce is, in many respects, struggling to engage at the levels it has previously enjoyed and there is no hiding the fact that the IOD is failing to attract members under 35. Of course cost could be an issue, but this hasn’t had this sort of effect before.

going to be director, chairman, sales executive, getting them to think about profit, loss and cash flow is vital. For them to present their ideas and products at a trade fair at a local venue is fantastic experience and great for honing their interpersonal skills. It’s not about the money; it’s a learning experience. Give them a value for money at an early age and they’ll be better at housekeeping when they’re old enough to work. “Also, anyone I see with ‘Young Enterprise’ on their CV immediately ticks the box. It means they have stepped outside the strict curriculum of school. Like the Duke of Edinburgh awards, anything like that tells me this candidate has something about them.” Ross is concerned, however, that the UK education is not delivering, at all levels. “We are producing a

““Also, anyone I see with ‘Young Enterprise’ on their CV immediately ticks the box. It means they have stepped outside the strict curriculum of school.” “I have a huge concern for UK Plc. If we lose our competitive edge through not engaging the next generation of businessmen and women, then we are in trouble. I am passionate about passing on knowledge and experience to young people, hence I’m looking for them to come through and mature. They are the people we are handing over the baton to. Our knowledge, experience and advice must go to them, as they are the future. There is a very real possibility that the current sixteen to twenty four year olds could become a ‘lost generation’. They are the customers of the future, the suppliers that negotiate collaborative arrangements with each other. What’s going to happen to them? They could become a burden on the state and we can’t let that happen. “My kids learned from an early stage how hard work and dedication could reap rewards, but I am very aware that this is all too much of a rarity.” Ross’s sons, Allan and Chris, set up Wilson Partners in 2008 and Ross, having sold his accountancy business to Tenon in 2000, joined them shortly after they started. “Allan and Chris laid some great foundations before setting up Wilson Partners and it was inevitable that I would join them at some

“Personally, I would like to see more youngsters given the opportunity to thrive. I believe each IOD committee should have a young director to show that it’s not just for the more experienced business people, it has to develop a younger appeal to allow us among other things to learn from each other.” In his thirty five years in business, Ross will have seen lots of cycles, different ways people do business, but now, with the impact of social media and working from home, does he see a real fragmentation of the way business is conducted? Does he see the old boys’ network being eroded indefinitely? Does he think figureheads in the business community will cease to exist? “We need to have pillars of the community, key people who make business work in an area. I think all of us ‘old heads’ have a duty to ensure that the youngsters of today continue and improve the business practices I have utilised to my benefit. We need to get under their skin earlier, we need to be talking business practices to fourteen year olds, not leaving it until they are eighteen. For kids doing Young Enterprise at school to engage with who does what in a company is great. Identifying who’s

young generation of people that business does not need. University fees are £9000, and we say to the universities that they’re producing people that industry doesn’t need. We need engineers, scientists, and people with IT skills. We’ll realise over a period of time that this country hasn’t got the people that business needs. That’s why I’m so keen on young enterprise and stimulating apprenticeships. “It’s the same with interns and work experience. Generally, there is a lack of flexibility in business. Your business in three years time could be vastly different, with social media and online developments. If your business model changes because the market changes, you can find you don’t have the people with the transferrable skills for what they need tomorrow. Businesses could have much shorter life cycles. This is not a time to be complacent - that kills a business. I want to offload people who can’t change and accordingly are no longer relevant to my business, which sounds very harsh, but it’s a fact. “It’s important for organisations like the IOD to be a key part of the business community and to help

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B4 SPOTLIGHT local businesses adapt, but, I think, it needs to raise its game. Membership is in decline – that’s probably the same with most membership based organisations – because members often don’t understand the benefits they get or, and increasingly so, don’t have the time to take advantage of the benefits. Why am I here talking to you Richard? Because you’re about to launch B4 Business Magazine in Berkshire, and I’m interested in what you’re trying to achieve and, hopefully, helping you to achieve it. If we can collaborate, then why wouldn’t we do that? I know what you’re trying to do with your business; I know what I am trying to do with the IOD. Like-mind people working together, and wanting to help each other helps cut a lot of corners – particularly finance. Collaborations are cost effective, and if you’re building a good relationship, you naturally sell each other’s business. Everybody wins. Collaboration is vital to the UK economy.” Ross closes by reflecting on his time as IOD Chairman. “I have really enjoyed my three years as IOD Chairman. When I took over, it was meant to be a couple of hours a week, but I wanted to double that, and I think I’ve regularly put in 15 or 20 hours a week…….and I love it. I’m enjoying making a difference, helping bring on good quality people, and I look forward to meeting everyone at all of the events. They are highly valued and interesting people. Even when I step down, I will support the IOD and play a role. However, I know that there is nothing more past than a past chairman!” Highlights trip off Ross’s tongue. “The sailing event last year was great - we took out 18 boats, and lots of people who hadn’t sailed before went. I love the quarterly Cliveden events – what a great venue! We’d have breakfast and talk about varied business topics. Each table would be facilitated by a committee member and there’s really good ‘dialogue’. We have dinner at the House of Lords and House of Commons, so I’ve been lucky enough to have dinner with various MPs. How can you not enjoy taking 80 or 90 people to the House of Commons, for a great dinner, great speaker, with the opportunity of a question and answer session? It’s the richness of the events, and the people you meet which makes the IOD such a fantastic organisation. “As you can tell, I’m a hugely passionate person. At a recent event where I was speaking. I was asked where I got my enthusiasm from. I look at your magazine, and see smiling faces, and these are people I want to do business with. I want to open a page and say ‘who is that happy face in the corner?’ So I want to engage with this, and read the article. I would want to read this magazine, about real characters, as I’ll feel like I know these people if and when I meet them. That’s what drives me – people with a passion for their business. I’ve got such a great passion for life, for business, for everything I do and I don’t hold back from telling people what I think………which goes down well… ……..well, most of the time!” www.iod.com www.b4-business.com

B4 ADVICE

THE NUMBER OF BUSINESS OWNERS CONSIDERING MBOS TRIPLES Research commissioned by Coutts reveals the number of business owners prepared to consider a Management buy-out (MBO) has tripled in the last three years, as entrepreneurs have had to consider all options in a difficult economic market.

and how to seal the deal and prevent it from going wrong. The Coutts report also reveals the expectations of entrepreneurs to ensure a successful outcome, which include:

The report, ‘A special kind of exit’, explores the attitudes and perceptions to MBOs amongst UK entrepreneurs, and found that most entrepreneurs will only instinctively sell their business to their own management team as a last resort, although those that have been through a management buyout say it is the best way to exit a business.

• Over half (55%) of those who had been through an MBO expected management to have finances in place before discussions began.

The Coutts report also found that:

• 70% see an early discussion with management as a critical success factor in an MBO.

• Less than one in five (19%) entrepreneurs will consider an MBO and one in four (27%) will only consider it as a last resort.

• Over half (54%) believe they should initiate discussions on a potential MBO with their management team.

• 58% of entrepreneurs who have exited through an MBO said the advice they got before the sale was critical to its success.

• Around a third (30%) of entrepreneurs who have completed an MBO say it represents the best form of exit.

• Four in five (80%) cited any attempt by managers to reduce the price as a key deal breaker.

• More than four out of five (85%) entrepreneurs and vendors who completed an MBO were satisfied with the deal.

• Meeting deadlines is also critical; with two in five (44%) saying slippage in the timetable would be detrimental to the deal.

• Owner managers prepared to consider an MBO has risen from 6% in 2008 to 18% in 2011.

According to Rob Woodthorpe Browne, Client Partner at Coutts in Reading: “Our report provides a critical resource for entrepreneurs who are planning to exit their business. It highlights how to ensure an MBO is a success by sharing advice from those that have been through the process. There is a very high percentage of ‘MBO-sceptics’, but by ruling out a sale to their management team they are closing down a potentially attractive route of exit, which accounts for 20% of business sales in the UK.”

• Over half (55%) of entrepreneurs who sold a business through an MBO say it offered the best deal or was the only way they could exit their business. Reasons why business owners are reluctant to consider an MBO include concern around the ability to maximise the price for the business and also the perceived risks attached to entering into discussions with people they have worked with and know well. The report covers topics including how entrepreneurs can start the conversation with their management team and broach the potential for a deal, as well as the importance of planning. It also advises on how to assess whether a deal is viable

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The full report can be viewed at: www.coutts.com/files/pdf/management_buy_o ut_report.pdf For further information about becoming a Coutts client in Reading, contact Rob Woodthorpe Browne on rob.browne@coutts.com or 0118 3733508 or visit www.coutts.com/reading

FIT FOR BUSINESS If there is any truth in the old adage fit in body, fit in mind, office workers based at Berkshire’s premier business location, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, must be among the most intelligent in the UK.

Over the course of the last year, global integrated property group Goodman, which owns, develops and manages the park, has hosted a series of health and fitness activities, designed to whip into shape the staff of the 28 companies operating from the 48 acre site. Goodman wanted to offer its customers a shared opportunity to become more active at work and continue to learn about the importance of fitness and nutrition as part of a busy lifestyle. Furthermore, the company recognised that for many people, fitting in exercise into their busy schedules is a difficult, if not impossible task. Arlington Business Park provides a workplace for around 3,500 people. A series of lunch time fitness boot camps were

rolled out across the park, where a fully qualified external instructor put staff through their paces with intensive circuit training work outs. The sessions included a range of toning and cardio fitness exercises- ideal for invigorating occupiers and leaving them revitalised and ready for an afternoon of work. The workshop took place in the landscaped surroundings of Arlington Business Park next to the lake, which proved an ideal setting to calm the mind after a mornings work in the office. For the less energetic, but equally health conscious, Goodman has launched a programme of lunch time Pilate classes, where qualified local instructor Sophie Howlett runs sessions for both men and women. Pilates exercises help to improve posture as well as helping build flexibility, endurance and strength. It focuses on breathing as well as moving

the spine using its individual bones helping to encourage movement that isn’t often possible whilst sitting at an office desk. Richard Potter, Property Services Director at Goodman said, “We hope the fitness programmes will have a positive impact on customers by providing an opportunity to exercise at a time that is convenient for them. As a healthy body means a healthy mind, the workout sessions provide a great outlet for customers on the park to engage in a fun activity alongside colleagues and friends and enhance the sense of community across the Park. People who take part in the sessions can expect to leave feeling very relaxed and refreshed – and ultimately become more healthy, happy and productive.”

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B4 PROPERTY

“Goodman is striving to create a campus community environment on the park, and in addition to physical exercise, a host of other activities have been initiated.”

Goodman is striving to create a campus community environment on the park, and in addition to physical exercise, a host of other activities have been initiated. These include a Spring gardening event, engagement in charity fund raising appeals, and a Christmas market to help people get into the festive spirit. Arlington Business Park’s reputation as the region’s leading business destination continues to grow, attracting companies from a broad range of sectors. The latest addition to the park is Nedap who have moved to Arlington to facilitate business expansion. Nedap develops innovative security solutions for organisations across the UK. Lars Holweg, UK MD at Nedap said, “We specifically chose Arlington Business Park for its location and its connectivity, which allows ease of access for our customers and

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colleagues, even those coming from our headquarters in Holland. The offices have a fantastic view of the landscaped environment and the offices will provide a contemporary working environment, perfect for our growing business.” Arlington Business Park is situated in Theale, close to Reading, and adjacent to junction 12 of the M4 and Theale railway station providing direct links to Reading and London. The park offers grade A office space from 3600 sq ft to 70,000 sq ft situated around a stunning landscaped lake that provides a relaxed working environment for its occupiers, including companies such as Wrigley, Pepsi Co and KPMG. www.arlingtonbusinessparkreading.com

B4 ADVICE

“Directors of companies experiencing financial difficulty often ignore or take too long to see the warning signs.

”

RUNNING ON EMPTY Barry Niven of Clifton Ingram LLP solicitors explains the nature of director’s duties and their potential liabilities when their company is facing insolvency. going into insolvent liquidation. If found guilty of wrongful trading a director can be ordered by the court to pay to the company an amount equal to the losses it has suffered as a result of the continued trading.

If a company is insolvent, or on the verge of insolvency, it is essential that directors are aware of the duties they owe to creditors, as in certain circumstances the directors can be personally liable if the company goes into insolvent liquidation and they have failed to carry out their duties with the appropriate level of skill and care. Directors should ensure that they know what their duties are and that they act correctly to minimise any such risk.

Liability for wrongful trading can be avoided if the director can show that he took every step that he ought to have taken with a view to minimising the potential loss to the company’s creditors.

When a company is solvent the duties of the directors are to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. Where a company is insolvent or facing insolvency the directors’ duties switch to ensure that the company acts in the best interests of its creditors, whose interests must be put before those of the shareholders. Directors can be personally liable for wrongful trading if, during the period they are a director, the company continues to trade when the director knew or ought to have concluded that there was no reasonable prospect that the company would avoid www.b4-business.com

Directors must seek professional advice at the earliest opportunity if they believe that the company may be getting into financial difficulty. Timing is crucial as the directors will be judged on when they knew or ought to have known that there was no longer a reasonable prospect of avoiding an insolvent liquidation. They will also be judged on the actions they take or ought to have taken to minimise the loss to the company’s creditors. To protect themselves the directors should: • Take professional advice and ensure that such advice is both documented and followed.

trading and financial position of the company and the viability of its business; • Hold regular board meetings and keep detailed minutes of the strategy being followed by the board and the steps they are taking to minimise potential losses to creditors. • Keep in regular contact with the company’s bankers to ensure that facilities are sufficient to meet the company’s cash flow requirements inform major creditors of the financial condition of the company and where appropriate seek their support for the continued operation of the company. Directors of companies experiencing financial difficulty often ignore or take too long to see the warning signs. Taking professional advice at the earliest opportunity not only protects the directors from potential personal liability, it also increases the options available for the rescue or turnaround of the company. For further information or to find out how we can assist you, please contact Barry Niven on 0118 9780099 or at barryniven@cliftoningram.co.uk.

• Ensure that the most accurate and up to date financial information on the company’s affairs is available so that the directors can evaluate the 47

Richard Shymansky - www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

When a company is experiencing financial difficulties its directors face a difficult balancing act of managing the company’s business and stakeholder expectations whilst also considering their own personal liabilities.

BREWING UP A RATHER SPECIAL KIND OF MAGIC There’s just far too much bland out there – why be just the same as everyone else? Businesses need to think Brand not bland if they are to connect, communicate and engage effectively with their target markets. As B4’s Richard Rosser discovered, Phil Strachan, founder and owner of Strangebrew, most certainly practices what he preaches and delivers the promise suggested by the name of his business – Strangebrew. “People say I’m not the same as every other Branding, Identity or Design Consultant that they meet and I’m always very pleased to hear that.” explained Phil. Strangebrew’s Phil Strachan is one of a rare breed, almost uniquely combining 14 years on the Client with over 20 years experience on the Consultancy side, specialising in Branding, Identity and Design. After managing and running the marketing programmes of very different leading brands, he took the bold step of moving into the world of Consultancy by joining one of the UK’s leading Corporate Identity Consultancies where he helped to set up a Branding and Packaging Design division. For the last 17 years, Phil has run his own Consultancies, and during this time has been instrumental in the relaunching, refreshing and revitalisation of the presentation of many businesses and brands including Foster’s Lager, Alpen, Pontins, Butterkist, Dulux, Monster Munch and Warre’s Port. “For me, my Client-side experience was, and continues to be, absolutely invaluable. It’s a point of difference that I use to my advantage. Being able to put myself in the position of my Clients and to help them to get the right brief together is extremely important. Why? Often a Client will tell me what they want but what I do is to ask the right questions to establish what it is that their Business and /or Brand really needs – which can often be a very different thing. “My promise is to add value to businesses and brands, and I wouldn’t be doing that if I were to simply service their first stated wants. I view working with a Client as a partnership, one in which I have to add real value, exceed expectations and provide them with real competitive advantage in their market. I always challenge constructively in order to do this and to, in Strangebrew terms, ‘distil the essence’ of a Client’s Business or Brand and ’free its spirit’. It’s about being creative and not just reactive, about identifying what I call ‘The Vital Spark’, the insight that provides the all-important flash of inspiration that ignites the creative process in both strategic and design terms. Any attempt at delivering identity and design without an agreed strategy and a clear understanding of what you are trying to communicate and to who is a complete waste of time and money. You have to provide your target market with a reason why they should choose you. 48

“Businesses need to think Brand not bland because there really is far too much of the latter out there already and the ‘blandwagon’ is already overloaded”, says Phil, warming up to his subject. What is the point in being bland, in being just AN Other undifferentiated Accountant, Solicitor, Website Designer or IT Consultant? Bland is bland and has very little value to anyone. “To be outstanding you have to stand out – but you have to stand out for all the right reasons. Yet, I keep coming across what I call blands , blands masquerading as brands, suffering delusions of ‘brandeur’ as they happily succeed in failing to connect, communicate and engage meaningfully and effectively with any defined target audience.

“To be outstanding you have to stand out – but you have to stand out for all the right reasons.” They have a name, they have a logo and they already have a website or ‘are having one designed’. But what they don’t have is the recipe for a strong and successful brand because a brand is very much more than a name or a logo or a piece of design. “These elements are only brand identifiers, what stand for the brand, a kind of shorthand for the brand but they are not necessarily what the brand stands for – which after all, is what clients, consumers and customers buy into. “The vast majority of my Clients have never seen work that I have done for anyone else either before or after I work with them. What correctly matters to them is what they see that I can do for them and their Businesses and Brands and they meet with me on the basis of my Testimonials and from referrals from other people. I just love different

challenges where I can bring freshness and objectivity to the table and help my Clients to see the light. I work with Clients of all shapes and sizes from new one person start-ups through to global blue chip companies and global household name brands.” Having been based in London for almost 10 years, Phil, a Scotsman who has lived south of the border for 35 years, now runs Strangebrew from Berkshire. As those who know Phil will testify, he proudly claims to offer what he calls “London quality at Glasgow prices”, a fact strongly supported by his many testimonials. So, why the name Strangebrew? Anything to do with Eric Clapton and Cream or beer? And why Business and Brand Alchemy? “Well, Strangebrew just, sort of, sums me up and alchemy is the process of transformation or transmutation and adding value through turning base metals into gold.“ It seems apt since what matters to Phil who has been involved as a finalist in two Design effectiveness awards projects, is delivering added value effectiveness and transforming the fortunes of the businesses and brands of his Clients. The ideal meeting place for Phil is somewhere over a coffee, a beer or “preferably a real ale” interjects Phil, perhaps not surprisingly given that he has very successfully relaunched, revitalised and refreshed a few breweries and their brands over recent years perhaps a bit of an understatement given that, in one case, they had to triple the output capability of the Brewery to keep up with demand after Phil had worked his magic! Interview over, at that point Phil’s mobile goes off. The ringtone? You’ve guessed it! Strange Brew by Cream. Strangebrew by name, Strangebrew by nature. A Strangebrew indeed and one that really should be bottled! www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

To find out more about Strangebrew and the magic of Business and Brand Alchemy, see ‘Think Brand not bland’, a specialist chapter contributed by Phil Strachan to Breaking the barriers to business growth, a compilation of expert insights into growing your business. Full details in B4 News on Page 10

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Photography Carli Adby of ADBY Creative

B4 SERVICES

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Aspire Clinic

B4 SERVICES

“If I’ve learned anything in my business life it’s that we all may be different, but we all want the same thing, a good quality product at the right price, delivered on time.

”

A CALM VOICE AND A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS Dartnell UK has many years experience in producing high quality design and print work in areas such as corporate identity, brochures, newsletters, exhibition stands and websites, complemented by copywriting or photography if required. They are also independent experts on short run book printing and publishing. Promotional material is another one of Dartnell’s strengths, creating exciting and stimulating products. They are the ultimate one stop shop and Bryan is there to guide you every step of the way. He has built his business and reputation on delivering a great service with incredible value. Bryan has been in the business for 40 years working along the way for The Financial Times, Pan Books and IPC Magazines. When he started his own business, 17 years ago, he also formed Dartnell Africa, based in Zambia, and both his companies have been very successful. But with the advent of the Internet, he faced new challenges, as he explains. “The internet has been incredible for all of us. It has changed our lives immeasurably but it has also made us very lazy, not least in the world of print and design. When business cards are offered

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for £3.99 for 100, many will take the easy option, and that makes life very difficult for those of us who focus on quality and value for money.

helped her produce a book that she was proud of. She brought it to a networking meeting recently and was delighted with the end product.”

“Many people need advice on how best to promote their business, but all they need to do is tell me what they want, I’ll suggest alternatives and come up with something that looks good and gives them excellent commercial returns.

It’s an approach that builds trust and that’s Bryan’s goal. “If I’ve learned anything in my business life it’s that we all may be different, but we all want the same thing, a good quality product at the right price, delivered on time.

But I won’t stop there, as I’ll look after the job from start to finish. One name, one set of clear instructions – I don’t overcomplicate what I do and my clients appreciate that I am there to hold their hand through a potentially difficult process.” That’s priceless. This natural, unforced approach is reaping rewards for Bryan whose clients keep on coming back to benefit from his experience and attention to detail.

Business relationships are a chemical reaction and at the end of the day, when it works, the results can be truly beneficial for both parties.

Bryan recounts the meeting he had with a new client looking to publish a book. “The book had been designed by someone else but my client hadn’t been well advised. There was no formatting to talk of, no spine, and nothing about her as the author in the book. I made some suggestions and

In summary, Dartnell UK is no ordinary consultancy. We have within our showcase the answers to all your needs, however small, with the ability to tackle the most demanding brief, working in harmony with you to find a distinctive and cost effective solution. After all we have a reputation to look after – yours! Give me a call, you’ll be glad you did!” Tel: 01635 278568 Email: brm@dartnell.co.uk

Richard Shymansky - www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

Can you be assured of creative ability, commitment and flexibility when choosing your design and print consultancy? If not, speak to Bryan Marshall of Dartnell UK. B4 did and found a calming voice in a frequently unpredictable world.

POISED TO GROW Following Grant Thornton’s move to stunning new offices at Reading IQ (Winnersh Triangle), Emma-Louise Pritchard was invited to meet with Grant Thornton’s Office Managing Partner, Perry Burton, to find out more about the reasons behind the move and what the future has in store. It’s clear this firm likes to take a different approach to most things that it does and equally apparent from talking to the energetic Perry that the future of Grant Thornton in Berkshire is exciting. With Thames Valley offices now in Oxford, Reading (The Pinnacle in

Reading centre) and the new IQ at Winnersh, the platform for future development is now complete.

best team for the right clients. We now have a team of 20 partners and 270 employees across the two offices in Berkshire.

“We have combined our Thames Valley offices to give us more scale and enable us to deliver the

“We also have some fairly ambitious growth plans. The National Leadership Board have identified the

to global clients including those listed in the US. In addition to working with these audit clients Perry has worked on the following transaction support assignments.

Richard Shymansky - www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

Perry Burton (Managing Partner) Perry is managing partner at Grant Thornton UK in the Audit and Business Assurance department, specialising in corporates, and international groups. Perry is also the Managing Partner for our Thames Valley Offices. Experience: Perry joined us at Grant Thornton in 2007 following the merger with RSM Robson Rhodes, where he was a partner and sat on the Audit Board. His experience ranges from working with owner managed business's through

• Financial restructuring of Jarvis Plc including the £350m debt for equity swap and subsequent £50m rights issue; • Further £25m rights issue for Jarvis Plc; • Assets review for £200m acquisition by a lessor; • Due diligence review for a German global motor manufacturer on the acquisition of a Formula 1 engine manufacturer; Perry's particular areas of expertise include: • Technology and Intellectual Property • Real Estate • Support Services • US GAAP and IFRS Reporting

Jim Rogers (Partner) Jim is an audit and advisory partner in our Thames Valley office, based at Winnersh Triangle. Experience: Jim joined Grant Thornton in 1990 after spending his first seven years in the profession with Ernst & Young. He was appointed as a partner in 1993. His experience is wide ranging. He acts for many significant businesses and specialises in advising ambitious

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B4 ADVICE

Thames Valley as the key area for growth and are challenging us to achieve at least 10% cumulative growth between now and 2015.” With a solid foothold in the Thames Valley, the firm is now in a unique position to deliver their more individual service to a wide market, as Perry explains. “We are more nimble and fleet of foot than the ‘Big Four’. We focus on the local nature of our clients’ businesses but can draw from a very impressive international network.” So why Winnersh Triangle? “We looked at a number of different locations but this felt right. We made the decision to locate outside of Reading to avoid the town centre congestion and take advantage of the easy access, transport links and parking. “Our audit and tax teams, are now located perfectly for visiting our corporate clients, but they are equally capable of making the short journey into the centre of Reading if clients need to meet there. The Pinnacle, however, is positioned in the centre allowing the Corporate finance, Recovery and Transaction teams to be based near the banks and VCs. This combination of office location gives the company a good balance between the periphery and the centre. “Oxford is also a very important area for us because we have a very strong market share there and a very strong presence, so Oxford will continue to be a significant market for Grant Thornton.” Any move is going to place a strain on an organisation, and the amount of disruption to a firm the size of Grant Thornton shouldn’t be underestimated. However, it’s clear talking to Perry that the move was well researched and executed, now leaving the firm in excellent shape for 2012. “We have a cracking team of partners and directors

across our offices. We are fortunate to have such a dynamic team. They are fully engaged with the full service operation. We all use our ‘instinct for growth attitude’ to reach out to clients looking for a more hands on approach than the ‘Big Four’, who focus more on US inbound work. We are looking to work with dynamic organisations who are growing or acquiring or maybe launching new products. “Here in the Thames Valley we are certainly punching way above our weight with an excellent

“We are more nimble and fleet of foot than the ‘Big Four’. We focus on the local nature of our clients’ businesses but can draw from a very impressive international network” share of the market. In terms of UK based businesses in the Thames Valley for whom we act, we fair extraordinarily well compared to our competition.” To find out more about Grant Thornton and how the firm could help your business, contact Perry or Jim Rogers at the IQ offices or Wendy Hart at the Oxford office.

entrepreneurial, growth driven businesses. He has particular experience in Private Equity backed and international businesses. Jim also acts for several AIM businesses. Jim was Head of Growth and Strategic Services for Grant Thornton for three years to December 2006, leading and building teams throughout the UK. delivering strategic involvement to fast-growing, ambitious mid-corporate companies. Jim is also a regular commentator on issues facing mid-corporate businesses and was a member of the CBI SME Council for several years. Jim's expertise covers: • Technology Retail & Distribution

In short, it's all about our approach. Our clients, whether local or global, consistently tell us that we work with them in a very different way. We make sure our clients receive what they need - awardwinning audit, tax and advisory expertise that's responsive and insightful, in-depth sector knowledge and a relationship that's built on their agenda not our own. We are at our best working alongside like-minded organisations that demand more than an off-theshelf solution. We consistently challenge ourselves and our clients by bringing a broader, more forward-thinking perspective to the table - delivered flexibly and pragmatically. “Grant Thornton gives you access to valued relationships that work harder for your business. You'll see the benefits first hand. Grant Thornton at a Glance • 27 UK Offices • No.1 Auditor of Aim • 4th Largest Auditor of UK’s top privately-held companies • 5th Largest Auditor – Small Cap/Fledgling market • 100+ Member Firms of Grant Thornton International Ltd • 200+ Partners • 5th Largest auditor – FTSE 250 • No.1 Independent Nominate Adviser of AIM • 30,000+ employees worldwide • 1 in 4 FTSE 100 are non audit clients • 4,000+ UK employees www.grant-thornton.co.uk

Advanced Diploma in Corporate Finance. 2000 appointed head of the firm's technology practice. 1998 appointed partner. 1996 seconded to NatWest Corporate Bank as a consultant manager (Thames Valley). 1992 qualified as a chartered accountant.

Wendy Hart (Partner) Wendy works within our lead advisory team, specialising in corporate finance and is the sales and marketing partner for the South region Lead Advisory Corporate Finance Team. Experience: Wendy joined us at Grant Thornton in 1988. Her career with the firm has seen the following achievements to date: 2009 appointed Office managing Partner for Oxford office. 2006 Member of BVCA Technology Committee. 2006

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The Grant Thornton Approach

Wendy has over 15 years experience in corporate finance transactions including business disposals, acquisitions, MBOs, MBIs and raising debt and equity finance. Wendy also specialises in providing on-going strategic business advice to retained clients, particularly those anticipating aggressive growth and an M&A strategy. Wendy's expertise covers: • Technology (Head of Grant Thornton's Technology practice) • Property & Construction • Food • Publishing • Support Services

WHY IS B4 GOOD FOR BUSINESS? Over the past six years, we have developed B4 Oxfordshire to the point where we feel we can do a decent job in a new county and with this, the first edition of B4 Berkshire, we think we’ve done an OK job. However, if you are new to us, then we are obviously new to you and we have found, as I am sure you have, that the best way

of getting to know new people is through people you know. So, we have asked a selection of our customers to tell you why B4 has worked for them, and if you know them, you can contact them to find out more about B4 and establish for yourself whether or not

it really is as good as our customers say it is. If you do know someone in the testimonial pages but don’t have their contact details, just ask, or find them in the B4 Business Directory for Oxfordshire at www.b4-business.com.

Tim Keatinge - MD, Chrysler Oxford B2B is an important channel to market and our involvement with B4 is a proven success at presenting and receiving information from within this vital business community.

James White - CEO, intouchcrm B4 is an excellent way for us to profile our business and service within a key economic area of the UK. We value our partnership with the team at B4 and enjoy providing them with the tools to communicate whilst receiving excellent coverage as the UK’s leading CRM and Email marketing platform. We would strongly recommend B4 to other businesses

Judith Johnson - Director, Everything Everywhere “Partnering with B4 gave us the opportunity to carry out targeted marketing and prospecting through a professional, established database of decision makers in the SME sector in the Oxfordshire area.”

Dave Atkinson - Area Director, Lloyds TSB “B4 is a great way to meet similar minded local businesses. I am delighted to be a part of the B4 community and look forward to winning more business through the network in 2012.”

Chris Jones - Owner, Glooo “Glooo as a business needed to find a marketing platform which offered a traditional advertising path, an integrated website, and networking opportunities. B4 delivers this in a very professional manner.”

Dominique Cadiou - Director, Pegasus Theatre “Becoming a B4 Ambassador has given me the opportunity to make links with the business community in an effortless and enjoyable way. It has been fantastic!”

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

Alex Minchin - Owner, Zest "B4 has been an invaluable resource for our start-up business. Richard and his team work selflessly to connect and amplify your products and services to other, serious, local businesses."

Tim Stevens – General Manager, OURFC “Becoming a B4 Ambassador was very important to Oxford University Rugby Club, as it looked to strengthen its links with the local Oxfordshire business community. In particular, we have promoted the ‘corporate luncheon’ at the annual Major Stanley’s Match, which takes place in November, as an event not to be missed.”

Paddy Gregan - Partner, BrookStreet des Roches “Do you feel that you derive little benefit from networking ‘meetings’? Are they a chore producing little or no return for the time and resource you have to invest? My experience as a B4 Ambassador is that I have gained unique access to quality events providing new links and connections to a fantastic range of talented like minded business people within the B4 network, and my time has not been wasted!”

John Hoy – Chief Executive, Blenheim Palace “B4 in Oxfordshire has become an essential networking environment which connects businesses and business people across the County through a strong website, through a quality magazine and via memorable events. I have no doubt that B4 in Berkshire will be equally successful once launched.”

Jamie Baskeyfield – GM, New Theatre “Being a B4 member continues to provide an excellent platform to develop both business-to-business and business-to-customer relationships, and has proved to be most beneficial to my organisation”

Martin Matthews - Director, Blue Print Imaging “The B4 network is a fantastic mix of businesses, from the modest, to the magnificent. It is a pleasure to be involved, meet great people, share ideas, services and much more.”

Anna Thorne - Development Manager, Oxfam GB "Oxfam is delighted to be B4 Oxfordshire's Preferred Charity for 2012. B4 provides great networking opportunities and a highly polished magazine, both driven by Richard's passion for the business."

Matt Wistow ACIB - Director, Shaw Gibbs “B4 has provided a valuable forum for us to build the profile of our firm in the Oxfordshire business and professional community. Having worked in Berkshire before moving back to Oxfordshire, I know B4 will be welcomed and work very well in the area.”

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Trevor Osborne - CEO, Top Group “Business is not all together dependent upon who you know – but it often helps. B4 offers real opportunity to meet useful contemporaries.”

Lesley Cowley OBE - CEO, Nominet UK “I am pleased to say that B4 has become well established as a voice for the Oxfordshire business community. It has put me in touch with a number of useful local contacts, and helped us at Nominet to explain to local companies about the importance of our work as the internet registry responsible for almost 10 million .uk domain names. I would like to congratulate all those at B4 who have worked hard on making the Berkshire launch such a great success.”

Stuart Harrison - The Profitable Hotel Company “B4 has taken a refreshing approach to how business is really conducted. They understand that people buy from people – and I mean that in the broadest sense. Their continuing strength is in the way they create those networking opportunities while at the same time providing a learning platform to B4 Ambassadors and their guests.”

Martin Gubb – Director of Finance, Rhodes House “Rhodes House has found its B4 membership invaluable in raising its profile as a high-end venue to the corporate market in Oxford and the surrounding area.”

Bill Kemp - Head of Hospitality, Lady Margaret Hall “Lady Margaret Hall has had a business relationship with B4 Business Magazine Oxfordshire for in excess of 4 years. As Head of Hospitality Services, I have personally dealt with Richard Rosser and his team for 2 years – throughout, both parties have enjoyed a mutually beneficial business relationship and whilst B4 has delivered everything we would expect, Richard and his team have been flexible, patient and creative in their approach to our business needs”.

Theo Sloot - The Oxford Wine Company Ltd “As one of the county’s leading multi award winning independent wine merchants, we welcome the opportunity to work within B4, a very professionally run organization which offers a great platform for local businesses to work with each other and build mutually beneficial relationships within the Oxfordshire and Berkshire areas”.

Chris Green - Marketing Director, Four Pillars Hotel “B4 is a highly professional resource for businesses within Oxfordshire. It is unrivalled in providing a platform to network within the local Oxfordshire business community”.

Katherine Dales - MD, The Career Boutique “Being a part of B4 has presented us with new opportunities, enabled us to call on our fellow Ambassadors for help & advice and most of all the backing of an established networking group which supports us 100% in return”.

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

Julia Iball - Managing Partner, Henmans LLP “As one of the Founding Ambassadors of B4, we are proud to be associated with the publication and associated events. B4 has enabled us to build our profile with business leaders throughout Oxfordshire .“

Frank Webster - Director, Finders Keepers "B4 has become the de facto business network in Oxfordshire and it has flourished in recent years as networking rises to the top of people's agenda. The events are meticulously organised and well-attended.”

Ian Wenman - Chairman, Oxfordshire IOD “A great medium to get your business message out. B4 have worked closely with the IOD to help publicise the services we provide to directors working and/or living locally”.

Dave Beesley - CEO, B-Line Business Supplies “B-Line Business Supplies were Founder Members when B4 Oxford began 10 Years ago and we are still extremely pleased with the excellent B4 Team which not only produces a first class quarterly magazine full of local business news but also excellent events at first class venues where we can develop strong relationships and business with local companies, all in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.”

Graham Brogden - Fundraising, Charitable Funds “B4 and its associated events have helped create quality new introductions for the charity raising funds and everyone’s profile. We are grateful to Richard and his team for their support and for everything they do for the business and wider community.”

Simon McCrum - Managing Partner, Darbys “We see maintaining our presence in and our involvement with B4 as a priority for our business. While other spend has been curtailed, this has not. The B4 Magazine is very high quality and has attracted almost universal readership in the Oxfordshire business and professional communities, and the Ambassadors network has become for us the ‘must-be-at’ series of business and networking events. If you are not ‘in’, you are most certainly ‘out’!

Wendy Sinclair - Director, Penny & Sinclair ‘’B4 networking has been wonderful for us in many ways. Thanks to the invaluable contacts we have made, we are now working with a PR Company recommended by B4 as well as a highly impressive Website Designer who are now developing our new website. We have also very much enjoyed personally meeting the varied companies involved at the social events.’’

Kelvin Thomas - Chairman, Oxford Utd FC “Working with B4 has been wonderful for our business as we operate with such a cross section of different business sectors. The magazine and website really connects these business sectors and community in Oxfordshire and we are very proud to be members and Ambassadors. “

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

Claire Thompson - Director, Syncro PR “B4 has a reputation for being an outstanding business magazine and a fantastic networking resource for local businesses. Syncro PR has already won business as a direct result of becoming members.”

Nick Irvine - Director, Bloxham School “Becoming a B4 Oxfordshire Ambassador has been a wholly positive networking experience for me personally and for Bloxham School as it brings us much closer to the business community from which we draw our support.”

Iain Nicholson - Owner, OTCN “B4 appeared when declining business news space was making it harder for Oxfordshire businesses to tell their stories. Now that situation is much improved and B4 has played a big part.”

Wendy Hart - Managing Partner, Grant Thornton “We see maintaining Grant Thornton's presence in Oxfordshire with B4 as an important part of our business. The B4 Magazine is very high quality publication with a broad range of readership across the Oxfordshire business community. The Ambassadors network has become an important part of our business and networking events calendar. In summary, the B4 team has created a high profile platform for its members, which has proved to be another excellent route to market.”

Kieran Lynch - Owner, Oxford Event Hire “As an Ambassador of B4, Oxford Event Hire has greatly increased its profile, brand awareness and credibility in the local community. In addition, being part of B4 has offered excellent business and networking opportunities as well as great comradeship.”

Why don’t you connect with us? Call us now on 0118 317 7183

Magazine Magazine Web Events www.b4-business.com 58

B4 SERVICES

HOW CAN I CONNECT WITH B4 BERKSHIRE? We’re very good at sending out information at B4 but sometimes you can’t see the wood from the trees with all of the info we send out! So, we’ve surpassed ourselves this time and laid out an easy guide for you to see how you can connect with us at B4, and, more specifically, B4 Berkshire and the growing number of B4 Berkshire businesses. If you have any questions, we’re always available to discuss your requirements or any issues you may have, so call us on 0118 317 7183 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com.

www.b4-business.com

ADVERTISING, MEMBERSHIPS & RECEIVING B4 TAKE OUT A TRIAL MEMBERSHIP We know that you must be asked to sign your lives away on a regular basis. But we want you to commit and, more importantly, benefit from B4 for the long term. We believe in long term working relationships, and so we’re asking you to let us prove ourselves to you and your colleagues by taking out a no obligation B4 trial membership. We are offering three month trials for any three month period between now and 1st June, 2012, and there’s no catch. So, if you don’t feel the benefit, you don’t need to sign up for the annual membership.

WHEN ARE THE B4 EVENTS? In the planning stage to be honest! We will be announcing events beyond our launch events on 18th and 19th January at Malmaison in the first quarter of 2012.

EDITORIAL IN B4 BERKSHIRE We can either accept editorial direct from you, with accompanying hi res images. Or, we will interview you, in person or on the phone. Articles are then proofed for your approval, tweaks made and more proofs sent through – the record is 17 drafts so please don’t try and beat it! You’ll see the final version exactly as it appears in the printed magazine, so no surprises!

GETTING A COPY OF THE MAGAZINE All Berkshire based businesses are entitled to one complimentary copy of B4 Berkshire every quarter. If you need multiple copies, please contact us on 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com and we can discuss your requirements. We do deliver bulk amounts of B4 to selected outlets and we could well be interested in delivering to you at no charge.

FOLLOW B4 BERKSHIRE ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK OR LINKED IN We actively promoted members, press releases, articles and events on our B4 Twitter account for Oxfordshire, Facebook pages and LinkedIn. This will happen automatically for B4 Berkshire, so why not join us? At the time of going to press we already have over 900 B4 Berkshire Twitter followers!

WHERE DO I FIND ADVERT SPECIFICATIONS? All of these are on the site but please call if you can’t find them.

WILL WE BE HOLDING MORE EVENTS? Yes, we will be organizing monthly workshops. More details to be announced soon.

www.b4-business.com/berkshire

SIGN UP TO OUR E-NEWSLETTERS We regularly send out e-Newsletters promoting B4 members, including press releases, special events and B4 articles. So why not sign up on the site to make sure you receive our general B4 e-Newsletters and dedicated member e-Newsletters delivered to your in box?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT DOES B4 STAND FOR? Building Bridges Between Businesses. DO I GET EDITORIAL IN THE MAGAZINE AS PART OF MY MEMBERSHIP? Unfortunately, no. Membership gives you the membership benefits only. You will need to discuss magazine presence with us direct. I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY SERVICES TO B4 AND THINK YOU B4 COULD BENEFIT FROM WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER That’s great! Let us know what you think you can help with and we can have a chat about working together.

HOW DO I FEATURE ON THE COVER? We have four lead articles in the year and part of this package is for the lead article company to feature on the cover. See our rate card for more details.

WHY IS IT GOOD TO BE AN AMBASSADOR? You become a face for your business, a visual point of contact. We charge a premium for this so that we aren’t flooded with Ambassadors. It’s a valued title and we know it’s working for B4 Oxfordshire Ambassadors. Rate as per rate card – fixed irrespective of number of employees at £500+VAT per annum. HOW DO I UPLOAD CONTENT TO THE SITE? It’s not as difficult as you might think. There’s a User Guide which appears on the site once you are logged in. But always feel free to call us and ask us for advice. In Oxfordshire we have been holding monthly workshops to help demonstrate how the site works, and we have built other Member presentations alongside this. We will be starting these in Berkshire and we will be promoting these through e-Newsletters and our social media. DO WE RUN FEATURES? As a rule, no, but that’s not to say this won’t change. We do publish supplements in Oxfordshire such as our Venues Guide, Celebrations Supplement and Education Guide and will be launching the Oxfordshire Who’s Who in March 2012. Let’s get the magazine bedded down first and we’ll look at publishing these later in 2012.

JUST A FEW HOUSE RULES! We are obviously happy to promote your business in B4, but please don’t put down your competition.

No logos in editorial. If we had a £1 for every time someone asked for a logo to appear in their article, we’d have enough to buy a small house. If you want your logo to appear in B4, you need to do it in an advert.

Images have to be hi res – if it looks bad to us, we won’t run it – it’s a bad reflection on your business so please don’t be offended if we reject images. We’ll help you sort out alternatives where we can.

Contact details in editorial – just websites I’m afraid. All contact details go to the back of the magazine.

www.b4-business.com

2011 WAS BETTER THAN WE THOUGHT, AND 2012 WILL BE JUST AS GOOD New research from Orange shows that the UK’s Small and Medium Businesses did better in the UK than expected in 2011, and that investment into communications technology will help operations run even more successfully in 2012. Article by Martin Stiven, Vice President Business at Everything Everywhere, the company that runs Orange. It’s not controversial to say that coverage of British business in the media recently has been a little worrying, and – if one believes all that is written – that this could be expected to continue over the next year. However, Orange has recently carried out our annual survey of small to medium business (SME) customers, and it seems that they are bucking the trend, and actually looking forward to business in 2012! According to the research, an astounding 79% of our SME customers believe that their businesses did better in 2011 than expected. As it stands, 83% of them believe that next year will be just as prosperous – perhaps even more so – than 2011 was, up from 76% of those who in 2010 thought 2011 might be a better year. Here, we provide an

obvious target for investment. Employee expectations are increasingly shifting towards being able to work flexibly, and having access to the same types of innovative technologies and tools available at home, at work. As such, technology allowing people to connect remotely to businesses can actually help improve employee loyalty as well as productivity, as companies – regardless of size – can start to accommodate requests to work differently. However, while there are clear benefits in allowing employees to work wherever they are, it must be done safely and securely. Staying secure as personal devices enter the working world According to our research, 37% of SMEs in the UK are planning on allowing their employees to work

Secure walls are no barrier for the cloud There are so many tools available for SMEs to protect their information that security should not be deemed a barrier to adoption of any technology. In the enterprise world, for example, there has been some hesitation in adopting the cloud because of often-cited, but rarely realised, security concerns. With consumer services such as DropBox and the Apple iCloud, it will not be long before SMEs come under pressure from employees to take advantage of the cloud themselves, so that any approved connected device can access business information at any time. SMEs shouldn’t fall behind because of concerns like those in the corporate space. Instead, they should speak to their network providers about how

“An astounding 79% of our SME customers believe that their businesses did better in 2011 than expected. As it stands, 83% of them believe that next year will be just as prosperous” overview of what’s on the horizon for SMEs in 2012 according to our research. Technology investments to meet employee expectations While over two thirds (70%) of SMEs do not plan to hire more staff than they did in 2011, they are instead planning on reinvesting profits directly into the business to help make those employees they do have happier and more productive through communication technology. Whereas in our 2010 survey, just over half (52%) thought they would spend more in 2011 on communication technology than they did in 2010, almost nine out ten SMEs (89%) now see themselves investing in this area in 2012. As these results were gathered just before the Government’s December announcement that it will set up a £75m fund to encourage SME investment in technology and innovation, if we asked again now, the number might be even higher. Technology that enables communication is an 62

flexibly to enjoy the London 2012 Olympic Games. These Games will be the most mobile and accessible sporting event ever, as people tune in on mobile devices to catch-up via YouTube, or find apps with event scheduling or the best route to a venue. However, these devices are increasingly the same ones also being used for work purposes, and the more points of access to a business network employees have, the more potential security policy breaches small businesses will need to avoid. Work and play – the same thing? 2012 will therefore be the year where education within SMEs is vital. We are seeing our business customers encourage ‘BYOD’ schemes (Bring Your Own Device) as they can help save capex and keep employees happy, but we also know that they have to be used securely. Where personal smartphones are used to access work emails, for example, it can be as simple as ensuring compliance to a policy that a password is needed to access that device, so if it goes missing, no business or customer data gets taken with it.

to take advantage of the latest, communications technologies safely. 2012 will be the year where education is vital at all levels of a company hierarchy. Anyone using a device that is not physically connected to your business’ network needs to understand at least the basics of staying secure. The benefits of remotely accessing business data in terms of employee satisfaction, loyalty and productivity are high, but the correct processes must in place to keep business data – and so the business itself – secure. It looks like 2012 is going to be a good year for SMEs in the UK, and by investing in communications technology, infrastructure and education for the workforce, 2013 could be even better. www.orange.co.uk/business

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B4 COMMS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are so many tools available for SMEs to protect their information that security should not be deemed a barrier to adoption of any technologyâ&#x20AC;?

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INNOVATION & AMBITION

NOT JUST IN OXFORD!

B4 meet with Jo Willett, Marketing and IC Development Director of Oxford Innovation (B4 Platinum Ambassadors in Oxfordshire and Berkshire) to discover that, with twenty Innovation Centres located as far north as Barnsley and stretching south to Southampton, there’s more to Oxford Innovation than the name might suggest.

We focus on high growth businesses because these are the engine of the UK's economy, creating jobs and generating wealth. These businesses come from all sectors but commonly use innovation as the driver for growth. We work with them to develop their internal capabilities for maximum impact.

culminating in the merger in 2006 with SQW based in Cambridge, however, it is important to note The Oxford Trust, its original owners, are still the largest single shareholders. In fact, most of the other shareholders are employees or individuals from the original Oxford Innovation, so a considerable amount of heritage is still locked in OI.

“Oxford Innovation is not just about Oxford and Oxfordshire.” Emphasises Jo. “ We were founded in 1987, being, essentially, an offshoot of the Oxford Trust, which is now Science Oxford, which was itself founded by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood. The purpose of the company was all about supporting entrepreneurs. When Sir Martin and Lady Audrey founded Oxford Instruments there were certain things that they needed at the time that weren’t readily available, such as to access to finance, access to flexible premises and access to good quality business support, and that’s essentially what Oxford Innovation was set up to do. So we were

“Although the company has had to evolve and we are now much more commercial in our focus” continues Jo, “we haven’t lost sight of the reason OI was established, and that’s to help entrepreneurs. Our innovation centres do that, our investment networks do that and our business support does that. We may charge for those services and we may charge a commercial rate for those services but, actually, they are services that we know that companies and entrepreneurs want and we know that they are getting excellent value.”

1,542 Companies based in an Innovation Centre managed by Oxford Innovation (between 31st March 2002 and 31st March 2011)

set up by entrepreneurs to help entrepreneurs and I think that, for me, that’s a really important facet to Oxford Innovation (OI) and despite our growth as a company we still provide those same three things today” The ownership of OI has since changed,

Jo joined OI in November 2000 and set up the first centre outside of Oxfordshire in Crowthorne, Berkshire. “This was in the main because I had been working in Reading anyway on an SRB (a Single Regeneration Budget) project in East Reading working with groups in need of assistance, basically helping them to set up businesses and training them how to run a business. These were mainly community and social enterprises, so cooperatives and not for profit companies. I worked on about three or four in Reading and we set up a resource centre and flexible office space at Suttons Business Park. Unfortunately, when the SRB money ran out, they closed and that was and ongoing problem with Government funded schemes. For me it was why I wanted to shift from working on government funded projects to working in a commercial organization.” “. The great thing about OI is that because we’re a commercial organization, there’s continuity and we’re still providing services. And actually, if you work with companies in the right way then they can

afford to pay for what you’re providing. It’s a virtuous circle.”

703 20

Companies based in Centres

Jo actually set Crowthorne Innovation Centre up in May 2001 alongside the Culham Innovation Centre. Jo worked as Centre Manager at Crowthorne for two years before moving to her current marketing role for all twenty OI centres, and this has been vital experience for her. “The fact that I’ve been a centre manager means that I know what the job is like day to day, so helping and supporting centre managers is second nature to me.” The original plan was to just grow in Oxfordshire, but through various opportunities, the other centres have been set up and flourished. Some, like that at Portsmouth Technopole, have been built from scratch, others set up in existing premises. “The approach, originally, was quite piecemeal, but we are much more strategic in our direction now. There are also more centres in the pipeline.” Not only are the centres incredibly supportive in terms of finance and business support, but the flexibility afforded by OI is a massive attraction to young businesses looking to establish themselves, as Jo illustrates. “The aspect that the companies

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B4 PROPERTY

“We are very focused on how we can help companies, in lots of different ways. “”we run events to help them or signpost them to various organizations, we also run business support programmes ourselves. If there are ways we can help companies we will do, and that’s because we want them to be successful, and the more successful they are, the better that is for us.”

1,059 9

Graduated companies in Years

“We’ve recently just carried out some research looking at the last ten years of operating centres and the national success rate for companies after five years is 63%. With OI, our study shows that companies based in our centres, have an 80% success rate, so 80% of the companies are still in operation ten years later.” Many of these companies will have moved out of OI premises, but the point is that, during that vital incubation phase, OI have

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Survival rate of graduated companies

supported these companies to such an extent that they have gone on to flourish. OI aren’t looking to hold on to the superstars and keep them as tenants, as Jo explains. “We have to let them go. It’s a great reflection on us if a tenant outgrows us. It allows us to get a new tenant in if a successful one leaves, and we start the process again. Our crucial period is three to five years and after that, the company will either have outgrown us or be happy at the size they are at and either find alternative premises or stay with us” “Some companies, like Bunnyfoot for example, moved in to Harwell Innovation Centre about ten or eleven years ago, and they have expanded. They just started with two of them and they have now got one floor in a wing at Harwell. They have also got offices in London, Reading and Sheffield, so they've actually needed to expand outside of Oxfordshire because of the nature of their business and it still suits them, because of what they do, to have flexibility with us. We're not in the business of asking tenants to leave if there's actually still a good business reason for them to benefit from staying with us.” One other interesting finding in OI’s recent research was that a lot of companies that meet other entrepreneurs in the innovation centres are still in contact ten years later, so they are obviously

making some really good connections, continues Jo. “About forty per cent of them are still in contact with people they met in the innovation centres. We also found out that there were quite a lot of people who have founded one company in one of our centres, have grown out and graduated from the centre and then having exited that business, they set up a new company and, invariably, come back to one of our centres.” Looking to the future, Jo work places being even more flexible and work being focused more around activity than a place. “Even as recently as five years ago, it mattered where businesses were based, but now, obviously depending what business it is, we have to be much more flexible and have developed a range of new services to support those businesses. However, I think there will always be a need for ‘hubs’ where people can meet, network and exchange ideas and our Innovation Centres are ideal for that.”.”

of companies work within science-technology and knowledge-based sectors

With over seven hundred customers and in excess of two thousand employees working across the twenty innovation centres, OI are certainly doing something right. www.oxin.co.uk

Photography www.studio-8.co.uk

benefit from the most is the flexibility that we provide so they only sign up to a license agreement and only have to give a month’s notice whenever they want. We don’t penalise them if they need to downsize or move out. We’re certainly not a ‘let and forget’ organization, so we don’t just let them the room and then walk away. If they’re struggling they can come and talk to us and we try to help where we can.. We’re certainly not a landlord in the traditional sense.”

news Wokingham Curry Club – Square Bar, Market Square, Wokingham Wednesday 8 February, Wednesday 14 March, Wednesday 11 April. This is an opportunity to meet local businesses and enjoy great food from one of Wokingham’s top restaurants. The cost is £13 for a two course buffet curry and this includes your first drink. You can pay on the night by credit card or cash. To book, please email richard@focal.co.uk

Bracknell business Club – The Bull Pub, High Street, Bracknell Thursday 1st March, Tuesday 10th April. This is a FREE “Drop in” event. This is to encourage local people to do business with other local people. This event has been running since Jan 2010 and has had over 250 visitors to date with an average of 30 per event. Email richard@focal.co.uk to book or for more info.

Meet The FSB – Thursday 26 January in Apres Nightclub at Coppid Beech Hotel This is an opportunity to meet the FSB and see how they can benefit your business. The event is FREE and food is provided. It is being held at Apres Nightclub at the Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell and runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm . You can book in through the FSB website - http://www.fsb.org.uk/thamesvalleyevents

Taplow Business Club at Taplow Rugby Club This is a drop in event, runs from 6pm to 9pm and is an opportunity to meet other local business people. The purpose of the event is to encourage local businesses to do business with other local businesses under the FSB Keep Trade Local Theme. Dates of the next two events for the first quarter of 2012 are Feb 29th and April 11th. To book in please email thierry@asobi.co.uk

Windsor Business Community Windsor business community is an independent, series of monthly business networking events. Any business is welcome to attend. Cost: *£15.00 per person per event – payable at the event includes a FREE drink and nibbles. Pre-registration for all events is essential through www.windsorbusinesscommunity.co.uk *If you need to cancel your place please do so by 6:00pm the day before the event otherwise regrettably you will be charged for your place. Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Location: The Macdonald Hotel, High Street, Windsor. Dates: Tuesday 7th February, Tuesday 6th March, Tuesday 3rd April

Slough Business Network February Tuesday 14th, March Tuesday 13th, April Tuesday 10th. Slough Business Network at the Haveli Restaurant is open to all who enjoy casual style but serious business to business networking. There is no set agenda just turn up. £10 per head payable at the door including good food. Start 6.00 pm. Plenty of free parking. Your hosts Paul Mes (FSB), Mark May (Rent A Home) and Sunny Daheley (Haveli Restaurant) look forward to welcoming you. Further details on website www.sloughbusiness.com Email mark@rentahome.co.uk to book in.

Making the Internet work for your business! Wed 7 March - 09:00 for 09:30 start; close 13:30 Symantec, Building 3, 350 Brook Drive, Green Park, Reading, RG2 6UH Learn how you can make the internet work for your business. Choose to attend two from a range of seminars and walk away with some practical help to promote your business ahead of your competitors. Lots of networking opportunities so make sure you bring your business cards! “The FSB is the largest organisation of its kind supporting over 216,000 SME businesses across the UK. East Berkshire branch has always prided itself on having proactive committee members who will help businesses in their local area and be the local voice of the FSB. We have set a goal to hold over 60 events across the East Berkshire region in 2012 and to have over 1500 attendees to these events. The FSB offers local businesses so much with networking only being a small part. To know how the FSB can benefit your business, please attend an event and speak to one of the FSB representatives or log on to www.fsb.org.uk or please email me at richard@focal.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you in 2012” Further details of all events across Berkshire can be found here - http://www.fsb.org.uk/thamesvalleyevents

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B4 COMMS

“you can teach yourself to go instantly from stress to calm, moody to happy, or blocked to creative – it’s that simple.”

M IGOSH! G N B

ET TO KNOW IKKI URNS – SHE COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

She was part of the original team that built and delivered Han Snook’s vision in growing Orange from an embryonic concept to one of the most successful companies in the UK with her career spanning from launch through IPO to the first trade sale. “This was an amazing journey,” says Nikki, “No one had ever done what Hans wanted to do, and the vision was met with resistance from closed minds everywhere from the City to the industry analysts.” From this experience Nikki gained the tenacity to see a ground-breaking project through against all the odds, which she has applied throughout her career. Nikki later found time to launch her own management consultancy, uniquely emphasising the power of brand through people. She then CoFounded Beem; where in her role as Chief Operating Officer she dedicated several years to successfully building the world’s first truly independent mobile payment service from concept to completion. Nikki is now a Business Accelerator mentoring companies and entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level by specialising in www.b4-business.com

delivery through people, processes and systems. In her latest venture, Nikki has recently launched migosh!™. Working with creativity guru David Cox, and Simon May (one of the UK’s leading strategic marketing experts), migosh!™ is the umbrella brand name for an exciting range of products created for the burgeoning personal development and wellbeing market place. As Nikki explains, “We were looking at the real needs of entrepreneurs and managers, and during our research, an entrepreneur told us he would love to be able to switch off his anxiety before an important presentation, and switch on his creative juices to impress his clients.” This gave Nikki and David the idea of a hand-held mood-changer, and so migosh!™ was born. The deceptively simple suite of migosh!™ apps provides an essential aid to better business, enabling users instantly to get into the right mind states for handling important meetings, presentations and negotiations; to achieve immediate stress reduction; and to enhance creativity through transformational experiences of happiness, calm and feeling good. As one satisfied customer said, “I dreaded that meeting, but I popped into the loo on the way, ran one of the migosh!™ apps to calm myself, did my

best-ever pitch and won the business”. It’s very much on-trend, as this topic is one of the biggest growth areas for both Amazon and conventional bookshops like Waterstone’s. Using David’s business psychology and NLP background the migosh!™ range is based on state of the art neuroscience. “Research shows that mood shifts happen in a moment,” explains David, “so if you have the right stimulus, like the migosh!™ apps, you can teach yourself to go instantly from stress to calm, moody to happy, or blocked to creative – it’s that simple.” In addition to the all-important apps, which deliver the essential rapid transformational experiences, Nikki and David are keen to share the science behind them through the migosh!™ DVDs and upcoming workshops. “We would love to show local businesses how to get better results with this technology.” says Nikki. Despite her hectic schedule, Nikki has a strong belief in paying it back and supporting ambitious entrepreneurs she mentors generously, “But you have to have world class potential.” she adds with a smile. To reach Nikki, contact her at nikki@nikkiburns.co.uk

Photography Carolina Soler Gomes

Nikki Burns has led a charmed life as an independent woman with strong views whose unique business and communication skills have taken her on a journey to the boardrooms of international organisations.

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B4 SERVICES

A POACHER TURNED GAMEKEEPER TURNED… SOCIAL MEDIA GURU? Nigel Morgan runs public relations and social media consultancy Morgan PR in Hungerford and is a well-known public speaker and is behind the successful online presence of many businesses in the Royal County. “I wouldn’t say I’m a guru,” laughs Nigel, “Social media is a constantly evolving beast and anyone arrogant enough to stop and claim guru status has already missed the next development! That said, I have long recognised the ability for social media to be an essential part of the public relation mix and is often more powerful than simply sending out a press release. We advocate something we call ‘Organic PR’.” So how does a journalist move from the fourth estate to the fastest evolving form of PR? “Being a journalist gave me the nose for a story and I never needed to hack a phone! A focus on crime led to me selling my soul to the dark arts of spin and I became a press officer with Thames Valley Police in Reading, which was fun. I often quip that after making the cops look good I could do it for anyone, which isn’t too far from the truth! “I actually started blogging then, back in 2001 – but didn’t know that’s what it was. I was doing a spot of globetrotting after leaving the police. The website built up quite a following and gave me a glimpse of the power of the internet long before Twitter and Facebook could be used to promote a blog and similarly with the power of a blog for PR. Journalists who followed my adventures were prone to turning the more entertaining posts into stories – like when I was commended for bravery after helping the Western Australian Police catch an escaped prisoner! “Then, 10 years ago this May, I started Morgan PR and initially, obviously, only focused on traditional PR, getting businesses into the media, TV, radio and the web too. I realised that every business, no

“Which channels you use really does depend on the business you have, but generally Facebook and Twitter works for retailers and those B2C businesses, while LinkedIn is the powerhouse for B2B, although I would add Twitter is proving increasingly effective.” matter what they did, had a story to tell and I had a knack for spotting them. “It wasn’t until 2006 that I started the Morgan PR blog and regular updates benefit us on search engines like Google and the enquiries it brings. By blogging you have fresh content to share through social media and drive traffic back to your website. If you combine posts related to current affairs, which tend to attract more readers, with timeless posts that gather readers over time, you’ll have a good combination. The timeless posts can also be shared again and again. Google Analytics can tell which posts get the most readers and do more like that. “Blog content can also be used for press releases, newsletter content, e-books, and guest posts on other blogs and of course video content can be used on YouTube, photos on the website Flickr and so on. Effectively multiple bites of the cherry! In a nutshell that is Organic PR, simply leveraging what you do through multiple channels. This forms part of the strategies we create for businesses.

“Businesses shouldn’t underestimate the rise of those digital natives. Those, like my daughter, who were born after the advent of the internet have grown up embracing new technologies.” www.b4-business.com

“I was an early adopter of social media and joined Twitter in 2007 – although I did blog it wouldn’t catch on! Now I’ve over 16,000 followers over four accounts and it is a terrific tool for driving traffic as is Facebook and particularly LinkedIn for driving quality traffic that leads to enquiries. “Which channels you use really does depend on the business you have, but generally Facebook and Twitter works for retailers and those B2C businesses while LinkedIn is the powerhouse for B2B, although I would add Twitter is proving increasingly effective. “Whichever platform the key is being abundant and engaging with your audience. Don’t simply broadcast an 80/20 mix of social to business is a good rule – that is four updates out of five should be helping others, not your business! LinkedIn is exclusively business, although I did get a great client once after mentioning on LinkedIn I was off to walk my border collie! “Businesses shouldn’t underestimate the rise of those digital natives. Those, like my daughter, who were born after the advent of the internet have grown up embracing new technologies. This Generation Y says ‘Why not?’ While Generation X run the risk of becoming severely handicapped in business if they do not at the very least explore the potential of social media. “My advice would be to just have a go. Listen to the conversation and then join in – and be abundant!” www.morganpr.co.uk

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B4 HEALTH & BEAUTY

Aspire Clinic

ASPIRE CLINIC When I look in a mirror, I'm never quite sure if I'm seeing the real thing. In my 7x magnifier for make-up I see huge ravines and crevices. In a normal mirror without my glasses, it’s a lot better but not real either. Just up after a late night what stares back is pretty grim. But, once organised and ready to go, it's not too bad. However, I am 62 and although I inherited good skin, gravity and anno domini are taking their toll.

The very latest anti-aging treatment, virtually instant ‘recovery time’ and, very importantly, promising long term benefits. Aspire is discreetly located within the impressive Madjeski Stadium where I arrived last April for my

“Overall my skin is

I’m not paranoid about it, and think I can safely say I would never have a facelift, but I do know how a little ‘help’ can make a big difference. A few years ago, every time the media wanted a middle aged face to experiment on, they asked me. Gloria Hunniford persuaded me to have infill injections on live television to plump up my nose to mouth lines; one of the first things to sag! I was a bit reluctant but thrilled with the result. Then I had Botox (weak) on ‘Tonight with Trevor McDonald’. Again, I was pleased with the effect. I've had Botox a few times since then, but I'm not exactly a junkie.

definitely smoother, plumper and I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have commented on how ‘good’ I look, without realising I have had anything done.

Unfortunately, treatments which only deal with specific lines on your face can only have short term results. So I pricked up my ears when I heard about the Ultimate Rejuvenating Facial offered by Aspire.

first consultation with Clinic Director Jenny O’Neill, who carefully described the treatments. Over the following 12 weeks, I would receive a series of skin rehydrating micro-injections, a course of Genuine

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”

Dermaroller® treatments, vitamin skin peels and medical microdermabrasion to improve the quality and texture of my skin, plus prescription skincare products for home use between treatments. What had I got to lose? The treatments were not at all painful and any redness disappeared within a day so no need to hide away from the world; an important consideration for me. Aspire asked if I would mind keeping a video diary, which was fun to do and I hoped it would help other people make their own decision. There’s no substitute for actually seeing what you are letting yourself in for! The procedures ‘wake-up’ your own skin defences and jog them into recognising that you are not past it and there’s life in the old girl yet! Overall my skin is definitely smoother, plumper and I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have commented on how ‘good’ I look without realising I have had anything done. I just smile and thank them! I am told the effects will last for months and months – and thereafter I just need to have a little ‘top-up’ once a year. To see Christine’s video diary or find out more about the Ultimate Rejuvenating Facial go to www.aspireclinic.com.

B4 HEALTH & BEAUTY

“Electric – adj. definition [e·lek·trik] current, emotionally exciting, positive atmosphere, shining”

THE ELECTRIC

BUSINESS B4’s Ryan Keane meets Electric Hair owner, Mark Woolley, and discovers how his innovative approach is making waves in the hairdressing industry. 72

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“The bigger boys do not mean the better boys” is a firm view of a thriving and expanding entrepreneur, Mark Woolley, who’s business, Electric Hair, has certainly made a mark amongst fellow hairdressers, business experts and leading magazines. The Electric Hair business comprises, so far, a chain of four hair and style salons in London’s Marylebone, Brighton, Reading and Oxford. The head office is in Brighton, but it’s the London salon which has made the headlines, with celebrity appearances from the Made in Chelsea and Inbetweeners’ stars. In an in-depth interview with B4, Mark gives an insight into why his business is unique, why good service is vital and, just out of curiosity, why Electric? Electric Hair first opened its doors five years ago when Mark believed there was a gap in the market for a stylish, atmospheric and unique hair dressing experience. Leaving school early to become a hairdresser, Mark travelled the world, inspiring him to set up a photographic studio. But his passion was hair and he always felt that the hairdressing industry was “too corporate”. He decided to back himself and has since seen Electric Hair not only prove his point, but catch the eye of industry experts who have recognised his fresh and innovative approach. Awards have flooded in, including winning HJI British Hairdressing Business Awards' Director of the year 2010, alongside wining

there. We train our staff from a young age to be good communicators and to work in a team. The end product is great service.” The exclusive Electric brand encompasses Salons, a Luxury Hair Care Range, Electric Studios and The Electric Education Academy. When asked about branding, and where the name Electric came from, Mark is very clear. “It’s very simple. The word itself, simply speaking, describes an atmosphere which is positive. I wanted a word not associated with hairdressing. Some of the beauty editors weren’t sure if they liked the name, as it’s a bit young and ‘club’ like. Now it’s out there, I think people really like it. Hopefully it will never go out of fashion. I read a lot into the philosophy of branding, and it would appear that it doesn’t matter what name you choose….. what matters is how you represent the brand. “When someone walks into a hairdresser’s salon, it can be quite daunting, with lots of young, attractive and fabulously dressed stylists with invariably, great hair. They are the epitome of what you strive for so to some, it can be difficult to walk through that door. Our job is to soften that, to make it a joy to come through the door. Our customers also want someone to listen to them. There can be a bit of pretentiousness in salons, that’s why we teach our trainees to be nice to customers. With any service, if you’re happy with it, you’ll go back.”

“We strive to offer a tailor made experience, where the client will be served a drink from a fully functioning bar, champagne, juice or a cappuccino; a scalp massage while they’re getting their hair shampooed” HAIR Magazine's Salon Stylist of the Year 2009, National Business Awards and Creative Heads Most Wanted Awards. So just what makes the ‘Electric Hair experience’ different to that in any other salon? “We want to build an environment where we can create a memorable experience for our clients” explains Mark. “We strive to offer a tailor made experience, where the client will be served a drink from a fully functioning bar, champagne, juice or a cappuccino; a scalp massage while they’re getting their hair shampooed, and even met by an accomplished expert in their field that works regularly on fashion photo shoots or magazines to advise and consult.” In order to ensure that his philosophy is auctioned just as it should be, Mark has to have the right team behind him. “Everyone has to be on the same page, but the secret is making sure it’s not a regimented approach. It has to be natural, it has to be effortless. If my staff have to act then they’re in the wrong salon. Coming to work needs to be as much fun for my staff as it is for our customers – otherwise the experience and the magic won’t be www.b4-business.com

What of the future for Electric? “I think we’re already a nationally recognised brand. We probably will expand our business, to Leeds or Manchester. We’ll probably pop up in one of the Scottish cities, eventually. We don’t want to rush though….. I’d like to keep it all controlled. Our big focus at the moment is on Oxford.” Mark is also the Global brand ambassador for Iconic brush manufacturer Denman International, a member of the L’Oreal Portfolio of Artistic Hairdressers, and is active within the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. This budding entrepreneur certainly understands how to run a business, and although not lacking confidence, is aware that complacency must be guarded against. “The industry we are in is incredibly loyal but equally fickle. We have to continually improve our service and ensure that the ‘Electric Hair experience’ is worth coming back for, every time.” www.electric-hair.com 73

HOW DO YOU KEEP INTOUCH WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS? As we all look to build our businesses in the uncertain economic climate ahead in 2012 we talk to a man who understands the value of customers and how any business can positively harness IT to engage with them in the most cost effective way. John Kennedy talks to James White of In Touch CRM and learns key lessons in building your business around your customers. It is obvious early in a discussion with James White, the MD of In Touch CRM, that he is passionate about business aswell as a man that fully understands all the core technical elements of creating and growing a successful business. His enthusiasm and passion for his own business aswell the businesses of his customers immediately makes you feel that he should be a management consultant – called in to inspire your own team, sort out your business challenges and kick start your own company to the next level. James has a background in IT and Marketing which has given him insight into how to harness IT in order to build relationships with customers, provide great service and keep customers engaged through effective communication. Customers and customer engagement really matter to James and his company. How many times have we heard the biggest brands and names in business preach about how important their customers are to their company–while there own customers experience poor service, irrelevant marketing and poor value for money? Good service is a relatively straight forward concept but rarely implemented consistently. The refreshing aspect of discussing business with James is that he understands every business function, how they inter-relate and why they need to support each other to build a successful business. James is passionate about getting the organisational ‘culture’ right, and integrating internal systems so that they support each other to enhance efficiency and value. In Touch CRM is a product of this thinking and mindset. Their objective is to enable

their customers to develop their own businesses through better communication with their own customers. James knows that relationships with customers are even more vital in the tougher economic times we now face. Customer relationships, retention and value are what we should all be focusing our businesses on. Not just the sales team, or the marketing team but the whole ethos of a business should be centred on delivering customer satisfaction and value.

“James is passionate about getting the organisational ‘culture’ right, and integrating internal systems so that they support each other to enhance efficiency and value” James is a businessman who understands the crucial importance of customer relationships and when one sees this combined with his passionate drive to develop his own business - and indeed help you develop your business you can see success for you and for him. James White runs a company that can really help you and your customer engagement. His unique selling point is that he is not only likeable and highly knowledgeable. He is also very likely to look at your business as a true

management consultant and help you focus on every aspect of your business from customers to finance, from staff motivation to company culture. When all of these aspects are working together your customers will not only notice – they will be happier and more valuable. We all need to know more about our customers – why they buy – who else they buy from –which customers are the most valuable – how they like to be communicated with –can we do more for them. Harnessing CRM systems effectively is fundamental to this -James White and In Touch CRM can deliver on all of the above – because that is their core objective. In Touch CRM Email marketing and Customer Relationship Management for small to medium sized businesses. Every business needs marketing that is manageable, measurable and cost effective. In Touch CRM offers an integrated and flexible solution for targeted email marketing and database management which will help you get customers returning and drive new sales and repeat business. You can target an email marketing campaign and then measure the responsiveness of clients and prospective clients. Add this to task management, surveys, a shared calendar and shared documents and In Touch CRM is a powerful tool that is simple to use and will enable you to plan and execute marketing campaigns in a cost effective and time efficient manner. www.intouchcrm.co.uk

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Photography www.studio-8.co.uk

B4 COMMS

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THE HARRISON EXPRESS

B4’s Emma-Louise Pritchard meets with the host of B4 Magazine’s launch events, Tracy Harrison, General Manager of Malmaison Reading, to unravel a career path which has only fuelled this ambitious young lady’s desire to achieve more.

Tracy’s career in hospitality started at the tender age of fifteen when she was offered a weekend job after a week’s work experience with Swallow Hotels, a job that Tracy identifies as career defining. “At fifteen, I was hooked by the glamour of the hospitality industry. I was the envy of my friends, and earning enough to allow me to dress well and look after myself. I was seduced by the lifestyle and the rewards.” Higher education didn’t have a chance and Tracy was well on her way to building her undeniably impressive CV. Incredibly, by the age of seventeen, Tracy was deputy manager of her department at Swallow Hotel, looking after twenty staff, and at nineteen, Tracy took her first management position at an independent hotel. “Throughout I was not only sub-consciously building my CV, I was gaining unbelievable experience across a wide range of disciplines.”

Originally from Scotland and raised in York, Tracy has made her way south throughout her career and, aged twenty one, Tracy moved to Birmingham to work for Marriot Hotels where, within a year, she was made deputy Housekeeping Manager and Brand Standards Consultant. It wasn’t long before her undoubted talents were rewarded with the Housekeeping Manager’s role at the Birmingham city centre Marriot, where she stayed for four years before accepting a role as housekeeping manager at Malmaison Birmingham. The move from Marriot to Malmaison was driven by Malmaison’s reputation to develop and support their employees, and it’s a move which has paid off with her appointment to the role of General Manager at Malmaison Reading last year. So has Tracy’s rise been down to just natural ability? “No, training has played a big part in enabling me to get to grips with the fundamentals of running a

hotel, that and on the job experience. However, without a doubt, the main reason for my development has been that others have taken a chance on me, have seen something and developed me. It’s now my turn to identify the right people to help me run the hotel. My role is very much more back seat, observing, making sure things are done when they are supposed to be done. Ultimately as General Manager, the buck really does stop with me and if something is wrong, it’s my problem.” There’s no doubt the fire burning within this impressive young lady is roaring, hungry for more challenges, as Tracy confirms. “Of course you want bigger challenges, that’s how you improve. I’m no different now to how I was when I was fifteen – I still want more! If one of the larger Malmaison Hotels needed a new General Manager, I like to think I would be able to do a great job – I’ve already

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B4 SPOTLIGHT covered for Malmaison Oxford and found the experience challenging but certainly something I was capable of taking on long term. “But that’s Malmaison for you. They bring out the confidence in you and they groom you to believing you can do bigger and better things but support you at the same time. “There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, as long as it doesn’t detract from the current role – you wouldn’t stand a chance of moving up the ladder if for one second you took your eye off the ball – and I really enjoy Reading Malmaison. We’ve got a fantastic hotel here in an incredible location, just yards from the train station in the heart of Reading. “We have some great events in the area, such as the numerous festivals which take place in Berkshire, and we are a good base for attractions such as Legoland. We’re also a good option for visiting the Olympics, less than an hour from central London. “Reading is also attracting some great names, with exciting stores such as Apple and Hollister opening up. There are some spectacular developments and huge corporate moving into the area – it’s an exciting time to be the GM of a central hotel as there’s lots of activity and it really is hard to see how the recession is affecting Reading.” Tracy explains that the hotel itself also has plenty to offer. “Our brassiere is a massive attraction for hotel guests and locals. Guests can also benefit from excellent Malmaison promotions and we have also set up deals with local night clubs which are excellent value.” And if you’re a train enthusiast, you need to start staying in the six suites, all named after famous trains (there are sixty four rooms in total). The Mallard, in particular, even has its own train set. For businesses, Malmaison offers various corporate areas equipped with the necessary Wi-Fi, projection screens, TV’s and computers.

And there’s no doubt that with this runaway train at the helm, anything is possible for Reading Malmaison. Why not stay at Reading Malmaison with B4’s very own voucher provider, VOUCH. Book a room on Friday, Saturday or Sunday night and wake up to a sumptuous breakfast all for just £75 with VOUCH! See www.inoxford.com for more details. Brasserie vouchers for £25 worth £50 also available.

“We are delighted to be

www.malmaison.co.uk

doing so well and it’s great that Reading as a town, hopefully soon to be city, is buzzing

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”

Richard Shymansky - www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

“Business is booming” concludes Tracy, “with a 70% rise in weekend bookings. Our figures show we are more than holding our own and that’s got to be good news in light of how the market is. We are delighted to be doing so well and it’s great that Reading as a town, hopefully soon to be city, is buzzing.”

B4 ADVICE

21ST

CENTURY Photography www.studio-8.co.uk

TAX

CHALLENGES Tax hasn’t always been a challenge. In the mid 1980s and 1990s, most people seemed quite happy to pay tax on a gallon of petrol or on the weekly supermarket shop. Then it all went horribly wrong when the stealth taxes crept up on us courtesy of Chancellor Gordon Brown and New Labour when tax became very unpopular, was considered unfair and unreasonable. Nowadays there is no hiding place from tax - it hits our income, savings, investments, profits - even death is taxed. But before you despair, help is at hand, thanks to businessman Ted Yeates, who is passionate about providing an holistic approach to clients’ financial needs. Ted developed Your Money Friend in 2006 after working in the financial services sector for 22 years. He believes that it is really important to be able to obtain totally independent information concerned with money or finance and Your Money Friend can provide professional expertise in the fields of finance, law, tax and accountancy, all available through a single contact source. “There is no doubt in my mind that we are over-taxed in this country these days. There are ways of mitigating tax, but it can be a bit of a minefield and it’s difficult for people to know where to start. “No two people or companies are going to have the same tax planning strategy, but a strategy is what you need if you want to retain more of your hard earned money. A good starting point is to check on the Inland Revenue website www.hmrc.gov.uk which has all the tax rules and regulations to help you stay within the law.” Here Ted has put together ten useful tips as a guide to help you take the first steps towards understanding your own tax liabilities and allowances. 1. Never pay more tax than you are legally required to pay. • Check the internet for details of tax savings schemes • Select plans where fees are contingent on success • Be wary of scams, avoid schemes where up-front fees are required 2. Engage professional advisers – Tax Planners, Accountants and Solicitors • Always use high quality professionals, you get what you pay for • Look at referrals and testimonials before engaging any adviser

3. Check your tax code is correct at the start of every tax year • This changes every year, check it, especially when reaching 65 or 75 years of age 4. Make use of all your allowances – you are entitled to them • Minors have the same Personal and CGT allowances as adults • Don’t forget Age Allowances • Utilise Gifts Out of Income to reduce IHT liabilities 5. Don’t pay interest on savings unnecessarily • If you’re below the income threshold submit R85 to avoid Tax deductions at source • Make use of ISA Allowances • Consider Off-Set Mortgages 6. Reduce taxable income • Consider taking dividends instead of salary • Negotiate employee benefits instead of salary increases e.g. Extra holidays, flexi time, family medical and life insurance • Transfer income producing assets to lower rate band spouse/partner 7. Maximise Pension Benefits • Increase Employer pension contributions and personal contributions • Get the maximum tax relief on Pension Contributions • Self Invested Personal Pension plans (SIPPs) provide investment choice 8. Invest in tax efficient investments • Invest through SIPPs, use Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) • Use Offshore Trusts and Tax Exempt Investments • Cash in investments in appropriate tax years 9. Check all payslips, bank statements and tax assessments for accuracy • Mistakes are frequent from large organisations. • Take responsibility and demand refunds 10. Submit tax returns promptly on line and pay tax before interest is added • On line submissions are quicker, easier and less costly • Don’t delay, pay taxes on time then reclaim if appropriate www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

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the social

In association with

Amanda Hill of The Social Media Cafe

Make 2012 your Olympic Year by listening! Has your 2012 kicked off in style? There is definitely a buzz in the air and the mood in business is shifting to a much more optimistic one. It’s been simmering for a few months and certainly seems to be getting stronger… on-line more people are sharing positive energy that has not been seen for some time and the end of 2011 saw people relishing the start of brand new year… I mentioned on-line. If the words twitter, facebook, wordpress, linkedin and youtube are foreign languages, your business is almost certainly missing out and 2012 should be the year you get your head around how they can help your business. We’d love to try to help you understand them, how they can help you and what you need to do to ensure your business is in the right place, at the right time, more of the time! If you are not tuned in, you really should at least be listening… and to do that I recommend a fabulous free dashboard called Hootsuite. You can add up to 5 of your social media platforms to post, listen, search and even schedule content at best time for you to be seen…

You don’t need to use every social media platform or you would spend your life as a social butterfly and never get any work done, try one of the main ones listed and see which works best for you. Hootsuite is a great tool for that. You can see who is connecting with you, plan when you want to post out useful articles, helpful hints and posts showing you as the key person of influence in your world and filter incoming posts. The biggest problem I hear is, “What do I talk about?” Well it isn’t all about broadcasting what you do, it is about helping those around you... so if you work with local small and medium sized businesses, you may think about writing blogs, helping them find grants, training or networking events. This will help you in many ways. You will be found for articles you write, especially if you add local references. You will be seen as a helpful resource and as most of us do business with people around us you will see local coming to you to ask for help and even recommending you without you having to sell at all. Now isn’t that a better way to do business?

Start thinking differently and social media will become a spring board for you to launch big time. Think of it like your local pub or wine bar - just online. Remember I said you should be listening? Hootsuite allows you to follow conversation streams so listen for your location or business and be there when someone asks – That’s serendipity. Even better… get the social aspect right and you will find someone else will see it and recommend you – putting you in the right place and opening the door a tiny bit too. So off you go and start listening… www.hootsuite.com pick the free version and let me know if you need a hand setting it up. 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.

Twitter Facts for Berkshire Top 10 Berkshire businesses on Twitter in Berkshire

Top 10 accounts with the most followers

We’re never going to hit the stratospheric 17 million followers Lady Gaga has accumulated but there are still some superstars in Berkshire… now there is a big debate in social media that size matters… just because you have thousands or even millions of connections does not mean you are the most influential... so rather than pick the most connected businesses in Berkshire on twitter I am using one of the free apps on there and picking their most influential – see what you think… Do you agree? Are you the most connected Berkshire business? Let us know…

These are the ones showing as having the most followers… I am sure you can beat them… and Newbury seems to be the leader of the pack.. if you are in Berkshire.. make sure it is in your profile for you to be found for it.

Followers

Company

Followers

Company

822

WestBerkshire - @WestBerkshire

30,648

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MAINTAINING THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS… Facilities Management may not be core to your business, but its strategic importance makes it something that you should think about. Synergy Facilities (www.synergy-facilities.co.uk) is a Berkshire based company aimed at SMEs with a building or buildings to manage. Its founders say that outsourcing FM is now something that even an SME can and should consider. What is the core competency of your business? You may be partner in a law firm or accountancy practice, or the owner of a software company, or the manager of a health club or restaurant. Whatever it is that you and your business does, the building in which you do it plays a role in the day to day activities of that business. If you work in an office, your surroundings can make a difference to how productive you are and how ‘at ease’ you feel in your work environment. If you’re involved in a business that sells to members of the public, then their experience when they come into your building can make the difference to securing or retaining them as a customer.

perceive that it may be too costly an option for a smaller business.”

principles. An FM provider can guide you on the most appropriate procedures for your business.

Frequently the approach that is taken is a piecemeal one; a new supplier is contracted as each issue arises. Before they realise it, the office manager is juggling 20-30 suppliers with 2 to 3 calls to make every time something needs to be fixed in the building.

3. Supplier Management If you are managing multiple supplier contracts, your resource costs are not necessarily being effectively managed. If multiple disciplines are needed on site, you will need to project manage those resources carefully to achieve the best results. Having a single point of contact with ‘one neck to wring’ can reduce your risk and streamline your indirect costs.

The challenge for SMEs is exacerbated by the plethora of regulatory legislation surrounding health and safety in the built environment. “Keeping abreast of what is mandatory and what is best practice across the wide range of disciplines associated with FM is a full time job” says Maloney. “Our job is taking away those headaches, providing

4. Cost Management Knowing when and how to service an asset such as a boiler or air conditioning unit can make the difference in terms of the lifetime of the asset and

“Smaller businesses often don’t even see themselves taking on the burden of FM until they realise that they have a full time office manager dealing with day to day issues. They often don’t even consider the options of outsourcing, as they perceive that it may be too costly an option for a smaller business ” The ‘facilities management’ of the building from which you operate may not be ‘the’ core of what you do, but it will be a determining factor in the success of your core business. Large enterprises typically take a radical approach to issues such as Facilities Management (FM), either outsourcing completely to a large third party FM provider or employing teams of people to manage items from boiler maintenance to plumbing and from cleaning to security. However, for SME’s the options are typically not so clear cut. Liz Maloney, Managing Director of Synergy Facilities elaborates: “Smaller businesses often don’t even see themselves taking on the burden of FM until they realise that they have a full time office manager dealing with day to day issues. They often don’t even consider the options of outsourcing, as they 80

a single point of contact for all your FM needs and enabling you to get on with your business.” Five Reasons to outsource FM 1. Resource Consider if you need to allocate a full person or some of a person’s time to managing the building. If this is the case, you need to assess the full costs of this resource, both in terms of employment and training. It may be that the cost is better spent with an expert third party. 2. Compliance Do you have the resources and commitment to stay up to date on legislative changes that affect the way in which your building is maintained? At worst, you need to be certain that you are compliant, but ideally you need to be operating best practice

your current budget. An FM business can guide you on whether to take a preventative approach to maintenance or a ‘break to fix’ decision. 5. Future proofing Working in partnership with a local FM provider can help you plan more effectively for the future. A reliable partner can advise on industry trends, potential energy savings and opportunities to optimise your maintenance plan. Why not come and talk! Call: 0844 800 2823 or email info@synergyfacilities.co.uk. You can also call Liz Maloney directly on 07977 130830. www.synergy-facilities.co.uk

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Photography Carolina Soler Gomes

B4 PROPERTY

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B4 SERVICES

“Business thrives on conversation. These days it’s not about who you know or what you know …it’s who knows you”

FAMILIARITY BREEDS SUCCESS

Mark Linton, founder and Managing Director of The Business Growth Show, discovered the importance of networking many years ago. “Networking is nothing new”, he says, “but it’s knowing how to do it that counts.” Marks highly successful exhibition and networking event is testament to his words. Written by Louise Esplin. Mark was alerted to the true value of networking for the first time in 2004, when he invested in his first breakfast meeting. With £12,000 backing from a sponsor, Mark secured a venue and with support of third party networking experts began the hunt for delegates. He was assured that all was going to plan and the event would be a success, until three days before the event, Mark was informed that only 5 people were interested in attending, and the event would have to be cancelled. “Cancelling wasn’t an option”, explains Mark, “but this was in the days before social media, so I had to individually call all of my contacts, one by one, then walked door to door in the area. I got 78 people to attend the 7:00am breakfast meeting in three days!” From this rather inauspicious start, The Business Growth Show has grown from strength to strength and is now bigger than ever. In 2012 alone, there will be more than 50 events in 18 regions. From London to Manchester, Birmingham to Yorkshire, and everywhere in between there is networking opportunities for all business owners. The nationwide spread of shows is based on Mark’s premise that no business should have to travel more than 30 miles to meet other businesses. So what distinguishes The Business Growth Show

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from other networking events? Mark explains his aim is to make his brand like McDonald’s – not in the fast food sense – but in the sense that the brand comes with a well known formula, you always know what to expect. “Familiarity breeds success”, explains Mark, “my team ensure that each event is ran smoothly and efficiently. So both the exhibitors and delegates know that they’re in for a superb networking experience.” Each event runs from 9:00am – 3:00pm, with three Speed Networking sessions, 2 seminars and even a free networking lunch! “Visitors can schedule their day around the show as they know exactly how it runs. Some people come for the whole day, while some just come for the Speed Networking or Seminars!” Speed Networking deserves a special mention, not only for being an efficient and fun way to meet new contacts, but because of the notorious Sergeant Major who oversees the sessions with army precision. His beret and whistle ensure that nobody over steps the 60 second mark! The Business Growth Show is all about connecting people, offering visitors the opportunity to start and build relationships with hundreds of local and national businesses, as well as cement existing ones. Exhibitors are guaranteed high calibre

delegates through the door; business owners and decision makers are attracted to the show. “Business thrives on conversation. These days it’s not about what you know or who you know… it’s who knows you. With me and my team it is all about the inspire, learn, seek, grow ethos. We want everyone attending our shows to have a well rounded day and leave with that in mind”, says Mark, “Social media is so massive today, and plays a really important part in helping to grow a business, but that’s only part of it… Social media saves time, but face to face meetings are still massively important.” “Some people say that networkers don’t get any work done. My answer to that is, maximise your time afterwards, and be sure to follow up on contacts, but don’t be a busy fool, chasing up contacts that are unlikely to convert into genuine business.” We asked Mark for one final piece of advice on networking, and he said: “In networking you never know who you might meet. You could walk into a room and be inspired, motivated or more knowledgable… but most importantly, you could walk into a room and become memorable.” The next The Business Growth Show Oxfordshire will take place on 28th February at The Oxford Centre, visit www.thebusinessgrowthshow.co.uk

B4 R&R

THE VINEYARD We last featured The Vineyard in Issue 9 of B4, almost three years ago, so a return visit was long overdue. In the very capable hands of Executive Chef, Daniel Galmiche, regarded by many as ‘the king of contemporary French cooking’, we knew we could expect something out of the ordinary. By Richard Rosser.

Next time we’ll be looking for a sign above the table – ‘Official B4 Review table’ – given this was our third visit and third time at the same table. As for the experience? Well, it just keeps getting better at The Vineyard. Our guests, Steve and Zoe, were new to The Vineyard and weren’t quite sure what to expect, but we’d tried to reassure them that the seven course Tasting Menu wasn’t a quick way to increase the wasitline but an incredible and intoxicating journey through a mesmerising array of tastes, textures and colours. With Tina and Zoe celebrating their birthday, it was a celebratory experience in more ways than one. As we arrived at this fabulous five star oasis, just outside of Newbury, in Stockcross, the enormous pond which forms the epicentre of this magnificent 84

retreat was lit by a striking fire display, controlled I hasten to add. It was a wonderful site in the setting sun of a late July evening. A glass of champagne to celebrate the, ahem, thirty year olds’ birthday seemed in order, and what better place to toast than a table aside the impressive pond. We’d briefed our guests not to indulge too much during the day, so having devoured the olives which accompanied our champagne, and an exchange of presents, we were led by our waiter to the dining room. As you would expect from a five star hotel, luxury abounds and the walk through the tastefully decorated bar precedes the entrance to what is most certainly a breathtaking setting for any restaurant. You almost feel as though you are flowing down a corkscrew on to the restaurant floor, where a handful of tables are spaciously arranged, adjacent to the pond where the faltering light

served to enhance the dancing flames. Five star hotel, seven course tasting menu, superb surroundings. You’d expect a polished performance wouldn’t you? Those who haven’t had the good fortune to visit before now might presume dining at The Vineyard would be a slightly overpowering and intimidating experience. Don’t. It’s relaxation personified. Staff are engaging and warm but still unbelievably knowledgeable and keen to enter into conversation, not only about the food or the wine (whichever is their speciality), but also about them. When you are educated about a wine which accompanies a particular course of a seven tiered menu, it is interesting to learn about the education of the sommelier and the route they have taken to your table. I don’t think restaurants can afford to employ www.b4-business.com

“The food? You only

TASTE

have to glance at the Tasting Menu to understand why this is all so special.”

DE-VINE Crab scented with light lime mayonnaise and tomato jelly Wine: L’Apres Midi, Peter Michael Winery, CA, 2009 ~ Caramelised foie gras and mango terrine, mango chutney and coconut foam Wine: Mon Plaisir, Peter Michael Winery, CA, 2006 ~ Scallop soufflé, wild mushroom sabayon Wine: Ma Belle Fille, Peter Michael Winery, CA, 2007 ~ Steamed fillet of sea bass, mussel broth infused with lemongrass, braised leeks Wine: La Carriere, Peter Michael Winery, CA, 2007 ~ Slow cooked fillet of Scottish beef, oxtail stuffed potato, light red wine sauce, bone marrow Wine: Le Caprice, Peter Michael Winery, CA, 2007 Les Pavots, Peter Michael Winery, CA, 2007 ~

robots, staff need to enhance the experience, and The Vineyard has it spot on. Staff know when to let the table breathe and when conversation is required and it’s a balance they all execute to perfection. The food? You only have to glance at the Tasting Menu to understand why this is all so special. If you are a fussy eater, you simply can’t be persnickety when entering into a Tasting Menu. You have to invest, in more ways than one I hasten to add, in the experience. You have to give yourself to those that know best, and that definitely means leaving the wine choices to the sommelier. Don’t necessarily look at The Tasting Menu. Let it surprise you, listen to what your waiter is telling you that you have been served and then enjoy. Obviously, if you have any particular allergies, that’s not necessarily the best www.b4-business.com

course of action, but this is one more example of the diligence of The Vineyard as all guests are asked at the time of booking if they have allergies. The tasting menu is fabulous and priced at £99, however, The Vineyard also offers a great value set lunch menu for £23. Dive in, immerse yourself in the experience. It’s one you’ll never forget. A special occasion isn’t the only reason to visit The Vineyard, in fact, it’s probably best not to go for a special occasion, as the experience will soon make you forget why you went there in the first place (I forgot the cake!) www.the-vineyard.co.uk

Roasted apricot with rosemary, iced nougat, peach coulis ~ Dark chocolate layers, caramel mousse, passion fruit jelly, caramel ice cream Wine: Point Blanc, Peter Michael Winery, CA, 2007 or Seasonal farmhouse cheese platter, quince jelly, fig cake, raisin and hazelnut bread Wine: Point Blanc, Peter Michael Winery, CA, 2007

£99.00 85

The 2011 Grand Voyager is the world’s best selling MPV. Fact. Throughout our trips to London (see Grosvenor House article on page 102), a Christmas Day journey to the in-laws in Essex and the Boxing Day Championship match at The Madejski Stadium between in-form Reading and Brighton, we found out why, fairly quickly actually! Not only is the Grand Voyager a stunning looking car, it’s got bags of room, every feature under the sun and performs with relentless consistency. In fact the only thing missing was a Christmas tree and if necessary, I’d have happily spent Christmas in there! The three trips over the festive period gave us the perfect opportunity to test our new car (sorry, loan car) in three very different scenarios. The journey to London was our first motorway test. Great handling, good acceleration and some nice touches like the wing mirror hazard lights which tell you when someone is overtaking or, more usefully, undertaking. Negotiating London is tricky at the best of times, but on the Friday before Christmas, the capital was a real test. The sat nav took us to Park Lane without

any problems and even when we took our annual detour to view the lights of Oxford Street and Regent Street, the Voyager coped well with the numerous side streets which criss-crossed the main shopping routes. The huge windows made viewing the lights a far more enjoyable experience this year. I must admit the Voyager looked at home as we unloaded outside of Grosvenor House and, for once, I wasn’t ashamed to hand over my keys to the Porter in all his finery. Even he looked chuffed to get the keys! On Christmas Day, a more straightforward journey to Essex. M40, M25, A13. Stood the test well, fairly empty roads and the kids were all plugged in to Christmas Day DVD’s. Nobody likes to travel on Christmas Day, but the Voyager eased the pain and made sure we got back to Oxford safely and, more importantly, happily. Boxing Day and a new dynamic to our Voyager experience. A car full of four teenagers, an eleven year old and the two adults at the front. Of course they wanted to watch a film. With two available nine-inch DVD screens that flip down from the overhead console, game-console inputs, and two available DVD players, the kids didn’t have to settle

on just one thing to watch. The video system can be operated from either the back-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. The self-contained entertainment system is located in the overhead rail, which also contains storage for the DVD wireless remote and wireless headphones. LED halo lighting glows from the headliner rail, providing a relaxing environment for the most demanding of passengers. Whether listening to music or DVDs, you’ll enjoy the built-in sound of either a standard four or six-speaker system or the available nine well-placed speakers with an 11-channel amplifier. The Infinity® nine-speaker system with subwoofer gives superb quality surround sound with 506 watts of power and is standard on the Limited Voyager we had. Pure pleasure. The great thing was we could shift the sound to focus on the whole car or the back two thirds, leaving us to chat whilst the kids watched their movie. So what were the highlights of our best Christmas toy? Well certainly not handing the keys back, that’s for sure! From the comfort of Nappa leather-trimmed seats to the simplicity of a soft-touch surface, Grand

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B4 TRANSPORT

GRAND VOYAGES

B4 were given a present for Christmas. Our friends at Chrysler Oxford loaned us a gleaming Sapphire Crystal Metallic Grand Voyager, 2.8 CRD Limited. Between the day before Christmas and Boxing Day, it covered a lot of miles but we hardly noticed them, such was the comfort – it was like having a driver for Christmas!

Voyager delivers the rarest blend of purpose and pampering. The Grand Voyager also boasts a 2.8 litre diesel engine delivering 161 horsepower. This advanced engine technology creates an exceptional blend of high torque, fuel efficiency, low emissions, as well as first-rate noise, vibration, and harshness control. Believe me, it was quiet in there, even with five teenagers!

third-row seats. The result? A unique combination of common sense and luxury, ideal for storing Christmas presents and keeping loose bottles secure. The gadgets are impressive too. Press a button inside the vehicle or on the key fob, and the dual sliding doors will effortlessly open. These power

more than just a bonus. The 2011 Grand Voyager features new body styling, including reshaped front and rear fascias, rear tailgate, a sculpted bonnet, fog lamps, tail lamps with LED lighting, body-colour rear spoiler, and more. The available dual High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps make night driving safer by providing the maximum amount of light possible for any driving scenario. The Grand

“Sleek, stylish, and home to many innovative features, Grand Voyager is made for drivers who expect a high standard of flexibility, safety and technology” Heated seats and the ability to get seven large bodies, not just kids, in the car is also fantastic. There are two power sockets, perfect for charging media devices, as well as a standard Three-Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system with electronic thermostats to keep everyone comfortable. The exclusive Stow ’n Go® seating offers a bestin-class storage system, an exclusive tailgate seating option, and exclusive one-touch power-folding

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doors detect obstacles in their path and will automatically stop and reverse if necessary. Like the sliding doors, the power tailgate detects most obstacles in its path and will automatically stop and reverse. We also liked the parking reverse screen – ideal for maneuvering out of the tightest spots. Sleek, stylish, and home to many innovative features, Grand Voyager is made for drivers who expect a high standard of flexibility, safety and technology. The fact that it has all the luxury, style, and performance of a modern, sporty vehicle is

Voyager architecture also boasts the most Quiet Steel® technology in its class. This leading-edge noise and vibration reducing steel, along with other design cues, works to dampen extensive noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. I know what I want for Christmas next year. Why don’t you go and see what all the fuss is about for yourself? www.chrysleroxford.co.uk

B4 R&R

THE BIRD IN HAND CATERING FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS The Bird In Hand Country Inn at Knowl Hill welcomes locals and visitors alike, including a regular business clientele who enjoy the personal service of this family-owned hostelry. Dating back in part to the 14th century, the four-star country inn offers a combination of traditional charm in its olde worlde pub, great food in its popular restaurant, contemporary decor and modern facilities in its refurbished accommodation, plus everything for both formal and informal business meetings and small conferences. Located between Maidenhead and Reading in Royal Berkshire, The Bird In Hand has some wonderful original features, including oak panelling in the bar area, which came originally from an ancient Scottish castle, plus a genuine inglenook fireplace and wooden beamed ceilings. All add to the welcoming ambience of this traditional English pub, which has been offering hospitality for centuries, and has accommodated such eminent guests as King George III. Legend has it that, in the late 1700s, George III was riding in Windsor Great Forest when his horse threw a shoe. The King’s party sought out the forge, which was next door to The Bird In Hand and, in gratitude for the hospitality shown at the tavern, a Royal Charter was granted giving the proprietor the right to serve wine and beer day and night. Although this particular licence no longer exists, the team at The Bird In Hand aims to offer a Royal welcome to all guests. 88

Numerous networking organisations take advantage of the venue’s convenient location just off the A4 and close to the M4 and M40 motorways to hold their regular get-togethers. Plus a corporate package and daily delegate rate are also available for conferences, meetings, training sessions, team building and other corporate events. These may range in size from five to 70 guests, depending on room layout and requirements. The accommodation at The Bird In Hand has been granted a four-star Silver Award by Visit England in recognition of its exceptional and consistent quality. It comprises 15 contemporary bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, all of which have been completely refurbished and offer modern conveniences such as tea and coffee welcome trays, flat screen televisions, direct dial telephones and free wi-fi. The rooms are centred round a brick courtyard with fountain and secluded gardens, which offer al fresco dining opportunities or space for break-out meetings. A private area to the rear of the property, which comprises two acres of rolling lawns, is also ideal for corporate team building days. In 2011, The Bird in Hand was once again recognised by CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), which voted it the Reading and Mid Berkshire Pub of the Year 2010. The award followed on from a series of successes, with The Bird In Hand winning

the CAMRA Berkshire pub of the year in 2007 and 2008 – the first to win two consecutive years – and achieving runner-up position in 2009. In addition to offering a wide variety of real ales and local beers – up to 500 each year, the freehouse serves more than 50 different wines, including those from local English vineyard, Stanlake Park and a range or organic wines suitable for vegetarians. The restaurant is fast growing its reputation for offering great value meals and a varied menu featuring traditional English dishes as well as cuisine with an international flavour. There is something to suit ever palate with choices including Thai curries, salmon teriyaki, Mediterranean mezze, steak and kidney pudding and traditional fish and chips. The chef also prides himself on being able to cater for diners with food intolerances or allergies such as coeliacs and diabetics. An ideal base from which to visit places of interest such as Windsor, Henley-on-Thames and Ascot, The Bird In Hand would be delighted to discuss your requirements for corporate events, meetings, accommodation, business lunches or dinners. For further information, please telephone: 01628 826622, email info@birdinhand.co.uk or visit www.birdinhand.co.uk.

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14th Century Country Inn and Restaurant

• Air- Conditioned Restaurant • Hog Roast Every Sunday • BBQ & Band Evenings • Large Selection of Real Ales

• Al Fresco Dining & Events

• Seasonal Beer Festivals

• Summer Beer Festival

• Meet the Brewer Events • Traditional Open Fire

14 th C entury C o untry I nn & R es ta ura nt

• Speciality Bottled Beers • Conferences & Seminars 14th C e ntury Co untry Inn & Res ta ura nt

• Training / Team Building • Special Delegate Rates • Private Dining Facilities • Free Wi-Fi connection 1 4 th C entury C o untry I nn & R es ta ur ant

• 15 en-suite Rooms • ETB 4 star Facilities • Weekend Breaks • Corporate Rates • Free Wi-Fi connection

• Extensive Menu & Specials 1 4 t h C e n t u r y C o u n t r y I n n & R e s t a u r a n t • Special Diets Catered for ★★★★

14th C e ntur y C ountry I nn & Resta ura nt

The Bird in Hand, Bath Road, Knowl Hill, Twyford, Berks RG10 9UP T: 01628 298050 www.birdinhand.co.uk Facebook: The Bird in Hand Knowl Hill

• Tailored to your Needs

• Wide Selection of Wines • Private Dining Facilities • Monthly Theme Nights

1 4 th C entury C o untry I nn & R es ta ura nt

• Various Packages Available • Air-Conditioned Restaurant • Private Dining Facilities • Special Room Rates

1 4 th Century C o untry I nn & R es ta ura nt

The Bird in Hand, Bath Road, Knowl Hill, Twyford, Berks RG10 9UP Telephone: 01628

826622 www.birdinhand.co.uk

B4 SERVICES

“The station also hosts the monthly First Friday Club, a networking event for local businesses. ”

ON THE CREST OF THE AIRWAVES

Reading 107fm is Reading’s only truly local independent radio station. John Kennedy met with the stations Managing Director, Alison Hedges, to discover why it’s not hard to see why audience figures are on the up.

Reading 107fm is Reading’s only truly local independent radio station. B4 met with the station’s Managing Director, Alison Hedges, to discover why audience figures are on the up.

Richard Shymansky - www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

Alison is delighted with the recent audience listening figures. “Over the last year, thousands more people are tuning in to listen to us, but not only are more people deciding to listen to us, they are also spending more time listening per week than any other local FM commercial radio station in the area, which shows that they enjoy listening to the station. With the launch of the new breakfast show and the new music policy, the station has attracted a larger audience in the last twelve months with market share up 38%. Reading 107fm is also at the forefront of some of Reading’s most prestigious events, explains Alison. “We sponsor the ‘young person of the year’ category at the annual Pride of Reading awards which honours those who go the extra mile to make a difference in their community. I am also proud to be on the Awards Committee and it’s really inspiring to be a part of such a great event. It 90

certainly puts everything into perspective. Reading relies on the skills, enthusiasm and drive of our young people and there are so many youngsters who take time out to make a really positive difference.” Reading 107fm also has a large presence at the Reading Half Marathon and the Green Park Challenge (a shorter race for younger runners) which it will be covering once again in April. Undoubtedly then, Reading 107 is proving a success from the consumer’s point of view, but what are the benefits for a prospective advertiser? “Reading 107 is Reading’s dedicated radio station. We can provide advertisers with a very local connection to their audience. It’s a phenomenal way to build up your brand with airtime or sponsorships. Not only is it one of the fastest ways of raising awareness of your company, but due to its intrusive nature, radio offers you the chance to raise your company’s profile every single day.” Alison also underlines how being local enhances the strong bonds the station has with Reading’s business community. “Our strong relationship with the local business community is built on years of focus and attention, this not only helps us but we

are in a great position to help build relationships between customers. We act as a great introducer for businesses. We understand the importance of strong links between companies and, much like the role B4 play, we are happy to sit back and let those relationships develop. “It’s not just the larger businesses that we have good relationships with. We recently linked with the FSB (Federation of Small Business) to launch ‘Readings’ best”, a campaign to celebrate the great local businesses in and around Reading.” The station also hosts the monthly First Friday Club, a networking event for local businesses. Alison concludes, “Everyone at Reading 107 shares a passion for creating and delivering outstanding radio. We’re always striving to push our capabilities to the maximum and achieve our goals. Each member of the Reading 107 team is committed to ensuring the station continues to reach a large audience but we understand that this is only half the job – there’s a lot going on behind the scenes to make sure we are connected to Reading and that we continue to help connecting others in Reading.” www.reading107fm.com

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‘

Our client, Adrian Evans says,

It’s simple. They do what they say they‘re going to do. I trust them, I like them and I respect them.

‘

Adrian Evans Search & Selection ALLAN WILSON Director, Wilson Partners

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B4 PROPERTY

A PASSION

FOR STONE

Family run business Amarestone now works with architects and interior designers working on high projects such as the Queen Mary 2 Luxury ocean liner, airports around the world and private clients. Owner Steve Turner tells Louise Esplin how the business has evolved Since changing career direction eight years ago, Steve Turner has never looked back. Amarestone, the business Steve runs with his wife Denise, imports natural stone from around the world, but it was a twist of fate which led to setting up the company in 2003. Steve worked in IT as a consultant for Hewlett Packard until 2000, when the Millennium bug came and went and IT consultancy tailed off. He moved into writing websites for SMEs and designed one for a company importing limestone from Turkey. He was invited to join the business and the new business opportunity was born from there. Steve and his wife, Denise, branched out on their own importing natural stone tiles into the UK market. The company was originally called Turner Bespoke 92

Services Ltd, until eldest daughter, Katie, suggested the more romantic trading name of Amarestone. It was perfect, because Steve is passionate about natural stone, a lot of which comes from Italy and ‘amare’ is the Italian word for love.

hours in the day to grow the business fast enough at that level. So two years ago they moved to work with only higher end quarries using more professional methods which produce much higher quality raw materials.

Working out of offices at Aborfield, near Reading the business primarily deals with marble and limestone tiles for floors and walls, offering an increasingly bespoke service split 50/50 between private customers and interior designers and architects. But Amarestone are much more than stone importers, they are also facilitators who can take on an entire project and make sure it happens.

“We initially made contacts with quarries in France and Turkey, but now work regularly with around 60 French quarries as well as with Italy, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England and Wales. All types of natural stone - granite, slate, marble and limestone,” says Steve.

At first Amarestone wholesaled to kitchen, bathroom and tile shops, in a highly competitive market, before deciding that there were not enough

And building good relationships with these quarries can certainly pay off. An Italian quarry was recently able to exactly pinpoint which quarry the marble from a 100 year old black and white chequered floor came from and supply the new marble for a www.b4-business.com

“We started by importing just from quarries in France and Turkey but now work regularly with quarries all over the world”

very satisfied client wanting to extend the floor into an orangery. In a continual effort to develop the business, four years ago Amarestone partnered with Vokes and Beck stonemasons, a firm of highly skilled craftsmen, in order to provide an important extension to the business. More and more customers were asking for traditional stonework, such as mullioned windows, gargoyles carved from blocks of stone and heritage building refurbishment, so the partnership was a natural progression. The two businesses have just jointly built a new showroom in Winchester which is open to private customers but is intended to inspire and inform as much as serve as a shop where they can choose a kitchen worktop or bathroom. www.b4-business.com

Steve says: “It is a place where professionals and their clients can get answers to questions and where they can find what they really want. You can’t go to any old tile shop and get the sort of specialist

“We attend trade exhibitions which have certainly raised our profile” information and attention to detail we offer.” Amarestone is, in Steve’s own words, ‘definitely a growing business’ and staggeringly so. Turnover in 2010 doubled from 2009 and the last quarter’s

turnover alone was four times the equivalent quarter’s turnover in 2010. He puts this phenomenal success to a number of critical factors. They joined support network, the Business Wealth Club, a year ago and Steve strongly believes that their direction and business advice has been hugely responsible for the company’s success: “The network offers a very supportive environment and we would never have got on the right track so quickly without their help and encouragement.” He says: “We attend trade exhibitions which have certainly raised our profile but also we have grown in confidence and in the belief that we can take on increasingly complex and demanding projects.” www.amarestone.co.uk 93

B4 SERVICES

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME IN BERKSHIRE You would have to live on a different planet not to realise that Government and Local Authority belt-tightening is a way of life these days. What might not be so obvious is the huge impact that funding cuts are having on the voluntary sector and the remarkable teams who deliver vital caring and support services where they are most needed.

Photography www.studio-8.co.uk

New research has surprisingly highlighted that these funding cuts are hitting children’s charities the hardest. Key statistics suggest that the children’s voluntary organisations in Berkshire will be particularly vulnerable in 2012, and really do face a sink or swim scenario. With this very much in mind Berkshire Community Foundation’s own Give a Child a Chance Appeal (GACAC) will take a leading role in 2012. Its goals are three-fold; to raise awareness of the challenges facing this sector, generate the funds needed (for distribution solely across Berkshire) to make a real difference, and forge relationships with businesses to make this happen. Berkshire Community Foundation, based in Theale, is part of the nationwide Community Foundation Network which is a key driver of positive social 94

change by working with all sectors of the community to use financial and other available resources to improve lives. Community Foundations manage funds given by both individuals and organisations, while creating endowments and connecting donors to local needs and causes which matter most to them. The Community Foundation Network combined is in fact one of the UK’s biggest non-statutory community grant-makers, but each Community Foundation works within its own County and is able to make real impact because of its local links and in depth knowledge of needs in the area. Berkshire Community Foundation clearly understands and recognises the need to support local initiatives and continually develop plans to strengthen its success through collaboration with socially-responsible businesses around the County. CEO Andrew Middleton believes that Corporate Social Responsibility can be taken to a new level with local businesses innovating with community groups for mutual benefit. ‘Berkshire is absolutely a tale of many cities. It covers 6 Unitary Authorites with areas such as Wokingham listed in the top ten of the best places to live in the UK. This sadly hides the growing needs

in other areas where families are living below the poverty line and people are literally struggling to eat and stay warm. Foodbanks such as the Bracknell Foodbank are seeing increasing numbers needing their services and support and are an excellent example of voluntary groups working with businesses to forge a better community. Recently 8 employees from Kraft Food based in Reading spent a week volunteering at the Bracknell Foodbank, and helped sort public donations into nutritional emergency food packs to assist local people. Such initiatives play a real part in strengthening communities in a very practical way. ‘Here in Berkshire we have huge potential to partner with local business and create something together which neither of us could create alone.B4 Berkshire will help us build the right cross sector relationships across the whole region and open up the right opportunities to turn the ordinary into extraordinary.’ www.berkshirecf.org www.localgiving.com/charity/giveachildachance

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B4 INSURANCE

“All too frequently we speak to business owners and individuals to discuss their policies only to find they have duplicate insurance or too much cover”

COVERSURE There are so many possibilities for Insurance on the internet and the High Street nowadays that often it’s difficult to know when you are getting the best deal. Barry Withers of Coversure in Hungerford tells B4’s Emma Watts how a broker can help you to make an informed decision and how Coversure can add that personal reassurance to this sometimes challenging process. Passionate about customer service, and having built strong relationships and respect in the insurance business, Barry founded Coversure Hungerford 6 years ago to serve West Berkshire. The business is seen locally as a One-Stop-Shop; where people are treated as people not just a number. Customers, both local and through recommendation, come back to Coversure year after year knowing that they can be sure of an honest service and peace of mind. Coversure are a franchise with each branch being FSA registered in their own right. With over 90 branches across the country, Coversure offer the backing and rates of a National Company, but at the same time offer the service of a local family concern – based on the High Street – a friendly face to drop into and a central bureau for all aspects of commercial, professional and personal insurance. Insurance is a minefield – policies are offered for pretty much everything nowadays; retail, office and commercial packages, professional indemnities, home and property, car and breakdown, travel and www.b4-business.com

pets – and because Coversure is a franchise our service and knowledge is second to none. There will be no nasty surprises, information is supplied via email or phone, or in person your choice – professional advice, what you want and need, and what it will cost - so your decision can be made with confidence. And, should we get it wrong you are fully protected as we are covered by our own professional indemnity – repeatedly, not true when arranging on the internet.

individuals to discuss their policies only to find they have duplicate insurance or too much cover, or worse still gaping holes in a policy - often something that only becomes apparent when they try to claim. Today insurance often comes as part of a Banking package or other services; but people regularly do not realise what is covered or they are caught out by not reading the small print. For example; phones or credit cards could be covered by the insurance, but only if registered!

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) which regulates the banking and insurance industry has recently conducted a review into the role price comparison websites play in arranging insurance and has concluded that these sites could be ‘misleading’ customers. Let’s face it, most people use price comparison websites to find the cheapest possible insurance. But is the cheapest insurance always the best insurance? The main problem is, insurance is a very intangible service, and the benefit or value of the service is only appreciated, when it’s needed – when you make a claim. There are so many options available to the customers these days, allowing them to tweak their levels of cover online, that it almost becomes a challenge to see how low they can get their quote. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes, customers unknowingly reduce their levels of cover to achieve the lowest possible price and when they make a claim, find they are underinsured.

Why not take up our consultation service? Coversure Hungerford offer a free of charge assessment – an insurance health check - offering a peace of mind service, giving you factual information and a no obligation quote. As a broker we are here to provide best value for money and moreover if you need to make any changes to your insurance policies, it’s just a quick phone call and you are sorted – quite different from the challenges of the internet where if you make a mistake or need to amend a policy there is no-one to go back to! With the assistance of a broker arranging insurance couldn’t be easier – no more surfing the internet for hours just to find that convincing deal, and no more will that catchy advert ring in your ears. The choice is yours. For more information on Coversure give Barry Withers a call or drop him an email on hungerford@coversure.co.uk

All too frequently we speak to business owners and 95

B4 R&R

CILANTRO

A HIDDEN GEM OF FINE DINING It may be the Spanish word for the edible fresh leaves of the coriander plant, but Cilantro is also the name of a hidden gem of a fine dining restaurant on the outskirts of Reading. Written by Liz Maloney.

Two well-known landmarks dominate the skyline to the south of Reading: the Green Park wind turbine and the Madejski Stadium. Less well known is the stylish and contemporary Cilantro, hidden in the heart of the Millennium Madejski Hotel; this restaurant and its executive head chef are also set to make a mark on Reading’s future.

well-stocked Champagne bar promises an evening of indulgence. We skip the pre-dinner drinks and head to our table to join existing diners already savouring their Amuse Bouche, tonight a wonderfully smooth cappuccino of butternut squash. I’m immediately impressed by the way in which the table is presented: crisp white

restaurant The Ivy and also having served his time at The Ritz; Cilantro is his first restaurant outside of London. He’s been here for four years and has made his mark achieving 2 AA rosettes and now aiming for his third, which he believes will come with more intricate dishes and stronger technical execution.

“Whatever you choose to eat when you visit Cilantro, leave room for a dessert” Walking through the doors into Cilantro is like stepping into another world: the bright open space of the lounge of the Millennium Madejski Hotel dims and the altogether moodier and more intimate atmosphere of the restaurant beckons you. The transition is something of a surprise, albeit a very welcome surprise! The décor is contemporary and sophisticated; the staff are warm and the

linen, ranks of highly polished but simple cutlery and sparkling glasses; all worthy of a first class restaurant. The cutlery is there, it seems, to accompany the seven course Menu Gourmand which offers the opportunity to sample the signature dishes of Executive Head Chef, Denzil Newton. Newton is used to presenting gourmet standard food, having previously worked at celebrity

Keen to see this high level of ambition delivered via his food, we steer away from the Menu Gourmand to see if the skill of his team extends beyond their highly practiced menu items and also to reduce the strain on our waistbands! We are treated to a wellpaced and well executed dining experience that not only demonstrates technical competence but also showcases some fantastic local suppliers. My

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“Cilantro is an unexpected pleasure: the quality of ingredients combined with creative flair ensures that the food delivers; but this restaurant also delivers a total dining experience with a sophisticated contemporary feel that provides the perfect setting for a great evening out!”

Nanny Williams Blue Goats Cheese Soufflé is perfectly risen and accompanied by one of the best tasting sorbets I have eaten, a sharp green Granny Smith apple sorbet; my other half enjoys wonderful sweet scallops sitting on top of a portion of perfectly cooked pan roasted mackerel, a piece of culinary execution that eludes many chefs. A berry red raspberry sorbet (again, a triumph) cleanses the palate before the main courses, where the star of the show is undoubtedly the meat: both the roast Telmara Duck Breast and the Fillet of Beef are succulent, cooked to tender pinkness and full of flavour; a testament to the quality of produce supplied by Jennings of Caversham and the cooking skills of the chef. But the highlight of the meal is yet to come: the dessert. Whatever you choose to eat when you visit Cilantro, leave room for a dessert: the pastry chef has real talent and her flavours and combinations personify pleasure on a plate and on your tongue. My warm pistachio cake is moist and perfectly accompanied by dark chocolate mousse and juicy cherries; whilst my husband’s citrus trio combines smooth rich

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pannacotta with light orange and chocolate parfait and a crisp sharp lemon meringue. Sublime! I should also mention the wine list, which has a good range of European and New World wines across a generous price range, but also offers a wide selection of wines by the glass and a superior Chairman’s Cellar for those who want to push the boat out! So, well fed, content and satisfied we bid farewell to the team and head back to the bright lights of the hotel for a good night’s sleep in our sleek, wellappointed and comfortable Millennium Club room. Cilantro is a restaurant to put into your little black book or your iPad! A place for special occasions or an intimate meal for two, it is making it’s mark on the Berkshire restaurant scene and looks set for a bright future. www.millenniumhotels.co.uk

B4 SERVICES

“When going down the PR route, you obviously must have total confidence in the individual or consultancy you will be working with right from the start”

ESPLIN

After more than 20 years in the business, Louise Esplin knows a thing or two about PR. Here she tackles the issue of industry specialist or generalist PR consultancy.

In the years I’ve been working in public relations (PR), from time to time I’ve come across a potential client who insists they need a PR consultant with expertise in their particular business sector. It happened to me the other day. I spoke to an organisation in a niche education sector, who felt they could only work with a consultancy that was aware of their specific industry’s issues and personally knew the right education journalists and editors.

Photography Jacqueline Cross

Fair enough. When going down the PR route, you obviously must have total confidence in the individual or consultancy you will be working with right from the start. But it made me think: which is better, the generalist or the specialist PR consultant? Any good PR, whether generalist or specialist, will know how to put together an individually tailored PR and communications plan, in line with an organisation’s business strategy. They will know how to spot a good story, which media sector to approach and how to ‘sell in’ whatever it is the client is offering with a view to achieving client objectives. As part of the mix, they will monitor specific industry issues, be aware of industry conferences, exhibitions and events and, naturally, come up with innovative and creative ideas that will attract the attention of key target audiences.

So, if the same principles of PR practice can be applied to any business, irrespective of their specific field, why do you need a specialist? Okay, I admit it, I’m a generalist! Although at Esplin PR we tend to work with small to medium-sized businesses, our client base spans a broad range of B2B and B2C organisations, from training and facilities management to a plumbing company and luxury cat hotel – all topped off with pro bono work for a national health charity. We thrive on the variety and having the opportunity to learn about how different business sectors operate, who are the key players, what are the burning issues of the day. However, I can see the other argument too. As master – or mistress – of their own niche, the specialist is able to fast track to the right media contact and will have in-depth knowledge of how that information should be presented. But is that enough? Speaking up for generalists, brainstorming ideas with a group of people with experience across multiple non - competing business sectors can throw up imaginative ideas, often without having to reinvent the wheel each time. A great idea can be equally great for an estate agent or a garden centre,

a charity or a recruitment company. And by reworking some specifics, rather than starting from scratch, you can save valuable time and money, impacting positively on your clients’ bottom line. At the end of the day, I believe the target audience is likely to determine which of the two an organisation chooses to work with. If a specialist niche market is targeting other specialists, the PR consultancy needs to know the movers and shakers, to be on top of the latest news and views and understand the ‘sector speak’. But if the niche market is targeting the man in the street, then you need a generalist who is not afraid of asking “what is this, what does it do for me?” and who can turn the ‘sector speak’ into plain English. So, although generalists and specialists are the antithesis of each other, there is undoubtedly room for both kinds of PR. Perhaps generalist isn’t the right term. Maybe we should call ourselves multi-specialists. This much better describes the capability to provide a high level of service, across a multiplicity of market sectors and adds a whole new meaning to multi-tasking! www.esplinpr.co.uk

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Owner Managed Businesses Small & Medium Sized Enterprises Property & Construction Professional Services Charity & Not-for-Profit Financial Markets

To see how we can help, please contact Ian Ross in our Reading office on 0118 9512131 or ian.ross@wilkinskennedy.com 92 London Street, Reading, Berkshire RG1 4SJ

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strong

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 TRANSPORT

SGT

40 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS SGT, the family owned car dealership based in the heart of the Thames Valley at Taplow, Maidenhead, recently celebrated 40 years in business. Established since 1971, the company originally called Station Garage Taplow was started by brothers, Alan and Philip Langton. Their vision was simply to build a business based on connecting customers to the ‘Open Road’. Over the years, the 2-acre site has developed, expanded and modernised extensively, much like the brands they have come to represent. As franchised dealers for Alfa Romeo, Morgan, Subaru, and specialists for Lotus and Mitsubishi, there is plenty on offer. “We started the business selling superbikes and soon moved into car sales with reliant 3 wheelers. Since then, we took on the Mitsubishi, Morgan, Lotus and Alfa Romeo franchises; with the most recent addition 15 years ago becoming an

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authorised Subaru dealership” commented Alan Langton, Director, SGT. “The main thing that has remained unchanged over the years is the passion and enthusiasm of the staff. We have a great team at SGT, with fully qualified technicians and knowledgeable Sales and Service staff, who are always eager to assist with any queries or advice.” continues Alan. In fact, SGT are one of the longest established Alfa Romeo dealerships in the country and have won many Customer Service and Sales awards over the years. The latest being Sales Manager Julian Milne receiving a Lifetime Achievement award from Alfa Romeo UK after 20+ years of service. Julian said, “SGT have very loyal customers, some from the early eighties still buying Alfas from us and still thoroughly enjoying the Alfa experience. The Alfa Romeo brand just gets better every year with new

models appealing to a wider audience, whilst retaining the traditional character and individuality that makes Alfa Romeo ownership so desirable.” SGT have built up a reputation for being a reliable and familiar name for quality specialist and performance cars; with customers all across the UK and Europe. They house a diverse range of vehicles; from the distinctive styling of Alfa Romeos; the versatile and durable permanent 4WD Subarus; to the beautiful British craftsmanship of Morgans. They even have a department for all other makes and models which have arrived as part exchanges. “We have some very quirky cars at SGT, I think that is what makes it so special. It’s not a garage in the traditional sense, more of a eclectic mix of modern & classic vehicles, all under one roof!” “We endeavour to provide very competitive prices

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“We have some very quirky cars at SGT, I think that is what makes it so special.”

and always have some cracking deals available. For business or personal use, there is flexible funding to suit all types of pockets; and we have a dedicated Business Manager on-hand for advice. We are committed to providing the highest levels of Customer Satisfaction and are members of the ‘Motor Industry Code of Practice’”

Last year, many people were caught out in the snowfalls, spending a great deal of time behind the wheel, going nowhere fast. Not the case for

“SGT have built up a

But time does not stand still for SGT, they continue their investment in the site and have recently relocated their Subaru sales operation into a new showroom. “We are very pleased with the move, inside there is more space and its much brighter! Perfect for displaying the new range of Subaru cars and providing an all-round better customer experience.”

reputation for being a reliable and familiar name for quality specialist and performance cars”

Subaru has a well earned reputation for reliability, durability and versatility. Their All Wheel Drive capability in adverse weather is second to none.

Subarus. Unlike other cars, the Subaru range take everything in their stride. Equipped with a quickthinking Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system

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(AWD), which distributes power to the front and rear and is designed to enhance straight-line traction providing sure-footed grip through corners. Thus giving Subaru drivers total peace of mind in rain, ice, and of course, snow. “Subaru are not conventional 4x4’s which some people may find bulky, Subaru cars are instead hatchback, saloon and estate sized –far easier to drive!” Whether looking for a new car or second family car, there is plenty of choice at SGT and you won’t be disappointed! Conveniently located just minutes from the M4 at Junction 7, opposite Taplow Railway Station, it is well worth a visit. You can contact them on 01628 605353 or check out their website at www.sgt.co.uk

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MORE A BOUT

GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL Conference and Banqueting Facilities: 57,763 square feet of space 31 private rooms The Great Room The Ball Room In-house production team In-house graphics bureau Dedicated banqueting and events team Additional Facilities & Services: Business Centre Car park (90 spaces) Gift shop In-house florist Guest relations and concierge City Attractions (all nearby): Shopping – Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street and Knightsbridge West End Theatres Royal Opera House Royal Albert Hall Buckingham Palace House of Parliament Westminster Abbey Kensington Palace More About JW Marriott Hotels JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International’s luxury brand that consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world.

A LIVING LANDMARK Iconic, inviting, inspirational, intoxicating, invigorating. I could go on, as I am sure you know! Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane is all of these and more. B4 were invited to spend the night before Christmas Eve in one of the capital’s signature hotels. You expect excellence, but you don’t necessarily expect perfection. I know it was Christmas, but Grosvenor House Hotel, JW Marriott’s flagship Hotel in Europe, ensures you get buckets of both.

The JW Marriott portfolio currently includes 51 properties offering 22,667 rooms in 21 countries.

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B4 R&R Opened in 1929, Grosvenor House Hotel was designed to accommodate the first transAtlantic passengers, and the blend of 1920’s style and 21st Century comfort work exceptionally well. Ironic that a party of Americans were checking in as we left on Christmas Eve. Every year, for fourteen years, we have ventured up to London to see the lights with the kids. Now, those of you who have created anything with ‘teen’ on the end will know it’s a battle to get them out of the house, and to get them out of the house to spend time with you is almost impossible. So, we had to not only promise a night in one of London’s most luxurious hotels, we also had to guarantee steak and shopping on the Saturday.

“One thing that struck us during our stay was the Grosvenor staff. They were warm, genuine and couldn’t have done more to make us comfortable”

As we arrived in London, Ed was summarily unimpressed with the lights. Abi (our eleven year old) was enchanted, as usual. After approximately twenty six ‘how far is the hotel?’ moans from Ed, we decided that we were flogging a dead horse. I think that was the last of the trips to London – at least with Ed in tow. We made our way back to Park Lane and turned left just after the entrance to The Great Room. The hotel really couldn’t have a better location. Bang smack in the middle of Mayfair, with the West End and Knightsbridge within easy walking distance and Hyde Park just over the road – apparently King Henry VIII’s former hunting ground, occupied, when we were in London, by the Winter Wonderland! One thing that struck us during our stay was the Grosvenor staff. They were warm, genuine and couldn’t have done more to make us comfortable. We received a ‘hello’ from every member of staff we met, and whether it was the chamber maid, the lady in the sweet shop or the porter, everyone had a smile and made us feel at home. Yes it was Christmas, but, being cynical, most of us prefer to be relaxing at Christmas not working, don’t we? Having checked in, we were given no indication what was to come. Two key cards, so two rooms we thought. No mention of the stunning lounge overlooking Hyde Park then, no mention of the gargantuan bedrooms or the sumptuous bathrooms either. We had been given the most amazing suite. Imagine Home Alone and the hotel they stayed in when in New York – I even told Ed he might find the Pigeon Lady in Hyde Park, alas the snow was missing but, heh, the Concierge is good at Grosvenor House, but he can’t work miracles! In all there are 420 rooms and 74 suites. All with climate control air conditioning, your own bathrobes (which our two little horrors packed before we saw them the following morning! – please don’t’ send us a bill, we put them back), flat screen TV with internet access and movies on demand, hairdryer, 24 room service, mini bar and the rest of the usual bits and pieces you would expect from such an establishment. There’s also a Executive Floor and Lounge with evening cocktails

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and canapés, complimentary refreshments throughout the day, a dedicated Executive Club team and other ludicrously fantastic bells and whistles but, honestly, any more excitement than we’d already had and we would have passed out before dinner. The Christmas spirit had been somewhat lacking before we set foot inside Grosvenor House but this was the perfect catalyst. There are a number of restaurants and bars to choose from. There’s The Bourbon Bar, The Park Room, The Library Bar, The Red Bar and Corrigan’s Mayfair, but we had a reservation for 8pm at JW Steakhouse and after two glasses of champagne and enough of Raymond Blanc’s Christmas special to make me feel like I had already eaten – boy they get through a decent amount of food in the Blanc household at Christmas – we made our way to the lift. Since opening in May 2012, JW Steakhouse has rapidly gained a reputation as one of London’s leading American steakhouses. As we entered the restaurant, the signature chalkboard on the far wall provides a fantastic backdrop, with a large bar opposite and huge windows overlooking Hyde Park to the left. The kitchen is manned by Paul Hallett, an emerging chef, formerly of Dorchester Grill and Tom Aikens. Chef Hallett hand selects, ages and carves the restaurant’s signature steak cuts before sending them to the 650⁰C Montague Legend grill. We all plumped for steak after a variety of starters including calamari, cream of crab soup, salmon and Ed was really in the spirit going for steak soup! The ladies and I opted for the filet steak whilst our, apparently starving, fourteen year old went for a 14 oz New York Stripper. The steaks were accompanied by chips, creamed spinach and also potatoes au gratin. Although beef is the star, the chef’s menu also offers a wide range of authentically prepared dishes, including true Maryland-style lump crab cakes, line-caught cod fish and chips and pan seared Scottish salmon. The previously mentioned Bourbon Bar also offers an extensive array of single barrel and small batch bourbons, offered in innovative tasting flights, to complement the menu. Waking up at Grosvenor House Hotel was a wonderful way to start Christmas Eve. Breakfast was served in JW Steakhouse – no steak, sorry Ed – followed by a leisurely few hours on Oxford Street and Bond Street, ticking off the last few presents on the list or, in my case, starting and finishing all in two hours. Isn’t that what Dad’s are supposed to do, shop on Christmas Eve? We returned to the hotel for a cup of tea before heading back to Oxford. We were ready for Christmas, thinking how nice it would be to wake up at Grosvenor House on Easter Sunday, and then there’s the Olympics, general shopping trips, random days in London…….. You don’t need an excuse do you? www.londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk 103

Aspire Clinic

B4 SERVICES

“Our clients now include

Photography Carolina Soler Gomes

designers, estate agents, solicitors, accountants and other local businesses, which come to us because we are reliable, quick and caring.”

ARCHWAY BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LTD This Reading business is really going for gold in 2012 thanks to the award-winning tactics of its founder. Amanda HIll writes for B4. Archway Business Solutions is on track to double its size for the third year running thanks to the owner Phil Johnson’s strategy of focusing on the customer. The foul sales tactics synonymous with traditional photocopier salesmen have no place in Phil’s team, who are all dedicated engineers understanding what you need, what can go wrong and are ideally placed to help you find a solution that works for your business not the service company. Phil explained “We have never employed salesmen; our engineers know all the machines we look after so can give advice on what is the most reliable and therefore look after our clients.” With 25 years of experience in the photocopier and printer world, he has also proved he knows how to get the best out of a team having coached Caversham Hawks u12s to the top of the leader board last year. “We are incredibly proud of the kids who were the youngest in their year when we first started and therefore the ones nobody wanted. They have really made everyone in the local area proud by winning the BYDL (The Berkshire Youth 104

Development League) Division 4 League. “It’s a big commitment spending Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings coaching football but it's definitely worth while.” As well as being a local family man, Phil is also a keen networker in Berkshire and you may have seen him at BNI Newbury, B4Business, The Business Wealth Club or other local networking events or heard him banging the drum for another passion - Reading Football Club. As a firm believer in local goods and services for both him and his family, Phil has just added a new part-time Marketing Manager from the area for 2012 to his business team. This is the first time they have focused on marketing at all and he is very excited about it. He is also looking forward to his philosophy of dedicated customer service helping them double in size yet again, which is a huge leap forward from where they started, at his Caversham home just down the road from his current office. “When I first started this company 3.5 years ago I wanted to focus on service rather than the tradition of sales first and services bolted on,” said Phil. “By not employing salesmen we could focus on what the customer needed and help them get the very best machines at a great price. Our clients

now include designers, estate agents, solicitors, accountants and other local businesses, which come to us because we are reliable, quick and caring. “By focusing on excellent service the sales follow.” The company, named after his dog Archie after much discussion, is very optimistic for 2012 with secure orders already booked in the diary, “The only place we have seen doom and gloom is in the news.” The company also has a very green philosophy, as well as focusing on local customers, Archway believe the best way to save the planet is to create less waste, so looking after your photocopier better will extend its life and cut down on wastage and costs. “There is no such thing as a "rogue copier" just one which has not been serviced correctly.” Archway will give you a free service call to assess how your machine is running and advise as to how it can run better. Archway Business Solutions have also dipped a toe in the social media waters and you can follow Phil @readingcopiers or for a more traditional route you can find their website: www.archwaybusiness.com

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Sophisticated Tax Planning

Do you want to feature in B4 Berkshire Issue 2? Contact us for advertising and editorial rates. Out in April 2012. Tel: 0118 177 183

B 4 Magazine

THE

COVE

B4 were invited to spend a few half term days in the luxurious ‘apartment hotel’, The Cove, located in the stunning Lamorna Valley, less than twenty minutes from Land’s End. It was the perfect break to unwind, relax and enjoy the faultless hospitality of this idyllic hideaway.

The Cove Hotel, a beautiful period property that has been thoughtfully converted into 15 luxury self-catering apartments, is fresh, stylish and everything you could want in your very own coastal home. OK it’s a hotel, but as soon as you arrive, you feel at home. It’s clichéd, I know, but the hotel’s clever and welcoming policy to all, including children and pets, means you feel relaxed before you arrive, knowing that not only is everyone with you, but that everything is catered for. Attention to detail is top of the hotel’s agenda, and every season, every occasion and every whim is catered for at The Cove – no stone is left unturned…..Abi and I even found a selection of videos at reception to rival the most well stocked Blockbuster! When you travel not far short of Land’s End, you can expect a trek, but we’d picked up our Grand Cherokee from Chrysler Oxford earlier in the day and it was just what we needed to get everyone in and to our destination in style, luxury and comfort.

It was raining cats and dogs when we arrived not long after 9pm, just in time for last orders in the The Cove Restaurant, better known as The Fireside. Open to both guests and visitors, The Fireside seats approximately thirty and in season provides food throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, teas, snacks and evening meals. In the summer there is the option to dine outside, alfresco on The Terrace, poolside, with stunning views across the valley and down to Lamorna Cove. We enjoyed local seared scallops, Serrano, Manchego and Black Fig to start with, and mains ranging from organic Cornish Fillet Steak to Lamb Rump and Lemon Sole. All were splendidly fresh, beautifully presented and considerately served. This was a welcome to remember. How could we resist the Chocolate Fondant and Poached Pear with Vanilla Ice Cream? We hadn’t even dropped our bags in the apartment – we were so famished after the drive from Oxford. So, as soon as the last scoop of ice cream had

been devoured, we checked in with the ever attentive Hazel on reception and were shown to our apartment. It was perfect. A large open plan lounge, dining room and kitchen opened up in to the main room with large en suite (including a stunning walk in shower) and the second bedroom with twin beds. Ed had already identified the large pull out bed in the lounge as his, so his sister could have a room to herself. The dog was happy, the kids were happy and we were knackered! It was time for bed. A small white bag had appeared on our doorstep early the following morning – piping hot croissants had been delivered early in the morning and were amazingly fresh. ‘Are the croissants here yet?’ soon became the most frequently asked question on mornings two, three and four! Croissants and then a swim, in October?! The pool at The Cove was fresh and bracing but once you were in….wow! What a start to the day!

“Attention to detail is top of the hotel’s agenda, and every season, every occasion and every whim is catered for at The Cove”

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B4 R&R

We enjoyed a great walk on nearby Sennen beach on the Sunday morning followed by lunch in the beach restaurant, conveniently called The Beach Restaurant! For October it was remarkably

If your idea of relaxing doesn’t involve jumping in the car, then The Cove can melt away the stresses and strains of your hectic life with a sauna, yoga sessions and spa treatments to

“The Cove can melt away the stresses and strains of your hectic life with a sauna, yoga sessions and spa treatments to invigorate even the most weary of souls” mild and there must have been at least one hundred wet suits in various shapes and sizes attempting body-boarding and surfing, to varying degrees of success! We also had to visit Lands’ End, which really did feel like the end of the world – make sure you hold on to someone solid! – and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in nearby Mousehole, a quaint fishing village close to Lamorna. We’d visited St Michael’s Mount on a previous visit to Cornwall, but it’s a must if you do get to The Cove.

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invigorate even the most weary of souls. For the walking and jogging enthusiasts there are some great coastal walks and runs right on the doorstep and even bunnies in the grounds of The Cove which can engage the younger members of your family for hours. Whatever your idea of a break entails, The Cove can more than adequately play the perfect host. www.thecovecornwall.co.uk

THE GRAND

CHEROKEE

Don’t tell the family but I was looking for any excuse to jump into this monster. As beautiful as The Cove was, I didn’t need much excuse to grab the keys and jump into my new toy. Handling is incredible and you feel as safe as houses. You have a great seating position, not too high as in some bigger cars which can make you feel almost out of touch with the road. Rain sensitive wipers came into their own on our trip back home when parts of Cornwall were hit with six months’ rain in one night! The lights are also very clever – you don’t have to do a thing as the headlights automatically go on to full beam as soon as the road ahead is clear! To arrange a test drive of this magnificent car, contact Tim or Elaine at Chrysler Oxford on 01865 376000. See www.chrysleroxford.co.uk

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news

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 108

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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B4 contacts ADVICE LEGAL Pitmans LLP (Platinum Ambassador) Christopher Avery Managing Partner

Chariot Tax Services 0118 986 3738 www.chariot-tax-services.co.uk Goringe Accountants Ltd 0118 941 9997 www.goringeaccountants.co.uk

t: 0118 958 0224 w: www.pitmans.com

RSM Tenon 0118 953 0350 www.rsmtenon.com

FSP Law (Founding Ambassador) Ian Wood-Smith Founding Partner

James Cowper LLP 0118 959 0261 www.jamescowper.co.uk

t: 0118 951 6200 w: www.fsp-law.com

BUSINESS ADVICE

Gardner Leader LLP (Founding Ambassador) Derek Rogers Managing Partner 01635 508080 www.gardner-leader.co.uk Morgan Cole LLP (Founding Ambassador) 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

ACCOUNTING BDO LLP Julian Frost Lead Partner 0118 925 4400 www.bdo.uk.com Grant Thornton (Founding Ambassador) Jim Rogers Audit Partner 01753 781001 www.grant-thornton.co.uk Wilkins Kennedy 0118 951 2131 www.wilkinskennedy.com Wilson Partners 01628 770 770 www.wilson-partners.co.uk Ardhurst Accountants Limited 0118 925 3286 www.ardhurstaccountants.co.uk Berkshire Accountants Ltd 07794 510499 www.berkshireaccountants.com

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

BUSINESS SERVICE

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Institute of Directors (Founding Ambassador) Ross Wilson Chairman, Berkshire Branch 0118 942 9608 www.iod.com FSB (Founding Ambassador) Richard Knight East Berkshire Branch Chairman 01256 767837 www.fsb.org.uk Click Berkshire (Founding Ambassador) Harriet Slingo Owner 07725 740311 www.clickberkshire.co.uk The Business Wealth Club www.thebusinesswealthclub.com

INSURANCE

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

Jelf Group PLC 0118 983 9990 www.jelfgroup.com

Direct 2 PA (Founding Ambassador) Emma Watts Executive PA

Coversure Insurance 0800 093 57 80 www.coversure.co.uk

0118 932 6698 www.direct2pa.com

TRANSPORT

Archway Business Solutions Ltd 0118 324 0135 www.archwaybusiness.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 Agenda for Change 01453 731 773 www.agendaforchange.net Bbite 07836 205262 www.bbite.co.uk Support Star Limited 07739 459469 www.mysupportstar.co.uk Nikki Burns Nikki@nikkiburns.co.uk

EMT Jets Global Aviation 08453 888248 www.emtjets.com

CHARITIES & GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS Berkshire Community Foundation (Founding Ambassador)

Ashley Merry Press Officer 0118 930 3021 www.berkshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk Connect Reading (Founding Ambassador) Clare Wright Managing Director 0118 959 1236 www.connectreading.co.uk Daisyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream 0118 934 2604 www.daisysdream.org.uk Child Matters 07788720612 www.child-matters.co.uk Reading Borough Council 0118 937 3737 www.reading.gov.uk

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CONFERENCE, EVENTS, VENUES CONFERENCES Malmaison (Platinum Ambassador) Tracy Harrison General Manager 0118 956 2300 www.malmaison.com Millennium Madejski Hotel Reading 0118 925 3500 www.millenniumhotels.co.uk The Bird in Hand Country Inn 01628 826622 www.birdinhand.co.uk Fredrick’s Hotel, Restaurant & Spa 01628 581 000 www.fredricks-hotel.co.uk Holiday Inn Reading M4 Jct 10 0871 942 9067 www.holidayinn.com

Santander (Founding Ambassador) Paul Robinson Relationship Director 0118 921 1621 www.ukcorporatebanking.com Coutts & Co. Reading (Founding Ambassador) Robert Woodthorpe-Brown Client Partner 0118 3733509 Barclays Corporate 07766 362053 www.barclayscorporate.com

FINANCIAL ADVISERS Your Money Friend (Founding Ambassador) Ted Yeates Founder 0208 123 1193 www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk

LEISURE ACTIVITIES Bedlam Paintball 08453 707571 www.bedlampaintball.co.uk The Lookout Discovery Centre 01344 354400 www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/lookout

TRAVEL Livingstone’s World of Travel Ltd 0844 888 8383 www.livingstonesworldoftravel.com The Cove 01736 731411 www.thecovecornwall.com Grosvenor House 0871 376 9038 www.londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

HEALTH & LEISURE IT SERVICES

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

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

In Touch CRM (Platinum Ambassador) James White Managing Director 0800 056 6452 www.intouchcrm.co.uk

BEAUTY TELECOMMUNICATIONS

EDUCATION Reading College (Platinum Ambassador) Lesley Donoghue Principal 0118 955 4300 www.reading-college.ac.uk

Electric Hair (Founding Ambassador) Alan Short Director and Salon Manager 0118 957 1010 www.electric-hair.com Aspire Clinic 0118 933 3365 www.aspireclinic.com

FINANCE

Everything Everywhere (Platinum Ambassador) Judith Johnson Director of Small Business Marketing 07968 107671 www.everythingeverywhere.com

MARKETING & DESIGN

FITNESS

ADVERTISING

Berkshire Fitness 07825 259612 www.berkshirefitness.co.uk

B4 Magazine (Platinum Ambassador) John F Kennedy Client Services Director

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

0118 317 7183 www.berkshire.b4-business.com

BANKING Lloyds TSB Commercial (Platinum Ambassador) Derek Beards Senior Manager, Business Development 01442 233261 www.lloydstsbbusiness.com RBS Corporate Banking (Founding Ambassador) Donald McDonald UK Head of Deposits & Director, Professionals 07768 427379 www.rbs.co.uk/corporate.ashx

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SPORT

Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767837 www.focal.co.uk

Reading Football Club(Platinum Ambassador) Sir John Madejski Chairman 0118 968 1100 www.readingfc.co.uk

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B4 contacts DESIGN

MEDIA

RETAIL

Clever Little Design 01628 627853 www.cleverlittledesign.co.uk

Reading 107fm (Platinum Ambassador) Alison Hedges Managing Director

LUXURY GOODS

Blink Design & Print 01865 742211 www.on-the-blink.com

0118 986 2555 www.reading107fm.com

MARKETING Strangebrew Brand Alchemy (Platinum Ambassador) Phil Strachan Proprietor 07770 753975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk The Social Media Café (Founding Ambassador) Amanda Hill 0844 3305679 www.facebook.com/TheSocialMediaCafe

PHOTOGRAPHY Hills & Saunders (Founding Ambassador) Richard Shymansky Photographer 07878 162452 www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk

PRINTING Stones the Printers Steve Palmer Sales Director

PROPERTY & BUILDING PROPERTY SERVICES Synergy Facilities Ltd (Founding Ambassador) Liz Maloney Managing Director 0844 800 2823 www.synergy-facilities.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES Oxford Innovation Ltd (Platinum Ambassador) 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

01295 819 300 www.stonestheprinters.co.uk

Reading International Business Park 0118 932 3555 www.readinginternationalbusinesspark.co.uk

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

Regus 0118 900 0511 www.regus.co.uk

PUBLIC RELATIONS

INTERIORS

Esplin PR (Founding Ambassador) Louise Esplin Freelance PR Consultant

Amarestone 0845 2608070 www.amarestone.com

01235 850115 www.esplinpr.co.uk

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Morgan PR (Founding Ambassador) Nigel Morgan Founder 0845 00 33 666 www.morganpr.co.uk

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The Vintage Affair 07855 951825 www.thevintageaffair.co.uk

Island Bar and Restaurant 0118 9479530 www.islandbar.co.uk Cilantro 0118 925 3500 www.millenniumhotels.co.uk

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! *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

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