Birmingham Business Post Edition 37 by BBP Media

Edition37 The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

Tel: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

Tel: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

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C O N T E N T S Birmingham Business Post Welcome to Edition 37 of the Birmingham Business Post show casing the best of business and comment throughout the region. In this edition we continue our features of special industry to the transport sector with a discussion on the relative merits of leasing and purchase, we look at conferences and their benefits for businesses, and the upturn in the housing market. We highlight Laurence and Jackie Llwellyn Bowenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support for a Malvern charity and discuss some of the issues becoming apparent in the implementation of Auto Enrolment. In our next edition we will introduce a lighter feel, featuring the delights of the open road, camping caravanning and staycations, and the more eclectic side of motoring, including vintage, retro and kit cars, while discussing the regeneration of our inner cities.

Birmingham Business Post 11 Canalside Office Complex, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester WR1 2RR Tel: 08000 807 809 Fax: 01905 726 467 E: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk W: www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk Publisher: PIL (Europe) Limited Print & Design: Heron Press UK ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictorial media for this publication are sent at owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PIL (Europe) Limited or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope.

DISCLAIMER Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PIL (Europe) Limited cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

Coolpilates Balens Onyx Accountants Ludgate Finance Business Scholar 2013 Midlands Business Awards Workplace Pension Reforms RSM Tenon Cherish Wealth Management Johnson Fleming Eagle HR Caret Consultancy Group IMSM Citibase Oxley Services Subcon PRV Engineering CC Contracting Quinton Major Precision Rapid Heating Services Jackson Ecotherm CPL CommAgility R & G Precision Engineering Droitwich Print B Sanders Winsted Liberty Shopfitters Reeftek Central Supplies New Life Conference Centre The Ramada Hotel Ashorne Hill Cafeology Malvern Big Band, Jazz & Swing Charity Dinner Dance Aston Villa Football Club Warwick Conferences The Copthorne Hotel Cielo The Shropshire Inn Longmynd Travel Connections Golden Castle Leisure Group Ace Karting Plus Eviva Cello Aviation Ubiquitous W J Jenkins and Sons Bagnall SAAB GRITIT J R Slee Troy Kidsley Genius Energy HK Timbers Eco2Energy

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 29 30 32 34 35 36 38 40 41 42 43 44 46 48 49 50 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 64 65 66 68 69 70 72 74 75 76 78

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COOLpilates C OOLpilates..co.uk co.uk ffor or rrehab eha b o orr rrecreation ecreation “Where ordinary people do extraordinary things." Coolpilates is a Pilates Studio run by Andy Adamson. Pilates is a versatile system of exercise, designed to challenge body, mind and spirit, which can be tailored to meet the specialised needs of the individual. Andy trained as a Pilates teacher in 2001 after suffering from Guillain Barre Syndrome in 2000, and lying paralysed for five weeks. Pilates played such a major part in rebuilding his body and giving him his life back that he knew he had a debt to repay. He opened his Barnt Green studio in 2002, teaching part-time in addition to his work as a choreographer and musician; by 2004 the business was thoroughly established with referrals coming from Birmingham City FC and local health care professionals who saw Pilates as an appropriate form of post-rehabilitation. Through 2005/6 he ran a training course for Pilates teachers, franchising Alan Herdman’s Foundation Course for Teachers of Pilates. Steff Affleck, a graduate of this course joined him in 2006 to teach at the Barnt Green studio. In 2010 Rachel Parker, former principal ballerina with Birmingham Royal Ballet, joined the team, and now works at the busy Jewellery Quarter studio which opened in 2012. Andy attributes his success to a very personal approach. He explained: “Much of our work is done either one to one or in small groups typically no bigger than six. We work with a wide range of clients; women during pregnancy and postnatal recovery, athletes wishing to hone their technique, or prevent injury,

individuals with back or joint pain (often stemming from poor posture, and seniors wanting a safe form of exercise to keep them mobile.” As well as private teaching they offer two types of group class: Apparatus Classes, using the full range of apparatus, including the Reformer, the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Arm Chair, Pedapul and an array of barrels (ladder barrel, spine corrector, baby arc), enabling clients to work within the group as individuals following specially tailored programmes, and Reformer classes, focussing on the Reformer, which are faster paced and high energy following the Classical sequences devised by Joseph Pilates, the originator of the system. Andy has introduced a new piece of equipment to the studios this year, the Core-align. Developed by US company Balanced Body the Core-align offers functional gait training with variable resistance, ideal for clients needing rehabilitation and mobilisation after back problems but equally offering a combination core and cardio workout that can challenge the fittest of athletes. The business is insured through Balens Ltd one of the largest specialist insurance brokers for Health and Well-Being Professionals in the UK. Andy says that the prospect of running a business seemed somewhat daunting initially, but as existing clients spread the word, and referrals from health professionals continued, the business has become so successful that Andy would like to recruit another teacher for the Jewellery Quarter studio to cope with demand. Andy loves what he does, he says: “Working as a Pilates teacher has helped me to maintain an ideal work-life balance.”

For more information please visit the web site

www.coolpilates.co.uk or phone Andy on 07788756174

The reason I come here? Pilates. YOUR PROGRAM. OUR FULL SUPPORT.

Balanced Body® and Pilates will change your clients and your business. Stocked in the UK for fast, cost-effective delivery. pilates.com | Bordesley Hall, The Holloway, Alvechurch, Birmingham, B48 7QA Tel: 01527 597400 E-mail: help@rudgeco.co.uk

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BALENS

Specialist Insurance Brokers

Not just your average family run Insurance Brokerage One of the largest Specialist Insurance Brokers for Health and Well-Being Professionals in the UK and Republic of Ireland, Balens are a fourth generation, ethical, family business established in 1950. The business has grown and continues to grow even through the current economic down turn by focusing on advice, support and most importantly customer service. Managing Director, David Balen, moved the company from London to Malvern in the early 1990’s where he also shifted the business to focus on pioneering policies for Health and Well-being Professionals with a philosophy to offer unique, wide ranging specially designed wordings at competitive premiums. Scroll forward 20 years and today Balens are growing from strength to strength. Operating from purpose built offices at the foot of the Malvern Hills; a team of over 40 staff look after a wide range of clients and their businesses. Balens has invested heavily in IT since the early 1980’s which allows them to deliver an excellent personal service for a very large client base. Keeping up the times, the system allows those that want 24/7 delivery and don’t need personal advice, to transact online or pay by electronic telephone payment system. Corporate clients receive regular visits, revisions and a much more personal service. Joe Balen, David’s eldest son, was made a director of Balens in 2011 and heads up the largest sector of the business, the Affinity Schemes department, which looks after individuals and associations, whilst David’s second son Josh is in charge of the commercial arm that also includes Balens ever growing European department. The commercial side of Balens has developed greatly over the last few years, with the company able to quote for businesses as wide ranging as Spas, Salons and Gyms, Products Manufacturers, Schools and Educational Establishments, Charities and Home Insurance among others. The most recent addition to the Balen family team is David’s daughter, Annie. A qualified Occupational Therapist, Annie decided to join the family business in 2011 and is currently re-training to become an Independent Financial Adviser. She is working in Balens sister company H&L Balen and Co, which offers Holistic financial

planning, including income protection (increasingly important for the self-employed), mortgages, life and critical illness cover, pensions and investments. But Balens is not a business that is focused purely on profit – Education is a key cornerstone of what the company is about. David Balen regularly lectures and writes articles on a wide range of insurance and practice management issues, many of which are available on Balens website, and this year they will be holding their second CPD Training event, at the Holistic Health Show, NEC in May. Balens are also shortly launching the Balen Trust – a charitable vehicle for giving back to the Natural Medicine and Wellbeing Sector that has meant so much in helping David personally over the years and of course which has contributed so much to the success of Balens as a Company.

For more information on Balens and the services they offer please visit

www.balens.co.uk

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Josh, Joe, David and Annie Balen

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An Accounting Gem! Onyx Accountants are a Birmingham based firm of accountants located at The Bond in Digbeth, near the heart of Birmingham. They offer a complete range of compliance and value added financial services to SME’s. The Onyx personnel are trained, experienced and customer focussed. They are always delighted to help with any client query; specialising in providing SME’s with a tailored finance support service that is as hands on or as remote as clients feel comfortable with.

Clients subscribing to this service will be equipped with all the facts, allowing them to answer the following: • My YTD Turnover is... • My profit to the last trading month was... • I estimate my full year profit to be... • I have an idea of what VAT, Corp Tax and Income I am accruing... In addition to the above value added services, clients have no need to worry about: • Audits • Preparation & submission of Corporate and Personal tax returns • Submission of annual returns to Companies House. Onyx will place a guarantee on these being submitted on time! Embracing up to date IT solutions; Onyx offers a wide range of on-line accounting services along with an iCloud portal which gives clients 24/7 access, regardless of wherever they are in the world. No need for a filing cabinet yet a permanent easy ongoing reference. Onyx can also assist in:-

If you are new to the business world, then Onyx is there to support you, with simple, jargon free, straightforward, advice and services. Finance is unfortunately the weak, and often the neglected function of new businesses, but Onyx will help you build strong foundations to give your business the best possible chance of success. At Onyx, they believe that accounts are only part of the solution. Finance is what they love. Their passion and commitment together with your achievements will set your company on the road to success. The Onyx mission is to: "Break the Barriers Business Owners have with Finance" and to assist business entrepreneurs to achieve their short and medium term growth objectives. Onyx believe that Accounting for your Business DURING the year is key and specialise in providing more established companies with management accounts, KPI indicator summaries and we can even supply top level part-time Finance Manager or FD support if required.

• Equity and debt based fund raising • Tax planning especially for HNWI’s and profitable businesses • Grant applications • Wealth Management Services The team will support you all year round and help you to grow your business and manage your wealth to meet your aspirations.

YOU MAKE THE PROFIT – ONYX WILL HELP YOU KEEP IT!

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Bright future: Ludgate Finance’s Richard Mason (second right) at energy efficiency specialist EcoAdapt, which Ludgate helped to raise £100,000 through peer-to-peer lender ThinCats, with (from left) Richard Hopkins, Suzana Hlavata and Keith Berry

A Birmingham company is providing a vital finance lifeline to the region’s businesses at a time when the nation’s banks are exercising extreme caution over lending.

“Admitting that help is needed is often seen as a sign of weakness – we don’t agree,” declares Richard. “Our view is that getting help at the right time is one of the best things you can do – some business issues require specialist funding help and that is where we can help. We understand these specialist issues and work with the key stakeholders in the business to solve them. Ludgate Finance’s principals have many years of relevant industry experience and numerous contacts within the finance industry able to provide further help in niche markets. We can call on relevant advice at the right time to ensure that the business issues are appropriately dealt with in a professional and cost-effective manner.”

Steve Grice with David Grocott and Richard Mason – all of Ludgate Finance

Ludgate Business Finance is proving so successful at brightening the future prospects of small and medium-sized enterprises that it has chartered a remarkable growth curve of its own through one of the most harshest of recessions in living memory.

To find out more about the advice and services available from Ludgate Finance, go to

www.ludgatefinance.co.uk Alternatively email info@ludgatefinance.co.uk or telephone 0845 071 0854.

In the last 12 months alone it has sourced more than £5 million for growing firms, excelling particularly in raising peer-to-peer lending facilities. 2012 was also the year that saw it take its place in the list of finalists in the finance category of the Birmingham Post Business Awards. “We have a strong reputation within the marketplace for providing finance in situations where banks are finding it difficult to lend,” says managing director Richard Mason. “The emergence of peer-to-peer lending has kickstarted many businesses and there are many more who can benefit from this form of funding.” Only last December, Ludgate Business Finance sourced its biggest peer-to-peer auction loan to date, completing it before Christmas along with five other deals in the same week. “Our key challenge is to get the message to both borrowers and advisers that there is money available to help businesses grow and to understand peer-to-peer lending, how it works and the benefit it brings,” says Richard. Although it was only established in September 2007 the company, based in Ludgate Hill, Birmingham, now fields three advisers, has offices in Wolverhampton and Coventry and is constantly receiving introductions from sources across the country. Its services are not just aimed at borrowers; Ludgate Finance also brings its expertise to bear to lenders, helping to resolve problem cases, and professional advisers, often working alongside accountants sourcing finance for their clients.

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Businessscholar.co.uk By Soph Gee Business Scholar is a new business venture aimed at inspiring anyone to gain a CPD Qualification in Financial Business Management. The course offers a unique way of learning in your own time at your own pace. We offer three individual Films, which are available by DVD, streaming online or digital download. The 3 Business Accounting modules cover; Finance and Accounting for non-financial people Management Accounting Financial Management. www.businessscholar.co.uk You can review the previous lessons at any time You can learn while commuting on the train! No prior knowledge is necessary A User manual is included The course comes with 7 hours of CPD Certification The course is cost-effective and time-efficient Each module is available online, instantly, and in high-definition

The courses are designed and presented by Tony Skone ACMA, CGMA (Independent Training & Coaching Professional, and author of Management Accounts and Finance in Organisations). Business Scholar will enhance your business finance skills in the fastest, most efficient and most flexible way. Each Film comes with a CPD Certificate worth 7 hours of CPD Certification, and also comes with a user manual. There is also a free Financial Analysis toolkit, which should be used in conjunction with the Training films. Start learning today, for more information please visit our website; www.businessscholar.co.uk or email us training@businessscholar.co.uk

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Sir John Egan with Harj Sandher

Multiple winners in best Midlands Business Awards yet The 2013 Midlands Business Awards have seen a host of businesses and business people from across the region win recognition for their efforts in what has been hailed as the best competition yet. They came from Northamptonshire to Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire to Warwickshire and many points in between. Leading the way and taking the ultimate accolade of Midlands Business Person of the Year was Chris Li of Coventry-based bathroom firm Luxury for Less. He began trading on ebay six years ago and now employs more than 60 people at his premises in Grovelands Industrial Estate in Exhall, Coventry.

The crossbench peer highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurs in particular and told the guests: “Entrepreneurship is about doing things quickly and well. Business creates the jobs that pay the taxes that fund the public services.” There was also a Lifetime Contribution to Midlands Business accolade for Sir John Egan, currently Chancellor at Coventry University, and one of the region’s most established industrialists. The award recognised his significant contribution particularly as chairman of Jaguar Cars, which he built it into one of the foremost automotive brands in the world and oversaw its sale for £1.6 billion to Ford. He was also Chief Executive of the airport operator BAA, the author of a ground-breaking report Rethinking Construction into the construction industry and latterly chairman of the water company Severn Trent, which now has its headquarters in Coventry.

He said he had often had to do the impossible, both at Jaguar during his tenure there and in moving Severn Trent from the foot of the water companies’ league to the top in terms of performance, adding “It was not me who did it but the magnificent people of the Midlands.” Harj Sandher, of Leamington Spa-based UK Special Events which organises the event, said: “We are delighted that so many different winners have come to the fore from across the Midlands region again. “These awards have continued to grow in popularity as well as in the calibre of the finalists despite the difficult trading conditions they face. This was the best Midlands Business Awards to date and has raised the bar yet again for next year.” For more information, please contact: Harj Sandher, UK Special Events 07949 632388 or harj@ukspecialevents.com

Chris, who collected his award from Kurt Jacobs, editor of sponsor Midlands Business Insider, echoed the views of many winners by pointing out that the real effort had come from his entire team, saying: “I am thrilled to have won this award not just for myself but for all of our team who have put so much into making the business a success.” His was one of ten accolades handed out at the ceremony on Friday 1 February at the Hilton Metropole Hotel. The winners ranged from alternative energy firms to ceramics makers, universities to not-forprofit organisations. The main guest speaker was Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of the Cobra Beer brand in the UK, who urged more people to put themselves forward for awards.

Paul Hutchens with Shalini Khemka, Chief Executive of award sponsors E2Exchange and guest speaker Lord Karan Bilimoria

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Pensions Minister, Steve Webb, has welcomed the efforts employers are making to comply with the provisions of Auto- enrolment: saying: “The government recognises the valuable contribution that employers are making to ensure that Automatic Enrolment is a success. I’m confident that businesses will be able to fulfil their legal duty, and we are doing all we can to help.” However, he has warned that the government scheme alone will not be enough to ensure the financial well-being of pensioners. He said “Employees on average salaries will have to save more than the amounts contributed through autoenrolment if they want to maintain their standard of living in retirement.” He told the BBC's Today programme that the maximum contribution, equivalent to 8% of earnings, would not produce sufficient pension income to maintain an employee's standard of living in retirement, particularly those on higher salaries. The government’s introduction of a flat rate state pension allied with auto enrolment will benefit lower paid workers, women, who have often taken time off work for family responsibilities, and the self employed, but higher paid workers will need to make substantial extra contributions into a pension plan in order to secure their standard of living. Financial advisors are warning those on average incomes and above, against complacency, saying that it is just too easy to sleep walk into a company scheme, assuming that it will offer adequate provision. However, without additional investment, workers, when they come up to retirement, are likely to suffer an unpleasant shock. It is now more than ever important to take professional advice, and to discuss what options are available to you with a qualified advisor. The scheme provides that all eligible employees will be enrolled whether they want to take part or not. Those who then want to opt out must overcome inertia to fill in a form within a month of enrolment to get their contribution money back. Webb said

those who opt out will "be left in peace for three years" before being invited to join up again. Many financial analysts argue that there is a flaw in the Government’s strategy and point to the fact that while the Government expects between 6-9 million more people to be saving in a workplace pension by 2018, currently, 32% of people are not saving for retirement with 57% of these arguing that they cannot afford to. How are employers expected to change this culture, of tomorrow being soon enough, and the state will provide anyway, while still running their core business and implementing the scheme? Regardless of Government guidelines, requirements and stipulations the experience of auto-enrolment varies greatly from business to business. According to Paul Bucksey, Managing Director, Head of DC Business Development & Client Relations, BlackRock Investment Management, “The difference between those people staging now versus later on is size and the larger you are as an employer the harder it is to communicate”. The success of any pensions scheme whether DC or the governments default option of NEST is vital for the success of the project. A robust risk management framework through which fiduciaries can manage default investment options is imperative to successful auto-enrolment offerings. • • • •

Protection Retirement Investments Mortgages

• Insurance • Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning

We specialise in providing financial advice to individuals and companies based upon their own unique circumstances. We believe in a structured approach to financial planning. This helps you understand exactly what is happening, and gives you the time that you need to make these important decisions.

Harris & Associates, 37 Silver Street, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6ND Tel: 01564 829009 Web: www.harrisandassociates.co.uk Harris & Associates Financial Consultants Limited is an appointed representative of IN Partnership the trading name of The On-Line Partnership Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Office: Black Country House, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 2DG. Company registered in England No. 4377009.

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According to Will Allport, Defined Contribution (DC) Business Development Manager, UK and Ireland, PIMCO, “Fiduciaries and their advisors can mitigate their own risk by helping to ensure that more members have the intended desirable outcome.” Allport stresses the importance of developing an alternative framework that goes beyond traditional asset allocation, while focusing on a de-risking approach that remains sensitive to current market conditions, inflation-adjusted outcomes and downside protection, “to generate sufficient assets to support retirement spending in the future.” Only by demonstrating the benefits of saving can employers hope to engage their workers in the process and, due to the very nature of pension provision, this takes time.

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AUTO-ENROLMENT IS HERE…….…THOMPSON PRIOR WOULD LIKE TO HELP – YOU. ! -! '! /* 0 %/ 4*0- !3%./%)# +!).%*) . $!(! ) 1%.! *) 2$ / $ )#!. -! )!! ! /* ( &! %/ 7 0 '%"4%)# $!(!8 !

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Thompson Prior LLP, Hilton House, Hilton, Bridgnorth, Shropshire,WV15 5PD Tel: 01746 716767 Fax: 01746 716787 Web: www.thompsonprior.co.uk E-mail: info@thompsonprior.co.uk $*(+.*) -%*-

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Implementing auto enrolment Beware the common pitfalls Is yours one of the 200+ businesses in Birmingham with more than 500 employees, faced with implementing auto enrolment by the end of 2013? Our latest Business Barometer research (October 2012) shows that only 16% of businesses have made detailed plans around auto enrolment. As the adage goes, ‘to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail’. Here’s our guide to the potential pitfalls you might face when implementing auto enrolment: Not allowing sufficient time to prepare and plan Auto enrolment involves finance, HR, advisers, consultants, lawyers, tax experts, as well as IT and payroll providers. It takes time to consult such a wide group. Assuming existing schemes will work for auto enrolment You can’t assume that just because you have a pension in place, it will work for auto enrolment. The provider that runs the scheme may not want to take on all your staff or may increase member charges in order to do so. If so, you might need to take a split-scheme approach and work with a low cost provider such as NEST or The People’s Pension. Not re-examining your default fund choices You can’t assume that your existing default fund will be appropriate – many older style default funds won’t promote good outcomes for new scheme members. In any case, best practice is to review your choice annually. Focusing too much on the scheme and not enough on the administration Many employers will need to bring in new skills and processes to enable them to continually assess their workforce and ensure they keep on top of auto enrolment. It’s important to remember that this is an ongoing workstream and not a one-off activity. Failing to integrate the pension system with other business systems Most pension providers offer a ‘black box’ system free of charge that in theory links your systems – but in many cases we find these only do part of the job. A more bespoke system (full disclosure – we offer one of these, 4pensions, which was built to address the issues some of our major clients were having) may work better. Neglecting the communications This is a great opportunity to engage with your workforce. Done well, your communications plan can turn auto enrolment from an extra cost of doing business into a really worthwhile activity that generates a measurable return on investment.

Where do you start? Tip 1:

Appoint an individual to manage auto enrolment.

Tip 2:

Develop a detailed project plan with tasks, deadlines and action owners.

Tip 3:

Consider what level of outside help you will need in terms of payroll, HR systems, risk management and pensions consultancy.

To download our employer guide to auto enrolment, visit www.rsmtenon.com/autoenrolment The term “partner” is a title for senior employees, none of whom provide any services on their own behalf. RSM Tenon Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, FSA register number 192618. A subsidiary of RSM Tenon Group PLC. RSM Tenon Group PLC is an independent member of the RSM International network. The RSM International network is a network of independent accounting and consulting firms each of which practices in its own right. RSM International is the brand used by the network which is not itself a separate legal entity in any jurisdiction. RSM Tenon Financial Management Limited (No 03953153) is registered in England and Wales. Registered Office 66 Chiltern Street, London W1U 4GB. England. MSO39771012

31694 1pg:HorseWorld 23/02/2013 12:36 Page 1

Workers from all over the UK will automatically be placed into a defined contribution scheme, providing them with a work place pension.... So what does this mean? And why is this a great opportunity? The 'automatic enrolment' process began in October 2012, allowing millions of workers to be enrolled into a workplace pension by their employer. This great change in legislation provides workers with an easier, and hassle free way of saving for their retirement! Although opting out is an option, there are many reasons to support having a workplace pension. Many forget the importance of saving for the future, but as life expectancy is shown to be increasing within the UK, the general state pension may not be enough. At Cherish, we fully support the government's initiative to help workers to save for their retirement, and strengthening their future ability to reach their retirement dreams. If you find yourself being enrolled into a workplace pension, and are feeling slightly apprehensive, here are the main reasons as to why it is a great opportunity: •

The government and your employer will place contributions into your pension pot, and if you want to add a little extra, you can!

•

Less stress for you, and when you come to retire you will have a nice tidy sum

•

Generally funds are not released until you are at the age of 55; within this time your funds are invested - and depending on what investments are best for you, could see your money increasing quite substantially!

Are you confused about auto-enrolment and how much your pension will provide you with, when you retire? Or are you worried that your current pension is not performing as well as you hoped? Our Independent Financial Advisers are here to help you make sense of it, offering you a Free Initial Pension Consultation! Our Independent Financial Advisers can also offer you advice in a range of other areas: • • •

Investments Mortgages Protection Plans... and much more

We are also happy to offer you a Free Wealth Check Review if you feel that your financial portfolio needs a check up!

Call us on: 0121 270 1815 Cherish Wealth Management Limited Malvern House, New Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3DL

www.cherishwealthmanagement.com

Our Independent Financial Advisers are committed to you. If you are still slightly unsure about the above, or would like to know more about how funds can be invested, we are more than happy to help. With 50 years experience between us, we are sure that we can help strengthen your financial portfolio and aid you in the right direction of investments that are right for you in terms of the level of risk.

Call us today on: 0121 270 1815, our friendly staff will be happy to help 13

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What tasks are involved? Auto-enrolment will bring additional administrative tasks for your HR department and whether they can manage these will need to EH FRQVLGHUHG )RU PDQ\ LW ZLOO EH WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WLPH WKH\ ZLOO SHUIRUP tasks like:

Operate trigger events â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your system will need to prompt you when any changes are made to your employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; life as this may alter which auto-enrolment category they belong to Link with payroll/provider â&#x20AC;&#x201C;your system must be compatible with other systems so that data can be easily transferred

Â&#x2021; Data validation Â&#x2021; Categorising employees Â&#x2021; Communicating auto-enrolment to your employees Â&#x2021; Managing the pension contribution process Â&#x2021; 0DQDJLQJ D VDODU\ VDFULĂ&#x20AC;FH SURFHVV Â&#x2021; Initial enrolment, re-enrolment, opt in and opt out processes Â&#x2021; Management of increased employee queries

Will my current system cope? Your HR department may already have a system in place however, will it be able to manage all of the extra administrative tasks? As well as managing these extra tasks your system will also need to be able to perform certain actions. For example it must: Be fully auditable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; providing full information on all interactions that an employee has with the scheme so you can accurately report on this to The Pensions Regulator

Provide reporting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the system needs to provide reports that can be easily extracted to ensure good scheme governance

Providing reports to The Pensions Regulator A key element of what you will have to do is register your scheme with the Regulator. This will have to be repeated every 18 months for the lifetime of the scheme. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the employers responsibility to provide the Regulator with on-going reports and this is why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential your system contains a full audit trail so all your scheme information is captured and stored.

The tip of the iceberg Whilst these tasks may seem extensive, in reality they are the tip of the iceberg.

For more detailed information on exactly whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involved we have produced a series of guides that are downloadable from:

ZZZ MRKQVRQĂ HPLQJ FRP DXWRHQUROPHQW

Our series of guides provide the knowledge needed to help you make those vital decisions regarding your auto-enrolment project.

Download our guides at: ZZZ MRKQVRQĂ HPLQJ FRP DXWRHQUROPHQW [! 'QVOUZVUĂ&#x2026;LTPUN

Johnson Fleming Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

31724 1pg 2_HorseWorld 11/03/2013 10:06 Page 1

At last, commercially-minded HR help for SMEs. In a great example of joined-up thinking, Harrison Clark, the well respected Three Counties' firm of solicitors, set up Eagle HR in March 2012 in order to provide practical commercial advice and support at affordable prices for business clients with day-to-day HR issues. HR is bedevilled with a mass of changing regulations for employers to grapple with, requiring watertight contracts of employment, up-to-date employee handbooks, inspirational appraisal processes, in-depth induction programmes, rigorous recruitment procedures and crystal clear communications. Many SMEs, while aware of all these issues, find it difficult to justify the cost of in-house HR expertise, as a consequence, run shy of tackling disciplinary issues for fear of costly tribunal claims. Off-the-shelf helpline-based solutions fail to deliver the commercially-savvy personal service that most of today's Directors want. Headed up by Jennifer Jones, Barrister and Head of Employment, Harrison Clark Solicitors, Eagle HR supplies a range of services to businesses at every stage of their lifecycle.

Elaine Fisher, Director and Senior HR Business Partner

They are delighted by the reception their service has received, their results clearly showing that they are successfully filling a gap in commercially-focussed professional HR provision. They are rapidly developing a strong base of happy retained clients who value the contribution Eagle makes to their businesses. Due to the level of service and advice they provide, their reputation is spreading to their local clients’ wider networks across the UK. Eagle HR is also excited to announce the launch of a Health & Safety service to sit alongside its range of HR solutions. The Health & Safety service is able to provide businesses with straight-talking advice and reassurance that they comply with legislation through the provision of all necessary policies, onsite inspections and risk assessments. Give Eagle a ring to make an appointment for a no obligation discussion. They are always happy to have an informal chat to find out how they can assist you and your business further.

Jennifer Jones, Barrister and Director of Eagle HR

Jenny describes these services as follows: “We provide access to HR advice and support in relation to all day-to-day HR issues from a dedicated HR Business Partner who knows the management team and the business personally. In addition businesses can fully outsource all their HR administration to Eagle, releasing valuable time back into the business to focus on key priorities.” Elaine Fisher, Director and Senior HR Business Partner, also emphasises the importance of good HR practice: “Great HR support is about helping managers to get the very best out of their people. This means high-performing staff, committed managers, happy clients and customers and a successful business. It sounds simple – but anyone who has tried it will know that it’s not.”

Please call 01905 744530 or visit the web site

www.eaglehr.co.uk 15

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challenges faced. They help leaders think broadly, plan effectively and find the best route forward. Caret offers advice and support on the best practice approaches leaders need to take to make the desired change happen. •

High impact organisational support – Caret strongly believes that success comes from having an effective, innovative, focused organisation. They help build organisational capacity – to raise performance, work effectively, create alignment and strengthen leadership

•

Team effectiveness – Caret’s experienced consultants work with teams to give them focus; enabling robust creative and open discussion and thinking to make best use of the unique strengths and the contribution that each team member brings.

Key clients are

Delivering change, enabling leaders, transforming teams Caret works in partnership with leaders, organisations and teams to deliver change. They review purpose and focus and enable their clients to develop clear strategies. Caret enables effective implementation –overcoming risks and obstacles. They work with organisations to sustain change – building a culture that continually reviews effectiveness, and enables innovation and improvement. The Caret team brings expertise in business growth; innovation, OD, and leadership effectiveness. They provide one to one support and advice, develop leadership skills, and facilitate discussions and workshops by the application of well-honed expertise in organisational development. Key areas of focus include: •

High impact leadership support – they are experts in focused coaching – working to optimise the application of each individual’s strengths within the unique context and

CEO Steve Botham

•

Businesses – CEO Steve Botham leads Birmingham LEPs pilot programme on medium sized business. He is focused on enabling businesses to assess their potential for growth, to plan for growth and deliver the changes that enable growth. Birmingham is recognised as taking a national lead on providing ambitious and dynamic support for medium sized businesses

•

Housing – Caret work with a wide range of housing clients. Their focus in 2013 is on enabling housing to prepare effectively for the wide ranging changes in this sector. Housing faces significant risks and issues and Caret’s conviction is that the sector will only be able to respond to the challenges in a consistent, cost effective and value driven way if they are thoroughly prepared beforehand and adapt their management culture.

•

Public sector – the public sector is undergoing enormous change. Caret works with leaders to plan and deliver change – as Steve Botham says “Given the financial pressures there are no second chances.”

•

Private sector – Caret works with a wide range of voluntary, community and faith based organisations to strengthen leaders and enable constructive change.

Caret’s entire focus is on leadership development and organisational growth, helping companies and organisations to meet the challenges of today and to prepare and strengthen them to take advantage of tomorrow’s opportunities.

Please visit their web site

www.caretconsultinggroup.com or telephone

07740 946146 to arrange an initial discussion to discover how Caret Consultancy Group could benefit your organisation.

5220 1pg:CD Engineering 23/01/2013 19:02 Page 1

Information security is a major area critical to the survival of a business. A system that is not secure and maintained with great vigilance is going to be at threat, with catastrophic results. Ultimate loss of reputation and business are the minimum you would expect as a result, a massive cost that most business will never recover from.

The fall out From a recent Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) survey; 82% of small and 93% of large companies suffered an information security incident in 2010. These incidents typically cost the respective businesses between £27,000 and £690,000. This figure is expected to increase and the exposure will cost dearly. A breach of information security can result in other cost areas; crippling fines for the business and in certain cases imprisonment may be levied upon the personnel responsible.

Taking cover

Call: 01793 688990 Email: emmabett@imsm.com Web: www.imsm.com

Easy Target In the line of fire Your competition has stolen all of your valued customers from under your nose. You lose business. You are forced to fold. Your customers’ contact details are like gold dust to the competition. With ease they can know, straight away, what is being sold, to whom and at what price. Why wouldn’t they want to steal it?

In a competitive and threatened marketplace an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) monitors and maintains your business’ information security. The ISMS for any business must protect the three main areas required of it; confidentiality, integrity and availability. ISO/ IEC 27001: 2005 Information Security Management Standard has been designed to ensure the correct and effective implementation, operation, maintaining and improving the business ISMS. ISO/ IEC 27001 is the best way of demonstrating to all concerned that you take the security of all your information seriously.

How well is your data protected?

Your information and data resources are one of the most important assets your business holds.

Number 1 target Information and data resources remain a number one target for hackers and cyber criminals; they have a real value in, and from, any marketplace. Hackers and fraudsters are working overtime, over the Internet, to ensure they can break into the known forms of protection available at any time.

w w w. i ms m . com 17

31711 1pg:Feature Template 24/02/2013 11:26 Page 1

The right office in the right place, at the right price, is the dream of every new business, but often completely out of reach financially. Citibase has the answer, they offer fully serviced business centres for cost-conscious SMEs from multiple locations around the UK. The Directors’ intention is for Citibase to continue to expand quickly within the sector, offering a branded accommodation solution for small businesses and start-ups. Now in its 20th year in business, Citibase PLC is already one of the largest serviced office companies in the UK offering clients business centres in 52 locations. Steve Jude, MD says “At Citibase we know what businesses need to succeed. Most of our offices are in established buildings, with addresses that say, “I’m serious about doing business”. Everything we do is about freeing you from the usual hassles of finding, renting and running office space so you can get on with building your business.” With a view to the future, Citibase has launched “YES”, a really exciting scheme, which offers young entrepreneurs a fantastic opportunity to get their business ideas off the ground, by providing free office space in its centres across the UK to startup and small business owners aged between 18 and 24 years old, for up to one year. With 60% of private sector jobs created by start-ups and small firms, Citibase already supports hundreds of businesses throughout Britain and is now offering the facilities and knowledge to help set up, nurture and support new and exciting individuals. The two Birmingham centres are both in prime city centre locations.

Citibase Birmingham Mailbox is a prominent building of red brick and glass construction right next door to the Mailbox, home of BBC Midlands, Network Rail, Harvey Nichols, Armani, and Boss in Birmingham. The manned reception and serviced offices have been decorated to a professional yet comfortable standard and the centre provides a range of offices varying in size to suit any business. Tenants can enjoy the use of stylish meeting/conference facilities, with catering, secretarial support and a wide range of technical facilities. Citibase Birmingham Temple Row is located at one of the most desirable business addresses in Birmingham. This prime location delivers all the vibrancy of a thriving commercial and retail centre, yet with the space and tranquillity of the Cathedral Square immediately adjacent. Culture, entertainment and dining - everything you will need to support your business is within a short walking distance. Suites are available in a range of sizes, and are available on instant flexible agreements. Citibase focuses on giving individuals and businesses the independence, flexibility, control, support and confidence to create, run and enjoy their work. With flexible, short-term agreements, simple transparent billing, prestigious addresses, professional reception and administration support services, immediate starts and a friendly environment, Citibase is creating a positive alternative in the business centre market.

For a more details about sites in your area and contact details, please visit www.citibase.com or telephone 08444 993 373

31701 1pg_Feature Template 25/03/2013 16:19 Page 1

The ineo+ 224/284/364 supports a broad range of media so that almost any kind of document can be printed. Whereas up to now, many companies have been forced to outsource production, for example, of invitations on thick, high-quality paper, the ineo+ 224/284/364 enables them to be produced in-house, saving time and money. The printable media includes envelopes, recycled paper, pre-printed paper, overhead transparencies and thick card of up to 300 g/m2. This multifunctional device can handle all paper formats from A6 to SRA3 or other user-defined formats, and even print banners of up to 1.2 metres in length. Whatever media are chosen, the print quality is excellent – not least thanks to a razor-sharp resolution of 1,200 dpi and DEVELOP's innovative HD toner. In many businesses there is much room for improvement in document production. The ineo+ 224/284/364 has been designed to make this workflow more efficient by reducing the amount of manual work involved. For example, documents can be scanned as .pptx files or archived as PDF/A files. The software tools DEVELOP offers as optional extras can also help to optimise the document workflow. store+find, for example, does away with time-wasting searches for "lost" documents by ensuring that everything can be located quickly while convert+share converts documents to the required format and sends them to any given destination. Eco friendly and economical the DEVELOP ineo provides a very cost effective option, Develop ineo +224 runs as cheaply as 3.5pence colour and 0.35 pence black and white page while the rental of a Develop ineo 224 starts at only £60 per month. Oxley Services specialise in the supply, maintenance and repair of office printers, photocopiers and large format HP designjet plotters. Established 6 years ago, but with over 20 year’s experience, their client base covers the whole of the West Midlands area.

If you are paying too much to run your current multifunctional device call Oxleys today on 08452570779 for a 7 day free trial and see how the new Develop ineo+224 can revolutionise your office and give you value for money, or email sales@oxleyservices.co.uk

Oxley’s service department repairs all types and makes of office equipment, from small mono printers to large colour MFP devices, for all sizes of business from clients unhappy with their current service provider, to those who have purchased machines second hand that need service or repair. Oxley’s service offers clients the assurance of a fixed fee, giving clients the reassurance that before work commences they know how much the final invoice will be. With so much experience within the industry Oxleys have chosen to distribute what they believe are the most versatile, efficient Multifunctional devices in the market place, the Develop ineo product range. Develop photocopiers are one of the leading brands offering reliability and efficiency in an office environment, and give clients the functionality to copy, print and scan to email and file across their network. The new series of DEVELOP devices is made up of the ineo+ 224, ineo+ 284 and ineo+ 364. Technically speaking, the three devices are almost identical. The main difference is in their rated engine speed – at 22, 28 and 36 A4 pages per minute respectively

31732 2pg:Liberty 23/02/2013 12:05 Page 1

A fresh approach to UK manufacturing events Subcon, The Engineer and MWP advanced manufacturing magazine are joining together to create a unique set of events at the NEC, Birmingham, from 4 to 6 June 2013.

The show will attract engineers from across every sector of UK manufacturing, as well as senior management responsible for long-term investment decisions.

Subcon, the UK’s only dedicated national exhibition for contract and subcontract manufacturing, will be joined by a new event, The Advanced Manufacturing Show, which will be supported by MWP, and a world-class technology and innovation conference organised by The Engineer.

Over half of the visitors to Subcon 2012 said they were interested in more content on advanced manufacturing and optimising manufacturing processes. A third of them had responsibility for sourcing new machinery and equipment as well as subcontract services.

Driven by the marketing power of The Engineer and MWP, Subcon’s extensive database and the support of key industry partners, this group of events will deliver a critical mass of leading suppliers and motivated visitors. Grant Burgham, Business Development and Portfolio Director at Centaur Exhibitions, said: “These events demonstrate a fresh approach to UK manufacturing exhibitions and will be a critical destination for engineers, sourcing teams and manufacturing management across all sectors and disciplines.” A well-established annual event, Subcon covers every aspect of outsourced manufacturing services, from design and prototyping, machining, moulding, fabrication, composites and electronics assembly to finishing and testing. Thanks to its clear focus on its core market it has doubled in size in the last five years and is set to attract over 300 exhibitors in 2013. Underlining its ability to attract decision makers from all sectors who want to identify potential manufacturing partners, many leading UK subcontractors have already booked their stands for next year’s show. The new Advanced Manufacturing Show provides a perfect complement, featuring the machine tools, tooling, metrology equipment, software and ancillary equipment that UK manufacturers need to stay competitive in global markets.

Led by The Engineer, The Engineer Conference will invite leading international experts to provide an exciting insight into the latest innovations and technologies across the engineering spectrum. This will run in parallel with sessions focusing on the latest advances in manufacturing technology and best practice in subcontracting, outsourcing and supplier management.

Together, Subcon and the Advanced Manufacturing Show will allow visitors to meet all their in-house and outsourced manufacturing requirements and refine their make/buy strategies.

Grant Burgham concluded: “These three events will attract professionals from right across UK engineering and provide a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their products and services, find new suppliers, build new relationships and grow their business.

Complementing these two exhibitions, and highlighting new ideas and breaking technologies, is a two-day conference aimed at engineers and manufacturing management across all sectors and disciplines.

“Together they provide a new focus for excellence in UK manufacturing, with a critical mass of exhibitors and visitors and some fresh thinking that will certainly make a big impact in the market.”

To find out more and register for free please visit www.subconshow.co.uk/bbp www.advancedmanufacturingshow.co.uk/bbp

31732 2pg:Liberty 23/02/2013 12:05 Page 2

OPTIMISE YOUR MANUFACTURING STRATEGY FOR 2013 AND BEYOND AT THE EVENT DEDICATED TO CONTRACT AND SUBCONTRACT MANUFACTURING

NEW FOR 2013 O

Co-located alongside the new Advanced Manufacturing Show bringing the whole manufacturing industry together under one roof

O Gain

insight on the latest issues and trends affecting the UK technology sector at The Engineer Conference

O Uncover

the latest solutions from over 300 leading suppliers covering all sectors of the manufacturing and engineering industry

Remain competitive by comparing the best suppliers and latest technologies on the market

Co-located With

Headline Partners

Media Partner

31712 1pg 2:Liberty 19/02/2013 18:35 Page 1

PRV Engineering Ltd is looking to the future with a major £1million investment in premises and machinery. The well established Precision Engineering company which was founded in 1986 has become very well known in the industry for the top quality of their work and attention to detail. Simon Jones joined the company in 1998 and took over in 2009. Simon has many years of experience in the industry and tells us that he enjoys the challenges engineering brings.

Further growth is coming from the construction industry, for so long in the doldrums, now starting to pick up. PRV also provide Structural and Architectural Steelwork, Balconies and Balustrades etc.

The investment has provided a 8,000 sq ft extension and 3 new, state of the art, CNC Machines, providing a new CNC Turning Centre, a Large 5 axis Machining Centre seen below and a Multi Discipline Multi axis Mill Turn Centre. The investment was needed to keep up with demand and to expand the range of services they offer.

It doesn’t matter if the economy is in a downturn or expanding, PRV has an established track record working with its customers to provide the very best CNC Machining, Deep Hole Drilling and Fabrication Services. They possess the skills and know-how to provide the parts you require with the highest degree of quality and cost effectiveness.

The demand is such that they could, in fact, expand twice as fast if they could find people with the appropriate skills level. Most of the 51 strong workforce has been with the company for some considerable time but PRV are always looking for additional skilled CNC machinists and have current vacancies which can be viewed via the company website. Simon explained that the difficulty in finding suitably skilled people lies in the unfashionable perception of engineering among young people, and the lack of suitable training courses. He said that while many of the courses on offer sound good, the majority of NVQ courses are not actually fitting young people for the real world of work. They have taken on two new apprentices who will be supported by the government’s apprenticeship initiative and will attend Cross Keys College on a day release basis. Simon has also taken on several machine operators to train up. PRV is a true “one stop shop facility” for all your CNC Machining requirements, they manufacture from the simplest of products to extremely complicated items and assemblies for prototype development and testing. Quality is a priority for PRV and all products and services offered by the company are completed in accordance with Quality Standard BS EN ISO 9001:2008 certification.

Simon is very proud of their export successes, 23% of their output goes overseas, with High Voltage products and Rail components being delivered internationally. The export side of the business is steadily growing and is a key area of focus for Simon and the team.

Contact PRV Engineering Ltd on 01495 769697 visit the web site

www.prv-engineering.co.uk or email Enquiries@PRV-Engineering.co.uk

Visit them on stand E35 at

4 - 6 JUNE

NEC BIRMINGHAM

31728 1pg_HorseWorld 26/03/2013 11:06 Page 1

C.C. CONTRACTING LTD. Industrial and Commercial Construction Specialists Drainage, Bunds and Waste Management Systems Let CCC advise and assist when it comes to these construction needs. From specification through to construction they can help solve drainage problems. From watertight chemical resistant structures internally or externally to simple high integrity bund walls give CCC a try at providing a competitive solution to any watertight structures you may require.

Concrete solutions from CCC CC Contracting Ltd (CCC) specialise in building industrial and commercial accommodation with concrete construction skills at the heart of their business. CCC has been helping businesses expand and improve since the early nineties. The company started out as a small family run civil engineering contractor and has since grown into a fully skilled and well equipped building contractor serving clients all over mainland UK. Design and Build CCC’s team of experts are able to provide a complete design and build solution to most building construction needs whether it be a basic industrial unit or a complete new factory incorporating machine foundations and pits. From warehouse floors to complex machine foundations, and incorporating drainage, waste management, steel frame buildings and topological surveys, CCC offer cost effective solutions to all their customers. They understand the needs of industry and can devise solutions that cause minimum disruption to your business. Concrete Yards, Roads and Floors Whether you require a new power floated concrete floor to FM2 standard, or repairs to a concrete yard, CCC are able to meet your needs. Years of experience and a skilled, permanent labour force gives them the ability to undertake the following types of work: power floated concrete floor construction and repair, heavy duty concrete freight yards, durable materials handling yards or light storage yards, offering construction, extension and repair, along with concrete or asphalt road construction and repairs. Machine Foundations The specific technical requirements of machine foundations require specialist skills and knowledge, which CCC has built up over decades in the industry. The workforce rise to the challenge of this more complex side to the industry and their combined experience leads to cost effective speedy results to even the most complex requirements, from complex multi-plateau machine foundations to simple conveyor or looping pits.

Steel Frame Buildings Are you looking for more storage space, a brand new factory and offices, a new industrial unit or an extension to you existing premises? They can offer a full design and build turnkey project or a traditional architect led construction. Whether it be a 500 ft² extension or a 50,000 ft² new warehouse, they can service your requirements.

t: 01384 891 891 e: office@cccontracting.co.uk

w: www.cccontracting.co.uk

Loach Plant

t: 01384 569677

Plant & Machinery Hire > JCBs With Drivers

> Mini Digger To Monster Digger

> Drives / Garden Clearance

> Mini Diggers

> Skip Hire

> All At Excellent Rates

Loach Plant | 43 Furlong Lane | Halesowen | B63 2TB

WARNING DO NOT HIRE ANY Plant, Tool & Access Equipment... ...Without ringing

first! Alpha Works, Stourbridge Road, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 7BU

Phone: 01384 424770 Fax: 01384 424880 Email: will@will-hire.co.uk Web Site: www.will-hire.co.uk

31476 2pg:HorseWorld 23/02/2013 13:27 Page 1

Precision

Quinton Major A Blueprint for Your Success

30 Successful Years Quinton Major Precision is an engineering success story. The company was founded in 1982 by Frank Clarke and Roger Smith after the demise of Brown Brothers Engineering. Frank and Roger seized the opportunity to negotiate for the stock and machines that had made up the “gear lever” section of the old company and set up their own company in a 5,000 sq ft unit, achieving a first year turnover of £3,000k During that first year the company grew substantially by taking on even more work formerly undertaken by Brown Brothers including stainless steel components called 'Stuffing boxes', and a number of parts for Ford Tractor handbrakes which Airflow Streamlines took over from Brown Brothers.

The company has maintained a pattern of steady growth and built an enviable reputation within the engineering industry as a highly respected supplier of fully engineered precision components and assemblies to the automotive, oil and electronics industries. 30 years on Quinton Major Precision occupies a 30,000sq ft unit, is looking for a further 5,000 sq ft to accommodate their planned expansion, and has an annual turnover of £5 million. Their prestigious client list includes well known names such as Dana, Land Rover and JCB, but many smaller companies rely on their innovative and cost effective solutions for a range of complex manufacturing demands. A continuous programme of investment in the most up to date, state of the art equipment has contributed to their range of capabilities which includes CNC and VMC Machining, Robot Welding, MIG and TIG, Spline Rolling, Broaching, and Assembly work.

31476 2pg:HorseWorld 23/02/2013 13:27 Page 2

Chris Clarke, General Manager, considers that the close relationship the company has developed with its customers and suppliers is another key factor that has contributed to their growth. He tells us that the company has always made its strong working relationships with both customers and suppliers a top priority. Quinton Major plans to continue its expansion into 2013 and beyond with even more investment in equipment and facilities in order to meet the challenges of today’s global market.

The company are particularly proud to have developed their own Bar Chamfering machines used for machining or deburring solid bar, bolts, pipe, and tubing easily and efficiently. Quinton Major’s management pay tribute to the loyalty of their highly skilled and experienced workforce, without whose support through the recession the company would not have continued to grow. The 60 strong team produce top quality engineering throughout all the company’s activities.

For more information give them a call or visit the web site

01604 766 400 www.quinton-major.co.uk

Quinton Major Precision Ltd: 2 Rhosili Road, Brackmills, Northampton NN4 7JE Members of the Contract Heat Treatment Association

Congratulations to everyone at Quinton Major Precision Limited on 30 successful years in business 1982 - 2012. Clifford Roberts, 63 Broad Green, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4LQ T: 01933 443311 F: 01933 440311 W: www.cliffordroberts.com

Congratulations to Quinton Major on their 30th year from all at Heat Treatments (Northampton) Ltd, Established in 1967, Heat Treatments (Northampton) Ltd has continued to expand and invest in its process’ and quality. Ensuring total customer satisfaction is our highest priority, by offering services which satisfy our customer requirements and expectations, in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Our aim is to continually improve efficiency and quality with the use of the most up to date systems and process controls. Fast turnaround is a key element in the service we offer. A fleet of modern vehicles is available for collection and deliveries throughout the Midlands.

At KimberMills we produce and supply a wide range of products. If the part you are looking for is not listed, please do not assume that we do not make it, contact us • Bodies • Bolts • Brackets • Braking Sytems • Cam Shafts • Chains • Clamps • Cutting Tools • Gears • Heavy Axle • Hinges • Hubs • Levers • Mounts • Nuts • Picks • Pinions • Pins • Pipe Fittings • Rings • Rockers • Selectors • Shafts • Spiders • Stub Axles

• Tel: (0044) 2476 555559 • Or: (0044) 1384 414500 Mills Forgings Limited • Charterhouse Road • Coventry CV1 2BJ • Web: www.kimbermills.co.uk • Email: sales@kimbermills.com

Atmosphere Process’ Case Hardening Carbonitride Carburise Only Neutral Harden Normalise Solution Treatment

Ferritic Nitrocarburise Tufftride Q Tufftride QP Tufftride QPQ

Other Treatments Salt Bath Hardening Marquenching Stress Relieving Annealing Sub-Zero Treatment Age Hardening

Surface Finishing Chemical Blacking Shot blasting Sand blasting Glass Bead Blasting

Heat Treatments Ltd, Sheaf Close, Lodge Farm Industrial Estate, Northampton, NN5 7UL Telephone: 01604 586 920 Fax: 01604 759 286 Email: sales@heat-treatments.co.uk Web: www.heat-treatments.co.uk/

31593 3pg_HorseWorld 15/03/2013 21:28 Page 1

Twenty-Five years in the heating industry, and business for Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rapid Heating Services is still a gas. 2012 has been a year of silver celebration for the commercial and industrial oil and gas heating equipment servicing, maintenance and installation specialist Premises large and small rely on its expert workforce to ensure they enjoy the perfect environmental temperature, hot or cold, for Rapid Heating Services also takes care of air conditioning, installing and maintaining cooling only and heat pump systems. And for large think really large - Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NEC and National Indoor Arena are among the entertainment venues to have benefited from its services, while churches, offices, factories, shops and sheltered housing systems also go to make up its nationwide customer base. A member of the Federation of Small Businesses and Gas Safe registered, Rapid Heating Services, on the Bordesley Trading Estate, was established in November 1987 by Dennis Price and Peter Davies specifically to provide a service to the commercial and industrial heating sector.

In those first early days, operations were carried out from a second floor rented room in Aston but, after a while, Solihull Council offered the pair a three-year assisted rent starter unit in Kingshurst.

Hire Tools & Sales Ltd Suppliers of Tool Hire Equipment to the mechanical and building services, deliveries nationwide.

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31593 3pg_HorseWorld 15/03/2013 21:28 Page 2

“We were already growing and this gave us the chance we needed to expand into different areas,” explains today’s director Dennis. Five more years of hard work followed after which time, the men had raised enough funds to buy the premises they once occupied in Little Bromwich. “From then on we have never looked back, our ideas were realised and the business was a success,” declares Dennis, “no doubt helped by the fact that Peter and myself had been established in the heating business long before Rapid Heating Services was formed.” Following Peter’s retirement in December 2005, the company was slightly restructured and moved, once more, to its current premises six months later.

“Our callout service is ready to react to any emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” promises Dennis. “To most they respond in under a couple of hours.” As an official (Midland) agent, Rapid Heating Services maintains the full range of Broag-Remeha boilers and associated equipment, but its expertise is not confined to the one manufacturer. “All boiler installations are tailored to the customer’s individual needs,” assures Dennis.

Throughout its history, quality, safety and service have been the watchwords - a policy typified by Rapid Heating Services handpicking its highly-trained engineers to ensure exemplary service to customers. All have met the Health and Safety awareness requirements as set out by the Engineering Services SKILL card scheme (CSCS affiliated) and carry the appropriate current card along with current IPAFF certification for boom and scissor lifts. By sending its teams in to undertake warranty and service work for contractors and manufacturers who do not employ their own engineers or to supplement their own staff, Rapid Heating Services is proud to give all its clients have complete peace of mind with a guaranteed rapid response time.

T.C. Training would like to congratulate Dennis Price and his staff at Rapid Heating Services on 25 years and wish them every success in the future. T.C. Training have been associated with Rapid Heating for many years, supporting them in providing quality training within the competent persons scheme associated within the gas, oil, water and electrical industry. We are a well established company based in Marston Green, Birmingham.

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TC Training Ltd, Units 1, 5, 7 Tile Cross Trading Est, Tile Cross Road, Marston Green, Birmingham B33 0NW Tel: 0121 788 2165 / 0121 770 3119 Fax: 0121 788 2066 Web: www.tctraininglimited.co.uk

31593 3pg_HorseWorld 15/03/2013 21:28 Page 3

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can advise you on what type of boiler your premises will require and will carry out installations with minimal disruption to your day-to-day business, at all times providing a friendly and effective service.â&#x20AC;?

For more information about the company and its services, go to

www.rapidheating.co.uk or email info@rapidheating.co.uk. Alternatively telephone 0121 326 0333. After

Need New Business Premises? Ashtenne offers flexible business space throughout the midlands and nationally. Our portfolio provides a huge range of property types, starting from small workshops and storage units, right through to large industrial units, distribution centres and office accommodation. We have our own in house asset management team, who will not only work with you to find the property that is right for your business, but who will also recognise the commitment you are making and stay in touch with you as your business grows. To discuss you space requirements, please call us on:

0121 778 2233 www.ashtenne-online.co.uk 28

31640 1pg_HorseWorld 11/03/2013 09:32 Page 1

Whether you’re blowing hot or cold, the experts from the Jackson group of companies are just the people needed to keep your temperature on an even keel. The Derby family-run business has been supplying and servicing refrigeration circuit-based equipment since 1984 but, over the years has grown into a leading provider of ground and air source heat pump installations. Its most recent exciting venture sees the introduction of Jackson Ecotherm, which specialises in energy efficient heating, air conditioning and LED lighting systems. So whether you need to keep your cool or warm right up, the group provides a one stop solution to improving your carbon footprint and helps to cut running costs by providing and maintaining energy efficient services. They include: • • • • • • • • • •

He’s also got some interesting figures for those considering the value of ground source heat pumps. “Typically they have a running fuel efficiency of three to five times greater than fossil fuel boilers so for every one kWh of electrical energy used, three to five kWh of heat is produced,” he explains. “Heating oil recently experienced a 73% increase in the price within just over three months so not only will a ground source heat pump installation provide a return on your investment, it will also provide a level of protection against future energy price rises.”

Energy efficient heat pump systems for swimming pools. Reverse cycle air conditioning systems. Unico air handling systems. Reverse cycle heat pumps. Air to water heat pumps. Ground source heat pumps. LED lighting for low energy usage and long lifespan. Gas boilers Plumbing works Planned maintenance packages for all these and more.

Jackson’s team of fully qualified engineers travel the length and breadth of the country to bring all their experience and expertise to bear on the thorough and efficient supply, installation, maintenance and repair of all major manufacturers’ equipment to suit a client’s specific requirements. “All our new installations come with a minimum of three years’ parts warranty for total peace of mind,” adds managing director Richard Winter. “And because we are based about three miles from Junction 26 of the M1, on the Cossall Industrial Estate between Nottingham and Derby, we’re ideally placed to access all areas of the UK.” It’s that professional, efficient and cost-effective service that keeps customers returning again and again and, as the need - and legislation - for energy efficiency increases, the Jackson companies know just how to help all their customers, which span both the domestic and commercial sectors. “Our new range of LED lighting not only reduces your carbon footprint and running costs but also has a lifespan of typically 30,000 hours so significantly reduces ongoing maintenance costs,” Richard reveals.

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We support Jackson Refrigeration and wish them every success in the future. Unico System, 5 Beech Holt, Leatherhead, Surrey Tel: 07786 073019 Web: www.unicosystem.co.uk

For further information about the services and systems available from Jackson Ecotherm and other companies in the group, go to

www.jrl-group.co.uk Alternatively, telephone 0115 944 4898 or 0115 930 9956. 29

31646 2pg 2_HorseWorld 11/03/2013 14:18 Page 1

INSTALL MAINTAIN RESPOND CPL’s Directors, Management and key staff have been providing peace of mind and reassurance for those responsible for the upkeep and smooth running of business premises for over 20 years now as a team.

This includes such elements as air conditioning, building security, water and plumbing, L8, heating, electrical services, entry and exit systems, fire safety, CCTV, fabrics and even data support - whatever your requirements, they are there to help, ready to recommend, source and install. They will also ensure you meet all legal requirements and (thanks to their extensive building industry contacts) they’ll save you the headache of having to deal with multiple contractors whilst guarantee the very best prices in terms of value for money. A regular programme of PPM will keep everything running smoothly, avoiding expensive hold ups, and unnecessary crisises and can produce very impressive KPI’s to demonstrate professionalism. CPL have an outstanding record of maintaining commercial and public premises across the UK and will make sure that your building worries are fully taken care of, so that you can focus on your day to day business.

They provide commercial property planned preventative and reactive maintenance (PPM) to all sectors across the board, large or small, throughout the UK from their central Birmingham office and provide a range of services tailored to the requirements of the individual client. They are friendly, efficient and approachable and maintain that: “Your problem is our problem and - no matter how large or small - the solution is just a ‘phone call away.” As well as PPM, CPL offer Design and Build Installations, covering the provision of all your bespoke property maintenance needs, ensuring an appropriate, safe and comfortable working environment.

Premier Electrical Installations UK Ltd Anglesey House, Anglesey Road, Burton on Trent, Staffs DE14 3NT

PO BOX 4803 Walsall WS1 9ED Tel: 0870 919 3612 sales@lyricosystems.co.uk www.lyricosystems.co.uk Over the last few years Lyrico & CPL have built a strong working relaƟonship by ensuring the client needs are conƟnuously fulĮlled We look forward to many more years working closely with CPL Design / InstallaƟon / Commissioning & Maintenance For all Fire and Security needs: Fire Alarm Systems - Gas Suppression - Emergency LighƟng Access Control Systems - CCTV Systems - Security Systems Public Address - Disabled Refuge – Intercoms - PaƟent Call

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31646 2pg 2_HorseWorld 11/03/2013 14:18 Page 2

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, The Buildings Act 1984 and The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 to name but a few. If you fail to meet obligatory legal standards the consequences for your organisation could be significant. What a relief to hand the responsibility for compliance to CPL. Health and Safety is very high on the agenda and they are CHAS registered which is a measurement of safety regimes capable of qualifying to undertake the most stringent of Government work. To put it simply, CPLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attributes takes away the headaches of building maintenance enabling you to focus on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important.

To find out more, please call for an informal chat on

0800 118 2503 or visit the web site

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Maintaining an appropriate building and employee environment is an important contributor to the success of any business, and CPL can provide a full Facilities Management package, encompassing all the maintenance and callout elements you need to ensure that your building is comfortable, safe, energyefficient, cost-effective and complies with key legislation. When it comes to appropriate building services legislation, there is a great deal of specialist knowledge needed to meet all the requirements of The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, The

All at Denmans congratulate CPL Service Response

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In the event of an emergency, CPL provide a 24/7/365 emergency call out service to their clients and is a service, which is always answered in person, by a member of CPL staff. No robots, outsourced services or people just going through the motions of accepting your call.

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31670 2pg_HorseWorld 14/03/2013 15:03 Page 1

Founded in 2006 by four ex Motorola colleagues, CommAgility creates electronic boards to advance the wireless communication of high speed data to mobile phones. “We design and build complex and difficult electronics which carry out the radio and low level signal processing for 4G wireless systems,” explains Edward. “Our customers who find this difficult and expensive to do themselves, buy our products for R&D, development and trials, and to use inside their own products such as wireless test equipment.”

You’ve got to be fast to keep up with CommAgility Ltd in the super speedy world of mobile phone technology this is one company that’s zooming ahead into 2013. Keeping one step in front of a sector that seems to have innovations daily, is just one aspect of the whizzing Loughborough communications pioneer - its fizzing growth record is such that it ended 2012 in sixth place of the UK Fast 50, one of the UK's foremost technology awards programmes.

Having been focused on developing projects for 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, which is now being adopted by operating networks worldwide including a recent launch by EE in the UK, CommAgility is now leaping ahead of insatiable consumer demand for new and better systems by developing LTE Advanced and researching 5G technology.

And managing director Edward Young’s promises of even further, significant growth this year are set to take on a US flavour with last month’s appointment of Terry Manus as business development manager for North America. Based in Texas, he will be responsible for developing new opportunities for CommAgility across the Atlantic. Exciting times indeed, with Edward, also sales director, citing CommAgility’s UK Fast 50 placing as the greatest success of his highly sophisticated company - so far.

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31670 2pg_HorseWorld 14/03/2013 15:03 Page 2

Proud to support CommAgility through another successful year in business "Every year or two, a new generation of chip usurps the existing ones, so we constantly have to develop products with one eye looking forward," says Edward. The fact that the company’s mobile phone boffins are so good and quick - to respond to the constant demand is born out by the phenomenal growth rate that helped it storm up the UK Fast 50. The list is part of an international programme run by Deloitte and is an acknowledgement of the UK’s 50 fastest-growing technology companies with rankings based on revenue growth over the last five years. CommAgility’s first sales were recorded in 2007 and between then and 2011, it’s recorded a staggering 2656% growth rate. This extraordinary figure also meant it took number one spot in the UK Fast 50 regional list. Not surprising when the number two didn’t even come close, recording a mere 951%.

Find out how we can help your business, call us on the number below, visit our website or ask in any branch.

0800 056 0056 www.lloydstsbbusiness.com

But this is a sector which never stands still - and neither does CommAgility which is bubbling with anticipation at what 2013 will bring - even if Edward admits to banging his head over the constant challenge of recruiting young skilled software engineers. “We are expecting significant growth once again, through increasing sales to existing customers, developing new customers and some exciting new product introductions,” he says. “The arrival of Terry Manus is also an exciting development. He brings many years of experience in embedded systems and MicroTCA, and is a safe pair of hands that customers can rely on. “With Terry's appointment, I'm confident that we'll step up a gear in the USA and Canada.”

For further information about CommAgility, its products and services, go to

www.commagility.com Alternatively, telephone 01509 228866, or email sales@commagility.com

31519 1pg_Feature Template 11/12/2012 10:54 Page 1

Precision Engineering Limited

R & G Precision Engineering are celebrating; they moved into new bright modern premises on July 12th, at Units 8/ 9, Park Farm Industrial Estate in Wellingborough. The new premises give them much more space, 18000 sq feet, and plenty of scope to expand their operations still further.

The company maintains a rolling programme of investment in state of the art plant and machinery, which their skilled engineers use to keep them at the forefront of computerised machining techniques. R & G Precision are able to transform customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; designs into working components in the shortest time possible, thanks to their investment in the latest CAD-CAM and electronic communication systems. The range of materials they machine is highly impressive ranging from soft non-ferrous to exotic steels up to 62HRC. R & G are focussed on customer satisfaction; knowing that their success rests on ensuring that the product is right and keeping it that way, therefore their quality control department operates to extremely fine tolerances and under strictly controlled temperature and atmospheric conditions. R & G have been offering high quality engineering to demanding tolerances since 1974, and have become renowned in the industries they serve, particularly the aerospace and automotive markets, for the quality standards they have achieved and maintained. They specialise in:- CNC Grinding, Wire Erosion, Milling,3D Machining, Spark Erosion, CNC Turning, Precision Engineering, CNC Sparking, Hard Metal Machining, Sliding Head Turning.

For more information about their extensive range of services please visit their web site

www.rgprecisionltd.co.uk or telephone 01933 411662

Wishing R & G Precision Engineering all the best for the future.

31715 1pg_HorseWorld 19/03/2013 16:24 Page 1

Droitwich Print has been serving the local business community for over 40 years. The company was bought by Mark Hanson in October 2011, his philosophy has been to maintain the good relationships established over the years, and to invest in the most up to date technology in order to continue offering a premium service at a competitive rate.

Although Droitwich Print was established to serve the local business community, specialises in printing for local businesses and loves being part of that thriving local community, they also have customers from all over the UK including some major companies for whom they deliver to branches nationwide. The 13 strong team in Droitwich pride themselves on their levels of customer service, and attribute their success to their excellent relationship with each of their over 300 customers. They maintain that good customer relations are based on knowing that your supplier is listening and prepared to go just that bit further to give you the service you need. Mark explained: “Droitwich Print has a long established tradition of working with local businesses to ensure they get the best possible results for all their printing needs. Many of our customers have been with us for over 20 years. We have managed to combine the traditional values of the business and years of printing experience with the more recent investments in modern technology to offer a truly flexible and well rounded printing service.” Recent investments have included a Konica Minolta digital printing machine, a new liveried delivery van and Accura Management Information System. New prepress equipment is planned for the first half of 2013. The company offers both litho and digital printing technology which enables them to service both smaller and larger quantities on request, indeed Sue McDevitt - Sales and Marketing Manager, told us: “Many of our customers order larger quantities of stationery which we stock for them, allowing them to call off smaller quantities for regular deliveries.” This service gives businesses not only great convenience, their stationery being available straight away, but obvious economies of scale.

Droitwich Print are professional and helpful, nothing seems to be too much trouble and they handle all requests, whether for full colour brochures for world wide distribution, a few flyers, internal stationery, or business cards, for a small local company or a worldwide corporation with the same efficient, cheerful attention to detail. Droitwich Print are not resting on their laurels, as Sue told us: “This year we have already invested in a new website, have plans for further software upgrades and are always looking at improving our equipment either by upgrades or replacement with the latest technologies.”

For more information about how they can help your business, visit the web site

www.droitwichprint.co.uk or telephone on 01905 795644

ANDERS

31672 2pg_HorseWorld 12/03/2013 15:37 Page 1

Trade badge manufacturers

If anyone’s entitled to wear a badge of pride it’s the mother-and-daughter team who’s late 2012 acquisition is helping to provide security for the company and its employees. The purchase of London Emblem is also an exciting expansion for B Sanders Ltd and marks the latest chapter in the lengthy story of this 200+ year-old Bromsgrove badge manufacturer. The October deal, which saw the Portsmouth company transfer to the Worcestershire site on the Aston Fields Industrial Estate, was expected to boost turnover by about £600,000, and added about 250 new customers.

Now MD and owner Sue Moth and her daughter Annabel Apperley are pressing ahead with plans to invest more in marketing and increase the website side of the businesses. Also lined up is the purchase of new machinery to boost efficiencies in badge production and it’s hoped that more staff will be taken on to supplement the 40-strong existing workforce. “The purchase of London Emblem will enhance the profitability of Sanders and give added stability for the future,” declares Sue while Annabel adds: “We were all very excited by the move and welcomed the challenge of running the new company.”

Well, new up to a point. B Sanders was established in 1800 and today has a worldwide customer base supplying badges for greetings cards and promotional and advertising purposes. Producing up to a million badges a week, it also supplies badge machinery and components, fridge magnets, key rings, bottle openers, vanity mirrors and charity collection boxes and counts Walkers Crisps and Harrods among its customers. It had worked closely with London Emblem, which sells sell badge machines, components and enamel badges, for many years and enjoyed a good relationship with the business. Now it’s full steam ahead into 2013 for the company which, although it might have a new structure, is planning to ensure the same fantastic service which has resulted in a stream of awards from within the Promotional and Advertising sectors. Service so fantastic, in fact, that it remained uninterrupted despite a devastating fire which nearly wiped out a large part of B Sanders in the early 1990s. “That was certainly our greatest business challenge,” acknowledges Sue who joined the businesses as a wages clerk 36 years ago and bought it outright two years ago. “But, somehow, with quick thinking and the support of the fantastic workforce, we managed to carry on producing badges, without any customers realising that there had been a problem…no mean feat!” Indeed - and one that’s certainly worth a badge of honour.

For further information about the company and its full range of products, go to

www.sandbadge.co.uk or

www.londonemblem.com Alternatively telephone:

01527 575757 or email: sales@sandbadge.co.uk

31672 2pg_HorseWorld 12/03/2013 15:37 Page 2

HawkinsHattonLLP C O R P O R AT E L AW Y E R S

Your Legal Partner Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advising on a business sale or purchase, helping with an employment issue or supporting on a property transaction, Hawkins Hatton never lose sight of what our clients are hoping to achieve. We work with some of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading achievers and wish local businesses every success in the Express & Star awards.

Our niche corporate practice provides a range of legal solutions covering

t Corporate Finance t Commercial Law t Commercial Property t Dispute Resolution t Employment

For more details on how we can help you achieve your commercial goals contact Colin Rodrigues at Hawkins Hatton on 01384 216 840 or visit www.hawkinshatton.co.uk.

31657 2pg_HorseWorld 21/03/2013 11:16 Page 1

Let Winsted design a console for you

winsted.com/designservice

Winning a Queen’s Award was the crowning moment of a richly rewarding year for pioneering control room console manufacturer Winsted Europe and Middle East. The Award, presented to the Worcestershire company last November, is a prestigious demonstration of how it has continued to buck the ongoing economic difficulties. Winsted won its Queen’s Award for outstanding achievement in the International Trade category, with impressive growth in overseas sales year on year and an overall 82% increase in the past three. The achievement is a huge honour for the company, based on the Hampton Lovett Trading Estate at Droitwich, and represents one of its greatest successes. The annual awards are only given to companies which demonstrate the highest levels of excellence in each category. “Despite the tough economic times, we are extremely proud to have successfully entered and grown new markets,” says General Manager, Terry Shough who, with Marketing and Development Manager, Claire Brown, later attended a Buckingham Palace reception, hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, for Award winners. “We were delighted to accept the Award during the very special Diamond Jubilee year. The achievement reflected the hard work put in by the Winsted team over a long period, as well as our range of innovative, high quality products.” The honour is certainly apt for a company that is royalty itself when it comes to the design, development, manufacture and installation of control room furniture around the world. The Droitwich business was established in 1984 by America’s Winsted to serve UK, European, Middle East and African markets and is instrumental in its pioneering, world-wide leading role of control room console design and development Its attractive, ergonomic consoles, whether from stock or customised, are suitable for any control room application and designed to work with operators to improve comfort and optimise efficiency.

Here is where experts have combined industrial design, ergonomics and interior design to create efficient and eyecatching solutions where special consideration has been given to building consoles that reduce fatigue, improve productivity and inspire. The BBC, Google, Disney and Nike, along with multiple shopping malls, military and police stations are just some of the customers for whom Winsted, worldwide, has carried out installations - and not necessarily for the first time. “About 70% of our business is from repeat buyers,” says Terry. “We pride ourselves on forging good relations with customers, understanding their needs and how we can best serve them. Our commitment to customer service and satisfaction is second to none.” While 2012 brought spectacular success - the Queen’s Award came in swift succession to Winsted’s certification to the ISO14001 environmental management standard, thus demonstrating its ‘green’ credentials through its commitment to eco-friendly operations and building on its ISO9001 quality management system certification - the year wasn’t without challenges.

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31657 2pg_HorseWorld 21/03/2013 11:16 Page 2

International exchange rates are an ongoing issue, Terry says, as are cheap, inferior imports, but Winsted is facing these head on. “While ensuring that our pricing remains current and competitive, we’ve positioned our brand at a ‘premium’ level, offering a comprehensive service package supporting high quality goods, backed by a 10-year product warranty,” he says. “With our success based on a multi-pronged international trade strategy including strengthened distribution and trade partner arrangements, increased participation in trade shows/missions, and enhanced sales and marketing initiatives, we will continue to develop and adapt these to build the Winsted brand further.” For further information on the company, its services and products, go to www.winsted.com or telephone 01905 770 276, email info@winsted.co.uk

How well is your data protected?

LDP Luckmans Chartered Accountants are pleased to act as accountants and business advisors to Winsted Ltd and we are delighted to congratulate them on their success in being chosen for the Queens Award. If you would like to hear how we can assist you in driving your business forward please call Terry Frankton on 024 7662 7200 for a FREE initial meeting.

Telephone: 01793 688990 Email: emmabett@imsm.com Web: www.imsm.com

LDP Luckmans 44/45 Queens Rd, Coventry CV1 3EH www.luckmans.com

31718 1pg:Liberty 24/02/2013 13:02 Page 1

liberty shopfitters

(UK) Ltd

COMPLETE SHOPFITTING SERVICE When considering business premises, having decided on the location, it is important to decide exactly what image you wish to present. Every business needs to be sure that their premises make a clear statement about the kind of business they are. When it comes to first impressions there are no second chances.

Bright, clean, well maintained and stylish shop fronts and fittings are your chance to make an instant impression, representing your business in the most favourable light. Easy to say, but perhaps, not so easy to do, you might have some ideas about what you would like, or even precise plans, for your fresh look, but where do you turn for experienced designers, craftsmen and materials? When it comes to revamping your premises, or fitting out somewhere completely new, Birmingham based Liberty Shopfitters, have many years of experience in providing bespoke solutions, tailored to their customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; precise requirements, throughout the UK. If required they will provide a consultative role in helping you decide what type of look your outlet requires or simply take a back seat and work to your design specifications. Whatever the choice, you will find them an attentive, reliable, conscientious and very accommodating business partner. They have become very well regarded within the industry devising innovative designs that actually work for their clients, rather than just looking good. Liberty Shopfitters provide a great customer service, they will listen carefully to your ideas, hear what you want, and consider the way in which the premises are utilised, taking into account flow patterns and practicalities, and how you run your business and come up with a solution tailored for you.

With their own fully equipped 2,500 sq ft factory they can design and build your fittings from scratch. Their workshop handles design projects ranging from simple replacement shop fronts to complex multi-level corporate buildings involving major specialist building works. Liberty Shopfitters are considered Salon Specialists being particularly well known for their expertise as salon fitters. Visit their web site for examples of their up to the minute installations in salons as far apart as Leeds and London, Birmingham and Basingstoke. They are also just as well known as retail specialists, providing showrooms for outlets as diverse as menswear and jewellery. Their expertise also extends to currency exchanges, conferences centres and universities, in fact, whatever your shopfitting requirements Liberty Shopfitters will be able to meet them.

Telephone on 0121 786 1201 for an informal discussion or visit their web site

www.liberty-shopfitters.co.uk to see what they can do for your business.

31600 1pg:HorseWorld 23/02/2013 17:29 Page 1

reeftek As specialists in all aspects of Confined Space regulations and equipment, husband and wife team Dez and Paul Belcher set up Reeftek in 2003, when they realised that there was a gap in the market for someone providing an all round service in this sector.

Their belief in the need for the services they provide has been more than justified as their client base has grown steadily over the last ten years.

They are Instructors and Assessors across a wide range of Health & Safety training including: Working in Confined Spaces, Confined Space Rescue, Working at Height, Waterside Safety, and First Aid at Work They carry out servicing, testing and certification of a range of breathing apparatus, such as full working BA Sets, Escape Sets and Hose Fed Systems. They also specialise in the Calibration of Portable Gas Detectors for confined space work, and the inspection and certification of a range of ancillary equipment and PPE, including harnesses, tripods, lanyards etc. They are also able to provide Cylinder Hydrostatic Testing and Air Purity Testing. Confined Space working is extremely specialised, can be very hazardous, and carries a host of safety concerns. As Dez and Paul explained: “Entry into Confined Spaces requires the need for some very specialised equipment, capable of withstanding harsh environments, and able to protect and support life. As such, this equipment must be frequently tested and inspected, to give the user the assurance that it will perform correctly, and complies with all relevant legislation.”

Being freelance instructors, they are able to provide a range of expertise and level of flexibility unknown to larger more established concerns and by working with other training companies, they have been able to improve and expand the service they offer still further. Dez and Paul are obviously “getting it right”, their reliable friendly service has led to the continued support of their customers and other training providers, despite the recession. Indeed, the company has not just “survived” the recession, but has expanded and attracted new clients. Both Dez and Paul consider it very important to continue to learn as individuals, and update their skills on a regular basis, besides keeping abreast of all the latest regulations and equipment specifications. As the couple look to the future they intend to build upon the relationships they already have with existing customers, by offering the best service they possibly can. They are also hoping to meet new companies and to continue to grow. For a preliminary discussion please phone 07766 131993 and ask for Dez or Paul or email service@reeftek.co.uk www.reeftek.co.uk for servicing, www.watersidesafety.co.uk for training.

Reeftek covers all the bases for you, providing the appropriate training for your team and offering an all round servicing package, aimed at providing a system that is flexible enough to meet the time constraints of busy working schedules.

Enviromontel Support Reeftek Ltd and wish them every success for the future.

Enviromontel, Henwick Mill House, Martley Road, Worcester, Worcestershire Lower Broadheath WR2 6RG Tel: 01905 425468 Web: www.enviromontel.co.uk Email: kevin.jenkins@enviromontel.co.uk

31678 2pg_HorseWorld 29/03/2013 15:39 Page 1

CHEESE & PROVISIONS & A WHOLE LOT MORE Central Supplies really is the big cheese of chilled food distributors, as the 2012 arrival of its new packing room and expanded cold store capacity showed. The expansion and investment continues right on in to 2013, with the Cradley company now gearing up for the launch of an exclusive range of probiotic health drinks and a sharp cheddar, aimed specifically at Birmingham and Black Country tastebuds. It was only a couple of years ago that Central Supplies moved to purpose-built 30,000 sq ft premises and the continued growth has seen distribution coverage extend to the whole of the UK, Europe and beyond. The result of which cited by MD David Packham as “its greatest business success” was the resultant opening last year of the cheese-packing facility. “We invested £200,000 in the operation to purchase a state-ofthe-art ILPRA thermoformer with top and bottom labeling, a Marchant Schmidt Cheese cutter and in-line check weighing,” says Sean Trow, Commercial Director. “Now we can pack fixed weight hard cheeses in 150gm, 200gm, 300gm and 400gm pack formats.”

Further investment - £95,000 - saw the building of a cold store extension, more than doubling the potential amount of pallets stored from 300 to 600. “It gave us a nice flow from goods in, through a 200 pallet picking area, to a racked area for more than 200 pallets of picked orders,” adds David. A total capacity of 1000 chilled pallets. “The picked order area is now next to our dock leveling loading bays, ensuring the efficient loading on to our chilled vehicles. By re-siting our racking, we’ve maintained our ambient storage capacity to 1,000 pallets which we can now increase.” The new developments are just the latest in the on-going success story of Central Supplies, which supplies chilled and ambient products. Specialising in cheese, yoghurt and dairy products and employing more than 60 people, it also handles cooked meats and bacon, delivering to wholesalers, multiple discounters, schools, hospitals and through its two franchised vehicles, caterers, hotels, pubs, sandwich bars and small independent grocers. “We recognise that many smaller wholesalers have to buy short-life chilled goods through a consolidator; we offer our suppliers the opportunity to let us distribute to their smaller wholesale customers,” says David. Always striving to offer new quality products, Central Supplies is now looking to the forthcoming launch of Jelley Brown, its exclusive probiotic dairy drink in five flavours and Black Country Sharp cheddar, which has been blended to specifically appeal to Birmingham and Black Country people. Other products in the pipeline include a range of chilled Spanish desserts, resulting from close co-operation with a Spanish manufacturer. The company is also working on developing its Brockmoor cheese range as well as working in partnership with major manufacturers to pack their brand.

MILLS ELECTRICAL SERVICES

24 HOUR SERVICE Commercial refrigeration specialists

www.ashfordrefrigerationservices.co.uk

Proud to be associated with Central Supplies. Best Wishes for the future.

Tel. 07787747333

31678 2pg_HorseWorld 29/03/2013 15:39 Page 2

To ensure the continued development, next March will see Central Supplies make its debut at London’s International Food Exhibition, where customers, existing and new, will have an opportunity to see all the exciting new products. Last year’s developments certainly consolidated Central Supplies’ status as its sector’s big cheese; looking at what’s ahead, including its focus on achieving BRC A Grade in March/April, and beyond is destined to be - well, grate.

For further information about Central Supplies, its products and services, go to

www.centralsupplies.co.uk Alternatively email sales@centralsupplies.co.uk or telephone 01384 414999

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Its main feature is the grand 800-seater auditorium, complete with state-of-the-art audio/visual provision but the building, run by New Life Conferences, can also accommodate smaller and more intimate gatherings. The inspirational setting of a church building in the heart of Lincoln is proving the perfect backdrop for ideasfizzing conferences and seminars. The traditional award-nominated architecture and established features of the New Life Conference Centre combine perfectly with all the modern facilities required for 21st century gatherings and it is proving a popular venue with conference organisers across the region. Within the very shadow of the city’s majestic thousand year-old cathedral, and alongside its lively waterfront, the centre is a perfect location, outside as well as in.

There are seven further rooms available for hire, ranging from a grand function suite, also perfect for parties, evening events and receptions, to smaller break-out rooms. With a complete range of packages that includes equipment hire and technical support, New Life Conferences can accommodate every event need, right down to keeping guests fed and watered. Catering options extend from a specially prepared three-course meal down to a £5 per head buffet while the £1.99 per head refreshment package provides extensive teas, coffees, hot chocolate, bottled water and tasty snacks during breaks. For further information about how New Life Conferences can help you to host your event, visit

www.nlconferences.com

or telephone 01522 542166. Alternatively email conferences@newlifelincoln.org.uk

Supplying to caterers, businesses and coffee lovers

www.stokes-coffee.co.uk 01522 523548

STOKES

coffee roasters & purveyors of fine teas

31619 1pg:HorseWorld 19/02/2013 14:14 Page 1

B I R M I N G H A M SOLIHULL There are exciting changes taking place at The Ramada Hotel, Solihull, known locally as The George

The hotel has been acquired by the prestigious SGS Hotels (UK) Ltd group and an extensive programme of refurbishment is due to be put in hand.

The security of the hotel’s guests is very important to SGS so they have provided free parking for guests staying at the hotel with improved LED lighting, and installed a new CCTV system covering all areas of the hotel and car park.

The well loved traditional hotel incorporates one of England’s oldest Tudor inns, and boasts 145 bedrooms and 15 meeting rooms. The timber framed buildings are set within the heart of Solihull and overlook the ancient bowling green. In the coming months SGS Hotels will be refurbishing and developing the hotel, in both the public areas and bedrooms, Designers have been commissioned to create a contemporary and luxurious environment for guests to enjoy. Guests will find new luxury beds in the beautifully refurbished and fully air-conditioned bedrooms, with an I Pod docking station, fridge and a 40” television in each guest room.

New high specification lifts, on site massage rooms and a gymnasium will complete the physical refurbishment. Returning guests will certainly notice an improved level of comfort, but will find that the high standards of service for which The George is well renowned will be maintained, and if anything, enhanced. SGS will also be offering chauffeur services for VIP guests and complimentary welcome drinks on arrival. The George is one of Solihull’s favourite wedding venues, and the very experienced on-site wedding team will look after you from the moment you enquire, through to the successful completion of your special day. The George is renowned for its flexibility, with a range of rooms for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening party, while the bowling green makes a romantic backdrop for those all important photographs.

The public areas are be redesigned and updated including new lounge, bar and restaurant furniture, with free Wi Fi access throughout the hotel. The restaurant will not just be refurnished and refurbished but a delicious new multi cultural menu will be introduced, featuring freshly prepared dishes which take their inspiration from around the world, at very competitive prices. Business clients will be catered for by a new business centre and new LCD LED super slim televisions and LCD projectors in all the meeting rooms.

The George has a tradition of hospitality running back hundreds of years, and the management envisage that these fantastic and exciting changes planned to take place over the next 12 months will reposition the hotel as Solihull’s premier venue for hospitality and events be it a conference, special family party or a wedding. For further information

Call: 0121 711 2121 www.ramadasolihullhotel.co.uk

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Choosing a

Conference Venue What makes a good conference venue? It’s a question being posed with increasing intensity by venues and organisers alike as the economic tough times continue. With more than 29,000 conference venues across UK, the pressure is on like never before to present one that stands out from the crowd and provides users with an experience they won’t forget. Nowadays, although we’re in a time of tightened purse strings, it’s not just about which one provides the best value for money. Today’s successful conference venue, whether it’s a purpose built, multi-function space, a village hall, church or hotel, is likely to be the one that meets a whole variety of different needs and is prepared to go that extra mile to fulfill them. Usually size is the first requirement organisers look to ensure is met, as obviously, a several hundred delegates affair is going to be seeking something slightly different to that of a 20-something gathering. The venues will have to be able to handle the needs of each in a bespoke way. Establishing the size of the conference is usually the starting point when choosing a venue. Whether it’s an AGM requiring a large lecture theatre or a small workshop needing a few meeting rooms, the space requirements of the event is often the first variable affecting a good conference venue. Then it’s location, location, location. The country is still expected to reap plenty of benefits off the back of last year’s London 2012, which focused international attention on the UK. Therefore, the venues which can cater for international meetings, as well as national and regional, are of increasing importance to some particular organisers.

Transport links are another key deciding factor, so those places in prime locations with easy access also score high on any preference list.

Venues have not been slow to adapt to meet the evolving needs of event organisers and any one which offers a combination of the above criteria is bound to be high on the list of choice.

Birmingham and Bristol are already profiting from their geographical locations in spades. It’s hardly a surprise that conference ubervenue, the International Convention Centre was built in Britain’s Second City, which sits at the centre of the country with all the infrastructure in place to enable road, rail and air travellers to converge.

However, the ones that really score are those which then go on to provide a service that goes above and beyond; those which work closely with a client right from the moment of enquiry to well beyond the event itself.

Bristol, with the M5 and the M4 practically running through it, is also sitting pretty. Being so close to two of the country’s prime road networks, makes it easy to reach from so many parts of the country.

By detailed collaboration at every stage, a venue can not only match but exceed expectations right down to the last detail, be it the provision of experts to help with sound and video equipment or catering for refreshments/meals that meet the dietary requirements of each delegate.

A third critical factor that does so much for a venue’s preference ranking is the level of technology it can provide. In our hi-tech 21st century environment, such ability is an absolute must, and it’s not just down to the quality of the overhead projector and a sound system. The rise of the mobile and the need to stay connected, even when on the move, has meant venues have had to adapt to meet this. For example, video conferencing facilities and social media packages are now pretty much a pre-requisite for organisers wanting to bring their event to a wider audience, as is the availability of a good Wi-Fi connection throughout the site.

In recent years, venues have been able to gauge their own success through the annual Conference Awards, now one of the most prestigious fixtures in the industry calendar. Entries closed on February 15 for this year’s event, which is due to be hosted by comedienne Jo Brand. Designed to celebrate success and champion excellence, the awards cover all types and formats of conferences as well as teams and companies and are given by a panel of top industry judges. Categories include Best New Conference Launch, Best Development of an Existing Conference, Best Association Conference and Best Corporate Conference as well as prizes for the best marketing and operations teams and those supporting the conference industry via the Best Venue and Best Supplier categories. The only such event for the commercial conference and events sector, they are due to take place at The Brewery, in London on June 7. For further information, go to www.conferenceawards.co.uk.

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ashornehill

A member of Conference Centres of Excellence, Ashorne Hill offers superb conference and events facilities in a beautiful setting, with top quality accommodation in over 100 en suite rooms. The hotel is also available for private functions and weddings at the weekends. Ashorne Hill is a beautiful Grade 2 listed mansion constructed of mellow brick and set within 35 acres of landscaped grounds, surrounded by a further 200 acres of woodland and pasture. Conveniently situated within the heart of England yet close to the motorway network, Ashorne Hill offers a relaxed yet businessfocused environment highly conducive to learning and networking. The choice of such a prestigious venue makes a statement about your business, its positioning within the market place and the value your company places upon its people.

With 17 main training or conference rooms, 23 syndicate rooms, 113 en suite bedrooms, sports and leisure facilities, plus a newly-refurbished restaurant and evening bar - and a dedicated concierge and front-of-house team -Ashorne Hill can create the ideal setting for residential training programmes and conferences during the week, and for weddings and special events at the weekends. As part of their dedication to excellence, Ashorne Hill is delighted to welcome Mark Webster as their newly appointed Senior Operations Manager. Mark, who has over 15 years' experience in the hospitality industry including previously working at a number of renowned hotels, will be responsible for the operational running of the business including front of house, catering, housekeeping, concierge and guest relations. Mark expressed his hope that â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope that together we will move the business forward and ensure customers and delegates have the best possible experience.â&#x20AC;? The Cedar Restaurant has recently been transformed into a magnificent setting for up to 200 guests for lunch or dinner, with private dining facilities available for conferences, team meetings, training sessions or corporate events. Coupled with this is exceptional catering - from home made cakes to excellent fine dining, produced by our award-winning chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Working lunches are also available by arrangement.

31644 2pg:HorseWorld 24/02/2013 15:55 Page 2

For more information please visit the web site

www.ashornehill.co.uk or telephone 01926 488 000

All meeting, training and conference rooms are fully equipped with everything necessary for your event. WiFi is available throughout the whole site and is fully included in our daydelegate and 24-hour residential package rates. The team use their in-depth understanding of people to develop tailored management development programmes challenging the status quo and existing mindsets, building new skills and team commitment, and developing the confidence to introduce new patterns of behaviour; blending trainer-led, experiential, and e-learning solutions as appropriate to meet their key objectives. The measures of success against which the programme will later be evaluated in terms of its positive business impact are agreed at the outset and reviewed at key stages during the programme roll-out. Due to their dedication to excellent customer service, customers return to Ashorne Hill time and again because of their ability to rely on the "Ashorne Experience" and a successful event or stay.

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31652 1pg:HorseWorld 24/02/2013 14:26 Page 1

Cafeology were surprised and delighted to be awarded top SME 2012 in the South Yorkshire Business Awards at a glittering occasion held at Sheffield City Hall on Thursday, September 29, celebrating the South Yorkshire Region's pioneering businesses.

The two men have approached their business in a spirit of discovery and traveled the world in support of their passion, searching out growers and producers of the very finest ethically produced beverages, including Arabica coffees from Central/Southern America, deliciously blended teas from Kenya, and premium chocolate, using cocoa from the Dominican Republic. In what he described as a “great personal achievement”, Andy went out to Kenya in 2010 to develop their own branded tea, (Teaology). He linked up with two Fairtrade farms based in Chinga which is where their tea is picked and then transported to Mombasa for packaging and shipped to the UK. All their products carry well recognised certifications such as Fairtrade, Soil Association and Rainforest Alliance to ensure the Cafeology product you enjoy really does make a difference to the farmers whose crops they buy. The ‘exclusively ethical’ company recently brought over one of its suppliers from Colombia to see the end product of his work in cafes across the UK. This gave customers a real insight into where the product comes from and developed their understanding of the supply chain.

The award is presented to a company with fewer than 250 employees, an annual turnover of less than £25m and less than £12.5m gross assets that has demonstrated significant growth or innovation within its sector, has maintained a sound financial performance and a clear plan for development. Summing up the judges said: “Cafeology has built up a sustainable business in more ways than one, showing, through its figures, that an ethical, Fairtrade business can survive and thrive even in difficult times.” Andy McClatchey, Director, said: “It was with a feeling of over whelming pride that we heard that we had been selected and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff, customers, suppliers and producers, as without these very valuable and loyal connections we would not be here today.” Cafeology supply companies of all shapes and sizes throughout the UK, including Hatton Country World, The University of Warwick and Ashorne Hill among their many Midlands’ customers. The company has come a long way since Bryan Unkles and Andy founded the company in 2003, with a shared passion for ethical beverages and the welfare of the communities that produce them.

They are delighted to have expanded their family of suppliers by recently signing a supply agreement with Dota Cooperative in Costa Rica, the first group in the world to produce carbon neutral coffee. Bryan Unkles will be visiting the producer group shortly and will be writing a blog during his trip Blog address: http://cafeology.tumblr.com

Their latest move is to make some of their products available retail to order on line, via the website

www.cafeology.com or contact them on 0114 255 8007 for stockists.

31769 1pg_HorseWorld 26/03/2013 14:56 Page 1

Malvern Big Band, Jazz & Swing Charity Dinner Dance in aid of Chernobyl Children's Life Line, Malvern and District Link To be held on Friday 19th April at the Bank House Hotel near Malvern, with special guests Jackie and Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen. Jackie will perform with the Band and Laurence will present the auction and raffle, and make a speech to the assembled guests. Jackie Llewelyn Bowen commented "Laurence and I are delighted to be able to offer our support to The Chernobyl Children's Life Line - Malvern & District and look forward to the Malvern Big Band Jazz & Swing Dinner Dance." Do you remember the 26th April 1986 when the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station exploded? Over seventy percent of the radioactive fallout fell on the country of Belarus. Belarus shares its southern border with Ukraine and the Chernobyl Plant was close to the border. More than 25 years later the contamination generated by the fallout from the explosion is still causing suffering to the children of Belarus. The effects of this disaster will last for centuries and new generations of children born long after the disaster continue to suffer thyroid cancer, leukaemia, birth defects, respiratory problems, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart defects, headaches, fatigue, reduced immunity, tiredness and ailments that would be regarded as the health problems of the middle-aged and elderly in the UK. A month away from the contaminated area eating uncontaminated food and breathing uncontaminated air will boost the children’s immune system.

Tickets are priced at £25 to include the two-course dinner. Please support this event if you can, we are taking table bookings of group sizes from two people upwards so why not make a night of it with family, friends or colleagues? Please contact Kathy Leather at the Bank House Hotel for ticket sales – 01886 833551 or for more information call Mark on 0845 544 2524 (local rate). Please see our website www.ccll.org.uk/malvern or Facebook page www.facebook.com/ccllmalvern for more information.

The Malvern & District Link of Chernobyl Children's Life Line was formed in 2002. Each summer they bring a group of ten or more children aged 10/11 from Belarus to the Malvern and District area for a one month recuperative break. This fund raising evening is all about entertainment and fun and promises to be a great evening including a two-course dinner and an auction which includes a week in a villa in Frigiliana, Spain (donated by www.villasfrigiliana.com) and a Golf Experience with bed and breakfast, donated by the Bank House Hotel. In addition there will be a raffle with many prizes that have been kindly donated by local businesses including a tour of Holywell Water, Malvern with a presentation of a Limited Edition pack. Malvern Big Band are well known in the area for playing an eclectic mix of music from the ‘Rat Pack’ era right up to contemporary jazz and pop standards (www.malvernbigband.com). The second act of the evening is Mikey Mann, an accomplished local pianist and vocal artist, who performs music from the 70s to the present day.

31729 2pg 2_HorseWorld 11/03/2013 09:43 Page 1

Aston Villa Football Club, so much more than just 90minutes.. Aston Villa’s reputation as an outstanding venue for match hospitality and major events is continuing to grow. But it’s not just the clients that are hailing the stylish facilities, sensational service and delightful cuisine. Plaudits are continuing to flood in from industry experts too. Following on from a successful 2012 which saw Villa earn a host of accolades, the New Year began with more prestigious award nominations. Villa Park is once again in the running for Best UK Unusual Venue at next month’s M&IT Awards. Villa – who earned a bronze award in this category 12 months ago – will be up against venues such as Alton Towers, Battersea Evolution, The Gherkin and The Monastery Manchester.

Conferences & Events AT V I L L A PA R K Villa Park stadium is the perfect venue for your next event, whether it be a small meeting or conference, a private party or an exhibition, we have a variety of suites to suit a range of requirements. VË VË VË VË VË VË VË

Unique venue Award-winning catering State of the art facilities Free car parking Stadium tours for delegates Events from 2-800 guests Central location - excellent motorway and train links

First-class service from beginning to end, very professional and understanding of our requirements.

AWARD-WINNING VENUE

0800 612 0960 (option 2) | www.avhe.co.uk Aston Villa Football Club, Trinity Road, Birmingham, B6 6HE

31729 2pg 2_HorseWorld 11/03/2013 09:43 Page 2

But it is not just stylish surroundings and delicious food that puts Villa at the top of the tree. The club has also been commended for its sustainability work. In fact, Villa Park recently became the first football club in the West Midlands and only the second in the country to achieve carbon-neutral status. The project to cut energy use, reduce waste and minimise greenhouse gas emissions in the stadium follows on from the successful sustainability work carried out in the hospitality field. Meanwhile, Restaurant VMF continues to go from strength to strength, with more chefs cooking for glory in the MARCHE Awards, which recognise excellence in the catering and hospitality industry. Restaurant VMF’s Tim Blake is vying for Chef of the Year, while Laurence Jervis and Luke Miller have competed in a live cookoff at University College Birmingham in the Young Chef of the Year category. There is no question that 2012 was a golden year for both elements of Villa’s hospitality and events operation.

The stadium’s many restaurants have reaped the rewards of an allotment project, which has seen the club grow its own fruit and vegetables. What’s more, as VMF strives to reflect the club’s relationship with the local community through its recipes, 80 per cent of the produce used at the training restaurant is sourced from the 5 counties surrounding the West Midlands. As well as providing a top matchday and fine dining experience, Villa Park is the perfect venue for awards dinners, exhibitions, conferences and meetings.

The club swept the board at the Stadium Experience Football Hospitality Awards, with six awards in total.

With its central location and state-of-the-art facilities, the stadium can cater for special celebrations or business and networking events.

Villa beat off stiff competition to take home the overall matchday hospitality award.

We look forward to ensuring that your events are enjoyable, memorable and successful.

They also walked away with the gold standard for chef team of the year, green sustainability and matchday hospitality in the top flight, as well as silver standard in the media choice category and bronze for conference and banqueting.

For full details of hospitality and events at Villa Park please visit the dedicated website

www.avhe.co.uk or call 0800 612 0960

Hos·pi·tal·i·ty DEFINED

Amaze your guests with our award-winning hospitality, defined by our members as “a superb experience” with “exceptional levels of quality and service”. Enjoy our mouth-watering cuisine in one of our stylish suites or executive boxes, then sit back and relax and watch the game from our premium VIP seating. Aston Villa are undoubtedly the perfect hosts. VË Award winning hospitality VË Exciting Premier League action VË Selection of hospitality packages available VË Restaurant, Executive Box and Lounge options VË Single match hospitality from £90 per person

• • • •

OVERALL MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY CHEF TEAM OF THE YEAR THE GREEN AWARD

0 8 0 0 6 12 0 9 6 0 ( o p t i o n 1 ) | w w w . a v h e . c o . u k aston villa football club, trinity road, birmingham, b6 6he

31816 2pg_HorseWorld 15/03/2013 09:40 Page 1

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Just 19 miles from Birmingham City Centre, the University of Warwick campus is home to an awardwinning and highly respected collection of venues, Warwick Conferences. With three purpose built training and conference centres and the main campus Conference Park, which utilises the very best that the University has to offer, Warwick Conferences provides over 300 meeting rooms - from boardrooms to tiered auditoria, equipped with the latest technology - 700 sq. metres of exhibition space and a 1,200 capacity hall.

One of the main reasons businesses choose to host events at Warwick Conferences is due to its central location. Warwick Conferences is easily accessible from the motorway network, with the M1, M6, M40, M45 and M69 just a 15 minute drive away and Birmingham International airport an easy 20 minute drive. Warwick Conferences also benefits from its proximity to high speed rail links with the capital (a mere 60 minutes from London Euston) and the North, but enjoys a rural setting within the University of Warwick’s 290 hectare campus. For delegates seeking to experience some of the Midlands’ finest treasures, Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle are just a short journey away, together with Birmingham City Centre which offers the very best in entertainment, retail and heritage sites.

Its Conference Park also gives all delegates full access to the University’s top sports facilities, shops, restaurants and social spaces to enjoy – all set on 700 acres of rural parkland. The people at Warwick Conferences are one of its biggest assets and the numerous customer service awards it has received substantiate this. As well as having been awarded Gold in the BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict awards a number of times, all three of its training and conference centres have achieved the AIM Gold accreditation – one of the highest accolades a venue can receive within the meetings and events industry. Warwick Conferences helps to draw hundreds of thousands of delegates into the region each year. Its exceptional facilities has seen the venue play host to huge numbers of corporate brands including Royal Mail Group, Johnson and Johnson and Jaguar Land Rover, to name just a few.

With over 1,600 bedrooms from functional campus accommodation to 4* hotel equivalent en-suite bedrooms, Warwick Conferences is able to accommodate large numbers of delegates with a vast array of requirements. Its outstanding, flexible catering, served up by award-winning chefs, completes the unrivalled, world-class events experience.

Tel: 024 7652 3222 Email: conferences@warwick.ac.uk Visit: www.warwickconferences.co.uk

31773 1pg_HorseWorld 14/03/2013 11:52 Page 1

Raising the Standard of Corporate Hosting in Birmingham. The Copthorne Hotel Birmingham is a striking building set in the bustling heart of Birmingham City Centre, furnished in a calming contemporary style, with every modern amenity, but offering old fashioned comfort and service.

The hotel is adjacent to the International Convention Centre and overlooks Centenary Square, so is ideally situated for visiting the city centre for business or simply for great shopping or dining. The National Indoor Arena, Birmingham City Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street and Snow Street railway stations are just a few minutes walk away; while there are direct transport links to the National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham International Airport. The hotel’s convenient location makes it an ideal venue for conferences and business meetings. If you are planning an event, hand your function over to the professionals, the Meeting and Events team at the Copthorne have plenty of valuable experience in mounting every shape and size of conference and event, and will ensure that your event projects exactly the right professional image for your business. The hotel has a superb range of fully equipped conference and meetings rooms for your product launch, conference, training day or seminar; they can provide space for a quiet conversation in a discrete corner of the bar, a space for a private discussion or board meeting for up to ten people in Syndicates, right up to gatherings of 250 in Cascade the largest of the hotel's function rooms, with its own foyer and bar.

Whether visiting the city for business or leisure, the 211 bedroom Copthorne provides a comfortable and convenient base, the welcome is warm and the atmosphere relaxed, you can expect excellent service and great food ranging from an authentic Singaporean meal at Bugis Street Brasserie to a drink and a light snack at Goldies Bar. In room dining is also available, and the breakfasts are superb, just what you need to get your day off to a great start!

Mat Williams, the hotel’s General Manager explained: “We offer comprehensive state-of-the-art business facilities, including a selection of boardrooms, 24 hour wifi internet access, printing, scanning, photocopying and fax services.” He is really proud of the Events team, and said, when clients visit The Copthorne to asses the facilities for their event: “They discover meeting spaces appointed with modern facilities, and relax in the knowledge that an expert experienced events team will support them from start to finish.” The hotel also holds a wedding license and can accommodate weddings of various sizes within the spacious function rooms. The Copthorne Hotel Birmingham makes organising events as easy and convenient as possible. Whether you are organising a meeting, conference, product launch, training course or private dinner, you will find the perfect venue to make your event a success.

For more information visit the web site www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornebirmingham email: events.birmingham@millenniumhotels.co.uk or telephone 0121 200 2727

31705 1pg_HorseWorld 15/03/2013 11:07 Page 1

cielo

ITALIAN/MED CUISINE

Situated in the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant Brindley Place, Cielo occupies a corner position looking across the tree –lined, Oozelles Square, with space for al fresco dining.

The very popular restaurant features Classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine served with a modern twist. The spacious interior is contemporary yet comfortable. Neutral shades combine to produce an a light, calm ambience, set off by a fabulous wall of shimmering water, soft lighting, gleaming silverware, fresh flowers and sparkling glassware. We visited on a cold dark evening in early February, but all feelings of cold and chill were immediately dispersed by Ali’s cheerful welcome. We were shown to our table by a pleasant waitress who settled us and took our order for drinks. I had a gin and tonic and was offered a choice of several different gins; the drink when it arrived was just right and served with a slice of lime. It might seem a little thing, but a choice of gins, and serving lime rather than the more conventional lemon, typifies the subtle difference between Cielo and other Italian restaurants. We were given plenty of time to choose our meal from the superb menu, Jimmy, our waiter was on hand to talk our choices through, but we didn’t feel hurried. My colleague, Jenny, chose calamari to start; the calamari was tender in a feather light batter, served with an obviously home made and very garlicky mayonnaise, I went for Fontina Cheese wrapped in Parma ham, satisfyingly salty, and Rachel picked penne in a creamy tomato and chorizo sauce, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Once our plates were cleared we had just the right break to enjoy our conversation, before our main courses. Jenny’s Sea Bass on a bed of wilted spinach served with a lobster bisque sauce was “loverly”, my hake with a black pearl scallop and lemon sauce was perfectly cooked, and Rachel’s Pork Belly was so tender that it melted in the mouth, her request for a “doggie bag” was charmingly received, and a small foil parcel was brought to the table with a smile.

The dessert menu was too tempting to miss, Jimmy warned that my choice of chocolate fondant would need an extra ten minutes, but it was well worth the wait, with a melting centre of just the right consistency served with a hazelnut ice cream that is simply not to be missed. Jenny’s Strawberry Cheesecake was very light, and Rachel’s orange flavoured crepe, served with a Cointreau sauce and ice cream was truly delicious. We declined the offer of coffee, and relaxed at the table, talking over the meal and the excellent service, and even though we had, to all intents and purposes, finished our meal, no one rushed us and Jimmy even refilled our water glasses. We would recommend Cielo to anyone, delicious Italian food, and faultless service in a relaxed city centre environment. For opening times and sample menus, please visit the web site www.cielobirmingham.com or telephone 0121 632 6882 to make a reservation.

Heart art off England g d Catering C t i B Butchers t h rs

Purveyors Purveyo rs of high quality meat

Wee are proud to support Cielo W

Restaurant R estaurant

31/34 Wholesale Market Precinct, Pershore Street, Birmingham B5 6UB Tel: Tel: 0121 622 7047

31679 1pg_HorseWorld 20/03/2013 11:31 Page 1

The Haughton

Country Pub & Brasserie A real foodie find, The Shropshire Inn is celebrating yet another award. They are award winners for the second time, 2011 and 2012, of the Taste of Staffordshire Brasserie section, while their gifted Executive Chef, Darren, is also celebrating, having reached the finals of the Master Chef category. Stuart and Janet Blackley have many years of experience in the trade and are very “hands on” owners who have a passion for good food and warm hospitality. They took over the Inn just 3 years ago, and bought it outright 18 months ago. They, their “fantastic” General Manager, Matt Dobson, and the team have worked very hard to transform the business into atop notch, light, airy restaurant, and cosy bar with comfortable seating and a relaxed ambience. You are always sure of a warm friendly welcome at The Shropshire Inn, whether you are just calling in for a drink in the bar or garden or having lunch or dinner in the restaurant. They place great emphasis on using fresh, seasonal, locally sourced produce; for example, their meat comes from Yieldfields Farm, just down the road. Yieldfields’ philosophy is that happy animals, given more time to mature, will produce succulent, richly flavoured meats. Their chefs devise dishes with a difference to show off the superb quality of the local produce. Especially popular is the Symphony of Native Seafoods, comprising Seared Scallops and Smoked Salmon, Griddled King Prawns, Sautéed Asparagus, Cauliflower Puree and Baby Leeks. Or Assiette of Yieldfield Farm Lamb, a delicious plate of Slow Braised Shoulder, Pan Fried Loin, Mini Sheppard’s Pie, Pea and Mint Veloute with Lamb Meat Glaze.

There is a succulent range of steaks, cooked to your taste, and served with your choice of sauce, thick cut home made chips, blush tomatoes, braised field mushroom and salad. Vegetarians are also always well catered for with imaginative choices such as Sautéed Summer Vegetables, Glazed Gnocchi, Grilled Halloumi, Chilli Dressing and Micro Herbs. All their desserts are home made, apart from the ice creams, which are locally sourced from The Red Lion Farm at Haughton. The team place such emphasis on quality and freshness that even all the breads used in the restaurant are home made. To accompany your meal, or to enjoy in the bar, they offer a great range of chilled lagers and real cask, including the locally brewed Slaters real ale, together with old and new world wines and Champagnes. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, while on Sunday’s the superb Carvery, offering a choice of meats, fresh vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and real crunchy roast potatoes, served with proper gravy, caters for up to 250 places, but is so popular, that it is advisable to book well in advance. The Shropshire Inn is available for private functions, the restaurant is ideal for family gatherings, weddings or other special occasions for up to 90 people; alternatively, a superb marquee covering the beer garden is available for larger events.

Visit the web site www.theshropshireinnhaughton.co.uk to see some of the great theme nights and exciting offers the Inn will be bringing forward this year, or better still, call in, book a table and taste for yourself. Haughton, Stafford ST18 9HB. Tel: 01785 780904

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31723 1pg 2_HorseWorld 19/03/2013 14:55 Page 1

reliable, experienced, caring

On-the-move coach company Longmynd Travel has scored an immediate goal upon entering the world of corporate transport. Shrewsbury Town FC has snapped up the opportunity for its players to travel in comfort, thanks to the firm’s recently acquired 32-seater executive coach. Every alternate Saturday the star of Longmynd’s fleet is whisking the team to away games, enabling them to enjoy the ultimate in luxury coach travel facilities while en route. Featuring comfy leather seats and tables, the coach also boasts a galley with microwave and top-of-the-range coffee machine, wi-fi six TV screens, hot and cold running water and toilet facilities. The club may be the first to enjoy traveling on the new addition to the Longmynd fleet but it definitely won’t be the last - the coach is available for any group looking to travel in style, be it for wedding hire or a corporate engagement. “Please feel free to make an appointment to see the coach with with a view to book,” encourages company director Val Sheppard-Evans.

A member of the Coach Tourism Council and Confederation of Passenger Transport, Longmynd Travel is a family business which was first established in 1973 and has done nothing but grow in response to the ever-increasing customer demand. It was George and Joan Evans who launched the venture, keen to build a company which the whole family could be involved in. As the business’s reputation as a reliable and reputable coach operator expanded, with many customers returning again and again, it moved from its single office in Snailbeach to larger premises at Pontesbury. In 2000 Val and her husband Mark Sheppard, now MD came on board and, three years later, Longmynd moved to its current depot. Today, whether it’s a private hire or corporate requirement, an airport transfer or a school bus run, Longmynd Travel is - just the ticket.

For further information about the company or to make a booking, go to www.longmyndtravel.co.uk. Alternatively, telephone 01743 861999 or email info@longmyndtravel.co.uk

The vehicle’s arrival at the company depot, in Lea Cross, near Shrewsbury, was only the most recent of many during the last year - Longmynd is a company that’s definitely going places. It has also acquired a top-of-the-range Plaxton Elite, 51-seater with air conditioning, drinks facilities and toilet, and the only one of its kind in Shropshire, and a 29-seater Mercedes Umvi a midi luxury coach. They are now part of a 22-strong fleet of vehicles, all designed to take people from door to door in style, whether they be in 16 or 70 seaters. Explains Val: “Our coaches are designed for long European journeys, so are ideal for trips to any destination within the UK or Europe, and are fitted with the most up-to-date safety features, including second and third braking systems, ABS and European-standard rollover protection.”

Congratulations to Longmynd Travel on celebrating

Years

of providing first-class coach travel Dyke Yaxley, Chartered Accountants 1 Brassey Road, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury SY3 7FA T: 01743 241281 F: 01743 235794 E: info@dykeyaxley.co.uk www.dykeyaxley.co.uk

As an insurance broker, it’s easy to be just another business provider.

Rollinson Smith & Co Ltd offer so much more We are one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the Midlands. We’ve been trading since 1974, which means we have the experience, the contacts and the knowledge that some of our smaller, younger competitors just won’t have. PR House, Hortonwood 30, Telford, Shropshire TF1 7ET Tel: 01952 607600 Fax: 01952 607601

www.rollinsonsmith.co.uk Proud to support Longmynd Travel 57

31767 1pg:HorseWorld 24/02/2013 14:58 Page 1

Reliable, efficient and complying with all recognised legislation, Connections is an international travel management company with a difference. The provision of transport to conferences and events is sometimes a last minute consideration, leaving the company or organisation vulnerable to unlicensed or poorly insured operators, and resultant problems of unreliability, or in the event of an accident or injury, a substantial financial penalty for the organisers. It is crucially important to establish a relationship with a properly regulated company. Connections is part of The Kings Ferry who have been carrying passengers safely and reliably throughout the country since Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill took his first coach on the road in 1968, and now number over 60 vehicles in their fleet. Safety is a priority, with ongoing investment in staff and driver training and on keeping the fleet up to the minute.

The Kings Ferry is owned by National Express, and specialises in luxury coach hire for London and the south east whilst providing a cost effective and extremely popular commuter service into London from Medway and Swale in Kent Their subsidiary company, Connections, was born to meet the larger requirements from corporate clients such as the BBC and Metropolitan Police, providing nationwide coach solutions for corporate travel buyers and private hires alike through their 500 + strong group of partner operators across the UK. Moving over 1million officers and 120,000 coach movements for the Met Police meant they operated 200 + coaches a day for the duration of the Games.

Coach travel not only represents a cost efficient form of ground transport, it is also one of the most carbon efficient methods of mass transporting your passengers. With corporations now setting themselves tough environmental targets as part of their overall commitment to corporate social responsibility, smarter choices in transport method and the suppliers that provide them has the potential to make a massive impact on an organisation's carbon footprint. The first international coach operator to become carbon managed, The Kings Ferry provides an environmentally friendly ground transport alternative for groups and companies compared to individual car usage. The average number of people carried in one car is 1.58, whereas a coach carries, on average, 32 people and only takes up the space of three cars.

Connections offers a complete travel management solution with self-booking tools, dedicated account management and MI reporting for clients booking on behalf of discerning travellers. Customers can benefit from the best market price as Connections works with partner operators all over the country and manages the whole process. The company continues to invest in order to maintain their market leading position, they are developing a range of customer touch points, improving the customer experience with a new website, and new smartphone apps, which is generating improved customer service through many media channels including social media. In current market conditions, companies and organisations are looking for â&#x20AC;&#x153;best valueâ&#x20AC;?, and the economies of scale combined with their reputation for service and efficiency, that Connections can offer is attracting more and more customers through providing the best and most reliable coach hire in the market.

For further information, contact: www.coachhireconnections.com 0845 257 9941 sales@coachhireconnections.com 58

31686 1pg:HorseWorld 25/02/2013 15:59 Page 1

Customer focussed company Golden Castle Caravans are celebrating 36 years in business, and are reaping the rewards of the major changes they made to their company over the last two years.

The most dramatic and exciting of these was the merger of their Staverton & McIntyre branches into the main company and the relocation of all sales and servicing to the recently extended and improved 9 acre site at their Staverton HQ on Cheltenham Road East near Churchdown in Gloucestershire. The extended Staverton site, and large awning showroom, is proving to be a great hit with customers, providing first class sales, accessory and service facilities, all at one easily accessible location with ample parking. The transfer of the Sterling and Sprite brands to Staverton, bringing the company’s entire offering under one roof means that they are now able to give their customers an even better choice, at even more competitive prices.

Craig Dee, the Managing Director of Golden Castle Caravans says “These days you have to be flexible. The economic climate is difficult for everybody and more than ever we have to put our customers’ needs and expectations first. We took a big step in merging our branches and becoming the NCC Approved Dealership but these changes are already directly resulting in better service and better prices for our customers. These have been extremely positive moves.” Their services include new and used caravan sales, and are main dealers for Swift, Sterling, Sprite and Lunar; caravan servicing, warranty and insurance repairs are carried out in their 6 bay workshop which is fully approved by the National Caravan Council, the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. They are licenced credit brokers for BlackHorse and offer a choice of competitive finance packages. Payments can be spread over a period of up to 12 years, making monthly instalments more affordable than ever. They are also appointed representatives of the Towergate Underwriting Group, trading as Towergate Bakers, the Insurance specialists based in Cheltenham. In their Caravanning and Outdoor Leisure Accessory Shop they stock a full range of everything necessary for your holiday, and some items you didn’t even know you wanted until you saw them!

For the best deals on caravans and accessories visit their website www.goldencastle.co.uk or call 01452 713311

The expanded team, including the Staverton & McIntyre staff, has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and over the years Golden Castle Caravans has become the “go to” place for caravans and accessories. The company pride themselves on the quality of their service which sees generations of the same families returning again and again. In 2012 Golden Castle was the first company to achieve the status of the NCC Approved Dealership by complying with all of the National Caravan Council’s strict guidelines. By becoming the Approved Dealership, the company differentiates from others in the sector in terms of better business practices and higher quality standards. This new scheme within the leisure industry was designed with customer in mind and is meant to improve performance, efficiency and professionalism among the dealers.

31751 1pg_HorseWorld 20/03/2013 12:35 Page 1

Having quit the rat race Simon and Sally have changed direction and are racing in a completely different style. Simon was in a senior management role at a multi million dollar computer software company, while Sally, a personnel manager, was working in local government, when they decided they needed a complete change and looked for a business of their own. They moved to the Midlands and purchased the well established Ace Karting Plus in Walsall as a going concern some 18 months ago. The indoor go-karting track on the old Co-op dairy site on Bloxwich Road Walsall has been going for 22 years. They knew just what they would be getting into and what challenges to expect, as Simonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family had a leisure business in Blackpool, and Sallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family come from Walsall. The couple have carried out an extensive upgrading and improvement programme since taking over, including a brilliant new website and lots of new equipment.

But karting as anyone who has had a go knows is not just for children, all ages can have a great time, a lady of 50 recently held her birthday party at the track and their oldest recent competitor is 96! Stag and Hen parties are very popular, the local Asian community enjoy the facilities, together with schools, youth groups, football clubs - you name it, any group looking to enjoy themselves will be found at Ace Karting Plus. Karting events can be run not just for fun but have also proved very successful as team building and training events. You might think that a couple having such a good time might not have a chance to plan ahead, but in fact they have great plans for the site, and are extending, in order to provide new function rooms and conference facilities. For exclusive hire of the track, bespoke packages and special events they offer some great value flexible packages. Simon and Sally says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always aim to offer the best mix of speed, safety and price in go-karting today.â&#x20AC;?

To check availability, and see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on offer, please visit the web site

www.acekartingplusinfo.co.uk or give one of the friendly team a call on 01922 625959

They are able to operate the signals on the track remotely, and parents will be pleased to know that there is also a remotely operated speed controller if needed.

Parties are extremely popular, and although most tracks only offer facilities for children of 8 years old and above, Ace Karting Plus uniquely operates a Junior Race School and Club which can accommodate children as young as six. Simon said that as a family run company, and members of the National Karting Association, they take safety, particularly of children, very seriously and adhere to the guidelines issued by the Association for the safe operation of a karting facility. The track and facilities are inspected annually by the Association.

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31834 1pg_CD Engineering 28/03/2013 15:51 Page 1

Regional Airports Featuring an interview with Henri Hourcade General Manager of Air France and KLM All the indicators point to a healthy future for regional airports. The government is very much behind the idea of letting local hubs expand as much as possible, creating new jobs and lots of extra flight options for locals and travellers in the process. The last five years have seen no less than 21 airports submit plans for further expansion, indicating that they are more than eager to follow the government's lead. As regional airports have become more popular, they have increasingly attracted interest from big companies looking to cash in. Several local hubs are getting involved in big money deals, which will serve to attract more investment and improve facilities even further. Birmingham Airport was awarded Airport of the year in 2012 with plans for a new runway, and an increase in warehouse and hanger space. Already well established at Bristol Airport, bmi regional announced its European network expansion with the launch of routes between Birmingham and three important European cities: Gothenburg, Lyon and Toulouse, to commence in May 2013. Cathal O’Connell, chief executive, bmi regional said: “Launching our first services from Birmingham Airport is an indication of our commitment to UK regions and a significant investment to position the airline for growth. These new routes are incremental to the four new routes rolled out since bmi regional established itself as an independent airline in 2012 (Bristol to Aberdeen, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Manchester to Antwerp)”.

Bristol Airport offers a great location for business travellers; its location is very convenient for the region’s burgeoning aerospace and research facilities and has greatly contributed to the area’s economic resurgence. In 2011, it was the ninth busiest airport in the United Kingdom, handling almost 5.8 million passengers, a 0.6% increase compared with 2010. Although Bristol Airport has one of the shortest international airport runways in the country, meaning that large aircraft are rarely used due to weight restrictions, Bristol offers flights to over 100 destinations; long distance flights connecting via Dublin International, Paris and Amsterdam. These developments can only be good news for air passengers, particularly those who travel frequently and want the best value and convenience possible for their money. It is likely that travellers will soon be able to fly to even more farflung destinations from their doorstep as airlines seek to serve a wider cross-section of holidaymakers and as airports add more facilities and staff to cope with extra demand.

M Henri Hourcade the general Manager of Air France and KLM, UK & Ireland spent the day at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday, 5th December and talked to Birmingham Business Post about the company’s plans for expansion at regional airports throughout the UK. He explained the strategy that Air France and KLM are implementing in the UK to attract more corporate and business travellers, and emphasised the value of regional airports, as being more convenient for business travellers, and talked about the expansion of their services throughout the UK. M. Hourcade stressed the importance of Birmingham as a regional hub. Air France will be operating 11 flights a day to France from Birmingham, 6 of which will land at Charles De Gaulle airport, forming 20% of traffic into the airport, and KLM will be offering 4 flights daily to Amsterdam. Fly B act as a strategic partner to Air France and KLM to increase the range of destinations still further. He also predicted a bright future for East Midlands’ airport saying that there was a very good team in place who had done a lot of excellent work. E. Midlands will be offering connecting flights to Africa and N. America via Charles De Gaulle Airport. Bristol Airport is also experiencing excellent growth as travellers in the South West already appreciate the advantages of flying from their doorstep.

Henri Hourcade 61

31802 2pg_HorseWorld 25/02/2013 15:38 Page 1

31802 2pg_HorseWorld 25/02/2013 15:38 Page 2

31494 HPD:Eviva Services Ltd HPD 28/09/2012 15:19 Page 1

• •

EVIVA Services Ltd has taken off in a massive way since its launch just over two years ago - and that’s not just because one of its happy customers is Birmingham Airport. It was only in March 2010 that David Lee, after 17 years working for other electrical contractors, established Eviva to offer electrical and mechanical services to commercial and industrial businesses - and it has sparked into a £500,000 turnover concern employing 10 people. Powering its success is the customer survey, conducted shortly after being established and whose findings have, ever since, guided Eviva’s modus operandi. “We asked what clients looked for in a business to help us understand what we needed to do to create new opportunities,” explains David. “We could then establish 10 areas which were critical to their deciding who they wanted to support them. “Using their comments we have tried to implement a company ethos that stands out from that of our competitors.” A key finding was that a low cost service was not the driving force behind clients’ choice of supplier - with 70% ruling that out. “It was the overall perception and service they had, from initial enquiry to programming and executing the work to a high standard and knowing that they had the reassurance of a quality service,” says David. The other key elements were: • Time Keeping.

Overcharging. Dishonesty – claiming a total rewire is required rather than upgrading a distribution board. • Attitude – how the client would like to be treated. • Poor workmanship. • Lack of respect for property. • Lack of written information – quotations that don’t cover what work is being carried out and what hasn’t been included. • Failure to admit responsibility when things go wrong – things do go wrong, it is how they’re dealt with that affects the perception of a company. • Scruffy and dirty appearance – no corporate wear and untidy and dirty vehicles. • Incessant talking – not listening to what the client really wants. “Many also appreciated that we had pushed our company to gain accreditations including; NICEIC, Chas and Constructionline,” adds David. Today, from its Solihull base, Eviva provides a comprehensive range of electrical services to the region’s industries, including: Installation, equipment power relocation, maintenance, testing and inspection, refurbishment and energy saving lighting installations. Its biggest customer is Birmingham Airport, to whom, as its recognised business partner Eviva brings expertise, knowledge and service. “As its nominated electrical contractor we carry out electrical services throughout the terminals and on the runway, installing and maintaining various systems including, general power, lighting, emergency lighting, fire alarms, PA/VA, Data and AGL Lighting (runway lighting),” says David proudly. “The airport has benefitted from Eviva, thanks to our fast out-ofhours response to its critical operations as well as our personal service.” Its airport work has also demonstrated the company’s ability to diversify within the industry, flexibility that has served it well through the harsh economic climate. “It’s been a tough time in the construction industry but we have found that as companies’ budgets get tighter, we are able to offer external support to in-house maintenance engineers who are modifying and upgrading systems rather than installing costly new systems, thus allowing spending in other areas,” says David. “We are always looking to grow our business and build relationships with new clients by offering a service tailored to their needs.”

For more details about Eviva and its services, visit www.evivaservices.co.uk Alternatively telephone 0121 695 9581 or email hello@evivaservices.co.uk 64

31341 1pg_Feature Template 11/12/2012 12:34 Page 1

It is not only the luxury seating that Cello prides itself upon but also high quality in-flight cuisine, being able to cater for all dietary requirements. The client can select from various menu options provided by Cello’s supplier Gourmet Foods based at Knowle in Solihull near the airline’s operating base. Meals can also be designed to meet the special needs of Cello’s sports clients. Cello is proud to be part of the West Midlands business community and uses local suppliers wherever possible. Its cabin crew uniforms are provided by Slaters of Birmingham. Cello’s client list is very exclusive and it has flown 11 of Barclays Premier League football teams. It also flies chart topping artists on European tours.

Cello Aviation is a private VIP charter airline based in the West Midlands that offers the very best in the jet travel and airline management.

Cello has also done a lot with of work with the world’s top car companies whether for new car launches or for sporting events such as Formula one races or the Le Mans 24 hour race. Cello is a growing company that has seen sales double in the past year which is a major achievement in the challenging economic climate. The secret of its success is simple – to always put the customer first and provide the best possible service at a competitive price. This generates repeat business and a great reputation that attracts new customers to fly with Cello.

To find out more visit www.flycello.com

Based in Birmingham but flying throughout Europe, Cello holds an A1 operating license putting it on a par with household names like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. This gives the airline the necessary consent to operate almost all aircraft types up to and including the Boeing 747 Jumbo jet. Cello was founded in 2010 by Raj Gill who is founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Gill Group based in West Bromwich. The Gill Group specialises in civil engineering including major airport projects all over the world. Cello owns a BAE 146 200 that has a range of 1,280 miles and can carry three tones of cargo. The BAE 146 200 can operate into and out of small airports such as London City and Sion in the Swiss Alps - airports that a lot of other airlines are not able to operate to and from because of the relatively short runway or steep angle on take off and approach. The normal commercial configuration for the BAE 146 200 is seating for nearly 100 passengers. But Cello has kitted the aircraft out with just 46 all leather seats with a 43 inch pitch. This is done to offer the very highest quality of in-flight comfort.

NOW AT SLATERS

COMPLETE OUTFIT FOR ONLY £75* INCLUDES SUIT, SHIRT, TIE & SHOES FREE ALTERATIONS SLATERS BIRMINGHAM • 3 CANNON STREET, BIRMINGHAM B2 5EP T: 0121 633 3855 • OPEN 7 DAYS WWW.SLATERS.CO.UK *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

GOURMET FOOD Outside Caterers of Distinction

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31710 q8:Feature Template 20/02/2013 12:12 Page 1

Taxi for FleetMilne!

FleetMilne Property has built up a solid reputation within Birmingham city centre since Managing Director Nicola FleetMilne launched the business in 2004. Its success depends on a blend of fantastic customer service and an excellent mix of properties. In order to showcase the fantastic services that FleetMilne offers, the brand needs to elevate itself above the white noise of the city’s buzzing residential property community and stick in the minds of potential customers, so they know just where to turn when looking for their next city pile. One such tried and tested method is taxi advertising, which helps to emblazon FleetMilne’s brand and tour it around the city. Nicola explains: “Our marketing mission is simple: we want the FleetMilne brand to be recognised in every corner of Birmingham city centre and one of our key tactics for achieving this is taxi advertising. “A curse of being a sales & lettings agent in the city centre is that we are not allowed to use the traditional ‘for sale’ and ‘to let' boards; a standard advertising tool to show just how much great work we are actually doing for clients. In the absence of these tricks of the trade, taxi advertising provides us with an effect way to fly the FleetMilne flag.” FleetMilne reports that over the last 12 months of advertising on two city centre-based black cabs, approximately 108 leads have been generated and countless anecdotal evidence logged through the company’s Facebook page as to the success of this medium.

Meet your cabbie. Nicola explains: “We invited our FleetMilne cab drivers to come into the office, meet the team and learn exactly what we do. That way, when a punter asks them something about the striking design of their cab, they can act as your brand advocate.” Commenting on the long-term campaign, Micky Harris, Director at Ubiquitous said, “In FleetMilne we have a client that fully understands the power of taxi advertising as part of a strategy to establish brand ownership of key areas.”

TAXI!

By far the best way to make your brand stand out around town.

Suitable for advertisers large and small, taxi advertising is the most cost effective and high profile way to deliver your brand message down every street. If you are a local company and would like to benefit from special rates, contact Micky Harris now: 07967 605 995

Nicola continues: “Our cabs are fully skinned with FleetMilne branding and this form of advertising really is a cost effective way to push our name. Take a wander down Broad Street or Colmore Row and I challenge you not to agree with me!” For those businesses who are considering taxi advertising to help raise awareness of their brand, here are FleetMilne’s quick tips to help get the best out of this medium: Think about location. FleetMilne wanted to raise their profile within the city centre so a cab that serviced Solihull would not help them target their key market. Set out where you want your cabs to be visible and ensure that advertising contractor has taxis that work the correct areas.

Twitter: @UbiquitousTaxis Facebook.com/UbiquitousTaxis

www.ubiquitoustaxis.com

T: 020 7291 3700

31764 1pg_Transport Warehousing 26/03/2013 16:08 Page 1

Commercial Vehicles

Exploring the Lease/ Purchase Equation

In a nutshell, leasing is essentially a contract between a funder and a customer that gives the customer the use of the asset in return for a rental payment over an agreed time period.

Hauliers will tell you - indeed anyone in the transport sector will tell you - that rocketing fuel prices has been one of the biggest ongoing challenges their businesses have faced in recent times.

It allows for the full use of the equipment without the responsibility of ownership but, once the lease period is over the option exists for the return of the asset, or for its use to continue through a secondary rental agreement.

But, not wishing to downgrade that worry for a moment, it comes with the assumption that a company already has a vehicle ready and waiting to be fueled. Acquiring said vehicle in the first place is a matter that requires a whole heap more finance, and time spent carefully considering which financial road to take, for every option will have an affect on operating costs, taxes paid and profits made. It basically boils down to whether a haulage firm purchases its fleet of vehicles or leases them, and, of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Purchase, usually hire purchase, enables the cost of the asset - truck - to be spread over a specified time in a series of agreed monthly payments rather than making one large capital outlay. At the end of that time the purchaser, who has had the ability to claim capital allowances on the asset - has outright ownership. Any interest charges can be offset against profits for taxation. However, the potential purchaser is also responsible for all the maintenance and repair costs - not forgetting depreciation. There are probably few companies that can afford the capital outlay for a single lorry, HGV truck or trailer outright - even for larger businesses the cost of buying a fleet of vehicles is probably unthinkable and many in the transport sector are turning to leasing. Not only does it mean commercial vehicle costs can be fixed, it allows control over important budgets and saves on the initial costs of buying outright.

And should that asset no longer be required, the leasing company will arrange for its sale to a third party, with the lessee keeping a portion of the takings. Pros and cons to weigh up with this option include: • Access to a high standard of equipment that might not otherwise have been affordable. • Interest rates on monthly installments are usually fixed. • A less risky alternative to a secured bank loan - if the payments cannot be made, the asset will be lost but not, for example, the home. • The agreement cannot be cancelled as long as regular repayments for the period of the lease are maintained. • Leasing and asset finance options are widely available, with a huge range of companies out there offering advice and a wide range of packages. Not least from the truck manufacturers, such as DAF and Iveco, themselves. Disadvantages include: • Capital allowances on a leased asset cannot be claimed if the lease period is less than five years - or even seven in some cases. • It can be more expensive than buying the asset outright. • Some long-term contracts can be difficult to cancel early.

•

A deposit or some advance payments may be required.

Should the agreement be for finance leasing, the lessee is responsible for maintenance costs however, with an operating lease, the asset finance company is liable, meaning the lessee's business avoids any unexpected costs. On the other hand, an operating lease does not guarantee that the lessor will get back all, or substantially all, of the cost of the asset plus a commercial rate of interest. Often an asset may be leased several times throughout its lifetime which can mean that at the end of the term of the lease the lessor will be relying on the value of the leased asset to ensure an overall profit. So, lease or purchase? As ever it’s up to the individual to decide what’s best for their business and its circumstances. However, according to Julian Rose, Head of Asset Finance at the Finance & Leasing Association, there has been strong growth in the use of leasing and hire purchase for commercial vehicles over the past two years. “Around 400 new commercial vehicles are being financed every working day as businesses see the benefits of not having to find cash to pay up front,” he says. Regardless of how they are paid for, the cost of financing a transport business is certainly the biggest expense which has to be dealt with. Therefore it makes sense to do your homework to ensure you have a real understanding of the different options available when it comes to paying for those vehicles.

Links for further advice www.man-financial-services.co.uk/en/products/index/choosing_the_right_product.htm www.daf.eu/uk/PACCAR-Financial/Pages/New-truck-Financing.aspx www.gov.uk/business-finance-explained/leasing-and-asset-finance www.smallbusinessfinancedirectory.co.uk/search-results.php

31745 1pg_HorseWorld 26/03/2013 16:37 Page 1

W J Jenkins and Sons (Tipton) Ltd

Moving the goods that have kept industry running for over 100 years.

Although so long established, and with old fashioned standards of service, W J Jenkins & Sons are a thoroughly up to date company and offer a complete range of transport services. Their modern vehicles can accommodate part and full loads, ranging from 500 kilos up to 29 tonnes, and they have a pallet capacity of up to 23 metres long by 4 metres wide. The fleet comprises mainly flat-bed vehicles to curtain-side trailers and for the really heavy stuff, a Hiab. 26T/mtr, flat bed 8 metres long, 12 T capacity with a 2T lift at 10mtrs. Storage and unloading can be a problem in some locations but W J Jenkins will even provide offload facilities when required.

W J Jenkins and Sons (Tipton) Ltd which was started by William Jenkins in the early 1900’s is still going strong, even expanding. When William started the business, bulky or heavy goods were most generally transported any distance via the canal network, and William started by bringing coal, via canal barge from South Wales, to Ocker Hill Power Station in Tipton. As the century moved on many of the canals fell into disuse, especially with the rise of speedier road transport. William realised that to be profitable loads needed to be carried in each direction rather than allowing some journeys to run empty, and he moved into transporting steel from the West Midlands to various locations nationwide.

It is a source of pride to Nigel, that even during the recent difficult times, he hasn’t had to reduce his staff, many of whom have been with the company some time, and that he has been able to invest in increasing the size of the fleet and remained profitable.

Friendly and efficient, they will get your goods moving, give them a ring on 0121 557 6085 to see how they can help you, or visit the web site

www.wjjenkinsandsons.co.uk Pound Garage, Bridge Road, Tipton West Midlands DY4 0JW

William’s son, William Joseph Jenkins, continued the business which was eventually passed down to his five sons: Des, Derek, Ian, Mick and Brian. Today the company remains in the Jenkins family, and is run by Brian's son, Nigel Jenkins. It remains one of the longest established companies still operating in the Black Country. Their white and blue liveried trucks can be seen on motorways and A roads throughout the country, bringing engineered goods to companies nationwide. The family ethos is strong within the company and generates a friendly, helpful attitude towards clients, the company’s over a century of experience means that you can rely on their experience to provide the right service for your requirements.

Our business is helping your business Providing specialist accounts, audit, tax and business advice in the Midlands for 30 years Telephone: 0121 382 1000 Fax: 0121 382 8000 Email: enquiries@malcolmpiper.co.uk Web: www.malcolmpiper.co.uk 446 - 450 Kingstanding Road, Birmingham, B44 9SA

Proud to support

WJ Jenkins & Sons Transport and wish them every success in the future 68

31372 1pg_Feature Template 14/12/2012 13:10 Page 1

For more information please visit www.bagnallsaab.com or telephone 0121 440 1555

Bagnall SAAB is a family owned, independent Birmingham based SAAB service centre. The business was established in 1966 by the current owner Ray Bagnall, who has extensive experience working on SAAB vehicles. After completing his apprenticeship in 1972, working on SAAB and Volvo cars, he worked as a mechanic, gaining experience at several main SAAB dealers. Bagnall SAAB was set up specifically to service and repair SAABs. Ray says: “Looking after your SAAB car is what we do best.” Customers travel from all over the Midlands confident in the knowledge that their SAAB car will be serviced and repaired by experienced mechanics that really care about what they are doing. Bagnall SAAB offers a full range of services and only uses SAAB approved diagnostic equipment and genuine SAAB parts. With over 40 years experience of servicing SAAB cars, they know what it takes to get your SAAB running smoothly, their full engine diagnostics facilities with computerised readouts ensure that your car is in good hands. Apart from general and MOT failure repairs to customer cars, they carry out both levels of servicing. The Full Service which should be done every 12,000 miles or twelve months, which ever comes first, and an interim service. They will always make sure to stamp your service history book to keep it up to date.

Bagnall SAAB is also fully equipped to carry out any necessary work to your air conditioning system from re-gassing, a full service or decontamination service. As true SAAB specialists they confidently approach each model of SAAB, knowing just what to look out for and paying careful attention to every detail. Being a family run business, Ray’s son is also actively involved, contributes to the friendly yet professional atmosphere. Ray says: The personal touch helps when you are dealing customers on a daily basis. Thanks to that motto our customers return year after year.” There is a waiting room for you to relax in while your car is being worked on, or they can supply a courtesy car if you need to be on the move; for longer waits the premises in Highgate have secure storage for customer cars. If you have any questions about their services or if you need any information concerning your SAAB vehicle, please do not hesitate, give them a call today. They can get your SAAB 93 93, 95 9-5, 900, 9000 or Aero running the way it was designed to run. Whether you own an estate, convertible, saloon or hatchback, Bagnall SAAB will have the answer. Bagnall Saab can supply new or used spare parts for your SAAB. All new and used parts or accessories are genuine SAAB recommended and approved items. All parts are of the highest quality.

future

www.saabsparesbreakers.co.uk supplying new or used SAAB parts

UP TO

FROM SAAB SURGERY

50% OFF

DEALER PRICES AT GSF

Proud to support Bagnall Saab Email: enquiries@saabsparesbreakers.co.uk Tel: 07817 408 937 Tel Weekends: 07970 679 364

31663 2pg_HorseWorld 14/03/2013 14:54 Page 1

An innovator and market leader, it protects public and private sector customers against the financial and physical risks of adverse weather, constantly urging businesses and government to consider the loss of earnings and reputation linked to being ill-prepared for freezing weather. People are listening - GRITIT’s rate of growth has seen it zoom into the Sunday Times Fast Track list, for the second year running, coming 97th out of Britain’s 100 fastest-growing private companies. Gritting the country’s winter roads and keeping the nation on the move through icy conditions is a year-round mission for GRITIT.

Further success comes with awards: in November 2012 it won the SME of the Year at The Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards shortly after being short-listed for Growing Business Awards’ Company of the Year title and achieving a Smarta 100 win. Achieving a 99.2% customer satisfaction rating last May was also cause for celebration. But success will never see GRITIT become complacent in delivering its message - or level of customer service. “We operate in a very niche sector, but one that is being considered with greater importance as organisations increasingly focus on the need to mitigate against risks posed by severe weather,” declares GRITIT MD Nikki Singh-Barmi.

Its crack teams are ready to spring into snow clearing action at this time of year, secure in the knowledge that the warmer summer months were spent rigorously preparing itself and its customers - for the worst the freezing elements bring. Comprehensive planning is the warm weather key. The previous season’s services delivery is scrutinised for successes and areas of improvement, equipment is readied for the next cold snap and customers are fully briefed on readying their own businesses for what may lie ahead. Customers feel safe in the knowledge they have GRITIT behind them. The message coming through from clients loud and clear is that GRITIT is responsive and flexible the moment bad weather strikes – unlike many other gritting contractors. Founded in 2004, Uxbridge-based GRITIT was the first UK business to focus exclusively on winter gritting and maintenance services.

GRITIT MD Nikki Singh-Barmi

“They need to consider the loss of earnings and reputation linked to being ill-prepared and our focus is on keeping retailers, hauliers, transport providers, hospitals, emergency services and government departments operational during adverse weather, preventing accidents, and reducing the unnecessary costs of injury as well as protecting their budgets.”

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proudly supporting Gritit UK with supply of Ford Commercial Vehicles. www.paynesgarages.co.uk

01455 237777 70

31663 2pg_HorseWorld 14/03/2013 14:54 Page 2

Using a powerful operating system, GRITIT provides a fully automated service operation, boosted by a weather prediction service with 97+% accuracy in short-term forecasting. Some 350 staff are in action 24//7 throughout winter, providing more than 100,000 service visits across the UK from 92 depots. However, those numbers can and do increase during extreme conditions. Constantly aware of the legal requirement of keeping sites clear of hazards such as snow and ice, GRITIT is also on side of any client facing a claim in which they have to prove they used their best endeavours to maintain their premises in a risk-free state. “We will defend the claim and provide the evidence that our client took every possible measure to avoid any incidents,” says Nikki. “GRITIT is not about just gritting and snow clearance; it provides a comprehensive winter maintenance strategy. We are there for customers every step of the way.”

FOR WORKWEAR-SAFETY FOOTWEAR-HI VIS-CORPORATE CLOTHING PPE-FIRST AID ALSO A FULL LOGO SERVICE

Proud Partners Of

For further details about the company and its services email: info@gritit.com, or visit

www.gritit.com Alternatively telephone

0800 0432 911

As the leading supplier of thee ra range of ught are proud to salt and grit spreaders, Boughton be associateĚ ǁŝƚŚ 'ƌŝƟt and wish them every success in the future.

01283 704664 www.boughton.co.uk 71

31631 1pg:HorseWorld 23/02/2013 18:07 Page 1

R. SLEE J

Traditional Values In A Modern World

Building & Joinery Contractors Ltd

J R Slee is a medium sized, family run construction company which was established in 1990. The company has built an outstanding reputation for its professional service and has become one of the leading contractors in Shropshire undertaking a variety of work within the commercial, public and domestic sectors, up to the value of £1 million. They have extensive experience in sympathetic renovation, restoration and refurbishment projects, but they are just as well regarded for new builds, extensions, and alterations, being frequently called upon to undertake various Local Authority projects. Their clients include the National Trust and English Heritage. They have completed work on many buildings of architectural importance including Shrewsbury Abbey, Attingham Park, Dudmaston Estate and Hawkestone Hall, winning a number of Design and Heritage awards including from Shrewsbury Civic Society. They have also won a hat full of awards in the new build and sustainable construction categories.

J R Slee is very proud of their apprentices; last year Joe Price was named top Advanced Apprentice of the year, and after intensive training won the privilege of representing the UK in the World Skills competition, where he came 5th in the world for carpentry skills. Scott Jones, bricklaying apprentice, was highly commended in a SkillBuild competition receiving a high commendation from the FMB, and was awarded Blockley’s student of the year silver trowel.

Awards have come thick and fast to J R Slee, not just for their building and conservation skills but as employers, being named in the top 100 employers for their commitment and support to apprentices

The company has recruited and trained apprentices every year since inception, resulting in their own well trained workforce of craftsmen, supplemented by sub-contractors with a proven record of high quality workmanship.

This is a company who believe in the role of on the job training to develop skilled craftsmen. They are strong supporters of apprenticeships to ensure that specialist skills are retained in the industry.

Rodney attributed the company’s continued success, despite the economic climate to their policy of: “Striving to deliver quality, reliability and excellent customer service at all times. Our high standards and the professional service we implement means we maintain an excellent relationship with our clients, who return to us time and time again”.

Rodney Slee, Director: said: “Training and development of our employees is very important and we actively run a training matrix, thus ensuring employees can continually develop their skills”.

For more information please visit their web site www.jr-slee.co.uk or telephone on 01743 365112

The company currently employs 17 staff. J R Slee’s commitment to developing their employees’ skills has been recognised by the National Apprenticeship Scheme (NAS) and the West Midlands Apprenticeship Awards where they were highly commended in the Small Employer of the Year category and chosen to feature in the NAS DVD.

Suppliers of portable accomodation to J.R. Slee wish to congratulate them on their recent achievement

31763 1pg new_Transport Warehousing 26/03/2013 16:26 Page 1

The Building and Construction Sector is Bouncing Back 2013 is a year for positivity - that was the rallying cry for construction professionals across the Bristol and Birmingham regions at major industry confidence boosting events. With the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) actually reporting that the market is expected to turn a corner this year, it seems construction at last has something to look forward to. It’s welcome news for those for whom 2012 was, as the RICS states baldly, “horrendous”. While that corner negotiating might be only done in first gear, admits the organisation, there has definitely been an increase in reported workloads. The most recent RICS construction market survey showed that the increase was seen in the last three months of 2012, bearing out the prediction nationwide that 15% of surveyors expect their workloads to grow during the next 12 months. During that same three months, a net balance of 6% more respondents indicated that activity had increased, with the most substantial gains being seen in infrastructure and private commercial development. Across the country, London and the South East and the North of England saw overall workloads rise by the biggest margin - but Northern Ireland and Scotland saw activity continue to drop. “After a truly dreadful year, if one believes the official data, there are signs that 2013 will bring some better news for the construction sector,” says Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at the RICS. “Most notably, the numerous measures that the government has introduced with a focus on infrastructure appear to be bearing some fruit. However, competitive pressures remain intense and are continuing to erode profit margins.

“Financing constraints are also still an issue although the Funding for Lending Scheme should gradually help to ease this challenge.” The view remains determinedly upbeat in Bristol, Birmingham and elsewhere, thanks to the recent national Rally to Restore Confidence. Devised and hosted by FBE (forum for the built environment), the initiative saw five co-ordinated events take place across the UK, each aimed at encouraging professionals in all platforms within the built environment that 2013 is a year for positivity. Collectively, they saw about 1,000 attendees from the property, development and construction sectors, with more than 180 property professionals converging in Birmingham alone for a panel debate and networking. While there was general acknowledgment among those gathering at the Council House that the local economy is still struggling as a result of difficulties in obtaining finance/funding, the consensus was that Birmingham has an exciting and expansive development programme for the future with opportunities for growth lying with the HS2 project and the planned redevelopment of the Paradise Circus site in the heart of the city. The FBE’s Birmingham chairman Peter McHugh says that the Second City rally was an excellent reminder of the expertise and experience that exists in the region, along with the appetite to get construction moving again. “With major regeneration earmarked for the city and its surrounding areas, together with changes at local government level, we are committed to providing quality and sustainable development; ensuring Birmingham remains a vibrant place to live and work,” he adds.

Over in Bristol, 130 delegates met at MShed on the harbourside to focus on where development will be seen within the region, availability of funding, sustainability and the City Deal, which is designed to attract investment and create jobs in Bristol via an Enterprise Zone. Here, too, the difficulties of obtaining finance or funding were also cause for concern but the overall opinion was that the Bristol and Bath regions are uniquely placed to buck the trend and resume growth in the year ahead. A number of significant opportunities were identified, most notably the redevelopment of Bristol Temple Meads Station, while there was also an extensive debate around the issue of green and sustainable development with general agreement that the focus has drifted from BREEAM ratings to a ‘fabric first’ approach, i.e. achieving reduction in energy consumption from the design stage. Here too, the rally was a timely reminder of the wealth of construction expertise and experience that exists as well as the determination to get Bristol, with new Mayor George Ferguson at the helm building again, says Jamie Siggers, regional director of the FBE. “The response from our panellists and delegates was exceptional,” he adds. “It demonstrated a clarity of vision and a real passion to continue to work together to increase opportunities for all.”

* The FBE is a built environment networking organisation with more than 2,000 members from multi-national construction companies, cost consultants, architects and designers, property developers, engineers, planners and consultants, legal and financial specialists and other service professionals.

31681 1pg_HorseWorld 14/03/2013 15:33 Page 1

One of the things Troy Kidsley loves about his work is helping to make customers’ dream homes a reality. Or transforming their properties into buildings destined to be enjoyed for years to come. Such delights are all in a day’s work for Troy and his associates at Troy Kidsley Architecture, his Bromsgrove RIBA practice is able to offer so much more than just the core architectural skills. “We perform additional services such as interior design, project management, planning supervision, building conservation, computer visualisation, marketing literature and website design,” he says. “These are available through our in-house team and, where necessary, retained consultant professionals. “On many projects we build the team for the client or offer a one-stop service engaging quantity surveyors, structural, civil, electrical and mechanical engineers plus any other professional required to fulfil the project.” And that’s where making dreams happen comes in to play. “We gain great satisfaction from working for individual clients in realising their dreams for new homes, or remodelling their existing residences,” smiles Troy. “A lot of work is involved in ensuring all aspects of the brief are met, from movement and flow between spaces to final decor colours. We aim to provide all the advice necessary to reach the right solution for any brief and give our clients many years of pleasure in their new homes.” Of course, the practice’s portfolio extends to much more than the individual homeowner, ranging from industrial and commercial projects to award-winning residential sites for private developers and housing associations.

Clients have included various NHS services, Bromsgrove Council, Bromford Housing Group, Rooftop and Elim Housing and Banner Homes along with various house building firms, local government, property developers, pubs, restaurants and hotels. It’s a long way from 2002 when Troy established the business in a back bedroom with a phone, a desk and a computer. However it was quickly on the move to rented offices and, by 2005, had four members of staff and grown six-fold in fee turnover. Today it’s offices are based in New Road, and, while it marks the current recession which has claimed many other practices already, as one of its greatest challenges yet, has much to look forward to. Not least being in the final shortlist of four against multi-national practices in an international RIBA design competition. It’s also poised for an exciting 2013 in which Troy plans to capitalise on the interest already shown in a modular building system designed and patented by his team. “It alleviates the time, cost and quality issues surrounding construction,” he reveals. “We have had a lot of interest and some orders on the books already.”

For further information about the practice, its services and projects, please visit

www.troykidsley.com Alternatively telephone 01527 873000 or email mail@troykidsley.com

I BILLINGTON Surveying Services Limited

Chartered Quantity Surveyor. RICS Accredited Mediator 35 Birmingham Road Bromsgrove Worcestershire B61 0DR Tel: 01527 833847 Mobile: 07802 930310 Email: icbillington@lineone.net www.ibillingtonsurveying.co.uk

Pleased to support Troy Kidsley Architecture 74

31440 1pg 3:HorseWorld 19/02/2013 17:51 Page 1

Energy Prices Are Going Through The Roof… …Now Your Roof Can Pay Your Energy Bills, And More - Pure Genius! Yes, it’s true…and with the Millions of Pounds of government subsidies and finance options available to business owners in 2013, you won’t have to use a penny of your own money to install a renewable energy system that will guarantee you cost savings. So, here’s the deal for Birmingham Business Post readers who take action before 30th April 2013. Genius Energy will give you the following iron-clad, three part money saving guarantee…

“There are not many business owners who can boast going to work and having the power to help thousands of home and business owners. It’s my job to give away Millions of Pounds of government subsidies and that’s a great feeling. Helping vulnerable home and business owners’ combat ever increasing energy bills without having to spend a penny of their own money and giving them guaranteed cost savings is not a bad job to have.”

1. You’ll get a brand new renewable energy system installed in your office/premises without using a penny of your own money

And Lee is so passionate about helping Birmingham Businesses he’d like to offer you an extra ‘Take Action Fast’ bonus:

2. You’ll save money on your energy bill from day one

“If you’re serious about saving money with Genius Energy and call us before 30th April 2013 we’ll not only give you our 3 part money saving guarantee but will also incorporate a:

3. You’ll receive an annual tax FREE payment from the government

FREE lifetime service and maintenance support package OR Genius Energy will pay your entire energy bill for a year! All you need to do is call Genius Energy on 0121 270 3569 before 30th April 2013 to arrange a meeting with an energy saving adviser to see if you qualify for a government subsidy and discover the extent of your future cost savings. Managing Director Lee Bould, still has to pinch himself when he wakes up in the morning…

We’ll hold your hand every step of the way - you have nothing to lose (apart from a hefty chunk off your energy bills), so call us today for a chat!” There you have it, straight from the horse’s mouth - it’s not, ‘too good to be true’ and there’s no catch! If you’d like to find out if you qualify for a subsidy, call Genius Energy on 0121 270 3569 before 30th April 2013 and simply quote the Birmingham Business Post to secure their awesome guarantee and bonus offer.

“I wanted to save money and generate an income, so installing solar panels was a no brainer! We paid for our system but you don’t need to now as there are some unbelievable government subsidies available. We’ve saved £1,200 in the first nine months and I’d urge all business owners to call genius energy and take advantage of earning money from their roofs!” John Farnham - Corporate Service Manager Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau

For more information, visit www.genius-energy.co.uk or call 0121 270 3569 75

31661 2pg_HorseWorld 14/03/2013 10:48 Page 1

A two-year drive for manufacturing excellence has ended in triumph for Lincolnshire’s HK Timbers, now officially the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Most Improved Company in the UK.

Thinking out of the box reaped rich rewards for the Gainsborough vegetable storage box manufacturer which began its transformation using techniques inspired by the automotive industry. Jubilant production director David O’Neill, who was among the HK Timbers team who went up to the winners’ podium to receive the CBI Award for Most Improved Company at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2012, a glittering ceremony compered by former politician Michael Portillo, describes the win as the company’s greatest success yet. He’s also full of praise for the committed involvement of all the staff in driving the transformation forward. HK Timbers, a family business established in 1968, has also been lauded by award judge and Head of Manufacturing Philippa Oldham who says the new procedures have turned the company’s fortunes around, adding: “it is an excellent company, helping to keep manufacturing at the heart of Lincolnshire- and the UK’s – economy.” David says it’s fantastic to receive industry recondition for the company’s effort and the win has given everyone a real sense of pride and personal achievement.

Over the years it has developed a broad customer base, in the UK and abroad, and, while continuing to specialise in cold storage boxes for vegetables, has broadened its output to manufacturing other timber-based products such as packing cases and display units. Throughout the entire process, from the careful selection and preparation of the raw materials to the final assembly of the products, quality and attention to detail remain paramount. As part of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Manaufacturing Excellence programme, the most successful and long established support programme of its kind in the UK, companies are required to complete an in-depth assessment and those who complete one or more of the eight parts receive a free, bespoke and confidential benchmark report. Expert assessors then visit the best companies in each module to verify the audit responses and offer practical advice and suggestions. After further judging, the winners are announced at the awards ceremony. Says David: “The awards process saw all our staff getting involved and their efforts have been very much appreciated.”

“We have been using the MX assessment process to review our business systems and strategic direction for the last two years,” he explains.

But HK Timbers is not getting complacent about its success - far from it, says David.

“We developed an action plan from the feedback we received in 2011 and made the changes where necessary which delivered huge improvements across the company.”

“We are now looking to carry on with the improvement programme and identify new business to drive the company forwards,” he promises.

To some extent, implementing change is not new for HK Timbers, which was founded to meet the growing demand for timber potato storage boxes.

For further information about HK Timbers and its products, please visit www.hktimbers.com. Alternatively, telephone 01427 611 311 or email info@hktimbers.com

J BRADSHAW AND SONS LTD Road Transport and Warehousing Contractors

Bradshaws Transport have been hauliers for HK Timbers for many years and wish them continuing success Registered Office, Sturton-by-Stow, Lincolnshire LN1 2BX Tel: 01427 788223 Fax: 01427 788498

Gainsborough Depot, Willoughby Street Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 1JJ Tel: 01427 612341 Fax: 01427 810885

31661 2pg_HorseWorld 14/03/2013 10:48 Page 2

JB Timber Importers Ltd Congratulate H.K timbers on their award and are pleased to have been associated with them for many years.

We specialise in factory finished redwood log cladding that can be machined to most profiles and sizes. Our own 'In House' coating system creates an unbeatable sprayed finish Timber is treated with a preservative Wide range of colours to choose from All our paint comes with a manufacturer's warranty Pre stained Timber cladding is designed for external use Timber is FSC® certified 238 Main Road, Newport, East Yorkshire TEL: 01482 868218 FAX: 01482 679707 Email: sales@jbtimberimporters.co.uk Web: www.jbtimberimportersnewport.co.uk

LAMBERT’S TRANSPORT & WAREHOUSING LTD

WORLD CLASS TOOLS, FASTENERS & COMPRESSORS

65 Clough Road, Gosberton Risegate, Spalding , Lincolnshire PE11 4JW

Telephone 01775 750100 Supporting HK Timbers with all their transport needs Proud to be associated with HK Timbers and their continued success

www.bostitch.co.uk TOOLS | FASTENERS | COMPRESSORS | ACCESSORIES

31770 1pg_CD Engineering 27/03/2013 09:52 Page 77

Eco2Energy present their findings in a consultative style, based on payback and return on investment. Many of the energy efficiency measures which they suggest also have a pay-back of just 2-4 years, so significant savings can be realised in a short period of time. In exciting news Eco2Solar, the well regarded Worcestershire solar energy company, launched a new company at the end of 2012; building on their vast experience of energy saving technology.

Eco2Energy is an innovative offering focussed on energy efficiency in the non-domestic market. Based in the Midlands, they provide professional, cost-effective renewable energy and energy efficient installations that significantly reduce fuel bills and carbon footprints of nondomestic properties around the UK.

Paul Hutchens, MD, said: “The set-up of the business was exciting for us, as we are entering a new market with a potential offering that can save non-domestic buildings money on energy bills, stop them wasting their energy and reduce their carbon footprint- which is all positive!”

Eco2Energy Unit 8, John Samuel Building Hoo Farm Industrial Estate Kidderminster DY11 7RA

www.eco2-energy.co.uk 01562 745 265

The cost of energy continues to soar and businesses are trying to moderate their usage not just from a cost saving point of view, but to comply with demands to reduce their carbon footprint. Eco2Energy take a consultative approach to analyse your building’s energy usage and needs. They will provide you with an ‘Energy Options Report’ detailing cost-effective strategies to reduce your carbon footprint and more importantly your bills.

and energy eĸĐŝĞnĐy Đompany dŚĞ ŐƌŽƵƉ ŽīĞƌƐ Ă ĐŽŵƉƌĞŚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ĞŶĞƌŐǇ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶ to ŶŽŶͲĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƟĞƐ, ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ renewable ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶĞƌŐǇ ĞĸĐŝĞŶĐǇ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞƐ͘

͕ ĨŽƌŵĞĚ ŝŶ ϮϬϬϳ͕ ƐƵƉƉůǇ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƐƚĂůů solar PV, solar hot water and heat pump ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ͘ ŽīĞƌƐ ĞŶĞƌŐǇ ĞĸĐŝĞŶĐǇ and energy saving ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞƐ ĨŽƌ ŶŽŶͲĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐƐ ƚŽ & ͛Ɛ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚǇ ŵĂŶĂŐĞƌƐ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŽŶ ŚŽǁ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ǇŽƵƌ ĞŶĞƌŐǇ ĞĸĐŝĞŶĐǇ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ƌĞĚƵĐŝŶŐ ǇŽƵƌ ĐĂƌďŽŶ ĨŽŽƚƉƌŝŶƚ ĂŶĚ ďŝůůƐ͙

sŝƐŝƚ ƵƐ www.eco2-energy.co.uk or www.eco2solar.co.uk Ăůů ƵƐ 01562 745 265 ĞͲŵĂŝů ĞŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐΛĞĐŽϮͲƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ 78

VERNON PARK... CLOSER TO JAGUAR THAN YOU THINK

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adam.smith@hansteen.co.uk

Edition37 The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

Tel: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

Tel: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk