Birmingham Business Post Edition 38

Edition38 The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

GERRYMET SAW BLADES & TOOLING

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

Protecting Your Business Security needs to be an integral part of your business strategy, according to leading protection specialists The Home Office estimates that crime costs the British economy more than £60 billion per year while a survey by the British Chamber of Commerce found that 80% of businesses felt that crime was a problem in their local area.

Crime can have a devastating effect on your business. There were over 9.2 million crimes committed against businesses across a variety of sectors in the last year alone according to recent statistics devised by the Home Office; it affects all sectors of the economy from manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation, storage, accommodation and even food services.

Theft is by far the most common type of crime experience by businesses accounting for 74% of all incidents. This translates to a massive 6.8 million incidents and repeat victimisation is commonplace.

David McCarthy, of Netwatch UK, a leading remote visual surveillance company explains, “Opportunistic thieves are targeting anything from small items that can be sold quickly, to fuel, scrap metal, copper and other valuable plant equipment left unsecured at business premises.

“Heavy Goods Vehicles have become a major target for thieves across the UK. They can contain up to 1,000 litres of fuel, which would cost approximate £1,350 at the pump. Fuel is easy to use or sell and is difficult to track making it an extremely attractive target.”

Metal and copper theft is a huge concern for UK business owners as record high commodity prices have led to an enormous rise in metal theft across the UK in recent years. In most cases of metal theft the replacement cost is substantially higher than the cost of the stolen item, as thieves cause damage in the process of the theft, especially in the case of wiring theft which can leave rural businesses without telephones or internet for several days.

Prevention is key and industry professionals are urging businesses to review their security procedures as a matter of urgency.

Real-time remote security monitoring of businesses that can prevent crime before it happens is available. Directing operations through remote CCTV and the use of advanced detection techniques, enables monitoring and intervention as soon as a security cordon is breached, alerting the intruders to the fact that they are being watched and that the police have been informed. This intervention is critical.

Traditional CCTV cameras provide a visual record of the incident but do not prevent the crime taking place. The ability of Intervention Specialists to take action while the attempted intrusion is taking place most often results in criminals leaving the scene before doing any damage.

No need for drastic security measures...

netwatch creating a fearless environment

Netwatch has prevented over 35,000 crimes.

Contact Us: 0800 917 9909 admin@netwatchsystem.co.uk

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K A N K R A A N K O B A R F A N F O R B E A F O O B F M F E I D O F E T E M O I D E TTIMWBBRR E D E E E R B E W N E W NNE THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, THE NACFB SPEAKS WITHMARK MARKSTEPHENS, STEPHENS, THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THEBANK BANK THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. AND HOW THEY ARE MAKINGAABOUT ADIFFERENCE. DIFFERENCE. DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING AND HOW THEY ARETALK MAKING APRESS DIFFERENCE. “THERE HAS BEEN MUCH IN THE ABOUT THE AND HOW THEY ARETALK MAKING APRESS DIFFERENCE. “THERE HAS BEEN MUCH IN THE ABOUT THE

“THERE BEEN MUCH TALK ININ THE PRESS THE NEEDHAS TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THEABOUT BIG BANKS. “THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK THE ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE DOMINANCE OFPRESS THE BIG BANKS. “THERE HAS BEEN THE MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS. NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS. It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE THE of BIG BANKS. It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the OF taxpayer having to pay

It isn’t simply about reducing thethe risk to to the taxpayer ofof having to about pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble.

It’s also It isn’t about reducing risk the taxpayer having pay up yet simply again when an oversized bank gets into trouble.

It’s alsoto about It isn’t simply about reducing the riskgets to the taxpayer of having to pay up up yet again when an oversized bank into trouble.

It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble.

It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from theIt’s constraints up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. also about freeing-up small andand medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling inflsized uence. freeing-up small medium businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling uence. freeing-up small and mediuminflsized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence. of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What mean?controlling Quite simply by withholding funding from of the do bigII banks’ inflthat uence.

What do mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively stranglingfunding the economy.

What do I mean?

Quite simply that by withholding from What do I mean?

Quite simply that by withholding funding from Data British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy.

What do recently I mean? by Quite simply by withholding funding from Data released the Bank ofthat England confirms that lending British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy.

Data British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy.

Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. to businesses fell by aBank further £4.8 billion in the three months toData released recently by the of England confi rms that lending released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by by the a further £4.8 billion in therms three months to released recently Bank of England confi lending February this equates tobillion a decrease of that 4.4% in lending to businesses fellyear, by by awhich further £4.8 billion in in thethe three months toto to businesses fell a further £4.8 three months February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending to businesses fellto bythe a further £4.8 billion in the three months to when compared same period last year.

February thisthis year, which to to a decrease 4.4% in in lending February year, equates a decrease 4.4% lending when compared towhich theequates same period year. of of February this year, which equates to last a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year. when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage big banks to lend more, the Bank of when compared to the samethe period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended itsthe flagship Funding forlend Lending scheme to In an attempt to encourage the big banks to more, the Bank In an attempt to encourage big banks to lend more, the Bank ofof England has extended its fl agship Funding Lending to In an attempt to encourage the big banks toforlend more,scheme the Bank of January 2015 and has stipulated that anyfor banks which reduce their England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to England has extended its fl agship Funding Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which scheme reduce their England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending to net lending willand not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2015 stipulated that any banks which reduce their January 2015 and hashas stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending willand not be able to access beyond January 2015 has stipulated that the anycheap banks funding which reduce their 2014. net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond netJanuary lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014. net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014. say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring January 2014.

The big banks January 2014. say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring The big banks instead to sitsay on their cash reservesdon’t and weather the storm.

At big banks say British businesses don’t want borrow, preferring TheThe big banks British businesses want toto borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm.

At The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring Aldermore, we hear otherwise.

Business owners tell us they want to instead to sit their cash reserves and weather the storm. instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather storm.

AtAt Aldermore, weon hear otherwise.

Business ownersthe tell us they want to instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm.

At invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from Aldermore, we hear otherwise.

Business owners tell they want Aldermore, hear otherwise.

Business owners usus they want toto invest forwe the future, but many are struggling totell obtain funding from Aldermore, we hear otherwise.

Business owners tell us they want to their primary relationship bank. invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their bank.are struggling to obtain funding from investprimary for the relationship future, but many their primary relationship bank. their primary relationship bank. their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the What’s ofofbank willing to status quo andisAldermore is just such athat’s bank.

What’sneeded needed isaanew newbreed breed bankthat’s to challenge challenge the the status quo and Aldermore is just such bank.willing What’s needed is a new breed ofsuch bankaathat’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just bank. status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a status quoin Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched inand 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore on very simple business model: we raise retail deposits isfrom consumers Launched inbusiness 2009 and Britishwe to raise its core, Aldermore is founded founded on aa very simple model: retail deposits from consumers Launched in 2009 and British to its money core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that to homeowners and very simple business model: raise retail to deposits from consumers and businesses and then lendwe that money homeowners and very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and lend that money businesses throughout the UK. We’ve notto been involved inand any form and businesses andthen then money tohomeowners homeowners businesses throughout thelend UK.that We’ve not been involved in and any form and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas. businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form form of risky ‘casino’ bankingthe andUK. weWe’ve don’t lend overseas. businesses throughout not been involved in any form ofof risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas. risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’srisky very much a banking ‘back to basics’ approach requires us to be of we don’t lend that overseas.

It’s very ‘casino’ much a ‘back to and basics’ approach that requires us to be It’s very aa‘back totobasics’ approach that requires us close tomuch our customers, understand their needs and deliver a be reliable It’s very much ‘back basics’ approach that requires us to to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us a to be and expert service.

We’re focussed on what weand do and have teams close to our customers, understand their needs deliver reliable close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service.

We’re focussed on what we and do and have teams close to our customers, understand their needs deliver a reliable of specialists who can advise business owners a range of and expert We’re focussed on we do have and expertservice. service.

We’re focussed onwhat what weabout doand and have teams teams of specialists who can advise business owners a range of and expert service.

We’re focussed on what weabout do and have teams funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property ofof specialists who can advise business owners about a range of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of and funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and of specialists who can advise business owners about range property development, fithe nancing business assets suchaproperty as plantofand funding issues, including acquisition of commercial funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and funding issues, the acquisition of commercial property and equipment and including cashflow management. property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashflow management. property development, financing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management. equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifically for equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifically for businesses, are refreshingly free fromdesigned deceptive short-term We also competitive savings cally We alsohave havewhich competitive savingsaccounts accounts designed specifi specifi cally for for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi for incentives.

Allwhich our are savings accounts can be deceptive opened online in cally a matter businesses, which refreshingly free from short-term businesses, are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives.

Allwhich our savings accountsfree canfrom be opened online in a matter businesses, are refreshingly deceptive short-term of minutesAll within the comfort of thecan customer’s ownonline office.in incentives.

Allour oursavings savings accounts canbe beopened opened matter incentives. accounts aa matter of minutes within comfort of the customer’s own online office.in incentives.

All ourthe savings accounts can be opened online in a matter minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce. ofof minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lentce. more than of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009.

We also Our approach seems beour working, because we’ve lent more more than Our approach seems totobe working, we’ve lent than £2.5 billion since opening doors because for business in 2009.

We also Our approach seems to business be working, because we’ve lent more than have more than 15,000 customers and 80,000 savers £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009.

We also £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009.

We also have billion more than 15,000 business customers and in 80,000 savers £2.5 since opening our doors for business 2009.

We also across thethan UK. havemore more than15,000 15,000business businesscustomers customersand and80,000 80,000 savers savers have across the UK. have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK. across the UK. We intend maintain our single-minded approach to helping small across the to UK. We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their approach future growth ambitions.

We intend to maintain oursingle-minded single-minded approach to helping helping small We intend to maintain our to small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.” and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. and sized fund future growth ambitions.

The time is right forbusinesses greater competition the UK banking market.” andmedium medium sized businesses fundtheir theirin future growth ambitions.

The timeisisinformation rightfor for greater competition theUK UK banking market.”

The right the market.”

Fortime more aboutcompetition the servicesinin available from Aldermore, The time isinformation right forgreater greater the UKbanking banking market.”

For more aboutcompetition the servicesinavailable from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk For more information about the services available from Aldermore, For information visit www.aldermore.co.uk Formore more informationabout aboutthe theservices servicesavailable availablefrom from Aldermore, Aldermore, visitwww.aldermore.co.uk www.aldermore.co.uk visit visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more: Find out more: Find more: Find outout more: out more:321 tFind 0333

t 0333 321 4000 4000 0333 321 4000 aldermore.co.uk t tw 321 4000 tw0333 0333 321 4000 aldermore.co.uk w aldermore.co.uk wwaldermore.co.uk aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Aldermorefor Bank PLCtaking is authorised by the Prudential RegulationRegistered Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority the Peterborough, Prudential Regulation Authority deposit and regulated mortgage contracts.

Office: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynchand Wood, PE2 6FZ. Authority forindeposit taking947662. and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Office: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered England AAF49-0413-000076 Aldermore Bank PLC isNo. authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Registered in England No. 947662.

AAF49-0413-000076 Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Aldermore Bank PLCtaking is authorised by the Prudential RegulationRegistered Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority the Peterborough, Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit and regulated mortgage contracts.

Office: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynchand Wood, PE2 6FZ. Authority for deposit taking and947662. regulated mortgage contracts.

Registered Office: Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Authority forindeposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts.

Registered Offi1st ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered England No. AAF49-0413-000076 Registered in England No. 947662.

AAF49-0413-000076 Registered in England No. 947662.

AAF49-0413-000076

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Birmingham Edition 38 Contents pg_Layout 1 30/05/2013 13:36 Page 1

C O N T E N T S Birmingham Business Post Welcome to edition 38 of the Birmingham Business Post showcasing the best of business and comment throughout the region, In this edition we discuss inner city regeneration, the delights of the open road with reference to the camping and caravanning industries and look at the more eclectic side of motoring with a feature on Vintage, Retro and Classic cars and their supporting businesses.

We introduce our new regular columnist, Bev James, CEO of The Coaching Academy, and cover the FMB Awards, and the Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year.

We continue our discussion on Auto Enrolment and stress the importance of research for growing businesses.

In our next edition we will continue to discuss Auto Enrolment, and will be featuring Lord Maurice Saatchi on the rise of mobile advertising.

Bev James will be continuing her series of articles of particular relevance to entrepreneurs, and we will be further considering the Lease/ Purchase equation for the Transport Industry.

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.

Subcon Gerrymet Farrelly’s Metal Polishers Modular Designed Solutions Global Metal Finishers Pennine Prostamp Stewart Morris Partnership Morris Site Machinery Daly Engineering Services Birmingham Air Conditioning Services Threeway Pressings Salt & Sadler Ti-Tek UK West Mercia Sections adi Group 3D Tooling Technologies Glassdomain Multibrand Services Eviva Federation of Master Builders Graline Construction Jewel Builders HTF Stainless Steel Fabrications Chase Independent Hanley Trade Frames Bromwich Hardy Birds Transport and Logistics Intercounty Vehicle Contracts Centurion Truck Rental Trust Group Travel Club Elite The Punchbowl Inn Chadbury Farm Shop Guildhall Shopping Centre Wing Yip Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year 2013 Netherstowe House Hotel Portfolio Events Stoneleigh Events Electric Cinema Silverline LandFlight Computerworld Business Solutions Kimberley-Jane Design Bev James Chameleon Web Services Lexcel Enoch Evans LLP Johnson Fleming ART (Aston Reinvestment Trust) Bridge Newland Ballard Dale Syree Watson LLP Cherish Wealth Management NACFB Bandvulc Group Liberty Leasing

4 8 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 36 38 39 40 42 44 45 46 48 50 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 64 65 66 67 68 70 71 74 75 76 78 79 80 81 82

31733 4pg_Liberty 20/05/2013 15:42 Page 1

Three cutting-edge manufacturing events in one this June Three unrivalled brands come together to create the most anticipated manufacturing event of the year when leading industry exhibition Subcon returns to the NEC on 4 to 6 June alongside the Advanced Manufacturing Show, a new event from the UK’s leading production magazine MWP, and The Engineer Conference, highlighting new ideas and ground breaking technologies.

Grant Burgham, Business Development and Portfolio Director at Centaur Exhibitions, said: “These events will provide a clear focus for excellence in manufacturing technology and services. They will be a critical destination for engineers, sourcing teams and manufacturing management across all sectors and disciplines.”

The Engineer Conference will showcase some of the most compelling and inspiring examples of manufacturing technology from both the UK's established and emerging engineering sectors.

Some of the biggest names in British industry will be taking part, with keynote speakers Mr Bob Joyce, Group Engineering Director of Jaguar Land Rover responsible for technology and innovation and Mr Dick Elsy, CEO of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, bringing together seven

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world class centres of industrial innovation amongst a rich variety of speakers from industry and academia.

represented this year including France, Denmark, Italy, Ireland, Singapore, India, Taiwan and China.

The Conference will provide a unique snapshot of the diversity of UK industry and give visitors valuable insight into the manufacturing strategies of some of our most exciting companies.

The new Advanced Manufacturing Show features machine tools, tooling, metrology equipment, software and ancillary equipment from the leading names in the sector. Visitors will have the chance to see live demonstrations and do business with exhibitors including Yamazaki Mazak, Renishaw, WNT, Delcam, Hexagon Metrology, Nikon Metrology and XYZ amongst others.

Over 300 companies will be exhibiting at Subcon and the Advanced Manufacturing Show, providing an anticipated 3,500 production and sourcing professionals with a comprehensive showcase of manufacturing technology and services.

Together the two events will provide a single point of call for visiting industry professionals looking to invest in the latest manufacturing technology, find world-class manufacturing partners and refine their make-buy strategies.

Subcon is the UK’s only event that is completely focused on contract and subcontract manufacturing including

prototyping, 3D printing, machining, moulding, fabrication, electronics assembly, casting and forging, finishing, treatments and testing.

With 86% UK subcontractors, Subcon also offers access to global markets, with thirteen overseas countries

Visitors just need to register for one show to get

FREE access to both.

Registration is now open online at www.subconshow.co.uk and www.advancedmanufacturingshow.co.uk

Subcon, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 4 to 6 June 2013, is the UK’s annual event for contract and subcontract manufacturing services. It covers every aspect of outsourced manufacturing services, from design and prototyping, machining, moulding, 3D printing, fabrication, composites and electronics assembly, to finishing and testing.

The Advanced Manufacturing Show, which also takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 4 to 6 June 2013, features the machine tools, tooling, metrology equipment, software and ancillary equipment that UK manufacturers need to stay competitive in global markets.

Complementing these two exhibitions, and highlighting new ideas and breaking technologies is The Engineer Conference, taking place over two days, aimed at engineers and manufacturing management across all sectors and disciplines.

31733 4pg_Liberty 20/05/2013 15:42 Page 2

For further editorial information contact: Sacha Peters, Centaur Exhibitions Tel: +44 (0) 207 970 4188 sacha.peters@centaur.co.uk Andy Sandford, Sticklebacks Communications Tel: +44 (0) 1737 270 648 Mobile: +44 (0) 7971 436 644 Andy@sticklebacks.com

Clamping for world class manufacture At the Advanced Manufacturing Show, 1st Machine Tool Accessories will focus on modern methods of workholding for maximising productivity and accuracy.

One of the latest products to be introduced is the Kitagawa VAX 125. It has a compact, 256 mm x 154 mm body providing secure, accurate clamping with 40 kN of torque. Nine arrangements can be configured to suit a variety of uses where compactness is important, such as on 5-axis machining centres. However, the unit is equally well suited to multiple fixturing applications on 3axis machines.

1st MTA's qualified engineers on Stand AM72 can advise on the most appropriate workholding methods for different applications and demonstrate the various clamping systems on offer.

Metal Injection Moulding for advanced materials

MIM’s market share in the metalworking industry is constantly growing as a result of the demand for complex geometries and hard to process materials. This growth is also enhanced by the substantial cost savings that MIM offers as an energy efficient, eco-friendly technology with no material scrap.

The company's vast range of workpiece clamping systems from Chick (USA), Kitagawa (Japan), Tecnomors (Italy), Best (Germany), Leave (Taiwan) and Abbott Workholding (USA) allow the user to choose a solution that precisely fits the application and budget.

Visit Beckett MIM at Subcon on stand G5 www.BeckettMIM.com.

Sheffield-based William Beckett Plastics is launching a new Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) company, Beckett MIM, at Subcon.

The new Kitagawa VAX 125 clamping system from 1st MTA

Various workholding techniques will be promoted that maximise metal removal rate and minimise idle time, leading to extra efficiency and profit.

Output from a vertical machining centre can be increased by typically 30% and can even be trebled in some instances by using the correct method of securing the workpiece(s).

Components fabricated by MIM can already be found in the aerospace, automotive, medical, consumer products and IT markets.

MIM technology allows customers to use designs that are difficult or even impossible to create with traditional metalworking technologies.

What is more, 100% of the material is utilised, with no waste, a key strength of the process that significantly reduces the cost of metal parts – especially when using titanium or other high-value alloys.

Beckett MIM is the only company in the UK to offer small, intricately detailed parts with tight tolerances using titanium alloys, Inconel alloys, copper alloys and tungsten carbides.

Its standard range also includes stainless, low alloy and tool steels.

Exceptional productivity from ITC Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) will be showing new Widia VDS drills, taps and stub length milling cutters that provide exceptional productivity and optimal geometries.

For high performance milling applications, ITC will be demonstrating the capabilities of its Widia Rubig stub length VariMill cutters for the rough and finish machining of difficult to cut materials.

The new stub length cutters are available in diameters from 6 to 12mm with cut lengths from 7 to 15mm with shank lengths up to 55mm, making them the ideal length for small machining envelopes such as turning

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31733 4pg_Liberty 20/05/2013 15:42 Page 3

centres with driven tooling turrets. This innovative new range provides exceptional productivity by machining at far higher speed and feed rates than competitors’ end mills.

art silver line with the capacity to handle much larger components and meet all the requirements of the major oil and gas companies.

The Widia VariDrill Series provides optimal geometries, through coolant facility and a new core design to enhance swarf evacuation.

This line is the first at Silchrome to be installed with spray rinses rather than rinse tanks, this is much more efficient, reduces the chance of contamination and also cuts the volume of effluent generated.

With larger components not only is the tank size an issue but perhaps more importantly the extra weight of these components means that material handling is a critical issue.

ITC can supply drills with 3 to 30XD cutting depths available across a multitude of diameters, shank lengths and point angles.

With access to Europe's largest and most comprehensive range of hole-making products, ITC can supply wire, letter and fractional drill dimensions as well as metric drills in the 1 to 20mm diameter range.

ITC will also be showing its UK-manufactured PCD and diamond-coated cutting tools for the composite industry.

You can see ITC on Stand AM97

Large scale silver plating Exhibiting at Subcon for the first time, Silchrome Plating will be showing off its new semi-automatic silver plating capabilities.

Offering a comprehensive range of metal finishing services from chrome, nickel and zinc to specialist silver and gold finishes, Silchrome is often called upon by oil and gas companies to apply silver plating to seal rings.

These can be quite large and were sometimes beyond the capacity of its existing plating lines. With demand increasing, Silchrome decided to install a new state-of-the-

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As Production Manager Frank Dawson explains “Large components would sometimes fit in our existing tanks but we simply couldn’t lift them in and out!” The new line therefore has larger tanks and also has a semi-automatic gantry crane. “We can now handle large rings safely and more efficiently and we can fully utilise the extra capacity we have installed” Frank explains.

You can see Silchrome on Stand D5

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4 - 6 JUNE

NEC BIRMINGHAM

EXPERT INSIGHT INTO THE MANUFACTURING STRATEGIES OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING COMPANIES Led by The Engineer, learn from world-leading cutting edge thinkers as they share their experiences on new technologies and innovation

14 ‘Best of British’ speakers Two compelling key note sessions Two inspiring panel discussions

BOOK YOUR PLACE AND REGISTER FREE AT WWW.SUBCONSHOW.CO.UK/CONFERENCE

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31736 2pg_Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 14/05/2013 20:43 Page 1

GERRYMET SAW BLADES & TOOLING

Chopping down to size the twin challenges of recession and online competition is something saw manufacturer Gerrymet Ltd is determined to continue - that’s why this 30th anniversary year is all the sweeter.

The last five years have presented their biggest challenge yet but, like any lumberjack weilding an axe, the Midlands company has swung into action of its own.

“E-commerce has been one of our biggest competitors but we now have our own website to advertise and supply our quality services,” states Alan Thomas, one of its four owners.

Originally established to manufacture and sharpen wide bandsaw blades for the primary and secondary timber sector, the last 15 years have seen it split between bandsaws and small tools.

After its acquisition of M&W Equipment in 2008, Gerrymet began supplying and servicing mortise equipment and today has a customer base that covers the UK and abroad.

“Our emphasis is on quality products, at sensible prices, fortified with a strong technical and service back-up,” says Alan.

“We firmly believe that this differentiates us from many other supply companies, as we focus on advice and support to ensure our customers can make the best use of their tooling.”

“We have also moved into new markets/industries and rate as one of our biggest success our record of working with customers to give them the most cost-effective cutting tooling packages, especially in the face of increased raw material costs.”

Like the blades it produces, Gerrymet is indeed honed and sharp to continue for the next 30 years.

Also owned by Tim Willis, Paul Ataria and Sharon Wood, the company, based on the Maybrook Industrial Estate in Brownhills, manufactures and supplies woodworking sawblades and tools, bi-metal bandsaws, Mortise chains and equipment, with a total re-sharpening service supporting those sales.

L&H DIAMOND Tools and Abrasives Ltd

L & H Diamond Tools & Abrasives Ltd are proud to support Gerrymet Ltd and we would like to wish them all the best for the future.

Supplying to industries including O O O O O O O O

Cutting tools Carbine Insert & Wear Parts Precision Engineering Diamond Tooling Automobile Aerospace Ceramics Woodworking

Visit

Congratulations to Gerrymet on their 30th Anniversary and wish them a bright & successful future.

From all at R. W. Print - suppliers of printing & stationery T: 01922 684863 / 682233 E: mailbox@rwprint.co.uk W: www.rwprint.co.uk

8

www.diamondcbn.co.uk t: 01543 454526 f: 01543 362056 m: 07831 168728 e: diamondabrasives@yahoo.co.uk L & H Diamond Tools & Abrasives Ltd Unit 6B, The Gatehouse Trading Est, Lichfield Rd, Brownhills WS8 6JZ

31736 2pg_Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 14/05/2013 20:44 Page 2

For further information, and to see Gerrymet’s range of products and services, go to

www.gerrymet.com Alternatively telephone 01543 378805 or email sales@gerrymet.com Gerrymet would like to thank all their suppliers for their continued support Gerrymet’s commitment to its clients is, he emphasises, paramount and can be demonstrated by the considerable investment it has made in manufacturing and servicing equipment and particularly in its large stockholding of tooling.

“This means our UK customers should expect a same day dispatch of standard tooling requirements if their order is received by us before mid-day,” he adds.

Not only is Gerrymet proud to state that it recognises and appreciates the worldwide woodworking industry’s varying needs, it has the skills to match those demands.

“We work to the highest specification, with the best materials, and with carefully chosen tooling manufacturing partners, to produce a product that we are justifiably proud to sell, knowing it will perform to the most exacting of workloads without failure.” declares Alan.

Kevin Holmes/Graham Timmins 07595 020583/07595 020584 SERVICE ENGINEERS With 30 years’ experience

Universal

Specialised on rotary, screw, piston, hydrovane compressors & auxiliary equipment.

Compressor

Maintain your existing compressed air requirements to a high standard at very competitive prices.

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Insurance Specialists

We We are are proud proud to to support support Gerrymet Gerrymet Ltd Ltd and and wish wish them them continued continued success success for for the the future future

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01902 420 461 enquiries@ashbywray.co.uk enquiries@ashbywray.co.uk

C O N S U L T A N T S

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Authorised & regulated by the Financial Services Authority for General Insurance Business

PRECISION STRIP Orchard Park Ind. Estate, Town Street, Sandiacre, Nottingham NG10 5BP Tel: 0115 949 1040 Fax: 0115 949 0042 Email: info-uk@vollmer-group.com Web: www.vollmer-group.com

+44 (0) 121 553 3031 / www.caparo.com

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The cell building didn’t stop there, however. Farrelly’s soon found itself constructing more for polishing parts of the new Range Rover Evoque.

“We’re proud to serve the automotive industry and hope this is the start of a long-standing partnership with BMW and JLR,” adds Jess.

The only dull thing about Farrelly’s is the type of polish it offers; that’s why it shines as the UK leader in its field.

Present this Wednesbury company with a challenge and you’ll find it buffs up quite nicely - as BMW found when it asked it to polish the roll bars for the new MINI Roadster.

It all contributes towards a sparkling 2013 in which Farrelly’s plans to continue expanding and improving through investing time and money into its plant and people.

“We want to add new polishing lines so we can run at a greater capacity and decrease lead times for our customers,” affirms Jess.

“We want to strengthen relationships with existing customers and build new ones to expand our client base even further.”

Key to this strategy is the revamp of the company website and the move to ‘tweet’ even more new contacts by entering the social media world via Twitter (@farrellysmp).

“We believe nothing is better than the personal touch,” Jess smiles.

Located in 30,000sq ft premises on Newman Park, just off the M6‘s junction 9, Farrelly’s was established in 1989 as a family business and, today, is the largest stainless steel and non-ferrous metal polisher in the UK, employing more than 50 people.

“The job’s requirements called for us to rearrange the factory,” recalls Sales and Marketing’s Jess Finnegan. “Of course we were happy to readjust to the new environment – it was certainly worth it to win such a prestigious contract.

“As well as constructing purpose-built cells we invested heavily in two six-access multi-head robot polishing lines to ensure the highest quality finish for our new customers.”

10

Still family run, with different generations working throughout the company, it is quality assured to ISO 9001:2008 and offers a wide range of polishes on stainless steel and non-ferrous metals, including Dull, Satin, Bright, Mirror and Super Mirror Marine onto varied products such as square and rectangle hollow sections, solid square and round bar, flat bar, tube and pipe.

It also polishes additional products such as plate, fittings, angle and section and draws the bulk of its clientele from the architectural, brewery, food, automotive and marine industries.

31753 2pg_HorseWorld 20/03/2013 13:03 Page 2

www herrmees-abbrasivves com www.hermes-abrasives.com

“We are very proud of what the business has evolved into over the last 24 years and of our ability to employ a range of talented people,” reflects Jess.

Hermes Abrasives Limited would like to congratulate Farrellys Metal Polishers on 25 years in business.

“Next year, 2014, will be our 25th and we hope to continue to develop our reputation within the industry and build on our existing success.”

Call us or visit our website to discover how we could help you.

For further information about Farrelly’s Metal Polishers, its services and products, go to

www.farrellys.com Alternatively telephone 0121 505 2299 or email sales@farrellys.com

All Round Performance.

The complete Hermes programme for centreless grinding Hermes Abrasives Ltd. Wyncolls Road s Severalls Park s Colchester/Essex CO4 9LW Phone 01206 754444 s Freefax 0800 614473 s huk@hermes-abrasives.com

WORLD CLASS SUPPLIER OF STAINLESS, CARBON & CYLINDER TUBES.

creative expertise in tube manufacturing Energy House Unit 2 & 3A Bean Road Tipton Tipton West W est Midlands DY4 9AQ

Global Steel Tube Stockholder & Processor …..right here in the West Midlands!

Telephone: (+44) 1902 671 222 Telephone: Fax: (+44) 1902 671 6 166 Website: Website: www.energytubes.com www.energytubes.com Email: info@energytubes.com

w w w. e n e r g y t u b e s . c o m

Benteler Distribu on Ltd is proud to support Farrellys Metal Polishers…. ͘​͘​͘ĐŽŶĮrming its commitment and close links to suppliers.

0121 500 3200

www.benteler www.benteler--distribu on.co.uk

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Modular Designed Solutions Modular Designed Solutions Ltd, have completed a major expansion, moving to new purpose built premises at Amethyst 3, Stafford Park 10, Telford.

There are great advantages to having components prepared offsite, in a purpose built facility, by experienced engineers working to a schedule, providing reassurance of the highest of quality standards, agreed costs and production time lines.

Offsite fabrication provides a high quality completed product that can be programmed to achieve a critical delivery milestone within the building construction process.

The Health and Safety implications should not be underestimated either, with the work being undertaken in a modern factory environment at ground level, resulting in substantially reduced numbers of operatives on site.

The company, who design and manufacture a total range of mechanical and electrical offsite solutions for the construction industry and allied trades, had been trading from Hartlebury since 2008, having moved from their original factory in Welwyn Garden City to accommodate a wider range of products, including Package Plantrooms (2008), and Riser Modules (2009), this new move marks still further growth.

In these days of ever tighter budgets and time penalties the benefits of offsite cannot be overlooked by the cost conscious developer.

The products and services offered by MDSL Ltd encompass and deliver to the principles proposed by Latham and Egan to improve efficiencies within the UK construction industry.

Many of the products MDSL produce are custom designed to suit the given application. Products include Multi-Service Corridor Modules, Plant Skids and pre-fabricated pipe work, custom designed 2-D & 3-D modules for use in primary and secondary horizontal service distribution routes. Custom designed riser modules for use in primary and secondary vertical service distribution routes. Electrical riser modules can also be supplied with busbar trunking c/w end-feeds, tap-offs, earth bars and distribution boards.

MDSL can supply fully fitted packaged and sectionalised plant rooms for both internal and external situations, in a range of sizes.

Plant rooms are delivered with all services installed and tested.

The company can also supply prefabricated components ranging from pipe headers and valve-sets to plant 'skids' frames/platforms onto which plant/equipment and pipe work are assembled in sizes that allow their introduction into the building with the minimum of on-site work to connect them together. Pre-fabricated pipework material can range from standard carbon steel through to thin walled stainless steel, in both MIG and TIG welding.

The future is looking bright for MDSL, the resurgence in the construction industry is really getting under way, and their well established client base know that they can rely on the company to supply the right products on time, every time.

Contact MDSL Ltd on Tel: 01952 201944 Fax: 01952 210133 or visit the web site for more information.

www.modulardesignedsolutions.co.uk

Proud to support MDSL Ltd

12

Global Metal Finishers Ltd

31804 1pg_Feature Template 17/05/2013 14:48 Page 1

High Quality Finish & Polishing

Putting a perfect finish on metal since 1999, Wolverhampton company Global Metal Finishers are continuing to work in close partnership with all their customers.

It is this close liaison that has been the key factor in their success as, in order to meet their customers’ requirements they have diversified from mainly providing services to the brassware industry, polishing and plating finished items, to catering for all and every industry.

The company operates from its own well-appointed premises located on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, where they have 25,000 sq ft of floor space operating 24 hours a day.

It is situated close to the motorway complex, which provides easy access to all parts of the country and ensures a quick and reliable service. Parts can be collected and delivered back to customers, and normal turnaround will be under 48 hours The company has invested heavily in plant and equipment in order to cater for additional customer requirements and can now offer polishing, rack and barrel electroplating, powder coating and wet paint systems.

Global Metal Finishers provide a high quality, fast efficient and cost effective polishing and plating operation for a wide crosssection of components and parts, all operations being carried out to customers’ specifications. The company’s reputation has provided continual growth to the extent that they are now one of the most respected operators in the United Kingdom and claim several blue chip companies amongst their customer base.

Global Metal Finishers give the same attention to detail to all their customers no matter how large or small, and their friendly helpful team of professionals are always on hand to help and advise. The company prides itself on the personal service it provides to ensure customer satisfaction at all times.

Their service involves full consultation and technical liaison, enabling total control of quality. A highly skilled and stable workforce with a wide experience of the industry carries out all activities. Their manufacturing facilities and R&D team are available for pre-production batch trials and consultation completely free of obligation.

The company makes use of the most up to date equipment and techniques to ensure the highest quality of product and standard of service are maintained, if Global can’t assist you in finding the right finishing solution, they will try and help find someone who can. It is company policy, wherever possible, to establish long-term relationships with customers.

Their ongoing investment and flexible approach has seen them become one of the best equipped and versatile metal finishing companies in the UK, and they believe that in these economically challenging times, that they can offer a competitive edge over more traditional metal finishing companies.

For more information please visit their web site

www.globalmetalfinishers.com Telephone on 01902 311355, or email sales@globalmetalfinishers.co.uk

Jacquet WESTON Engineering Tower Works, Membury Airfield, Ramsbury Road, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berks RG17 7TJ Tel: (01488) 674400 Fax: (01488) 674405 Email: info@jweltd.com Website: www.jweltd.com

Europes’ largest New & Used Surface Finishing Equipment Supplier PROUD TO BE A SUPPLIER TO GLOBAL METAL FINISHERSully AutPlant for Fully AutomaƟc and Manual Plant for Surface Treatment, ElectroplaƟng, E Coat PainƟng, Anodising, PhosphaƟng and many more Fume ExtracƟon and Fume Abatement Systems EUROPES largest New & Used Surface Finishing Equipment Supplier Service Contracts - Protect your equipment and maximise your producƟvity with a JWE Service Plan to suit your individual requirements Eŋuent Treatment SoluƟons RecƟĮers - products include manual, electronic pulse and switching recƟĮers, AC/AC and AC/DC converters, ampere-hour programmers.

Spares - JWE have a comprehensive stock of spares to support a wide variety of Įnishing plant and ancillary equipment Dry Run Capability - In our modern purpose built factory we can dry run customers process plants at the designed producƟon rate before delivery

13

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CUSTOMER requirement is the number one priority for Pennine Prostamp - no wonder it’s doubled in size in just two years from start-up.

Quality components at the right prices have also played their part in enabling this specialist in small precision metal pressings and assemblies to launch in January 2010 with two machines and employees and, by September 2012, expand to five machines and four staff.

Now actively marketing some spare capacity created through better efficiencies within its working practices and working with its biggest customer to develop a new product, Pennine Prostamp is poised for an exciting third year of operation.

The Wolverhampton company is an associate of Huddersfield’s Pennine Industrial Equipment (PIE) and was established by owner Graham Hobbs to supply the parent firm with highprecision chain links.

These are then assembled into chain conveyors for the glass manufacturing industry and used worldwide in more than 50 countries.

However, Pennine Prostamp also works closely with assembly suppliers to the aerospace industry and niche pressings sectors and offers a full service including tool design, tool making and subsequent component supply, proud to meet the everincreasing demands for timescale and quality and always at a competitive price.

“We operate to stringent quality procedures and have full traceability of our products and our aim is to ensure you always receive the very best in customer service and technical support,” assures operations manager Martin Hallam.

“Our premises on the Strawberry Lane Industrial Estate house the finest Swiss Bruderer presses that give consistency and repeatability to guarantee compliance, ensuring that your quality demands are achieved and maintained.

“And although we have a team of experienced individuals from the metals processing industry boasting a wealth of knowledge, we also have good connections with local sub-contract services upon which we can call to satisfy any requirement a client may have regarding the development or finishing of their particular product.”

Developing any business from the ground up is always going to be a big challenge as Martin readily acknowledges but, Pennine Prostamp is here for the long haul - as it has very quickly demonstrated.

14

31806 2pg_Pennie Prostrap DPS 17/05/2013 14:53 Page 2

“We are supporting the local economy by employing an apprentice, thereby investing in the future of our business and passing the skills on to a youngster,” he says.

“Also, we have now bought our premises which, again, is a sign of our commitment for the long term.”

Already, the business can congratulate itself on reaching the position of being able to easily service its major customer but plans are moving ahead on achieving a bigger slice of the market sector.

“We are now working with PIE to develop a completely new product in power transmission chain which will not only benefit them in other business sectors, it will also benefit us too,” reveals Martin.

Highley Steel Ltd independent Service Centre and Stock holding facility at the forefront of Precision Steel Strip supplies to the UK industry.

Our focus is totally on the needs of our customers. Many say it, we do it. From product conception, selection of material type and grade through to sourcing and management of supplies, customers can concentrate on running their business in the knowledge their Precision Strip supplies are in good hands.

Find out more about about us by visiting: www.highleysteel.com Highley Steel Ltd Are proud to support Pennine Prostamp and we would like to wish them the best of luck for the future...

HIGHLEY Steel

For further information about Pennine Prostamp and its full range of services, visit www.prostamp.co.uk.

Alternatively email sales@prostamp.co.uk or telephone 01902 604077.

Alpha-Rowen Ltd The UK’s largest sub-contractor of austempering servicing the spring and presswork market.

Alpha-Rowen Ltd are proud to support Pennine Prostamp and wish them all the best for the future

Based B ased over over 2 sites sites we we have have a range range o off ffurnaces urnaces which which enable enable us us to to cope cope with with a allll b batch atch s sizes izes – small small to to large. large.

Working 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday we can meet your turnaround requirements.

We offer oil hardening specialising in smaller batch sizes.

Visit our website at www.alpharowen.co.uk

HIGHLEY HIGHLEY Steel Steel t:t: ((0) 0) 1 1384 384 3 396660 96660 e: e: sales@highleysteel.co.uk sales@highleysteel.co.uk

Unit 15 Barnfield Road T ipton Tipton W est Midlands West DY4 9DF United Kingdom

Alpha-Rowen Ltd mike.leach@alpharowen.co.uk Tel: T el: 0121 557 6175 Fax: 0121 557 0961

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31812 1pg_Feature Template 23/05/2013 15:55 Page 1

STEWART MORRIS PARTNERSHIP LTD. Companies all over the world have benefited from the expert and professional services of Consulting Engineers Stewart Morris Partnership Ltd. Established in 1988 with a commitment to deliver high quality consultancy advice for construction-related projects, be they refurbishment, repairs or new build development work, the Practice, today, undertakes approximately 400 to 500 new commissions each year.

While its principal Clients are Local Authority and Health Authority based, a number of specialist design Projects have also been completed overseas including; Australia, the Middle East, Russia and Asia. SMP’s core Client base is further supplemented with Architects, Contractors, Solicitors and specialist manufacturing companies who require finite element analysis work to assess seismic and blast effects on the structures they supply.

The Company has an experienced team of four Chartered Structural Engineers, two senior technicians and two administrative staff with another two Contract Chartered Structural/ Civil Engineers available during peaks in workload.

Working in the general structural and civil engineering sectors, the Company handles an extensive variety of projects, including; structural design and detailing of new buildings, refurbishment schemes and repairs, site investigation work, contamination assessments, structural surveys, Part A Building Regulation checks, expert witness, historic/ listed buildings/structures, feasibility studies, flood assessment, roads and drainage design and telecommunication towers/ masts.

SMP’s list of Clients is long and prestigious and the Company is justifiably proud of the fact that it has developed a trusted and close working relationship with them over the years, resulting in many repeat commissions. Client’s include; Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, Bellinger Design, G M Rail Ltd, Beaverbrook’s the Jewellers, Walkers Snack Foods, Hicare Group, ID Partnership, RG + P Architects, Summers Inman, HW Coates Ltd, Central Site Accommodation Limited, TJ Telecommunications Ltd …..

“We provide a user-friendly consultancy service which strives to look under, over and around the Clients’ brief to provide the fullest advice possible,” says Managing Director and Company founder Stewart Morris.”

“We have developed our own in-house quality system, which complies with the requirements of BS ISO 9001 and defines our operating standards for the preparation, delivery, monitoring and auditing of all our design and detailing work.”

“We are currently focusing on securing additional public body framework agreements and extending our Client Portfolio in order to expand our office base. We are also seeking to strengthen and grow our informal seminars on constructionrelated issues, which are aimed at Clients’ employees who are engaged in the procurement of construction services but have limited, or no formal training in the industry.”

For information on the full range of services offered by Stewart Morris Partnership, in Charles Street, Leicester, please go to www.stewart-morris-partnership.co.uk Alternatively, please contact us by email engineers.smp@mistral.co.uk or by telephone (0116) 254 6922.

Call: Call: 01530 260105

. Email Email:: office@keyhamconstructionltd.co.uk . Visit: Visit: www.keyhamconstructionltd.co.uk www.keyhamconstructionltd.co.uk

ELIZABETH HOUSE Tyringham Close Northampton

IN BRIE BRIEF...

F....

Keyham Construction Ltd experts in the pr ovision of a wide range of commer cial provision commercial industrial and domestic building solutions We are proud to support Stewart Morris Partnership

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Bespoke Houses

SSteel teel Frames

FFactories actories

Petrol Stations

Insurance Work

31873 HPD 1pg_HorseWorld 27/05/2013 12:46 Page 1

As a reflection of this, the company recently took the decision to rebrand, from ArcGen Hilta to Morris Site Machinery, to help the company power forward as a world class business, and celebrates 40 years of success in the industry thanks to a sound company structure and total dedication to customer service.

Midlands based Morris Site Machinery, previously known as ArcGen Hilta, is a leading British manufacturer and distributor of onsite power machinery including generators, welder generators, lighting towers, power washers and pumps.

Since 1973 Morris Site Machinery has become one of the UK’s leading providers of onsite power equipment.

Over the next twelve months Morris Site Machinery is committed to nurturing partnerships for continued success, securing new and diverse markets, ensuring confident sales and marketing strategies to deliver standout, advancing customer service and enhancing their product portfolio.

The company’s main purpose is to help its customers succeed and meet their current and future goals by delivering the best products and solutions.

The company both manufactures and acts as distributor for a wide range of power solutions, which are then purchased by the UK’s biggest hire companies, including Speedy, A-Plant, Gap and JF Hunt to hire out for use on some of the country’s biggest projects. In addition the company also recently won the contract to supply lighting towers to the Ministry Of Defence via official service supplier ALC.

For more information please visit the web site

www.morrismachinery.co.uk Call: 0845 409 0272

Station Road Four Ashes Wolverhampton WV10 7DB

The company delivers high quality machines to numerous industries including petrochemical, utilities, construction and events. In the past twelve months the company has had its strongest trading year to date, establishing it as one of the most prevalent manufacturing companies in the region.

Passionate about our products ...and then some

You know us as ArcGen Hilta. For the brands you know and trust.

We’ve changed our name to Morris Site Machinery to power us forward as a world class business. A business with a dynamic engineering heritage. Bringing the world’s best power equipment to you.

Call: 0845 409 0272 Email: sales@morrismachinery.co.uk

www.morrismachinery.co.uk

17

Daly Engineering Services Ltd

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King Henry VII Pool

At more than 100 years old Daly Engineering Services is like a good wine - it improves with age.

A fine vintage, yes - but this Coventry business is doing anything but show its age and excels in keeping ahead of the game.

Offering cutting-edge solutions and fingers-on-the-pulse experienced staff, competitors find it hard to keep up with this esteemed veteran.

The engineering services provider has proudly supported British industry and the construction sector through boom times and bust, coming a long way from its humble start as a family plumbing and building contractor.

“As Coventry grew so did Daly, forging ties with the booming manufacturing and automotive industries of the Midlands golden era,” says Managing Director Peter Hucker.

“Our name became synonymous with quality building services, as we provided bespoke service installation solutions to Jaguar, Peugeot, British Leyland, Rolls Royce, Coventry Climax and Massey Ferguson, to name but a few.”

Over time the company passed out of family ownership and has been subject to a successful management buyout, adapting and adding to its services all the while remaining steadfast to its commitment to providing its UK network of clients with complete service solutions, from initial concept design to on-site installation, off-site prefabrication and facilities maintenance.

It offers the following services: • •

University of Warwick Thermal Store

18

Mechanical: - heating, ventilation, air conditioning, hot and cold water, plumbing and gas services.

Electrical: - power distribution, fire alarms, lighting, public address, CCTV and security systems and IT.

31808 4pg_Layout 1 22/05/2013 11:41 Page 2

• •

Facilities and maintenance - reactive maintenance, measured term contracts, preventative maintenance, and emergency response.

Off-site fabrication - pipework systems, packaged plantrooms and combined heat and power.

Emergency backup is also available for all types of operating plant and equipment covering heating, ventilation, hot water systems, air conditioning, power distribution, and general lighting power systems, meaning Daly’s expertise is on hand 24/7 all year; something valued by the hospitals, close care units, schools and colleges, commercial and industrial applications and other service critical points of use who benefit from such vital support.

Apart from its own internal processes, Daly outwardly demonstrates its commitment to sustainability issues through the provision of all its services.

Oxford Brooke College

Daly Head Office

www.reactcooling.com

react A fresh approach to Air Conditioning 30 ST. Mary AXE, London UK

Swegon Limited Suppliers of Complete Ventilation Solutions Including: Air Handling Units s VAV s Comfort Modules s Grilles s Diffusers DCV & Acoustics s Chillers & Heat Pumps Would like to thank Daly Engineering Services along with the Consultant, Couch Perry Wilkes, for giving us the opportunity to work with them.

. Air Conditioning . Close Control . Ventialtion Systems . Comprehensive Service We are proud to support Daly Engineering Services and wish them all the best for the future.

For more information call

0121 423 2325 or email info@reactcooling.com

Swegon Ltd Swegon Pavilion, St Cross Chambers, Upper Marsh Lane, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 8LQ T: 01992 450 400 s E: info@swegon.co.uk s Visit: www.swegon.co.uk

React Cooling Services Ltd 719 Hagley Rd West, Quinton, Birmingham B32 1DJ

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The NEC Over the years its expertise has grown tremendously in this field and it has an established track record in installing combined heat and power systems, solar energy systems, geo-thermal and ground source heat pumps, rain water harvesting and grey water installations.

And everything it produces and project it undertakes is reinforced by a wealth of accreditations, including approvals from Gas Safe, OFTEC, Construction Line, CHAS, and CCS, thus enhancing its already impressive reputation which, says Peter, speaks for itself.

“Our services are second to none and we deliver on time and on budget,” he adds. “We are committed to service excellence and to the task of providing value-for-money solutions.

“Everything we do is centred upon creating unique value added benefit for each and every customer.”

Now focussing on increasing its service and maintenance offering alongside consolidating growth in the electrical services division, Daly has entered its next centenary and is proceeding apace into the 21st with confidence.

“Diversifying from being just a mechanical services contractor to a multi-services offering was one of our great business challenges but we remained steadfast and, today, continue to work with great British institutions such as Network Rail, the Prison Service and British Telecom,” says Peter. “All our operations are conducted with due consideration to others, for we take our social responsibilities very seriously and encourage every employee to support and participate in their local communities.”

With this in mind, Daly is a big supporter of charities such as the RNIB, the local Myton Hospice and nearby junior and adult sporting clubs.

Coventry MotorMuseum

Coventry Insulation Services Ltd We would like to congratulate Daly Engineering Services on all your success and achievements

Specialists in all types of thermal insulation sheet metal work acoustics

.. .

covinsulation@yahoo.co.uk mob: 07970631343 - 42 tel: (024)76405775

1 Gardenia Drive | Allesley Village | Coventry | CV5 9BN

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31808 4pg_Layout 1 22/05/2013 11:41 Page 4

L8 Ltd L8 Ltd TTotal otal W Water ater Solutions Solutions PProviding roviding Risk Risk Assessments Assessments Water W ater Treatment Treatment and and Water W ater Storage Storage Systems.

Systems.

We W e are pleased to be aassociated with Daly Engineering Services 01827 713957

Herbert Art Gallery

L8 Ltd Total T otal W Water ater Solutions

26 26 Windmill Windmill Road, Road, Atherstone, Attherstone, Warwickshire Warrw wickshire CV9 CV9 1HP 1HP

johntankman@aol.com

People take precedence within the company, too. “They’re our greatest asset and we recognise and value their continuing contribution to our success,” declares Peter.

There’s another element to that success too - a simple and straightforward work ethic to do the job right first time and, through good, honest hard work, to deliver it on time.

There’s much in the past to be proud of but the present has plenty to celebrate as well. No wonder they’re all looking forward to the next 100 years of Daly excellence.

For further information the company and its full range of services, or to enquire via email, go to

www.dalyltd.com Alternatively telephone 02476 465281

UK’s Leading Electrical Wholesaler

We are proud to support Daly Engineering Services and we wish them all the best for the future Selling Quality electrical supplies, safety equipment and other Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) products.

Newey & Eyre 024 7668 1221 www.neweysonline.co.uk

Unit 5 Foleshill Enterprise Park Courtaulds Way Coventry CV6 5NX

We have 150+ Newey & Eyre branches across the UK

Over 25 years of installing underground utilities, C & M Kiernan Pipelines Construction have developed the experience and discipline needed to offer turnkey packages to our clients and end users.

We are proud to support Daly Engineering Services and wish them every success in the furture

UTILITIES CONTRACTORS 0121 742 9123 Fax No. 0121 743 1257 Email: sales@kiernanpipelines.com C&M Kiernan Pipelines Construction, 335 Lyndon Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 7QS

www.kiernanpipelines.com

AES Control Systems 72 Tenter Road, Moulton Park, Northampton. NN3 6AX T: 01604 790 606 E: sales@aescontrols.co.uk AES Control Systems are proud to be associated with Daly Engineering

Our services include: Estimating, sales & technical advice – Complete system design Project management – Control system software engineering Control panel – Electrical installation Commissioning – Service & Maintenance Customer support – Energy monitoring solutions Control system integration – Remote management solutions

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31810 1pg_HorseWorld 27/05/2013 13:03 Page 1

Birmingham Air Conditioning can also offer preventative and regular maintenance to filter and drive belt replacement.

BIRMINGHAM AIR CONDITIONING LTD Specialists in all forms of Air Conditioning and Air Handling, Maintenance and Installations The company was incorporated in 1988 originally to manufacture quality bespoke air handling units to meet the requirements of consulting engineers who have found difficulty in sourcing 'non standard' units such as those required by cheese making companies as well as nuclear, national health authorities and pharmaceutical industries.

They have over the years gained a reputation for quality, reliability and general expertise in the air environment.

They undertake a complete package of works from simple air handling units with heating and cooling, to full function air conditioning systems including ductwork and control systems.

Control your environment Control your costs Birmingham Air Conditioning Services Ltd now offers comprehensive service and repair of your air conditioning equipment for a one off annual fee.

This offer fully complies with European F Gas regulations, and gives peace of mind that there are no extra costs for equipment repairs during the length of your contract.

For more information call 01675 433 944 (Option 1) or alternatively visit the website www.refcom.org.uk and fill in the online form.

Birmingham Air Conditioning Services Ltd is a fully compliant F Gas registered company.

Details of their registration can be viewed using Ref-com’s register of companies competent to handle refrigerant.

www.refcom.org.uk

They design and manufacture using the latest CAD technology.

They provide a very high quality service in which they repair and service all type of air conditioning systems from simple split air conditioning systems and VRF/VRV systems to the provision of a repair service to all types of chillers and condensing units.

Birmingham Air Conditioning provides a maintenance service to all refrigerant and air handling units, to help keep them working at the peak of their efficiency.

BIRMINGHAM AIR CONDITIONING LTD

Birmingham Air Conditioning offers an air-handling unit refurbishment service to clients to help increase the working life of existing installations.

They will visit the site to inspect A.H.Us and to carry out a full survey of plant installed and make an assessment of its overhaul condition and its suitability to the users current requirements, which may now differ from those for which the plant was originally designed. They will then provide a full report with recommendations for the maintenance, repair, upgrading and or replacement together with an estimate of life expectancy.

The scope for refurbishment can range from replacement of casework, fans, bearings, coil, dampers, recouperators, cleaning or replacement, energy savings on higher efficiency fans, motors and heat recovery modifications. However if existing installations are beyond economical repair we can remove the redundant equipment and provide a replacement A.H.U in flat pack format in confined areas with limited access.

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Air Conditioning Equipment Manufacturers and Distributors

A I R Tel: 01675433944

BIRMINGHAM AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES LTD Specialists in all forms of Air Conditioning & Air Handling Maintenance & Installations

H A N D L I N G Fax: 01675462289

U N I T S

email: sales@bhamair.com

31815 1pg_Feature Template 22/05/2013 12:22 Page 1

Traditional Midlands’ manufacturer Threeway Pressings is riding a wave of success.

Substantial investment over the last few years has seen the presswork side of the business expand, and the company are also reaping the rewards of further investments into new markets through their subsidiary companies, Tisa Mouldings, Bull Barrow, Paterson Photographic and Spyra-base.

Over the last few years the company are delighted to have won manufacturing business back from China for a major white goods company. Other notable successes include a substantial contract with the building trade and the move into supplying the green energy market with products for the solar panel industry.

The capital investment made in new plant and machinery, especially a new 200 tonne Rhodes press in 2012, which doubled capacity, has seen the manufacturing side of the business keeping up with a steady increase in demand.

The expansion in the company’s facilities to include section rolling has enabled in house manufacture of products previously outsourced to China, modern CNC tube manipulation equipment has been purchased and the company’s welding and robotic welding facilities have been increased by a third.

Investment in tooling and machinery for the injection moulding plant has enabled the company to retrieve production that was previously outsourced. Whilst a new purpose built storage and distribution facility means that stock can be held for customers on a Kanban basis allowing 48 hour delivery.

Threeway feel that the investment has moved the company on to the next level doubling productivity, allowing better stock control, production and improved turnaround times.

“Spyra-Base is the UK’s leading manufacturer of ground anchors and with an ongoing programme of investment in new machinery to bring manufacturing into their Midland’s base, is providing job opportunities for the region.

The company are very proud of their recent growth and diversification, Managing Director Phil Stanley commented “We are looking to grow our regional opportunities having successfully bought new products to market, but you won’t go anywhere else in the Midlands and find such diverse operations as well as a firm that produces and sells its own products as an OEM.” Contact details, phone: 0121 520 2345 fax: 0121 557 3680 email: phil@threewaypressings.co.uk or visit

www.threewaypressings.co.uk

ASD metal services are the largest independent multi metals stockholder & distributor in the UK. As well as providing for General Steels, Stainless & Aluminium, and Flat Products, a wide range of speciality products are available.

ASD metal services klöckner klöckner & co co multi metal distribution

Our aim to support our customers' needs; be it product range, development of new products or processing requirements.

A fast and efficient service is assured.

Find out more about about us by visiting: www.asdmetalservices.co.uk ASD Metal Services Are proud to support Threeway Pressings and we would like to wish them the best of luck for the future...

They are delighted by the success of their wheelbarrow subsidiary, Bullbarrow. The company supplies a colourful range of over 58 varieties of wheelbarrows for the gardening, hardware and building industries, all manufactured right here in the UK, and distributed through main agents, as well as giving independent garden centres the opportunity to compete.

Among the new products that are being added to the range some are aimed at the equestrian market. Visit Bullbarrow’s web site www.bullbarrow.co.uk to see the full range.

Phil Stanley, Managing Director said of Paterson Photographic, who launched the most powerful and versatile studio light in the soft light market at the Focus Exhibition at the NEC. “We are one of the few UK manufacturer at the show to being able to export all over the world and have the products designed and made in the UK.”

ASD metal services W Windmill indmill w works orks Pear Pear Tree Tree Lane Dudleyy D Y2 OUY DY2 t:t: 0 08450 8450 3 342 42 1 103 03 ff:: 0 08450 8450 3 342 42 1 106 06 e: e: d dudley@asdmetalservices.co.uk udley@asdmetalservices.co.uk

23

31822 1pg_HorseWorld 22/05/2013 13:30 Page 1

Salt & Sadler Ltd. Salt and Sadler are a well established family run engineering business based in the Digbeth area of Birmingham, with many years experience in the trade.

Nick Sadler explained that although they are continually meeting requests for new products, that their specialist areas remain, Electro Plating Jigs, Painting jigs, Anode Baskets, Tanks and Fabrications, Fasteners, Titanium Anodising Jigs, Baskets, Immersion Heaters & Stats, Coils and Jigs, Baskets, Immersion Heaters & Stats, Coils and Trolleys.

They specialise in Titanium and Stainless Steel, producing a wide range of fixtures Plant parts, jigging components and crack detection equipment to various finishing industries to be electroplated, anodised and electropolished.

The company have built their reputation on providing perfectly finished product to enable their clients to achieve first rate final results.

Salt and Sadler, therefore understand the importance to their customers of a reliable manufacturer who will consistently supply products finished to the required standard.

They specialise in fabrications to the aerospace and off-shore, petro-chemical and gas industries.

The factory’s location in the manufacturing heart of the Midlands, close to the centre of Birmingham gives easy access to transport links, meaning that Salt and Sadler, are able to supply their customers in a prompt and timely manner.

For an overview of their product range, visit the web site

www.saltandsadler.co.uk or give them a call to see what they can do for you on 0121 622 3887, send a fax to 0121 666 6530 or Email info@saltandsadler.co.uk

Being a family company and very much part of their local community generates a friendly helpful attitude towards clients, and the highly experienced workforce are always happy to offer constructive advice on the most efficient, effective and economic way of producing finished components.

They will always take that extra time to listen and ensure that they understand and meet their client’s expectations, who appreciate Salt and Sadler’s “can do” attitude, and willingness to manufacture bespoke products to requirement.

Their modern factory is equipped with all the latest high technology equipment, enabling them to produce your top quality items, whether a small order or in bulk swiftly economically and efficiently.

T The he O Old ld School School | S Stt J John’s ohn’s R Road oad | D Dudley udley | D DY2 Y2 7JT 7JT

The modern factory has enabled them to offer an even wider range of products based on their extensive skills and know how.

For example a full machining facility is now available .

24

B C Stockford accountants

tt:: 01384 0138 4 233499 233499 e:enq@bcstockford.co.uk e :enq@bcstockford.co.uk

BC BC Stockford Stockford A friendly friendly local local practice practice servicing servicing all all of of your your accountancy accountancy needs needs are are proud proud to to support support Salt Salt & Sadler Sadler

w www.bcstockford.com ww.bcstockford.com

A&J Welding Supplies Limited are proud to support Salt & Sadler and wish them every success in the future

31821 1pg_HorseWorld 27/05/2013 13:07 Page 1

(UK) limited Number 1 for Titanium and Specialist Alloys Official London 2012 Titanium Supplier (For the Shoal, project) Erdington based Ti-Tek (UK) Ltd are specialist stockists and suppliers of titanium of varying grades to a wide range of industries including oil, gas, and petrochemical, medical, aerospace motorsport and many others.

They were delighted, after an exhaustive two year international tendering process, to win the contract to supply the titanium for The Stratford Shoal, a 250m titanium sculpture in Stratford, London, comprising a shimmering wall of titanium leaves to hide an ugly eastLondon shopping centre from Olympic visitors.

The Stratford Shoal sculpture was conceived as a series of tree-like forms with steel branches and oversized titanium leaves that would screen this elevation. The leaflike panels are anodised to display shades of blue, green and yellow, and each one is fixed on pivots that allow them to move with the wind.

The Shoal was a truly international project, with the titanium from Ti-Tek UK, the leaves formed and fabricated in Holland and the iridescent coating anodised in Japan.

Ti-Tek UK sources all their materials from approved mills with full traceability in line with their commitment to quality.

The various grades of titanium have different applications; pure titanium (grades 1-4) is used due to its high corrosion resistance. When supplied in grades (5-12) as an alloy it offers extremely high strength to weight ratio.

In addition to supplying titanium Ti-Tek also provides services such as sawing, shearing, water jet cutting and machined parts. They offer services to machine or cut to your specification / drawing.

The Shoal is a public realm intervention, which aims to improve the urban continuity and legibility of the existing 1970’s Stratford Centre. In the 70’s, the Stratford Centre was created with a positive frontage to the existing high street to its south.

At Ti-Tek they also offer technical services offering information to engineers, designers and buyers and provide the answers to everyday questions about cost, availability, Fabrication and use of titanium and its alloys.

Ti-Tek is not resting on their already substantial laurels and they continue to invest in training and machinery, they currently hold ISO9001:2008 certification and are working towards AS9120 Aerospace certification.

The company are looking forward to an exciting future, having recently moved into larger premises giving them double their existing capacity, as the uses of this marvellous material become ever more diverse, a modern material for a modern world.

With the introduction of the Stratford bus interchange, and later, the refurbishment of Stratford Station to the north, the ‘back’ of the centre, with its delivery bays and car parking ramps, became much more visible.

When the Olympic Park and the Westfield Centre entrances became established to the north the ‘back’ very much became the front: the entrance to Stratford

Ti-Tek UK Ltd is contactable on Tel: 0121 382 4121 Fax: 0121 373 0489 Email: info@titek.co.uk www.titek.co.uk Photography by Gareth Gardner 25

31824 1 pg_HorseWorld 22/05/2013 13:46 Page 1

WEST MERCIA SECTIONS LIMITED Nearly five decades of tool-making and section rolling quality and expertise lie behind West Mercia Sections MD Robert Tuckey’s stern words to the government.

“We’re hoping one day it will realise that the West Midlands has been built up with a solid industrial background,” he admonishes. “It’s all it knows, once being the powerhouse of our country. If the government invests in industry instead of finance this country may get back on its feet.”

While the region may not be the industrial powerhouse it once was, it’s not exactly burnt out just yet, as West Mercia Sections continues demonstrate.

“This year we plan to complete our Factory Production Control System (FPC) in relation to the new European Laws of compulsory CE marking to all construction products,” says Robert. “Then we are looking to become ISO 9001 compliant so as to keep pushing forward gaining bigger and more lucrative contracts nationally and even internationally.”

For further information about company and its products, go to

www.westmerciasections.co.uk Alternatively telephone 0121 557 9927, email accounts@westmerciasections.co.uk

The impact of the current recession, especially on the region’s industrial sector has, he adds, been quite profound and one of the biggest challenges faced by West Mercia Sections - but this Tipton specialist cold rolled steel section producer is quite a powerhouse on its own and continues to forge ahead through choppy economic waters.

“Our greatest business success is our longevity. We have been trading for nearly 50 years supplying locally, nationally and internationally,” Robert asserts. “Our business ethic is based on honesty and hard work; nothing is too much trouble for customers.”

One of the UK's major producers of precision engineered steel section for the construction, security and electrical industries, West Mercia Sections’ 10,000 sq ft factory and two-floor 1,200 sq ft office block in Nicholls Road, is visible proof of how far it’s come from its humble origins in an old railway stable in the 1960s.

It supplies heavily to the roller shutter door trade but also caters for others such as roofing, electrical, mezzanine sections, security and general wholesalers/stockholders. Some of its section and rolling mills have travelled as far as Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

“Products are fabricated using only high-tech machinery which is operated by a vastly experienced and highly qualified workforce, capable of producing the very best quality products,” says Robert, who’s particularly proud that the company has its very own tool room.

“Here is where we have specialist tool makers who can maintain our machines and all our tooling in-house along with the design and manufacture of new sections,” he says. “It also means we can produce bespoke steel section to customers’ specific requirements.”

What’s more, West Mercia Sections clients receive their orders pretty swiftly. “We have our own transport so can offer a 24-hour turnaround nationwide,” says Robert.

“If that’s not quick enough for you, however, because of the very immediate nature of the industry, you can collect your orders same day.”

26

WP Metals Limited We Wish West Mercia Sections continued success for the future WP Metals Limited, Westgate, Aldridge, WS9 8DJ

Tel: 01922 743111 Fax: 01922 743344 Email: wpsales@wpmetals.co.uk web: www.wpmetals.co.uk

31854 1pg 2_HorseWorld 24/05/2013 15:35 Page 1

Group

Total Engineered Solutions

Engineering services giant adi Group is not only big on creating jobs for Midlands people, it’s going all out to ensure a wealth of talent is out there to draw upon both now and in the future.

Operating in diverse markets such as Automotive, Defence, Food & Drink and Pharmaceutical the Group offers a similarly diverse range of engineering services such as Refrigeration, Environmental Control, Electrical, Mechanical, Automation and Facilities Management.

“The widening diversity of engineering services that this strategy has bought is key to our on-going growth” says Alan. “Our proactive and successful approach to identifying, communicating and managing problems as well as the delivery of timely, costeffective solutions by our skilled and experienced employees, is driven by our professionalism and use of the latest technology.”

Originally one company when it was established 22 years ago, adi Group now incorporates 15 limited companies and 24 divisions and its expansion shows no sign of stopping.

“The strategy is to take on one new company/division every 18 months,” declares Alan. And to help as many engineering stars of the future to shine as possible.

For further information about the Group and its services, go to

www.adiltd.co.uk To make an enquiry, telephone 0121 451 2255.

The company, the largest multi-disciplined engineering services business in the Midlands, is constantly recruiting in the local area to fill positions in its ever-expanding range of sectors and is actively championing engineering as a career to the region’s youngsters.

That’s why, in light of its continued investment in people, plant, facilities, infrastructure and customers throughout what has been and continues to be a tough climate, that it finds a shortage of skilled engineers and potential trading partners so frustrating.

“Our most significant challenge is finding talented engineers and trades who are enthusiastic and want to work with us to continue our growth pattern,” acknowledges CEO Alan Lusty. “The pool of talent appears to be decreasing, despite our ability to generate new jobs.”

The group is doing its bit to combat this, however, working with the Business In The Community organisation to partner with a local school where it can trumpet the attributes of an engineering career to pupils.

“Providing employment in an environment within which people aspire to work is one of our greatest successes,” says Alan. “Along with our record of winning new customers, entering new market sectors and funding, developing and growing the business every year throughout the recession.”

It’s the ongoing investment in all aspects of the business Sir Matthew Pinsent opened a £1million HQ on the Kings Norton Business Centre last September - combined with confidence in its ability to generate value for customers, that has resulted in year on year sales growth and attracted new and high profile talents and skill sets into the workforce.

REDROCK

CONSULTANTS

We are a recruitment organisation specialising in Mechanical & Electrical . Building Services . Construction . Crane & Lifting Operations Technical Engineering . Commercial

Redrock Consultants are proud to support ADI Group and wish them all the best for the future Phone: 0121 212 0234

Visit: www.redrockconsultants.co.uk

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

Proud to support ADI Group and wish them every success for the future.

Hire Tools & Sales Ltd, 78 St Andrews Rd, Birmingham B9 4LN Tel: 0121 772 7001 27

31859 2pg_Carford Group 23/05/2013 23:38 Page 1

Offering a great mix of experience, modern high end tooling design technology, 3D Tooling Technologies Ltd, has found a winning formula.

We featured the steady growth of 3D Tooling in our magazine last year, and since then, we are pleased to report that the company has continued to build in on its solid customer base and has recently made a major investment in a new larger CNC vertical milling machine, from America. In addition the company has recently achieved ISO9001:2008 which further enhances its reputation as a solid, reliable business partner.

Paul Reeves, founder and co – director, is very excited by the increased capacity the new machine gives, not only faster throughput, but the ability to process larger items, thanks to the 1.6m x 1.1m envelope of machining.

Paul is delighted by the company’s success, their order books are looking very healthy and they receive a steady stream of enquiries. 3D already has an impressive client portfolio and is rapidly becoming known for its work for several high-end companies undertaking projects as diverse as tooling design, and manufacture for racing and development engines, classic car engines, aerospace fixtures and components for large earthmoving machines.

“We have done a lot of work directly or indirectly for several well known companies, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Cosworth and McLaren” reveals Paul. “A more unusual project was the reverse engineering of the Rolls Royce Phantom III crankcase.

The project was commissioned by Phantom Engineering and project managed by Arrk Europe. A CAD model of the crank case was created using old drawings from microfilm and an existing casting. The tooling was then designed and manufactured from this. In all the sand pack consisted of over 40 cores and the first successful casting was produced December 2012.

One of their great strengths is their adaptability; the combination of experience, expertise and the best equipment for the job means that 3D will rise to almost any challenge. Paul says “We have the same capabilities as companies many times our size but without the large scale overheads associated with them, meaning that we can produce top quality, accurate tooling at a very competitive price. One of our main advantages is that we use the Pro-Engineer solid modelling software, which is very high end software.

We are proud to be associated with 3D Tooling Technologies Limited O Wright & Co Partnership Limited offering a friendly professional service specialising in all aspects of accountancy, business advice, taxation and tax-planning to the small and medium sized business & sole trader.

Visit www.wright-co.com

28

The Squires 5 Walsall Street,Wednesbury West Mids WS10 9BZ

9 Stafford Street Brewood Stafford ST19 9DX

0121 556 1072

01902 850 828

31859 2pg_Carford Group 23/05/2013 23:38 Page 2

The initial and ongoing outlay puts off many small companies as it is extremely costly, from the high cost of purchase and installation, ongoing fees to renew the annual licence, and the cost of training, and then remunerating the skilled worker. However, due to the amount of use we make of the system over the years it has become affordable.”

3D Tooling Technologies Limited Unit b7 & b8, Hilton Main Industrial Estate, Wolverhampton, WV11 2BE. Office Tel: 01902 738600 Fax: 01902 467337 Email: enquiry@3dtooltech.co.uk

For further information on the company’s range of services visit

www.3dtooltech.com

Sorry.You won’t be able to blame the tools.

Buy from the UK’s most comprehensive 3D, PDM and PLM partner.

t. 0121 506 9720 www.concurrent-engineering.co.uk

29

31800 1pg 2_Feature Template 21/05/2013 15:20 Page 1

10% OFF SHOWROOM ITEMS WITH THIS CODE BBP199

SHOWROOM OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PM

T&C APPLY E &OE

Its clear, one year on, Glassdomain’s new showroom is a shining success.

As the company celebrate the first anniversary of the showroom’s opening in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Graham Southall, MD is delighted with the realisation of his vision.

The visual effect can be incredible and provides stunning backdrops.

The development of ICON into glass radiators and heated panels is totally unique and Glassdomain have created the first heated glass wall panelling system in the UK.

Producing beautiful glass furniture since 2006 as the subsidiary of a large glass processor, Glassdomain became independent in 2010 before moving into their new gallery showroom in 2011.

Wherever you are in the country, with easy access to Birmingham or not, take the opportunity to visit the on line shop which offers over ten thousand different styles and variety of glass furniture at www.glassdomain.co.uk for ideas which will fire your imagination.

The showroom has been fundamental in the development of the business, allowing clients to experience the beauty and variety of stylish glass pieces, first hand. Glassdomain design and manufacture all their own furniture in the UK, allowing total flexibility of colour, size and finish, enabling the production of beautiful bespoke items for their clients.

The company is continuing to expand its range of designs and outlets, and will be introducing a spectacular range of glass vanity units to take the bathroom sector by storm. More superb curved glass pieces manufactured by the world’s greatest production facilities will also soon be available.

The showroom also carries a range of stunning curved glass furniture from Italy, the home of stylish design.

Glassdomain are well on their way to becoming the UK’s leading supplier of glass furniture, true specialists who combine in depth product knowledge with design capability.

As Graham explained, “The emphasis has always been on design – we take great pride in producing glass furniture that fulfils all our customers’ requirements. Our products are not mass produced items that simply serve a purpose they are designed to be both elegant and functional.”

Glassdomain Ltd, 199, Warstone Lane, Birmingham B18 6JR 0121 236 6637

SHOWROOM OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PM

www.glassdomain.co.uk

Glass furniture pieces provide a stunning modern focus for any space, beyond minimalist; its light reflective and transparent properties create a real “wow” factor.

In 2008 Glassdomain developed a process for printing directly onto glass which allowed them to produce exciting and unusual designs and called this product ICON. The creative possibilities of ICON-GLASS are almost unlimited, whether used as splashbacks or wall coverings for high end kitchens and bathrooms, or distinctive panels in living areas, commercially or domestically, the only limit is your imagination.

Architects and interior designers are excited by the creative opportunities the product offers, never more so than now, with the development of ICON heated wall glass, heated glass panels that discreetly link together to form a far more effective, low maintenance alternative to under floor heating.

30

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31740 1pg_Multibrand 14/05/2013 21:33 Page 1

multibrand services ltd Multibrand is going from strength to strength since their move into larger offices in May 2011 and is celebrating further successes.

They have just announced that they have achieved the status of Professional Dealers for Electrolux. This is a fantastic accolade from one of the largest companies in the white goods industry, and recognises Multibrand’s commitment to customer service.

Combining the recognition from Electrolux with their status as a Miele Professional Partner for the Midlands means that Multibrand is now one of the largest and best regarded players in the commercial white goods, sales repair and maintenance market.

Mark Rogers, Director, explained that to achieve this position they had to demonstrate their ability to always fit high quality parts, maintain a fast turn round time, provide excellent customer service and operate with total integrity. “These companies have a reputation to maintain and scrutinise every aspect of their partner companies’ operations.”

Miele and Multibrand were a natural pairing as Miele’s long standing philosophy is one which Multibrand has unconsciously followed since the company's formation back in 1998.Ian Shaw, Director, said: “It’s strange but had I been asked which manufacturer I’d most like to work with when we first started the business I'd have had no hesitation in choosing Miele. After all, who wouldn't want to be working with the most prestigious and highest quality brand in the market?”

Electrolux are the white goods supplier of choice for many Housing Associations, which accounts for the bulk of Multibrand's portfolio. “We like the ethics behind this type of work.” says Mark, “It's a privilege to be entrusted with supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community and it's a responsibility that we don't undertake lightly.”

This brings us to the other great story, Multibrand are thrilled to have been awarded the formal contract, after a rigorous tendering process, to carry out all the maintenance and repair work for two of the largest Housing Associations in the country, Bromford Housing and Midlands Heart Housing on both commercial and domestic appliances.

Over the past 13 years Multibrand have forged longstanding relationships with other local companies. These include Connect Distribution who from day one has provided over 80% of the spare parts used on repairs. Similarly, since 1999 Apollo 2000 have been a great source of both repair work and on the other side of the coin, the supply of domestic appliances where the existing ones were deemed to be ‘beyond economical repair’.

Colemans Insurance handle all of Multibrand’s Insurance needs from Public Liability to Fleet. “Fortunately, we don’t have to call on Colemans services very often!” laughs Ian, “still it’s good to know that we can pick up the phone and talk to someone we have a sound relationship with should the need arise” All things considered, the future of Multibrand is looking exciting and their outlook just seems to be getting better and better.

Multibrand Services Ltd, 5 Nightingale Place, Pendeford Business Park, Wolverhampton WV9 5HF Telephone: 0844 847 0220

Contact Mark Rogers or Ian Shaw E-mail: mrogers@multibrand.co.uk or shaw@multibrand.co.uk

www.multibrand.co.uk

THE POWER BEHIND THE BRANDS

Connect Distribution services Ltd are proud to support

Multibrand Services and we would like to wish them all the best for the future.

Supporting Multibrand Services

Visit www.connect-distribution.co.uk

www.apollodirect.co.uk

Head Office Connect House, Small Heath Business Park, Talbot Way, Small Heath Birmingham B10 0HJ

31

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 32

32055 1pg_Transport Warehousing 29/05/2013 23:41 Page 1

Federation of Master Builders The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), founded in 1941, is the largest trade organisation in UK construction, with almost 10,000 member firms. To join the FMB building firms must have their work inspected, and once accepted they must follow a strict code of professional conduct. This way the FMB drives up standards in the building industry, and cracks down on cowboys.

Membership of the FMB is a real badge of professionalism, so to find out more about the benefits of joining please visit

www.fmb.org.uk/join-fmb A big part of building trust in Britain’s builders lies in promoting the fabulous work the FMB’s member firms do for their clients, especially via the Master Builder of the Year Awards, which honour the best of British building. This year, at a gala celebration in London hosted by architect and TV presenter George Clarke, Midlands’ firm Graline Construction won the Midlands Regional Energy Efficiency award, and Jewel Builders won the Midlands Regional Medium Renovation Project category.

The awards are a rare chance for satisfied clients to nominate their builder for a nationally recognised award, with the overall Master Builder of the Year winner driving off in a brand new Nissan light commercial vehicle worth more than £20,000. This year’s winners were 3W Developments Ltd from Shrawley, Worcestershire. To find out more about their winning project and to keep an

eye out for upcoming news on how to enter the next awards, see www.fmb.org.uk/about/mas ter-builder-of-the-year

•

Ask family, friends and neighbours to recommend builders they have used recently;

•

Search for professionals in your area on the FMB website at www.fmb.org.uk/fab;

•

Produce a detailed written brief of the work you want done, including plans and drawings;

•

Invite at least three contractors to your site, show them the plans and ask them to quote;

•

Ask the contractors for references from previous customers and follow them up with a phone call and visit to see their work for yourself;

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Finally, if you are looking for a trusted builder or tradesman in your area, whether for a small repair job or a bold and inspirational project like this year’s Master Builder of the Year winners’, then follow these simple steps to ensure a job well done:

•

Check that the quotations include EVERYTHING that you would like doing – including removal of rubbish and making good;

•

Don’t award a job on price alone. Consider references and how well you got on;

•

Check that the builder has the appropriate level of public liability insurance for your job;

•

Set yourself a budget and build in some contingency funding, 15 per cent of the total cost of the work is usually about right;

•

Agree a payment plan to suit you and your builder, never pay the full cost of the project up front, and don’t be pressured into letting the builder start work before you are ready.

•

Always draw up a written contract with your builder – you can download template contracts for free on the FMB website at www.fmb.org.uk/findabuilder/free-contracts

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31747 2pg_Multibrand 15/05/2013 10:11 Page 1

Graline Construction is the Midlands winner for the 2012 Energy Efficiency Award from the Federation of Master Builders. The award was for the conversion of a traditional 60’s brick built detached house at Ullenhall into a bright, modern, energy efficient home.

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The Award was for a project that demonstrates best use of energy efficiency measures designed to reduce energy consumption, save on energy bills and minimise the overall impact of the environment

The partnership between the client and their construction partner is crucial, needing sympathy and commitment on both sides in order to bring the build to a conclusion satisfying to both.

Established in 1974, Graline Construction specialises in high quality domestic, commercial and industrial building projects.

They employ their own permanent work force and can provide full design and build services utilising their own in house design and drawing facility.

The award recognised some of the special features of the project. The underfloor heating to both the first and ground floor was provided by a “very efficient” three phase ground source heat pump which necessitated 1000 metres of pipe work, buried 1.2 metres below the back garden.

The Ullenhall house required a complete programme of refurbishment and modernisation to satisfy the client’s vision and ecological criteria. It was the client's wish to use the structure of the existing house rather than knock it down and rebuild as this would be a waste of old and new energy. As Graham Urwin, MD, explained, such projects are always “client led” and are major undertakings, requiring the client to have the vision, the resources and the will to see it through.

Then the modern roof system of extremely hard wearing ceramic roof tiles that stay clean and are mounted on metal runners, to militate against any rot, incorporated solar panels for heating the domestic hot water.

The fibre glass roof insulation is 300ml thick, the 60’s style cavity walls have been insulated with cavity fill and the old windows replaced with hardwood timber frames.

31747 2pg_Multibrand 15/05/2013 10:11 Page 2

Oak floors have been laid throughout that combine beautifully with the oak doors, frames and skirting boards all finished to a very high standard. There is a beautiful new oak staircase and a stunning new kitchen.

The house was finally completed in 2011; delighting both client and contractor.

Please visit the web site for more information

www.gralineconstruction.co.uk or telephone 01564 822675

The build was further complicated because bats had been nesting in the roof, and as all bats are protected, a special bat licence was needed, and special provision had to be made for the bats, including bat boxes and special access points for the creatures.

The detached garage, likewise, because it was a new build, had to be built to the same standard as the house, with bat provision.

In a further feather in the company’s cap, related to the Ullenhall house; it was their apprentice electrician, Ian Smart’s, first full job on his own, and won him Midlands Apprentice of the year, he too will be off to London for the national finals.

P

Est. since

1947

Purdie Floors has developed a highly regarded reputation in supplying and fitting quality flooring throughout the West Midlands.

Our showroom boasts a good selection of

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contact us for a no obligation quotation

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31797 1pg 2_Feature Template 22/05/2013 09:35 Page 1

For the Robinson brothers and their team it’s not appearing alongside Carol Vordeman in front of 11 million TV viewers on a regular basis that’s the jewel in their business crown.

Nor is it the multiple awards from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) - gems though they are.

The real diamonds are the satisfied customers, says Andrew who, with his twin brother Warren, founded and runs Solihull’s Jewel Builders. Both rate the company’s long list of happy clients as one of their greatest business successes.

“When we hand over a project, we do so with immense pride, knowing we have probably changed someone’s life,” he smiles.

Established 30 years ago, Jewel Builders started as a subcontractor in the house building industry before branching into the domestic sector and working directly for clients.

As its reputation grew, the company progressed from extensions to total builds, including mansion-style houses, and completing its own developments.

Today it provides a total construction service, whether the requirement is for domestic or commercial, an extension or refurbishment or a whole new building.

Around a decade ago, the nation was able to see Jewel crews’ expertise in action when the company provided the on-screen building team for ITV’s Better Homes, presented by Carol Vordeman.

The lifestyle series, broadcast in the early 00s saw two families have one of the rooms in their houses transformed by different designers.

Jewel Builders were approached by the production company to be part of the show following a recommendation from the FMB. A sure sign, if any were needed, of its enviable reputation.

Even Jewel, in its early days, faced the enormous challenge of winning over client confidence. “Builders don’t have the greatest profile,” Andrew acknoweldges wryly.

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But his business really has managed that, well, in spades - and then some.

The special aspect of the FMB awards is that the entrants are nominated by their clients. Jewel has been nominated not once but three times, winning the regional award for New Build in 1999 and for a renovation product in 2005.

Now it’s in the national running again, having just taken the regional title in the awards’ Medium Renovation category.

The project, at a property in Dorridge, involved demolishing garages and building a two-storey extension, including incorporating the existing outdoor swimming pool.

Andrew and his team will hear if they’ve won the national award when they attend the big ceremony in London on March 20.

“Fingers crossed it’s third time lucky,” he says. “It’s so prestigious to be put forward for one of these awards because it’s driven by the customers.

“There’s no higher accolade than finishing a job on speaking terms with the client who is then happy to put pen to paper.”

And that, for Andrew, is the real joy of an FMB award - along with keeping in contact over many years with those same satisfied customers.

Building good business relationships - another kind of construction in which Jewel excels.

To make an enquiry about any of Jewel Builders’ services, telephone 07977 664414 or email jewelbuilders@yahoo.co.uk

31943 1pg_Transport Warehousing 29/05/2013 23:20 Page 1

The changing landscape

of British Cities Britain’s cities are changing. New life is being breathed back into areas long associated with decay and deprivation.

The last few years following the financial meltdown have been harsh, but you could view the nation’s cities as engines of required, yet seemingly elusive, economic growth.

The government certainly does. In fact it sees them as critical to recovery and one of its key objectives is to make cities places where people want to live, work, play and invest.

It is already proposing to relax change of use planning laws in the hope that the move will promote regeneration of commercial land and help bring empty commercial buildings back into productive use.

But that’s just one of the newest measures.

For decades cities up and down the land have been transforming inner acres of land into must-be places.

Chic apartment blocks, sparkling glasswalled office complexes, upmarket industrial estates and busy shopping thoroughfares are being and have been created on sites that previously sported abandoned ruins, rubble and shattered glass.

Victorian factories, once the engine rooms of Empire are now humming with activity again - transformed into arts venues, museums or hubs for white collar companies and bluechip ventures.

Indeed, looking to the past is proving instrumental in building for the future. Putting resources into a neighbourhood because of the value of what is already there, rather than labeling it as deprived, builds community and business confidence, says English Heritage, pointing out that finding an alternative use for functionally redundant industrial sites presents one of the best opportunities of securing their long-term future.

“Conservation-led regeneration in town and countryside encourages private-sector investment both by retaining businesses and people in an area and by providing an incentive to relocate to it,” says a spokesman.

Whether it’s revitalising older buildings or making sweeping changes to the local landscape, you don’t have to look much further Birmingham and Bristol for worldleading examples of inner city regeneration.

In the late 1980s, early 1990s Birmingham started transforming the derelict run-down

heartland, once home to the factories which powered its industrial domination, into what has since been described as one of the most impressive and successful inner city mixeduse developments in the country.

Brindley Place, next to the International Convention Centre and the National Indoor Arena, which themselves are reviving the Broad Street area, is now home to some of the UK’s leading businesses, the workplace for nearly 9,000 people and, with its myriad restaurants and bars, a thriving and vibrant location day and night.

Likewise the dockland areas of Bristol, whose importance as a port had given it national prominence for centuries, went into near terminal decline following the arrival of cargo ships too large to navigate the Avon River.

Competition from new docks at Avonmouth and Portbury didn’t help.

The ripple effect saw the city, now with vast tracts of derelict land, facing growing social and economic inequalities and, in some areas high unemployment. In the 1980s the frustrations boiled over into nights of rioting.

After obtaining multi-million pound private and public funding packages, the city council started revamping the problem sites and, 30 years later, having created more than 3,000 jobs, the area is unrecognisable.

It’s also one of the largest redevelopment projects in Europe and, with the arrival of an IMAX theatre, at-Bristol science museum, the Millennium Square, and the Watershed media centre, is rated as one of the UKs best harbour-side redevelopments in the UK. Both cities are now playing leading roles in the Government’s efforts for growth as each have one of the 24 national Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP), and are in turn creating Enterprise Zones offering incentives to support new and expanding businesses.

In March, Andy Street, the head of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP spoke to business leaders of his optimism about the region’s growing potential, confirming that inward investment growth in the LEP area grew by 40% in 2012, against a national figure of -2%.

He also drew attention to the LEP’s pivotal role as a national pilot area for Lord Heseltine’s No Stone Unturned report, saying it represented “tremendous opportunities”.

Bristol in the meantime, has welcomed the new partnership and zone initiatives, saying both are helping to drive economic growth and will help unlock potential more quickly, creating jobs and prosperity.

The city, home to one of the biggest silicon design clusters outside of Silicon Valley, believes its wealth of creative and digital media industries will be at the heart of Britain’s economic recovery and its West of England LEP is well positioned to capitalise on the continued growth of its knowledge-intensive industries such as aerospace, environmental technologies and advanced engineering.

And so the changes continue, propelling the cities forward into the 21st century with optimisim and confidence, flying in the face of the economic doom mongers.

Among the sites already progressing within Birmingham’s Enterprise Zone are the £450 million transformation of Paradise Circus and the relocation of the historic Assay Office to the £160 million Kettleworks development in the Jewellery Quarter.

Meanwhile the dark, crowded underground New Street rail station is undergoing an £88 million facelift into a bright modern transport hub, doubling passenger capacity, reviving the surrounding area and creating around 5,000 jobs.

Bristol continues to develop the creative people and networks critical to economically successful city regions. Its economy has proved relatively resilient during the recession but major growth is predicted as its worldclass knowledge economy based on aerospace, defence, engineering, ICT and electronics, financial services, media, creative and environmental industries blossom.

It, too, has its fair share of regeneration schemes are taking place across the city, such as the Gainsborough Square initiative, where the council is to spend up to £2.5 million on shops, green space and other facilities for Lockleaze residents.

So while we may not be economically out of the woods yet it’s cities like Birmingham and Bristol, with their willingness, foresight and confidence to change that are showing us the way forward.

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31759 1pg_HorseWorld 24/05/2013 17:37 Page 1

A specialist area where HTF are establishing an excellent and wide ranging reputation is in the production of modern art pieces, working closely with the artists, in an admittedly, very demanding field. HTF have completed some beautiful installation pieces, water features and sculptures, for artists throughout the UK and Ireland.

HTF are well placed to deliver any size of project no matter how large or small. The founders’ Rolls Royce trained skills, and quality criteria remain inbuilt into the ethos of the company, carrying through into the high quality standards and technical ability integral to the business today.

Does it need making from Stainless Steel? Do you need a company focussed on meeting and exceeding their customers’ requirements? A company who specialise in producing individual, bespoke solutions in stainless steel?

Whatever it is, bring it along to HTF Stainless Steel Fabrications Ltd, a traditional steel fabrication company that has been making bespoke stainless steel items since 1994.

The Company has its own premises in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, fully equipped with a wide range of CNC fabrication and machining facilities and capabilities. They have adopted a Lean Manufacturing approach in order to make the best use of the latest technological advances.

HTF pays detailed attention to their customers’ requirements, and provides solutions supported by project management, detailed process and engineering design, to deliver value added engineering solutions that maximize the return on customer investment. This philosophy has led to the establishment of many long standing customer relationships.

The company is still under the family ownership of the original founders and is run very much as a family enterprise. They are able to tackle a vast range of diverse and bespoke projects, servicing numerous markets including rail, architecture and even modern art.

Their wide range of expertise enables them to deliver solutions that are much more than steel objects but are high quality, high specification projects which their clients love.

This diversification has meant the development of new skills and techniques, as they adapt to the changing business environment, technological advances, customer expectations and requirements.

The resurgence in the housing market is very good news for them, as they manufacture many of the architectural features, such as hand rails and balustrades, bespoke and custom stairways, decorative balustrades, and pipework, that some of the best modern design incorporates.

Manufacturing is starting to invest again too, and HTF can provide hygienic and service pipe-work, pressure vessels, tanks, heating/cooling jackets, drip trays, machine guards, safety hand-rails and balustrades, industry hand-rails, frame-work and intricate bespoke fabrications.

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Paul Fletcher, Technical Sales Director, explained “Our aim for all our clients is to consistently exceed their expectations by providing a high level of quality and service in order to establish and maintain long term, mutually beneficial, working relationships.”

Give HTF a ring to find out more on 0115 930 5700 or visit their web site

www.htfstainless.co.uk www.cut-tec.co.uk

Cutting Technologies Ltd Zenith Park Whaley Road Barnsley S75 1HT Tel: +44 (0)1226 283322 Fax: +44 (0)1226 283355 Email: service@cut-tec.co.uk Web: www.cut-tec.co.uk

31855 1 pg_HorseWorld 24/05/2013 15:28 Page 1

Chase Independent staff do not hesitate to go the extra mile to help clients in any way possible - and you don’t have to take just their word for it.

A wealth of testimonials from happy customers themselves fill a web page. “We first went into the office as strangers to buy a house . . . left a couple of months later as friends,” declares just one of the glowing plaudits. And for the last three years running the Rugeley family sales and lettings company has been shortlisted, against major national agents, in the top 10 for the whole Midlands area at the ESTAs.

Chase Independent is open Monday-Thursday 9.30am5.30pm, Friday from 9.30am-5pm and on Saturday, 9.30 3pm. Telephone 01889 582233 or email rugeleyestates@chaseindependent.co.uk For further information and to browse its sales and lettings portfolio, visit www.chaseindependent.com. You can also catch up with all the latest events and available properties by finding Chase Independent on Facebook.

“These are the largest and longest running awards in the UK property industry and are recommended by customers who, time and time,again return to us to help them with their property sales/purchases and lettings,” says owner Michele Dibble.

That willingness to go the extra mile on behalf of a client, along with welcoming, friendly, approachable and knowledgeable staff, has been a winning combination ever since Chase Independent Rugeley was established in 2007.

The business, in its prominent location of Yardley House, Horse Fair, provides the complete range of property solutions, using the latest Vebra solex software and Rightmove for its residential sales and offering a free 12-month rent guarantee to all landlords as part of its fully managed and tenant find lettings and property management services.

It also has an established rich vein of contacts for solicitors, independent mortgage advisors, landlord and tenant insurance, energy performance assessors and contractors including plumbers, electricians, decorators and builders.

“We keep our residential sales properties at a manageable level to maintain the service to clients but the lettings business with its host of satisfied landlords and tenants is going from strength to strength, which is a testament to our excellent, comprehensive service,” says Michele. “Despite the challenging market, we have seen year on year growth since we opened and having smart and modest offices to keep our overheads low and keep costs down, enables us to pass the savings to our clients in both sales and lettings.

“Developing a prosperous business during an unprecedented suppressed economy and not just surviving, but thriving thanks to our excellent service, is right up there as one of our biggest successes.”

Chase Independent certainly rises magnificently to a challenge.

Not even last year’s flooding of the recently refurbished office could keep the company down.

“We are continuing to build our brand and offer exceptional personal service,” says Michele. “Call and speak to one of our sales/lettings team for free, straightforward and honest advice.”

Chris Taylor Financial Services is here to help you put the pieces of your financial jigsaw together.

We specialise in all types of mortgage and protection business including: Repayment Mortgages Interest Only Mortgages Remortgages Buy-To-Lets First Time Buyers

Life Assurance Critical Illness Income Protection House and Contents Insurance Business Protection Redundancy Cover

Office Tel: 01889 577277

Email: christaylorfs@gmail.com

Chris Taylor Financial Services is delighted to be associated with Chase Independent (Rugeley).

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90 90 High High Street, Street, Uttoxeter, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire Staf fordshire S ST14 T14 7 7JD JD TTel. el. 0 01889 1889 5 565211 65211 E Email. mail. m mail@cowlishawandmountford.co.uk ail@cowlishawandmountford.co.uk

www.cowlishawandmountford.co.uk w ww.cowlishawandmountford.co.uk

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31819 2pgs_HorseWorld 22/05/2013 12:47 Page 1

T R A D E

F R A M E S

The government’s drive towards sustainability and the ever increasing costs of keeping our homes warm and well lit are boosting sales of double glazing, specialist glass finishes that help to conserve energy, residential doors, patio doors and French windows to keep out the drafts while letting in more light.

Hanley Trade frames have a rolling programme of investment in the latest technology, which, allied with their over 30 years manufacturing experience in the industry means that their customers can rely on top quality products at competitive prices. The highly skilled Stoke-on-Trent manufacturing team have all been trained in-house and have been with the company on average for over 10 years.

They are a family run company and have built their reputation on reliable advice and professional, friendly customer service.

The business was established in 1997 with 4 staff in a small unit, and over the years of expansion and investment has seen the workforce grow to 12. The company has experienced steady growth despite the difficult trading conditions of the last 5 years and continue to introduce new products to their ranges.

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It’s clear; the future is green for Hanley Trade Frames Ltd the home of quality UPVc windows, doors and conservatories, for the trade

Hanley Trade Frames Ltd is proud to fabricate windows from Elite 70 Profile from Spectus Window Systems. Spectus are widely recognised as having the best and most complete product range in the market, with products that can be combined to create any style of window, door or conservatory. What's more, all Spectus windows can achieve an energy rating of band A. Their Elite 70 is a "state of the art" system, designed and manufactured in the UK, for the UK, with a quality standard second to none.

31819 2pgs_HorseWorld 22/05/2013 12:47 Page 2

Spectus Window Systems congratulates Hanley Trade Frames on over 15 years’ successful business growth.

We look forward to a long and prosperous trading partnership and wish them continued success for the future.

Your perfect PVC-U partner WINDOWS | CONSERVATORIES | DOORS

T: 01625 420 400 | www.spectus.co.uk

Security is always one of the top priorities when home owners purchase their new windows, which is why Hanley Trade Frames Ltd fit the TSL High Security System as standard. With its reverse action

moving the multiple sets of mushroom cams it gives a smooth secure action. This locking system carries the Secure by Design certification and out performs shootbolt locks.

Hanley Trade Frames carry a huge range of products including Eco Spec Energy Rated windows, Vertical Sash Windows, PVC Residential Doors, Composite Doors, Stable Doors, French Doors, Bi-Fold Doors, Patio Doors and Conservatories. Hanley Trade Frames really is the trade’s one stop shop for all things UPVc. Hanley Trade Frames Ltd offer top quality products to the trade at very competitive prices, and their extensive range of products is available on a very short lead time.

Far Green Industrial Estate Chell Street, Stoke On Trent ST1 6AZ

Tel: 01782 201150

Whatever your needs, Kelly Molyneux & Co can help.

Offering accounts, taxation and business advisory and support services to a wide range of businesses and individuals We are proud to have been associated to Hanley Trade Frames for the last 20 years and would like to wish them all the best for the future.

For a free initial interview please Call us on 01782 814360 or visit our website to discover how we could help your business. www.kellymolyneux.co.uk

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Kelly molyneux & co

OFFICE: Security House, 1 Queen Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3EL

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31826 2pgs_HorseWorld 22/05/2013 14:17 Page 1

www.bromwichhardy.co.uk Setting up a business at the beginning of a recession can be described as foolhardy or brave but the recession has actually driven Bromwich Hardy to buck the trend.

Richard concentrates on providing corporate property advice throughout the UK for several international and national companies and advises private clients on aspects ranging from rent reviews and lease renewals to acquisitions and disposals. In addition he advises on the disposal and acquisition of residential building land and is currently in the middle of disposing of 16 acres of prime development land on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

Tom, with his intimate knowledge of the Midlands market, likes to concentrate on getting deals done, saying that he uses his winning mentality to ensure he does his very best for every client, be it an individual or a property business.

Andrew, meanwhile, describes his approach as no nonsense which, combined with more than 20 years’ experience in the building industry, helps him to deal with property management and construction related work, often liaising between owners and tenants or dealing with contractors to ensure buildings are well run, managed and occupied.

The Coventry practice, has thrived despite tough conditions and a competitive market, securing a host of prestigious deals across the region and charting 20% year-on-year growth.

“One thing a recession demonstrates is that businesses and employers worth their place in the market tend to rise to the top,” says James Brookes, one of the company’s four fee earners.

“Bromwich Hardy is definitely doing that.”

James, a specialist in the licensed and leisure property markets, is further evidence of the practice’s continued growth as he recently joined the team along with graduate surveyor Mandy Sunner. With broad experience in the Midlands property market, having worked in a variety of different sectors, he takes his place alongside principals Richard Hardy and Tom Bromwich, together with the other fee earner, Andrew Forsyth.

Complex Development Projects are proud to work in partnership with Bromwich Hardy. www.complexdevelopmentprojects.co.uk

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COSTAR CONGRATULATES BROMWICH HARDY ON THEIR SUCCESS AND IS DELIGHTED FOR THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF THE NEW COSTAR SUITE PRODUCT.

BEST DATA. BEST ANALYTICS.

www.costar.co.uk/revolution

31826 2pgs_HorseWorld 22/05/2013 14:17 Page 2

Combined, the quartet provide a complete range of property services, including: commercial lettings and sales, acquisition work, advice on landlord and tenant issues, commercial property valuation, commercial investments, strategic portfolio and general property management, together with the sale and acquisition of residential building land.

Recent successes included acting on behalf of A C Lloyd Holdings Ltd in agreeing terms for the funding of a 10,000 sq ft new home for the Probation Service at Castlegate Business Park in Dudley and the sale of 19,000 sq ft premises on Coventry’s Bayton Road, Industrial Estate. Industrial units have also been acquired for clients on a national basis in Exeter, Northampton and Wellingborough.

As to be expected of this forward thinking, busy practice, while it values each and every success, it’s not prepared to rest on its laurels and moves are under way to widen its reach.

“We intend to expand on our market share in the West Midlands, particularly in our focal markets of Coventry, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby and Nuneaton,” promises James.

For full further information about Bromwich Hardy, go to

www.bromwichhardy.com Alternatively telephone 02476 308900 or email office@bromwichhardy.com

“ amazing ! this latest cutting edge location for business in Coventry must be seen ! ” LESS THAN 1 MILE FROM JUNCTION 3, M6 COVENTRY CV7 9FW

www.loadesecoparc.co.uk FURTHER INFORMATION TOM BROMWICH MRICS tom.bromwich@bromwichhardy.com

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31881 1 pg_HorseWorld 30/05/2013 10:33 Page 1

Grows from strength to strength Birds Transport and Logistics, one of the most established major transport companies in the Midlands, continues to grow from strength to strength.

It’s traditional UK and Ireland national distribution services remain the core of the company’s activities. With a fleet of some 100 tractor units and 200 trailers within the network the company offers a comprehensive range of services throughout the UK and Ireland – mainly on a next day basis – whether it’s a full load, a pallet, or a parcel.

Birds’ main operation centre is based in Oldbury in the heart of the Midlands - less than 5 minutes from Junction 2 on the M5.

The 10 acre operating site, incorporates 100,000 sq ft of warehousing, and is fully secured with 24 hour manned security.

Easy access from the depot to the central motorway network gives Birds the advantage of being able to get consignments to major UK delivery centres within hours. The company operates multiple overnight and daily full load and groupage services to Ireland, where it has its own receiving and delivery depot at Ballyclare.

Similarly, the company has its own depot in the South East to receive and deliver consignments to and from the southern part of the UK. The company’s daily services to Scotland continue to be a very major part of the company’s transport services.

44

As part of the development strategy of the company, Birds has now developed a daily groupage service to most European countries – predominantly France, Germany, Belgium and Holland. This is a new service being developed by Donna Whiles and should you need more information on this service she can be contacted any time at the company’s head office on 0121 552 2401.

Earlier this year the company was acquired by the Ballyvesey Group, a major Northern Ireland transportation and trailer manufacturing company, as part of their acquisition programme of strategic transport companies in the UK. This acquisition opens fantastic new opportunities for Birds and everyone in the company is very upbeat about future developments. The company has recently acquired new tractor units and trailers to meet increased freight demand and is actively recruiting new drivers.

The company’s strong relationship with its customers remains core to the success of the business, as Robin Davies, Managing Director, told Business Post, “Without our customers’ support the company could not continue to grow and develop.

Our customers’ requirements always come first with us, and this is fundamental to ensure the continued success of the company. This and the close working relationship with our suppliers will ensure the continuing success story of Birds’

To be part of their success story visit the web site

www.birds.co.uk or give them a ring on 0121 552 2402 Birds continues to Grow from strength to strength

31880 1pg_Transport Warehousing 26/04/2013 10:43 Page 1

Intercounty Vehicle Contracts is a commercial vehicle fleet management company with a service provision packaged to offer a clearly defined portfolio of support services to both new and existing customers. Having expanded our geographical location, Intercounty Vehicle Contracts now operates twelve vehicle maintenance units throughout the UK, maintaining fleets of 7.5-44t HGV’s and offering our customers the responsibility for all the day to day running of their commercial vehicles. The latest vehicle maintenance unit being for Birds Transport, based in Oldbury, where the company’s 91 trucks and 201 trailers are managed and maintained through a tailored contract that maximises their operating efficiency. As with our other maintenance units, the Oldbury site will be fully equipped and staffed by a team of highly skilled and committed personnel; 8 Technicians, 1 Administrator and 1 Manager.

Our years of experience and knowledge are here to support our customers with our passion of driving your fleet forward whilst allowing you to make substantial savings in the process. With key operations including fleet management, vehicle leasing, commercial vehicle workshop services and telematics, we want our customers to benefit from our expertise for the maintenance of commercial vehicles.

Intercounty Vehicle Contracts provide more than simply a client / service provider relationship, we deliver a business partnership that can face up to the commercial transportation challenges of today, offering the availability of the following services: •

Repair and maintenance to all commercial vehicles

•

Workshop management

•

Vehicle inspection and VOSA test preparation

•

24/7 breakdown and recovery service

•

Road fund licence renewals

•

Replacement vehicle cover and access to additional vehicles

•

Account management and KPI reporting

•

On site LOLER & POWER testing for moving floor and tail lift

•

Vehicle disposal service

•

Service partner network

www.intercounty-contracts.com

Delivering a business partnership that can face up to the commercial transportation challenges of today Your Fleet, Our Passion www.intercounty-contracts.com

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31914 QPD_HorseWorld 29/05/2013 20:20 Page 1

Keeping business moving since the mid 1990s, Centurion Truck Rental was established in Middleton, Manchester and has grown into one of the UK’s leading service providers in the field of commercial vehicle rental, leasing and contract hire.

Centurion are able to benefit from outstanding economies of scale which, in a very capital intensive and price sensitive environment enables them to deal confidently with any fleet size and ensures their procurement methods allow them to provide the value their customers expect.

As Centurion are not tied to any single manufacturer they are able to provide the most suitable product to successfully meet your business demands and will work with you to ensure the most suitable servicing locations, whether you operate from one location or multiple UK sites.

Centurion have developed strong relationships with major UK companies in industries including Transport, Retail and Manufacturing, and are pleased to support Bird’s Transport.

The Middleton office now serves as the head office for an extensive network of 14 depots, strategically placed throughout the UK, providing a 24 hour, 365 days a year vehicle hire service.

Centurion provides some of the most innovative and flexible solutions in the commercial vehicle market, and offer packages for all situations from Contract Hire, Fleet Management, Spot Rental or Flexi Rental.

Warren Fletcher, MD, discussed the advantages of Contract Hire, explaining: “Contract Hire offers you fixed cost and off balance sheet funding allowing you to use your capital to its best advantage. We can tailor our offering to meet your exact needs whether for a standard ‘distribution’ vehicle or a more complex specialised asset.”

It isn’t always possible to predict just what and how many vehicles you may need, but with Centurion’s flexible rental service you can now sign up to shorter periods of hire with all of the benefits of full contract hire.

You may have an emergency, requiring a vehicle at short notice, or experience the need for extra transport to meet a short term requirement; speak to Centurion, they will supply high quality vehicles with outstanding service and value for money for all of your short term rental needs.

Fleet management has become increasingly complex over recent years as a mass of new legislation and regulation threatens to overwhelm the transport industry, so consider handing the management of your fleet over to the professionals. Centurion’s experienced Fleet Management team will leave you free to run your business and concentrate on your core activities.

Centurion believes that outstanding service, transparency and honesty delivers stronger and more effective supply chain relationships; not driven by sales volumes but by the belief that doing the right things with the right partners will deliver a successful outcome for both supplier and customer.

Speak to the team on 0161 653 9700 or email info@centuriontruckrental.co.uk to see how they can get your business on the move

www.centuriontruckrental.co.uk 46

31944 1pg_Transport Warehousing 29/05/2013 23:51 Page 1

Classic, Vintage, or Retro?

What are you behind the wheel?

A classic? Pure vintage? Maybe not so much a veteran as a little bit retro? Or do you just like to get your kit on?

No offence - we’re talking about the car you may be lucky enough to drive - or are considering buying. Not everyone wants this year’s model from Toyota/Ford/Vauxhall etc.

Enter the world of specialist car ownership and you’re entering a place where your wheels are so much more than a machine for getting from A to B.

•

Retro - a little ambiguous still and spilling over into classic territory. Cars here might come from the 1980s or 1960s. An online definition of the word Retro reads: “A culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion, from the overall post-modern past, that has become functionally or superficially the norm once again”.

Many modern cars are designed in a retro fashion to reflect the style of past models while enjoying the performance, safety and build quality expected by present day buyers.

These are vehicles purchased by enthusiasts, lovingly restored to and maintained in the condition they were when they were first driven off the production line.

According to the Federation of British Historical Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), enthusiasts and traders contribute to an industry that is worth £4bn a year to the UK economy. That’s a lot of engine parts and historic vehicles - 850,000 to be exact, says the FBHVC

Some are historic, some are world famous, many form part of treasured collections - and some are just built from scratch by a knowledgeable individual to be something just that little bit different.

There’s plenty of kit cars out there too, it being an established and enthusiastically supported sector with a wealth of small companies designing and selling models for real niche markets.

So let’s get the definitions sorted.

You won’t get a better glimpse of the current scene than the National Kit Car Show, taking place at Stonleigh Park, Warwickshire.

•

Veteran - a car pre-dating and including December 1918.

•

Vintage - a car made between 1919 and 1930. Although the term is often ascribed to those made before the Second World War.

•

Classic - generally any car no longer in production but still popular. So it could be cars from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

•

Modern Classics - An emerging category covering iconic cars from some of the classic marques, such as: Ferrari Enzo; Jaguar XK8R; Aston Martin DB7 and DB9.

•

Kit - cars built by their buyers.

Billed as the biggest of its kind - in the world - if features displays of more than 4,000 cars and hundreds of stands selling everything a car builder needs, from nuts and bolts to a complete performance engine.

Many visitors will be happy to just browse, look and dream - but there will be those actually putting a model together. Building a kit car, however, is not for the faint hearted.

It can take hundreds or even thousands of hours of time and, yes, pounds, plus of course, required work space and tools, but any owner will tell you the end result is worth it.

Even those with the most basic understanding of mechanics and engineering can build a kit car thanks to the help of fellow enthusiasts and wealth of information which are available out there.

The future is bright for kit cars - what about the classic car market? It can certainly be a volatile place.

We may be in the middle of a global financial crisis, but it didn’t stop the original 1960s Batmobile going for $4.2million in January or a Ferrari 250 GTO originally built for Sir Stirling Moss selling for $35million last year, a decade after it had been bought for a mere $8.5m.

Not every classic will fetch such astonishing sums but there’s no doubt that choosing the right model can reap rewards; even if it’s just a humble Citroen 2CV. A few years back you couldn’t necessarily give them away - now you’d be lucky to find one with a less than £3,000 price tag.

In France models restored by a British company are going for up to £11,000.

There’s more good news from the Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI) which reported that according to its index of classic cars, valuations shot up by 19% in the first nine months of 2012 and by more than 25% in the last year.

Vintage motors are also revving up a storm with one dealer claiming to have sold 30 cars worth more than £40m since April 2012 while a sale in Battersea last October realised more than £14m in one evening.

Production may have long ceased on many models and makes - but the passion and enthusiasm that still exists for them ensures that they’ve got a long way to go until the end of the road.

47

31889 QPD_HorseWorld 27/05/2013 13:00 Page 1

Fleet service team offers dedicated business solutions The fleet services team at Volkswagen’s three dealerships in Wolverhampton, Redditch and Stourbridge prides itself on superb industry experience, first rate product knowledge and excellent customer service.

Headed up by Relationship Manager Lisa Hudson, members of the team are comprehensively trained to fully understand - and deal with – all of the day-to-day needs of customers.

tyres and maintenance plans – all tailored to your unique business needs.”

The Volkswagen fleet service team understands the day-to-day needs and responsibilities of its customers, whether they are a Fleet Manager, Managing Director, Financial Officer, Human Resources representative, Logistics Manager or a Maintenance Controller.

For a dedicated solution to your business needs, contact the team today. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Contact Us Call: 0845 123 9232 Call: 01902 458391 (Lisa Direct) Email: lisa.hudson@trustgroupuk.com Online: www.trustgroupuk.com

Lisa Hudson Relationship Manager

Lisa joined the Trust Group in 2008 to develop and manage corporate accounts, with a strong focus on contract hire and leasing. With more than 18 years automotive industry experience, Lisa’s initial role was as a finance and insurance specialist. Supported by a background in banking, this proved an excellent platform to then present vehicle solutions for the Volkswagen business user.

Lisa said: “If you are responsible for the management of your company’s fleet, then we at Volkswagen are here to give you all of the help and support you need.

“We offer a great choice of superb quality cars to keep your drivers happy, and we also pride ourselves on offering you excellent, personalised customer service. It is this combination that makes Volkswagen Fleet the number one fleet operator in the UK.” Lisa and her team offer a range of service levels and tailor made business solutions for all sizes of business.

She added: “If you manage a fleet of less than 50 cars, why not make life a bit easier and let Volkswagen take care of your car leasing arrangements? We not only offer a range of superb quality cars, but also unbelievable value and affordability through our flexible finance solutions. And it's all backed up with excellent customer service, as well as a choice of service,

48

More spec. More mpg. Less tax.

Less CO2. From £219 a month.

Less than you’d think.

New Golf at £219 a month.

Plus VAT and initial rental.

Contract Hire 3-year, 10,000 miles* per annum example for Golf SE 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology.

35 monthly payments of (plus VAT)

£219.00

Initial rental (plus VAT)

£857.00

Wolverhampton Volkswagen Bilston Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 2AJ. Telephone: 01902 454602. www.wolverhampton.volkswagen.co.uk Wolverhampton Volkswagen is part of

Model shown includes metallic paint: £16,785. Business Users Only. *6.0p per mile (plus VAT) charges for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Further charges may be payable on vehicle’s return. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18’s in the UK only. Offer available on orders before April 30th, 2013. Volkswagen Finance, Freepost VWFS. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Certain vehicles excluded.

Ask for details. Official fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100km) for the new Golf range: urban 41.5 (6.8) – 61.4 (4.6); extra urban 62.8 (4.5) – 85.6 (3.3); combined 53.3 (5.3) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions 123 – 99g/km.

31942 1pg_Transport Warehousing 29/05/2013 21:27 Page 1

The Joys of the

Open Road Ah, the open road. In straightened times when ‘staycations’ are all the rage, there couldn’t be a more perfect way to discover the beautiful and varied landscape that makes up the British Isles.

And what could be better than having all your home comforts around you while on the move and the ability to explore somewhere new at the drop of a hat?

A holiday on wheels, whether in a caravan or motorhome, offers all of these things and is perfect for everyone, no matter how old or young they are.

Parents can rediscover the delights of outdoor adventures with their children. This kind of holiday - reminiscent of a bygone era can provide perfect opportunities for rock pooling and den building, along with family expeditions on bikes or on foot, with picnic treats at the ready.

country’s biggest international attractions and all boast a wealth of camping sites just waiting for visitors to pitch up.

Birmingham has Shakespeare Country right on its doorstep while the beauties of the Lake District are only a few hours’ drive further north.

Bristol, is of course, right at the gateway to the South West - Devon and Cornwall while Bath and ‘Jane Austen’ country are next door and Wales just a short trip over the Severn.

According to the Caravan Club, Europe’s premier touring organisation representing the interests of more than a million caravanners, motor caravanners and trailer tent owners, 26% of UK holiday nights are spent in a caravan or motorhome while the industry is worth around £6 billion annually to the UK economy and employs about 115,000 people.

Festival goers have found that having a part share in a caravan or camper van offers more luxurious accommodation, while empty nesters and early (or later) retired folk can use a touring holiday as the perfect getaway no matter what the season.

Its members alone spend more than £400 million off-site in local tourism

Bristol and Birmingham regions couldn’t be better placed to welcome all these travellers and their homes on wheels.

Once you have been bitten by the caravan bug, the only way is forward, with every weekend a potential holiday.

Apart from the cities themselves being packed with fascinating tourist destinations, both are practically within touching distance, never mind travelling distance, of some of the

You can stay anywhere; from the grounds of an esteemed stately home to the friendly back garden of an urban pub; from sandy shores to beautifully coiffed country gardens.

economies and, in total, UK caravanners contribute almost £1.5 billion a year to local economies and in VAT and motoring taxes.

From city sites in Edinburgh’s cultural climes to Invercauld, in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park - yes, what’s stopping you from picking up your holiday gear and motoring on up to Scotland?

The bottom line is that the choice of destination is yours, as by boarding your caravan or motorhome, you’re opening up a whole holiday-making world of flexibility and sustainability.

Not even the British weather can necessarily get the best of you. If it’s refusing to play ball, you can just up sticks and go where it’s better behaved.

Furthermore, banish all thoughts of pitching up to a cold and muddy field and huddling to cook over a single gas stove.

If you’ve not been inside a caravan for a few years, you’ll be glad to know things have changed, almost beyond recognition.

Today it’s less Carry on Camping and more Carry on Glamping.

Modern caravans have all mod cons and as many home comforts as you desire, including state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, luxury showers and toilets en suite, fixed beds, heating/air con, and in-house entertainment.

There’s no doubt that in recession-hit Britain, the domestic market for camping and caravanning is booming but it’s not just because we Brits are tightening our belts and opting for budget domestic holidays.

The desire for shared experiences, a low carbon footprint and freedom and flexibility are also key factors.

After all, what could be better than gathering up your pet/children, favourite duvet, deckchairs - even your drum kit and the proverbial kitchen sink - chucking them all into your caravan or motorhome and heading off into the wild blue yonder?

Jeremy Clarkson? Eat your heart out.

49

31870 3pg_Carford Group 24/05/2013 17:07 Page 1

A true midlands, success story, Travel Club Elite, the region’s premier independent travel agent, is celebrating the prestigious award of Elite Travel Agent of the Year 2012, topping their previous year’s accolade of Elite Ski Agent of the year 2011.

Travel Club Elite has met the challenge of so called, “cheap” internet deals head on, and turned the perceived threat very much to its advantage, by using the web to market its brilliant offering and core standards of great service and value for money. So much so, that apart from word of mouth recommendations and repeat clients, the internet has become its main source of new business.

Their core market is the discerning traveller at the luxury end of the market, including film and radio stars, writers, professionals and even members of the aristocracy, who look for something that little bit special. Whilst such clients still expect value for money, they are less affected by the recent economic problems than the mainstream holiday market.

Travel Club Elite began operations in 1985, and is proud to have been Members of ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) for 28 years, a guarantee for customers of financial security and top-class service standards.

This is one of the most successful travel agencies in the UK, having maintained steady growth throughout the economic downturn by focussing on providing the very best quality holidays available, from top quality companies, at the most competitive rates.

Travel Club Elite is now one of the largest independent travel agencies in the region. As part of its expansion, having outgrown its last city-centre premises in April 2012, they moved into new offices at 145, Granville Street, within a few steps of the Cube, and are continuing to grow, being proud to provide extra jobs in the area.

ULTRA-LUXURY SUMMER CRUISING WITH SILVERSEA

DREAM. DISCOVER. EXPLORE. The Mediterranean is an irresistible Silversea destination that keeps calling you back for more. Enjoy the all-inclusive lifestyle as you sail on a journey along the Italian coast to the sun soaked Greek Isles. Relax and unwind as you enjoy the small-ship ambience onboard.

Silver Cloud VOYAGE 1324 26 Aug 2013 departure 9 Days

Travel Club Elite has used its experience and purchasing power to provide wonderful bespoke holiday experiences for a wide variety of clients to a huge range of destinations.

Holidays are a precious time to leave our everyday world behind, relax and unwind, meet new people, see new places and enjoy new experiences.

Silver Privilege Fares from

£2,250pp Flights from £350pp Calling at: Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Sorrento, Messina, Valletta,

Whatever your preferred style of holiday, action-packed, romantic or relaxing, you plan, budget and look forward to it all year and expect to return having had a thoroughly good time, with photos and memories to cherish.

It makes sense, therefore to use the services of an experienced, award winning travel agency.

50

Nafplion, Mykonos, Piraeus (Athens)

For bookings & Enquires please call Travel Club Elite 0121 213 0012 TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

MEDITERRANEAN – CARIBBEAN - NORTHERN EUROPE – ALASKA – SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA FAR EAST & AUSTRALIA – AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST – EXPEDITION VOYAGES

31870 3pg_Carford Group 24/05/2013 17:07 Page 2

These young women are relishing the opportunities these new positions give them, as Sherrie commented, “After my interview at Travel Club Elite I was excited, but not particularly optimistic about my chances of being selected to intern here.

As a fresh advertising and brand management graduate I knew little about web or graphic design and had considered myself to be more strategy-based in terms of marketing. However, I was eager to learn and the friendly and helpful team at Travel Club Elite took the time out to teach me all the skills that would make me successful in this role.

I have learnt the basics of Fireworks (similar editing software to Photoshop), the power of SEO, how to use a content management system, how to identify and make the most of a valuable deal for our niche customer database and “shed loads” more (not forgetting how to make a decent cup of tea!).

Marie, too, is enjoying her new role as an apprentice Customer Services advisor. She said “I joined Travel Club Elite in September as an apprentice working and studying a Business Administration course via City & Guilds. I started off with little knowledge or experience regarding customer services and administration but as time has progressed, so have I, and Travel Club Elite has enabled me to grow with confidence in my role and I look forward to the future.”

The company specialises in all types of holiday from luxury holidays, family activity holidays, tennis holidays, sailing holidays, and ski holidays. They have looked after tens of thousands of satisfied customers, many of whom return year after year, and recommend their friends.

Colin Matthews, MD set out the philosophy that has generated their success, “Our goal is to get the best and most costeffective holiday and tour arrangements for you, always bearing in mind the huge difference between price and value for money.”

So do you fancy lazing on a beach in an exotic location, learning a new skill among a friendly group of folk, sailing with the wind in your hair, across a sparkling sunlit sea, skiing on crisp white snow, under a brilliant blue sky, or maybe just enjoying the aprèsski, or perhaps a wildlife safari in Africa?

Telephone: 0121 2130012 C

Visit: www.travelclubelite.com

LLECTION H O CO

25

S AY LID

Next in line for my personal development will be learning the “ins and outs” of Pay Per Click and I am really excited! Working here has increased my passion for digital marketing and I hope to become a pioneer in this field!”

Travel Club Elite is a top agent for the most prestigious travel organisers, including Club Med, Mark Warner, Longwood, Bales, Kuoni, Wendy Wu, Neilson and many others, with whom they have developed an established relationship which enables them to negotiate best value for money deals.

CLA SS I

During the last year alone, they have been delighted to increase their staff by three new permanent appointments, including Marie Dancer, on the customer service side, and a graduate intern, strengthening the on-line marketing team, Sherrie Henry.

Years

ANNIVE

RSARY

1988-20

13

Classic Collection Holidays is a leading independent specialist tour operator providing 4 and 5 Luxury Hotel Holidays to sophisticated destinations. Tailor Made Holidays any day, any duration, any airport. Private Transfers We are proud to support Travel Club Elite and we would like to wish them every success for the future.

These “bright young things” obviously have a great future ahead in the travel industry!

Spain Balearic & Canary Islands Portugal & Madeira Italy Croatia Gibraltar Malta Greece Cyprus France Turkey Morocco Egypt Bermuda

CL A SSIC collection

HOL I DAY S

51

31870 3pg_Carford Group 24/05/2013 17:07 Page 3

THE PRESTON TRAVEL GROUP ARE DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT COLIN & THE TEAM AT TRAVEL CLUB ELITE

Whatever constitutes the perfect holiday for you, the friendly experienced team at Travel Club Elite will make it happen. They will inspire your imagination and match your travel and holiday 'wish-list' to perfection.

CYPRUS & GREECE Ta i l o r m a d e

Being a specialist travel agent for the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) gives them access to a marvellous range of “niche� travel and holiday products not available through most agents.

www.travelclubelite.com 0121 213 0012

We are delighted to have gained such a great partnership with Travel Club Elite and really appreciate all their on-going efforts to support our product www.markwarner.co.uk

52

T h e

D i s c e r n i n g

Tr a v e l l e r

Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly & Isle of Wight

the Great British island h oliday company

Colin Matthews is excited about the new season’s opportunities, including some great deals from Sandals; 2 for 1 on Sandals resorts in the Caribbean for selected dates from May 2013 through to 2014.

He said “We’ll be adding a greatly enhanced range of travel ideas over the coming months; so please include us in your 'favourites'. If your preferred destination is not shown, please ask, we’re sure to be able to help.�

Fo r

EGYPT, JORDAN, MOROCCO, ISRAEL, CROATIA & MUCH MORE Quality holidays at value for money prices

CALL TRAVEL CLUB ELITE ON 0121 213 0012 TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING 1272

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31785 1pg_Feature Template 17/05/2013 14:03 Page 1

A top Bridgnorth inn is regularly serving up great entertainment and home cooked dishes to a full house. Some of the country’s best tribute acts are creating a real buzz at Ye Olde Punch Bowl Inn, on Ludlow Road, which regularly plays host to a full crowd of diners and partygoers.

But it isn’t all about the tribute nights; their cosy, comfortably furnished, restaurant is proving extremely popular too, offering a choice of good value fresh home cooked dishes from a varied menu, or superb carvery. With special 3 course, value meals each evening from £11.95, and lunchtime specials (Monday to Saturday) from £5.95, (sadly no carvery is served on Mondays,) quality, choice and value are paramount at Ye Olde Punch Bowl.

So much so, that Ye Olde Punch Bowl has been nominated by Les Routiers as the Inn of the Year, testament to the inn’s good food, great beers and warm welcome.

Adam Giles, who owns the venue, says that the pub’s monthly tribute nights are a massive success, often filling the main function room and restaurant area.

The special evenings which include a two-course carvery, followed by the act and disco, cost just £21.99 per head. Recent favourites have included Abba and the Bee Gees, then in March, Europe’s top TakeThat tribute band, Want U Back, was sold out a month in advance, and April’s Motown and Soul night, with The Commitments and Sensations, was a huge success.

As Adam says, “The tribute nights have a great party atmosphere and do fill up really fast, customers need to book in advance, especially if they want a seat near the front�.

Adam admits that there have been times during his tenure at Ye Olde Punch Bowl that it has felt like an uphill battle, especially after burst water pipes caused extensive damage in 2010.

This was a real low point, but since then Adam has refurbished the restaurant; and thanks to the hard work and dedication of his team of up to 20 staff has seen an upturn in the Inn’s fortunes over the intervening 2 years since the re-launch.

Adam and the team were absolutely delighted to be named as one of the best pubs in the UK, by such a prestigious organisation.

For more details on The Punchbowl Inn’s tribute acts follow them on Facebook, or check out their latest offer visit

www.punchbowlinn.com

or telephone 01746 763304 for reservations and more information.

!

"!#

Suppliers of chilled, frozen & ambient foods to Caterers Please call 01298 871435 to discuss how our service could assist your business

Although Adam pays warm tribute to his team, it is clear that Adam’s own constant hard work and determination are the driving force behind their success.

Never one to rest on his laurels, he has also renovated the function room and has great plans to develop the carvery in the year ahead. “It’s very exciting, but don’t worry, we definitely won’t be getting rid of the carvery,� he says reassuringly.

Holdsworth The Mill Manchester Road Tideswell Derbyshire SK17 8LN

info@holdsworth-foods.co.uk www.holdsworth-foods.co.uk

53

31846 1 pg_HorseWorld 23/05/2013 14:28 Page 1

“Farm Shop” the very term is synonymous with wholesome, fresh local produce.

Karen says that people enjoy watching the chickens scratching in the field, while picnicking or eating their freshly made sandwiches.

Chadbury Farm Shop is no exception, run by Mark Ellison and Karen Phipps, a member of a family who have been growing fruit and vegetables in the Vale of Evesham for 5 generations; the shop stocks a huge variety of locally sourced, fresh seasonal produce.

Should you need something to compliment flavours on your plate, what could be better, than locally pressed fruit juices, real ales, bitters, stouts and lagers, brewed by local companies, cider from local apples or wines from some of our best regional vineyards?

The family felt that it was time to diversify and a farm shop, restaurant and butchery seemed a natural progression. The Farm Shop itself, opened on the 1st September 2011 and was, in fact, originally a grain store, but with part funding from Advantage West Midlands’ Rural Grant Enterprise, it was turned into the country Farm Shop you see today.

The family still hope to open a restaurant and butchery on the site, bringing additional much needed jobs to the area, planning permitting.

As Karen explained, “In keeping with our efforts to stock from local sources wherever possible, we ensured that only local builders and tradesmen worked on the re-fit of the grain store and made sure that all the fixtures and fittings inside the shop were either made or supplied by local people.

The family are passionate about the quality and variety of the produce from the local area, known nationally for its fruit and asparagus. The shop was opened to provide local people somewhere to buy a good range of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, traditionally reared beef and lamb from local farms, fresh bread, chutneys, pickles, honey from local hives, jams, home made cakes, dairy produce and fresh eggs from their own free range birds.

Always on the lookout for fresh ideas, Karen has recently introduced a range of textile products to the shop. Their produce is sourced daily from The Vale of Evesham Growers and Evesham Market, including potatoes and vegetables from Drinkwaters at Chipping Camden. Non native fruits such as citrus and bananas come from Birmingham market daily, entailing an early start. 13484 Their full range can be found by a visit to the web site

www.chadburyfarmshop.co.uk Order on-line, by telephone 01386 446705, mobile 07977 536339, or email chadburyfarmshop@btconnect.com for collection after 3pm any day, or why not try a regular order of a box of fresh seasonal vegetables for £9.99, all orders can be delivered within a 5 mile radius of the shop for a nominal charge of £1.

Chadbury Farm Shop,wr11 4td , is conveniently located on the A44 on the outskirts of Evesham, at the junction of the A44 and the B4624 Worcester Road.

Est. Est. since since

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Limited Lim L mited Clement C lement R Rabjohns abjohns LLimited imited C Chartered harttered A Accountants ccountants aand nd Business Business A Advisors dvisors Chadbury hadbur y Fa Farm Shop would aare re pproud roud ttoo ssupport upport C rm S hop aand nd w ould llike ike to to wish wish tthem hem ccontinued ontinued success success ffor or tthe he ffuture. uture. e www.clemrab.com w ww.clemrab.com t:t: 01386 01386 712300 712300 e: e: contact@clemrab.com contact@clemrab.com Clement C lement Rabjohns Rabjohns Limited Limited 111-113 111-113 High High Street, Street, Evesham, Evesham, WR11 WR11 4XP 4XP 24 24 Hour Hour Emergency Emergency Service Service

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54

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www.cotswoldvalerefrigeration.co.uk www .cotswoldvalerefrigeration.co.uk igeration.co.uk email: info@cvronline.co.uk | telephone: 01453 822497 | fax: 01453 824073

31872 1pg_HorseWorld 24/05/2013 18:29 Page 1

Move over Gok Wan, style experts are offering free fashion advice to shoppers at Stafford’s Guildhall Shopping Centre.

At the exclusive "Style & Shop" event on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, the centre’s own style guru, colour technician, make-up and hair stylists will be giving visitors tailor-made inspirational advice on colour and style.

“If you feel indecisive, nervous or reluctant to shop and unsure what style and colours suit you, then this opportunity is just what you need,” says the centre’s Marketing Manager Anne Graham.

“Each consultation will provide a personalised plan of individuals’ colour or style palette and there will be the opportunity for a free mini make-up makeover to demonstrate how important it can be to choose colours and styles that suit an individual's skin tone and body shape.”

Working with Guildhall’s major stores, including TopShop, River Island, Wallis, Roman, Store Twenty One and Evans, the experts will show how to select flattering outfits that are stylish and comfortable and how accessories can take a look from daywear to glitzy nightwear.

Richard Ralph, Associate Director of DTZ who manage the Guildhall Shopping Centre, says: “There is a strong fashion base at the Guildhall and “Style & Shop” is going to be another popular event attracting both our loyal customers as well as new customers from further afield.”

The second big draw is the Christmas Light Switch-on, one of the Staffordshire’s most spectacular festive gatherings, incorporating one day of family fun with a Father Christmas Parade, singing, dancing, competitions and demonstrations culminating in the switch-on and a spectacular firework display from the Guildhall’s roof.

The centre houses more than 30 shops - popular national names and local independents - and a vibrant indoor market Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

With a 270 space car park, one of Stafford’s main bus terminals adjacent and the railway and taxi rank a short walk away, it is easily accessible to the 216,000 people within its potential catchment area.

For further information about the Guildhall, its stores and opening times, and the latest news on “Style & Shop”, visit

www.guildhallstafford.com

Local radio station Signal 107 will broadcast live from the event on both days and shoppers can meet the presenters and compete for spot-prizes in fun competitions.

Other excitements include music and free giveaways, including more than £900-worth of vouchers for amazing adventure days at Cannock Chase, and the chance to try out a Segway.

The event, sponsored by Big Local App Stafford, a new community mobile app providing a one-stop shop for all visitors and residents’ needs in and around Stafford is the latest in a busy programme at the Guildhall which has a weekly average footfall of around 120k to 130k.

One of the two biggest dates in its calendar are the Stafford Arts Festival, featuring musicians, dancers, artists, performers, authors, poets and craftsmen performing in the town’s Market Square and at various indoor and outdoor venues, due to take place this year on Saturday, September 7.

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31898 QPD_HorseWorld 29/05/2013 20:15 Page 1

Oriental grocer Wing Yip has taken the wraps off an extra special 21st anniversary present for the current location of the Birmingham store - an impressive new extension and refurbishment of its Nechells store.

Now offering an even greater range of pan Asian food, the opening marked the end of a year-long transformation that has brought light, airy décor and wider aisles to the Nechells Park Road premises.

Wing Yip Birmingham Development

The development, completed by A & H Construction, who enlarged the existing store and built a new warehouse, means Wing Yip now has almost 200,000 sq ft of selling and storage space across its 10 acre site.

Along with his brother Sammy he set up his first specialist Chinese grocer’s in Birmingham, specifically to supply local Chinese families, restaurants and takeaways.

Fast forward to 2013 and Wing Yip now has, along with its Birmingham base, has landmark superstores in Manchester, London and Croydon, each stocking more than 4,000 foods and products imported directly from the Far East. The company is also planning two more for Cardiff and Nottingham and also supplies the restaurant and catering trade and supermarkets.

L-R Valerio Grimaldi-Plant Jospeh Vinten, Ruby Rainey

Mr Wing Yip, who has received honorary doctorates from Aston and Birmingham City Universities, as well as an OBE for services to the Oriental food industry, has always combined his business success with his desire to encourage others.

The W Wing Yip & Brothers Bursaries were established to encourage and provide financial assistance to students of Chinese origin to complete their studies in the UK. They have gone on to grant more than 300 bursaries, plus 30 scholarships for Chinese students to study at Cambridge.

There couldn’t be a better way to start the 43rd year of a company established by the man who since arriving from Hong Kong in 1959, has gone on to become one of the UK’s most successful Chinese businessmen.

Joseph Vinten

Now the company is encouraging young talent in the art of Oriental cooking, and in February, 22 year-old University College Birmingham student, Joseph Vinten, beat 11 others to win the inaugural Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year 2013.

Said Mr Wing Yip: “We launched the competition to celebrate Oriental cookery with its delicious flavours and aromas, but also to identify the region’s most talented young chefs to encourage them to carry the tradition forward and preserve the legacy of this glorious cuisine.”

Store Internal

In fact the relationship between the Wing Yip family and their adopted city is so special that they gave the spectacular 40ft high granite Chinese pagoda, now standing in Holloway Circus, as a thank you to the city which welcomed them and their business.

Eighteen months after arriving in the UK, Mr W Wing Yip and his business partners opened their first Chinese restaurant in Clacton-on-Sea. It was so successful that three more and one takeaway in East Anglia quickly followed.

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For further information about Wing Yip its products, bursaries, business centres or to shop online please contact:

Call: 0121 327 6618 Email: enquiries@wingyip.com Online: www.wingyip.com

31906 1pg 2_Transport Warehousing 29/05/2013 22:30 Page 1

All the Chinese you need to know

Oriental Cookery Young Chef of the Year 2013

Joseph Vinten from Birmingham has won “Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year 2013” for Oriental Cuisine, celebrating the culinary expertise of the very best young chefs across the Midlands.

This is the first year of the competition, sponsored by Wing Yip, which is designed to celebrate and showcase talented young chefs in Oriental cuisine in the Midlands.

It offers young chefs, between the ages of 18-25, who are either training or employed in the catering industry the chance to boost their culinary careers.

starter and main course. He impressed the judges with his dishes of Lobster Spring Rolls and a Duo of Asian Quail.

Judges included celebrity TV chef Ching He Huang, Michelin-starred Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell, and Peter Griffiths, President of the British Culinary Federation, who put the finalists through their paces and passed on expertise.

Joseph has won a once in a lifetime culinary trip to Hong Kong where he will have the opportunity to experience fine Asian cuisine and the popular street food scene.

Joseph said: “I can’t believe the judges thought my food was good enough to win, and it was great to meet Glynn – he is one of my biggest inspirations. I am so excited and cannot wait to try out more Oriental cuisine when I visit Hong Kong later in the year.”

I

Joseph, 22, a student at University College, Birmingham, was chosen after a challenging 90 minute ‘cook-off’ at the University during the day, which saw 11 finalists, across two heats, prepare an authentic two course meal comprising of a

Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell said: “It’s a great to see a competition that embraces the multi-cultural food scene in Britain today. Oriental cuisine inspired my early career so I was delighted to judge this competition and was thoroughly impressed with the level of skill from all the finalists.”

Chairman of judges, Peter Griffiths commented on the diversity and high calibre of the entries, which made selecting a winner very difficult. He said: “We have been very impressed by the talent and skills of these budding professionals. Making Joseph’s award even more impressive, he should be very proud of his achievement.”

Mr Wing Yip, Chairman of Wing Yip, said: “The increasing popularity of Pan Asian cuisine in the UK is extremely exciting. We launched the competition first and foremost to celebrate Oriental cookery with its delicious flavors and aromas, but also to identify the region’s most talented young chefs to encourage them to carry the tradition forward and preserve the legacy of this glorious cuisine.”

TV chef and Young Chef Judge Ching He Huang, added: “Joseph thoroughly deserved the title but I was impressed by the standard of all the finalist’s dishes, I was honored to be able to share my experience and offer advice to the region’s finest young chefs.”

Wing Yip is the UK’s leading Oriental grocer, with stores in Birmingham, Manchester, Cricklewood and Croydon, stocking over 4,500 panAsian products.

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31671 1pg_CD Engineering 14/05/2013 21:10 Page 1

Netherstowe House Hotel is a Grade II listed, small, family owned and run hotel that strives for excellence, with a friendly, personal touch.

The family and team are very proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at this year’s Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards and to be the only establishment in Staffordshire to be recommended by The Good Hotel Guide.

Ben Heathcote, the Hotel’s proprietor, said: “Our Hotel is family run with a long standing team, resulting in truly professional service with a personal, relaxed, warm and caring style. Whether for the first time, or as a returning visitor, we look forward to welcoming you to Netherstowe House.�

The period buildings and beautiful grounds are an ideal venue for your wedding, and can be hired for your exclusive use, with your cake handmade by the hotel’s professional cake maker.

Affectionately referred to by its loyal regulars as a Higgledy-Piggledy world of pleasure, Netherstowe House comprises a Georgian Country House Hotel, Fine Dining Restaurant, Steakhouse Brassiere, Contemporary Serviced Apartments and ample private car parking.

The hotel also hosts conferences and team building events, various classes from cupcake decorating to supremely indulgent chocolate truffle classes.

Originally built in 1180, Netherstowe House is a retreat like none other. History is present in every aspect of your stay, hand in hand with 21st century standards of service and facilities. The secluded property has delightful grounds with established trees, shrubs and a peaceful walled garden, ideal for aperitifs or al fresco relaxation.

This lovely small hotel has all the facilities you would expect from larger establishments, with its own private gym, personal trainer and health and beauty treatments. For a truly exceptional range of services, sheer luxury, space and value, nowhere else comes close to Netherstowe House Hotel.

The hotel offers 9 guest rooms and 8 Courtyard Apartments.

The stylish public rooms have all been decorated in keeping with the character of the building, including the tranquil lounge with comfy sofas, open fire and daily newspapers, steakhouse brassiere, and private dining room, with high-speed WiFi available throughout. The cosy bar plays host to an extensive wine menu, classic cocktail list and the 'world's best three whiskies'.

The restaurant is open all day including breakfast right through to dinner, to residents and non-residents, but booking is essential especially for afternoon tea served every day, as their tempting scones and cakes are freshly baked to order.

Although lunch is served in the restaurant every day, Sunday lunch at Netherstowe House, served between 1:00pm to 2:30pm is a highlight of the week for many locals.

The restaurant is also available for private functions. Netherstowe House's Hospitality Team is at hand to ensure that all of your wishes are anticipated and that it is possible for you to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing retreat.

Phone number 01543 254 270 Email info@netherstowehouse.com Website www.netherstowehouse.com

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Ca us now on Call 01384 456677 013 Mobile: 07710341793 Mob Chapel Street | Netherton | Dudley | DY2 9PN

Suppliers of High Quality Fresh Produce & Fine Foods

Working in Partnership with Netherstowe House

Phone: 0844 847 9790 Web: www.oliverkayproduce.co.uk

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The Chilled Champagne sparkles, the silverware gleams, the flowers are perfect. The service is efficient yet unobtrusive and the food is delicious.

Sounds too good too be true? Not at all, Portfolio Events have been providing top quality catering for their clients’ bespoke events for over twenty years.

They are a family run outside catering business providing top quality food for weddings and events, from intimate dinner parties to sophisticated balls for hundreds of people.

The company was started in 1984, by Sue Wood when she was asked to “give a hand with a dinner party”. Sue is a fantastic cook, so that original request led to more, generating a successful, yet very personal business.

The company started to expand in 2004, when Sue’s daughter, Billie, who had an event management background, joined the company. In 2005 they moved to Lamport Manor, and completed their commercial kitchen. The purchase of the trailer fridge and van, swiftly followed, which meant that PE could really start to motor (quite literally!).

In 2007 Charlotte Stokes brought her extensive event management experience to the team and a limited company was formed with the three women as directors.

In early 2009 they expanded the kitchen and now have a production office and tasting room in the same courtyard at Lamport Manor.

Portfolio events has developed close working relationships with some of the most prestigious venues in the area, including, Althorp House, Kelmarsh Hall, Dodmoor House, and Holdenby House. Then the Duke of Buccleuch opened the doors of Boughton House in Northamptonshire to the wedding, corporate and private event market last autumn, and Portfolio Events were delighted to join their panel of caterers.

Katy Heney, Group and Corporate Sales Manager at Boughton, said: “We are delighted to have such well respected partners on board for the launch of this beautiful property. Working with

Portfolio ensures our clients will receive a quality service that reflects the aims of their event.”

The company focus on their core strengths, producing wonderful food and wine, and event management. They have a trusted network of marquee providers, florists, lighting experts and entertainers to ensure that even the largest events run without a hitch.

Their greatest challenge to date was an event at which they catered for 2,600 people, a very long way from that “hand” with a friend’s dinner party, but Portfolio were more than equal to the challenge, and the event was a huge success.

But it isn’t all about large functions; Portfolio will be just as happy, to arrange a cosy dinner party or reception your own home. They can offer solutions for every budget, ranging from the simplicity of delivered canapés to a full scale banquet.

Speak to one of the friendly team, on 01604 686726, they will be happy to make suggestions and come up with a plan to suit your ideas and your budget.

The Workshop, Lamport Manor, Northants NN6 9HF

www.portfolioevents.com

D&D MARQUEE HIRE

Proud to be associated with Portfolio Events Call us for a quality marquee and service Telephone: 01604 821460 www.ddmarquees.co.uk www.danddmarqueehire.co.uk

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31888 2pgs_HorseWorld 17/05/2013 14:08 Page 1

Ideal for residential courses, or for delegates travelling a long distance, the competitively priced on-site guest house, Stoneleigh Park Lodge, has 58 bedrooms and a contemporary bar and restaurant.

The intelligent choice for meetings and conferences Premier event venue Stoneleigh Park is home to a number of top-class conference and exhibition facilities, expertly managed by the highly experienced and dedicated team at Stoneleigh Events. With its enviable location in the Heart of England countryside, Stoneleigh Park is the venue of choice for hundreds of businesses and organisations, which visit every year, not only to utilise the superb facilities that the park is renowned for, but to escape the hectic buzz of city life.

This thriving 800-acre site combines 21,000m2 of fullyequipped indoor space, 250 acres of showground and parking for 30,000 cars with superb on-site catering and accommodation. Located within 30 minutes’ drive of Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, and only minutes from Coventry, Warwick and Leamington Spa, it is the ideal meetings and conferences venue for local businesses.

Stoneleigh Events provides exclusive Daily Delegate Rate (DDR) packages designed to provide a convenient and ready-made way to utilise the facilities to the full. Packages include catering, technical supplies and stationery, satisfying all requirements from the bare essentials to something a little more luxurious.

Our Stoneleigh Park Essentials, Plus and Deluxe DDR packages start from just ÂŁ26.50 per person plus VAT.

Stoneleigh Events is delighted to offer readers of Birmingham Business Post a complimentary break out room* and free overnight stay for the event organiser at Stoneleigh Park Lodge when booking any conference package for a minimum of 150 delegates. Please quote BP13 on booking. *To be allocated by Stoneleigh Events

Whether you are planning a conference for 4,000 delegates or a meeting for four, Stoneleigh Events will tailor the event to your objectives and brand guidelines, delivering a standard above and beyond expectation.

Find your ideal space among our four purpose-built conference facilities, which are supplemented by six smaller break-out rooms. Exhibition Halls 1 and 2 are ideal for the larger conference, accommodating up to 1,400 and 2,500 delegates theatre front style, respectively. Our Stareton and Warwick Halls are slightly smaller, accommodating 420 and 850 delegates theatre front style, respectively.

If you are planning a meeting, small seminar or workshop, six unique meeting rooms are available, accommodating between 30 and 250 people each. Choose from the Seminar Rooms, the two interconnecting Avon Lounges, Wolfson Theatre, Royal Pavilion Guest Lounge or Oak Tree, most of which have projectors and screens included in the cost of the room hire.

All spaces at Stoneleigh Park are equipped with free Wi-Fi access, while high-quality audio-visual packages, technical support, a full catering service, offices and storage facilities are readily available.

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Contact us today to start organising your next corporate event at Stoneleigh Park.

Email the sales team sales@stoneleighevents.com or call 0844 847 6685 with your requirements.

If you wish to see any of the facilities, please contact us to arrange a site tour, or visit us online at

www.stoneleighevents.com

0844 847 6685 Call

Quote Ref: BP13

31888 2pgs_HorseWorld 17/05/2013 14:08 Page 2

FREE PARKING

LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE VERSATILE TO HOLD YOUR

CONFERENCE OR MEETING? With 800 acres of outdoor space and 21,000m2 of indoor space, choose Stoneleigh Park, the ideal venue in the perfect location.

W: www.stoneleighevents.com E: sales@stoneleighevents.com T: 0844 847 6685

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31832 2 pg_HorseWorld 23/05/2013 11:28 Page 1

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For Birmingham movie buffs, there’s a building in Station Street that is their own ‘cinema paradiso’

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“After an initial renovation we reopened in early 2005 but continued the renovations for the next five years, opening a second screen in 2008,” he says. “That enabled us to be much more flexible, providing mainstream films in one screen and independents in the other.”

Electric Cinema doesn’t just show films - independent, foreign, classics and Hollywood hits - it makes them too.

With the launch of its own bi-monthly film magazine, also as an iPad ap, a new film in development and a busy private hire and education events programme, the latest blockbuster chapter in the story of UK oldest working cinema is set for ‘infinity and beyond’.

It’s even got a shot at a ‘best musical’ category too - there can’t be many cinemas which have their own film orchestra playing not only in the building but at prestigious events such as the Royal Television Society Awards.

Directing the comeback, to rival that of any film star, is Tom Lawes who’s over the moon at Electric’s success after so many, he says, advised him against taking it on.

With triumphs and tragedies like the epic movies it’s shown in its 100+ years’ history, the cinema has had more curtains rise and fall than a Busby Berkley musical.

Built in 1909, it has undergone many name changes and owners and shown a huge variety of films, from the tworeel silents in its early days, to news films, cartoons and, during the 1980s, adult films.

In 2003 the then crumbling building closed but, months later, Tom arrived at the helm, intending to run a recording studio and reopen the main screen to the public.

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The results have been box office gold. The last eight years have seen turnover increase more than 1,000% and about 20 people now work at Electric Cinema.

It’s also home to an award-winning film production facility, including a 5.1 dubbing and recording studio, Red digital cinema cameras and edit suites.

“Off the back of our first successful film, The Last Projectionist, released in 2012, we are in development for our first feature-length narrative film, Club Cinematica planned for filming in the autumn,” beams Tom. While not quite the Road to Perdition, the journey’s not been without its Run for Your Wife moments.

31832 2 pg_HorseWorld 23/05/2013 11:28 Page 2

“Trying to keep up with my ideas and not spreading myself too thinly between them was one of the challenges” admits Tom. “Cash flow during the initial startup was also challenging. I worked all the hours and sacrificed holidays and weekends for some time!”

cc s

Cleaning & Catering Supplies

LTD

But no film epic is complete without a happy ending and that’s certainly the case for the Electric Cinema.

If you wish to hire the cinema for a birthday, or wedding celebration, product launch, independent film screening, gaming party or educational event contact 0121 643 7879, email info@theelectric.co.uk For programming details and further information, go to

www.theelectric.co.uk Cleaning Catering Supplies (CCS) Ltd Supply chemicals, paper prducts, glassware, barware and table ware

Quality products at quality prices

.. ..

Independant local business (Harborne) No minimum orders Next day delivery 7 day a week service

We are proud to support Electric Cinema and wish them all the best for the future telephone: 07930406066 | email: ianccsuk@gmail.com

Fully persoanlised quotes for customers based on their needs

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Plus much more Visit our website for more information

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Greenfield Insurance Services are proud to support Electric Cinema and we would like to wish them all the best in the future.

For For more more information information call call 0121 0121 444 444 35 3555 555

M.T.Manley M.T.Manley & Co Co Limited Limited 6696 96 Yardley Yardley Wood Wood Road, Road, Billesley, Billesley, Birmingham Birmingham B13 B13 0HY 0HY

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Greenfield

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INSURANCE Services

The Old Dairy Churches Farm Eggs Tump Bromsberrow Ledbury Herefordshire HR8 1SA

Just Rachel, founded by Birmingham girl Rachel Hicks, is delighted to supply top-quality, award-winning ice creams to The Electric Cinema.

Film goers can enjoy our unusual flavours such as White Chocolate & Raspberry, or Honeycomb Ice Cream (winner of a 2** Great Taste Award), all made with rich Herefordshire cream and pure natural ingredients.

For Luxury ice creams, fruit sorbets and delicious desserts Call:

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Insurance Brokers to Business & Private Clients

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www.hoganscider.co.uk w ww.hoganscider.co.uk 63

31791 1pg to go with 31798_Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 30/05/2013 20:52 Page 1

Quality without Compromise

The company is constantly investing in and upgrading their vehicle fleet and have recently also refurbished the company’s central reservations and operational offices together with upgrading their IT infrastructure, with the help of Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS www.cbs.cc ) The company has recently expanded into bus and coach services for local transport authorities and gained contracts with major international manufacturing companies to provide shuttle services for large numbers of shift workers from offsite car parks to manufacturing facilities.

Comfort, reliability and attention to detail, together with affordability and professional uniformed drivers, is the standard offering from Silverline LandFlight.

The company, established in 1974, has grown into the premier coach hire and executive chauffeur drive company in the Midlands, and remains proudly independent.

In the latest expansion phase, the private hire taxi business of Crown Cars, with an owner driver fleet of some 300 private hire vehicles, is being merged into the business. “With our portfolio of services ranging from private hire taxis to chauffeur drive and service buses to executive coaches, Silverline can truly offer a one stop shop for local and long distance journeys, for both individuals and groups for their business and social travel requirements” said Danny Matthews.

Visit the web site for more information

www.landflight.co.uk or telephone on 0121 705 5555 for a competitive quotation.

From their base in Solihull, close to the motorway network, they offer local, long distance, and airport and city transfers, together with corporate and event services for individuals or groups.

The company has a large fleet of air conditioned vehicles available to meet any requirement, from chauffeur driven executive saloons and people carriers to midi and full size executive coaches offering seating capacities from 22 to 49 seats.

Services are available 24/7, with a helpful professional team of experienced advisors, reservation staff and operational management, always on hand.

insurance broking, risk management and claims consulting services.

Airport transfers form a substantial part of their business, with the central reservations and operational office monitoring arrivals for all major UK airports to ensure that your chauffeur is waiting when you arrive. Clients highly value this prompt efficient service, and what could be better for business men and women arriving from overseas than to be met on arrival, and transported efficiently to their meeting, home, office or hotel, arriving unruffled, having had time to relax and prepare during the journey.

We have been working with local businesses in

Silverline LandFlight’s expertise in this area has been recognised by many international airlines that have contracted with the company to transport their business and first class passengers and flight deck and cabin crews between Birmingham International airport, local hotels and other UK airports.

insurance and risk management decisions please call

Danny Matthews, Business Development Director of Silverline LandFlight said “As well as meeting the needs of the airline industry for over thirty years, we have also been servicing the many varying needs and demands of our discerning business and private clients and are proud to have received many written plaudits and accolades from our clients for the services we have provided.”

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At JLT Specialty we provide our clients with specialist

the Midlands since 1903. Through our in-depth understanding of regional business issues and the wider resources of the JLT Group, our clients benefit from informed advice and support on their doorstep.

To find out how we can help you make more profitable our Birmingham office on 0121 633 3377. www.jltgroup.com

JLT Specialty Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority. A member of the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group. Registered Office: 6 Crutched Friars, London EC3N 2PH. Registered in England No. 01536540. VAT No. 244 2321 96. 266365

31798 1pg Silverline_Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 16/05/2013 11:21 Page 1

Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS) are celebrating their 30th successful year in business providing IT support to Midlands companies, helping to reduce costs for small and medium sized enterprises.

CBS offer comprehensive and competitive IT support throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands, and are proud of their outstanding customer service.

Their friendly experienced account managers will ensure you get first rate service, jargon free advice, and help with any issues from their expert technical personnel.

Amongst their many other accreditations they have achieved the coveted status of Microsoft Gold partner in server platform and virtualisation. This accreditation marks them out as experts in these fields.

CBS provides hardware and software support services, as well as installation services. Their portfolio includes network implementation, on-going IT Support Services, Disaster Recovery, Cloud and Telephony technologies, networking security, online backup, email, remote working, Internet connectivity, and managed wireless solutions.

2012 was a record year and 2013 sees the 20 strong team looking forward to welcoming 4 new staff members to service the company’s expansion, which has included the development of a new Data Centre and Cloud Computing solutions.

Sales Manager at CBS, Stephen Hennessy, explains that the record growth has come from the continued shift from the historical in-house IT Support Manager to fully outsourced IT services saving customers thousands of pounds every year.

“Our service is designed with excellence in mind while being very good value for money, we are committed to delivering industry leading IT solutions suitable for all sizes of business.”

“From our dedicated support centre at Smallbrook Queensway, in Birmingham, our fully qualified personnel ensure problems are always resolved quickly and efficiently,” assures Stephen.

The company has seen many changes during their 30 year history; their experience and expertise has stood them in good stead through the many ups and downs the industry has experienced, capitalising on their early lead and always staying one step ahead of their competition in innovation, service and competitiveness.

Stephen emphasised: “CBS is built on solid financial foundations and is ideally positioned to provide products and services now and to be around for another 30 years to support them.”

For further information about CBS’s services, go to

www.cbs.cc or contact Sales Manager, Stephen Hennessy Email: steve@cbs.cc Telephone: 0121 643 5362

Computerworld are pleased to support Silverline Landflight, having recently been involved in the extensive upgrading of their IT provision.

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A double triumph heralded the start of 2013 for Kimberley-Jane Design Ltd - and the year looks set to get better and better.

The graphic and website design company scooped two honours in the Tamworth, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield Business Networking Awards 2013; winning the Promotions Business of the Year and being Highly Commended for the Business of the Year title.

The January success was a landmark moment for proud founder Kimberley-Jane Turrell, who sees it as recognition of all her hard work building up her Tamworth business in the last two years.

However, the honours are also tribute to Kimberley-Jane’s determination to succeed in the face of harsh circumstances.

“I graduated from Loughborough University in 2008, just as the markets crashed and, by 2010, competition for design jobs was extremely fierce,” she remembers. “I wasn’t sure how long it would be until I found my dream job so, to keep my portfolio fresh, in my spare time I worked on setting up as a graphic design freelancer.”

As her confidence grew, so did the referrals and contracts and, encouraged by a friend, she took up web design.

“I absolutely loved it,” she says. From there she never looked back and ‘took the plunge’, launching Kimberley-Jane Design Ltd. Business turnover doubled during 2011-2012 and, early last year, she moved into premises on the Tame Valley Industrial Estate.

Today the company offers a service that provides all design and website requirements, right from designing and printing the perfect business card to taking an organisation online. We now have a graphic design intern and web designer and we have moved into new offices. We are based in St Pauls Square.

The business is already going global, having secured clients from Australia and America and prestigious happy customers include McDonalds and UK Innovation, alongside Tie With A Twist, an online range of stylish ties with a humorous message on their flipsides. Its smart website, developed by Kimberley-Jane Design Ltd played a key role in its launch into the gift market place.

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Print | Web | Design “Although I started this business in a tough economic climate I have been fortunate to not experience any hardship - touch wood,” reflects Kimberley-Jane. “I truly believe I owe a lot of my success to the digital age. I have been able to embrace the social media whirlwind, learn from it and share. My business has grown alongside the explosion of social media marketing, so for that I am fortunate and delighted by.”

No matter what the requirement may be, Kimberley-Jane Design Ltd is here to help.

“We love working with clients of all sizes,” says Kimberley-Jane.

“From multi-national organisations to freelancers running part-time businesses. We can help your business grow - perhaps bigger than you ever dreamed.”

For further details, go to www.kimberley-janedesign.co.uk To make an enquiry email enquiries@kimberley-janedesign.co.uk or telephone 0121 2703 753

We are small, but growing publishing company only formed 3 years ago, however we have one of the largest historical image libraries in the UK and are recognized by the likes of Collins Bartholomew (Harper Collins) and the National Library in Scotland as the leading specialists in the procurement of historic maps for use in prestigious publications as the Times atlases.

We have published our own range of publications, the most recent Bradshaw's Railway Atlas of Great Britain and Ireland continues to sell well, with a second book run imminent it continues to receive excellent reviews.

The concept of the working studio is to welcome the community in sharing our historical resources and an insight into the work that we are producing, adding a new and exciting interest in the High Street and Retail generally.

Proudly supporting Kimberley, freelance graphic artist, who was the illustrator for the Bradshaw's Railway Atlas

01922 458288 www.mapseeker.co.uk 30 High Street - Aldridge - Walsall - WS9 8LZ

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Introducing our new regular columnist

Bev James

CEO of The Coaching Academy and Director of Mentoring at Start-Up Loans

How to turn a good idea into a successful start-up People have brilliant ideas every day; that eureka moment that makes you stop and think, if I could turn this into a business, I would be very successful. But where do you go from there? Having a great idea is the easy part, progressing from that point is the challenge.

Setting up a new business is like planning an adventure holiday, with finite time and resources. To get the most out of your journey you need a budget for your costs; your choice of route will match the time you have available and your choice of activity will depend upon your interests, skills and passions.

If you have an idea, my advice would be to only consider developing it further if you feel passionate about it. Businesses, almost by default, go through hard times and good times so by choosing an idea that you are passionate about, you will have the drive to get through any bumps in the road.

Once you have an idea that you are passionate about, analysing your skill set is the next step. I always recommend that budding entrepreneurs get experience in their industry of interest. This helps in foreseeing business issues that can arise in the future by providing a platform for the entrepreneur to gain both product knowledge and tips on running a successful business, often from the ground up.

Start-Up Loans, the government backed initiative to encourage entrepreneurship, could be a great way to secure a small loan to get your business up and running.

Once you have successfully turned your idea into a business the hard work begins! You need to make sure that people know about your business and that the idea takes off. Efficient, wellplanned sales and marketing is the most important element to this and without it your business will fall flat. Therefore it is important to think through your marketing plan during the early stages starting up so that the right messages are conveyed to future customers.

Whatever route you take, turning your idea into a successful start-up takes time, hard work and patience. You need to be determined to succeed and have the courage to stand your ground. It can be a daunting process but one that is incredibly satisfying and worthwhile.

Bev James is a business mentor, best-selling author of DO IT! or DITCH IT and CEO of the Coaching Academy www.bevjames.com @Bev_James

At this stage I would recommend seeking advice from a business mentor with expertise knowledge. A mentor can help guide you through the initial start-up phase by using their experience, perspective and contacts. If you want to embark on a project that needs specialist expertise, a mentor is essential as you need to make sure that you are trained or supported by those who know the industry.

With this in place you need to undertake competitor analysis which is vital when setting up any business. You need to ask some hard-nosed, objective questions. Is there space in the market for your business? Is there a real need for it? Can this need be fulfilled, or overcome, in a cheaper way? In today’s harsh financial climate, everybody is cautious about the way they spend their money so, market research is essential but without giving your idea away.

Now that you have established that you have a great idea which the market needs, how are you going to secure funding?

Business finance is increasingly hard to come by so you need to be realistic about how much funding you need and remember that every start-up nearly always requires more time and money than budgeted for so try and be flexible to accommodate these changes. I believe one of the best places to start when it comes to securing funding is your family if they have some extra money to invest.

If that is not an option, there are plenty of other alternatives out there. Start-up finance options include bank funding and business bank loans, overdrafts, credit cards, private equity or private investment, angel investment and small business grants.

Bev James 67

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“We stayed top for all of our SEO terms last year when Google made more changes in one year than it had ever done before which just confirms that we are the best in our field and really do know our stuff!” he says. “That can only be good for creating confidence – if we can stay top for our own site we can definitely get clients to page one!”

Successfully keeping up with the myriad changes constantly implemented by the world’s biggest search engine shows Chameleon Web Services more than lives up to its name.

Bright spark Ian immediately saw the potential of the internet when it first arrived. “I thought it was an amazing idea and wanted to be a part of it,” he smiles.

He founded Chameleon in 2001 as a web design company and quickly achieved high levels of growth and success. In 2006 it started following Google closely as it began to dominate the search engine industry and now SEO forms 70% of its business model.

“As our reputation grew, our client base grew and the size of businesses that we worked with became larger, including some multi-nationals,” says Ian. “Our motto of ‘Big Enough to Cope, Yet Small Enough to Care’ has given us one of the best reputations for customer satisfaction in an industry where many are sceptical of trusting.”

The company continues to grow, gaining new clients almost daily, and is now evolving again. Ian explains: “We are developing Apps as the mobile internet market has exploded and we know that our clients and we need to be a part of it.”

Ian Bevis and his team are continually on their toes but their expertise in instantly adapting their services to fit in with their fastpaced, ever evolving online world - like the famed ability of their namesake creature - means they remain number one with their clients. And, perhaps even more critically - Google.

Based in Upper High Street, Birmingham, and with offices in Cheltenham and London, Chameleon Web Services offer a full range of internet solutions, such as business website designs and adverts.

Where it really clicks, however, is as a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) specialist and with its management of Google AdWords accounts. That it really does know its metadata from its metatags and its HTMLs from its HTTPs couldn’t be better demonstrated by a a quick search for ‘chameleon’ on Google itself. The business automatically comes up before you’ve even finished typing the letters.

Holding the number one spot over the years and through many Google updates which have previously done for competitors - is one of Ian’s proudest achievements.

To find out more about Chameleon Web Services and its services visit www.chameleonwebservices.co.uk which also has a wealth of information on SEO, AdWords, Web Design and other aspects of internet marketing, including free SEO tools for you to see how your own website is performing.

To make an enquiry, telephone 0121 314 5504 or email info@chameleonwebservices.co.uk

Sandwell Accountancy Services Providing Professional Accountancy Services at Competitive Prices From self assesment to start up advice we have a tailored service to suit you.

We are proud to have helped Chameleon Web Services achieve their successes to date.

Call us on 01384 569 197 or visit our web site to discover how we could help your business. www.sas-accounts.co.uk

Sandwell Accountancy Services Ltd

OFFICE: Old Bank Buildings, Upper High Street, Cradley Heath B64 5HY

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Landlords Motor Trade Hotels Shops Buildings & Contents Pubs Motor Fleets Catering Vehicles Offices Bars Charity Restaurants Wholesalers and much more...

D esign, iinstallation nstallation a nd Design, and m aintenance o DC CTV maintenance off H HD CCTV ssystems ystems Access control control đ Access Vehicle barrier barrier systems systems đ Vehicle Gate automation. automation. đ Gate W ea re p roud tto o ssupport upport We are proud C hameleon W eb S ervices and and Chameleon Web Services we w ould like like to to wish wish them them a the best we would allll the best iin n tthe he ffuture uture

Please contact uss o on P lease c ontact u n 0121 5448470 0 121 5 448470

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ISO ISO 9001 9001 : 2008 2008 Audited Audited and and approved. approved.

SSAIB S SAIB a approved. pproved.

unisoncctv.co.uk unisoncctv.co.uk Oak Court, Crystal Drive, 112 2O ak C ourt, C rystal D rive, Sandwell Business Park, S andwell B usiness P ark, Birmingham, B66 UK B irmingham, B 66 11QG, QG, U K Email ssales@unisoncctv.co.uk ales@unisoncctv.co.uk

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What? Who? Where? How? Research is the way to answer these questions, reliable data, is a critical factor for start up businesses, and the continuing success of existing firms.

What is your product and where is the market for that product? How to identify your likely customers, where they are, and how best to reach them? Then there is the importance of keeping abreast of market trends and the current technology.

In order to establish a realistic pricing structure for your product you will have needed to take all your costs into account; including raw materials, the cost of manufacture, transportation, premises, staff availability and wages.

Where do your raw materials come from?

Who is producing the materials you need and will your suppliers be able to produce the quantity, and maintain the right quality at the right price? Does it make economic sense to source from the UK or from overseas?

Then there is the consideration of premises - can you work from home, or would rented premises be more suitable; do you need to purchase somewhere, and just how much space do you need? In the case of an existing business, do you need to rethink your existing space, extend or move?

Advice is literally everywhere, the internet, business consultants, accountants, commercial property agents, architects, office furniture suppliers, telecoms providers, and IT consultants, mostly at a cost, but who can you rely on? Try the government’s own statistics.

The 10 yearly government census was taken on 27th March 2011, and now that the numbers have been crunched a steady stream of data has started to flow from the Office for National Statistics covering everything from the number, sex and ages of the population, to our living conditions, health, occupations, whether we have more than one address, how we travel to work and our educational qualifications.

But what has this got to do with your business?

Well, depending on the type of commercial activity that you undertake, census statistics can tell you an awful lot about your employees and customers.

And that can help you to arrive at important decisions about where to locate your business and how you can develop and target your products and services.

Major business decisions invariably carry an element of risk, so anything that increases confidence and minimises risk is

to be welcomed. Census statistics can inform growth plans and provide management, board and investors with reliable evidence and the confidence to enable them to make those important decisions. The data can also help to identify where your business might benefit from more detailed market research to address specific business development issues.

One great advantage of census statistics is that they are available down to very small geographical areas. So, as well as information about the population at a national level, you can also drill down to individual local authorities and even to postcodes.

Another advantage is that census data is usually free of charge. Only when someone needs a specific piece of data that does not form part of the standard range of statistical output tables will any charge be levied.

While dozens of statistical tables are derived from the census, help is available when it comes to finding the information that you need. Alongside the statistics themselves, ONS publishes Statistical Bulletins that summarise the key issues for each set of figures published. There are also a number of ‘short stories’ that offer some analysis of some themes such as methods of travel to work, the provision of unpaid care and families and households. There is even a selection of interactive maps and graphics that make finding the data you need easier and more interesting.

To explore the range of census data, visit the Office for National Statistics website at www.ons.gov.uk/census, or contact Census Customer Services (01329 444972 or CensusCustomerServices@ons.gov.uk) While you may still need the advice of a professional, you will have a clearer basis on which to make an informed decision.

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According to Scott-Moncrieff, Lexcel can also bring benefits to firms that have offices in other countries or are looking abroad, as the practice management quality mark is known in countries as far afield as Dubai and Poland.

"Lexcel is the recognised practice standard by which legal teams and their respective clients in different jurisdictions can acknowledge certain high standards in their dealings."

International corporation Carillion and law firm Trowers & Hamlins, which has several offices in the Middle East, recently secured the quality mark.

Law firms turn to Lexcel for growth

"Lexcel has also reached into countries such as Canada and the Republic of Ireland. I see Lexcel as establishing itself as the legal quality mark for firms and in-house legal teams across the world”, Scott-Moncrieff continued.

There are currently more than 1,400 Lexcel accredited law firms and in-house legal teams, including practices in Scotland, the Middle East, Poland and the Republic of Ireland.

Undeterred by the taxing economic climate, an increasing number of law firms in England and Wales are investing in robust management systems as part of their growth strategy.

The Law Society's law management quality mark Lexcel has already been adopted by over 1400 English and Welsh practices that see effective management practice as the basis for growth.

Lexcel is developed specifically for the legal profession. It is an optional, recognised accreditation scheme for law firms and inhouse legal departments, which gives assurance that a practice meets high client care and business management standards.

The Lexcel Office, The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A1PL T: 020 7320 5933 F: 020 7320 5785 E: lexcel@lawsociety.org.uk www.lawsociety.org.uk/lexcel

As well as a robust application and assessment process to gain Lexcel, practices must reapply annually to maintain the Lexcel status, undergoing background checks and on-site visits from Lexcel assessors to ensure they meet the high standards expected for Lexcel.

Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: "Gaining and maintaining Lexcel is no mean feat. There are many facets of being a Lexcel accredited law firm, including client care. A commitment to customer service in today’s evermore competitive legal services market is vital.

“By undergoing the rigorous Lexcel application and assessment process, practices can show the positive steps they are taking to help clients in the increasingly diverse, complicated legal services market.

"Similarly, by securing Lexcel for their in-house legal teams, organisations can signal that they acknowledge the importance of legal teams and send a message to their clients and competitors that they invest in high standards in legal services."

Clients and staff are often the main beneficiaries of a firm receiving Lexcel accreditation. They can be assured that the way the practice is managed has their interests at heart and runs efficiently. There is a lot of choice in the legal services market, but being Lexcel accredited demonstrates commitment to client care and best practice.

"The scheme is a beacon of quality to clients and potential clients alike", Scott-Moncrieff said.

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We are an established local firm offering a wide range of accessible and affordable legal services suited to small businesses, professional practices, professionals and individuals.

Services to small businesses and professionals include: • Employment, Civil Litigation, Legal Disputes, Dispute Resolution • Conveyancing, Commercial Leases, Remortgages • Health and Safety Regulatory Offences, Company and Director Fraud, Motoring Offences, General Criminal Litigation • Wealth Management, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills and Probate • Separation and Divorce • General Family Matters • Personal Injury Claims In the Summer of 2012 we were awarded accreditation to LEXCEL and the Conveyancing Quality Standard.

Bobbetts Mackan is completely committed to providing our clients with an individual focussed and cost effective service designed to meet their needs.

For advice please contact us by telephone or email (quote LEXCEL)

17 Berkeley Square • Clifton • Bristol BS8 1HB Tel: 0117 929 9001 • Fax: 0117 922 5697 E: info@bobbetts.com

Web: www.bobbetts.co.uk

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Enoch Evans LLP secures top accolade from national Law Society Enoch Evans LLP Solicitors in Walsall has secured the national Law Society's law management quality mark, Lexcel.

The leading Black Country firm has a proud history of delivering client satisfaction across all departments including but not limited to Company and Commercial, Corporate and Private Dispute Resolution, Matrimonial and Family and Wills, Tax and Probate.

To gain and retain Lexcel accreditation, practice must undergo a rigorous initial then annual application and assessment process.

Lexcel; which overlaps with Investors in People award which Enoch Evans LLP have held for over 15 years; is only awarded to solicitors who meet the highest management and customer care standards, which means that the Black Country firm will continue to provide the highest level of service to all clients.

Managing Partner, David Evans commented: “I am delighted that our Firm has achieved this highly regarded accreditation. At Enoch Evans LLP we are committed to providing the very best standards of service to our clients through our various specialist departments. In these highly competitive times, Lexcel will provide clients with the additional comfort that they will receive the very best professional and personal service from our highly qualified legal advisors�.

Based in Walsall Enoch Evans LLP have provided specialist legal advice to businesses and individuals throughout the Midlands for almost 130 years

For more information please visit our website

www.enochevans.co.uk Call: 01922 720333 Lexcel is developed by the Law Society of England and Wales as a recognised accreditation scheme for law firms. Lexcel is designed to provide customers and suppliers with a certified assurance that a practice meets high client care and business management standards.

Email: ee@enoch-evans.co.uk Visit Us 6-9 Hatherton Road Walsall West Midlands WS1 1XS

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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

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Workplace Pensions As the process of rolling out auto enrolment gathers pace, a few issues concerned with administration and implementation are starting to surface.

It is perhaps inevitable that when implementing a project of such a scale that some problems will become apparent as the many differently structured businesses try to decide which members of their staff the process applies to.

The phased introduction of automatic enrolment began in October 2012. In that first month it only applied to businesses with more than 120,000 employees, but by the end of 2013 it will apply to those with 500 or more employees, and by February 2018 it will apply to every employer in the country.

Those employers which have already become subject to the automatic enrolment requirements have highlighted a number of problem areas, which suggest that the system is not working as well as it might do.

Businesses in the hospitality, agricultural and retail sectors are finding it a particularly cumbersome process, given the numbers of part time workers and seasonal staff they employ, and the various ways in which they are paid.

It is reassuring therefore that the government are listening to businesses’ concerns, and that the review, promised within one year, in January by Steve Webb, the Minister for Pensions, has been brought forward.

On 11 February the Government confirmed that it will begin consulting on proposals in March to simplify the automatic enrolment process - somewhat sooner than expected.

Areas that are being flagged up as needing attention include simplifying the assessment process for employers, establishing when and to whom the regulations apply, who they must enrol into a qualifying scheme automatically, who they need to enrol by request, and who they do not need to enrol at all.

There also needs to be some changes to the rules so that people who have special tax protection on their existing pension benefits because they had already saved more than the lifetime allowance, do not have to be automatically enrolled into a qualifying scheme. This is currently a problem because these people are at risk of losing their protected status - and becoming subject to a significant tax charge - if, once enrolled, they do not opt out sufficiently quickly.

These seem to be the main areas to be addressed, but, doubtless, as the roll-out continues other issues may become apparent.

As yet, the time scale for the introduction of any changes to the system has still to be confirmed, and employers will be given time to update their systems. Those companies who still have to put their arrangements in place will be made aware of potential changes in order to incorporate them into their planning.

Employers who have already made their preparations may need to revisit their plans once any changes from the consultation have been implemented and amend them accordingly.

Auto enrolment is a saga that continues to roll on, it is to be hoped that the scheme will deliver the benefits which are hoped for.

For more information visit the government web site

www.gov.uk/workplacepensions or speak to a qualified advisor

AUTO ENROLMENT IS HERE! Every company must comply with the new regulations - most over the next 2 years.

We have 3 versions of a Middleware system that will handle Auto-Enrolment Compliance for your company.

Cost and tax efficient solutions for all employers and accountants that offer payroll services.

Employers need clearer guidelines in order to establish that the money purchase schemes that they have in place meet the scheme’s quality requirements, and to make it simpler to use their existing pension arrangements. This is an area where specialist advice is critical, in order to ensure that companies don’t fall foul of any regulations.

Call us now rather than miss out!

Tel: 01746 716767 AEEBS LTD. Email: admin@aeebs.co.uk www.aeebs.co.uk

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Communicating auto-enrolment to your employees 52%* of people haven’t heard of auto-enrolment and don’t know what effect it will have on them.

This is an alarming statistic especially as all employees are to be auto enrolled by 2017. Communicating auto-enrolment poorly can trigger a number of problems for employers, for example employees asking why they’ve had reductions taken from their payslip without any prior warning.

Getting the initial communication right could save you a lot of pain in the long run, and save your HR department from experiencing unusually high volumes of queries.

Other ways to communicate Most workforces these days are diverse and not everyone will be communicated to in the exact same way. This is why autoenrolment needs to be communicated through a number of different channels to make sure all employees receive it and understand it. Some examples of this are: 1. Employee handbooks 2. One-to-one communication 3. Group seminars 4. On-line micro-sites

What has to be communicated to your employees by law?

5. Video

Each employee must receive a letter that communicates autoenrolment. Which letter an employee receives will depend on the workforce category they fall into and the decisions you make on your scheme.

Designing and implementing a good quality communication strategy that features a number of methods is likely to engage employees.

Each letter explains to employees the reasons for being autoenrolled whilst letting them know which worker category they belong to and what they have to do next.

The way this new legislation is communicated and positioned to employees can have a huge impact on how your employees perceive auto-enrolment.

Will sending these be enough?

For more information on how to successfully communicate auto-enrolment to your employees, download our guides from

Only 16%* of people who have heard about auto-enrolment got this information from their employer.

Offering your employees with a pension is probably the largest EHQHĂ€W \RX ZLOO SURYLGH WKHP VR LWŇ‹V LPSRUWDQW \RX JHW WKH communication right. Simply sending standard letters may not be enough to truly engage your workforce and additional communication needs to be considered.

Increase your employees’ awareness

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*September 2012, WS&B, page 11

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…LTPUN

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

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ART BUSINESS LOANS We understand small businesses and we’re here to help ART (Aston Reinvestment Trust) specialises in supporting small businesses and takes a different approach to the banks. There’s no computerised credit scoring involved. The small team of lenders takes the time to understand individual circumstances and base their decisions on those. If your business needs an injection of funds of between £10,000 and £100,000, and you have a viable plan for repaying a loan, give ART a call.

The ART lending team (L-R): Andy King – Loan Manager, Dr Steve Walker – Chief Executive, Martin Edmonds – Loan Manager.

Chief Executive of ART, Steve Walker, is passionate about the subject of access to finance for small businesses. His enthusiasm, knowledge and willingness to share information and encourage understanding of access to finance were recognised in 2007, when he was awarded a doctorate from the University of Birmingham.

ART has supported Birmingham-based Bakeware manufacturer Utensa's growth plans. The ART loan has enabled the company to invest in modification of existing tooling to meet demand for heavy gauge products creating two new jobs. Managing Director Rob Jones (pictured) is optimistic about the company's future and in particular its competiveness with the Far East. www.utensa.co.uk Steve joined ART prior to its inception 15 years ago, keen to develop a new model of access to finance for businesses which the banks were unable to support. “The banks are taking an increasingly conservative approach to lending to small businesses,” he explains, “so alternative sources are needed not only for start ups, but also for larger businesses where the banks have already lent all they can.”

ART is a Community Development Finance Institution, constituted like an old-fashioned building society - owned by its borrowers and investors. “We lend for any business purpose, often alongside the banks and other providers as part of a finance package,” says Steve. “We exist to facilitate business growth and job creation. We are interested in small businesses and keen to see them flourish.”

Although it started in Aston, ART lends to business based in Birmingham and Solihull and, with partners, across the wider West Midlands. With their extensive knowledge and understanding of small business finance, Steve and his team are able to help businesses fund their requirements in the most effective way and also signpost applicants to alternative sources of finance if appropriate.

The Challenge for Small Businesses According to Steve, one of the biggest challenges small businesses ownermanagers are facing today is not access to finance – there is money out there – it’s having the time to take a step back and see what is available to them. “We suspect small

businesses are not even approaching their banks, because they think they will be rejected,” he says, “or, if they are turned down, not looking for alternative sources of finance because they don’t know they exist.”

There are new finance schemes and initiatives being launched all the time to support small businesses and Steve’s advice is to seek professional help, look up the national website www.businessfinanceforyou.co.uk or, if you are based in the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership area, see www.gbslepbusinesssupport.com.

Loans from ART Since it was established in 1997, ART has helped hundreds of small businesses, and social enterprises, operating in diverse markets to access the finance they needed to grow, diversify, survive cashflow problems, or get started.

The application process is straightforward – start by calling ART to discuss your requirements and request an application form, or download one from ART’s website.

Once you have supplied all the information required your application will be assessed by one of the lending team and you will be invited to a meeting. ART aims to provide an answer within 21 working days from receipt of all the necessary information. Funds are provided quickly after that. Repayment terms can be from 6 months to 7 years and there is no penalty for early repayment.

To find out more about loans from ART call 0121 359 2444 or see www.reinvest.co.uk

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31749 2pg 2_Multibrand 16/05/2013 11:11 Page 1

BRIDGE NEWLAND BUSINESS RECOVERY & INSOLVENCY The media seems to relish bad news, and is full of economic doom and gloom, especially with the latest string of high profile business failures; HMV, Jessops, and Blockbusters.

What we don’t hear about are the businesses saved from failure and turned around with the help of professional insolvency advice. After all, apart from the people personally affected, the fact that a company is still trading, doesn’t seem to be considered particularly newsworthy.

For the company concerned and its employees, living to fight another day is critical. When difficulties occur, it is often not through inefficient management, lack of structure or poor credit control. Problems often arise due to factors outside the company’s control; cancellation of a large contract, slow or late payments affecting cash flow, the shortage of affordable credit, business rates and rent rises, all these factors can contribute to their difficulties.

After personal experience, of the devastating effects of insolvency within his own family, Ben Robson set up Bridge Newland in 2011, to help businesses manage and often avoid the process altogether.

Bridge Newland are achieving an excellent track record in business recovery, and the re-employment of existing work forces; sadly however, there are occasions when they are called in too late to help, and insolvency cannot be avoided.

On such occasions they are able to bring sympathy, discretion and understanding, holding the client’s hand throughout the process.

The business is proving very successful; clients really appreciate the personal touch that a small family practice can offer, while still able to provide the complete range of formal insolvency services, including Liquidation, Administration, CVA’s and Pre Packs.

Ben Robson Ben gets great personal satisfaction, from helping clients stay in business, often by means of the informal services they offer, such as repayment plan negotiations and acting as an intermediary during negotiations with creditors.

He is especially proud of the help he was able to give in the case of Piccadilly AV where 30 jobs were saved when the business was sold as a going concern.

Ben explained that companies facing difficulties can’t just bury their heads in the sand, and hope it will all go away, they need to be pro-active. The business model that has been successful for the last 20 or even 50 years may not be appropriate to today’s trading conditions. Sometimes a few minor changes can turn the whole situation round and restore the company to profit.

Although Ben can call on an extensive network of specialist advisors, and has the support of a great team, his greatest challenge has been coping single handedly with the ever increasing work load due to his turnover looking set to double this year. His fiancé has now joined the firm and a new manager will be in place by April.

If you feel the need to call on someone friendly, for non judgemental business advice, speak to Ben at Bridge Newland on 01788 544 544 or visit the web site

www.bridgenewland.com

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31749 2pg 2_Multibrand 16/05/2013 11:11 Page 2

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32046 1pg_Feature Template 17/05/2013 09:19 Page 1

Chartered Accountants

And the Winner is…

Partners and employees at Droitwich-based accountancy practice Ballard Dale Syree Watson LLP are celebrating as they have secured the title Accountancy Firm of the Year 2013 in the West Midlands.

The personal development and training needs of junior members of staff through a continuing nurturing and mentorship process is also high on the firm’s agenda.

The Accountancy Firm of the Year award was bestowed upon Ballards by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). They won the title in the category for practices with no more than 5 partners.

The Senior Management Team Steven Jones, Michelle Hammett & Paul Gee The practice has been successful in attracting fast-track graduates from red brick universities as well as people wishing to attain qualification through vocational training and part-time study.

Left to right - Philip Harrison (Meridian Private Client) presenting the award to BDSW partners, Jeremy Syree, Bill Ballard, James Syree, Liz Peters, Matthew Watson The prestigious ICAEW awards seek to recognise the achievements of its members throughout the West Midlands.

Rurally based Ballards are thrilled to win the award, as they fought off stiff competition from similarly structured rivals in and around Birmingham City and some excellent practices throughout the region.

Based in a rural location Ballards also seem to be appealing to more experienced accountancy professionals that have worked in some of the larger national multi-site practices. Mr Jones believes that maintaining a ‘work-life’ balance is important to people these days as onerous commutes in heavy traffic adds to a longer working day. As well as this, the opportunities and progression that Ballards can offer is proving more and more tempting to staff working within national firms.

Business development director Steven Jones maintains that the firm’s success is due to a number of factors, but having built strong relationships with its diverse client base has certainly been key.

The five senior partners at the practice, including founder Bill Ballard, pride themselves on investing a high degree of personal contact with both existing and new clients.

Ballards have built up a substantial portfolio of clients from private and public sector organisations. It specialises in providing services to medical practices and other healthcare professionals as well as farming and rural businesses. The firm also acts for a broad spectrum of businesses from emerging technology companies to £100m turnover corporate entities. It also continues to support its ethos of looking after the accountancy needs of local ‘owner managed businesses’ (OMBs).

Jeremy Syree with Accounts Trainee Amy Procter-Nicholls Mr Jones said: “We are delighted to have been recognised with such a high profile award as ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year’.

The competition was very high this year and there were some very good firms in the final. The accountancy sector is changing and I think it is down to our willingness to proactively change and develop that has ultimately led us to being successful.”

For more information please visit their website

www.ballardsca.com or telephone on 01905 794504

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31695 1pg_HorseWorld 14/05/2013 15:27 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 to meet the costs of an 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 meet the costs of an Initial Wealth Check Consultation if you feel 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 79

31856 1pg_HorseWorld 23/05/2013 15:45 Page 1

Recently we’ve seen significant growth reported in buy-to-let finance (Council of Mortgage Lenders) and bridging loans (astl).

Against the individual good news stories are some less encouraging figures. Projections for business investment growth have been lowered from 4.9% to 1.9%. The contribution of net trade to GDP growth has been revised from 0.3 to 0.1 percentage points. In this climate of lowered expectations, people listened anxiously to the details of the recent Budget.

Bring on the Summer: NACFB and the Commercial Finance Expo Adam Tyler, CEO, NACFB talks about the forthcoming Commercial Finance Exhibition at the NEC. The NACFB’s fourth annual Commercial Finance Expo is getting closer and closer.

Although at time of writing we are looking out of the window at scarves and snowdrifts, before you know it we will be throwing open the doors to the NEC on June 26th, sheltering from midsummer sun, and talking about a number of topics, including, of course, the recent Budget and the progress of the Business Bank.

The NEC is one of the few venues big enough to hold an event of this size. That’s why we keep coming back year after year.

We expect a crowd in excess of 1100, as well as keynote speakers and fifteen lenders from across all sectors who have been invited to participate in the day’s seminars. It’s a day full of networking opportunities and impassioned discussions. And this year there is more than ever to talk about.

The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) was created twenty-one years ago as a self-regulatory body for the Commercial Finance Industry.

A not-for-profit organisation, its purpose is to help businesses find funding from a wide range of lenders and through regulated and reputable commercial brokers. The scope of commercial finance is right across the sector and all falls outside the remit of the FSA. At the NACFB we have strong working relationships with SME trade and industry bodies, and we work with more lenders than ever before, including a large number of alternative lenders that you won’t find on the high street (more than ninety in total).

They’re active in the fields of commercial mortgages, leasing and asset finance, factoring, vehicle finance, buy-to-let, cashflow funding, and development loans.

We ask all our members to demonstrate recent experience and to pass a number of mandatory qualifications. They have to demonstrate ongoing experience and training through each year, and must also adhere to our Code of Practice. Over five hundred broker firms and well over one thousand individual brokers comply with this voluntary code. They’re spread right across the UK.

80

A large amount of our time is spent lobbying on behalf of the whole SME industry. We recently moved our office from Exeter to Central London, partly to benefit from our increasing presence in Westminster. Our growing relationship with the Federation of Small Businesses brings us close to its quarter of a million SME members. We are firmly part of the whole SME cycle and our other relationships now extend to the FPB (Forum of Private Business), ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants) and the ICAEW (the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales).

The issues affecting UK SMEs have remained broadly the same for the past four years; scarcity of funding, a reluctance to lend, and a less flexible attitude to finance.

The lenders we work with, however, try extremely hard to change that perception.

Smaller funders, in particular, can offer some extremely specialised services, and some of our brokers can also offer a very particular degree of expertise. And within the generally accepted bad-news picture, it’s encouraging to see more positive signs – for example, the massive growth in the asset finance sector through the first three quarters of 2012.

Bringing so many UK commercial finance brokers and lenders together gives the NACFB an opportunity to gather a mountain of data. Last summer’s survey revealed that during the period 2011-2012, our members generated just under £9 billion of new lending facilities, more than half of it being specifically commercial finance, including a 100% increase in Leasing and Asset Finance. Big increases in bridging finance, commercial mortgages and leasing and asset finance were partly offset by falls in vehicle finance and building development funding. And while the use of debtor finance remained static during the last twelve surveyed months, it has nevertheless doubled in the period since 2007. We also heard how 80% of SMEs think about raising finance 3-4 days before it’s needed – and a similar percentage spend less than an hour on researching whom to approach before ending up at their bank.

I pick out a couple of highlights here: previously revealed in last year’s Autumn Statement, the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) limit was increased from £25,000 to £250,000 for two years for all qualifying investments in plant and machinery made from the start of January 2013. Corporation Tax will be reduced by an additional 1 per cent to 20 per cent from April 2015. Importantly, there will be new and simpler income tax rules for around three million eligible small businesses.

The stated aim of the Business Bank, as Vince Cable explained in his 21st March statement, is “encouraging new entrants and the growth of smaller lenders in the market.” This ties in with the efforts of the NACFB over the past two years, and I have been personally involved in a number of meetings on this matter. Proposals are currently being invited, and it’s vital that the additional £300million of Government resources is targeted effectively. It’s a figure big enough to make a difference.

But money achieves nothing if it’s not smartly spent.

Our Commercial Finance Expo will be our first and biggest opportunity to debate the 2013 Budget, the Business Bank, and all the other issues affecting the commercial finance broker. We’d like to see as many there as possible. If we overfill the venue and spill out onto the balconies, at least there is a slim chance of summer sunshine outdoors…

31743 1pg:HorseWorld 19/02/2013 17:43 Page 1

Truck tyre retreading specialist group Bandvulc is counting down the launch of a brand new company destined to power it into a successful new era.

It is that support and confidence from such firms, combined with the acceptance and development of the Bandvulc brand and services, from tyres through to tyre management, that Patrick rates as the firm’s biggest business successes.

Much of that, he says, is down to ‘brilliant employees’, who now number 350.

“Dedicated staff and excellent customer service remain key in the company's continued expansion,” he adds.

“We get brilliant results from brilliant people managing brilliant processes and are very well placed to continue flourishing in what has become a competitive market.

“We are convinced that the recycling of truck tyres through retreading will play a significant role in the European plans to reduce the use of raw materials and waste production.

“Our constant investment in re-equipping our production facilities and ongoing research to develop new tread compounds and tyre profiles ensures that we will meet the ever-increasing demands of the modern transport industry.”

There’s just weeks to go until it officially unveils its new tyre wholesale venture, BV F1RST, which has prompted the creation of a retrained telesales team to enable customers to buy both retreads and new tyres in just one call.

For details of the Bandvulc Group’s full range of services and products, go to www.bandvulc.com Alternatively telephone 01752 893559, or email sales@bandvulc.co.uk

The new arrival to the Group portfolio is the latest evidence of the planned growth strategy which Bandvulc has successfully delivered ever since brothers John and Richard O’Connell established the Kingsbridge Tyre & Rubber Company in 1971.

From manufacturing 30 tyres a week, it now produces 4,000 commercial retread tyres per week at its three-hectare purposebuilt site on the Lee Mill Industrial Estate in Ivybridge, and has warehouse and distribution depots in Wigan, Lancashire, and stocking points across Europe for supplying specific fleets.

In 2000 the addition of the Group’s management division, Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC), enhanced the tyre package available and, still a family business, it is now the front runner in the UK truck retread industry.

Truck Tyre Retreading Fleet Management

Rubber Compounding Tyre Support Centre

Partner Network Tyre Service Provision New Tyre Sales

Bandvulc offers not just truck tyre retreading, but fleet management, new tyre sales, rubber compounding, tyre servicing and also has its own tyre support centre.

Patrick O’Connell, MD, comments: “We offer an environmentally sustainable tyre solution which encompasses all aspects of commercial tyre requirements for today’s fleet operators.”

“We have forged many strong commercial relationships through manufacturing and providing first-class retread tyre products alongside leading-edge management services. Our growth demonstrates the confidence major blue chip logistic companies have in our products and services, and importantly how we deliver these.”

CONFIDENCE in a CLIMATE of CHANGE Gillard Way, Lee Mill Industrial Estate, Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9LN

T : +44 (0) 1752 893559 E : sales@bandvulc.co.uk www.bandvulc.com

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31852 QPD_HorseWorld 27/05/2013 12:57 Page 1

Whether the customer is a new start business or well-established organisation, Liberty Leasing works speedily and efficiently to arrange asset and vehicle finance and is also a specialist in helping clients to release capital from their existing assets, such as cars, haulage and commercial vehicles, construction and engineering plant and print and agricultural machinery to name a few.

2012 was a record-breaker for Liberty Leasing - but the company expects to reach even greater heights in 2013.

Managing director Allan Clegg is predicting the Southampton based asset and vehicle finance and refinance business will make a staggering £36m-worth of advances this year, far outstripping last year’s chart-topping £27m.

“At the core of everything we do is a personal, professional and efficient service which we achieve through continual investment in our staff and systems to keep pace with the ever changing finance environment,” says Allan.

“We are regulated and governed by rules set out by The Office of Fair Trading, The Consumer Credit Trade Association and the NACFB Code of Practice. We also hold a full Consumer Credit and Data Protection Licence.”

Contact Us Call: 023 8045 6565 “We can agree proposals to finance amounts from £10,000 up to and over £500,000 and have transacted more than 3,000 different lease purchase, finance lease, refinance and loan agreements to date,” he says.

Liberty Leasing’s success is putting the current difficult market conditions firmly in their place, but it’s always been a winner.

Ever since its 2001 launch, it’s grown by 20% year on year.

Acknowledges Allan: “It was a challenge in the early years to establish a name due to vast competition from High Street Banks and other long established finance companies, but our continued growth throughout the financial crisis has brought us recognition throughout the market and plenty of repeat custom.”

Email: info@libertyleasing.co.uk Online: www.libertyleasing.co.uk

Need an alternative to Bank Asset Finance?

Flexible Asset Finance & Refinance

Fresh from the recent launch of its new website, the company is gearing up to participate in this year’s Commercial Finance Expo at Birmingham’s NEC, on June 26.

Hosted by the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), the event is a must for Liberty Leasing as it is a patron of this prestigious national trade body.

From its offices in Hamble, the dynamic and forward-thinking finance house helps small and medium sized businesses, limited companies and high net worth individuals.

And when it comes to assets, it has one of its own that it prizes most highly - its independence.

“As we are not owned by a major bank we are therefore in charge of our own direction and that means we are easy to deal with and can be more flexible,” says Allan.

“We consider every proposal on its own individual merits and don’t use credit scoring like many of the traditional banks.”

“Decisions here are made by humans and not computers, thanks to our people and relationship-based approach. Clients have their own account manager whom they can contact directly.”

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023 8045 6565 info@libertyleasing.co.uk Visit our website at:

www.libertyleasing.co.uk

Protecting Your Business Security needs to be an integral part of your business strategy, according to leading protection specialists The Home Office estimates that crime costs the British economy more than £60 billion per year while a survey by the British Chamber of Commerce found that 80% of businesses felt that crime was a problem in their local area.

Crime can have a devastating effect on your business. There were over 9.2 million crimes committed against businesses across a variety of sectors in the last year alone according to recent statistics devised by the Home Office; it affects all sectors of the economy from manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation, storage, accommodation and even food services.

Theft is by far the most common type of crime experience by businesses accounting for 74% of all incidents. This translates to a massive 6.8 million incidents and repeat victimisation is commonplace.

David McCarthy, of Netwatch UK, a leading remote visual surveillance company explains, “Opportunistic thieves are targeting anything from small items that can be sold quickly, to fuel, scrap metal, copper and other valuable plant equipment left unsecured at business premises.

“Heavy Goods Vehicles have become a major target for thieves across the UK. They can contain up to 1,000 litres of fuel, which would cost approximate £1,350 at the pump. Fuel is easy to use or sell and is difficult to track making it an extremely attractive target.”

Metal and copper theft is a huge concern for UK business owners as record high commodity prices have led to an enormous rise in metal theft across the UK in recent years. In most cases of metal theft the replacement cost is substantially higher than the cost of the stolen item, as thieves cause damage in the process of the theft, especially in the case of wiring theft which can leave rural businesses without telephones or internet for several days.

Prevention is key and industry professionals are urging businesses to review their security procedures as a matter of urgency.

Real-time remote security monitoring of businesses that can prevent crime before it happens is available. Directing operations through remote CCTV and the use of advanced detection techniques, enables monitoring and intervention as soon as a security cordon is breached, alerting the intruders to the fact that they are being watched and that the police have been informed. This intervention is critical.

Traditional CCTV cameras provide a visual record of the incident but do not prevent the crime taking place. The ability of Intervention Specialists to take action while the attempted intrusion is taking place most often results in criminals leaving the scene before doing any damage.

No need for drastic security measures...

netwatch creating a fearless environment

Netwatch has prevented over 35,000 crimes.

Contact Us: 0800 917 9909 admin@netwatchsystem.co.uk

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February thisthis year, which to to a decrease 4.4% in in lending February year, equates a decrease 4.4% lending when compared towhich theequates same period year. of of February this year, which equates to last a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year. when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage big banks to lend more, the Bank of when compared to the samethe period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended itsthe flagship Funding forlend Lending scheme to In an attempt to encourage the big banks to more, the Bank In an attempt to encourage big banks to lend more, the Bank ofof England has extended its fl agship Funding Lending to In an attempt to encourage the big banks toforlend more,scheme the Bank of January 2015 and has stipulated that anyfor banks which reduce their England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to England has extended its fl agship Funding Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which scheme reduce their England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending to net lending willand not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2015 stipulated that any banks which reduce their January 2015 and hashas stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending willand not be able to access beyond January 2015 has stipulated that the anycheap banks funding which reduce their 2014. net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond netJanuary lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014. net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014. say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring January 2014.

The big banks January 2014. say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring The big banks instead to sitsay on their cash reservesdon’t and weather the storm.

At big banks say British businesses don’t want borrow, preferring TheThe big banks British businesses want toto borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm.

At The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring Aldermore, we hear otherwise.

Business owners tell us they want to instead to sit their cash reserves and weather the storm. instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather storm.

AtAt Aldermore, weon hear otherwise.

Business ownersthe tell us they want to instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm.

At invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from Aldermore, we hear otherwise.

Business owners tell they want Aldermore, hear otherwise.

Business owners usus they want toto invest forwe the future, but many are struggling totell obtain funding from Aldermore, we hear otherwise.

Business owners tell us they want to their primary relationship bank. invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their bank.are struggling to obtain funding from investprimary for the relationship future, but many their primary relationship bank. their primary relationship bank. their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the What’s ofofbank willing to status quo andisAldermore is just such athat’s bank.

What’sneeded needed isaanew newbreed breed bankthat’s to challenge challenge the the status quo and Aldermore is just such bank.willing What’s needed is a new breed ofsuch bankaathat’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just bank. status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a status quoin Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched inand 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore on very simple business model: we raise retail deposits isfrom consumers Launched inbusiness 2009 and Britishwe to raise its core, Aldermore is founded founded on aa very simple model: retail deposits from consumers Launched in 2009 and British to its money core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that to homeowners and very simple business model: raise retail to deposits from consumers and businesses and then lendwe that money homeowners and very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and lend that money businesses throughout the UK. We’ve notto been involved inand any form and businesses andthen then money tohomeowners homeowners businesses throughout thelend UK.that We’ve not been involved in and any form and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas. businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form form of risky ‘casino’ bankingthe andUK. weWe’ve don’t lend overseas. businesses throughout not been involved in any form ofof risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas. risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’srisky very much a banking ‘back to basics’ approach requires us to be of we don’t lend that overseas.

It’s very ‘casino’ much a ‘back to and basics’ approach that requires us to be It’s very aa‘back totobasics’ approach that requires us close tomuch our customers, understand their needs and deliver a be reliable It’s very much ‘back basics’ approach that requires us to to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us a to be and expert service.

We’re focussed on what weand do and have teams close to our customers, understand their needs deliver reliable close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service.

We’re focussed on what we and do and have teams close to our customers, understand their needs deliver a reliable of specialists who can advise business owners a range of and expert We’re focussed on we do have and expertservice. service.

We’re focussed onwhat what weabout doand and have teams teams of specialists who can advise business owners a range of and expert service.

We’re focussed on what weabout do and have teams funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property ofof specialists who can advise business owners about a range of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of and funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and of specialists who can advise business owners about range property development, fithe nancing business assets suchaproperty as plantofand funding issues, including acquisition of commercial funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and funding issues, the acquisition of commercial property and equipment and including cashflow management. property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashflow management. property development, financing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management. equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifically for equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifically for businesses, are refreshingly free fromdesigned deceptive short-term We also competitive savings cally We alsohave havewhich competitive savingsaccounts accounts designed specifi specifi cally for for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi for incentives.

Allwhich our are savings accounts can be deceptive opened online in cally a matter businesses, which refreshingly free from short-term businesses, are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives.

Allwhich our savings accountsfree canfrom be opened online in a matter businesses, are refreshingly deceptive short-term of minutesAll within the comfort of thecan customer’s ownonline office.in incentives.

Allour oursavings savings accounts canbe beopened opened matter incentives. accounts aa matter of minutes within comfort of the customer’s own online office.in incentives.

All ourthe savings accounts can be opened online in a matter minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce. ofof minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lentce. more than of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009.

We also Our approach seems beour working, because we’ve lent more more than Our approach seems totobe working, we’ve lent than £2.5 billion since opening doors because for business in 2009.

We also Our approach seems to business be working, because we’ve lent more than have more than 15,000 customers and 80,000 savers £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009.

We also £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009.

We also have billion more than 15,000 business customers and in 80,000 savers £2.5 since opening our doors for business 2009.

We also across thethan UK. havemore more than15,000 15,000business businesscustomers customersand and80,000 80,000 savers savers have across the UK. have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK. across the UK. We intend maintain our single-minded approach to helping small across the to UK. We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their approach future growth ambitions.

We intend to maintain oursingle-minded single-minded approach to helping helping small We intend to maintain our to small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.” and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. and sized fund future growth ambitions.

The time is right forbusinesses greater competition the UK banking market.” andmedium medium sized businesses fundtheir theirin future growth ambitions.

The timeisisinformation rightfor for greater competition theUK UK banking market.”

The right the market.”

Fortime more aboutcompetition the servicesinin available from Aldermore, The time isinformation right forgreater greater the UKbanking banking market.”

For more aboutcompetition the servicesinavailable from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk For more information about the services available from Aldermore, For information visit www.aldermore.co.uk Formore more informationabout aboutthe theservices servicesavailable availablefrom from Aldermore, Aldermore, visitwww.aldermore.co.uk www.aldermore.co.uk visit visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more: Find out more: Find more: Find outout more: out more:321 tFind 0333

t 0333 321 4000 4000 0333 321 4000 aldermore.co.uk t tw 321 4000 tw0333 0333 321 4000 aldermore.co.uk w aldermore.co.uk wwaldermore.co.uk aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Aldermorefor Bank PLCtaking is authorised by the Prudential RegulationRegistered Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority the Peterborough, Prudential Regulation Authority deposit and regulated mortgage contracts.

Office: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynchand Wood, PE2 6FZ. Authority forindeposit taking947662. and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Office: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered England AAF49-0413-000076 Aldermore Bank PLC isNo. authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Registered in England No. 947662.

AAF49-0413-000076 Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Aldermore Bank PLCtaking is authorised by the Prudential RegulationRegistered Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority the Peterborough, Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit and regulated mortgage contracts.

Office: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynchand Wood, PE2 6FZ. Authority for deposit taking and947662. regulated mortgage contracts.

Registered Office: Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Authority forindeposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts.

Registered Offi1st ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered England No. AAF49-0413-000076 Registered in England No. 947662.

AAF49-0413-000076 Registered in England No. 947662.

AAF49-0413-000076

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