Birmingham Business Post Edition 39

Edition39 The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

BBP Edition 39 Cover_Layout 1 08/08/2013 11:21 Page 2

Burglars Monitoring Social Networks to See When you’re Away From Home Homeowners are warned of the Dangers of “Checking-In” Security specialists are warning homeowners across the United Kingdom of the growing link between burglaries and social networks.

Teenagers are particularly likely to share their locations and movements on social networks. Teenagers today have grown up with Facebook tracking their every move and see nothing dangerous in planning their parties and movements online. But the consequences of this can be devastating. For example, last weekend a house was ransacked after a teenager’s private party became public knowledge on Facebook.

This is a clear example of parents not monitoring their children’s social networking behaviour. Parents need to educate their children on the risk of posting locations online.

*Source: BBC News

David Walsh, Group CEO of Netwatch says, “Social networks have become part of our daily lives, but people need to consider the risks of posting their location on these sites. Facebook burglaries are real and growing in popularity.”

Facebook and other social networking sites have unwittingly made it easier than ever to access homeowners’ personal information. The location services on social networking sites allow people to share their location in real time. You may think that checking in at the airport is a nice way to let your friends and family know that you’re going on holiday, but in reality you are also letting people know that your home is empty and an easy target.

Security specialists see many types of crime and burglaries and the impact it can have on its victims. They urge all homeowners to be extremely careful with the type of information they share online.

If you want to share your holiday plans, don’t do it in real time, wait until you are safely home. Review the privacy setting on all of your social networks, try to minimize your use of location services and never share your home address on social networks.

Even if your profile is set to “private” people often have hundreds, if not thousands of friends and followers on Facebook or Twitter, some of whom they don’t know that well. These so called “friends” can access a huge amount of personal data from your profile, including your home address.

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

Birmingham Edition 39 Contents pg_Layout 1 07/08/2013 23:03 Page 1

C O N T E N T S

Birmingham Business Post Welcome to Edition 39 of the Birmingham Business Post showcasing the best of business and comment throughout the region.

In this edition we continue the discussion about Auto Enrolment, celebrate the growth of Engineering in the Midlands, and discuss some of the issues surrounding Property Development. Maurice Saatchi writes for us about the rise of mobile advertising, while Bev James continues her series with tips on how to develop a successful management style. We also weigh up the benefits for the Road Transport Industry of the Lease/Purchase equation.

In our next edition we explore Alternative Sources of Funding for Business, take a close look at Facilities Management, the benefits to the Tourism Industry of Autumn Breaks and the Latest Technology for Fleet Management.

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.

Acorn Printing WAE+ Psychology at Work Green Bridge Computerworld Business Solutions ThinCats ACE Harrison Goddard Foote LLP Positive Cashflow Finance Nicklin LLP Witley Jones Furniture FSC Investment Services Cherish Wealth Management Broadstone St Martins House Conference Centre Worcestershire.Business.Central Dudley Golf Club Catering & Refrigeration Services The Mount Hotel & Conference Centre The Fold Throckmorton Arms Ricoh Arena DJR Commercial Interiors Mercia Drain Fairview Builders Merchants T W Wholesale Chameleon School of Construction Khoury Architects Elite Aluminium Systems Midland Contracts RICS Laker BMS Visionary Glass Kepston Tricrest Precision Toolmakers George Dyke Forgemasters Birmingham Machine Tools J+J Automation UK Service Hydraulics GDM Heat Transfer Salop Powder Coating East Midland Coatings LVH Coatings MGDUFF Master Magnets Thomas Howse KUKA Robotics UK MaS Precision Engineering RCT Manufacturing Techniswage Agility Fleet Lloyds British Testing ASAP Water Crafts Robinsons of Worcester West Midlands Accident Repair Centre BIL International Logistics

4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 43 44 45 46 47 50 52 54 57 58 60 62 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 72 74 76 78 79 80 81 82

31952 1pg:HorseWorld 24/07/2013 14:23 Page 1

made with organic cottons and we have a section dedicated to garments that are registered to international standards of ethical manufacturing such as Fairtrade and the Fair Wear Foundation on our website" says Duncan.

Acorn’s ethical approach extends to its website where all the clothing produced by companies which help the environment and reduce their carbon footprint, is marked with a green leaf symbol. “Let us leave a planet fit for our children's children to live on,” says Duncan.

Get your name out there!

Advertising is the life blood of business, so getting your business name out and recognised on anything from mugs, umbrellas, t-shirts, high quality workwear, feather flags and pop up shelters has to be the thing to do; almost anything can be personalised with your logo/design/corporate message by Acorn Printing Services.

Acorn are trusted to produce the goods on time and on standard by household names including the BBC, ITV, the English Cricket Board, Gilbert Rugby, the British Heart Foundation, Marriott Hotels, Homebase, NHS, Time Team and many others, including any one of more than 200 universities and colleges.

The company’s separate web sites cater for different customer requirements.

At www.acorn-printing.co.uk you will find clothing and accessories that can be personalised to your specific requirements, with either print or embroidery. For team wear we also have www.kustomkitclothing.com and finally another site is www.tshirtuk.com where you can purchase pre-printed t-shirts with a range of unique designs. We also use this site as a shop and fulfilment vehicle for those clients/clubs/universities that wish to offer their members merchandise, but don’t have the time to collate the orders themselves.

If you require a sign and garment service in the future, your needs can be met by Acorn to a high standard of service with a simple telephone call 02476 694466 or an email to sales@acorn-printing.co.uk

Warwick School Hoodie

Acorn Printing Services is a family run printing and embroidery business based in Coventry, which embellishes clothing and promotional items with either print or embroidery.

Established for 28 years in the print industry they have also included signage over the last 8 years to complement their core business and to offer their clients a complete branding service.

They have the flexibility to supply everything from a one off t-shirt to tens of thousands, and embellish clothing for schools, colleges, clubs, businesses, sports teams and the retail sector using a wide variety of methods.

Acorn also offers digital, direct to garment and screen printing; its own in-house design team, can design a logo or a strap line and multi-colour print to ensure the finest bespoke clothing, supported by a full production facility for embroidery - using the latest automated multi-head embroidery machines - and printing on a wide range of branded clothing and workwear.

“We can supply anything from individual units right through to a volume print run of 20,000 for major promotional events and ship throughout the UK and Europe,” states manufacturing director Duncan Horlor.

The company is proud of its strong ethical stance, priding themselves on using suppliers who can trace the manufacturing process and the source of the cotton. "Many of our garments are

4

We provide Screen and Digital Print Products

Screen Stretching | Ink Supplier | Chemical & Emulsion Suppliers Colour Match Service | Glass Etching | Plus much more..

We are proud to support Acorn Printing wishing you every success in the future from all at Premier Screen Services Ltd

Unit 1 Rea Industrial Estate, Inkerman Street, Birmingham B7 4SH Tel. 0121 359 8607 Mob. 07736 773132 Email. premierscreen@msn.com

www.premierscreen.net

31829 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 05/08/2013 12:38 Page 1

WAE

the online retailer for office supplies and more

Birmingham-based online retailer WAE+ started out selling office supplies and now has a range with over 125,000 products in more than eight categories, including items from well-known brands such as Apple, Canon, HP, Sony and Xerox.

From office supplies and business and consumer electronics to wholesale food and drink, and much more, the company currently has the widest range of immediately-available products provided by any online UK retailer. The retailer even recently added new toys and health and beauty ranges.

Lowest prices possible Many of the items available at WAE+ are the lowest price on the internet. These low prices are a result of the company's in-house technology, which is used for sourcing discounted products in a smart and highly efficient way, enabling WAE+ to keep stock levels at a minimum.

On a growth curve WAE+ was founded in September 2011 and today receives more than 200,000 visitors per month on its website. The retailer receives between 6,000 – 8,000 orders per month.

The WAE+ website has security ratings from a range of partners and it accepts all major credit and debit cards.

Customer service is available during business hours and waiting times can be estimated using the smart widget, which can be found on the site.

The retailer's main website is

www.waeplus.co.uk

Customer-friendly services WAE+ has also recently introduced a series of new customer-friendly features to its website, to simplify shopping and enhance the customer’s experience. The new services include the live price comparison so that customers can check prices of items against other major retailers, while the new improved check-out enables buyers to finalise their transactions faster and easier than ever before.

For Birmingham companies Headquartered in Birmingham, the company also offers benefits to local customers. While next-day delivery is already available for customers in certain areas, there are further plans to expand this local service with same-day delivery options. Furthermore, WAE+ is also currently trialling weekend deliveries and exact time slots for all of its customers.

WAE+ has just moved into a larger distribution centre in Birmingham, doubling its storage space to 15,000 square feet. This enables the company to increase its product range with many more immediately discounted products for Birmingham, the Midlands and beyond. We also have a dedicated B2B account team to service business clients.

WAE+ is committed to supporting the local community. It has been actively supporting local sports programmes and only recently pledged ÂŁ10,000 to Midlands Air Ambulance.

This charity is the largest and longest-running air ambulance service in the UK, operating solely from donations.

expect more, for less 5

31895 1pg_Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 07/08/2013 19:15 Page 1

PSYCHOLOGY AT WORK

Business success is not just down to a healthy orderbook and cashflow. Companies can stand or fail on their people performance.

Employee well-being is critical to any organisation, large or small - but many smaller companies are unable to access the high-quality professional services aimed at supporting and inspiring their workforce to do well.

Which is where Colin Cheesman of Psychology at Work comes in.

He’s working to ensure the region’s SMEs can also benefit from the full range of psychometric services for improving people management; offering management, sales and communication training together with CBT, NLP Colin Cheesman and coaching/ counselling services.

“In these difficult times no business can afford to pay 100% of a salary and receive 50% of the performance, but replacing a problem employee is often not the best answer,” he says.

“Using work psychology techniques I help to improve the well being and income of businesses and employees, diagnose the problems that get between work and performance and provide a range of solutions to quickly get people back to winning ways.”

More then 30 years experience of helping folk to get back on track lie behind Psychology at Work, based in Pickwell House, Coleshill.

Established as in 1984 as a father and son team, Cheesman Consultants changed to its current name upon the death of

mcphee associates business development specialists

Establishing effective & profitable business solutions through Strategic Development, Marketing and PR We would like to thank Colin for his excellent support and development of our clients

mcphee associates The Coach House, Condover Mews, Condover Shropshire SY5 7BG Tel. 01743 874867 Email. info@mcpheeassociates.co.uk

www.mcpheeassociates.co.uk

6

Colin’s father and, until recently, provided sales and support for a major global psychometric test provider.

Now independent, Colin provides test expertise using a range of test providers’ products and give impartial advice on their application. He also handles bespoke training and is determined that Psychology at Work specialises in using this expertise to support SMEs. We are specialists in psychometric assessment and to compliment this service we also provide NVQ assessment services to businesses as well.

“We are making access to testing easier for them by removing the costs, training or long-term commitment that many test providers build in to their services,” he says..

“Small businesses need to dip in and out of flexible professional services which is exactly what Psychology At Work lets them do.

“Starting from as little as £30 + vat we bring psychometrics within reach of any organisation no matter how small they may be.”

Thirty years ago, says Colin, few businesses were aware of the term psychometrics - tools designed to measure individual difference in areas such as intelligence, ability, personality and motivation and give an insight into why people behave the way they do.

Because they can help to predict a person’s behaviour and performance they have become an instrumental tool in business planning for major organisations across the world.

The challenge is, says Colin, to make small businesses understand that psychology can improve their competitiveness too.

More importantly, access to reliable, professional support in this area is also affordable for them, thanks to Psychology at Work’s fuss-free and cost effective service.

To find out more, visit www.psychologyatwork.co.uk or email info@psychologyatwork.co.uk Alternatively telephone 01675 463293 or 07970 079707

32115 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 13:55 Page 1

“We are delighted to offer companies in the region the opportunity to access this support which will have a major impact on competitiveness and efficiency, thereby making a sustainable contribution to the economy.

New £20m green technologies fund launches for West Midlands businesses A £20m funding programme designed to help SME supply chain companies develop, grow and diversify their businesses within the green sector in the West Midlands has launched.

The Green Bridge Supply Chain Programme is available to businesses in the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas of Greater Birmingham & Solihull, Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, The Marches, Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent and Worcestershire.

Making companies more environmentally friendly and efficient will have a major impact on the bottom line of businesses and help with the creation of local jobs.”

To help companies apply for support from Green Bridge, a number of 1-2-1 sessions were organised to meet with advisers.

The sessions were held at Birmingham City Council offices, Baskerville House, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2ND and took place between June 24-28 and July 1-5.

However, if any companies missed out on these 1-2-1 appointments, then Birmingham City Council will consider organising further appointments, subject to demand.

It is funded through the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and managed by Birmingham City Council.

Steve Hollis, GBSLEP Deputy Chair said "Greater Birmingham and the wider West Midlands area have a well established green technologies sector and the Green Bridge fund seeks to build on this.

But equally importantly, it will aim to improve the capabilities of SMEs not necessarily involved in green technologies to adopt and adapt to more energy efficient and innovative methods.

Green Bridge is also important in that it is a cross LEP initiative, demonstrating once again that, where it is appropriate, joining forces can benefit our SMEs".

The scheme is aimed at companies that operate within the green sector or seeking to diversify or set up within this sector, such as renewable energy, low carbon, building technologies, manufacturing, transport and logistics.

Grant support of between £20,000 and £100,000 is available to develop new markets, new products, new processes, skills development and purchase of capital equipment and premises refurbishment.

However, applications for funding of over £100,000 may be considered where applicants can demonstrate significant economic benefits.

With the closing date for applications fast approaching, we would strongly recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. Appointments will be allocated on a first come/first served basis, and you can reserve a 30-minute slot by emailing greenbridge@birmingham.gov.uk.

The first round of funding is now open and the deadline for the submission of applications is August 9 2013 and all projects will need to be completed by March 2015.

If you miss this competition round, then it is anticipated that a further round will be announced in September 2013, so keep a look out for programme updates by visiting the link below.

Councillor Tahir Ali, Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Development, Jobs and Skills, said:

Further information on how to apply can be found at:

www.birmingham.gov.uk/greenbridge 7

31954 QPD_Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 06/08/2013 10:19 Page 1

Subsidium from Computerworld Business Solutions.

Subsidium will remove overhead from your business:

Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS), the Birmingham based IT Support Company, is offering an innovative new service called Subsidium.

✗ Recruitment time ✗ Recruitment cost ✗ Expensive salaries ✗ Employers NI

Subsidium comes from Latin and means to support, relieve, or reinforce, which is precisely what the Subsidium service does.

✗ PAYE ✗ Training costs ✗ Days lost through sickness ✗ Holiday days

This service is just the latest from Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS) who are celebrating over 30 successful years in business providing IT support to Birmingham companies, helping to reduce costs for small and medium sized enterprises.

The company has established itself as the go to place for IT expertise in the Birmingham area and is constantly innovating in order to stay at the cutting edge of the latest technology, and bringing that expertise to assist the IT needs of Midlands’ businesses.

Designed for companies needing the services of an IT Manager, but without paying out an IT manager’s salary, Computerworld Business Solutions’ scheme offers companies the skill sets of an entire IT department at the cost of less than a third of a single employee because Computerworld Business Solutions understand that different businesses require different levels of support services.

Subsidium offers a raft of benefits geared to support the SME community enabling managers to relax about their IT requirements, knowing that professional support is just a phone call, screen tap or mouse click away.

Speak to CBS about your requirements, and become part of the quiet IT revolution, making Midlands’ businesses smarter, and more profitable.

Hosting

Companies will: ✓ Save time and money looking for new staff ✓ Improve the in-house expertise they have for IT ✓ Reduce the investment of continuous training for their IT staff ✓ Increase the productivity of their team through rapid response ✓ Gain the ability to carry out complex upgrades, without the cost of external assistance Subsidium will provide: ✓ Engineers on site each week to provide assistance ✓ Unlimited telephone support from trained consultants ✓ Remote access solution to provide fixes when not on site ✓ Regular health checks and advice on systems ✓ Pro-active systems update carried out on a regular basis ✓ Discounts on a number of hardware and software items ✓ Quarterly training sessions for general staff members ✓ This service will quite simply revolutionise the way companies handle their internal IT needs!

8

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 73-75 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4HX

32045 1pg_CD Engineering 06/08/2013 15:13 Page 1

Maurice Saatchi on the Rise of Mobile Advertising

Phillip Hollis for Rex Features

The other major change is the introduction of new 4G networks, which is akin to the move from dial-up to broadband for fixed line connections.

Although true mass-market adoption is still a small while off for 4G, the introduction of super-fast mobile broadband offers exciting creative opportunities for running interactive media campaigns on mobiles.

The incredible rise of mobiles and tablets presents new challenges and concerns to advertisers, perhaps making mobile advertising appear more complicated than it should be.

As we enter this new mobile age, advertisers do not need to be confused or intimidated. Working with an experienced specialist mobile agency will help to reduce the apparent complexity of mobile and retain the simplicity that needs to govern a brand’s advertising outlook. As ever, I believe that brands should be free from the shackles of technical intimidation and should be able to focus on what they have always done best, which is to ensure that a compelling and clear message reaches the right customer at the right time.

Mobiles are ever-present in most of our lives. They are now a natural extension of ourselves and a means of staying permanently connected to a world of friends, family, work and information. Their ubiquitous nature means that they present advertisers with an emerging opportunity like no other. There are now more mobile phones and tablet devices in the UK than people and television sets. Opportunities to connect are reaching new heights with WiFi on the London Underground and airplanes and a new Wi-Fi network is soon due to launch in London’s Black Cabs.

Another significant growth area for mobile advertising is social networks.

This is largely due to the fact that they take up a significant amount of consumers’ time spent on their mobile.

As a result of this, companies such as Facebook and Twitter are able to build an incredibly detailed picture of interests and habits for increased advertising targeting effectiveness.

Maurice Saatchi In Britain we spend around 127 minutes per day in mobile apps. Increasingly, our mobile devices form a picture of our interests and browsing habits and they know who we are. Perhaps, most significantly, they also know where we are at any given time. The added awareness that location brings to mobile advertising offers new and exciting opportunities for brands and consumers alike. Locationawareness represents a revolution in advertising, messaging and branding.

Retail brands are now able to geo-fence around their bricks and mortar stores to appropriately identify when a consumer is near. This means that exclusive offers can be sent to shoppers in the vicinity of a store, or a movie trailer played to customers near a cinema.

The availability of affordable tablet devices is providing the tipping point for consumers to begin abandoning the PC as their primary means of accessing email and Internet. To accompany this, they are even eating into the exclusivity of the television set, by providing consumers with a new way of watching their favourite programmes and films. Recent stats from the BBC show that in March, the number of people accessing BBC iPlayer through a tablet surpassed the smartphone figure for the first time ever.

James Hilton, Global CEO, M&C Saatchi Mobile observes the “explosive” growth of mobile advertising, as well as its capabilities first hand. Mobile advertising has proven itself to be a major advertising platform, with global revenues worth $6.43 billion in 2012 according to mobile ad exchange SMAATO and is projected to be worth $19.7 billion by 2017. 2013 is shaping up to be the biggest year for mobile so far, as more consumers than ever shift over to smartphones and tablets: 25 million+ iOS and Android devices were activated globally in the period following Christmas alone. These numbers support the trends we saw in 2012, as smartphones overtook feature phones and opened up new opportunities for rich and engaging mobile advertising.

The ever-present nature of mobile devices coupled with location awareness, combine to make mobile an incredibly potent platform, giving brands the capability to target consumers at an increasingly granular level. This is something which has not existed previously and consumers will once again welcome advertising as it serves up products and services which are directly useful and relevant to their lives.

Lord Maurice Saatchi is executive director of international advertising agency M&C Saatchi.

9

31928 1pg_Carford Group 22/07/2013 11:50 Page 1

ThinCats.com Business Loans Without Banks Alternative lender, ThinCats, is experiencing phenomenal growth.

The industry reputation of the sponsor is a crucial element in the panel members’ decision, and is very much on the line!

Borrowers looking for sponsors and potential sponsors can email Peter - peter@thincats.com for more information.

ThinCats has demonstrated the value of their approach, having experienced phenomenal growth of 350% in the last year; it has now completed 113 loans with £22 million deposited from lenders so far. A win-win situation for both borrowers and lenders, secure investment for lenders, available finance for businesses.

The Business Loan Network Founders (L-R) Paul Meier, Kevin Caley, Peter Brown Midlands’ online peer-to-peer lender, ThinCats.com, is offering high quality secured lending opportunities for experienced investors. They are an on-line market for secured business loans, and operate throughout the UK, linking experienced investors with established business borrowers to provide a serious alternative to high street banks.

Accountants and advisors have been very cautious about peer to peer lending but it is now a serious alternative to banks.

Borrowers are missing out on a potential funding opportunity and lenders an investment opportunity that offers attractive returns.

One of the major obstacles to economic expansion is still the banks’ reluctance to lend, despite the provisions of the government’s Funding for Lending Scheme, designed to incentivise banks and building societies to boost their lending by providing funding to them for the purpose, for an extended period, at below current elevated market rates.

The scheme just isn’t working; Kevin Caley, one of ThinCats cofounders, said, "One point which I make repeatedly, but usually gets lost, is that bank lending to SMEs, where it is available at all, is usually overdraft or invoice financing. This money is guaranteed for less than a year and can be pulled at any time, and we have customers who have had direct experience of it being pulled.

Our loans average 39 months and can be five years or more. It is the duration of the loans which gives the borrower the confidence to invest in their project. Banks are simply no longer in this business unless it is as a formal mortgage on a property."

ThinCats, established by Kevin Caley, Paul Meier and Peter Brown, provides a much needed portal for SMEs looking for affordable funding, and investors for reliable lending opportunities.

These are not “soft loans” each applicant is very carefully vetted and helped to prepare their application by a sponsor, usually a very experienced former banker or other respected industry professional.

The sponsor carries out stringent research into the company’s books, products and trading history, and will only advance the application once they are satisfied as to the level of risk involved.

10

Andrew Haldane, Executive Director, Financial Stability and member of the Financial Policy Committee of the Bank of England, welcomed new entrants to the banking market, saying: “New firms are mobilising pools of non-bank funds to finance lending directly – peer-to-peer lending, crowd-funding, and invoice-financing.”

If you are looking for an opportunity to lend or as a business you are wondering how to fund the next stage of your expansion, visit www.thincats.com and start the journey.

32085 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 13:50 Page 1

Paul MarkJennings Collett

Insuring a renewable future Birmingham is stepping up its investments in renewable energy. From solar panels at Birmingham airport to the ambitious council-led Combined Heat and Power (CHP) scheme, which is already providing efficient energy to the Council House, ICC, Aston University and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham is one of the cities leading the charge for renewables in the UK. However, amidst all the positives of clean energy, modern technologies can often present new and often unique challenges.

Whether at the planning, building or operating stage, projects must deliver for a highly diverse group of constituents including financiers, governments, planning authorities and tax payers which means risk identification, management and transfer are critical for project success. Ian Harris, Senior Technical Lines Underwriter for ACE, assesses the challenges facing insurance buyers.

Birmingham, like every city in the UK, relies on imported fossil fuels for the generation of power, heat and transport fuels, but as Birmingham City Council says “in order to become a sustainable global city we need to dramatically increase our deployment in low carbon energy generation technologies.”

CHP is just one recognised way of substantially decreasing CO2 emissions, and the district scheme proposed for Birmingham will have a significant impact on helping the city to meet its target of a 60% reduction in emissions by 2026. But other options for Birmingham, and cities across the UK, include everything from on and offshore wind, through tidal energy, to massive solar parks.

For such projects to get off the ground however, companies providing the power and customers buying it need an insurance solution in case something goes wrong.

What can go wrong?

Whether power is being generated offshore in the waters around the UK, or by vast solar thermal energy parks in distant deserts, the challenges and risks are complex. Building and installation of offshore plant is risky and expensive; but the risks don’t stop there.

renewable technologies, industry standards and best practices relating to construction, operation, safety and risk, have yet to evolve, which makes risk benchmarking difficult.

With project finance frequently unavailable unless insurance provision is in place, recognising, defining and dealing with renewable energy risks has never been more of a priority than it is today.

To ensure success, companies need to work with local insurers, like ACE, and their specialist engineering teams to help manage, control and transfer risk at the financing, construction, handover and operational stage. A thorough approach means a better solution for the manufacturer and the insurer.

Contact: aceuk@acegroup.com or visit www.acegroup.com/uk

Renewable energy insurance solutions ACE is one of the world’s largest multiline property and casualty insurers.

With a presence in Birmingham and the Midlands, our brokers and clients benefit from our local expertise combined with the strength of our global network.

Find out how we can help you insure your renewable energy projects by contacting Paul Jennings, Regional Manager Midlands at aceuk@acegroup.com or visit www.acegroup.com/uk ©2013 ACE Group. Coverages underwritten by one or more of the ACE Group of Companies. Not all coverages available in all jurisdictions. ACE, ACE Logo and insuring progress are required trademarks of ACE Limited. ACE European Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The unpredictability of weather, such as fluctuations in wind generation or sunshine, can significantly impact the gross energy production of alternative energy plants. Plants can also be prone to mechanical breakdowns, including turbine and gear box failure or problems with foundations. Losses can be significant if there is major damage that triggers a long-term interruption to the power supply.

The pivotal role of insurance Risk identification, management and transfer are crucial to the successful delivery of this new renewable energy landscape.

Prototype technologies may be involved, which are notoriously difficult to assess and insure. In addition, across all new

11

31995 DPS 2pgs_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 11:37 Page 1

HGF

Harrison Goddard Foote LLP

Dr Chris Moore, Partner, writes on the protection of intellectual property with particular reference to the government’s Patent Box scheme.

As the UK struggles to come to terms with rebalancing the books in the face of all too evident macroeconomic issues, the UK government is encouraging growth of the knowledge economy and a commensurate increase in innovation. The clear intent is to move away from reliance on the service sector and towards high-tech manufacturing industries.

However, such a wholesale transformation is unlikely to occur in a vacuum and without significant incentives.

Chris Moore

Historically the UK’s smaller business community has been at best neutral to the benefits of patent protection. Indeed, the number of UK-originating European patents is lower as a function of GDP than many other of our European partners.

The official statistics from the European Patent Office show that since 2003 the number of European patents which originated in the UK has markedly decreased. This is in stark contrast to many of our many of EU partners, the USA and especially in relation to many south-east Asian economies.

From our experience we believe that the underlying low take up of patent protection by UK businesses has nothing to do with inventiveness per se but rather a negative view as to the cost-benefit analysis of doing so, coupled with a lack of access to clear information about the patent system, especially amongst SMEs. The analysis seems to be weighted by two negative factors, firstly the perceived expense of obtaining patent protection and secondly the perceived cost of enforcing patents in the face of infringement.

The tax policy of the UK government has a three pronged approach to encourage business innovation and, it is hoped, growth. The approach revolves around a reduction in the headline rate of corporation tax, liberalisation of the R&D tax credits scheme and introduction of the so-called “Patent Box”. The overarching desire is to make the UK one of the most tax competitive jurisdictions in Europe for innovative companies to generate high value job creation.

In particular, the recently-introduced Patent Box scheme will, once fully phased in, provide a headline corporation tax rate of 10% for profits generated from worldwide sales of products protected by qualifying patents.

Whilst the Patent Box scheme is entirely laudable there are some nagging doubts as to whether it will truly benefit the SME community as is hoped by the UK government. In part, this is due to the prevailing negative perception of patent protection held by business and/or the lack of appreciation of the full benefits of IP in general and the scheme in particular.

12

Taking the enforcement issue first, the perceived risk appears to be overstated. In 2012 65,666 European patents (most of which designate the UK) were granted as well as about 3,000 British patents. In the same year only 82 decisions involving patents were handed down by the UK courts. Of these cases most concerned high technology fields such as telecommunications and pharmaceuticals and involved major multinational companies. Accordingly, of the tens of thousands of patents which are granted only a small proportion ever results in a dispute between parties and a vanishingly small proportion of those contentious cases leads to litigation.

That said, for those which do become contentious there are plural strategies that a business can utilise to minimise their exposure.

For example, before and after-the-event IP insurance policies are available. Moreover, the UK has established new rules of procedure for the Patents County Court.

These rules have been

31995 DPS 2pgs_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 11:37 Page 2

HGF put in place to provide a capped costs IP tribunal to afford litigants some certainty as to the extent of their costs exposure should they be forced to go to Court.

There is a wide-felt perception that larger companies bully smaller companies and that SMEs cannot afford to assert their rights or defend themselves in such circumstances.

However, these risks seem overstated and ignore the possibility of IP being able to significantly interfere with a larger business’s operations. Therefore, IP held by smaller businesses may generate an opportunity rather than a threat because it provides a smaller IP holder with a business tool of potentially huge impact.

Turning to the cost of obtaining patent protection, the Patent Box scheme will likely make the cost of obtaining a patent be far outweighed by the available tax deduction in all but the most marginal of cases. For example, our estimate suggests that a product which generates over £600,000 worldwide sales over the twenty year life of a patent is likely to be at worst cost neutral vis-à-vis patent costs if businesses utilise the patent Box scheme.

Of course, a patent is a business tool and its worth cannot be measured solely from its direct costs and the sales from the products which it seeks to protect. For example, as well as providing means to enable the holder to prevent a competitor from entering a particular market segment, a patent can also be cash generative (e.g. via licensing), it can be used for market leverage and it can help to ensure a company’s freedom to operate.

Harrison Goddard Foote LLP From our experience maximum value is derived from a business’ intellectual assets when the business strategy includes a well thought out complimentary IP strategy. It by no means follows that patent applications are necessarily filed for all inventions, nor that all new designs and trade marks are registered, but rather that the business engages in ongoing discussions to determine if patent or other protection should, or as the case may be should not, be pursued.

Accordingly, by a full use of R&D tax credits, coupled with appropriate patenting strategies and effective use of the Patent Box scheme there is an opportunity for businesses to protect themselves whilst ensuring that the overall IP spend is proportionate and fit-for-purpose.

For and on behalf of Harrison Goddard Foote LLP Incorporating Grant Spencer Dr. Chris Moore (cmoore@hgf.com) is a partner with Harrison Goddard Foote LLP specialising in chemistry and materials. He represents clients from the UK and abroad and has been consistently top ranked by attorney rating agencies. ©Harrison Goddard Foote LLP 2013

So, whilst it is always appropriate to consider the immediate and future commercial impact of any proposed new venture before deciding whether or not a patent application is appropriate it is also sensible to consider other less transparent advantages such as the attractiveness to investors, PR, opportunities, and potential downstream monetization opportunities.

C Connect onnect o on n LLinkedin inkedin

FFollow ollow u uss o on n TTwitter witter

13

32056 QPD 1pg 3_HorseWorld 24/07/2013 13:34 Page 1

P O S I T I V E CASHFLOWFINANCE They work closely with their clients to understand their needs, and have the great advantage of being able to make funding decisions quickly, based on their experience, rather than being constrained by pre-set criteria.

The clue is in the name, Positive Cashflow Finance, taking a positive approach to tailoring the right package of financial support for your business.

The Birmingham based firm provides funding facilities to SMEs, freeing up working capital, improving cash flow and removing the worry of bad debt, enabling businesses to grow and develop.

The company works particularly well with owner managed businesses and the SME sector. As David says “They are on the tools and so are we.”

The tools in Positive Cashflow Finance’s armoury include a £10m fund to support the local SME community.

The funding is available to businesses with a turnover of between £100,000 and £10m and can be used to replace bank funding lines in order to support the working capital and cashflow of a business. They will also support new start businesses.

Paul Varley

The company was established in 2007 in Manchester, by the 4 working directors, who have considerable combined expertise in all aspects of the invoice finance industry. They are David Smith (MD), Simon Cook (Commercial Director), Peter Davis (Finance Director) and Phil Chesham (Sales and Marketing Director).

Birmingham based Paul Varley, regional sales director at Positive, added “Small and medium-sized businesses are in desperate need of suitably-priced funding to provide financial stability, particularly as the banks remain reluctant to lend.”

Paul concluded “We are able to provide local businesses with up to 85% of the value of their unpaid invoices within 24 hours of them being raised. Our facilities can be confidential or tailored to include a credit control service. Either way, most businesses will see an immediate improvement in their cashflow.”

Positive’s success is built on the strong relationships they establish with their clients, so whether you are looking to finance a new-start enterprise, acquire an established business or are simply looking for a funder who is happy to listen, contact Paul Varley on 0121 411 9671.

www.positivecash.co.uk Four Founding Directors

When we asked David Smith why he had chosen to come to Birmingham, he said “Quite simply the people. There is a terrific pool of talented people here.”

One of the company’s great strengths comes from being owner managed and independent, giving the directors full scope to provide flexible, creative and positive solutions for each client.

14

P O S I T I V E CASHFLOWFINANCE

P O S I T I V E thinking

11113 1pg_CD Engineering 28/06/2013 14:20 Page 1

Bev James

CEO of The Coaching Academy and Director of Mentoring at Start-Up Loans

How to develop a successful management style Developing a successful management style, both internally and client-facing, is key to succeeding in business. In order to obtain the best results from your team you need to understand their behavioural preferences and what motivates them.

However, there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to successful management styles and people naturally respond in different ways to different techniques. If you were to take a closer look at what makes a business successful, the common denominator is the people, and management techniques need to recognise and invest in this.

One way of understanding your team and yourself is through DISC profiling which was developed by American psychologist Dr William Marston. DISC profiling can give you incredible perspective when it comes to understanding people, how they like to process information, communicate with others and how they like to be communicated with.

DISC helps you acquire a realistic understanding of your strengths and weak spots. This self-knowledge is vital to your success as a manager as your team is only as strong as your strongest weak spots. Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses and how you come across to others, especially when under pressure, can make all the difference when motivating a team to perform well.

As a Master Trainer in DISC profiling, I would describe it as my most effective business tool and I have used DISC profiling for more than twenty years to recruit, retain, manage and motivate my teams. A great way to explain DISC is in terms of sport.

When you really know your team you can get the best out of them. As in any sports team, you want to play your people in their best positions – DISC lets you do this.

The DISC methodology is based on four core personality groupings: Dominant; Influencing; Steady and Compliant. Each of us is a unique combination of one or more styles that vary in intensity, depending on the situation, and whether we are at home or at work. These identify each person’s preferred style of communication, their driving passion, greatest fears and what their potential challenge areas may be.

For example, some people like to be given lots of detail before starting a project; others prefer just the main points; some enjoy working with and among other people, while others prefer a quieter environment. The DISC analysis identifies each person’s preferred style of communication and what their potential challenge areas may be so as a manager you can tailor what support each person needs and how to interact with them to achieve optimum results.

As well as being DISC-aware among your team, remember that understanding our own DISC style is essential and forms the building blocks for successful management, because by learning to modify our own behaviour we can communicate better with others and help everyone to achieve greater success.

Bev James is a business mentor, best-selling author of DO IT! or DITCH IT, CEO of the Coaching Academy and Director of Mentoring at Start-Up Loans www.bevjames.com @Bev_James You can explore DISC further by downloading Bev’s free business App DO IT! OR DITCH IT, with access to a DISC profile questionnaire and a free DISC guide.

Bev James 15

32101 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 13:52 Page 1

Nicklin Business Advisers

A clutch of awards and series of expansions all add up to ensure that Nicklin LLP is so much more than a firm of accountants.

which is based in Stourbridge Road, Halesowen, and is also renowned as a specialist, sought after by academies, charities, doctors and start-up firms.

Offering business development and tax mitigation advice, financial management services and with international connections, the company is a centre of excellence for all things monetary, whether the need is business or personal.

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, not only does it advise, it carries out successful ones of its own.

Dedicated to bringing the same care and attention to clients’ concerns as their own, the quality advice, combined with a personal and friendly approach have garnered Nicklin a respected reputation and the title West Midlands Accountancy Firm of the Year five times, most recently, in May of this year in the more than five partners category.

Its recent merger with Worcester’s Crowther Beard was the second in eight months, the first with Rubery’s Lowe McTernan.

The initial development saw Lowe McTernan staff move to the Halesowen base but the last one resulted in two more offices for Nicklin, in Tewkesbury and Worcester.

Managing Partner Harvey Owen says: “The move has enabled both firms to build on their existing strengths in order to enhance our services which, in turn, will help to grow the practice.”

Harvey Owen Mark Collett

It’s no wonder clients such as Stourport’s recently expanded Witley Jones Furniture are delighted to know that their financial affairs are in the best possible hands.

Established in 1931, the last 82 years have seen Nicklins evolve from a sole trader business to an international concern that employs more than 60 people, and boasts one of the industry’s highest retention rates, a feat of which it is very proud as it enables the establishment of close and sustained working relationships.

Nicklin Golf Day Mark Collett And growth is still on everyone’s minds for further expansion is still very much an option if the right partner, one who holds the similar exacting values, goals and approach to client service, can be found.

“Being an award winning business many times over is one of our biggest business success,” he adds.

“We want to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the accounting and business advisory profession, by continual development and change.”

WMCY Awards 2013 Mark Collett Business planning, management accounting, payroll and HR, tax matters and wealth management are just some of the comprehensive services available from the company,

Like us on Facebook 16

For further information about Nicklins LLP and its services, go to

www.nicklins.co.uk Alternatively telephone 0121 5509916 or email info@nicklins.co.uk

Connect on Linkedin

Follow us on Twitter

32103 1pg_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 12:42 Page 1

Before

After

Witley Jones is a bespoke manufacturer of contract furniture for the upper end of the independent educational sector, providing schools, colleges and student accommodation with well designed functional furniture.

Witley Jones is a local success story, founded by Chris Jones in 1997, as a partnership between himself his wife and one carpenter; the company has grown to become a major supplier of contract furnishings and has recently undergone a substantial expansion to provide an additional 7500 sq ft of manufacturing space and 3 new jobs.

The design process utilises a state of the art CAD system to produce an accurate scale plan and a 3D colour visualisation.

Witley Jones’ designers have many years of experience and can be relied upon to offer innovative, functional solutions.

Furniture is manufactured in a choice of materials including beautiful wood veneers, and hard wearing melamine, in a range of sophisticated, modern finishes using CNC machining for optimum accuracy and precision. Construction options include a choice of hinges, locks, runners, handles and heights both of doors and work tops. Whether for a board room, boarding house, laboratory, library or lecture hall, Witley Jones will be able to provide the most suitable furniture, seating and accessories.

“Our USP is we make bespoke furniture that people want at affordable prices, rather than simply producing catalogue furniture,” says Chris Jones.

For more information please email enquiries@witleyjones.com or visit their website witleyjones.com

Airsprung Beds, supplier of quality contract beds to the Leisure & Residential Market, are pleased to congratulate Witley Jones on their continuing success.

Always at the forefront of classroom innovation, Witley Jones has introduced the Harkness Table into their range. An American concept, the Harkness Table is a large oval table where teachers sit with their pupils rather than at the front of the classroom and encourages classes to be held in discussion format, rather than lecture style.

The main goal is to encourage students to come up with ideas of their own and learn good reasoning and discussion skills.

The tables are proving very successful and Witley Jones are already supplying them to some of our major public schools, but also seizing a number of export opportunities.

Another recent innovation, designed in-house and especially for those Colleges and Boarding Schools which rent space outside the term time is Let Bed. Chris Jones, managing director of Witley Jones, explains: “The bedrooms in a standard accommodation block will have a bed and a desk, but with one of our Let Beds this can quickly be converted to a twin room.

01225 779101 contracts@airsprungbeds.co.uk www.contractbeds.co.uk

O TB OTB

Electrical Contractors Electrical Contractors

r

eieancres Y 5 2 xper Ove

E

“We have designed a desk that can be used for 30 weeks of the year by the students, but offers the benefit of being able to be quickly and easily converted into a bed. The mattress and all of the bedding can be securely stored inside the desk, so there is no need to bring anything to the room to switch from a desk to a bed.”

Chris built the company on the principle that every client is unique, and provides a full service offering, from initial concept, design, manufacture, nationwide delivery and installation.

AP Personal ersonal a and nd FFriendly riendly S Service ervice We are a Commercial, Industrial and Domestic Electrical Engineers Think OTB Electrical Contractors for: New Installations Installations New Rewiring Rewiring CCTV CCTV Fire alarms Fire

alarms Security A Security Alarm

larm IInstallations nstallations Emergency power Emergency

power systems systems Office w Office wiring

iring PAT Testing PAT

Testing

We arre e pro ou ud tto su supporrt rt

Wittl tley Jones Fu F rn r it i uree

For more information about our services, and a FREE Quote call us on 01299 825816 email: info@otbelectricalcontractors.co.uk

www.otbelectrical.co.uk The Bears, Astley, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 0RE

17

31584 QPD_FSC Investments Services Ltd QPD 1pg 05/08/2013 11:44 Page 1

Wrap Accounts

When your investments are fragmented and becoming ‘too much to handle’ then a wrap may be your best bet.

A Wrap account gives an investor the ability to consolidate their investments onto a single platform, allowing an investor to buy investments relatively simply using a range of tax-efficient vehicles, including Individual Saving Accounts (ISAs). The Wrap account then allows you to allocate your money into various asset classes (cash, fixed interest, equity and property) and view the bulk of your investments in one place and usually online. The Wrap account presents you and your Investment Adviser with up-to-date valuations in one place, usually a web page.

Adjustments can be made to your own investment strategy if there are any changes to your plans or circumstances. The account can be easily and securely accessed, so your portfolio can be handled quickly and efficiently by your adviser. A Wrap account is suitable for anyone who wishes to hold all their investments in one place and receive a single consolidated statement.

How would I be charged?

A Wrap account will often have a cash account linked to it, through which all the transactions are processed - including the charges. There will often be a Cost of Advice fee at outset, which is a one-off payment, followed by annual management fees.

The annual management fee will vary depending on the funds chosen for your Wrap.

What type of investments can I include?

Common investments are ISAs, Unit Trusts, Open Ended Investment Companies (OEICs) and Single Premium Investment Bonds. A Wrap account can also bring together pension plans, structured products, Discretionary Fund Management accounts and cash.

How will a Wrap account benefit me?

As well as being able to view your total wealth in one place, a Wrap account can provide: ●

●

●

●

●

18

immediate access to valuations online, saving the time and effort of having to go separately to different investment houses uncomplicated and simple administration a consolidated tax statement each year to make completion of your self-assessment that little bit easier access to a large range of investment houses and products access to a wide variety of Trusts for tax planning

Are there any taxation implications?

A Wrap account does not incur any additional tax. The products held on the Wrap account are taxed in exactly the same way as if they were held individually. However, one advantage of a Wrap account is that they can often provide a re-balancing service, which aims to ensure your portfolio is held within the correct risk level and assets. Whilst this can create a Capital Gains Tax liability, each individual does have an annual allowance that can be utilised. If you are unsure about this call 01902 422333 and speak with Steve Bennett or email info@fscinvestments.co.uk.

FSC Investment Services Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

31847 1pg_Carford Group 06/08/2013 14:39 Page 1

Workplace Pensions Grave concerns are being expressed by the financial services industry in the light of new government measures to restrict charging for advice connected with Auto Enrolment.

An issue being increasingly flagged up by employers is the costs of providing professional financial advice to their employees as well as themselves, under Auto Enrolment provisions.

It is a provision of the scheme that companies have a workplace pension in place that meets the government’s criteria, otherwise the government’s default scheme NEST needs to be implemented.

There is some concern about the returns from NEST. It may be that a company’s existing scheme meets not only the criteria, but would be a better option, so companies are seeking advice from their accountants, financial advisors and specialist pension consultancy firms.

Some companies subsidise this advice in order for their employees to make an informed choice, ready for their staging date, but are finding the costs an additional burden, particularly in these tough economic conditions. The alternative, expecting employees to fund their own advice, or that given to their employers, is coming under fire from the government, who are concerned that pension pots will be eroded by unfair fees.

The Government has, therefore decided to impose a ban on companies imposing consultancy charges on employees joining auto-enrolment pension schemes.

Until now the employer could pass on this cost of such consultancy fees to its staff. Campaigners have warned that this can slice as much as 50pc off the first year's savings. The Office of Fair Trading announced earlier this year that it was investigating workplace pensions to ensure the market was functioning properly and costs were being kept down.

Steve Webb, the Pensions Minister, has also outlined a proposal to cap the charges on "default" funds within defined contribution pensions. Default funds are those in which your money is invested if you don't make an active choice; defined contribution schemes are those where your eventual income depends on stock market returns and the fees imposed, rather than being guaranteed, as in a final salary scheme.

The ABI said pensions charges had "fallen dramatically" over the past decade with the average fee on new automatic enrolment schemes at just 0.52pc a year.

Ewan Smith, M D of Scottish Life, said: “We are very disappointed by this announcement as we believe it will undermine the success of automatic enrolment.

“The DWP are hugely undervaluing the importance that advisers have in making automatic enrolment a success."

Steve Gay, director of life, savings and protection at the Association of British Insurers, said: “We agree it is vital that savers have confidence that the pension savings system can be relied on and charges are an important part of that. However, the Government’s decision to ban consultancy charging in automatic enrolment schemes creates a different risk to the success of pension reform in that it will reduce the availability to employers of advice and support to ensure they make the right pensions decision for their employees."

The auto-enrolment project started in October and is aimed at ensuring all workers have some provision for their retirement.

Millions of workers in the UK will gradually see a slice of their pay packet being automatically diverted to a savings pot for their pension. Employers are obliged to pay in as well, with the government adding a little extra through tax relief.

Those who already save in a workplace pension scheme or are self-employed will not be signed up.

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.

Mr Webb said: "With millions of people taking up pension saving for the first time under automatic enrolment, we have to give people confidence that they will get good value for money. That is why we are banning consultancy charges, where scheme members end up paying for advice given to their employer."

The Government is keen to clean up any practices in the pensions industry as it rolls out the auto-enrolment scheme.

Millions will be entered into the scheme, which was launched last year, over the next few years.

The investment industry is expressing grave concern about the impact the new measures on charges may have, with employers who are already stretched, turning to the cheapest advice, which may not be the most effective in the long term, especially as the industry’s charges are at a historically low level.

A spokesman for the CBI, the employers group, said: “We are surprised that the Government feels it needs to take action on charges, given they are at their lowest-ever level."

Call us now rather than miss out!

Tel: 01746 716767 AEEBS LTD. Email: admin@aeebs.co.uk www.aeebs.co.uk

19

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!

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 20

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

32036 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 11:54 Page 1

Auto Enrolment, the time is running out.

Ian Hill, Senior Consultant at Broadstone, the specialist pensions advice and investment company, warns of a pending crisis in the implementation of Auto Enrolment.

The government has had ten years to work it out since the 2002 Consultation Document, but industry professionals are concerned that not enough time has been allowed by companies to comply by their relevant Staging Date.

Although big groups tend to have their own advisors – dedicated pension advice specialists in house, the problem lies with the already administratively overburdened SME sector.

A large tranche of whom are due to come on line in 2014.

Many companies who have comfortably assumed that the company pension plan they have in place will be suitable, may find that their schemes either don’t qualify, the provider doesn’t want the workers at the lower end of the pay scale, or that their established scheme is simply not able to support the provisions of Auto Enrolment.

Ian Hill

Although a year may seem a long time away, by 1st July 2014 companies with as few as 62 staff will need to have their schemes in place, and those with 90 + staff who haven’t started the process yet are already running late as their staging date is May1st 2014.

It is estimated that between 1 April 2014 and 1 July 2014 there will be 30,000 companies who will hit their Staging Date. Ian warns that there is quite simply not enough capacity in the industry to cope with this cohort of employers efficiently.

Companies who have buried their heads in the sand, or just not started soon enough to be able to find a suitable provider will simply be sucked into the government’s default option of NEST. NEST has a number of major drawbacks, although obliged to accept any employer, it could come under scrutiny like any provider lacking capacity, the monthly policy fee of 1.8% is not particularly cheap, and its provisions currently are relatively inflexible.

Broadstone offers pensions advice and investment solutions to private clients and companies through highly qualified advisers in offices across the country.

They aim to bridge the trust and clarity gap that has been created between those who offer financial advice and services and those who seek them.

Ian emphasises: “Our belief is that what clients need, what the industry needs and what we must deliver is, expertise delivered with absolute clarity.

“We know that the advice we give affects the quality of people's lives and we take this responsibility very seriously, whether it is your personal wealth or a company pension scheme.”

So the rush is on, finding the right scheme and obtaining professional advice is core to the ideals of the scheme, but Ian advises that companies need to be aware that the whole process can take at least a year.

The advice from the Pensions Regulator is that companies need to “Allow plenty of time to prepare. We recommend starting 12-18 months before your staging date, though this will vary depending on your individual circumstances not all employers will need to allow so much time.”

Like Like us us on on Facebook Facebook

Connect Connect on on LinkedIn LinkedIn

125 Colmore Row Birmingham B3 3SD Telephone: 0121 352 6464 Email: www.broadstoneltd.co.uk

FFollow ollow us us on on TTwitter witter 21

31916 2 pgs_HorseWorld 05/08/2013 16:54 Page 1

contemporary to offer a truly unique setting for events of all scope and purpose, be it a 200 delegate conference or sales meeting for 12 colleagues. The Grand Hall is the Centre’s stunning centre piece with a magnificent vaulted ceiling, 12m high, and impressive stained glass window.

With natural daylight the Grand Hall truly deserves its name while still, somehow, maintaining a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. It’s also an extremely flexible space lending itself to a variety of layouts including cabaret, theatre, banquet and classroom style.

St Martins House

Business organisations award new events contracts to St Martins House Conference Centre Leicester’s most historic city centre venue, St Martins House Conference Centre, has become the venue of choice for business organisations in the region, having recently secured four valuable new contracts including the Federation for Small Businesses, Leicestershire Institute of Directors (IoD), Leicester networking group BNI’s weekly meetings and new consortium, Leicester for Business. The conferencing venue has also been awarded, top apprentice employer of the year by Leicester College.

The Grand Hall

The Leicester IoD has chosen St Martins House as the venue for its 2013 events calendar while the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will be holding its regular committee meetings in one the venue’s selection of well-equipped meeting rooms. In April, Leicester for Business, a new organisation comprising seven independent agencies with the shared mission of inspiring and supporting new and start-up businesses, hosted its official launch event at St Martins House joined by business leaders from across the region.

To those who have ever visited St Martins House, this flurry of new event bookings will come as no surprise. Originally built in 1877, the Centre is a stunning Grade II listed Grammar School which opened following a major, awardwinning refurbishment and considerable investment in January 2011. It now combines the traditional with the

22

Each of the four other meeting rooms, namely The Bishop’s Room, The Kempe Room, The Newton Room and The Wycliffe Room, offer up-to-the-minute AV facilities which are included in the competitive room hire and day delegate rates (from £40 per hour, discounted charitable rates available). Catering can be provided in-house or, for larger events, by our award-winning partner Hotel Maiyango.

Team building activities can be arranged on request, an entertainment booking service is also available as well as menu testing. Add to these benefits the location in the heart of Leicester’s Historic Quarter and there’s everything you need to make your next event an unparalleled success.

The Wycliffe Room

31916 2 pgs_HorseWorld 05/08/2013 16:54 Page 2

The Grand Hall

St Martin House welcomed The Lord’s Taverners The Lord’s Taverners chose St Martins House for its Launch Dinner for the East Midlands Regional Leicestershire Branch.

The dinner focused on the theme of giving young people, particularly those with special needs, a sporting chance. It was attended by Paul Nixon, ex Leicestershire and England wicketkeeper, who was the evening’s key speaker.

160 people attended the formal dinner which started with a drinks reception in the entrance followed by a sumptuous three course meal. After dinner a sixties tribute band got everyone dancing! The Lord’s Taverners was extremely happy with their evening and are now planning to hold further events at St Martins House.

Exclusive Richard III exhibition preview for new bookings!

Sited between Leicester Cathedral and The Guildhall, the venue of the current Richard III exhibition, St Martins House Conference Centre is offering a private evening viewing of the exhibition for any new event booking confirmed by 30th September.

To request a personal tour of St Martins House including the prestigious Grand Hall, or to make an event booking, call our bookings hotline on 0116 261 5223.

St Martins Conference Centre 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester LE1 5PZ

a little bit different

www.stmartinshouse.com

affinity:events affinity:events prides itself on doing things differently from the competition. As a family and faith-based company, we prioritise certain things that we believe make us stand out in the event industry.

“

Production & Technical Services... Our technical

We are proud to support St Martins House and wish them all the best for the future..

“

experts are just that – experts – but they also speak your language. We love coming up with the best technical solutions for our clients in sound, light, AV, or anything else.

The Grand Hall was the perfect setting for Estée Lauder We were delighted to welcome Estée Lauder to St Martins House Conference Centre for its Senior Team Meeting when 70 attendees gathered for the day in our Grand Hall.

They chose a cabaret style formation and used our state of the art in-house AV facilities to run their presentations. We worked in partnership with Hotel Maiyango to provide all refreshments as well as a healthy working lunch with grazing snacks throughout the day. Our job was to ensure their day was as comfortable as possible, leaving them only to do the hard work!

resh

pportunities

Great tasting water from a local supplier

Supplier of Water Coolers to Commerce and Industry

call us now on 0800 542 e:sales@freshopps.co.uk

7972

www.freshopps-watercoolers.co.uk

We are proud to support St Martins House and wish them all the best for the future

Project Management... provides a bespoke project management service. We won’t force you to work with us in any particular way – though we will advise you, if you like.

Training & Consultancy... We run training courses of anything from 1 to 5 days, for groups of all shapes and sizes. Educational establishments, corporations and community groups use us to deliver training – either with specific event projects in mind or as part of a basic professional skills programme.

Graphic Design... Programme design, signage and banners, delegate badges, promotional posters, logos and other graphics, exhibition fascias and event-specific documents.

Delegate services...

Bookings, ticketing, online payment, data management and delegate reception services are crucial to many events. Affinity can take this part of your workload off your hands.

Contact us...

PO Box 117, Chepstow, NP16 5XH

Tel 01291 606020 Fax 01291 606030 Mob 07590 566085 Email keith@affinityevents.co.uk

affinity:events I www.affinityevents.co.uk I

Our Commercial team work across private, public & charitable sectors on all types of commercial & industrial properties.

Email the team: professionalservices@andrewgranger.co.uk

0116 242 9933 www.andrewgranger.co.uk

more than just a meeting 23

32063 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 14:07 Page 1

WORCESTERSHIRE. BUSINESS.CENTRAL. Worcestershire is open for business - and now businesses in Worcestershire have a great support network to help them get started and then grow.

• Supporting business growth – helping business to become firmly established, offering support and advice on 'what next', as well as information on funding and property.

Worcestershire.Business.Central is a one-stop shop aimed taking away the time consuming and often frustrating job of finding useful business support and advice.

• Finance – offering guidance on access to funding, loans and grants.

• Skills – helping businesses to develop the skills they need to grow.

• Business to Business – offering businesses a way to network and access contracts.

• News and Events - details of business support and networking events businesses to network and take advantage of trading opportunities, as well as vital business news, along with an events calendar and an online business directory.

Launched earlier this year, it was established after feedback from more than 1,200 businesses revealed they were unsure where to go to access the wealth of available information and support, particularly following the demise of Business Link and Advantage West Midlands. WBC is already making a considerable impact with 160 business starting up in the last 6 months.

Now, by going to www.business-central.co.uk or calling a helpline (0300 123 14 40), companies can tap into all the help and information they need, whether they’re looking to develop skills, find property, source finance or seek networking opportunities.

The initiative is openly demonstrating the county council's main focus to ensure that Worcestershire is,is truly "open for business". The County Council is aiming to help start-up businesses, grow and improve the performance of existing ones, provide support to enhance skills, improve communication, attract new businesses to the county and increase its profile as a place in which to do business.

Worcestershire.Business.Central's delivery falls into six main objectives.

• Supporting business creation - advice, access to finance including loans and grants and information on business training and support programmes.

Like Like us us on on Facebook Facebook 24

And, thanks to the involvement of Resource Efficient Worcestershire, there’s also a service which assesses a company’s green aspects and provides funding to help with any recommendations offered.

If you are thinking of starting your own business, growing your existing company, looking for funding, training or business property, you will find everything you need at: www.business-central.co.uk

You can find out more online www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/business-home.aspx

or via Twitter, @WBCUpdates Facebook or LinkedIn. Alternatively telephone 0300 123 14 40 or email info@business-central.co.uk

Connect Connect on on LinkedIn LinkedIn

FFollow ollow us us on on TTwitter witter

32042 1pg._HorseWorld 06/08/2013 12:07 Page 1

DUDLEY GOLF CLUB In the heart of Britain’s industrial Black Country, you wouldn’t expect to find rolling greens and countryside views to take your breath away.

But there’s all that and more - in the form of a warm and friendly welcome, top banter and excellent facilities - from Dudley Golf Club.

And with the recent addition of the state-of-the-art Kilmister Golf Academy, this 120 year-old stalwart of the Dudley sporting scene is destined to drive straight down the middle and well into the 21st century.

“We go that extra mile to make sure your day is a success and every visiting group and society is very warmly welcome from the moment they arrive,” assures club secretary John Edwards.

The club has been at its current location, on Turners Hill, Rowley Regis, for 80 years, during which time golfers have enjoyed beautiful scenery, gentle rolling fairways and links style greens.

The course provides a fair test for players of any standard or age, whether they be members or visitors taking advantage of a range of excellent packages.

The new academy is the result of continued investment, enabling players to brush up on their golf, rain or shine.

“It doesn’t matter if you are eight or 80, you are never too young or too old to improve your game,” says John.

“Members at of all abilities have benefited from our resident professional Gary Kilmister’s expert PGA tuition, which is further enhanced by cutting-edge digital technology and precision fittings with new golf equipment.”

have no problem in slaking any thirst. And with the beer pumps utilising “Beer Saver Technology” a system from Cambridge Scientific Solutions, not only does the beer stay fresher for longer, less maintenance is reqyuired to keep the beer lines in good condition, therefore saving time and reducing beer wastage.

Being a friendly organisation, Dudley Golf Club doesn’t like to keep this social jewel to itself - the clubhouse lounge, which can cater for up to 100 people, is available to hire for private functions, together with in-house catering.

So there’s many reasons to visit Dudley Golf Club: it doesn’t have to be for the golf and you don’t have to be a member, although enquiries are always welcome.

John acknowledges that the continued economic downturn has seen golf clubs across the country in the rough as spare incomes are tightly squeezed.

However, in the course of 120 years, it’s not the first time Dudley has had to climb out of such a bunker and the club is proud of its success in maintaining standards through the latest downturn and membership is, once again, on the up.

“We’re an enjoyable and very friendly golf club,” says John.

“Come and visit.”

For further information go to www.dudleygolfclub.co.uk Alternatively telephone 01384 233877

REDUCE WASTE

With thriving junior, ladies, and senior sections, it’s game on for anyone wishing to try their hand.

And after a testing game or an enlightening lesson, there’s no better place to relax than the friendly clubhouse complete with panoramic views.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, the menu features a great range of home-cooked food and the well-stocked bar will

Install Beersaver in your pub and

REDUCE BEER WASTE

BY 75% FACT For your free survey and trial contact us now on

08000 732 089 BEERSAVER.COM Brought to you by Cambridge Scientific Solutions Ltd where technology meets tradition

25

31972 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 10:47 Page 1

However, it’s not just about reacting instantly to an emergency call Polaris also handles super speedy repairs and has a busy sales division.

“Our repairs service is exceptional,” declares Craig Evans, who with Darren Hincks is one of the business’s two managing directors.

There’s no doubt a fridge/freezer coldroom breakdown can get kitchen staff hot under the collective collar - but not when they have Polaris Catering & Refrigeration Services to help keep their cool.

The Lichfield company blazes into action, aiming to respond to respond to unwelcome catering equipment emergencies within 24 hours - or under a white hot four if it’s to sort out a coldroom.

And in the occasional event of the team’s inability to respond within 48 hours, the callout charge will just be put on ice.

It’s that determination to please customers with rapid response times and on-thespot quotations that is helping this relatively young business make a name for itself.

Up and running now for more than 12 months, Polaris has already established a strong customer base, including an increasing number of hotels, such as Wolverhampton’s Mount Hotel & Conference Centre, schools, colleges and restaurants in and around the Midlands.

“We provide sameday quotations and thanks to our technical engineers, who are trained to the highest level, your essential commercial catering equipment will be repaired and up and running as quickly as possible.

With the high-level of expertise comes flexibility; every job is handled in the way deemed best for the individual circumstance “It goes without saying that this includes a detailed consultation,” adds Darren. “You can depend on our professional experience to find the right solution for you – confidently, quickly and without complication.”

Those organisations requiring new equipment need look no further for Polaris offers a range of products to suit every catering need, such as oven ranges, water boilers, gas burners and glasswashers.

“We also offer sales of new and used refrigeration equipment, including cellar cooling plants, fridge and freezer coldrooms, bottle coolers, ice makers etc,” adds Craig.

Whether your catering equipment requirement involves new, used, broken or servicing, it’s only Polaris’s telephone number you need.

“Take advantage of our vast experience and our professional and reliable approach,” invites Darren.

“We offer both aspects of catering and refrigeration and our customers get the correct service they desire, along with with honesty and integrity.

“Polaris Catering & Refrigeration Services will help you find the best solution to ensure the best management of your assets.”

For further information visit

www.polariscateringservices.com With that client list continuing to grow, the business hopes soon to be employing additional engineers and office staff and take on college apprentices.

26

Alternatively telephone 01543 484311 or email office@polariscatering.co.uk

31973 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 10:53 Page 1

Mount Hotel THE

CONFERENCE CENTRE

Since 2011 The Mount Hotel’s rise from the ashes of administration has been truly pheonix-like.

Looking out over the beautiful hotel gardens, this new ‘must eatery’ brings a contemporary twist to the everyday bar and grill menu.

And it shows no sign of stopping. Now boasting a smart bar and grill, The Drawing Room, a spectacular new look to its Manders Suite following a £100,000 refurbishment in January, and beautiful bedrooms from the first phase of a March £500,000 revamp, the Wolverhampton establishment is eagerly anticipating the start of the next redevelopment.

Run by an award-winning head chef, its seasonal menu of locally sourced products is complimented by an extensive bar menu featuring an extensive array of wines and cocktails.

Mount Hotel Garden

Bought in 1890 by the Mander family for comfort and grand entertaining, The Mount is, again, a byword for elegance and service.

It became a luxury hotel in the 1950s after being auctioned off.

Where once it had seen national figures such as Lloyd George and Queen Mary as family guests, it went on to welcome visitors such as The Beatles, Genesis and many screen stars.

“At the Mount we have a culinary option for every taste and requirement,” Scott says. “You can enjoy quick bite at the bar, exquisite afternoon tea in the lounge or a fantastic dinner in our restaurant.”

Deluxe Bedroom Popular with couples, The Mount has everything for the perfect wedding, including a dedicated team on hand to guide brides and grooms seamlessly through the preparations, bringing them peace of mind with their attention to detail on everything.

That same level of detailed planning goes into its conference services which can accommodate a one-to-one interview or a 200delegate gathering.

The facilities are purpose-built and fully serviced and have access to an onsite business centre and fibre optic Wi-Fi. In addition there are three executive-style board rooms and a range of comprehensive packages which can be tailored to individual requirements.

The Great Hall

In 2011 it looked as if the economic crisis was to claim another victim when The Mount was placed into administration, but it was immediately bought by Aspen Leisure which soon started making things happen.

Today, the 65-bedroom hotel has 12 function and conference rooms, a busy weddings calendar - it’s licensed to hold civil ceremonies - and The Drawing Room Bar and Grill.

“The recession has hit the hotel industry hard and affected accommodation and conferences,” acknowledges Managing Director Scott Bernard.

“However, we continually stay ahead of the market with special offers and promotions and our greatest success is The Drawing Room which we are developing as its own brand to encourage local diners.”

“For more than 100 years, the Mount has been a local byword for elegance and service.” says Scott. “Seeing it return to its former glory and becoming Wolverhampton’s most prestigious hotel has been one of our greatest achievements.”

For further information to book or reserve a table at The Drawing Room go to www.themount.co.uk Alternatively telephone 01902 752055 27

31905 1pg_HorseWorld 05/08/2013 16:43 Page 1

William Tooby explained, “We added the Care Farm a couple of years after we first opened as a place where we could combine care of the land with care of people.

“The Care farm grows produce for the café and sells surplus in our new shop and at our monthly market which features around thirty stallholders on the fourth Sunday every month from 10.00 to 2.00h with a range of home made crafts, local food and drink.”

Williams Handmade (Studio 1, in the North Courtyard)

Set within an award winning eco-renovation of beamed farm buildings, The Fold in Bransford is the realisation of a dream for William and Janne Tooby.

An important aspect of the original dream’s realisation, the Natural Therapy Centre, provides a centre of excellence for complementary therapies, helping visitors to take positive steps towards being healthier and happier in everyday life.

The centre offers a range of beneficial treatments, and hosts a series of events and courses throughout the year, to help us to look after ourselves and feel good about our lives.

They have recently refurbished a beautiful old barn into a community venue - and are working on all kinds of events, ranging from massage and yoga training, and their monthly folk club, to courses on permaculture.

The barn provides a beautiful riverside venue for wonderful green weddings and parties.

Having dreamt of a “Haven for Inspiration Creativity and Health” they went on to raise funds and obtain planning permission, opening the centre just over six years ago in May 2007, as a not-for-profit, social enterprise three miles west of Worcester.

The couple and their fellow directors will continue to develop the site as a centre of excellence combining the inner work of personal development with new ways of living on our earth that are truly sustainable.

The cluster of traditional buildings houses a range of designers, makers and artists’ studios and workshops; the open studios produce beautiful crafts and artworks and represent some of the finest British talent.

William says: “We believe that business as usual is not an option.”

At The Fold's heart is an award-winning café and restaurant, with quiet corners to meet with friends and more communal spaces where visitors sometimes find themselves unexpectedly involved in a conversation about how to use less electricity or the best way to travel without costing the earth!

The café is a great place to meet in a welcoming atmosphere and eat delicious, nutritious food. The chef, David McCaw offers a wonderful and innovative menu, where the ethos is 'cooking with love, healing through food'.

David emphasises: “We consciously look at everything we serve in the café, respecting ethical and environmental considerations and how to support individuals and our community. “ Much of the fresh produce used in the café comes from The Fold’s own Care Farm which provides meaningful work for people with different support needs growing vegetable, fruit and herbs using natural methods in a safe supporting space.

28

For more information please visit www.thefold.org.uk or telephone 01886 833633

32127 1 pg.e$S_Transport Warehousing 07/08/2013 11:53 Page 1

Jack has been trading now for 15 months and is delighted by the results of his philosophy. When the next door unit became available he snapped up the much needed extra space immediately.

Styled for success Espayo Equestrian, the brainchild of teenage entrepeneur, Jack Eaves, is bringing quality and style to the equestrian market, providing high end rider and horse equipment, in a purpose designed, smart and stylish new showroom, opened last December.

Jack explained that in his opinion when people are spending hundreds of pounds on just the right jacket, or the best boots available they should be able to do so in a setting that projects the right image.

All the stock is manufactured within Europe, hats from Charles Owen the premier British manufacturer who are celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, are to be found near beautiful boots from Filli fabbri the Italian boot makers, established in 1924 who produce the best riding boots in the world. Three out of our four UK based Olympic Showjumpers chose Filli fabbri boots.

Espayo is the proud to hold the exclusive distribution rights for the prestigious Animo brand range of equestrian clothing in the Midlands. Animo produce the most technically advanced equestrian clothing and due to their combination of style and performance is Espayo’s most popular brand.

Not just the riders, the animals are catered for too, from blankets, to bridlework; they stock all the tack you need, taking the same detailed approach to quality and design as in their clothing.

For more information, please visit the superb new web site

www.espayoequestrian.com or phone one of the team on 01527 857 522 Tel: 0845 5577 826

www.animouk.com

Ashbourne International Fashion Ltd

sole distributers of Animo for the United Kingdom and Ireland We are proud to support

Espayo Equestrian and wish them all the best for the future

Ashbourne House Mortimers Lane Southampton SO32 1HF

West Midlands Lettings Ltd are Estate Agents and Letting Agents in Birmingham, West Bromwich, Walsall, providing property management, house to let and house for sale services across the West Midlands.

They offer a full range of landlord services such as Find Tenant Service, Property Management, and Rent Collection as well as the management of properties already tenanted, and pride themselves on offering a bespoke package tailored to your requirements.

Yvonne Barrett of West Midlands Lettings emphasised the importance of choosing a professional property management company: “A property manager who will advertise your property via various mediums, find a tenant you approve of, is easily accessible when to you need to speak to someone, and attend to your property and tenant.”

West Midlands Lettings have years of experience and extensive knowledge of the property market in Birmingham, West Bromwich and Walsall, making them the “go to” company for property seekers and providers, whether for letting or sales within the area.

If you are thinking of moving home, letting, selling or buying, West Midlands Lettings Ltd is where your requirements are made the top priority.

To view properties on offer for sale or rent, or to advertise your property please visit their web site

www.westmidlandslettings.com or telephone 0121 588 2841

They operate on a No Sale No Fee and a No Let No Fee basis.

If your property is not sold or let through them, you will not incur any charges, and there are no upfront fees.

Their property matching service is able to arrange lettings in West Bromwich, Birmingham, Walsall and surrounding areas often before properties are even advertised.

29

31990 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 11:33 Page 1

The story of the Throckmorton Arms is one that for centuries has been inextricably bound to the story of Coughton Court, home to the family after which the pub takes its name.

Leisure guests who enjoy walking can just take a short step from the Throckmorton Arms to the many nearby public footpaths, and they can bring their dogs too, as Stephen and his team welcome our four legged friends in the bar area

Records show that there has been a pub or hotel just 300 yards from the historic Court, near Alcester, for hundreds of years and the strong link between the two goes as far back as the Gunpowder Plot, in which Throckmorton family members and the house itself played leading roles.

If you require a bed for the night, a warm welcome and comfy rooms, recently renovated and upgraded, await, all with free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, digital TV and hairdryer. plus an ironing board and iron upon request.

That link remains as close as ever in the 21st century with the pub providing special offers to National Trust cardholders who come to visit the house which the Throckmortons gifted to the organisation while continuing to live there on a 300-year lease.

It may look like the most traditional of pubs - beams, brasses, a huge open fire and comfy sofas - the Throckmorton Arms is a very modern hostelry.

A Snug and locals’ bar, with an extensive wine menu and local real ales, are accompanied by 10 comfortable and wellappointed en suite bedrooms and a restaurant, which is fast becoming recognised as a favoured dining destination.

“Because we are privately owned we can change our menu to use the best of season’s local ingredients,” says landlord Stephen Newbrook. “Head chef Joel Flood has been steadily building a fantastic reputation since joining us over a year ago and it’s our aim to develop a reputation for providing a high-quality dining experience whose individuality rivals the increasing domination of branded offers.

For further information, to make a restaurant reservation or to book, please visit www.thethrockmortonarms.co.uk Alternatively telephone 01789 766366 or email info@thethrockmortonarms.co.uk

Havee you y u hear heard d thee Lion n rroar? oar?

Look out for Lion, the exciting new addition greatt to our range of grea tasting real ales.

The Brewer Brewery, y, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, O OX15 X15 5NY vc@hooky.co.uk 01608 730384 e: vc@hooky .co.uk www www.hooky.co.uk .hookyy.co.uk

Open Mon to Sat 9.30am - 4.30pm all year round

March 2013 and our Christmas Day menu were very successful. In fact, we have already received our first festive booking for this year!”

A.M. Bailey

The Throckmorton Arms also serves as a historic and comfortable office, welcoming enquiries from businesses looking for a venue in which to hold meetings or lunches.

Quality produce … supplied with pride

Whether the visit is for business or pleasure, the pub is ideally placed for guests to reach some of the country’s most popular and vibrant areas.

Stratford - and Shakespeare - is just eight miles away, Warwick with its castle, 11 miles, Worcester in the heart of Three Choirs country, 15 miles, and dynamic Birmingham, with all its business, arts and culture opportunities, 18 miles.

30

Whether you need a base for your holiday, a comfortable meeting place, somewhere to dine in style or to relax and slake your thirst, the Throckmorton Arms has it all. And a little glimpse into some of this country’s most important history, too.

U Providing the very best fresh and prepared produce, dairy and dry goods U Suppliers to all sectors of the catering industry U Locally grown and seasonal produce are our speciality U Regional delivery service, 6 days a week MEMBERS OF

Western Road s Stratford-upon-Avon s CV37 0AH

Tel 01789 292782 / 293745 Fax 01789 293896

32128 1pg new_Transport Warehousing 07/08/2013 10:26 Page 1

Property

Development Property development covers a wide range of activities from the renovation of existing properties for rent or resale, to the purchase of land, either for improvement and resale, or for construction of residential or commercial buildings.

Property development involves many professions, including architects, designers, planners, engineers, surveyors, inspectors, contractors and leasing agents.

Typically, professional developers purchase land, determine the marketing of the property, develop the building programme and design, obtain the necessary planning approval and financing, build the structure, lease manage or ultimately sell it.

A growing sector of the market, fuelled by the many “home improvement” television programmes, relates to owner occupied individual dwellings; involving the improvement, refurbishment or extension of an existing property, or more ambitiously, a complete new-build.

Whatever the scale of the project, professional advice is essential, for guidance through complex planning regulations, currently under review, as the government seeks to get the housing market moving.

The drawing up and submission of plans is usually well within the range of most competent builders, but the services of an

architect, will pay dividends for the amateur developer, or for those looking to build something not just “out of the box”.

For more ambitious projects, a conversion, or a renovation a structural engineer may be required. Choosing a builder can be difficult for the amateur developer, your architect will advise on reputable companies, otherwise, the best route is often through the planning office in the local town hall, then to view completed projects and to ask for referrals.

Sustainable development is an important consideration, the initial costs can be high, but as energy costs rise, not only should the initial outlay be recouped but a pleasant feeling of virtue established.

There is a plethora of information about energy saving technology and sustainable building on the internet, but once having done your research, by far the simplest route is to choose a builder or architect with the appropriate “green” credentials.

Developers are changing their building methods, choosing vernacular materials, timber framing, increasing insulation levels and installing energy efficient heating systems such as Air Source heat pumps.

There is still simply not enough new property being built to keep pace with demand, but countryside campaigners, the Council for Rural England and the National Trust are very concerned by

some of the proposed relaxation of planning controls being debated by the Government.

The proposals would make it easier to develop into green belt land, and to install conservatories and loft extensions without going through weeks of planning bureaucracy.

For the Government, Nick Clegg said: "We're not building enough homes. We're not building enough affordable homes.

We've got to get Britain building.

In a further boost to the housing market, a further 16,500 first-time buyers are to receive help under an extension of the FirstBuy scheme, where would-be homeowners without a deposit are given an equity loan of up to 20% of the purchase price.

The extra funds are starting to make a difference as the Halifax building society reports some growth in the previously moribund housing market. There will also be £300m of additional funding to provide up to 15,000 affordable homes and bring 5,000 empty homes back into use.

Schemes such as Stoke City Council’s initiative where they will sell a derelict house for £1 and provide an improvement loan of £30,000, are being watched with interest by other local authorities.

The National Housing Federation, which represents England's housing associations, welcomed the package of measures as "a major step forward" with "the potential to transform the housing market". "It will provide homes for some of the millions of families on waiting lists; create jobs and give the UK economy a shot in the arm with a speed and effectiveness few industries can match," the group said.

The government’s support for the sector should be welcomed not just by the industry, but for its knock on benefits across the wider economy.

31

32044 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 12:28 Page 1

RICOH ARENA It is all happening at the Ricoh Arena The vibrant Ricoh Arena is a world class venue for business, entertainment, and sporting events, and a real Midlands’ success story. The “Ricoh”, as it is known in the region, opened in 2005 as the home of Coventry City Football Club. At that time the Ricoh Arena’s business was 80% football and 20% conference and exhibitions.

As a conference venue it is unsurpassed, and known for its flexible and friendly approach. From a conferencing capability for 7,500 delegates in a 6,000 square metre column free space, to spaces suitable for 200 delegates or an intimate meeting in the exclusive Jaguar Club, the Ricoh can cater for your conference whatever the size.

The Ricoh’s central location, with good transport links at the heart of the motorway network has proved key to its popularity with a number of global business brands and high street retailers from across the UK. The venue boasts over 15,000 square metres of event space, a 121 room De Vere Hotel on site, one of the largest casinos in the UK, a 1000 seater column free lounge with pitch views, a 32,000 seater stadium bowl, and 2,000 on site car parking spaces.

This was completely turned on its head by 2006 and today their conferencing and exhibition business accounts for over 85% of their core turnover.

There is always a buzz of activity and excitement at the Ricoh as it plays host to a number of International and National business, entertainment and sporting events, throughout the year.

They were extremely proud to be chosen as a 2012 Olympic venue, and harking back to their football heritage, hosted 12 football matches over 8 days, in addition to previously hosting the Heineken Cup semi finals, and England’s under 21’s football, among other sporting events such as the Davis Cup. Holding these high profile sporting events has been a great achievement not just for the Ricoh Arena, but for the whole region.

Headline artists at the Ricoh Arena have included Take That, Oasis, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen and many more, all contributing to the venue’s reputation for delivering international world class events.

The Ricoh Arena has particularly thrived in the last 9 weeks where it’s seen over 100,000 business delegates through their doors and held 2 major stadium concerts, Muse and Bruce Springsteen. In addition they held the Jaguar F Type formal handover to all dealers in the UK, a ceremony which hasn’t taken place since the launch of the E type 50 years ago. The Ricoh Arena has also been a key location for a major comedy/drama currently taking place on Prime Time TV (ITV1) and has hosted the popular TV programme ‘Question Time’.

The Ricoh is not resting on its laurels, sporting and otherwise, they are focussing on further growth, despite the tough economic conditions, for their conference and exhibition business and expect to achieve a turnover of 15 million pounds this year.

For more information visit the website www.ricoharena.com

Ricoh Arena Phoenix way, Foleshill, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 6GE

Event Production Total Event Solutions & Services “Congratulations to Ricoh Arena on their recent awards for the Venue and the Team.

Stagecraftuk look forward to many more successful years working together!”

Light & Sound Event Production Event Management Rigging & Trussing Power & Distribution Exhibition Solutions O

O

O

O

Contact us to find out how we can help you...

01952 281 600

www.stagecraftuk.com

@Stagecraftuk

sales@stagecraftuk.com

uk 32

32043 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 12:21 Page 1

commercial interiors Complete Refurbishment Solutions DJR Commercial Interiors proved just what the doctor ordered when new theatre suites were required at Coventry’s super hospital.

The city company bought its expert skills and flair to the scheme for 29 theatre suites and 127 associated rooms at the University Hospital.

The DJR Commercial Interiors teams worked closely alongside the main contractor, Skanska to deliver the prestigious project bang on time.

Commercial office or industrial steel partitioning, suspended ceilings, mezzanine floors, carpet and vinyl flooring, along with office furniture, electrics, lighting, glass, or blinds, all are handled by this complete refurbishment specialist.

“With an extensive range of products to choose from, we provide a totally integrated high quality design solution,” adds Jackie.

“Our comprehensive and professional service is what sets us apart from the rest. Whether your need is commercial or individual, large or small, please get in touch to discuss how we can improve your workspace.

The two-year, £800k contract marked one of the biggest successes to date of this family business which is proud of its 20 years’ experience in the commercial interiors industry.

But it’s no stranger to prestigious schemes. It recently worked on the VIP area of Coventry’s renowned Ricoh Arena and has also teamed up with a national building contractor to work at blue chip business such as Unipart and Premier Foods.

Specialising in the supply of commercial and industrial partitions, suspended ceilings, floor coverings, storage and interiors, DJR Commercial Interiors has become renowned in the region as an expert in making spaces work better for people.

For further information about the company, please visit www.djrps.co.uk To make an enquiry, telephone 02476 659863 or email info@djrps.co.uk

“We pride ourselves on working to our customers’ specific programme and meeting their budget requirements,” says Managing Director Jacqueline Cureton.

Be that a super hospital, massive sporting arena or the individual schools, building contractors and all types of business which make up the company’s client list, flexible DJR Commercial Interiors can handle every size of project.

33

31793 1pg_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 21:00 Page 1

If a drain is found to be broken or defective they can also provide a comprehensive drain repair and replacement service from replacing a defective inspection cover and frame, to renovating an existing drainage system or installing a new drainage system if required.

When you are looking at a new property, be it domestic, commercial or industrial, you need to be aware of things hidden from sight; Mercia Drain can carry out a full site survey to establish the condition of the drainage systems before you complete final negotiations.

Drains, waste, plumbing, and all the things we don’t like to think about, but fortunately there is someone who does. Herefordshire and Worcestershire based company Mercia Drain, are specialists in all matters related to drainage, plumbing and sewerage and have been dealing effectively with all kinds of drainage problems since 1973, and are celebrating their 40th Anniversary in business this year Over the years they have built up an unrivalled wealth of knowledge and expertise, and are able to handle all aspects of drainage, from unblocking to repairs, remedial work and replacement pipe work. Whatever the problem, their experienced engineers will soon get everything running smoothly again.

Their long standing workforce has been with them for anything from 10 to 38 years, and their well established customer base relies on their expertise, recommending them widely to their contacts, in fact Mercia Drain’s work is almost entirely from repeat customers and recommendations.

No drainage problem is too awkward, too large or too small, from unblocking a sink to emptying a septic tank, Mercia Drain has the experience, the equipment and the engineers to tackle the job. They are equipped to deal with everything from blocked internal plumbing to main sewers, including using high pressure jetting to remove drain blockages.

To save you time and money when solving your blocked drain problem, they can perform a CCTV survey to discover the cause. No matter how complex your drainage system, Mercia Drain can offer an in depth service including electronic drain tracing and confined space man entry.

Specialist Pumping Services Over 25 Years Experience

We specialise in Raw Sewage Pumps Industrial Pumps Repair, Installation, Service Drinking Water Pumps Commercial & Domestic Specialist Pumping Services Ltd are proud to support Mercia Drain and wish them the best of luck in the future.

Unit 1, Plot 8 Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, Stourport-On-Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 9QB Tel. 01299 827 073 Fax. 01299 828 257

www.specialistpumpingservices.co.uk

34

Many properties and farms across the rural counties of Hereford, Shropshire and Worcestershire rely on septic tanks and sewage treatment plants for drainage; the care and maintenance of which requires specialist expertise.

Mercia Drain can check the condition of your septic tank and soakaway and sewage treatment plant, and undertake any maintenance needed to ensure that everything is working smoothly before you move in.

Once you are into your new property it is reassuring to know who to call if you experience problems later, or for regular maintenance of your septic tank and sewage treatment plant covering all aspects of the de-sludging and mechanical servicing Mercia Drain also provides a design and installation service for septic tanks, septic tank soakaway, sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping stations, foul and storm water drainage systems All waste removed by Mercia Drain waste disposal tankers is disposed in accordance with current regulations, and they are Environment Agency registered

For any drainage issues, call the friendly team at Mercia Drain 01544 340510

l

01905 28731

l

01432 270900

01562 742557

l

01527 68243

l

01386 421314

or visit the web site

www.merciadrain.co.uk to see how they can help.

31982 1pg_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 21:09 Page 1

“Our greatest challenge has always been to remain competitive without compromising quality, and giving customers a service that is second to none,” says Stuart. “But thanks to our massive stocks of sand, gravels, and decorative aggregates we are confident that, assisted by our knowledgeable and friendly staff, they will find the right building supplies at the right price.

B UILDING & L ANDSCAPING M ERCHANTS The friendly folk at Fairview Builders Merchants move heaven and quite a lot of earth to ensure the best for their customers.

Construction materials, timber and garden landscaping products are their specialities but customers visit the single site Worcestershire yard for so much more than that.

“Add to this our range of blocks, slabs, posts and fencing supplies along with the tools to do the job and all you need in drainage and ancillary building supplies and you will see why we are the number one choice for many builders, contractors and the public in the Vale.”

It leads the way in supplying traditional building supplies, but Fairview is quick to become a modern supplier.

Stuart reveals: “We are working on our online presence which includes an upgraded builder’s merchant website and a dedicated landscaping website with online ordering.

“We are also developing our social media presence through Twitter (@fairviewtrading) and Facebook and marketing our products through ebay.”

For those who can visit, Fairview is open Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm and on Saturdays from 8am until mid-day.

Sand and gravel, block paving, cement, bricks, roof tiles, plasterware, nails, asphalt and thermal blocks are only part of a very long list of stock.

No wonder Fairview is the first choice for trade customers and members of the public throughout the Vale of Evesham.

With its own fleet of vehicles, ranging from a 750kg van to 18tonne crane offload trucks, it offers a standard one to two-day delivery service of stock items within a 25-mile radius from its yard.

For orders further afield or for any other enquiry, please call 01386 833001 or email sales@fairviewtrading.co.uk Alternatively visit www.fairviewtrading.co.uk or www.fairviewlandscapingsupplies.co.uk

It’s now a world away from the fledgling business which started in 1974 as a small yard in Cheltenham selling reclaimed building materials. A decade on from its launch, the company had expanded to selling new building materials alongside reclaimed ones. As it continued to grow a second yard was acquired at Buckle Street, Honeybourne.

Managing Director Stuart Bailey explained: “We took this yard from being used primarily for holding stock, and built it into a successful, independent builder’s merchants in its own right and we feel this transformation is one of the family firm’s biggest successes.”

Focused on success As the UK’s largest independent provider of actuarial, administration and pension consultancy services we are pleased to work with Fairview Trading Company Limited We offer a full range of services to trustees, employers, insurance companies and individuals and we are one of the leading suppliers of SIPPs and SSASs 020 7776 2200

@

By 2000, Fairview had outgrown its original Cheltenham site and so that was sold for the company to concentrate on growing and developing the Honeybourne base.

info@barnett-waddingham.co.uk

www.barnett-waddingham.co.uk

35

31978 HPD 1pg_HorseWorld 29/05/2013 20:33 Page 1

Catering for ALL your Power Tool, Hand Tool, Hardware, Fixings, Chemicals and Sealants, PPE, Work Wear, Plumbing, Electrical, Outdoor Gardening and Landscaping Tool needs. The friendly enthusiastic folk at T W Wholesale Ltd will have the right tool for the right job at the right price.

A true family business, run by brothers Eban and Richard Watton, the company has developed to a size and diversity which would be unrecognisable to their grandfather, who started out selling tools to farmers.

It's not rocket science, just simple common sense! Since day one we have strived to offer traditional family business values fused with a modern approach.”

Customers have the option of either buying on line, from their superb online catalogue which is updated daily and carries over 60,000 products or, from their cash & carry superstore in Swadlincote Derbyshire where you will find thousands of products IN STOCK. Whether on line or in person you will find just what you are looking for. Top brands & affordable brands all at very competitive prices from the business that is

‘Big enough to cope & small enough to care’.

The company has grown into a huge concern supplying not just wholesale customers but trade and retail customers also.

Richard explained their philosophy, “Our aim is to supply the right products at the right price backed up with excellent service. It's what we would expect as a customer so it's what our customers can expect when they use us.

Please visit their superb website

www.twwholesale.co.uk but be sure to allow plenty of time you may come across marvellous products that you didn’t even know you needed, until then!

If you can’t decide or need some help just

telephone 01283 558313

36

31983 1 pg_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 21:12 Page 1

Chameleon School of Construction Ltd Chameleon’s growth, over the last 2 years, is due to providing well trained employees to the construction sector. The range and breadth of courses delivers inspired active employees, armed with the means to develop successful careers and to be valuable assets to employers.

They have developed an approach to learning which fits learners who prefer a flexible work based style of construction training.

Training for the Modern World.

Multi Award Winning Chameleon School of Construction is celebrating being recognised in the prestigious Birmingham Chamber Awards, Companies Providing Excellence in Contributing to the Community.

The company were voted Most Promising new Business of the Year 2011 in the Burton Mail Business Awards and won the Best Small Business 2012.

Chameleon’s customers include colleges, schools and educational centres, construction companies, training bodies and local institutions and business groups, such as Chambers of Commerce.

Chameleon works with recognised training bodies, such as NVQ providers, trade associations and recognised bodies including CITB Construction Skills and the Probation Service.

Chameleon’s vision is the provision of specialist courses to its targeted groups of learners and apprentices through nationally recognised qualifications.

Success is measured in rolling programmes of courses, numbers of student learners attending and the results achieved. Chameleon set a minimum pass rate of 80% across all courses and abilities.

The School holds bi-monthly Open Evenings where taster and experience sessions are available, under the supervision of the Tutoring team.

The centre also provides CSCS testing and training and CPCS testing, to avoid customers needing to travel to either Derby or Leicester for testing.

The company was also chosen as one of only 12 small businesses to showcase its activities and exhibit at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham in October 2012. They were invited in June to No 10 to a Reception to Celebrate Small Businesses.

The company richly deserve these accolades as a manager and provider of specialist training courses in Construction for young adults, unemployed, women and vulnerable adults.

Chameleon School of Construction was founded by husband and wife team, Jason and Angelica Duncan, in September 2010 after they discovered that there was a definite lack of this particular type of training in the area. Courses commenced in April 2011.

Chameleon leads the way in offering BTEC courses in Construction, CAA Diplomas in Plastering, Tiling and Building Maintenance, and the increasingly popular Apprenticeship Framework.

Chameleon is very active in the local community and its corporate social responsibilities are high profile, with Chameleon’s mascot “Buzz” being a familiar feature at local community events and Burton Albion FC matches.

Chameleon Community Services is their latest venture. This is a new project offering real paid supervised work experience to learners not just in construction but in other housing maintenance areas such as window cleaning and gardening. Learners who have gained skills often find that lack of experience is a barrier for them, the project will give them this much needed experience but also help with confidence building. This facility is made available to everyone but is particularly beneficial to housing associations, charities, councils and also disadvantaged groups such as the elderly and disabled who may wish to take advantage of the services as they are offered at a very competitive rate.

For more information please visit the website

www.chameleonschoolofconstruction.co.uk or telephone: 01283 213427

The company also offers specific DIY courses for women, including a 2 day “Sisters are doing it for themselves!” course. your business is our business

Level 2 Diplomas are taught at the centre, whilst NVQs are achieved on site. A specialist higher level NVQ 3, Heritage Plastering is also available.

Chameleon School of Construction’s diplomas are also highly attractive to youngsters who do not fit into traditional schooling; and are happier with a more practical hands-on style of learning. Many continue with Chameleon after school leaving age, achieving additional qualifications.

Providing a personalised service to local business owners and individuals with your accountancy and tax needs.

We are proud to support Chameleon School of Construction and wish them all the best for the future.

For more information call 01283 551337

DL Accountancy 6 Oaktree Business Park, Cadley Hill Road, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9DJ

Email: duncan@dl-accountancy.co.uk

37

31919 2pgs_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 10:04 Page 1

Whether it’s designing new buildings or working within an existing structure, the Khoury Architects team brings its stand-alone approach to all.

This can be applied on a number of levels, including: • Designing contemporary landmark buildings with kerb appeal.

• Succeeding in the planning process with something never thought possible.

• Increasing return on investment.

• Enlivening environmental experience.

• Reducing energy consumption and costs.

• Transforming a building’s image so it reflects business brand values.

Khoury Architects designs contemporary and sustainable buildings that are socially, economically and environmentally responsible across the UK in all sectors. The practice offers a full architecture and interior design service, including feasibility studies, planning applications and listed building consents, sourcing of contractor and tender negotiation and contract administration and site supervision.

Based in offices (which they designed themselves) in Newhall Square, Birmingham, the team of five works mainly for small to medium sized property developers or business owner occupiers, undertaking residential and office schemes that require a particular focus on contemporary and sustainable design. The practice also excels in creating a luxury aesthetic without the associated cost, especially in the leisure and interiors sectors.

It’s a long way from the company’s 2005 origins, with two partners working from home on predominantly small house extensions. However, a contract for a series of primary school and crèche facilities in London after just six months, resulted in recruitment of staff and a city centre office.

“Our creativity and how we apply it is what sets us apart from many architectural practices,” says Managing Director Andrew Khoury.

Projects continued to increase in complexity and size - the largest so far is a £12M development of 114 sustainable homes in Diss, Norfolk, completed last year.

Throughout the years, it’s been critical to get the team structure right. Andrew is in charge of architecture and business development while Director Heidi Alden heads up marketing and ensures the practice is well managed in terms of allocation of resource and legal and financial matters. An experienced Associate manages the project work and office team leaving Andrew free to oversee design and respond to clients.

38

31919 2pgs_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 21:07 Page 2

“We all share a can-do attitude to deliver projects to the specified budget and within the allocated timescale� says Andrew. He is respected within the industry for his innovative and integral design and as such has been selected to sit on the panel of experts supporting Design Review and Design Support of MADE, the Midlands organisation which helps developers, local authorities and architects gain an objective and independent viewpoint on development designs.

Keen to be at the cutting edge of sustainable technology, the practice regularly holds staff training sessions to keep them abreast of the latest developments and, recently achieving Gold SKA rating for its RWE NPower office refurbishment in Didcot, it is looking at training its own team to be SKA assessors.

KhouryArchitects exciting space.

For further information on the practice, its projects and approach, visit www.khouryarchitects.co.uk Alternatively telephone 0121 236 9393 or email info@khouryarchitects.co.uk

Telephone: 01743 233 321 s Email: enquiries@epsconsultants.co.uk s Website: www.epsconsultants.co.uk

EPS Consultants Unit B, Silkmoor, Shrewsbury, SY3 8LN A building services consultancy fully conversant with all traditional, renewable and emerging building services technologies including solar, heat pumps and microgeneration. We are specialists in low carbon engineering and the conservation of fuel, power and water in the built environment. Our services include s Feasibility studies and reports s Planning stage renewable energy and sustainability reports s Design stage carbon emission calculations s Full range of design duties offered s Budget cost estimates and cost analysis s Condition surveys and reports s Please see our website for full range of services

IN BRIEF...

We are proud to support Khoury Architects wishing the practice every success for the future

Residential

Commercial

Community

Healthcare

Hotels and Leisure

39

32004 3pgs 3_Carford Group 22/07/2013 11:42 Page 1

Elite Aluminium Systems Ltd

The new generation of architectural glazing products is here.

Architects and designers make full use of the wide variety of options aluminium provides, to create beautiful entrances, porticos, windows and doors to achieve a sleek contemporary look by combining the properties of glass with aluminium.

Stunning curtain wall treatments are fast becoming a feature of modern architectural design, creating light and airy buildings that belie the strength of the underlying structure.

Aluminium is strong yet lightweight, it can be powder coated, anodised or left gleaming; it is available in different strengths and is a material that can be manufactured to suit whatever profile is required, giving architects and designers a multitude of options.

Elite Aluminium Systems Ltd was formed in 1993 and has gained a strong reputation within the architectural aluminium glazing industry for delivering a high quality service that is cost effective and within programme.

Elite’s strong management team has a wealth of experience and expertise, specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium curtain walling, entrances, doors and windows.

AMFABS (WEST MIDLANDS) LTD Bespoke Pressings and Fabrications

We are proud to support Elite Aluminium Systems and wish you every success in the future.

Unit 7 Saltbrook Trading Estate Saltbrook Road, Cradley Heath B63 2QJ E: andrew-moon@btconnect.com T: 01384 565434

40

The company operates from its own premises in Walsall, in the West Midlands, close to Junction 10 of the M6, providing the easy transport links which enable Elite Systems to efficiently carry out projects throughout the country.

Their offices have been recently modernised and equipped with all the most up to date equipment. Their fully experienced technical team offers a full in-house CAD operated design service and bespoke software packages to ensure cost effective and accurate solutions to their clients’ requirements.

Contained within their premises is the manufacturing facility which has a working area of 12,000 sq ft with a fully skilled and experienced fabrication workforce of 25 employees.

EUROTOOL HIRE AND SALES Unit E, Birchills Industrial Estate, Fenchurch Close off Green Lane, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 8LJ. TEL: 01922 627764 FAX: 01922 625963

32004 3pgs 3_Carford Group 22/07/2013 11:42 Page 2

They are constantly developing their manufacturing process with the recent introduction of extensive pneumatic punch tooling which provides increased efficiency and accuracy resulting in a high quality end product.

●

With all their departments being on the one site, including estimating, drawing office, contract and production the company offer a true “one-stop-shop” for their clients’ glazing requirements.

●

● ● ●

● ● ●

This arrangement enables the company to achieve greater efficiencies, enabling them to provide quality products that are cost effective and within programme.

●

D-Link Headquarters at Abbey Road, London Houghton Hall, Dunstable The Ealing Centre of Vocational Excellence RAF Northolt Hilton Hotel at Terminal 5, Heathrow Pannel Croft Retirement Village, Birmingham The redevelopment of Weston Super-Mare Pier Premier Inn, Waterloo, London The redevelopment of Longbridge

Once contacts are secured, Elite’s drawing office and surveyors work closely to ensure strong design detail and unobtrusive fixing bracketry to maintain the integrity of the installation and project design.

The on-site dedicated project management team maintains continuity of communication providing a single point of contact for the contractor and design team.

The company attributes much of its success to the strong relationships they have formed over the years, working closely with architects, main contractors and suppliers in order to consistently achieve customer satisfaction.

This high level and cooperation has led to Elite Systems being called upon to be involved in some highly prestigious, landmark projects over the years including:

Weldall (Cannock) Limited is a specialist Architectural Fabrication company, established for over 20 years we have built up a reputation for reliability, quality, and competitiveness within the Construction Industry.

Contact us now on 01543 579303 or visit www.weldall.co.uk Proud to be supporting Elite Aluminium Systems

We are proud to be associated with Elite Aluminium 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 The Squires 5 Walsall Walsall Street,Wednesbury Street,Wednesbury West W est Mids WS10 9BZ

9 Staf Stafford ford Street Brewood Stafford Staf ford ST19 9DX

0121 556 1072

01902 850 828

41

32004 3pgs 3_Carford Group 22/07/2013 11:42 Page 3

Windows; the options that Elite Systems provide are almost endless and include an extensive range of high performance thermally broken windows including top hung, side hung, tiltturn, sliding, parallel opening, structurally bonded concealed vents, pivot (horizontal and vertical), and topswing.

In addition to their standard range of products they can manufacture and supply, Such projects are hotly competed for when put out to tender and only companies, such as Elite Systems, with a proven record of competence and cooperation are likely to stand any chance of success during the process. Architects and developers prefer to work with the companies they know and trust and Elite’s well developed relationships are based on mutual respect.

Elite Aluminium Systems Ltd is a member of "Secured By Design", having gained Q-Mark accreditation of casement windows, tilt & turn windows and residential doors. Other memberships include Achilles, ConstructionLine and CHAS.

● ● ● ● ● ●

Shaped / curved / round windows Louvres Auto Operating Vents Revolving and curved on plan Doors Entrance Canopies Pressed Metalwork

All of their products can be supplied in a wide range of powder coated finishes, utilising polyester powder coating from the Interpon, Syntha Pulvin and Tiger ranges. They can also offer special metallic finishes and anodising upon request.

Elite Systems supply an extensive range of architectural glazing products which all comply and often exceed British and European Standards including: Curtain walling; the company provide an extensive range of high performance curtain walling systems from ground floor treatments to high rise multi-storey facades. These range from zone drained systems, mullion drained systems, toggle (capless) systems, trame horizontal systems & roof glazing.

Visit the web site for more details www.elitesystems.co.uk Tel: 01922 444443 Fax: 01922 710837

Supported by

Entrances and doors; Elite’s extensive range of pivoted antifingertrap doors, lift & slide doors, tilt & slide doors, auto sliding/swing doors and high performance thermal commercial/residential doors offer an option for everyone, but bespoke options are available, designed to suit, through their high technology range of design systems.

We supply innovative windows, doors and curtain wall systems that bring buildings to life!

Introducing our family of leading glazing solutions innovative window, door and curtain wall systems that bring environments to life

We are proud to support Elite Aluminium Systems and we would like to wish them all the best for the future.

Call 01709 772600 Fax 01709 772601 Senior Ar Architectural chitectural Systems Ltd Eland Road . Denaby Main . Doncaster . DN12 4HA 42

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

31894 1pg_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 21:05 Page 1

mIDLAND

C ONTRACTS Midland Contracts is about to open a new window onto its world, showcasing the quality and service that have led to almost three decades of success.

The specialist shop fitting and reactive maintenance company will be unveiling its new-look website within the coming months, along with a wealth of revamped company literature and sales brochures - but its ways of working remain unchanged.

The same happened when nearly three years ago, three members of the management team Carl Breckell, Neil Bonsor and Steve Meddings, all now Directors, negotiated and completed a management buyout of the then 25 year-old business, based in Handsworth, Birmingham, upon the retirement of the former managing director.

As far as customers were concerned, nothing had changed, and it was business as usual.

The last 30 years have seen Midland Contracts develop into a leading shop fitting company, undertaking projects across the country for many major high street names.

Meanwhile its busy regional reactive maintenance division, covering a 50-mile radius from its premises, provides a 24/7 service to high street multiples, charities, property companies, facilities businesses and local authority organisations.

Midland Contracts has a wealth of qualified and highly experienced tradesmen to ensure works both on projects and maintenance are carried out to the highest standard.

Small works and Quoted works is also an area in which Midland Contracts succeeds.

These works generally fall between maintenance and shop fitting.

Generally speaking, most small works and quotation enquiries require a quick turnaround.

Midland Contracts has always been very proud in its ability to respond to these and returns quotations within two to three working days, sometimes sooner and along with start dates.

The company is looking forward to the launch of the new website and the arrival of the new literature, both of which will enhance its plans to diversify into new client groups, such as housing associations, license and leisure groups and charities, and expand its services over the next 12 months.

“We are looking forward to steady growth,” predict the directors.

“We have absolute confidence that our people will be successful in achieving that.”

For further information about Midland Contracts and its services, please visit www.midlandcontracts.co.uk To make an enquiry, telephone 0121 523 8800 city electrical factors ltd

Tel: 0121 544 5600

www.cef.co.uk

We are the United Kingdom’s leading Electrical Wholesale Network with almost twice as many distribution outlets as our nearest competitor...

We are proud to support

Midland Contracts and wish them all the best for the future

Unit 1 Albion Trade Park Holyhead Road (A41) West Bromwich B21 0AA

Tel: 01543 570222

post@rostance.co.uk

independent accountancy

finance experts...

Having a close working relationship either with the existing client base or those recently partnered with is something the company rates as one of its major assets, along with its quality of work and swift response.

There’s another aspect to Midland Contracts’ success too - its emphasis on the importance of communication.

The management team believes that communication is key and has to remain constant.

Customers need to know at what stage a job has reached; if it is complete and, if not, then why?

The in-house jobs system allows all live jobs to be monitored and updated constantly to keep clients up to speed with all information relating to each specific job.

Shop fitting contracts have increased not only in size and volume but also in locations.

As main contractor to all fit outs, Midland Contracts has grown and is still growing its client base and offering this specialist service.

Each and every project is headed by a contracts manager who allocates his staff for each project, from senior foreman to trainee foreman, to site trades to nominated sub contractors.

The following services are tailored to suit businesses with a turnover over £250,000:

The following services are tailored to suit businesses with a turnover below £250,000:

✓ Accounts, Audit & Assurance ✓ Business Start-Up Planning ✓ Business Advisory Services ✓ Special Subcontractor Scheme ✓ Tax Planning Strategies & Advice ✓ Accounts Preparation ✓ Human Resources Support ✓ Tax Returns & Tax planning ✓ Wealth Management ✓ Payroll & Bookkeeping Services ✓ Marketing Strategies & Benchmarking ✓ Outsourcing ✓ Retirement and Exit Planning Rostance Edwards are proud to support Midland Contracts and we wish them the best of luck for the future.

1 & 2 Heritage Park Hayes Way, Cannock Staffordshire WS11 7LT

www.rostance.co.uk

43

31986 1pg_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 21:14 Page 1

In the UK , RICSoperates in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and has several regional offices, with the West Midlands office based at Waterloo House, central Birmingham.

In a world which is demanding increasing certainty in professional standards and ethics, attaining RICS status, the recognised mark of property professionalism, is more than worth its weight in gold.

It is the world’s leading qualification when it comes to professional standards in land, property and construction and the leading professional body for setting standards in the surveying industry.

As it has proved since its earliest days, RICS has always moved with the times. It is now into its second of a three-year business plan which has several distinct goals.

• To gain market recognition of RICS standards in the key economic and political centres of the world.

• Take a leadership role in the development, regulation and enforcement of international standards • Be a role model as a ‘responsible’ organisation.

• Grow the profession in strategically important markets with an emphasis on the BRICS economies.

What’s more it’s recognised by people, governments, banks and commercial organisations around the globe.

• Ensure the profession continues to develop through the provision of leading-edge training, knowledge and information.

An independent professional body established in the UK by Royal Charter in the 1860s, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity – providing impartial, authoritative advice on key issues affecting businesses and society.

• Ensure that members understand the direction of RICS and take pride in their professional status.

A regulator of its individual members and firms, it maintains the highest standards and provides the basis for unparalleled client confidence.

“Behaving ethically is at the heart of what it means to be a professional; it distinguishes RICS members from others in the marketplace,” says spokeswoman Lois Jenkins.

“RICS has created a clear and streamlined set of five standards to guide members’ and ensure that all those they deal with have total confidence in them.”

They also, she adds, provide clarity for members, who must demonstrate that they adhere to them.

For further information or to find out how to become a member, visit www.rics.org Contact the Birmingham office on 0121 643 0112 or email westmidlands@rics.org

John Shepherd Chartered Surveyors Specialising in

Building Surveys RICS Homebuyer Reports Valuations John Shepherd are proud to support R.I.C.S and wish them the best of luck in the future.

They are;

The Old School House, 2360 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull B94 6QT

1. Act with integrity.

Tel. 01564 786626 Fax. 01564 783819 Email. avine@johnshepherd.com

2. Always provide a high standard of service.

www.johnshepherd.com

3. Act in a way that promotes trust in the profession.

4. Treat others with respect.

5. Take responsibility.

RICS is a truly global organisation which seeks to influence governments, international organisations and key stakeholder organisations around the world, with the aim of developing and embedding international standards and creating vibrant and sustainable land, property and construction sectors.

Covering seven continents and more than 120 countries most of its 130,000 members are in the UK, 5,000 of them in the West Midlands alone, but with overseas membership rapidly expanding to just over 35,000, RICS standards are taking root in some of the world’s most rapidly developing economies, including China and India.

44

BSV Associates are one of the UK's leading firms of Surveyors, Valuers and Auctioneers, Specialising in: Business Recovery Services | Plant and Machinery Services | Auctions | Property Services Service-driven solutions, with an emphasis on accurate, no-nonsense and time-critical advice.

4th Floor, Lancaster House, 67 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 1NQ Tel. 0121 236 9992 Email. info@bsva.com

www.bsva.com

32015 1pg_Carford Group 23/07/2013 12:31 Page 1

Established in 1978, Laker has multi-skilled teams of experts operating at sites across central England and four core delivery strands:

Buildings management and improvement may be what Laker BMS Ltd does very successfully, but it’s the community and its people that are its driving force.

Those people are the customers for whom Laker goes all out to do its best, the employees into whom much is invested to ensure they achieve their full potential, and the vibrant communities for and in which Laker works.

It’s people power that has driven the business forward and helped it evolve into a leading building management services provider, delivering all aspects of building and maintenance services for public buildings, social housing, insurance and commercial clients.

And it’s people who continue to underpin that success. Earlier this year Laker relocated from Coventry to Epsom House, Dunster Road, Birmingham in a move Managing Director James Lakey expects will generate further opportunities: for business, recruitment and the surrounding community.

“This is a really exciting time,” he says. “We have been able to implement some innovative changes to the way we deliver our services and the staff are enjoying the new working environment” “Clients, too, are pleased with our new centralised service and we are keen to develop our presence within the local community as we hope soon to be offering our services to local schools, social housing providers and businesses.”

•

Laker Responsive – repairs and maintenance works, including gas servicing and repairs, central heating repairs and upgrades, electrical upgrades, kitchen and bathroom replacements, roof and external repairs, disabled adaptations and environmental works.

•

Laker Planned – planned and cyclical improvement works, including gas, central heating, electrical, kitchen and bathroom, roof and external works, environmental improvement works, windows, doors, adaptations, communal area improvement and flooring.

•

Laker Mechanical & Electrical Management – including M&E servicing and engineering, installation and maintenance of renewable technologies, environmental services and EPC management.

•

Laker Construction – central project management of largescale refurbishments of up to £1.5m in the Health, Education, Public and Commercial Sectors.

Gas Safe and NICEIC registered, the company has ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 accreditation and has worked with leading social housing organisations and public bodies such as Friendship Care & Housing, Midland Rural and West Midlands Fire Service.

In May it secured a two-year agreement to deliver repairs on behalf of North West Leicestershire and Charnwood Borough Councils, shortly after winning a contract to work with Nottingham City Homes on repairs, minor works and adaptations.

As a family firm, Laker has strong ethical values, hence its passionate support for local initiatives and disadvantaged groups in the communities where it works. Recently it donated a freezer to the Sparkhill Foodbank project in partnership with Friendship Care and Housing.

Says James: “As a business we daily find ourselves in the homes of vulnerable people and witness the real struggles they face, so it’s important we support the fantastic work undertaken by local charities such as the foodbank scheme.”

For more information about Laker and its services, visit

www.lakeruk.com To make an enquiry, email info@lakeruk.com or telephone 0800 849 1247.

UK’s Leading Electrical Wholesaler

We are proud to support Laker BMS Ltd and we would like to 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 Supply: • • • •

TIMBER SHEET MATERIALS DOORS IRONMONGERY

• • • •

FIXINGS ADHESIVES JOINERY ALLIED PRODUCTS

Proud to be supporting Laker BMS Ltd

Call us on 0121 772 0330/4188 or visit www.hmlowe.co.uk

We have 150+ Newey & Eyre branches across the UK

45

32023 1pg_Carford Group 25/07/2013 16:02 Page 1

VISIONARYGLASS.CO.UK contemporary wall art In an age when cheap, mass produced and imported products are the norm, the chance to buy a uniquely individual piece of art, created using a wealth of finely honed skills, some dating back millennia, is not to be missed.

Michael Goodrum is the talented artist behind Visionary Glass, based in Pitsford Street, Hockley, in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter.

He started working for himself in 1992, originally from home and later from a small craft unit in Birmingham’s Gas Street Basin. He then moved to a larger workspace near Lichfield and, since March 2011, has operated from a light-filled studio with adjoining showroom in a listed 1850s Victorian building.

“Although my original specialism was traditional stained glass, I became frustrated by leadwork’s creative limitations and, searching for a more contemporary form of expression, discovered the technique of fused or kiln-formed glass,” he says.

His range of distinctive contemporary mirrors features a central panel of transparent, multi-layered glass fragments fused together in a kiln at high temperatures to form unique and vibrant focal points for any modern interior.

“I also use fine glass powder particles, overlaid several times on a white opalescent glass base, to create more detailed and artistic pieces of original wall art,” he adds.

“Both products are mounted in a stylish aluminium frame to complement the design, available in a choice of finishes and complete with easy-to-hang fittings.”

A productive craftsman, he creates contemporary fused glass mirrors and original opalescent glass wall art, which are proving sought-after decor additions to homes and offices nationwide.

He started his career 25 years ago, specialising in the design and manufacture of traditional stained glass windows, and still maintains these skills today, offering a professional, bespoke service to private clients throughout the West Midlands.

If he’s not leading his weekend workshops or fulfilling existing commissions, Michael is considering new designs and preparing exhibition pieces, to display in his showroom and across the country.

“I recently had a successful exhibition in Reading and this summer will be showing my work at an Urban Art fair in South London, as well as in Windsor later on in the year,” he says.

One look at his pieces, which are full of vibrancy, texture and shimmering light, and you can see why people consider Michael Goodrum a real glass act.

For those eager to learn the glass artist’s craft, he also runs oneday workshops focusing on contemporary or traditional methods and all suitable for complete novices.

To find out more about his products and workshops, visit

Life for Michael Goodrum then, is certainly a more than a glass half full - he’s the first to say that for a self-employed artist, working in a highly specialised field in such challenging economic times, to simply still be in business after more than 20 years is a powerful sign of success.

Alternatively, email info@visionaryglass.co.uk, telephone 0121 554 1882 or visit the showroom, open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am until 4pm

www.visionaryglass.co.uk

care The Kiln Works, 907 Leek New Road, Baddeley Green, Stoke on Trent Staffordshire ST2 7HQ

Tel/Fax. 01782 535915 / 01782 535338 Email. sales@kilncare.co.uk

www.kilncare.co.uk

46

31959 1pg_Carford Group 19/07/2013 12:33 Page 1

defg Subcontracting specialists Kepston is on an expansion drive, investing over £1.5 million in new machinery for its Midlands sites in Aldridge and Wednesbury.

Kepston’s most recent investment has been made at its Aldridge site with the addition of a Moore 1200 CP 180i high rise CNC jig grinding machine, further cementing the company’s established position in the UK subcontract jig grinding market.

Kepston’s managing director Brent Millage commented: “This latest investment was necessary to ensure we can meet increasing capacity requirements as well as maintaining the stringent quality standards expected from our customers.”

The firm’s Wednesbury site has also seen improvements, with the addition of state-of-the-art furnace equipment, ensuring that Kepston remains a leading player in the marketplace for subcontract mesh belt furnace brazing for both mild steel and stainless steel components.

Reflecting on the company’s recent growth, Mr Millage stated: “Our major success has been based on an exceptional team that, at times, had to make hard decisions such as taking investment risks under difficult operating conditions.

Also at Aldridge, an EDM wire eroding plant, one of the largest in terms of component size capacity in the UK, has broadened Kepston’s capability, with a number of new and existing customers already exercising the option.

“By listening to our customers and then supporting them with excellent service we have been able to move the business forward. We as a company are flourishing because our customers are doing well and we feel that we have definitely contributed to their success.”

defg defg CNC JIG GRINDING

MILD STEEL FURNACE BRAZING

CNC INTERNAL/EXTERNAL GRINDING

STAINLESS STEEL FURNACE

CNC TURNING CNC MILLING EDM WIRE EROSION CONVENTIONAL JIG GRINDING CONVENTIONAL

TYRES

MAGNETIC ANNEALING

NORMALISING

PERFORMANCE PARTS RACE/TRACK BIKE PREPARATION

PRECIPITATION HARDENING

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED

AGEING

PAINT WORK

HYDROGEN DE-EMBRITTLEMENT

AS 9100 Rev C Accredited Contact: Phone: Email:

ACCIDENT & INSURANCE REPAIRS

MILD/STAINLESS STEEL ANNEALING

STRESS RELIEVING

Certificate Q 05207

SERVICING

BRAZING

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL GRINDING

MANUFACTURING FACILITY

MOT

ISO 9001:2008 Accredited Certificate Q 05207

Andy Oakley 01922 743133 a.oakley@kepston.co.uk Unit 1 Coppice Lane Aldridge Walsall West Midlands WS9 9AA

Contact: Phone: Email:

Alan McCracken 0121 567 3216 a.mccracken@kepston.co.uk Units 13-15 Western Way Wednesbury West Midlands WS10 7BW

Contact: Phone: Email:

Grant Flynn 01543 674937 g.flynn@kepston.co.uk Unit 6B Zone 4 Burntwood Business Park Burntwood Staffordshire WS7 3XD

47

32136 2pg_Transport Warehousing 07/08/2013 20:08 Page 1

Growth of

Engineering The Midlands is seeing terrific growth in the engineering and manufacturing sector, where increased competitiveness and lean manufacturing techniques are paying dividends.

The UK’s prosperity is based on engineering, and we have a marvellous engineering tradition going back to the great Victorian engineers, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the designer of the steamship Great Britain and of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Thomas Telford the noted bridge road and canal builder, Stephenson and his steam powered locomotive Rocket, in an unbroken progression to the designers and engineers of to- day.

In the UK, engineering is still powering economic growth, but in a quiet way. We are all aware of expansion within the automotive sector, particularly Jaguar Land Rover and the knock on benefits for their supply chain, but many other engineering companies are quietly growing their businesses.

We need to trumpet these engineering successes and achievements particularly in the West Midlands, where companies are reporting steady growth, and buoyant exports.

48

Engineering is described as the science, skill, and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is the fastest growing professional engineering institution in the UK, with over 100,000 members working at the heart of the country’s most important and dynamic industries.

With a 160-year heritage, today’s Institution is a forward-looking, campaigning organisation. They work with leading companies, universities and think tanks, creating and sharing knowledge to provide government, businesses and the public with fresh thinking and authoritative guidance on all aspects of mechanical engineering.

Engineering is the beating heart of the UK manufacturing industry, quite literally providing the cogs, gears and wheels that keep everything moving, yet it has often been taken for granted, and seen as an unattractive career option. This perception is changing and many young people are taking a fresh look at the exciting opportunities a career in engineering presents.

The Institution is encouraging members to promote the achievements of the industry and is taking a positive, inspiring message into schools and out into the media.

Engineering is often thought of simply in terms of mechanical engineering; building and testing machines, engines and other mechanical devices, but engineering is truly multi disciplinary and has applications across a wide range of industries and technologies.

Branches include IT, photonics which developed the laser, aeronautical and aerospace engineering, and electronics engineering with its multitude of uses.

Systems engineers are involved in complex projects, from spacecrafts to chip design, from robotics, and creating large software products to building bridges, and use a wide range of engineering specialisms.

Civil engineers design and construct buildings, roads, bridges and dams, and are increasingly aligned with sustainable, "green" or environmental, design within the fields of architecture and urban planning.

Engineering techniques and principles have played a crucial role in the many recent advances in the medical and ergonomics fields. Then there are also the many chemistry related applications, including nuclear.

32136 2pg_Transport Warehousing 07/08/2013 20:08 Page 2

It is plain to see that engineering impacts on every area of our lives, keeping us warmer, or cooler, healthier, and more active. New products are introduced, infrastructure is improved and maintained, but where are our future engineers to come from?

There is a consensus that there are plenty of graduates at the top end but that there is a shortage of young people turning to the industry, possibly due to a poor perception

of engineering as a career, but also a shortage of appropriate courses, and training schemes.

The importance of engaging young people with science and technology is crucial in raising awareness of the rich variety of opportunities for creativity and personal development within engineering. School outreach programmes such as those sponsored by the Warwick Manufacturing Group are playing a key role.

ASD metal services klöckner & co multi metal distribution

ASD metal services are the largest independent multi metals stockholder & distributor in the UK. ASD Metal Services Dudley now offer an even bigger range of services and products · ERW Tube Centre · Stainless & Aluminium · Sign Products Introducing our new tube laser services

NEW tube laser

ASD metal services klöckner & co multi metal distribution

Windmill works Pear Tree Lane, Dudley, DY2 OUY t: 08450 342 103 f: 08450 342 106 e: dudley@asdmetalservices.co.uk

Save up to 70% off manufacturing time and up to 50% in costs of processing, compared to traditional methods of processing profiles.

Various large companies and organisations such as Jaguar Land Rover, WMG, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Virgin Media and training groups, supported by government initiatives are trying to address the issue, with schemes targeting school leavers and graduates.

As we move forward as a nation, the role of the engineer in innovation and competitiveness will become ever more important for our continued prosperity.

HIGHLEY Steel PRECISION STEEL STRIP

Highley Steel Ltd “Highly Recommended”

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

UÊOur 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.

Get in touch today ÊÊÊÊV> \Ê01384 396660 v>Ý\Ê01384 396662 ÊÊÊÊi > \Êsales@highleysteel.co.uk

Find out more about us by visiting: www.asdmetalservices.co.uk

www.highleysteel.com

49

31738 2pgs_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 19:25 Page 1

Plastic and Die Cast Mould Specialists.

Benefiting from the upturn in the engineering and automotive markets, Tricrest Precision Toolmakers is a successful, family run company based in the West Midlands that has been serving a range of industries since 1985, and specializes in the manufacture of plastic injection moulds and die-cast tools.

They also cater for repairs and refurbishment, and oneoff components made to your specific requirements.

The work they do is highly skilled and requires meticulous attention to detail, especially when they are involved in prototype and design work for the Aerospace, Automotive, Surgical, Telecommunications and Electronics industries, such work is incredibly challenging – intricate and complicated.

The prototype projects in which they become involved in are often of a confidential nature, high specification and required within a short lead time.

They also supply the Plastics, Pressure and Zinc Die Casting industries with quality mould tools. Tricrest’s services range from full tool design, through to manufacture.

If it is mouldable they can produce it, they manufacture a huge variety of moulded items including parts for medical, automotive, pharmaceutical, construction sector to heating controls and household utility parts.

All tools and components manufactured by Tricrest are made from the finest quality materials. They use special grade tool steels in the manufacture of their tools, which, when hardened can produce a very large volume of components. High Grade Aluminium is used for prototype tooling and low volume production; although when their prototype tools are serviced and maintained by themselves, their tools have been known to produce a very large number of components. However, all tools can be built to individual customer specifications and requirements

50

This is an exciting time for Tricrest as demand for their services has grown year on year, and Manjit Singh, MD, is investing in new machines and equipment to expand their capacity in order to meet the needs of the industries they serve.

31738 2pgs_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 19:25 Page 2

Manjit said: “Last year we invested in a CNC Spark Erosion Machine and also in a Delcam machining and design software package. We also have plans to invest in a 5 Axis CNC Milling Machining Centre in the near future.”

Tricrest aims to give you a professional, reliable service, which meets your exact requirements. Manjit said; “From the initial design to the delivery of your tool, we endeavour to offer an unrivalled service and stand by our reputation and the respect we have earned within the industry during every step of the production process. We at Tricrest are always available to discuss queries or concerns you may have at any time during the design, manufacture and sampling stages of your tool.”

Bru y Rubio are focused on standard mould bases and all the standard accessories and ancillaries that surround the mould making industry.

We are proud to support Tricrest Precision Toolmakers wishing you every success in the future from all at Bru Y Rubio

Unit 4 Space Business Centre, Smeaton Road, Aylesbury-Bucks HP19 8FJ

Tel. 01296 461565 Email. gary.ricketts@bruyrubio.co.uk

www.bruyrubio.com

NEW: K 3600 /. . . Small series mould Clever and cost effective short production solutions The HASCO small series mould K 3600 /. . . has been specially developed for the cost-effective production of practical small production runs.

For more information please visit the website www.tricrest.co.uk or ring 0121 331 4078 ABR PORTABLE LASER WELDING SERVICE

ABR HIGH QUALITY LASER WELDING ULTRA PRECISE WELD PLACEMENT

In conjunction with the new Clever Mold System (B & R), it reduces both the set-up times and the costs of the tool.

50

r2 ove s h t i w ion ven icat Pro d appl l mou

VERY LONG & FLEXIBLE REACH MINIMAL TOOL DOWNTIME

Together we shape your ideas

NO TOOL TRANSPORT COSTS

HASCO INTERNORM LTD. 2 Haines Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 7DS Tel: 0121 525 1319 Fax: 0121 525 1311 Email: enquiries@abrspecialistwelding.co.uk Website: www.abrspecialistwelding.co.uk

Tel. +44 1327 876018 · Fax +44 1327 876840 www.hasco.com info.gb@hasco.com

51

31867 2pg 2_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 19:32 Page 1

The company which started making earth wearing parts in the 1980’s for the Dowdeswell reversible ploughs, now supplies a diverse range of manufacturing sectors, from traditional engineering, commercial vehicle engine parts, construction and agriculture, through to the highly specialised markets for petro chemical, oil and gas.

George Dyke Forgemasters have now completed the successful consolidation of all their staff and operations into their established (1980) Darleston works at the end of last year.

The company’s focus now is on expanding its client range while still providing the standards and services their existing customers rely on. The new investment has enabled them to supply a wider range of industries than ever before, as they realise the strength that comes from diversity.

In addition to expanding their UK client base George Dyke is looking overseas, exploring and winning new export opportunities.

The company are very pleased that due to increased efficiency and economies of scale, that in common with some other Midlands’ manufacturers, they are competing for and winning business back from China and India.

They consider this as a growing trend, as markets come to realise that unit cost is only part of the equation, while quality, flexibility and convenience play very importantly into the cost benefit calculations that manufacturers have to consider.

The well established manufacturer of drop and press forgings has been trading for over 200 years, having been founded in 1830.

In that time the company has seen many changes, but now a major programme of investment in people, plant, premises and machinery has wrought a complete transformation.

The management team is now headed by David McTighe (General Manager), Gary Smith (Sales Manager), and Matt Bissell (Works Manager). Gary said “We have invested in the right professionals and this is helping to drive efficiencies through and increase profitability. In the last two years turnover has increased by 36% to just under £6 million in 2012.

We have also been continually investing in new equipment. Last year we added a CNC machining centre, a band saw and four power hammers. This year we will be re-siting a further three hammers to complete the capacity range,” he explained. “It is good to see that British Manufacturing is still alive and kicking, especially when companies like ours are investing in new plant and equipment.”

Gary also told us that as part of the drive to expand market share that the company exhibited in Norway recently to explore further potential in the petro chemical sub sea market and that they are hopeful of developing further sales in this area.

They have some direct business in the USA at present and are looking to expand more into this market. There are opportunities that have already been identified and are being pursued.

“We do have quite a few live projects in the pipeline” Gary acknowledged.

The future is looking very bright for George Dyke Forgemasters Ltd, between new and returning customers, and expanding export sales all their efforts are starting to show an excellent return.

For more information visit the web site www.george-dyke.co.uk or telephone 0121 526 7138

D&J Steels Limited Steel Stockholders

s

Clarke Steels Ltd Suppliers & Stockists of Carbon and Alloy Steels We are pleased to be associated with George Dyke Forgemasters 01384 233928 Castle Mill House, Castle Mill Works, Birmingham New Rd, Dudley DY1 4DA

clarkesteels@btconnect.com

52

We are proud to have been associated for many years with George Dyke as a supplier of Carbon, Alloy and Forging Quality Steels.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish them every success in the future and continue to be a supporter to them in years to come.

Lambert Works, Colliery Road, Wolverhampton WV1 2RD Tel. 01902 453680 Fax. 01902 455431 Email. sales@dandjsteels.com

www.dandjsteels.com

D&J Steels Limited

31867 2pg 2_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 19:32 Page 2

The steel you need

At Dyfed Steels Bramford we take pride in being able to match a customer’s specification to the letter, no matter how complex and no matter what the urgency.

We are particularly pleased, therefore, to supply George Dyke with the steel they need.

Developing bespoke stockholding arrangements with customers like George Dyke distinguishes our service.

So we would like to say ‘thank you George Dyke’, we are delighted to play our part in your continued success.

DYFED STEELS

Bramford Dyfed Steels Bramford, Cardale Street, Rowley Regis, West Midlands B65 0LY, England Email: sales@dyfedsteelsbramford.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)121 559 8778 (sales) Fax: +44 (0)121 561 5007

53

31903 3pg_Liberty 07/08/2013 19:38 Page 1

Birmingham Machine Tools a service to industry

Celebrating 35 years of providing services to the manufacturing and engineering industrie.

Birmingham Machine Tools are renowned nationwide for their innovation, knowledge and skills in all aspects of machine tool rebuilding, surface grinding, slideway grinding and CNC retrofitting.

Based in the heart of the industrial West Midlands, the company was established in 1978 by 3 directors, James G Harris, JosĂŠ Cancho-Marchena, the present directors and Allan H Mitchell, who happily retired some 10 years ago, when the directors recognised the need for a quality machine tool rebuilding service for the engineering industry.

The company would firstly like to thank their customers for their support over the years, without them BMTS could not have arrived at this very important milestone. Secondly, the loyal staff, many of whom have been with the company for many years, and last but not least, their suppliers, everyone working together has been vital to their success.

Since all those years ago, when on average a three bed house cost ÂŁ13,820, a pint of beer was 18p and a pint of milk was 11p, the company has gone through many changes and challenges and has always confronted them full on, always focusing on their original aim to be the best at what they are good at. They have certainly achieved that, thanks to the quality of their work. As they say, “your reputation is only as good as your last jobâ€? therefore each “last jobâ€? is carried out to the highest standard, thus maintaining their reputation.

Secialists in

the design, manufacture and assembly of precision components

Est. since

1983

Celebrating 30 years in business !

Ratchet and Spanner have a high level of quality service offering Servicing . Repairs . MOT’s . Diagnostics . Bodywork . Recovery . Replacement Vehicles

Plus much more...

Established for over 25 years we have grown to become one of the Midlands' foremost specialists in precision manufacturing across a diverse range of industries and applications.

We are proud to support Birmingham Machine Tool Services and wish them all the best in the future

We are proud to support Birmingham Machine Tool Services and wish them all the best in the future.

Visit our website to find out more www.ratchetandspanner.com t: 0121 622 2089 f: 0121 622 6405

/DUNVKLOO (QJLQHHULQJ /WG %RQG 6WUHHW _ %LUPLQJKDP _ % /%

Ratchet & Spanner

Ratchet and Spanner 31 Cheapside, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6AY

54

) 2 + - 2 ) ) 6 - 2 +

&DOO XV RQ ZZZ ODUNVKLOO FRP

31903 3pg_Liberty 07/08/2013 19:38 Page 2

Birmingham Machine Tools a service to industry Their workshops are fully equipped with large capacity precision surface and slideway grinding machines which ensures complete continuity and the exacting standards required for today’s exacting machining market.

They also supply and fit Anti-friction materials enabling them to give a full turnkey package to any slideway application including tapered and trapezoidal gib strips.

Their machines comprise, Slideway Grinding (2 machines) - (4000mm x 1220mm x 1220mm) and Surface Grinding (3 machines) - (3200mm x 1400mm x 1400mm).

So whether your application is for just one off or for volume quantities, their grinding division will be able to help.

Somers Forge Ltd Manufactures of Open Die Forgings since 1866 CNC & Conventional Turning up to 23 Meters

Congratulations to Birmingham Machine Tools On

35 Years

SOMERS

in business Somers Forge Ltd

Slideway Grinding is probably the one most important single factor for any machine tool accuracy. At BMTS their grinding technicians are very experienced in all the relevant skills for grinding vee, square edged and trapezoidal slideways.

Haywood Forge, Prospect Road, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8DZ Tel. 0121 585 5959 Fax. 0121 585 6699 Email. sales@somersforge.com

www.somersforge.com

NU-GEARS LTD

24HRS Engineering Services We are proud to support Birmingham Machine Tool Services and wish them all the best for the future!

WE ARE THE LEADING ENGINEERING SERVICES PROVIDER.

GEARBOXES PLASTIC EXTRUTION UNITS MACHINING WELDING HYDRAULICS AND PNEUMATICS ✓ GEAR CUTTING ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

NU-GEARS LTD

24HRS Engineering Services 100 Cuckoo Road, Nechells Birmingham B7 5SY Email: sales@nugears.com Tel: 0121 328 0660 Fax: 0121 328 8177

55

31903 3pg_Liberty 07/08/2013 19:38 Page 3

Since the inception of Birmingham Machine Tools it has been their policy to understand the complexity and workings of machinery, down to the finest detail of their operation.

This in depth knowledge and experience has proved invaluable in the establishment of the company as the premier re-engineer of machine tools.

Birmingham Machine Tool Services Ltd is an accredited ISO 9001 quality registered company and a full member of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Birmingham Machine Tools a service to industry For more information about this progressive company and the range of services they offer please visit the website www.birminghammachinetool.com or telephone 0121 622 6339 Machine Tool Sales Servicing, Spare Part Procurement Machine Tool Rebuilding and Retrofitting, Planned Maintenance

KNURLTEC

am machine tools

Cut and Pressure Knurling Tools

DĂŐŶĞƟĐ DŝĐƌŽ ĞďƵƌƌŝŶŐ Θ WŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ DĂĐŚŝŶĞ

ATM Machine Tools are proud to enjoy a long standing business association with Birmingham Machine Tools.

Sincere congratulations in this commendable achievement CONGRATULATIONS TO BIRMINGHAM MACHINE TOOLS MORE THAN 35 YEARS SUPPORTING MANUFACTURING T: 0118 977 0099 F: 0118 989 2288 E: sales@atmmt.com

For all Mechanical Power Presses Guillotines and Press Brakes

"

Spares Repairs Refurbishment Inspections Used Power Presses and associated equipment

HME, Rhodes, Bentley S&B and many other machines POWER PRESS REPAIRS LIMITED 69 KINGS ROAD TYSELEY BIRMINGHAM B11 2AX TEL: 0121 772 1698 or 773 8557 FAX: 0121 772 5323 www. powerpressrepairs.co.uk email: sales@powerpressrepairs.co.uk

CONGRATULATIONS BIRMINGHAM MACHINE TOOL SERVICES ON 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO INDUSTRY

Established 1946

Like us on Facebook 56

Connect on LinkedIn

Follow us on Twitter

31970 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 10:45 Page 1

“It’ll never catch on.” “That won’t work.”

“Plastic? That won’t stand up to the wear and tear!”

These and many others were the expressions of doubt used to Dave Chapman, MD, of J+J Automation UK Ltd as he launched his new product.

Quality matters to J + J; their quality assurance system is approved to ISO9001-2008 and is externally audited annually

by TUV.

He could have been pardoned for losing confidence in his idea for a plastic electric valve actuator, but experienced engineer Dave stuck to his guns and developed his marketing strategy into a highly successful range of products, that is now sold today in over 20 countries throughout the world.

Based in Pershore, Worcestershire, J + J Automation established in 1996, manufacture and supply electric valve actuators, electric butterfly and ball valve actuators, pneumatic actuators and are suppliers of ball valve or butterfly valve and actuator packages. They are proud to be a local company providing local jobs.

Dave freely admits that gaining acceptance from a market place accustomed to metal housed valve actuators was extremely challenging but said that the business really took off once their new web site came on line in 2008. He takes pride in having built a brand recognised for quality and usability across the board from a standing base.

The J+J range of electric valve actuators offer more standard features and more flexibility than any of its rivals. J+J electric actuators are very user friendly and are easy to install as the cover does not need to be removed to connect electrically as all connections are made via external DIN plugs supplied with the actuator.

Actuated (automated) valves eliminate the need for human intervention to operate the ball valve, the actual movement to open or close, or modulate (regulate) is achieved typically by either an electric actuator, or a pneumatic actuator. The command to operate the valve can be generated by the user/ operator, or can be fully automatic and controlled by a complex control panel.

Dave explained, “Actuated valves cover a very broad field and there are hundreds of manufacturers of ball valves and of actuators offering products designed and manufactured from the lowest cost or the highest quality. We have used our many years of experience in this specific field to select products that we know give an excellent performance to value relationship which, correctly applied, will provide trouble free service.”

Committed to the European project, J+J Automation have established trading links throughout the EU, with their main product, the J+J range of electric valve actuators, currently manufactured in Spain, keeping jobs in the EU. Indeed 40% of their turnover goes to export.

For more information about their range of products and services visit the web site www.jjautomation.com or telephone 01386 552254

We are proud to suport...

J & J Automation ...and wish them all the best from all at

T O TA L

Interiors Storage Solutions

E: sales@totalinteriorsdirect.co.uk T: 01905 757506 F: 01905 757526

www.totalinteriorsdirect.co.uk

57

31958 2pgs_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 19:51 Page 1

In exciting news, Service Hydraulics Ltd and Albion Hose Ltd who are celebrating there 30 year anniversary, two well respected companies have grown commercially to an extent that they have rationalised sites and staff, to maximise their potential and expand for future growth.

The new company will be known as

SH Service Hydraulics Ltd. The result of these changes will enable Service Hydraulics to increase their ranges of products and improve on their excellent service on which their industry reputation is founded.

Service Hydraulics distributes nationwide hydraulic hose, hydraulic fittings and hose assemblies, PTFE/Metallic hose assemblies, industrial hose, pipe/hose clamps, thermoplastic hose, quick release couplings, din 2353 compression fittings, lubricants and many other accessories.

In 2012, they were appointed as the UK distributor for a number of leading manufacturers including Veba Group, an Italian manufacturer, operating in the hydraulics sector since 1973 who supply hydraulic fittings and adaptors. In Jan 2013 they were also appointed Sole UK distributors for Exitflex hydraulic rubber hose who offer hose from 3/16� 1SN to 2� R15 interlock. Service Hydraulics also offers full compatibility between VEBA Group fittings and Exitflex Hose. www.exitflex.co.uk

PROUD TO WORK WITH SERVICE HYDRAULICS

Leading manufacturer of Thermoplastic/PTFE/Rubber and Industrial Hoses Surface Finishing | Sewer & Drain Cleaning | Gas | Hydraulic We are proud to support Service Hydraulics, wishing you every success in the future from all at Exitflex UK

Marketing, design and communication specialists Tel: 0121 773 7724 | Email: info@top-draw.biz

58

Tel. 01202 478334 Email. info@exitflex.co.uk

31958 2pgs_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 19:51 Page 2

In 1986 they recognised the concept of mobile workshops to carry out service and repairs at the customers’ premises throughout the UK, by 1995; they had become the sole UK distributors of Techmaflex swaging machines and were manufacturing their own cut-off machines and hose coilers.

In 2003, Allswage UK was founded as the Machinery/manufacturing side of the company due to demand from their customer base.

Service Hydraulics Limited Alma Street, Smethwick, West Midlands B66 2RL Tel: 0121 565 4103 Fax: 0121 558 7220 Email: sales@servicehydraulics.co.uk More information can be found at

www.servicehydraulics.co.uk

Beaumanor Fluid Power Products www.beaumanor.com Service Hydraulics Ltd has been fast becoming a ‘One Stop Shop’ for all of their customers, offering an ever growing professional product portfolio, providing an outstanding platform to become widely recognised throughout the United Kingdom as a major supplier of all Hydraulic products and equipment for nationwide distribution selling to re sellers and OEM markets.

Beaumanor Fluid Power Products

delighted to support Service Hydraulics ®

r r r r r r

ITM

Highly competitive No minimum order value Extensive stock holding Free standard next day delivery for orders over £300 net Terms apply to carriage Contact us for a sample pack and brochure.

Hydraulic Fittings

Beaumanor Fluid Power Products 19 New Star Road Thurmaston Leicester LE4 9JD T: 0116 276 4728 F: 0116 246 0133 E: info@beaumanor.com W: www.beaumanor.com

59

31964 2pgs 2_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 19:54 Page 1

HEAT TRANSFER LTD

The GDM Heat Transfer team found it hard to keep their cool when one of them triumphed over hundreds of top marketing professionals to win a national award.

The heat was on but Lisa Finney beat off tough competition from some of the major players and collected the national award of excellence from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Representatives from companies such as Balfour Beatty Major Civil Engineering, Eurocell and GL Noble Denton could only watch as Lisa, a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate who works with the Staffordshire firm, collected her prize during a prestigious award ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel, London.

Lisa Finney collecting the National Award of Excellence

60

31964 2pgs 2_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 19:54 Page 2

Key to her success was her championing of many new marketing initiatives by GDM that have resulted in the generation of £90k of orders and £500k of new business enquiries.

“We can recondition existing coolers or design from new. Our flexibility and unique methods mean we can cater for the ever urgent distress product or for those requiring original equipment.

However modest Lisa, who is completing her MBA with Staffordshire University, says that although the award bears her name, it’s for others too.

“Every process has a procedure, and all are adhered to, ensuring the highest quality.”

“It’s a great reward for the whole team whose members have worked so hard to build the company up year on year since I arrived,” she says.

Occupying a distinctive niche within the heat transfer industry, GDM’s core capabilities lie within the design, manufacture and re-manufacture of heat exchangers operating throughout the UK and worldwide.

Based on the Boston Industrial Estate in Rugeley, the business serves many markets, including compressor, automotive, rail, plant and offshore and, in the last three years, has experienced an average growth rate of around 20% per annum.

Manufacturing products in aluminium, stainless steel or copper and brass - using only the best raw materials available - it has, since being established in the 1980s, earned an enviable reputation for quality, reliability and customer service.

“We can provide a cooling solution for your every need, no matter how big or small,” says managing director Ken Ansell.

GDM’s many multi-national clients not only experience that for themselves through working with its experts and using its products, their confidence is reinforced through its ISO 9001:2008 accreditation.

“From highly crafted hand-skilled ASME IX tig welders to our resident engineers, our dedicated workforce is the cornerstone of our business,” adds Ken. “It is their continual enthusiasm and desire that drives the company forward, along with our constant training with Investors in People.”

For further information about GDM Heat Transfer and its products, please visit

www.gdmcoolers.co.uk Alternatively telephone 01889 574880 or email sales@gdmcoolers.co.uk

Chartered Accountants

Business Advisers

commercial and corporate

finance experts...

Rice & Co is a long-established firm of Chartered Accountants, serving businesses across Staffordshire and the Midlands for more than 50 years.

Specialists in high quality aluminium extrusions

Our friendly and experienced team advises on a comprehensive range of accountancy services, offering businesses all the help they need.

B W Aluminium Ltd can offer a comprehensive service from advice on alloy specification, product design, fabrication, machining, post extrusion forming and all finishing. From our warehouse in Market Harborough we deliver throughout the UK and offer a stockholding service tailored to our customer’s specific requirements.

Our clients range from sole traders to large corporations – no matter what your accountancy requirements, trust our expertise and commitment to personal service to help your business flourish.

Accountancy services ✓ Accounting ✓ Audit ✓ Payroll ✓ Taxation ✓ Vat and Book keeping We also supply Guides within * Starting your own business * Business finance

B W Aluminium Ltd recognises the importance of Quality Assurance and has implemented a Quality Management System fully accredited to the ISO9001/2000, this has been in place since May 2003 and offers total traceability for the aluminium products we supply.

We are proud to be assocciated with GDM Heat Treatments and we would like to wish them every success for the future.

Rice & Co Ltd For more information please contact:

01525 288 191 or www.bwaluminium.co.uk B W Aluminium Ltd · Unit B3 · ARC Progress · Beckerings Park · Lidlington · Bedfordshire · MK43 0RD

Harance House, Rumer Hill Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0ET Tel: 01543 503846 Email: cannock@riceco.co.uk

www.riceco.co.uk

61

31975 1.5pgs_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 14:31 Page 1

The paint line supports a four stage phosphate pretreatment process which has satisfied an over 1300 hour salt spray test result.

Supported by the Salop Design and Engineering team, they use the same strict quality and manufacturing standards, to TS16949, which is an automotive accreditation.

The new powder coating line is housed in a purpose built 3,000 sq ft extension to the main building and has already generated six extra jobs, with the potential for a further four.

SALOP POWDER COATING 'For all your Pressing and Coating needs' Salop Design and Engineering is a privately owned company, based in Shrewsbury, in a modern purpose built manufacturing facility. The company has been one of the leading manufacturers of pressings and assemblies in the UK, and a name synonymous with quality and service, for over 50 years.

The company are also continuing to invest in their core business; their factory is well equipped to meet any of their customers’ requirements, as Christopher Greenough, one of the Directors of the company explained: “We have a range of presses that give a multitude of options from Manual, Progression, Heavy Gauge, Deep Draw and Transfer options up to 1000 Tonnes.

Employing up to 100 members of staff, Salop Design and Engineering Ltd specialise in the production of metal pressings and assemblies which are manufactured for a wide variety of market places, including Automotive, White Goods, Construction, Household fittings, Ministry of Defence, and the camping and leisure industry.

The upturn in the automotive and construction sectors is bringing a wealth of fresh business opportunities for the company, who maintain a rolling programme of investment in plant and machinery.

They have recently branched out into Powder Coating under the brand Salop Powder Coating and invested over £650,000 to install a brand new bespoke coating line.

After careful research the company decided on the Nordson Colour Max 3 Fast Colour Change Booth, with a 7 minute colour change from Black to White. It provides the best coating process, and enables them to can paint a range of different materials up to 3 metre x 1500mm x 750mm wide, in a wide range of colours.

62

We can handle a variety of materials from mild steel to stainless and aluminium, the gauge variance can be from the minimum of 0.4 millimetres thick, right up to the heavy gauge end of the pressings market at 20 millimetre steel.”

31975 1.5pgs_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 14:31 Page 2

SALOP POWDER COATING For more information please visit the website

www.salopdesign.co.uk Salop design and engineering provides a competitive and flexible solution to your pressing and coating needs, there is a dynamic team that through state of the art equipment can give you the results you need for all your manufacturing needs, the company has a clear vision for the future and is committed to the region.

or telephone 01743 450501 for Press work and www.saloppowdercoating.co.uk or telephone 01743 450502 for Powder Coating.

Please follow us on Twitter @salopdesign or @saloppowder

td finishing ltd.

Paint and Powder Systems

Td finishing are designers and manufacturers of paint & powder finishing systems. Based in the heart of the west midlands, We are proud to have supplied Salop Design with the new pretreatment and powder plant.

Unit 4, Amphion Court, Hale Trading Est, Lower Church Lane, Tipton DY4 7HN Tel. 0121 520 8884 Email. info info@tdfinishing.co.uk @tdfinishing.co.uk

Powder Coating Wide Range Of Manual And Automatic Spray Systems & Paint Spray Booths

Liquid Coating Non-Electrostatic, Electrostatic, Air Spray, LVLP, & Air-assisted Airless Application Equipment Nordson Industrial Coating Systems Tel: 0161 498 1500 Email: powder.systems@nordson.com Web: www.nordson.co.uk\coatings

W Watling atling C Court ourt | O Orbital rbital P Plaza laza | C Cannock annock | W WS11 S11 0 0EL EL

www.tdfinishing.co.uk

TMS iinsight nsight

GROUP GROUP

Insight UK’ss TMS In sight iiss one of the UK’ business improvement leading bu siness impr ovement training consultancy tr aining and con sultancy companies companies.

0 01543 1543 4 404620 04620 www.tmsinsight.co.uk w w w.t ms in s i g h t.c o .u k

TTMS MS IInsight nsight (Training (Training & Development) Development) Ltd Ltd are are proud proud to to be be associated associated with with Salop Salop Design Design & Engineering Engineering and and wish wish them them all all the the best best for fo or tthe he ffuture uture

63

32083 QPD 1pg:HorseWorld 31/07/2013 14:17 Page 1

EMC has established a strong working relationship with the manufacturers of Excellube, built up over many years, this cooperation ensures that optimum performance of the plant is maintained as both the plant and its chemistry is checked weekly by the manufacturer, and any recommendations from this assessment actioned within 24 hours.

Performance Coatings to Industry Offering coating solutions to industry for over 30 years, East Midland Coatings Ltd is proud to introduce Excellube EC10 into their newly refurbished, state of the art electrophoretic coating (e-coat) line.

The company was established in 1984 as a council run start up unit that did plastic dipping for brackets, with a turnover of 30k.

In 1990 EMC invested in a purpose built unit to offer specialist coatings for a wide variety of industry sectors including automotive, aerospace, engineering, food, oil and gas, petrochemical, white goods, rubber and fastenings.

EMC specialise in the application of PTFE, Fluoropolymer, Organic and Plastic coatings. These coatings are designed to solve numerous problems such as friction, corrosion, wear, temperature and sticking issues to name just a few.

Brand names include Xylan, Molykote, Teflon, Nylon and many more. EMC also distribute a galvanising coating called Zinga that is ideal for marine and coastal corrosion protection.

As applicators of performance enhancing coatings with over 30 years’ experience, East Midland Coatings Ltd are always looking for new, technologically advanced application methods that are readily available to the surface treatment industry, and Excellube EC10, the result of a collaboration between EMC and LVH Coatings, is a perfect example.

As a fully automated process it offers a controlled uniform coating thickness with notable benefits. The high percentage of PTFE content gives the substrate an outstanding low friction performance, excellent corrosion protection and a very tough, durable semi-gloss black finish.

64

Then in 2006 the current management team staged a successful management buy-out and are proud to have weathered the difficulties of the 2008/9 recession without sustaining any loss of turnover or any redundancies.

Recent additional investment into their electrophoretic coating (ecoat) plant is expected to attract new customers – especially in the automotive sector where the company is already very strong. EMC aim to achieve automotive standard TS 16949:2009 and environmental standard ISO 14001:2004 in 2013, in addition to the ISO 9001:2008 quality standard they currently hold.

By 2012, the company had achieved a turnover of 1.2M and expects to achieve 1.4 m this year, a far cry from their modest beginnings.

EMC have established themselves as the premier coating solution provider in their chosen industry sectors by focusing on their key areas of quality and service in order to meet customer expectations.

Speak to them to see how the new process can benefit your company, on 01455 619176 visit the website www.eastmidlandcoatings.co.uk or email alan@eastmidlandcoatings.co.uk

Unit 14 Barleyfield, Hinckley Fields Ind Est Hinckley, LE10 1YE

32080 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 12:49 Page 1

LVH Coatings was formed in 1982. Originally they were a subsidiary of an aluminium finishing company. They are now a privately owned independent company since the present management bought the business in 1991.

Their main activity has always been designing and manufacturing specialist Electropaint products and processes.

Electropainting is also known as E-coating, Electrophoretic painting and Electrocoating - is a method of applying paint or “lacquer” type coatings over various metals using electrical power. Its special characteristic is its ability to give a controlled and consistent coating thickness over complex shapes. Its main use is in applying the anticorrosion primer paint coat for automobile bodies. But it also has uses in applying coatings over other consumer items ranging from small pieces of jewellery to six metre length aluminium profiles.

LVH has been working with East Midland Coatings since April 2000, and have been supplying them for many years with a grey e-coat, and more recently, a Black Tektor dry film lubricant e-coat. (Tektor is a registered trade mark of LVH Coatings Ltd.) The directors and staff of LVH have been involved in all aspects of Electropaint technology since 1972.

This provides LVH with an unmatched store of experience of its market sector that is continually expanding. Applications include: • High performance systems for architectural aluminium.

• Decorative protective coatings for eyewear, personal care products & jewellery; door, window and electrical hardware; bathroom & kitchen fittings and appliances.

• Protective and functional coatings for automotive small parts.

• Specialist finishes for sporting goods and collectors’ items.

Key elements in the company’s strategy have been intensive quality control and continuous research and development, maintaining their lead in their market sector. Their success is based on consistently providing high quality, innovative products.

Currently they have the most advanced “hard coat” Electropaint system based on nanocomposites. This “ZETACLAD” range of products is setting new standards in durability for coated hardware items.

Their production, administration and laboratory facilities are situated at Coleshill, near Birmingham; the traditional heartland of UK manufacturing.

They operate on a world wide basis with partnerships and local distributors who concentrate on efficient product supply and effective service and support. They manage their global communications through extensive facilities including ISDN based internet and video conferencing capabilities.

The company invites enquiries for distributorships in geographical areas not already served – contact them for details.

Telephone

01675 466888 or visit their website for more information

www.clearclad.co.uk

65

32081 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 13:44 Page 1

...trust the name MGDUFF is the UK’ s largest and most experienced cathodic protection company offering over 400 different types of anodes for every application in all water conditions.

Always at the forefront of technical innovation in their field and on the look out for new products to benefit their extensive customer base, MGDuff bought ZINGA UK which is now in its sixth year.

MGDUFF set the standard for ship and small craft corrosion protection over fifty years ago and their continuous development keeps pace with modern vessel design. Their experienced and qualified personnel are able to offer their customers full technical back-up and cathodic protection schemes, producing designs for ships, tugs, ferries, and superyachts.

ZINGA UK is a division of MGDuff and is able to offer a total coating system from substrate to top coat with the unique range of ZINGA products.

A true UK success story, MGDuff has been at the forefront of marine cathodic protection since the early 1950’s and continues to be one of the largest suppliers of systems and services to the marine market in the UK and throughout the world.

Cathodic Protection is a technique used to control the corrosion of a metal surface by making it the cathode of an electrochemical cell. A simple method of protection connects protected metal to a more easily corroded "sacrificial metal" to act as the anode. The sacrificial metal then corrodes instead of the protected metal.

The company's involvement in corrosion control spans all aspects of the marine sector from the leisure boat market to commercial deep sea shipping and coastal and shoreline structures such as piling, jetties, lock and dock gates, linkspans and pontoon systems.

MGDUFF cathodic protection systems are specified and fitted by leading European yacht and boat builders, commercial shipping companies and ship repair yards.

Their highly experienced technical department is able to offer full design services and technical support, as well as providing the most comprehensive range of sacrificial and impressed current cathodic protection systems.

MGDUFF’s sacrificial anodes in zinc, aluminium and magnesium are manufactured at their foundries here in the UK, strictly in accordance with internationally approved specifications using the highest purity ingredients.

66

Zinga is a cold applied galvanising system and is not paint.

As it is rich in zinc (96% in the dry film) it protects metal from rusting much the same as normal galvanising and Cathodic Production via sacrificial anodes (zinc alloyed metal). This synergy as a zinc product meant Zinga fitted nicely with MGDUFF`s core marine business.

MGDUFF are pleased to celebrate their association with East Midlands Coatings their long term Zinga distributor, and congratulate them on their 30th year in business.

Full details of their product range may be found on the website www.mgduff.co.uk or for further information on Zinga go to www.zinga-uk.com For further information contact: Chris Harris - Sales Manager

MGDUFF INTERNATIONAL LTD 1 Timberlaine Estate, Quarry Lane Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8PP

T. 01243 533336 E. sales@mgduff.co.uk

31984 1pg_Carford Group 19/07/2013 13:02 Page 1

It is a busy time in the world of magnets; the soaring values of waste metals mean that it is worth companies investing in ever more sophisticated machinery, to remove even smaller, harder to extract quantities of ferrous materials and other metals, than wouldn’t have been thought worthwhile until recently.

Master Magnets is the UK’s No1 manufacturer of magnetic separation equipment, and is renowned for a wide range of products and services.

Established in 1978, the company moved to Redditch in 2003. The move provided more factory space, 30 tonne craneage, and thanks to the good motorway links and proximity to Birmingham Airport, better distribution.

Master Magnets provide industrial magnetic solutions throughout the world via a strategically placed network of international agents.

From their pre-sales services, which can include site evaluations and product sample testing, through to the commissioning services that can be carried out on the customers’ existing machines, Master Magnets will endeavour to provide helpful service throughout the entire sales process to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.

Some of the industries using Master Magnet’s products seem fairly obvious, such as recycling, mining, minerals, power stations and steel and slag processing; Master Magnets also supply the packaging industry, the food processing industry, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, plastic and glass manufacturing, laboratory equipment and wood processors.

Visit their stand at RWM, Europe’s premier Waste Management event at the NEC in September, to see the new products on offer, or just for a chat and some friendly, informed advice.

Contact details +44 (0)1527- 65858, +44 (0)1527- 65868 Monday to Thursday 8:45am - 5:00pm GMT

www.mastermagnets.com In what has proved to be an inspired decision, given the developments in the recycling industry, when the company moved to Redditch they acquired IRS Ltd (Integrated Recycling Systems Ltd), providing the company with more strength in the recycling industry to complement the existing product range.

The recycling industry is one that seems to have been largely unaffected by the recession, with government and local councils encouraging us to “re-use and recycle”, the industry is, in fact, booming and the supply of equipment to recycling companies for the recovery of metals is a major part of Master Magnet’s business.

One brand, many industries

In 2005 Master Magnets Ltd also acquired Metal Detection Ltd, well established in the electronic metal detector business for over 40 years. This latest acquisition gave Master Magnets Ltd an allembracing position in the field of magnetic separation and extraction, all aspects of recycling, and full coverage of metal detection applications.

SERIES

Helical gear reducers

SERIES

Bevel helical gear reducers

Metal Detection is also flourishing and has proved so successful that the company are building a new larger manufacturing facility, for them on their integrated site.

SERIES

As part of the company’s targeted growth and expansion they will be starting a new apprenticeship scheme in 2013, and are looking forward to welcoming some new faces to the existing team.

Shaft mounted gear reducers

MOTOVARIO LTD. Rushock Trading Estate, Droitwich, Worc’s, WR9 0NR, UK Tel: +44 1299 250859 Fax: +44 1299 251493 uk@motovario-group.com

www.motovario-group.com

H-SERIES gear units have been designed to be highly reliable even under heavy working conditions, and are particularly suited for applications involving heavy radial loads. The H-series includes a large number of extremely versatile models, in cast iron (sizes 030 to 140) or aluminium (sizes A30 to A60) casing.

The technological content of B-SERIES gear reducers allows for an extraordinary performance/lifespan ratio. These highly versatile gear units are successfully used in a vast number of industrial and civil applications. B-Series units offer excellent value for money and output torque/weight ratio, especially considering that they need very limited servicing. The units are available in cast iron (sizes 063 to 163) or aluminium (sizes A42 to A73) casing.

Specifically designed for applications involving conveyors or augers, these units are also suitable for a wide variety of industrial fields. S-SERIES shaft-mounted gear reducers, available in cast iron casing only, sizes from 052 to 123, offer a large range of reduction ratios and are fully efficient in any working conditions.

We are proud to support Master Magnets and wish them all the best for the future

67

32007 1pg_Carford Group 22/07/2013 15:41 Page 1

Thomas Howse Limited who have been making life more colourful for over 100 years, are very excited about the launch of a new product; their new “Haptic� Coating.

The new coating has a warm soft touch quality, yet has excellent tear resistance compared with nylon and most thermoplastics.

They carry a large stock of various types of industrial paint and powder coating and can cater for the manufacture of both small and large quantities, including a comprehensive range of surface coatings and specialise in all the latest up-to-date processes, conforming to current British Standards.

It enables higher coating thicknesses without gassing problems and offers first rate adhesion to hot dip, galvanised and other metals, while combining superior hardness and impact resistance with good edge coverage and weld penetration.

All specified solvent based paints meet compliant regulations, for example, high solids, low solvent content. Also to reduce emissions they produce a wide range of high specification water based paints and powder coatings that can be cured at low temperatures. All designed to reduce our carbon footprints and for a safer work environment.

Its superior coverage and impact resistance make the product ideal for playground equipment, mesh, fencing, balustrades and handles.

Their fully trained technical personnel have the capabilities to develop new paints and adapt unique systems to suit individual customer requirements.

The new coating is a state of the art formula which doesn’t contain TGIC, heavy metals, chromates, halogens, chlorine plasticisers, or isocyanates.

The company manufacture to a wide variety of colour charts including RAL, BS 2660, BS 381C, BS 5252, BS 4800, Pantone, Designer RAL, NCS, Fluorescents, or to your sample.

It is available in any colour even for small runs, and gives a high level of UV resistance.

Any colours can be matched either to known standards such as BS, RAL, Pantone and Munsell, or tailored to individual customer specifications, as well as touch-up paints for powder coating.

You would expect such a product to come at a premium, but in fact the costs work out very favourably compared to nylon and most thermoplastics, and on a par with conventional polyester powders.

As with any finish applied to metal the best results are achieved from thorough preparation, but this powder coating will give first rate long lasting results.

Minimum order is 5 litres for paints and 25 kilos for powder.

The company supply from small quantities via their trade counter at the manufactory at Rowley Regis to huge palletised loads throughout the country to commercial end users.

All enquiries are welcome, and you are sure of friendly, professional, cost effective advice.

Thomas Howse is an independent Midlands based industrial paint and powder coating manufacturer that was established in 1903, who supply paint, powder coating and ancillary products.

Telephone 0121 559 1451

www.howsepaints.co.uk

All staff at Imperial Commercials are proud to be supporting Thomas Howse Ltd Imperial Commercials, Park Road, Halesowen, B63 2RL Web: www.imperialcommercials.co.uk Tel: 01384 426677

Tel: 0800 612 0458

CRONIN & CO.

www.croninandco.co.uk

As a Corporate Insurance Specialist we provide products

tailored to your needs...

We are proud to support

Thomas Howse Ltd and wish them all the best for the future

68

Phoenix House Hewell Road, Barnt Green Birmingham B45 8NE

32050 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 20:00 Page 1

A number of reasons to Automate

Sales Tool. There are many reasons that Robotic systems are purchased, some of which are discussed above. There is however a hidden benefit not often considered initially and that is a robotic installation becomes a sales tool used to impress potential customers of capabilities and commitment to modern manufacturing methods.

There are a number of reasons to automate production lines notes Ian Walker; General Sales Manager of KUKA Robotics UK Limited.

Recent research has revealed that contrary to widespread misconception robots create jobs.

A recent study by the International Federation of Robotics titled the “Positive Impact of Industrial Robots on Employment” reports that rather than taking jobs investment in robotics has a positive effect on companies and ultimately increases the number of jobs created.

Companies making the investment in robots are more efficient and profitable once having made the investment and so the spiral is a virtuous circle of success. Some of the benefits are discussed below.

Reduction of Footprint. The latest range of KUKA Quantec robots are 25% more compact than previous models and therefore the resulting production line will have less impact on the size of a factory required. Smaller robotic systems bring additional benefits of lower utility costs for production facilities also. Reduced footprint can also mean lower quantities of work in progress.

Don’t get left behind. In 2011 the UK saw the greatest number of robots sold in more that 12 years of records, in 2012 that record was smashed. Clearly companies see a need to invest in robotics to maintain a competitive edge, can any manufacturing business afford not to take steps to follow? KUKA Robotics has a network of system partners to help you implement a system into any facility.

About KUKA Robotics KUKA Roboter GmbH, Augsburg, is a member of the KUKA Aktiengesellschaft and ranks among the world’s leading suppliers of industrial robots. Core competencies are development, production and sale of industrial robots, controllers and software. The company is the market leader in Germany and Europe and the number three in the world. KUKA Robot Group employs about 3180 people worldwide*. In 2012, sales totaled 742.6 million Euro*. 25 subsidiaries provide a presence in the major markets of Europe, America and Asia. *preliminary figures (Feb. 2013)

Energy costs. KUKA developed the KR C4 controller to ensure that a number of key technologies can be embraced to reduce the energy consumed by a robot. Savings of up to 25% can be made for energy consumed by a robot.

Increased output. Robots typically perform tasks faster that humans. More importantly robots can be run 24 hours per day, 7 days per week if required. This can bring great benefits when production volumes increase as rather than have to resource an entire additional shift of staff the robots can just be run for longer.

Consistent quality. Robots will repeat a task consistently and efficiently meaning that the final output of the production line changes unlike the variability that comes with humans.

Lean Manufacturing Principles. Robots can remove the impact of non-value added operations in manufacturing by performing more than one task. Ian Walker cites an example of a robot taking parts from an injection moulding machine can be used to perform secondary non value added tasks within the cycle of the machine such as cutting sprues and deburring.

Find out more about the new KR AGILUS series:

www.automation-becomes-easy.com KUKA Robotics UK Ltd | Phone: +44 (0) 121 505 9970 | sales@kuka-robotics.co.uk | www.kuka-robotics.com

69

31993 2pg 2_Carford Group 06/08/2013 12:13 Page 1

M MaS Precision Engineering Limited MaS Precision Engineering Ltd was founded by Martin and Steve (two brothers) in May 2010. Martin recalls “We had just lost our jobs and the country was in the depths of recession. At that time, unemployment was very high and there were little or no job prospects for skilled engineers like us”.

Martin continues “that without the investment, we would not have been able to compete and grow the business which is essential to survive in today’s global economy. We need to invest in the future if manufacturing has any longevity within the UK”.

So what next in 2013??

So the very idea, to start a new business venture, in precision engineering seemed like complete madness! Our family and friends, although supportive, thought we had lost the plot! But we remained undeterred and worked extremely hard to get the business off the ground. We had a nucleus of good suppliers who admired what we were trying to do and ultimately, offered their support and services, to which we are extremely grateful.

Since the start of the business, we have increased our turnover, trebled our workforce, secured new long-term contracts, entered into new high-tech markets, invested in new CNC Sliding-Head machinery, and started an all important apprenticeship program, with one of our new employees.

Furthermore, last year the business was successful in gaining funding from the European Regional Development Fund, ERDF. The funding was for 2 new CNC machines. This new investment now enables MaS Precision Engineering Ltd, to diversify into new business sectors, i.e medical, aerospace, nuclear, wind etc, where previously we would not have been competitive.

The future is bright for MAS Precision Eng. Ltd. We anticipate that we will secure more contracts during 2013 and beyond. In addition, we hope to engage another apprentice to protect our skill-set for the future.

Congratulations to Martin and Steve from all at Stelstocks

STELSTOCKS LTD ENGINEERING STEEL BARS Unit 14B, Hurst Business Park, Two Locks, Off Narrowboat Way Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 1UU

Tel: 01384 - 482800 Web Site: www.stelstocks.co.uk

Fax: 01384 - 482900 Email: info@stelstocks.co.uk

We are a Premier Stockholder of World Class Quality Machining Grade Steel Products

....

Bright Drawn Turned Ground Precision Rolled and Reeled Bars

.. ..

Services Cutting to Length Bar Facing and Chamfering Hexagon Roller Marking Non-Destructive Crack Detection

Consistent, Competitive Prices Put Us To the Test Our new CNC Machine

2011/613

STELSTOCKS LTD 70

31993 2pg 2_Carford Group 06/08/2013 12:13 Page 2

A Selection of Precision Parts Manufactured by MaS Precision Engineering Ltd

Ben with his “Apprentice of the Year Award�

Martin and Steve are delighted to announce that their existing apprentice, Ben Smith, has been awarded Apprentice of the Year in Mechanical Engineering by Solihull College.

Ben is only seventeen and has worked very hard to achieve this accolade, everyone at MaS is predicting a great future for Ben in the industry.

For further information on MaS Precision Engineering Ltd Telephone: 01675 469100, Email: sales@masprecision.co.uk or visit

www.masprecision.co.uk

We wish MAS Precision Engineering every success for the future We are the electroplating company with over 50 years of electroplating experience 0121 558 5519 Anne Road, Smethwick, Warley B66 2NZ

J W RUDGE & CO LTD

acc

www.jwrudge.co.uk

untancy &

business services

taxati n business rec very & insolvency

corp rate finance other services much more than chartered accountants...

Supporting our client...

MAS Precision Engineering Limited

freephone:

0800 298 3899 www.dains.com Third Floor, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham, B24 9FD Registered to carry on audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

71

31997 2pg_Carford Group 01/08/2013 15:00 Page 1

Proud to be a British manufacturing business, family run RCT Manufacturing Ltd, are celebrating their 25th year in business.

RCT Manufacturing are a Midlands based manufacturer of small to medium batch steel fabrications, specialising in the production welding of tubular products.

Their services also include, production welding, tube bending, drilling, bending, punching, pressing, and powder coating.

They make all of their own jigs and fixtures and have in-house powder coating facilities, giving the company the flexibility needed in today’s competitive working environment, to meet a wide variety of bespoke requirements.

A major part of their business is the supply of seat frames to the Mini Bus and Coach industries throughout the UK, indeed RCT has evolved into one of the country’s leading manufacturers of seat frames for those industries.

But they also serve a range of other industries across the board from Light Steel Fabrications and Stillages to the Construction Industry, Wood burning Stoves to the Fireplace Industry, Tubular Components and Work Benches to the Automotive Industry and many other products of their own design including Security Posts and Fishing Platform/Barrows.

(

(

D

Steel Merchants, Stockholders and Processors

Proud to support RCT Manufacturing Tel: +44 (0)121 561 2221

Fax: +44 (0)121 561 1283

Email:info@harrissteels.co.uk

P.O. Box 29, Coombs Road, Halesowen, West Midlands, B62 8AF

www.harrissteels.co.uk 72

31997 2pg_Carford Group 01/08/2013 15:00 Page 2

The Barrows have been so successful that RCT have opened a separate division within the company, RCT-Rigger Platform Barrows.

These top Quality Barrow Systems are solidly built, with a big wheel and sturdy platform for all your gear and are designed to transport your fishing tackle to any peg, at any venue and over any terrain.

RCT Manufacturing Ltd has evolved over the 25 years, never standing still, always reviewing, reconstructing and streamlining production processes to continually improve on both efficiency and quality, offering their well established customer base the best and most efficient service possible, resulting in the award of the ISO 9001 accreditation.

The company was founded in 1988 by father and son John and Sean Relph, and has remained family owned and led. Sean Relph and his wife Tracey have maintained the principles the company is known for throughout the industry, of quality and good service, and these values remain the cornerstone of the company’s policy.

Contact RCT Manufacturing on: From humble beginnings in a small 500 square feet unit RCT Manufacturing have expanded year on year to occupy five units at the Halesowen site today totalling 12000 square feet.

Sean Relph, MD, is really proud of the family’s company and their products, he says, “We are proud of our reputation as an honest, reliable company with top quality products and service.”

Phone number 0121 561 5492 Fax number 0121 561 2444

www.rct-rigger.co.uk or www.rctltd.co.uk E-mail info@rctltd.co.uk Leona Industrial Estate, Nimmings Road, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 9JQ

Bache Brown & Co Limited Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors We have a Proactive approach to accounting, tax and business advice to small and medium sized businesses and their owners Congratulations to RCT Manufacturing Limited on your 25th year and wishing you every success in the future Call 01384 481100 Email enquiries@bachebrown.co.uk

www.bachebrown.co.uk

BB BACHE BROWN & CO

OFFICE: Swinford House, Albion Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EE

73

32029 2pg 2_Carford Group 01/08/2013 14:53 Page 1

techn swage i

Situated just off the M5 in Smethwick, Techniswage supplies formed metal tube to a host of industries including aerospace, leisure, marine and automotive.

limited

expandingtaperingreducingflaringnozzlingtoolingspares

When the flaming 204 petals of the spectacular Olympic torch, supported on stainless steel tubes, climatically rose into the air at last year’s landmark opening ceremony, Paul Fellows’ jaw - and a thousand pennies - dropped.

Formed in 2001 out of the ashes of a historic Birmingham tube machine forming company, the business is proud of the expertise under its roof.

“Our personnel have backgrounds in various industries including forging, casting, pressing and the quality leading sectors of automotive and aerospace. These elements combined to create a major force in tube forming technology,” says Paul.

Able to manufacture anything from bird feeder poles to aircraft landing actuators, Techniswage is proud to now include in that selection the tapered stainless section for re-fit of six Type 45 destroyers - and that Olympic torch.

All the work was carried out in strict secrecy after Paul and his team were contacted by specialist scenery contractor, Stage One, based in York.

All they were told was that there was a project being prepared for “an important event during 2012, you will know what it is eventually.”

“Having signed an agreement to prevent any information being leaked, it was still no clearer what the end use would be for,” Paul admits.

The eyes of the world were transfixed as the tubes stood upright to form one cauldron and a single flame - and Techniswage’s director realised just what his 10-crew team had been secretly working on since the previous year.

And the Smethwick company’s flame has continued to burn brightly as a direct result of its role in that pivotal opening moment. Orders have shot up by 30%, leading Techniswage to invest £100,000 in new equipment.

Having battled the tough economic challenges of 2009, postOlympics times are certainly gold-tinged for the company which is now producing Maserati prop shafts and developing a new GKN Driveline account.

It recently commissioned a 60-tonne Bema end forming machine and is now looking at the implementation of new production software while also developing sales to the oil and gas industry.

74

Techniswage had to create tapered stainless steel 1.3m tubes 70mm in diameter and reduced to 33mm diameter.

Separate tapered sections more than 200mm long were also produced.

The mystery project was then revealed in July as Paul watched the Olympic opening ceremony in a marquee at a family music festival in Dorset.

“Around midnight I saw the cauldron come together and suddenly realised Techniswage had been part of a team that had created a centerpiece which was now on the world stage,” he says.

“Only, with the efforts of our strong and enthusiastic production team led by Andy Durham – Works Manager, were we able to produce the necessary components in the short timescale permitted.”

For further information about the company, its products and services, visit

www.techniswage.com To make an enquiry, email sales@techniswage.com or telephone 0121 553 2364

The Old School | St John’s Road | Dudley | DY2 7JT

32029 2pg 2_Carford Group 07/08/2013 20:04 Page 2

B C Stockford accountants

t:01384 233499 e:enq@bcstockford.co.uk

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

www.bcstockford.com

75

31998 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 11:44 Page 1

Vehicle Leasing for your Business When setting up or expanding your business the costs associated with providing company vehicles whether company cars, vans or a mixed fleet can be daunting.

Many companies are turning to leasing as opposed to purchase, but, and it is a big but, which company to choose? The range of offerings, vehicle types, ages, differing clauses, terms and conditions – the dreaded small print, vary widely, and can be time consuming and difficult to work through.

Award winning, Agility Fleet, based in Bromsgrove, has been providing business car leasing and fleet management solutions to businesses throughout the UK since 2004, and has developed an enviable reputation.

Jason Marshall, Channel Manager, explained the reasons behind the company’s success. “At Agility Fleet we understand that with business car leasing, one size doesn’t fit every business. We take time to understand your needs and requirements from your business car lease so that we can offer the solution that is right for your business.”

Agility Fleet makes sure that your package is tailored to your requirements by providing each customer with a dedicated account manager to offer one point of contact throughout your car leasing contract.

Your account manager is matched to you from your first contact with the company; they will listen to your requirements, and make recommendations based on their expertise, to match the most suitable vehicles to your needs. Your account manager will work with you throughout your contract, managing all aspects to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Customers really value this personal contact with a named individual with whom they can build an on-going relationship based around the particular needs of their company.

Agility Fleet have links to a wide range of leading finance providers, and constantly monitor the market place to source the very best car leasing deals for you.

Jason Marshall explained that Agility Fleet see sourcing the best finance package for their customers as being an integral part of their service, he said: “We're happy to present you with a range of quotes and recommend which payment plan might best fit your business model and the practicalities of your everyday car usage.”

76

Agility Fleet take all of the hassle out of leasing a company vehicle. Under their agreements you pay regular fixed monthly rentals that cover all risks such as capital acquisition, cost of depreciation, road fund licence, roadside assistance and final disposal, meaning businesses are able to plan their fleet costs more accurately. For total peace of mind Agility Fleet also offers a fully comprehensive maintenance package for a fixed monthly cost.

Agility Fleet Leasing provides a professional, effective, no nonsense approach to vehicle leasing, give them a call on

01527 571 601 or visit the website

www.agilityfleet.com to see how their business can help your business.

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

Commercial Vehicles

Exploring the Lease/ Purchase Equation

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

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

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

But, not wishing to downgrade that worry for a moment, it comes with the assumption that a company already has a vehicle ready and waiting to be fueled.

Acquiring said vehicle in the first place is a matter that requires a whole heap more finance, and time spent carefully considering which financial road to take, for every option will have an affect on operating costs, taxes paid and profits made.

It basically boils down to whether a haulage firm purchases its fleet of vehicles or leases them, and, of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Purchase, usually hire purchase, enables the cost of the asset - truck - to be spread over a specified time in a series of agreed monthly payments rather than making one large capital outlay.

At the end of that time the purchaser, who has had the ability to claim capital allowances on the asset - has outright ownership. Any interest charges can be offset against profits for taxation.

However, the potential purchaser is also responsible for all the maintenance and repair costs - not forgetting depreciation.

There are probably few companies that can afford the capital outlay for a single lorry, HGV truck or trailer outright - even for larger businesses the cost of buying a fleet of vehicles is probably unthinkable and many in the transport sector are turning to leasing.

Not only does it mean commercial vehicle costs can be fixed, it allows control over important budgets and saves on the initial costs of buying outright.

And should that asset no longer be required, the leasing company will arrange for its sale to a third party, with the lessee keeping a portion of the takings.

Pros and cons to weigh up with this option include: • Access to a high standard of equipment that might not otherwise have been affordable.

• Interest rates on monthly installments are usually fixed.

• A less risky alternative to a secured bank loan - if the payments cannot be made, the asset will be lost but not, for example, the home.

• The agreement cannot be cancelled as long as regular repayments for the period of the lease are maintained.

• Leasing and asset finance options are widely available, with a huge range of companies out there offering advice and a wide range of packages. Not least from the truck manufacturers, such as DAF and Iveco, themselves.

Disadvantages include: • Capital allowances on a leased asset cannot be claimed if the lease period is less than five years - or even seven in some cases.

• It can be more expensive than buying the asset outright.

• Some long-term contracts can be difficult to cancel early.

•

A deposit or some advance payments may be required.

Should the agreement be for finance leasing, the lessee is responsible for maintenance costs however, with an operating lease, the asset finance company is liable, meaning the lessee's business avoids any unexpected costs.

On the other hand, an operating lease does not guarantee that the lessor will get back all, or substantially all, of the cost of the asset plus a commercial rate of interest.

Often an asset may be leased several times throughout its lifetime which can mean that at the end of the term of the lease the lessor will be relying on the value of the leased asset to ensure an overall profit.

So, lease or purchase? As ever it’s up to the individual to decide what’s best for their business and its circumstances.

However, according to Julian Rose, Head of Asset Finance at the Finance & Leasing Association, there has been strong growth in the use of leasing and hire purchase for commercial vehicles over the past two years.

“Around 400 new commercial vehicles are being financed every working day as businesses see the benefits of not having to find cash to pay up front,” he says.

Regardless of how they are paid for, the cost of financing a transport business is certainly the biggest expense which has to be dealt with.

Therefore it makes sense to do your homework to ensure you have a real understanding of the different options available when it comes to paying for those vehicles.

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

77

32147 1pg QPD_Carford Group 01/08/2013 15:21 Page 1

Birmingham-based naƟonal liŌing equipment specialist Lloyds BriƟsh TesƟng is set to save almost £1/4m a year with a complete overhaul of its Ňeet of over 90 commercial vehicles operated through a network of 11 centres naƟŽnwide.

The move, which comes as research by naƟonal insolvency body R3 shows that spiralling fuel costs are the biggest obstacle to company growth, will ‘right size’ the company’s Ňeet, saving Lloyds around £200 per month for each of its vehicles and creaƟng extra funds for reinvesƟng in the organisaƟŽn’s services.

Lloyds BriƟsh TesƟng managing director Gus Zona said: “With worldwide economic condiƟons so arduous and fuel prices shooƟng upwards, it is essenƟal for us to look at every aspect of our business to guarantee our eĸcient operaƟon and promote a posiƟve relaƟonship with our customers. “’Right sizing’ the vehicle Ňeet makes absolute sense. As we streamline and focus our business operaƟons, our transport costs have to follow suit. The majority of our medium-sized panel vans are being downsized to smaller, more fuel-eĸcient models as they are now only required to carry toolkits rather than bulkier items.

“We have also been able to reduce our carbon footprint by selecƟng eco-friendly models, a decision which has been welcomed by our employees. We have just presented the iniƟaƟve at our naƟonal conference and we have been overwhelmed by the posiƟve response, both from our workforce and our customers.

“UlƟmately, we are very aware that keeping overheads under control is absolutely fundamental to our business success. We will deĮnitely conƟnue to look for other ways in which we can produce such a win:win situaƟŽn for both Lloyds BriƟsh TesƟng and for the companies with which we do business.

For over 200 years the name of Lloyds BriƟsh TesƟng has been synonymous with the very best in liŌing soluƟons oīering an unrivalled service in InspecƟon, TesƟng, CerƟĮcaƟon, Design, Repair, Manufacture, Crane Maintenance, Training, Defence and Product Sales. Our naƟonal network of service centres is supported by our InternaƟonal oĸces and can provide you with in-house or onsite tesƟng, statutory inspecƟons for liŌing equipment, cranes, presses, pressure vessels and local exhaust venƟůaƟŽn (LEV).

Our in-house design team can design and manufacture for installaƟon on-site all your bespoke liŌing equipment from specialist liŌing beams, runway systems and liŌing frames to special designs. Lloyds BriƟsh also supply, install, test and maintain the following; cranes, building maintenance units, fall arrest. Their Somers and Rota divisions provide further specialist and bespoke engineering from runway beams to coil grabs to rail grabs.

www.lloydsbritish.com 78

31949 1pg_HorseWorld 07/08/2013 20:27 Page 1

Ross Kemp

The product was featured on the TV show Be Your Own Boss where entrepreneurs discuss their business ideas with the founder of Innocent Smoothies, Richard Reed, in the hope of receiving backing.

Ross saw appearing on the show as an opportunity to do something really big and ultimately help save lives with his design!

Saving lives through design innovation Ross Kemp an Industrial Design and Technology Graduate of Loughborough University has invented an electric power assisted water craft for beach lifeguards, as a cheaper alternative to a jet ski.

The craft is a one person launch rescue or patrol craft, which can be solar charged, providing a more financially viable and sustainable option for lifeguard stations. The lightweight craft is ideal for one man to throw into the water and reach the person in difficulties in the shortest possible time.

The aim has been, and always will be, to help lifeguards save more lives, but the craft is also attracting a great deal of interest from the water sports fraternity.

Ross is a product designer and entrepreneur. He has always liked making things and been fascinated with innovation. He says, “Everything has been designed by someone, and a lot of products filling our lives can be improved upon, to make things a bit better�.

Ross realised from an early age to question everything and never accept that things have to look a certain way.

Question everything; accept nothing - do things better, a philosophy that led him to study Industrial Product Design at Loughborough and to graduate with first class honours.

Loughborough University launched an initiative to support the watercraft, which he designed whilst training as a lifeguard at the Uni. They made their commercialisation studio available to him including the use of professional office space. Ross said that being able to talk his ideas through with his tutors from the course really helped him turn his idea into a business. He kept working on the watercraft during the evenings and weekends, whilst working full time designing vacuum cleaners for Birmingham based VAX.

Richard Reed was so impressed that he not only backed the design himself, but introduced Ross to Richard Branson, who made the incredible offer to fly the prototype out to Bondi Beach.

In an intensive six weeks of development during the show Ross was able to cram in six months worth of work. The interest created by the show has led to a lot of discussions with potential investors, most notably perhaps David Bamber Chairman of 7 life saving stations in South Africa.

The product is due to go into manufacture and will be available in the near future.

For more information please visit the website www.asapwatercrafts.com or watch the video on YouTube.

The premier marine centre in Northern England Best wishes to the success of the innovative ASAP lifesaving concept

Pennine marine

www.penninemarine.com Skipton: BD23 2UR Tel: 01756 792335 E-mail: peter@penninemarine.com

79

Robinsons of Worcester

31885 2_Robinsons 18/07/2013 15:44 Page 1

In the macho world of haulage, a fleet of big pink trucks tends to stand out - but Robinsons of Worcester is a business that likes to stand out from the crowd.

An established UK and European haulage company specialising in bulk tipping with an enviable reputation for delivering an exceptional level of service, it is a major player in the industry and has come a long way from its farming origins.

Those pink trucks are fast achieving the status hitherto enjoyed by the Eddie Stobbart fleet with 1600 followers on Facebook following “bigpinktruck.com”, “We are getting a name for ourselves because of the colour,” agrees proprietor and founder Edward Robinson. “We are proud of our pink trucks.”

Robinsons of Worcester began as a livestock and dairy farming business more than 70 years ago.

Edward passed his LGV test in 2001, but in the same year they lost 4,000 sheep to foot-and-mouth disease.

Once back in the livestock trade, the company purchased a single lorry to meet its own needs, but the increasing demand for transport and a growing customer base resulted in the purchase of further vehicles and its haulage business has been expanding ever since, the company now has 33 trucks and 37 trailers.

From its base at Besford, near Pershore, the company is proud of its highly efficient road haulage operation and ability to offer extensive transport solutions.

Its commitment to remaining at the forefront of haulage technology and being fully conversant with the latest legal requirements is reflected in the tip-top condition of the lorries which are all equipped with vehicle tracking systems that benefit customers and aid driver safety.

The provision of Driver CPC Training, also contributes to the high driving standards and road safety.

TASCC (Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops) approved and with TASCC-trained drivers, Robinsons of Worcester, a Road Haulage Association member, only uses trusted sub contractors who all comply with its terms and conditions of business and adhere to the TASCC Code of Practice for Road Haulage.

The strict compliance with safety regulations combined with dedication to the delivering the best service possible has resulted in not only continued success but prestigious contracts too, with Robinson’s of Worcester making deliveries of animal feed and collections from the royal estates of Windsor and Sandringham.

And just why are those trucks pink? Step forward Isabelle Robinson, Edward’s daughter and fan of pink.

When he ordered a new Mercedes tractor unit in 2009 Edward had it painted just for her. It proved such a talking point that other vehicles in the fleet were soon sporting the same colour, and are the pride and joy of every Robinsons’ driver.

Remember you can always follow them on Facebook and join the growing number of “big pink truck” spotters.

For further information go to robinsonsofworcester.com www.bigpinktruck.com or telephone 01386 553792 or email info@robinsonsofworcester.com

80

31897 1pg.qxd:FSC Investments Services Ltd QPD 1pg 31/07/2013 12:15 Page 1

WEST MIDLANDS ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE HAS MOVED! WEST MIDLANDS ACCIDENT & REPAIR CENTRE It had been clear for some time to Terry Basra, MD, that the business needed more space, but finding just the right premises, proved to be a bit of a challenge.

Recognised by most of the major insurance companies, you can bring your vehicle to West Midlands Accident Repair Centre with confidence. Their fully equipped workshop and technicians can repair all makes of cars and vans, returning them to pristine condition.

The company has invested heavily in equipment and machinery to equip the new workshop, but it doesn’t stop there; Terry places great importance on a rolling programme of training to keep all the team up to date with the latest models and techniques.

So whether a small bump, a nasty scratch or major damage; paying for it yourself or going through insurance, Midlands Accident Repair Centre should be your first point of call.

We also work in association with local car dealerships in the area including: BMW, Skoda, Honda, Fiat, Vauxhall, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Honda and Kia. ...GET IN TOUCH WITH US NOW. WE’RE HAPPY TO HELP.

When some suitable premises, of just the right size at Potters Lane, Wednesbury became available, the decision was quickly made, and the business moved over the Easter Bank Holiday.

The move went pretty smoothly, they are completely settled into their new larger workshop and busier than ever. The site is very convenient for the motorway network and customers appreciate the amount of parking space.

Potters Lane, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 7NR T 0121 502 1140 F 0121 502 1140 E info@wmarc.co.uk

www.wmarc.co.uk We are an auto electric service for trade and public with workshop facilities.

Visit www.autoelectricsolutions.co.uk to find out more!

We are proud to support West Midlands Accident Repair Centre and wish them all the best for the future.

Auto Electric Solutions

Call us: 0121 684 0734 or 07966 184 636 e: info@autoelectricsolutions.co.uk

we are here when you really need us insurance brokers ltd Trading as Beach Insurance

Long standing customers and new clients alike, will receive a warm welcome at the new workshop, and will find the same high standards of finish and customer care that West Midlands Accident Repair Centre are well respected for.

Your vehicle is probably the most expensive single purchase any of us make, apart from our home, so it is well worth bringing to the experts. West Midlands Accident Repair Centre’s manufacturer trained technicians are highly experienced in all aspects of panel beating and bodywork repair, from cosmetic to full accident damage repair, and use only genuine OEM parts.

ProgriÃÃÊ ÕÃiÊUÊ ÕrV Ê ÕÀÌÊUÊ >À>`>ÞÊ À Ûi À `} ÀÌ ÊUÊ- r «Ã riÊUÊ76£xÊx Ti \Êä£Ç{ÈÊÇÈä{{äÊUÊ >Ý\Êä£Ç{ÈÊÇÈä{{£ 7iLà Ìi\ÊÜÜÜ° ` ÃÕÀ> Vi°V °Õ > \Ê>` J ` ÃÕÀ> Vi°V °Õ

irV > ÊEÊ,i >Ìi`Ê ÃÕÀ> Vi

irV > ÊEÊ,i >Ìi`ÊUÊ «ÕÌiÀ

ÌÀ>VÌ ÀÃÊ Ê, Ã ÊUÊ iÀV > Ê6iV V i

ÀiVÌ ÀÃÉ"vv ViÀÃÊUÊ } iiÀ }Ê Ã«iVÌ « ÞiÀÃÊ >L ÌÞÊUÊ iiÌÊUÊ r Õ«Ê i> Ì `ÃÊ ÊTÀ> à ÌÊUÊ i}> Ê Ý«i ÃiÃÊUÊ >À i "vv ViÉ- « ii«iÀÃÊUÊ*À viÃà > Ê `i ÌÞ *ÕL VÊ >L ÌÞÊUÊ*r «iÀÌÞÊ"Ü iÀà -«iV > ÊTÞ«iÃÊUÊ ÃÕÀ> ViUÊT>ÝÊ ÛiÃÌ }>Ì Ê ` Ê ÃÕÀ> ViÊLrokers ofviÀÊ>Ê«iÀà > ÊLÕÌ pr viÃà > ÊÌ> r >`iÊÃiÀÛ ViÊ> `ÊÜiÊÜ > Ü>ÞÃÊLiÊÌ iriÊÜ i ÊÞ ÕÊ ii`ÊÕÃÊ

we are here when you really need us

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

register number 492129

81

31946 1pg_HorseWorld 06/08/2013 14:12 Page 1

Air and sea freight: Providing both a high speed and a cost effective, efficient, alternative delivery of goods throughout the world.

Our biggest European traffic is with Germany and we have up to three trailers a day coming in and out of the country to the UK. This traffic includes airfreight as well from Frankfurt Airport to Coventry Airport both ways on daily basis.

INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

If there had been a plan to dismantle, transport and warehouse the entire London 2012 Olympic Stadium, Halesowen’s BIL International Logistics would have been ready to do it.

UK and European road freight; Reliable, comprehensive and cost effective.

Fulfilment and Warehousing: With a purpose-built secure 20,000 sq ft purpose-built warehouse, CCTV and comprehensive racking system for over 1000 pallets.

Our pallet network services include:

·Cost effective rates for full, half and quarter pallets ·Next Working Day deliveries ·48hr Economy Service ·Excellent coverage to remote and off shore locations ·Timed Deliveries and Collections ·Palletised and wrapping services available ·Daily Departures to all major European destinations ·Dedicated Customer Service Team Time Critical logistics: Incorporating emergency road freight, express airfreight and air chartering services. BIL Logistics can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

MD Mr Wilf Jones accepts that such a mammoth project would be at the extreme end of his company’s service - but knows it could easily accomplish the task.

“We have gained an excellent reputation for service, reliability, flexibility and customer care,” says Mr Jones. “One of our greatest business achievements is our successful record for satisfying the global brands which work with us on a consistent basis.”

“Our strength is providing a wide range of logistical solutions using dedicated staff who have wide experience in a variety of industries, including the automotive and retail logistics fields,” he says.

The company is now celebrating the recent arrival of Operations and Sales Development Executive Jhonatan Ranchal. Anticipating his appointment will open up further international opportunities.

“They are well equipped to provide swift and effective solutions to any requirement.” That includes worldwide deliveries to every main dealership of one of the industry’s biggest car manufacturers.

“From his Spanish roots, Jhonatan has extensive knowledge of the Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian markets.

“This gives us a broader perspective and more scope to locate further offices and warehouses in other countries and the ability to provide a really personalised service when language, otherwise, would have been a barrier.”

For further information about BIL International Logistics and its full range of services, please visit www.billogistics.com Alternatively email info@billogistics.com or telephone 01215029977

So while this could include an Olympic stadium, BIL Logistics’ total solution usually involves air and sea deliveries to virtually every country in the world on a daily basis or operating its large fleet of vehicles throughout UK and Europe.

It’s a long way from the one driver, one office member company which launched in 1989 but BIL Logistics becoming a one-stop transport/logistics global hub hasn’t meant it’s outgrown a basic tenet.

Operating a mixed fleet in excess of 300 trucks, cars and light-to-heavy vans, Eurohire is a proven quality provider of rental and contract hire vehicles to operators. Centrally located to service nationally.

“We’re big enough to cope but small enough to care,” declares Mr Jones.

Proud to be supporting BIL Logistics

From its HQ on the Coombswood Business Park West, BIL Logistics operates in four key areas enabling it to offer customers the complete solution.

82

Call us on 0121 552 5211 or visit our website www.eurohire.uk.com

Burglars Monitoring Social Networks to See When you’re Away From Home Homeowners are warned of the Dangers of “Checking-In” Security specialists are warning homeowners across the United Kingdom of the growing link between burglaries and social networks.

Teenagers are particularly likely to share their locations and movements on social networks. Teenagers today have grown up with Facebook tracking their every move and see nothing dangerous in planning their parties and movements online. But the consequences of this can be devastating. For example, last weekend a house was ransacked after a teenager’s private party became public knowledge on Facebook.

This is a clear example of parents not monitoring their children’s social networking behaviour. Parents need to educate their children on the risk of posting locations online.

*Source: BBC News

David Walsh, Group CEO of Netwatch says, “Social networks have become part of our daily lives, but people need to consider the risks of posting their location on these sites. Facebook burglaries are real and growing in popularity.”

Facebook and other social networking sites have unwittingly made it easier than ever to access homeowners’ personal information. The location services on social networking sites allow people to share their location in real time. You may think that checking in at the airport is a nice way to let your friends and family know that you’re going on holiday, but in reality you are also letting people know that your home is empty and an easy target.

Security specialists see many types of crime and burglaries and the impact it can have on its victims. They urge all homeowners to be extremely careful with the type of information they share online.

If you want to share your holiday plans, don’t do it in real time, wait until you are safely home. Review the privacy setting on all of your social networks, try to minimize your use of location services and never share your home address on social networks.

Even if your profile is set to “private” people often have hundreds, if not thousands of friends and followers on Facebook or Twitter, some of whom they don’t know that well. These so called “friends” can access a huge amount of personal data from your profile, including your home address.

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

Edition39 The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk