Bristol Business Post Edition 16

Edition16 The South Wests Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

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Limited time only The Bristol Business Post is a high quality, glossy A4 publication that is distributed directly to 20k+ managing directors and decision makers throughout the South West with an annual turnover in excess of £300K. Our magazine is focused on the professional business audience in the South West region and reaches them on two levels; directly through their mailbox and passively through casual reader pick-up.

Contact our team Freephone: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@bristolbusinesspost.co.uk

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C O N T E N T S Bristol Business Post Welcome to Edition 16 of the Bristol Business Post showcasing business stories and comments from all across the South West.

In this edition Councillor Peter Main talks about his exciting year as Lord Mayor, promoting Bristol and the South West at home and abroad.

We cover Conference Venues and the improving conditions for the Construction Sector. Our series for the Road Haulage industry takes an in depth look at the lease/purchase equation. We also celebrate the development of the South West as a creative hub for the Media industry.

In our next edition we will look at the regeneration opportunities provided by the Regional Development Funds.

We will also introduce our new regular feature writer, Bev James, CEO of The Coaching Academy and Director of Mentoring at Start-Up Loans.

Bristol Business Post 11 Canalside Office Complex, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester WR1 2RR Tel: 08000 807 809 Fax: 01905 726 467 E: hello@bristolbusinesspost.co.uk W: www.bristolbusinesspost.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.

IMSM Lloydbottoms Bank House Investment Management The Lord Mayor Bristol Somerset Business Awards Thorne Segar Solicitors Callagenix Citrus Service Desk Backen Wright Bristol Blue Glass Pollinger & Warren Engineering Derek Lane & Co Multicoms Solutions Fitness4Less Destination Bristol The Gro Company Broadwalk Shopping Centre Orchardleigh Golf Club Hive Beach CafĂŠ The London Inn Andrews Quality Meats Perry & Son Butchers Hinton Firs Hotel Tortworth Estate Farm Shop and The Farmers Table Banglo The Cornish Curry Company Wessex Associated Industries Aer Lingus Connections Truxspray William C Hockin Sporting Classic Motors Bartosch and Stokes Solen Energy UK Simon Conder Associates AAC Waterproofing Winsor + Leaman Architects McLaughlin Ross llp Tim Weeding Building Design Services Dynamic Heating Services Wylde IA Brunskill Design Architects 21st Century JM Joinery Kitto Group PRO Structures ACC Contractors Ashi Properties Eveleighs Estate Agents Worthers Prime Film Productions Green Hat Graphic Design Positive Pangaea TV

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Information security is a major area critical to the survival of a business. A system that is not secure and maintained with great vigilance is going to be at threat, with catastrophic results.

Ultimate loss of reputation and business are the minimum you would expect as a result, a massive cost that most business will never recover from.

The fall out From a recent Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) survey; 82% of small and 93% of large companies suffered an information security incident in 2010. These incidents typically cost the respective businesses between £27,000 and £690,000. This figure is expected to increase and the exposure will cost dearly.

A breach of information security can result in other cost areas; crippling fines for the business and in certain cases imprisonment may be levied upon the personnel responsible.

Taking cover

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

Easy Target In the line of fire Your competition has stolen all of your valued customers from under your nose. You lose business. You are forced to fold.

Your customers’ contact details are like gold dust to the competition. With ease they can know, straight away, what is being sold, to whom and at what price. Why wouldn’t they want to steal it?

In a competitive and threatened marketplace an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) monitors and maintains your business’ information security. The ISMS for any business must protect the three main areas required of it; confidentiality, integrity and availability.

ISO/ IEC 27001: 2005 Information Security Management Standard has been designed to ensure the correct and effective implementation, operation, maintaining and improving the business ISMS. ISO/ IEC 27001 is the best way of demonstrating to all concerned that you take the security of all your information seriously.

How well is your data protected?

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

Number 1 target Information and data resources remain a number one target for hackers and cyber criminals; they have a real value in, and from, any marketplace.

Hackers and fraudsters are working overtime, over the Internet, to ensure they can break into the known forms of protection available at any time.

w w w. i ms m . com 4

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A familiar face has taken over the leadership of well established Bristol accountancy practice, Lloydbottoms.

Mrs Susan Rickerby ACA, the sole director, and majority shareholder, who has been with the practice since 1987 and is well known to most of the clients, took over from Andrew Watson on his retirement, at the end of January.

The company are Chartered Accountants providing general accountancy and taxation services.

The practice has remained stable during the downturn thanks to their loyal clients, (some of whom date from the 1980s and are tending to retire now!) Although Mrs Rickerby commented on the current state of the economy, saying, “Previous recessions have recovered much more quickly. It is having quite a wearing effect on us and our clients some of whom are really struggling with the prolonged lack of growth”.

However the practice is well placed to combat these difficult times and Mrs Rickerby is enthusiastic about some of the new measures in place.

The practice prepares accounts for all types of businesses from sole traders, sub contractors, partnerships to limited companies, limited liability partnerships, and charities.

Last year they introduced a document management system with a view to eventually being a paperless office, and now have a cloud based system enabling them to send documents through a secure portal, the recipient uses a unique code to apply a digital signature. Lloydbottoms then receive the signed form back without anyone needing to leave their desks and with no paper involved!

Their clients particularly appreciate their jargon free approach, keeping explanations simple and straightforward, especially when dealing with business setups, or work for smaller, or single ownership concerns. Indeed the company are actively recruiting more clients from the sole trader and SME sectors.

They have introduced a Facebook page and Twitter account and are in the process of revamping their website www.lloydbottoms.co.uk (although it has lots of good things in it already) making it mobile responsive. There will be a free app available for mobiles/tablets etc.

Lloydbottoms has supported many business owners since its inception in the 70s; from start up to retirement, after all as Mrs Rickerby says, “Planning what happens when you cease to be in business is as important as planning for the beginning of it.”

As well as their membership of the ICAEW Business Advice Service, offering free initial consultations to all businesses, they are members of the Association of British Independent Accounting Firms (ABIAF) and have signed up to Open to Export which provides support to businesses hoping to export.

Lloydbottoms also offer assistance with business start ups, business plans/forecasts, and accountant’s references for mortgage/finance companies.

For their clients’ convenience, appointments can be arranged for evenings or Saturday mornings.

Lloydbottoms are looking towards a busy year ahead as they help their clients prepare for Real Time Information reporting to HMRC, and to welcoming clients new and old to the offices at 118, High Street, Staple Hill.

For an initial discussion, please call us on

0800 781 8783

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“We are looking to build our brand in these areas and want to find people for the south and western sides of our region as well,” says Tristan.

“We employ four support staff and have two financial services consultants in London shortly to be joined by a third. As well as two Employee Benefits specialists in the Cheltenham area.

“Our recruitment division, which started in our Cheltenham office last year and expects to be one of the county’s largest within two years, recruits for SMEs, mainly for fee earners and support staff for accountants and solicitors but also in the technology and engineering sectors.”

The Bank House team are all highly experienced in wealth management at an international level, looking after private clients and directors of SMEs, and constantly ready to embrace the continual changes of the financial services industry as they progress with plans to expand and make the brand well known.

Investment with Cheltenham’s Bank House Group means more than just the financial kind This is a company which invests heavily in its relationship with clients, very often becoming a trusted member of the family and part of their lives.

Bank House Group provides holistic financial planning for private clients, alongside an employee benefits package aimed at employers with typically less than 500 employees, the package is completed with a recruitment arm providing Fee earners and support staff for accountants, solicitors and white collar workers in the technology and engineering sectors.

At the core of everything is how each advisor works and the one to one relationships that they build.

“The process of getting to know the client is much more than just completing a Fact Find, which is done before any advice can be given,” explains MD Tristan Freer.

“It encompasses that largely undocumented area of ‘do we think we can work together?”

“Each fee earner deals with a small number of clients. They treat us as professionals but involve us in their lives, that is what has helped us provide our award-winning service.”

Initially a two-man team, the last 12 months have seen the business grow dramatically as a result of its readiness for the retail Distribution Review (RDR) which made all firms of a professional nature move to fees not Commissions. Having been fee based since being established in 2006 this was a natural world for Bank House.

The three financial services consultants at the Rodney Road premises are about to be joined by two more to cover south Birmingham and Worcester and another to cover the region’s eastern side.

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“Bank House has always changed with the times,” says Tristan.

“The world of Financial Services is changing dramatically which presents both challenges and opportunities in the IFA market and Bank House will as always be at the forefront of any adaptation.”

For further information about the services available from the Bank House Group, or to email an inquiry go to

www.bhim.co.uk

Alternatively, telephone 01242 520074

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The Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Main commented particularly on “the delicious food, not at all like the Chinese food we have here!”

During the visit the Lord Mayor visited DongFengDongLu Primary School; he was very interested in the differences in the Chinese system to our own, commented on the programme of morning exercises, and was amazed to see: “Toddlers learning English on computers!”

During January, a group of pupils from DongFengDongLu Primary School made a return visit to Bristol, joining the pupils at Clifton High Junior School, for lessons, concerts and a tour of Bristol, hosted by the Lord Mayor and representatives from the Bristol China Partnership.

The Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Peter Main talked to us about his year in office as The Lord Mayor of Bristol.

In a largely ceremonial role, the Lord Mayor devotes his time to the promotion of the city, key initiatives of the council and supports a wide range of Bristol based organisations during engagements which range from welcoming royal visitors, small community group meetings, and local charity events. Peter Main took up the role with enthusiasm saying how privileged he feels to “serve this wonderful city”.

Last year was especially busy and exciting, as it included the Jubilee Celebrations, the Olympics, a visit by HM the Queen and leading a trade delegation to Guangzhou in S. China, which is twinned with Bristol.

The Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations were packed with exciting events and more street parties throughout the city than anywhere outside London; Bristolians were determined to pay tribute to Her Majesty and celebrated with events at M Shed, Castle Park, Bristol Downs and Millennium Square, culminating in the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon, one of the 2,012 being lit around the world in celebration.

The Olympic Torch was cheered by tens of thousands of Bristolians as it arrived.

After touring the city, the torch was taken across the iconic suspension bridge lit up by a spectacular fireworks display.

Millennium Square was a centre of attention during the Olympic and Paralympic games, when, as one of only 8 cities hosting Big Screen viewings of the games, it became the place to experience the excitement of the London 2012 Games featuring exclusive and localised coverage, competitions and live events.

In November the city paid homage to HM the Queen when she visited the city.

The Lord Mayor said it was a great honour to propose the loyal toast and present the city’s gifts to her majesty.

Also in November, the trade delegation, led by the Lord Mayor to Guangzhou proved very successful and enjoyable.

During the visit the Lord Mayor presented civic gifts to the city of Guangzhou including one of the now famous gorilla models, Gorisambard, representing the famous Bristol engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, complete with top hat. The statue now stands in Guangzhou’s Friendship Park.

The Lord Mayor described Bristol as “a thriving multi cultural community, diverse, vibrant and cosmopolitan.” In his work for the city’s Hindu and Sikh communities, he has been involved in the negotiations for a suitable site for the Hindu community to scatter the ashes of their loved ones, rather than travelling back to India. As he pointed out, “After all we are speaking of the third; maybe the fourth generation living here, this is their home.”

Councillor Main is proud of the number of people admitted to British citizenship each year in Bristol and attends whenever possible, what he describes as; “A very special and meaningful ceremony”.

He has also really enjoyed his visits all over the city, meeting the “small, often unsung charitable groups and individuals who do so much amazing work to help others” and says that he considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to say “thank you”.

The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Appeal helps hundreds of families in need at Christmas, nominated by Social Services, with vouchers for food, toys and clothing. The Appeal run by Rotary, Round Table and Lions Clubs with the Lord Mayor as the appeal's patron carries out fund raising events throughout the year, including a fabulous masked ball at the end of March.

Councillor Main has thoroughly enjoyed his year in office, bringing his infectious enthusiasm for the city to the role which he described as a “great honour.”

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Somerset’s top businesses came together on November 16th to recognise and celebrate business success across the whole of the county at one of the most important and popular fixtures in Somerset’s business calendar – the Somerset Business Awards 2012.

This is the eighth awards event organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the hub of business influence in Somerset. The aim of the Awards night was to celebrate business success across Somerset, to raise the profile of Somerset businesses in the region and nationally, and encourage the growth of start up businesses.

Marketing and Promotion Award winner Higos Insurance Services Ltd, Neil Wyatt. Presenting the award, Alice Driscoll, Managing Director of ADPR.

Over 280 people from the county’s leading businesses attended the sell-out event at the Somerset County Cricket Ground to find out who had won this year’s hotly contested awards. The event organisers commented that the standard of the entries this year had been exceptional, whilst the number of companies entering was up by 20 per cent, proving that the popularity and prestige of the Somerset Business Awards continues to increase year on year.

The main sponsors, Albert Goodman, which has offices throughout Somerset, opened the annual Somerset Business Awards. Managing Partner of Albert Goodman, David Griffin, commented, “It is so important for us to be involved with the Somerset Business Awards. We want to celebrate the entrepreneurial skill, enthusiasm and commitment that is so prevalent in Somerset’s businesses. We are very proud to acknowledge this and applaud it.”

Jenn Chidley, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce – the Somerset Business Awards’ organisers – was delighted with the entries for 2012 and commented: “It is fantastic to see the number of entries up again on last year. It just goes to show how important the Somerset Business Awards are to businesses in this region.”

The Somerset Business Awards annually recognise business success, credibility and customer service and are hotly competed for each year. Winning businesses achieve great publicity and many Award winners go on to do bigger and better things following success at the Awards.

Now in its seventh year, the Awards have earned a prestigious reputation and attract increasing numbers of businesses each year. David Griffin, said, “Every year the Somerset Business Awards become more competitive and the standards rise substantially, making it an even more influential accolade to win.

New to Somerset Award winner Prolift Access Ltd, Andrew Pearson and Andrew Martin. Presenting the award, Chair of Into Somerset, Anne Fraser.

A total of 14 categories were open to businesses across the county, including new categories: Skills for Growth Award, (sponsored by Somerset Employment & Skills Board) and the Energy Efficiency Award, (sponsored by Somerset County Council).

For a full list of winners visit www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk 8

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There to support you through life’s challenges.

Proud finalists in the Somerset Business Awards 2012/2013, in the “Service Excellence” category, Thorne Segar of Minehead in Somerset pride themselves on being able to offer a large company service from a small local practice.

They offer all their clients a free initial consultation, transparent pricing with the use of fixed fees where appropriate, clear matter time frames with the avoidance of undue delay, all communicated in plain English, without jargon.

The key word for their practice being “local”. Thorne Segar have been serving the community in the Minehead and Exmoor area with legal and accounting services since 1886. Over the many years since then they have built a special understanding of the people, their way of life and community.

The thing that makes them special is the combination of services they offer allied with a very personal approach. Clients trust the lawyer with whom they already have an established relationship, and to be able to turn to the same people for accountancy and investment advice is very reassuring, particularly to the older generation.

Large city practices, besides being very expensive, are frequently impersonal, and clients appreciate the personal touch that Thorne Segar provides; people like to talk to people.

They offer a full range of accounting services to both business and individuals, as well as all the legal advice and services that you would expect from a well established and accredited practice. In addition, because it is often the case that major life events require a combination of expertise, Thorne Segar offer a complete investment service through Brewin Dolphin of London, one of the largest independent private client investment managers in the UK. Thorne Segar holds the coveted Law Society, Lexcel, and Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditations, awarded to firms who provide Legal Excellence in client care and service quality.

While adhering to their traditional values Thorne Segar are small enough to adapt to change. As Joseph Mullis, Practice Manager explained, “We are continually evolving our service to keep pace with the changing profile and needs both of people and businesses in the area and newcomers to it, ensuring that we continue to meet objectives more effectively and efficiently.”

More and more, clients are coming to appreciate the benefits of dealing with a local company with all the same accreditations and services as larger firms, but far less costly, and truly in touch with local concerns.

At Thorne Segar we think you'll discover how their blend of experience and strong client service ethos brings a special insight and a brighter outlook.

Contact them to arrange an initial discussion and to see how their extensive range of services can benefit you on 01643 703234.

www.thornesegar.co.uk 3 Bancks Street • Minehead • TA24 5DE

Congratulations to all at

Thorne Segar for being a finalist in the Somerset Business Awards FIRST CLASS ACCOUNTANCY, TAX AND BUSINESS ADVICE

www.albertgoodman.co.uk 9

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Transforming the way your customers connect to you

Callagenix has got your number - and a whole lot more Whether you’re a start-up business or a fully fledged international blue-chip organisation, Callagenix is on speed dial for supplying the complete range of hosted telephony services.

It could be a brand new number - Callagenix has the full range of UK local and national numbers including 0800, 0844, 0845, 0870, 0300, 0333, 090 with more than 3,000 local areas throughout the world - it could be a complete hosted company service or elements of a service to complement existing company telephony services. Calls can be routed over normal telephone lines or over the internet. Whatever you need, it’s good to talk to Callagenix.

“Having grown through two recessions, choosing the right supplier is equally as important as choosing the right phone number and service,” says General Manager Tony Jenkins.

“We provide unbiased high quality services and support to thousands of organisations all over the world. Many of our clients have been with us for more than 10 years and recommendations account for around 50% of new clients.”

Innovation and quality service are the hallmarks of Callagenix which, since its creation in 1999, has done nothing but grow, with many of its original customers still benefiting from these today.

“At every stage we endeavour to make clients’ businesses more efficient by removing cost, complexity and barriers to change across their telephony infrastructures,” says Tony.

“Our unique systems are designed to ensure that, no matter how complex an organisation, we can provide an effective solution which customers can manage and control. At the same time we continually review and update our services to take advantage of new technologies and changes in regulations.”

While standard packages are available, the beauty of Callagenix’s services, which range from simple number redirects to a comprehensive range of Advanced services including switchboards, hunt groups, Information lines, text and voicemail and many more. Customers can choose as many as they wish, fit them together to suit their needs and manage them on line.

Free trials are available so every client can ensure they’ve got the perfect system.

“Whether you want to focus on a local customer base or go global, we can make your telephony meet your exact requirements,” says Tony.

You can keep your existing telephone number or choose a new one – whatever suits you.”

2013 is destined to be an exciting year for Callagenix as it eagerly anticipates the launch of its brand new website, additional services, expanded API and new customer video training tutorials.

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This is a company that looks to the future in more ways than one.

As a member of SWAIN (The South West Angel and Investor Network), it has a healthy programme of investment and mentoring in new companies, focusing on the more high-tech or technical organisations in complementary business sectors.

This really is a company that’s making all the right connections.

For further information about its services and how it can help your business, call us on 0333 247 0000 e-mail sales@callagenix.com or visit our website at

www.callagenix.com

Here is a small list of services available.

Please go to the web site to see the complete list.

Virtual Switchboard A fully integrated virtual switchboard service - all of the functionality of a large PBX for a fraction of the cost.

Information Line All incoming calls are played a customised recorded message that can be looped, or played once..

Answerphone Enabling you to collect your messages wherever you are.

Call Conference Meeting by phone and no need to travel.

PIN Entry Secure access to your phone systems with a PIN.

Time Of Day Fully automate your telephone system by programming what service will be used when.

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“Designed to run in any browser or an iPad, as a hosted service or locally installed, Citrus Service Desk is a fresh approach that will facilitate increased service levels and potentially reduce service management costs thanks to its advanced, dynamic and interactive problem and knowledge management,” says Simplisys Managing Director Peter Lench.

Helpdesk software suite Citrus Service Desk has stood out from the crowd ever since it burst onto the market.

“We work closely with customers to understand their requirements, reasons for change and key project objectives and aim to always exceed their expectations. We deliver to specification, on time, within budget and our first-class support service, Citrus CARE includes upgrades to the latest version release.”

Simplisys, an ISO 9001 registered company on the Middle Bridge Business Park, Portishead, was established in 2006 as a value-add reseller specialising in sales and delivery of third party helpdesk software but, in 2011, took the strategic decision to develop, market and focus solely upon Citrus Service Desk.

“Making the transition from being a value-add reseller to a software vendor was one of our biggest challenges but it was also one of our biggest successes,” says Peter.

The state-of-the-art service management software package received rave revues when launched by Simplisys Ltd, in April 2012 and already has more than 300 users.

Hopes are high that many more customers will be attracted to the cutting-edge tool for managing IT, HR, Complaints and Facilities-type incidents, when Simplisys showcases version 2.0 at SITS13 in Earl’s Court, London on April 22.

They’re fully aware that they’ll be pitching against their major industry competitors but the team’s confidence in their product is absolute and expect things to be busy. They’re already well on their way to establishing Citrus Service Desk as a leading fixture in the UK helpdesk market.

The up-to-the-minute service management tool is designed to enable adopters to introduce industry best practices, such as ITIL 2011, to their businesses in support of service excellence.

This is software that’s easily configured to meet exact requirements; however, purchasers are not forced to adopt ITIL best practice. But whatever configuration they choose, all receive installation, configuration, set-up and training services plus on-going product support with Citrus CARE.

“A massive milestone was selling Citrus to our first customer, part of the NHS, in January 2012, the software was very well received from launch.”

Today customers include Oasis Healthcare PLC, NHS, Muir Housing Group and Validus-IVC and the company is looking forward to demonstrating the latest features of Citrus version 2.0 at Earl’s Court.

“Prioritising features that should go into the product is an ongoing mission,” says Peter.

“We’re always bursting with ideas and we actively search for and encourage customer feedback to ensure Citrus is the best value helpdesk in the market, delivering features our customers want.”

To find out how Citrus Service Desk can benefit your organisation, or for a free trial, visit

www.citrusservicedesk.com Alternatively telephone 01275 240500 or email sales@citrusservicedesk.com

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“We found that going the extra mile for people stood us in good stead and that they were happy to return as customers - and refer others to us.”

BEING ever-ready to go the extra mile has reaped rich dividends for exhibition and display specialist Backen Wright.

Fast forward to 2013 and the directors are preparing to recruit two sales executives as part of plans to increase the company’s account base further and introduce new clients to its best-selling innovative products.

“We feel to truly understand our products’ potential, they need to be displayed to customers,” explains Andy.

“Alongside this we have just released a new 26-page brochure and are currently refreshing and updating our website.”

As with any company there are challenges to be faced, such as maintaining high standards when timescales are tight, but Leon and Andy’s years of experience enables them to address all situations, leaving them able to reflect on the many successes.

Having just celebrated 25 years in business, the team’s friendly and helpful - yet always professional - approach has made it a real winner with established and new clients.

Now it’s building on those silver successes with exciting plans to expand the sales team, backed up by the recent publication of its latest brochure, and revamp its website.

At the forefront of these developments are directors Leon Saddington and Andy Rogers who, as former employees, bought Backen Wright (named after its two founders) in 2004 and have not looked back since.

From its premises on the Hope Mills Business Centre, at Brimscombe, near Stroud, Backen Wright manufactures and supplies high quality, affordable and effective portable exhibition displays and large format print solutions.

“We’re a small, friendly and reliable team which is focused on delivering high levels of service, competitive prices and attractive print, priding ourselves on achieving this all within the client’s timescale,” says Andy.

“With plenty of experience within the industry we like to think we have a good approach and attitude towards our clients and their requirements.”

“As a smaller company which has worked with Intel, the NHS, McDonalds, the BBC, the Food Standards Agency and many other large organisations, we count these as successes, but, we equally appreciate and are just as happy to work with the oneman band down the road or the new start-up just around the corner,” says Andy.

“Guiding the business through the economic downturn shows we can be flexible enough to cope and still maintain standards when customers require more value for money during these difficult times.”

To contact Backen Wright about this article or if you have an exhibition/print requirement with which you would like help, please email info@backenwright.co.uk Alternatively to talk to Leon or Andy or one of the freindly team call freephone on 0800 756 7596 or why not visit www.backenwright.co.uk

Carrwood House Carrbottom Road Bradford Bradfor d West W est Y Yorkshir Yorkshire orkshire BD5 9AG E: sales@dominionprint.com www.dominionprint.com www .dominionprint.com

It was that approach which proved critical to Backen Wright’s continued growth following Leon and Andy’s arrival at the helm.

“We increased sales purely by talking to the customers understanding their requirements and applying a fresh approach and by seeking out new customers,” Andy recalls.

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Proud Pro oud to support Backen W Wright right

BBP Page - Bristol_Layout 1 10/05/2013 12:18 Page 61

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Or would you just like some publicity to enhance your image?

The Bristol Business Post is a high quality, glossy A4 publication that is distributed directly to 20k+ managing directors and decision makers throughout the South West with an annual turnover in excess of £300K. Our magazine is focused on the professional business audience in the South West region and reaches them on two levels; directly through their mailbox and passively through casual reader pick-up.

Contact our team Freephone: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@bristolbusinesspost.co.uk 13

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The excitement is bubbling at the Original Bristol Blue Glass Not only is the company celebrating 25 years since reviving manufacture of the world famous lustrous deep blue glass, but the factory has moved into a new studio at 357 - 359 Bath Road in Bristol opposite Arnos Vale.

Bristol Blue Glass is famous throughout the world and has been produced in Bristol since the early 18th century, although glass manufacturing in the area dates back over 2,000 years.

The beautiful colour comes from the addition of cobalt oxide to lead crystal, and while it is uncertain exactly when Bristol Blue Glass was first made the quality and beauty of the glass swiftly gained popularity Although production ceased in the early 20th century, almost 70 years after the last Glass factory closed in Bristol, the tradition of high quality glass manufacture continues at the Bristol Blue Glass Studio on Bath Road.

The new premises are open and ready for visits and demonstrations. The retail team are thrilled by the fabulous new showroom which gives them even more opportunity to display, not just the famous blue glass, but their beautiful ruby glass and range of individually designed and handmade glass giftware items.

For more information or to book a visit please visit the web site http://bristol-glass.co.uk or telephone (+44) (0) 117 972 0818

In a mass produced, expendable world, every piece of Bristol Blue Glass is entirely freeblown, and handmade without the use of moulds or machinery, making each piece unique.

Today the skilled glassworkers of the Bristol Blue Glass Studio and Shop are continuing a time-honoured tradition at the thriving, working studio.

You can visit these skilled craftsmen in the studio, where you can watch the glass being blown, spend time in the museum of glass, listen to fascinating commentaries and join in with exciting, hands-on activities. You can even blow your own beautiful Bristol Blue Glass bauble for just ÂŁ12.50 Flog It! presenter Thomas Plant recently tried his hand / mouth at glass blowing; you can see how he got on via YouTube.

There is no entrance fee to the Bristol Blue Glass Studio and Shop, and access is granted to all areas.

Glass blowing demonstrations take place daily, where you can see this traditional skill in action from the public viewing gallery, and there are tours and evening displays, too. The shop also features the widest selection of Bristol Blue Glass available to buy anywhere in the South West.

14

Congratulations, Jim and Suzanne.

We are glad we could assist with the relocation to your new showroom and glass making studio.

Old Bank, The Triangle, Paulton Bristol, BS39 7LE Tel: 01761 417414 E-mail: hello@peregrineca.com

Registered to carry out audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

31533 1pg new:Transport Warehousing 14/01/2013 20:20 Page 1

Government support for

Apprenticeships Apprenticeships, the buzz word of the moment, tackling both youth unemployment and the looming skills shortage in manufacturing and engineering; currently often being filled from overseas.

Professor Bhattacharyya of the Warwick Manufacturing Group has argued for some time that we don’t need more graduates; we just need more engineers and technicians.

The Government has recognised the need and has put some key initiatives in place resulting in a transformation in the way in which apprenticeships are viewed in this country over recent years.

This is reflected not only in the growth in the number of people –young and adults – successfully completing an Apprenticeship but in the types and styles of businesses taking on apprenticeships for the first time.

More Advanced Level and Higher Apprenticeships are being offered through specialist providers, and supported by colleges and universities meaning that

Apprenticeships increasingly offer a vocational route to the top.

Impressive new businesses and new sectors such as financial and professional services are embracing Apprenticeships in large numbers for the first time. A case in point is the new higher level 4 NVQ qualification being embraced by the PR industry.

It is an exciting time for Apprenticeships and for the National Apprenticeship Service, as the Government continues to invest heavily in Apprenticeships and wider skills development at a time when public finances are very tight.

With more than 665,000 Apprentices in training last year, there is no doubt that Apprenticeships are an increasingly important part of the country’s response to bringing forward a strong economic recovery.

Quality is the key to sustaining growth in Apprenticeships. The recent National Audit Office review has confirmed the excellent return on investment in Apprenticeships.

Some of our major names are offering Advanced Apprenticeships, JLR’s scheme is open to GCSE qualified candidates and starts with a year in college studying for an NVQ2 in Performing Engineering Operations, followed by an NVQ3 in a chosen trade pathway, and a Technical Certificate, as well as training in key skills such as Communication, IT and Numeracy. Apprentices will then go on to fulfil roles in a variety of manufacturing and product development functions.

The Virgin Media apprentice scheme is going from strength to strength, with the main goal being to attract the best young talent into Virgin’s network teams and give them a great learning experience at Virgin Media by helping them to develop quickly in their roles, from a technical and personal perspective.

Smaller businesses too up and down the country are benefiting from the government’s programme. Retailers, builders, caterers, hairdressers and engineers to name a few, are taking the opportunity to transmit their skills to the next generation, and build in the training they need in their own workforce.

The future for apprenticeships is looking bright. In 2012-13 the Government expects to invest around £1.5 billion. This will be used to support over 700,000 apprentices in training in 2012-13, and to deliver up to 500,000 starts, while continuing to increase efficiency and deliver value for money.

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

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10798 1pg_P&W Engineering 18/04/2013 11:36 Page 12

Pollinger & Warren ENGINEERING LTD

Precision is the key word at Pollinger & Warren Ltd, right from the description of its services, through to the attention paid to clients’ requirements.

“We pride ourselves on being very adaptable and do our best to assist with all enquiries,” explains Steve.

With a total staff roll of three “small is beautiful” really applies when it comes to the Bristol firm, which has been established since the 1970s.

Over the decades it has dealt with the requirements of thousands of local businesses, always providing quality work with short lead times.

General precision engineering is just one aspect of the broad range of engineering services provided by the company based at Charlton Road Kingswood.

It also carries out toolmaking and CNC machining as well as offering the complete engineering service where fabricating, welding, heat treatments and surface treatments are required.

This diversity of services is reflected in the variety of clients which makes up its large customer base, including such prestigious names as Rolls Royce, Toyota, Kliklok and Rep Rap Pro a 3D printing company.

The company are proud to have been closely involved with the major restoration work being carried out on the SS Great Britain, the steamship designed by Bristol’s famous son Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

“If a customer requires help with the design or component of a tool, we can help, as we have experience of working with individual clients in developing their products and prototypes.

When it comes to one-offs, bespoke parts and components, Pollinger & Warren is ready to help, manufacturing to a customer’s drawing, sketch or sample – and on the occasion that it can’t do the job – it knows someone who can.

“If you can’t source the part, why not have it made?” suggests Steve, “We have experience of working in many different fields of engineering, such as model engineering, marine, custom or classic car restoration.

“Although not auto engineers, we have worked with car clubs machining engine blocks, cylinder heads, fly wheels and the like and have also manufactured many items for the marine and super yacht building industries.

For further information about the services provided by Pollinger & Warren Engineering Ltd visit www.pollingerandwarren.com To make an enquiry telephone 0117 9401 440 or email steve@pweng.co.uk

“We have small, medium, and multinational businesses each of whom get the same attention to detail regardless of size and complexity,” says company MD Steve Pollinger.

Civil engineering, plant and machinery, packaging, aerospace, automotive, medical and even body jewellery are just some of the sectors for which Pollinger & Warren has produced products.

Yet despite the precise nature of their craft and the close attention to detail paid by the company’s skilled employees to all projects flexibility is of crucial importance too.

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Telephone: +44 (0)117 932 2725 Email: enquiries@alec-jarrett.co.uk Web: www.alecjarrett.co.uk Alec Jarrett Limited High Street, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30 9TN

10882 1pg_Carford Group 26/04/2013 15:52 Page 1

Engineering is its speciality and it’s the people that are powering the success of Derek Lane & Co Ltd. “Our staff are our biggest strength,” says Sales Director and coproprietor Rob Woodley. “Every one in our highly trained team has a wealth of knowledge which has been acquired over many years and is happy to help you by providing technical assistance and product advice.”

Not only has the Exeter company been able to retain top people over the past few years, it’s actually increased staffing levels despite the difficult economic climates. But customers know quality when they see it, and Derek Lane & Co, established in 1979 has plenty of that along with many accreditations and certificates.

Accredited to ISO9001:2008 and a member of the British Fluid Power Distributors Association, the over-riding aim in everything it does is to provide a quality service and product. Its most recent achievement was being awarded the new SC21 (Supply Chain 21st Century) accreditation. “This shows a further commitment to our customers in terms of quality, source, traceability and product integrity,” says Rob. With Mark Venn, Operations Director and co-proprietor, they head up the business that provides the a complete solution Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Industrial, Process Control and Engineering products and services throughout the UK and in Europe. Its ParkerStore, situated on the outskirts of Exeter, is a one-stop shop for hydraulic, pneumatic and associated products and, as a stockist and distributor for many world-leading manufacturers, including Parker Hannifin, Hydac International, Abac, Sauer Danfoss, there’s few industry components the company can’t source.

“Having many years industry experience, we have built up a very large portfolio of professional and accredited suppliers and it’s rare that we’re unable to source a component for customers, not only of the correct quality but also within often important timescales,” says Mark. “Those in our sales and technical teams are all highly qualified engineers in their own right and use these skills to source products to the correct specifications.”

It’s not just about supplying parts, Derek Lane & Co designs and manufactured systems tailored for individual requirements.

Customers have included Marine Construction, Quarries, Transport, Food, Utilities and the Ministry of Defence and the company has assisted clients from a wide range of industries including agriculture, construction, aerospace, factory production, foundries and utility companies.

“Our breadth of knowledge and experience ensures we can provide a complete service for all major industries,” says Mark. “If you require a system for a specific application but are unsure of how to do it, give us a call.”

And that invitation applies to every product, no matter how big or small, technical or non-technical.

“Our philosophy has always been to be customer driven and therefore our knowledge of the industry is very difficult to match,” adds Rob. “Get in touch - we're here to help.”

For further information about Derek Lane & Co, its products and services, visit

www.dereklane.co.uk Alternatively, telephone 01392 811466 or email info@dereklane.co.uk

Proud supporters of Derek Lane & Co Ltd. Certification & Services • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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www.metalflex.co.uk 17

10965 1pg_Feature Template 09/05/2013 16:03 Page 1

Multicoms Solutions may be a young company but it’s where you will find a wealth of experience and enthusiasm more likely associated with far more established businesses.

Whether its a domestic or commercial client requiring electronic security in the form of automated barriers/doors, intruder alarms, access control or CCTV, an organistion wanting to boost its communications systems in the form of a sound field system, data network/phone systems, public address or even assistance with the installation of inductive loops Multicoms can help.

It can also assist those wanting super audio-visual facilities by installing multi-room audio systems, cinema and surround sound rooms, projector and multimedia installations and interactive whiteboards for a more corporate effect for business or education.

“All of our staff and engineers are continually trained in their specialist fields to ensure they remain at the cutting edge of everchanging technology,” adds Matt. “They are also police checked and asked to provide references going back 10 years.

What’s more, in every one of the five years since Dean Pendry and Matthew Trott launched the communications, security and audio visual company, it’s turned a profit.

“Can’t complain in a recession,” smiles Dean, although he hasn’t forgotten the long hours of hard work, travelling, telephone calls and meetings that went into getting things off the ground.

“We don’t take any of it for granted though and the hard work hasn’t stopped,” he adds. “We have tried to remain consistent in all our efforts establishing the business and kept our feet firmly on the ground.”

All that effort has been quickly rewarded with plenty of projects, either directly for clients or indirectly through national and international main contracting organizations.

“Whatever the nature of the project we are committed to providing an excellent service through meticulous consultation and to bringing customers the best solutions based on their particular requirements from our services,” says Matt.

With design, installation, maintenance and consultancy services also part of the Multicoms’ brief, the business provides the total package.

“Whether it’s a high or low budget project, we offer a costeffective solution guaranteeing long-term reliability,” says Matt.

“Quality, precision and health and safety is a key priority and our attention to detail guarantees excellence in all we do.

Based in Bristol, it’s taken hard work and determination for Multicoms to build its growing client base which now covers the South West and includes project managing sites in Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and London.

“We are a very young, diverse and honest company which wants what is best for its clients at any cost,” adds Dean.

“Whether you require an electronic security system, wish to create a digital home audio and visual experience, we have all the skills, expertise and enthusiasm to help. We have a friendly and polite customer service team who are always available by phone, so please get in touch.”

For full details of the company’s services, visit

www.multicoms.co.uk Alternatively, telephone 0117 971 9326 or email mail@multicoms.co.uk

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10964 1pg_Transport Warehousing 25/04/2013 11:32 Page 1

Bristol’s Fitness4Less is pumped up and raring to go, fuelled by great reviews and booming membership Fitness4Less Best Small Chain award at the Member’s Choice National Health Club Awards 2012 has also acted as a high energy boost for everyone at the Union Street gym, particularly as it was voted for by its members.

“Yet the club opened on time and on budget and it looks great! Now we’re getting great reviews and building our membership to a level which allows us to be successful going forward.”

For a monthly fee of only £15.99, members enjoy free weekly exercise classes, cycling in the spinning room, unisex and separate ladies-only gyms, a large free weights area and luxury changing rooms. There are no contracts or commitment meaning, Steve explains, people can leave when they need to and re-join when it is more convenient or, as is quite often the case in the current economic climate, when financial pressure has eased.

For Operations Director Steve Bradley, the immediate results couldn’t be better for this recently opened new gym, part of the Fitness4Less Group and one of 12 nationwide.

While fitness fans might be saving on membership fees, due to that low rate, they’ll still be enjoying some of the best facilities, classes and equipment around, thanks to some smart work from Fitness4less.

“It marks the end of a year of exciting challenges at Bristol,” he grins. “From getting the building ready to ensuring we had the right team, a great selection of classes and the latest equipment, plus ensuring that all the technology worked.

“We have managed to get rid of unnecessary administration through introducing fingerprint registration at the club and providing the opportunity for people to join and manage their membership online,” explains Steve.

“This has enabled us to cut the cost of membership. We are not a cheap club - far from it - we’re a high quality affordable facility, with new equipment, excellent classes and a manned reception.”

The Bristol gym is one of the latest clubs to be opened by the Fitness4less group which was launched in 2007 and is looking to establish a network of gyms across the country through franchise opportunities. It plans to open two more this year. The redevelopment of the city site continues apace. The saunas are now open and further classes and even more equipment are due to be added.

Fitness4less Bristol is open seven days a week and for full details of opening times, classes and to join, go to www.fitness4less.co.uk/Bristol_Club Alternatively email bristol@fitness4less.co.uk.

Feeling the pinch gym clas & jus ses t

£15 .99 per mo nth

15 - 29 Union St City Centre Bristol BS1 2DF 19

10773 3pgs_Carford Group 01/05/2013 12:52 Page 1

A quick guide to Bristol for event planners What's it famous for Bristol is the largest city in South West England and has undergone a spectacular 21st century renaissance. Mixing its rich maritime heritage with a contemporary, alternative culture, Bristol offers everything from the street art of Banksy and See No Evil, to the iconic designs of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Steeped in history and heritage, visitors enjoy wandering along the cobbled streets of the Old City and browsing Bristol’s many important churches providing reminders of the city’s rich medieval past. The city is also recognised as the shopping capital of the South West with over 500 stores in Bristol Shopping Quarter, all conveniently located in the city centre within walking distance of hotels and attractions.

Photography by_Dave Pratt Bristol is best seen by foot, but residents and visitors alike often rely on the city’s excellent public transportation, including a ferry boat system which travels along Bristol’s popular Harbourside to major shopping, dining and attraction venues offering a sustainable travel alternative.

Must see attractions and activities Travel back in time and visit Bristol’s new £27 million history museum, M Shed, which tells the story of Bristol’s past and present. Or take a walk over Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge - as striking today as it was upon its completion in 1864. Visitors to Bristol can also board the award-winning Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Brunel's engineering masterpiece was the world's first great ocean going liner and has been lovingly restored to her former Victorian glory. At-Bristol is the place to go for an interactive science adventure of a lifetime while Bristol Zoo Gardens is the world’s 5th oldest zoo. Bristol will entertain you with its vibrant mix of theatres and contemporary arts venues where everything from major West End productions to stand-up comedy is staged.

Location, location, location Bristol is one of the most easily accessible cities in the UK, with excellent road, rail and air links. As the closest major city to London and the gateway to South West England, Bristol has easy access to the M4 and M5 motorways, two mainline railway stations and the UK’s fastest growing international airport. The city centre offers a compact area for business travellers with an array of hotels, unique venues, attractions and dining options all within walking distance.

Photography by_Mandy Reynolds

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10773 3pgs_Carford Group 01/05/2013 12:52 Page 2

™ Four stunning conference rooms, largest room can seat up to 120 delegates

™ Accommodation for 45 delegates ™ Unique and engaging teambuilding activities

™ Excellent customer service ™ Delicious, seasonal and low food-mile menus

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a place for business

We are a popular wedding and group accommodation venue - so call us today on

Located in the heart of a 250-acre nature reserve, our award-winning conference centre is an inspiring and unique venue for conferences.

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follyfarm.org See Bristol's Harbourside from a nautical perspective by taking a historic harbour tour. Other sightseeing tours include the Bristol City Sightseeing bus tour or history buffs can enjoy a Bristol Pirate Walk. A new addition to Bristol's Harbourside includes the UK's largest restaurant called Za Za Bazaar. Just steps from Bristol's Harbourside in the city centre is the new, and world famous Harveys Cellars which recently reopened as an upmarket, contemporary wine, sherry and cocktail lounge in the former home and birthplace of Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry.

Harveys is an excellent location for incentives.

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Meetings and events Bristol welcomes exhibitions, conferences and events of all styles and sizes. The capacity and flexibility of venues, plus their ‘can do’ attitude is a breath of fresh air to event organisers. With more than 2,000 four star bedrooms in the central area and a number of venues able to manage events in excess of 1,000 delegates, Bristol can easily cater for the majority of conferences and events. Another asset to Bristol is the diversity of venues available. With many major and recognisable hotel brands, city centre and rural settings plus some unique to the region, Bristol has the quality and product to be adaptable to market demands.

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10773 3pgs_Carford Group 01/05/2013 12:52 Page 3

22

10960 1pg_Transport Warehousing 24/04/2013 14:29 Page 1

As the retail sector suffers on a national scale, one West Country nursery brand is bucking the trend. The Gro Company under Managing Director, Christian Jones, is blazing a trail in the Nursery sector worldwide.

Just 24 months ago, Christian Jones joined the West Country-based Gro Company with a ‘big bang’ vision. Today, as Managing Director of the Devon-based global brand, this vision has become a reality – not only championing British business but top of both the UK and Australia’s popularity slots with their flagship Grobag brand.

During the two years that Jones has been at the helm of The Gro Company, business has grown exponentially with a current turnover of approximately £12 million, so much so that Jones recently led an MBO of the business.

Jones commented: “On behalf of all the parties involved and to my dedicated Gro team, I am very proud of this MBO achievement, particularly as a growing business based in the West Country. Within the last 24 months, we have increased company earnings by 418% and are on track to achieve a figure of 680% by June of this year. It is our mission to ensure that every family the world over should use at least one Gro product to settle their child to sleep.

“Our short-term business story bears testament to the proof that a double dip in the economic backdrop will not hinder consumer trust and loyalty. A parent will always opt for the best for their child and Gro products are lauded by both consumer and industry partners alike for their high quality, exceptional value and unique safer sleep endorsement from The Lullaby Trust. It’s this relentless focus on excellence that has allowed a Devon-based SME to become a key global player,” added Jones.

Christian Jones joined The Gro Company two years ago, drawing on an exceptionally strong corporate FMCG background, having worked for PepsiCo and Del Monte amongst others.

Jones’s drive and leadership reflect how big business personality and strategy can successfully enhance a British SME of distinction within any macro environment.

G Great – ensure that the product or brand you are creating or selling is better than the competition – be great at what you do and lead the way R Responsible business – become a brand or service that customers trust and work with valued complementary industry partners that reflect this O Over and above – Don’t cut corners with your business and provide excellent product and customer service, as well as delivery – stand out from the crowd

For more information about The Gro Company please visit

www.gro.co.uk

Talk about Grobag and you’ll find one number comes up again and again.

• No 1 Baby Sleep Bag in UK and Australia • The 1st sleep bag to meet the British Safety Standard • The one Baby Sleep Bag recommended by The Lullaby Trust (formerly FSID) • The one sleep bag recommended by 99% of Grobag users • No 1 nursery product in the 2012/13 Mother & Baby Awards

The new management team is led by Christian Jones, former Innocent Chairman, Jules Hydleman, and Mobeus Partner Bob Henry will join The Gro Company’s Finance Director, Dave Gough, on the Board.

Christian Jones shares some G.R.O top tips on how to build your business with Bristol Business Post readers, as follows:-

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10876 1pg_Carford Group 26/04/2013 17:40 Page 1

Bristol’s Broadwalk Shopping Centre is in the heart of the community - and has the community right at its heart.

These are backed by fashion outlets, butchers, a green grocer, children’s soft play centre and a snooker hall.

On several bus routes, with even further stops a short distance away, the centre is easily reached by public transport. Car users will find free and secure parking for more than 500 vehicles, including disabled and parent and child spaces, and there is wheelchair access via automatic doors and passenger lifts.

It’s not enough for the 34-unit centre to provide the kind of stores shoppers want or adapt its opening times to suit demand, it’s right at the forefront of local life, championing the causes of schools, football clubs, art clubs, theatrical clubs neighbourhood watch groups and many others.

“We have secured an excellent tenant mix to serve the community and more,” declares manager Tim Moloney proudly.

“Broadwalk is fully let - which in this day and age is not to be sneezed at.”

A clean bill of health is certainly the case for this popular shopping destination which opened in the Knowle area of the city in 1974.

It was enlarged by 28,000sqft in 2006 to accommodate a Wilkinson’s store which today sits alongside other high street stalwarts such as B&M, 99p Stores, Iceland and Superdrug.

“Being very much in the heart of the community, we are constantly looking to improve our tenant mix to give our customers a destination shopping centre and have some exciting developments in the pipeline,” reveals Tim. “With online shopping and large superstores, high street shoppers are now in a position to demand not only what shops that they want, but also when they want to shop.

“This means opening to suit the customers, be those times early mornings, late evenings and trading on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

“The customer expects to shop in a clean, pleasant and secure environment with accessible parking, which we have achieved at the Broadwalk Shopping Centre.”

Broadwalk is open Mondays to Thursdays from 8am until 6.30pm.

On Fridays it opens from 8am-7.30pm, Saturdays from 8am until 6pm and on Sundays and bank holidays from 10am until 4pm.

For further information on its facilities and stores guide, go to

www.broad-walk.com Alternatively telephone 0117 9771871 or email enquiries@broad-walk.co.uk

DEBRA Charity Shop 23 Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Knowle (BS4 2QU)

www.debra.org.uk If you would like to volunteer with us or donate your unwanted items then please visit us in store or call 01179 720740

We collect furniture FREE! A charity registered in England and Wales (1084958) and Scotland (SC039654).

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10903 1pg_Layout 1 29/04/2013 11:46 Page 1

Orchardleigh Golf Club

In terms of great sporting comebacks, Orchardleigh Golf Club has to be one of the best.

With a friendly welcome always awaiting visitors and society groups, bespoke corporate golf packages are also available.

Languishing in Receivership with the recession tightening its grip, in the last four years it has truly hauled itself out of the rough and is now driving straight down the middle to success.

Ever mindful that the economy is not out of the bunkers yet, Peter says to all businesses: “We can price corporate golf days appropriately to today’s economic difficulties. Don’t give up your golf entertainment without first discussing it with us.”

Despite the toughest of economic times, since being bought by Somerset Golf Club Ltd, substantial investment in equipment, buildings and the 6,824 yard par 72 course has seen it thrive and grow.

Today it’s an extremely popular club, not only with the golfers but with the entire community, offering more than just an enjoyable day on the course, but everything expected of a modern, 21st century venue: conferences, functions and thanks to the highly respected English chef, superb restaurant fare.

It’s a success story that’s even more remarkable considering that it bucks the usual trend of private sector skills benefiting the public sector. The management team is led by former police officer Paul Holloway and his wife Gail, an ex local authority community services officer.

However Paul is quick to pay tribute to the hard work of the energetic staff of 20, which includes PGA golf professional, Stuart Clark, in helping Orchardleigh re-emerge into the sporting limelight.

“It’s an impressive success story which I put down to a small, dedicated and hardworking team, close and careful management and, particularly, commitment to re-invest in what is central to Orchardleigh’s progress, its golf course,” he insists.

The result is, he points out, increasing numbers of visitor and society bookings, keen to enjoy the club’s facilities, which include its challenging yet rewarding 18 holes, set in stunning countryside, a full length practice range, bunker, chipping and putting greens and the well stocked shop and club fitting centre where coaching requirements for all levels of players can be discussed.

However you take your golf, once you’ve sunk that hole in one – or in a few strokes more perhaps – you can celebrate, relax or commiserate in the friendly and relaxing clubhouse.

Here the restaurant, the ideal venue for family celebrations or business events, offers golf fare, a full a la carte menu and Sunday carvery. With the accent on local produce, meat and fish, its already great reputation for good food continues to grow.

A separate private room, with views over the beautiful estate, is also available for a wide range of functions, including conferences, training days, presentations, small weddings, receptions, parties and discos, complete with menus customised to the suit the occasion.

Orchardleigh, which can be found on the A362 Frome to Radstock road, near the village of Buckland Dinham, certainly offers a whole lot more than just top quality golf.

Peter says: “Our small but dedicated management team offers an affordable, bespoke high quality service focussing on customer satisfaction whether it be golf, conferencing, functions or restaurant food.”

To find out more about the club and its facilities visit

www.orchardleighgolf.co.uk email info@orchardleighgolf.co.uk or telephone 01373 454 200

25

10846 1pg_Layout 1 29/04/2013 10:43 Page 8

The café extends its warm welcome to everyone; families, children and your dogs are welcome to come and join in the fun.

They cater for the whole family.

To enjoy the stunning scenery a walk along the Jurassic coast path toward West Bay will bring you to our sister Café the Watch House located on directly on East Beach, offering a showcase menu of the best Dorset has to offer.

“One of the World’s Best Seafood Cafés”

The clay pizza oven is on view for customers to watch pizza, breads and even fish being cooked by award winning chefs.

With outside seating directly on the chesil bank, there are no better views available.

The Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock has a wellestablished reputation for the high standard of its food and of course its magnificent location on the Jurassic coast.

Come and discover for yourself the pleasure of eating freshly caught, locally sourced, sustainable fish on the beach looking out across Lyme bay.

The multi award winning Hive Beach Café offers a vast range of fresh local foods and fish. Choose your fish from the fish counter, which is on view as soon as you walk in, the chefs are always on hand to answer any questions. When visiting the cafe for fish it is wise to go early for the best choice.

During the summer months they also offer a selection of shellfish, spider crabs from their own beach, brown crabs from Lyme Bay and when possible hand dived scallops, a must to have while sitting on the patio of enjoying the beautiful World Heritage coast views, watching the sea and lingering over a bottle of wine. The Hive Beach Café is widely known for sourcing all their fish in local waters where they can and promoting sustainability, responsible fishing methods and low food miles.

The sustainability philosophy is even reflected in the electric delivery vehicle recently purchased.

The Hive offers a good choice for non-fish lovers of home cooked dishes, again using fresh local produce. The chalk board in the restaurant will show what’s on offer on the day. They also serve a scrummy range of cakes and biscuits made in its new Hive Beach Micro Bakery, served with tea or freshly brewed Dibar coffee and a good selection of soft drinks. In the summertime the ice-cream parlour is always popular serving delicious Lovington’s ice cream, especially, of course, Hive Honeycomb.

The Hive Beach Café Beach Rd, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4RF 01308 897070 / 07872 172734 info@hivebeachcafe.co.uk

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www.lovingtons.co.uk

10789 1pg_HorseWorld 17/04/2013 13:22 Page 17

Proper Ale, Proper Food, Proper Job Tim and Lisa Tutton are looking back over three happy and busy years at this attractive traditional Cornish pub.

“We are very passionate about fresh local food, and try to source as much as possible within the area and use a great range of suppliers from farm shops to fruiterers.” Their seasonal menus feature a wonderful range of seafood and meat dishes, and of course, a traditional Sunday Roast.

Delicious Chef's daily homemade specials are available alongside a varied menu from scrumptious steaks, salads, fish dishes, crab sandwiches, traditional Fish & Chips and homemade puddings.

Food is served in the bar, The Wheelhouse Restaurant which has seating for up to 24 people, and is available for private parties, or on the sun terrace, a great spot for drinking and eating crab sandwiches in the summer months. They call it the “tree tops” as it is situated at the back of the building up in the tree tops overlooking the old rooftops of Padstow.

The London Inn, owned by St Austell Brewery, was already a very busy place when Tim and Lisa took over, so they knew that building on the strong local reputation was going to be quite a challenge. However they have more than risen to it, and are thrilled to not only be attracting rave reviews from their visitors and in the local press, but to have won the British award for raising money for the Fisherman’s Mission over the 3 years, this is the top award in Britain with an award ceremony in London in April.

One of the most popular pubs in the area, it is a typical Cornish fisherman’s pub, full of charm, atmosphere and character with its own quirky ambience. The London Inn has 3 comfortable Bed and Breakfast rooms, and was converted from 3 fishermen’s cottages, opening as an Inn in 1803, taking its name from an old local sloop. It is charmingly situated near to Padstow harbour.

They have the largest selection of cask ales in Padstow, including a range of St Austell Ales, and are holders of the Cask Marque Certificate of Excellence for real Ale. The well stocked bar carries an excellent range of wines, ciders and spirits. Try their featured seasonal ales and regular live music feature from local musicians on Sunday afternoons.

Tim and Lisa also have another more personal cause for celebration; since taking over the couple have married, and now they and their two children, Amy and Craig, are looking forward to welcoming a new family member to The London Inn. To view the menu, or to make a booking, essential in the summer, please phone 01841 532554 or visit the web site

www.padstowlondoninn.co.uk

Tim and Lisa “hit the ground running” and have barely had time to draw breath since they took over. Their menus have proved extremely popular and place a strong emphasis on the fantastic range of good fresh produce available locally. Tim says himself

Tim and Lisa 27

10757 2pgs_HorseWorld 16/04/2013 14:58 Page 1

top quality butchers ANDREWS QUALITY MEATS Andrew Sears and Andy Ayris opened their first traditional butchers shop in Highworth in February, 1995 out of a shared passion for quality meat from local farmers that has been responsibly reared and treated with care.

At Andrews it is all about the quality of the meat, and with both partners having been in the meat trade since leaving school, and Andy Sears coming from a butchery family background they have a wealth of experience and expertise. No one else touches their meat in preparation; they take the animals to their abattoir at Wooton Basset and butcher and bone the meat themselves in-house.

Based in Wiltshire, they opened a second high street shop, in Marlborough in September 2011; they offer a range of top quality, locally produced meat, poultry and game at competitive prices from both shops. All their beef has been hung for 28 days, to ensure the very best flavour and texture. They make their own hand made pies, sausage rolls, tasty burgers and a superb range of sausages including the ever popular, “The Bloody Lovely Sausage”. Such a wide range of delicious home prepared, award winning cold meats is always available that customers are spoilt for choice; you can even try some at lunchtime in a generously filled crusty baguette.

Their friendly experienced team are always happy to help and advise, and to prepare a particular cut or joint especially for you, if necessary.

The partners are proud to have overcome the many challenges of the last 17 years, to have beset their industry, ranging from B.S.E, the beef on the bone ban, the Foot and Mouth crisis and the current recession. Andy Sears is very optimistic about the future, saying: “I firmly believe we will come out of it a stronger business than when we went in.” He

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maintains that the secret of their success has been maintaining the quality of their product and establishing good customer and working relationships.

Andrews’ successful Hog Roast business caters for anything up to 120 people. They are also able to supply Lamb, and Venison, and Pork or Beef rolls and salads. Entertaining? Why not let them make you a Beef Wellington, a Crown of Lamb or a Banjo of Pork, which when marinated and cooked slowly, is absolutely delicious, and becoming very popular!

10757 2pgs_HorseWorld 16/04/2013 14:59 Page 2

Their plans for the future include advertising more home deliveries from Highworth and Marlborough this year and running a course of butchery classes at Marlborough.

Always keen to support their local community and charities in the area, Andy Sears will be running in the 2012 London Marathon in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre.

Retail Butchery Frozen & Chilled Meat Industrial Ingredients Specialised Packaging Coatings - Crumb & Batter Food Machinery

Dalziel Serving the Food Industry

01635 265161 info@dalziel.co.uk 100 New Greenham Park Thatcham Berkshire RG19 6HN

Delivering service, quality and value for over 80 years.

AVIES

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FRAMPTON ROAD, GLOUCESTER, GL1 5QB SUPPLIERS OF: Catering Equipment, Clothing, Paper and Polythene Bags Refuse Sacks, Clingfilm, Bubblewrap

WISH Andrews Quality Meats the best of luck for the future TEL: 01452 524953 s FAX: 01452 381918 s WWW.GBDAVIES.CO.UK

16 High Street | Highworth | Swindon Wiltshire | SN6 7AG

Call: 01793762085 4 High Street | Marlborough Wiltshire | SN8 1AA

Call: 01672 519 915 www.andrewsqualitymeats.co.uk

Pococks Poultry Chicken & Bacon Wholesalers Daily deliveries throughout the south west Wishing Andrews Quality Meats all the best for the future.

T: 01225 705365 E: pocockspoultry@hotmail.co.uk 107 Middle Lane, Whitley, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8QR

Weddel Swift Distribution are proud to support Andrews Quality Meats and wish them all best for the future 0845 450 2418 Email: bridgendsales@wsdepots.com Web: www.wsdepots.com

Weddel Swift Distribution, Abergarw Trading Estate, Brynmennyn, Bridgend CF32 9LW

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10858 2pg_Carford Group 26/04/2013 17:00 Page 1

& Y R S O R N E P HIGH CLASS FAMILY BUTCHERS

South Gloucestershire gourmets seeking nothing but the best quality meat know the first place to take a butchers at is Perry & Son butchers.

Today, customers stepping into the friendly shop at Greenhill Parade, Alveston, will find alongside succulent meats a tempting array of sausages, faggots, burgers, barbecue products, pasties, pies, quiches and pork pies, all made on the premises, as is the cooked meat.

Succulent joints, delicious duck, award-winning sausages, pasties and pies, and more can all be found at this successful and most traditional of family businesses.

“Everything is sourced within 35 miles of Alveston, except the free range and barn reared poultry which come from just over the Devon border, so it’s local, fresh and has really low foodmiles,” says Mike.

At a time when certain chickens can be said to be coming home to roost as the food industry supply chain reels from the horsemeat scandal, it’s butchers like Mike from Perry & Son, who know exactly where their meat comes from who are really coming into their own with shoppers with like for like products often cheaper than the supermarkets’.

Owner and founder Mike has always taken pride in selling meat from local farms, right from day one, in 1985, when he set up shop with the aim of offering only the best products.

The approach has proved to be the recipe for success which, added to the delivery of tasty, locally produced delicacies and traditional skills has resulted in decades of success, loyal custom and many championship and gold awards.

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“We are always happy to give advice on any aspect of choosing and cooking our meats, so if you are looking for meal ideas or know exactly what you want then just pop in.”

Evidence of that friendly willingness to share expertise can be seen in the array of recipe books kept on hand to help dinner party planners to create culinary masterpieces with their top-ofthe-range ingredients And for anyone planning a barbecue, large or small, Mike of Perry & Son has all the handmade burgers and varieties of sausages you will need or your very own hog roast for your larger party’s.

10858 2pg_Carford Group 26/04/2013 17:00 Page 2

The years have not been without challenge. “The closure of cattle markets such as Thornbury and Gloucester, and local slaughter houses along with the undermining of small businesses by the government and the supermarkets have not made things easy,” says Mike. But he adds: “Big is not always better.”

So while many are scrabbling around trying to discover how and why horsemeat entered certain products, it’s business as usual for Mike of Perry & Son who continue to do what they’ve done so successfully for more than three decades.

“Our plans for 2013 are the same as they’ve always been,” promises Mike. “To keep offering good service, quality local meat, support our hard-working farmers and enjoy what we do.”

For further information about Perry & Son, opening times and products, go to

www.perryandsonbutchers.co.uk Alternatively email info@perryandsonbutchers.co.uk or telephone 01454 413 486.

Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors

Visit our Website www.dunkleys.co

Our Award Winning firm specialises in helping small, medium and growing businesses with all their tax and accounting needs. We also advise businesses on how to be profitable and can provide exciting new ideas to help them expand faster and make their business even more successful.

“We are proud to be associated with Perry & Son and offer our continued support to help them fulfil their business goals”.

General Services

Taxation Planning

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Personal Tax Returns RTI Payroll & CIS Bookkeeping Management Accounts VAT Company Secretarial HMRC Investigations & Fee Protection Insurance

Capital Gains Tax Estate Planning & Inheritance Tax Trusts Corporation Tax Planning VAT Planning Wealth Management

Solicitors Accounts & Audit Pension Scheme Accounts & Audit Buying, Selling & Merging Healthcare Services Construction/Contractors FSA Regulated Businesses Landlords & Flat Management Companies Charities, Clubs & Non Profit Organisations

If you are interested in a FREE 1 hour consultation please contact us DUNKLEY’S Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors, Woodlands Grange, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, Bristol. BS32 4JY Tel: 01454 619900

Fax: 01454 619911

E-mail: advice@dunkleys.co

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10896 1pg 2_Layout 1 07/05/2013 16:21 Page 1

Tim Seward is looking back over 2 happy busy years since he took over as General Manager at The Hinton Firs Hotel.

The Hinton Firs is set within its own private and tranquil gardens on Bournemouth's prestigious East Cliff, and offers guests a warm traditional welcome. Tim is delighted that thanks to the outstanding levels of service and hospitality this family owned and run hotel provides it has increased its richly deserved 3 AA star rating to 77%.

The hotel is looking forward to a busy summer season with many events happening around the local area including the weekly Bournemouth firework display on a Friday evening throughout the school summer holidays, Christ Church carnival regatta weekend 17th - 18th August along with many well known musicals and shows taking place at the Bournemouth International Centre and Pavilion Theatre.

Bournemouth plays host to the Air Festival, from Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September which is packed with exciting air displays and plenty to see and do. The Hinton Firs is marking the event with a special offer for visitors of two nights, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for £135 per person.

Bournemouth is not just a summertime treat; why not try an Autumn Glow midweek break in late September or mid October for just £210 per person for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast?

hotel is fully equipped for disabled occupancy, and as part of the main hotel there is a separate cottage with 6 bedrooms, ideal for small groups or families who would like extra privacy, pets are allowed in the cottage.

The Hinton Firs Hotel boasts a wide variety of leisure facilities to enhance your stay including an indoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and Sauna, and a games room with table tennis, pool table and dart board. Among the comfortable lounges the TV lounge can be used for both organised film viewings and for guests’ enjoyment at all other times, whereas the peaceful Somerset lounge is ideal for reading and catching up on correspondence.

With beautiful beaches a stone's throw away, two theatres on the doorstep, as well as excellent shopping and many leisure activities, Hinton Firs Hotel is the perfect place to explore, be entertained or just unwind.

Although the sun may be shining, Tim and the team have already started work on a range of superb Christmas and winter breaks, please visit the web site for details of these and other offers.

9 Manor Road Bournemouth BH1 3ET Tel: +44 (0)1202 555409

www.hintonfirshotel.co.uk The Hinton Firs Hotel offers 52 traditional style en-suite bedrooms including a wide range of twin / double / single and family rooms. Each room is equipped with a remote control digital freeview television, direct dial telephone, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. A ground floor room in the main

MEYRICK MARKETS LTD EST 1975 Tel: 01202 520200

UK’s leading supplier of linen hire and laundering services within:

.Hotels .Healthcare - NHS Trusts .Private Hospitals and Care Homes .Manufacturing and Industrial Remember We are also a major supplier of textiles to the hospitality and healthcare sectors

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www.sunlight.co.uk

for many years, and we would like to wish them continued prosperity & success for the Future!

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Sunlight would like to Congratulate all the Team at Hinton Firs Hotel on your continued success!

Tel No. 01202 512544 9 Castle Road, Bournemouth BH9 1PQ

10886 1pg_Carford Group 26/04/2013 16:20 Page 1

The

armers

able

Directly from local fields to your fork - that’s the motto and passionate belief of everyone at Tortworth Estate Farm Shop and The Farmers Table.

The competition faced by independent producers, from supermarkets with their cheaper prices, especially during recessionary times, and mass availability has been well documented.

Tortworth Estate Farm Shop has not been excluded from those challenges, however the battle has not necessarily been lost as, Simon notes, recent events show.

“The horse meat scandal has made everyone rethink this logic,” he points out.

The family-run business is dedicated to providing a quality showcase for Gloucestershire producers and works directly with them to ensure their wares reach a wide market. There are no middle men here.

The Wotton-under-Edge shop, established by the Ball family in 2003, is packed with meat, vegetables, luxury goods and gifts while the 50-seater Farmers Table is doing a roaring trade serving homemade dishes using food from the shop.

But this is a business that’s about more than just selling great goods over a counter - regular events such as Steak Nights and Supper Clubs are all about celebrating the region’s food still further.

Not only do attendees get to eat some great meals, they also have the opportunity to meet the producers, find out about their production methods and ask questions.

There’s even the opportunity to try some aspects for yourself.

The shop also offers butchery lessons which can give an insight into where cuts of meat come from, how to get value from meat and save money and improve knife skills and knot tying.

The sessions are also available as a great and unusual gift.

A visit to Tortworth Estate Shop reflects its owners’ belief in more ways than one.

“We are passionate about food and farming and personally select every product on the shop shelves to ensure that we only sell the highest quality produce,” declares Managing Director Simon Ball.

But there were plenty of good things happening for the family business, long before the food supply scandal hit the headlines.

The company has continued to grow through the recession with loyal customers maintaining their preference for quality over quantity while last year saw the launch of The Farmer’s Table, creating 10 jobs and bringing staff numbers to 20.

The venture quickly proved a huge hit with visitors who, while enjoying wonderful views over the Cotswold countryside, can tuck into homemade cakes and treats or choose from daily fresh-cooked meals, light snacks and salads. The aim is to now consolidate that success by holding even more private functions and open days for the local community, thus increasing awareness of both shop and restaurant.

Says Simon: We love what we do and like to pass on our knowledge and information to you making sure you leave us with a smile.”

For further information about the shop and restaurant as well as details of opening times, events and products, go to

www.tortworthestateshop.co.uk Alternatively telephone 01454 261633 or email info@tortworthestateshop.co.uk

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Function and events venue

'Lively, Fresh and Fun' Opportunity comes in many different guises and a over dinner conversation Robbie had with Sarah and her family.

Banglo came into fruition with lots of hard work from all parties concerned. They have arrived here as bath's premier function space for the financially conscious .

They initially opened banglo 4 years ago, as a successful restaurant, and although Robbie isn’t classically trained, he has a real love of food and puts passion and care into everything they do by sourcing the best quality fresh local ingredients, and freshly preparing all meals in their own kitchen.

They still open on Sundays for lunches and offer a choice of traditional roasts, using meat from their own farm, a fish dish and a vegetarian option, all served with lovely fresh seasonal vegetables. New wood fired pizza oven in our newly refurbished garden to be finished in May

banglo loves to cater for birthday parties, wedding receptions, special family parties, charity evenings, fashion shows, when their lively friendly staff will help create a real party vibe.

Conferences, product launches, and company days will be handled competently and calmly ensuring that your company projects just the right image. In fact whatever the occasion, the team will organise everything to ensure that everyone has a great experience.

If you're looking for a venue for hire for any kind of occasion large or small - let them take the stress out of the planning and organising and

But as banglo’s reputation spread and the majority of their evenings became private bookings, they decided to go with the flow and focus on becoming Bath’s best function and events venue, offering individual bespoke events.

get in touch...

banglo has become one of the most versatile party venues in Bath, able to accommodate up to 200 people for a stand up do, and 80 for a sit down meal, nowhere else in Bath can cater for the same numbers of people and not get charged through the roof.

or visit the website

Their food offerings range from a delicious buffet, their popular mini fish and chips, featuring chunky hand cut chips, beer battered fish, home made pea and mint puree and home made tartare sauce, to a formal 3 course sit down banquet. banglo has a large party room and bar, with a cosy snug area, which will be decorated with candles and flowers, or themed to your event, a Mediterranean-style garden, a fabulous cocktail bar, and a drinks licence until 3 am, to keep the party flowing.

Tel: 01225 345442 www.banglo.co.uk

• Accounting & Auditing • Self Assessment • Management Accounts • Tax Planning & Advice • Business Start-ups • VAT & Payroll Services

‘

‘

If you are looking for somewhere with a high standard of food and lots of fun banglo is the place!

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All music requirements can be catered for, either from your own music play list from their music machine, or live. They have a great choice of live acts and often sponsor some of the best new local bands.

Whether you are just starting up or are already well established and require financial guidance or general business advice

Please contact us on 01249 650441

dutton mander duffill CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS TAX & BUSINESS ADVISERS

dmd.co.uk 65 St Mary Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 3JF Email info@dmd.co.uk

31762 1pg_Transport Warehousing 26/03/2013 14:49 Page 1

Choosing a

Conference Venue What makes a good conference venue?

It’s a question being posed with increasing intensity by venues and organisers alike as the economic tough times continue.

With more than 29,000 conference venues across UK, the pressure is on like never before to present one that stands out from the crowd and provides users with an experience they won’t forget.

Nowadays, although we’re in a time of tightened purse strings, it’s not just about which one provides the best value for money.

Today’s successful conference venue, whether it’s a purpose built, multi-function space, a village hall, church or hotel, is likely to be the one that meets a whole variety of different needs and is prepared to go that extra mile to fulfill them.

Usually size is the first requirement organisers look to ensure is met, as obviously, a several hundred delegates affair is going to be seeking something slightly different to that of a 20-something gathering. The venues will have to be able to handle the needs of each in a bespoke way.

Establishing the size of the conference is usually the starting point when choosing a venue. Whether it’s an AGM requiring a large lecture theatre or a small workshop needing a few meeting rooms, the space requirements of the event is often the first variable affecting a good conference venue.

Then it’s location, location, location. The country is still expected to reap plenty of benefits off the back of last year’s London 2012, which focused international attention on the UK. Therefore, the venues which can cater for international meetings, as well as national and regional, are of increasing importance to some particular organisers.

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

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

Birmingham and Bristol are already profiting from their geographical locations in spades.

It’s hardly a surprise that conference ubervenue, the International Convention Centre was built in Britain’s Second City, which sits at the centre of the country with all the infrastructure in place to enable road, rail and air travellers to converge.

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

Bristol, with the M5 and the M4 practically running through it, is also sitting pretty.

Being so close to two of the country’s prime road networks, makes it easy to reach from so many parts of the country.

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

A third critical factor that does so much for a venue’s preference ranking is the level of technology it can provide.

In our hi-tech 21st century environment, such ability is an absolute must, and it’s not just down to the quality of the overhead projector and a sound system.

The rise of the mobile and the need to stay connected, even when on the move, has meant venues have had to adapt to meet this.

For example, video conferencing facilities and social media packages are now pretty much a pre-requisite for organisers wanting to bring their event to a wider audience, as is the availability of a good Wi-Fi connection throughout the site.

In recent years, venues have been able to gauge their own success through the annual Conference Awards, now one of the most prestigious fixtures in the industry calendar.

Entries closed on February 15 for this year’s event, which is due to be hosted by comedienne Jo Brand.

Designed to celebrate success and champion excellence, the awards cover all types and formats of conferences as well as teams and companies and are given by a panel of top industry judges.

Categories include Best New Conference Launch, Best Development of an Existing Conference, Best Association Conference and Best Corporate Conference as well as prizes for the best marketing and operations teams and those supporting the conference industry via the Best Venue and Best Supplier categories.

The only such event for the commercial conference and events sector, they are due to take place at The Brewery, in London on June 7.

For further information, go to www.conferenceawards.co.uk.

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THE CORNISH CURRY CO The magic of authentic handmade curries, redolent with Eastern spices, is to be found in the deepest West Country, brought to you by the Cornish Curry Company.

When Nicky and Louis left their home in Solihull, West Midlands to move to St Austell they were already aware of the poor standard of take-away food in the tourist areas of the South West.

They are probably most familiar from their outside catering activities and are to be found at major shows, particularly the foodie ones; notably the Royal Cornwall Show and the Devon County Show. There, they work from a marquee, and bring the curries hot, ready cooked from home. Their curries are incredibly popular at these events Nicky says it is really “all go”.

Not just curries though, at major seafood events such as the Falmouth Oyster Festival in October, great pans of their delicious paella, rich with fresh local seafood, are happily consumed.

To enjoy their curries at home, using your own meat or fish try one of their range of sauce pouches, authentic curry at home, made super easy, or visit the web site www.thecornishcurryco.com for one of Nicky’s recipes.

Nicky said it was almost as though the vendors just didn’t care.

The attitude seemed to be, “Oh well, we won’t see them (the tourists) again anyway, so it doesn’t matter, what we give them!”

Nicky and Louis have a passion for good food, freshly prepared from the best local ingredients, and if one associates Cornwall more with pasties and clotted cream than curry, it should be remembered that curry is now the nation’s favourite dish.

Having developed recipes in their own kitchen, they were ready to go into production, built the shell of a building and called in the local council for advice. Taking advice and acting on it proved a wise decision, planning went through, and they are fully registered and licenced.

HRH Prince Edward presenting Nicky and Louis Nicky with an Award at the supply a number of Royal Cornwall Show local shops, pubs and catering outlets. Their curries contain only locally sourced meat, free range chicken, Cornish Beef and Lamb, and fresh vegetables from local suppliers. All their products are wheat and gluten free. Their attention to the quality of their produce is such, that all the onions that form the base of their sauces, cooked until meltingly soft, are peeled and prepared by hand to check the quality.

After all as Nicky maintains, paying a few pence more for good ingredients, makes a great difference to the quality and flavour of the finished product.

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Nicky has also developed a range of ready mixed spices called Magic Mix, the Original Magic Mix, developed over the last four Louis and Rick Stein and a half years and now Tikka and Korma, for you to prepare at home. Available from www.spices4curry.com, prepared without chilli powder, for you to adjust heat to taste, the mixes can also be used as a marinade or a rub.

www.thecornishcurryco.com www.spices4curry.com Telephone 01208 832 268

10636 1pg_CD Engineering 20/11/2012 15:56 Page 1

Recycling what’s in it for you Recycling is big business and in addition to the significant benefits generated from practices such as scrap metal recycling, adopting a greener aspect in-house can actually raise your profile with your clients.

Good waste management is good for business. Promoting your company positively to customers, clients and staff as being an environmentally responsible company can only be good, however negative publicity through lack of compliance or illegal dumping can only be bad.

For many companies, dependant on the volume and the type of waste they generate, it is preferable and more cost effective to simply hand the whole business of waste management and recycling over to a registered contractor, thus ensuring compliance with all the relevant legislation.

Smaller companies often co-operate with neighbouring companies to be more attractive to recycling contractors and more cost effective to their own businesses.

Managing your waste in a sustainable manner, diverting away from landfill and incineration to more environmentally preferable options doesn’t have to be difficult or costly.

Professional contractors have the expertise and equipment to separate waste into recyclable categories and process the results ready for reuse by industry in a responsible manner.

There is help and advice for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact. The Waste Prevention Loan Fund has grants available of between £100,000 and £1 million to support organisations in developing innovative, more resourceefficient ways of doing business in England.

Paper, card, wood and fibres are pulped for paper and related products. Plastics are sorted into types by machine and then turned into granulate for a huge variety of uses from containers to carpets. Old tyres are also reduced to granulate for re-use in a multitude of applications such as surfaces in children’s playgrounds.

The fund supports business models that create more profit, consume less resource and generate less waste, and offers advice to increase re-use, repair and recovery capacity, and is open to both commercial and third sector businesses.

Textiles, electricals and furniture are the priority materials addressed through the programme in order to reduce their environmental impacts.

However WRAP will consider applications for other materials that also demonstrate significant environmental benefits.

To apply, email WRAP at pam.golding2@wrap.org.uk for an application form. Following receipt WRAP will contact you to discuss your specific project.

Metals and aluminium can be melted down and used to create new products.

Steel from food cans, cars and appliances is used to manufacture new cars, appliances, bicycles and even home products, such as decorative light switch covers and yard decorations.

About half of the aluminium in aluminium cans is recycled material.

CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS Managing your waste in a sustainable manner, diverting away from landfill and incineration to more environmentally preferable options doesn’t have to be difficult or costly.

VISIT www.environmentlaw.org.uk www.wrap.org.uk

Recycled crushed glass, called cullet, is mixed with raw materials to create new glass products such as, bottles, insulation, window glazing, countertops and wall and floor tiles.

The list of products suitable for recycling seems to grow day by day, mobile phones, printer and toner cartridges, food waste, building materials, electrical items, oils and by products, some of which are categorised as hazardous. A reputable professional recycling contractor will be able to help with all of these.

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10635 2pg_HorseWorld 09/05/2013 10:09 Page 1

PREMIER RECYCLING COMPANY RECYCLES LORRY Well known plastic recycling company WESSEX ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES LTD from Somerset have celebrated 25 years of successful trading and recycled their lorry.

Over the twenty five years Wessex has become a truly international company arguably reprocessing the widest range of polymers in the UK. The range of their products and their impeccable methods of production can be fully appreciated by a visit to the company’s premises or to their website.

In the first year of trading Wessex reprocessed 100 tonnes of scrap plastic, currently they are reprocessing 2000 tonnes per year and growing.

Trading with enormous integrity and reliability, Wessex is an extremely successful company. Quality is of paramount importance and customer rejection rate is remarkable for any company, let alone recycling, at under 0.1%.

Like all businesses Wessex has had to overcome substantial challenges over the years. Having fought their way through the previous four recessions, Wessex is tackling this fifth one aggressively, with as Ged Butcher, Founder and Managing Director puts it: “The best team in the business!” He went on: “We have a very caring management style, so much so that no employee has 'Monday morning blues', and we have a very stable workforce. Our two longest serving employees have been with the company for 25 years!”

The Wessex lorry is almost twenty years old and has had a total refurbishment after being stripped right down to its bare essentials. The work was carried out by Steve Lyons and his able team at Tarnock in Somerset and the signwriting was done

by Reg at R.J. Signs of Frome in Somerset. The result of which is a very eye catching lorry befitting the image of Wessex.

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When Ged started the business in 1987, he was determined to bring a professional approach to what was a rather untidy industry. As a result Wessex is a very professional outfit paying close attention to procedures and keeping up with modern practises. They were probably the first granulating company to use production sheets and by identifying every bag of finished plastic granules, created a complete audit trail.

10635 2pg_HorseWorld 09/05/2013 10:09 Page 2

S.C. LYONS

B O D Y S H O P Body & Paintwork Cars & Commercials Tractors, Plant & Welding Manor Farm, Tarnock, Nr Axbridge, Somerset, BS24 0HG 07980 004918 or 07921 471637 sclyonsbodyshop@yahoo.com

Their comprehensive range of plant and equipment enables them to undertake a wide variety of work, processing a huge range of different plastics, from throughout the UK. Following the intake of scrap plastic they are able to clean, prepare and granulate, resulting in either regrind or granulate products. This can be further reprocessed by recompounding, which can include a change of colour and properties.

Wessex can also return scrap plastic to the client after reprocessing if required.

J B WHEATON & SONS LTD are pleased to be associated with Wessex Recycling

www.jbwheaton.co.uk

As a further service, Wessex provides the secure and guaranteed destruction of company paper records and CD documents, and undertakes such work for several well known international companies.

Transport: 01460 220216 Pallets: 01460 221922 Warehouse: 01460 220531 Family Business Established 1932

MIKE WILLIAMS

Companies wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and requiring any form of recycling should contact Wessex.

Telephone/fax 01278 684433 or 01278 685868

YOUR LOCAL INSURANCE CONSULTANTS Whatever your needs, we provide you with competitively priced, totally tailored, excellent insurance cover. We’ve been doing so for over 30 years – and we’re good at it.

Email: info@wessexrecycle.com

www.wessexrecycle.com WESSEX ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES LIMITED Horizon Mill, Dunball Wharf Bristol Road, BRIDGWATER, Somerset, TA6 4TN Road Haulage And Transport Services We support Wessex Recycling and wish them every success for the future BARRY MOORE HAULAGE, BROAD POOL FARM, CHELYNCH ROAD, DOULTING SHEPTON MALLET, SOMERSET BA4 4RQ

Phone: 01749 880444 Fax: 01749 880907 Email: barry@barrymoorehaulage.co.uk

• • • • • • • •

Vehicle Insurance Buildings & Contents Insurance Travel Insurance Farm Insurance Commercial Insurance Tradesman Insurance Pet Insurance Specialist Insurance Services

We support Wessex Recycling and wish them every success in the future.

Mike Williams Insurance, 6 Northgate Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 3EU

Tel: 01278 427127 Fax: (01278) 453664 Web: www.mikewilliamsinsurance.co.uk Email: mike@mike-williams-insurance.co.uk 39

10782 1pg_Transport Warehousing 17/04/2013 12:29 Page 1

A US pre-clearance service being offered to Bristol flyers is destined to help Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, soar into Europe’s top tier of regional airlines just two years after it stared closure in the face.

In February Sean Brogan, Aer Arann’s Interim Chief Executive, announced a ‘new beginning for the airline and a package of measures including a fleet renewal programme starting in May, with eight new aircraft fully operational by summer 2014.

The airline couldn’t be further from being grounded as its plans to double its passenger numbers to over two million in five years really start to take off.

Aer Arann has also extended its franchise agreement with Aer Lingus, and will operate under the Aer Lingus Regional brand until the end of 2022. Two new routes, Dublin Birmingham and Dublin Manchester, will also be launched this summer.

Flying via Dublin to the US will save city travellers up to two hours upon arrival in the United States, which will boost the business still further.

“Now we have the fundamentals in place to join Europe’s top tier of regional airlines,” says Mr Brogan.

Those flying with Aer Lingus Regional from Bristol can complete pre-clearance and customs at Dublin Airport - operated and staffed by US Customs and Border staff .

“Our extended franchise agreement gives us a firm foundation for growth and the fleet renewal programme allows us to enhance the passenger offering further.”

They will then be treated similarly to domestic passengers and avoid delays often associated with US security - possibly up to two hours on arrival at American destinations including New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.

For further information go to www.aerlingus.com/en-IE/home/index.jsp

Simon Fagan, Aer Arann’s Chief Commercial Officer says the service is not only designed to save customers time but to offer a real alternative to traveling to London for transatlantic flights.

“Bristol Airport is of strategic importance to our network,” he adds. “We estimate that more than one million passengers travel from the south west to London airports to fly to the US. “Now they can fly from Bristol, pre-clear security and customs in Dublin and make their onward trip at reduced journey times.

We estimate that more than 10,000 passengers will benefit in the coming months.

“We are constantly reviewing our services and looking at ways to enhance our offering. Connectivity is always key for our customers and this service we’re offering together with Bristol and Dublin Airport reflects this.”

Shaun Browne, Bristol Airport’s Aviation Director adds: “The Aer Lingus Regional service offers a great option for passengers travelling to the US, with pre-clearance adding a real advantage.

It’s a great alternative to travelling to the London airports.”

Aer Lingus Regional has been operating from Bristol since May 2011 and currently connects to Dublin three times daily.

In 2012 it confirmed a 32% rise in passengers, with total passenger growth of 16% in the past two years.

40

And get down to business faster.

Fly Aer Lingus via Dublin to New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando. You can check your bags straight through and pre-clear U.S. Immigration which saves you time on arrival - making it the perfect choice for business travellers.

BRISTOL TO USA From Each way incl. taxes, charges & admin fee

Great Care. Great Fare.

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Book by midnight April 4th 2013. Valid for travel 01 April - 22 June/19 August - 31 October 2013. USA flights via Dublin and fares are on an each way basis to be booked as a return trip and to include Saturday night stay. Limited availability over peak travel periods, holiday periods and sporting events.

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

Regional Airports Featuring an interview with Henri Hourcade General Manager of Air France and KLM All the indicators point to a healthy future for regional airports. The government is very much behind the idea of letting local hubs expand as much as possible, creating new jobs and lots of extra flight options for locals and travellers in the process. The last five years have seen no less than 21 airports submit plans for further expansion, indicating that they are more than eager to follow the government's lead.

As regional airports have become more popular, they have increasingly attracted interest from big companies looking to cash in. Several local hubs are getting involved in big money deals, which will serve to attract more investment and improve facilities even further.

Birmingham Airport was awarded Airport of the year in 2012 with plans for a new runway, and an increase in warehouse and hanger space.

Already well established at Bristol Airport, bmi regional announced its European network expansion with the launch of routes between Birmingham and three important European cities: Gothenburg, Lyon and Toulouse, to commence in May 2013.

Cathal O’Connell, chief executive, bmi regional said: “Launching our first services from Birmingham Airport is an indication of our commitment to UK regions and a significant investment to position the airline for growth. These new routes are incremental to the four new routes rolled out since bmi regional established itself as an independent airline in 2012 (Bristol to Aberdeen, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Manchester to Antwerp)”.

Bristol Airport offers a great location for business travellers; its location is very convenient for the region’s burgeoning aerospace and research facilities and has greatly contributed to the area’s economic resurgence.

In 2011, it was the ninth busiest airport in the United Kingdom, handling almost 5.8 million passengers, a 0.6% increase compared with 2010. Although Bristol Airport has one of the shortest international airport runways in the country, meaning that large aircraft are rarely used due to weight restrictions, Bristol offers flights to over 100 destinations; long distance flights connecting via Dublin International, Paris and Amsterdam.

These developments can only be good news for air passengers, particularly those who travel frequently and want the best value and convenience possible for their money. It is likely that travellers will soon be able to fly to even more farflung destinations from their doorstep as airlines seek to serve a wider cross-section of holidaymakers and as airports add more facilities and staff to cope with extra demand.

M Henri Hourcade the general Manager of Air France and KLM, UK & Ireland spent the day at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday, 5th December and talked to Birmingham Business Post about the company’s plans for expansion at regional airports throughout the UK. He explained the strategy that Air France and KLM are implementing in the UK to attract more corporate and business travellers, and emphasised the value of regional airports, as being more convenient for business travellers, and talked about the expansion of their services throughout the UK. M. Hourcade stressed the importance of Birmingham as a regional hub. Air France will be operating 11 flights a day to France from Birmingham, 6 of which will land at Charles De Gaulle airport, forming 20% of traffic into the airport, and KLM will be offering 4 flights daily to Amsterdam. Fly B act as a strategic partner to Air France and KLM to increase the range of destinations still further.

He also predicted a bright future for East Midlands’ airport saying that there was a very good team in place who had done a lot of excellent work. E. Midlands will be offering connecting flights to Africa and N. America via Charles De Gaulle Airport.

Bristol Airport is also experiencing excellent growth as travellers in the South West already appreciate the advantages of flying from their doorstep.

Henri Hourcade 41

10806 1pg_HorseWorld 17/04/2013 12:54 Page 1

Reliable, efficient and complying with all recognised legislation, Connections is an international travel management company with a difference.

The provision of transport to conferences and events is sometimes a last minute consideration, leaving the company or organisation vulnerable to unlicensed or poorly insured operators, and resultant problems of unreliability, or in the event of an accident or injury, a substantial financial penalty for the organisers.

It is crucially important to establish a relationship with a properly regulated company. Connections is part of The Kings Ferry who have been carrying passengers safely and reliably throughout the country since Peter O’Neill took his first coach on the road in 1968, and now number over 60 vehicles in their fleet. Safety is a priority, with ongoing investment in staff and driver training and on keeping the fleet up to the minute.

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

Coach travel not only represents a cost efficient form of ground transport, it is also one of the most carbon efficient methods of mass transporting your passengers. With corporations now setting themselves tough environmental targets as part of their overall commitment to corporate social responsibility, smarter choices in transport method and the suppliers that provide them has the potential to make a massive impact on an organisation's carbon footprint.

The first international coach operator to become carbon managed, The Kings Ferry provides an environmentally friendly ground transport alternative for groups and companies compared to individual car usage. The average number of people carried in one car is 1.58, whereas a coach carries, on average, 32 people and only takes up the space of three cars.

Connections offers a complete travel management solution with self-booking tools, dedicated account management and MI reporting for clients booking on behalf of discerning travellers.

Customers can benefit from the best market price as Connections works with partner operators all over the country and manages the whole process.

The company continues to invest in order to maintain their market leading position, they are developing a range of customer touch points, improving the customer experience with a new website, and new smartphone apps, which is generating improved customer service through many media channels including social media.

In current market conditions, companies and organisations are looking for “best value�, and the economies of scale combined with their reputation for service and efficiency, that Connections can offer is attracting more and more customers through providing the best and most reliable coach hire in the market.

For further information, contact: www.coachhireconnections.com 0845 257 9940 sales@coachhireconnections.com 42

10728 1 pg_HorseWorld 16/04/2013 14:36 Page 1

Truxspray are the one stop body shop to keep your vehicle or fleet looking its best.

In fact, horseboxes are becoming a large part of Truxspray’s business. Horseboxes and trailers come in a wide variety of styles, and the size of the workshop and bake oven means that they have established a reputation for being able to easily handle whatever shape of vehicle needs bodywork repairs and/or spraying.

Truxspray, which has been established in Wincanton since 2007, is owned and run by Colin Lucas, who has more than 30 years experience in the industry. Being owner managed gives the business a much more personal feeling, meaning that although they are usually pretty busy, Colin or one of the friendly team will always take the time to discuss your requirements, and recommend the most appropriate course of action to achieve the best results.

They are a fully trained team of professionals and use the latest fully compliant vehicle coatings in partnership with Akzo-nobel (Sikkens.) As specialists, they are able to carry out all types of paintwork, accident repair, fabricating, traditional sign writing, vinyl graphics, shot/sand blasting, air brushing, spray mask etc All work is carried out in-house in their own 3000 square foot body shop, with a 60 foot Junair low bake oven to ensure a perfect finish every time. The company is insurance company approved due to the high standard of finish and quick turn around times, and carries out all types of insurance repair work.

Truxspray’s team of technicians work hard to get their customers back on the road as soon as possible without compromising standards, and pride themselves on their speedy turnaround. As a fully approved MVRA/ fleet identity solutions body shop, the company provides businesses with a professional respraying service. Truxspray’s individual refinishing service is able to suit each client from large fleets to individual owner drivers, even horseboxes!

If you are looking for something different, a distinctive look, for your own vehicle or fleet, Truxspray have an award winning airbrush artist on the staff, visit the company web site www.truxspray.com for some examples of his work.

If it has wheels, Colin and the team will return it to its former glory, classic cars, trucks, horse boxes and motor cycles can all be repaired and refurbished to your specifications. In short, whatever your vehicle needs to look its best, call Truxspray on 01963 31790 Southgate Road, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9RZ

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10778 1pg_HorseWorld 16/04/2013 16:07 Page 1

.

C H M O A C I K L L I I N W

“If you have a problem tell me, if you are pleased tell the world”, so says Bill Hockin founder of Barnstaple’s largest privately owned haulier.

Bill and Irene Hockin started the company in 1974, when Bill was only 25, he had been working as a driver since he was 17, but, as he says himself, he always had the drive and ambition to build his own company.

Starting up with just one truck they acted as a general haulage contractor, turned nothing down and worked “all hours”, with Bill as driver, while Irene dealt mainly with the office side; they coped single handedly as the business grew.

Since that time they have barely had time to stop and think, as due to a combination of delivering on promises and careful pricing, the business has thrived.

Still very much in the driving seat 39 years later, Bill has seen his fleet grow to 40 44 tonne vehicles, and 70 trailers, recognised countrywide by their red, white and blue livery. They also run a couple of small vans as a courier service for those of their customers needing a smaller delivery. All their vehicles are fitted with the latest GPs equipment to ensure that consignments get there in the shortest possible time.

The company is still run by Bill and Irene, and as in many family run businesses there is a friendly feel and a good working atmosphere, with some of the team having been with them for 20 years or more. As Bill says “Every one knows everyone’s name; no one is just a number here.”

Their vast experience of the industry means that they offer straightforward advice and extremely competitive pricing. They deliver cost efficient and effective results, highly valued by their long standing, well established customer base, and resulting in many referrals and recommendations.

Bill explained that the business in common with many others is going through a very tough period, particularly with many major

44

companies choosing to run their own fleets. He said that it is rather like being a corner shop compared to a Sainsbury’s or a Tesco’s!

But his firm belief, and the major factor to which he attributes his success, is that rather than complaining about how tough things are, the high price of diesel and so on, that “the tougher things are the harder, as a team, we all have to work”.

Bill has put his heart and soul into his business and cares about every small detail.

Contact Bill for a competitive quotation on 01271 372945 or visit the web site www.williamchockin.co.uk and find for yourself the difference it makes when you deal with William C Hockin, a privately owned independent company, rather than some large faceless organisation.

STUARTS TRUCK AND BUS

Volvo Truck & Bus dealer for over 35 years

Proud to support William C Hockin

✓ Brake Testing Smoke Testing All Makes of Vehicle Repaired Digital & Analogue Tacho Centre Speed Limiters MOT Prep

24 Hour Breakdown & Recovery Services Truck Laser Wheel Alignment VOSA ATF At Plymouth Air Conditioning Repairs Tail Lift Servicing

Plant & Commercial Repairs Transport & Crane Hire

Depots at Exeter 01395 232800 Plymouth 01752 752233 Redruth 01209 314496

ƌĂŶĞ &ŝƫŶŐ Coded Welders

We are proud to be associated with William C Hockin and wish them all the best in the future.

Fair Oak Farm Braunton Road Barnstaple EX31 4AU Tel: 01271 376701 | Mob: 07831 325593

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

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10811 1pg_Carford Group 26/04/2013 12:21 Page 1

SPORTING CLASSIC MOTORS LTD

The restoration, maintenance, and repair of classic vehicles are specialist areas that should always be left to the experts.

Such special vehicles carry with them tradition and motoring history, and their owners generally care passionately about them, and will travel great distances to find the right company to look after their cherished vehicle.

Sporting Classic Motors Ltd is a friendly, family run business, based near Newbury, on the borders of Hampshire and Berkshire, which offers a fully comprehensive facility for all aspects and associated requirements in the servicing, maintenance, repairs and restoration of classic cars and vintage motor vehicles; all work being undertaken in-house. They are also able to provide classic car assessments and valuations.

Over the years the company has coped with many ups and downs, most notably in 1994 when, during a break in, intruders damaged vehicles that were undergoing repairs, and stole and severely damaged an Austin Healey that had just completed a detailed and meticulous 2 year restoration project. The thieves also stole a huge amount of tools and equipment. Most devastating perhaps, was that due to some complications with the insurance cover the insurers refused to pay out.

Among their successes they list their recovery from the damage and devastation caused by the break in, and completing a Mercedes Benz 300SL restoration on time to meet a deadline, as the vehicle was booked to be shipped to America.

The business was started by Tom Smith in 1969 and was initially known as Thomas Smith and Sons, later evolving into Sporting Classic Motors, specialising generally in classic cars of a sporting disposition, but not specifically.

The business has remained within family ownership and is now run

by Tom and his wife Monica. Sporting Classic Motors Ltd are classic car and historic vehicle specialists, and with their emphasis on thoroughness, attention to detail and quality, are the ideal choice for work on much loved prestige vehicles, for customers throughout the UK. Tom Lubbock-Smith has been in the classic car business since 1965, investing the company with his methodical, meticulous, conscientious and dynamic enthusiasm.

Tom and the team get great satisfaction from returning a car to its former glory. When clients bring badly neglected, perhaps previously abandoned vehicles, eaten up with rust and near derelict, needing ground up restoration, Tom and Monica become quite excited, seeing through the years of neglect to the vehicle as it originally was and will be again.

Many of their clients have been with them some time, and taking care of their “regulars� and keeping them in perfect running order, is what they feel their business is as much about as the restorations, and accident repairs.

Sporting Classic Motors Ltd is a well established company with a sound reputation, speak to them about your vehicle to see how they can help on 01635 299184 or visit their web sites for more information,

www.sportingclassicmotors.co.uk and www.scm-classics.co.uk

One classic salutes another.

As the official supplier of original Mercedes-Benz classic parts, we’re delighted to salute the achievements of Sporting Classic Motors.

We wish them a future as glorious as the past.

Jacksons Group Mercedes-Benz of Poole Holes Bay Road, Poole BH15 2BD 01202 666 330 www.mercedes-benzofpoole.co.uk

46

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

The Building and Construction Sector is Bouncing Back 2013 is a year for positivity - that was the rallying cry for construction professionals across the Bristol and Birmingham regions at major industry confidence boosting events.

With the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) actually reporting that the market is expected to turn a corner this year, it seems construction at last has something to look forward to.

It’s welcome news for those for whom 2012 was, as the RICS states baldly, “horrendous”.

While that corner negotiating might be only done in first gear, admits the organisation, there has definitely been an increase in reported workloads.

The most recent RICS construction market survey showed that the increase was seen in the last three months of 2012, bearing out the prediction nationwide that 15% of surveyors expect their workloads to grow during the next 12 months.

During that same three months, a net balance of 6% more respondents indicated that activity had increased, with the most substantial gains being seen in infrastructure and private commercial development.

Across the country, London and the South East and the North of England saw overall workloads rise by the biggest margin - but Northern Ireland and Scotland saw activity continue to drop.

“After a truly dreadful year, if one believes the official data, there are signs that 2013 will bring some better news for the construction sector,” says Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at the RICS. “Most notably, the numerous measures that the government has introduced with a focus on infrastructure appear to be bearing some fruit. However, competitive pressures remain intense and are continuing to erode profit margins.

“Financing constraints are also still an issue although the Funding for Lending Scheme should gradually help to ease this challenge.”

The view remains determinedly upbeat in Bristol, Birmingham and elsewhere, thanks to the recent national Rally to Restore Confidence.

Devised and hosted by FBE (forum for the built environment), the initiative saw five co-ordinated events take place across the UK, each aimed at encouraging professionals in all platforms within the built environment that 2013 is a year for positivity.

Collectively, they saw about 1,000 attendees from the property, development and construction sectors, with more than 180 property professionals converging in Birmingham alone for a panel debate and networking.

While there was general acknowledgment among those gathering at the Council House that the local economy is still struggling as a result of difficulties in obtaining finance/funding, the consensus was that Birmingham has an exciting and expansive development programme for the future with opportunities for growth lying with the HS2 project and the planned redevelopment of the Paradise Circus site in the heart of the city.

The FBE’s Birmingham chairman Peter McHugh says that the Second City rally was an excellent reminder of the expertise and experience that exists in the region, along with the appetite to get construction moving again.

“With major regeneration earmarked for the city and its surrounding areas, together with changes at local government level, we are committed to providing quality and sustainable development; ensuring Birmingham remains a vibrant place to live and work,” he adds.

Over in Bristol, 130 delegates met at MShed on the harbourside to focus on where development will be seen within the region, availability of funding, sustainability and the City Deal, which is designed to attract investment and create jobs in Bristol via an Enterprise Zone.

Here, too, the difficulties of obtaining finance or funding were also cause for concern but the overall opinion was that the Bristol and Bath regions are uniquely placed to buck the trend and resume growth in the year ahead.

A number of significant opportunities were identified, most notably the redevelopment of Bristol Temple Meads Station, while there was also an extensive debate around the issue of green and sustainable development with general agreement that the focus has drifted from BREEAM ratings to a ‘fabric first’ approach, i.e. achieving reduction in energy consumption from the design stage.

Here too, the rally was a timely reminder of the wealth of construction expertise and experience that exists as well as the determination to get Bristol, with new Mayor George Ferguson at the helm building again, says Jamie Siggers, regional director of the FBE. “The response from our panellists and delegates was exceptional,” he adds. “It demonstrated a clarity of vision and a real passion to continue to work together to increase opportunities for all.”

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

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BARTOSCH & STOKES

10565 3pgs_Carford Group 30/04/2013 10:49 Page 1

Bartosch and Stokes Architects and Historic Building Consultants

Well established, Cheltenham based architects Bartosch and Stokes are particularly known for their expertise in buildings of historic interest especially churches.

particular concern here, were species of bats and nesting wild birds, and the necessary mitigation to ensure no harm came to the protected species during the proposed work.

The Practice are Accredited Architects for Building Conservation, and Historic Building Consultants, having employees who are members of the RIBA, AABC and IHBC.

Among the other prestigious projects Bartosch and Stokes have recently undertaken, was the restoration of the roof, with natural lime stone slate, of the Grade 1 listed Church of St Mary’s at Castle Eaton, working with West Country Tiling.

They were pleased to be shortlisted for the Betjeman Award this year for their work at Elmley Castle, on William Stanton’s Monument to the First Earl of Coventry in St Mary’s Church, where they worked closely with Sally Strachey Historic Conservation Ltd.

Castle Eaton Church St Mary's Church, Monmouth

St Mary's Church, Elmley Castle

The Betjemen Award is given by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings to honour the memory of Sir John Betjeman, and to mark his membership of The Society’s Committee from 1954 to 1977. The award is made for repair to the fabric of buildings currently in religious use and which were built as churches, chapels or other places of worship in England and Wales. The work must have been completed during the previous 18 months.

John Betjemen wrote: "There are something like twenty thousand C of E places of worship in this country and of those far more than half are ancient buildings, that is to say each represents the gradual growth of a community. They are the history of English art displayed in living form, and most country churches have far more to tell to those who will look than have the local museums."

Another project related to the Coventry family involved the small Norman church of St Nicholas, Earl's Croome. The works required here included re-roofing and due to the sensitive nature of the site, the services of ecological consultants, Swift Ecology Ltd, were required. Swift surveyed the site under the provisions of the European Protected Species directive; of

The roof had been completely retiled in 1862 as part of major restoration work by the Victorian Architect, William Butterfield, but in 1962 the chancel roof was again re-tiled, and now after 150 years the roof work of 2011 can be added to the list for posterity. The church re-opened for services in 2012; with the works being partially funded by English Heritage.

Roofing was also a major part of the work carried out by D & L Roofing at the 12th century St George's, Woolhope in Hereford, this time using plain tiles.

The spire of the grade 2* listed St Mary’s, Monmouth, where Bartosch and Stokes worked with CDL Stone Masonry presented its own distinct challenges, as the spire, which is the work of Nathaniel Wilkinson of Worcester, rises to 60 metres and is the focus of all the roads into the town of Monmouth.

Considerable masonry and pointing repairs were carried out including the complete rebuilding of the top of the spire and the installation of a new stainless steel tie rod from spire apex to tie beam, located approximately 6m below, to ensure the spire cap was retained correctly. One of the pinnacles was also rebuilt.

Another project requiring a good head for heights was the augmentation of lightning protection systems to the spire of Christchurch, Ebbw Vale, consecrated in 1869. The 175 ft spire is of a slate clad timber construction, with four secondary spirelets of 25 ft each which also needed protection. The

D.A.

Cook BUILDERS

Proudly associated with Bartosch and Stokes

D.A.Cook Builders Wychavon Building Conservation Award winners 2012 01242 602 552 dacookbuilders.co.uk

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Formed in 1992 and has offices in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall G & S Steeplejacks Limited is a company with an impressive client base from Universities, NHS Trust, Local Authorities and Numerous Churches, they Specialise in all aspects of Lightning Protection from design and installation to annual maintenance.

G&S Steeplejacks, Unit 30, Old Mills Ind Estate, Poulton, Nr Bristol. BS39 7SU Tel/Fax: 01761 235700 E: graham@gnssteeplejacks.co.uk

10565 3pgs_Carford Group 30/04/2013 10:49 Page 2

chosen company was G & S Steeplejacks, during the project the entire tower needed to be covered in scaffolding. This was carried out in conjunction with the renewal of the life expired slate coverings and leadwork to the spire and spirelets.

When I asked Michael Bartosch whether the Practice specialised in towers, roofs and spires, he laughed and said “Well it certainly seems like it at the moment, but no, not at all!

We have a very varied workload including quinquennial and other inspections and work on secular historic properties” Restoration work to the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Kingscote, was carried out in several places with the assistance of Ward and Co Building Conservation. The Grade 2* listed, early English origin, building has a perpendicular period tower, but the actual age of the building is uncertain. Periods of restoration and Michael Bartosch At St reconstruction over the Mary's Church Monmouth centuries have changed its structure and appearance very considerably but, from the evidence offered by such parts of the original church that still remain it is likely that the people of this parish have been passing through the north doorway for something approaching 800 years. Here the Practice was involved in external masonry repair and some internal redecoration and has recently conserved the timber lychgate.

St Peter's Church, Stanway

Bartosch and Stokes have a list of builders with whom they work on a regular basis, specialising in restoration work.

Among which they called on D & A Cook who often use their own reclamation yard for materials, or specialist suppliers in the area, for work on the 12th Century, grade 2* listed, St. Peter’s Church, Stanway. The project here was to re-roof the building with natural stone slate from a private quarry, and was carried out under the aegis of English Heritage. The church is built of rubble and ashlar with a Cotswold stone roof, and although there was a church at Stanway in 1086 it was rebuilt in the 12th century, and much of the masonry of the nave and chancel is of that date, causing considerable challenges for conscientious conservation specialists.

Norman and Underwood Conservation Ltd., specialists and contractors in structural glazing, architectural roofing, plaster and masonry restoration, and one of the very few lead casters still working, were closely involved with the works on both St Mary’s Witney and St Peter’s Bromyard.

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Proud to be providing ecology and protected species consultancy support to Bartosch & Stokes from our offices in the Cotswolds and Cardiff covering the South West and South Wales.

Tel: 01285 644401 Email: info@wildwoodecology.com Web: www.wildwoodecology.com Wildwood Ecology Limited, 19 Cotswold Close, Cirencester, GL7 1XP

D & L Roofing Contractors Support Bartosch & Stokes Architects and wish them every success for the future

D & L Roofing Contractors, 124 Hampton Dene Road, Hereford HR1 1UJ Tel: 01432 359625 49

10565 3pgs_Carford Group 30/04/2013 10:49 Page 3

St Mary's Church, Monmouth

The church building of St Mary's is one of the oldest buildings in Witney and one of the biggest in West Oxfordshire.

Its origins go back to Norman times but the present building is mostly 13th century and was dedicated in 1243.

Replacement of the lead roofs of the North Transept and the Nave, and renovation and restoration to the interior fabric were required as part of a major restoration project.

The Church of St Peter, Bromyard dating from the 11th Century, with its central tower, is mainly late 12th Century but the four supporting arches, belfry and unusual corner stair turret, climbing above the tower, are 14th Century. Various works were required here, general pointing repairs, an amount of masonry repair to the west elevations and the reroofing of the slate covered south transept west slope. The below ground drainage needed attention and improvement, while all the above ground eaves gutters, downpipes and brackets needed overhauling and repainting.

The church had recently been targeted by thieves, who stole a quantity of lead sheet roofing and lead flashings; Norman and Underwood Conservation Ltd. undertook the necessary temporary repairs to prevent moisture ingress and successfully completed the replacement work following the theft.

Bartosch and Stokes have well established links with firms throughout the South West and are always able to suggest the most appropriate companies and suppliers to tender for the work.

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Westgate Building Services Limited support Bartosch & Stokes Architects and wish them every success in the future

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When another European Protected Species Survey was required to cater for the different provisions in Wales, Wildwood Ecology had the necessary expertise and carried out the necessary surveys preparatory to any roofing works being undertaken.

St George's Church, Woolhope Two congregations in South Wales decided to make better use of a church basement in one case and a church hall in another; when instructed, Bartosch and Stokes were able to recommend Westgate Building Services, adding two more projects to their numerous list of collaborations with the company throughout S. Wales.

Bartosch and Stokes are proud maintainers of our conservation and archaeological heritage, friendly and approachable; their many years of specialist experience make them a first choice among conservation consultants.

Bartosch and Stokes Call: 01242 522061 Email: bartosch@btconnect.com 50

10357 QPD.qxd_Carford Group 10/05/2013 13:33 Page 1

Solen Energy UK will be taking part in the educational facilities forum in Oxfordshire on November 19th and 20th which will showcase various energy solutions suitable for schools nationwide.

Solen Energy UK carries out a comprehensive energy survey to provide your organisation with specific designs and financial calculations to provide a detailed break down in percentage form.

These figures will enable them to calculate the savings you will make from the energy you will use and the total income you could expect your system to generate year after year. The company will be happy to advise and assist you in all aspects in order to obtain and achieve your EPC certificate, ensuring that you receive the highest banding of Feed in Tariff Rate.

SAVE MONEY, SAVE ENERGY AND HELP TOWARDS A FRIENDLIER ENVIROMENT WITH SOLEN ENERGY UK. Solen Energy UK, a subsidiary of Solen Energy GmbH, the German company at the forefront of innovation and technology across the renewable industry, is going from strength to strength. During this last year Solen Energy UK has installed Solar PV systems across a wide range of business sectors including schools, cinemas and industrial manufacturing plants. They are all set to take on some major solar projects across the agricultural sector.

For a specific solution for your school or building please contact, Debbie.webb@solenenergyuk.co.uk Telephone: 01726 862470 Website: www.solenenergyuk.co.uk

Solen Energy’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Debbie Webb says: “We are finding an increasing demand from the commercial sector to install solar PV as a solution for large manufacturing plants looking for ways to cut rapidly increasing energy costs.

In addition to drastically reducing energy costs for businesses, the return on investment we are offering with the current Feed in Tariff rate is still up to 15% in many cases.

POWER YOUR SCHOOL WITH SOLAR ENERGY We are experts in designing, installing and supplying solar photovoltaic systems.

BY INSTALLING A 10KW ON YOUR SCHOOL ROOF, YOU COULD GET THE FOLLOWING RETURN: PAYBACK WITHIN 7 TO 8 YEARS 9,500 UNITS OF ELECTRICITY GENERATED EACH YEAR SAVINGS OF MORE THAN 225 TONNES OF C02 OVER THE NEXT 25 YEARS YOUR SCHOOL WILL SAVE 13P PER UNIT OF ELECTRICITY GENERATED

The average payback period is approximately 6 years of the 20 years of guaranteed income from generating your own electricity and selling it back to the National Grid.”

Debbie also explained their work within the educational sector.

“Schools are a particular focus for us and form an important part of our client base. As well as installing PV systems into schools we follow up with educational classes for the students to teach them how solar energy works and why clean energy is important for the 21st Century.”

Massive energy savings with Solar-PV earn£££for Why use Solen Energy UK? We are experts with years of experience installing solar PV systems across europe. We’ve worked with everyone from schools to housing developers and farm businesses to provide solar PV systems that save money and generate clean energy.

all electric produced

Contact us today

Cornwall Office: 01726 862 470 Liverpool Office: 01514 485 753 www.solenenergyuk.co.uk ADVICE - EQUIPMENT - INSTALLATION - RETAIL - WHOLESALE

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10654 1pg_Transport Warehousing 24/04/2013 12:29 Page 1

Simon Conder Associates Architects and Designers Many of their current projects incorporate the latest developments in solar heating, photovoltaics, water harvesting and recycling, geothermal and wind power.

Simon Conder Associates consist of a small team of architects and designers, who apply a multi disciplinary approach to projects large and small, public and private, to develop cost effective solutions within tight financial and time constraints.

The team are driven by a passion to make things well and to respond positively to the needs of the individual client and the constraints of the particular site.

This passion results in a first rate level of innovation and creativity, with cutting edge design and stunning structures that complement their surroundings.

Photographer Paul Smoothy

The multi award winning RIBA architects were shortlisted for the MANSER MEDAL 2012 and awarded both the Civic trust Award (2013) and the RIBA Excellence in Architecture Award for two energy efficient houses with a sea view which nestle into the hillside.

The houses which are clad entirely in timber, including the flat roofs, have a strong simple design, appropriate for the location, and are set into the hillside, minimising their impact on the surrounding area.

This positioning is part of a simple passive sustainable approach, using the insulating properties of the soil, exploiting thermal mass, solar gain and natural ventilation.

Whilst the design ensures that all the main spaces have expansive views, the houses are set firmly into the hillside providing a secure, and contained feeling of being protected against the sometimes extreme weather conditions.

With low energy consumption and consistent, elegant detailing and construction, these two hillside houses are great examples of how thoughtful, modest and economical architecture can create a passive, sustainable living environment.

Although the early years of the practice were driven by conversion projects, the increasing importance of issues of sustainability and energy efficiency, are playing an important part in their practice these days. These two houses are exemplars of developments within the architectural practice.

52

It is an exciting time in architecture with new materials and new concepts developing every day, and this transmits to the members of the practice who bring the same level of enthusiasm and attention to detail to all their projects, wherever or whatever it is.

For more details and to view some of their other projects and awards please visit

www.simonconder.co.uk or telephone 0207 2512144

10653 1pg_Transport Warehousing 17/04/2013 10:03 Page 1

Beach Houses, Lighthouses and Egg Buildings – Prelasti Has Them Covered It has waterproofed Bear Gryll’s lighthouse, clad an award-winning beach house in Kent, and roofed an egg-shaped primary school in the West Midlands.

When architect Simon Conder’s beach house at Dungeness won a RIBA award, it was dubbed The Black Rubber Beach House.

Prelasti EPDM is versatile, to say the least. Solely supplied and installed in the UK by AAC Waterproofing, Prelasti is favoured by contractors, architects and wilderness survivors for two reasons.

We clad the timber and plywood structure in Prelasti, including all the tricky seams for window frames and doors. Inside two weeks and within budget, the beach house was waterproofed, insulated, and immortalised.

First, the EPDM material is guaranteed to be waterproof for 20 years. It’s actual life expectancy is much longer – 50 years and counting, in fact.

Prelasti is waterproof yet vapour permeable, resistant to ozone and UV, withstands extremes of temperature between -50C and +200C, and stretches up to 400% without degradation. A synthetic rubber product with a BREEAM A+ rating, it’s friendly to the environment.

Second, Prelasti’s manufacture and installation method ensures 100% joint integrity, rapid application, and potential cost savings in the design and build process.

AAC Waterproofing prefabricates the membrane offsite at its purpose-built factory in North Wales.

Prefabrication involves joining together sections of Prelasti material. The process is called vulcanisation: it bonds the polymer compound at a molecular level, effectively taking joins out of the equation.

We have installed waterproof roofs for private and public sector projects of all kinds – but never an egg-shaped school, until this summer.

Four Dwellings Primary School in Birmingham is the striking, timber-framed creation of dRMM Architects, part of Bovis Lend Lease’s Building Schools for the Future programme. Offsite build and prefabrication played a key role in successfully waterproofing this unusual shape roof on time and to budget.

These very different projects by AAC Waterproofing have one thing in common – they will be waterproof and sensitive to the environment for decades to come.

For more information call 01248 421955, 01803 557567, email info@aac-prelasti.co.uk or visit www.aac-prelasti.co.uk

01248 421955 01803 557567

Offsite build is ideal for Business Information Modelling (BIM) projects and has already proved a cost-effective solution throughout the construction industry. Prelasti scores again when it comes to the actual installation. There are no hot works. EPDM is so lightweight it can be laid on top of new or existing structures, and is ideal for timber-framed buildings.

info@aac-prelasti.co.uk www.aac-prelasti.co.uk

As well as waterproofing roofing and cladding, it can be used in roof gardens and as a lake liner. Proprietary fixing methods do not puncture the material, and include quick-to-install fasteners, simple ballast, and PUR adhesive.

Prelasti’s waterproofing and green credentials were uppermost in Bear Gryll’s mind when he came to AAC Waterproofing with a leaky island lighthouse.

The world’s most advanced sustainable waterproofing membrane Suitable for:

20-year Guarantee

50-year Life Expectancy

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Winsor + Leaman Architects

10748 4pg 2_Layout 1 09/05/2013 10:16 Page 1

Combe Dingle House, Office

Undertaking a building project, no matter how small can be a daunting prospect, so ensuring that you engage a RIBA chartered architect means that you are making one of the best possible investments in your scheme.

While architects can often create beautiful solutions, the general perception is that their contribution often makes the work more expensive which leads many people to believe that it is more economical to work directly with a builder. At Winsor & Leaman we know this to be a false economy. We not only create elegant

You will be working with someone who has had seven years of architectural training – no other building professional is trained to such a level of expertise – and you will have an expert on board to help you realise your vision and add value to your project through good design and sound construction. Selecting the right architect is one of the most significant decisions anyone with a building project can make and the Royal Institute of British Architects can be relied upon to guide that choice.

Winsor and Leaman Architects is an RIBA chartered practice established nearly ten years ago and is experienced in the design of buildings that are simple, sensitive and economical to build.

54

Houses in Hollywood Rd, Bristol

10748 4pg 2_Layout 1 09/05/2013 10:16 Page 2

buildings but we also produce practical solutions by working with a number of builders, whom we know and trust and who will give our clients real value for their money.

Brunel Manor, Torquay First we create the sketch designs, often with simple models of your proposal. This is followed by an approximate estimate of the final cost. We can then discuss all aspects of the design with you and ask the builders on our list to make suggestions about the most economic method of construction for their expertise. For example we are designing some new houses and we are currently comparing the cost of traditional masonry with timber frame construction and with SIPs - Structural Insulated Panels, engineered plywood panels filled with foam insulation.

SIPs are made in a factory and can be simply fixed together to form the walls and the roof in a matter of one or two days.

01275 461 800 7LMIPH ]SYV FYWMRIWW JVSQ VMWMRK IRIVK] FMPPW [MXL VIRI[EFPI IRIVK]

Lodge Drive, Long Ashton, Remodel

PSL design and detail all types of building structures including

. Steel framed buildings . Reinforced concrete framed buildings . Reinforced concrete foundations . Piled foundations . Precast concrete floors . Precast concrete walls . Reinforced concrete floors . Fibre reinforced floors

PSL Structural Projects

Consulting Structural Engineers

Find out more about some of our latest projects by visiting: www.pslstructures.co.uk PSL Structural Projects We are pleased to offer structural support to Winsor & Leaman Architects.

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Call us now to see how renewable technologies can FIRI½X ]SYV FYWMRIWW The South West’s Green Energy Installer of the Year 2012

commercial@solarsense-uk.com

Providing trusted advice and installation since 1994

www.solarsense-uk.com

Solar PV: roof and ground mounted | Solar Thermal | Heat Pumps | Biomass

PSL Structural Projects t: 01275 375345 e: psl@pslsp.co.uk

find us on

PSL Structural Projects Ltd The Old Forge Lodway Business Centre, Pill, Bristol BS20 0DH

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10748 4pg 2_Layout 1 09/05/2013 10:16 Page 3

Court Farm, Stables, Pucklechurch After we have established the design, we produce a specification, using an Excel spreadsheet. This is an organised list of work that can easily be priced by the builders and used by them to quote. Once the tenders have all been received we issue a tender comparison that enables you to make an informed choice of which builder to use. Having selected a builder, a simple contract is signed by both parties outlining the procedures to follow, should there be a dispute during the duration of the contract.

Once work has started, the same detailed specification is used to calculate the monthly payments that should be made to the builder. It is also used to clarify any unforeseen variations in the contract or to estimate the cost of changes made by the owner, using the builder’s own tendered rates.

These simple procedures result in a building process that is efficient and competitive and we know from experience that our fee is more than covered by the savings made by tendering in this way.

tr a ns po r t p l a nni ng 29 St Bartholomews Close, Cam Dursley, Gloucestershire GL11 5US and 7 Marlborough Crescent Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EE, UK malcolm.jones@hawthorntransportplanning.co.uk roland.craig@hawthorntransportplanning.co.uk www.hawthorntransportplanning.co.uk

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A Transport Planning and Civil Engineering Consultancy working primarily for private sector clients supporting their development proposals by preparing transport assessments and statements, travel plans and detailed junction modelling and road designs. We also have a capability for developing surface water and foul drainage schemes.

We are proud to support Winsor & Leaman Architects and wish them every success in the future

Flats off Locking Rd, Weston super Mare

John S Roberts Builder All aspect of building work covered from foundation to completion.

Conservatories, Extensions to new build Homes.

Established 1978

Tel: 01179563522 Mob: 07974377213 Email: johnro60@btconnect.com

48 Mangotsfield Road, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 5NB

10748 4pg 2_Layout 1 09/05/2013 10:16 Page 4

New Flats, Cotham

By streamlining the building process, we are able to concentrate on the creation of good quality buildings by using the most appropriate materials and the latest building techniques that have all been thoroughly tried and tested to our satisfaction.

We design extensions, private houses, affordable social housing, commercial and leisure developments as well as being specialists in the conservation and renovation of historic buildings and churches. We aim to deliver a quality service that gives our clients good value for money using the latest computer and software technology including our own project management and specification software.

Extension, Rownham Hill

For further information please telephone on 0117 9238617 or visit the web site

www.winsorleaman.com

R. O. DANDO & SONS Registered Builders & Decorators FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 100 YEARS MOORLEDGE ROAD CHEW MAGNA, BRISTOL BS40 8TA Axbridge Parish Church Renovation

Telephone: 01275 333603

(PP) Ltd COTSWOLD COTSWOLD T TREATMENTS REATMENTS (PP)

In-situ In-situ Prope Property rty P Preservation reservation for for over over 20 20 years years

TIMBER TREATMENTS Woodworm Dry Rot Wet Rot Structural Repairs

DAMP CONTROL Rising Damp Penetrating Damp Liquid DPM Flooring Structural Waterproofing

Call Call today today for for a FREE, FREE, no no obligation obligation assessment assessment with with detailed detailed written written Report Report

Tel: (01454) 417199 / 411422

www.cotswoldtreatments.co.uk Email: cotswoldtreatments@btconnect.com Abadan House, Gloucester Road, Grovesend, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 3TU

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M C L A U G H L I N R O S S L L P C O N S E R VAT I O N A R C H I T E C T S A N D B U I L D I N G H I S T O R I A N S Brought together by a shared passion for historic buildings and landscapes, David McLaughlin and Kay Ross formed McLaughlin Ross in 2005. The partnership combines their expertise and skills in the understanding, conservation and sustainable development of historic buildings and churches, ancient monuments, conservation areas and historic landscapes, as well as new buildings in historic settings for both private and public clients.

A central aspect of their work involves producing historic and archaeological building reports and justifications for clients applying for listed building consent. They have worked on a wide range of buildings, including churches, agricultural and industrial sites, houses of all ages and sizes, gardens, landscapes and even a post war nuclear defence bunker!

Thorough research of the documentary, archival and structural history of historic buildings is fundamental to the understanding of their historic and contemporary development. McLaughlin Ross llp historic building reports are a key component of their heritage appraisals for applications for listed building consent, assessing the value and significance of heritage assets in line with the recent National Planning Policy Framework and its emerging interpretation as well as for Statements of Significance for churches and other heritage assets.

They work in collaboration with other consultants including planning and licensing lawyer Graham Gover and Dando Surveying Ltd to tailor the most appropriate response to deliver listed building consent and planning permissions. Dando’s detailed digital surveys using GPS technology have helped McLaughlin Ross llp successfully gain consents and planning permissions for their clients on a wide range of projects including fourteen new shops and offices (1,100 m2) in a conservation area on a site with mediaeval and Roman archaeology; conservation, cleaning and lighting of the 15th century porch of the Grade I church of Saint Stephen, Bristol and alterations to a Grade II 17th century farmhouse within a conservation area, Green Belt and Cotswold AONB.

McLaughlin Ross llp work with a wide range of conservators and artist craftspeople. Specialist architectural metalwork conservators, Dorothea Restorations, conserved, cleaned, re-painted and gilded the 1710 sword rest at the church of Saint Stephen, Bristol under the direction of David McLaughlin, Church Architect.

Their latest commission is a detailed conservation and future options study of the 18th century rotunda and bastion of Goldney Hall for the University of Bristol.

They also collaborate with churches preparing Statements of Significance, Quinquennial Inspections and proposals for re-orderings in response to the witness and mission of the Church.

David is a Consulting Architect Accredited in Building Conservation, a life member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Ancient Monuments Society and a Brother of the Art Workers Guild. He is also a member of various other bodies concerned with the conservation and re-use of ecclesiastical and historic buildings.

Kay has a Certificate in Higher Education for Vernacular Architecture from the University of Birmingham and an MA with Distinction in Historical Archaeology of the Modern World from the University of Bristol.

McLaughlin Ross llp is an IHBC recognised Historic Environment Services Provider (www.ihbc.org.uk) Telephone: 0117 932 3009 Email: david@mclross.co.uk or kay@mclross.co.uk

Dando Surveying Ltd is a dedicated team of highly skilled individuals, based in the South West of England.

We offer a wide range of surveying services across the UK and Europe.

Tel: 01454 299301 Email: enquiries@dandosurveying.co.uk Web: www.dandosurveying.co.uk

Graham Gover Solicitor LARTPI Proud to be partners with McLaughlin Ross on listed buildings heritage asset statements enforcement planning applications www.ggsolicitor.co.uk

58

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Building Design Services

Tim Weeding is steeped in the architect’s art, having spent a lifetime in the profession.

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Preparation of specifications to include contract particulars and preliminaries.

The man behind Wiltshire’s Building Design Services left school in 1964 to take up his pen and now puts 45 years of experience to put into every project he undertakes.

•

Those skills form a sound base for when the need to learn new ones arises - he’s never been afraid of moving with the times and adopting industry innovations as they arrived.

Advise client regarding contractor list for tendering, prepare tender information, liaise with contractors during tendering, tender assessment and advise client regarding appointment of contractor.

•

Preparation of contract documents.

•

Contract supervision and administration including issue of instructions and agreement of interim valuations.

“I spent my first 25 years leant over a drawing board, but since 1990 I have been using AutoCAD as the drawing tool,” he smiles.

•

Practical Completion inspections.

•

Agreement of final accounts.

He set up Building Design services, based the village of Worton, just outside Devizes, in 1991, having spent several years employed by a local architectural practice and later working in the design and build office of a national building contractor.

•

Defects Liability inspections.

From his Mill Road office he welcomes inquiries from within an approximate 25 mile radius, which includes the major towns of Devizes, Marlborough, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury and Warminster and a whole host of villages in between.

“The practice specialises in new build residential developments, alterations and extensions to existing residential property, barn conversions, industrial and commercial developments,” says Tim.

“The practice services are covered by professional indemnity insurance, details of which are available on request,” says Tim. “We are also happy to offer a 'drawing only' service to include preparation and submissions to a local authority for planning permission, listed building consent and building regulation approval and then hand the package over to the client for them to undertake or organise the building works themselves.”

For further information about Building Design Services, visit

www.architecturalserviceswiltshire.co.uk To make an enquiry, telephone

But Building Design Services also supplies the full range of architectural requirements, such as: Building measurement surveys and topographical land surveys for the preparation of building survey drawings to indicate plans, elevations, sections and site plan to include drainage, site services and site levels, etc.

•

Feasibility design proposals including budget building cost information for discussions with client and for their approval.

•

Submission of feasibility design proposals to the local authority when applicable for planning officer informal comments and discussions.

•

Preparation of final design drawings and design + access statements when applicable for submission to the local authority for planning permission and listed building consent.

•

Preparation of detailed construction drawings for construction purposes and submission to the local authority for building regulation approval and to include liaison with the structural engineer and mechanical and electrical engineers when required.

Chirton building W Wee specialists in High Quality Refurbishments and Extensions, we ar aree your eexperts xperts for home eextensions xtensions and basement conversions and High-Quality Home Impro vements including: Improvements s Cellar conversion s Listed buildings s Ground works s Bespoke carpentr carpentryy s New builds W ange of construction ser vices including: Wee also offer a wide rrange services s Na tural stone work s Oak timber work s Demolition s Site clearance Natural s Landsca ping s TTotal otal refurbishments s Barn conversions Landscaping s High-quality home extensions We are proud to support Building Design Services and we would like to wish you every success in the future

IN IN BRIEF...

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10765 1pg_Layout 1 16/04/2013 15:54 Page 1

“We have just appointed an operations manager and are now actively looking to increase the number of our engineers and take on a customer services apprentice.”

The latter appointment underlines the company’s commitment to the future still further as it is already working with two young apprentices and supporting them through college.

Further initiatives lined up for 2013 are DHS’s refurbishment of the 3 floors above its premises and showroom, at 77 Stokes Croft which, promises Ivan, will then be available for rent to “creative entrepreneurs” (go to www.77stokescroft.com).

Dynamic Heating Services

Plenty to look forward to, and all in a day’s work for a business which prides itself on providing a prompt and efficient service which is carried out by its expert teams.

Proud to have served Bristol for more than 35 years, Dynamic Heating Services has vowed to continue doing so.

Whether it’s the mere changing of a washer, the design and installation of a complete system, or anything in between, the heating and plumbing provider is here to do it.

What was originally a small localised plumbing concern has grown, organically, to supply the entire city with the full range of plumbing and heating services; incorporating design and installation as well as repairs and servicing.

And now preparing to recruit for a range of positions, it’s well placed to fulfill its pledge of future service to the city, undeterred by the current tough trading conditions being experienced throughout the nation.

“Like all business in recent years our greatest challenge has been the economy and the change in people’s spending habits,” acknowledges Dynamic Heating Services (DHS) MD Ivan Hudd.

“People tend to ‘make do’ rather than replace until absolutely necessary. But we believe our greatest success is that we have served the people and businesses of Bristol for more than 35 years and will continue to do so.

Boilers, fireplaces, woodburners, solar heating, bathrooms, gas services and under floor heating are all part of its portfolio, delivered by a company which is Gas Safe registered, MCS accredited, a member of the Building Safety Group as well as being approved Vaillant and Worcester installers.

“Our portfolio of work is varied, ranging from whether a customer requires a simple washer change to the design and installation of large complicated gas or solar heating systems or the design and installation of bathrooms and wet rooms,” says Ivan.

“Alongside our fully trained and knowledgeable engineers we also have a small number of trusted contractors upon whom we call when help is required.”

For further information about the full range of services available from DHS, go to www.dhs-uk.com. Alternatively telephone 0117 9247200 or email sales@dhs-uk.com

With a wide range of traditional and ultra modern designs, Dimplex offers a fire for every living area and every budget. You can choose from two stunning, award winning flame effects – Optiflame® and Opti-myst® Dimplex, Millbrook House, Grange Drive, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2DF Tel: 0844 879 3588 Fax: 0844 879 3578 www.dimplex.co.uk

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When Swedish precision engineering firm Seco Tools agreed to buy 2 former industrial buildings adjacent to their existing 1960’s factory site they appointed Workplace Consultants & Interior Designers Wylde IA to create a state-of-the-art UK HQ which supported their vision of an inspirational office and production facility whilst demonstrating their shared values of passion for their customers, family spirit and personal commitment.

Wylde IA Director and Project Designer Maxine Bennett worked closely with all departments to establish a full understanding of their actual needs and desires prior to completion of any designs – liaison with all aspects of the business was necessary to ensure all requirements were included, creating a cohesive and holistic approach to the scheme’s development.

Detailed design and planning of key components including Reception, Technology and Production Centre, Meeting, Exhibition and Auditorium suites, Open Plan office accommodation, Collaborative areas promoting agile working, large flexible Cafe facilities, high-quality WC’s, a well equipped Gym and external spaces was completed, whilst maintaining a constant, careful assessment and selection of materials, furniture, lighting and landscaping.

The development from initial planning concepts, through to completion included full involvement on site while also acting as the client’s representative, during the complicated implementation phase, weekly attendance at Contractor Meetings, liaison and coordination with specialist suppliers.

Seco Tools’ precision engineering heritage, demanded special attention to the quality of products and finish to reflect their business values.

A bespoke staircase, designed in conjunction with a local artist, referenced the tooling process whilst using plywood construction rather than the obvious metallic approach. ‘Swarf’ from the tooling process was placed inside Auditorium glazed panels providing a link to the materials being used in Production and specific focus was needed when integrating branding and acoustic treatment throughout the converted Industrial buildings.

Seco’s desire to use their new facility as a showcase for their products required large, flexible Exhibition spaces allowing formal and informal presentation.

Wylde IA has now completed the project for Seco Tools UK in Alcester and due to the success of the project relationship, have now been appointed to provide consultancy, design and specification for Seco offices worldwide.

Richard Jelfs - Managing Director Seco Tools (UK) Ltd said: “The Team at Wylde IA delivered a truly outstanding environment for work, rest and play. They enabled us to move from a large, cellular 1960’s office block and manufacturing facility into a stateof-the-art 35,000ft² office and technology centre.

They have transformed two, rather dull, industrial steel sheds into the most amazing, agile and truly inspirational space.

They have a unique ability to not-only design funky work spaces but also to seamlessly translate their designs into practical reality.

They understand the entire process and have incredible attention to detail...and they’re great fun to work with!”

Tel: 0117 942 0281

Email: design@wyldeia.co.uk

www.wyldeia.co.uk

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brunskilldesign architects Whether it’s helping to make history by spearheading the redevelopment of one of the country’s iconic international railway stations, or being an award-winning pointer to a greener future, Brunskill Design Architects is the practice for the job.

Since its recent foundation the business has boomed from small house extensions and loft conversions to multi-million pound developments and refits.

Like St Pancras International Station, for which director Helen Brunskill was a lead architect while working on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Project (High Speed One).

Brunskill’s residential work has been clean and modern, and also included sensitive additions to listed buildings. One of its latest commissions is to to design a new hostel for homeless people.

Via its office in Compton Dando, near Bath, it offers the full range of architectural services for residential and commercial projects, new build, renovation and conservation areas and sustainable design and new and renovation projects, along with:

The station has now opened to international acclaim thanks to the care taken in rebuilding its Victorian aspects while allowing new elements of cutting-edge design and technology.

•

Full architectural design services

•

Masterplanning of urban, semi-urban and rural areas.

•

Transport interchange consultancy.

•

Interior design and space planning.

•

Project management services and value engineering services.

•

Approximately 15 minutes’ free initial advice over the phone on architect or building queries.

“We are here to help those seeking good sensible design, which is both functional and delightful and within their budget,” states Helen. “We will help plan a project and make it happen, delivering what clients want.

“Communication is our key tool and we take our responsibilities to our client, our team and our planet seriously.”

“Helen believes in appropriate design for the context,” explains Jane Masters, who assists in the practice’s South West office.

“But then Brunskill’s team is passionate about and committed to good, quality design and finds ways to add value to even modest projects. “ You can trust us to offer a committed service for your project large or small, as our experience and capability ranges from small-scale design of interior elements to master planning multi hectare sites,” assures Helen. “Please go ahead and tell us what you want.”

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Natural Daylight Natural Ventilation Roof Access Flushglaze Fixed Range

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SHaPUN =PZPVU HYL [OL VYPNPUHS -SH[ 9VVM .SHZZ 9VVÅPNO[ company. Established in 1994, today Glazing Vision THU\MHJ[\YL YVVÅPNO[Z PU [OL <2 MVY WYVQLJ[Z HSS V]LY [OL >VYSK 6\Y YVVÅPNO[Z OH]L ILLU PUZ[HSSLK PU KVTLZ[PJ WYVWLY[PLZ ZJOVVSZ SPIYHYPLZ OVZWP[HSZ OV[LSZ HUK T\ZL\TZ HSS V]LY [OL <2

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That sense of responsibility to the planet translates into how the practice uses natural or recycled materials and is ever conscious of sustainable issues when selecting materials. It also ensures its projects take into account maintenance and life cycle cost issues.

So perhaps it is no surprise that a few years ago it won a prestigious competition run by British industrial designer James Dyson and BD Magazine to design a ‘Washroom of the Future’.

Washroom, train station or anything in between - you have a vision and Brunskill turns it into winning reality.

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

www.brunskilldesign.com

or telephone 07821 876060 or email enquiries@brunskilldesign.com

Bespoke glazing solutions in timber aluminium & composite Kloeber’s advanced glazing solutions are available in bespoke or set sizes, with low U values and double or triple glazing options. View our website for further details of our extensive product range. folding sliding doors sliding doors french doors single doors

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telephone

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c & ALITY U Q D E

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Building a company for the 21st Century, Tony Zammit and his son Carl have seen the company, founded in 2001 by Tony Zammit, grow into one of the major refurbishment and maintenance contractors in the South West.

Instrumental in maintaining their competitive edge is their strong network of reliable sub contractors throughout the South of England. Thanks to them and to the quality of their own highly trained workforce, they have the experience and capabilities to carry out contracts of up to £1m and have an excellent record of successfully delivering multiple fast track projects.

Carl Zammit explained, “Our professional team is highly motivated and wholly committed to delivering high quality defect free projects. We are committed to delivering a first rate product at a competitive price on time and on budget ensuring our clients and their stakeholders are wholly satisfied.”

Such emphasis on client satisfaction has led to the development of an ever wider client base.

From high quality refurbishment and remodelling of near derelict properties, to ongoing maintenance contracts, their highly skilled and experienced team produce a top quality result tailored to the individual client’s requirements.

The company is expanding rapidly, and with turnover approaching £4m per annum has almost doubled last year’s figures; future growth also seems assured thanks to their order books showing a substantial number of projects in the pipeline.

In these straightened times, tendering has to be extremely, competitive and clients’ perception of value is all important, but by a combination of modest margins, keen negotiation and value engineering 21CBS are able to meet their clients’ requirements, whilst remaining in budget.

Carl tells us too that property managers are more than ever aware of the importance of professional upkeep for the properties within their portfolios, and that the maintenance side of the business is growing very steadily.

The huge variety of projects undertaken over the years has provided them with an experience bank second to none. The company is dedicated to working in partnership with their clients, and they have an excellent working relationship with architects, consultants, designers, engineers, property managers and surveyors, and are proud of the high value, high quality, focused and integrated service, on which their reputation is based.

Whatever your project contact the team on 0117 373 8696, or email carl.zammit@21cbs.co.uk, to discuss your requirements and to receive prompt professional advice.

www.amsinsurance.co.uk t: 01275 855502 f: 01275 856588

AMS

Insurance Solutions Ltd.

AMS Insurance Solutions - change for good

“

AMS Insurance Solutions are proud to support 21st Century Building Services and wish them every success in the future

”

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Suspended Ceilings O Partitions O Dry Lining O

FIRST CLASS I N T E R I O R S

First Class Interiors Ltd Is proud to be associated with 21st Century Building Services Wishing them every success in the future and looking forward to future contracts Call: 0117 9632193 Unit 5, 8 Vale Lane, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 5RU

www.firstclassinteriors.ltd.uk

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High quality workmanship and customers’ peace of mind.

These are the benchmarks of any project undertaken by JM Joinery.

“Since we started in 2000, the company has made a name for itself through its excellent customer service and high quality workmanship and these latest developments only serve to enhance that reputation.”

No matter what the size and type of job, JM Joinery aims to supply a complete service, right from the design stage, through to manufacture and on to installation; always using the best carefully selected hardwoods and softwoods.

The bespoke joinery expertise at the fingertips of all its craftsmen mean it is much in demand for work on public buildings with listed and ecclesiastical projects also part of the the remit. JM Joinery prides themselves on the windows and doors they produce in a number of different styles from traditional to stormproof and they have recently started to produce eco windows.

The company is dedicated to producing the finest joinery to be found anywhere in the Hereford and Monmouth areas and is celebrating two prestigious events that demonstrate just how that dedication is paying off.

It recently become a member of the Certass Competent Person Scheme, which means JM Joinery can self-certify that its installations adhere to current building regulations rather than having to submit a building notice to the local authority or use an approved inspector.

It has also just joined Quality Assured National Warranties, one of the UK’s leading providers of insurance backed guarantees and deposit protections insurance.

“We are pleased to being part of such a scheme that provides such peace of mind at all stages of a project for our clients,” says JM Joinery proprietor Julian Morgan.

A wide range of modern work also makes up a busy part of its portfolio with shelving and storage solutions, such as fitted wardrobes, dressing tables, shop fitting cabinets and purposemade kitchens, all produced at its workshop in Hereford Barn conversions, conservatories, porches, garden rooms, oak joinery and domestic projects also take their place in the order book and no matter what the design is, every customer receives computer generated elevations for full approval before any work takes place.

With glass and ironmongery for windows, doors and gates all part of the JM Joinery product list, the company really does have a wide range of areas covered.

For further information and to view its products and services, please visit www.jmjoinery.com To make an enquiry email julianmorgan@jmjoinery.com or telephone 01432 357 357

Clarks Wood Company Ltd We are proud to support JM Joinery and wish them all the best for the future We provide Hardwood Softwoods Clears Sheet Materials and value added products for the timber, joinery and

furniture industry.

Call: 0117 9716316 F: 0117 9723119 E: sales@clarkswood.com

www.clarkswood.com džĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ŽīĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ &ĂĐĞŬ ƵƐĞƌƐ

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Two art forms successfully came together when Kitto Joinery made light work of a prestigious scheme to illuminate an artist’s brand new studio.

The Bristol company was able to demonstrate the joiner’s art when it manufactured a double glazed north light for the roof on the studio being built in Montpelier for renowned local artist Chez Watts.

But this was no ordinary rooflight - or project come to that. The bespoke eco building, replacing a derelict workshop, was built on a landlocked irregular triangular shaped site off Ashley Road.

Further challenges came in the form of one curved wall where the existing historic stone walls had to be retained. Two walls were boundaries and neighbours were unwilling to permit access or scaffolding on their land. Therefore, the site could only be reached via a narrow lane on one side and involved closing the road while maintaining safe pedestrian access.

But the Kitto Joinery team part of the Kitto Group of companies with whom they worked alongside on the project, enjoy overcoming challenges and within six months the studio was complete, boasting a hyperbolic parabola barrel vaulted roof.

Because there were no windows in the external walls, one end of the roof featured the full width double glazed north light, manufactured in iroko by Kitto Joinery.

The project demonstrates just how Kitto, based in Colston Mews, Cheltenham Road, is able to blend up-to-the-minute production methods and equipment with the most traditional of techniques and top quality craftsmanship. Add to this a high level of service and a friendly and helpful workforce and you can see why it is much in demand.

“As bench joiners and cabinet makers, we produce traditional architectural and bespoke joinery such as staircases, windows, counters for retail clients and the trade,” says Manager Robert Hardie.

These could be one-off custom-made staircases, doors, gates, counters, screens and windows as part of flats and housing repairs or regeneration projects. Kitto also manufactures numerous components for the fitting out of school buildings, offices, shops, health and fitness clubs and restaurants.

Surgery and health centres have also featured large. For example, Kitto manufactured the bespoke joinery for the Wellington Medical Centre and was also extensively involved with the construction of Christchurch Family Medical Centre at Downend. www.maximliftingservices.com www.maximliftingservices.com

Maxim Lifting Services providing lifting solutions for over a decade Crane Hire | Contract Lifting | Mini Cranes | Glass Lifters | Machine Movement | Transport We are proud to support Kitto Joinery and wish them all the best for the future!

Call on: 01527 910 946 enquiries@maximliftingservices.co.uk

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m

LIFTING SERVICES

“Our skilled joiners and cabinet makers apply the same exacting standards that are our trademark, thus making us the first choice supplier for many,” says Robert. “We also provide a service to maintenance contractors who require the swift supply of joinery and machined timber.”

The customer base is not just confined to fellow professionals - Kitto Joinery undertakes domestic projects and has both national and local businesses as clients.

As 2013 gets into its stride, the team plan to continue delivering the same quality service and after-care which has earned them an enviable number of loyal customers.

For further information visit www.kitto-group.co.uk To make an enquiry, telephone 0117 9108302 or email robert.hardie@kitto-group.co.uk

S.O.S. GLASS & GLAZING LTD 3 REPTON ROAD, BRISLINGTON, BRISTOL. BS4 3LS TEL/FAX 01179711488 MOBILE 07850686372 EMAIL info@sosglass.co.uk WEB www.sosglass.co.uk WE ARE PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH KITTO CONSTRUCTION ON THEIR MANY PRESTIGIOUS PROJECTS AND WISH THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR THE FUTURE. Glazing Contractors, toughened glass, Mirrors, double glazed units, upvc, Aluminium doors and windows, Bio fold doors. Glass assemblies, Glass Balustrades and partitions.

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STRUCTURES The structural engineers you can trust Known in the region for its combination of excellent service and unbeatable value for money, PRO Structures offers clients the best of both worlds – providing a personalised, small company ethos packed to the gunwales with experience gained among the industry’s heavyweights.

With a growing and enviable reputation in the South West, PRO Structures is the structural engineer of choice for Charlcombe Homes, who are developing a series of bespoke mansions overlooking the Box Valley just outside Bath, and for Homeworx Design and Build. The company has also gained praise for its work on projects including the Coniston Community Centre in Patchway; an extension to the race control building at Castle Combe Race Track; a stunning mezzanine floor addition to Taste Ltd at St Nicholas Markets; several care home conversions for the Aurora Partnership, and a whole retirement village at Brade Drive in Coventry for Hall Bros.

If any local architects, surveyors or developers would like to be sure of the very best structural advice, from a firm who really cares and will do their utmost to solve problems and add value, then they would do well to get in touch.

As Director Ron O’Connor explained: “I’d worked for some of the largest international firms, including WSP, Mouchel and White Young Green. I’d reached a point where I wanted to be my own boss, keeping my hand in on the design side, while also taking pride in developing a business and running my own team.

Call PRO Structures today on 0117 923 8777 email info@prostructures.co.uk or visit www.prostructures.co.uk

“I set up PRO Structures in 2007, and despite the testing economic times, we’ve gone from strength to strength, winning ever more exciting and prestigious projects, including a high proportion of repeat business.”

So what is the secret of PRO Structures’ success?

“I really think it is that essential combination of service and value,” said Ron. “Large firms inevitably have higher overheads, and also their senior staff often can’t pay individual attention to each project.

Small firms are in a position to offer lower fees, and if their engineers have gained a good breadth of solid professional experience, and their processes and overall management are designed to cope with the demands of a growing business, they will thrive.”

PRO Structures offers structural engineering for residential, office, commercial and public sector buildings. Their aim is always to offer the highest professional standards, combined with excellent value and a no-nonsense approach. They design in all materials, and have a commitment to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

STRUCTURES

Quality and value structural engineering RESIDENTIAL – OFFICE – COMMERCIAL – PUBLIC SECTOR

Looking for a structural engineer you can trust?

Look no further.

Full service structural engineering including:

T: 0117 923 8777 E: info@prostructures.co.uk W: prostructures.co.uk

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ACC

contractors ACC Contractors founded in 2005, are a family run business based in Bristol. They design, supply and install commercial interior solutions, carrying out associated building work as required.

Due to the excellent service they provide, their attention to detail and their highly experienced and qualified workforce, they are called upon by many of the large national main contractors throughout the UK to complete works where quality is a priority. However, Ray Rennolds M.D. says that with margins growing ever tighter, they are tendering for a lot more work directly from the end client, with its obvious financial benefits to both parties.

Dealing direct offers advantages for the client companies. ACC are proud to offer best value for money, best advice and best products that save money in the long term, and projects which come in on time, keeping down time to the minimum. Currently they are working on projects which will run through to the end of this year. Large projects such as these or a small office revamp, every commission will receive the same detailed, thoughtful attention.

They are a true one stop shop and can manage your project from start to finish. From air conditioning to carpets, plumbing to space planning, furniture to partitions, especially demountable systems, suspended ceilings, heating, and all electrical, security, Data and lighting systems.

Contact Ray and the team on 01179 720659 or 01275 541638 to discuss your office and how ACC can help Visit: www.acccontractors.co.uk Email: enquiries@acccontractors.co.uk

ACC bring a personal approach to your project, they start with an in depth discussion to ensure that they understand your business and what you hope to achieve. They will then use their experience to come up with a practical, workable solution, illustrated by detailed CAD drawings.

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Commercial Property to Buy or Not to Buy A quick checklist could include: Space - how much for each member of staff, and any extra for interviews and/or meetings.

Parking - not only for employees - what about customers?

Storage - It could be products, it could be for an extensive records archive.

Security - Many modern building have systems built in.

Permission - Worth checking if you’re a manufacturer - you may need permission to actually do said manufacturing.

Moving into new premises is a milestone moment for any business. Whether it means leaving a domestic garage or back room or going from a small industrial unit to a major expanse of commercial building it’s always a sign of success.

While being an outward sign of growth to suppliers and customers, getting the keys to new premises also means opening a door to further expansion, such as more room for new employees.

That’s the fun bit - however, as with any property purchase, there’s lots to negotiate beforehand, such as locating a site, getting a commercial mortgage and securing the premises.

Plenty to think about then - not least whether, having decided that your business is ready for the next step, - to buy or not to buy?

There are reasons both for and against outright ownership and much thought should be applied to weighing up the pros and cons. For example, there’s no need to worry about rent increases and by fixing monthly payments you can give yourself security over your outgoings - which could well be about the same as rent on a similar property.

You could remortgage to raise finance and design your surroundings exactly to the needs of your business - even adding to it if necessary. On the other hand - do you have funds totaling between 20% and 30% of the property’s value for a deposit? You will be paying for its upkeep and, if it loses value, that will affect your business capital.

If circumstances change it won’t be so easy to move or take on more or less space and you could be in a situation where you are unable to hire more staff or invest in machinery because your cash flow is committed to a premises purchase.

Depending on interest rate movements, your mortgage payments could increase. You have less flexibility to cope with changes in circumstances - to take on more or less space, or to move to a different location - than if you are renting. Buying premises ties up cash flow which could be invested in new employees, or plant.

By making property ownership a central part of your business, you expose yourself to an unpredictable market. This could leave you with a large and unproductive asset, which still incurs costs.

Having made your decision, the search is on! You’ll be hunting premises that meet your company’s specific requirement.

Of course, the premises may fulfill your every need - but are they in the right place? While investigating the actual bricks and mortar, never forget: location, location, location.

Retailers will want to be close to their customers or suppliers and enjoy good visibility, while goods producers, delivery makers and those with a high logistics requirement will place a heavy emphasis on good transport links.

Your employees’ needs also need to be weighed up carefully can they get there easily - and there are other considerations, A town/city centre building could cost more, may pose a greater crime risk and be subject to more noise and pollution, while an out-of-town location is more likely to have a modern building and better parking, but could lack other amenities such as nearby shops and restaurants.

So how do you go about doing all this research to ensure you’ve got the premises to suit you?

It’s worth asking any of your own immediate contacts who already have premises in the area to see if they know of opportunities and its getting advice from local organisations such as Chambers of Commerce is also worth a try. Then of course, there are local newspapers, trade newspapers and internet property sites - all will carry details of premises available for rent or purchase.

Of course, going to and using the services of an expert commercial property agent/consultant is likely to make the whole process smoother, faster and much more efficient.

These are the people who are scouring the market on a daily basis and know just what’s out there, which are the best areas in which a business can locate and where the best deals are.

They will have access to sales and leasing trends which can prove invaluable when you’re trying to decide where to locate as well as extensive property portfolios of their own and they can also help handle the complex negotiations involved in structuring leases or purchases.

Choosing a new home for your growing business is an exciting time as it marks a company’s growth. Investing in the time to do it properly and using expert help to do so can only reap rewards in the long run.

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ASHI PROPERTIES When it comes to helping students find homes away from home during their vital university years, Ashi Properties goes to top of the class.

For those who find the complicated requirements of being a landlord quite a heavy load, Ashi Properties are ready to shoulder the burden.

“From finding tenants, to ensuring the collection of rent, to light maintenance, we can help,” says Bara.

“Our services include checking the property before it’s occupied and after it’s vacated, carrying out periodic checks during the tenancy and sending landlords monthly statements on the rent they receive.”

For those willing to manage their property themselves, Bara and his team can still provide support in the form advertising it on the company tenancy list, thus boosting its chances of being let.

Part of Ashi Property’s total service to landlords includes undertaking light maintenance, and it couldn’t be better placed to do this as a key part of the business is its construction and development division.

The family-owned company has become quite a specialist in locating suitable off-campus places for Cardiff University students.

And thanks to its fast, efficient and friendly service, many stay with the business throughout their years of study.

“We have a large selection of student accommodation to rent, including houses, flats and flat/house shares, most of which is located near the university and close to the city centre,” says manager Bara Ashi.

Of course, the company’s portfolio encompasses far more than just those coming to the university.

Established in 1997 as a property management and letting agency, Ashi Properties has since developed into the full range sales and the property development market.

Having recently undergone a full refurbishment, the Cardiff company’s Woodville Road premises are a welcoming shop window in which to find your dream home - temporary or otherwise.

Not only is it popular with students, it’s popular with landlords too, and that’s something not taken lightly.

“Landlords play a key role in our business for the simple reason that they provide properties for us to let,” says Bara. “It is therefore in our best interest to take care of them.”

Extensively experienced in both residential and commercial developments, past projects have included: • • • • • •

Extensions Loft conversions and dormers Flat conversions Garage conversions New builds Refurbishments

“We know dealing with a project can be daunting which is why we work closely with clients from early on,” says Bara.

“We can provide architectural plans for the development, apply for planning permission, and carry out the building works according to Fire and Building Regulations, ensuring that everything runs as smoothly as possible.”

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or even build, the efficient and professional services that have seen Ashi Properties become an established and respected part of the local property market are at your disposal.

For further information, to view lettings and sales, or to email an enquiry, go to www.ashiproperties.co.uk Alternatively, telephone 02920 343430

New C a r p e t

Kingdom We would like to wish Ashi Properties every success for the future We offer a wide selection of the following products

Carpets / Rugs / Matting

Montana Saxony 53 Red

Visit us

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72-74 Broadway Roath, Cardiff CF24 1NH

Contact us T / 029204 92539 E / carpet.k@hotmail.co.uk

10795 1pg_Feature Template 10/05/2013 10:08 Page 1

When Eveleighs Estate Agents sells a house, a whole section of the local population benefits.

Mental health groups, community associations and a children’s holistic health charity are all supported by the Saltford company which donates part of its fee from every sale upon completion.

“The vendor chooses which project they would like to support,” explains managing director and founder Robin Eveleigh.

Those new ideas have included longer opening hours (8am – 8pm, seven days a week) professionally printed sales brochures, uploading all properties to the major property portals, such as Rightmove and Zoopla, all for a very competitive fee.

There’s also been a bit of techno wizardry too. “We have had great success using QR Codes on all of our sale boards,” reveals Robin.

“Buyers standing outside a property can give the code a quick scan on their smartphone and it will link straight to our website for all the relevant information.”

As 2013 gets underway, Robin and his team plan to maintain their focus on growing the business by increasing stock levels for both sale and rental properties.

“We launched during tough times but had a very good start,” he says. “With continued hard work and a positive attitude by all staff, the business has gone from strength to strength and we hope it’s a good year ahead for us all.”

For further information about Eveleighs Estate Agents, and to view the properties for sale or let in its portfolio, go to

www.eveleighs.com

“We are proud to be part of the community of Saltford and Keynsham and will continue to donate money to our five chosen projects.”

Alternatively telephone 01225 360360 or email info@eveleighs.com

The recipients are Saltford School, Clover House, Saltford Community Association, Mind Keynsham and Mencap Keynsham - but Eveleighs’ social responsibility doesn’t end there.

It has successfully promoted itself through involvement with local music festivals and also sponsored the local primary school football team, supplying the kit for 2012. “The lads love it!” declares Robin delightedly.

That ongoing commitment to the community in which it is based is only one of the things that set this relatively young agency apart from its competitors.

Probably the first was the commitment, drive and - some would say - bravery that prompted Robin to launch the business, in spring 2011, with the housing market well and truly under the recessionary cosh.

“Starting an estate agency in the current climate was a challenge of its own,” he admits. “We had, and continue, to compete against other agents for limited stock but worked very hard, with hours of market research and behind-the-scenes effort.

“Our aim was to be refreshingly different and we genuinely believe we have.”

ROBERT WHITE A S S O C I A T E S

We specialises in carrying out pre-purchase surveys of residential and commercial property We are proud to support Eveleighs and would like to wish them every success in the future.

Mill Crescent, Bristol, Avon BS37 8QS Tel. 01454 311426 Email. mail@housesurveys.co.uk

www.robertwhitehousesurveys.co.uk

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Three words encapsulate their core values; passionate, personal and purposeful.

Ben Hull Project Manager and Director explained: “We are passionate about our work and our clients – we love what we do.

We work diligently to produce great results and the awards we have won provide demonstration of this. We prefer to build personal relationships with our clients and not just ‘do business’ with them, getting to know their needs and providing solutions that stand the test of time. We have some great, loyal clients who we love working with and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for choosing us.

Creating world-changing solutions Worthers is an award winning website and web application company, founded by Pete Worthington in 2003. They pride themselves on providing quality, effective solutions for around 300 customers and growing.

We love to work on projects that have a greater purpose of impacting the world in a positive way. We work with businesses and charities and believe that technology can change lives for the better.”

They provide elegant and robust content-managed websites using their own content management platform as well as responsive, mobile and tablet web design, inspiring app development, and effective search engine marketing.

Their reliable hosting services include website hosting, managed dedicated or cloud virtual servers, office and server backup services, and spam email filtering.

One of Worthers’ major strengths is their robust and reliable development platform. They are not constrained to preset functionality and behaviour but can develop heavily bespoke features. They can alter a site as and when a client’s requirements change, and they are flexible.

From web development to graphic design, print work to creative video, hosting to office data backups – they are positioned to provide and advise in all of these types of media and technology.

Their work culture and ethos is founded on Christian values which drive the way they approach what they do. Pete Worthington, MD said: “We respect people and continually seek to build trust with those we work with. We value friendships and enjoy a sense of family within our team.”

It’s not unusual to hear people at Worthers say “I love working here.

We go home feeling energised, not drained.”

They want to recruit some more extraordinary people to contribute to some of the new developments in the pipeline. This year is looking particularly exciting for them, as they are looking to expand their range by developing more mobile apps and websites, and will be launching some new, world changing, products.

If you'd like to find out how Worthers could help you with your app, web project, or any of their services then please get in touch for a free, no obligation chat.

www.worthers.com Telephone 01275 595 000 or Email studio@worthers.com

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The South West Heading the Media revolution We live in a Media Age

We saw recently, that some motorway gantry signs were considered unclear, because a different font to the usual one had been commissioned and that, therefore, some motorists found them confusing.

Script writers and journalists also have the responsibility to ensure that they are clear, on message, accurate and understandable, especially when reporting news stories or when formulating public information announcements.

In an extreme example, mass hysteria resulted from Orson Wellesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; famous War of the Worlds broadcast, when people really believed that we were being invaded from outer space.

Film makers play a crucial role; it is their expertise that ensures clarity of message and effective transmission, and, just as the graphic designer, visual appeal.

Publicity consultants and PR agencies often employ their own in-house specialists but will commission other providers at need; for example a script writer and/or a film maker.

Our lives are dominated by marketing messages and public announcement information of all kinds, delivered in a huge variety of formats, by posters, neon signs, radio, television, cinema, exhibition displays, magazines, newspapers, mobile phone apps, junk mail, flyers, the list is endless.

Media can generally be described as a method of communicating and perhaps storing data, thus we often think of media as related to electronics, in the fields of computing, radio or television.

Although, when we speak of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the mediaâ&#x20AC;?, we are generally referring to news media; the printed word (newspapers and magazines), or broadcast media delivered over mass electronic communications networks (radio and television).

The South West is at the forefront of the media revolution, and has become a sort of golden area, drawing in creative people from many disciplines, particularly around the Bristol and Exeter hubs. Such a proliferation of talent is exciting and tends to encourage more; the close communication between studios and specialists is generating a stimulating culture of creativity and innovation.

A cross media studio will have the facilities and expertise to assist with a whole range of projects from a modelling portfolio through to a complete short film, just as a publishing house will employ, writers, proof readers, graphic designers and printers.

The growth of electronic data transmission is a huge and very exciting growth area, and employs IT specialists, and app and web designers, it is often referred to as New Media, harnessing the interactive power of computer, electronic and digital technology with more traditional media channels.

Thus the popularity of e-readers, devices such as Kindle, the digitalisation of many newspapers, books and magazines including the Bristol Business Post, to enable viewing on line, and accessibility through our mobiles.

Wherever this evolution takes us we can be sure that the South West will be leading the way.

Media specialists drawn to the area, include graphic designers, journalists, photographers, film makers, IT companies, publishers, web designers, publicity consultants, sign makers and PR agencies, all of whom seek to create the most effective methods of disseminating information.

Good graphic design plays a fundamental role in the effectiveness of most media applications; it is they who design the site, the sign, the page, the posters, and display boards; they who pick colours, fonts and styles.

Sign makers whether of straightforward road signs, poster containers, shop fronts, or brightly lit neon signs, need to transmit information in a clear, easily understandable form, appropriate to the situation.

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The studio is pre-lit with the latest dimmable fluorescent lighting, with separate calibrated cyclorama lighting for chroma-key green screen work. Autocue is available with prompting software to accept Word and other format scripts. Part of the studio has been dedicated to custom set building which can be left in situ.

Exeter is home to the cross media studio Prime Film Productions. The West Country based company is able to offer various visual and audio facilities and media services, but can also host client needs as a ‘one stop‘ solution when required.

A music recording voice-over and ADR studio is available, together with a screening room linked to the studio for clients.

Elinchrom studio flash lighting, resident Hasselblad kit, backgrounds and other equipment are available for your still photo shoots.

The company’s client base is almost as varied and diverse as the options on offer, ranging from large corporations through to the man in the street.

An exciting growth area which is proving a popular option for local and visiting musicians is live recording of their concerts on location, which are then mixed and mastered in the studio for distribution.

The studio is also developing a successful service for front of camera requirements, with its exciting in house Prime Model Agency. This will offer clients from the fashion, editorial, film production and retail communities a wide choice of model solutions.

Prime Film Productions can also provide animation creation, CD/DVD duplications, tape transfers, script writing, making it a true one stop, “cross media” facility.

L-R: Andy Tucker - Media Engineer, Mike Alsford - Photographer & Creative Director, Tony Negus - Managing Director, Ben Davies - Audio Engineer, Phil Gurr - Production Media Manager, Charlotte Lee - Production Assistant & Model Agency Director, (inset) Chas Halsey - Commercial & Marketing Director

Anthony Negus, a professional film maker and photographer, originally started his business in Spain 23 years ago. He was always a keen photographer and film maker, with his range of media skills expanding in response to demand. He developed a broad range of expertise in all types of film making, photography, broadcast media and audio.

On returning to the UK, he set up Prime Film Productions in 2009, choosing the thriving city of Exeter as the ideal location to pursue his passion, which is fortunately, also his business.

He describes Exeter as “a brilliant hub”, easily accessible with the university, Science Park and Sky Park attracting large companies relocating from the South East, with new developments going up all round the area.

Exeter is very well placed with its transport infrastructure to catch London and other cities’ business, with Prime offering extremely competitive rates and fixed rate total package contracts for key clients.

His faith in the area’s possibilities was more than justified, as the business has grown steadily; taking over two small local companies in the process. Prime Film Productions now numbers seven regular members of staff, in addition to a network of freelance specialists that can be called upon as needed.

Anthony and the team are always available at the studio to assist in all aspects of media production, together with staff cameramen, editors, sound engineers, photographers and other media professionals, based in the area to make your production trouble free.

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Visit the web site

www.primefilmproductionseu.com or give them a ring on 01392 466356, to discover the full range of services they can offer you and your business.

10793 1pg_Carford Group 26/04/2013 12:42 Page 1

To be asked to design for such an important exhibition, which took place in London’s Garden Museum, and explored the inspiration of cut flowers to painters, the art of floristry, and the symbolism of flowers in rites of passage such as marriage, funerals, and memory, was quite a feather in the Green Hat’s equally green cap. The exhibition was a huge success which the team all thoroughly enjoyed, despite a very intensive 6 week turnaround.

Bristol based agency, Green Hat Graphic Design, delivers compelling marketing communications for clients in the most sustainable way.

When Andy Degg originally went into business it was with the intention of running an organisation that didn’t just produce high quality results and made a profit, but made a difference.

The three team members’ capabilities encompass all sorts of projects ranging from exhibition work, identity work, branding, and all general graphic design work.

Andy says: “our USP is that we are good at what we do, while trying to evaluate, measure, and reduce each client’s carbon footprint”.

An example of this is the use of recyclable materials which can minimise environmental impact, especially for exhibitions, as temporary exhibitions can be quite wasteful, with all that material going into the bin at the end of the show.

Another project close to Andy’s heart has been the design of a regional web site for Fairtrade in the South West (www.fairtradesouthwest.org.uk); the web site helps to connect volunteers with outlets and producers across the region, and there is hope that it could be rolled out nationally in the future.

Andy is also eager to complete his guide to “The Top Ten Tips for Sustainable Communications” to help raise awareness of the simple things businesses can do to minimise their carbon impact.

The studio has hooked up with Back to the Planet (Ethical Video Production) over the last 12 months to expand their offering, and plan to take on some more designers to cope with the growing workload.

Andy is enjoying running his own business; he admits that there are downsides in having to be aware of the whole picture, rather than just being able to concentrate on one project at a time. He is finding time management crucial, but says: “with ownership comes commitment.”

Visit their web site

greenhatdesign.co.uk or telephone on 0117 942 8506 for an informal discussion

EST. 1980

APPLE COLOUR For a recent exhibition: Floriculture, Flowers Love and Money, which was featured in The Telegraph, the studio used a special type of environmentally friendly cardboard. Dufylit is a sort of honeycomb cardboard, very light and strong yet shapeable, it is an excellent medium for exhibition purposes as you can print directly onto the surface without the need for a substrate. It is made from 75% recycled material and is also fully recyclable after use. Andy says that it is “as light as feather, fun and colourful.”

LITHO

&

D I G I TA L P R I N T I N G

– G O I N G D I G I TA L I N M A R C H – a pple li tho ( br i s tol) lt d s i lv erthor ne la ne, br i s tol b s 2 0qd t. +44 (0)117 9728900 | w w w. a p p l e col our. co. uk

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10884 2pg new_HorseWorld 22/04/2013 15:51 Page 1

The power of Positive thinking - the Bristol digital agency has taken not one but two awards for its first-time entry in one of the industry’s toughest competitions.

Positive won Gold and Silver in 2013’s DBA Design Effectiveness Awards, for its digital work with Bath Rugby Club and the Hope and Homes for Children website.

The competition is hosted by the Design Business Association, the UK's most vocal champion of the role of effective design in the creation of business growth.

Their annual awards are the only scheme that uses commercial data as a key judging criteria and seeks to demonstrate that successful design projects require a brief integrated with business objectives from the outset, to forge a transparent and accountable relationship between client and designer – the best environment for success.

“We take the effectiveness of our work very seriously so we’re thrilled to win our first DBA awards and earn a place in the Design Effectiveness League Table,” says Positive’s Creative Director, Kate Tanner.

Positive, who are based at Paintworks, Bristol, started working with Bath Rugby in 2011 – tasked with developing a website, online shop and mobile site to connect with fans, recruit new supporters, improve revenue and reflect the club’s vision.

The agency used in-depth user research to ensure the club’s commercial objectives were carefully balanced with what fans wanted, and this approach gained powerful results. In the first season following the launch, newsletter signups increased by 337% year-on-year, online shop sales by 35% in the first three months, online ticket sales 28% per match, and mobile visits increased by 100% from the first to second half of the season.

For Wiltshire-based Hope and Homes for Children, Positive worked closely with the charity to devise an online presence that would raise its profile, educate and inspire its audiences, and recruit new supporters.

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The results were impressive. In the six months after launch, website visits rocketed by 69% and newsletter subscriptions by 342%. Crucially, regular giving increased by 165% year-on-year and individual donations by 122%. Within three months of the launch, the charity was also awarded a substantial grant – the first proactive approach to a grant tendering opportunity it had ever received via the website.

Says Kate: “At Positive we love digital and we love helping clients solve their business problems, so we’re really pleased that the work we do (of which we are incredibly proud) has been recognised for making a difference to our clients’ businesses.”

“We work with a real range of companies who select us because we know what we’re doing, we’re exciting to work with and our service levels are second to none. By combining creative thinking, customer insight and technical expertise, the digital communications we produce generate a healthy return for our clients, and a rich experience for their audiences”.

To find out more about how Positive can help you with your website or any element of your digital marketing strategy visit

www.positivestudio.co.uk Alternatively contact Philip Plested on 0117 972 8852 or email philip@positivestudio.co.uk

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Pangaea TV is an award winning Production Company based in the South West of England. With a first class live action and animation service and a wealth of experience, Pangaea TV’s creative output has helped them punch well above their weight ever since setting up in 2000. With an enviable list of clients to their name, Pangaea TV has created commercial films for international brands such as Carlsberg, MINI and McVities, yet they also remain a great partner for smaller companies across the region that need to work with more modest budgets.

To deliver the breadth of production services required by companies today, Pangaea TV has developed a full range of services including social media content, corporate, marketing and educational films for the web, as well as TV commercials and short-form documentaries. This has enabled them to win contracts with some of the region’s most respected organisations such as the Met Office and Exeter University.

At the beginning of 2013 Pangaea TV was asked by the Met Office to help them produce a short documentary, demonstrating how good weather forecasting services can benefit

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developing nations across central and southern Africa. This required a small team to head out to Rwanda to interview a range of personnel, from Government ministers to farmers and construction workers. The project was a resounding success and it is hoped that the film will encourage other developing nations to invest in their own meteorological services.

In October 2012 Pangaea TV won a contract with Exeter University to produce a film examining perceived gender inequalities in the surgical profession, with the aim of encouraging more female medical students to consider surgery as a career option. This involved conveying the research carried out by Professor Michelle Ryan and Dr Kim Peters by interviewing a cross section of surgeons from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, as well as The Royal College of Surgeons.

This short documentary was launched on International Women’s day in March and it will now be used in medical schools across the UK to raise awareness of the challenges and the rewards for women working in surgery today.

Creative Director of Pangaea TV Glen Lear is optimistic about the future. “Undoubtedly the industry has changed dramatically over the last ten years. We’ve seen a huge push towards online video content through which companies can connect with vast numbers of people for a fraction of the cost.

However, this means that competition has increased across the board, both in terms of the number of production companies out there and the amount of content vying for audience attention. This emphasises the need for creative innovation now more than ever and this is exactly where Pangaea TV has been able to excel” David Flavell, Pangaea TVs Managing Director believes that the key to their success isn’t down to a complex formula but more due to some clear business principles, “Innovation and creativity is an essential part of the job. However, building up good relationships with your customers and providing them with great customer service is equally as vital. We are committed to provide the very best service we can and we’ll always go that extra mile to make sure our work is delivered on time and to our clients’ complete satisfaction”.

For more information please visit the web site

www.pangprod.com

GET IN TOUCH Over the last few years Pangaea TV has also worked extensively in the commercial sector, producing content for Aviva Insurance on a range of platforms as well as delivering a nationwide social media film campaign for Carlsberg. As founder and

Email us

tv@pangprod.com or telephone to speak to one of the creative team on

+44 (0) 1392 879874

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