Birmingham Business Post Edition 35 by BBP Media

Edition35 The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

D E S I G N

P R I N T

M A I L

Banners

Menus s e r u h c o r B

Leafle ts

T-Shirts Letter heads

Pens

F I N I S H

Flyers Folder s

s d r a C s Busines

Newsletters Mugs

s d r a c t s o P es n i z a g a M

Key-R ings

WOW quarter page deal get a full page editorial with pictures & logos for just £395… Limited time only The Birmingham Business Post is a high quality, glossy A4 publication that is distributed directly to 20k+ managing directors and decision makers throughout the Midlands with an annual turnover in excess of £300K. Our magazine is focused on the professional business audience in the Midlands region and reaches them on two levels; directly through their mailbox and passively through casual reader pick-up.

TEL 0121 457 4810 EMAIL sales@heronpress.co.uk WEB www.heronpress.co.uk

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

Birmingham Edition 35 Contents pg_Layout 1 13/11/2012 10:31 Page 1

C O N T E N T S

Birmingham Business Post Welcome to Edition 35 of the Birmingham Business Post showcasing the best of business and comment throughout the region. In a packed edition we welcome the Government’s investment in our region with the new Enterprise Zones, discuss Auto Enrolment, and its implications, Insolvency planning and the benefits to business from the Government’s Green Deal. We focus on engineering which plays such a major part in the region, and highlight the opening of Virgin Media’s new Centre of Operations for the Midlands. In our next edition we will continue to consider Auto Enrolment, and the importance of careful financial planning. Theo Paphitis will be commenting on his lingerie chain, Boux Avenue, and the new branches due to open in the Midlands. We will also feature Commercial Property, the best of the new Apprenticeship Schemes and celebrate British manufacturing.

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

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

IMSM Ltd Computer World Business Solutions Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals One Result Blue Sky Adams Moore Accountants FSC Investment Services Finance Birmingham Clean Space Partnership Survirn Engineering Godiva Bearings Grenville Engineering Pennine Prostamp All 4 One Engineering Ash & Lacy Perforators Qualplast Trade Connection (Midlands) RCF Bolt & Nut WH Tildesley Eviva Services Mantech Fogarty Castings CentraTEQ Riaar Plastics GK Transport Walmley Repair & Care Aldridge Accident Repair Centre Zero Carbon World Cab Auto Abex Ltd Zunsport DME Tyres Dynamic Performance David Manners Group Coachlinks Spot-less Valeting DB Devall & Son Ian Hazel Funerals Mark Elliot Funeral Services Autism West Midlands Mobile Solar Chargers New World Solar Johnson Control NSA Electrical and Solar Copperfield Windows Knarsboro Homes Skaino Services Evans Easyspace Manor Golf Club Royston Blythe Mojito Events Park Inn Birmingham Penny Blacks The Terrace Restaurant Chamberlains Fish & Chips Primitivo Bar & Eatery The Vaults The Wagon Wheel

4 6 8 10 12 14 15 18 19 20 22 24 26 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 38 39 40 42 44 46 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 59 60 62 65 66 68 70 72 73 74 76 77 78 79 80 82 83 84 86 87 88 89 90

5224 1pg:CD Engineering 14/09/2012 11:04 Page 1

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

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

Taking cover

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

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

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

How well is your data protected?

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

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

w w w. i ms m . com 4

31488 BBP Good News_BBP Good News 12/11/2012 16:12 Page 1

Good news for

Birmingham Businesses Snow Hill District, Eastside, Southern Gateway, Digbeth Creative Cluster, Birmingham Science Park Aston and the Jewellery Quarter.

In a boost for British Business, the Government has announced funding for 11 New Enterprise Zones. The location of eleven new Enterprise Zones, designed to boost local growth and create over 30,000 new jobs by 2015, was announced by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles. The announcement came on the day that the Government also announced plans to scrap or simplify more than 160 out of 257 regulations in the retail sector. This will free the public and retailers from rules that are unnecessarily burdensome, overly bureaucratic or completely redundant. The Government’s plans to transform the powers and levers available to local leaders to deliver growth and jobs in their communities were confirmed with the signature of agreements between the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, and the leaders of the eight core cities involved in the first wave of funding. The city deals are expected to create up to 175,000 new jobs and 37,000 new apprentices across the eight areas which include; Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield. The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said: “I’m delighted to sign over huge chunks of freedom to our great cities today. Each of our eight core cities have come up with ambitious plans to help them grow and prosper. I look forward to seeing the results of this dramatic shift of powers from Whitehall to our cities.” Greg Clark said: “The Government is committed to unlocking the full growth potential of our cities.” How the deal will affect Birmingham and the Black Country The City Centre Enterprise Zone comprises 26 sites across the city centre, in seven clusters including those identified in the Big City Plan – the city’s strategic vision for the future of the City Centre – as offering significant growth opportunities, Westside,

It expects to create 40,000 new jobs in business and financial services, digital media, ICT and the creative industries including 4,000 new private sector jobs by 2015. A radical approach will see the planning process streamlined through an innovative Local Development Order. Because the Government allows any business rates growth to be retained within the zone for a period of at least 25 years, the income can be reinvested to unlock the region’s growth potential. Over its lifetime, when all the development is achieved, the Enterprise Zone will secure 1.3m sq metres of new floorspace, of which 700,000 sq metres will be for business and financial services, digital media, ICT and creative industries. It will contribute £2.8 billion to the economy in GVA per annum once the above growth is delivered, and generate, once fully developed, additional business rates of circa £70 million per annum. To achieve this, the Enterprise Zone will support the realisation of significant growth opportunities through an innovative approach to planning and investment in infrastructure to unlock development sites.

CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS The location of eleven new Enterprise Zones, designed to boost local growth and create over 30,000 new jobs by 2015, was announced by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles. To achieve this, the Enterprise Zone will support the realisation of significant growth opportunities through an innovative approach to planning and investment in infrastructure to unlock development sites.

Promote development and investment opportunities through targeted marketing. Support small and medium sized businesses in key sectors through business rates relief, access to high speed broadband, and simplified planning, by means of the new Local Development Orders.

VISIT www.birmingham.gov.uk/lep

The local enterprise partnership estimates that the Enterprise Zone, will help strengthen local economies, encourage economic development and enterprise, and improve skills across the region. The Black Country is set to benefit under the second wave of funding. Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “Together we have all the ingredients to be a powerful driver of not only our local economy, but the UK growth agenda as well - in fact, we are now one of the country's largest and most significant Local Enterprise Partnerships."

31556 DPS 2pgs:Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 01/11/2012 10:37 Page 1

“From our dedicated support centre at Smallbrook Queensway, in Birmingham, our fully qualified personnel ensure problems are always resolved quickly and efficiently,” assures chairman Danny Haines. “Our service is designed with excellence in mind while being very good value for money and we are also committed to delivering industry leading IT solutions suitable for all sizes of business.” Practically as old as the PC industry itself, CBS formed in 1982, the days when computers were practically steam driven, as AT Computerworld and a venture between Birmingham-based Apricot Computers and the American Tandy Corporation. IN an industry that changes daily and where no two moments are the same, 30 years of successful trading represents a landmark achievement that’s really worth celebrating. No wonder everyone at Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS) has spent all of 2012 sporting huge grins - and 2013 is destined to bring even more to smile about. Eagerly anticipated is the creation of new jobs as a result of ongoing expansion and the further development of a new Data Centre and Cloud Computing solutions. The latest initiatives demonstrate how, right from the start, CBS has always been one click ahead in supplying comprehensive IT and communications systems that are tailored to customers’ needs. Offering branded products such as Dell and HP, the main focus is on network support and security with proactive server monitoring, Cloud Computing, Managed Wireless, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery solutions and Integrated Telephony completing the portfolio.

It was later renamed Apricot Computerworld and rapidly rose to become one of the country’s largest Apricot resellers. Danny joined as sales manager from the Tandy Corporation in 1983 and worked closely with the now Managing Director Julian Shaw, who arrived in 1989, to grow the business and complete a management buyout in 1997. The 1999 demise of Apricot Computers and subsequent loss of £1m worth of public sector contracts overnight was, Danny acknowledges, the biggest challenge the business has faced but it went into ‘install and upgrade’ mode and the resulting changes, he adds, went on to serve the company very well ever since. “We rapidly reshaped the business, increasing our focus on quality outsourced services and consultancy,” he explains.

31556 DPS 2pgs:Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 01/11/2012 10:37 Page 2

“We rebranded as Computerworld Business Solutions and moved from being a supplier of hardware to a focus on consultancy and support services. This philosophy remains in place today.” Also now firmly in place is CBS’s network of satisfied clients from across the region and from just about all business sectors. No wonder it has a wealth of accreditations, including that of being a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner. “Our technical team, qualified up to the highest attainable level of Microsoft accreditation, has a wealth of experience and knowledge of supporting the market's leading operating systems, software and networks which enables us to offer comprehensive and competitive support packages and provide speedy solutions to any problems,” says Julian. “CBS is built on solid financial foundations and is ideally positioned to provide products and services now and be around for another 30 years to support them.” The computer, most definitely, says yes.

For further information about CBS’s services, go to www.cbs.cc or Telephone 0121 643 5362. Alternatively email Sales Manager, Steve Hennessy, steve@cbs.cc.

31477 2pg:Chartered Institute of Payroll Professinals 2pg DPS 19/10/2012 11:37 Page 1

The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals

Payroll Assurance Scheme The recent Annual Payroll and Pensions Conference saw the launch of CIPP’s new Payroll Assurance Scheme (PAS, for short). What is it and, perhaps more importantly, what is it not? Don Macarthur, recently retired from HMRC, explains

n short, PAS does what it says on the tin. It is a new scheme intended to provide assurance to an employer that their payroll processes and the way they are operated are fit for purpose – especially in terms of compliance with legislation and

The other side of the same coin is the CIPP’s support for payroll professionals who want some sort of reassurance or confirmation that the processes they operate on their employer’s behalf are welldesigned to produce compliant results and

to see how appropriate PAS might be to their payroll operation. The ‘employer’ for the purposes of this scheme will be the business entity, therefore including the PAYE (pay as you earn) schemes of all companies under common ownership.

other good practice. And that assurance will be confirmed by the award of a new CIPP kitemark.

returns. This is the space that PAS has been designed to occupy.

Where has this come from? Following the acquisition of chartered status, the CIPP has been looking at how to expand and diversify its portfolio of

Does this just duplicate other CIPP services? PAS is intended to complement existing CIPP schemes, by focussing on a different audience and on different areas of

After providing relevant background detail the employer will receive an assurance visit by one of a team of qualified assessors, and this will of course take place at a date and time to suit the employer. Assessors will be working to a common assessment plan and thus to the same specific criteria, and the yes/no

products and services to better-fill the national space that chartered bodies are expected to occupy. In simple terms the

knowledge and skill and behaviour. Current CIPP products – like the various qualifications, or Payroll Quality Partnership)

decision as to whether or not the employer meets the relevant criteria will be made by PAS managers in the light of the assessor’s

objective is to become more clearly an institute that works for ‘UK plc’ as well as for CIPP members, representing Britain’s payroll professionals in the same way that RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or ICAEW (Institute of Chartered

– focus on the attributes of individual payroll professionals or payroll teams. PAS will look instead at the employer that these individuals and teams represent, because the employer is after all the entity that is required to meet the various requirements

report. Employers who are judged as successful will receive a CIPP kitemark which will remain valid for two years (subject to significant changes in the period like mergers or acquisitions,

Accountants in England and Wales) for example has always represented the country’s surveyors or accountants. This is of course nothing new for CIPP members, who in my experience have always taken their ‘UK plc’ responsibilities very seriously. Certainly all the feedback to date has been very supportive of CIPP’s efforts to evolve its remit in this way. One very important aspect of this ‘UK plc’ role has to be our support for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and other government departments in their efforts to maintain a sensible and practical set

of HMRC and other authorities. So with the arrival of PAS the hope and the expectation are that payroll professionals will see the CIPP as offering an increasingly well-rounded suite of schemes and products and services. We want them to be able to review the current attributes of an individual or a team or a company, to identify where improvement or reassurance is most needed, and to select the appropriate courses or qualifications from a pretty comprehensive menu.

which the employer will be required to notify). An employer who is judged as unsuccessful will receive offers of specific tailored support to enable them to be reassessed within a six month time limit. The scheme will be about assuring processes, not about any specific transactions or calculations or returns. The CIPP believes that this more specific compliance activity should remain firmly with tax advisors and accountants, rather than with an independent chartered body. The PAS assessment will look

of rules for employers and to maximise compliance with those rules. Our Policy and Research team have of course worked tirelessly for these ends over many years.

Readers will have noticed from the website that employers are encouraged to apply individually for assessment under the scheme, after first checking the guidance

How will it work?

PAS WILL LOOK INSTEAD AT THE EMPLOYER THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS REPRESENT... 8

mainly at the payroll team, but will also include the interactions with other functions (like human resources, tax, legal, or finance) which are essential to ensure full, accurate and timely compliance with HMRC, Department for Work and Pensions and other government obligations.

31477 2pg:Chartered Institute of Payroll Professinals 2pg DPS 19/10/2012 11:37 Page 2

So how much does it cost? The fee payable by each employer depends on the number of employees, which in turn determines which of the published size bands is applicable. This banding is intended very roughly

important message that PAS does what it says on the tin. It provides assurance – and thus the PAS kitemark should give reassurance and confidence – and part of the reason I can say that is that HMRC have been consulted throughout the creation of

and their assessors, from HMRC and other authorities, and from external commentators and others. However, some changes and improvements are already in the plans: O Although PAS will start by assessing

to reflect the likely complexity of the employer’s payroll processes and thus the extent of the work required of the assessor. In setting this initial pricing structure, the CIPP wanted to take account of the additional challenges faced by smaller employers in creating robust payroll

PAS and are very supportive of the aspiration behind it. However, a PAS kitemark can give no guarantees that the employer will receive less attention from HMRC or other authorities, or that HMRC auditors will not find anything amiss in the employer’s returns. Sadly, nobody can provide that sort of guarantee!

employers, it will expand at a later date to include payroll bureaux or agencies as well. O Having started with the most common payroll-related functions, PAS will expand later to cover the detail of areas like sharerelated benefits or international payroll complexities which will only be touched on in the initial phase.

processes with limited resources. The CIPP hopes that this strategy will make PAS accessible to small businesses and other small employers, and thus deliver improvements over time to the compliance of this sector. What value will the kitemark have? The PAS kitemark is expected quite

So what is the HMRC position? Well, they have noted and welcomed the way that PAS is aligned to HMRC’s objectives and strategies, and in particular the aspiration that it should drive up compliance by employers. HMRC have said that they are supportive of any measures or products that help employers ensure their returns are accurate and complete. They see it as important that

O Our plans to test the links between payroll and other departments are of course pretty novel, but also risky to an extent: we want to firm up on this aspect, and HMRC would certainly welcome this, but only time and experience will tell us how best to take this forward. O And it should go without saying that PAS will be constantly updated to include

rapidly to become a prestigious award. Successful employers will be listed (with their permission) on the CIPP website, and it is anticipated that this will produce an inevitable domino effect and encourage

employers can demonstrate that they have taken reasonable care, and they encourage employers to review their processes and systems to satisfy themselves that they can meet this standard. So, on this basis, they

changes in legislation and practice, and to take in new guidance and new sources of advice as they emerge.

other employers to apply.

have confirmed that they welcome initiatives like PAS which will help and support employers and payroll agents in this regard.

I think we can be very confident that PAS can make a significant difference in time, both to the confidence of those who have been assessed and to the overall standard of compliance by employers generally. If these sound bold predictions, I would encourage readers to reflect on the track record of the CIPP in achieving exactly this sort of thing in other areas. The contribution

How comprehensive will PAS be? The elements of the employer’s operation which are tested by the PAS assessor are listed on the website, and employers will confirm when applying for the scheme whether any of these elements are not relevant. As the list indicates, PAS will

Is this the finished product? PAS is totally new: nothing else of this scale or status has existed before, and there has as yet been no opportunity to test its workings in detail with real employers.

focus strongly on the basic ‘gross to net’ processes by which payroll officers and departments ensure that the correct deductions are made from employees’ pay and are accounted for to HMRC and other authorities as appropriate. PAS will also cover benefits in kind and expense payments. It will also test the

Inevitably therefore the CIPP sees the scheme which was launched at the recent annual conference as very much a first version of something which will grow and improve incrementally over time, as the CIPP uses the experience and feedback of the first few months to guide the detail of future developments.

readiness of the employer to assimilate imminent major changes such as RTI (real time information), and to accommodate the more regular changes introduced at Budget time and at other points of the year.

If PAS is genuinely to develop over time to meet the CIPP’s aspirations for it, I am in no better position than anyone else to specify exactly how this will happen. The future health and success of the scheme rely very much on its responsiveness to early feedback and suggestions, and the CIPP will be seeking views actively and widely – from assessed employers

So does the kitemark exempt you from HMRC checks or penalties? I make no apology for repeating the

What difference will it make?

of payroll qualifications to the knowledge and skills of payroll managers and staff over the past two or three decades is universally recognised, and PQP and other CIPP offerings are fast gaining similar reputations. Why should we not expect this very latest CIPP scheme to be equally successful?

cipp.org.uk

31389 QPD:One Result QPD 1pg 01/11/2012 09:14 Page 1

One Result

#FOFmUT PG 3FTQPOTJWF Website Design 1 It minimises manpower - use one content management system that updates your site for both mobile and desktop. 2 ,WÂˇV FRVW HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW UHVSRQVLYH LV WKH VPDUWHU spending choice that gives you one website that performs equally on multiple devices. 3 It ages gracefully - your site will react positively no matter what new screen size or shape comes into vogue. 4 It makes content king - responsive allows you to focus on the content which will actually engage your readers. 5 ,WÂˇV ZKDW SHRSOH ZDQW PRELOH XVH LV LQFUHDVLQJ and a responsive approach targets the widest possible audience.

Missing the Mobile Web Market? The number of smartphone owners is growing day by day with online searches from these devices increasing at such a rate that mobile access to websites is set to overtake desktop browsing by 2014. It is now more crucial than ever that companies start to develop a mobile strategy. Have you ever viewed a website on your mobile device? You probably found it an awkward and time consuming experience. A website designed for a desktop screen does not provide an optimised and accessible experience on the smaller screens of mobile devices. This results in a negative impact on user engagement and conversion rates. The UK is one of the most advanced mobile markets in the ZRUOG 7KHUH LV DQ RQJRLQJ VKLIW IURP RIĂ LQH WR RQOLQH DQG from desktop to mobile. Â&#x2021; 0RELOH GHYLFHV DFFRXQWHG IRU RI DOO WUDIĂ&#x20AC;F to online retail sites and 6.6% of sales. Â&#x2021; There are more mobile phones in the UK than people. Â&#x2021; The number of searches from smartphones doubles every two months. 70% of companies in a recent study by Econsultancy said they were yet to launch a mobile site. Yet the websites of these companies are already being viewed on mobile devices.

2QH 5HVXOWÂˇV WHDP KDV DPDVVHG H[SHULHQFH creating and implementing solutions for clients across a huge number of industries. Whether it is a new business concept or an established website ORRNLQJ WR H[SDQG 2QH 5HVXOW SULGHV LWVHOI RQ EHLQJ D SURIHVVLRQDO DJHQF\ WKDW SXWV LWV FOLHQWVÂˇ QHHGV Ă&#x20AC;UVW FRPPXQLFDWHV ZLWKRXW XQQHFHVVDU\ MDUJRQ and focuses on providing high quality solutions. To discuss your mobile strategy contact us today on 01564 742 425 or responsive@oneresult.co.uk

Creating digital solutions for web & mobile One Result is a leading web and mobile solutions agency located on the border of Warwickshire DQG WKH :HVW 0LGODQGV )RXQGHG LQ LW KDV developed from a two man entrepreneurial start up to a thriving team of seventeen. Expansion during an economic downturn was a daunting challenge but it was the right move and one that certainly paid off. One Result secured a QXPEHU RI KLJK SURĂ&#x20AC;OH SURMHFWV EHIRUH IHDWXULQJ RQ both The Gadget Show and BBC Click. Since then the company has grown in stature with CEO Dave &DUUXWKHUV UHFHQWO\ ZLQQLQJ Âś0RELOH (QWUHSUHQHXU RI WKH <HDUÂˇ DQ HQGRUVHPHQW WKDW KH SXWV GRZQ WR having developed such a solid team.

Call Us 01564 742 425 10

31625 Richard Branson Interview_CD Engineering 08/11/2012 11:32 Page 1

Sir Richard Branson

welcomes the opening of the new

Virgin Media Midlands Centre of Operations Creating a hub of opportunity in the region, the new site at Eagle Court will feature Virgin Media’s Apprentice Training Centre. Around 700 young people have so far gained invaluable tuition and career development in Virgin Media’s government-championed national apprenticeship scheme, which will shortly recruit a further 200 new apprentices. Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group said, “Along with Virgin Media Pioneers, a programme designed to help young entrepreneurs flourish, Virgin Media's apprentice scheme is a fantastic way to harness the drive and creativity of our young people and to help develop the workforce of the future. The 200 places Virgin Media has opened up for 2013 will join the existing 700 already recruited to help create some of the most exciting opportunities for young people in technology." The scheme offers placements through a number of exciting roles, including field technicians, planners and network engineers, with opportunities to work all over the UK. The immensely popular programme gives apprentices the chance to get comprehensive training in the latest in digital home entertainment and telecommunications, whilst working towards a nationally-recognised qualification in ICT*.

Sir Richard Branson Sir Richard Branson welcomes the opening of Virgin Media’s new Midlands Centre of Operations at Eagle Court creating hundreds of new jobs. Virgin Media is creating approximately 200 new jobs for young apprentices with the opening of a new regional headquarters in the West Midlands. The site in east Birmingham will be the new home for Virgin Media’s Midlands operations and is the result of a multimillion pound investment to create a centre of excellence in customer service operations. The new offices were officially opened on 10th October by Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas, who took the opportunity to congratulate some of the recent graduates from Virgin Media’s apprentice programme including James Harwood who was made redundant from Woolworths in 2009 but has forged a fantastic new career since joining Virgin Media.

Maurice Daw, executive director of access at Virgin Media, said: “By creating these new jobs, we hope to give young people an important opportunity to get themselves on to the employment ladder. We are very proud of our Apprentice Programme and have had huge success to date. With the digital media industry growing at such a rapid rate, we hope these new jobs will positively contribute to the regional and wider UK economy.” John Hemming, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Yardley, commented on the increased employment opportunities within the area saying: “I am delighted to see Virgin Media investing further in the West Midlands, particularly within my constituency of Birmingham Yardley, creating new jobs for local people.” Together with the Apprentice Training Centre, Eagle Court will also become home to Virgin Media’s Advanced Engineering and Technology Lab, a place where the company’s engineering teams test and explore future technology. Having pioneered numerous technologies over the years, such as launching the UK’s first residential broadband and TV on demand services, Virgin Media will be using the centre to trial cutting-edge advancements ahead of releasing them more widely to customers across the country. For more information on how to apply for a Virgin Media apprenticeship please visit: careers.virginmedia.com/apprenticeship/

31512 QPD 1pg:Blue Sky 1pg 17/10/2012 10:38 Page 1

UK’s first to receive “Accredited Sponsor” status to the Business Loan Network – ThinCats.com and is a registered agent for Funding Circle, an online service aimed at helping businesses source finance quickly and investors to get better returns. “We know who is in the market for investing or lending to small to medium businesses, what sort of investment opportunities they are looking for and how best to approach them and we pride ourselves on that knowledge and our expertise in sourcing and securing alternative finance,” Paul explains. IT might not be that the sky’s the limit during the current straightened times - but a little bit of blue sky thinking is certainly helping growing numbers of businesses gain alternative finance. Such has been the success of independent consultancy Blue Sky Corporate Finance that it has been regularly expanding its team and offices throughout the West Midlands. The growth has included the recent opening of a new office in Birmingham with additional sites in Bromsgrove and Dudley for supporting clients across the Black Country and Worcestershire while increasing demand has also prompted the expansion of its bookkeeping and management accountants team and the introduction of an internship programme focused on its corporate finance element. “These initiatives will prove to be a significant asset in helping to support existing and future clients as the availability of finance continues to be a major issue for SMEs looking to expand.” says managing director Paul Heaven. Established in 1998, Blue Sky Corporate Finance, with its head office at Centenary Square, Birmingham, helps the bosses of small to medium sized enterprises to become investment ready, raise finance, sell business and undertake management buy-outs/ins and corporate acquisitions Specialising in transactions with a value less than £2 million, the practice works with most of the local equity investors including venture capital funds, corporate venture funds, development capital funds and business angel networks as well as the major high-street banks. It also has considerable experience of working with the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) Scheme and with other lenders providing asset finance, secured and unsecured loans and trade finance, is one of the

“With businesses struggling to receive the support they require from the high street banks to fund increased working capital, this has caused them to seek additional finance elsewhere. “Alternative lenders to bank borrowing have grown in recent years and now play a significant part in the list of funding providers but not all of them are suited to all businesses and this is where Blue Sky advisors can offer unbiased advice and guidance, ensuring businesses have the funding solution most suited to their requirements.” The consultancy has a full range of services to help companies prepare, plan and execute a corporate finance transaction, to support, assist and guide them through the transaction and to help them grow and flourish post transaction. “Our team of dedicated and experienced professionals are on hand to discuss your requirements and to guide and advise you through the process,” reassures Paul.

For full details of how Blue Sky Corporate Finance can help you and your business, visit www.blueskycf.com. Alternatively, telephone 0845 2583 759 or email info@blueskycf.com

31338 1pg.qxp:BBP Insolvency 1pg 22/10/2012 11:34 Page 1

@ H > G H H

: C n X > c Z JH dak

>ch

All businesses rely on being paid for goods and services properly and on time. If you are not on top of credit control, accumulating outstanding debts can result in poor performance and even insolvency for your own business. Insolvency is the inability to pay oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debts as they fall due. A company unable to pay off its debts is referred to as insolvent, or trading as insolvent, and specialist Insolvency Practitioners are required. Once a business is insolvent there are various core options available to management and creditors. Directors risk civil and criminal offences if they knowingly allow a company to trade whilst insolvent. A business may be cash-flow insolvent but balance-sheet solvent if it holds illiquid assets, particularly against short term debt that it cannot immediately realise. Conversely, a business may have negative net assets showing on its balance sheet but still be cash-flow solvent if ongoing revenue is able to meet debt obligations, and thus avoid default: for instance, if it holds long term debt.

Companies should regularly review their financial position and take steps to ensure that their assets are protected by careful planning and insurance. Planning is the secret to good quality protection, ensuring that a company is legally organised to avoid the potential future insolvency of one branch leading to the insolvency of the entire tree. Protection can be obtained through the early establishment of appropriate group structures and a timely transfer of assets at a time of solvency. It is too late to consider the re-organisation of the assets of a company or an individual at a time of insolvency or when the transfer of those assets would create insolvency. The reorganisation of assets between companies or indeed, shareholdings within companies, should only be attempted with the assistance of professional advisers. Normally your solicitors or accountants, as such asset reorganisations may impact on other matters such as tax liabilities, Stamp Duty, other professional fees and of course inheritance planning generally.

It may be advisable, to impose a requirement that a deposit is paid over and held against future trading, as payment or part payment of any outstanding debt. A trading cap is an alternative safeguard, setting out the upper limit of sums that can be outstanding at any one time. A bank guarantee is common practice, usually just a letter from the trading partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bankers, confirming that the bank will pay up to a certain set amount during a fixed period if called upon for unpaid sums due. A personal guarantee of payment is sometimes given by a director or controlling shareholder of a business. An alternative arrangement, subject to the respective bargaining positions of the parties, is to insist on funds for the project being paid into an escrow account. Escrow accounts (bank accounts with defined conditions for the release of funds, providing security for both parties) are commonly used where contracts involve work abroad and/or non-UK employers, however, in the current economic climate, escrow accounts are sometimes applied to domestic projects. Companies should seriously consider what contingency plans they have in place, in case of difficulty.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in safe hands A Legal 500 law firm that delivers creative and effective solutions to clients on a wide range of issues for both individuals and business.

Advice you can trust. Advice that wins awards. Sydney Mitchell LLP

What if the bank requested your Personal Overdraft be cleared or your business was hit with a large bad debt default, VAT or Inland Revenue assessment or investigation? What if your bankers decide that they need further security to cover your borrowings or decided to reduce your facility in a particularly difficult trading period?

t: 0808 166 8860 e: enquiries@sydneymitchell.co.uk www.sydneymitchell.co.uk

31530 QPD 1pg:Adams Moore Accountants 1pg 04/10/2012 14:28 Page 1

“Our team members are second to none, they work fantastically hard and do their utmost for clients”, says Martin. “We are committed to staff’s educational development” At a time when every penny counts, the pressure on margins and profits are high together with banks reluctance to take risks, the advice and support provided by Adams Moore is more sought after than ever - and the company is confident that the team can respond to the challenge. “By working closely with clients, their business can succeed,” he says. “We can help them to get their structure focused on the customer and give them quality financial information so they can make accurate and timely decisions. “Our clients are then in a better position to demonstrate the strength of their business to be able to obtain financial support. This may include obtaining government grants loans or other funding.” And if that brings success to a client, it brings a smile to the faces of those at Adams Moore. Says Martin: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for the British Accountancy Awards as this is tribute to our hard work and commitment to innovation, growth and high levels of customer service – however, our greatest success has to be our client base and how we’ve helped them grow. “We have many clients, from all sectors who with our help have flourished. This is what we seek to achieve.” HELPING and seeing other businesses flourish is the greatest thrill for Adams Moore - although being shortlisted in the forthcoming British Accountancy Awards comes pretty close. The Tamworth Company’s commitment to innovation and customer service has seen it shortlisted in the Midlands category of the prestigious national competition - one of just five entrants across the Midlands.

For further information about Adams Moore & its services, visit www.adamsmoore.com. Alternatively telephone 01827 54944 or email: accounts@adamsmoore.com.

Due to be held in London in November, the awards recognise excellence in the accountancy practice community. “We are delighted to have made the shortlist for the Midlands,” says Adams Moore partner Martin Crook. “We have been up against many great practices so to be on the shortlist is a real honour and testament to the hard work of our great team - and also to the initiatives we have implemented in recent years to improve and grow our services.” Adams Moore provides all the traditional services you would expect from an independently owned firm of accountants. However setting Adams Moore apart are its fixed fee products offering clients a higher level of service and commitment. Through Board Support Adams Moore offers clients with turnovers of up to £6 million monthly visits, quarterly management accounts, regular board meetings, annual budgets, and guaranteed accounts completion within two months of the year-end. In essence their own finance director. Or it can provide a full outsourced finance department package for larger businesses that draws on all the Adams Moore team’s wide range of skills. Board support can be tailored to any size of business. The Business start-up package, introduced in 2010, provides new businesses comprehensive support when starting out. Adams Moore has also launched its unique investigative service, to carry out business valuations, due diligence reports, fraud investigations and corporate governance studies. Everything demonstrates Adams Moore’s commitment to the three basic aspirations of its mission statement which it has had since its launch in the 1990s: To provide a first class service to clients, to offer a top career to all employees and to be a contributing business in the community.

TOTAL SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

ARE YOU GETTING THE BEST TAX AND BUSINESS ADVICE? ARE YOU SURE? Our advice has saved our clients many thousands of pounds and made them stronger businesses. We advise our clients on everyday issues and help them to manage their long-term financial health.

PUT YOUR MIND AT EASE WITH A FREE NO OBLIGATION TAX AND ACCOUNTING HEALTH CHECK CALL TESSA MOORE ON 01827 54944 For practical and affordable • Business advice • Accountancy services • Tax planning • Tax & VAT returns • Payroll • Book-keeping • Fixed price packages for start-up businesses • Fixed price packages for established businesses

Download free business information www.adamsmoore.com

total support for you and your business

Adams Moore Limited, 38 – 39 Albert Road, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 7JS Email: tessa@adamsmoore.com Web: www.adamsmoore.com

31582 QPD 1pg:FSC Investments Services Ltd QPD 1pg 31/10/2012 14:07 Page 1

In October 1979 I left college to begin my career in Financial Services, 33 years later I now own four Financial Services companies. I employ 11 full time staff for my West Midlands based company FSC Investment Services Limited. In 2013 we are very proud to boast we will still be in business, however the changes brought in by the Financial Services Authority will impact many of my competitors. The Retail Distribution Review (RDR) is a key part of the Financial Services Authority consumer protection strategy. “It is establishing a resilient, effective and attractive retail investment market that consumers can have confidence in and trust at a time when they need more help and advice than ever with their retirement and investment planning” (FSA RDR Guide) Last month Lord Flight the Conservative Grandee stated that the Retail Distribution Review will impact 36% of advisors (22,000) whom do not have a statement of Professional Standing and will have to pass certain examinations to obtain this qualification.

I am pleased to say that myself and my team of advisors have all passed the required examinations; furthermore we have all obtained a Statement of Professional Standing. So to all intent and purpose we have done the necessary qualifications, and that’s where part of the problem lies, you see we are all reasonably young in IFA terms. If I was 10 years older I probably would have retired and said ‘Stuff it’ after all this time and experience I can’t be bothered to take all those exams!! Financial Services in the UK in 2012 is an older man’s industry, and as such they haven’t taken the exams, so in January they cannot trade and are being forced to leave the industry. Lord Flight also stated in the Financial Mail that this could impact 5million consumers who could be left without access to independent financial advice as a result of the Retail Distribution Review. Add to this the fact that High Street Banks have decided, “to withdraw from giving mass market financial advice.” (Jeff Prestridge, Mail Online). You may want to be asking your current IFA for his assurances that he is going to be around in 2013. If there are not ready now then I would be asking why not? After all they have had 4 years and more to prepare for this. If you get the ‘I’m taking the exams’ ask for the proof of this, if there isn’t any, chances are your IFA is running up to the wire on 31st December and making as much as he can on commissions before throwing the towel in – at your expense!! If two thirds of the current crop of IFA’s are no longer going to be in business, then the one third of us who are left are going to have to be very selective as to whom we take on as new clients, as we only have so many hours in a day. However we at FSC Investments are ready for the transition from commission to an adviser charging model, so we can develop a clear and successfully communicated service proposition for our existing clients and future clients.

For Independent Financial Advice now and in the future contact Frank on 01902 422333 FSC Investment Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

31560 2pg_Carford Group 08/11/2012 14:09 Page 1

s m r o f e ion R

s n e P e c a

l p k Wor

Millions of people are not saving enough to have the income they are likely to want in retirement. Life expectancy in the UK is increasing, but people are saving less into pensions. The Government is obliging employers to help address these challenges. From October 2012, on a sliding scale depending on the number of people on the company payroll, through to 2017 for the smallest companies with 50 employees or less, employers must automatically enrol qualifying members of their work force into a pension scheme to which, they, the employer, must contribute, in addition to the employees themselves. Staff will initially have to contribute a minimum of 1 per cent of salary, but this will rise to 5 per cent from 2017, with employers required to add a further 1 per cent, rising to 3%. The Department of Work and Pensions said: “Auto-enrolment aims to harness individuals’ inertia in thinking about retirement and pension saving, while preserving individual responsibility for the decision to save by allowing them to opt out.” Under the new rules business owners must provide a qualifying scheme for workers, automatically enrol all eligible jobholders onto the scheme, and tell all eligible jobholders that they have been enrolled and that they have the right to opt out if they choose. The company must pay employer contribution for all eligible job holders and register their scheme, and the number of people that have been enrolled with DWP.

Professional advice is essential at this stage and can help you meet your duties in a way that reduces your administrative burden, minimises the changes you must make and provides a better enrolment experience for your employees. At a time when many businesses are struggling to just make ends meet; while the intentions of this scheme are admirable, it will hit some businesses hard. The administrative costs to businesses of implementing the reforms is anticipated to be £480 million in the first year, falling to £150 million a year after that; while the cost to businesses of making the additional contributions will be around £4 billion a year. In order to assist employers to meet their obligations the government has instituted the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) an easy to use online pension scheme, established by law to support the introduction of automatic enrolment. The scheme has received a mixed welcome: “Whilst the new pension legislation is a step in the right direction, the government has not gone far enough.” Stephen Harper, chief executive of Attivo Group, warns when referring to NEST. He explained: “The problem is that it’s not particularly sophisticated, is limited to just five funds, has no flexibility to consolidate with other pensions and allows no transfers in or out. I would struggle to recommend NEST compared to a qualifying scheme to any of our clients.” • • • •

Protection Retirement Investments Mortgages

• Insurance • Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning

The date by which each company must have a workplace pension scheme in place is known as their “staging date”, more information on this can be found on the DWP website. In general terms all workers who are aged between 22 and their State Pension age, who earn at least £8,105 a year and work in the UK are eligible, however, different employee groups have different pension rights, depending on age and earnings; an advisor will help to assess your liabilities. It would be advisable to start planning ahead as soon as you can for any extra costs, and to review any existing scheme to ensure it qualifies.

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

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

31560 2pg_Carford Group 08/11/2012 14:09 Page 2

m r o f e ons r

i s n e P › y c

i l o P uk ›

. v o g wp.

.d w w w

Saga Director General Ros Altmann also believes that while auto-enrolment will go some way to help solve the pension crisis, it isn’t the whole solution. She said, “People must move away from simply relying on pensions when planning for retirement. Making ISAs a part of workplace saving and making pension funds partially accessible we would generate a more active savings culture, helping people better prepare for their retirement and later life care needs. In uncertain financial times it is not surprising that people are unhappy to put their money in a 'locked box'. We need to move away from the traditional model of retirement where people work until age 60 or 65 and are expected to have saved all they will need for retirement by then. Most people at 65 will still be active and healthy with many working years ahead of them. By working, either full or part time, during some of these bonus years, people can continue to save while also adding their valuable skills to the workforce.”

-#*) -!! !)!"%/ . $ 1! +-* 0 ! *./ !""! /%1! "! /0-! -% $ +-* 0 / /$ / #%1!. !) '!. 4*0 /* ( ) #! '' .+! /. *" 0/* )-*'(!)/ 5 ..!..%)# 2*-&!-. ) .!#(!)/%)# %)/* /$! -!'!1 )/ /!#*-%!. 5 ' 0' /%)# /$! "%) ) % ' %(+ / *) /$! *(+ )4 5 ..!.. !3%./%)# +!).%*) . $!(!. 5 !//%)# 0+ )!2 *(+'% )/ . $!(!. !#%./!-%)# 2%/$ /$! +!).%*). -!#0' /*- 5 ) '%)# '' *((0)% /%*). 2%/$ 2*-&!-. 5 ) #%)# ) -! *- %)# *+/ *0/. ) *+/ %). 5 !!/%)# *)#*%)# -! *- &!!+%)# -!,0%-!(!)/.

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

)

1%.! *)

) )!2 !).%*)

$!(!.

! *""!*(+'% ) ! .*'0/%*). .4./!( /* (!!/ '' 0/* )-*'(!)/ )!! . ) /$! !).%*) !#0' /*! *!!+%)# !,0%-!(!)/.

! ) #%1! 1% ! *) /$! *./ . 1%)#. *" 0.%)# ' -4 3 $ )#! 6 *./ . 1%)#. /* ! $ /* 4 +'0. */$!- (+'*4!! !)!"%/. %" 4*0 .* 2%.$ 0''4 ,0 '%"%! ) !+!) !)/ %) ) % ' 1%.!-. 2! -! -#*) -!! !)!"%/. '% !).! "%-( *""!-%)# *./ !""! /%1! .*'0/%*). "*- 4*0- *(+ )4 Call us now on 01746 716767.

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

%. 0/$*-%.!

) -!#0' /!

4 /$! %) ) % ' !-1% !. 0/$*-%/4 *

$! %) ) % ' !-1% !. 0/$*-%/4 *!. )*/ -!#0' /! / 3 /%*) ) /-0./

1% !

31572 QPD:Finance Birmingham QPD 1pg 01/11/2012 11:58 Page 1

Finance Birmingham funding for growth •

Safeguarded and created over 1000 jobs

•

Over £8million invested

•

Funding provided to over 25 companies

•

Funding available to Birmingham and Solihull SMEs

•

Quick application process with expert advice

•

Loan and equity funds available

Many businesses are still struggling to attract finance from established lenders, despite performing well. Finance Birmingham has access to a £25m fund from Birmingham City Council and the recently launched Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Fund. Both funds are available to viable businesses within the Birmingham and Solihull regions for loans of between £100,000 and £1m.

How has Finance Birmingham helped companies like you? “As we came out of recession WAA had many opportunities to win new business, but such opportunities required additional working capital for the investment needed to win large accounts. Even with a proven track record and a business plan which illustrated success, our longstanding bank was unable to provide us with any further funding, substantially limiting our growth opportunities. Finance Birmingham understood the opportunities and provided the funds which enabled our growth to continue, the agency to thrive and more jobs to be created.” Chief Executive of WAA, Andy Wilson “We spoke to the banks on a number of occasions about longer term finance. Whilst they loved our business model, they were not in a position to help because of the changes in their internal credit requirements as a result of the credit crunch.

Sue Summers, Chief Executive of Finance Birmingham, explains: “Many businesses have got a solid business model and trading record, but struggle to secure finance. This is especially true where collateral is typically in the form of intellectual property, such as in the creative industry.

Image: Andy Wilson

“The funds available from the Local Authorities are intended to support the economic development of our region with access to finance for eligible businesses. We have invested over £8m helping to safeguard and create over 1,000 jobs and provide the funding necessary for growth.”

Finance Director of Pure Business Services, Gavin Tedstone

Finance Birmingham will provide expert, impartial advice throughout the application process to ensure that funding is made available as quickly as possible. The funding is complementary to existing sources of funding rather than being in competition or a replacement for it, so businesses can retain their current banking facilities. Image: Gavin Tedstone

“Finance Birmingham took the time to understand our business model and the potential for opportunity. The team have been fantastic – they really understand our business, and their flexible approach works brilliantly for us."

For more information about the funding available through Finance Birmingham, please call 0121 233 4903, or visit www.financebirmingham.com

31403 QPD:Clean Space Partnership QPD 1pg 09/11/2012 14:32 Page 1

Photo : Ops Director Ed presenting Ajara with her “Partner of the Year” prize. Our other cleaning operatives that are not business partners are also paid above the minimum wage and receive all the same training and support functions as our partners.

Photo : Nathan presenting Steven with his Contractor of the month award Ethical cleaning without costing the earth The Clean Space Partnership is an ethical cleaning business that operates a unique business model, which allows cleaners to become partners in the business, and provides commercial cleaning services to Birmingham and the Midlands, from Birmingham to Leamington Spa. Clients include offices, car showrooms, building managers, business centres, museums, art galleries, spas, health clubs, gyms, and even light industrial units. Andy Rowen explained that some of his cleaning operatives are in fact his business partners. They are not paid an industrystandard low wage for a dead end job with no prospects, no training and no respect. Instead, they part-own the contracts they service and receive the bulk of the fees. With that ownership comes responsibility and pride - the responsibility of ensuring that their contracts are highly serviced, and pride in a job well done. This also drives high levels of engagement and communication with the partners.

Andy described how awards such as Partner of the Season, Partner of the Year and further nominations give them an opportunity to reward and recognise the work their partners carry out. Andy went on to comment; “Our business is people driven and with this comes a risk because as we know people can let you down. However, through the lines of clear and swift communication, motivation and generally working closely with our clients and partners, we manage this risk and prevent poor service extremely well.” Another driving force behind the business is Training Coordinators which circulate their contracts. As a two-way process, partners are monitored on their standard of work, compliance with Health and Safety and communication skills; again, all with the view of delivering the highest standard of service to their clients. The company only use eco-friendly cleaning products and consumable products, with no compromise on quality, to minimise the impact on the environment, without loss of effectiveness. Each cleaning product has been developed from plant-based organic surfactants. They are non-toxic, non harmful, non-hazardous, totally biodegradable and extremely cost effective. The company are so committed to the eco-friendly approach that they even offer a recycling service for your company waste, just bag it up, and they will remove it for sorting. The idea is that it’s cheap and simple to make it as easy as possible for people to recycle their waste. As a one-stop business, other services include window cleaning, carpet cleaning, the delivery of consumables and many more. The company attributes much of its success to professional account management, meaning regular pro-active monthly visits from Andy to discuss and ensure they are meeting their client’s expectations. With the Christmas period descending upon us, why not take advantage of Andy’s free spring clean offer should you chose to take out a contract with them.

Visit their web site www.thecleanspace.com or for Birmingham and the Midlands region phone Andy Rowen on 0121 411 9951 for more details. 19

31243 2pg_Survirn Engineering 2pg DPS 07/11/2012 12:49 Page 1

WHEN the new A350 XWB airplane rises into the sky it takes a good deal of Norman Kench’s pride with it, thanks to the important role his company, Survirn Engineering, played in its manufacture. The Birmingham company has just completed the 18-month £1.5million contract to make the Invar mould tools for the rear spars for the of the 900 series

The aerospace industry forms Survirn’s principal customer base, with considerable emphasis being placed on working closely with clients, to optimise both design and subsequent component manufacture. This experience has resulted in the company becoming a key supplier to the Red Bull and Toro Rosso F1 teams.

Survirn Engineering beat off American competition to win the contract while being outwardly light hearted about the achievement.

“We’re some old boys in a shed in Birmingham and GKN and Airbus has had the faith to put its main spar tooling contract into here,” he says. “Not only that, we’ve finished it and they’re working well” But not only does he feel that winning the contract was “quite good really”, Norman does acknowledge there is much to be proud about.

In the 1990s, as the demand rose for more complex and higher quality work from the engineering sector and realising the potential for growth and a secure future, Survirn created its own Computer Aided Design facility and was one of the first tool rooms to use Catia and Delcam Cad Workstations to showcase its technological skills.

PROUD TO SUPPORT SURVIN ENGINEERING

“Survirn have 20 years experience of making Invar mould tools,” he says. “Previously we manufactured the mould tools for the spars of the A400M, the Airbus military variant”, Factor in the quality of Survirn’s expert workmanship and its specialist knowledge when it comes to fabricating and machining Invar - a “strange” material says Norman coupled with a highly-motivated well-trained workforce made the company the right firm for the job. Survirn Engineering was established in 1985 after Norman and his partner David Houghton were left jobless when their employer ceased trading. Four years of determination and perseverance later saw their business move and take over an engineering company in the centre of Birmingham, buying out the existing occupier in the process. Ten years they moved again to the present, larger, site in Bristol Road South, Longbridge.

td L ) K U ( n a g r o M ecialists in

p ions & Profile Cutting are s teel Fabricat Heavy S

Morgan UK Ltd has a wealth of experience in: Machine Tools, Mechanical & Mining Industries, Heavy Duty Trailer Manufacturing, Forklift Trucks, Storage Tanks and all general heavy steel fabrication, together with the supply of profiled steel blanks. Morgan (UK) Ltd Roma Road | Tyseley | Birmingham | B11 2JL

Call us on 0121 706 3216 Email johnm@morganuk.co.uk www.morganfabrications.co.uk

31243 2pg_Survirn Engineering 2pg DPS 07/11/2012 12:49 Page 2

The CADCAM department itself houses IBM CATIA, CADDS5 and Delcams Power Solutions workstations and all are fully integrated with the specialised CNC machines, enabling the company to produce complex, threedimensional products up to 14ms long and weighing up to 10 tons, without the need for drawings. A comprehensive Inspection Facility is also available, comprising a conventional inspection department and stateof-the-art technology in the form of a Faro Laser Tracker and a large 7 x 3 metre twin armed CNC co-ordinate measuring machine.

“I feel quite confident about Survirn’s future, mainly because of the niche we’re in and our particular expertise,” says Norman. “There’s one or two nice orders on the books and potential for follow on orders.” For further details about Survirn Engineering,

Visit: www.survirn.co.uk Telephone: 0121 453 7718 Email: sales@survirn.co.uk

AFE Cronite

All this technology and expertise is now trained on the next phase of Survirn’s development for, while it may have completed one major contract, there’s still much to focus on, including manufacturing Invar mould tools for Rolls Royce’s Trent 700 engine.

CAD Cam Services Press Tool Patterns Checking Fixtures Engineering Patterns Metal Castings Polystyrene and Styrofoam Fibre Glass Boat Hulls

Cast Nickel Chromium Tools for High Temperature Forming of Titanium. Cast Invar Tools for Forming of Composites. Cronite Castings Ltd Blacknell Lane , Crewkerne , Somerset , TA18 7YA , UK. Tel 01460 270300 , Fax 10460 270344. E-mail sales@cronitecastings.com - website www.afecronite.com

CJN Insurance Services Ltd

Professional insurance brokers since 1959

Did you know? CJN is an independent insurance broker offering various insurance products from numerous Insurance Companies

Plus much more...

We are not tied to one or two particular Insurers, which means that we can shop around for the best deals to offer our clients, year in, year out.

For further information telephone 0121 544 6667 or visit www.premierpatterns.com

We are proud to support Survirn Engineering Email admin@premierpatterns.com Unit 1, Elm Court, Crystal Drive, Smethwick B66 1RB

PP Premier Patterns & Castings

We are proud to have helped Survirn Engineering to achieve their successes to date, we wish them all the best for the future.

We are experienced in dealing with all aspects of both commercial and personal insurance. So whether you are looking to insure your car your dog or your factory or shop, you should look at what we can offer. AUTHORISED AND REGULATED BY THE FSA

For more information regarding any of our services: 1 - 3 Teme Street | Tenbury Wells | Worcestershire | WR15 8BB t: 01584 819 545 e: mail@cjninsurance.co.uk

www.cjninsurance.co.uk

31337 2pg DPS_Godiva Bearings DPS 07/11/2012 13:12 Page 1

G O D I VA B E A R I N G S

EXCITING things are happening at Godiva Bearings in Dudley. The recent management buyout (MBO) has added extra sparkle to the business that’s already been a shining success for more than 35 years, and the workforce is raring to go with plans for product launches and even better, faster services. New managing director Tom Hamlett declares May’s MBO the company’s greatest business challenge, but its greatest business success, too - along with securing four new “agencies” in one year alone and “failing to let the recession hurt”. “We have already started to implement some of our plans, such as product launches for pneumatics and belts and have others lined up for later in the year,” he adds. “We are also working towards an order and collection time of just 20 minutes and improving customer satisfaction across the company.”

The initiatives are just the latest developments in the history of the company which supplies varieties of bearings and associated products and distributes SMC Pneumatics, Roulunds Belts and all Schaeffler products. It was established 35 years ago at a house in Ashford, Middlesex where just five people were based. Paul Cuthill, one of the original founders is still on the board, together with Tom and Trevor Brain and Godiva now employs 50 people across its three branches: on the Peartree Lane Industrial Estate in Dudley, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and its head office in Shepperton Middlesex.

31337 2pg DPS_Godiva Bearings DPS 07/11/2012 13:12 Page 2

It’s this individual stance which has really helped Godiva gain an unequalled reputation within the industry for, as Tom explains: “Other trade suppliers also deal with end users of the products, in competition with their trade customers.” But there’s many other ingredients which go into Godiva’s recipe for success, not least the quality and loyalty of the staff, according to Tom, along with a superb supplier base which has been carefully nurtured over the last 35 years and now features many market leaders with whom the company enjoys a close professional relationship. “We also have lots of market and product history which allows us to stock the products our customers require while our sourcing department for hard-to-find bearings has contributed to Godiva’s constant growth,” Tom points out. “Again, our superb ‘in-stock’ situation gives us an excellent export business and that, when immediate delivery is required, makes Godiva the supplier of choice, proving to be a true ‘one stop shop’ for bearings and related products.”

“Our business model is quite straight forward – we purchase bearings, stock them and then sell them but only to the bearing trade,” states Tom. “We pride ourselves on offering only the best quality products along with our assurance of the best service in the business. “One of our USPs is the ability to despatch when our competitors have closed for the day and we will, because of our trade-only stance, not compete with our customers.”

For further information about Godiva Bearings, its range of products and services, visit www.godiva-bearings.co.uk, or telephone 0845 345 5955 (Dudley) or 0191 272 5225 (Newcastle) or Email dudley@godiva-bearings.co.uk or newcastle@godiva-bearings.co.uk

REASONS TO TALK ContiTech. Engineering Green Value

ContiTech Corporate Group: We move High Tech ContiTech is a specialist for rubber and plastics technology. With it's high-tech products and systems, ContiTech is a development partner and original equipment manufacturer for the automotive industry and many other industries throughout the world. We are proud to support Godiva Bearings and wish them all the best for the future.

www.contitech-online.com

40,000 precision products for applications in over 60 industrial sectors The combined range of INA and FAG products includes over 40,000 standard bearing products, all backed up by a comprehensive range of maintenance products and condition monitoring equipment for any application in any industry. Working together with Godiva Bearings, Schaeffler UK offers first quality innovative bearing technology and provides extensive, customised, value-added bearing solutions, so there’s hardly an application we don’t have a solution for.

Schaeffler (UK) Ltd E-mail: info.uk@schaeffler.com Web: www.schaeffler.co.uk

31366 2pg DPS_Grenville Engineering 2pg DPS 07/11/2012 12:40 Page 1

Grenville Engineering (Stoke-on-Trent) Ltd

Precision Sheet Metal Fabrications

A success story indeed, but it won’t stop there; they have big plans for the future of the business.

Grenville Engineering Ltd (Stoke-on-Trent), welcome the installation of another new CNC Laser Cutter- Trumpf Trulaser 3030 in August this year. The new laser combines speed with the latest technology and innovation to produce high quality metal components. The thin sheet productive package allows much faster cutting speeds on sheets up to 1.6mm which dramatically reduces cutting costs per component. The machine is able to cut mild steel: 0.5mm – 20mm, stainless steel: 0.5 -12mm, and aluminium 0.5mm – 8mm. The installation is the third of these superb cutting machines to be delivered to the company and marks yet another stage in this well founded company’s expansion. Grenville Engineering (Stoke on Trent) Ltd became established in 1984 when Mark Barratt took over on the death of his father John, continuing the business’s family ownership. At this time they had just 10 employees and occupied office space and shopfloor measuring a total of 10,000 sq ft. Over the years they have experienced steady growth through investing in new equipment and adapting to market requirements. Their employees now number 48, operating from premises measuring 40,000 sq ft.

The company is ISO 9001:2008 accredited and specialises in Precision Sheet Metalwork, General Fabrications, CNC Laser cutting, CNC Punching, CNC Pressing, Mig and Tig welding (Certified ASME IX). Their highly experienced in-house technical design team can offer customers support in the development of prototypes and full production components as well as reverse engineering on clients’ own products or components. Using their 2D (AutoCAD) and 3D (Solidworks) packages their engineers can produce full engineering drawings and are able to interpret any drawings for their customers. The design team are always willing to share their knowledge and experience with customers to improve design and efficiency to ensure a shorter lead time in production.

Switchblade Metals Ltd Delivering Tomorrow's Bodybuilding Needs Today

aluminium aluminium fabrications galvanised steel metal curtain poles Comm Vehicle Fiittings Plastic Mudguards Roller Shutters Kit Bodys WISA Floor

Latest! POWD ER COATIN now ava G ilable in 8.5m lengths

are pleased to be associated with

Grenville Engineering

a: Unit 2, Jamage Industrial Estate, Talke, Staffs ST7 1XW t: 0844 848 7020 w: http://servicemetals.co.uk

We are proud to support Grenville Engineering and wish them all the best for the future NSEG would like to congratulate Grenville Engineering on their investment ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĂĐƋƵŝƐŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŝƌ ůĂƚĞƐƚ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐǇ ůĂƐĞƌ ĐƵƩĞƌ͘ NSEG are proud to have Grenville engineers as members, delivering them ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĂĐƟŶŐ ĂƐ ĐŽŵƉĞƚĞŶƚ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞŝƌ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ^ĂĨĞƚǇ͘ NSEG help Grenville Engineering to meet world class standards in ĞŵƉůŽǇĞĞ ƐŬŝůůƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ƐĂĨĞƚǇ͕ ĂŶĚ ůŽŶŐ ŵĂǇ ŝƚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ͘

North Staffordshire Engineering Group Training Association Silverdale Court, Silverdale Road Newcastle under Lyme Staffordshire. ST5 6EH Tel: 01782 634565 Website: www.nsegta.co.uk

Providing a quality, locally based, powder coating service all over the Midlands T: 01782 749292 F: 01782 749393 Unit 9 Hyde Park Ind Est City Road Stoke on Trent ST4 1DS Pre-treatment

Primers

Masking

Transport

Services

www.potteriespowdercoat.co.uk

31366 2pg DPS_Grenville Engineering 2pg DPS 07/11/2012 12:40 Page 2

Grenville Engineering (Stoke on Trent) offers a diverse range of components and products to various industries including Automotive, Railway, Material Handling, Petrochemical, Food and Construction to name but a few. Although in the early days the bulk of their work came from ERF Trucks in Sandbach, among their major clients they now include JCB. The company has been successful in developing and maintaining a well established â&#x20AC;&#x153;blue chipâ&#x20AC;? client base. Tony Fryer, Production/Sales Director is really delighted with the new machine which will be sited in an adjacent unit. He says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The new machine will provide the extra capacity to achieve an annual turn over from ÂŁ3.2m to ÂŁ4m-ÂŁ4.5m over the next 18 months, and enable us to give our customers an even better service.â&#x20AC;?

For further information on their range of services please telephone 01782 577929, or visit the web site www.greneng.co.uk. Unit 3 Newfield Industrial estate, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 5PD

Newstead

8IP

[[[ RI[WXIEH GS YO

-RWYVI 8SHE]

7IGYVI 8SQSVVS[

We would like to wish Grenville Engineering Continued success

;IPP IWXEFPMWLIH 6ITYXEFPI 4VSJIWWMSREP ;I EVI TVSYH XS WYTTSVX +VIRZMPPI )RKMRIIVMRK ERH [MWL XLIQ EPP XLI FIWX JSV XLI JYXYVI

%PHIVJPEX (VMZI 8VIRXLEQ 7XSOI SR 8VIRX 78 <&

Tel: 01782 822442 Fax: 01782 839125 Email: office@diamondmetalfinishing.co.uk

www.diamondmetalfinishing.co.uk Our Services:Zinc Electro Plating Trivalent Passivation Iridite NCP Powder Coating Rogard Supreme Seal 500

JS500 Alocrom 1000 Iron Phosphate Alocrom 1200 Lacquering

Unit 6 &7a Newfield Industrial Estate High Street Tunstall Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5PD

UNITS 36-37,BROOKHOUSE ROAD, PARKHOUSE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WEST, CHESTERTON,NEWCASTLE, STAFFORDSHIRE, ST5 7RU TELEPHONE 0044 1782 566553 FAX 0044 1782 566123 sales@weldfastuk.co.uk

31420 2pg_Pennie Prostrap DPS 08/11/2012 14:48 Page 1

CUSTOMER requirement is the number one priority for Pennine Prostamp - no wonder it’s doubled in size in just two years from start-up. Quality components at the right prices have also played their part in enabling this specialist in small precision metal pressings and assemblies to launch in January 2010 with two machines and employees and, by September 2012, expand to five machines and four staff. Now actively marketing some spare capacity created through better efficiencies within its working practices and working with its biggest customer to develop a new product, Pennine Prostamp is poised for an exciting third year of operation. The Wolverhampton company is an associate of Huddersfield’s Pennine Industrial Equipment (PIE) and was established by owner Graham Hobbs to supply the parent firm with highprecision chain links.

These are then assembled into chain conveyors for the glass manufacturing industry and used worldwide in more than 50 countries. However, Pennine Prostamp also works closely with assembly suppliers to the aerospace industry and niche pressings sectors and offers a full service including tool design, tool making and subsequent component supply, proud to meet the everincreasing demands for timescale and quality and always at a competitive price. “We operate to stringent quality procedures and have full traceability of our products and our aim is to ensure you always receive the very best in customer service and technical support,” assures operations manager Martin Hallam. “Our premises on the Strawberry Lane Industrial Estate house the finest Swiss Bruderer presses that give consistency and repeatability to guarantee compliance, ensuring that your quality demands are achieved and maintained. “And although we have a team of experienced individuals from the metals processing industry boasting a wealth of knowledge, we also have good connections with local sub-contract services upon which we can call to satisfy any requirement a client may have regarding the development or finishing of their particular product.” Developing any business from the ground up is always going to be a big challenge as Martin readily acknowledges but, Pennine Prostamp is here for the long haul - as it has very quickly demonstrated.

31420 2pg_Pennie Prostrap DPS 08/11/2012 14:48 Page 2

“We are supporting the local economy by employing an apprentice, thereby investing in the future of our business and passing the skills on to a youngster,” he says. “Also, we have now bought our premises which, again, is a sign of our commitment for the long term.” Already, the business can congratulate itself on reaching the position of being able to easily service its major customer but plans are moving ahead on achieving a bigger slice of the market sector. “We are now working with PIE to develop a completely new product in power transmission chain which will not only benefit them in other business sectors, it will also benefit us too,” reveals Martin.

Alpha-Rowen Ltd

For further information about Pennine Prostamp and its full range of services, visit www.prostamp.co.uk. Alternatively email sales@prostamp.co.uk or telephone 01902 604077.

deburring

component

degreasing

ŵĞĐŚĂŶŝĐĂů ĮŶŝƐŚŝŶŐ

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

general surface improvement

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

Serving the ĂƵƚŽŵŽƟǀĞ ĂŶĚ ĂĞƌŽƐƉĂĐĞ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌǇ Midland Deburr & Finish are proud to support Pennine Prostamp and we would like to wish them all the best for the future

Based over 2 sites we have a range of furnaces which enable us to cope with all batch sizes – small to large.

&Žƌ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƚĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞ Ϭϭϯϴϰ ϴϵϭϭϵϴ Žƌ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŵŝĚůĂŶĚĚĞďƵƌƌĂŶĚĮŶŝƐŚ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

Working 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday we can meet your turnaround requirements. We offer oil hardening specialising in smaller batch sizes.

Visit our website at www.alpharowen.co.uk Unit 5 Lye Valley Ind Est, Bromley Street, Lye, DY9 8HX Unit 15 Barnfield Road Tipton West Midlands DY4 9DF United Kingdom

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

Midland Deburr & Finish Ltd The Surface Improvement & Degreasing Specialists

M DF 27

31417 1pg:All 4 one Engineering 1pg 12/09/2012 16:54 Page 1

“Moving premises and making the transition from a very small business to a larger one just as the recession took hold was certainly one of our greatest business challenges,” agrees Kim. “This required finding the right balance between cash flow and orders to enable All 4 One to continue its success.” “It also meant serving existing customers in the best way possible while trying to find new business in the difficult climate.”

Costa Coffee Nottingham – SPV Roofing and Cladding All 4 One is one for all your industrial roofing and cladding sheet metal fabrication needs. A company that thrives on a well-earned reputation for quality, service and quick turnaround, a busy programme of investment is keeping it at the industry’s cutting edge and maintaining its firstpoint-of-call status with customers new and old. At purpose-built premises in Aston Fields, Bromsgrove, the expert team manufactures gutters, flashings, rainwater pipes and fabricated profiles. Customers with specific requirements present no problem as the flexible workforce can turn its collective hand to producing bespoke items and, if necessary, site surveys and installation can also be carried out. “Having highly-skilled employees, we are very confident with the work despatched,” says managing director Kim Williams. “We take pride with every job, no matter how big or small the project is.” “Using the most up to date machinery we can ensure that our manufactured products are produced with superior quality and accuracy.” It’s that superior quality, combined with cost-effective products and great customer service that has ensured All 4 One Engineering has grown from a small enterprise to the major manufacturing force that it is today - and all in the teeth of bitter recession. The business was established in 2004 and, based in Redditch, originally employed just four people. Yet, by 2009, such was its success in meeting the sheet fabrication needs of the industrial roofing and cladding industry, that it was able to move into 22,000sq ft of purpose-built premises at Bromsgrove, its location to the M5 and Midlands motorway network enabling it to deliver products around the country. That success is even more impressive when you consider the move happened just as the economy dived.

But, like any determined Musketeer, All 4 One responded to the rallying call of its name and responded to the challenge in spectacular fashion. “Repeat business from existing customers is the best evidence that we’re doing all the right things,” smiles Kim. “Having our own large premises also means we can guarantee the availability of material, produce high-quality products, deliver to fast turnarounds and provide excellent customer service.” Now employing about 30 people, All 4 One has maintained its commitment to investment. An additional press brake was recently introduced in response to the increasing demands of a growing customer base while a newlyinstalled laser machine sees labour-intensive and time-consuming tasks completed quickly and precisely while also enabling the business to cut a wider variety of materials and accurately produce more bespoke fabrications. And plans for the future are anything but to rest on laurels. Says Kim: “We aim to continue to diversify and to increase our knowledge of new products so that we can keep up to date with the latest developments and be the first point of call for our customers’ requirements.”

For further information about All 4 One Engineering and its products, visit www.all4oneeng.co.uk. Alternatively, telephone 01527 872244 or email sales@all4oneeng.co.uk

www.kennethmorris.co.uk Chartered Accountants Taxation Consultants Business Advisers

Proactive

Business Planning & Advice

are proud to All 4 One Engineering Ltd

support

and wish them all the best for the future

To arrange a FREE initial consultation and FIXED fee quotation CALL: 01527 872888 mail@kennethmorris.co.uk

31445 1pg:Ash & Lacy Perforators 1pg 24/09/2012 11:51 Page 1

“Every order is tracked through the production stages, with the most stringent quality control procedures rigorously adhered to at every stage,” assures John. “We’re very proud of the relationships we’ve built with clients in the automotive and aerospace industries. Like all our customers, they set exacting standards which we have to meet. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated by accreditation to BS EN 9001:2008 and we are an approved supplier to Rolls Royce Aerospace.

IN the world of perforated materials and expanded metals, Ash & Lacy Perforators packs a punch. This market-leading manufacturer of perforated metal, expanded metal and architectural metalwork fabrications excels in making ideas happen and the seeming impossible, possible. What’s more, its experts here love to listen. “No two projects are identical, and our years of experience have taught us to listen first,” explains managing director John Keating. “Clients know what they want: it is our job to help them achieve it.” “Whether they come to us for an off-the-shelf solution or something unique, we will work with them to deliver an excellent result – on time, to specification and on budget.” Based in Smethwick, Ash & Lacy’s team of 64 professionals are responsible for a huge range of products which are sold across the UK and, increasingly, abroad.

“Just like the responsible manufacturers we work with, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact and providing a recyclable product wherever possible. That’s why we are certified to ISO 1400 1-2004.” The years since the buyout have not been without their challenges but there’s plenty of good news. Sales of the core business are growing, as are exports to the Middle and Far East, and investment in new machines - last year a Bender expanded metal press was installed - while expansion into finished products which has included producing speaker grills for Jaguar Land Rover and Mini cars.

To find out more about the company and its full range of services, visit www.ashlacyperf.co.uk, or telephone 0121 558 8921 or email sales@ashlacyperf.co.uk

Products such as Dagenham Bus Terminal’s drivers’ base, which is sheathed by a double skin of perforated aluminum, or its perforated mesh seen in Bentley GT Continentals. Aluminum ceiling tiles, train heater grills, and satellite dishes are just a few more of the many products from the company that was incorporated in 1954 and was subject to a management buyout in 2009.

M a n u f a c t u r i n g

“Our range of CNC operated presses can produce any shape in any material and we level, flatten and recoil to make customers’ ideas happen,” says John.

+"(("& *#"(* )'$$ ')- ) "&* )'( '++'% "&* *+"$$ * & ')#$" + ++ !% &+* *" & % &, +,) "& +! *+ " $ & *

“We are experts in profiling, bolt holes, notches, guillotining and countersinking and can also galvanize, powder coat and anodize, form, weld and fabricate.

')#$" + +), # % + )" $* ! & $"& *'$,+"'&*

- . ) ($

+' *,((')+ *!

) ') +')*

“Clients look to our bespoke perforated products to solve their ventilation, filtering and acoustic problems. The uses for our perforated patterns are virtually limitless and are particularly in high demand in the agricultural and food industries. “With our fine hole expertise, we can make anything from satellite dishes to fine mesh grilles for speakers and our perforated and expanded metals can be can be folded, welded and finished to exact specifications.” Behind this huge range of products and services is a team ready to answer queries and advise, whatever the issue, price, technical or environmental, for Ash & Lacy takes its quality standards seriously and its client relationships.

" - . &, +,)"& "%"+ .* ''#$ . ! ) .* ' )' #%'') )" )$ . "$$ *+ " $ & * + * $ * )" - .,# '% --- )" - . ')#$" + ++ !% &+* ' ,#

31454 1pg:Qualplast Ltd 1pg 01/11/2012 15:12 Page 1

Qualplast (1991) Ltd

Thus enabled, the company has expanded into a diverse range of industries, and besides automotive, are major suppliers to the display and packaging industries. The company continuously builds on its expertise in order to help client companies to use flock to better effect on their respective products. Qualplast has more than one cause for celebration as they reach their 35th anniversary. Apart from attaining 35 years, which is a significant achievement, their position as suppliers to a broad range of industries, especially the rapidly expanding luxury car market, means that they have come through the recession in a very strong position without losing any staff or customers.

Please contact the company on 0121 357 5858 to discuss your project and how they can help, or visit their web site www.qualplast.com Qualplast (1991) Limited, Old Walsall Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B42 1EA

The company was founded in 1977 as a plastics moulding company and started flocking approximately 5 years later, becoming a Limited Company in 1991. By 2000 all production was devoted to flocking and Qualplast, through acquisitions, subsequently became the largest 3 dimensional flocking company in the UK. The company has been a member of the Flock Association of Europe for many years, and David Caro, the CEO and owner of Qualplast is also part of the executive board of the Flock Association. He also works within the Federation of Small Businesses and is Birmingham Branch Chairman and West Midlands Area Policy Unit Representative.

#!" % # !#

Qualplast is committed to quality, as endorsed by its ISO 9001 certification. They have been involved in supplying the automotive industry for over 25 years, attaining and retaining their position as flocked product suppliers of choice to the UK automotive industry and are second and third tier suppliers to Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Lotus, Bentley and McLaren Mercedes. Flock can be used on any non-porous surface, because of its durability and luxurious feel, the automotive industry uses flock for areas such as glove boxes and boot interiors etc. Its sound deadening properties reduce resonance and create an anti slip surface, it is waterproof and comes in an extensive range of colours. Rally cars make use of flock to create anti-glare dashboards and cut noise and vibration. It is light weight, helps to reduce condensation and provides a degree of heat insulation. Qualplast have made substantial investment in the latest equipment, including the largest Low Pressure Plasma surface treatment plant in the UK. Continuous innovation in flock applications has led to a service providing improved aesthetics, sound deadening, surface protection and cleaning ability on a range of products.

! $

* * ' ! () ( $#+ ') # %' " ' !- $' ) *)$"$) + ( )$'( )$ * #)

! !

! () ( )

()' *) (+ $ ) !!*! ' $ " %'$ * )( ! )' ! $#()'* ) $# # !) ( )% ' $'" # () # ' (

' ! () ( ' $# $ ) ! ' () ()' *)$'( $ $ " '$" #) # $" # , + (* () #) ! ()$ ( ) $*' () '$", ( !!$,( *( )$ $ ' + '- &* ( '+ $# $) %! # # (+ # , !($ + ) ! )- )$ $ ' !$ (! ) '$!!(

"* "" (& ( (

) & '( &%#*!

" '(! ' ( '( ! " $ ' !$ % '&)

)$ %' " ( ( '$!!(

& %#

31472 1pg_Trade Connection (Midlands) 1pg 13/11/2012 14:08 Page 1

IT Manager Damien adds, priority is also placed on completing orders quickly and efficiently via the company’s delivery service, which is mostly FREE to addresses within a 25-mile radius of the Alum Rock Road store. Everyone at Trade Connections is committed to maintaining a local customer base - nothing beats that face-to-face, personal touch - but at the same time embracing the internet as the company adapts to the latest trends and it is already proving to have positive results. “To date we have supplied new customers from Wales to Wigan so our future web trading looks promising,” declares Damien. To see the full range of products and services available from Trade Connections, or to make a purchase visit www.tradeconnectionsonline.com.

They’re not frightened of change at Trade Connections (Midlands) Ltd. It’s been this Birmingham heating and plumbing merchant’s ability to adapt to the changing trends that have helped to sustain its continued success through the harshest of economic conditions of trading. That and the friendly service they enjoy with their retail customers, regular traders and fellow suppliers.

A friendly welcome always awaits visitors to the their trade counter which is open Monday to Thursdays, 8.30am-6pm, Fridays from 8.30am-5.30pm and Saturdays from 8.30am12.30pm, refreshments are FREE for all.

To make an enquiry, telephone 0121 327 1818 or e-mail tcx@live.co.uk Trade Connections located at 852 Alum Rock Road, Ward End, Birmingham B8 2TX

Congratulations to Trade Connections on 25 years in business from

The latest move with the times has seen the arrival of Trade Connections on the Internet; its brand new website went live earlier this year and is already generating new business. Latest offers and company updates can also be found at www.tradeconnectionsonline.com. and Facebook (Tcxl Net) or even Twitter (@trade_connect ) The developments are all very 21st century but what remains firmly traditional about Trade Connections is its commitment to good old-fashioned first-class service and quality products.

With a range of over 10,000 items Primaflow leads the field in fittings, valves and piping accessories. Whether the fittings requirement is endfeed, solder ring or compression and the valves are brass or bronze, Primaflow has the product for the merchant.

Selling a wide range of heating, plumbing and electrical products, including high efficiency boilers and radiators plus all plumbing materials, bathroom suites, showers and taps, Trade Connections, welcomes all enquiries, whether they be from heating engineers, plumbers and the general public.

Unit 2, Stargate Business Park, Nechells, Birmingham, B7 5SE freephone: 0800 694 5000 freefax: 0800 856 3754 sales@muellerprimaflow.com www.primaflow.co.uk

The store was launched in 1983 as “Mike Reade Limited” but changed to its present title in 1988 and down the years has never veered from its commitment to base its business on fair, good and helpful trading. “We are a family-run company with the original directors Mike Reade and Mark Fowler still at hand, we pride ourselves on our product knowledge and customer service,” says Sales Manager Peter Reade. “While always striving to gain new customer and support regular clients, we also keep a close eye on the current markets to help sustain our competitive prices. “We are proud to supply a vast amount of plumbing and heating products from all the major manufacturers and suppliers, such as Intergas, Honeywell, Speedfit, Prorad, Glow Worm, Sime Boilers and Primaflow Products.”

205& 40 *#6' $''/ #330%+#4'& (02 06'2 9'#23 7+4* 2#&' 0//'%4+0/3 +&-#/&3 +.+4'& 0(('2+/) %%05/4#/%9 #/& 5&+4 #/#)'.'/4 0/35-4#/%9 : 53+/'33 &6+%' #--

#8#4+0/ #920-:!

'02)' 42''4

02 6+3+4 052 7'$3+4' 777 & 7 . %0 5, /07 +-- "0-6'2*#.140/ "!

31491 DPS 2pgs new:RCF Bolt & Nut 2pg 01/11/2012 12:13 Page 1

Industrial fasteners specialist RCF Bolt & Nut (Tipton) Ltd is celebrating more than just its 35 years of success - it’s acknowledging that in recent times that success has been particularly hard won.

“Forging or metal bashing has not been in fashion - everyone has gone shopping in the Far East,” is Managing Director Ray Cooper’s wry observation. “However, many customers are now coming back and we are one of the few companies left. It has been difficult but we are now achieving hard-earned success.” The company’s commitment to standing fast against the twin threats of foreign competition and bitter recession has certainly been paying off. In 2011 its sales increased by 30% and, so far this year Ray reports, sales have increased by a further 14%. As a direct result, RCF Bolt & Nut, based in Park Lane East, is now working upon widening its product range. Formed in 1977, the company has, over the years, established itself as a leading specialist in the manufacture and distribution of hot forged bolts and forgings up to M64 diameter and in all grades of material. It started life as a stockist but grew to purchase two more manufacturers in the region before acquiring the Bolt and Nut Company, Tipton, from the receivers in 1994. “That was a massive undertaking,” recalls Ray. “We then had to move our machinery from sites in Darlaston and Halesowen all into the Tipton site.” The last two years have seen sales increase - reflecting not only the RCF Bolt & Nut workforce’s skill, craftsmanship and service, but customer realisation that it does indeed pay to buy British.

Further investment in plant and machinery followed, the most recent seeing the introduction of two induction heaters enabling the forging of stainless steel bolting up to M36 diameter.

31491 DPS 2pgs new:RCF Bolt & Nut 2pg 01/11/2012 12:13 Page 2

“We can produce all variety of fasteners, including socket cap screws, square plate washers, bolts and nuts, socket screws, plates, tie-bars and allthreads while our range of bolts include high-strength friction grip bolts and indented foundation bolts,” says Ray.

Being one of the few remaining manufacturers of its kind, the company has a wealth of expertise among its employees and is happy to help with all kinds of technical advice as well as provide assistance with quotations. Helping customers with the nuts and bolts, so to speak.

“All these products can be manufactured in different grades of material and various coatings from self colour, zinc, galvanised and many more. “What’s more, we always have £500,000-worth of blanks on the shelf for any ‘panics’ or if small quantities are required.” The quality of every piece and every process goes without saying, but RCF Nut & Bolt is proud to be able to assure customers they can be confident that they are dealing with a quality-conscious supplier due to its ISO 9001-2008 registration.

For further information about RCF Nut & Bolt (Tipton) Ltd, its products and services is available on www.rcfboltnut.co.uk. Alternatively, telephone 0121 522 2353 or email rcf@dial.pipex.com

GSS Support RCF Bolt & Nut and wish them every success for the future.

Congratulations to the RCF on their 35th anniversary!

Welcome Boswell & Company (Steels) Ltd., are an independent steel stockholding company, based in Halesowen, West Midlands, with ISO 9001: 2008 quality approval accreditation.

! ! =(9 -583,+ 04 =0:/ ( <0,= :5 9;662? 9:5*109:9 :/85;./5;: ;856, =0:/ (22 :?6,9 5- (9:,4,89 5- :/, 9/,2- 04 :/, " # ' (4+ ! ' *54+0:0549 !:5*109: 9 (4+ 09:80);:589 =/5 (28,(+? ;9, ! ! -04+ % !" (<(02()020:? (: <,8? *536,:0:0<, 680*,9 (4+ ( <,8? /,26-;2 (4+ 145=2,+.,()2, 9;6658: 9,8<0*,9 088,96,*:0<, 5- :/, 7;(4:0:? 8,7;08,+

Our stock, which exceeds 2000 tonnes, consists of engineering bar products in varying sections and specifications, with a speciality focus on the petrochemical grades ASTM A193 B7 and ASTM A320 L7. We offer a nationwide and continental service, for deliveries of any quantity from one bar to full articulated vehicle loads.

Product Range Mild, Carbon, Free-cutting & Alloy steels

Black, Bright drawn,Bright Turned & Ground Bar

Rounds, Squares, Hexagons & Flats

;88,4: !:5*1 2,<,29 (8, =,22 04 ,>*,99 5- @ (4+ +,20<,80,9 (8, 3(+, (:054=0+, 54 ( 4,>: +(? )(909 :03,+ =/,8, 8,7;08,+

!" ! " (81 (4, (9: "06:54 $,9: 0+2(4+9 & ",2 (> $,) === 8*-)52:4;: *5 ;1 3(02 .99 -(9: +0(2 606,> *53

BOSWELL & CO (STEELS) LTD • PARK LANE • CRADLEY HALESOWEN • WEST MIDLANDS B63 2QP Tel: 01384 637 375 • Fax 01384 410 103 Web: www.boswellsteel.com

31487 1pg:WH Tildesley 1pg 18/10/2012 18:22 Page 1

W.H.Tildesley Ltd

“In 2011 we began to see an upturn in volume which has continued this year,” reports Phil. “We’re looking to build on this by acquiring new customers and growing the amount of business that we do with existing ones. This will help to protect jobs both here and within our supply base.”

GLOWING tributes have been paid to the workforce of Willenhall forging specialist WH Tildesley as its £1million upgrade and expansion nears completion. Despite working with a reduced machine capacity as a result of the scheme, the company’s loyal shop floor team worked hard to maintain output and meet customer demand. “They were outstanding,” acknowledges Sales and Marketing Manager Philip Hobley. “We agreed a production plan with customers to enable us to support them during the building programme and the workforce here has done a great job.”

The company’s ability to produce small and medium batches efficiently and cost-effectively is central to its market position and because of its continuous investment in capital equipment, materials technology, training and information technology, it’s in a strong position to offer a vital service to today’s key industries. Its roots may be in the 19th century but it’s a company that’s never been afraid to embrace change and invest in the future, an approach that has proved crucial to maintaining its competitiveness. A perfect forging, in fact, of a rich historical evolution and the most modern industry standards.

For further information about the company & its services, go to www.whtildesley.com. Email sales@whtildesley.com or telephone 01902 366440.

With completion of the scheme set for November, work on the massive rebuild and refurbishment at the Bow Steet site is well on course. “When complete, we will have a thoroughly modern manufacturing facility,” promises Philip. “The improvements are intended to provide better working conditions and to help meet the latest environmental standards. “The workflow through the factory will be improved and the increase in available floor area means we’ll have the option to install additional production capacity to accommodate future growth.” The project is the latest good news in a success story which began more than 130 years ago. Founded in 1874 making parts for the then transport industry, WH Tildesley today forges components in a wide range of metals for all industries.

From high integrity components for the military, to the very latest developments at the leading edge of civil aviation, we are recognised as the preferred choice in aluminium heat treatment.

• Solution Treatment – Water quenching & polymer quenching • Rapid quenching in less than 10 seconds • Setting • Ageing • Shot Blasting (exclusively aluminium)

The most recent economic downturn is just the latest seen and weathered - by WH Tildesley. With its history dating back to 1874, and also faced with the additional challenge of competing against low priced imports from abroad, it is proud to have come through with no redundancies. Now, the latest expansion and investment aside, things are very definitely on the up, not least as a number of customers return after experiencing significant difficulties with sourcing parts in so called low cost countries.

Dye-penetrant inspection Hardness & Conductivity testing Mechanical testing Metallographic inspection Transport - collection and delivery service

Alloy heat treatment, BLOCK 6, Grazebrook Industrial Park, Peartree Lane, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 0XW Tel: +44 (0)1384 456777 Fax: +44 (0)1384 453900 Web: www.alloyheat.co.uk Email: sales@aluminiumheattreatment.com

Still family owned, it specialises in producing small and medium batch quantities and supplies components to the aerospace, oil and gas, automotive/vehicle, rail, lifting gear and construction industries and supports many precision machining companies with near net shaped forged parts. “Our goal is to provide excellent levels of customer service,” says Philip. “We can supply parts in their forged-only state or with our in-house machine shop we can rough machine or fully machine finish those parts. We also offer a general subcontract machining service.”

• • • • •

Non-Destructive Testing Service ULTRASPEC NDT is a well-established industrial inspection company with a comprehensive range

• Ultrasonic Inspection • Magnetic Particle Testing • Dye Penetrant Inspection • Ultrasonic Thickness Survey • Portable Hardness Testing • Magnetic Permeability

of on site material testing. Modern technology and equipment are employed to ensure that all ULTRASPEC’S testing services are founded on accuracy, quality of service and fast flexible turnaround, all provided at a keenly competitive price. Specifically ULTRASPEC will provide your company with:

•

A professional service by highly qualified staff, which is based

•

An individually tailored service to your specific company

on the concept of optimum flexibility needs Cost effective solutions to your testing requirements.

Phone: 01384 340 213 • Fax: 01384 829912 • Mobile: 07831 595935 • Email: ultraspecndt@blueyonder.co.uk Ultraspec NDT Services Ltd • 3 Swan Street Stourbridge • West Midlands DY8 3UU

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

• •

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

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

For more details about Eviva and its services, visit www.evivaservices.co.uk Alternatively telephone 0121 695 9581 or email hello@evivaservices.co.uk 35

31571 DPS 2pgs:Mantech 2pg DPS 24/10/2012 09:55 Page 1

MANUFACTURING

FOR A QUOTE OR ANSWERS TO TECHNICAL QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL 01384 824 051

ECHNOLOGY

Technology and Service You Can Tr ust

Mantech CNC Router

Model 30T (2050 x 3050 x 200mm) High Specification, please call for full list.

£22,040.00 + VAT includes delivery and training on site

Mantech CNC Router

Model M25 (1300 x 2500 x 200mm) High Specification, please call for full list.

£11,415.00 + VAT includes delivery & training on site

Mantech CNC Router

Model 6090L (600x900x100mm)

High Specification, please call for full list.

£3,800.00 + VAT includes delivery and training on site

Mantech Laser Cutter / Engraver Model 1520 x 2050mm (150W)

High Specification, please call for full list. £9,820.00 + VAT includes delivery and training on site

Mantech Laser Cutter / Engraver

Model 900 x1200mm working area (80W)

£5,640.00 + VAT includes delivery and training on site

www.mantech

Mantech International Group -

31571 DPS 2pgs:Mantech 2pg DPS 24/10/2012 09:55 Page 2

G N I S I M O NO COMPR ITY ON QUAL

IUM M E R P E R A THESE WITHOUT THE MACHINESM PRICE TAG. PREMIU

• Full Product Training • Telephone Support 24/7 • 10,000 sq ft warehouse facility • 12 months standard warranties

Finance packages are available to meet your requirements.

• Extended Warranties • Factory Trained Service Engineers • Spares & Tooling • Part Exchange / Finance Packages

Premium Hydraulic Guillotines

The Hydraulic Guillotines have a cutting length from 2 to 6M and a cutting capacity up to 25mm steel. Standard equipment and features are Squaring Arm and Front Support Arms, Bed Infill plates with ball transfers, Motorized Backstop including ESTUN Digital Read-Out, Rapid and Precise Blade Clearance Adjustment, Front Finger Guard and Optical Rear Safety Guard, TELEMECANIQUE/ SCHNEIDER Electrics and more. £13,810.00 + VAT ex-works Oldbury

Premium Hydraulic Box and Pan Folders The Hydraulic Folders have a folding length from 1320 to 3200mm and a folding thickness up to 6 mm steel. Different versions are available ranging from a standard push button operated folder with angle protractor to a full CNC operated folder including servo driven backstop and more, £10,685.00 + VAT ex-works Oldbury

Premium Hydraulic Pressbrake The Hydraulic Press Brakes have a bending length from 1.25M to 12M and a bending capacity up to 25mm steel. Features are, System Intermediate Upper clamps with Anti Wedges, Plate Support Arms, Powered Depth Axis and Backstop, Lightguards, Top and Bottom Tooling, DELEM CNC control, Crowning Table (160T+), REXROTH Hydraulic, TELEMECANIQUE/ SCHNEIDER Electrics and more.

£20,370.00 + VAT ex-works Oldbury

machinery.co.uk

40 Years experience in supplying industrial machinery 37

31503 1pg:Fogarty Castings 1pg 01/11/2012 15:05 Page 1

Former Environment Secretary, and local MP Caroline Spelman, Coventry University and British Waterways are among those who are backing the project. FOGARTY Castings may be a small business - but its products can be seen all over the world. A designer and producer of bespoke plaques and signs, many of those you see across the UK will have come from this Solihull-based dedicated team. Their engineering output also covers the supply of markers for industrial radiography companies and lettering for plaques for pattern shops and foundries. In the last 30 years, the company has built up a solid customer base and a reputation for quality and expertise and now, thanks to the vision of its founder Terry Fogarty is poised to move into a completely different direction but one which could revolutionise the UK’s canal system. A canalboat enthusiast, he has devised the Diagonal Lock, an alternative to a traditional flight of locks in which a canal is connected at the summit of an incline to the base by a water tight concrete tube in which the boat floats securely inside as the water level is varied via a system of pumps. Terry says it’s a system which can be a key component in future waterways development, enabling faster transit times and bringing capacity for larger boats as an alternative option for freight transport. It can also bring benefits to tourism, he points out, as it offers a sustainable and ecological solution to managing high levels of waterways traffic at peak seasons and can continue to operate during dry spells bringing water shortages that can force lock flights to close. “The Diagonal Lock also has the potential to be a tourist attraction, attracting visitors all year round and generating spinoff revenue for businesses in the surrounding area,” he adds. It’s a ground-breaking concept that could transform the nation’s canals system into a transport resource for the 21st century and has already gained influential and prestigious support.

“Although it has yet to be built and has cost a great deal of money to convince people of its viability, it’s a concept that has tremendous potential,” Terry says. “I have no doubt it will succeed.” No doubt at all. After all, the project has been devised by the man who, in setting up Fogarty Castings, initially had to produce his own machines to cast products, who first carried out his own engravings on an engraving machine which he had built himself and who continued to survive and build a successful business after losing his first wife and partner to cancer. While focused on the Diagonal Lock, Terry remains extremely proud of his Fogarty Castings’ heritage in industrial design, and his passion about the craftsmanship produced there is undimmed. “Everyone at Fogarty Castings takes great pride in manufacturing high-quality products for new and established customers, he says. “The amazing support of our colleagues for Fogarty Castings and for the Diagonal Lock project, has kept us going . For this we are extremely grateful. “This further highlights our commitment to maintaining a qualityled manufacturing environment, while enabling our clients to have continued faith in the products we produce and supply.”

For further information about the company’s range of plaques, signs, X-ray markers and quality indicators, visit www.fogartycastings.co.uk. Alternatively telephone 0121 707 338 or email info@fogartycastings.co.uk For more details on the Diagonal Lock and information on the members of the Diagonal Lock Advisory Group, go to www.diagonallock.org

31507 QPD_Centra TEQ QPD 1pg 07/11/2012 12:52 Page 1

To complete the all-encompassing solutions, CentraTEQ can also supply AVEX shock machines and provide ongoing service and support for existing systems in the UK. These machines are heavily used for repetitive bump and classical shock testing.

CentraTEQ Ltd continues to attract new customers building on its sales success in the environmental testing industry and passing on its experience as experts in vibration testing. It’s a huge feather in the cap for this young company, to have won long-standing customers from its well-established competitors in a tight market; Managing Director, Jim Flanagan and his team see it as a great vote of confidence. He said “Our personalised approach assures customers we are here to help them through the process of specifying, supplying, installing and servicing the equipment. This focus on customer service and the fact we offer the most competitively priced equipment in the market has been the basis of our success”

“We utilise our extensive industry experience to provide the complete solution,” says Jim. We can provide systems from multiple suppliers to ensure the most efficient and cost effective package and aim to build strong personal relationships with customers to ensure they are fully satisfied with the products and our long-term support. “Right from quotation stage we work with them to ensure the systems and products are right for both the immediate and long-term needs.

CentraTEQ, based in Olton, Solihull, is a key player in the environmental testing industry, providing turnkey systems and services for clients to carry out product evaluation and testing during design, development and production.

“Because we are independent we can source products across the industry to ensure that we not only meet clients’ needs technically, but satisfy tight budgets.”

Concerned mainly with the supply of vibration testing systems, including shakers, amplifiers, slip tables, fixtures and controllers, many of which are manufactured by ETS Solutions for whom CentraTEQ is the exclusive UK distributor.

Jim, with more than 20 years industry experience, launched CentraTEQ in 2008, just as the economy went into freefall - but it immediately bucked the plummeting trend and did nothing but grow.

It can also help with upgrades to existing equipment, full service and maintenance programmes and spare parts for other manufacturers’ vibration systems.

That included establishing V-TEQ Vibration Services Ltd to provide product support for all systems supplied by CentraTEQ.

Alongside these products Centrateq provides the Gnostic64 system, from QED of Luxembourg. Used during vibration testing, this ultra high speed contact measurement solution offers a unique method of monitoring electronic contacts, able to measure electrical interruptions as small as 12.5 nano seconds. “The Gnostic64 is a truly unique product, perfectly suited to meet the demands of ever increasing levels of advanced technology found in automotive electronics,” says Jim. CentraTEQ also supplies a full range of package test systems manufactured by America’s LAB Equipment, including drop testers, shock testers and transport simulators and LAB’s bespoke Test Lab Professional Software for accurate and informative data acquisition.

“The greatest challenge so far has certainly been the difficulty in which the industry found itself during 2008 and 2009, however this actually became an advantage as customers were attracted by our highly competitive prices as budgets were squeezed” says Jim. “This year we are focusing on the package testing and contact measurement systems, to give us both depth and breadth in the market place”.

For further information about CentraTEQ and its services, please visit www.centrateq.com or email info@centrateq.com. Alternatively telephone 0121 706 2319.

Riaar

31411 2pg DPS new_Riaar Plastics 2pg DPS 01/11/2012 16:37 Page 1

Celebrating 25 years Bin it, bucket it, wheel it, shovel it, Riaar Plastics will have a plastic product to suit.

80/85Ltr Coloured Dustbins They are a firm of Plastic Injection Trade Moulders who make a fantastic range of products and components for the furniture, garden, automotive, building and shoe industries. Riaar Plastics are delighted to be celebrating their quarter century in business. From a modest start in 1987 at a site in Wednesbury, they have grown steadily due to the popularity of their products. In 1998 they needed to expand to larger premises and moved to a 25,000 sq ft factory. The new factory enabled them to install much larger equipment with greater capacity consisting of 20 Negri Bossi injection moulding machines with a range from 40 to 2,000 tonne capacity, the largest in the country. They introduce new products every year, which they develop in their own toolroom using the latest CNC technology. The most recent editions to the product range include a 4 drawer racking system, under bed storage boxes, sledges and a new range of shovels.

200ltr Green Waterbutt & Stand Riaar supply both trade and retail customers and by keeping all moulding work in house can make tools at cost price for their trade customers. Their components are sold globally and they pride themselves on a 24 hour turn round. Their trade customers include builders, builders’ merchants, DIY stores, and hardware suppliers. The hardware and building range is a key part of Riaar Plastics’ portfolio offering the strength, durability and flexibility to meet the needs of any building or DIY job. The garden range is designed with the suitability and endurance required for garden locations. Plastic is a very versatile material, and depending on its composition can be used in a variety of applications. When you visit Riaar’s web site you will find side by side, soft tyres fitted on plastic centres for trolleys, next to rigid kegs used for furniture feet and glides.

www.oiline.co.uk

Plascolour Masterbatch Ltd are proud to support Riaar Plastics and wish them the best of luck for the future

Oiline Ltd. Producing a complete range of high

performance lubricants for industry... We are proud to be assocciated with Riaar Plastics we wish them all the best for the future!

Call Oiline on: 0121 557 1475 or fax: 0121 522 2311 Email: info@oiline.co.uk

Call us on 01902 606857 or visit our web site to discover how we could help your business. www.plascolour.com

plascolour masterbatch

PURELY LUBRICANTS

134 Victoria Street, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 1DW

31411 2pg DPS new_Riaar Plastics 2pg DPS 01/11/2012 16:37 Page 2

85Ltr metal wheelbarrow with metal frame, pnuematic wheel with bearing

Heavy Duty Snow Shovel

You will see products ranging from sack trucks, wheelbarrows and compost bins, to mop buckets, flexi trugs, snow shovels and leaf rakes, all in a range of colours both brilliant and practical. Fancy a dustbin in sugar pink? Riaar make one. Want a green water butt to blend into the back ground? Yes they make them too.

Width 410mm, Weight 560gm

100Ltr plastic wheelbarrow with metal frame, pnuematic wheel with bearing They carry extensive stocks in the warehouse ready for prompt delivery. Bulk orders are delivered overwrapped in plastic on pallets; wheelbarrows for example can be fitted flat packed 50 to a pallet. Mr Ian Riaar said “The extensive Riaar Plastics hardware, garden and building product range has been developed to meet all of your outdoor work needs. Our products benefit from state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, a nationwide delivery network and comprehensive after-sales support, assuring you that you're in safe hands with Riaar Plastics”.

For more information please visit the web site www.riaarplastics.com or telephone 0121 525 7777

B[cW[ I[hl_Y[i BjZ 3 Gallon Std Black Or Yellow Bucket

EURO SDB Ltd, for all your transport requirements! Haulage & UPN pallet network working in conjunction with Ian Riiar.

The Directors & Staff at EURO SDB Ltd, would like to congratulate Ian Riiar on 25 years in business, ItÕs a pleasure to be working with Riiar in covering their haulage requirements.

Call ECT on: 01827 311 153 email: info@eurosdblimited.co.uk

(Of Tamworth)

LZ VgZ egdjY id hjeegi H_WWh FbWij_Yi VcY l^h] i]Zb Vaa i]Z WZhi [dg i]Z [jijgZ###

9ecfb[j[ i[hl_Y[ _d j^[ fWbb[j _dZkijho h[YoYb_d] i[hl_Y[$ 7 \Wc_bo hkd Xki_d[ii m_j^ *& o[Whi [nf[h_[dY[ _d j^[ fWbb[j _dZkijho ki[Z fWbb[ji Xek]^j WdZ iebZ fWbb[ji cWZ[ je ehZ[h fWbb[j h[YedZ_j_ed_d] i[hl_Y[ fhecfj h[b_WXb[ i[hl_Y[ B[cW[ I[hl_Y[i BjZ 9Wbb0 %&-', '-, *&( CeX_b[0 %,.,+ +', '+% (*>h0 %,-.. .-) .*) [cW_b0 aZbVZhZgk^XZhaiY5]dibV^a#Xd#j`

r mmm$b[cW[i[hl_Y[i$Ye$ka r

31413 DPS 2pgs:GK Transport 2pg 31/10/2012 12:27 Page 1

THE year that marks the 30th anniversary of GK Transport sees this successful Wednesfield road haulier busy with projects which will ensure it keeps on trucking for a long time yet. Already up and running its a brand new website, www.gktransportld.co.uk, telling visitors everything they need to know about the business and its services, while at the depot, upgrading of the fleet of 14 vehicles is under way. Reflecting on three decades of trading, owner/founder Geoff Kibble regards the growth of his fleet and ownership of his yard as among the greatest of his business successes - alongside retaining a strong customer base throughout the years and maintaining the highest standard same day/next day service - in spite of the challenges thrown up by the recession. But that dedication to quality and what the client wants is at the heart of GK Transport, it has been its driving force over the years and has ensured the prized customer loyalty.

“We always respond to their needs,” stresses Geoff. “If clients are in a tight spot then we pull out all the stops to do whatever we can to help – it’s as simple as that. “We put them first; we listen to them and help them find what they need, providing a good reliable service with competitive rates.” Geoff founded GK Transport in 1982 after taking redundancy from another haulier’s. He set out on the road to success with just two trucks and one contract and hasn’t looked back since. The business became a limited company in 1992 and as its contracts for general haulage and deliveries boomed across the UK that year, bought its current HQ: a yard and offices, storage facilities. Today the well-respected firm, which remains a family business operated by a tight-knit and friendly crew, works in a variety of environments, delivering anything from steel, fibre-optics, tubes, pallets, machines - and even boats. “We deliver nationwide and also arrange European deliveries,” says Geoff. “Our fleet of vehicles starts with a 500k ‘panic van’ and goes to 28-tonne carrying capacity articulated trucks. “Most of them are flat bed but we also have Slider flex bodies that roll back for unloading, which is very handy.” GK Transport is proud to operate the full range of haulage services, including out-of-hours deliveries, wide loads and can sort Hiab for those requiring vehicles with lifting tackle up to 10-tonne. Goods are transported on a next day delivery but, more often than not, customers like to take advantage of the same day delivery service. “We are just one call away and your load could be on its way,” says Geoff.

31413 DPS 2pgs:GK Transport 2pg 31/10/2012 12:27 Page 2

For further information about GK Transport and services, visit the website or contact the office, which is open from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday and 8amnoon on Saturdays. Telephone 01902 305 047.

Alternatively email info@gktransportltd.co.uk or keep up with the latest events by visiting the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page and Google+ pages or following it on Twitter: @GKTransportLtd.

Haines Watts would like to take this opportunity of congratulating G K Transport Limited on over 30 years in business and wishing G K Transport and Geoff every success for the future. As qualified Accountants and Tax Advisors we are able to provide assistance in all areas of direct and indirect taxation together with advice on business matters.

For full list of our services, or to request a free initial consultation please contact:-

'LEVXIVIH %GGSYRXERXW

HW Chartered Accountants Keepers Lane, The Wergs Wolverhampton, WV6 8UA Tel: 01902 793333 Email: wolverhampton@hwca.com

0SGEP 1EXXIVW 2EXMSREP 7XVIRKXL

www.hwca.com

T arpaulin

Repair Services

We are proud to suppport GK Transport and would like to wish them every success in the future We make and repair the following: Tarpaulins Covers Tents Gazebos Trailer covers Boat covers Lorry curtains Nets Ropes Ratchets Car covers O

Tarpaulin repairs and maintenance

01905 767 077 www.tarpaulinrepairservices.co.uk

Tarpaulin Repair Service Three Ways, Walkers Lane Worcester WR5 2NN

We offer a friendly, honest and reliable service to all customers

KGJ Insurance Services Group Limited are proud to support GK Transport and congratulate them on their 30th anniversary. Call us on 01902 796 796 or visit our web site to discover how we could help your business. www.kgjgroup.co.uk

kgj OFFICE: Three Charter Court, Broadlands, Wolverhampton, WV10 6TD

31236 DPS 2pgs_Walmey Repair & Care 2pg 07/11/2012 12:31 Page 1

In 2010 Walmley Repair and Care had their consistently high standards recognised by being awarded BSI Kitemark accreditation. This prestigious accreditation is very sought after within the industry.

When George retired in 1989, Garry took over as Managing Director. Gary maintains a very â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hands onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; involvement with the workshop, and holds ATA Vehicle Damage Assessor accreditation. So busy that he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is never a dull moment!â&#x20AC;?

SPECIALISTS IN THE SALES AND SERVICE OF QUALITY COMPRESSORS We specialise in the Supply of New and Reconditioned Air Compressors, and our Services also include:

. Pipe work Installations . Air Treatment Products . Servicing & Maintenance of all Compressed Air equipment

Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, Jeanette, joined them in 1980 as Financial Director looking after the administrative and financial elements of the business. Garry, Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son joined the company in 1984, following an apprenticeship at British Leyland, and a further 5 years in industry. After outgrowing the existing site and rebranding to Walmley Repair & Care, the Company moved to their current premises in Hubert Street, Aston in 1988.

When you bring your vehicle to Walmley Repair & Care their team of experienced estimators will provide a detailed estimate and advice on the availability of parts, assisting speedy approval by the insurance company/accident management company.

LEY REPAIR & ALM CA TW RE R O PP

The company was established by George Preston, at their previous site in Eachelhurst Road, Walmley, employing many years know how in the refinish industry. Thanks to Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience and painstaking attention to detail the company built up an enviable reputation as one of the leading accident repair shops in the West Midlands.

Family run, friendly and professional Walmley Repair & Care have been keeping their customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cars, vans and motor bikes looking pristine since 1969.

WE ARE PROU

Delivering Quality Accident Repair

The BSI Kitemark is only awarded to companies who conform to stringent quality and safety standards. It involves a rigorous 2 day inspection by the organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assessors during which the company must demonstrate that they are using all the most up to date methods and materials, and all staff must be accredited to at least NVQ Level 3 or ATA. The original assessment is continued by means of a regular 6 month follow up visit by the assessors, completely unannounced, to ensure that standards are being maintained.

. Sales of Parts, Pipes, Fittings etc. . We offer 24 hour Emergency Breakdown Cover on 07973 889261 Wainwright Street, Aston, Birmingham B6 5TG

The whole team have been with the company for many years and has extensive experience within the accident and repair industry. They have all benefited from regular industry training and have achieved ATA senior levels.

Parts West Midlands

Proud suppliers to Walmley Repair & Care Tel: 0121 753 7600 David.McNamara@peugeot.com

Tel.0121 326 9122 Email. sales@gfcompressors.co.uk

www.gfcompressors.co.uk

8h_ijeb Ijh[[j FWhji

Ikffb_[hi e\ ][dk_d[ FWhji 7YY[iieh_[i JhWZ[ Z[b_l[ho i[hl_Y[ Bristol Street Parts A Vertu Motors Company

40 Granby Avenue, Garretts Green, Birmingham 0121 785 3550

LZ VgZ egdjY id hjeegi LVabaZn GZeV^g 8VgZ VcY l^h] i]Zb Vaa i]Z WZhi [dg i]Z [jijgZ###

<[[b j^[ Z_\\[h[dY[ r mmm$Xh_ijebijh[[j$Ye$ka r

31236 DPS 2pgs_Walmey Repair & Care 2pg 07/11/2012 12:31 Page 2

They undertake repairs for private individuals, fleets and management companies, and include West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire, West Midlands Ambulance and many Health Trusts among their well established client base. Their workshops are fully equipped to meet manufacturers' standards and quality controls. Garry says: “Today’s vehicles require an ongoing commitment deploying the latest technology, alongside Thatcham manufacturer data. With new models appearing all the time this is something that cannot be taken lightly; we are constantly overcoming challenges with alloy metals and new material technology. With fully trained engineers in all areas of bodywork, panel work and paint spraying we offer the highest quality of repair to your vehicle.”

Please visit their web site www.walmleyrepair.co.uk or Telephone 0121 333 3411 to see how they can help.

RENAULT WOLVERHAMPTON ARE PROUD TO SUPPRT WALMLEY REPAIR & CARE

Est 1985

ROMART AUTOMOTIVE

Independent Paint Specialists

We are pleased to support Walmley Repair & Care and wish them the best of luck in the future

Renault Wolverhampton 2 - 24 Bilston Road Wolverhampton WV2 2PT

Call: 0844 5588799 Visit: www.renaultretail.co.uk

Romart Automotive are one of the leading independent paint specialists in the West Midlands. Romart Automotive are the obvious choice for the supply of car commercial and industrial paints. We offer: Mail Order Available Delivery Service Available (Please ask for details) Free and Friendly Advice Colour Matching Service Paint Mixing Service Available All Major Credit Cards Accepted Credit accounts available for professional bodyshops

We are proud to support Walmley Repair & Care

(subject to acceptance)

Call our sales team on:

email: birmingham@sinemaster.co.uk Birmingham Unit A Sparkhill Trading estate U Evelyn Road U Sparkhill U Birmingham U B11 3JJ tel: 0121 766 7878 U fax: 0121 766 8180

www.sinemaster.co.uk

One of the UK’s Top Paint Distributors

01384 891 281 www.romarautomotive.co.uk Email: sales@romartautomotive.co.uk Providence Street, Lye DY9 8HN

31412 DPS 3pgs NEW_Aldridge Accident Repair Centre 3pg 07/11/2012 10:43 Page 1

The company’s ability to remain successful, vibrant and expand in the face of some tough industry challenges, such as declining accident rates, increasing pressure on the independent repair sector from insurance companies and outsourced networks, is certainly its greatest achievement, says marketing manager Andrew Ainslie.

A STALWART of the Walsall automotive scene for over 90 years, Aldridge Accident Repair Centre’s successful journey has continued in the last 12 months with a major expansion.

This is no time for laurels-resting, however. “Over the next 12 months we’re planning to further develop the accident repair business, gain further approvals from prestige car makers and insurance companies, and widen the scope of the body shop order book,” Andrew reveals. Services from AVS include:

The company - already a BSI Superbrand and voted the most loved repair and service centre in the UK by the Great British public for the second year running - has established itself as a one-stop motoring shop by launching Advantage Vehicle Solutions (AVS). The exciting development sees the newest venture delivering a host of motoring services for business, fleet and private owners on all makes and models of cars while maintaining the same old-fashioned family business values of outstanding customer service, attention to detail and high quality work which have sustained Aldridge Accident Repair Centre (AARC) through decades of success.

“Are pleased to be associated with Aldridge Accident Repair Centre”

Tel: 01922 745 836 Fax: 01922 453 062

Providing insurance solutions to commerce and industry throughout the Midlands

Web: www.resolute-is.co.uk 3 Vigo Place, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8UG

•

Budget, Routine and Warranty spec. servicing

•

Mechanical repairs, MOT, computerised diagnostics, Vehicle Livery and de-fleeting programmes.

•

`Same day’ Smart repairs for minor scuffs and scratches and tyres.

•

AVS EcoTune re-mapping for economy or performance.

•

Vehicle Fleet maintenance.

F O TA S Four Oaks Taxation & Accounting Services Limited CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS - TAXATION SPECIALISTS - REGISTERED AUDITORS

We are proud to support

Aldridge Accident Repair Centre and wish them all the best for the future. Tel: 0121 3235005 Fax: 0121 3235115 Email: info@fotas.co.uk Suite D, Astor House, 282 Lichfield Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B74 2UG

31412 DPS 3pgs NEW_Aldridge Accident Repair Centre 3pg 07/11/2012 10:43 Page 2

•

A unique on-line sales portal giving access to one to three- year-old guaranteed one owner full service history car sales through AVS CarsDirect.

•

Free lost key return and roadside accident assistance and recovery programmes linked to quality repairs, via AARC, from AVS Assist.

•

Open to all motorists whether private, business or fleet operators....one car or 100+

“We intend to firmly establish the AVS brand as a centre of excellence in customer service for all things motoring,” says Andrew. But then you wouldn’t expect anything less than excellence from a business that is already bulging with awards, accreditations and approvals for everything it does.

ENOCH EVANS LLP Solicitors & Notary Public

AARC was established in 1921 by former First World War drill sergeant Billy Bunn who, with meticulous attention to detail, was the driving force behind the company’s growth until his retirement, aged 70. It is housed, with AVS, within purpose-designed 33,000 sq ft premises at Vigo Place, boasting state-of-the-art industry equipment.

GZaVm###

fjVa^in ]ZVai]XVgZ ^chjgVcXZ l^i] i]Z HBF <gdje

# =ZVai] >chjgVcXZ # 8Vh] EaVch # 9ZciVa >chjgVcXZ # IgVkZa >chjgVcXZ # >ciZgcVi^dcVa =ZVai] >chjgVcXZ # :beadnZZ 6hh^hiVcXZ Egd\gVbh

THE

SMQ GROUP

lll#hbfhZgk^XZh#Xd#j`

GZbZbWZg L]n 9ZVa 9^gZXi4 AZi HBF iV`Z i]Z higV^c

I]Z HBF <gdje VgZ egdjY id hjeedgi 6aYg^Y\Z 6XX^YZci GZeV^g 8ZcigZ VcY l^h] i]Zb Vaa i]Z WZhi ^c i]Z [jijgZ# IZa# Cd# %-,% ..% (++& ;Vm Cd# %-,% ..% (++' :bV^a/ ^c[d5hbfhZgk^XZh#Xd#j` *' 7gdd`h GdVY! Hjiidc 8daY[^ZaY 7,' &=G

31412 DPS 3pgs NEW_Aldridge Accident Repair Centre 3pg 07/11/2012 10:44 Page 3

A member of the Motor Vehicle Repairers Association (now incorporated within the Retail Motor Industry’s Federation), and holder of the RMI `Trust My Garage` Shield, all services are undertaken by expert staff fully trained in the latest techniques and well versed in the importance of customer care and quality and backed up by the company’s prestigious status as a British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemarked Superbrand and its holding of PAS 125 for achieving the highest technical standards for the vehicle repair industry. There really is no reason to go anywhere else than the Midlands’ latest one-stop motoring shop,” smiles Andrew.

For more information about AVS, go to www.advantagevehiclesolutions.co.uk Telephone: 01922 749100 or Email: enquiries@advantagevehiclesolutions.co.uk For more on AARC visit

www.aarc.co.uk Telephone: 01922 452103 or Email: reception@aarc.co.uk

PERRYS

H UD DE RS F IE L D

Multifranchise Parts

TRADE PARTS DIRECT PHONELINE: 01484 544221

FOR

PRESS THE RELEVANT NUMBER BELOW:

TRADE PARTS ORDERS DIRECT FAXLINE: 48

01484 432394

31326 1pg:CD Engineering 28/09/2012 12:15 Page 12

Charging towards carbon reduction Reducing your carbon footprint is a great aim, but have you considered the carbon emitted when people travel to and from your location? Installing electric car Charging Stations and offering visitors the ability to charge their cars while they spend time and money with you can help cut these carbon emissions and make your business become more desirable to plug-in car drivers. Even with today's mix of non-renewable and renewable energy powering the grid, driving an electric car works out at emitting approximately half of the carbon as a regular petrol or diesel car. Couple this with the quiet ride, smooth acceleration and instant torque and you can see why all you need to do to sell an electric car is to get someone to drive one. First time electric car buyers are popping up all over the UK, with record number of plug in vehicles being registered this year. All electric cars, be they local runarounds like the Renualt Twizy, family-sized cars such as the Nissan Leaf or even the 360 mile Vauxhall Ampera, will need locations to stop and charge at in your area. With the electric car market being one of the fastest growing in the UK at the moment and with the price of oil continuing to soar, electric cars will be everywhere in a couple of years. Installing a Charging Station now will put you in the position of being ready for this new market while setting your business apart from the local competition. You can even point out your newly installed Charging Stations when working towards gaining nationally recognised green accreditations.

: 9J :J9KK=JA= L=JJ9;=

Zero Carbon World is a UK charity that donates Charging Stations to eligible businesses in the UK and sells the same low cost Charging Stations to businesses that do not meet their donation criteria. Sites with these Charging Stations can then be added to Zero:Net – The UK's only unrestricted charging network. This network is well received by EV drivers as there are no subscription or membership fees, nor do drivers need a smart card to access it. They can just find a location, drive up and start charging in exchange for spending money at your business. Once installed, the Charging Stations are yours. You do not owe Zero Carbon World anything and you are not tied to any exclusivity contracts. Asking for payment for the use of the Charging Stations is down to you, although Zero Carbon World suggests you offer it for free in exchange for the driver spending time and money at your location. Depending on the price you pay for electricity and the type of car plugged in, charging will cost around 15p to 50p per hour.

You can find out more about Zero Carbon World and their free Charging Station donation program on their website

www.zerocarbonworld.org

The Arden Hotel are proud to support Zero Carbon World and we would like to wish them all the best for the future. The Arden Hotel ¥ 44 Waterside ¥ Stratford upon Avon ¥ CV37 6BA

w: www.theardenhotelstratford.com t: 01789 298682 e: enquiries@theardenhotelstratford.com

31365 1pg:CD Engineering 12/09/2012 09:18 Page 12

Cabauto TM

The quality within

The team at Cab Automotive are celebrating winning an order worth £4 million, manufacturing components for the new BMW Mini. This is an important new contract for Cab Automotive as this work alone will increase their turnover by 20%. The new work will commence in the fourth quarter 2013 and will create approximately 16 new jobs at the Tipton site.

Factors such as a dedicated and highly trained workforce, possessing diverse skill sets and vast product knowledge, makes it possible to actively pursue both automotive and non-automotive products, possessing expertise in processes such as cutting, sewing, and trimming of interior parts, manufacture of welded assemblies, PU foam mouldings, headlinings and loadfloors, together with many more interior and trunk components. Recently the company has been able to offer new and interesting light weight, and environmentally friendly, substrate materials. These form a significant part of the sales drive, as Cab Automotive is constantly faced with the challenge to realise component weight reductions, in the development of new vehicles and consistently strives to develop innovative solutions.

At the end of July, Jaguar Land Rover announced that they will be creating 1100 jobs to support both the new F-type and Sportbrake models. As a supplier to JLR, Cab Automotive will consequently benefit from this success, creating a further 15 new jobs, which will become effective towards the end of 2012. Cab Automotive exhibited at Automotive Interiors 2012 in Stuttgart and also Subcon at the NEC in June of this year. This exposure will hopefully lead to an increase in customer awareness and further new business in the future. The new business opportunities are a welcome boost to both Cab Automotive, and the manufacturing industry in the West Midlands, with the recession continuing to increase, it is positive for the morale of the existing staff.

CAB Automotive Ltd was established in 2005. The current directors are Brian Miles, Richard McCulloch and John Faulkner and the company manufactures interior trim parts for the automotive industry. The plant, historically, has had an automotive presence, and prior to the establishment of Cab Automotive, was a key supplier to MG Rover. The plant was rescued by Cab Automotive and turned into the successful company of today. In 2007, the company completed a design and build programme for the Land Rover Defender face lift seats. This was a difficult programme but has since been the life blood of the Tipton factory. Today, Cab Automotive has the strongest workforce and management team it has ever had and is still growing, with emphasis on recruitment for engineers as well as shop floor operatives in readiness for the commencement of new projects. During the recession, the company took the strategy of insourcing work which, strengthened their cost base, sourcing equipment and further facilities at significantly reduced prices, thus improving profitability, and setting themselves up to offer this new technology to future customers. The company continues to invest and develop; the most recent of such changes include an on-site powder coating facility and expansion of the PU Foaming Area to meet customer demands.

With the automotive market ever changing, Cab Automotive constantly reviews its strategies to keep up with, not only the demands of the customer, but the fast pace of the industry itself. A number of the staff are currently involved in a ‘Lean’ training programme which, is on target to reduce operating costs. Project groups are creating and undertaking tasks on a weekly basis and the benefits to the business are already there to be seen. This programme also gives the staff a sense of empowerment, as they can say ‘we did that’ as the continuous improvements become effective. By affording the staff this opportunity, investing not just financially but also in time, Cab Automotive are further utilising the potential of their human resources, as well as increasing motivation. In addition, the company continues to invest in supporting apprentice and graduate placements. The Cab Automotive philosophy of ‘The Quality Within’ is now shining through with both new projects coming to fruition and the progress of the workforce in developing new and cost effective business practices.

31431 QPD:Abex Ltd QPD. 13/09/2012 15:23 Page 1

forklift manufacturing industry, with the added advantages of local service and after-care that we can offer,” says Martin. “The Nissan fleet comprises five trucks ranging from a powered pallet trucks to 2000kg, 2500kg and a 3500kg forklifts.” To ensure that Abex Ltd can offer cost effective handling solutions from a single source, the company has dealer and distribution agreements for a wide portfolio of products. These include the niche Combilift 4-way forklifts, the Aisle-Master articulated range, Logitrans and Tecna tow tractors. “We were one of the first Combilift dealerships in the country and are proud to have contributed to the global success of this rapidly growing company,” adds Martin. Sometimes it pays to shop locally, and the recent deal between CabAuto and Birmingham based materials handling supplier Abex Ltd is a case in point. Fending off fierce competition from national players in the market, Abex Ltd, an independent company about to celebrate 25 years in the forklift sector, has secured a contract to supply a fleet of Nissan forklift trucks to ensure the smooth running of CabAuto’s logistical operations. From its Head Office in Cato Street, Abex Ltd originally dealt in the supply of construction equipment and industrial diesel engines when it was established in 1966, before expanding into the materials handling sector in 1987. This proved to be a wise move as the company has since carved itself an enviable reputation for customer service and support. Its clients range from major household names, PLC’s and single truck users, all of whom benefit from Abex’s comprehensive service.

In-house expertise has also resulted in Abex’s own award winning product - the MAP3 mobile access platform, developed to ensure safer practices when working at height and which won the UK Fork Lift Truck Association’s 2010 Award for Safety. Abex designed the MAP3 as a much safer alternative to ladders and scaffolding, which according to HSE figures are the most common pieces of equipment involved in injuries and fatalities. Abex’s one stop shop approach has gained it a loyal following across the Midlands, according to Martin: “We have always retained our contract hire customers and never lost them to competitors and we put this down to the quality of our service and product range.”

For further information about Abex and its services, visit www.abexltd.co.uk. Alternatively telephone 0333 121 2623 or email enquiries@abexltd.co.uk.

“We offer new, refurbished or used trucks, with flexible buy, lease or contract hire options, and due to the wide range of products at our disposal we can provide bespoke forklift solutions tailored to customer requirements,” says MD Martin Connop. “We also provide training to meet current codes of best practice at clients’ premises or off site in a fully-equipped training centre. A comprehensive repair service is naturally also part and parcel of our remit.” Abex is the exclusive West Midlands dealer for the Nissan range of forklifts and warehouse equipment, which encompasses pallet trucks, counterbalance forklifts and heavy duty equipment such as 7 tonne capacity trucks. Nissan products are renowned for their quality, reliability and generous warranty terms, enabling us to offer very competitive rental rates,” says Martin. “As a supplier to some of the world’s most prestigious brands in the automotive sector, CabAuto chose an equally respected name in the

31565 DPS 2pgs_Zunsport 2pg 12/11/2012 15:37 Page 1

Zunsport, the Specialist Stainless Steel Car Grille Company have moved into new modern premises at Unit 13, Morgans Business Park, Bettys Lane, Cannock WS11 9UU. The move enables the expansion of its product range, next day delivery for much of the range, and more flexible arrangements for “Custom Build” products for the car enthusiasts. Zunsport are true specialists and only manufacture the very best quality wire mesh grilles from 316L stainless steel3which are then finished with either a highly polished finish or black polymer coating over the stainless steel. Peter Langston MD explained the process: “The polished finish on our grilles is not achieved by coating the stainless steel but by doing exactly what we say - we polish the stainless steel to give long lasting shine. If you choose black then the stainless steel is coated with a polymer coating, which, if chipped, shrinks back to maintain a continuous black finish. All our grilles are tested for strength and durability including a salt spray test, ensuring a corrosion free lifetime guaranteed for the life of your car - that is the confidence that we have in every item.” Zunsport manufacture grilles for a wide range of marques; all designed by their unique prototyping techniques specifically for that vehicle model.

At Zunsport they are serious about the quality of everything they do. Their quality and management systems are independently approved, and regularly audited, by Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance – giving customers complete confidence when buying a Zunsport car grille. When you choose a Zunsport Grille you make a statement of pride in the performance and appearance of your vehicle, because each grille is designed to complement and integrate with the vehicle’s original styling. A Zunsport Grille protects the cooling system of each vehicle, (Radiators and Inter-Coolers,) so very expensive to replace.

Congratulations to

Zunsport Well done from

Ask us for your

free Tax Savings Guide

free

Guide to Business

call us for free on 0800 33 77 33 to:

save time U save money U save tax on free: 0800 33 77 33 www.coxjerome.co.uk Automated Wire Bending Ltd, Padholme Road East, Eastern Industries, Peterborough PE1 5XL Tel: 01733 555646 Fax: 01733 555887 Web: www.awbl.co.uk Email: silvio@awbl.co.uk

Solutions for Business tel: 01922 611567

email: advice@coxjerome.co.uk

The Cox Jerome Business Services Group

fax: 01922 724318

email: advice@coxjerome.co.uk

www.coxjerome.co.uk

31565 DPS 2pgs_Zunsport 2pg 12/11/2012 15:37 Page 2

Zunsportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative fitting system means the grille, in the majority of cases, will install without the need for drilling of body panels, creating a zero damage situation to existing paintwork during installation. The design ensures that the functionality of original car components and systems (e.g. bonnet release mechanisms and towing eyes) are not interfered with. Fitting instructions and all fitment clips and brackets are included with each order, to making the fitting of your Zunsport grille a satisfying element of the ownership experience. A helpline is available to answer any questions that might arise.

($( ! '

Zunsport take your on-line security very seriously and want your shopping to be worry-free, so they use SSL (Secure Socket Layers), the most advanced online ordering security system available. All your personal information, including your credit card number, is encrypted by SSL.

To place an order, or to find a local dealer visit the web site www.zunsport.co.uk or telephone 08704421865 A grille makes a difference; a Zunsport grille makes a statement.

( " ( ! '$!)( $#'

Harpscreen support Zunsport and wish them every success for the future. ! ! ') $

. . . . .

' & + ' '( ! ' $#(& ( ! ' & )(( #

# # & '%$#' ($ # ! $& # ( '(

" # $& ! # '

, ( ' &* ' ( ( ! ' &$ & & & &, &$" ( $' &!, ,' # ( $# ($ ' & )(( # ! ' & $ &' )!! %& ' $# ' ( " ( ! ' &* # !) # " ' # %)# # $! # )!! + ! # ! ( ' $+ & $ (# # ! '' " !, + & $)' # % # # !$ '( ' )& &* ' . ! # ' ## " . # ! '' " !, #) ()& # . & $)' $ '( ' ' & )(( # - &)"% . $+ & $ ( # )# # - &)"% $! # - &)"%

Secal Laser Ltd, Units C1 - C4, Halesfield 5, Telford, TF7 4QJ. Tel: + 44 (0) 1952 588 231 Fax: + 44 (0) 1952 588 663 Email: sales@secal-laser.co.uk Web: www.secal-laser.co.uk

! "

" !"

!" "! %

! "

We specialise in the manufacture of: & & & &

$ !

! %" !

DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER UNBEATABLE QUALITY

& & &

FAST ANSWERS - FAST SERVICE NEXT DAY EX-STOCK DELIVERY

Harpscreen (GB) Limited, Tyrone House, Haydock Lane Haydock Industrial Estate, Haydock, Merseyside, WA11 9UY Tel: 0845 2020 300 Fax: 0845 2020 400 Email: salesuk@harpscreen.com Web: www.harpscreen.com

31415 Feature Page_DME Tyres 1pg 08/11/2012 16:08 Page 1

The resulting rubber granulate has a wide range of uses including playground and sports field surfaces, it can be mixed into concrete and used as an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels in the form of 50ml derived fuel chips. Other uses are being followed up and evaluations as a material suitable for road surfacing are currently underway in Scotland.

Do you ever wonder what happens to your old tyres? Where that pile of used and worn out tyres at the end of the tyre bay goes? Ken Plaster and Bill Clarke do know. The two men have been running DME Tyres for over 30 years. As members of the Tyre Recovery Association they are fully licenced and at the forefront of the movement to recycle tyres in an environmentally friendly way. They are highly regarded in the industry and are delighted to have once again reached the finals of the prestigious NTDA TAFF Environmental Awards. Tyre fitters have a duty of care to dispose of their worn out and used tyres responsibly, and this is where DME Tyres comes in. They have a well established base of customers who rely on DME’s regular collections to take care of their waste tyres for them in line with all the current eco-friendly regulations. The company operates a nationwide collection and reprocessing service for all sizes of waste tyres, from wheelbarrows, motorcycles, cars, up to trucks and earthmovers, from their plant at Burntwood, Staffs.

Waste tyres can also be made into bales for use by the civil engineering industry. Ken told us: “Bales conforming to PAS 108 standard are made on-site with our two automatic tyre baling machines as an effective replacement for aggregate. The bales may be transported easily and their use as a drainage solution is far less costly to the environment.” To maximise the number of tyres that can be recycled in their original form, DME’s team of very experienced examiners carefully check every possible mouldable casing that can be salvaged for re-use, and offered for sale. They carry large stocks of all sizes of truck casings and conduct wholesale sales of quality truck retreads.

For an environmentally responsible solution for your stocks of waste tyres contact DME on www.dmetyres.co.uk.

the

fabulousgroupuk

As part of an ongoing programme of investment DME are installing a state of the art computerised booking and planning facility, to allow customers to log in to access their own waste transfer documents, using their allocated reference number. They have further invested in 3 state of the art American manufactured SSI shredding and chipping machines. These machines give them the ability to process up to 1000 tonnes of car, truck, and agricultural tyres each week.

22 Holmethorpe Avenue, Redhill, Surrey RH1 2NL t: 01737 767335 e: info@thefabulousgroupuk.co.uk www.thefabulousgroupuk.co.uk

Fabulous print, fabulous procurement all at a fabulous price... Magazines Compliment Slips Booklets Lamination Polylopes/Polybags Calendars Brochures Letterheads Posters CAD Services Personalised Merchandise Carrier Bags Flyers Folders Colour Signs Mounting services Key Fobs & Lanyards Leaflets NCR Pads Photocopying Prospectus Sequential Numbering Direct Mail and Business Cards Postcards Spot UV Maps PVC Wallets Fulfilment

Tomkinson Teal LLP Chartered Accountants Tel +44 (0)1543 255612 Fax +44 (0)1543 415461 Email: enquiries@tomkinsonteal.co.uk Web-site: www.tomkinsonteal.co.uk IN BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS

With service to suit you Registered in England & Wales No OC353551 Members:

Derek W Tomkinson FCA Kelvin J Teal FCA Karl A O’Neill Susanna D Ault FCCA Carolyn T Palmer

31465 1pg NEW_Dynamic Performance 1pg 06/11/2012 11:06 Page 1

PERFORMANCE 0121 456 1516

To get the most from your vehicle visit Dynamic Performance in the heart of Birmingham. Dynamic Performance is based in the heart of Birmingham, and over the past 5 years has built up an outstanding reputation for an impressive range of professional auto electrical work, ECU remapping and window tinting. Their modern purpose equipped workshop is fully equipped with all the current technology and up to the minute equipment, while the team keep up to date with all the latest innovations and techniques. Customers are very welcome to view the workshop before any work on a vehicle is undertaken. Dynamic undertake a full range of auto electrical work including, ECU Remapping, Auto Diagnostics, Xenon Headlights, Speed Cameras, i Pod Kits, Parking Sensors, Roof Mount Monitors, Headrest Monitors, Towbar Fitting and HandsFree Phone Kits as Certified Installers for Parrot car kits. The benefits of ECU Remapping are well known; the performance of your vehicle will be optimised, improving your driving experience. The vehicle will feel sharper and more responsive, the acceleration will be improved, making for safer overtaking, while the improved power delivery will make town driving much smoother with fewer gear changes. There are many products on the market -PERFORMANCE CHIPS, SUPERCHIPS, MOD CHIPS, ENGINE CHIPS, CAR CHIPS, ENGINE TUNING, ECU REMAPPING all of which do the exact same thing.

At Dynamic Performance they concentrate on ECU remapping. This is the preferred option, although many companies replace the chip in the ECU of the vehicle with a newly written chip, a procedure which runs the risk of permanent damage during replacement with handheld tools on machined circuits. Dynamicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safer approach, reprogrammes the ECUs through the diagnostic port. They achieve the same results but with no possibility of damage to your vehicle, and save the previous ECU data, so that the remapping can be easily reversed if required. Dynamic also offer a mobile service for the Midlands area, either to your home or your place of work, give them a call, a member of the team will be happy to help. Dynamic Performance, as the name suggests, can advise you on how to achieve the most from your vehicle and from your driving experience.

Drop in for a chat and to view their bright modern workshop, telephone on 0121 456 1516 or visit their web site www.dynamicperformance.org

Watch over your assets Whenever you want, Wherever you are. Why not see how Zicam can help you. Telephone 01384 344999 for a friendly and free no obligation site survey and quotation.

Our services include: Access Control Info Bric CCTV Specialists

Alarm Installations Security Personnel Remote Video Monitoring

online: www.zicam-security.co.uk Zicam Integrated Security Limited, Zicam House, 4 Firs Street, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 7DN Telephone: 01384 344 999 | Fax: 01384 344 998 | E-mail: enquiries@zicam-security.co.uk

31542 DPS 2pgs:David Manners Ltd 2pg 01/11/2012 13:48 Page 1

IT’S out with the old and in with the new at Oldbury’s David Manners Group. The specialist vehicle parts supplier is powering ahead with a host of innovations and improvements destined to see it storming into 2013 and beyond. Managing Director Kate Manners recently announced an ambitious five-year plan to drive up sales, setting the rebranded David Manners Group on a road to a whole new level. Adding to the excitement has been the anticipation of November’s Midlands Family Business Awards, in which the company is up for a Service Excellence Award. The ceremony is aimed at creating an ethical, supportive and friendly community for the region’s family businesses and the Service Award recognises those who demonstrate a sustained commitment to providing excellent service. In the meantime the David Manners team has been focusing on the developments at the Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury headquarters. “We have seen year on year profits throughout the recession and by investing in staff and technology, are are looking to grow still further,” explains Marketing’s Michael Challoner. “We have built a new trade counter for customers and a new staff sales office is near completion. In addition, a considerable expansion to our warehouse is currently underway.

“We have also installed a top spec phone system that will help us to monitor calls and staff at busier times, although, in the interest of quality control, all calls are now monitored.” Moving onwards and upwards is nothing new to the company it’s been doing just that ever since 1977 when David Manners embarked on a search for a complete exhaust system for his Daimler Dart and ended up buying 100. Today it’s an official European distributor for Jaguar cars, and stocks parts for for Jaguar, Daimler, MG, Triumph, classic Mini, Morris Minor and MX5 Cars, but those first days saw it specialising in Daimler spares. It didn’t take long for, however for the XJS and XJ saloon ranges to be added as part of the new Jaguar Mk2 lists and, after establishing the Morris Minor Centre Birmingham in 1981, David started to consider all Jaguar models with a view to absorbing each into the company’s range. The need for larger premises saw the business expand its current site and, in 1995, Kate joined the company which, three years later, embarked on a highly successful collaboration with Mini Spares Centre of London. In 2000 it took control of Abingdon MG Parts, supplying parts for MG Triumph and Mazda MX5 cars and later completed the acquisition of SFT, the MX5 department of Abingdon MG Parts. Further landmarks included Kate’s appointment as Managing Director and her father’s move to company Chairman, the achievement of an £8.9 million turnover in the year ending

31542 DPS 2pgs:David Manners Ltd 2pg 01/11/2012 13:48 Page 2

March 2011 and the purchase of the remaining shares of the Morris Minor Centre that same year. 2012 has brought the rebrand so as to develop the four component companies - all of which were already some of the most established market leaders in the car parts industry - into a cohesive entity. That will also see the creation of a brand new website, destined to go live at the end of the year.

David Da avid M Manne Manners anners G Group roup

0121 544 4040 DAVID MANNERS GROUP

So it’s all systems go. There’s much that’s new to look forward to; what hasn’t changed is the commitment to quality and service, one that’s been underlined by ISO9001:2000 accreditations for some time.

JAGUAR X-TYPE Welcome W elcome me to the David Manners Group

To see how the company can help you visit its current site, www.davidmanners.co.uk or telephone 0121 543 1637, where expert and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist.

The David Manners s Group now comprises of four of the most ost established industry.. m market leaders in the car parts industry We Daimler,, MG & T Triumph, W e supply parts forr modern and classic Jaguar & Daimler riumph, Mazda a MX5, Classic Mini and Morris Minor cars. rs.

0121 01 121 544 4040 991 Wo Wolverhampton lv verhampt ton Rd O Oldbury, ldbur ry, West Mi Midlands idla ands B69 4RJ

www w.. d a av vidm anners.co.uk enquiries@da av vidm anners.co.uk

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE DAVID MANNERS GROUP The Lucas brand is a leading force in the automotive aftermarket, delivering a wide range of quality products including: Automotive Bulbs, Batteries, Engine Management, Lighting & Mirror, Starters & Alternators, Switchgear, Warning & Safety and Wiper Blades

Lucas Electrical, 27 Roman Way, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1HQ Tel: +44 (0) 1675 466999 Fax: +44 (0) 1675 466686 Email: sales@lucaselectrical.co.uk

www.lucaselectrical.co.uk 57

31426 1 pg:Coachlinks 1pg 15/10/2012 09:19 Page 1

“We know that booking a coach can be stressful so have tailored our service to help combat that,” says Elaine. “We pride ourselves on the unique personal service we provide to all customers.” Central to that is Coachlinks’ five-part promise.

Our heroes! Phoebe Grace the mini-coach meets Phoebe Grace the Eddie Stobart truck and her driver. From left: Tom Dunn (Manager, CoachLinks) Darren Bartlett (Driver), Les Jackson (Business Manager, Lloyds TSB), Elaine Dunn (Director, Coachlinks), Rachel Gascoigne (Elaine's daughter), Mark Dixon (Eddie Stobart driver of Phoebe Grace).

ELAINE Dunn, who has steered Coachlinks to becoming one of the region’s most sought-after coach companies for corporate stress-free travel and comfortable private hire trips, is excited about the newest addition to her fleet. Phoebe Grace is a one-off custom built 16 seat Mercedes minicoach and Elaine’s own tribute to her business and trucking hero Eddie Stobart. With Coachlinks naming each of its vehicles in the same way as the transport legend, her pride and joy is titled after a lorry which appeared in TV’s Eddie Stobart, Trucks and Trailers. “I used to drive HGVs and never lost the trucking bug,” says Elaine, who has followed Eddie Stobart since she first got behind an HGV wheel in 1988. “I’ve always admired the standards set by Edward Stobart and strive to achieve the same in my business. I was honoured to be able to meet the real Phoebe Grace truck and its driver Mark Dixon earlier this year.” Like her hero, Elaine also runs a successful transport company even if not quite on the same scale - which is in high demand for moving people around the country in comfort and stress-free circumstances.

•

Always confirmed: A confirmation is sent out at the time of booking, and one week before departure to assure clients it’s not been forgotten.

•

Always contactable: Customers receive a direct contact number for their driver the day before departure in the event of any last minute queries in or out of office hours.

•

Always punctual: Drivers arrive at the departure destination ahead of schedule.

•

Always comfortable: Coachlinks understands customers want to travel in comfort and promises the coach seen on its website will be the one that picks them up.

•

Always prepared: Coachlinks always asks for the precise address of the destination two days before travelling so drivers can check the route in advance, thus ensuring the shortest travelling time.

It’s a plan that continues to succeed despite the harsh economic climate which Elaine acknowledges remains a challenge but adds: “We continually find new ways to help us generate new business, and to stay ahead of our competition, thanks to our marketing consultant Claire McTernan. "One of those is to expand our bespoke holiday service using "Phoebe Grace" and our experienced, and uniformed tour drivers".” “We get good job satisfaction from all the positive client feedback we receive and that makes the hard work worthwhile.”

For further information about Coachlinks & its services visit www.coach-links.co.uk or telephone 01926 613255.

Helping Businesses Grow ANY SECTOR • ANY SIZE Claire McTernan T: 0845 1487 007 e: claire.mcternan@s-step.co.uk

Based at Harbury, Leamington Spa, Coachlinks was established in 2009, initially to serve the schools market but, following corporatestyle enquiries and to meet demand, a 33-seat executive vehicle was purchased.

cottons chartered accountants www.cottonsaccountants.co.uk

Accounting and Audit Services

That side of the business has continued to grow and now Coachlinks provides executive mini-coach travel with a fleet of 16 and 33 seat mini-coaches. The company has helped small groups and corporate sector clients travel in comfort to events such as Silverstone, the Farnborough Air Show, Ascot and the Olympics and also provides regular transport for off-site corporate meetings and wedding guests. Key to its success is its in-depth understanding of customer’s needs, based upon years of every employee’s combined coaching industry experience.

Taxation Services

Help Starting a Business

Business Advice & Development

For more information regarding any of our services: Lloyds Bank Chambers | 6 High St | Southam | CV47 0HA

Phone:01926 813941 email:southam-office@cottonsaccountants.co.uk

31467 1pg:Spot-Less Valeting 1pg 01/11/2012 14:54 Page 1

“We pride ourselves on providing exceptional levels of customer service and always strive to provide an outstanding quality of workmanship,” insists Allan. “We consistently receive superb, positive feedback.” This year, the drive has been to help others share in the Spot-Less fortune and achieve their own dreams of business success with the launch of franchising opportunities across the UK. “This is an excellent way for someone to become their own boss,” says Allan. “A franchise in the Spot-Less network is a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to own and operate their own company, knowing that they will initially receive everything they require to start trading and then are able to operate using tried and tested methods with on-going support. “Our Finance and Marketing Director, Lisa Kershaw has more than 10 years' experience supporting and mentoring small businesses across a variety of industries and we are wholly committed to providing our franchisees with comprehensive ongoing support to ensure that they are able to successfully develop their business and build on the excellent reputation of the brand.”

IT’S green for go in so many ways at booming Banbury business Spot-Less Professional Valeting Services (UK) Ltd. The year has already seen the company, which offers fully mobile valeting services, help others achieve their dreams of being their own boss through offering an exciting series of franchising opportunities while its environmental efforts have been recognised with a formal accreditation.

For further information about the opportunities available, or to find out more about the valeting services available, ake a booking or request an estimate, go to www.spotlessvaleting.com Alternatively email info@spotlessvaleting.com or telephone 01295 203069.

Thanks to work already undertaken to reduce its impact on the environment, green immediately became silver when Spot-Less was assesed for the South East Business Carbon Hub's Steps To Environmental Management (STEM) scheme. Now the company is determinedly going for gold accreditation status, having already taken steps to reduce energy consumption and fuel use while using its Facebook, Twitter and internet presence to raise customers’ awareness of simple measures to ensure that their motoring is as eco-friendly as possible. Operations Director Allan Phipps says: "We have always been very aware of our environmental impact and we wanted to be able to demonstrate this to our customers. “After launching our franchise network earlier this year, we were regularly asked for proof of our environmental credentials by those thinking of joining our network as a valeter. “STEM was a straightforward way to develop our environmental management system and we now have the accreditation to validate our eco efforts.” Based in Banbury, Spot-Less Professional Valeting Services has been bringing vehicles throughout Warwickshire, the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire and beyond to tip-top condition since 2009 when Allan, who has been valeting with a passion since the late 1980s, converted what was a hobby into a business. With a range of customised packages to suit individual requirements and travelling to wherever the vehicle is, be it a client’s workplace or home, all is at the customers’ convenience. Whatever the time or place, the aim is to provide outstanding showroom quality results at an affordable cost.

Spratt Endicott is pleased to be associated with Spotless Professional Valeting Services Expert Legal Advice for your Business Franchising, Agency, Distribution, Licensing and Confidentiality Agreements Intellectual Property Advice Company & Commercial Law Commercial Property Law Dispute Resolution Employment Law Debt Recovery

spratt endicott SOLICITORS

52-54 The Green, South Bar Street, Banbury OX16 9AB tel: 01295 204000

email: enquiries@se-law.co.uk

www.se-law.co.uk 59

31451 DPS 2pgs:DB Devall & Son 2pg 07/11/2012 17:42 Page 1

FEW people visit a funeral director’s in anything other than distressing circumstances, but innovative DB Devall & Son is issuing an invitation aimed at making the moment easier when the time comes.

Operating throughout Nuneaton, Bedworth and the surrounding areas, DB Devall & Son will arrange all aspects of a funeral, from all the legal formalities to organising catering, funeral stationery and Order of Service sheets.

The family firm is organising an open day at its Nuneaton premises in a bid to alter perceptions and banish many of the myths and concerns people have about the profession.

It also provides a monumental masons service, overseen by David’s nephew Jonathan Bambury, and supplies new headstones, additional inscriptions and maintenance to existing memorials.

“The funeral industry has had a lot of bad press and we want to give people the opportunity to visit a funeral home and find out more about its internal workings while banishing any concerns and answer any worries they may have,” explains managing director David Devall.

Strengthening and continuing the family tradition is David’s son Daniel, who joined in 2006 and recently achieved his Diploma in Funeral Directing.

The event is another of the innovative ideas that David and his business partner Stephanie have continually and successfully applied to the business that they launched in 1986, continuing the family tradition started by David’s father, also a funeral director. An hour one-to-one visit from a bereavement counsellor, courtesy of DB Devall & Son, is another service which sets it apart from the rest and serves to demonstrate the care and attention the company devotes to bereaved clients. “We believe that just as people are individuals in life so their funeral should reflect their individuality in death and are willing to “go the extra mile” to facilitate the personal wishes of the families who have entrusted us to care for their loved one,” says David.

Between them, the management team has nearly a century of experience in the funeral profession, a vast bank of experience supported by a conscientious and loyal staff, many of whom have been on board for more than 20 years, some since the business was established. And since those early days, the Devalls have constantly reinvested in their service, vehicles and premises, determined that grieving customers feel comfortable at all times when visiting to discuss funeral arrangements. Since a major refurbishment In 2010 the Attleborough base facilities have included a reception area, four interview rooms, nine chapels of rest, offices, a state-of-the-art embalming theatre and mortuary and additional garaging.

‘Commitment to service, quality, innovation and craftsmanship must be the principle which encourages us every day.' All of our coffins are still of a traditional shape, having tapered sides, selected one piece veneers and solid timber mouldings, our strict quality control ensures that precision machining produces perfect symmetry and the high quality and varied finishes for which we are renowned.

+ )& ! $&*

%% * &&

# ! "$"'

+ !

% " "&"$ " %

% ! '%&$

%& &

% "% '! &"!

$% ,% &" $(

% $

& $

Hewkin & Associates Ltd are proud to support DB Devall & Son and wish them every success for the future. Hewkin & Associates Ltd 24-25 Greenhey Place, East Gillibrands, Skelmersdale, WN8 9SA Telephone: 01695 726822 Web: www.hewkins.co.uk

31451 DPS 2pgs:DB Devall & Son 2pg 07/11/2012 17:42 Page 2

There is also a catering suite, incorporating an airy conservatory another example of the Devall’s caring attention to detail. “It eliminates all the added stress and worry of organising and supervising catering arrangements at a time when there is already so much to do,” explains Stephanie. “Grief affects us all in different ways and, as well as the feelings of deep loss, often a sense of fear and insecurity can be overwhelming.

DB Devall & Son operates a 24-hour telephone line 365 days a year and promises to respond efficiently and sensitively to enquiries. Call 024 76375665.For further information visit www.dbdevall.co.uk. daniel@dbdevall.co.uk

“It can be incredible daunting arranging a funeral, especially if it’s for the first time and we take great pride in providing an individual, professional and caring service to the community for generations to come.”

Evergreens Florist

Proud to be advisers to the most prestigious funeral directors in the Midlands.

specialists in Funeral Tributes Congratulate Daniel of DB Devall and Son with his NAFD Accreditation. Evergreens Florist, 32 Heath End Road, Nuneaton CV10 7JQ Tel: (024) 7634 1111 Fax: (024) 7634 1111 Email: debbie.kendall@ymail.com

Not another accountant

OK, so all accountants can add up. And it’s no surprise that most have a pretty good understanding of tax and business issues too. So what makes us different?

HCR Caskets Ltd is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of coffins and caskets to the funeral trade. This is a family run company which was began trading during the 1970’s and has established an enviable reputation for top quality products and first class customer service. H.C.R. CASKETS LIMITED, DY9 7BQ

Well firstly, as all our key staff have come from senior positions in big name firms, we have expertise way beyond our size. Take tax for example. We are able to offer you a level of planning and structuring advice that’s normally only available from the big firms.

Then there’s what we call our 360° approach. It’s about looking at the whole picture and managing your accounts in context, giving the most efficient solution for you, your business and your family. And finally, we’re a pretty decent bunch too. So look us up and we’ll buy you a drink and have a chat. Or if you’d rather keep it formal, contact us at the address below or visit our website for more information.

Spencer Gardner Dickins. 3 Coventry Innovation Village, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL Tel: 024 7625 7481 Fax: 024 7625 7482 enquiries@sgduk.com www.sgduk.com

31426 DPS 2pgs_Ian Hazel Funerals 3pg 07/11/2012 11:56 Page 1

Celebrating 25 Years of Service to the Community. Ian Hazel Funerals is a family business, established in 1987 by Ian Hazel, to carry on the funeral business established by his great grandfather in 1901. They are based in Sutton Coldfield, with offices in Great Barr, and Aldridge enabling them to cover a wide area including Walsall, Streetly, Kingstanding, Erdington and Lichfield. Ian Hazel is the fourth generation of his family to become a Funeral Director. He joined the original family business of A. Hazel and Sons in 1977, after obtaining a commercial training in industry. Ian is fully qualified, having gained his diploma in Funeral Directing in May 1979 and being admitted to full membership of the British Institute of Embalmers in June 1979. When the former family business was acquired by Hodgson Holdings, Ian left to set up his own business, Ian Hazel Funerals in 1987, in order to carry on the family funeral business tradition. The new business made a modest start with just 3 full time staff, but over the years has grown into a medium sized concern employing 22 people. Ianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest challenge in the early days was establishing a separate identity for his business, distancing this company from A. Hazel, now a subsidiary of the Dignity Funerals group. It took a while before the general public, doctors, hospitals, florists and clergy came to understand that Ian Hazel Funerals was a separate, genuinely family run, entity. Ian Hazel is very proud that both his daughters have joined the business, forming the fifth generation of the Hazel family to make funeral directing their chosen profession. Amy has already qualified and gained her diploma in Funeral Directing in 2008.

GG L^aa^Vbh Hdc

Call to see how we can help

Ian explained that when a family suffers bereavement arranging the funeral can be a very difficult time for them. He said â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a rare privilege to be a funeral director, to stand in a sensitive position at a crucial time in the midst of the family, knowing that the quality of our service and reputation will help them through this timeâ&#x20AC;?. Once instructed Ian Hazel Funerals will make all the necessary arrangements for burial, cremation or memorial service, liaise with your local place of worship, minister or officiant and arrange any legal documentation required. Whatever style of service, or celebration of the life of the departed, Ian Hazel Funerals will attend to every detail, including whichever musical accompaniment deemed most appropriate, from the traditional to the more unusual, be it an organ, jazz band, soloist, a piper or bugler. They will also organise orders of service booklets, attendance cards, and floral tributes.

Two Family businesses working together for over 25 years

0121 354 7870

Your Local Solicitors in Sutton Coldfield

FLORIST AND GARDEN CENTRE Best wishes from Wm. Wheat & Son. Proud suppliers of flowers and floral tributes to Ian Hazel Funerals

R.R Williams & Son Solicitors are proud to support Ian Hazel Funerals and we wish all the best for the future.

0121 353 7123/4090

www.wmwheat.co.uk Warwick House, 9 High Street, Sutton Coldfield B72 1XP

Ian Hazel Funerals provide a personal, caring and dignified funeral service, 24 hours a day by qualified and dedicated staff who are there to hold your hand every step of the way. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sympathetic, caring, yet highly professional service will take care of every detail, however unusual the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requirements, just as long as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal and dignified!

520 Chester Road, Little Aston, West Midlands. WS9 0PU

31426 DPS 2pgs_Ian Hazel Funerals 3pg 07/11/2012 11:56 Page 2

South Essex Insurance Brokers

We are proud to have supplied insurance cover to Ian Hazel Funerals for 25 Years “We use SEIB to provide cover for all our vehicles, buildings, business, liability and engineering requirements as well as all our personal insurance and equine policies.”

“Serving the local community in Sutton Coldfield since 1986 with a strong reputation for providing a professional quality and cost effective friendly service. We specialise in supporting the needs of families and small businesses.”

æ Insurers to the NAFD æ Award winning

Our main areas of expertise are... • Probate • Wills and Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Advice for the Elderly • Residential Conveyancing • Commercial Property • Family matters

customer service

nal

Associ

n 1905

rs ®

Est

or visit us at www.seib.co.uk

t io

Call us now on 01708 850000

A better way to insure

n er

al Di r e

o ct

Tel: 0121 362 7330 Fax: 0121 355 6299 Email: jane.hazel@frenchcosol.co.uk Web: www.frenchcosol.co.uk

H Keenan Ltd MONUMENTAL MASONS & SCULPTORS What is a memorial? It is a tribute of love, respect and appreciation. A tribute to a persons life, character and their religious faith. Choosing a memorial should be done with time and care so why not send for our Free Catalogue with prices, or call our friendly, expert advice.

Memorial Insurance? Insure against damage Accidential and Willful. Existing Memorials restored

A member of the National Association of Memorial Masons - this sign is your guarantee.

187 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UL

Midland Funeral Supplies Ltd Richmond Street South, Swan Village, West Bromwich B70 0XB Tel: 0121 5201815 or Tel: 0121 5201816 Fax: 0121 5201817 Email: info@midlandfuneralsupplies.co.uk Web: www.midlandfuneralsupplies.co.uk

Tel: 0121 354 6144

31426 DPS 2pgs_Ian Hazel Funerals 3pg 07/11/2012 11:56 Page 3

All necessary vehicles can be provided from their modern fleet consisting of Daimler hearses and limousines. If something different is required the company can arrange a horse drawn, or a motorcycle hearse, and recently were asked to provide a doubledecker bus, and then on another occasion a canal boat. Eco minded folk have even been known to choose a bicycle drawn, wicker coffin. Ian stressed that they will always try to accommodate the family’s wishes, providing the end result will be suitably dignified.

Ian Hazel Funerals are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) the country's leading funeral trade association dedicated to maintaining the highest professional standards, and also of the Birmingham Funeral Directors Guild (BFDG) which was set up to promote a closer working relationship between independent, family run funeral directing businesses in the Birmingham area.

Please visit the web site www.ianhazelfunerals.co.uk or telephone 0121 308 2288 to discuss your requirements or to set up a pre-payment funeral plan.

For their clients’ convenience Ian Hazel also provides catering facilities, and pre-payment funeral plans through “Perfect Choice”. Towards the end of this year work commences on a new funeral home. The new, larger building will offer better client facilities such as improved arrangement rooms and chapels of rest, increased parking and an attractive function suite. The new building is planned to be ready in November 2013.

Perfect Choice Funeral Plans are proud to be associated with Ian Hazel Funerals and wish them all the very best for the future

Here’s to another 25 years working in partnership with Ian Hazel.

Pre-arrange and pre-pay for your funeral in advance with a Perfect Choice Funeral Plan from Ian Hazel Funerals • • •

Reduce the emotional and financial burden from loved ones No upper age limit and no medical required Flexible payment terms

Call today on 0121 308 2288 for your free information pack or email enquiries@ianhazelfunerals.co.uk

31538 QPD 1pg_Mark Elliot Funeral Services QPD 1pg 07/11/2012 12:02 Page 1

Mark Elliot Funeral Services

A member of the European Association of Embalmers, the British Institute of Embalmers and a founding Fellow of The Society of Bereavement Practitioners, he also believes all funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral staff should be qualified to the highest possible standards to give their clients the very best of services. “The loss of a loved one can be difficult and distressing and I am here to help, support and guide bereaved clients, not only as a funeral director but as a friend,” he says. Mark is happy to visit a customer to discuss funeral arrangements in the comfort of their own home or see them at Rose House, the comfortable and well presented funeral home which also has an arranging suite and chapel of rest. At this time he will listen closely and carefully to what is wanted to ensure that every family can be assured of a real personal touch. He’s been caring for the bereaved and their families since 1999 but he’s wanted to be an embalmer since a boy, when he says his interest in the funeral trade was sparked by observing hearses regularly traveling past his childhood home on the Channel Island of Guernsey. Fully qualified in all aspects of the funeral service, he studied at the Salisbury College of Funeral Directing and Embalming, he entered the industry immediately after leaving full-time education. “Embalming enables the deceased to look asleep and peaceful when their families come to visit them,” he says.

CARING for the bereaved and their loved ones with total respect and dignity has earned Mark Elliott a series of heartfelt tributes, not least from his own profession in the first UK funeral awards. Last month saw Mark, who runs Mark Elliott Funeral Services in Kingswell Street, Northampton, named Embalmer of the Year at the ceremony in Bournemouth. “I was very surprised to be nominated,” he confesses - but his achievement has come as no surprise to his customers whose glowing praise for the way he has cared and looked after their loved ones, fill a testimonials page on his website. Mark is dedicated to ensuring that the deceased should be given the very best of care and that dedication underpins the full range of funereal services he provides: burials and cremations, green burials, embalming and a repatriation service of people’s loved ones to all parts of the world.

Part of that skill often involves asking for a photograph so that Mark can get every detail correct - right down to a hairstyle, whether glasses are required, even a particular perfume. “I see it as looking after and caring for bereaved people and giving them what they need at that time,” he says. For further details about the full range of funeral services available, as well as a host of advice and contact details with regards to all aspects of arranging a funeral, please visit www.markelliottfunerals.co.uk.

Alternatively, Mark can be reached 24 hours a day on 01604 620662, 01604 269535 or 07515 985114 or you can email mark@markelliott.biz

Your solution for embalming supplies at the forefront of technology EEP Co Ltd is the brainchild of two Embalming and Cosmetology Experts, who felt it is time that products currently available on the market start catering for the modern Embalmer.

Greenfield Creations Ltd Chapel Road Ridgewell Essex CO9 4RU Tel: 01440 788866

You can be assured that the products available through EEP Co have been handpicked for their high quality, longevity and effectiveness. EEP Co Ltd, Unit C2, Knowl Hill Farm Kingsclere T: 01635 299886 F: 01635 298945 E: info@eep-co.com

Berkshire RG20 4NY Web: www.eep-co.com

Website: www.greenfieldcreationscoffins.co.uk Email: info@greenfieldcreations.co.uk Greenfield Creations have been manufacturing cardboard coffins since 1990.

31350 2pg:Autism West Midlands DPS 12/09/2012 11:09 Page 1

The opening of the centre comes at a crucial time, as there is currently no dedicated space in the Birmingham area to meet the needs of the estimated 17,000 adults and children with autism. The centre will house space where people will be able to book advice sessions, and public access internet terminals to help with employment searches and a social area with refreshments. Continuing Autism West Midlands’ work in training families, GPs and employers about the condition, the centre will also be a hub for raising public awareness.

Autism West Midlands is the leading charity in the West Midlands that operates to support and improve the lives of people affected by autism, whatever their age or ability. Their vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. With passionate and expert staff and volunteers, Autism West Midlands provide a range of services from activities and events for families, to residential services for 54 adults with autism in the region. They have a variety of training and awareness programs available, and champion the rights of people living with autism to get the support and care that they need. They also have a department called Aspire, dedicated to helping people on the autism spectrum to develop skills, independence and get into the workplace.

Reddicap Trading Est | Sutton Coldfield | Birmingham | B75 7BU

Autism West Midlands are set to open to the public a fantastic new head office and Autism Resource Facility in Edgbaston in the heart of Birmingham. The centre will provide a much needed social space and support facility for the thousands of people with autism in Birmingham and its surrounding areas. The venture has been made possible using generous contributions from the Whalley White Charitable Trust and The Social Investment Business for the specialist equipment required.

The most exciting element of the new centre will be a state of the art sensory room, fitted with a range of lights, textured fittings and audio equipment for both play and relaxation. As most people with autism struggle with social communication, interaction and imagination, this room will be used to develop skills across the autistic spectrum. The centre will provide a much needed service in the West Midlands as many people with autism can fall into the gap between mental health and learning disability, not receiving the right assessment and advice. Autism West Midlands consistently work towards avoiding this issue of social isolation, and the new centre will be a haven

Use our financial strength to help build yours The Co-operative Bank deposit solutions Running our business responsibly has helped us to grow and achieve long-term financial stability. And our range of deposit accounts is designed to help you do the same. You can benefit from: • competitive rates of interest • instant access and fixed term accounts • the financial expertise of a dedicated Relationship Manager. For more information contact: Birmingham Corporate Banking Centre

We can save an average of 10% on your office supplies costs and offer FREE same day delivery. Drop us a line to see how we can help you.

0121 212 1900

The Co-operative Bank would like to wish Autism West Midlands all the best in their new Head Office.

co-operativebank.co.uk/corporate

Terms and conditions apply

Total Office Solutions . Office Supplies & Printed Stationery . Business Machines & Consumables . Office Furniture . Branded Workwear Call: 0844 579 1310 Email: sales@officetrading.co.uk

The Office Trading Company are proud to support Autism West Midlands and would like to wish them all the best for the future

Online: www.officetrading.co.uk

The Co-operative Bank is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (No. 121885), subscribes to the Lending Code and the Financial Ombudsman Service and is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading (No. 006110). The Co-operative Bank p.l.c., P.O. Box 101, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester M60 4EP. Registered in England and Wales No.990937. Calls may be monitored or recorded for security and training purposes. Call charges may vary and you may want to check this with your service provider.

31350 2pg:Autism West Midlands DPS 12/09/2012 11:09 Page 2

where people on the autistic spectrum can go to get support, relax, be active and learn. Autism West Midlands always welcome working together with organisations to help realise their vision and mission. As a business, there are many easy ways to show your support and help improve the lives of people with autism while benefiting from a partnership that helps your organisation shine. Autism West Midlands offers a bespoke range of simple, but effective, fundraising ideas and an exciting calendar of activities. This includes skydives, treks and sponsored events aimed at getting staff teams working together, and building team spirit. As well as donating the proceeds from fundraising events, as a business you can be involved in a variety of ways to have an equally positive impact. By helping build links with other businesses and organisations who might wish to show their support, you can expand Autism West Midlands’ reach while raising the profile of your own organisation. Providing free or discounted use of your facilities or space, speakers for their events, or prizes for fundraising raffles

and draws will not only boost interest in other’s involvement, but promote how socially responsible your organisation is within the community. To extend their good work in getting people with autism into employment, Autism West Midlands are also looking for organisations that are willing to offer work experience, placements or volunteering opportunities to individuals who are on the autistic spectrum, to help develop talent and skills that might otherwise go unrealised. Jonathan Shephard, Chief Executive of Autism West Midlands, said: “We could not be more excited about the opening of our new head office and resource facility. It has been a long awaited project which we hope will improve the lives of thousands of people affected by autism in the West Midlands. Looking to the future, we are keen to work in partnership with other organisations and welcome any support, especially in helping people with autism into the workplace.”

For more information please telephone 0121 450 7582 or visit the web site www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

31482 QPD:Mobile Solar Chargers QPD. 24/09/2012 10:09 Page 1

“I would expect that once people are aware of these portable power packs, offices and homes would have one ‘ready to go’ when needed on that Friday night or long business day,” he says. “We have all heard the ‘sorry couldn’t get in touch, my phone died’, with these power packs your phone or mp3 etc is still useable while recharging in your pocket.” The website reflects Tim’s desire for “a clear site, with small range of products. People come in and have a look and can either leave immediately or, within a few minutes they can purchase a product”. ENTREPRENEUR Tim Smerdon is charged up about his new business - which will do the same for mobile phones and other devices by harnessing the power of the sun. Since July www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk has been offering an exciting range of solar portable batteries that provide a free-power solution to ‘dead battery’ emergencies, unexpected or when you are away from home. They’re a simple, eco-friendly answer to a situation that leaves Tim scratching his head. “There are at least 50 million portable devices in the UK, all using small batteries, whose technology is unlikely to change much in the foreseeable future, yet we accept our £400 phones, going dead, for want of mains power,” he says.

With prices ranging from £14.95 to £39.95, all are a very cost-effective solution to ‘battery dead’ situations. Tim is quick to point out that the solar trickle charge is in addition to the fact that they are also portable batteries, rechargeable, like phones, via the mains or PC. “They are not nuclear reactors; they would take a few days to entirely recharge themselves from solar but this is free

“All of these fantastic, expensive electronic products are rendered un-useable each time their batteries are exhausted, until they are plugged into the mains\car, often for many hours.’’ “Portable batteries, with a solar trickle charge seem the most obvious solution. Our batteries hold 80% of their charges for at least three months, so can be used as emergency back-up as and when needed.” It’s not the first time that Tim, who’s interested in intelligently sustainable projects has come across solar power. An Economics graduate who has always started and run his own companies, including one supporting Ugandan women in business and an employment agency in the UK, saw the potential of solar power in Africa. “Generally nobody’s going to buy anything green unless it provides abetter solution than the alternatives”

power,” he says. “If you compare the size of solar panels needed on a house, these small portable chargers are efficient”. “They work most efficiently when in direct contact with the sun and not behind glass on a windowsill or dashboard, but actually, they just need light of any kind, even an electric light, to trickle charge and all our products can also be charged via mains, car and laptop/PC.

To purchase one of Tim’s mobile solar chargers, or to find out more visit the website, www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk or email enquiries@mobilesolarchargers.co.uk.

31449 1pg:CD Engineering 10/09/2012 16:06 Page 1

how

the Government’s

Green Deal scheme can Benefit Business. WITH October heralding the arrival of The Green Deal - the Government’s flagship energy efficiency scheme aimed at renovating millions of draughty, energy-inefficient homes and office buildings across the UK - keeping the planet from overheating remains a hot topic. From the first of the month, the UK Green Deal Scheme makes it possible for millions of home and business owners to have energy efficient improvements installed in their properties at no upfront cost to the owner, tenant or landlord. Covered will be energy efficient measures such as: cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, solid wall insulation, condensing boilers, double glazing, floor insulation, solar panels, photovoltaic PV panels, ground source heat pumps, electric storage heaters or wind turbines, among others. This autumn is also due to see the launch of the Green Investment Bank, an initiative with £3 billion of Government funding behind it destined to help businesses of all types and sizes. Both are the latest moves in the UK’s drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, an effort which has already set several legally binding national targets to help the country achieve reductions of 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Commercial buildings and business premises play a critical part in all of this: today, going green is not only good for the planet; it is good for business too. However, while everyone may agree with that, there’s no getting away from it, that making the required changes costs money. The good news is, Green Deal aside, there is funding out there to help companies ‘green up’ their premises. The bad news is that working out how much can be applied for and from where requires a cool head and grim determination. Government schemes, development funds, EU initiatives, small business grants, capital programmes and bursaries – they’re all intended for different purposes and they all have their own set of rules for eligibility. It’s enough to put you off your eco-lunch. As a general rule, however, the priorities are the same even if the grant names, amounts and conditions vary. OK, they have not escaped the recent harsh economic reality. Budgets have been cut but there are always new funding schemes appearing and they tend to be concerned with energy, waste management and green transport and cover a whole host of projects, from the

obvious insulation schemes, to the not-soobvious carbon neutral web-hosting operations. Then there are funding sources which are nationally available while others target particular areas. For example, early-stage renewable and clean technologies, concerned with marine, carbon capture, smart grids or the built environment, can contact bodies such as the Technology Strategy Board and the Energy Technologies Institute, while the Carbon Trust supports those trying to develop green technologies. So once you’ve discovered what’s on offer, then it’s just a case of working out how to apply for help. Again, stern resolve is required, but be buoyed up to know that there are plenty of people out there just waiting to give sound and impartial advice. A good starting point is the Department of Energy and climate Change website www.decc.gov.uk which itemises a whole host of funding opportunities such as the Renewable Heat Incentive and the forthcoming Energy Entrepreneurs Fund Scheme.

C U STOMER S OLU T ION S The Green Deal - the Government’s flagship energy efficiency scheme aimed at renovating millions of draughty, energy-inefficient homes and office buildings across the UK The UK Green Deal Scheme makes it possible for millions of home and business owners to have energy efficient improvements installed in their properties at no upfront cost to the owner, tenant or landlord.

Another useful website is Greenwise www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk which sets out to provide the most up-to-date green grants and funding guide for UK businesses. A good idea is to talk to the local Chamber of Commerce while trade bodies and professional institutions can also help, depending on the nature of the business.

VI SI T www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk www.decc.gov.uk

And why not try going direct to the horse’s mouth, so to speak? Ask an energy supplier, water company or local council direct if they have any grants for which your business is eligible. The worst that can happen is that they will say “No” - on the other hand, you could end up tapping into a source of income you didn’t know was there, and they might be able to help making your premises more energy efficient in other ways. Navigating the grant system can sometimes seem an endless task, especially if it’s not your field of expertise and you’re trying to run a business too. However, it’s not impossible if you’re ready to undertake the research and ask for help when you need it.

31405 2pg DPS:New World Solar DPS. 02/10/2012 09:22 Page 1

disadvantaged young people who are normally overlooked because at first glance they seem to be too high risk. Our new Home Energy Centre in Chelmsley Wood demonstrates our commitment to high quality products and to investing in the local economy. It is our firm belief that the Green Economy has the potential to create thousands of jobs in the West Midlands and we are committed to harnessing the talent of local people. Our Home Energy Centre is a practical ‘seeing is believing’ example to any business or householder who wants to take advantage of new opportunities to reduce their fuel bills and carbon emissions, such as the Green Deal which removes upfront costs to bring low-carbon technologies within the reach of every home and business.

New World Home Energy is at the forefront of the Green Revolution throughout the region and beyond through an agenda of balanced business growth and added client value. Since our founding in 2006, we have established a reputation for best-in-class products and services, integrity, safety, social and community values, and a robust integrated supply chain. For New World Home Energy, responsibility is a core value and not an optional extra. Central to our business ethic are our values of Environment and Community. We are leading the low carbon agenda in the Midlands, but just saving carbon dioxide emissions alone doesn’t make you a sustainable business by itself. Our philosophy is that you have to get the back streets right in order to get the high street right. We are committed to achieving positive economic and social outcomes in our work. To really make a difference to the back streets you have to give a chance to people who are suffering most from the economic downturn. We do this through partnership working, so that we can unleash the talent of

New World Home Energy made its reputation installing Renewable Technologies on projects such as Summerfield Eco Neighbourhood, and Photovoltaics systems on projects like Birmingham Energy Savers. We now have now installed over a thousand energy efficient systems across the region. Contrary to popular belief PV still makes a very viable investment, as do many other renewable products and technologies. It is not only in the field of renewable energy that New World is a market leader. Our Home Energy Centre means that householders and businesses can see innovative energy saving products such as the external wall insulation that we have used in the Centre, designed to the highest standards which allows the insulated wall to ‘breathe’ naturally to prolong its life and prevent condensation. Our insulation products will enhance the value and appearance of your building as well as reducing condensation, fuel bills and carbon dioxide emissions, with a range of finishes available for a variety of tastes. The showroom is lit by the latest in LED lighting, even more efficient than conventional low-energy light bulbs, and now available to meet a wide range of lighting needs both for home and business. Along with high-efficiency gas boilers, heat pumps, and biomass boilers, we can offer any home or business a tailored low-carbon solution that will increase thermal comfort, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and create jobs in some of the most disadvantaged areas. For more information Call 0121 779 48976, Resident and Community Groups welcome. “We say what we do, and do what we say” Integrity is the cornerstone of our reputation.

Unit 11, Waterloo Industrial Estate, Burhill Way, Chelmsley Wood, B37 6RF Call 0121 779 48976 70

31405 2pg DPS:New World Solar DPS. 02/10/2012 09:22 Page 2

31331 1pg:CD Engineering 04/10/2012 09:49 Page 12

R22 Refrigerant Conversion Why ‘wait and see’ is not an option

•

Do Nothing: Users of AC&R systems who continue to take no action should expect to see refrigerant costs continuing to rise and the possibility that their existing refrigerant will not be available when required.

•

Refrigerant Replacement: Replacing the existing refrigerant is the recommended option if the AC&R system is still relatively new and it is cost effective to do so. Environmentally compliant refrigerants can be used to retrofit without major works or modifications.

•

New Equipment: Johnson Controls offers a wide range of products included on the Energy Technology List, turnkey solutions for the safe removal (and disposal) of redundant equipment and installs environmentally efficient products tailored to meet specific requirements.

HCFC Phase Out Following discovery of the hole in the ozone layer during the 1980’s, governments in the developed world have steadily introduced legislation to phase out ozone depleting substances. Consequently, from 1st January 2015 it will be illegal to use any hydro chlorofluorocarbons HCFCs to service air conditioning & refrigeration (AC&R) systems January 2015 is still a long way off though, so why not adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach? Well although it remains legal to use AC&R systems containing HCFCs beyond the specified phase out date, this is only on the basis that they do not require maintenance; however we know that all AC&R systems leak to a certain extent and that means putting HCFCs back into the system. Our Knowledge Can Help You Comply Johnson Controls is a global leader in delivering integrated control systems, AC&R equipment and associated service solutions. Own brand systems include YORK® chillers, Sabroe® industrial refrigeration products and the Metasys® building management system. And as one of the world’s leading suppliers of AC&R systems, we also offer advice on key issues governing HCFC phase out. So what options are available?

We can also apply a consultative approach that incorporates some, or all, of the above options. To do this we work closely with our customers to develop a robust strategy for HCFC remediation, which allows us to; measure risk to your business, suggest a prioritisation schedule, develop a phase-out plan and manage the disposal of old equipment.

Contact For further details, call 0845 108 0001 or send an email to serviceinfo.uki@jci.com and let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you.

Specialists in HCFC / R22 Refrigerant Replacement and Refrigerant ReclamaƟon A-Gas Refrigerant SeparaƟŽn Facility

CO2 (R744) R407F Refrigerant ReĐůĂŵĂƟon With No DestrucƟŽn Charges World Class RefrigerĂƟon SepĂƌĂƟon Technology

www.agas.com 72

T [+44] (0) 1275 376600

31468 1pg.qxp:NSA Electrical and Solar QPD. 01/11/2012 14:44 Page 1

NSA Electrical And Solar Domestic and Commercial PV Solar Panel Installers

workmanship or deviated from its mission to deliver the highest level of consultancy and information to provide clients with a system to suit their needs. “It has never been easier to generate your own form of clean, green energy and make savings on your electricity bills,” says Paul. “We are an MCS accredited installer, Trustmark approved, NICEIC registered and a REAL Assurance Scheme member.” Carrying out installations across the UK, the entire NSA team are eager to spread the word about the benefits of renewable energy. “Experts suggest that using renewable energy - which is guaranteed to be a clean safe and natural resource for the next five billion years - will result in more stable energy prices,” Paul reveals. THE business forecast has been good for NSA Electrical & Solar Ltd, ever since it let a little sun shine on its operations.

“Even if you don't generate your own renewable energy, you could source it from a supplier as many green tariffs mean that renewable energy could work out cheaper or the same price as a traditional source.”

Having made the move into specialising in the provision and installation of solar photovoltaic systems, it has installed more than 2,000 domestic and commercial systems.

There’s even more good reasons for switching to renewable energy, Paul argues, not least as good selling point for those making ethical business choices.

Now the winds of change are continuing to blow through the Leicestershire company as it concentrates on renewable energy in all its forms.

“You could even make money if you generate more than you need by selling the excess to the National Grid,” he adds.

Wind turbines, solar thermal, biomass and airsource heat pumps are all becoming part of NSA Electrical & Solar’s (NSA) remit as it continues its plans to expand across the sector.

What’s more those who are looking at setting up only a small-scale renewable energy generator may find themselves eligible for a grant.

“Due to the fact that it won't run out, renewable energy is a far more sustainable option,” says Managing Director Paul Ward.

And, should you opt for a solar energy system, you’re safe from the worry of recurring costs or refuelling for they require very little maintenance.

“It can be produced locally and, therefore, benefit communities and business as well as stimulating local economies.

Based on present research, a 10 kW solar panel system with an approximate 30 -35 year life expectancy will provide the equivalent CO2 reduction as planting 1,450 trees and produce 575,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, as much generated by burning 583,000 lbs of coal.

“Solar energy is clean and renewable and does not pollute like traditional forms of electrical generation do by burning fossil fuels.”

That’s a lot of reasons to make the switch to renewable energy.

NSA, based in Birstall, has more than trebled its turnover since it was founded in 2000 when it predominantly catered for new build electrics for builders such as Bellway Homes, Bloor Homes and Bovis Homes. While it has changed direction by moving into renewable energy, it has never altered from providing customers with an efficient, professional service and high quality

Paul and his team can advise on what’s the best option for you. For full details visit www.pvsolarpanels-system.co.uk Alternatively telephone 0800 389 2695 or email enquiry@pvsolarpanels-system.co.uk 73

31446 DPS 2pgs:Copperfield Windows 2pg 01/11/2012 11:26 Page 1

“I believe our reputation for good quality, materials ,workmanship and services have helped us greatly at this time,” he affirms. TONY Smith has provided more than one window on people’s world in the last 30 years - and he’s looking forward to doing the same for the next.

Hard work and difficult conditions are nothing new to Tony: they’re how he and his family forged Copperfield Windows, based in Stoke, Coventry, into what it is to day, one of the city’s leading glaziers and UPVC windows and doors manufacturer and installer.

2012 is the year which sees him celebrate the third decade of his business, Copperfeld Windows, and forge ahead with plans to bring in two new members of staff.

He launched what was then Copperfield Frames in June 1982, manufacturing timber frames next door to Copperfield Glass, which he went on to purchase two years later when it started failing.

There are also plans to invest in more machinery as the company responds to a continually increasing order book, while work on a brand new website is well under way.

“We merged the two companies to make one called Copperfield Windows and, with a lot of changes and a lot of hard work and long hours, we turned the business around and it has grown year on year ever since and into the healthy organisation it is today,” says Tony.

The latest initiatives couldn’t be better ways of celebrating years of sustained success for this family concern - only two members of the current seven-strong team are not part of Tony’s family. “I believe my greatest business success is this current year spent marking our anniversary, he smiles. “I don't think there are many people who can boast a great achievement like this.” Tony and his team are entitled to revel in their success as in all Copperfield Window’s years of trading, he maintains the last two or three have presented the greatest challenge yet, with further difficult economic trading conditions still in store. But he’s confident of his own company’s ability to power on through such troubled times, thanks to the high standard of work and products it provides, along with a friendly and honest service.

31446 DPS 2pgs:Copperfield Windows 2pg 01/11/2012 11:27 Page 2

“Nineteen years ago we started manufacturing UPVC and we have continuously invested over the years to keep up to date with the constant changes within the industry.” Copperfield Windows manufactures and installs UPVC windows, doors, conservatories, porches, soffits and fascias as well as guttering for both trade and domestic markets. As part of its complete, all-round service it also stocks locks, handles, hinges, gaskets and letterboxes as replacement components for repair.

As part of its glass-handling aspect it offers a glazing service and as well providing it in toughened, laminated and manufactured form, cut to any size and shape, it is proud to be able to process any form of flat glass.

The website, www.copperfieldwindows.co.uk, listing the company’s full range of products and services is due to go live soon. But you’ll be assured of a friendly greeting if you call in at 9 Copperfield Road, or telephone 02476 452 688.

A partnership for success... Profile 22 Systems congratulates Copperfield Windows on 30 years of quality installations. We look forward to a long and continued partnership. Tel: 01952 290910 WWW.PROFILE22.CO.UK

THE BEST WINDOWS ARE MADE FROM

31498 QPD:Knarsboro Homes QPD 19/09/2012 11:02 Page 1

Knarsboro Homes by

development sites in order to increase our operating area - our architects are always working on new house type designs.” It’s just received planning approval and expects construction work to start soon on its newest venture: seven thee bedroom Dodford-style houses with associated car parking and private amenity areas on the former Halesowen Ambulance Station site in Old Hawne Lane. It’s proof that things are continuing to move forward for the business, in a climate which still leaves them feeling, Paul points out, that to survive as a housebuilder is an achievement in itself. However, he attributes the continued success to the quality build that his teams always achieve. “All our properties are constructed to an exceptionally high standard and quality and we feel our survival is linked to that,” he says. Completing Bromsgrove’s Regal Gardens – 24 plots beautifully constructed and planned and all properties sold and occupied – was one of our greatest successes so far,” he smiles. “There is always satisfaction in building someone’s family home.” THE one thing that the people at Knarsboro Homes never forget is that they’re not just building houses - they’re building someone’s home. It’s a responsibility they don’t take lightly and it lies at the heart of all their designs and construction methods that involve the highest levels of workmanship. “With nearly 80 years of housebuilding experience we are committed to designing and building homes that are second to none within the region, and homes to be proud of,” declares managing director Paul Cranidge. “We strive to deliver practical designs so that all living space is optimised, a modern specification to suit 21st century lifestyles, with low maintenance and high thermal insulation.” A quality residential house builder, the company arose in 2009 from the ashes of developer David Payne Homes Ltd, which has been forced to close as a direct result of the banking crisis. “David Payne decided to invest again in housebuilding and formed Knarsboro Homes with key members of experienced staff from his previous business, which had been a renowned housebuilder in the West Midlands for more than 40 years,” explains Paul. It wasn’t long before the company, based at Hartlebury, Kidderminster, secured its first development, Regal Gardens, in Bromsgrove, comprising 24 beautifully crafted and designed townhouses, detached and semi-detached properties. The completed structures drew much praise from potential and eventual - purchasers and further developments quickly followed the completion of that site. “We now have developments in Bromsgrove, Sedgley, Halesowen and forthcoming opportunities in Worcester,” reveals Paul. “We also provide a contract build service for those who require a bespoke property and are actively searching for further

For further information on Knarsboro Homes developments and full range of services, visit www.knarsborohomes.com. Alternatively telephone: 0800 158 8313 or email: sales@knarsborohomes.com

SUPERIOR NEW HOMES IN C A R E F U L LY C H O S E N L O C AT I O N S

A place you’ll love to call home... From one bedroom apartments to four bedroom townhouses, David Payne’s Knarsboro Homes will have a home to suit your needs. Visit our website to see the great range of stunning new homes available at our Willows and Jubilee Mews developments in the West Midlands.

Land to sell?

THE WILLOW S

B61 8PU

We are always looking for land to add to our increasing portfolio. Please contact our Land Director Rob Phipps on 01299 251655

Knarsboro Homes by

1BD JUBILEE MEWS DY3

www.knarsborohomes.com Sales Hotline 0800 158 8313

TO N O SO EN G W IN ESO M L CO HA

31376 1pg_Skaino Services 1pg 07/11/2012 12:54 Page 1

Building & Heating Contractors | Energy Efficiency | Architectural Design Friendly, reliable and professional, Skaino Services have been trading since 1976. Based in Daventry, Northamptonshire and serving the surrounding areas, they offer a range of construction related services from heating systems installation and maintenance to complete design and build. Skaino’s Heating division covers all aspects of heating and plumbing from servicing and repair of your existing system to complete replacement. Their engineers are fully Gas Safe and Oftec registered and are experienced in dealing with gas, oil and solid fuel. They install underfloor heating, air source heat pumps and solar systems (both solar PV and hot water) – for both the domestic and commercial customer. Heating systems are complex. Richard Parker of Skaino says “We can design a heating system to fit your requirements, and we have the skill and experience to help you make the best decision, even if you’re not sure what you need.” Skaino also employ a team of Architectural Designers and Technologists to provide quality architectural services to Homeowners, Property Developers, Small Businesses, Architects, Surveyors and Planning Consultants. You can engage them to provide a building design package as you would any Architect, & then use the drawings and specifications to obtain quotes from any builder.

This recent project received the Aylesbury Vale Design Award, and yes, it is meant to be curved! Seinna, Byrne Lane, Padbury, Buckinghamshire. Skaino was commissioned by HDA Architecture to execute this challenging design on a site of very restricted access and requiring deep excavations. The house sits on a very small, triangular site with a curved frontage following the course of Byrne Lane and beautifully corresponds to the site with a long curved façade and a slate roof with eaves at one and a half storeys height. The design characteristics were drawn from the local surroundings, and include the half timbered cladding and reddish orange clay brick work laid in Flemish Bond. HDA Architecture paid tribute to Skaino saying “The value of their initiative and commitment to the project cannot be overstated!” Skaino Services offer a complete solution to all your design, build and heating requirements.

Please visit the web site www.skaino.co.uk or telephone 01327 871335 www.citroen.co.uk

CITROËN COVENTRY

PART OF THE CITROËN RETAIL GROUP

ALWAYS A FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE

Through their Design and Build Department Skaino can deal with complete building projects from inception, and design, from the ground up through to completion. Their wide range of in-house design skills – SAP calculations, steel beam design, heating, built in joinery design etc. enable a smooth transition between the drawing board and the building site! They build to a high standard and are fully accredited with the FMB, NHBC and FENSA.

S B F L O O RING

SUPPLIES LTD We would like to wish Skaino Services every success for the future We offer a wide selection of Wood and Laminate Flooring, Carpets and Commercial Flooring

Laminate flooring

Visit us 1 Macmillan Way / Lake View Northampton / NN3 6FE Contact us T / 01604 670433 E / stephenbrennan6@btopenworld.com

We are proud to support Skaino Services - we wish them all the best for the future CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest: Citroën DS5 HDi 160 6-speed automatic DStyle/DSport 7.9/35.8, 5.1/55.4, 6.1/46.3, 154. Lowest: Citroën DS5 Hybrid4 200 Airdream DSign 3.9/72.4, 3.7/76.4, 3.8/74.3, 99.

CITROËN COVENTRY TEL: 02476 480450 HERALD AVENUE, COVENTRY CV5 6UB www.citroenretailgroup.co.uk/coventry

31546 1pg_Evans Easyspace 1pg 07/11/2012 11:48 Page 1

Great value offices in a fantastic West Bromwich location. West Midlands businesses looking for convenient, affordable office, workshop or storage space need travel no further than West Bromwich. Conveniently situated close to Junction 1 of the M5, next to the Hawthorns Stadium, the clients of Evans Easyspace West Bromwich are delighted with their new premises. The site offers 33 units available for a range of commercial uses. The site is part of a chain of 54 business centres and 47 workshop sites across the UK. The units are targeted at SMEs and offer a fantastic starter package for anyone looking to take a step up into an office, including professional meeting rooms available onsite. Part of the attraction to Evans Easyspace is the easy-in, easyout terms. If your business grows, you have the option to swap hassle free into a larger unit. Many businesses at the business

centres take a smaller unit and make use of the on-site self-storage. The new Centre Manager, Holly Mahon, explained that fully inclusive office packages are available to include business rates, utilities, furniture, telephone line and handset rental. All units benefit from additional security features including internal security grilles on the offices and ram raid bollards in front of the workshops. Holly is currently offering some extremely good deals at the West Bromwich site.

For more information Telephone 0800 039 3900 or visit the website www.evanseasyspace.com/ Other sites in the area include Oldbury, Nuneaton and Shrewsbury.

31314 1pg:Manor Golf Club 1pg 12/09/2012 16:24 Page 1

Manor Golf Club (Kingstone)

spike bar and the upstairs is being extended and totally refurbished to accept party, conference and wedding bookings as they are often asked to hold such events due to the stunning location; they already have bookings for next year.

Golfers looking for a challenge are shouldering their clubs and travelling from far and wide to play on an exciting award winning course set in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside. The par 71, 6,215 yard long course, has been prepared and laid out as a traditional English golf course, providing a satisfying challenge for both low and high handicap golfers alike, with numerous short hazard ridden challenging par 4’s interspersed with long par 4’s and 5’s. Known as “the thinking mans course”, no two holes are the same, it presents a unique combination of greens to test all skill levels. It was Golf Club of the Year two years running, has been named as the best course in the area. It is hard to remember looking at the beautifully maintained and wooded course that the area was farmland as recently as 1989. Over Christmas lunch, the Bathew family who still own and run the club to-day, decided to develop the land as a golf club. It all sounded pretty straightforward at the time, but it took a lot of hard work and a very steep learning curve. Sarah Bathew, Club Secretary explained; “It turned into the hardest thing we have ever done, but it is all worth it and we now have something that we are very proud of, and know our members are proud of.” In 1991 the club was established as a business venture with an interesting 9 hole course. The original course, although it was great fun to play and formed a good early basis for the club, needed to be completely redesigned as the course developed to 18 holes. The present design is as a result of the hard work, golfing experience and expertise of Course Manager, Ant Foulds, who designed and developed the present course on this challenging and beautiful site.

We have now have in house catering for day to day meals and a company called "Occassions Catering" (they are based near Leicester) for all party and corporate bookings. Non golfers are catered for at the Manor too, enjoying the friendly atmosphere, wonderful views and the proliferation of wildlife attracted by the wooded greens and the River Blythe which runs through the course.

A great day out for golfers of all levels and non golfers alike, ring on 01889 563 234 or visit the web site for more details, manorgolfclub.net Leese Hill, Kingstone, Uttoxeter, ST14 8QT

City Tax Shop

www.citytaxshop.co.uk | t: 0844 8000 252 Find us on facebook & twitter!

Proud to be associated with

The Manor Golf Club TAX RETURN!

...City ..C Cit ity y Tax Tax Shop? Sh Shop hop p

£95!!!

As a friendly, family run enterprise, the clubhouse, which over looks the whole course is an important focus of activities and is being extended this year. On the bottom floor there will be a new

0DUVWRQ¶V DUH SULYLOHJHG WR EH PDLQ VXSSOLHUV WR 7KH 0DQRU *ROI &OXE

999T/#4561052'&+)4''T%1T779

31493 1pg new:Royston Blythe 1pg 01/11/2012 11:48 Page 1

It is enough to make your hair curl! At Royston Blythe, the celebrity hairdressers, the excitement is palpable with the achievement of yet more awards and the opening of their third salon. Royston and partner Nick have become well-known in the area for owning one of the busiest and most successful salons in the Midlands, with a glittering celebrity client list and a glittering social life to match! Regularly tending to the tresses of TV stars, footballer's wives and a slew of other glamorous media types, the boys established their first salon near Wolverhampton 23 years ago and have not stopped since. Tamara Ecclestone, Abbey Clancey, Katie Price et al have all had the Royston Blythe star treatment of late, and with catwalk shows, national competitions and celebrity parties also jam-packed into their schedule, it's always a hive of activity at the flagship salon in Compton. Now with a talented team of trendy young stylists behind them, and a second salon in the famous Dorchester Hotel, they are expanding further into the local region with their third salon due to open in Shrewsbury this winter. In addition to these exciting new plans, they have delightedly announced that they are once again Finalists in the British Hairdressing Awards, recognised as the Oscars of the hairdressing industry. Senior Stylist Charles Douek has been selected for the grand finals in the British Newcomer category, and owner, Nick and Artistic Director Ashley Gamble have collaborated successfully for a final place in the Midlands British Hairdresser of the Year. All have been working tirelessly on their gorgeous photographic creations which form stages one and two of the competition; they have now been appraised by a panel of judges and selected as one of eight collections in each category to go through to the grand final. The final itself is a gorgeously glitzy black tie affair held in Mayfair in November, where the actual winners are announced on stage in front of a room packed full of TV stars, celebrities, and of course, the crĂ¨me of the industry. The new salon is a very exciting venture for Royston and Nick; it will open in Shrewsbury around Christmas or New Year and will be headed by Ashley Gamble who is the current Artistic Director at the Compton

shropshire coffee

ps are proud to support cu ps u Royston Blythe r t sy ren te for a l co ines ho r t c ach epai m ho r s tea orie icing call 01902 787 333 s e v ffe cces ser co a visit shropshirecoffee.com

salon. 16 new jobs will be created, at varying levels, bringing in fresh faces and new talent, but all the new starters will spend some time at one of the existing salons to hone their skills and learn the Royston Blythe hairdressing techniques. Royston Blythe is renowned within the industry for the level of training they provide, three of their talented young junior apprenticeships from the Compton salon took the top three prizes in the national FG Photographic Awards early this year whilst training towards their hairdressing qualifications at The City of Wolverhampton College. Royston Blythe will be offering up to 10 new apprenticeships across their salon branches this year. Professional, on trend, exciting, Royston Blythe offers a truly individual hairdressing experience.

36 Bridgnorth Road, Compton Wolverhampton, WV6 8AE t. +44 (0) 1902 751 720 w. www.roystonblythe.co.uk

31566 new_Events & Hospitality 1pg 07/11/2012 11:39 Page 1

Christmas, THE countdown to the Christmas party season is well and truly on.

Decorations, cards and wrapping are appearing in the shops and the party frocks are appearing on clothes rails up and down the high street. Pubs, restaurants and hotels throughout the region are bracing themselves for what is, traditionally, one of their busiest times of the year - economic crisis? What economic crisis? For a few short weeks - because, yes, the party season starts at the beginning of December and goes through to January 1 good cheer, plenty of treats and general jolliness rule the roost. New trends for themes at corporate Christmas events emerge each year, with films having a big influence on this so, chances are, many are reaching for their spats and flapper outfits (1920s and Prohibition), or even looking out capes and tights for superhero themed events. Well how many times can a hotelier or restaurateur say they’ve served cocktails to the Dark Knight (Batman) or watched Superman strut his stuff on the dance floor? Fun stuff aside, importantly for restaurateurs, pub landlords and hotel bosses Christmas presents the perfect opportunity for them to be not only the most welcoming of hosts to all the extra people who come through their doors, but also to showcase menus, drinks lists, facilities and services in a way that will bring new visitors back. So that involves plenty of planning. Go to any party planner’s website and they’ll all tell you that it’s never too early to book to ensure you get the Christmas party you want, where you want and when you want. But the other side of the coin means it’s never too early for the hospitality sector to start drumming up some festive cheer, to ensure a healthy level of holiday business. Perhaps not quite as early as The Wylde Green in Sutton Coldfield, which hit the headlines after hosting its first Christmas lunch for 40 customers - on August 29. But as the pub’s assistant manager told the Daily Mail - it was all about acting early to explain what festive treats it had in store and to encourage extra bookings. And 40 is a very respectable number to have for Christmas lunch - especially in August.

time to party

While other hostelries might not have been actually carving the turkey for customers at the same time as The Wylde Green, there’s no doubting that they’ve been busy ensuring that when the time is right to party - they can rise to the call.

Bristol, being the exciting and energetic city it is, comes alive with a vibrant and diverse mix of nightlife every time the sun sets over the harbour and, during the Christmas period party groups - corporate or otherwise - from surrounding areas flock to the centre to celebrate in style at its award-winning restaurants, pubs and bars. The Midlands, as one would expect, is not spoilt for choice either with Birmingham and Nottingham in particular, enjoying reputations for being entertainment hot-spots, with people traveling in from miles around to parties at venues in their centres. But you don’t have visit urban hotspots to party on down. Every pub, restaurant and hotel worth its salt will be going all out to ensure your celebration will be one you remember until it’s time for the next one, with many offering packages involving overnight accommodation so guests can avoid falling foul of drink driving laws. Maybe just a small group tucking into some of the best gourmet food and fine wine a place can offer - well who doesn’t like to push the boat out at Christmas? Some establishments can offer real contemporary alternatives to reflect the party mood, such as food stations for added entertainment, or an eye-catching seafood bar or bowl food for a more sociable event. Always popular is the buffet spread in gaily decorated surroundings, followed by dancing into the early hours to tunes spun by the venue’s own DJ as many lay on dinner dances throughout the run-up to the big day. Others take a more restrained route, ending what is usually a grand meal with a live performance of seasonal music and carols by candlelight.

What ever way you want to party be it relaxed and restrained or all out in-your-face madness, somewhere out there is a venue for you.

31579 QPD:Mojito Events QPD 1pg 23/10/2012 11:06 Page 1

BIG SAVINGS THIS CHRISTMAS CORPORATE CHRISTMAS BAR SERVICES

When it comes to organising a cocktail party in the festive season, look no further than Mojito Events! We are the experts in mobile bars and cocktail entertainment for corporate events. We can even make sure that our mobile bars are lit in the appropriate festive colours! Our services are completely mobile and can be setup just about any place you desire, being the perfect choice for office parties and venues that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the facilities to provide cocktails. And when it comes to letting your hair down, our show bartenders can put on thrilling displays to get you and your guests in the party mood, as well as keeping glasses topped up with our signature cocktails and seasonal concoctions. Mojito bring everything you need to get the party started with complimentary champagne cocktails on arrival with our all inclusive bookings and of course a nice bottle of festive Duval Leroy Rose Champagne for the host/client. No matter how small or large of a team you have from the moment you pick up the phone you will have a dedicated account manger to help provide the right package full of Christmas goodies for you.

REQUEST A QUOTATION TODAY 0800 002 9172 www.mojitoevents.co.uk 82

31353 1pg:Layout 1 25/10/2012 10:30 Page 17

Park Inn Birmingham West provides a host of festive fun Whether it’s a work Christmas dinner, a big family lunch, a party night, or even a NYE knees up, Park Inn Birmingham West has it covered. With a range of packages to choose from, local residents and businesses can find the perfect celebration for them this Winter. Our modern and stylish RBG restaurant will be offering a range of dining packages all with high quality waiting staff and excellent prices. Guests can choose from a variety of menus, from three-course blow-outs to buffet style. For those who are keen to dance the night away after dinner, Park Inn Birmingham West is hosting a range of Party Nights, where guests will be able to take advantage of our bar, and party to the sounds of our resident DJ until the early hours of the morning. Accommodation is also available for party-goers who would prefer not to have to worry about getting home after their celebrations.

Highlights of activity at Park Inn Birmingham West include: • Delicious Festive Lunches served in our stylish RBG restaurant - £14.95 per person • Fabulous Disco Party Nights and Tribute Nights with festive buffet or three course meal starting from £18.95 per person

Want to know more? Pick up the phone and speak to our Reservations Team on 0121 609 9988. For further information please visit our website www.parkinn.co.uk/christmas or email us at info.birminghamwest@rezidorparkinn.com

• New Year’s Eve Champagne reception, gala buffet and dancing till 1am - £35.95 per person All Park Inn hotels are accepting bookings for Christmas events now. Call 0121 609 9988 for more details or pop in and pick up a brochure. Don’t forget to book early to avoid disappointment!

Christmas

2012

The staff at Park Inn Birmingham West looks forward to helping you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas at Park Inn by Radisson Birmingham West

Christmas Party Nights from £18.95 Festive Carvery Lunches from £14.95 Christmas Day Family Lunch £49.95 (5-12yrs £29.95, children under 5 eat free)

Boxing Day Lunch £16.95 New Years Eve Gala Dinner £35.95 New Years Eve Party Package £125 per couple

Book Now!

Brochures available at reception or visit www.parkinn.co.uk/christmas Park Inn by Radisson Birmingham West Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6RS 0121 609 9988 info.birminghamwest@rezidorparkinn.co.uk parkinn.co.uk/hotel-birminghamwest

pennyblacks

31358 2pg_Penny Blacks DPS 07/11/2012 12:58 Page 1

At £19.95 per person Sunday – Wednesday it represents outstanding value, but if you want to let your hair down, book on Thursday, Friday or Saturday when the resident DJ will be playing a mix of current dance and Old Skool tunes to get everyone in the party mood from 6pm to midnight, or on Saturdays from 9pm until 1am at £25.00 per person Thursday – Saturday. £20.00 per person throughout January. Penny Blacks is a comfortable cross between an old fashioned pub, wine bar and restaurant and serves a wide selection of drinks and food, in a premier canalside location, part of the prestigious Mail Box development in the heart of Birmingham.

Christmas at Penny Blacks Penny Blacks are getting ready for the festive season with a great 3 course Christmas party menu carrying on into January, featuring traditional favourites and some sparkling alternatives for those who are “all turkeyed out”.

Penny Blacks serve a range of Cask Ales, wines and beers from all round the world. Real Ale drinkers will find between 5 and 7 Real Ales on tap including, Hook Norton, St Austell and Church End. Their daily menu is a tasty mix of traditional favourites such as beer battered fish and chips, steak and ale pies, ribs, steaks and pasta, a range of burgers, ciabattas and wraps. Vegetarians are not forgotten with some delicious choices. The portions are generous and all their food is freshly prepared to order; you may need to wait a little longer, but its well worth it! Penny Blacks is a popular lunchtime venue for members of the Birmingham business community, and is an ideal meeting place. Try one of their Lunchtime Specials, Ciabatta and a drink, (125ml glass of wine, half pint beer or soft drink only) 12noon - 4pm, Monday – Friday £5.95. Nicola Roberts, General Manager, suggests trying another of their lunchtime offers from their 2 for 1 menu , including their delicious Burgers and Pies, and then each evening on week nights there is a different 2 for 1 offer on food, an example is 2 for 1 burgers on a Tuesday night or 2 for 1 Wings on a Thursday. There is always something going on at Penny Blacks, from Fizz Day Friday – a bottle of Prosecco for just £12.95 between 3 to 7 pm, to music from the resident DJ on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, plus various promotions on the web site www.pennyblacks.com.

COTSWOLD BUSINESS VILLAGE MORETON-IN-MARSH, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL56 0JQ TELEPHONE: 01608 650652 FAX: 01608 650452 EMAIL: cotswold.coffee@talk21.com WEBSITE: www.cotswold-coffee.co.uk

“A local company offering the complete beverage service” Cotswold Coffee Company Ltd are proud to be associated with Penny Blacks

31358 2pg_Penny Blacks DPS 07/11/2012 12:58 Page 2

Nicola Roberts, recommends some of their daily specials between 12 noon and 7pm, such as a pint of classic bitter, or Fosters lager, for £2.75, a pitcher of Pimms to share for £11.75 or, for a dare, a yard of ale at £13.50.

For a warm welcome, comfortable ambience and excellent service, Penny Blacks is well worth a visit. To make a booking or to find out more, ring Nicola or one of the team, on 0121 6321460

Everyone here at Heineken would like to raise a glass to Penny Blacks, we wish them continued success for the future... cheers!

If you would like Heineken to support your outlet, please call 0845 8787074 85

31378 1pg:The Terrace 01/11/2012 14:42 Page 1

THE

TERRACE RESTAURANT

The Terrace Suite

A warm traditional welcome, friendly service and good food await diners at The Terrace Restaurant, Brownhills, who are very excited about their new Privilege Card. The Privilege Card is a great offer to reward their valued clients; membership is free, and allows members to choose 3 courses from the Table d’Hote menu, on a 2 for 1 basis, meaning that a couple can enjoy lunch from Tuesday to Friday between 12 noon and 1, and dine between 6.30 and 7.30, for just £16 for two. The offer excludes drinks. The Table d’Hote menu offers a wide choice of fresh seasonal produce, and changes every two weeks. Sisters Anne Tucker and Rosemary Sherratt took over the well established restaurant in 2003, when the previous owner retired. They retained the name, many of the staff and the traditional style of menu that had become so popular in the area. Anne said: “If it’s working, why change it? We provide freshly cooked, traditional English food, which is what our customers want.” The sisters invested heavily in the behind the scenes areas, modernising and upgrading the kitchen and introducing a new electronic point of sale system. Diners’ orders are keyed in to hand held devices at the table, linked to the tills and the kitchen. Ordering is made simpler and smoother with much less margin for error, as the system immediately prints out the orders in the kitchen. The major benefit to customers is that instead of running backwards and forwards to the kitchen with orders, the friendly waiting staff can take more time to chat and discuss the menu. Diners always comment favourably on the team at the Terrace, many of whom have been with the business for years. The Head Chef, for instance, has been there for 20 years and was inherited when Anne and Rosemary bought the business, the Section Manager, Vicky, came as a youngster on work experience, and at aged 34 she is still there!

The business invests heavily in training, and rewards staff as they gain extra skills. Anne deals with recruitment and places great emphasis on personality, because as Rosemary says, “We can train for the skills we require, but you can’t train attitude.” This philosophy has proved very successful, resulting in a cheerful friendly team who enjoy dealing with people. The Terrace is available for private functions, and has celebrated with many of their regular customers through a succession of family occasions, birthdays, weddings, wakes, christenings and retirement parties. They remain open throughout the festive season with a lively programme of events and entertainment. Amongst which their 8 course Christmas Day lunch is so popular, that the following year is 50% pre booked, year on year, by returning clients.

Visit their web site www.the-terrace-restaurant.co.uk, for more information or telephone 01543 378291 to make a booking.

HENLEY REFRIGERATION LIMITED Unit 6 - Silver End Business Park - Brettell Lane - Brierley Hill - DY5 3LG

Henley Refrigeration Ltd are proud to support The Terrace Restaurant and wish them all the best for the future Call: 01384 571877 Visit: www.henleyrefrigeration.com

31522 QPD_Chamberlains Fish & Chips QPD 1pg 07/11/2012 11:43 Page 1

TALK about frying high within two years of opening, Chamberlains Fish & Chips is already taking on Rick Stein in a national competition. The upmarket fish and chip establishment, with full dine-in restaurant, will take on the TV chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous Padstow establishment, two well-known fish eateries in Whitby make up the 10 semi-finalists of the Best Fish & Chip Restaurant category of the prestigious National Fish & Chip Awards. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the only West Midlands chippy in the running for the overall award and the family owned business is now aiming to batter the competition to make it into January finals. It may be a young company, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an old hand at winning already. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were delighted to have won two awards at the 2012 national awards, including Best Newcomer to the Fish & Chip Industry and The King Frost Challenge recipe award, which was shortly followed by the Best Chippy Chips â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Midlands as part of National Chip Week,â&#x20AC;? says Simon Shaw who owns the business with Daniel Lynch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To get into the semi finals of the 2013 National Fish & Chip Awards is great news and a good pat on the back for our staff.â&#x20AC;? With its 76-seat licensed restaurant, disabled access and free parking, Chamberlainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, situated on the junction of Wolverhampton Road, and Hagley Road West, in Oldbury, has already established itself as Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier fish and chip venue and a real hit with locals and overseas visitors alike.

This really is the place for plaice - and so much more. What really sets it apart is the menu that features pan fried sea bass, salmon fillets with poached egg, homemade fish pie and mussels in Holdens brewery cider. There are also starters, desserts and non-fish main courses including award-winning pies from Bowketts butchers of Oldbury. And then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s those prize fish and chips. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone loves fish and chips and people will travel miles for good quality,â&#x20AC;? insists Simon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We serve ours like you get at the seaside; in a light and crispy batter, with homemade mushy peas, crusty bread and butter and a pot of tea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real treat and one that is enjoyed by many customers who come to us every week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Birmingham is not normally associated with traditional fish and chips so it is great to be able to represent the city at the national awards and be judged alongside the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest.â&#x20AC;? So look out Rick Stein - you may have just had your chips.

Chamberlains is open seven days a week. For further information, including its restaurant and takeaway menus and details of any offers, visit www.chamberlainsfishandchips.co.uk. Alternatively telephone 0121 429 7709.

It has already featured in German travel magazines and was ranked by Trip Advisor at number 11 out of 1,325 restaurants in the West Midlands, based on value for money, quality of food, service and atmosphere. Not even 12 monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of roadworks right outside the doors, hampering access and blocking visibility could stop eager diners from flocking in, either to enjoy a meal in the restaurant or bring home a take-away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We knew that we just had to get customers to try Chamberlains the once to know they would come back on a regular basis,â&#x20AC;? smiles Simon.

3URXG WR VXSSRUW &KDPEHUODLQV )LVK DQG &KLS 5HVWDXUDQW ZZZ WTXDOLW\ FR XN 87

31460 1 pg:Primitivo Bar & Eatery 1pg 25/10/2012 16:50 Page 1

A Taste of the Continent. Primitivo is a stylish yet informal venue set in the heart of Birmingham, serving an interesting menu of freshly prepared, seasonal dishes with a special twist, and a wide range of fine international wines and beers. Primitivo is an independent company who have been established for 17 years, over that time they have built a great reputation for hosting a diverse range of parties and functions, being an independent they are able to provide great flexibility in both space and food and can tailor their offering to suit most needs. If you are having a big do, or just a small celebration, Primitivo offers a warm welcome and a thoroughly good time. Being closed at the weekends the entire premises can be made available for birthday parties, christenings, weddings, office parties or just a good old fashioned knees up! They can cater for up to 50 people for a sit down meal or up to 100 for a buffet. Prices start at £8.95 for a finger buffet and depending on your selection up to £17.95 for a really luxurious feast of hot and cold dishes. Their special Christmas Buffet including seasonal treats such as Turkey and Smoked Bacon Skewers, Chipolatas with Cranberry Sauce and Goats Cheese and Sundried Tomato Bites, is also priced at £17.95

Wishing Primitivo the very best from Red Rob Catering Supplies, Birmingham's number one catering equipment supplier 88

They are offering a special 3 course Christmas menu at £23.95, featuring some traditional favourites including Scottish Smoked Salmon with Celeraic Remoulade to start, Tornedo of Turkey Breast with Sage and Onion Stuffing Wrapped in Pancetta with Redcurrant Jus served with Pigs in Blankets as a main followed by Traditional Christmas Pudding served with Brandy Sauce. For those who prefer something different, try the Spicy Pumpkin, Red Lentil and Coriander Soup with Natural Yoghurt, followed by Fillet of Sea Bass with Roasted Vegetable, Plum Tomato and Basil Ratatouille rounded off with a dessert of Mixed Fruit Walnut and Whiskey Tart with Vanilla Mascarpone. Vegetarians are not forgotten; indeed they are catered for with style and imagination. Please visit the web site for the complete menus. Primitivo pride themselves on the quality and freshness of their food. They concentrate on using fresh seasonal produce sourced daily directly from the markets in Birmingham. They have a small but well designed “open” menu, which changes regularly. The food style is Modern British with a continental twist.

Please drop in for a drink and to sample their restaurant and bar menu, visit their web site www.primitivo-birmingham.co.uk for the full menus, email enquiries@primitivobirmingham.co.uk, or telephone 0121 236 6866 to make a booking.

31343 QPD:Carford Group 12/09/2012 09:42 Page 1

T H E VA U LT S BAR BIRMINGHAM’S MOST DISTINCTIVE SPACES If you're one of Birmingham's corporate high rollers or fashionconscious foodies, you'll already know The Vaults are dishing up a tantalising new global tapas menu, in the relaxed confines of their exclusive private booths. This trend toward more informal dining has allowed The Vaults to open their exceptional spaces for private hire, making it the ultimate destination for corporate events & personal celebrations. Infused with metropolitan vibes, it's where art & photography blend with signature exposed brick-work, bespoke furniture & a dusky colour palette.

GLOBAL TAPAS TASTER Now you can pick & mix from tempting taster portions prepared with the same flair & imagination associated with The Vaults. Graze to your heart's content on dishes like seared tuna loin with rocket & roast garlic dressing or grilled goats cheese with aubergine, peppers & pesto. The choice is endless, global, & inherently tasty.

Occupying the vaulted underpinnings of an imposing Victorian building, this spacious subterranean escape is steeped in history. Part of the Jewellery Quarter’s rich cultural heritage, it was once a wirehouse, a brewery & is rumoured to have been a work-house. Its distinct personality gives any event a flavour of its own. Perfectly poised on the edge of the financial district this exclusive venue is already utilised by the likes of Harvey Nichols, Jones Lang Lasalle, Britvic and Cadburys. CORPORATE AFFAIRS Conferences & meetings, Exhibitions, Press conferences, Product launches, Annual events & dinners, Charity events etc PRIVATE CELEBRATIONS Weddings, Christenings, Bar mitzvahs, Hen & stag parties, Divorce parties, Graduations etc LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCES Fashion shows, Photographic shoots, TV & video shoots, Exhibitions, Swishing parties etc THE VAULTS PACKAGE Distinctive & unique surroundings, Bespoke mix & match spaces, First-class food & beverages, Bespoke quotes for delegate day rates or evening hire, A dedicated contact ensuring the smooth running of your event, Minutes from the city centre, Wi-fi.

For all enquiries don't hesitate to call 0121 212 9837 or drop us a line at hello@vaultsbirmingham.com

The Vaults Newhall Place Newhall Hill Birmingham B1 3JH MIX & MATCH DISTINCTIVE SPACES, OR HAVE IT ALL Soprano Room - 30 standing or 16 private dining Bacchus Room - 80 standing or 30 private dining Bacchus Rooms with 3 vaulted booths - 130 standing The Bar - 80 standing 8 Vaulted Booths – 120 standing

Open for global tapas, drinks & cocktails from Thurs to Saturday 5pm 'til late. Available for private hire any time; please call for a bespoke quote.

www.vaultsbirmingham.com

GLOBAL TAPAS . PRIVATE HIRE . DEBONAIR LOUNGE VIBES . BESPOKE SPACES 89

31195 QPD.:Carford Group 12/09/2012 12:51 Page 1

The

Wagon Wheel Down a country lane between high hedges redolent with the scent of blackthorn and fringed with cow parsley, in the Worcestershire village of Grimley, nestles a traditional black and white building, The Wagon Wheel.

ranging from good old fish and chips through to halibut meuniere, followed by an indulgent sweet or coffee, there is something to please everyone. Bar meals are available every lunchtime and in the evenings from Monday to Saturday. For a real treat, however, visit the restaurant, and step back in time to the very best of the 70’s, where the theme of well cooked food and excellent service is maintained in the fully air conditioned restaurant. Crystal glasses, crisp white table linen, fresh flowers and gleaming silverware signal a treat in store. In addition to the al a carte menu the Wagon Wheel offers a fixed price lunchtime menu of either two or three courses with coffee, and an all inclusive 3 course dinner menu from Monday to Friday.

A 15th Century, picture postcard Public House, and Restaurant set in attractive gardens with a large car park has immediate appeal. In the summer months the colourful hanging baskets and the fragrance of lavender from the gardens contribute to the building’s old world charm. The interior of the building maintains the theme, with beams, small paned windows and dark oak furniture, a large extension blends seamlessly with the inside of the original building. When Guiseppe and Julie Juliano took over the business 25 years ago the restaurant was in the second bar area, but this cosy beamed room now doubles as a private area for family functions or small celebrations when required.

The service is impeccable, and the menu extensive. A superb range of dishes, including melt in the mouth steaks, are cooked over burners in the restaurant by Mr Juliano himself with expansive Mediterranean flair and gusto contributing a sense of theatre to any occasion. The silver sweet trolley, tall and fully laden with a choice of wonderful home made desserts and a selection of carefully chosen cheeses, doesn’t disappoint either.

The bar carries an interesting selection of beers, local ales, and a comprehensive list of wines, spirits and soft drinks. The Wagon Wheel is popular locally for bar snacks, and light lunches as all the food is homemade and freshly prepared from local ingredients whenever possible. The bar food is displayed on a blackboard and patrons can choose from a delicious bowl of soup, a sandwich, jacket potatoes, steak and chips, omelettes, salads, pasta dishes, curry or perhaps a casserole, and fish dishes

The Wagon Wheel is always very busy for Sunday lunches, as children and families are made very welcome, with a good selection of roasts on offer; and yet again, a touch of theatre being provided by the domed silver trolley from which the roast beef is carved. The Wagon Wheel is an ideal venue for a small wedding reception, family party, or special occasion. Booking is essential for Sunday Lunch, and Christmas, and is advisable for Fridays and Saturdays.

Please visit their web site for more information

www.wagonwheel.co.uk Telephone 01905 640340 90

D E S I G N

P R I N T

M A I L

Banners

Menus s e r u h c o r B

Leafle ts

T-Shirts Letter heads

Pens

F I N I S H

Flyers Folder s

s d r a C s Busines

Newsletters Mugs

s d r a c t s o P es n i z a g a M

Key-R ings

TEL 0121 457 4810 EMAIL sales@heronpress.co.uk WEB www.heronpress.co.uk

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

Edition35 The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

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

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

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