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Voice&VisionofSurreyBusiness| January-February 2014 www.surrey-chambers.co.uk | £3.95 (where sold)

Technology and Engineering See centre pages

Have Your Say:

Spotlight On:

Chamber Events:

Work survey reveals ‘stressed staff ’ pg 6

This edition we focus on Woking pg 18

Book your place now! pg 37

Contents

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Voice & Vision of Surrey Business January-February 2014 www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

Welcome to theChamber from our Chief Executive Louise Punter

It has been a month of launches with two new key services becoming available within Surrey. Invest in Surrey (investinsurrey.co.uk) is a new initiative to enable Surrey to respond to business investment enquiries, for those firms looking to relocate into the county from either other parts of the UK or Foreign Direct Investments. Surrey has a long and successful history as a premier business location for multinationals as well as large, medium and small enterprises. In the past we have been successful in attracting new businesses to locate into the county.

However, over the last decade we have not had a service to actively manage enquiries or indeed promote Surrey and with the effect of globalisation this needed to be addressed. Surrey Connects has taken the lead to create a new inward investment service to help ensure the continued success and vibrancy of the Surrey economy.

In a similar vein we at the Chambers have launched www.exportbritain.org.uk which has been set up to maximise the connections for businesses looking to promote their products and services overseas.

By bringing together information and reports, direct links with other countries and details of Trade Missions going out of the UK the chances of our local businesses growing their sales abroad have doubled.

Our new website and the chance to speak to our Surrey Chambers International Trade team have overcome the biggest barrier to potential exporters, which is knowing where to start. We are poised to help them. www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

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Introduction Chamber News Member News Business News 24 Hours With...

Ask the Expert Spotlight On...

Cover Feature Big Interview

Editorial and General Enquiries

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Patrons View Business News Chamber Chatter Chamber Events International Trade Chamber Chat New Members Member Benefits Movers & Shakers

Production Manager

Surrey Chambers of Commerce Unit 14a, Monument Way East, Woking, Surrey GU21 5LY Tel: 01483 735540 Fax: 01483 756754 Email: info@surrey-chambers.co.uk

Fern Badman Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: studio@benhampublishing.com

Chief Executive: Louise Punter Finance: Caroline Cherryman

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Media No.

Editor Ella Parkes Tel: 01483 735545 Email: marketing@surrey-chambers.co.uk

Publisher Benham Publishing 4th Floor, Orleans House, Edmund St, Liverpool L3 9NG Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

Published December 2013 Š Benham Publishing

Advertising and Features Jane Gercken Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: janegercken@benhampublishing.com

Disclaimer The Chamber is published for the Surrey Chambers of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members in the county. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Surrey Chambers.

Views expressed in The Chamber are not necessarily those of Surrey Chambers of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. Š 2013.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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Introduction

A word from our

President

Field work for the fourth Quarterly Economic Survey for 2013 has just been completed by Surrey Chambers of Commerce and results from Q3 showed further improvement, with manufacturing recording particularly strong progress.

For both manufacturing and services, most key balances are stronger than in Q2, and all the critical balances are now stronger than their long-term historical averages. In both sectors, many key balances are higher now than their prerecession levels in 2007. Several key manufacturing balances and percentages are at all-time highs for the survey: domestic sales, employment and employment expectations, cashflow, turnover confidence and full capacity.

However the survey did show several key balances are lower in other sectors than in 2007: employment expectations, cashflow, investment, and profitability confidence. Inflation is the biggest area of concern for businesses, and intentions to raise prices strengthened.

Overall, the Q3 results show a strengthening recovery and this is something we are keen to see develop in the Q4 results, however we must not be naive to the risks that persist.

Q3 reinforced the importance and strength of our manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors for the British economy. However the future success of these sectors will rely on active government and Chambers support for exporters and an improvement in the availability of finance for growing firms.

In order to help fill this gap, the British Chambers of Commerce has announced the launch of a new website designed to support businesses at every stage of their export journey. Export Britain showcases opportunities in key international markets, and links UK exporters to support available. For more information visit www.exportbritain.org.uk.

Kevin Hurley – Police and Crime Commissioner I believe in a zero-tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour.

What that means is the authorities always doing something about a problem when they encounter it, not ignoring it. It means going out of our way to make the lives of antisocial yobs and criminals difficult at every turn.

There are all manner of laws and powers available to the authorities to crack down on the sort of persistent antisocial behaviour that can ruin communities for the law-abiding majority – noise, littering, speeding, fly-tipping, illegal parking to name just a few.

It is clear to me however that we can do better with the resources we have to bring those powers to bear against problem families, businesses and individuals more quickly and robustly.

I am now in discussion with the police, councils and other agencies to look at how we can pool our resources – bringing together our people with powers of enforcement, such as environmental health, trading standards, planning, health and safety, the police – into joint enforcement teams able to tackle complex antisocial behaviour problems from every possible angle.

We should let nothing get in the way of enforcing the law against wrongdoers. By working together, it is my hope that we can bring the full weight of the law down against the small minority who ruin the lives of others with their selfishness and irresponsibility.

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ChamberNews

The High Sheriff of Surrey, Trade and manufacturing figures show challenges persist, says Dr Helen Bowcock British Chambers of Commerce

I am already half way through my year as High Sheriff and in the last six months have had the great privilege of visiting many different organisations and have presented a number of awards.

It was a particular pleasure to be invited as guest of honour at SATRO’s ceremony at County Hall in September presenting bursaries and awards for apprenticeships and university study. I also attended their Festival of Science and Engineering at Brooklands Museum and have a better appreciation of the considerable economic and social value delivered by this Surrey charity.

In promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in schools SATRO is making these subjects accessible and appealing to primary and secondary pupils to help to address a significant skills shortage and to prepare young people for employment. This is an organisation that works hard to understand the recruitment challenges faced by Surrey businesses and to encourage pupils to take advantage of apprenticeships that are available. It also invests in training volunteers as mentors to work in schools and is keen to increase its involvement with those most at risk of unemployment. At a time when much of its government funding has come to an end SATRO has proved itself to be resilient in opening up new sources of revenue with a sharp focus on delivering value to businesses.

Another Surrey charity that is proving its worth in developing local skills and employment opportunities is Watts Gallery. Several new apprenticeships have been created in areas such as marketing and catering. The Gallery’s Learning Department is working closely with Surrey Youth Support Service to help young people most at risk of unemployment and offending. The restoration of The Watts Studio will create further employment and greater capacity to extend this valuable work. SATRO and Watts Gallery are great examples of Surrey charities that contribute in their respective ways to socially responsible economic development.

• Manufacturing output in August 2013 was -1.2% on the month, -0.2% on the year • In the three months to August 2013, manufacturing output rose by 1.2% compared with the previous three months • The UK deficit on trade in goods and services was £3.3bn in August, compared with a deficit of £3.4bn in July • There was a deficit of £9.6bn on goods, partly offset by an surplus of £6.3bn on services Commenting on the production and trade figures for August 2013, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) said: “The figures were disappointing for both trade and production, but monthly figures can be erratic. The more meaningful three-monthly comparisons support our view that the UK economy is on course to record strong growth in the third quarter of 2013. The recovery will be a long and difficult process, and it is expected that there will be occasional setbacks along the way.

“The manufacturing sector is still facing many challenges, but we know from our survey that many firms are enthusiastic, confident, and looking to expand and drive the recovery, as long as there is a supportive environment that fosters enterprise.

“The trade figures continue to demonstrate the importance of diversifying our exports outside the EU. While progress is being made, the pace of rebalancing towards net exports is still inadequate. There is huge untapped potential among British exporters, and the government must do more to help those firms enter new export markets. This will help them to compete on a level-playing field in areas such as trade finance, insurance, and promotion.”

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ChamberNews

Work survey reveals UK is nation of ‘stressed staff’ We are a nation of stressed staff - eating lunch ‘al desko’ as well as working overtime, through holidays and even when ill, according to new research.

Scottish workers are the UK’s most stressed workforce (71 per cent) compared with Wales who were the least with just 52 per cent. Two thirds (66 per cent) of the North West / West Midlands say they are stressed and 69 per cent of the Yorkshire & Humber workforce.

Further findings from the survey include: • Water is the nation’s drink of choice in the workplace, followed by coffee and then tea • Richard Branson is the UK’s ‘dream boss’ • Of those that find their current job stressful, 47 per cent choose to spend time with family to unwind after work, while 31 per cent opt for exercise…

The Big Work Survey of 2,000 UK working adults and 500 senior decision makers across Great Britain found 64 per cent of us admit to being stressed at work.

The research, conducted by YouGov on behalf of health insurance provider Westfield Health, found 82 per cent of employees had worked over their contractual hours in the last 12 months and three-fifths (59 per cent) admit to turning up despite being ill because of work commitments.

Nearly half of us (46 per cent) eat lunch at our desk/place of work - and 54 per cent don’t take breaks (other than lunch) on a typical day – with 29 per cent revealing they have even missed longer breaks by cancelling annual leave because of work commitments.

And our colleagues don’t always help reduce our stress levels, it seems, with the top three workers’ annoying habits rated as regular lateness, gossiping and loud talking.

Westfield Health Executive Director Paul Shires said: “There are certainly positive signs to be found in this survey, with the majority of employees saying they like their jobs.

Meanwhile, 95 per cent of senior decision makers believe workforce health is important to the success of their organisation. But it is shocking to hear more than a quarter of workers have cancelled holiday time because of work pressures.”

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• … but worryingly, more than a third (35 per cent) try to counter stress by drinking alcohol and 27 per cent admit to comfort eating.

Westfield Health’s Chamber Primary Health Plan, which is available to all members of Surrey Chambers of Commerce offers a full confidential counselling service, which includes a 24 hour counselling and advice line, as well as up to six face to face counselling sessions or CBT sessions.

For more information about the Chamber Plan, visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber or call 0845 602 1629, available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

MemberNews

Critical moment for South East Family Businesses explored by Charles Russell’s Guildford office A recent international survey of family businesses has highlighted a worrying trend for future economies with less than half of those surveyed planning to pass on their business to the next generation.

According to the 2012 PwC Family Business Survey of just under 2000 familyowned businesses, less than 50% plan to pass on their business onto their offspring, citing problems such as the lack of aptitude or appetite of the younger generation and fear of family disputes and pressures as some of the main factors.

Family businesses account for two in three private sector enterprises in the UK economy, providing jobs to 9.2 million people and contributing almost 25% of the UK’s GDP.

“Family businesses play a vital role in creating jobs and a stable economy" explained Duncan Elson, of Charles Russell’s Family Business advisory team in Guildford, “The apparent reluctance to pass on the family firm is a worrying statistic, even more so for the South East region which has the UK’s highest number of family businesses at 499,000, beating London at 466,000.* It is essential that professional advisers to these organisations are really well equipped to guide their clients through these challenges".

Top 50 law firm, Charles Russell, focused on these issues for family businesses and succession planning at their inaugural Family Business conference at Guildford’s G Live this month. The launch event, held in conjunction with advisory organisation Family Business Place, provided a unique

Chapters Financial expands with new additional office in Woking Chartered Financial Planning Company, Chapters Financial Limited, has expanded its business base by securing a new additional office in Crown Square, Woking. Following the introduction of the new regulatory requirements for the provision of financial advice to individuals, charities and businesses/ SMEs at the beginning of 2013, Chapters Financial has seen greater demand for its service proposition.

With a greater number of enquiries and referrals being received, an increased geographical presence has been implemented to expand the business across Surrey into the future.

Esther Dadswell, Director of Chapters Financial confirmed ‘2013 has been an excellent year for our company. With greater confidence from both individuals and business owner/managers as we move

into an economic growth phase, we felt the timing was right to expand our independent financial planning offering to other areas of Surrey. The new acquisition of a Woking office suits the growing need we have

opportunity for professional advisers involved in working with and providing advice to family businesses, to listen to business leaders’ experiences of establishing, managing and passing on their family businesses. The hosts were joined by Gary Grant, founder of The Entertainer, the UK’s leading independent Toy shop and Michael and Mark Williams, successful entrepreneurs who have guided their 100 year old family firm based locally in Surrey into its third generation, who will offer an insight into the realities of the challenges they have faced.

For further information about Charles Russell’s Family Business Group please contact Duncan Elson on 01483 252 525 *UK Family Business Sector, Oxford Economics, November 2011 experienced over the last 9 years of business and we look forward to the new opportunities ahead. Our recent BS8577 certification, one of only 12 companies in the UK, will also help us with the delivery of high standard service to our clients and enquirers. We also look forward to adding to the community of Woking as we establish our brand in this additional location.’

The new Woking office will be based at One Crown Square and will be fully operational from Mid- October.

For further information please speak to Esther Dadswell or Keith Churchouse on 01483 578800. More information can be found at the Chapters Financial website, www.chaptersfinancial.com.

Chapters Financial Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, number 402899.

Twitter: @ChaptersMoney

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MemberNews

Catching up with Landlords’ Income Tax As you may have seen or heard in recent advertisements, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) are stepping up their attempts to ensure that everybody pays the correct amount of tax.

A number of campaigns have been launched, the latest of which is their Let Property Campaign, which is set to run for 18 months.

Under the terms of the campaign, landlords who have previously failed to inform HMRC that they have received rental income may make a disclosure and get the opportunity to bring their tax affairs up to date with reduced penalties.

It is estimated that there may be as many as 1.5 million such landlords, and as HMRC are now actively reviewing Land Registry data with a view to identifying them, it seems that the prophetic wording

in their advertising may very well come to fruition.

The disclosure procedure involves selfassessing what is owed, including interest and penalties.

The calculation of penalties is initially along the lines of what is deemed appropriate, which may be as little as 15% (or even less) of the tax not previously paid over.

However, this is in the form of an offer and may or may not be agreed by HMRC. Certain guidelines are given to reduce penalties to take into account factors of disclosure, co-operation and severity.

However, if penalties are levied on the

basis of HMRC’s discovery, they can be based on as much as 100% of the tax not previously paid! In view of this, coming forward and making a voluntary disclosure is strongly encouraged.

Although the campaign is not exactly an amnesty, the charges that will be levied on the basis of such a disclosure are clearly considerably less than might otherwise be the case.

If this campaign is relevant to you, and you need to make a disclosure, please get in touch with your usual Ward Williams contact or email jamie.roth@wardwilliams.co.uk

Ten useful Tips on preparing your home for the autumn and winter months ahead from Grillo LLP Chartered Surveyors, Godalming

1. Check the roofs. Have any broken or missing tiles or slates replaced and other damage repaired. Keeping the rain out is one of the most important things you can do.

2. Clear out leaves, moss and debris from rainwater gutters, downpipes and gullies. Reset any displaced joints.

3. Birds, squirrels, rats and mice can displace the insulation in the roof, and so can we humans when rummaging

about. So, check the insulation and consider increasing it, as this could help keep down your heating bill.

4. Have the boiler and heating serviced and check that all thermostats and programmers are working and set at a sensible temperature. And when the house is unoccupied, turn the temperature down. Again this will save on heating bills.

5. However, if you have a large old brick or stone house with thick walls, don’t let the structure get cold as it will take a lot of energy to rebuild a comfortable temperature. Doing so may cause condensation on the walls, which sometimes results in mould and spores. These can prove a hazard particularly for those with breathing difficulties and should be avoided.

6. As to keeping the heat in your home, ensure outside doors and the windows fit well and consider fitting draught proofing strips where there are gaps between the frames. Keep doors inside

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the house closed to reduce heat loss from unnecessary air circulation.

7. Don’t forget the curtains. Draw them after dark and use thicker ones, if windows are single-glazed.

8. Keep South-facing curtains open during the day to take advantage of the sunshine, which will help heat the house.

9. Check the woodwork on windows and repair now if necessary. Otherwise, there will be a risk of penetrating damp affecting the interior of the house.

10. Lastly, check the paintwork on the window frames and redecorate before the weather deteriorates. Thorough preparation of the surfaces and use of good quality paint is key to providing a lasting finish. By November, the best painting weather will have passed so act now if you need to.

Grillo LLP Chartered Surveyors, Godalming are at www.grillollp.com and on 01483 860 600.

MemberNews

Specialist funder launches to help SMEs become more energy efficient ReEnergise Finance signs agreement with SI Capital to seed dedicated fun.

ReEnergise Finance, the independent and specialist financial services provider has announced the launch of its own ‘intelligent’ finance fund, ReEnergise SmartEnergy Finance. The fund is the first dedicated commercial finance vehicle aimed solely at providing funding solutions for SME businesses seeking to become more energy efficient.

The launch of the fund follows the signing of an agreement in July 2013 between ReEnergise Finance and SI Capital, a fastgrowing private equity fund manager principally focussed on renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities, whereby SI Capital will provide initial funding for ReEnergise SmartEnergy Finance.

ReEnergise SmartEnergy Finance will initially provide access of up to £5 million capital, although there will be no upper limit to the size of the Fund, for UK-based public and private sector SME organisations seeking to undertake energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The Fund will target businesses that want to improve their energy efficiency or invest

in renewables but have been hampered by finding appropriate finance or independent advice. The Fund should appeal to a broad cross-section of businesses but it expects to see most interest from energy intensive manufacturing or process businesses, landowners including agricultural and Estates Managers, schools, care homes, leisure centres and hotels. ReEnergise Finance will also work in partnership with specialist building services businesses who are working on large scale energy reduction programmes for their owneroccupier, landlord or tenant clients.

Typically the Fund will work with companies that want to fund projects valued at between £25,000 and £250,000. This includes projects involving technologies such as biomass, solar PV, solar hot water, wind turbines, anaerobic digestion and ground/air-source heat pumps. In addition, the Fund will support the financing of broader measures designed to improve energy efficiency within a business including the upgrading of lighting, insulation, building management and monitoring systems, voltage optimisation and upgrades and efficiency improvements

to process and manufacturing machinery.

“Businesses are facing many challenges today”, states Adam Hewson of ReEnergise. “To remain competitive, businesses will be continually reviewing their cost lines. Increasingly, expenditure on energy is fast becoming a critical factor in overall business profitability. The imperative is to reduce energy use (and therefore costs) and to consider how energy efficiency and cheaper, sometimes subsidybacked, renewable energy generation can lower energy costs in the medium term. Our fund is designed to enable SMEs to manage energy more proactively, improve business performance and enhance their bottom line."

For more information, call 01428 608462 or visit http://reenergisefinance.com.

Rising star shines at Smith & Williamson A rising star at Smith & Williamson, the accountancy and investment management group, has achieved third place in the Annual Order of Merit, Professional Stage, 2012 in the area of the South Eastern Society of Chartered Accountants.

Corrinna Loveless, a corporate tax trainee in Smith & Williamson’s Guildford office, has achieved the third highest mark on average across the six exams in the South Eastern area.

The ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification, the ACA, is one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available. The qualifications prepare candidates with the necessary skills to excel in the financial and accountancy sectors.

After graduating from the University of Surrey with a degree in Law, Corrinna worked at a law firm in Guildford for a year before joining the Smith & Williamson graduate programme in September 2011 and she is currently undertaking her three year placement as a tax trainee.

Corrinna said: “I still have to pass my case study next month but I’m looking forward to qualifying hopefully by the end of this year. I am excited to see what the future holds for my career in tax as well as starting on the CTA qualification.”

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MemberNews

Copywriting for the web A recent webinar by the Chartered Institute of Marketing provided some great tips about copywriting for the web, which is an art in itself. But, it’s very easy to forget rules, to create text for creating’s sake and to lose your original aims and objectives as you write.

We live in an ‘on demand’ world. So, we need to adopt that ‘on demand’ thinking in our website copy. According to the webinar you have less than 60 seconds to engage a reader on your website before they leave. Your copy, therefore, needs to be snappy and well spaced. It needs to be easy to scan and easy to see how to get more details if needed. But avoid the use of ‘click here’. We’re all used to hyperlinks now.

How many times do you get carried away when writing? Do you lose yourself in your own messaging quickly? If you do, then your readers will too. Paragraphs should have less than four lines of text to engage the reader and encourage them to carry on.

When planning for your web copy, think about why the reader is there. Did they reach your page because they are looking for something in particular? Or did they reach the page because you have a great inbound campaign running? So, once you’ve got the reader, you need to avoid boasting about your company – it’s irrelevant and that’s not why the reader is there. Don’t laugh, but some companies still do that and it’s a big no-no.

Avoid using superfluous words. Keep it short. Don’t use a million and one words, to say something you can say with a few. It’s easy to get bogged down in the detail, so step back and review with fresh eyes.

Diana Tucker Director, Marketing Fusion Ltd. Chair, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Surrey Branch Follow us on Twitter: @cim_se Join our LinkedIn group: CIM Surrey LinkedIn Group or, for more details about CIM – membership, training, and events: Chartered Institute of Marketing

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TECHNOLOGY TIP IT - business overhead or profit centre Tony Richards Managing Director, Computer Strategies

We know IT is core to all our businesses, but how do you measure the return on your IT investment?

Your computer hardware – PCs & Servers are fairly easy to justify. PCs are now treated as commodity items and with the costs generally coming down we are genuinely getting fantastic value from our investment in computer hardware. A significant change in recent years that has impacted costs in the hardware arena has been hardware virtualisation and the reduction in power consumption. Server virtualisation means that multiple servers can run on one physical computer system, thus saving in hardware and electricity. Furthermore there are many operational benefits in using virtual servers.

Your computer software – Standard business applications – Word, Excel, Outlook. With virtually no competition the only real question is whether to keep up to date with the latest version or not? Software rental assists this decision, as the latest version is always available.

It is the business application software in your company that is harder to justify. So often businesses get so entrenched in their application software that their business cannot see life without it. It is important to check that this software is evolving to take advantage of new technical innovations and that it is still satisfying the business needs of all your users.

We recently helped a client move his critical business application software to a new set of more appropriate products. Within days the users were far happier with the new application. The cost was only a very small percentage of the former software so it was a win/win solution all around.

Do not assume you have to live with your old bloated application software for life. Continually review what else is available.

If you would like any help to review your systems please contact us.

Tel: 01483 238260 or visit www.computerstrategies.co.uk

MemberNews

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MemberNews

A bumper summer conference season for Royal Holloway In the first two weeks of Royal Holloway’s summer conference season, almost 10,000 guests were welcomed onto the picturesque campus, of which just short of 4,000 were residential.

Clients came for a variety of activities from conferences, day meetings and language schools, to B&B bookings, weddings, functions and self-catering lets.

By the end of the season, Royal Holloway accommodated nearly 7,000 residential guests including those from HTC Europe, Fujitsu, Institute of Cancer Research and the King’s Singers. Working together with two language schools and the Arsenal International youth soccer festival brought guests from as far afield as Japan, Turkey and Kuwait to make Royal Holloway their home for the summer. At the same time, Royal Holloway is building a lasting legacy having served as an Olympics village in 2012, with several hundred athletes returning in June, competing in the Eton

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Dorney stages of the World Rowing Cup. Royal Holloway’s 4 - 5 star-rated campus accommodation ensures every guest is refreshed and invigorated, not just goldmedallists and world champions.

Ideally located in Surrey, Royal Holloway is situated just 2 minutes from the M25. The attractive 135 acre parkland campus is easily accessible and just 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport. The College is also situated on the mainline between Reading and London Waterloo.

With a wide range of conference facilities, from small meeting rooms to the modern 400 capacity Windsor Building auditorium, this allows flexibility and choice for event organisers. Royal Holloway can also provide stunning dining and banqueting facilities; the Victorian Founder’s Building provides a truly spectacular backdrop to silver service gala dinners and receptions.

Looking ahead, Royal Holloway will be opening up venues for Christmas party nights during the festive season, and still have some availability for residential conferences in January and April.

MemberNews

Creating effective emailers Clients often ask us how to make the most out of emailers that they send to clients and prospects. There are a few key things that you should bare in mind when putting your email together.

Did you know that the highest open rate on desktops is Wednesday morning?

Weekend emailers are mainly opened on tablets / smartphones – this is just something to bare in mind when planning your campaign.

Make sure your campaign is tablet / smartphone friendly – ensuring your emailer looks good and fits on the screen.

Place your call to action clearly at the top of your email, making it easy for prospects to get in touch.

If you’re thinking of doing an email campaign please do give us a call if you need some help. We offer great monthly deals for email campaigns to help you keep in touch with your clients regularly.

If you would like to discuss your email campaigns please get in touch with us 01932 885885 try_us@bulletcreative.co.uk www.bulletcreative.co.uk

Superfast broadband is changing the way we all use the internet When several users are on the same connection, it’s possible to upload photos, video files or complex graphics to the internet in seconds.

Employees and customers will be able to send and receive large files easily with less time spent waiting for complex web pages to download.

Video communication becomes more of a reality, allowing people to join from various locations, even internationally. And with an improved website presence customers will see and access services online, speeding up processes and reducing costs.

Fibre broadband makes cloud computing much more accessible, allowing online applications and data storage to be downloaded on a pay-as- a -per user basis, reducing hardware and software capital expenditure. Employees will be able to work more easily remotely, improving work life balance and reducing carbon emissions.

For businesses in Surrey it is estimated that trading online with superfast speeds will provide an annual £28 million boost to the economy.

Funded by Surrey County Council, BT and the Dept. of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and managed by a joint Programme team, Superfast Surrey is a ‘Big Build’ that promises big wins with the aim of making Surrey the best connected county in the UK. So, if you want fast, reliable, consistent access to the internet for leisure or business superfast broadband could be for you.

To find out more, and how to get it from a variety of Communications Providers (the companies who supply telephone, broadband and TV services), visit www.superfastsurrey.org.uk

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BusinessNews

HFS Milbourne supporting Surrey lawyers HFS Milbourne, ranked number one in the Guildford area for financial advice* has reinforced its long standing association with local lawyers by announcing plans to sponsor the Surrey Law Society (SLS), the voice of the legal profession across the county, for a fifth consecutive year.

As part of the sponsorship deal, HFS Milbourne will play an active role in supporting the SLS’s Continuing Professional Development programme, a series of specialist workshops aimed at lawyers who are continuing their education.

Each workshop provides best practice examples, problem solving and practical precedents so that those attending can apply their learning back at the workplace.

Drawing on their expertise in providing specialist advice in pension and divorce cases, HFS Mibourne will also keep lawyers up to date with new financial legislation through a series of advice columns in Surrey Lawyer, the SLS’s quarterly magazine.

Rod Milne, joint managing director of HFS Milbourne explained, “We offer a broad range of financial services covering everything from advice on pensions and divorce, wealth management and mortgages through to employee benefits and autoenrolment. So what we do is of interest to lawyers whether acting as professional advisors or as business owners”.

HFS Milbourne Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the FSA, and specialises in wealth management; pensions; finance on divorce; employee benefits and corporate financial planning.

For further information, visit www.hfsmilbourne.co.uk or call 01483 468888.

Medpharm opens new laboratory as business soars A drug development company has opened a new £500,000 laboratory and will create 10 new jobs with the support of a £350,000 business loan from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. creams, sprays, patches and powders that can be applied to the skin, inside of the mouth, finger and toe nails or inhaled.

The investment has enabled MedPharm to bring a number of functions in-house which it had previously outsourced, including testing new formulations and manufacturing, packaging and labelling batches of materials for use in clinical trials.

The new facility also allows an expansion of the company’s formulation performance testing capacity.

Adrian White (left), Managing Director of SME Business at Lloyds Banking Group, and Dr Andy Muddle (right), Chief Executive of MedPharm looking at an in vitro permeation experiment in the performance testing area of the new laboratory.

MedPharm, based in Guildford, UK, has expanded into a new building adjacent to its headquarters at Surrey Research Park, which it has fitted out with new laboratories and a small-scale manufacturing facility.

It works with many of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical firms to turn their drug discoveries into commercial products for transdermal and topical use, including

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Dr Andy Muddle, Chief Executive of MedPharm, said: “The opening of the new site is a huge milestone for our business, making it possible for us to offer a true onestop shop for formulation development, all provided in house.

“From a commercial perspective, we are very much open for business and have already received significant interest from companies looking to use our manufacturing capabilities to assist with their clinical trial requirements.”

MedPharm, which was founded in 1999 and employs 50 people, aims to double its current £5 million turnover within five years and believes the new facility will help it grow its market share.

*According to research company Touchstone, which collates new business data from respected industry sources, HFS Milbourne ranks number one in the Guildford area for financial advice and within the top fifty in the UK overall.

It develops products to treat diseases and skin conditions including skin cancers, psoriasis, dermatitis and moles.

Around 80 per cent of its revenues are generated overseas, with customers in the US, Europe, Israel, Japan, China and India.

MedPharm’s Chief Science Officer and Chief Operating Officer Prof Marc Brown said: “This new capability allows MedPharm to ensure a smooth transfer from development and preclinical studies to clinical manufacturing by taking all services in house on one site.

“This has the potential to significantly decrease project times and costs for clients.”

The new facility was officially opened by Adrian White, Managing Director of SME Business at Lloyds Banking Group on October 4.

Adrian said: “This new facility will be transformative for MedPharm and gives the company the resource it needs to keep growing its market share in an expanding industry.

“MedPharm is a dynamic firm which is winning customers across the globe and I am very pleased to be able to support its ongoing success story.

“This is a fantastic example of an innovative British business that is leading the world in its field and demonstrates the tailored support we are able to offer to our customers to help them take full advantage of growth opportunities at home and overseas.”

BusinessNews

The new BMW X5 has arrived at Vines of Redhill BMW is taking the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) even further into the realms of luxury cars with the introduction of the new, third-generation X5. BMW invented the concept of the SAV with the original X5 and is the global market leader in the segment, with more than 1.3 million sales of the previous two models.

The new X5, which went on sale from 16 November 2013, delivers major advances in design, luxury, comfort, versatility, efficiency, driving pleasure, safety and connectivity. It will be available with five TwinPower Turbo engines – four diesel and one petrol – a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and the option of two or four-wheel drive (sDrive and xDrive). In the UK it will be offered in SE or M Sport specifications.

More driving enjoyment with even greater efficiency BMW coined the phrase ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ because it perfectly summarises the character of the X5 – a car with the allroads, all-weather capabilities and the space and versatility of an SUV, with the driving enjoyment of a BMW. Those qualities are further advanced with the TwinPower Turbo engines, standard eight-speed automatic transmission and suspension personalisation options of the new model. At the same time these are accompanied by significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as a result of a raft of EfficientDynamics technologies. All engines already meet the EU6 emissions standard not due to be introduced until September 2014 The range will initially be made up of the xDrive30d, M50d and xDrive50i, available from November 2013.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder xDrive30d is 19 per cent more fuel efficient, with economy improved by 7.4mpg and CO2 reduced by 33g/km – despite power and torque increases of 13hp and 20Nm. The M50d, powered by a three-stage single turbo version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, is 12 per cent more efficient.

Consumption is reduced by 4.5mpg and CO2 emissions down by 22g/km, while maintaining its high power and torque outputs. The xDrive50i has a new-generation 4.4-litre V8 engine now incorporating VALVETRONIC variable valve timing as well as twin turbochargers. Power is improved by 10 per cent (41hp) and there has been a 50Nm increase in torque, but consumption falls by 20 per cent (4.6mpg) and CO2 emissions have been cut by 50g/km compared with the previous engine.

These three engines will be joined at the end of the year by a fourcylinder diesel – taking advantage of the new X5’s considerably

reduced weight and another six-cylinder diesel. The 2.0-litre fourcylinder turbodiesel engine is new to the X5 and appears in the sole two-wheel drive model, the sDrive25d, and the xDrive25d, which provisionally achieve fuel economy of 50.4mpg and 47.9mpg respectively. The respective provisional CO2 figures are 149g/km and 155g/km. The xDrive40d, with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, is expected to have average fuel consumption of 44.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 169g/km.

A lighter version of xDrive all-wheel drive The latest version of the BMW xDrive system, which intelligently manages the torque split between the front and rear wheels, has been enhanced for efficiency and now weighs 1.4kg less. It takes information about road and wheel speeds, steering angle and accelerator position to interpret the driver’s intentions and what the car is doing to calculate how to apportion engine torque. As a result it eliminates both understeer and oversteer to deliver improved cornering abilities. In combination with Dynamic Performance Control integrated into the rear differential, it can be even more finely controlled. It varies the drive split between the rear wheels – torque vectoring – for even further enhanced cornering capabilities and feedback.

All-wheel-drive models now include a 3D xDrive display giving realtime details of body roll and pitch in the central information screen, as well as a digital compass display.

Design: robust, dynamic, luxurious and functional The design of the new X5 is deliberately evolutionary – a modern and eye-catching update of the style which has made the car the global best-seller in its class – while the spacious interior with seats for up to seven people now offers even greater luxury and functionality.

The new BMW X5 will cost from £42,590 OTR* for an sDrive25d SE and from £44,895 OTR* as an xDrive25d SE. For more information and to book your test drive call Vines of Redhill today on 01293 831342 or visit www.vinesofredhillbmw.co.uk *On the road pricing based on provisional technical data. ** Test ride subject to availability and driver status.

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24HoursWith...

A day with Surrey Wildlife Trust Earlier this month, Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) hosted a golf day for corporate supporters keen to test their golfing skills in aid of local wildlife.

The one-day event took place on the challenging championship Foxhills Bernard Hunt Course, beginning with bacon butties and banter before several teams of four teed off for 18 holes to vie for top positions on the prize board.

Prize-giving followed – sponsored by Barlow Robbins LLP solicitors and Claire Dee Communications PR and marketing consultancy – with overall best individual performance going to SWT chairman Ron Pritchard. Supper in the award-winning Manor Restaurant rounded off the day.

Ron Pritchard, chairman, Surrey Wildlife Trust said: “It was a great day, enjoyed by all, and I would like to thank everyone for coming along and supporting us. Last year was our inaugural corporate golf day which proved very popular hence this second outing. I was here to defend my 2012 individual title and am very pleased to say it was a success. Here’s to next year!”

Helen Archibald, chairman, Barlow Robbins LLP, added: “We were delighted to support such a worthwhile local cause.”

To find out more about next year’s event and how your business can support SWT, contact Colin Greenwood on 07799 894147 or email One of the SWT golf day teams (left to right) Ron Pritchard, Steve Fice, Michael-Jon Andrews, Chris Wilkinson.

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colin.greenwood@surreywt.org.uk

AskTheExpert

Marketing... ...without advertising Advertising is the most direct form of marketing – but often the most expensive and least effective. So how can you develop a targeted marketing campaign that won’t cost the earth?

Ensure your website is up to date, with relevant and useful information. If you don’t have time to do this, get someone to do it for you.

Try social media - more people are using twitter, facebook than ever before – individually and through groups. Can you reach your customers this way?

Engage directly – don’t pass up an opportunity to touch base with existing and potential customers. Tell them about your good news – maybe a charity event, Christmas/New Year offers, a new launch.

Write a press release or letter and send it to your customers, the local papers and radio station.

There are many creative ways of raising awareness of your company to generate more business. The key is to decide who you want to reach and what you are going to say. Get this right and you’re on to a winner.

Get out there – run an event; could be informal Christmas drinks with client offers, or providing expert advice, or teaming up with a charity; ask existing customers to bring friends and spread the word; invite a local ‘celeb’ or guest speaker; give out goodie bags; publicise your event with local press, on your website, facebook and twitter.

Focus on your audience: Who do you want to reach? What do they do and read? Where do they go?

Network - through Chambers events and other networking groups; partner with professionals in a related field for a new audience.

Think about messaging: What do you offer that your audience needs? Think ‘benefits’ – put yourself in the mind of your customer and how you can match what they might want.

When it comes down to it, you don’t need 20 marketing ideas; focus on two or three good ones that fit you and your business and work at them.

Once you’ve focused on this, it’s time to develop some ideas to reach these customers:

Polly Fergusson, Hailhurst ltd

Start at home – does your website really represent your business?

Customers generally visit this first, so it mustn’t let you down.

PR and communications expertise email: polly@hailhurst.co.uk www.hailhurst.co.uk

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SpotlightOn

Spotlight on... Woking Woking Borough Council has awarded Skanska a four year total facilities management contract to maintain its public buildings and facilities across 63 locations These include the Council’s Civic Offices, Woking Pool in the Park and Leisure Centre, HG Wells Conference and Events Centre, The Lightbox Gallery and Museum and various car parks, day care and community buildings. The contract also includes the Woking Shopping complex, which consists of the Peacocks and Wolsey Shopping Centres and Export House. heart of Woking Town Centre, is one of the most energy efficient, green buildings in the borough, following a recent refurbishment by the company. Much of its electricity and heat supply comes from Woking’s own district energy centre, which considerably reduces the building’s carbon footprint.

Cllr John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “The Council is pleased to award its facilities asset management contract to Skanska, a locally based company with a reputation as a leading provider of innovative and sustainable facilities solutions. The Council will benefit from improved value for money across its facilities services, enhanced service levels, added value initiatives such as youth development and apprenticeship schemes, and a structured approach to environmental management. We look forward to a successful partnership with Skanska over the term of the contract.”

Skanska starts delivering facilities services from 1 November 2013. The contract, which runs until 2017, has the potential to be extended for a further six years.

Skanska will provide a range of mechanical, electrical and fabric services, as well as cleaning, window cleaning, shopping centre and car park security and pest control.

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Skanska has been based in Woking for many years and has supported the local community raising money for the Woking and Sam Beare hospices and working with local non-profits organisations. Skanska recently sponsored the Woking Tour Series, an exciting professional cycle race and participated in the novice event.

Hollywood House, Skanska’s office in the

Jo Lardent from Skanska said “This is a very exciting time for us. We are really looking forward to working with Woking Borough Council, who we consider to be a like-minded partner. By bringing together and managing these services, we will be able to provide a more cohesive and efficient service to the Woking community, delivering service, value and continuous improvement.”

SpotlightOn

Woking’s Best Bar None is revealed The bar was raised on Monday 30th September when the winners of Woking Best Bar None 2013 were revealed at an awards evening held at the H.G. Wells Conference and Events Centre.

Cllr Ashley Bowes, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Licensing, said: “Congratulations to all the winners of Woking Best Bar None 2013, those premises who have achieved their gold, silver and bronze certification and all those premises who took part in the scheme. A lot of hard work goes into Woking Best Bar None and I believe the scheme is important in ensuring that Woking remains a healthy and safe place to live, work and socialise.”

To register your interest in next year’s Woking Best Bar None, or to provide feedback on this year’s scheme, please contact Woking Borough Council’s Licensing Officer, Sam Marshall, on 01483 743650 or email sam.marshall@woking.gov.uk

The event, sponsored by Miller Brands UK and organised by Woking Borough Council, was held to celebrate and reward the responsible management of licensed premises in the Borough, with 31 local pubs, bars and restaurants registering for this year’s scheme.

More than 150 guests from local licensed premises joined the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Anne Roberts; Member of Parliament for Woking, Jonathan Lord; Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Licensing, Cllr Ashley Bowes and other distinguished guests to discover the winning premises.

The awards were hosted by 96.4 Eagle Radio presenter, Stuart Provan and the winners were: Miller Brands Overall Best Bar None The Cricketers Woking Advertiser Public Choice Award BED Bar Services to Licensing - Kate George of The Crown and Anchor

Best Restaurant - New Haweli Best Town Centre Pub - The Sovereigns Best Food Led Pub - The Cricketers Best Bar - Yates Wine Bar Best Local Pub - The Garibaldi Best Late Bar - BED Bar Jonathan Bennett, Head of Corporate Affairs for Miller Brands UK, said: “We have been proud to sponsor Woking Best Bar None for the second year. It’s at the heart of the community as it encourages responsibility within licensed premises, whilst ensuring a safe night-time economy.

Venues across the Borough have really got behind Best Bar None and an award lets patrons know they strive for the best possible standards.

“I’d like to extend my congratulations to all the winners of the scheme, particularly The Cricketers, who were awarded the Miller Brands UK Overall Best Bar None for implementing community initiatives and achieving the highest level of accreditation.”

Did you know?

Woking values and recognises the contribution businesses make to the creation of a vibrant economy and community.

The Council’s Economic Development Team and its partners are dedicated to supporting and partnering enterprise to attract investment and promote growth.

This is why the Council has developed an information portal for the business community, called Woking Works.

On the website, you’ll also find best practice examples and case studies for making your business more efficient, both environmentally and economically, in our Green Business Guide. Plus free help and advice on how to keep your business going should disaster strike, on the Business Continuity in Surrey website.

For more information visit www.wokingworks.co.uk

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BusinessNews

Students steal the show at Conference

Pictured from left to right: Harrison Sallans, Mel Farrelly and Mark Dinning.

Last week two Brooklands College students impressed over 130 delegates at the North East Special Educational Needs Conference, ‘Raising Achievement for All’.

The conference aim was to share information on the new reforms in Special Educational Needs. Harrison Sallans and Mark Dinning, were invited to speak and to answer questions at the conference on issues relating to their personal experience of having Special Educational Needs at school and at college. Speaking to a packed room of over 130 people they related their first-hand involvement in Special Needs education articulately and with humour. Their contribution certainly raised several laughs and resulted in a huge round of applause. Delegates attending also took the opportunity to express their admiration for Harrison and Mark, saying they were the ‘stars of the conference’.

Mel Farrelly, a learning support assistant from Brooklands College, who attended the conference with Harrison and Mark commented “I think both students have benefited greatly from taking part today, they took everything in their stride, including speaking with a microphone and their conduct was impeccable. They are both a credit to Brooklands College.”

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BusinessNews New exhibition explores the Surrey roots of the science fiction invasion theme H.G. Wells famously set the opening scenes of his classic book ‘War of the Worlds’ in Woking as the Martians land on Horsell Common and begin their invasion. ‘Alien Invasion’ a new, free exhibition at The Lightbox gallery and museum in Woking, Surrey, will explore the origins of Wells’ story and explore the huge impact it still has on popular culture. Featuring alien robots, movie posters, bicycles, rare books, a Martian tripod, an original Dalek, comics and hands-on activities, this family friendly exhibition takes the science fiction invasion theme back to its Surrey roots.

At the time Wells wrote ‘War of the Worlds’, he had been staying in Woking. While planning the book, Wells would ride his bicycle around Woking, planning which areas, landmarks and neighbours would be destroyed in the invasion. The exhibition features vintage bicycles in homage to the vehicle that helped Wells to plan his novel.

At the Manor House, consistency is everything!

In 2012, The Manor House Conference Centre, Godalming achieved a VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation from BDRC Continental. In 2013, we maintained the same level for the first two quarters and have now followed it up with the Accreditation for the third quarter, which ended in September.

The exhibition will look at the beginnings of science fiction and the theme of invasion. This will include exploring early invasion literature such as, ‘The Battle of Dorking’ a novella

by Sir George Tomkyns Chesney and H.G. Wells’ ‘War of the Worlds’. The influence of these early science fiction writers, especially Wells, had on science fiction as a whole will also be dealt with, looking at popular culture, literature, comics, television, radio and films; from 50s science fiction to more recent films such as ‘Attack the Block’ which employ the invasion theme.

The exhibition aims to explore not only the invasion theme in science fiction, but also, what science fiction means to you.

The final section will explore the fun side of science fiction. Visitors will be able to follow a trail of Martian footsteps to the giant ‘War of the Worlds’ inspired tripod which will preside over interactive Space Invaders and tripods and ladders.

The exhibition ‘Alien Invasion’ is on show until 19 January 2014.

BDRC Continental collect feedback to measure how likely the Manor House’s meetings customers are to recommend it. Of the nearly 360 hotels and venues nationally who took part in the scheme in the quarter, only 33 got the net promoter score of +70 or more necessary to win the Gold Standard Accreditation. Once again, the Manor House is the only venue to gain the accreditation in Surrey.

“We’re really pleased to have attained the VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation for the third quarter in a row” says Centre Manager Howard Canning, “the pressure in now on to gain the distinction for the last quarter and for 2013 as a whole. For our meetings customers, the VenueVerdict Gold Accreditation is a tremendous indication that their colleagues and peers are happy to recommend the Manor House’s facilities and services.” www.themanor.co.uk

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CoverFeature

Local Business Guru Helps Startup to Green Glory Dr Elaine Hickmott Surrey-based business advisor, strategy spokeswoman and Surrey Chambers Technology Ambassador is delighted to see one of her clients achieve national success with their green innovation.

SusMobil Ltd based in Uckfield, East Sussex, recently won a Green Apple Environment Award in the national campaign to find Britain’s greenest companies after competing against more than 500 other nominations in the Green Apple Awards.

Elaine has worked with Phil Edwards, Managing Director of SusMobil, from its earliest days to establish the strategy for the business. Phil told us, “Elaine has been a constant source of inspiration as we steered the company from our ‘eureka’ moment through to this, our second award for low-carbon innovation.

Working with her is always inspiring, and challenging; she encourages you to keep pushing forward to realise the true potential of the business. I’m convinced I could not have achieved this so early in our development on my own, which is testament to the value Elaine has brought to SusMobil”.

As a result of this Green Apple Award success, the company has been invited to have their winning paper published in The Green Book. This leading international work of reference on environmental best practice will allow others around the world to follow SusMobil’s example and learn from their achievement. They could also progress to represent their country in the European Business Awards for the Environment.

Elaine told us, “It is a pleasure to work with Phil and I am proud to have played a part in SusMobil’s success. The company is a great example of technology and creativity being combined to bring social and environmental benefits to urban mobility”.

For more information about Elaine and her work please visit www.eh-enterprises.com.

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Award winning consulting engineers and active members of the Surrey Chambers, The Stilwell Partnership recently celebrated 20 years in business Working closely with Architects and Planning Consultants, the practice specialises in resolving Local Councils’ highways, traffic and road safety concerns related to proposed building developments.

Quality accredited to ISO 9001:2008, the practice also designs and negotiates sustainable solutions to the drainage and flood risk objections of the Environment Agency to building developments.

These developments may range from a single property to an estate numbering hundreds of houses. Based in Ash Vale, near Guildford, the company recently celebrated a number of high profile projects amongst their many successes: Cheltenham Racecourse: At a projected £45 million, the development will be The Jockey Club’s largest single investment in facilities at the racecourse.

The Stilwell Partnership was appointed to provide Highway Engineering consultancy services, to support the passage of the Planning Application for this prestigious project. This support contributed to a successful conclusion, when Cheltenham Borough Council awarded Planning Consent in July 2013.

The Stage, Shoreditch EC2: A disused site in East London required extensive investment to recover and restore a Shakespearian theatre, buried 3m below ground level. The solution involved a multi-million pound regeneration scheme, spread over the 2.5 acres site.

Amongst other services, The Stilwell Partnership provided Transportation and Highways advice and a Car Park Justification report. By arguing special circumstances the practice persuaded the London Borough of Hackney to agree an enhanced car parking provision.

Full details of these and other project examples demonstrating the practice’s experience are available on: www.stilwell-ltd.co.uk.

Contact the Stilwell Partnership Director for Sustainability Philip Sheppard on 01276 700400, if you would like to discuss the technical challenges of your project.

CoverFeature

New Technology – New Skills Have you watched the thought-provoking TED talk by Matt Ridley, ‘When ideas have sex’? If not, I recommend that you do. He explores how the human race has evolved by developing ways of bringing together ideas and combining technologies.

This ‘collective brain’ as he calls it is dependent on our ability to communicate ideas and co-operate with others, not on how clever we are as individuals.

Take for example the mobile phone. An everyday object that has become an integral part of life and which, according to mobiThinking, has around 6.8billion subscribers worldwide. But no one person can make a mobile phone from scratch.

We need the oil extractors to feed the chemical plants who make the plastics. We need the software engineers to create the user interface, craft the functionality and create the apps.

It was with these thoughts of connectivity and the power of technology whirring in my head that I sat down to write this Technology Showcase. No matter which

area of science or engineering you examine, no matter which technological advances or amazing scientific feats you consider, people are at the centre of it all.

Not lone scientists experimenting amongst bubbling beakers or solo programmers coding away in dimly lit basements; groups of motivated, creative people working together to bring us the latest gadgets or make the world a better place.

A shining local example is the Technology Strategy Board funded EyeHub project in Guildford whose work on the safety and security of the Internet of Things is helping ‘make every day places safer and smarter’.

The cross-functional technology talent required to collaborate on projects like these certainly shows Matt Ridley’s ‘collective brain’ in action.

When you look at different teams of scientists and engineers working together, combining technologies and sharing ideas, it’s exciting. The possibilities and opportunities by default are endless. So why does it appear that there are still not enough young people taking a science and engineering route? And is this really the case?

Elaine Hickmott helps tech companies grow and thrive by adding strategy, creativity and drive. Find out more at www.eh-enterprises.com.

Professor Andy Hopper, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, wrote in The Huffington Post in June that there is a projected demand for more than two million engineers over the next two decades. Although it is difficult to predict accurate figures, comparing demand with supply shows a shortfall. But why? An interesting piece of work by the National Foundation of Educational Research highlights that many young people think science and engineering have limited career prospects and they are more difficult to study.

It is true that training and working in science and engineering requires professional development, evolving skills and an appetite for learning. They are not the type of subjects that require an hour a week at university or a two-day apprenticeship; they require commitment.

The issue of difficulty is of course relative.

We must show young people that they don’t need to be an academic genius to become an engineer or add value to the technology mix. Plus if they are prepared to make an effort the rewards can be amazing.

To help face these challenges organisations and individuals are doing great work to raise the profile and understanding of science and engineering.

SATRO, The Royal Academy of Engineering, STEM Ambassadors like Phil Edwards of Weald Technology and many more. As role models with real-life stories to tell they are helping inspire young people to be the technology connectors and creators of the future and give them insight into the exciting opportunities available in science and engineering.

Improving this two-way dialogue between business and education also increases understanding of the skills needed within our future workforce. A key factor recognised by Surrey Chambers of Commerce who launched their Engineering and Manufacturing Skills Forum. The output and comments will be used to lobby government and develop local business / education relationships.

Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions please drop me a line at elaine@eh-enterprises.com.

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BigInterview

Dispelling contactless payments security claims Early 2014 will see travellers in London able to use their contactless bank card on the Tube, but is this safe? Some parts of the media have incorrectly reported that contactless cards aren’t safe to use. Guildford-based Consult Hyperion, who has worked with Transport for London (TfL) to implement this system and with organisations such as Visa on contactless technology, knows that the media have got this wrong. Director Dave Birch explains.

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BigInterview

The safety of contactless payments continues to attract considerable attention. It has been covered in numerous articles in the press, and the casual reader can be forgiven for believing that the technology and payment scheme has not been thoughtthrough and security loop-holes remain to be “discovered”. But anyone attempting to extract personal information from a contactless card will find that the only information that can get their hands on is actually already printed on the front of the card: the card’s number and expiry date.

As most people are aware, contactless cards must be very close to readers before they can be read. The technology uses electromagnetic fields to power the card and communicate data.

This means that the technology can’t, as the newspapers seem to think, read someone’s card from the other side of a Tube carriage or on a bus going past. If I wanted to read your card number from your contactless card, it’s true that I could sneak a phone on to the Tube and try to wave it a couple of centimetres from your back pocket or your purse – without getting any funny looks — but it won’t get me any further than it would if I just looked over your shoulder when you are buying a coffee.

There have also been reports about eavesdropping on contactless cards. Some of the most recent work in this field has taken place at the University of Surrey in Ph.D research sponsored by Consult Hyperion and this has confirmed (disappointingly for some) that listening in on the conversation between someone’s contactless card and the “yellow button” on a bus is not a realistic attack.

Contactless cards, like “chip and PIN” cards, cannot be copied because the computer chip on them has security codes in it, and

Dave Birch, Director - Consult Hyperion

there’s no point trying to use that data to make counterfeit magnetic stripe cards, because the chips have different codes in them.

So despite the various perceptions out there that are reported on around contactless card payments, the fact that data that can be snooped on or eavesdropped is well-known but it is not enough, making the payment process secure. The use of contactless bank cards on the Tube is a faster and more convenient payment system that we should see implemented early next year.

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CoverFeature

ramsac continues expansion with graduate appointments to Commercial Team Surrey IT specialist continues its growth following move to larger new office Expert IT solutions consultancy ramsac has appointed graduates Caitlin Gardner and Andrew Head to it’s newly created commercial team. Caitlin joins as a marketing assistant, taking responsibility for supporting ramsac client events, developing customer communications and working on business development activities. Andrew joins as a Business Development executive and will be working on promoting the business and developing partnership relationships. commercial team supports the business and our clients by enhancing our external communications and providing clients and partners with tech and business news updates. These new appointments are a key part of our expansion which saw ramsac move to a new, larger office recently.” ramsac moved to its new state-of-the-art premises in Godalming in July. The move followed an impressive 20% growth during the 2012/2013 financial year, with a sustained 120% year-on-year growth over during its 22 years of offering unrivalled business IT support. Caitlin and Andrew join other recent recruits including Client Relationship team member Siobhan Lampard Whelan and Network Consultants Simon Clarke, Leo Euden and David Miles.

On accepting the role, Caitlin commented, “ramsac has offered me the chance to build a career in business and IT marketing, working alongside a team of specialists that fully understand the commercial as well as technical complexities of supporting business organisations. I am looking forward to taking the ramsac message to a wider audience, being at the heart of the drive to move onto the next stage of expansion and the brand’s evolution.”

The new appointments are a key part of ramsac forward-looking approach, as Commercial Director Dan May also commented, “We are excited to welcome Caitlin & Andrew to the ramsac family, they will be adding new ideas and passion to our team. We pride ourselves on making IT simple for our clients, which range from SMEs to big corporate organisations, charities and schools. Our

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BusinessNews

Chapters Financial expands with additional office in Woking Chartered Financial Planning Company, Chapters Financial Limited, has expanded with an additional office in One Crown Square, Woking.

With a greater number of enquiries being received, an increased geographical presence has been implemented to expand Chapters Financial further across the South East. With a strong business base in the Woking area and the increased demand for Auto-Enrolment pensions advice from employers, the new office is well placed to help service Workplace pension enquiries, amongst other areas of financial planning advice and implementation.

Esther Dadswell, Director of Chapters Financial, confirmed “2013 has been an excellent year for our company. We felt it

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growing need we have experienced and our recent BS8577 certification, one of only 12 companies in the UK, will help with the delivery of high service standards. We also look forward to adding to the Woking community as we establish our brand.�

For further information please speak to the team on 01483 330800 or visit www.chaptersfinancial.com

was right to expand our independent financial planning offering to other areas of Surrey. The new Woking office suits the

Chapters Financial Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, number 402899.

Twitter: @ChaptersMoney

PatronsView

Values should be contagious – are yours worth catching?

(Part 1)

By Gordon Bromley, Surrey Academy Chairman

Has your company “done values” yet?

Are they clearly written, published and embedded to the extent that they define and embody your company DNA? Do your staff know what they are? Does it matter?

Few topics dominate CEO conversations as frequently as the challenge of implementing values initiatives. This series of short articles will later address the challenges of values definition, introduction and effective embedding but first let’s be clear about what ‘values’ really are.

Reality check - you don’t create values, then laminate them... you look inside your organisation and discover them, then live them.

Your company already has its own ‘values’ whether you like it or not; think of them as “the accepted way we do things around here” and you won’t go far wrong. Your DNA will already comprise some positive values (accepted behaviours that help) and some negative values (accepted behaviours that hinder) and your first priority is to identify those.

So why are values important?

• Values are boundary markers – they determine what behaviours your organisation will and won’t accept; what it will punish and reward; what it prizes above all and what its priorities are • Values are living behaviours. Yes they are captured in words but you can see and hear them being lived by staff and ultimately they come to epitomise the cultural “feel” of the organisation.

• Values are meaningful at an emotional level... they tug at the heartstrings and make people want to belong... they underpin the organisation’s higher purpose • Values ultimately drive value. There is a business case for values because values shape culture which leads to employee fulfilment which creates customer satisfaction and loyalty which leads to revenue and great shareholder value.

The aim is for your company’s Values to be understood by all employees and certainly most of the company’s significant suppliers and customers as being typical of the behaviours demonstrated by staff on a daily basis. Get to that point and your organisation will have truly embraced a contagious set of living values worth catching.

For more information about joining an Academy for Chief Executives group in Surrey contact Gordon Bromley at gordon.bromley@chiefexecutive.com or call him on 07802 461431.

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PatronsView

When there’s smoke without fire William Morris gave a lecture in 1880 entitled The Beauty of Life in which he famously said “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

AND beautiful”, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Good design can make the difference between something that is purely functional but not very lovely and something that is a joy to use. Take for example the smoke detector – rarely a thing of beauty; prone to wait until the middle of the night before it starts chirruping to let you know of a low battery and apt to go off full blast at the merest whiff of an overdone crust. And how many of us have whipped out the batteries in frustration and then forgotten to replace them?

It’s a maxim I would love to say I’ve tried to live by, but the other day, as I sorted through boxes and bags of unused possessions that have been clogging up our cupboards, it was clear that I’ve failed miserably.

Morris recognised that functionality and beauty are not always synonymous, otherwise he would surely have said “useful

A company called Nest, run by Tony Fadell, who also invented the iPod, has developed a smoke and carbon monoxide detector called the Protect, which is not only a delight to look at (reminiscent of the seed patterns on a sunflower), but also addresses those other problems. “Safety,” they say, “shouldn’t be annoying.” The batteries last for years; there’s a light to indicate battery strength; it can be silenced

with just a wave of the hand; it gives a spoken warning before sounding a major alarm and if you have more than one Protect, it tells you in which room it’s detected the problem.

It’s a great example of what good design is all about: problem-solving and creating something beautiful that also works beautifully. I think Morris would have loved it.

Marian de Kretser Partner Foster de Kretser Design Consultants marian@fdk.co.uk 01483 243565 For your FREE copy of our e-book “Good Design is Good Business”, visit http://www.fdk.co.uk/blog-posts/gooddesign-is-good-business

Guildford College prioritises training in STEM subjects Training in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is vital to the future of the UK’s economic success and is high on the Government’s agenda. There are 750,000 businesses in the SouthEast of England providing more than 4 million jobs, and we work in the largest manufacturing region in the UK. That said, the CBI annual skills report (Learning to Grow, 2012) identified that 42% of employers are reporting difficulties in recruiting STEM-skilled employees.

Guildford College has identified the need for offering a wide curriculum focusing on STEM subjects by introducing a variety of courses such as an Access to Science Diploma, BTEC Diplomas at Levels 2 & 3 in Engineering as well as offering IT and Construction qualifications from foundation to degree level.

Mathematics remain a core subject across all levels.

The recent approval for the re-development to create a state-ofthe-art Construction and Engineering Centre will enable the College to meet the needs of the current curriculum, and will also be adaptable to respond as the curriculum changes in the future.

Set for completion in 2015, the plans for modern industry-standard facilities support the College’s long term strategy of providing the best possible facilities to support the aspirations of students, the expectations of employers and the demands of the Construction and Engineering industries.

For more information on full and part-time courses across all STEM subjects (and many others!) from entry level through to Higher Education, please go to www.guildford.ac.uk or call 01483 44 85 85.

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PatronsView

Seven characteristics of highly engaged organisations We all like to think we are good employers and people managers who care about the wellbeing of our staff. Having spent over 20 years advising on staffing issues, I can confirm that business owners spend a disproportionate amount of time managing employees’ needs and balancing those against the needs of the business.

So with all that time, thought and effort going into keeping employees happy, why do some organisations have motivated, engaged staff while others struggle to muster enthusiasm for anything other than Friday afternoon’s stampede home. successful organisations do some things differently. Here are my seven characteristics of highly engaged organisations, which are shared regardless of the business’ age, size or industry sector.

1 Strong leadership Policy and decisions are applied consistently, even if it means making tough decisions. People know what is happening, why and where they stand.

2 Frequent and open communication As well as being decisive, leaders communicate openly and frequently with all staff. Business strategy is not a secret – everyone knows what is required. They also listen to their staff, making communication a two-way process so that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

3 Clearly defined job roles and organisational structure This not only ensures that people work efficiently, but clear expectations and parameters also empower employees to operate up to their limits of responsibility rather then being too cautious. This in turn has a positive psychological effect.

4 Effective performance management systems These businesses quickly identify under performance and deal with it appropriately.

Objectives are linked to corporate strategy and measures of performance are clear, visible and discussed often.

5 Targeted reward scheme Too many reward schemes fail to deliver.

Paying people appropriately, without them having to ask or fight for more money, builds trust and commitment.

6 Effective recruitment processes As well as being able to secure the best candidates on the market, these organisations realise that recruitment does

not end when someone signs an employment contract. Induction programmes immerse new recruits into the company ethos and help them to support the brand.

7 Relevant job specific training and development Training and development is inherently linked with the appraisal process and business strategy. Engaged organisations see training and development as a strategic investment that must be monitored and managed like any other.

Any organisations trying to increase employee engagement must make sure that the basics are in place before embarking on an employee engagement project. Fixing these elements will bring direct benefits, not only on how employees feel but also on business performance.

For further information please contact Ed Hussey, HR Director on 01784 497100 or email ehussey@menzies.co.uk.

Local Family Business Celebrates 30 Years In 2013, Foxhills Club & Resort in Ottershaw celebrated 30 years of ownership by The Hayton family. As the year unfolded the privately owned Country Club and Resort celebrated in true British fashion. supporters and a cracking After Party on the Manor House lawn, raising further funds for this well deserved charity totalling to £2,500.

The well wishes for Foxhills’ milestone flowed in from all corners of the country:

Highlights include 320 members joining Foxhills’ owners for the Annual Foxhills Ball.

The next day 75 members lead by owner Marc Hayton, set off on two wheels to Foxhills’ Sister Club Farleigh Club & Restaurant, in the first interclub Sportive.

Riders cycled in the tracks of legends following highlights from the Tour of Britain and London 2012 Road Race routes, all to raise money for the Children With Special Needs Foundation. On the home stretch back to Foxhills, riders were welcomed by

British Cycling Coach Sir Dave Brailsford: “I’d like to congratulate everyone at Foxhills on reaching their 30th Anniversary. I have some great memories from London 2012 when myself and the GB Road Cyclists were based at the hotel - I can’t thank the staff enough for making us all feel so welcome. Here’s to another 30 years!”

Bernard Cribbins OBE: “I have many fond memories of the Cribbins’ Golf Day and the generosity of the members, sponsors, celebrities and above all Pam & Ian Hayton and their team.”

W: www.foxhills.co.uk T: 01932 872050 E: reservations@foxhills.co.uk Foxhills Club & Resort, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0EL.

Sky News & Talk Sport Presenter Georgie Bingham: “I have only been involved with Foxhills for a little while but I hope I will be for many years to come. I have never met a friendlier bunch of members then I have at Foxhills, it’s relaxed, unpretentious and the facilities are fabulous. Happy Anniversary Foxhills!”

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BusinessNews

Flexible resourcing – the essential tool for small businesses Many UK businesses will be reviewing their employment strategies after the newly formed Agile Future Forum (AFF), has shown that when implemented successfully, agile working practices can deliver sustained business performance and engaged employees. Hence the AFF are now committed to helping other companies understand the benefits with the intention of driving improved productivity to the UK economy as a whole.

While many of the UK’s largest businesses are already benefitting, those with the most to gain are SMEs and early-stage companies that would benefit from being able to access top-level skills when they need them, with the added benefit of saving on the huge overheads of employed staff. Gone are the days where ‘temporary staff’ meant secretarial staff. Now senior specialists can be found in all areas such as IT, sales, finance, marketing, PR and administration.

Let’s consider 3 types of people who work in this way: • Interim managers (interims) are experienced senior executives, with functional expertise and leadership skills, engaged by companies to lead projects, deliver change and fix commercial problems.

• Freelance consultants build up specialist knowledge during their careers and then offer their services back to a portfolio of clients on a project basis.

• Part-time work for lifestyle reasons. They include parents, those nearing retirement and individuals who want a ‘portfolio’ career working across a number of companies.

A large percentage of talented people in these groups are being seriously under-utilised by UK PLC. So what can you do? Be innovative about your resourcing. Is a full-time employed role the best answer? Might it be advantageous to have experienced professionals providing services to you rather than you providing a job to them.

Amanda Seabrook MD, Workpond www.workpond.co.uk

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BusinessNews

DMH Stallard bring employment law expertise to Farnham Leading mid-market law firm DMH Stallard have recently enhanced their services delivered from their office in Farnham. The practice, that was formerly Callaghans, now has a dedicated employment law service following the introduction of two senior employment lawyers.

As part of the move, DMH Stallard will also

Partner, Julie Jones and Associate, Adam Williams who are lawyers in the firms highly regarded Employment Group are now at DMH Stallard’s Farnham office and will be dealing with employment issues for all size of employer and for private client work too.

DMH Stallard’s Employment Group is regarded as the strongest in the South East by independent legal directory, Chamber and Partners and the move allows the firm to service clients in the Farnham and wider Surrey region.

be bringing their renowned Employment Breakfast Workshops to the region. The Workshops are free to attend and are held regularly every six weeks. Delegates at a recent Workshop held in Guildford commented on the “excellent” content of the Workshop and the “great delivery” of the presenters. easy access to high quality employment law advice that we don’t think currently exists.

Further details about DMH Stallard’s Employment Group and details of the next

Julie Jones commented:

Our regular presence in Farnham provides

“Following a review of the many businesses in Farnham and surrounding areas, we identified a need for businesses to have

that access and we are looking forward to

Breakfast Workshops can be found at:

working with many local businesses and

www.dmhstallard.com/site/services/empl

individuals”

oyment

MSP Secretaries Strengthens Team Daniel Stewart, a specialist with international experience has been appointed by MSP, a firm of Chartered Secretaries based in Farnham as its first dedicated business development manager.

During six years as a business development manager for a corporate services provider, he built an extensive network of clients and contacts in the corporate SME and professional services industries.

He will specialise in the statutory and compliance services offered by MSP, as

well as introducing new clients to the bookkeeping, payroll and HR services departments.

Also joining is Josh Sparks as Office Assistant. Josh has had previous work experience at Starbucks and recently undertook an internship with Singleton PR.

“I am excited about the opportunities created by this new role and look forward to broadening my capabilities within the

duties including marketing support and

professional services and business community.”

general business administration.

Josh will be tasked with a broad range of

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BusinessNews

Fetcham Park stars as The Ritz in ‘Diana’ film The secret that Fetcham Park, Surrey’s award-winning venue, has been keeping for the last year is out – it has made its Hollywood debut in ‘Diana’. The film’s star, Naomi Watts, is seen in the dramatic opening and closing scenes with Fetcham Park doubling for a suite in The Ritz, Paris. proved to be the perfect match for the Imperial Suite and it’s wonderful to know that the rooms so beloved of our clients can represent somewhere so iconic,” says Fetcham Park’s Director, Laura Caudery.

“We have a ‘heritage panel’ in the Salon at Fetcham,” explains Laura. “Visitors to the house since the 1880s have signed it and we invite all our brides and grooms to add theirs too. Naomi Watts and Oliver Hirschbiegel both signed the panel and it’s lovely to think that these exciting few weeks have added another chapter to Fetcham Park’s illustrious history. We were invited onto the set by Mr Hirschbiegel to watch them film and also to view the rushes from their time at the house. Fetcham Park even looked fabulous on the small screen too!” says Laura.

Chosen after many location meetings, including a final visit by Academy Award winning director Oliver Hirschbiegel, Fetcham Park’s Salon and Drawing Room became the Ritz’s historic Imperial Suite and can now be seen in one of the year’s most talked about movies.

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Fetcham Park, decorated with murals, gold leaf and chandeliers was a natural choice for the team who needed somewhere impressively opulent to represent one of the finest suites in The Ritz: “Our beautiful gold-leaf detailing, ornate plasterwork, fireplaces, antiques and décor

Fetcham Park has recently launched its new website – www.fetchampark.co.uk – where you can find out more about the house and its heritage, take a virtual tour of the property and find out more about hosting weddings and events at the house.

The house will also be hosting a wedding open afternoon on Sunday 3rd November.

BusinessNews

Good Leadership and the Art of Retaining a Happy Workforce The Government estimates that employers pay an annual bill of around £9 billion per year in sick pay and associated costs. In today’s difficult economic climate, it is more important than ever to cultivate a happy and in turn a healthy workforce.

Rosemary Mashford, HR specialist at Alliotts accountants in Guildford specialises in advising organisations on how to improve business success by adopting good leadership and governance practices, which are designed to retain, motivate, and develop people.

When I advise businesses on staff motivation and retention, I focus on seven management principles which should be core to all good management structures: 1 Managing people as the situation dictates - Knowing what drives people and drawing on their strengths really does achieve greater levels of ‘discretionary effort’. Different people need different styles of management and it is important to know how to handle every situation.

2 Learning how and when to let go - having the confidence to trust people, empower them and give them the independence to get on with the task entrusted to them.

3 Communicating clearly lets the person know what’s expected of them and the part they play. Communication is a two-way process and it is important to test understanding and confidence, and value the other in decision-making.

Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital Joins in with the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Tea and cakes were served at Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital on Friday 27 September as part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning fundraising initiative. Patients, visitors, staff and consultants enjoyed the food and drink, in return for a donation to Macmillan, the UK’s leading cancer care and support charity. A total of £500 was raised.

Renowned throughout the region for its clinical excellence in treating cancer, Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital has developed a close relationship with Macmillan over the last 14 years, using Macmillan’s resources in conjunction with the delivery of its treatment and care. In December 2012 it was one of the first hospitals in the UK to be awarded the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark in recognition of its high level of care for patients living with cancer.

Matthew Dronsfield, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital commented, “As the leading cancer centre for private health in the region, we are totally committed to providing the highest level of support to patients living with cancer – in terms of the treatment and palliative care. We value Macmillan’s resources very highly in helping us to deliver the very best in the region. Macmillan is one of the UK’s most authoritative voices on cancer and we try to help and support them as much as we can, including having our very own Macmillan Palliative Care award-winning nurse, Imelda King.”

6 Giving constructive feedback is essential if someone is to learn from his or her experiences and become better at what they do.

Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital provides the best integrated cancer care in the region for private patients, with a significant level of complex surgical procedures. The hospital’s oncology unit offers complex chemotherapy, with radiotherapy provided by St Luke’s Cancer Centre. Amongst its wide ranging screening programmes, the Nuffield runs a regular Rapid Access Breast Clinic for women wishing to assess their breast cancer risk, obtain a diagnosis or simply to accelerate a diagnosis and treatment. It also offers breast care specialist nursing and diagnostic facilities.

7 Communicating honestly means telling the truth and being consistent in what you say and to whom you say it. Telling things as they are, while being sensitive to the situation ensures that people know where they stand.

Nuffield Health is the UK’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organisation and invests all its profits into improving infrastructure, completing refurbishments or enhancing staff skills.

To learn more about the Alliotts programme and how it might be of relevance to your business contact Rosemary Mashford on 01483 508551 or rosemary.mashford@alliotts.com

For further details about Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com

4 Recognising achievement is a major motivator. A simple ‘thank you’ shows to the person that what they have done is appreciated and celebrating major achievements builds team spirit.

5 Practicing what you preach is fundamental. Leading by example is essential to being a credible manager.

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ChamberChatter

Social Media

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ChamberEvents

These are the key events

coming up in Surrey Chambers’ calendar Tues 14 January

Tues 28 January 08.00 – 17.30

08.00 – 09.30

Chamber Connections Epsom Breakfast Surrey Chambers gives you the opportunity to meet and discuss local issues and widen your network of customers and suppliers. Held in The Royal Box at Epsom Downs Racecourse, offering excellent views over the racetrack, surrounding countryside and also see The Royal Box!

Open 18 Hole Golf Competition at Hankley Common Golf Club Open 18 Hole Stableford competition open to all business people. Join us as a team of 3 or 4 players and entertain your own clients or as a solo player and we will place you in a team. 08.00 hrs Enjoy a Bacon roll and coffee, 18 hole Stableford competition followed by lunch and prize giving, finishing by 17.30 hrs.

Location: The Royal Box, Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom

Location: Hankley Common Golf Club, Tilford nr Farnham

Members: £10.00

Members: £67.00

Non Members: £20.00

Non Members: £85.00

Thur 23 January 07.30-10.00

Wed 29 January 08.00 – 09.30

Surrey Construction & Property Forum

Chamber Connections Betchworth Breakfast

"The impact of design on modern architecture" We are delighted to bring you our first networking event, in conjunction with Raycross Interiors.

This event provides an exciting opportunity to network with your industry colleagues whilst listening to our guest speaker David Mitchell's insights on modern architecture. Taking place at Raycross Interiors extensive Byfleet Showroom which provides an informal and relaxed environment.

Location: Raycross Interiors, Byfleet Members: £10.00 Non Members: £15.00

Come and join us for breakfast and networking at Hartsfiled Manor, midway between Dorking and Reigate.

They are designed to give you the opportunity to meet and discuss local issues, share best practice with decision makers and widen your own network of customers and suppliers.

Come to one, some or all of the breakfasts - it’s a great way to start the day, meet new people and get well fed into the bargain!

Location: Hartsfield Manor, Betchworth Members: £10.00 Non Members: £20.00

How to book – visit our website www.surrey-chambers.co.uk or call 01483 735 540.

All prices are exclusive of VAT

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InternationalTrade

International Insight

with Chris Blenkiron

National Export Week successfully celebrated the exporting successes achieved by UK firms, and encouraged more businesses to take their first step towards ‘going global’.

Chambers of Commerce are the largest private sector providers of international trade services in the UK, and are committed to helping businesses find new markets and trade with the world.

In line with this the Surrey Chambers of Commerce are proud to announce that they will be partnering up with Hounslow Chamber of Commerce in 2014 to provide export documentation and expert international trade advice.

Launching in February 2014, if you are an exporter or looking to export in the Hounslow area and need international trade advice please contact Sally Smith on 020 8326 6416 or email sallysmith@hounslowchamber.org.uk

Chambers of Commerce celebrate UK export success and encourage more firms to ‘go global’ during Export Week • • •

Chambers of Commerce joined forces with UKTI to promote UK exports during Export Week BCC announces launch of Export Britain - the new online resource to help businesses find connections in new markets overseas www.exportbritain.org.uk.

British Chambers of Commerce and business groups working with UKTI to develop Chambers of Commerce in 21 key growth markets overseas

Monday 11th November marked the start of national Export Week, designed to celebrate the exporting successes achieved by UK firms, and to encourage more businesses to take their first step towards ‘going global’. Chambers of Commerce are the largest private sector providers of international trade services in the UK, and are committed to helping businesses find new markets and trade the world. Local Chambers of Commerce ran joint events with UKTI to promote UK exports, and will be doing all they can to tell the world exactly why exporting is good for Britain.

At the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), we have long recognised the need to better support our exporters. As part of our efforts, we have launched our very own online resource, Export Britain, to showcase the opportunities available in key international markets, and help businesses

38 theChamber

reach out to find new connections overseas. As announced by the Business Secretary at our International Trade Conference last month, we will be working with UKTI alongside other business groups to develop and accredit overseas Chambers of Commerce initially in 21 key growth markets. This will give UK firms practical support when they travel overseas, and provide them with a first port of call in the countries they wish to do business in. Export Britain links UK exporters with these organisations.

Commenting, Nora Senior, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Export Week has raised further awareness of the great opportunities out there for would-be exporters, and the fantastic support available for those who need it. We believe that export growth must be a

national priority, both for government and businesses. UK exporters are more optimistic now about their prospects, with confidence higher than it has been since before the economic crisis. But we need more companies that haven’t considered exporting to have a go, and start saying yes to the opportunities that exist in new markets across the globe.

“Chambers of Commerce are here to support firms every step of the way, to help them make in-roads and connections in new countries and provide practical assistance such as training and export documentation. But businesses and government must be more ambitious for Britain. Both need to show leadership and join forces to kick-start a global trade revolution, which will help to secure a lasting economic recovery for decades to come.”

InternationalTrade

Rapid Expansion

Country Profile:

Poland

One of the UK’s leading multimodal and logistics organisations – KRL has now finalised the implementation of its global cargo system. This incorporates WebTracker for all international movements from origin to destination.

The Company has eight regional offices in the UK and a network of more than 400 agents worldwide for which the new software will be extremely beneficial too. It is an ideal software for air and sea freight tracking, order processing and 3PL warehouse management.

This enables importers, exporters, suppliers, smaller freight forwarders, customs brokers, transport companies and warehouses the ability to monitor the status of orders and shipments quickly and easily via a simple website and in real-time.

KRL WebTracker is available free of charge to all KRL customers and the application is designed to provide you with 24/7 access to cargo, shipment and freight tracking information with the use of an internet connection and web browser.

The new state of the art technology KRL have invested in allows them to provide a tailor-made service for each and every customer which is guaranteed to be fast, cost effective and accurate.

Working from its site in Aldershot, the team at KRL is developing a whole range of new products and services with one of its focuses on warehouse and logistics services.

The Hampshire based office of KRL has expanded its Logistics operation with the opening of a new warehouse facility in Farnborough.

KRL in conjunction with their major client Alexander Dennis is successfully handling the logistics and shipping for their client’s production facility in Malaysia and has relocated all of its logistics clients to the new warehouse and is looking to expand its logistics facilities even further.

For more information about KRL then please contact sales@krl.com or visit our web site www.kr-l.com.

Population: 38,000,000 Capital City: Warsaw GDP: $470.4 billion Main Imports: Machinery and transport equipment, intermediate manufactured goods, chemicals, miscellaneous manufactured goods Main Exports: Machinery and transport equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, copper Exports to the UK: £1,877,220,989 Imports from the UK: £827,534,911 Strengths of the market: After joining the EU, Poland has enjoyed uninterrupted growth since 1992, even through the current world expression.

Since 1990, Poland has attracted over $180bn in foreign direct investment, principally from Western Europe and the United States.

Investor’s report they are attracted to the country’s young, welleducated, low-cost work force, its proximity to major markets, membership in the EU, political stability and its long-term growth prospects.

In recent years, Poland has introduced reforms to improve the climate for foreign and domestic investment with relaxations and simplification of certain regulations.

Opportunities: The sectors offering the greatest opportunities for British companies include: Infrastructure Healthcare Consumer goods Engineering

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ChamberChat

5 minutes with... main casualties: With poor identity, weak boundaries, little inherent sense of their self-worth and often a lack of positive role models, many young people exhibit damaging behaviours and are likely to become NEET (not in education, employment or training) or involved in the criminal justice system. Eikon exists to help these young people and to provide them with the support network and opportunities they need to flourish.

What advice would you give to a company considering setting up in Surrey?

Explain The Eikon Charity to someone unfamiliar with the business: Eikon is a Surrey based charity that has been working in the local community for almost two decades, providing long-term support to some of the county’s most vulnerable young people. Last year we supported over 2,600 young people through a variety of support programmes in secondary schools, youth centres and through community outreach work. The young people we work with face a variety of daunting challenges in their lives: From family breakdown to bereavement; bullying; drug and alcohol abuse; self-harm; physical violence; involvement with the police and poor self-esteem.

What is your vision for the future of the Charity?

Our vision is to develop happy, thriving and resilient young adults who are able to contribute positively to society and over the coming years we aim to grow our services to reach even more young people in need of help. Based on its on-going success and strong reputation, we will do this by expanding our current “Youth Specialist Programme” in to more schools in areas of greatest need. This programme places highly qualified, youth work professionals into schools to identify and work with at-risk young people. We are currently active in four schools.

What 3 words would you use to explain your Charity?

Inspiration, Motivation, Achievement.

Why did you decide that Surrey was the right place for the business?

Surrey has a reputation for being an affluent and leafy county, which often means that public funding is diverted elsewhere.

Unfortunately this means that pockets of deprivation are hidden, and there are stark levels of inequality (across the county 27,000 0-19 year olds live in poverty).

Issues such as family break-down, alcohol and drug misuse and high levels of debt often result in young people becoming the

40 theChamber

“Buy local, invest social”! Get to know your local community, and be a part of it - volunteer if you can! Giving back feels great and businesses with a social conscience often reap the rewards of their community efforts with an enhanced public profile and more motivated employees. And the knock-on effect of a more vibrant and safe community is almost certainly a better business environment.

And finally, as a Surrey business, what do you see as the local key factors for success/growth over the next 12 months?

Collaboration between the third, public and private sector, ensuring that partnerships aims and objectives are aligned.

Shared expertise, learning and skills. As a charity we are very fortunate to benefit from the pro bono support of a significant number of local professionals who voluntarily contribute to our committee structure of governance (comprising Teams which drive Strategy, Finance, Marketing, HR and Governance).

As demonstrated by the 2012 Olympics and more recently the Prudential RideLondon 100 cycle ride; an investment in further events/activities to promote positive citizenship and social action are vital in restoring moral and community spirit. In relation to this, Eikon has Golden Bond charity places in the 2014 RideLondon event (should you not be successful in getting on through the public ballot) and many other sell-out challenge events in 2014 (including the Virgin London Marathon). To find our more and apply for a place email jessica@eikon.org.uk or call 01932 347 434.

NewMembers Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies: Aelite Limited Bite Social Media Bounce Foods Ltd Business Problems Resolved Catch22 Surrey Colbornes Camberley Audi

MemberBenefits

Why it’s smart to plan your next energy contract now!

Do you usually leave your energy contract renewals until the last minute?

Chamber Utilities™ offers three reasons why energy should be top of mind well before your contract renewals are due.

Core Financial Services CWM Chartered Accountants DeSouza Associates Eagle Executive Cars Euclid Lighting Limited Hughes Collett Integrated Workplace Solutions Ltd IPROS CUBE Ltd IT Support Desk Ltd LGA Business Training NK Social Media Paqua Accountants Ltd PDM Clinic Premium Credit Ltd Say Hello Hello SME Invoice Finance Ltd Spartent Global Solutions Ltd Stocksigns Ltd Stuart Mitchell Group Unitemps - University of Surrey

1

Take advantage of dips in the wholesale market

The wholesale energy market is volatile, presenting opportunities to buy when prices dip, but equally a substantial risk of paying a premium during a peak. Leaving energy purchasing until the last minute can significantly minimise your options, especially if your contracts are due for renewal when the energy market prices are high.

Ensure you are closely monitoring the wholesale market at least nine months before your contracts are due for renewal so you can identify the most opportune times to buy.

Chamber Utilities™ free Market Price Tracker service provides a simple tool for this. http://www.chamberutilities.co.uk/personalised-market-tracker.aspx

2

Avoid expensive out of contract tariffs

If you fail to renew your existing energy contract you can easily find your business locked into over-inflated ‘out-of-contract’ tariffs for as long as 12 months, paying more than 50% above current rates to your supplier.

Sign up to a free Contract Renewal Reminder service, such as the one provided by Chamber Utilities™ to provide ample time to research the market and find the most competitive contract. http://www.chamberutilities.co.uk/renewal.aspx

3

Take time to ensure your contract is right for your business

With a wide variety of contract types to choose from, you need time to ensure your new contract is right for your needs. Ensure you research your options and understand the difference between a fixed, flexible or a collective product. One approach will be more suitable than another depending on your attitude to risk, budgetary requirements and internal plans for efficiency improvements.

In addition, suppliers’ contractual terms and conditions are becoming more and more complex, as they add clauses that allow them to ‘pass-through’ additional market charges during your contract term. Chamber Utilities™ can help you understand the small print of your T&Cs and their consequences, to enable you to make the right choice.

Chamber Utilities™ works with Chamber members to find them the best gas and electricity contracts. As an independent energy broker we recommend the best deals, handle all purchasing and administration, and ensure accuracy of billing. Organisations don’t have to be a Chamber Utilities™ client to benefit from their free services.

For further advice or information call 0844 225 1168 or email enquiries@chamberutilities.co.uk.

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Movers&Shakers Mundays welcomes new head of employment Cobham-based Mundays law firm has hired a new head of employment, Andrew Knorpel, to expand the team.

Andrew was previously a partner at ASB Law. Andrew’s focus will be on expanding Mundays’ employment practice area, to grow its client base, as well as broaden the employment services that the firm offers to both companies and individuals.

Andrew’s experience lies in both contentious and non-contentious matters, advising particularly on corporate restructures, the outsourcing of contracts and associated employment issues, including the practical aspects of collective redundancies and the TUPE regulations.

In his new position, Andrew will work across a range of sector groups, working closely with the Firm’s corporate and commercial departments.

Valerie Toon, Managing Partner at Mundays, said: “Andrew is a welcome asset to our employment team as we look to increase and grow this area of specialism for our clients.”

Andrew added, “Organisations across a variety of sectors will have some large scale and significant employment law changes to deal with in the coming months and I am looking forward to leading the team in its advice to clients at this time.”

Mundays appoints new Business Development Manager Surrey law firm Mundays has appointed a Business Development Manager to help spearhead the firm’s plans for growth across its sectors.

Jonathan Robinson joins the firm from Bindmans LLP where he was Head of Marketing. He has previously also worked at Winckworth Sherwood LLP and IBB Solicitors in marketing and business development roles.

In this newly created role at Mundays, which is based in Cobham, Jonathan will be responsible for driving growth across the firm’s practice areas in both the regional and national market.

Jonathan said of his new role: “I am thrilled to join Mundays in this newly created role and hope to identify new business opportunities and deliver higher levels of service and value to our clients.

“The Mundays team combines City expertise with strong commercial knowledge across the sectors and I look forward to working alongside the partners to continue to expand the firm across its varied practice areas both regionally and nationally.”

Valerie Toon, Managing Partner at Mundays added: “Jonathan’s years of experience in the legal sector means he is the perfect fit to take on this role and I look forward to working with him as Mundays continues to strategically grow.”

42 theChamber