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ChamberFocus
Forthcoming Events 2013 Chamber Focus is an Altrincham & Sale Chamber publication
Looking forward with optimism
Editorial and General Enquiries anne@altrinchamchamber.co.uk Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce 17 Regent Road, Altrincham WA14 1RY T: 0161 941 3250 www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk Publisher Benham Publishing 4th Floor, Orleans House, Edmund St, Liverpool L3 9NG T: 0151 236 4141 F: 0151 236 0440 E: admin@benhampublishing.com W: www.benhampublishing.com Published October 2013 © Benham Publishing Advertising and Features Karen Hall T: 07801 788880 E: karen@benhampublishing.com Production Manager Fern Badman T: 0151 236 4141 E: studio@benhampublishing.com Media No. 1379 Event Editorial Algy Cole, Colewrite Copywriting Event Photography Martin Hambleton Disclaimer Chamber Focus is published for Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Chamber Focus are not necessarily those of Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2013. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. 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.
Sue Aldridge
BREAKFAST MATTERS 7 November 8.00 to 10.00 am Cresta Court Hotel Members £5 Non members £10 Win a meal for 2 in the business card draw at each event!
President
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
hen I was elected as President of the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce, I promised to improve communication and provide a trade focused Chamber to support the members.
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I explained that the Chamber was also facing its own challenges due to the financial pressures faced by our members and, unfortunately, we suffered as a consequence of this. The support I have received has been overwhelming and due to this support, I have been able to make a number of changes and improvements to benefit our members. These changes are mainly still in the planning stage but the committee is working hard to deliver them as soon as we can. With the help of members, we are delivering a series of business skills workshops aimed at educating and informing our members in a wide variety of business related areas. We are also hosting breakfasts to communicate issues which will impact in different ways on our businesses. Both Sale and Altrincham are undergoing improvement which is designed to improve the footfall and appeal of or towns. Look out for the events scheduled in October to keep you informed of the progress, namely the Altair development and the Airport City development which will give you an insight into the plans and the opportunity to challenge any issues or ask questions about both schemes. One of the recurring themes of my time as President of this Chamber will be “try a Chamber member first!” I challenge each of you to store the membership directory on your “favourites” section of the computer and smart phone. The next time you need a business service, go ahead; call an A&SCC member. You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the service and the interconnectivity we all share. I see brighter days ahead for our business community and I encourage you to take the time in future to refer to a Chamber member, use a Chamber member and spend your money locally. I would also welcome any members who would like to join the Executive Committee or support one of the working groups, to contact me to discuss how we can work together. Remember this is your Chamber so please let me know what else you would like to see us doing!
6 December The Mercure Bowdon Hotel Speaker: Linda Wright Humorous speaker from Planitwright Planning Consultancy 12.00 – 2.30 pm Members £30 Non members £35 Prices include VAT unless otherwise stated BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk
In this issue... 4
Chamber News
5-30
Member News
8
Events
10
Breakfast Matters
15
60 Seconds
18-19
Cover Feature
21
Ask the Expert
21
Getting Started
22-23
Big Interview
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24 hours with...
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Members Loyalty
33
Last Word
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New members
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ChamberNews
Myerson makes appointments ltrincham commercial law firm Myerson has announced the appointments of Andrew Brown and Joanne Henderson as Partners. The firm now has ten Partners and a total of 30 Solicitors.
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£70million Altrincham regeneration scheme wins approval lans for the Altair development in Altrincham have been Papproved by Trafford Council.
Andrew is an experienced Corporate Commercial lawyer. He joined Myerson last year from Linder Myers LLP and specialises in acquisitions, disposals and commercial work.
Artist impressions of Altair
Joanne is a specialist Employment lawyer. She joined Myerson in 2009 from Eversheds LLP and has extensive expertise in acting for both employers and individuals and specialises in employment group action matters.
Manchester-based developer Nikal has been given the go ahead for a £70million mixed use leisure development which will complement the £19million transport interchange scheme which is already underway in the historic market town. The Altair scheme is situated on the 4.5 acre site located between Tesco and Altrincham Leisure Centre, adjacent to the interchange, and will be a new gateway into the bus, tram and train station. The planning permission granted by Trafford Council includes a new leisure centre; a range of leisure-based retail outlets, restaurants, coffee shops and cafes; a tenpin bowling alley; 150 new apartments and townhouses, as well as a high quality office space and a car park.
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Carl Newton, Managing Partner at Myerson, said: “Jo and Andrew’s appointment is thoroughly well deserved! Their appointment follows an exciting year of growth at Myerson.
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“The commitment and experience of lawyers like Andrew and Jo has propelled the firm forward. Annual turnover has increased by 38% over the last year and the firm is very busy in all departments. We anticipate that we will be recruiting more lawyers over the next year.”
Nick Payne, managing director of Nikal, said: “We’ve had a vision to regenerate this brownfield site for many years and it’s tremendously exciting to be taking the next steps with the support of the council. “It’s a promising time for Altrincham; the refurbishment of the interchange is underway, there are new plans to revitalise the marketplace and now Altair. All these schemes will help rejuvenate the town and bring people and trade back into the area, as well as creating new jobs. In particular, Altair will focus on enhancing Altrincham’s hospitality offering, creating a vibrant leisure area, linking sport with eateries.
“We’ve designed Altair so it will provide much needed linkages between the different areas of Altrincham, helping to enhance trade and dwell time for residents and visitors. The new office space will attract further investment from businesses currently situated outside the town and borough and the apartments and townhouses will create new housing opportunities not seen in the area.” Over the next few months, Nikal will be asking local residents for their input on the types of occupiers they would like to see in Altair. Nick added: “Altair is being built by Altrincham people, for Altrincham people. I’m proud to be part of something which is going to create a lasting positive impact for the area. It will enhance what Altrincham already has to offer and create a new, safe and vibrant location for local people and families to enjoy and relax in.” Manchester firm, HOW Planning, prepared and submitted the planning application for Nikal. Elizabeth Lees, its senior planning and environmental consultant, said: “This is a great result which will help to the ongoing regeneration of Altrincham town centre. The plans have been very well received and I think everyone is looking forward to seeing the new development take shape.” For more information on Altair, please visit www.altair.uk.com
MemberNews
It all adds up at Mixer at Clark Art July 18 “A Numerologist would have enjoyed the Clark Art Mixer Evening. We certainly saw some magical numbers.” As you doubtless know, Numerology is the study of the mystical relationship between a number and some observed event. At the recent Mixer evening at Clark Art, two absorbing presenters showed some magical numbers in the real world. It felt like an evening in Tuscany as Chamber members arrived at Clark Art in Hale to network, eased by champagne and canapés. Sue Aldridge, our President, welcomed everyone with two positive messages. Firstly, she had visited Altrincham in Bloom – it was brimming with business confidence. Secondly, the Chamber is launching new start-up-and-thrive initiatives in September. These are well timed in the light of current UK growth figures. Lastly, a third reminder that Sue will not be on holiday this summer. Now to Numbers. Alan Budenberg of Barclays Bank talked about the four main ways to make a return on investment. At
typically 1.4%, Alan succinctly described cash as trash. He then considered bonds. Government bonds are at a 300 year low, corporate are doing better – but not by much. (We started sipping our champagne more vigorously). It was better news for equities as Alan advised that smaller and overseas company income stocks are good. His fourth and best investment is in Alternatives, especially Art. His headline figures showed why: Christies’ annual sales are up 10%; China has the largest market share (30%) and hungers for British Art; the Art “Stock Exchange” is achieving 8% annual growth. Art is certainly smart. Bill Clark then proved it. At 41, he sold a successful business. He turned his attention to online art sales, particularly Lowrys and other Northern School artists. Bill quoted figures to set a Numerologist’s pulse racing. His first year turnover was £2.5M; he made £200,000 profit in 3 months from a Lowry sold to John Paul Getty; a recent open evening had 600 visitors who bought 110 paintings and drank 110 bottles of champagne. Bill’s gallery is becoming the global first choice for Northern Artist works and his next exhibition is Peter Brook, the Yorkshire artist. With Bill’s eye for a good painting (and a good return), we know it will be a success. We were now looking hard at all the paintings. So Sue presented certificates to all the new Chamber members (including me). And one, Emma Clarke of Voice Takeaway, promptly won the business card draw. The bottle of Taittinger was presented by Bill Clark (absolutely no relation). It was time to return to networking and to work out if you really could afford that smallish Lowry on the wall…….. Algy Cole
New members: L-R Front: Jason Palin, Richard Whitehurst, Alex McCann, Sarah Lynch Middle: Chris Brooks, David Gent, Glynn Burns, Sue Aldridge (President) Noeleen Kearns, Algy Cole Back: David Blakey, Casey Longden, Judith Chesters, Shirley Godden and Emma Clarke
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L-R Alan Budenberg, Bill Clark and Sue Aldridge
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Jeff Atkins has successfully helped the University of Warwick upgrade its Library as part of its investment to enhance the student experience. The original library was built over 40 years ago and it no longer provided the modern, rich and diverse learning environment necessary for a top ten institution like Warwick. The University had a number of objectives that included: • Transforming the physical environment for quiet study and those undertaking independent research. • Provision of a revised layout of shelving and study spaces that would improve visibility, navigation and orientation. • Optimise position of study spaces and optimize usage. • Improve accessibility for disabled users. • Enhance IT provision. • Relocate the Welcome Point and provide more working space for staff as well as better orientation for students and visitors. • Improve environmental conditions for staff at the Welcome Desk. • Increase throughput of people entering and leaving the library • Ensure the work was undertaken during the summer vacation.
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Students and staff at the University now have access to a remodelled library which provides a more dynamic and creative space for learning.
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Tel: 07825 755689 Email: jeff_atkins@ymail.com www.atkinsbuildingsolutions.co.uk
Bridge House, Ashley Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2UT Telephone: 0161 926 8558 Email: altrincham@hwca.com www.hwca.com
MemberNews
Apprentices enjoy new challenge Overall, my decision to complete an apprenticeship has worked out really well.” After Ellie Rainford, 18, made the decision that a career in finance was for her, she contacted Paragon and they placed her at Hall & Hanley. She is currently undertaking a Business Administration Apprenticeship. Ellie said: “I was keen to get a workbased qualification rather than going onto College, this led to my decision to start a business administration apprenticeship. I am thoroughly enjoying it and would highly recommend it to other people considering their options. I speak with banks and insurance companies on a daily basis and I learn so much every day.”
One of them, Jodie Turner, 18, said: “I am delighted that I decided to take the apprenticeship career route.
All of Paragon’s apprenticeship programmes provide learners with both theoretical and hands-on training. The business administration courses have also been tailored to suit the needs of each apprentice and the employer. Urfan Bhatti, Managing Director for Hall & Hanley, said: “Apprenticeships are such a fantastic way to develop skills, both practical and interpersonal. Staff benefit from work-based experience and achieve a wage and qualifications. We have been delighted with the calibre of applicants we’ve had from Paragon.”
“I have really benefited from hands-on experience from industry professionals, as well as working in a great environment at Hall & Hanley. I would like to continue with my studies after I have completed my Business Administration level 2 and look at accountancy qualifications too.
The apprenticeships available from Paragon combine academic and practical work on site. Further information about Apprenticeships and funding opportunities can be found at www.paragonskills.co.uk or by calling freephone 0800 783 2545.
The new apprentices
Hall & Hanley is seeing the benefits of working with Manchester-based apprentices in a scheme run with Paragon, which has offices in Sale. Over the past nine months, Hall & Hanley, which specialises in financial compensation for mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI), has signed up seven employees onto Apprenticeship programmes with Paragon. All seven members of staff are undertaking their Business Administration Apprenticeships and management qualifications.
It’s Time to Invest in Your Staff n times of austerity, training budgets are often cut and businesses Ibescale back on developing employees’ skills. However, this could damaging to an organisation that needs to be increasingly adaptable within an ever changing market. In order to maintain the competitive edge organisations across the country are turning to training providers such as Trafford College to ensure their employees not only have the skills to do their job, but have a broader knowledge to give businesses a strong foundation for the future.
Apprenticeships are fast becoming the go-to qualification for both businesses and individual business strategies. They have evolved dramatically since the traditional trade programmes and now include Accounting, retail and pharmacy, which are just some of the Apprenticeships complimenting the traditional gas, plumbing and electrical programmes. One organisation benefitting from Apprenticeship programmes with Trafford College is Beeches Day Nursery in Sale.
Owner Chrissie Cambridge believes employing Apprentices has been key to her business. Chrissie commented, “Learning within a working environment provides people with the opportunity to develop their ‘soft skills’, which are essential when working in a customer facing organisation. The contributions they have made to my business over the past years have been invaluable to both me and members of our team.” For more information about training your staff, and apprenticeships, contact Trafford College on 0161 886 7070 or email enquiries@trafford.ac.uk.
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Many businesses are naturally concerned about the investment they need to make in training, both financially and in terms of resources. However, employers may not be aware that training for people aged 16 to 18 is free, and members of staff who are 19 to 23 can receive Government funding.
Apprenticeships
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Autumn lunch told about exciting developments
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hairman Tony Collier welcomed members of the Chamber to the autumn lunch at the Mere Court Hotel, sponsored by new members Berg.
President Sue Aldridge was unable to be present but sent a report, in which she said: “When I was elected as President of the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce, I promised to improve communication and provide a trade
focused chamber to support the members. I explained that the chamber was also facing its own challenges due to the financial pressures faced by our members and unfortunately we suffered as a consequence of this.
“The support I have received has been overwhelming and due to this support I have been able to make a number of changes and improvements to benefit our members. “These changes are mainly still in the planning stage, but the committee is working hard to deliver them as soon as we can. “With the help of members, we are delivering a series of business skills workshops aimed at educating and informing our members in a wide variety of business related areas. “We are working on collaborations with Enterprise Malta to forge links with businesses in Malta who are keen to trade in the UK. I am meeting with a delegation in November to discuss how this can work for us and anyone interested please let me know. “We are also hosting breakfasts to communicate issues which will impact in different ways on our businesses. “Both Sale and Altrincham are undergoing improvement which is designed to improve the footfall and appeal of or towns.
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“Look out for the events scheduled in October to keep you informed of the progress, namely the Altair development and the Airport City development which will give you an insight into the plans and the opportunity challenge any issues or ask questions about both schemes.
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“The Chamber is all about supporting trade within this area and working with the businesses to achieve and recognise great results. Over the coming months, the chamber is holding a number of skills sessions, a fashion show and our annual Business Awards aimed at highlighting the hard work of both members and non members locally. “I am delighted to announce an exciting and new category for our chamber awards this year, the Employee of the
ChamberEvents
L-R: Neil Hughes, Brian Flynn, Linda Wright, Reuben Berg, Jon Cheetham, Mary Peers, Stephen Ardern and Paul Mirage
Year. I attended a client meeting in Costa Coffee in Sale, and the staff were very excited as one of their team had recently won Barista of the Year, a huge achievement and this is exactly what we hope to capture. “Coleman’s are a top national law firm and have been supporting employers and employees with workplace issues for decades and they have kindly offered to sponsor our new award.”
The UK’s biggest tax break Chris Fox, of Portal Tax told guests: “Capital allowances are frequently misunderstood by tax advisers but present commercial property owners, both landlords and owner occupiers, with significant potential tax advantages/savings. “There is a very high chance that as a commercial property owner you are sitting on an untapped source of capital allowances worth on average 15-40% of
your property’s purchase price. Capital allowances are one of the government’s key tax concessions. “Recent changes in tax legislation included new rules that have added to the complexity in this area making it even more essential for purchasers and vendors to take proper expert advice in order to make sure that they capture these valuable allowances that can amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds in tax savings.”
Sponsors Berg Solicitors are regarded as leading experts in challenging banks on a range of matters but, more recently, in challenging banks on the mis-selling of interest rate swaps. Rueben Berg explained that banks had sold interest rate swaps to many businesses to protect those businesses from interest rate rises. However, Rueben went on to explain that the products were very complex and were inadequately explained to bank customers. More importantly, in many cases, the banks had failed to inform their customers of the cost of breaking an interest rate swap should they decide to repay the loan or sell their business.
L-R: Chris Fox, Tony Collier and Reuben Berg
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BreakfastMatters
Breakfast Matters July 4
Psychology to Paintings to Performance and Protection – the usual Breakfast Matters jump-start for the day hirty local businesses, more than 40 Chamber members, three presentations and a Cresta Court breakfast - in other words, the monthly ‘Breakfast Matters’.
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The first half-hour was spent grabbing a coffee and bite to eat, meeting new contacts and doing what the Chamber does best – networking. Sue Aldridge, our President, then welcomed everyone with thoughts on the psychology of smiling. In a nutshell, if you smile at someone, they smile back and both feel better. She tried it on us – we smiled back and we laughed. It works.
Chris Brooks, of Atelier Rose and Gray, told us about their new art gallery in Hale. Building on their success in Ramsbottom, there are bringing alternative and traditional Royal Academy art to the North. He had brought along a Damien Hurst picture and when he mentioned that, everyone’s head swivelled to take a look. Atelier sounds like an excellent venue for Chamber meetings in the future.
From painting to performance. Warren Eaton, from the RRG Group, told us about the new Toyota GT86, which was parked outside. We glanced at it as we arrived but took a much closer look as we left. Warren had started it up – it didn’t sound like a car for the weekly shopping... John Colvin, of Berg Solicitors, then spoke about more sombre matters, Interest Rate Swaps. It’s trivial to call them the business equivalent of PPI misselling, but there are similarities. Swaps were sold indiscriminately in the mid 2000s, to provide businesses with protection against interest rate variations. But some had well-hidden early termination clauses. For example, Tony Collier our Chairman knew a client facing a £600,000 penalty. John and his Berg colleagues offer a no-obligation initial meeting to help those with an interest rate swap difficulty. We hope not too many members need to take this up. To lighter matters. Paul Hindley of Cresta Court awarded Ged Murray of Insure Risk with his raffle prize of a meal for two at their Dettori’s Restaurant – thank you Paul. And before we picked up our networking, Sue told us of the Chamber’s new Business Mentoring support and Toolkit that will be launched in September. That certainly caught our attention and we’ll all be watching out for it.”
Warren Eaton, RRG Toyota
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L-R Ged Murray, Insure Risk and Paul Hindley, General Manager at the Cresta Court Hotel
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Pictures on display from Atelier Rose and Gray
Sue Aldridge, President
Guest speaker, John Colvin, Berg
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Breakfast Matters September 5
The Chamber to use Heineken to help build relationships ummer ended on 1 September, so the latest “Breakfast Matters” networker was our first autumn even hosted by the newly refurbished Cresta Court Hotel.
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More than 40 delegates attended and several new people looking to join. They know that the Chamber is a great investment for start-up and new businesses in the area. Sue Aldridge, the Chamber’s President, welcomed us and asked for a brief introduction. Those who used an Empire State Building elevator pitch faced a Steward’s enquiry. We broke off networking to listen to two presentations covering the value of social media for networking. First was Naomi Timperley of Enterprise Lab. Like Heineken that refreshes the parts other beers cannot reach, Naomi emphasised that sensitive networking allows us to reach the contacts we otherwise wouldn’t. She stressed: • Selling or handing out business cards is not networking. • Networking is meeting a few good contacts, not everybody there. • It’s a two way activity – take and give. • Building trust is the heart of networking – at a personal as well as business level. • Once you’ve made contact, maintain it. As we considered our sensitivity and discretely hid our business cards, Alex McCann of Altrincham HQ described how
Algy Cole and Sue Aldridge
L-R: Alex McCann, Sue Aldridge (President) and Naomi Timperley
And we don’t have to be constantly at the screen and keyboard. 30 minutes a day on our social media campaigns will make a noticeable difference.
Alex asked social media we all used. LinkedIn was popular; Twitter less so; Instagram and Flickr unused, and Xtrarood not heard of (actually, I made that one up). But we ignore social media at our peril. One Member had won £6,000 of business through a LinkedIn contact… Before we returned to network sensitively, Sue updated us on the Chamber’s autumn skills workshops. Last was the draw for dinner for two at the Cresta Court’s Dettori’s Restaurant – and I was the lucky winner. I’ll enjoy it! Algy Cole
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social media can support face-to-face networking. We may only have two minutes with a new contact, but social media efficiently fills in the gaps about what we can offer. Alex gave us some ideas on using social media: • Improve customer service with continual and prompt connection. • See what your competitors are doing. • Engage with your followers – receive and transmit.
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Mixer at Altrincham Football Club 19 September
“The Youth of a Nation are the Trustees of Posterity” - Disraeli That was certainly true of the Chamber’s evening event hosted by Altrincham Football Club. The theme was Apprenticeships, often viewed as a dying breed. Is this true? Read on to find out. As always, the evening started with networking. We met friends; fellow members made new contacts, gave and received business cards. Tony Collier, the President of the Chamber then introduced the first speakers, Phil Wall and Nick Mathers from Trafford College. Phil led on apprenticeships and Trafford College’s free recruitment service to local employers – us. The College’s “Get Ready” apprenticeship programme includes workplace preparation, day and block release and lasts from 12 – 36 months. It’s very well subscribed – demand is up by 32 %, whilst university applications are down 40%. Nick talked about the College as a Sports Career Academy. The sports industry employs 14,000 in Manchester and needs 11,000 over the next four years.
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It’s a fast growing sector for us and our support is vital to the College. There are several ways we can help, but Nick discussed two: Partner in Business; and Mentoring. These hit the mark – many buttonholed Nick and Phil afterwards.
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Tony Collier told us of his Milner Boardman experience. As part of a strategy to “re-age the practice” (a novel Mission Statement), they took on a bright student who rejected university. Both sides won. This apprentice received support for his studies, real work experience and a qualification three years ahead of his student peers. In turn, Milner Boardman had a motivated employee, who earned fees earlier and was more cost effective than a graduate. Next was the Chairman of Altrincham Football Club, Ian Watmore (i.e. Duncan’s Dad). As an aside, he told us of his success with apprenticeships in Downing Street, compared with internships. Then to the Club. It’s been on Moss Lane for over 100 years with a varied history. Right now, it’s on a rise. With an annual turnover of a Premier League player’s weekly wage, it fields a Football Conference North team, 40 AFC-badged local teams, women’s’ teams and a popular Community Section. What’s more, the Club now has planning permission to build a new Community Sports Hall.
L-R: Ian Watmore, Tony Collier, Nick Mathers and Phil Wall
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Call out for prizes
And the finishing touch? AFC apprentices will help run it. This is certainly not a dying breed. Finally, Susan Leigh of Lifestyle Therapy won the draw for a Directors’ Box view of four matches at the Club - very welcome on chilly Saturday afternoons.
Waterside Open 2014, Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sat 8 Feb – Sat 24 May 2014
Then it was back to networking and drinks and nibbles from Soulmate Food whose customers include boy band One Direction.
his 4th Open exhibition offers artists a great exhibition opportunity and provides visitors with a chance to purchase original artwork.
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Would you be willing to donate a prize or offer some help, advice or support? A prize may consist of one of the following exhibition or selling opportunity, photography sessions, legal advice, printing costs, meal for two, materials, tools or equipment, IT advice, website design etc. All judges and prize givers will be asked to attend the opening event on Friday 7 February. Ian Watmore and Susan Leigh
Sponsors’ logos will be highlighted on the centre website and
To offer a prize or for any questions, please contact Kelda Savage, Open 2014 Coordinator kelda.savage@trafford.gov.uk and keldasavage@gmail.com
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on any publicity materials.
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SixtySeconds
Company takes on tough challenge
Name: Position: Company: website:
ale-based law firm Slater Heelis Solicitors LLP is helping Henshaws Society for Blind People by taking part in the grueling Welsh 3000s challenge in September.
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Slater Heelis Partner Chris Partington, Eric Lunt and Richard Hughes are aiming to raise several thousand pounds by completing the challenge to reach the top of all 15 of the mountains over 3000ft in Wales within the space of 24 hours and without using any form of transport.
Chris, whose 15 year old niece Beth Arnold is partially sighted, said: “The work that Henshaws do for children and their families is invaluable and
The fundraising initiative is the latest step in a long relationship between Slater Heelis and Henshaws which began in 1807 when the law firm drafted Thomas Henshaw’s will, followed by a final codicil in 1809. The 70strong firm has dealt with a number of early donations and bequests to Henshaws, dating back to the 1860s, and continues to support the charity with fundraising and donations today. The team has also set up a Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/ Christopher-Partington1
Q - In five words or less, what do you do? A - Shuffle numbers (!!!), deliver fine hospitality. Q - How long have you been a Chamber member? A - Since the Chamber began, in fact – we were inaugural members. Q - Why did you join? A - To bring the hotel into contact with like-minded local businesspeople who also want to forge working relationships that benefit can both their own companies, and importantly, the local business scene. Q - What services do you use? A - We host the Business Breakfasts, attend the networking events and use the magazine to promote our services through advertising. Q - What’s the best business/benefit you have won through the Chamber? A - The opportunity to meet other businesses in the area and work towards the common goal of developing a stronger local economy that supports both small and large businesses, and ultimately to place Altrincham and Sale on the map as a first rate place in which to do business. Q - Are there any additional services or information you’d be particularly interested in? A - We would like the Chamber to provide a range of training in key business areas such as customer service, sales and marketing, social media management, food hygiene, and so on. Offered at an accessible price, it can benefit businesses both large and small. Q - If you were telling another business person about the Chamber, what’s the first thing you would say? A - Join and be a part of things. To get the most out, you have to be prepared to join in and work the network of businesses and opportunities. Q - Where do you read your copy of this magazine? A - The newly refurbished lounge at the Hotel – I take 20 minutes to look through the magazine and also soak up the atmosphere of the new area from a guest’s perspective. So important to see your business from the customer’s viewpoint.
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The Welsh 3000s Challenge is approximately 24 miles, but the walks to the start point and down from the finish point can take it to over 30 miles in total. The climb is very rocky and demanding and is only suitable for very fit and experienced mountain walkers and one peak, Crib Goch, is very exposed and has claimed several lives.
it’s incredible to see the impact that their support can have on so many lives. We have a very special relationship with Henshaws and are proud to be taking on this challenge to help them to continue to carry out their amazing work.”
Paul Hindley, General Manager, Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham www.cresta-court.co.uk
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MemberNews
Boost for Altrincham Football Club
Judges impressed by arty entries orth West In Bloom judging took place for the various NAltrincham entries in July. take place at the Southport Convention Centre in October.
Altrincham Football Club received a boost when it had its application for the construction of a Community Sports Hall in the grounds of the J Davidson Stadium approved by Trafford’s Planning Authority.
Organisations in the Art with a Heart Group included Art with a Heart, Cartridge World (Altrincham), Narnia Day Nursery, Altrincham General Hospital, La Rioja Restaurant, Myerson Solicitors and a selection of businesses on Greenwood Street. The Portfolio for this entry can be viewed at Art with a Heart. This is the second award to be received by Art with a Heart, with the Arts Centre receiving a commendation for the project in Chisnalls in 2012 (now the Altrincham Town Team Office) for the Environment and Culture Category for 2013 Towns Alive Award West Zone.
Altrincham, who are close to the top of the Skrill Football Conference Northern league, plan to commence construction in the spring of 2014. They expect to receive substantial Grant funding, which they will have to match through sponsorships and fund raising activities.
Judges David Bielawski and Brian Whalley were accompanied by Judie Collins, Chair of Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society, and Karen Wroe, Project Director of Art with a Heart, as they visited the various entries, and by Sue Aldridge during the Art with a Heart Group - Alty in Bloom judging. Starting at Art with a Heart, where the judges also selected their choice for the Altrincham Open Art Exhibition, organised by Art with a Heart , Rain a tribute to Monet, by Susan Ashton, with a commendation going to Kate Stoddard. President, Sue Aldridge selected the piece by Malcolm Allum for the Altrincham Open Award - innovative interpretation of the theme.
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The Community Sports Hall will be operated by the Club’s Community Charity, and will provide a focal point for sporting activities, local Sports Clubs, and Health and Wellbeing groups.
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If you want to know how you can support the fund raising, or just want to find out more about the project, you should contact Peter Foster at the Football Club, on 0161 928 1045.
Other award winners from the Altrincham Open Art Exhibition held throughout July included: • Visitors Choice - Brin Morris • Runner Up Visitors Choice - Geoff Crossley • Art with a Heart Award - Brin Morris The award winners will all take part in an Award Winners Exhibition early in 2014, with a special exhibition for the Art with a Heart Award Winner to be announced. The nominations have now been announced for the nominations for the North West In Bloom Awards and Karen Wroe has been informed that the Art with a Heart Group - Alty in Bloom has been nominated to receive a North West In Bloom Award. The Awards Ceremony will
Karen Wroe Project Director, Art with a Heart, said: “We were pleased to be nominated for the Towns Alive Award and was overjoyed at receiving the commendation, it makes all the hard work worthwhile. If we get nominated again this year with our project in the Creative Surgery, Normans Place, Altrincham, with the aggressive event driven exhibiting, listed as number 3 on TripAdvisor as a tourist attraction in Altrincham and the continued support from our many volunteers and supporters over the next 12 months and our aim is to become the category winner’ For the list of exhibitions taking place in Art with a Heart over the coming months, visit the website www.artwithaheart.org.uk or call in to the Arts Centre.
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BusinessAwards
2013 business awards and the excitement is building
n 17 October the Cresta Court hotel plays host to this year’s prestigious business awards evening in association with the Sale & Altrincham Messenger.
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By popular demand, BBC presenter Gordon Burns will again host the awards and the event will commence with a Champagne reception. It was a difficult time for all the judges reviewing all the nominations received.
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The finalists are - in alpha order:
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Altrincham HQ Art With a Heart Betty & Belle The Bowdon Rooms Bridging Finance Children’s Adventure Farm Trust Costa Coffee, Sale Leavitt Walmersley & Associates Milner Boardman Networking in the City Nikal Otone Audio Randalls Slater Heelis Stockdales Trafford College Trafford Council Village Toy Company Voice Takeaway The Window Company
BusinessAwards
Last year’s winners of the Business of the Year – Randalls.
Category Sponsors 1. Small Business of the Year Slater Heelis 2. Start Up Business of the Year Sale & Altrincham Messenger 3. Retailer of the Year Faddies Dry Cleaning 4. Property Team of the Year Citybranch 5. Young Apprentice of the Year Trafford College 6. Provider of Professional Services Premium Collections 7. Leisure & Tourism Nikal 8. Charity of the Year Myerson 9. Employee of the Year Colemans ctts 10. Business of the Year Trafford Council The winners and runners-up will be announced on the evening
President of the Chamber Sue Aldridge said: “I am delighted that we have received so many nominations from such a range of businesses and I thank everyone for participating. “We have some truly exceptional businesses in our area and although we feel they are all winners in their own right, we have to select first and second places from each category. “Our thanks to the Sale & Altrincham Messenger who have worked with us on the awards again this year and to all the sponsors. ChamberFocus
“As the local Chamber of Commerce, we are all about supporting local businesses. We want the event to prove a huge success.”
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ChamberFeatures
Ask the Expert... What are the key things to bear in mind when meeting the undertaker to plan a funeral?
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The most important thing to bear in mind when planning to meet the undertaker for the first time is that we are here to help and guide you in your decisions. Generally, families are in a state of bewilderment and often have never had to deal with anything like this before. Nothing needs to be decided there and then and decisions can be changed later. So don’t worry. A time frame is always a good thing to bear in mind. Usually there would be several days between a person’s death and the funeral. There are things that can be done to either speed up the paperwork process if required or it is possible to delay the funeral for a short time. Finally, try and have some idea of basic arrangements. Will the funeral be a cremation or burial and will there be a religious or non-religious service? Ian Clarke Ian Clarke Funeral Services Winner of the Altrincham & Sale Chamber Customer Care Award Oct 2012
Getting Started Emma Clarke Q1 Tell us a bit about your business?
Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?
We are VoiceTakeaway.com - the online store for pro voiceover audio. We sell voiceover audio for business use - on-hold messages, call greetings, web video narration, event announcements, health and safety tannoy info, in-store adverts and audio logos.
Publishing the website. That was a big moment for me. We built it ourselves - we’re not web designers so it was a big ask - but we just didn’t have the budget to hire someone to do it for us so we just went ahead and did it. Seeing VoiceTakeaway.com go live was just brilliant.
Q2 What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?
Q6 What has been your lowest moment?
We use the best voiceovers in the business; our award-winning team has worked in the audio business for more than 20 years so we understand how our customers can get the most out of audio.
There haven’t really been any low moments yet. There have been lots of tired moments!
Q3 What motivated you to set up the business?
I want VoiceTakeaway.com to become the world’s go-to site for business audio.
Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?
Q4 What do you like most about working for a start-up?
You’ve got to focus - without that, you’ll flounder. You’ve got to be passionate - if you don’t love what you do, you’ll soon get rumbled. Get your marketing right and, finally, work with the right people.
I love that you have to do everything in a start-up - I love the pace of it, the busy-ness of it. It’s exciting and every day brings new opportunities.
But if you’re longing to set up a business, do it. Don’t just think about it or let a great idea fester on a flipchart. Get on and do it.
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I first had the idea for Voice Takeaway about ten years ago but the time just wasn’t right. Broadband wasn’t around back then and people were still wary of buying stuff over the internet. Now, though, times have changed - we have YouTube, social media, easy-to-use media software, digital devices in every pocket and now people access online audio visual stuff every day.
Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?
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BigInterview
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Taking a different approach pays off for Smart-thinking business Steve Martin is a man who likes to do things differently; it’s the basis on which his successful business has been built
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ut the man who created the Altrincham company Smart Financial Planning, and is its Managing Director, did not begin life intending to go into finance.
“When I came out of university I was not really sure what job I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to go into something which offered me opportunities and would allow me to use my talents. I saw an advert asking for trainee managers, no other information, no indication as to the sector involved. I thought ‘what a silly advert’ but clearly it was clever and had the desired effect because what happened was that inquisitive people applied. “I was one of those who applied and ended up selling life assurance. It had not been the plan but I had always had an interest in numbers. If I had my time again, I would go to university to study mathematics and economics, something like that, because it was something I was good at.” A Scot by birth he came down to the Altrincham area in 2003 to live with his then girlfriend, now his wife, and eventually Steve started his company, driven by a belief that the financial sector had to change at a time when public concern was growing, fuelled by crises such as mis-selling, bank collapses and worries about the hard selling of financial products. Steve said: “I had this feeling that everyone else in the sector was doing it wrongly, that there was a better way to do it. I felt that companies were not putting the client’s interest first, that it was about disseminating information about products, rather than looking at the client’s needs. My wife got tired of me going on about this and said ‘why don’t you put your money where your mouth is then?’ so I started the business.
“We start by taking an interest in the client’s life, we look at the whole picture. What do they need now, where do they expect to be in the future, what happens when they retire, what happens when they die, how will they consider their children and their grandchildren? I think
As the company evolved, and it now has in the region of 400 clients and offices in Altrincham, Glasgow, Leeds and London, another idea began to emerge, the concept of taking the personal financial
“ We start by taking an interest in the client’s life, we look at the whole picture. What do they need now, where do they expect to be in the future, what happens when they retire, what happens when they die, how will they consider their children and their grandchildren?
approach into the business sector. Steve said: “We now offer business consultancy as well. It’s an USP for us and I believe that apart from the big multi-national corporates, we are the only company in the country that offers such an integrated service to a business owner. “Our service helps them with their business financial planning and their personal life right through to when they retire and what happens afterwards. Our experience is that business owners overestimate the value of their business and under-estimate their importance to it. Our approach means that we prioritise their current and future financial needs, help them understand the value and sellability of their business and work with them to improve the value of their business prior to sale, giving them control of their exit. Also when they have retired, we are still there.”
Steve Martin Managing Director Smart Corporate Financial Planning
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Right from the beginning, I regarded us as different. For a start, we do not work on commission, we work on a fee-only basis, so it does not really matter to us which product if indeed any product the client buys. In that sense, we are truly independent rather than being linked into one product or a range of products.
people had lost faith in the financial sector because of all the things that had happened with the banks and the misselling of products and we aimed to look at the whole person to come up with plans that were good for their whole life. “I saw it as a different approach and one that came up with plans that took into account the needs of the client rather than being focused on commission for a particular product. I think that our clients see us as a breath of fresh air in the way we approach things.”
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He said: “I actually went to university to study medicine but after three years of that I realised it was not for me and I switched to politics and management, because I thought it would be easier, which it was.
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24HoursWith...
24 Hours with... Geoff Sharpe Keller Kitchen Centre
eing a retailer in a business of 27 years, every day is different. Today, as I write, is a Wednesday, and I am up early to take a delivery from Keller Kitchens of Roosendaal, Holland.
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We are to unload two complete kitchens from the carrier, who has been coming here for many years. In an average year, we will supply and fit 40 kitchens ranging in prices from £5,000 to £30,000. Everyone is after value for money so it is hard work, but based on a relationship of trust, and much of my day will be taken up with communicating with customers to ensure their needs are met. Nearly all my work is on recommendation or when people move home or have an extension and the internet is making life easy for people to look at products and gain information so part of my day is keeping an eye on such contacts.
But some products need home visits, trust and recommendation, payment on delivery or completion, and good after-sales work so that takes up some of my day. My kitchen business is 27 years old and competed with ‘direct sell - remember Moben, and ‘sheds‘ like Comet and MFI? We operate between Sale and Altrincham on the A56 Manchester Road with seven modern fitted displays using the same premises, staff, suppliers and no pressure sales model. Much of my day is taken up with providing the personal service that customers require.
Keller is a brand with big plans for 2014, including new models; you should see our handleless polygloss and silk lacquer in 2,000 colours, although our white and jasmin models sell well. We are also a Granite, Corian and Stone specialist. Away from work, I have just returned from a holiday in Holland, where Keller Kitchens are based. My holiday was with my wife Luminita and we had 72 hours in Amsterdam, including museums, Van Gogh and a canal cruise, staying in the Oud-zoid or old south district. I would live there without any hesitation for the Dutch beers and fries with mayonnaise!
My supplier, NEFF from Germany, have such a good website that we get customers calling every day. The benefit to customers is that they can see the products, have a working demonstration, and pay on delivery securely and safely, including installation by experts. They can see a working induction hob... believe me, they will change the way you cook, and find out which oven, fridge or dishwasher is suited to them or their property.
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Being a “bricks and mortar“ business we can personalise our service. An online bathroom retailer currently has a campaign on TV, arguing against expensive showrooms and upsetting the bathroom showroom people. Their ‘campaign‘ was costing £2.5 million.
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MemberNews
How SMEs can secure alternative finance Research from the Federation of Small Businesses has revealed 40 per cent of small firms in the UK have been refused credit from the banks, driving them to investigate alternative forms of finance.
System helps in fight against fraud Stockport–based company has developed a new A system to help businesses tackle fraudulent expense claims. Phantom Tracking Systems, which specialises in vehicle security technology, has come up with a new “black-box” recorder, which uses the latest GPS technology to stamp journeys start and end points, while accurately tracking the distance travelled. Adam Langley, technical director of Phantom, said: “We thought it would be great to develop a cheap and simple device that could be used to calculate petrol expenses. “We tested it first on our own salespeople and quickly found we were able to save £20 a week per car on miscalculated and over-estimated mileage. If you run a large fleet, then you could save a lot of money.”
Many of these businesses that require an instant injection of capital have started actively seeking alternative forms of finance such as bridging loans. A bridging loan is a short-term interest only loan, typically taken out for up to12 months pending the arrangement of longer-term financing. This type of finance could be used to make a quick offer on improved business premises, boosting cash flow whilst waiting for customer payments or buying new stock and materials.
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Chris Baguley, Managing Director of specialist lender Bridging Finance Limited, said: “We know access to finance is still the number one concern for small and medium business owners and it’s preventing them from investing in their businesses and growing. A bridging loan can be an effective way of combatting cash flow problems and can be arranged in as little as 48 hours.”
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To learn more about the benefits of short-term funding visit www.bridgingfinance.co.uk
Virtually all companies pay drivers miles and the tax rules require businesses to keep records to substantiate what they pay to drivers. The Mileage Capture System can either be fully installed or ‘plugged-in’ and, once activated, automatically uploads
data to the Phantom server. Reports and expense claims can then be quickly filed and downloaded as PDF documents or spread sheets – reducing the time spent by employees on submitting expense claims. Adam said: “Firms are facing six-figure back-tax bills and fines for payments on ‘phantom’ business miles in a wave of investigations into these fuel and mileage payments. “If HMRC finds errors in the records, such as drivers claiming tax-free mileage payments for more miles than they actually drove, they can go after a company for the tax due on the difference – plus interest and penalties.” The system also has the ability to remember repeat journeys, differentiate between business and personal expenses and locate a vehicle wherever it is. Once reports have been filed they cannot be edited. Our data can form a valuable part of your duty of care records ensuring the company is monitoring its drivers.
Frankland Tree Services wins award at show rankland Trees Services Ltd (FTS) won the Champion Trade FStand competition at the 2013 Cheshire Show. The award is given for the attractiveness of the stand, presentation of the information, layout plus approachability and willingness of the staff to share enthusiasm.
good service and passion was recognised by the Cheshire Show judging panels.” The company is based at Ashley, near Altrincham.
FTS offers a wide range of tree related services, including planting, pruning, felling, stump removal, advice and general tree management, from the individual domestic fruit tree to estates and an arboretum. Managing Director Chris Frankland said: “This is the first time that we have exhibited at the Cheshire Show. We were so thrilled to win this prestigious award and particularly pleased that a local small business built on sustainable principles,
The stand at Cheshire show with Chris Frankland and John Moss, Rex Beech, Ben Sharratt, John Moss, Dave Thwaite and Chris Frankland
MemberNews
Seacombe Insurance welcomes David Wain to the team ell-known local businessman David Wain has joined Seacombe Insurance in Altrincham as Business Development Manager.
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Established in 1973, Seacombe Insurance, based on Stamford Street, are independent insurance brokers offering all types of business and personal insurance. David was previously branch manager at Santander in Altrincham and left after 41years. Having taken a break of just six weeks, David felt that he was ready to return to business. He said: “I was approached by Jeremy Seacombe at Seacombe Insurance to consider joining their team. “Quite coincidentally I had also been a customer of theirs for a number of years and been impressed with the service that I had received. This opportunity seemed too good to miss. I have a wealth of experience and professional contacts and am looking forward to welcoming both new and existing customers.”
David Wain
Jeremy Seacombe said: ”I have known David for many years and have been continually impressed with his enthusiasm and customer service skills as well as his knowledge and expertise. These skills are all part of the ethos at Seacombe Insurance and I am absolutely delighted to welcome him to the team.”
New challenge for Katharine atharine Mellor, a former corporate partner in DWF LLP and one of the region’s most respected Klegal figures, has joined Manchester full service law firm Slater Heelis LLP as a partner. A key appointment for the firm, Katharine has more than 30 years’ experience advising on corporate governance and public/ private partnerships with particular reference to the health care sector. She also is involved in the setting up of charities and advising charity trustees. Katharine specialises in mergers and acquisitions, management buy-outs and joint ventures.
Mike Fox, Managing Partner at Slater Heelis LLP, said: “I feel both proud and fortunate that Katharine has chosen to join us. Katharine is dedicated to providing a service to her clients that is second to none, which fits entirely with the philosophy of Slater Heelis.”
Katharine Mellor
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She was the first female president of the Manchester Law Society and has held non- executive director positions with the National Blood Authority and South Manchester University NHS Hospital Trust.
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CorporateHospitality
BEST WESTERN Cresta Court Reveals it’s Exciting New Refurbishment s the Best Western Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham approaches its 40th birthday this Autumn it has much to be proud of, not least a phenomenal start to this year.
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massage, pedicure and manicure with OPI products and Shellac, Sienna X spray tan, and detoxifying and relaxing body treatments such as body scrub and wraps. Bliss! Paul adds: “The salon is something we had been considering for a while to compliment our wedding, banqueting and leisure services, but also to attract more local people to try the Hotel. Combined with the new lounge, we are already attracting more local residents and businesspeople to the Hotel. They seem to making full use of the free parking and free Wi Fi to relax over a coffee, hold an informal meeting or enjoy a quick lunch from the improved bar menu. It’s wonderful to see.”
The Hotel has always been a focal point in the centre of Altrincham for the many parties, events and celebrations it has hosted in its 40 year history, playing an important role in the both the local business and social community. In 2013, under the new ownership of Longrose Buccleuch Hotels (LBML), it embarked on a £1 million refurbishment programme that promises to bring the hotel up to a new exciting standard. General manager Paul Hindley comments: “The Hotel has always benefitted from exceptional business potential with its easy access to Manchester City Centre, and of course Old Trafford, making it a great choice for commercial travellers, conference buyers and leisure visitors to both Manchester and Cheshire. The refurbishment this year brings us up to a new level, making our proposition even more relevant to modern travellers, event buyers and local guests.”
Next up in the refurbishment will be a second phase of bedroom upgrades. Rooms are being refreshed and finished to a high standard using a strong blend of classical and contemporary design with rich walnut furnishings and contemporary crème finishes. There are also improvements to soundproofing on bedroom floors, investment in exterior signage and the redecoration of the 11 conference and three banqueting suites to give a more contemporary feel and make the most of the natural daylight. Paul comments “After 40 years the Cresta Court Hotel is still a leading part of Altrincham’s social and business scene and driving voice behind Altrincham’s regeneration vision. Our improvements this year without a doubt mean that we can impress our local business and leisure guests, and we still have more to come. Watch this space! “ BEST WESTERN Cresta Court, Church Street, Altrincham, WA14 4DP. Call: 0161 927 7272 or click: www.cresta-court.co.uk
Phase one of the refurbishment is already complete with a fully renovated bar, lounge and reception area which has created an open plan feel to the space, and a selection of refurbished bedrooms proving a hit with guests. New facilities have also been introduced such as a charging point for electric cars and the Oasis beauty salon which offers a range of Babor facials,
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MemberNews
Milner Boardman celebrates five years at MBL House The team at Milner Boardman Chartered Accountants met clients and close friends at Altrincham Garden Centre for a celebratory night in which they thanked people for their support.
Christmas comes early at hotel ne hundred and eighty business people visited Altrincham’s Cresta Court Hotel for an event to showcase the latest stage of the hotel’s redevelopment alongside the newly launched Christmas party packages.
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The hotel is well known for its popular themed party nights and used the event to give guests a taste of what will be on offer this Christmas. On the night, guests were not only treated to a fully themed Christmas Party, with food, drinks and entertainment by resident DJ Mike Mawdsley, but were also given a sneak preview of the newly refurbished reception, lounge and bar.
The next stage of the refurbishment will focus on the upgrading of the bedrooms, bringing a more modern style, and new facilities for guests staying at the 140 bedroom hotel. For information on Christmas party nights and events please call the Party Booking Line on 0161 927 7272 or email events@cresta-court.co.uk
Phase 1 of a 40-stage £1million refurbishment of the hotel has been completed. The Reception has been developed with the addition of a guest library, and an open plan route has been made into the lounge and bar area which have been fully renovated.
Tony Collier, Managing Partner of the firm, said: “We wanted to thank all our clients and colleagues who have helped and supported the practice
Hotel Manager Paul Hindley said: “A party to showcase our Christmas packages seemed the perfect way to show local business people and other guests this significant milestone in our refurbishment of the hotel. The new look lounge and bar vastly improve our already popular event facilities and it was great to receive such positive feedback on the night.”
Party people, from left to right: Janice Lysaght, Peter Haselden Revenue Manager, Paul Hindley General Manager, Angela Grace Sales Manager, Trish Milench
over the years so we decided to try something out of the ordinary and asked the garden centre to help with
Paragon expands into the North West to meet the needs of local employers
the event. “Feedback from the event has been wonderful and we hope we can do something similar again in the future.”
aragon is one of the fastest growing independent training providers across the North West, Midlands and the South of England, working closely with local employers to help build the skills needed for current and future business demands.
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The event marked the Altrincham company’s five year anniversary at
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MBL House in the town.
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Their track record speaks for itself; Paragon is celebrating its first year anniversary since opening the doors at their Sale office in Manchester. The team have gone from strength to strength with over 20 members of staff working out of the local office delivering apprenticeships in business administration, customer service, childcare, health & social care, hospitality, retail, team leading and management. Nick McHugh, Business Development Manager for Paragon added: “It has been
a record year for Paragon. With our expansion into the North West and our access to both national and local government grants, employers can still claim over £2,000 per Apprentice. Paragon also has the added benefit of a dedicated recruitment team who can assist with both the training and recruitment process.” For further information please visit paragonskills.co.uk, call Free phone 0800 783 2545 or email enquiries@pgon.co.uk
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Members’Loyalty
Join the Chamber today and start saving money ere’s how…….
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MERE COURT HOTEL CRESTA COURT HOTEL
BENNETT FOZZARD Free review of any commercial or personal insurance arrangements. 5% Discount off commercial and household insurance new policy premiums; free total accident management including emergency hire vehicle up to 14 days with any private insurance. (This could save you hundreds of pounds)** Offer available to new clients to Bennett Fozzard only. ** Terms and conditions apply. Services provided by B D Elite. T: 0161 928 9556 (Savings from £50 on a £1000 policy and hundreds of pounds on total accident management insurance) BRUNTWOOD LTD 25% off your first meeting room booking. 10% thereafter. Two month’s rent free when taking a 12 month term on a virtual office. One month free when taking a minimum three month term on a serviced office. Membership fee waived for our day office card. Video conferencing from £99 per hour up to six attendees. T: 0161 233 7877 enquiries@bruntwood.co.uk Meeting room prices range from £20 per hour for up to 4 people to £150 per hour for 120 people. Cost savings on virtual office space will be either £100 for mail only or £200 for full virtual by signing for 12 months with the rent free. Savings for day office card membership is around £69. Prices exclude VAT.
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CITATION PLC Free initial consultation on Citations Queen’s Award winning Health & Safety and Employment Law services. Substantial discounts available on all services to Chamber members. Areas covered include employee handbooks, health & safety policies, risk assessments, 24/7 legal advice, contracts of employment and employment tribunals amongst others. All advice guaranteed. Contact Nigel Lea on 01625 415557 or nigellea@citation.co.uk for more details Saving around £150 on consultation. Savings on packages depend on length of contract could be up to £750
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10% Discount off food on any event booked. 15% discount off any accommodation booked direct. T: 0161 972 7272 (Menu prices from £25 and accommodation from £65 per night) DATABROKER LTD “Impartial business and consumer data experts” 15% off all standard UK and EU B2B data orders – an exclusive offer to Chamber members. Free data audit – your existing client data is vital for your business and you need to know that it’s accurate. Our free data audit will provide you will a detailed report on the accuracy of your client data and what steps can be taken to correct any errors. Savings could be as much as £100 per 1000 records. Contact Gareth Perry T: 0161 941 5700 Mob: 07538 811 017 E: info@data-broker.co.uk W: www.data-broker.co.uk DELTA SOLUTIONS Delta Solutions can offer you a day costing £495 plus vat for only £250 plus vat for a Financial Health Check. Your business finances and processes will be investigated and analysed. A written report detailing the recommendations to improve your business financial strength will be provided including benchmarking against similar businesses. Tel: 0845 164 5015 Mob: 07796 176817 E: sue@delta-solutions.org.uk
FADDIES DRY CLEANING 10% Discount off dry cleaning, laundry, shirt valet; leathers & soft furnishings. On your first visit have a suit dry cleaned for free T: 0161 928 7660 GRESHAM WEALTH MANGEMENT LLP Free initial consultation from a Chartered Financial Planner to all members. T: 0161 973 9150 (Saving of £500)
CLAYTON HR LTD Free review of your organisation’s HR documentation, policies and procedures and a detailed recommendations report. Contact Rebecca Clayton on 07881 717 074 or rebecca.clayton@claytonhr.com
50% Discount on initial letting fee for any new properties instructed on our Gold + full property management service. T: 0161 448 0808
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Free production of your first commercial saving £300 + VAT T: 016 476 7349 E: louise.heaney@imaginefm.net
HOMES4U
20% off our Du Jour Menu in the Arboreum Restaurant (3 course menu is £19.95) T: 01565 831000 THE MERE GOLF RESORT & SPA 1 X 4 Ball for price of 3 ball £225 (should be £300) Twilight golf £35 pp; Early Bird £35 pp T: 01565 830155 Saving £75 on a 4 ball betterball MILNER BOARDMAN 15% Discount of the first year’s fees for a new client. T: 0161 927 2727 Fees £2,000 to £2,500 so saving £300 to £375 MINUTEMAN PRESS Digitally produced matt laminate double sided business cards on 350g silk 500 £49 + vat saving £16; 1000 £69 + vat saving £28 Litho produced matt laminate double sided business cards on 400g silk 500 £59 + vat saving £20; 1000 £79 + vat saving £26 Contact Ed or Alison on 0161 928 8826 www.120manchester.minutemanpress.co.uk NUTRITIONSOS 25% Off initial one-to-one consultation saving of £15 and 15% off corporate nutrition services saving of between £15 and £37.50. Contact Sian Dixon on 07791 599449 or Email sian.dixon@nutritionsos.co.uk PREMIUM COLLECTIONS One free credit report on a UK limited company of your choice - your own company, an existing client or a prospective client. Simply tell us the name of the company for report and provide your full contact details for our reply. Usual charge for debt collection is 15% but will reduce to 10% for Chamber members. If you are interested in the difference Premium Collections Limited can make to your cash flow. Please contact Paul Daine on 0161 929 3955 or email us at paul.daine@premiumcollections.co.uk Saving of £50 + on credit report on UK limited company. RYMAN THE STATIONER 10% Discount in Altrincham shop only (excluding website orders) T: 0161 929 7070
IMAGINE FM SAFETYNET IT Free IT system health check saving of £66 + VAT T: 0845 869 8451
LastWord
SALE & ALTRINCHAM MESSENGER ‘Market Your Business’ - Up to a 15% discount on your first advertisement in the Sale and Altrincham Messenger including the Business Page – saving from £30 off a front page or £53 off a Business Profile and £55 off a full page. For this offer and more long term campaigns contact keith.morris@nqnw.co.uk Tel 0161 908 3413. SPIRE MANCHESTER CLINIC HALE Non-surgical cosmetic treatment offer with Spire Manchester Clinic Hale - Altrincham Chamber members can receive £25 off any non-surgical cosmetic treatments when they spend up to £150 and £50 off if you spend over £150. This offer is exclusively for Altrincham Chamber members and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. For further information, terms and conditions or to book please call 0161 232 2303 (quote AC1001). Varicose or prominent veins - Altrincham Chamber members can receive a scan and consultation with Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Mr Ferdinand Serracino Inglott at our Clinic in Hale for prominent or varicose veins for £150 (usual price £200). This offer is exclusively for Altrincham Chamber members and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. For further information, terms and conditions or to book please call 0161 232 2303 (quote AC1002). TECTRIX SOLUTIONS 25% Discount on all our standard rate calls which include local national and calls to UK mobile. T: 0845 058 9393 E: les.mitty@tectrixsolutions.com TOLL OPTICIANS 15% Discount and a free second pair of spectacles to Chamber members. Contact: Sarah Haughian T: 0161 928 0566 E: tollopticians@aol.com TRAFFORD SURVEYORS 10% off all home improvement packs and domestic energy performance certificates. 15% off all surveys, valuations and commercial energy performance certificates. T: 0161 929 8257 UTILITY WAREHOUSE DISCOUNT CLUB
ADDITIONAL OFFERS... AA AFFINITY SCHEME Members/staff discounts off AA Breakdown Cover. Get the AA’s best prices at enrolment plus 10% at renewal – on average 10% cheaper than the AA.com. To get a quote and join, please call 0800 048 0075 and quote reference ‘F0706’.
THE FUELCARD PEOPLE Members will receive: • Typical savings of up to 5p per litre on national average pump prices, with fixed weekly pricing • Savings of up to 10p per litre on motorway refuelling • Free credit for up to two weeks – and the same price, wherever you refuel • Just one weekly invoice, paid by direct debit, to cover all transactions for all your vehicles • Easy reclaiming of VAT • Own named, dedicated account manager to answer any queries • Easy access, 24/7/365, to your account information – including transactions not yet invoiced • Access to major brand diesel or petrol from over 7000 sites nationwide • Leading-edge security features • Each fuel card, linked to a vehicle or driver, is useless to anyone else if lost or stolen Tel: 0844 870 6938 Email: rcarr@thefuelcardpeople.co.uk Website: www.thefuelcardpeople.co.uk
To take advantage of these many savings, please state that you are a member of Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce when you contact the supplier
Free utilities health check for domestic and business bills on all utilities, energy, telephones, mobile phones, broadband etc T: 0800 298 9239
THE ZIPYARD 15% off all alterations and repairs at The Zipyard, 14 Lloyd Street, Altrincham WA14 2DE T: 0161 929 4848 Alterations and repairs start from £10 up £100+
am responsible for Paragon’s Ioverall performance management and joined the business back in 2010. I take a special interest in the identifying major growth opportunities including new provision, geographical expansion and opportunities to deliver vocational support as part of welfare to work programmes. Our business works closely with employers to ensure that our training delivery meets their needs. We deliver individualised work-based learning to employees so that they can become more responsive to the demands of both their company and the local labour market and also gain vocational skills and accredited training qualifications. Work-based learning is an exciting industry which continually evolves to meet both current and future labour market demands.
What was your first job and Qwhat was the pay packet?
I had my own business at the age of 13 selling collectable phone cards. My first proper job was a sales consultant working at the head office of Odyssey golf earning £830.
What is the biggest Q challenge facing your business? Spreading the word about the return on investment from taking on an apprentice.
What can you see from Qyour office window? If you could do another job Qwhat would it be? What advice would you Q give to aspiring entrepreneurs? The fast train to London and Weymouth.
Please note: Offers are made by the individual organisations and the Chamber cannot be held responsible for any changes/amendments or withdrawal of these offers.
Either a pilot or a bookmaker.
Follow your gut feeling.
do you most admire QinWhobusiness? Jeff Bezos, Amazon.
ChamberFocus
THE WINDOW COMPANY 20% off our full range of products, windows, doors and conservatories saving between £100 and £3000. Contact Wayne Shaw T: 0161 962 8570 Email: info@the-windowco.co.uk
Daniel O’Keefe Paragon Skills Managing Director
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NewMembers
We Welcome New Members 442 Online Marketing Ltd Brian Flynn T: 0161 610 1193 E: brian@442onlinemarketing.co.uk W: www.442onlinemarketing.co.uk Online Marketing Altrincham HQ Alex McCann T: 07806 774279 E: alex@altrinchamhq.co.uk W: www.altrinchamhq.co.uk Social Media Management & Training Atelier Rose and Gray Chris Brooks T: 0161 928 4021 E: chris@atelierrosegray.co.uk W: www.atelierrosegray.co.uk Art Gallery Balance Finance
ChamberFocus
Sue Aldridge T: 07429 750040 E: sue@balancefinance.co.uk Financial Adviser
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Enterprise Lab Ltd Naomi Timperley T: 07718 072998 E: naomi@enterpriselab.co.uk W: www.enterpriselab.co.uk Enterprise Education & Employability Skills Hale Civic Society Denise Laver T: 07966 449497 E: halecivicsociety@hotmail.com Civic Society
Station Cars Ashraf Tauquir T: 0161 928 6655 E: stationcarsalty@gmail.com Taxi Company Voice Takeaway Ltd Casey Longden T: 0333 210 0221 E casey@voicetakeaway.com W: www.voicetakeaway.com Pro Voiceover Audio
Holt Business Solutions Trevor Holt T: 0161 928 7111 E: trevor@holtbs.com W: www.holtbs.com Office Equipment/Supplies
Bob Williams words Bob Williams T: 07891 195292 E: bobwilliamswords@gmail.com Compere/Toastmaster/Speechwriter
Kensington Wedding Cars Ltd Mike Banks T: 0161 973 1208 E: info@kensingtonweddingcars.co.uk W: www.kensingtonweddingcars.co.uk Wedding Car Hire
The Window Company Wayne Shaw T: 0161 962 8570 E: info@the-windowco.co.uk W: www.the-windowco.co.uk Double Glazing
Berg Reuben Berg T: 0161 833 9211 E: reubenb@berg.co.uk W: www.berg.co.uk Law Firm
Networking in the City Steve Kettle T: 0161 928 0537 E: steve.kettle@networkinginthecity.co.uk W: www.networkinginthecity.co.uk Event Management
The Bowdon Rooms Neil Hughes T: 0161 926 8992 E: neil@thecinnamonclub.net W: www.thebowdonrooms.co.uk Weddings/Functions/Live Music
Pia Financial Solutions Stephen Iacovou T: 0161 962 1506 E: stephen.iacovou@piafs.co.uk W: www.piafs.co.uk Mortgage & Insurance Advisers
Business Doctors Manchester David Blakey T: 07850 051306 E: daveb@businessdoctors.co.uk W: www.businessdoctors.co.uk/manchester Business Coaching
Planitwright Planning Consultancy Linda Wright T: 07765 250150 E: linda@planitwright.co.uk W: www.planitwright.co.uk Planning Consultant
Hill-IP has linked up with Harrison IP and, as from the 1st June, Richard Hill acts as a consultant to Harrison IP.
Colemans ctts Zee Hussain T: 0161 876 2521 E: zee.hussain@colemans-ctts.co.uk W: www.colemans-ctts.co.uk Solicitors
RS Consultancy Richard Simon T: 0161 929 1704 E: richard.simon@btopenworld.com Consultancy Support for Retail & Non-profit organisations
Richard will continue to service his existing clients and can be contacted at the Manchester Office of Harrison IP. Email: richard.hill@harrisonip.com General email: mail@harrisonip.com
Jon Cheetham Design Jon Cheetham T: 07971 575977 E: jon@joncdesign.co.uk W: www.joncdesign.co.uk Design & Marketing
Send Out Cards Natalie Dewhurst T: 07834 766470 E: sendoutcards@live.co.uk W: www.sendoutcards.com/njdcards Online Cards & Gifts
Harrison IP, Manchester Business Park, 3000 Aviator Way. Manchester M22 5TG Tel: 0161 2662032 Fax: 01904 795 382
On the Move…. Kitson Architecture Ltd has moved to: Suite 22, 28-32 Greenwood Street, Altrincham WA14 1RZ Tel: 0161 637 2764.
…..Changes
Not yet a Chamber Member? Join today – Possibly the best investment you can make this year! Contact Paul Mirage Tel: 07708 987518 Email: paul@altrinchamchamber.co.uk
M A R K E T L EA EADERS IN SHOR RTT T E R M F U N D I N G
HERE TO FUND YOUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY At Bridging Finance Limited we specialise in providing fast and effective short term funding secured on land and commercial property. We promote clarity, transparency, speed and unrivalled flexibility, providing you with market leading rates and flexible options. The benefits of using us are clear: s #OMPLETE TRANSPARENCY s (IGH QUALITY CLIENT CARE s &AST FUNDING OFTEN IN HOURS s @-ARKET LEADING RATES s %XPERT TEAM READY TO HELP YOU s %STABLISHING LONG TERM PARTNERSHIPS
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Contact Us: 0161 333 1950
All bridging finance secured on land and commercial property
Find out more: bridgingfinance.co.uk