The Chamber Voice and Vision Surrey Business

theChamber Voice&VisionofSurreyBusiness|March - April 2016 www.surrey-chambers.co.uk | ÂŁ3.95 (where sold)

Pioneering work in the field of green technologies Page 22 24 Hours with... pg 20

Sector Focus - Charities pg 28

Kate Parkinson CRS

Why it makes sense for businesses to support charities

Big Interview with Shield Security pg 26

Ask the Expert pg 35

Business offers peace of mind

The importance of intellectual property

Contents

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

March - April 2016

Welcome to theChamber from our Chief Executive Louise Punter Awards are the flavour of the month The closing date for The Surrey Advertiser Toast of Surrey Awards has passed and we have a fantastic line-up of businesses to judge.

The awards recognise great businesses in Surrey and culminates in one of the most prestigious events on the Surrey business calendar. By entering the awards and reaching the shortlist a business has the chance to benefit from extensive PR leading up to the awards, at the gala awards evening itself in April - and in a special postawards supplement. There are several different categories and it gives companies the chance to share success and widen their network. As well as these exciting awards, the National CSR awards are just around the corner. The National CSR Awards programme isn’t just about recognising big business for responsible and sustainable practices. It is about rewarding change; building platforms to learn, share and progress ideas; and encouraging the development of engaged and ethical business practices. The awards will take place on 12th May in one of the most sustainable buildings in the world - The Crystal.

EU Referendum Chambers were highly featured in the news this week with our Director General resigning. The British Chambers of Commerce is a nonpartisan organisation, and as such, decided not to campaign for either side ahead of the European referendum on 23rd June 2016. Our neutrality in the referendum debate reflects the real divisions that exist in business communities across the UK, also seen here in Surrey. It is also clear that a great deal more

information is needed by people before they vote in June.

Our DG, John Longworth shared his personal view on the referendum, which has created confusion regarding the BCC’s neutral stance going forward.

In light of this, John took the decision to step down as Director-General and his resignation took effect from 6 March 2016. No politician or interest group had any influence on the BCC Board decision to initially suspend Mr Longworth.

His subsequent resignation was agreed mutually between him and the BCC Board, and there were no external factors involved.

The only views taken into account were those of the BCC Board and the BCC’s owners, the UK accredited Chamber Network, of which Surrey Chambers is a member. We will continue to reflect the varied views of our membership, articulate their concerns, and seek greater clarity and information from both sides.

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Introduction Chamber News Members News Members News Members News Members News Health and Wellbeing International Trade Members News 24 Hours With Cover Feature Big Interview

Editorial and General Enquiries 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

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Sector Focus on Charities Ask the Expert Members News Design/Leisure Economy/Development Technology Showcase New Members Member News Chamber Events Business News Chamber Chat

Production Manager Mark Etherington Email: mark@benhampublishing.com

Media No.

Chief Executive: Louise Punter Finance: Caroline Cherryman

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Editor

Disclaimer

Aisha Bennett Tel: 01483 735545 Email: Aisha.Bennett@surrey-chambers.co.uk

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. © 2016.

Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

_________________________________________________

Advertising and Features

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.

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

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

Published March 2016 © Benham Publishing

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Introduction

A word from our President

Alison Bolton Chief Executive

Welcome from Frankie Tierney

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Keeping business sustainable The Financial Times defined business sustainability as managing the triple bottom line - a process by which companies manage the financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities. These impacts are often referred to as profits, people and planet.

Sustainable business management is about incorporating those three factors in to your decision making so that the emphasis is on future long term goals for your business rather than focusing on short term profits.

More and more customers are expecting the businesses they use to adopt eco-friendly practices. That can in turn generate for you a favourable public opinion and greater customer loyalty.

However sustainability is not just a means of enhancing reputation. Businesses also have to operate in a sustainable economic way and rarely have the luxury of practicing high philanthropic ideals.

Whilst undoubtedly the large multinationals can do big things in environmental and social sustainability demanding fair pay and good conditions for workers used by business in their supply chains across the developing world, or powering factories from clean renewable energy sources - there are plenty of reasons why smaller businesses much closer to home should look at these concepts and see how adopting small changes can not just enhance reputation but make a real change to the bottom line.

“More and more customers are expecting the businesses they use to adopt eco-friendly practices. That can in turn generate for your a favourable public opinion and greater customer loyalty.”

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Keeping policing sustainable The world around us is changing.

Advances in technology mean that you can speak to someone you’ve never met before on the other side of the world or look up almost any piece of information known to man via your mobile phone, which fits in your pocket.

Ensuring that policing is able to stay sustainable in this changing world is a difficult task. These are organisations that have existed for over 100 years, and change can be a slow process.

To ensure that the officers can continue to operate and work efficiently in this changing world, Surrey Police have recently introduced Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs).

These devices work like mobile phones, and allow officers to search Surrey Police databases, collect evidence and take witness statements

all using this one device.

The days of officers carrying around notebooks and returning to base to fill out paperwork for several hours at the end of their shifts are gone – instead, they can stay out on the streets to respond to another call.

Further advances are coming.

Surrey Police officers will soon be issued with Body Worn Video cameras, which will allow them to film incidents as they happen and provide this valuable evidence to courts to speed up convictions. Our ICT department, joint with Sussex Police, are looking at how we can accept video evidence when you report crimes, giving investigating officers more to work with.

We must ensure that we work in the most effective way possible to stay sustainable, and technology is helping us to do just that.

“Our ICT department, joint with Sussex Police, are looking at how we can accept video evidence when you report crimes, giving investigating officers more to work with.”

Chamber News

Business@Brooklands has been acquired by Surrey Chambers of Commerce The established business community initiative Business@Brooklands has been acquired by Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

Business@Brooklands was established on 24th February 2011, exactly 5 years ago, by local entrepreneur Karen Sutton, managing director of Limelight Design and Marketing, whose office location, in the heart of the Brooklands Business Park, was the inspiration behind the initiative.

The initiative was designed to truly ‘keep business local’, encouraging and fostering potential business relationships and supporting collaboration between the 500+ businesses within the Brooklands business park and the neighbouring areas of Weybridge and West Byfleet.

Since inception Business@Brooklands’ 3 key elements - quarterly events; quarterly corporate social responsibility (CSR) meetings and support programme; and the communication of members’ news and events, and other information relevant to the park from Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey County Council - have attracted a strong and

growing membership of both SMEs and multinationals including JTI, Brooklands Hotel and Mercedes-Benz World.

Commenting on the change, Karen Sutton said “It has become clear this year that my commitments with the National CSR Awards mean that I cannot dedicate enough time to driving Business@Brooklands on to continued growth and success. Surrey Chambers of Commerce have the perfect combination of experience and resources to continue this work, taking the initiative to the next level.

I am honoured to have been asked to remain as non-executive chairman and I shall certainly continue coming to events”.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce is the county’s largest independent not for profit business support and networking organisation.

Representing the interests of 1500 businesses (55,000 employees), all of the Chambers’ services and products are directed by

the business community for the business community.

Chief executive officer Louise Punter said “We are really excited to be able to carry on the great work Karen has been doing in the Brooklands area. We intend to maintain the ethos of the initiative, whilst building on the benefits enjoyed by the local businesses. We are also committed to growing the corporate social responsibility forum to help businesses across Surrey to learn from the best practice of others” Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond, MP for Runnymede & Weybridge, who has attended several of the Business@Brooklands events since its inception in 2011, said “Whilst I’m sorry that Business@Brooklands is losing its founder, I know that Karen’s National CSR Awards commitments are taking up more and more time. I am confident that Surrey Chambers of Commerce will continue with Karen’s excellent work in bringing together the local business community.”

For further information www.businessatbrooklands.co.uk

“We are really excited to be able to carry on the great work Karen has been doing in the Brooklands area. We intend to maintain the ethos of the initiative, whilst building on the benefits enjoyed by the local businesses.”

Chambers bids a fond farewell It is with great sadness, but with the very best wishes, that Surrey Chambers of Commerce says a fond farewell to Richard Guillaume who, after a fifth of a century, is retiring from the chambers.

CEO, Louise Punter said, “It seems difficult to imagine the Chamber without Richard as he has been involved from the incorporation of Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

With almost 20 years worked and probably over 2000 events planned for more than 100000 business people, he deserves a rest.

I will miss him personally as he has been a hugely supportive and loyal member of the team and his shoes will be very difficult to fill.

We hope he will keep in touch through the Golf Society, which he has run superbly for most of his time at the Chamber.”

Chamber colleagues and members alike will wish Richard all the best in the coming years and are sure that the extra time he has will result in a much reduced golf handicap.

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Member News

Tiffany to run London Marathon for charity following life-changing surgery Tiffany Leaver is running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 24th April to raise awareness of people who are paralysed and work of leading spinal cord injury charity, Back Up. Tiffany underwent spinal surgery in 2003 following an incident involving a trampoline. She had an eight and a half hour operation where surgeons inserted metal pins and plates into her spine to correct a slipped vertebrae in her lumber region.

Back Up helps thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds rebuild their confidence and independence after a spinal cord injury. There are estimated to be 40,000 people affected by spinal cord injury in the UK today.

Tiffany who grew up in Exeter, Devon, and works at the Mandolay Hotel, Guildford applied to run the London Marathon after watching the race with friends in 2015.

When Tiffany came across the Back-Up Trust she instantly knew it was the motivation and support she needed to complete the hours of training and also on the day itself.

The 26.2mile Virgin Money London Marathon course starts on Woolwich, the first 6 miles takes you through Greenwich, miles 7 to 22 are past The Tower and The Isle of Dogs, then the home straight is past London Bridge, Westminster and finally down the Mall to the finish line.

Considering the risks involved in Tiffany’s surgery it was a great

success, and now she wants to help people who are less fortunate. As she has succored a charity place in the Marathon it means she needs to raise at least £2000 in sponsorship to donate to this fantastic charity. www.justgiving.com/Tiffany-Leaver2 The charity offers wheelchair skills training, mentoring service and rehabilitative activity courses that are all run by people affected by spinal cord injury themselves.

They also support people to overcome the challenges of returning to work or school.

Connie Potter, Back Up’s community fundraiser, said: “It’s very important for Back Up to have the support of people like Tiffany. Their support really is helping us reach more people affected by spinal cord injury and we can’t express how thankful we are for their efforts. Together we are changing people’s lives.”

University continues its success story The University of Surrey continues to build on its success and has cemented its position as a top-ten university in all three major league tables in 2016.

A core component of this success has been Surrey Business School where students get hands-on experience of real business problems and businesses get access to the ideas and ideals of future leaders.

Surrey Business School focuses on practice and how business is done; principles which underpin the Surrey MBA. Undertaking the Surrey MBA is not just about the modules you study, the lessons you learn or the people you meet; it’s about the range of added benefits that come with our MBA programme.

Alongside the practical career support offered throughout our MBA, a range of workshops have

been designed to help you develop personally and professionally. With subjects ranging from strategic leadership to negotiation skills, you can expect to increase your selfconfidence, discover new strengths and develop personal resilience. Self-reflective essays, psychometric tests and specialised assessment sessions are used to enhance and develop the skills of our students, helping them to become innovative business leaders of the future.

The current 2016 Surrey MBA class has students from 16 different countries and 6 continents. A diverse learning environment provides an incredible advantage in an

increasingly globalised business landscape.

We are proud to provide our students with access and genuine personal and professional insight in to the business world by formally connecting them with our alumni and business partners through the Surrey Connect Mentoring Programme. Students are matched to a mentor from a broad spectrum of industries with roles from CEO’s to directors.

It offers benefits like a fresh perspective, a personal insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at specific job roles and career paths; another way in which the Surrey MBA strives to connect student with practical applications in the wider world.

If you’re interested in working with SBS as a mentor or business partner please contact Abi Bradbeer, 01483 68 8621 a.bradbeer@surrey.ac.uk.

If you’d like to find out more about developing your leadership skills through the Surrey MBA programme come along to one of our Open Events Tuesday 19th April 2016, Tuesday 14th June 2016 and find out more about our business consultancy and scholarship opportunities on our website surrey.ac.uk/mba Twitter: @sbsatsurrey, Facebook: sbsatsurrey

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Employment Law

Tier 2 proposals from the Migration Advisory Committee The Government commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to conduct a review of the Tier 2 route of the Points Based System (PBS).

The overarching brief was to advise on “significantly reducing the level of economic migration outside the EU”, while considering the UK’s economy, competitiveness and productivity.

The MAC published their report on 19 January 2016 with proposed increases to salary thresholds and in the introduction of immigration charges to restrict the use of the Tier 2 General and Tier 2 Intra-company route (ICT) routes.

Tier 2 General Tier 2 general is a route used for migrant workers with a job offer from a sponsor in the UK. Sponsors must advertise to the national workforce before applying for a Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship (RCoS). There is an annual limit to the number of RCoS’s available of 20,700. RCoS’s are allocated monthly to the highest salaried applicants who applied within that month.

Priority is given to occupations with skills shortages. Once the sponsor obtains the RCoS, they can apply for a visa for a worker. If an employer is hiring

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a migrant working in the UK on an existing visa or a graduate, they can hire them without advertising the role.

However, MAC proposes that all roles should be first advertised before being offered to migrant workers.

While MAC also considered reducing the number of occupations available in the Tier 2 General route, they felt that restricting the route to skills shortages and high specialist would be too restrictive and out of date on publication.

Intra-company transfer route Tier 2 ICT is a route for existing employees of multinational employers who are transferred to the UK branch for training purposes or to fill a specific vacancy that cannot be filled by a UK or European Economic Area (EEA) worker, either on a long or short term basis.

Unlike Tier 2 General this route does not lead to settlement but there are no restrictions or limits on the numbers that can come in each year.

Currently the short-term (ST) and long-term (LT) routes must have at least 12 months service while the graduate route must have at least 3 months service with their employer overseas.

MAC proposes to increase the period of service to 2 years for the ST and LT routes but retain 6 months for the graduate route.

MAC proposes a new route specifically for Third Party Contractors which will help to identify possible skills shortages in the IT area.

MAC proposes to introduce the advertising of roles to the national workforce, require more information on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) about the skills associated with the role, propose to charge the new Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) (detailed below) and extend the use of Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is already in place for most routes to the UK. The Confederation of British Industry supports the route saying, “... The use of ICTs has enabled the UK to win substantial investment, and has supported UK businesses to break into new markets”.

Immigration Skills Charge The ISC is a new fee to be applied to all employers who sponsor a Tier 2 migrant worker. The aim of the fee is to encourage employers to invest in the resident labour force, rather than recruiting from overseas. The proceeds of the ISC is to fund apprenticeships in the UK. Salary Thresholds The rationale for setting minimum salary thresholds is to prevent undercutting of

For further information please contact Imelda Reddington on 0118 977 4045 Imelda.Reddington@herrington-carmichael.com

UK-based workers by migrants.

Migrants should not be used by employers as a cheaper source of labour. MAC proposes to increase some of these thresholds.

The Institute of Directors (IOD) Director General raised his concerns with the proposed salary increase saying, "The salary thresholds are particularly short-sighted, as they would block valuable employees like engineers, while not catching high-earning bankers or lawyers. It is likely to be the public sector which suffers most, as the thresholds make it harder to recruit much-needed nurses and teachers from abroad."

The Home Office data from March 2015 shows that nurses and teachers are the most affected by salary within Tier 2 migrants. There are no specific proposals to exclude public sector workers from the minimum salary threshold.

Conclusion The focus for the MAC has been to increase the fees associated with employing migrant workers, however for some sponsors particularly in the IT Sector, the fees will be passed directly to clients.

Will clients question the increase in costs or perhaps look to the national workforce?

Members News

FX Opens Cat Seddon joins Haines Watts Premier Office in Reigate

Cat Seddon, FCA, recently joined nationwide firm Haines Watts After setting up its UK office in Reigate Chartered Accountants as a director in its Godalming office.

With more than 16 years’ experience Cat has an in-depth understanding of the region and its businesses.

After training with a Farnham firm Cat went on to join the Surrey offices of national practices. She said: “I was attracted to Haines Watts

as the firm has a unique blend of excellent local knowledge, experience and delivery, supported by the strength, specialist expertise and resources of an awardwinning national firm.”

Haines Watts works with a wide range of ownermanaged businesses and Cat has many entrepreneurial clients across Hampshire and Surrey, of varying sizes, including stand-alone companies, groups and PLCs. She provides specialist audit, accountancy and tax services; predominantly to owner-managed businesses across many sectors including Professional practices, IT, Charities, Property, Construction, Education, Retail and the Motor industry.

As well as overseeing the compliance aspects Cat provides a consultancy / advisory role.

She said: “Across the lifecycle of a business there are many times when an owner may require support, critically at start-up or on exit; especially currently with the raft of changes to taxation and accountancy regulations that are being introduced.

“I have a wide remit as I help businesses as they grow and evolve. This can include assisting with developing business plans, cashflow modelling or advising on appropriate systems and controls, to create a robust internal infrastructure to support growth and sustainability.”

WARREN HOUSE CONFERENCE CENTRE

last year, Premier FX has recently joined Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

The company has been providing foreign exchange and international payments services to private individuals and small companies for the last ten years from its offices in Almancil, Portugal (adjacent to the Algarve’s Golden Triangle) and Palma de Majorca.

The Reigate office is charged with developing and expanding the UK client base. A primary focus will be on small businesses with foreign exchange exposures, providing customer-friendly, cost-effective and easy to use foreign exchange services.

Premier FX has also recently launched pre-pay currency cards in US dollars and euros. British travellers simply top-up their card with sterling and receive favourable exchange rates. Much like a debit card, the pre-pay card is backed by Mastercard and accepted at 45 million locations around the world.

Peter Rexstrew, Chief Executive of Premier FX commented, “we are very excited about entering the UK market, and thought long and hard about locating in Surrey. The Surrey Chambers of Commerce is a great vehicle for us to network and share expertise and know-how with other Surrey based organisations.”

For more information visit www.premierfx.com

Enjoy the award winning service alongside the truly unique facilities for business or pleasure.

CONFERENCES • WEDDINGS • EVENTS

A magnificent Victorian private house, set within beautifully landscaped gardens, Warren House is one of the finest meeting venues in Britain. Known for conferences and training; it also provides the perfect setting for special occasions, events and weddings.

FOR BOOKINGS AND INFORMATION PLEASE CALL

020 8547 1777

email: info@warrenhouse.com

Warren House, Warren Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7HY Located 5 mins from A3 (Robin Hood Junction)

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Member News

New email newsletter tool gets Surrey community groups talking

A Pleasure to Do Business Business is a pleasure at a new series of joint Networking Lunches run by Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre with Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

A Surrey-based team has built an innovative email newsletter tool for community groups.

It’s free for groups to join, and specially designed for clubs, societies and voluntary groups of all kinds, enabling them to share their stories far and wide across Surrey.

New Surrey Chambers member and entrepreneur Helen Cammack, who lives in Horsell near Woking, and her business partner Paul Fisher, have developed simple cloud-based software and publicfacing community webpages to help local community groups. They launched the new service in the centre of Woking on 30th January.

In the first few days, more than 30 local groups had signed up including Woking Association of Voluntary Service, Dance Woking, Horsell Residents’ Association, Woking Society of Arts and Woking Music Festival. Since the Woking launch, interests.me has expanded to North Guildford, Surrey Heath and Runnymede, and has partnered with Surrey Residents’ Network to cover Surrey.

“There are two reasons local groups should look at this”, says Helen. “Firstly it’s incredibly easy to use and helps groups to send professional looking emails for free.

Secondly, our platform links up groups across the community to enable them to share each others’ news stories and events with each other by including them within each others’ email newsletters”.

Surrey-based groups can sign up for free at surrey.interests.me, where residents will shortly be able to receive email alerts and updates from multiple groups on topics that interest them.

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At the launch event on February 12th, dozens of businesspeople from across Guildford met and mingled in the Theatre Restaurant.

The lunchtime events are purposely informal, bringing networking ‘back to basics’, without structured presentations or fixed seating. Attendees can dip in whenever suits and are free to mix and mingle over a finger buffet, making new contacts and following up those of specific interest. Solicitors,

accountants and a wide variety of other businesspeople were out in force, forging productive relationships with others working in complementary services or with target markets.

“The event was very good.

Just the right pitch and level and good numbers,” said Nick Shrimpton, marketing director at TWM Solicitors.

Madeleine Coleman, funding executive at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre, is excited to be working

with Surrey Chambers, who offer local business a wealth of contacts and knowledge.

“We are delighted to contribute to the thriving networking scene in Guildford. These events will complement existing meetings, occurring later in the day and using an openended approach.”

“Thank you very much for a wonderful event, I really believe it’s something we can grow and build upon,” said Kimberley Quester, events manager at Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

The next event will be on 22nd April 2016 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm again at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

Booking is essential; participants can drop in at their leisure in this timeframe. Louise Punter, chief executive of Surrey Chambers, will be attending the next event, and looks forward to meeting participants.

For further information, contact the Surrey Chambers of Commerce on 01483 735540 or visit www.surrey-chambers.co.uk.

Time to volunteer Have you always wanted to volunteer but think you might not have enough time?

Whether it’s an hour a week chatting to an older person who lives alone, or a day out with colleagues doing conservation work, whatever time you have to give could make a world of difference to someone else.

With volunteering roles of all shapes and sizes available in

Surrey, finding something that fits around your interests, skills and lifestyle could also be easier than you think.

There might even be the opportunity to give volunteering a try through an employee volunteering scheme where you work.

To get started, head to surreycc.gov.uk/volunteer, which is packed with inspiration for the different ways you can give your time, including stories from people volunteering in Surrey. You’ll also find a link to Do It, a national database

where you can search roles by your location, interests and availability, and details of your nearest volunteer centre where advisers can help match you with local opportunities.

Whether you’re just getting started, have volunteered with your colleagues, or have found your perfect voluntary role through a scheme at work, share your story via Twitter or Instagram using #timetovolunteer and help encourage others to give volunteering a go.

Focus on Finance

Why supporting the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant makes good business sense The Armed Forces Corporate Covenant is a voluntary pledge of support by employers to the Armed Forces Community in recognition of the contribution they have made to national security.

At the launch event on February 12th, dozens of businesspeople from across Guildford met and mingled in the Theatre Restaurant.

The Corporate Covenant also makes good business sense as young, focused and resourceful service leavers and reservists bring highly sought after skills to fill the gaps left by an ageing population.

Every year 15,000 -20,000 service leavers enter the civilian work place, bringing with them a wealth of skills and experience. Some service leavers will transfer into the Reserves and continue to develop their technical and managerial skills within a challenging fast-tempo environment. Others will choose to go into education or volunteer roles. However, the majority will leave hungry for a second, equally fulfilling career, but find themselves unsure of their new environment.

Whilst the Services provide a huge amount of continuous through-career development, from apprenticeships to education grants, accredited qualifications and fully funded Foundation Degrees, service leavers sometimes struggle to understand how their experience maps across into industry. Armed Forces Mentors, Industry Insight Days, transition workshops and civilian work attachments bridge the gap and develop corporate understanding.

A recent signatory to the Corporate Covenant is Jacobs

UK Ltd. David Fullman, an ex-REME officer recounts his transition experience into Jacobs UK Ltd. “I was embarking on a new career where I had the skill sets required of the ‘Project Manager’ but knew little of the construction industry.

To mitigate that shortfall I decided to submit a Work Place Assignment application using my Termination and Annual Leave to provide me with a two month familiarisation package into the business.

This was invaluable.”

Reservists are another source of highly trained talent.

The Corporate Covenant encourages employers to publicly recognise Reservists as being committed, driven individuals bounded by the same Values and Standards that are so highly regarded in their Regular counterparts.

Signing up to the Corporate Covenant allows the MoD to identify supportive employers and give full recognition in return for their support at the annual Employer Awards.

A tiered package of reciprocal support can be made available by way of marketing and branding, training and leadership development courses, access to Regimental Associations and networking and engagement events.

For more information go to www.gov.uk and search for Corporate Covenant.

Guildford - a hub of digital, creative and tech expertise in the South East There has never been a better time to locate your business in Guildford according to Richard Hopes, partner at Alliotts chartered accountants based in Guildford.

With a growing population of over 66,000, close proximity to London and excellent transport links, Guildford provides an excellent range of opportunities for businesses of all sizes and access to a skilled workforce.

Richard says: “I’ve been working in Guildford for 24 years and in that time I have seen it grow into one of the most thriving business hubs in the South East.

As a business location it is within easy reach of London with the A3 passing right next to the town and a train service that gets you into Waterloo in under 40 minutes.

For many businesses looking to avoid paying high London business rates, Guildford can be a better option and there is plenty of expertise and advice on hand for overseas businesses looking to expand into the UK or businesses relocating from London.

The University of Surrey is one of Guildford’s key assets. It is one of the UK’s leading professional, scientific and technological universities and is part of the reason for the boom in science and technology start-ups in the town. Many undergraduates remain after finishing their studies, setting up their own companies in these specialist sectors. This has in turn attracted other businesses in the digital and tech sectors, keen to tap into emerging innovation and talent.

Surrey Space Technology based at the Surrey Research Park in Guildford and the Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey in Guildford make the town an

area of expertise for the space technology industry.

Guildford is also home to over 60 gaming companies, including Electronic Arts - one of the largest video game publishers in the world - and the town is a leading UK hub for this vibrant industry.

Alliotts is launching Omnia, a fixed fee solution in response to demand from smaller businesses in the tech, digital and creative fields who are in the process of developing products with the aim of turning them into solid businesses.

The firm will give these innovators piece of mind by offering an affordable fixed price accounting service aligned to their needs, delivered by a dedicated team who understand their challenges.

Alliotts also has the expertise to ensure that they are making the best use of those all-important tax reliefs and incentives that are available to these sectors.

A key ingredient in economic success for any town, is a healthy labour market and a thriving business economy. Guildford has both and along with a highly skilled workforce it continues to outperform other areas making it an attractive place for any UK or overseas business to put down roots.”

Richard Hopes is a partner at Alliotts chartered accountants in Guildford. For more information about its dedicated offering for the tech, creative and digital sectors or any of the services that Alliotts offers, please visit www.alliotts.com or call 01483 533119

Alliotts Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors Friary Court, 13-21 High Street, Guildford, Surrey. GU1 3DL

t: 01483 533 119 e: guildford@alliotts.com w: alliotts.com

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Members News

Coaching to bring out the best (and free up your time!)

Valuable professional advice for corporate

by Belinda Kiely pension schemes All set for your staging date?

Coaching is what we do so it’s not surprising we talk about the rewards coaching can bring to anyone who will listen!

Apprehensive about the decisions you need to make?

Or have you already set up your pension scheme but need a little more advice on how to make it a true benefit to you and your employees?

Paul Jay Associates know that company pension schemes can seem daunting and complicated, especially for small and medium sized enterprises. If you don’t know where to turn, who to ask or who to trust, we are here to help you!

Owner Paul Jay set up this company to offer his unique experience to help companies improve their pension schemes.

His aim is to help you and your employees enjoy a more wealthy retirement. As a company owner you are obliged to offer your employees a pension but have you also considered your own options?

Pensions are a tax efficient way of creating additional value for you and your company.

Paul said: “My company strives to give you unique on-going value for money solutions. I am looking to help companies who truly value their employees and want to go above and beyond the bare minimum.

“By engaging your workforce about their pension choices, you are showing them the benefits for their future and how valued they are. An engaged, valued, workforce will likely be more productive for you, which will mitigate some of the extra costs. Offering a pension scheme will not necessarily help you to recruit new employees, but it will help you retain the ones you already have and their loyalty should not be underestimated.”

For further information visit:www.pauljayassociates.co.uk

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Without doubt, some of the most rewarding work we do is helping managers experience for themselves the rewards of coaching others.

How do we do it?

Firstly, we unpack the mystique and confusion that seems to surround coaching, being really clear about what coaching is and more importantly when it will work at its best.

Secondly, we show that coaching can be effective in ten minutes or less. Time is often presented as the barrier to coaching – yes, there is an initial investment but effective coaching will actually free up time, giving you valuable time to focus on the bigger issues.

Thirdly, we build on existing skills and give you the techniques and confidence to make coaching an integral part of how you manage.

Lastly, and this is the one we think makes the greatest difference, we support you to make coaching skills stick.

To us, quality training is only the beginning, we provide on-going access to professional coaches and set up regular coaching clinics to share experiences, celebrate successes and continue developing skills and techniques.

Managers talk about the difference coaching makes for both them and their team members – teams become more self-sufficient, teams are more energised, engaged and motivated to achieve more.

Happier teams mean productivity goes up and retention increases. Combine this with the time you free up and organisations see a huge return on investment for both managers and the organisation as a whole.

To find out more visit www.intuitocoaching.com

White starts at BBVA Derek White, former chief design and digital officer at Barclays, has left London for Madrid to take up the position of global head of customer solutions at BBVA. Starting in the new role on March 1, White is tasked with the transformation of the customer value proposition, including global product and design, customer experience, launching new products and services and leveraging Big Data and customer analytics.

“BBVA is a global institution that is transforming banking and creating the future of financial services,” says White.

“I can’t wait to join the team.”

White had been working at Barclays for over 10 years, since the 2004 acquisition of Juniper Bank (now Barclaycard US).

In his latest role at Barclays, White led the digital banking initiative, embracing disruptive technologies and the start-up ecosystem, while overseeing the design and launch of marketleading applications, platforms and services.

A well-known figure in the London fintech industry, White was the creator of Rise, Barclays’ accelerator programme for financial technology start-up.

Barclays has told GTR there is no direct replacement for White yet, but Lubaina Manji, head of the group innovation office, has taken on responsibility for the accelerator programme.

Members News

Mazars announces Ask the 14% growth in UK HR Expert turnover Mazars, the integrated and independent international organisation specialising in audit, accountancy, tax and consulting services, has announced a 14% growth in UK turnover in the year to 31 August 2015.

Overall fee income increased from £130.9m to £149.7m. During the same period, the firm’s profit rose by 10% from £26.2m to £28.8m.

Organic growth constituted the largest proportion of the rise in revenue, although just before the end of the financial year the firm acquired CompetitionRX, a leading, specialist provider of monitoring trustee services and compliance advice in merger control proceedings.

In terms of the firm’s major service lines: Audit and actuarial services are Mazars’ principal generators of fee income with a turnover of £59.6m, an increase of 14% on the previous year. Advisory services experienced an increase of 25% from £34.4m to £42.9m, thanks in particular to strong performance in a number of specialist areas including financial services consulting and project finance. The tax practice also made good progress, with an increase of 16% from £24.3m to £28.1m.

Phil Verity, UK Senior Partner, said: “This is a very strong set

of results; we continue to make excellent headway and I’m proud of the advances we’ve made across the business.

The firm has experienced over 45% growth since 2010, one of the fastest growth rates among the top ten UK firms.

This is thanks to our strategy of achieving long-term sustainable growth by responding to clients needs, developing our international capabilities, investing in the markets where we shine and pursuing the right opportunities as they arise. We are very encouraged by our progress. “ Mazars has also reported double-digit growth at an international level. The Group’s earnings rose 15.9% to €1.252bn. It also further extended its geographic footprint, in particular through major strategic mergers in China and Germany, plus an expanded presence in Australia, Italy, Mozambique, Cyprus, and the Philippines.

For further information visit www.mazars.com

“The firm has experienced over 45% growth since 2010, one of the fastest growth rates among the top ten UK firms. ”

I have an employee who has accused another employee of bullying him at work. As their manager, I’m not sure that the situation actually constitutes bullying.

Am I allowed to use my discretion in this situation and what’s the best course of action? JB, Dorking What is often viewed as a school playground problem can cause real difficulties for employers.

Bullying, or harassment, in the workplace is not uncommon and employers must be alert to the varying forms bullying can take.

It’s important there’s a united front from an organisation, especially where several people have responsibility for dealing with employee complaints.

You may find it wise to implement an anti-bullying policy. Such a policy should give a clear and unambiguous message to all employees that certain types of behaviour will not be tolerated.

All managers responsible for dealing with employee complaints should receive training as to how to deal with complaints of bullying. Without a consistent message, managers might deal with complaints of bullying in their own way, potentially using their own levels of tolerance as a yardstick and not assessing the complaint objectively.

Whilst every complaint of bullying will differ, all should be dealt with using the same procedure. Managers should remember that bullying is in the eye of the beholder.

Some may consider they have been subjected to bullying, whilst others may view it differently. Managers can sometimes trip up by neglecting to deal with a complaint because in their opinion, it was not bullying.

So whether or not you personally feel this situation constitutes bullying, all complaints should be taken seriously.

A consistent approach is needed with regard to the outcome of a complaint.

Managers left to conclude their own procedures with no recourse to an agreed organisational plan can leave an organisation open to claims of unfair treatment from the ‘bully’ against whom action is taken.

It’s important to consider the outcome of past procedures to maintain a robust antibullying ethos. An inconsistent line can result in employees thinking they can “get away with” certain types of behaviour because some managers are seen to allow it.

Tel: 033 3305 7155 Dennis.Upfold@peninsula-uk.com www.peninsulagrouplimited.com

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Health & Wellbeing

Hip Replacement Surgery - a new lease of life “If the primary job of the doctor is to ease suffering then all doctors should aim to be either a hip surgeon or a cataract surgeon”

Hip pain often creeps up on us slowly, while occasionally it is more rapid. It is often due to osteoarthritis.

In the past hip replacement surgery was often associated with the elderly but we are now seeing this not only in the 60 year old plus group of patients but also in younger people from mid 30s onwards - especially those who have been active and sporty.

A total hip replacement is the final treatment for a painful arthritic hip – it replaces the worn out ball and socket with a high-tech, biologically integrated prosthetic ball and socket joint with a ceramic-onceramic or ceramic-on-plastic bearing.

Last year in England and Wales over 76,000 hip replacements were performed. The National Joint Registry, which has now

been running for 9 years in the UK and is the largest in the world, measures outcomes from all joint replacements and they tells us that average satisfaction rates with hip replacements are over 92% and 95% had less pain. We continually strive to improve upon this.

In the past hip replacement surgeries were big operations that involved long hospital stays and long periods of recovery but in the last 10 years there have been enormous advances.

These surgery technique advances have led to smaller incisions, muscle splitting approaches, less trauma, minimal blood loss, shorter operations, shorter hospital stays and lower complications in almost every regard.

Anaesthetic techniques have also improved that patients may have a local spinal anaesthetic (an injection near the spine numbs the lower half of the body) so they may stay awake or sleep during the hip replacement.

This is an operation that transforms lives which has, in itself, been transformed but despite the improvements in hip surgery complications can and

do occur and it is important you go through all of these with your surgeon in detail.

What can you expect with a total hip replacement?

Surgery on the day of admission. Spinal or general anaesthetic. Surgical operating time less than one hour.

Average incision of 10-14cm.

Minimal blood loss <300ml.

Mobilisation on day one and discharge home 2-4 days after surgery. 3-6 weeks on crutches and 6 weeks wearing the dreaded anti-DVT white stockings. 4-6 weeks off work and no long haul flights

Mr Hargrove works at Spire Clare Park and specialises in total hip replacement, hip arthroscopy and hip revision. He works as part of a highly dedicated multi-disciplinary team and his results from the National Joint Registry are available to all (just Google them!).

Spire Clare Park Hospital, Crondall Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 5XX To find out more call 01252 895 490 or visit www.spireclarepark.com Mr Richard Hargrove MBBS, FRCS (Ire), FRCS (Tr&Orth), Diploma Sports Medicine Consultant in Hip and Hip Revision Surgery

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www.premierfx.com | reigate@premierfx.com | 01737 735064

International Trade

Germany export overview Germany has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of more than EUR 2.7 trillion. This makes it the largest economy in Europe and the fourth strongest economy in the world.

Its consistently strong economic performance offers long-term growth potential for UK businesses.

Germany is the UK’s largest export market in Europe and second largest globally after the US. The UK’s market share of German imports is around 4.7%.

Benefits for UK businesses exporting to Germany include: • one hour from the UK by air • easy access to eastern Europe • English widely spoken and accepted as a business language • strong domestic consumer market due to population of 81 million and resilient economy

Strengths of the German market include: • strong industrial base • hosts 65% of the world’s international trade fairs Challenges doing business in Germany If your product or service is successful in the UK, there’s a good chance you’ll be successful in Germany. However, the German market is extremely competitive. UK companies need to be patient and persistent.

Some German companies have a ‘buy local’ attitude and for this reason British companies must offer something unique in order to stand out.

Growth potential Germany was one of the first European countries to emerge from the global economic crisis.

This was mainly due to: • strong exports • structural reforms undertaken

by German companies • strengthened domestic demand Germany’s economy is expected to grow by about 2% in the next 2 years. Future growth over the next 20 to 50 years is forecast between 0.7% and 1.75%.

Germany faces a number of long-term structural challenges due to an ageing and decreasing working population.

Overall unemployment has consistently fallen since 2005.

It was 5.1% in May 2014, one of the lowest levels in 20 years.

The German economy is characterised by its Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME). 99% of all companies are SMEs, with most family owned and passed from one generation to the next.

Germany has many so-called ‘hidden champions’. These are larger medium sized companies who are often global market leaders in specialised sectors.

Trade agreements Germany is a member of the European Union (EU) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This means that goods manufactured in the UK are exempt from import duties.

Contact the SOLVIT team if you have market access issues relating to the operation of the Single Market.

UK and Germany trade Germany is the UK’s largest trading partner in Europe.

Since 2009 UK exports to Germany have increased by 21% to £43 billion. The main UK exports to Germany are: • mineral fuels and gas • machinery and mechanical appliances • vehicles and automotive components • aircraft • electrical machinery and equipment • pharmaceutical products There are over 1,200 British companies in Germany, employing over 200,000 people.

Almost every 10th foreign company in Germany is British.

Total British Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Germany currently amounts to £19 billion.

“Germany’s economy is expected to grow by about 2% in the next 2 years. Future growth over the next 20 to 50 years is forecast between 0.7% and 1.75%.”

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Members News

Driving the costs of company fuel: what can you claim?

The use of a company vehicle where an employer also provides fuel can result in an expensive and unwanted tax cost for the unwary.

Heathrow firm welcomes Foreign Secretary to relaunch event Top 20 accountancy firm Wilkins Kennedy’s Heathrow office in Egham welcomed the Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP to their office relaunch event following a major refurbishment.

Guests filled the new-look office on Egham High Street which underwent a facelift during the second half of last year to modernise the space, but also to update and improve the old heating system to a more environmentallyfriendly one. Partner and head of tax, Matthew Hall was on hand to discuss the tax incentives and allowances available to businesses planning to do the same, alongside local contractor for the Heathrow re-furb, Blue Jelly.

Mr Hammond, who attended another event at Wilkins Kennedy’s offices last summer marking the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede, addressed the room with a speech about his early career and the local business community, before touching upon issues surrounding Europe.

Kevin Walmsley, partner at Wilkins Kennedy Heathrow, said: “As an active member of the business community here in Egham, alongside our patrons at the Surrey Chambers, Wilkins Kennedy couldn’t have asked for a better fit for the occasion, than Philip Hammond who, as well as being Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, is also the member of Parliament for Runnymede and has a key understanding of businesses from his own successful business career before entering Government.”

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For example, does the company provide a fuel card to its company car users and if so is the employee required to repay the cost of any private mileage to the company? .

Perhaps most importantly, when doing this is the employee clear on the difference between private and business mileage for employment tax purposes?

Fuel cards A company that provides a vehicle may also supply the user with a fuel card which can be used to buy fuel at the pump. What happens next will either be: • The user and main driver of the vehicle, will use the card to pay for the fuel and none of that cost will be required to be reimbursed to the company, or; • Of the costs covered on the fuel card the employee is required to repay the element of the fuel cost that is considered to be in respect of the “personal” mileage element.

The company will decide which of these options will apply to the employee for tax

purposes and whether or not the company will bear the full fuel cost to include the private mileage element.

If it does (and option 1 above therefore applies) a taxable fuel benefit in kind (BIK) will be in point. To avoid the BIK, the employee must repay the private fuel element, but it is important to emphasise that the entire private mileage element must be repaid in order to eliminate the charge, otherwise HMRC will seek the full BIK charge.

Business or pleasure?

Whether mileage is private or business mileage is largely determined by the purpose of the journey, the time spent at the location visited and the nature of duties carried out at the destination.

The considerations in this area are complex. Broadly business mileage will include travel to a “temporary” workplace where the employee travels to carry out duties directly relating to the employment. It does not cover any domestic travel,

for example, from the employee’s home to his or her permanent workplace.

Understanding the distinction between a permanent place of work and any other (temporary) places the employee may visit for business purposes is very important. It is quite possible for a workplace which is visited regularly and which is not the primary permanent workplace to become a second permanent one if it is visited regularly and/or routine tasks are carried out there.

Accurate categorisation is therefore essential. If a company thinks it is being reimbursed the full cost of the private mileage an employee has travelled and a subsequent review by HMRC identifies some additional private mileage (where a temporary workplace turns out to be a permanent one) this will result in an unexpected and expensive car fuel benefit in kind.

How can Wilkins Kennedy help?

The employment tax team here at Wilkins Kennedy can help you to ensure your employee travel policies are compliant and ensure that mileage is accurately categorised thus avoiding unexpected claims for additional income tax and national insurance from HMRC. If you could benefit from some advice, then don’t hesitate to give us a call today to see how we can help.

Guildford office: Guildford@wilkinskennedy.com – 01483 306 318 Egham office: heathrow@wilkinskennedy.com – 01483 435561

Investment News

RB’s new look South East law firm, Rawlison Butler, has refreshed its brand, updated its website and refurbished its office in Gatwick.

Fear of Falling - Fear of Losing Volatile and bungee jumping stockmarkets along with morose newsreaders, can all put the fear of financial failure into our heads.

Recent weeks have been a perfect case in point.

Our new brand Our new logo highlights the clear, to the point advice that we are known for. It’s about advice that works in the real world – not overcomplicating it or fence sitting, but a clear recommendation you can act on. Our Rawlison Butler name is important to us, so we are still keeping that although many of you already call us RB. Visit us online Our website has changed too. We’ve designed it to be easy to find what you are looking for and quick to find someone to help you. Please have a look around and let us have your feedback - it’s at www.rawlisonbutler.com.

Visit us in person We also now have a modern and exciting open plan environment for our teams to work in and our clients to visit.

Our client areas are now equipped for video conferencing and larger client seminars and the open-plan working makes it easier for our teams to discuss unusual questions and best approaches on client matters.

Clive Lee, managing partner said: “These changes demonstrate our commitment to focusing on delivering clear practical advice to our clients and investing in a better way of working for our people.

They show our commitment to the region and continuing as a significant player here for the future.”

“We now have a modern and exciting open plan environment for our teams to work in and our clients to visit.”

Stockmarkets around the world have been see-sawing around with little sensible rhyme or reason.

In fact, the excuses given have varied as the newspapers leap from one apparent excuse to another.

So was it the rate rise in the US? Well the anticipated plan for further rises seems to been curtailed, so probably not. Or maybe the possible hard landing for the Chinese economy? Well it is still growing at a rather respectable rate, so probably not. Well if not then it must have been the plummeting oil price, but that is in fact better for most of the world, not worse. Or then was it the possibility of an impending global recession? Well with employment at record levels in the UK and falling unemployment elsewhere in the developing nations, this hardly looks like the precursor for a recession. The reasons or excuses seem to be legion, and the fact is that there is no one single reason, but rather that the key word in any economy has in fact been effected - and that is confidence.

However the vital issue though for all of us is what should we be all doing?

Well for me there are two clear issues that should guide us especially in such moments of fear and fervor.

Firstly compounding. It is all too easy to be scared, quite understandably by the headlines and the low tones of the newsreaders - Hugh Edwards doesn't really mean it, but if the markets drop dramatically he obviously has to sound suitably serious. However the effect is serious for many as their confidence is seeped away. Let me then counter this with an investment rule that is far more powerful than see-sawing stockmarkets.

If your dear granny had left you £100 69 years ago and invested it in the UK market you would have now something in the region of £9,000. Not bad but hardly exciting. However if she had done the same but this time invested all those tiny little dividends over those 69 years, the result would be very different - in just over £180,000. A sum far greater than any day to day market gyrations.

Secondly there are some compelling figures of what happens to your investments if, for whatever reason you manage to miss the best performing days in the market. I have some data from the US S&P500 index covering a 20 year period from 1996 to the end of 2015 - 5,036 trading days if you wish to count them.

During that time, had you stayed invested you would have had an annualised return of 8.19% which is quite healthy return.

However had you manage to miss the best 40 days out of the 5,036 days you would have actually lost money?

In fact you would bear down 1.96% - which after twenty years would at the very least be very depressing.

So the truth is we cannot afford to be out of the market, and that unless you think like the often quoted Private Frazer from Dad's Army that we are all doomed, that we should not be panicked into selling out.

The old take away line we always had in the investment world (in the City) was that it is "Time in the market - not timing the market" Yours, Justin Urquhart Stewart

Call 020 7760 8777 or Email: information@7im.co.uk

www.7im.co.uk

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24 Hours with ...

24 Hours with ...

Kate Parkinson of Charles Russell Speechlys

Diverse Days Advising Charities

Kate Parkinson’s day begins early as she lives in Portsmouth and works in Guildford.

Kate leaves her home by 6.20, to avoid traffic hold-ups, but also to allow her to spend an hour in the gym before getting into the office at 8.45.

She is an Associate in Charles Russell Speechlys’ Charities and Not-for-Profit team, so her days are varied, involving everything from advising small charities on how to set up to talking to international organisations on a diverse set of issues.

Kate said: “When I get into the office, I answer my emails before I do anything else, which is important because a lot of our work is conducted that way.

“The nature of charities mean that we deal with a lot of volunteers and they will often send emails in the evenings or at weekends so it is important that we respond to them as soon as we can.

“The emails will often raise interesting legal points that need addressing, sometimes with the Charity Commission.

The Commission gets very busy so I like to ring them first thing to make sure I catch the right people.

“I attend a lot of meetings, which I tend to hold first thing in the morning or directly after

lunch because they can raise complex questions and I like to give myself plenty of time to work on them.

“The Charites department is very busy. Some smaller charities need help to navigate their way through the legal issues which relate to them.

The larger charities need assistance with anything from mergers and restructuring to assistance with fundraising.

We are having a big push this year on risk management and with the new Charities Bill which has just finished going through Parliament, there is lots to discuss.

“The charities sector is changing all the time and I enjoy the challenges this brings. One moment I can be helping a family that wants to establish a charity in memory of a loved one, the next moment I can be advising one of the biggest charities in the world.

“One of our big areas in the South East is working with independent schools that register as charities.

The school’s trustees and management may not be aware of some of the legal responsibilities that come with running a charity and we are able to advise them.

“The important thing to remember is that each case is unique. Yes, the law may be the same for every charity but you have to interpret it specifically for the individual case with which you are dealing.

“A big part of what we do is to help train people involved in charities so we run a lot of training programmes and workshops, including for schools.

“The firm is very good at ensuring you have a wellrounded lifestyle and holds lots of fundraising events and socials. We have a large philanthropy and corporate social responsibility programme.

“When I get home, I will do some yoga and will chat with my partner about our days. He is in the Navy so they can be very engaging conversations!”

“Some smaller charities need help to navigate their way through the legal issues which relate to them. The larger charities need assistance with anything from mergers and restructuring to assistance with fundraising. ”

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Finance

What lies ahead for financial markets?

Investors welcomed in 2016 with trepidation and global financial markets have lived up to the expectation of volatility. Simon Lewis, CEO at Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd, considers what lies ahead. increases in the coming years.

This is a sign that the US economic recovery is deemed to be sufficiently robust to allow the economy to take such increases in its stride and should therefore be viewed as a positive; albeit that some of the short-term impacts are likely to be negative.

This is because the US dollar is the dominant currency of global finance and trade and as a consequence what happens to interest rates in the US has a big impact on the rest of the world.

Oil

Most financial markets have fallen heavily since the start of the year and many believe that there are still more surprises ahead.

Although there is a great deal of uncertainty about shorter term outcomes, for those taking a medium to long term view there is much to feel encouraged by.

China Let us start by considering the current situation in China. It seems that the media is currently obsessed by economic data from China, which has created the misleading impression that China has a big problem. It doesn't. In many ways, China is a victim of economic trends and not the cause of them.

The issue is that the rest of the world is too dependent on Chinese

economic growth at a time when it suits China to drive forward initiatives to rebalance its economy.

It is doing so by increasing the services sector and nurturing domestic consumers. This process will improve the sustainability of China's economic ascendancy but will also reduce the rate at which the economy grows.

Taking the view that China is on an economic pathway from which it is unlikely to deviate, the primary factors that are likely to continue to drive the macro economy in 2016 are US interest rates and the price of oil.

Monetary policy In December the US Federal Reserve elected to increase the interest rate and set out a predicted pathway of further small rate

The oil price saga is a fascinating story of aggressive business tactics and geopolitics. In the run-up to the end of 2014 the price of a barrel of oil was over US$100. Not many predicted that the oil price would halve, not least that it would fall further by the end of 2015.

It is not the case that the world is consuming significantly less oil than it used to. This story is all about excess supply which has created a substantial glut, to the extent that oil storage facilities around the world are nearly full.

Initially, much of the extra oil supply was the result of fracking in the US. However, Saudi Arabia has increased its production in an attempt to drive the oil price lower in order to push its new-found competition out of business.

Until about two years ago Saudi production had averaged around 8 million barrels per day since 1990 but it is now over 10 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia aims to

preserve its market share by driving down the price.

To understand the rationale of its strategy and compute the likely ramifications you need to look at the typical cost of oil production around the world. Saudi Arabia can extract oil at a cost of around US$12 per barrel. It therefore makes a profit when the price is above this.

Production costs for Norwegian oil average around US$40 per barrel and for Russia the breakeven price is around US$50. Incidentally, the average cost of oil production for the North Sea is US$62 per barrel.

There has already been a lot of pain for the oil sector and I expect carnage in the coming year as many oil sector focused companies either fail or are acquired at a knock down price. Countries with a high economic dependency on oil production will also feel further pain; not least Russia, Brazil and Venezuela.

I started this commentary by saying that there was much to be encouraged by. Geopolitics does introduce uncertainty in the short term, but we cannot escape the fact that a pathway to the normalisation of interest rates, combined with the ongoing financial stimulation of a substantially reduced oil price, are factors we can look forward to as investors.

Simon Lewis CEO Partridge Muir & Warren www.pmw.co.uk

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Cover Feature

Sustainability - the new business reality We live in fast changing times, and successful businesses change with them.

Significant trends including; price volatility, increasing consumer demands and supply chain pressures, mean that no company can afford to ignore sustainability.

It is rare to pick up a product nowadays and find no information referring to its social and environmental performance. Terms such as recyclability, fair trade, organic or similar characteristics are becoming an aspect of the product “story”. In addition, many companies have at least some public information on

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their sustainability or responsibility approaches.

Over the years this wider approach to business has been called a number of things, from corporate sustainability to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) or green business.

Approaches underlying these terms differ and the variety of activities that are considered to be part of sustainability or CSR range from charitable giving and staff volunteering to strategic business change.

Here, therefore, is a quick overview of the key elements of any good sustainability approach.

At the core, whatever the words companies use to describe their approaches, they tend to refer to the same things; the balancing of environmental, social and economic priorities over the long term.

In turn, effective and meaningful sustainability management approaches are simple, they should: • Focus upon core business.

• Address fundamental business dependencies (the things a business needs to supply products or services e.g. resources, energy, a capable workforce and capable customers, functioning and resilient supply chains).

• Apply performance targets to the company as a whole.

• Be capable of verification by independent third parties.

Responding to issues which are of real relevance requires a focus first upon what you control (your products, services and operations) and then what you depend upon (resources,

energy, partners and suppliers).

In addition, it also involves your influence through relationships, leadership and innovation.

Today’s businesses rely upon complex, often global interrelationships between business partners and suppliers in order to deliver their products or services.

As a result, the public ambitions and commitments of leading companies can only be achieved through the coordinated work and joint delivery of environmental and social performance gains in the supply chain.

This means that any company that already sells (or aspires to sell) to the big brands is likely to already receive messages and questions about their sustainability approach, or will need to be preparing their answers and actions for when this message does reach them.

In short, sustainability is becoming just another business norm, not an add-on.

The companies that will prosper under these new circumstances are the ones which provide goods and services with reduced environmental impacts and positive social performance and which play a role in delivering solutions to some of the world’s big challenges.

Joss Tantram

Joss is a founding partner with Terrafiniti - The Sustainability Experts. www.terrafiniti.com Tel: 01483 531 766. Joss@terrafiniti.com

Cover Feature

Pioneering work in the field of green technologies They are the technologies that offer hope for the future of Making a difference the planet and the UK is at the forefront of their development. on the daily commute Over recent years, the country has been developing an expertise in renewable technologies which promise to create energy without the pollutant side-effects associated with fossil fuels.

Everywhere you look, pioneering research and development work is being carried out.

The first renewable technology to really become in vogue, wind power is now moving onto the next stages in its development.

Around the region can be found examples of companies pressing ahead with ever more efficient wind farms, using larger turbines and installing them in greater densities, often offshore.

Generating power from the Sun is gathering pace as a popular renewable technology. It’s a genuine ‘sunrise industry’.

Based on the idea that the power of the Sun can be captured and

transformed into electricity, solar power can operate on a large scale with huge panels or on a very small scale with ones that can fit on a house roof and heat the domestic water supply.

Work is under way to develop hydrogen as an energy source, taking advantage of the large amount of hydrogen already produced as part of chemical processes. The theory goes that, used properly, hydrogen can be a immensely useful power source which produces only water as a by-product. Much research is under way to not only work out the best methods of harnessing the hydrogen but also to store it n fuel cells, including in vehicles.

The race to invent vehicle fuels that do not produce pollutants is what has created the biofuels industry. Biofuel is made from the likes of vegetable oils and wheat and is low on pollutants, which is seen as crucial because

car exhausts are a major source of greenhouse gases.

Some companies are investigating ways of turning organic materials into energy.

For instance, anaerobic digestion (AD), which uses bacteria to break down waste to produce ‘biogas’, which can be used to generate energy. Its advantage is that the use of bugs means it is a natural process which lends itself as easily to back-yard concerns as it does to industrial-scale operators.

In the UK, more and more AD plants are being created and the same is true for biomass, where power stations generate power by burning waste wood and the likes of specially grown willow trees.

In addition to finding new ways of generating energy, many companies are experts in the reduction of waste and can advise on ways of making businesses more energy-efficient.

Trees and protecting the local environment Midgley Snelling LLP is proud to be part of the Surrey community and as such, respects its local surroundings and works hard to preserve the environment.

The chartered accountancy firm has looked at ways it can promote sustainability in the workplace and has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint, including: • Running a mostly paperless office with electronic correspondence files • Recycling inward mailing and packaging • Recycling printer cartridges to benefit local charities • Using low energy equipment, such as printers and other electrical hardware • Segregating and recycling waste In fact, Midgley Snelling LLP is so dedicated to reducing waste that it has previously participated in the Shred-it shredding and recycling programme and received a certificate of environmental accomplishment acknowledging that it saved 30 trees from destruction.

Tracey Wickens, Partner at Midgley Snelling LLP, said: “We’re very proud to have participated in Shred-it’s programme and saved so many trees and we’re always looking for ways to help the environment and our community, whether that is local or global.

“It was surprising how much we used to throw away that could be recycled. Taking part in this programme has opened our eyes to what we can do with just a small change to our normal behaviour. Everyone at Midgley Snelling LLP pulled together and we’ll certainly keep these new measures in place to ensure that we save even more trees in the future.”

As well as saving trees, this winter, the firm has also been part of a Surrey Wildlife Trust organised scheme that cleared an area of lowland heathland on Barossa Common of the fir trees that threatened the local habitat.

This country holds 20% of the world’s lowland heathland habitat, but since the 1800s, the UK has lost over 80% of this lowland heathland habitat that is important to native reptile species and rare birds such as the Dartford warbler, woodlark and nightjar that use it as a breeding ground.

Tracey said: “Over 8,000 trees were cleared from the area, saving Surrey Wildlife Trust £4,000 if using contactors. This is an annual event that is organised

by Project5 for the Surrey Wildlife Trust and is proving to be more popular each year as more people get involved to help preserve this threatened habitat and its associated ecology.

“As a firm, we are supportive of our local community and environment and this seemed an excellent and alternative way to achieve this and help a local charity meet its objectives.”

To find out more visit www.midsnell.co.uk

Sustrans is a charity that would like to see a world where we can all choose to travel in ways that benefit our health and the environment.

The charity works with people from all walks of life in Surrey and across the whole of the UK to change the way we move, getting more people travelling by foot, bike or public transport.

Sustrans has been working in Surrey for nearly a decade promoting the benefits of active travel, and helping to create better places and spaces for people to move through and live in. Thousands of schoolchildren have been part of the Bike It programme, encouraging more parents and pupils to cycle to school.

As well as helping pupils from schools around Surrey to get cycling to school, Sustrans has been helping businesses to look at how changing the way people travel to, from and for work saves costs, improves employee engagement and wellbeing, and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Many people in today’s world live quite a sedentary lifestyle, often sitting at a desk for many hours, or spending a lot of time sitting in a car during the working day. Not only does this cause a range of health problems both physically and mentally, but it also costs the economy billions of pounds in healthcare and loss of productivity.

Travelling in an active way brings big benefits health-wise, as well as relieving traffic congestion on the roads and causing less air pollution.

Time spent stuck in traffic is proven to increase stress levels and have a negative effect on mental health.

Giving people more options to travel differently helps to alleviate these issues.

Having a travel action plan is a key part of any environmental policy, and businesses have seen savings of up to £2,000 by finding ways to travel less, and travel differently, with many additional benefits such as a higher profile locally, happier and healthier employees, and clear evidence of carbon savings for the business.

Anita Powell, Workplaces Project Officer for Sustrans says ‘sustainability is a key issue for many businesses, and looking at the way staff travel can help to reduce emissions as well as helping to make people healthier and happier, and improving the bottom line of the business’.

To find out more about how Sustrans can help, contact Anita Powell on anita.powell@sustrans.org.uk

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Cover Feature

Greener Fleet with their First Electric Vehicle

Improve your bottom line by improving your environmental performance

With increasing concern over the effects of global warming, the negative health effects of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the city environment, the replacement of fossil fuel based vehicles with electrically powered vehicles has become increasingly necessary.

Gavin Jones is always looking for new and innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint, as are many of our clients. For this reason we have purchased our first electric van and intend to add more to our fleet throughout 2016. The vehicle has a range of 106 miles and carrying capacity 703kg, making it a viable alternative to more traditional vehicle choices.

As a company we have committed to reduce our carbon footprint by 3% per annum. Our electric van, along with other initiatives, such as recently achieving FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) will help us achieve this target. This scheme encompasses fuel efficiency, economical operations, vehicle emission along with safety aspects for our fleet and drivers. Gavin Jones is already accredited to ISO 14001 for environmental management, and it is now our firm intention to achieve further accreditation to Energy Management ISO 50001.

‘As a landscape management service provider, we take the responsibility of our impact on the environment very seriously and continue to look for initiatives to reduce our company wide Co2. These initiatives include solar panels and a bore hole at head office along with a tracking device on our vehicles ensuring they are driven economically through reduced speed and shortest route. It will be interesting to monitor the effect the electric van has on our fuel usage, particularly as we add more to our fleet’, Bill Davidson, Safety, Quality & Environmental Manager.

For further information visit www.gavinjones.co.uk

Complying with environmental regulations has historically been the driver for companies to improve their sustainability credentials, but NatWest’s Director of Commercial & Corporate Banking Peter Quilter explains how improving efficiencies in your firm’s environmental performance can also deliver huge cost savings.

24 theChamber

Environmental reporting requirements are already in force for larger, quoted companies but now pressure is growing for smaller companies to get their green credentials in order.

Improving efficiencies in environmental performance and management can deliver huge

cost savings and increase revenue: SMEs with a robust environmental policy are more likely to be selected as supply chain partners by larger organisations.

A small firm with a reputation for being green can also gain a competitive advantage,

as having lower energy costs can reduce your cost base.

Yet research has shown that SMEs are still largely unaware of the benefits of an environmental management strategy and ignorant of the consequences of falling foul of green regulation.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTHCHECK Our colleagues at NatWest’s Mentor Environmental Consultancy Service have put together the following

questionnaire to help you determine if your organisation understands its environmental obligations and is

maximising the potential savings and increased revenue opportunities.

• Are you aware that the Companies Act 2006 requires all directors to consider the impact their business has on the environment?

Listed companies also have to report on environmental issues and emissions.

• Are all staff aware of what to do in an environmental emergency?

Environmental emergencies include spillages or vandalism of oil tanks. All organisations should provide basic instruction and training and ideally conduct drills.

• Can you demonstrate that you meet your duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990?

The duty of care obliges those involved in the waste chain to ensure that waste doesn’t escape and is only given to an authorised person; that appropriate paperwork is completed and they don’t cause anyone else to commit an offence.

• Do you have an up-to-date, written, signed and dated environmental policy?

It’s not yet a legal requirement but it proves your commitment to customers and suppliers, and shows your intentions in managing your environmental impact.

• Are you confident your business is compliant with relevant environmental legislation?

Many directors and owners aren’t aware of the environmental legislation that affects them.

• Do you have procedures to ensure compliance with environmental legislation?

Documented procedures in terms of emergency planning, waste management and chemical storage can be crucial. Documented procedures add weight to the environmental section of a tender application.

• Do you know how much energy or water you consume or how much waste you send to landfill?

While energy costs are dropping at the moment, they are expected to go back up. Landfill costs have been rising in recent years, so it is worth reducing waste to landfill through waste avoidance, reuse and recycling.

If any are significant costs to your business, measuring and reducing them will boost your bottom line.

• Can you prove the commitments made in your environmental policy if tendering for new work?

Tenders often ask for evidence of an environmental policy, procedures and training records.

• Do you provide and record any environmental training for staff?

Having trained staff who are engaged and involved in the process of environmental management helps achieve the benefits associated with environmental best practice.

• Do you know what an environmental management system (EMS) can do for your business?

An EMS can ensure legislative compliance and the adoption of best practice. It also allows you to show your environmental credentials when trying to secure contracts with large corporate and public sector bodies.

• Did you know that companies can reduce costs with better environmental performance?

There may be internal costs associated with some new environmental practices, but these are paid back quickly and can generate new business.

Top tips to help save even more energy 1 Shut your PC down every night simple, but a huge energy saver.

2 Slightly reduce the brightness of your monitor - even a small change like this makes a difference.

3 Don’t use screen savers - these just use more energy. Instead,

set up your monitor to go into suspend mode when you’re not using it.

4 Use power management - when enabled, power management places your monitor, hard drive and computer into a low-power “sleep” mode after a period of inactivity.

5 Time to upgrade - if your PC or monitor is over 5 years old, it’s worth buying a new one. Older PCs take longer to start up and shut down, which means people are more likely to leave them switched on overnight - which, in turn, will treble the cost of the electricity that they use!

Cover Feature

Surrey’s sustainable development needs: heed the rural business & landed estates models The National Planning Policy might not be your evening read of choice.

However, it’s worth a read if you are interested in planning and development and your community.

Did you know that Surrey has a population of 1,181,301 people and more than 60,000 businesses? They range from manufacturing, through professional services to small rural businesses. However, only approximately 300 of those businesses have 200 or more employees.

These include farming and landed estates. A landed estate is a rural family business, comprised of land, farming and other income producing assets, such as cottages and let farms.

Landed estates face the same economic, growth and trading pressures as any other business, combined with the issues facing a family business.

In a landed estate business, the emphasis is on preservation of the estate and maximising revenue.

Common to these facets are the innovation, experience and passion of the owners of landed estates. The other common factor is that each landed estate should play to its strengths in diversification of the business in terms of people (owners, tenants, estate workers); the type of land (mountain, moor, arable, grazing, woods); assets (minerals, post mineral extraction sites, game, buildings be they historical, used and unused/those with

development potential); history; local expertise and artisan crafts (brewing); and local business initiatives (for example Surrey Hills Enterprises www.surreyhills.org/enterprise who are about to do their first food, drink and music festival and the innovative cow parade).

All this is part of rural sustainable development. Sustainable development is explained in the Government’s Planning Guidance. This emphasises that planning policies should support rural economic growth, by creating prosperity and local jobs.

Local and neighbourhood plans should support rural businesses, agricultural business, leisure and tourism and also develop local services and amenities.

The traditional source of income on any landed estate is farming.

Income may come from the ‘Home Farm’ run by the estate, together with the associated Basic Payment Scheme entitlements from the European Common Agricultural Policy.

Income may also come from tenant farmers, both in terms of rental income and joint initiatives such as tenants selling produce in a farm shop on the estate.

One titled estate owner started selling produce from a cart by the road side (perhaps it is hard to imagine a peer of the realm with a cart in a layby) and turned that aspect of his estate business into an award winning farm shop.

Many landed estates have diversified, to exploit local/national markets and trends. Imbham Farms (near Haslemere) sell a variety of flour, bread and cake mixes and muesli directly to consumers, in addition to growing crops. Coverwood Farm not only has livestock, but are artisan meat producers, run the Coverwood Opera and have ‘the Fillet & Bean’, a mobile professional kitchen offering catering for events.

Diversification (rural or urban) requires planning permission.

This may need to be specifically applied for, or by permitted development rights. The coalition government brought in regulations permitting the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential properties.

You may not be aware that this has provided for 2,200 homes.

At present there is a ‘Rural Planning Review: call for evidence’, administered by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. https://www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/rural-planningreview-call-for-evidence The Government wants to know how the planning laws and guidance could be improved further, to allow for rural business to flourish.

All businesses face ever increasing energy costs.

Renewable energy is governed currently by a fluid set of rules and government attitudes, both for estate owners’ own use (for example the Green Deal) and land let for solar farms and wind farms, although the latter are now decidedly out of the Government’s favour. Letting land for renewable energy production can be a source of good income for an estate.

Some estates have their own small scale projects.

Whilst the Government gives taxes and laws with one hand, it gives with the proverbial other.

Grants and subsidies are available, ranging from the

Rural Development Programme’s Country Productivity grant scheme, or European Innovation Partnership (help for arable, horticultural, forestry, farm building systems), to the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and then to LEADER funding, which assists farm productivity, but also tourism, heritage/cultural services and small rural businesses. However, as is oft said, terms and conditions apply!

Topography helps: many landed estates have woods. These are a source of timber, wood fuels (think Renewable Heat incentive and biomass heating), amenity land and sporting rights.

Shooting is an important part of the rural economy and a source of income for estates. This can be for let shooting to syndicates, deer stalking, rough shooting, pigeon shooting and clay shooting grounds.

The chalky soil type of south east England lends itself to winemaking. We have Denbies Wine Estate, near Box Hill, Dorking. Over 60% of its agricultural land is set over to growing vines, in addition to other diversified activities.

Denbies is accompanied by other vineyards: Greyfriars Vineyard; High Clandon Vineyard for example: all have made the move to wine production.

Challenges for the next year: akin to all businesses, global economics and geo-politic impact at a local level. Brexit would have ramifications for landed estates: not just the future of the subsidy regime, but trade deals and even the currency markets, which could affect export orders but also, for example, tourism in Great Britain.

Second, energy supplies. Again, events in Crimea and Russia can affect the world gas supply: events between Iran and Saudi Arabia can affect the world oil supply.

Third, some of the same events and climate change are causing migration not seen for 70 years.

All this will create pressure on housing supply and ultimately green field sites on estates.

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Big Interview

Business offers peace of mind The need for security has never been greater as companies face up to ever more complex threats to their people and property, and that means businesses that specialise in security are increasingly in demand.

One such company is the fast-growing Shield Security Services Ltd of Aldershot, which has developed a reputation for a high-quality security backed by the effective use of technology both at home and abroad.

Joint Managing Director Bipin Joshi

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Joint Managing Director Bipin Joshi started work for the company in 1999, having come to the UK in 1971 as a teenager when he and his family fled the brutal regime of Idi Amin.

He said: “I came to the UK to further my studies and then subsequently had to find work whilst continuing my education to support the family. Security was an obvious choice as it allowed me to do both and I started as a Security Guard for a Londonbased company all that time ago.

“I had tried other careers, too, but in 1999, I joined Shield once again right at the bottom as a Security Guard.

“Fortunately, the owner of the business, Mr Adil Abdel Hadi, saw the potential in me and asked me to join the team at Head Office where I have worked through various ranks to become Joint MD of Shield Security Services Ltd.” He is joint head of a company that employs a large workforce and is increasingly in demand for its services which include Static Guarding, where customers need

access control, searching, patrols to check vulnerable areas and public safety, for example, in shopping centres.

Another service is Mobile Patrol-Lock and Unlock service.

Bipin said: “Many clients work longer hours, some staff remain whilst others have gone and it is difficult to assign the job of securing premises to a member of staff. Securing premises is not just putting an alarm on and locking the door.

“The building would need to be checked thoroughly to ensure windows are closed and or locked and any electrical items that can cause a fire are switched off. There could even be a member of staff in a loo in distress, for example if they are diabetic, and there is also the possibility of flooding with taps left on etc. There is a lot more to security than checking a few doors and windows.

“We go in and check everything from top to bottom before we secure the premises and then carry out regular patrols throughout the night before

reversing the procedure in the morning to open up for the day’s work to start.

“This service removes the worry from business owners and gives them peace of mind. All our drivers are fully trained and the vehicles fitted with Trackers so we know exactly where they are.

“In addition to this, each driver carries with them a Barcode recording device called a ‘Deister’, which they swipe when a job is done. It gives us credibility that we carried out the work and the client gets a report to show the patrol done. If there were to be an incident, it also acts as good records of the timing of the incident etc.”

Another service is CCTV Remote Monitoring. Bipin said: “This happens in sites where their CCTV has been connected to our Control room which operates a 365/24 hour service.

We will detect anything moving on the site through movement detectors and may even be able to issue a verbal warning through a loudspeaker connected to the site.

Big Interview “This is a very cost-effective way to keep an extra pair of eyes on premises. Recently, we detected a break-in at one of our sites where the intruders had come on to the site knowing there were CCTV cameras but they were crawling from one place to another hoping we would not detect them. They were mistaken!

We had the Police onto them and they were apprehended straight away.”

Alarm Response Service is also offered. Bipin said: “If you have an alarm fitted to your premises, it will go off for some reason and it will need a response. Imagine having to come out on a frosty night at 2am to check if there has been a break-in.

“Also, a member of staff or even the owner may be vulnerable if there were some people waiting to take advantage.

“Our officer’s appearance will indicate to anyone that a security officer is trained, able to deal with trouble and is in contact with someone so Police could arrive very quickly. Once again for a small cost, the business owner has considerable peace of mind!

Other services include event management, escorting highvalue items and delivering items securely.

Bipin sees it as a sound investment for a company.

He said: “The importance of security is that it takes the worry off the business owners and gives them peace of mind.

“Every company has to ask if they have something worth stealing because if they have there is a criminal market for it.

“Can you, for example, accept that your building gets broken into and computers, servers etc be stolen? What impact will this have on the business?

“A few years ago a major telecommunications company site was broken into and servers taken. Thousands of their customers were offline for hours.

Imagine the loss of business.

“If you are a householder and go on holiday, who looks after your possessions which could be of sentimental value? For the sake of a few hundred pounds a year, you can Ask Shield to provide the back-up.

“Our work is very varied and each and every situation is different.

Take business parks, for example.

They experience threats ranging from vandalism, break-ins and fly tipping to children using them as a playground, rubbish bins and skips being rifled for valuable materials, metal drain covers removed for scrap and fires being started in rubbish bins.

“Estate Agents are another example. They suffer break-ins to steal keys to premises that are on sale with the result that they face angry disgruntled customers and tenants. Also, sales staff are vulnerable to attack when showing people around premises. It is an employer’s liability to protect their employees and failing to do so would see a major fine or even jail for serious breaches.

“There are hundreds of examples and each one has its own risks.

We mitigate these risks as best as we can using various means so business or even householders can live in peace and get on with their daily lives.

“The biggest trend in the security market is towards using

electronic gadgets, CCTV and alarm systems to alert you to any danger.

We have planned for this by fitting our control room with the latest technology and communications equipment backed up by fully trained controllers to make Shield an expert on the market.

“What we do is needed but, unfortunately, many companies see security as an additional cost that they incur so in times of austerity, it is the first thing that faces cutbacks. I am hoping that with the use of technology and the introduction of the Living Wage, we will attract good recruits and companies will see the value in having security.

“The emerging threats from ISIS and criminals using every means possible to carry out their deeds, we will need to remain a step ahead and I think it is going to be a very exciting time moving forward.”

The company’s reputation has spread abroad as well, particularly in the Middle East where it has worked since 2005, initially in the United Arab Emirates advising companies on security and the vetting of staff and the businesses, they work with. As part of the work, the company has set up an investigation branch.

Shield is also advising working with a Qatari company to set up a security company from

scratch in the run-up to the 2022 football World Cup. Shield has also worked closely with Dubai Police to set up training programmes to increase awareness in the region and train security staff.

This has led to Shield being consulted on many issues relating to training in different areas and the company has been able to forge relationships with the Police in the UK and educational establishments specialising in cyber crime as well as other areas.

Bipin said: “They love the way Britain does things in the Middle East. They like our approach to security and we see this as a very good market for expansion.”

Tailor-Made Security Solutions Our complete range of cost-effective services are available 24/7, 365 days and we pride ourselves on providing a high-quality, personalised service.

For full details of all our services visit: www.shieldsecurity.co.uk. For a FREE, no obligation risk assessment at your business or home, contact us today: 01252 319 899 | admin@shieldsecurity.co.uk | Quoting reference: sc10

theChamber 27

Sector Focus on Charities

Why it makes sense for businesses to support charities Charities play a crucial role in our lives, one that is becoming ever more important as cutbacks hit many public sector organisations.

“There are so many ways that you and your company can get involved including the latest sporting challenge, volunteer days, donations and sponsorship of events and campaigns.”

Oakleaf clients at work

However, providing their valuable services comes at a price for charities and that means they need all the support they can get which is where businesses can play such an important role not just by offering finance but also providing practical support.

One example of an organisation that works closely with business is Surrey-based Oakleaf Enterprise, which has provided vocational training for people with mental health needs since 1995.

Since then it has worked hard to benefit people in south west Oakleaf client at work

28 theChamber

Surrey suffering mental illhealth with the main focus vocational training, delivering training and work experience in upholstery, horticulture and IT, enabling clients to gain new skills as a first step on their return to the workplace.

Over the past three years, they have also delivered a programme of social inclusion activities, ranging from literacy and numeracy sessions, to guitar lessons, meal nights, and a Greenhouse Growing Group. Alongside its counselling services and job seeking support, these activities have benefited hundreds of local people.

John McNamara, Partnership and Development Manager, said: “Working with business is very important for us but it’s not just about asking for money, although that does help our work.

“As a social enterprise, we seek to put something back into our community and we talk to businesses to help them better understand mental illness.

“We deliver seminars and work with them to identify opportunities for the people we support.

“There is still a stigma surrounding mental ill health,

Sector Focus on Charities

Surrey Clubs for Young People

depression and stress. It is not always something that people want to talk about, but I think the situation is improving.

“Although we welcome financial support, improving understanding among businesses is a big help as well. Last year alone, we enabled 50 people to access work or higher education.”

Practical support is also vital to charities and has been provided by Surrey Clubs for Young People charity which has operated across the whole of Surrey, as well as Merton, Sutton, Kingston, Richmond

and Croydon since 1947 providing a range of positive activities for young people via a membership network of between 80 -100 youth clubs, including boxing clubs, cadet corps, junior sports clubs, youth clubs and theatre groups.

The clubs rely heavily on volunteers, which is where businesses can prove invaluable support.

CEO Joyce Quinnell said: “Developing the support we receive from business is a big part of our focus this year and money is certainly part of it.

“Businesses wishing to support us by donating funds can either back a programme that covers the whole area and can be branded with their name or they may wish to select something more local.

We have clubs throughout the area so there will always be on one their doorstep.

“However, it is not just about money. Obviously, we would love it if someone came along with a big cheque but there is so much more that businesses can do.

“Our clubs are run by amazing volunteers but they need support which is where businesses can help through their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.

“Clubs need everything from frontline volunteers to those offering back office administrative support and by encouraging their staff to give up some of their time companies can help us run our clubs, which are becoming ever more important with the effect of cutbacks in council services.

“There are other benefits.

Take the example of a builder whose staff volunteer with a club. Not only does the support help the club but the volunteers can pass on useful career information to the young people. It is a way of a

workforce giving something back to the community.”

When you volunteer at White Lodge Centre you see first-hand the impact you are making, which makes the experience extra special and rewarding.

The charity, based in Chertsey, supports more than 2,000 disabled children, young people, and adults, families and carers in Surrey. A variety of services are run from the extensive centre which has great facilities and wonderful grounds that users really benefit from.

Jane Cartwright, Community Fundraiser, said: “There is always plenty of volunteering opportunities and we really rely on the support from local individuals and corporates to help maintain and improve our service areas and grounds.

What is great is that volunteers get to immediately see how their work and support is benefiting the children and adults which is so rewarding.”

For more than 50 years the charity, based in Chertsey, has strived to provide for all those with disabilities throughout Surrey. The charity’s running costs are not fully met by statutory sources and this year alone the fundraising team needs to raise £500,000 to keep the services running.

Cont:

“Our clubs are run by amazing volunteers but they need support which is where businesses can help through their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.”

Surrey Clubs for Young People Christmas wrapping

theChamber 29

Sector Focus on Charities

that feel good factor that comes with helping others.

There are so many ways you and/or your company can get involved including: the latest sporting challenge, volunteer days, donations and sponsorship of events and campaigns.

CHEP volunteers helping out at White Lodge Centre

The relationships that the charity has built up with individuals, businesses and corporates throughout Surrey

has made a vital contribution to keeping the centre running.

The charity is appealing for more to get involved and get

Supporter Jane Armour, of CHEP Addlestone, said: “I love the White Lodge Centre and feel passionate about supporting them. It’s so rewarding to be involved with fundraising and volunteer days because every little really does help. There is a positive, happy feel to the place and it’s lovely seeing the children having fun and enjoying their environment.”

“There is always plenty of volunteering opportunities and we really rely on the support from local individuals and corporates to help maintain and improve our service areas and grounds”

Supporting disability, creating ability

White Lodge Centre is as unique as all the babies, children, young people and adults we work with every day. We specialise in care for those with a range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy and other physical conditions and learning difficulties.

We rely on support from individuals, local businesses and corporates. There are so many ways you can get involved, including; • Sport and challenge events • Volunteer days

• Event/campaign sponsorship • Committed giving/donations

30 theChamber

There are so many benefits for you and/or your employees. Please check our corporate partnership page and get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact: Jane Cartwright, Community Fundraiser 01932 567131 jcartwright@whitelodgecentre.co.uk

Get in touch

White Lodge Centre, Holloway Hill, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0AE 01932 567131 whitelodgecentre.co.uk Registered charity number 286238

Do you help your employees plan for post-retirement?

Help them to step purposefully into later life by telling them about volunteering.

Volunteer drivers are needed across Surrey to help older people to get out and about.

There's no regular, fixed commitment and drivers can choose any time or day to suit

Find out more at

driveintoaction.com

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Sector Focus on Charities

Help steer your pre-retirement employees in the right direction Volunteering can be good for your health at any age, but it’s especially beneficial in older adults.

Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease and improve mental wellbeing.

Step up for our Surrey 5 Peaks hikeathon

Promote health and wellness within your company, benefit from a team building opportunity and support a local charity by taking on our Surrey 5 Peaks hikeathon.

You can help your preretirement employees to step purposefully into later life by providing information about becoming a volunteer driver.

Each year Surrey’s voluntary car schemes help thousands of elderly and vulnerable people across the county to access hospital appointments, collect prescriptions and to enjoy social events.

Each one is run by local volunteers for the benefit of their communities, by providing lifts for those who may not have easy access to transport.

Becoming a volunteer driver is easy and volunteers can give as much or as little time as they choose, as well as decide the days and times during which they are available.

In return, volunteers are rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping elderly neighbours to live independently for longer.

Feedback such as “This is the first time I have been out for six months" and "What would we do without you? We are so grateful for all you do” makes a little bit of effort very worthwhile.

For more information visit www.driveintoaction.com or call Vicki Turton on 01483 447121

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Surrey Care Trust has been stepping out across the Surrey Hills to raise funds to help local people for over 10 years.

We work to tackle disadvantage, social exclusion and hardship in local communities by equipping people with skills to improve their economic situation, reduce their social isolation and convince them that they have a valuable contribution to make to society.

This year's hikeathon covers 24 miles along the Greensand Way and the North Downs Way and through some of Surrey's most spectacular countryside.

Our circular walk starts and ends in Shamley Green and takes in Reynards Hill, Pitch Hill, Holmbury Hill, Leith Hill and St Martha's as well as some picture postcard villages.

Thanks to sponsorship from Dorking based manufacturers, Broanmain Plastics, walkers are equipped with maps and a visual guide and there's a regular supply of refreshments at our checkpoints.

All 24 miles walkers are provided with lunch and of course lots of good cheer from Surrey Care Trust too.

Unlike other Surrey Hills challenges, our event does not use a private events company. Instead our staff and supporters volunteer their free time to ensure that more of your fundraising goes to help local people in Surrey.

The Surrey 5 Peaks hikeathon is a great opportunity to bring together Surrey businesses and their employees in friendly competition, for fun, fitness and fundraising. Our challenge event can help boost teamwork and leadership skills while providing your business with an opportunity to help a small local charity to make a big difference.

For more information visit www.surrey5peaks.org.uk or email info@surrey5peaks.org.uk

Surrey Clubs is a lot like the Chambers of Commerce - for youth clubs We help youth clubs survive and thrive keeping their doors open and the lights on giving young people a safe and positive environment.

Like the chamber of commerce we offer club support at all levels, whether a club is just starting out or has been successfully running for decades, we offer everything from funding advice, and business planning to the recruitment and training of voluntary staff.

We are proud to support in excess of 90 clubs across Surrey and the membership is growing fast. Here’s what just one of our clubs had to say, “SCYP has

supported the Youth Club by providing trained, experienced and reliable volunteers, which guarantees quality provision each week for the members.

This leads to a confidence in the members that not only enables the club continue to be available for them but encourages a positive rapport between the volunteers and members - Thank you so much for all your help.” Toria.

It sounds like a cliché, but the young people who go to our

clubs are your future employees, colleagues and peers - every successful entrepreneur started somewhere so why not help them on their way by helping our clubs to give them somewhere to meet friends, gain confidence and be themselves outside of school or home.

We’re looking for businesses to engage with if you have any ideas, we’d welcome the conversation call Joyce on 07824 380121

Events

A venue steeped in history, in Farnham, Surrey

Overlooking the water meadows of the River Wey and the ruins of the ancient Waverley Abbey, the house is situated in the midst of tranquil countryside.

Conferencing With its historic character, peaceful surroundings and excellent facilities, Waverley Abbey House is a versatile venue for conferences, meetings, training and special occasions, while the spacious grounds can be hired for larger bespoke events, outdoor team building and marquee functions.

Our elegant meeting rooms each have their own distinctive character and atmosphere.

All have good natural light and a flexible, open layout to suit your requirements. They range from small and intimate to larger, more spacious rooms accommodating up to 100 people.

Bespoke events Waverley Abbey House can be hired for bespoke events and functions.

From summer BBQs to celebratory gala dinners, we offer a variety of catering options. Food is prepared

in-house by our team of experienced chefs using the freshest ingredients available.

Set within breathtaking landscape, the grounds provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor events and create an attractive location for film or photography shoots.

Our partner companies located at Waverley Abbey House can provide bespoke leadership programmes, team building, coaching and management away days as well as video production and media consultancy.

For more information or to book an event at Waverley Abbey House, please contact us: 01252 784733 info@waverleyabbeyhouse.org.uk www.waverleyabbeyhouse.org.uk

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Ask the Expert

The importance of intellectual property Regardless of your field of business, you will undoubtedly face external threats from your competitors. Put simply, it is the job of an intellectual property (IP) expert to help you to alleviate those threats.

Anton Hutter Venner Shipley Intellectual property protection can take many forms, but in general we turn the intangible, that you might have spent many thousands of pounds developing, into a core business asset that you can sell, license, mortgage, or use offensively or defensively.

As patent and trade mark attorneys, we focus our attention on the three main forms of registered rights - patents, trade marks, and design rights.

Patents are used to provide a 20-year monopoly on an invention, in exchange for publishing how it works.

The invention must be novel (i.e. confidential), non-obvious (i.e. provide a technical advantage), and not fall under one of the statutory exclusions, such as business methods.

Our Guildford team comes from a diverse background, and we are successful in obtaining protection for a wide range of inventions including software, electronics, 3D printers, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

Patents are territorial, meaning a UK patent will only provide protection in the UK. However, Venner Shipley has a large network of trusted foreign associates that we use to obtain cost-effective global patent protection.

Patents, even before they are granted, are versatile commercial tools to have in a business’s arsenal. They are often associated with companies suing each other, due to the seemingly constant “patent wars” between phone manufacturers detailed in the press, but patents are much more than that.

Marking your invention with “patent pending” or “patent applied for” can provide a powerful deterrent against the competition, and allow you to secure a first-mover advantage.

It can also be used to attract funding from banks and business angels. Moreover, having a UK patent allows you to reduce your UK corporation tax on the product associated with the patent to 10% under

the Government’s new Patent Box scheme, which enables the patent to effectively pay for itself.

Registered design rights allow you to protect the shape (2D or 3D) of a product.

To be registerable, a design must be new and of individual character, such that it would give a different overall impression to the informed user than a similar product.

Our trade mark attorneys can assist you in protecting company names, logos and slogans.

This ensures your position in the market is not lost due to someone “passing off” their poor quality goods and services as yours, for example.

These are all registered rights that provide a monopoly.

However, other forms of non-registered protection are available, such as copyright, unregistered designs, and database rights. These rights, although useful and free, do require the proprietor to show that a competitor has directly copied their IP. A final form of protection is the trade secret, such as famously used by Coca Cola for their drink formula.

These rely on a strict distribution chain, and do run the risk that one leak could lead to an end to the market advantage. Generally, an invention should only be kept as a trade secret if it is not possible to reverse engineer it.

In conclusion, intellectual property is a great value to any business, but is a complex field that necessitates expert advice.

For more assistance, please call Anton Hutter, Venner Shipley, The Surrey Technology Centre, The Surrey Research Park, 40 Occam Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7YG, Tel: 01483 685610 Email: ahutter@vennershipley.co.uk

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Members News

Strictly helping hospice care The Phyllis Tuckwell hospice is once again holding its ever popular Strictly Dancing event at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, on Friday 27th May.

Honour for company Pioneering tech company Invotra was honoured at the Employee Engagement Awards The awards, which are in their second year, recognise forward-thinking businesses that strive to do things differently and put their workforce at the heart of their operation.

It was a glamorous affair with a gala dinner, live music and the comedian and writer Danny Wallace was hilarious as he read out the nominees and winners at The Brewery, London.

Invotra were shortlisted for the Project of the Year Award and clients Home Office were nominated for Best Use of Technology and Project of the Year (Public Sector).

Invotra scooped the Highly Commended honour in their category. Immense validation for the hard work the team have put into the company and product since 2014.

Alex Roebuck, Marketing Manager said “We’ve been recognised for practising what we preach, using our Digital Workspace to engage staff and collaborate but also realising that it’s not all about digital. Our multifaceted approach to communication and employee engagement has been recognised and we’re totally thrilled.”

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BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars Kevin and Karen Clifton will lead the entertainment this year with a four-dance showcase.

The pair are kindly auctioning off a dance each on the night - so if you fancy a tango with Kevin or a jive with Karen, now’s your chance.

They will also set a little time set aside for photos and autographs after the show, so if you don’t win the dance, you can at least snap a selfie with them.

The audience will be treated to dance routines from the University of Surrey’s Ballroom and Latin American Dance Club, as well as an exciting debut performance from ten new dancing couples who will be taking part in Phyllis Tuckwell’s Strictly Learn to Dance classes.

The couples will be taking to the floor for their debut dancing display on the night, after having had just ten weeks of one-hour dance lessons from the teachers at Angela’s School of Dancing.

There are still some places left in the Strictly Learn to Dance classes – so if you want to shake your booty on the dance floor, sign up quick by calling 01252 729446 or emailing fundraising@pth.org.uk And even if you don’t fancy dance lessons, you’ll still need to wear your dancing shoes on the night, as Angela’s School of Dancing will be teaching the audience a few ballroom moves!

Every day Phyllis Tuckwell supports more than 250 patients and relatives, at the Hospice in Farnham, the Beacon Centre in Guildford and in patients’ own homes, through a mix of medical care, nursing, therapies, counselling, social work and practical support. And they need your help to be able to do this.

Newly-weds Kevin and Karen Clifton will take to the floor at this year’s Strictly Dancing event, to raise money for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care

Tickets are just £25 - buy yours online at www.pth.org.uk or by calling Phyllis Tuckwell’s Fundraising team on 01252 729446. Snack food will be available to purchase from 7pm to 10pm, and the bar will be open until midnight.

Phyllis Tuckwell would like to thank Lakeside owner

Bob Potter OBE for once again donating the use of his renowned venue, and Paul Fitchett Images for taking photos on the night. As Phyllis Tuckwell has to raise more than £15,000 a day to fund its work, it relies heavily on events such as this, and the generosity of those who help make them happen.

"Every day Phyllis Tuckwell supports more than 250 patients and relatives, at the Hospice in Farnham, the Beacon Centre in Guildford and in patients’ own homes, through a mix of medical care, nursing, therapies, counselling, social work and practical support."

Members News

Opportunity to hear leading business experts in Guildford Maria Franzoni Ltd is a local business with more than 20 years’ experience working with the world’s leading experts.

Jamil Qureshi

On April 27th we will be launching a programme of insightful events in Guildford under the name of Shout!

Management. Our aim is to help the local business community to thrive.

So come along be inspired, get a fresh burst of ideas and rejuvenate your thinking.

In the words of will.i.am: "It's never a waste of time or money to invest in yourself, no matter the source. True wealth begins inwards and emits its light outward into everything else, including the people you surround yourself with’

The Surrey Chambers of Commerce has negotiated a special rate for Chamber members only of £30 plus VAT (normally £195) for a limited number of places so book early!

Best-selling author and business speaker, Phil Hesketh will share with you all you need to know to increase sales and grow your business. In this enlightening, entertaining, thought provoking and useful seminar.

Jamil Qureshi shares his practical insights into the psychology of attaining high performance as an individual or team. Jamil's knowledge in the area of optimizing human potential comes from his

experience of working with top performers in the world of sport and business, many of which have been in the top ten in the world in their chosen profession, and indeed in a few cases, number one.

For more information/to book go to: www.shout-management.com Quote: Shout!GL2016

Phil Hesketh

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Design & Leisure

Why you should use storytelling to market your brand’s sustainability We care more than ever about sustainability.

We want to know about the social, economical and environmental impacts of the products and services we buy (the Buycott app is a great example of that interest) and it’s influencing our decisions.

Businesses are aware of this and promoting their sustainability measures isn't a new concept.

But as more companies show a genuine interest in becoming more sustainable, you will need to do more to stand out.

While it might mean a great deal to you that you reduced your carbon emissions by 20% last year or you generated 1,000 new jobs, how much do those numbers mean to your audience?

Ultimately, that is all they are, numbers, and with no context or detail you will not stimulate any emotional engagement.

So when designing your next sustainability promotion, why not use storytelling. Focus on the individuals who helped you achieve that 20% reduction: What specific projects were they involved with? Which individuals played key roles?

Whose lives have you changed?

Instead of marketing the results, market the story.

More than ever, consumers are looking for truth and transparency from brands and storytelling is a great strategy to use. Tell them of the setbacks, compromises, breakthroughs and impacts that show just how much passion and hard work went in. Just as your favourite book has compelling and memorable characters, so should your brand.

“A brand’s narrative can set a company apart in a competitive sector,” says Adnams’s marketing

director Emma Hibbert. The brewer and pub owner based in Suffolk constantly reminds people of its work with local farmers and producers and has strong green credentials that help them generate repeat sales and create brand advocates.

But it isn't just consumer brands that can benefit, B2B brands can also utilise storytelling because, when all is said and done, business to business is also people to people, who would prefer to work with those they can easily understand and who share the same values.

People also want to work for companies for the same reasons.

It’s not just about salary anymore, so by telling stories of how your employees have made a difference to the world and do meaningful work, you can attract more talent and help show

consumers just how important it is to you that you hire only the best and most passionate candidates. GE is a good example of a company doing just that with their "What's the matter with Owen?" campaign.

Tapping into people's emotions by telling stories of your sustainability can make a real difference and can go a long way to establishing long-term brand loyalty. But – and this is a big but – those stories need to be genuine.

Consumers are very good at sniffing out a lie and if you don't truly believe in what you are saying, neither will they. Instead, it could seriously harm your business and do significant damage to the trust consumers had in you. Don’t be like VW...

Written by Ollie de Kretser Communications Manager FdK Design Consultants

Foxhills appoints new Director of Sales Sally Raith-Riches joins team at iconic Surrey Club and Resort.

January 2016. Family-owned Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey has appointed Sally RaithRiches as its new Director of Sales.

Sally joins at a pivotal moment for the 400-acre estate, just 20 minutes

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from Heathrow, which is continuing a strategy of investment under the guidance of general manager Jason Adams.

She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the business and hotel worlds, joining from Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow, where she was director of sales and marketing, responsible for delivering a total sales target of £26 million.

Previously she held a similar position at Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge and before that had several key roles at Surrey’s Brooklands Hotel, including director of sales and business development manager. At Brooklands, she increased leisure membership by 50% in six months and grew spa revenue and database through pro-active sales and local initiatives.

Sally holds a diploma in sales and marketing from Damelin College, South Africa, where she grew up.

Before moving to the UK, Sally

owned and managed several businesses in her home country.

Jason Adams, general manager of Foxhills, said: “Sally has an extremely impressive CV and is the perfect person to help us see our plans of ensuring Foxhills’ long-term future as one of Britain’s leading clubs and resorts come to fruition.”

Sally Raith-Riches said: “Foxhills is an iconic destination that has rightly achieved a good name and high profile in hospitality circles as well as among members and discerning local guests who enjoy its award-winning golf, first-rate accommodation, excellent restaurants and fabulous leisure facilities.

“As it looks to the future following its 40th anniversary, I am excited to be part of the team that will see Foxhills unveil the next chapter.”

Under the leadership of Jason Adams, Foxhills has invested across all departments and

increased training of its team.

Golf membership numbers have risen and the club is on track to hit its ambitious membership target for the first time in 10 years.

An investment programme that began in 2014 includes refurbishments of the health spa and gym, as well as a major upgrade to The Manor Restaurant.

The restaurant was awarded two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence and is aiming to secure three AA Rosettes in 2016.

Occupancy levels are up from 68% to 89% and Foxhills has been awarded four silver stars as part of a new rating system for the AA’s 2016 Hotel Guide that represents a “superior level of quality”.

Work has just begun on the £100,000 refurbishment of two double-storey suites, which will be the ultimate in contemporary luxury, and are expected to be favoured by discerning bridal parties and other special occasions.

Economy & Development

Market Outlook for 2016 by Roger Elford Despite ongoing concerns over a potential “Brexit” and the global effects of uncertainty in the Asian Markets, the South East continues to be the most prosperous of the UK regions according to the 2016 Vitality Index Report produced by Lambert Smith Hampton.

Although Guildford has been replaced as the most economically healthy town to live in, the region again dominates the list with 5 of the top 10 locations.

The Office of National Statistics House Price index shows that while UK house prices have not risen as sharply as last year, the value of South Eastern properties again outperformed other UK regions and matched the London property market (which has traditionally seen the highest level growth) with a 9.8% rise. The average house price in the South East now sits at £350,465, significantly ahead of the UK national average of £298,451.

Such encouraging signs of prosperity in the region are linked to comparatively high levels of business confidence and entrepreneurialism. This is supported by recent Insolvency Service statistics which show that the South East has the second highest number of businesses per

10,000 resident adults in the UK (after London). Of the 12 UK regions, the South East punches well above its weight in business terms with a sixth of all businesses in the UK based here, representing a 5% rise on last year.

However, with growing global financial uncertainty, the South East has not been immune from the effects of decreasing business confidence across the UK in the early part of this year with the first quarter of 2016 down on the same period last year according to the UK Business Confidence Monitor Report prepared by the ICAEW and Grant Thornton. Despite this UK wide trend, the South East has the second highest level of business confidence in the UK, marginally behind the West Midlands and significantly ahead of London.

The South East’s rate of insolvency remains amongst the lowest of all the UK regions with the numbers of liquidations, administrations and company voluntary arrangements

continuing to fall and the unemployment rates remaining low.

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership has agreed an expansion to its Government backed Growth Deal which will see £46.1m invested in the area between 2016 and 2021. This is in addition to the £442.2m of funding committed by the Government in July 2014.

The Local Enterprise Partnership estimates that up to 45,000 new jobs could be created, 23,000 new homes built and that the deal has the potential to generate £700m in public and private investment.

Planned projects in the region include: • Regeneration of the town centre in Purfleet; • Further expansion of London Southend Airport; • Improved highway connections to permit expansion of cargo-handling facility and regeneration of waterfront at Dover, leading to 100 new

homes and the creation of 500 jobs.

• Supporting the development of new and growing businesses through developing new business environments in Southend, Rochester, Bexhill and Eastbourne.

Overall, while showing some signs of the falling business confidence resulting from global economic factors, the South East continues to outperform other UK regions in terms of economic growth and prosperity.

Roger Elford is a partner at Charles Russell Speechlys www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com

Improve Business Sustainability with a Guildford College Apprenticeship In the competitive business environment, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to manage sustainability to allow them to improve processes, pursue growth and add value to their companies.

Sustainability is not just about focusing on reputation alone, it is being able to endure and survive in an environment and into the future.

By motivating and retaining employees, companies are able to add value through growth and the return of capital that comes with a productive workforce. As an employer, your next step of taking on a Guildford College apprentice could improve the success of your organisation.

Apprenticeships have been proven to deliver real returns to bottom lines and a majority of employers have found that apprenticeships have helped to improve productivity and 77% of employers believe they become more competitive.

Over 83% of employers rely on an apprenticeships programme to provide the skilled workers they need in order to keep pace with latest technology and working practices within their sector.

The Government has also recently increased its investment in the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) scheme by £85m in 2015/16 to support an extra 100,000 apprentices.

This scheme, solely for employers with fewer than 50 employees, is designed to offer firms that have taken on an apprentice in the past 12 months grants of up to £1,500 per apprentice aged 16-24.

Guildford College have now made it easier for companies to

start an apprenticeship programme by cutting back on red tape and introducing new convenient services. They have a dedicated employer services team who will support employers with apprenticeships from first enquiry to completion.

If you want to find out more about an apprenticeship, please call the Guildford College Services to Business hotline on 01483 44 85 30 or visit www.guildford.ac.uk

theChamber 39

Technology Showcase

How secure is your information?

It will have been difficult to miss the news that the FBI and Apple are in debate about getting information off iPhones.

by Terzo Digital - Neil Tubman

Don’t worry if you have though, because in this piece I will try and link some of the best stories I have seen with some of my thoughts and give you a fighting chance of understanding what is happening in the debate.

Whether you have heard the news or not you will likely find the timeline produced and update by TechCrunch very useful. An overview of what Apple are being asked to do and Apple’s open customer letter in response will also help bring you up to speed.

The underlying argument stems from the security services being worried that easily available, good encryption products are reducing the amount of data that they will be able to exploit.

This inability to see some data is termed “going dark” and there is an interesting paper (“Don’t panic”) jointly penned by a number of key players in

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the area which discusses how much of a problem that is and what other methods are left open for exploitation.

We are all familiar with encryption of our data “in flight” between our web browsers and the servers which feed them; take for example the padlock or green swatch which appears against the URL of your banking site or even, these days, on your Google email session. However, encryption of data “at rest” is also on the rise, ensuring that accidental loss of a device does not leave you open to a loss of all your data.

This is what Apple have enabled on their devices, especially the newer devices, as described in an enlightening article from Greg Leffler.

In fact, if enabled on Apple’s newer devices, and if you incorrectly enter your credentials enough times, the device will delete all data, thereby protecting the data from falling into the wrong hands. In part, it is this feature which the FBI seek to circumvent but which Apple do not wish to. It can be a different story on older Apple devices and conflation of these different stories does not help one’s understanding of the situation.

Apple have been assisting the FBI as best they can and the FBI have caused themselves a problem by resetting the iCloud password for the phone in question.

There also seem to be a host of different views being touted about whether Apple should comply or not, with broad support for Apple’s stance from key players in the software community such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook.

There is slightly less strong backing from an advocacy group supported by major tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter and a somewhat unclear response from Bill Gates.

Of course we can’t ignore some of the other more colourful comments on the issue such as Donald Trump’s “I just thought of it” stance or John McAfee’s supportive stance to Apple, offering to eat his shoe on TV if he and his team could not hack the data for the FBI. Maybe Apple will eventually lose, as predicted by some, but if they do, it is still not certain that criminals and terrorists will become the casualties of that loss, as pointed out by Bruce Schneier. In that case, it will be the general populous who fall prey to the new rules and not the intended targets.

Considering the bigger picture, this is about your right to privacy against law enforcements’ desire for access. It is right that both sides make their case and ask for everything they can get, but hopefully, an eventual position will be reached which does not subvert the privacy that our predecessors struggled to achieve and protect.

Furthermore, I believe that we should not lightly give away rights we in the West have come to take for granted because of perceived threats, however severe, as we may end up simply replacing one threat with another.

“We are all familiar with encryption of our data “in flight” between our web browsers and the servers which feed them; take for example the padlock or green swatch which appears against the URL of your banking site or even, these days, on your Google email session.”

Should Businesses Too close for comfort? have a Mobile Website or a Mobile App? Having a mobile presence these days is one of the smartest things businesses can do.

The question is which type of mobile presence is best?

First it is important to understand the difference between the two.

Mobile Websites A mobile website has been designed to display well on mobile devices such as mobiles and tablets. Users type in the website address in the browser to access the site without having to download any applications.

In summary: • Mobile friendly layouts increase opportunity of new customer acquisition • They can be accessed via the web on any mobile device with an internet connection • They offer simple but effective functionality Mobile Apps Mobile apps are downloaded from the app stores. An app can offer more engaging functionalities than mobile websites.

In summary: • Richer features to increase customer retention

• Mobile payment • Social Media integration • Mobile offers • Loyalty programs • One tap functionality • Push messages • And more…

So what is right for businesses?

The simple answer to this question is both. Whilst a mobile website is considered to be a customer acquisition tool, a mobile app is considered to be a customer retention tool. It pays businesses to target the widest possible audience and deliver the best mobile experience.

FactorEstudio is new to Surrey Chambers, we design and build mobile apps for business using EaziApps, including the option of a free mobile website. Get mobile in your marketing plan, ask me for a free demonstration app.

Visit: factorestudio.com

As designers and marketers, one of our first questions on any project is always: who is the audience?

Because until you define exactly who you’re addressing (or trying to) you can’t (or shouldn’t) even begin considering what you’re going to say.

After working in many different business sectors, over an even greater span of years, we usually have a pretty good idea of the target.

In the end, though, we accept that the client knows their business, and thus their audience, better than we do.

Yet we still ask the question, and the answers can often be revealing, especially from more established businesses.

The longer and more successfully you’ve been playing to a particular audience, the easier it is to assume you know what they think, like and expect. There’s some truth in this, of course; but there’s also a curious irony. Because that very closeness can actually make you less open and receptive to changes in their thought patterns, interests and desires. If familiarity doesn’t exactly breed contempt, it can certainly encourage a degree of complacency.

Oddly, this often manifests itself in the form of excessive caution. Over the years, we’ve had a number of businesses come to us looking for creative

ideas that will revitalise their brand, shake things up and really move them forward - only to pull right back again when we present them with precisely what they’ve asked for. At best, they end up sticking with what they had all along. At worst, they’ve gone away and had a stab at it themselves.

Commercially, not just aesthetically, these attempts have rarely ended well! We know it’s not always easy to take a step back. But if you’re genuinely, seriously looking to take your business in a new direction - or just be sure you’re making the most of your current one - an objective view can be crucial.

While we might not know your audience as well as you do, it can be easier for us to see things from their perspective.

Plus, we can bring insights and experiences from other sectors to inform the process.

We’ve had some of our best results when clients have simply stood back and let us get on with it. It’s not always comfortable. But it can be transforming.

For further information please call 01730 710033 www.farrowcreative.co.uk

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New Members

Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies: Andrew Smith International

Edward Ray International

Everyone Active Spelthorne

Andrew Le Blanc Smith 01483 284699 Timber trading

Anna Rozman Construction & Property 01276 686175 www.edwardray.co.uk Construction & Property

Claire Farmer 01784 493493 www.everyoneactive.com Leisure & Entertainment

NFU Mutual Oxted

Alan Parkinson IT and communications 02031 377674 www.hindsightsoftware.com IT and communications

ABN AMRO Commercial Finance PLC Ian Burman 08081 633601 www.abnamrocomfin.com Banks

Bridge Road Consultants Ltd

Robin Nathan Financial services 01883 714444 www.nfumutual.co.uk/branches/oxted Financial services

PremierFX

Hindsight Software

Cleansorb Ltd

Debra Levitt 07775 941417 www.bridgeroadconsultants.com Business Consultants

Gareth Owen 01737 735064 www.premierfx.com Financial services

Ian McKay Manufacturing/Engineering 01483 300107 www.cleansorb.com Manufacturing/Engineering

Adlam Coaching & Consulting

Dolphin Networks Ltd

Tweak Marketing Ltd

Paul Adlam www.adlamconsulting.com Business Consultants

Andrew Taylor IT and communications 02036 952848 www.consultdolphin.com IT and communications

Tracey Leslie Marketing & PR 01372 602615 www.tweakuk.com Marketing & PR

interests.me

Factorestudio Ltd

Helen Cammack 07790 522196 www.interests.me IT and communications

Barbara Pilgrim 03339 900106 www.factorestudio.com Marketing & PR

Information Software Ltd (ISL)

SNAP Sponsorship

John Simpson 01483 455900 IT and communications

Ben Holden 01483 617222 www.snapsponsorship.com Marketing & PR

Secgate Laith Gharib 02030 360608 www.secgate.co.uk Information Security Consultancy

InXpress Woking Steve Coutts 01483 343777 www.inxpress.com Courier and Freight Specialist

Mane Chance Sanctuary Pam Gaffney 01483 351526 www.manechancesanctuary.org Charity

Herrington Carmichael LLP Wokingham Jo Noddings 01189 774045 www.herrington-carmichael.com Solicitors

Chevron Alarms Ltd John Kelvey 01784 438822 www.chevronalarms.com Security

theChamber 43

Members News

A behind-the-scenes look at a professional portrait shoot Capricious currencies What has happened to Sterling? For those watching the GBP/EUR exchange rate over recent months, the display of peaks and troughs shows just how volatile it can be.

So what is the cause of such instability and why have we suddenly been seeing the Pound at its lowest level since late 2014?

Uncertainty will be playing a big part in this dip - there is no doubting that! Suggestions that support is growing amongst UK voters to leave the European Union in the impending referendum, combined with many forecasters predicting the UK will remain as a member state, what will the outcome be?

Global slowdown, falling prices of commodities, flooding, the prospect of a 2016 hike in the UK interest rate evaporating into thin air – we were advised by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the UK economy was headed for a difficult year and he wasn’t wrong.

Until there are some firm decisions with regard to the EU in/out debate and an improvement or at the very least positive language surrounding the issue of a UK interest rate rise, the potential for volatility is inevitable.

Rick Davies Account Director Premier FX International Currency Transfers

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Before your shoot, the LookLuxe team (myself as photographer and Rosie as hair and make-up) will run through the reasons why you have invested in a professional portrait session… whether it’s for social media, PR, a website; so we are clear on exactly what you want to communicate through your images.

On the day itself we’ll begin your session by reviewing your wardrobe choices and help you to decide on the best styles, colours and combinations; choosing a selection of different outfits to give you a range of looks.

Next comes hair and make-up for ladies, and what we term ‘camera-ready grooming’ for men. For business portraits this is all about enhancing your look.

Whilst the hair and make-up is taking place with Rosie, I use this time to find the best locations and backdrops for your shoot.

I usually look for plain walls, areas near windows (so I can take advantage of natural light) or a spot that showcases an important element of your business or workplace.

Then it’s time to get you in front of the camera; and for the next hour I will guide you on a variety of different poses. By shooting a selection of ‘environmental’ portraits and headshots using seated and standing poses against different backdrops (and with at least two wardrobe changes) we work to build you a truly outstanding series of portraits.

When the shoot has finished and you’ve been ‘LookLuxed’ I organise a shortlist of images based on the most natural looking poses, best lighting conditions and most flattering angles.

These are emailed across on a proof sheet for you to look through and choose your favourites… in your own time and

without any pressure (although we’re always happy to provide a guiding hand).

Once we have your selections I digitally enhance the images in the LookLuxe signature style (polished but natural) and then they are ready to add to your ‘personal brand’ toolkit and show the world you mean business.

Sarah J Martin sarah@sarahjmartin.com

Frankie Dettori announced as Investec Derby Festival Ambassador The Investec Derby Festival has announced the first of their 2016 Ambassadors, 2015 Investec Derby winner and Britain’s best-loved champion jockey Frankie Dettori MBE. Golden Horn and Frankie Dettori came out on top in the 236th running of the Investec Derby, Britain’s richest horse race.

Renowned as the world’s greatest flat race and one of the biggest social events in the British calendar, this year’s Investec Derby Festival takes place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June and is estimated to attract over 125,000 visitors.

Frankie Dettori said: “The Investec Derby is the greatest flat race in the world. It’s the one every jockey wants to win, so to have achieved this twice is something I am very proud of. ”

Reminiscing about last year’s Investec Derby he said; “Racing at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Derby Day is a unique feeling. In my 28 years of riding, that last furlong, I have never felt that kind of emotion” Ladies Day tickets start from £13.50 and Derby Day tickets start from £15.00.

For further information on the enclosures and to book tickets please visit www.epsomderby.co.uk or call Epsom Downs Racecourse on 0844 579 3004.

Members News

Willmott Dixon chosen for Alexandra Palace overhaul The restoration of iconic Alexandra Palace took a leap forward with Willmott Dixon chosen to refurbish the majority of the Palace’s East Wing, designed by award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

By 2018, the Palace’s worldfamous former BBC Studios will become an immersive birthplace-of-TV experience; the Victorian Theatre will come back to life as a performance venue for 21st century audiences; and the East Court entrance hall will recreate the sense of its original 1870s grandeur.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is contributing nearly £19m, and the London Borough of Haringey nearly £7m, towards the £27m project.

Willmott Dixon was chosen partly for its track record in refurbishing large buildings and experience delivering projects in live environments, where minimising disruption is essential. It will be business as usual for Alexandra Palace’s parklands, ice rink and music venue, while the works take place.

Chris Tredget, managing director of Willmott Dixon in north London, said: “Many of our team grew up enjoying the delights of Alexandra Palace, so we’re delighted to have a lead role in shaping its exciting future as North London’s most iconic building. We have extensive experience of working with listed buildings and we’ll carry out the refurbishment with full consideration of the community around Alexandra Palace and Park."

Willmott Dixon's initial works include protecting the East Wing's historic features, stripping out dilapidated

modern fittings and the delicate job of removing asbestos.

The toxic substance, now banned, was used throughout the East Wing for soundproofing and fire-proofing.

Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust need to raise the final £1m to complete the project.

If you would like to donate or find out how to get involved, visit www.memory.alexandrapalace.com

Hinchley Wood School Careers Fair opens students’ eyes to future opportunities Hinchley Wood School, in a joint initiative with Surrey Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Careers Fair which saw nearly 1,000 students, aged between 14 and 18 years, talking to nearly 40 different businesses and organisations.

A total of 250 ‘Your Future Careers Fairs’ are being organised by British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) branches all over the UK between September 2015 and March 2016, the funding for which is provided by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA).

Throughout the day Hinchley Wood students were given the chance to interact with businesses and find out firsthand the activities associated with working in that industry.

They were able to talk to employed young people and discover different career paths and employment opportunities available both in the local area as well as further afield.

There was a diverse range of businesses and organisations at the Hinchley Wood fair including well-known names such as McLaren Automotive, Fulham Football Club, Surrey Police and IBM as well as representatives from accountancy, photography, veterinary services, banking, beauty, hotel and catering, child care plus higher and further education providers like Surrey University and Brooklands College Morgan James, a Year 12 student, said: “I still don’t know what I want to do in the future so the fair has been really useful in giving me some ideas of what is out there.”

Past Hinchley Wood student Tim Haines, now working for McLaren Automotive, said it had been “An interesting and rewarding day. Being both inspired by, and hopefully inspiring the engineers and designers of the future” Chairman of Surrey Chamber of Commerce, Louise Punter, said: “It has been very pleasing to see so many young people engaging so enthusiastically with everyone here. We hope they have gone away with a better idea of the wide range of options open to them in the future and, ideally, help them make a more informed decision on a possible career path.”

Positive outlook for independent schools in the South East Headteachers, bursars and other senior leaders from independent schools across the South East attended a thought-provoking event looking at the challenges facing independent schools in the region, hosted by Guildford-based law firm, Charles Russell Speechlys.

The guest speaker was Dr Tim Hands, Master of Magdalen College School, Oxford, former co-chair of the HMC / GSA Universities Committee and Chairman of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference 2013 -14.

Dr Hands said: “The event was a great opportunity to open up a discussion and share views relating to the future of the independent sector.

There are a number of challenges ahead, including ensuring the cost of private education isn’t only affordable for the super-wealthy.

“However, despite the issues which impact us all, I feel very positive about the future of independent schools in the South East and the opportunities available to young people.

“Whilst head teachers and bursars focus on enhancing facilities, attracting new pupils and meeting the highest possible academic standards, it’s important to remember that the ultimate focus needs to be on the child and, ultimately, the child’s happiness.”

Duncan Elson, partner and head of Charles Russell Speechlys’ Guildford office, said: “Our independent schools event follows on from qualitative research we have undertaken to gain a greater understanding of the near and medium term priorities for independent schools in the region, and a report we have subsequently written on The Opportunities and Challenges facing Independent Schools in the South East.

“The research highlights the constant challenge these schools are facing – how to gain excellent academic results and provide state-of-the art facilities whilst also offering an affordable and attractive proposition for parents.”

Charles Russell Speechlys has provided legal and business advice to a number of the South East’s most prestigious independent schools for over a decade, focusing on a wide range of areas including employment issues, charitable status, trusts, property and land investments.

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Chamber Events

Open 18 Hole Golf Competition

Have your cake & eat it!

Tuesday 22 March 07:30 - 17.30pm

Afternoon Networking Tuesday 12 April 14:30pm - 16:00pm

West Hill Golf Club Bagshot Road, Brookwood WOKING. GU24 0BH

Waverley Abbey House Waverley Lane, Farnham. GU9 8EP

Member: £68.33 + VAT Non-Member: £90.00 + VAT West Hill is truly one of Surrey's oldest gems. It is a heathland course, designed in 1907, lined with towering Scots pines and featuring the brook of Brookwood which meanders its way through the course. About the golf day. 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 Full English Breakfast, 18 Hole Stableford competition followed by lunch and prize giving, finishing by 17.30 hrs.

Member: £8.33 + VAT Non-Member: £12.50 + VAT Hampshire and Surrey Chambers of Commerce are delighted to announce a brand new series of afternoon networking events on the Surrey border taking place in 2016. Following the success of the first event held in January, when nearly 40 delegates attended, these events will take place on either a Tuesday or Wednesday once per month, with the intention being to run these in different venues across North Hampshire and, for the first time, in Surrey as well.

Understand Your Team, Solving The 'People Puzzle'

Open 18 Hole Golf Competition Tuesday 12 April 12:00 - 21.00pm

Blackmoor Golf Club Firgrove Road, Whitehill, Bordon Hampshire, GU35 9EH

Member: £76.00 + VAT Non-Member: £98.00 + VAT About the golf day. 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 to network with other business leaders.

Tee off from 13.00 hrs 18 hole Stableford competition followed by dinner and prize giving, finishing by 21.00 hrs.

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Wednesday 13 April 17:30pm - 19:30pm

Guildford College Stoke Park, Guildford, GU1 1EZ

Member: £15.00 + VAT Non-Member: £30.00 + VAT

What kind of decision maker are you?

What stops you making progress?

What makes you take action?

Would you like to enhance your skills and natural ability to become a master of communication and motivation?

Would you like to understand the individuals in your team and work out what ‘makes them tick’?

***Early Booking Price. Members: £15 + VAT non members £30 + VAT until Thursday 24th March - BOOK NOW***

Chamber Events

Speed Networking with Hampshire & Sussex Chambers How Leaders and Managers can Create the Best Teams Thursday 21 April 17:00pm - 19:00pm

Oatlands Park Hotel 146 Oatlands Drive, Weybridge. KT13 9HB

Thursday 14 April 15:30pm - 18:30pm

Old Thorns Hotel Golf & Country Club Griggs Green, LIPHOOK Hampshire, GU30 7PE

Member: £16.66 + VAT Non-Member: £20.83 + VAT Speed Networking with Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey Chambers of Commerce. Always a hit and back by popular demand…

We are pleased to invite you to this crossCounty Chamber event for 2016 which offers networking with a difference. Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey Chambers of Commerce will bring together companies from all sectors to enable them to explore new business opportunities and provide many new contacts.

Member: £20.00 + VAT Non-Member: £30.00 + VAT Talent development is the best way to ensure greater engagement, it reduces stress, increases staff morale, motivation and inspires teams to go the extra mile.

Using an innovative format of seated 3-way targeted speed networking, together with social networking and a networking wall to share information on what as a business you are looking for and can provide, this event will prove both invaluable and great fun!

Understanding Export Paperwork Thursday 21 April 09:00am - 16:00pm

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Networking Lunch

Holiday Inn Shepperton

Friday 22 April 12:00pm - 14:00pm

Felix Lane, SHEPPERTON. TW17 8NP

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Member: £225.00 + VAT Non-Member: £280.00 + VAT Export Documentation problems will often lead to delays in getting goods to customers, increased costs and charges, and a breakdown of goodwill between sellet and buyer. Changes to regulations and requirements often pass unnoticed or are misunderstood.

Who should attend?

- Experienced Exporters, - Those who are looking for a refresher course - Those who have attended the Introduction to Export Operations course

1 Millbrook, Guildford. GU1 3UX

Member: £15.00 + VAT Non-Member: £25.00 + VAT Teaming up with Surrey Chambers of Commerce, Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will be hosting a new lunchtime networking event which will be a great opportunity to meet some new clients in the area.

Running from 12 until 2pm you have the chance to pop out for a buffet lunch, make some new contacts and find out what is happening locally.

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Business News

The South East’s dynamic economy is helping to promote professionalism in financial services, with Guildford as an important hub says Kate Nathoo Chartered FCSI Guildford has a large economy with one of the top five research parks in the country and is host to Surrey Satellite and other high end engineering businesses.

The town is home to Electronic Arts, a global leader in video gaming.

Guildford’s success is attributable to its high level of affluence, low unemployment rate and superior educational resources.

The Guardian University Survey 2015 ranked the University of Surrey 6th in the UK. Keith Robson, director of enterprise and growth at the University of Surrey and Chairman of Guildford Business Forum states: “Guildford has long been the home to highly entrepreneurial companies spanning an amazing variety of sectors, including video gaming, satellite engineering and medical technology.

We now have the world’s first dedicated centre for the development of “5G” mobile communications and internet technology.”

Against this dynamic backdrop Guildford has a history of success in the wealth management and financial advice arenas.

Proximity to London and the City and good links to the major airports has benefited growth. National wealth management firms and small independents have flourished in this environment. Growth of professionalism in this sector is reflected by the development of the CISI - the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

The CISI is the professional body for those working, or looking to develop a career

in, the financial planning, wealth management and capital markets industry, with a global membership of 40,000.

Guildford is home to CISI’s Southern Regional branch. which organises regular events for investment and financial planning professionals and for linked professionals and students.

Local Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events enable practitioners to update their technical skills, share topical information on economies and markets. CISI Southern President, James StewartSmith, indicates that this year will be as lively as ever in terms of activity and debate:“With the EU Referendum looming, Japan moving to negative interest rates and oil touching new lows, there will be no shortage of interesting topics to challenge us”.

CISI Southern is keen to orge relationships with other professions and businesses in Guildford. Meetings are open to interested parties keen to further knowledge on investment and financial planning sectors.

If you would like more information on these opportunities please contact CISI Southern branch President James Stewart-Smith, Chartered FCSI james.stewart-smith@charles-stanley.co.uk

Domestic Abuse is Your Business Domestic abuse currently costs UK businesses over £2.7 billion per year through decreased productivity, unplanned leave, lost wages and sick pay.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their adult lives, so if you are a medium to large employer it is likely that a staff member is a victim.

The effects of domestic abuse do not stay within the confines of somebody’s home. Victims of DA feel frightened, alone, and depressed; they may need to hide physical injuries by wearing certain clothing; they may be harassed at work via constant phone calls/texts or emails; they will be controlled and possibly told not to socialise with colleagues; they may start to use alcohol or drugs in order to cope with the abuse; they may have their salaries taken from them so they have little or no money; they might not turn up at work because they are too injured or because their partner tells them not to.

All of this will have a massive impact on their performance at work. As a responsible employer you can take steps to provide support for your staff around this issue. For instance you can introduce an effective workplace DA policy giving guidance to managers on how to deal with this situation. You can have stickers, leaflets, and posters in staff rooms and toilets that give details of local DA specialist support agencies and helplines. You can ask your local DA specialist service to deliver training to your managers and HR department so they are better equipped to spot the signs and respond appropriately.

These simple steps could help your business to retain and support good staff, and may ultimately save a life.

For more information call the yourSanctuary Surrey DA Helpline on 01483 776822 or visit their website www.yoursanctuary.org.uk

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Chamber Chat

Let’s

Explain the company to someone unfamiliar with the business Having been an investment manager at major city institutions for over 20 years, I have a wealth of international investment expertise and offer my services to help companies with the management and set up of their pension schemes.

What differentiates your organisation from others?

Paul Jay Paul Jay Associates “The subtle difference between my competitors and me is that I work on my client’s behalf but for their benefit. What you are buying is me. I don’t pass my workload onto juniors.”

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The subtle difference between my competitors and me is that I work on my client’s behalf but for their benefit.

What you are buying is me. I don’t pass my workload onto juniors.

My experience allows me to understand the market and the products being offered. I save my client’s money by advising as to whether these products are beneficial to them or whether they are just being sold the latest hot idea.

My clients value their employees, they know how expensive it is to replace them and they want to go above the bare statutory minimum to create schemes that are a true benefit to themselves and their employees.

What is your vision for the future of the business?

By providing a valuable proposition to our clients, we hope to develop on going mutually beneficial relationships.

My clients are key. I won’t over commit my workload, which guarantees my clients the service that they deserve.

Talk!

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

Surrey is a great place to do business there are thousands of potential customers both big and small and indeed suppliers, enabling you to expand your business.

As and when you do need to commute, London is easily accessible by train from all the main towns in Surrey.

If you were telling another business person about the chamber what would you say?

It can be daunting starting up on your own but there are companies and individuals out there who truly want to help you succeed. Becoming a member of the Chambers not only introduces you to valuable resources to help your business, but also gives you the benefit of regular networking opportunities.

Factors for success over the next 12 months.

Uncertainty in the business world kills investment and unfortunately we are once again being held back by politics.

Whatever your views about BREXIT, the next few months will be challenging.

But my experience backed up with keeping on top of current changes guarantees that I will be giving the best ongoing advice for my clients.