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Sponsor profile
Women go the extra mile to be successful ● AT bClear Communications, we provide our clients with measurable results delivered through a clear strategic plan of action combined with creative flair and exceptional attention to detail. As a female-run company working in such male-dominated industries, we understand the exceptionally high levels that women need to deliver in order to be successful. While the current economic climate presents challenges to
men and women throughout the workforce, the Women in Business Awards make it possible to recognise the extra lengths that many high-performing women go to in order to be successful and the exceptional levels they attain on a daily basis. bClear’s core goal is to add value to every individual and business with which it works and sponsoring the Young Entrepreneur award is yet another way of achieving this. We hope that awards such as these will help further the careers of other young women starting out in business. The Women in Business Awards are a great way to celebrate the most talented females in the region and to recognise the valuable contribution that women make to both the business community and to the economy as a whole. bClear is a specialist PR and communications agency specialising in financial services, property and construction.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Awards
Style and substance Follow the key rules to get the best from tonight Tonight we reveal the winners in the inaugural Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards. Gavin Thompson prepared this guide to get the most from the night, with a little help from our finalists
How to behave Women in the Workplace award finalist, the HR Dept, offer us a few words of caution. They say you should remember you are representing your employer – and although those drinks are tempting, it’s best to stay on the lemonade. You may not be in working hours, but you are still representing your company or organisation and policies can apply even outside the normal working day… so no fist fights etc! Remember the dress code: look the part – black tie contemporary and professional – and don’t wear ripped jeans or explicit T-shirts.
What to wear GRAZZIELLA Pinto, below, director of designer resale website Fashion Bloodhound, a finalist in the young entrepreneur category, gave us the following advice: “When it comes to black tie you can opt for either a floor-sweeping gown or a shorter number. When it comes to a hemline it’s important to remember one vital thing – the shorter the dress, the higher the neckline. “Accessories are key. Showstopping belts, dazzling necklaces and heavily embellished clutches were massive on the spring/summer ’14 catwalks. Take inspiration and update last year’s black tie dress with a touch of embellishment to bring your style up to date. “We’ve all bought something and worn it only once. Buying pre-owned means that you
Networking
might snap up a once-worn incredible dress at a fraction of the original price. “Don’t fall victim to the pressure of wearing something that isn’t you. Stay true to your style while still being black tie appropriate. Take, for example, Kate Moss, who always stands out by wearing something a little different at a black tie event, while not trying too hard.”
Mel Beeby Clarke, chair of Women Outside the Box, Bristol City Business Club, which was the brainchild of mentor of the year finalist Joni Farthing (it meets on the first Tuesday of the month), says you must not forget this is a networking opportunity. “Be yourself. Many people make the mistake of thinking they have to act almost like a walking key message for their business. Yes, you want people to know about what you do and seek out possible opportunities, but it starts with building relationships.
The finalists
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● Woman of the Year, sponsored by PPC. Finalists: Romy Gill, of Romy’s Kitchen, Thornbury; Susie Hewson, managing director of Natracare, Kingswood; Michelle Michael, of Weston’s Grand Pier; Rachel Demuth, of Demuth’s Cookery School, Bath; Suzanne Baxter, group finance director of Mitie, Emersons Green ● Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by bclear Communications. Finalists: Rebecca Kench, of PropertECO, Bath; Amy McCormack, ETM Recycling, Ashton Vale; Grazziella Pinto, Fashion Bloodhound, Longwell Green
● Business of the Year, sponsored by City of Bristol College. Finalists: 1pm, Bath; Fabulous trading as Pandora, Bath; Mitie, Emersons Green ● Mentor of the Year, sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group. Finalists: Debs Eden, of Debs Eden & Associates, Southville; Joni Farthing, Women Outside the Box, Bristol; Emma Sparks, Geometry PR, Bath ● Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by Southgate Shopping Centre. Finalists: Low Carbon South West CIC, Queen Square, Bristol; Jenny Foster, of Bristol Fairtrade; Geometry PR, Bath
● Women in the Workplace, sponsored by Crest Nicholson. Finalists: 2S Recruitment, Bedminster; Brunelcare, Whitehall; The HR Dept, Henfield, South Gloucestershire ● Female Apprentice, sponsored by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership. Finalists: Emma Sparks, of Geometry PR, Bath; Jessica Docherty, PES Consulting, Rudgeway, South Gloucestershire ● Innovation Award, sponsored by Ashfords. Finalists: YourStreet Ltd, Ashley Down; LiteTile Ltd, Rooksbridge; In Touch Studios, Bedminster
● New Business of the Year, sponsored by HSBC Commercial Banking. Finalists: YourStreet Ltd; Granny’s Secret, Chipping Sodbury ● Marketing Campaign of the Year, sponsored by The Art Team Bath Finalists: Hancock Communications, Bath; Merlin Housing Society, Chipping Sodbury; Rapport Digital, Brislington ● Outstanding Contribution to Business in Bristol or Bath, sponsored by UWE Bristol. Will be announced on the night. ● Overall awards sponsors: UWE Bristol
“Rather than worrying about what you will say to people, think about what you can ask others. “Everyone enjoys the company of someone who is interested in what they have to say, and you might find if you can help someone else out they will do the same for you in the future. “Don’t think of networking as a short-term route to quick sales, think of it as a longer-term investment. “When you go to a new group or somewhere you don’t recognise many people, avoid the temptation to hide in the corner checking your iPhone. “Try to get involved in one of the many clusters of people – it’s highly unlikely that your approach will be rebuffed – or head for the tea and coffee, where there are usually other people keen to strike up conversations.”
Twitter updates Whether or not you are joining us at the Bristol City Centre Marriott Hotel tonight, you can follow the awards on Twitter via @BristolPost and #WIBA.
Sponsor profile
Contest candidates were all exceptional ● AT SouthGate Bath we are proud to sponsor, for the first time, the Contribution to the Community Award at the Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards. The quality of all candidates in all categories was exceptional. It is also very important to recognise all of the hard work that is being done in so many different and diverse areas by so many different and diverse people. The winner of this award has shown innovation,
leadership, business culture skills and customer focus that has made a huge difference in the community. Bath, Bristol and the surrounding areas have many exciting businesses, so it’s a privilege to have this opportunity to play a part in recognising successful women from across the region who are doing so much great work and helping others. We pride ourselves in being part of both the Bath and Bristol community and are looking forward to taking the time to recognise local success, talent and performance in such relaxed and enjoyable surroundings. The winner has provided us with evidence of how they contribute to the business community in the region, providing employment and quality and service. We are looking forward to meeting all candidates and welcoming the 2014 Contribution to the Community winner to accept the award and to say a personal thank you for their selfless attitude and generosity.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Property
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Food and drink
Cleaning
Prestigious offices are sold to investment firm
Landmark year sees workforce doubled
● AN investment firm has bought the Paragon office building in Bristol’s Victoria Street for £29 million. Lothbury Investment Management has just completed the purchase from Invesco Real Estate UK III Fund. The Paragon sits opposite the new Finzels Reach development and is at the heart of many of the city’s legal and accountancy firms. The office space at the Paragon is fully let to tenants, with the ground and first floors let to Mercer Ltd, second and third floor offices to Ernst and Young and the top two floors let to solicitors Thrings. The shop units are let to Tesco Stores and coffee shop Friska. Delicatessen Rennies Good Food has just let the third. The space returns a total rental income in excess of £1.8 million. Mike Toft, fund manager and director at LIM, said: “This is a superb purchase of a highly prestigious office building in arguably the best location in Bristol. “The area has seen significant high-quality development over the last decade. This is a core, long-term holding that will enable us to capitalise on the market recovery. The Paragon commands leading rents in the market and is an excellent asset for capturing rental growth.” Tudor Toone acted for LIM and Hartnell Taylor Cook for the vendors.
● A FOOD and drink supplier has marked its 25th anniversary by growing the company and hiring staff. Regency Purchasing Group, in Alexandra Parade, Weston-superMare, has doubled its workforce to 30. The firm supplies food and drink to the leisure and hospitality industry, including London Zoo and Subway. Its first batch of new field-based employees have already started, with a further intake of staff later this month. Managing director, Alex Demetriou, said: “This is definitely the right time to expand, despite a challenging trading environment. “We are finding that business is better than ever and, if anything, the recession is helping us because people are more conscious about saving money and making sure that they have the right deal in place. “Due to our continued success, we are marking our milestone with a major company investment. We have recruited gradually over the past four years, but this is the first time we have invested heavily in our field-based team.”
● Richard Kay and son Philip with staff, Bradley Hudd, Chris Cooper, Dan Leech, Denise Jeapes, Viktorija Trustaska Picture: Jon Kent BRJK20140325A-005 and Sonia Lloyd
Perfect timing Son helps firm back from the brink
Finance
Lending plan ‘could be a giant leap forward’ ● LENDERS have welcomed proposals from the Chancellor to make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to find alternative sources of finance. George Osborne told the Federation of Small Businesses he wanted banks to refer rejected loan applications to a platform that could be accessed by alternative lenders. Adam Tavener, chairman of pensionledfunding.com and a player in the recently launched alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk portal, said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s statement as potentially a giant leap forward. This is evidence that the Government has listened to representations we have made.” But he added there would be issues to resolve around data protection and confidentiality.
Chris Campbell Business@b-nm.co.uk
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CLEANING company near Bristol that came close to folding has solved its financial problems, thanks to father and son teamwork. Hallatrow-based Prestige Cleaning hit trouble five years ago before founder Richard Kay’s son Philip joined the business. Since that time, the company’s fortunes have turned around, with next year’s turnover set to more than double its previous record, to £600,000. Now the firm, whose previous clients included PwC and HSBC, has won its biggest-ever contract – with Circadian Trust, which provides sports and leisure facilities to communities. The business is taking on around ten more staff as a result. Richard, who is personnel, finance and planning manager at the com-
Best deals - How the numbers stack up Business current Business savings accounts accounts 1.01% State Bank £10,000 deposit of India
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0.25% £1 deposit
Hanley Economic 1.53% BS £1,000 deposit 1.36% National Counties BS £1,000 deposit
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Bank Of Cyprus UK
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State Bank 1.24% of India £10,000 deposit Cambridge & 1.20% Counties £10,000 deposit Bank
0.05% Allied Irish £500 deposit Bank (GB) Source: Business Moneyfacts moneyfacts.co.uk
Petrol prices .39p
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ers instead of national companies. Richard, 48, added: “The following five years have been incredible in securing new business, gaining all the credentials we need and beginning to fight back as a local trader.” Prestige Cleaning, which was formed in 1994, reached a high point over 1999 and 2000. The company employed 50 staff and achieved a turnover of £283,000. After losing major contracts, the business’s staffing levels were down to around 15 in 2009. Now Richard and Philip, who is 25 and contract manager at the firm, hope to grow the business outside the Bristol area, while keeping its quality of service. The company is holding an open day to celebrate 20 years in business, on Friday, April 11. Speakers include Bath and North East Somerset Council chairman Neil Butters. If you are a member of the Bristol business community, find out more by contacting Richard on 01179 000188 or email richardkay1965@btinternet.com.
Inflation (CPI)
1.7 1.6 0.5 3.99
Weekly earnings
Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1
Writer Rupert Janisch Email business@ b-nm.co.uk Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07828 941469 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Shama Abokor, Regional Business Account Executive Call 0117 934 3426 Emailshama.abokor@ b-nm.co.uk
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Base interest rate % Ave mortgage rate %
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0.10% Unity Trust £25,000 deposit Bank
pany, said: “I was very close to calling it a day when I received a telephone call from my son, who was ringing from his place of work – a personal will-marketing company. It was a job he hated. He was bored and fed up. “The best I could do was to offer him a basic salary, which involved him having to do some cleaning and marketing, since we desperately needed business and I was no longer able to face the constant rejections experienced in this work. “He was a breath of fresh air. It sounds like something from a Walt Disney film, but this actually happened. The timing of his move was uncanny. A lot of my drive had been knocked out, but because of Philip’s drive, we started to win some local contracts.” The company started going for and achieving accreditations – including Investors in People and health and safety assessment scheme safe contractor – to stand out from competitors and found that clients soon wanted to return to using local clean-
Get in touch
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Focus on start-ups | Sponsored by THEME SPONSOR’S NAME HERE.
Showcase 2014 Know how Jamie Breese Director Business Showcase South West
Why events give best value for networking
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HERE’S a saying in business that people are much more likely to do business with people they’ve met. It’s one of the greatest of motivations for networking and it’s proven time and time again. More than six years ago, I founded Only Connect in Bristol. It’s gone on to become a regular feature of the South West’s networking landscape. Just when the recession started to take a hold, business networking started to get a real grip. It’s an immensely affordable form of marketing and is fun if you know how to pitch yourself well. If you haven’t attended one of our Only Connect events, be sure to try us out – we normally welcome over 500 guests at a time and they have a unique social edge to them. Business exhibitions take the concept of networking and supercharge it – rather than a few hours, you get a day; rather than a few hundred guests, you have the chance to connect with multiples of that. I started work on the Business Showcase South West 2014 five years ago. It’s been a waiting game – waiting to grow my own network, reputation and finding a line-up of truly stellar speakers who will inform and inspire. Take, for example, Ajith – he’s one of Bristol’s success stories, building the national Las Iguanas and Turtle Bay restaurant chains. I’ll be interviewing him on stage. I want to put on a great show that people go away and talk about. Any exhibition usually teams up with a sponsor. We’ve been incredibly lucky to find one – and a global leader at that – in Enterprise Rent-A-Car. They are doing great things in the South West right now. They are into sustainability and invest a fortune in our city. My tips for attending our showcase on April 8 is register early online, be sure to get there early on the day (there are only 1,800 seats to see the keynotes), bring lots of business cards with you and overcome any networking nerves – business is about getting out there. Get your free tickets at www.showcase2014.com.
Commercial feature
Events
Quality offering ‘Perfect stage’ for a celebration of innovation Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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RISTOL’S business community is backing a showcase exhibition taking place at Colston Hall next week. Senior business leaders have been lining up to praise the event, which will be an opportunity for the region to boast about its achievements and potential. It will also be a great place to network, build contacts and raise your company profile. City mayor George Ferguson said: “Bristol’s creative, entrepreneurial spirit and determined regeneration agenda makes it the perfect host for the Business Showcase South West. It will offer a great stage on which to proudly show off everything the South West has to offer businesses of all shapes and sizes.”
Steve West, vice chancellor of the University of the West of England, echoed those views. He said: “The South West has a strong reputation for creativity, sustainability, education and enterprise. With the regional economy in ascendancy, it is particularly apt that we should be encouraging and celebrating the region’s innovation.” The event, sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, is a major business showcase that celebrates innovation, business, creativity and sustainability in the region. Karren Brady, now known for her role alongside Lord Sugar in BBC1 show The Apprentice, but also the first women at the top of football in England, will be giving a keynote talk. Karren took Birmingham City FC from administration to the stock market in just a few years and she is now the vice-chairman of West Ham United FC. Gerry McQuade, chief marketing officer responsible for the Business (B2B), Wholesale and Business De-
● The grand Colston Hall Foyer; inset, key speaker Karren Brady; below, from left, Steve West, UWE vice chancellor, Gerry McQuade, a director at mobile phone giant EE, and Bristol mayor George Ferguson velopment areas of EE, will also being headlining. EE has close to 30 million customers in the UK and is a major employer with 15,000 staff, 600 retail outlets and a special connection to the South West with one of its HQs based in Bristol and call centre in Plymouth. Prior to his role at EE, Gerry worked for BT, then set up, floated and sold Virgin Mobile, joined Orange, was based in Bristol for much of that time and now sits on the board of EE. Other speakers include Business West managing director, Phil Smith; executive director of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, James Durie; chief constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Nick Gargan; and motivational speaker, Brad Burton, of 4networking. The Showcase director is Bristolian Jamie Breese, formerly a BBC
and ITV1 presenter and currently appearing worldwide on The Discovery Channel. Jamie said: “It’s a real honour to host such a special business event in my home city. This is an event to encourage, inspire and better still – do real business! The whole team have pulled out all the stops to make sure that the day is a memorable one. The response from the South West in general has been staggering.” The showcase starts at 10am and runs until 5pm. The exhibition is open throughout, with a host of top local firms exhibiting – from Adsi to N3 Display Graphics, GWS Media to 4Networking and Ultimate Finance to Williamson-Dickie workwear. The origin of the event was the foundation of Only Connect networking events in 2008. Only Connect has become one of the largest
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Celebrating the BEST in Commerce, Innovation and Creativity FREE TO ATTEND 88 EXHIBITORS from across the region BOOK TICKETS NOW – www.showcase2014.com
SHOWCASING THE BEST IN THE SOUTH WEST
open networking events in the UK, welcoming more than 500 guests on each occasion. The showcase, which has been staged with support from creative production partner SE1 Events, gives businesses the opportunity to present and promote their products and services, from start-ups and SMEs to big and long-established brands. The day is free for delegates, including attending the keynote speeches. However, visitors should register for tickets first by visiting the website at www.showcase2014.com. In addition, the chief executives of the region’s leading companies have been invited to a private drinks event at lunchtime, supported by Desynit. There will also be a special Only Connect networking event – in association with Business West – from 8pm with tickets available at www.onlyconnect.me.uk to round off what promises to be one of the business events of the year.
SEE KARREN BRADY CBE from ’The Apprentice’ and others speak
TUESDAY 8TH APRIL 2014, COLSTON HALL, BRISTOL. 10AM - 5PM
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Office lettings
Technology
Know how
Cancer charity makes switch to Whitefriars ● THE Whitefriars office building in Bristol city centre has attracted three new occupiers since the start of the year. The property, in Lewins Mead, was refurbished last year and marketed by Alder King and JLL on behalf of private investment firm Topland. Children and young people’s cancer charity Clic Sargent has relocated its regional office to the fourth floor. It previously occupied offices at Abbey Wood Business Park and has taken the 8,038 sq ft suite on a new 10-year lease. Neil Buckland, head of property and facilities at Clic Sargent, said: “The charity carefully considered whether we should remain in north Bristol or move into the city centre and eventually decided on the city centre as there was a wider range of options and more competitive deals available.” Research Media, part of Emerald Publishing, is relocating from Gloucester Road in Bristol to a 5,126 sq ft suite, while Prysm Group, a growing trade exhibition organiser, has leased a 4,807 sq ft suite.
Entertainment
Views sought on tax breaks for theatres ● THE owner of one of Bristol’s main theatres has welcomed a consultation that could lead to a new tax break. The 25 per cent rate for touring productions and 20 per cent for regional theatres was announced in the recent Budget and views are now being sought on the proposal. Rosemary Squire, of ATG Theatre Group, which owns the Bristol Hippodrome, said: “The move is both recognition of the importance of theatre to the national economy and a vote of confidence in what is a world-beating industry. “The focus on incentives for regional touring is particularly welcome; touring productions are the lifeblood of the sector and generate significant cultural and economic impact. Incentives like this will encourage a wider range and a greater volume of touring shows, delivering real benefits.”
Construction
Firm so proud after securing gold award
Angus Taylor Partner Bruton Knowles 0117 287 2101 angus.taylor@ brutonknowles.co.uk
Research well for auctions
W ● Steve Rogers of Marketing By Web
Marketing City firm to roll out Google’s latest Street View campaign Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
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NLINE marketing agency Marketing By Web has been selected by Google to deliver its new Business View service. The agency, based in Baldwin Street, is one of only six British firms given the title of Trusted Business View Agency, as Google introduces the scheme across the UK. An extension of Google Street View, Google Business View enables companies to have professional quality photos composed into a series of 360 degree panoramic views of their premises. The images will appear directly on Google search results, as well as featuring on Google Maps locations and on Google+, to give customers a better sense of the layout, decor and ambience of a business. Steve Rogers, who is managing the delivery of the service at Marketing By Web, believes Google Business Photos can be a powerful marketing tool for any business.
“Whether it’s in a pub or restaurant, where you can zoom in and have a look at their blackboard menu, or a clothes store or car showroom where viewers can see what recent stock is in, this service can be really powerful,” he said. “We are really excited about it here and we’re looking forward to introducing businesses around the UK to its benefits. “Panoramic views have been used by some firms for years but with Google Business View it’s something which is now affordable for any company. Our prices start at £250 and most businesses will only need to do it once. “It’s a low-cost form of marketing which can bring great benefits. Google is now responsible for 88.6 per cent of all online searches in the UK, so if people are looking for a business, Google is what they’ll use. And in an age where online visibility is becoming more important all the time, businesses which have this in place will have an advantage over their competitors.” As with Google Street View, faces and car registration plates will be blurred in the online photos. Photographers will require special
equipment and lenses, specified by Google, to ensure quality is maintained. Marketing By Web employs 12 staff and Mr Rogers is recruiting salespeople and freelance photographers to deliver the service in conjunction with MBW. His leading agency photographer is Andrew Wells who will be responsible for training photographers in the city, the South West and around the UK. Mr Rogers said: “We remain totally independent of Google, and are not in partnership with them for this service. Our Trusted Agency status means that we have been through the examination procedures, given them a business plan and proven our credibility, which comes from our combined years of experience providing a range of online marketing solutions, from SEO to adwords and pay-per-click campaigns. “Companies in Bristol and Bath are already benefiting from the service and we’re now ready to start rolling it out to other towns and cities. It’s just a matter of explaining what Google Business View can do for a business and letting people know that the opportunity is out there.”
Responsible Business Week
Companies encouraged to spread the good news BRISTOL firms are being encouraged to shout about the good they do in Responsible Business Week. Business in the Community has organised events to highlight good work – from getting together with community organisations to tackling issues blighting their community. Tomorrow there will be a food and
drink Access the Buyer event at the M shed in Princes Wharf from 9.30am to 3.30pm, helping smaller firms get to large supply opportunities. On Thursday, from 8am to 10.30am, Bristol Zoo Gardens hosts the Fortune Favours the Brave business debate on how and why a company’s products, services and business mod-
els need to change in order to secure a sustainable future. Business in the Community chief executive, Stephen Howard, said: “As the world emerges from recession, there is a powerful new opportunity for business to do even more, and in doing so contribute to a recovery that is inclusive and sustainable.”
E are seeing more property auctions being held as the commercial property market speeds up across the West Country – and they can be a great source of bargains and provide fantastic investment opportunities. The auction process is faster and more exciting than any other way to buy a property, and that can be a great advantage. But it spells danger for the unwary. So as a veteran of many auctions – helping people buy land, offices, farm buildings, wrecks to transform or build their investment portfolio – here are a few things to bear in mind: The most important thing is to do your research and take off those rose-tinted spectacles while you do it. Be sure to know precisely what you are bidding on – what is included in, and excluded from, the sale. Request a catalogue and property details and go through them with a fine-tooth comb. Get the opinion of a professional surveyor or valuer. View the property as many times as you can and let your professional adviser view it. If things are in a poor state, consult builders and other professionals to check the cost of likely repairs. You may have grand plans for the property, but is it subject to planning restraints? Are there any other hidden caveats and conditions you will have to adhere to? The second the hammer goes down the property is yours and there is no going back, so you must make sure you have the finances in place. Check special conditions on the sale – sometimes you are liable to pay the seller’s legal fees or other costs.. You must either have the cash or the finances firmly in place before the auction. You will need to have ten per cent cash immediately available when the hammer goes down. Stay calm and don’t get swept along with the excitement of the auction. It is far better to let the property go to someone else than to pay more than you bargained for. Keep within the bracket of spending that you set yourself. If necessary get a professional to bid on your behalf – they will be less emotionally involved. Remember that most lots will have a reserve price – the minimum a seller is prepared to sell for – and is very different to the guide price you have been given, which is the amount they expect to sell for. If the auction doesn’t meet the reserve price the seller will retain the property, but there may be an opportunity for you to negotiate a deal with them and the auctioneers may act as agents after the auction. Preparation is the key. Getting quality experts on your team can make commercial property buying at auction very profitable.
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● STAFF at Willmott Dixon’s office at Eden Office Park in Pill are celebrating after the company won gold status for Investors in People. More than 15,000 companies have the quality mark, which recognises how they invest, develop and engage with their workforce, yet only 3.5 per cent have struck gold. Neal Stephens, managing director for Willmott Dixon’s office in the South West, said, “We invest a lot of time and resources in making sure our people feel contented and challenged. To be recognised as worthy of the gold award has made us all very proud.”
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Corporate lettings
‘Prestigious’ offices home to property experts Chris Campbell Business@b-nm.co.uk
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PROPERTY adviser BNP Paribas Real Estate has relocated into one of Bristol’s “most prominent” buildings close to Temple Meads Station. The team, which comprises more than 30 experts, moved into its new 4,000 sq ft office space at Portwall Place after signing a five-year lease. The deal was brokered by the Bristol office of DTZ, on behalf of Smith & Williamson, which has a lease on the top floor of the building, totalling 32,000 sq ft. BNP Paribas Real Estate has brought in more than 50 senior people. They offer advice across business lines such as valuation, agency, consulting, building and lease advisory. Patrick Pryce, Bristol and national head of debt advisory at BNP Paribas Real Estate, said the business was looking to expand its team further. “Our move provides the wellestablished team in Bristol with an opportunity to be based in a well
-located, more efficient working environment. Looking ahead, we plan to continue with our recruitment drive, moving further forward with our growth plan.” Andy Heath, director of office agency at DTZ in Bristol, said it was a positive move.
“ Portwall Place is one of the city’s most prominent buildings, offering an unrivalled location as well as views across the city. Andy Heath “Portwall Place is one of the city’s most prominent buildings, offering an unrivalled location as well as views across the city. “As the city’s office activity moves eastwards towards the enterprise zone, Portwall Place becomes even more a destination of choice.” Accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson has 200 people in the Portwall Place office, making it its biggest office
outside London. Operations director, David Smart, said: “We have clients all over the South West and beyond, so a quality office with good access for both corporates and private individuals –
which this location affords – is important to us. We are delighted to welcome BNP Paribas Real Estate to this prestigious office.” DTZ represented BlackRock when it acquired Portwall Place for £51.5m
last December. It was the largest grade A office transaction to have been completed in the regional market last year. DTZ’s services have been retained to advise the new landlord going forward.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
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The Big Interview
Karl calls for prosperity through diversity Winter Olympian Jenny Jones isn’t the only role model to come out of Downend of late. Gavin Thompson meets Karl Brown, the new president of Bristol Junior Chamber, who hopes more will soon follow.
Vital statistics Name: Karl Brown Age: 38 Place of birth: Bristol School: Downend Secondary School First job: Part-time sales assistant at a sports shop in Bristol city centre Hero or inspiration: Robert Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and Sir Richard Branson
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T 38, Karl Brown is getting on a bit. At least, he is for his new role as president of the Bristol Junior Chamber, an organisation representing young professionals and entrepreneurs in the city. Karl, a commercial property solicitor at Clarke Willmott, become president earlier this month and wants to make his mark in his time at the helm. When he’s not helping house-builders buy and sell development land during his day job, Karl is on a mission to make it easier for people from more challenging backgrounds to climb the career ladder, as he is doing. Karl’s drive comes from his parents. Dad Baldwin was a plasterer in the building trade and mum Connie was a ward manager and sister at Blackberry Hill Hospital, then Thornbury Hospital, until they retired.
Determination has been key to Karl’s career. He was good at English and history and keen to find a profession that used communication skills. He toyed with law or journalism, with work experience stints at the Post and a law firm before opting for the latter. After graduating from university, he undertook at law conversion course at UWE Bristol. Despite failing to secure a training contract early on, he was undeterred and took on paralegal work in London before coming back to the West after securing a contract in Taunton. In 2005, he joined Clarke Willmott, where he hopes to work his way up to partner. Karl’s journey to the Junior Chamber began when a client, then the president, asked him if he was interested in joining. He soon took a role leading the organisation’s education work before
“ I strongly believe there is not just a moral case but also strong economic arguments why improving social mobility will help improve the economy.”
Karl Brown reveals the quote that inspires him. Watch the video to find out My working day Wake up 6am. Breakfast I have porridge as it is filling and healthy. Start work Usually around 8.20am. Typical working day My working day can vary from week to week but typically involves reviewing and negotiating property contract documentation and advising clients on legal points relating to prospective acquisitions
My downtime of development sites. Home time If I do not have any urgent transaction deadlines I normally go home at about 6.30pm. Take work home/attend evening functions? I try to do all of my work in the office. I do attend a variety of evening functions, both for my job as a solicitor and also my Junior Chamber role.
employees bring to the organisation. “We are increasingly living in a smaller business world and a global economy where you have to be able to cater for not just a certain section of customers but often trading internationally. “Diversity brings the qualities you need for that world. “In order to help increase aspirations of people from disadvantaged
Perfect weekend During the daytime on Saturday, walking round places of interest in Bristol such as M shed. During the evening, watching a production at Bristol Old Vic. Sunday would involve catching up with family and friends. Favourite book, film or TV show My current favourite TV show is Game of Thrones. My favourite film is Godfather Part II. Hobbies Going to the theatre, cinema and keeping fit.
backgrounds it’s important that they have some local examples they can see, so they can say, ‘If that person from a similar background can make it into that type of profession, then there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to do that’.” Karl said there were few role models from the legal profession when he was at Downend School. And he’d like to change that.
The Junior Chamber is involved in mock interview programmes with schools, giving young people experience of interviews, CV tips and the like. It supports the Bristol Leadership Programme, where 15 young future leaders from challenged socio-economic backgrounds are chosen to take part in an intensive programme to open up the world of opportunities before them.
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becoming vice president and, now, president. The other priorities of his tenure include attracting members from a wider range of professions and roles, as well as from further afield, away from just central Bristol into the surrounding areas, including Downend. While the chamber looks to raise aspirations among school-age youngsters, it is also an organisation for its members. It engages with the major stakeholders in Bristol, such as the mayor, chief constable and others, who share their plans and vision with the ambitious future business leaders. Once you hit 40, however, you’re over the hill as far as the Junior Chamber is concerned. So Karl will be making the most of the next two years. But with the determination he learned from his parents, it’s hard to imagine it will be the last role in the business community we see him in.
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“One of the reasons I am particularly passionate about social mobility is that my parents are both from Jamaica and came here to England from quite a limited-means background,” said Karl. “I saw by looking at them that through hard work, determination and ambition you could make a life for yourself even if you start from a low base. My parents instilled in me the ability to work hard.” For Karl, his parents were great role models – something he believes more young people need to have. “One of the main goals I set myself as president is to promote social mobility. I’m very passionate about social mobility, perhaps partly because of my own background. “I strongly believe there is not just a moral case but also strong economic arguments why improving social mobility will help improve the economy.” Karl believes social mobility benefits both the wider community and businesses. “The more you ensure that people are not left behind the less unemployment there is, which lowers the cost for society in benefits,” he said. “You’ll have greater productivity and more people in the community engaged. “The other thing is that if you have a diverse workforce it gives you a broader range of views that your
KARL BROWN
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Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Focus on start-ups | Sponsored by THEME SPONSOR’S NAME HERE.
Start-up special Expert eye Jo Davis Senior Director GVA Jo.davis@gva.co.uk www.gva.co.uk
Work unlocks the potential of Weston
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NVESTMENT in the transport infrastructure at Junction 21 of the M5 and the main route into Weston-super-Mare may be a commuter’s nightmare at the moment, but long term the investment will deliver important infrastructure to service the enterprise area and encourage inward investment. The Weston Package comprises five transport improvement schemes within the town which will all contribute towards improving access for businesses within the Junction 21 Enterprise Area. The package includes increased capacity for the junction, works for which are now well underway. The bid prepared by North Somerset Council to secure the package was supported by the business community in light of the benefits that it will provide for the delivery of major regeneration sites within the enterprise area. The proposals in particular will enhance the prospects for attracting new businesses into the town by addressing the capacity problems exacerbated by the current out-commuting patterns that Weston experiences. The 82-hectare site at Locking Parklands is being developed as a mixed-use community by St Modwen with the landowner, the Homes and Community Agency. It will benefit significantly from the package of works in light of the envisaged six hectares of B1/2/8 class employment development on the site, which will require access to the wider highway network. The upgrades will also assist with attracting further leisure, retail and commercial occupiers. Locking Parklands will particularly benefit from the Junction 21 improvements, thanks to proposals to link the site to the motorway through the delivery of a new north-south link road running through the site and joining the A370 with the A371. Improved transport infrastructure and public transport links are seen as critical to unlocking the employment potential of the town.
TAKE JUNCTION 21 FOR THE While Bristol grabs most of the headlines, just down the M5 there’s an enterprise area with plenty of space and potential. Gavin Thompson reports.
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OU won’t be surprised to hear that the Junction 21 Enterprise Area is well connected to the motorway network. Being named after the junction of the M5 on which it sits is something of a clue. The name is no accident. The area is being marketed on its great transport links – it’s also on a main rail line and within easy reach of Bristol Airport. There’s a helicopter museum nearby, too, but that might be a stretch for most commuters. For Weston-super-Mare, motorway links have been a blessing and a curse. Most of the town’s skilled workforce drives up the M5 to Bristol or further afield every day. The enterprise area aims to change that. Jane Vivian, principal economic
“ We have a highly skilled workforce here, but they commute to other places. Residents work as managers, senior officers, professionals… Our aim is give them the opportunity to work here.” Jane Vivian development officer at North Somerset Council, said: “We have a highly skilled workforce here, but they commute to other places. Forty-seven per cent of residents in Weston work as managers, senior officers, professionals and in technical roles. Our aim is give them the opportunity to work here.” What Weston already offers, says Jane, is quality of life. What the new enterprise area will add is the infrastructure and environment for businesses to move, start and grow. The vision sees the zone cater for the whole life of businesses and their staff. In September, the North Somerset Enterprise Technical College opens, first on a makeshift site before moving to grand new premises within the area the following year. It will cater for 14 to 19-year-olds, focusing on the technical skills businesses need, as well as teaching youngsters how to be employees. The college day will run from nine to five, with smart dress required. Employers are being asked to come on board as mentors, shape the curriculum and even help teach it. Eventually it will educate to degree level. Following in the footsteps of Bristol’s successful universities, there will be an innovation centre for spin-off businesses coming out of the college. Jane says the hope is to attract businesses to the enterprise area, such as Knightstone Housing, which has moved its 300 staff into a new
office. It chose the area partly because of its transport links, with Worle Parkway station within walking distance. All sites in the enterprise area already have outline or full planning permission to simplify the planning process for would-be investors. Regeneration specialist St Modwen has completed a 6.000 sq ft speculative office scheme at Locking Parklands, and with much less fanfare than the return of speculative office development in Bristol. The main focus, however, is to create and grow businesses locally. “Most of our growth will come organically,” said Jane. “We are working with businesses looking to expand, helping them find that support through UKTI, Business West, North Somerset Enterprise Agency – we want to keep them in the area and help them grow here.” For those starting a new business, the area has a strong offering. After decades in a rather shabby makeshiftlooking building on the Oldmixon
● Above, the 20,000 square foot Hive will be home to the North Somerset Enterprise Agency; below, Tony Wilson, principal designate for North Somerset Enterprise Technical College
Business Park, the local enterprise agency is moving to a purpose-built business centre called The Hive. The 20,000 sq ft Hive won’t be just a much-needed new home for the North Somerset Enterprise Agency, but also a place for start-ups with easy-in, easy-out terms, modern facilities, concierge service and, crucially, free on-site business support.
Angela Hicks, chief executive of the agency, said the rents from the Hive would be used to fund business support both for the tenants and other local start-ups. The days of large sums from the Government for the likes of the old Business Link service are gone, so now business support has to follow its own advice and become more self-sustaining. North Somerset
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ROAD TO NEW BUSINESS AND JOBS
● Knightstone Housing staff outside their new office in the J21 enterprise area; below right, Nick Horne
Zone’s creation ‘perfect timing’ for Knightstone ● KNIGHTSTONE Housing is the first big tenant to move into the J21 enterprise area. It owns and manages around 12,000 homes in the West of England and Somerset, often catering for socially disadvantaged communities. The company previously had half a dozen smaller offices, but has consolidated to a new 40,000 sq ft space on the Weston
Gateway business park, with 300 staff based on site and another 100 in the field. Chief executive, Nick Horne, said the location was the best fit. “We wanted somewhere no more than five to 10 minutes from a major motorway junction, somewhere that had really good rail links and somewhere that was
up when the centre opens later this month. The Hive can hold 40 to 60 offices and can be configured to meet demand – for example, for one-man businesses or those with a handful of staff. Even people not ready for an office can use it, either as a postal and telephone answering service or paying by the hour (£3) or day (£20) to use the work hub with free wi-fi, a coffee machine and secure storage for a laptop or similar. The agency has been going since 1987 – Angela has been with it the whole time. Last month, it helped 10
good value for money,” he said. There were not many suitable sites, he added, but the timing of the creation of the enterprise area proved a “very happy coincidence” and the idea of a purpose-built new office there was the best solution. Knightstone Housing used to have a smaller office in nearby Worle, where Nick and staff were regularly delayed at the motorway
businesses set up, last year about 130. That work will continue, but The Hive will also help those businesses get out of the garage or spare bedroom and into professional premises in an environment with expertise and support on hand. There is a buzz of activity around J21. This week the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership revealed an idea for a food and drink industry centre of excellence on site among its list of 34 projects it hopes to deliver as part of its strategic economic plan over the next six years. At the core is the partnership
between public and private organisations. The council, the enterprise agency, the LEP are all working with builders, education providers and businesses to make the various projects happen. One example is that developers and the public bodies have together paid for a marketing strategy between public and private partners. The first big change, however, was to the motorway junction itself. Junction 21 had long been something of a swear word for commuters or visitors getting in and out of the seaside town. But after a few million pounds,
some new lanes, clearer road markings and some other tweaks, the traffic flow is much improved. Speaking at the launch of the LEP’s economic plan earlier this week, North Somerset Council leader Nigel Ashton commented: “The development increasing capacity of the motorway junction has massively impacted on the saleability of the enterprise area to attract businesses to come in.” So the motorway that has long taken workers out of Weston, could now be key to bringing new jobs in. Oh, and the beach is nice, too.
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is following a model used successfully in Norfolk, where the local agency now runs several centres and continues to expand. “Hopefully by year three we will be in profit,” said Angela. “We are a social enterprise, so all of the money will be reinvested in helping the local business community, and hopefully building more Hives.” Indeed, the agency has planning permission for a second, but as the first cost £3.8 million, funded from numerous sources, it has to prove it is a success first. But the signs are good, with a handful of tenants being lined
Case study
junction. He said there would always be a 10-minute delay getting to the motorway but the recent remodelling of the junction had made a big difference. “I haven’t been held up once, even at busy times,” he said. Nick added that Knightstone was excited to be at the vanguard of the J21 project. “We wanted to be the first major investor in the area because we are investing in this community for the long term. It’s a fantastic place to live, work and do business.”
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Knowhow John Bonney Online marketing specialist
Social media shows how much you care
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EFORE the age of the internet, word of mouth was simply that – word of mouth. However, with the rise of social networking, the new word of mouth is now social media. With 35 per cent of Andriod/iPhone users checking their mobile phones before they get out of bed, digital media has become heavily ingrained in our society. If you aren’t involved, you’re being left behind. Social media highlights both the good and the bad you do. Take British Gas’s open forum earlier this year. They promoted the hashtag #askbg and quickly realised it wasn’t going the way they had planned. As well as receiving many positive tweets, they also got many disgruntled customers airing their issues. British Gas ignored the unhappy tweeters, fuelling the fire. A Zendesk study predicts that 62 per cent of consumers look for support via social media. Yet only eight per cent of people feel fully satisfied A company’s reputation is quickly judged on its ability to handle and turn around negative feedback in such a public setting. Many consumers choose to use social media to air grievances with companies. Most consumers think if they make contact on a public forum, they are much more likely to get better service. The majority of large UK companies have a Twitter account, but fewer have another one for support. Asda does, employing a support team to monitor and respond to all queries and aiming to reply within the hour. No matter how efficient your business, unfortunately complaints can happen. It’s how you deal with them that shows off your company’s best assets. Social media is doing wonders for businesses tackling feedback. It’s transparent, honest and it shows you can address and resolve problems. It gives others faith in your company and shows you care. The best way to respond to an unhappy customer is firstly to apologise, offer to reimburse them, and then move the conversation to a more private forum. Never ignore or delete comments, or it will seem like you have something to hide. Honesty is always the best policy. Twenty-seven per cent of consumers state that if they don’t get a reply to a complaint they will no longer buy the products or services. It is so vital to monitor and respond to any forms of feedback. I’ll be attending a seminar soon, which will be an amazing opportunity for any business owner to broaden their knowledge. Email Craig Sheppard on c.sheppard@bathchron.co.uk or call 07818 517296.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Bristol business people out and about Silicon Gorge 1.0 – tech start-up investors day at the Engine Shed ● MORE than 25 companies from across Bristol and Bath took part in a newly-styled investor event. Called Silicon Gorge, the investors day took place at Engine Shed, by Bristol Temple Meads railway station. The event was sponsored by Invest Bristol and Bath, a team tasked with marketing the area to inward investors. The 27 companies were digital and technology start-ups or early-stage businesses. They included the first graduates of the WebStart Bristol internet accelerator, ten companies from the SETsquared business incubators in Bristol and Bath and eight firms from the Bristol and Bath tech network, TechSPARK. Pitches were delivered to 40 investors from across the England and Wales. Nick Sturge, director of Engine Shed and host of the event, said he
was “delighted” with how the day went. “This was a marathon showcase of a beautifully diverse set of companies,” he said. “The quality of the investors exceeded our expectations and the businesses received a lot of constructive input and offers to have follow-up conversations. “The assumption around the UK seems to be that you have to go to London to raise money. “That might be the case for larger venture capitalist investments, but the seed money these businesses need right now is mobile.” The SETsquared partnership has been running investor events in Bristol and London for ten years, but this was the first held in this format. Topics covered included social networking site Twitter, gaming, video crowdfunding sites, female entrepreneurs and silicon chips.
Get in the picture Send us photos from your event, with names please, to business @b-nm.co.uk
● Mike Jackson, of WebStart
Pics: Dave Betts BRDB20140326B-009
● Andrew Betteridge, Ashfords, Ian Milburn, Notion Capital, and Matt BRDB20140326B-006 Penneycard, PCB Capitol
Bristol Drugs Project – Bridging the Gap ● BUSINESS leaders joined the city’s chief constable, deputy lord mayor, lord lieutenant, high sheriff and other key community figures to learn more about the groundbreaking work being undertaken by Bristol Drugs Project to help people who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol get back into employment. The Bridging the Gap event was held at accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson’s offices in Portwall Lane. It showcased BDP’s training, development and educational role in helping to deliver the Bristol Recovery Orientated Alcohol and Drugs Service (Roads), funded by Bristol City Council’s Safer Bristol Partnership. This includes helping to provide volunteering roles, apprenticeships and work experience placements to people who are no longer dependent on alcohol or drugs. Their work is made possible thanks to the involvement of five key partners - Voscur, Windmill Hill City Farm, Demand Energy Equality, Business in the Community and The Community Farm in Chew Magna. Maggie Telfer, chief executive at BDP, said: “We would like to encourage as many employers as possible to consider whether they may be able to support us in getting people back into work, by offering meaningful volunteering or work experience opportunities within their organisations. “Research has shown that if people can find positive, constructive employment to fill the huge void left by drink and drugs,
and build the confidence and skills needed to re-enter the workplace, they have a much greater chance of being able to stay drug and alcohol-free and rebuild their lives.” Mike Lea, managing partner at the Bristol office of Smith & Williamson,
and a trustee of BDP, said: “We hope as many businesses as possible will get behind the initiative and help to create opportunities for people who have turned their lives around in often very difficult circumstances.”
GALLERIES GALORE
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Wednesday, April 2, 2014
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Business diary FSB Bristol branch networking event: Free for members networking, 9.30am-11.30am, today. 1 Friary, Temple Quay BS1 6EA. Register at www.fsb.org.uk. Bristol Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast: Liaise with like-minded people and enjoy a full English breakfast in the new venue of Colston Hall. 7.30am-9.30am, tomorrow. £11 members, £20 non-members. Contact events@businesswest.co.uk.
● Richard Godfrey, TechSPARK, and Martin Bysh, Usury BRDB20140326B-007
● Dotun Olowopo, Meals.co.uk, Glen Smith, Sure Sense, and Thomas BRDB20140326B-005 Rubens, DN Capital
Export Week: Your springboard to the Nordics: Meet with specialists from British embassies in the Nordic and Baltic states to learn what you should consider when doing international business or setting up in the region. Leigh Court Business Centre, Abbots Leigh, April 7. Business Showcase South West: Celebrating the best in commerce, innovation, creativity, enterprise and sustainability. Speakers including Karren Brady, exhibitions and networking. Free to attend. Tuesday, April 8, 10am-5pm, Colston Hall. See www.business showcasesouthwest.com. Successful Tendering: Winning Tenders seminar series starts in Bristol on Tuesday, April 8. Aimed at business owners and representatives of small and medium-sized companies interested in business growth. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk
Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series - Sir Win Bischoff
Export Week – The Future of Exporting in the Digital Age: Discover why the birth of the digital age has changed how we communicate with customers and the resulting impact on exporting in the 21st century. Tortworth Court, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, April 9. Email your business events to gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk. Events are sometimes cancelled without us being notified so please check with organisers before travelling.
FOR SALE TYTHERINGTON Castle Quarry, Tytherington GL12 8QU
Sir Win, above right, delivered a lecture entitled ‘The Future of UK Banking in the Global Context’. He covered topics including the financial crisis and its aftermath, the necessity for cultural change, regulatory changes and their impact, the arguments for a balanced economy, the UK – its position in Europe, plus the future of the City. Sir Win was also interviewed by Ian Mean,
content director at Local World, which owns the Bristol Post. Asked about lending to businesses, Sir Win said: “This part of the world is actually very good at innovation and having companies come up, and entrepreneurs. “Our chief executive and the management team has, as one of its objectives, increasing lending to SMEs. This is very important.”
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● LLOYDS Banking Group chairman Sir Win Bischoff was the latest senior business figure to grace the popular business event billed as the Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series. The series is delivered by the Bristol Business School in partnership with ACCA, Bristol City Council, Bristol Post, Business West, CBI, CMI, FSB, IoD, and the West of England LEP.
IN PLOTS OR POSSIBLY WHOLE Approx 11.88 acres (4.81 ha) Office Building – 5,046 sq.ft. Industrial Building – Ref: N. Clark 3,636 sq.ft. Suitable for variety of uses, subject to planning
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Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Up and coming
Movers & shake-ups The latest appointments news. Send your news to business@b-nm.co.uk
Innovation
Funds Boom in start-ups from young people Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
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ORE than 7,000 companies started up in Bristol in 2013, many of them young entrepreneurs taking their first business steps. Figures from Virgin StartUp, which aims to inspire ambitious young people between the ages of 18 and 30, show that Bristol is a hotspot for entrepreneurs. A nine per cent rise in the number of start-ups across the UK in the past 12 months is joined by the doubling of numbers of people aged under 30 who are setting up on their own in the past three years. Many of them are using Government-backed initiatives and charities, in the form of expert advice and loans, to get the balling rolling. Among them is 24-year-old Ash Phillips, who has started up a branding consultancy called Midas Creative Group. Currently working from home in Horfield while he looks for new office space, he said that the huge growth in crowdfunding over the last five years has been a critical development for young entrepreneurs, as it has provided more finance options. He said: “Starting with Kickstarter, you’ve now got Seedrs, Crowdcube and so many others. They have fostered a generation of younger investors in Bristol, not necessarily with huge amounts of money. “An investor used to have to be a millionaire, but now you only need £10 to £20,000.
“And rather than putting it into stocks and shares, they’ll invest in a private company because at the moment that looks like a feasible investment. So there are now Government-backed, council-backed and privately-backed options available, which makes it easier for people.” Virgin StartUp believes that rising youth unemployment, workplace insecurity and disillusionment with dead-end jobs are some of the factors prompting many to strike out on their own, in sectors ranging from traditional trades, design, fashion to technology and digital marketing. With little experience of business and modest start-up funds, the organisation says that many rely on their wits and learn from mistakes. However, it also says that many start-up businesses do not survive these errors, citing one estimate which claims that a third will fail to make it through their first year of trading. Mr Phillips advised his fellow young entrepreneurs to identify their key skills when planning their business. He said: “You have to find what your key skills are so that you can add to other people’s businesses. “Me and my business partner are almost in a subconscious competition at the moment where we’re always looking for the best opportunities to get involved in without sacrificing any of our time, so while I won’t be setting up any more businesses in the near future, there are some companies I’m meeting with to see if I can get involved in some way. “Now it’s about becoming an investor by giving my skills, rather than giving my funds.”
“ Now it’s about becoming an investor by giving my skills, rather than giving my funds.” Ash Phillips
● Ash Phillips
Picture: Barbara Evripidou BRBE20140324E
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Two key recruits for new college THE new North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College has appointed two deputy principals as it prepares for its opening this September. Andy Davidson, 49, and Chris Lee, 35, will be assisting principal Tony Wilson in the run-up to the launch of the college, which will cater for 14 to 19-year-olds. NSETC will open with a Year 12 group at Weston College’s South West Skills Campus in Locking Road before transferring to a purpose-built site in 2015 and welcoming Year 10s. Chris is already well-known in North Somerset – he is the strategic lead for science, technology and maths at Weston College. Before this, he was head of science at Rednock School in Dursley, Gloucestershire. He said: “I am delighted to be part of the leadership team that will offer students a different kind of provi-
sion. The NSETC’s ethos is that young people need more than just excellent academic qualifications to succeed in the 21st century; they also need the transferable employability skills and breadth of experience that will make them highly attractive to future employers and universities.” Andy Davidson is currently the head of North Dorset Technical College and has a wealth of experience from his spells as a leader in a number of colleges throughout the South West. His background in engineering, combined with his contacts in business, mean that NSETC students will benefit greatly from the cutting-edge industrial knowledge and expertise that he can offer. “For anyone with an engineering and technology background like myself, this has to one of the most
● Chris Lee, Tony Wilson and Andy Davidson exciting projects to be involved with,” he said. “The development of a college with a firm science, technology, engineering and maths focus is incredibly
exciting and will offer so many opportunities to the young people of North Somerset. I cannot wait to get started as we prepare for our first students in September.”
● LAW firm Burges Salmon has four new partners, appointed from within the firm. Rachael Ruane becomes a partner in the firm’s banking and finance practice and Tom Dunn is to be a partner specialising in funds and financial services. Sian Edmunds will become a partner in the dispute resolution team, specialising in advising the food, agriculture and agri-business sector. And Luke Bowery becomes a partner in the firm’s employment team. Senior partner, Alan Barr, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Rachael, Tom, Sian and Luke to the partnership. Each of them is an exceptionally talented lawyer and will have a vital role to play in the ongoing growth of both the firm and their respective teams.” ● Merlin Housing Society has appointed a new chief executive. Robert Nettleton joined the Chipping Sodbury-based housing association, which manages more than 8,000 properties, this month from Coastline Housing in Cornwall. Merlin is redeveloping and refurbishing older properties and developing new sites to provide at least 200 affordable homes by next year. Robert said: “Merlin has the potential to deliver outstanding services to its customers across the board and develop many new homes. I very much look forward to playing my part in ensuring that such happens.” ● Marguarita Tyne has joined a select group of lawyers who are members of the Law Society clinical negligence panel. Bristol-based Marguarita, a partner in charge of Simpson Millar’s clinical negligence practice in the South West, had to demonstrate an ability to handle the most complex and highest value cases in order to take her place on the panel of nationally recognised experts. Marguarita, who has expertise in birth injury cases and brain damage and cancer misdiagnosis matters, said: “I'm delighted and honoured to have been included as a member of the panel.”