Business 03 December 2014

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STAND ON CEREMONY

FLYING HIGH

GREEN THEME

We launch the 2015 Women in Business Awards – page 3

First Airbus A400M is handed over to Royal Air Force – page 5

How sustainability is not longer just box ticking – pages 6 & 7

03 DEC

2014

CITY SUCCESS STORY

FULL STEAM AHEAD AT THE ENGINE SHED One year on, we look at the success of the Engine Shed helping drive business growth in Bristol Full story, page 4 EPB-E01-S3

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Tourism

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Campaign

Hotels already take bookings for World Cup ● DESPITE no games being played in the city, Bristol’s hotels are already feeling the benefit of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Tickets for the tournament went on sale in September with England hosting the majority of games during the month and a half-long event.

Hotels in Bristol have reported being been inundated with calls from teams, supporters and hospitality companies looking for accommodation.

Although Bristol isn’t hosting any games, Exeter, Gloucester and Cardiff are sharing 15 matches between them.

It means fans and teams travelling to the grounds not only need suitable places to stay but ones which provide easy travel.

John Dowling, pictured, general manager at the 201-bed DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol on Redcliffe Way, said he was already taking bookings.

“A tournament like the rugby world cup which is played right across the country is great news for cities like Bristol unlike say the Olympics which focused mainly in London,” he said.

“Even though no matches are being played here, hotels, bars and restaurants will definitely feel the effects as fans and teams travel around to the games and we’re delighted by the response so far.

“Exeter, Gloucester and Cardiff are all easily reached from Bristol, particularly on the train from Temple Meads.

“The rugby world cup presents the city with another fantastic opportunity to demonstrate to visitors that it is as dynamic and forward thinking for leisure as it is for business.”

Technology

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New office in Silicon Valley ● A SOFTWARE testing company founded in Bristol is opening an office in Silicon Valley.

TVS, or Test and Verification Solutions Ltd, has grown successfully since it was founded in 2008 and now employs 140 staff around the world.

Opening in the heart of the digital global economy seems a big step for a company based in Bristol’s Engine Shed but the firm believes it’s a natural one.

Chief executive and founder Mike Bartley said: “As with all our offices, the key to success is the quality of the TVS staff.

“The local US office means that our clients will have a local technical solution architect to interface with, in detail, on a daily basis rather than a program manager.

“Part of our success is due to our ability to provide teams of technically qualified staff with a local technical expert. Our US office in The Valley will follow the same model.”

● The Small Business Saturday bus tour in Bristol, where people are encouraged to buy from smaller firms this Christmas

Firms get on board for Small Business Saturday SMALL businesses from across the Bristol area got on board a campaign to promote their wares.

The Small Business Saturday bus tour came to the Centre, encouraging people to buy from smaller firms in the run up to Christmas, particularly this coming Saturday, December 6.

Faye Dicker, 38, who runs the Freelance Mum network of self-employed and entrepreneurial parents in Bristol, said: “The message is to think big but shop small with your Christmas presents. If people are just asking the question, ‘could I go to a local shop for this’ then it’s having an impact.”

Victoria Jackson, 36, set up her business SeeingSticks a year ago and has been featured in the Small Business Saturday campaign.

She sells children’s art activity packs for weddings and other occasions from her base in Emerson’s Green.

“We create the packs to encourage children to explore their world and engage in the event going on around them,” she said. “So they might be

asked what colour they would make the wedding cake or to draw the bride’s dress.”

Victoria believes the campaign can only help businesses such as hers.

“Just by having a national campaign, it gives people like me a good platfor m.”

Bill Quinn, 42, runs FlexAble IT from Portishead. He said the campaign is not just about shops and gifts, but goods and services too.

“This campaign is helping to raise awareness,” he said.

Ken Simpson, chairman of the Bristol branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said his organisation was backing the campaign.

“It’s hard to quantify the effect of this kind of campaign,” he admitted.

“Last year, we had local MP Stephen Williams going up and down Whiteladies Road for two hours promoting it.

“The traders didn’t necessarily see a direct lift in sales on the day, but if you plant the seed in people’s minds, they might just come back another day.”

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY ● Small Business Saturday is all about acknowledging the contribution the small business sector makes to the economy, while encouraging everyone to support their local small businesses in the run-up to the day, on the day itself, and beyond.

According to latest figures the number of small businesses in Bristol city along is approaching 14,700, constituting 98 per cent of businesses.

Councillor Mark Bradshaw, Bristol City Council’s Assistant Mayor for Place, said: “Bristol is a thriving city for small businesses. Many employ less than 50 people and offer

specialist services and crafts.

“Small Business Saturday provides us with a great opportunity to promote the range of small businesses across Bristol, their contribution and the targeted support available to them from the council and partners.”

Events taking place on Small Business Saturday include Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade; Bristol Local Christmas Market; East Street Market; Harbourside Market; Market at the Moon; St Nicholas Market alongside a Young Enterprise Trade Fair; Southmead Market; and Whiteladies Road Farmers’ Market.

Employment

Regulation Sue to take concerns to Prime Minister’s Number 10 Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk

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HE founder of an HR outsourcing company will be challenging the government on regulation at a No 10 Downing Street reception to mark Small Business Saturday.

Sue Tumelty, pictured, founder and executive director of The HR Dept, is one of just 100 businesspeople around the UK to be invited to a reception at the Prime Minister’s London office on Friday.

She and her husband and finance director Mike Stevenson will join 99

other businesses at the reception.

Small Business Saturday began in the USA in 2010 and has taken place in the UK since last year, as a campaign to prioritise small companies to consumers and raise awareness of their importance to the national economy among the business community.

On the day itself, The HR Dept will be running an online advice session between noon and 2pm on Twitter and Facebook using #askthehrdept, posting articles and giving out HR advice to small businesses.

The HR Dept is a national out-

sourced human resources company with its head office in Winterbourne.

Sue, who said she was “honoured” to be invited to Downing Street, said she planned to use the opportunity to highlight her concerns regarding current employment law.

“It’s great to be going and The HR Dept is proud to be closely associated with Small Business Saturday,” she said.

“Our company is a successful small business, with over 60 offices around the UK which are also independent small businesses, largely supporting small businesses to develop and grow.

“It’s important that there is the right environment and support for SMEs to flourish. Reduction of business rates, increased bank lending to SMEs, intervention to stop big businesses causing cash flow issues with late invoice payments – these are all areas which require urgent attention.

“Some changes to employment law are supposed to be helpful but may prove to be anything but. New shared parental leave regulations, for example, are incredibly complex and demanding and could prove to have a detrimental impact on the ability of small businesses to operate. These are all significant issues for many small business owners, which government should act on.”

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Women in business

Awards Celebrating very best of the female business community

The categories Woman of the Year: A woman who has made a significant personal contribution to the success of the established company they run or in which they are employed.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: A woman who has made a significant contribution to the company they run, in which they are employed or the organisation they have been promoted or fast tracked within.

Mentor of the Year: The woman who has demonstrated the skills of being a mentor to male or female employees, who has gone the extra mile in supporting a colleague or business and has made a difference to their life or business.

in association with

Contribution to the Community, sponsored by The Mall Cribbs Causeway: The woman who can demonstrate the difference she has made to their community and/or Bristol and Bath over the last year (from Jan 1 2014 to Jan 1 2015).

Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

Women in the Workplace Award, sponsored by PPC: A company which has demonstrated a flexibility and adaptability to the employment of women.

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HE Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Women in Business Awards 2015 launches today, giving you the chance to share your successes with the wider business community.

We want to hear from inspiring, dedicated and high achieving women to join us in celebrating the very best of the female business community.

But don’t hang around, as the deadline for entries is Friday January 16 – just 51 days and counting.

This will be the second time the awards have taken place, and once again they are being held in association with the University of the West of England.

Deputy vice chancellor Professor Jane Harrington said: “UWE Bristol is delighted to be the title sponsor the Women in Business Awards 2015.

“It is essential for the economy and the region that we continue to support women’s achievements and highlight the differences that they can and do make to successful businesses.

“The most striking moments at last year’s awards were the collaboration and support for all the women by each other and the fact that so many women were genuinely surprised to receive the recognition that they were so deserving of. I am really looking forward this year to celebrating some great local business women.”

Sarah Pullen, left, managing director for Post and Chronicle publisher Bristol and Bath News & Media, added: “These awards will showcase the incredible skills of our female entrepreneurs, professionals and businesswomen in Bristol and Bath and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with the University of the West of England again as our title sponsor.

“We’d love to celebrate your achievements, so please nominate yourself or someone you know and join us for the awards

The sponsors

New Business of the Year, sponsored by Your Street Gift Cards: Open to all businesses that have started trading since January 2013 and principal trading base is in Bristol or Bath with either woman/women owners or a female head of the company.

● Guests at the Women in Business Awards 2014

“ The most striking moments at last year’s awards were the collaboration and support for all the women by each other and the fact that so many women were genuinely surprised to receive the recognition that they were so deserving of.

UWE’s deputy vice chancellor Professor Jane Harrington, above ceremony next year – it should be a great night.”

The awards have the backing of the wider business community.

Deborah Waddell, regional director of the CBI, said: “There are many good reasons for companies to believe that increasing gender diversity in their workforces will be a business boost, as well as it being the right thing to do.

“As individual businesses – and as a nation –

we succeed when we make the best of all the skills we have available, whatever their background.

“And feedback from businesses across the country, as well as academic evidence, suggests that diverse groups of staff provide a more rigorous, challenging framework for critical decision making. It also helps firms to understand a diverse customer base.”

Rebecca Tregarthen, Bristol chairman of the Institute of Directors, said: “The Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Women in Business Awards showcase and encourage successful gender diversity in today’s business world.

“The IoD has long assumed a position of leadership in advancing the cause of diversity in business, from start ups straight through to board representation.

“A successful business is made up of individuals who together offer a mix of skills, experiences and backgrounds.”

Entries must be submitted by January 16 and will then be judged by an expert panel who will draw up a shortlist of finalists.

The winners will be revealed at a gala awards dinner at the Bristol City Centre Marriott on March 19.

To enter, sponsor a category or book tickets for the night, visit www.bristolpost.co.uk/ wiba. If you’re talking about the awards on social medial, use #wiba.

Business of the Year: This award will go to the profitable business that either has a female owner/s or a high percentage of females on the senior management team.

Award for Innovation: A business that has introduced a new product, process, invention, idea, or design that has made a significant contribution to the business and has a female owner/s or a high percentage of females on the senior management team.

Marketing Campaign of the Year: An organisation that has communicated effectively with its target audience (internal or external) over the past year, either as part of an ongoing programme or a one-off campaign.

Female Apprentice of the Year: A female apprentice who can show the impact she has had on the organisation she works for, as well evidence of personal development and progression.

Outstanding Contribution to Business in Bristol and Bath, sponsored by UWE: The businesswoman who, in the opinion of the judges, has made a considerable, profitable and lasting contribution to business in Bristol and Bath. This category is not open for submissions but handpicked by the judges.

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Travel

Enterprise

We’re spending more and more time in car ● BRISTOL may be the European Green Capital next year, but the amount of time the average commuter is spending in the car is increasing.

A new survey found the average one-way commute in Bristol is now nearly half an hour – 29 minutes 30 seconds, much worse than the 22 minutes the same study recorded two years ago.

Over a fifth of the 150 businesspeople canvassed in the research (22.7 per cent) said that their journey to work took between 30 and 60 minutes, and 17 per cent stated that they regularly travel for over an hour each way.

Employees in large firms appear to endure the longest commutes.

Richard Morris, UK chief executive at office provider Regus, which carried the survey, said the best way to cut wasted commuting time was more flexible working.

He said: “Commuting is a 20th century habit that is proving hard to break for British employers, especially for large companies where presenteeism, entrenched management structures and inflexible premises are major stumbling blocks to reducing the amount of time people spend in the office.

“Creating a flexible workplace does require organisational and practical change, yet the benefits are huge.

“Freeing staff from the daily commute makes them healthier, happier, and more productive; and we estimate that companies embracing a flexible workspace model can save up to 60 per cent on their property costs.”

Previous research from Regus has shown that over two fifths of flexible workers put in longer hours when they don’t have to commute every day, highlighting the link between flexible working and productivity.

The rise could be due to the fact that more people are in work than two years ago when the recession was still biting. But whatever the cause, the time it takes to get to work appears to be going in the wrong direction.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Media

£1.7m £34m The cost of the transformation

The amount raised in just 12 months

On track Firms at Engine Shed raise £34m in year Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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USINESSES housed within the Engine Shed centre at Temple Meads have raised more than £34 million since it opened 12 months ago.

The centre is home to the SETsquared business accelerator and WebStart Bristol incubator as well as Invest Bristol and Bath and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership.

Director Nick Sturge said: “The journey to opening Engine Shed was exciting, but not as exciting as the journey during our first year of operation.

“The level of activity within the building and the connectivity that has come about through the Business Lounge and hosted networks has been phenomenal. We have seen the city-region’s eco-system grow with us and that has been a privilege.”

A total of 20 SETsquared companies are based at Engine Shed with a further 44 firms using the business centre’s resources and facilities including hot desks, breakout spaces and meeting rooms. Bristol SETsquared members have raised over £33 million of investment in 2014, and its members now employ 752 people, compared with 639 when SETsquared moved into Engine Shed.

WebStart Bristol, founded by Mike Jackson, has had a very busy first year of operations with 20 start-up companies receiving £300,000 of initial investment from WebStart alongside a programme of intensive mentoring and practical assistance.

Many of the companies have gone on to raise further funding totalling £794,000 and begin to build out their teams adding to the 39 founders with a further 18 staff.

The centre has been a port of call for visiting ministers, the Duke of York and investors, hosting events including two Silicon Gorge days where to showcase businesses to people with money to help them grow.

Trade

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Event highlights benefits of exporting SUCCESSFUL exporters showed off their wares yesterday in a bid to encourage other businesses to follow their lead.

Business West gathered together a group of local small companies which are already conquering foreign markets in a shipping container outside the Engine Shed the highlight the business benefits of exporting.

The organisation, which represents firms locally through the Bristol Chamber, has launched a #GetExporting campaign with the goal of getting 2,020 more business to export from the region by 2020.

James Taylor, co-founder of frozen yoghurt franchise store AngelBerry, urged all small businesses to consider exporting.

“You can get help with it,” he said.

“For example we got matching funding to take part in an international trade show. We spent £6,000 but got half back.”

The firm started at the Imperial Retail Park in Bristol but now has more outlets abroad than in the UK. The latest was a kiosk in a South African cinema which opened last week, with a view to rolling out into other branches across the country.

Tim Harrap, from cheese-maker Lye Cross Farm, in Redhill, North Somerset, said there was plenty of support out there through the services of UK Trade and Investment but people had to get out and look for the opportunities.

“I had my eyes opened at my first

trade event overseas,” he said.

“There were 3,000 people from across Europe looking to do business.”

The company sells cheese to a number of markets, including South Korea and recently China.

“We’re always looking for new opportunities,” added Tim. Bath-based marketing agency Mr B & Friends created the shipping container concept and Bristol street artists Andy Council and Tim Ulewicz painted it.

For more details on the campaign and how to start exporting, visit www.getexporting.info/

● Local business people outside the decorated shipping container at The Picture: Dave Betts Engine Shed

Matthew Cross, head of inward investment at Invest Bristol & Bath, said the centre had also played a key role attracting new companies into Bristol.

“Engine Shed is a flexible, inspiring space for businesses in the high-tech, creative and digital, and low carbon sectors, offering a perfect environment within which to grow and work collaboratively,” he said.

“The success of this incubator has been a key factor in helping Invest Bristol & Bath to create more than 1,200 jobs in the region since its inception. The hub has housed major inward investment successes such as Somo, the world’s largest independent mobile solutions company, and leading online takeaway service, Just Eat, on their arrival in Bristol.”

The centre, housing within Brunel’s Temple Meads station, underwent a £1.7 million transformation thanks to a partnership between Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and the West of England LEP and was opened on December 2 by Cities Minister Greg Clark.

Advice on how to get your business in news ● BUSINESSPEOPLE who want to get advice of how to grow their company through publicity can pick up some tips at the next Bristol and Bath Marketing Network event.

The network hosts regular talks on different aspects of marketing and this month the Post’s own Gavin Thompson will be sharing advice on what makes a good story and how to get your business featured in the news.

Gavin said: “I’m sure the room will be full of people who know a lot more about marketing than I do, but what I do know is what makes a good story and I have plenty of advice on how best to get your story featured in the mainstream media.

“One good piece of advice is to build personal contacts with journalists... and you can make a start by coming along and saying hello before or after the talk.”

The event takes place at the Clifton Club on Tuesday, December 9, with networking and drinks from 5.30pm, with the talk starting at 6.30pm.

The Bristol and Bath Marketing Network is a forum for marketing professionals with more than 5,000 members.

The goal of helping firms and professionals to support one another to succeed.

Find out more by visiting www.marketing-network.org.

Licensees

Turtle Tots to expand ● Flax Bourton-based Turtle Tots, which runs swimming lessons for babies, is expanding internationally, with its first overseas licensees.

Alan and Paula Reinhardt will launch Turtle Tots in Dublin in February. Director Caroline Sparks said the firm was also in talks with would-be licensees in the Far East.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Aerospace

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Aerospace

£18 million to be invested in Patchway plant ● ROLLS-ROYCE has announced an £18-million investment in its Patchway plant near Bristol.

The money will pay for facilities and training to maintain, repair and overhaul the TP400 engine, which powers the Airbus A400M military transport plane which just last week entered service with the RAF. The engine is produced by the Europrop International engine consortium in which Rolls-Royce is a senior partner.

An existing testing facility will be converted to be used with the TP400 engine and will mean the engine can be tested on the ground. The facility will initially be used to support engines in service

● Airbus employees from Filton, Dan Spiller, Steve Jones, Arun Hayre and Ben Alford meet David Cameron at the event at RAF Brize Norton where the first A400M is delivered to the RAF

Ceremony First Airbus A400M is delivered to the Royal Air Force Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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IRBUS has delivered the first military transport plane the A400M to the Royal Air Force. The wings are designed and made in Bristol at the plane-maker’s Filton plant, before being shipped to Seville for final assembly.

The plane, which has previously been delivered to customers including the French and Turkish air

forces, has been hailed as the next generation in military transport, designed to fly people, equipment and supplies in and out of conflict zones.

Prime Minister David Cameron attended the acceptance ceremony at RAF Brize Norton for the first of the 22 planes ordered by the RAF. The RAF planes will be known as A400M Atlas.

Airbus executive vice president military aircraft Domingo Ureña Raso said: “It is an enormous pleasure to see the A400M entering service with the RAF which is one of the leading exponents of military air

mobility worldwide.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our employees, especially those in the UK, as well as OCCAR and our UK customer for making this day possible.

“Airbus Defence and Space is privileged to be the biggest provider of large aircraft to the RAF and we are absolutely committed to executing that responsibility to the very best of our abilities for many years to come.”

The A400M will replace the C-130 in RAF service but, because it can carry approximately twice as much load, or the same load twice as far, fewer

aircraft will be required.

Uniquely it is able both to cruise at jet-like speeds and altitudes over intercontinental ranges due to its extremely powerful engines and advanced aerodynamic design, as well as to operate repeatedly from short and unprepared airstrips close to the scene of military action or humanitarian crisis.

Altogether the A400M supports some 8,000 jobs in the UK including around 900 working directly on the aircraft at Filton.

To date eight nations have ordered 174 aircraft, of which the first seven have now been delivered.

Aerospace

Training simulator firm sells majority stake or at Enact, joins the Clifton-based Stirling Dynamics board and will support the existing management team, led by managing director Stephen Judd. Founder Robert Stirling will remain with the company as its president.

Chris said: “Stirling Dynamics has an excellent reputation and track record, backed by 25 years of accumulated experience, IP and know-how in the advanced engineering sector and we are delighted to support the existing management team in delivering their plans for further growth.

“Our investment not only puts in place a succession planning strategy for the business going forward, but

also provides scalability of supply to the existing product range, particularly around military training simulations for the F-35 jet fighter programme.

“With this and other blue chip client partnerships in global markets including Europe, the USA and Asia, Stirling Dynamics is in a strong position to grow and build on its success to date.”

Stephen, pictured right, said the deal would allow the company to grow.

“Enact was carefully selected by the existing management team as the

investment partner of choice, to take Stirling Dynamics to the next stage of its development,” he said.

“Facilitating our plans for growth through investment capital and management support, Enact will provide the tools necessary to achieve our aspirations whilst valuing the key attributes that are the essence of the company.”

Earlier this year Enact invested in the Cornish Pasty Company and is in discussions with several other businesses across the South West region.

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A BRISTOL company that makes controls for training simulators for military aircraft has sold a majority stake in the business to a private equity fund.

Engineering design services firm Stirling Dynamics employs 102 staff and is currently working with Lockheed Martin on simulators to train pilots to fly the F35 Joint Strike Fighters.

Enact, a fund which focuses on small and medium sized businesses managed by private equity house Endless, plans to invest “significant capital” in developing the existing product range, product diversification and more consultancy services.

Chris Cormack, investment direct-

with the RAF, but will also be available to support service requirements for other A400M customers.

The news is a welcome signal of intent at the Patchway plant, coming just weeks after Rolls-Royce announced 2,600 job cuts in its aerospace division globally with some likely to hit locally. The company employs more than 3,000 people at the site.

Paul Craig, Rolls-Royce president customer service – defence, said: “This is great news for both our customers and the Bristol site. This new capability will enable us to ensure that the RAF enjoys the same high level of engine support for its latest aircraft as it does for the other Rolls-Royce powered aircraft in its fleet. It also ensures that we can maintain military test capability at Bristol into the future.

“We have worked in close partnership with our employees and their representatives to secure this investment in the Bristol site and we thank them for their support.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The UK’s aerospace industry is the best in Europe, and is second only to the United States across the world. Investments like this from Rolls-Royce will help to keep us there. The projects we are funding through our aerospace industrial strategy will ensure that Britain develops the most efficient and green aircraft of the future.”

The wings for the A400M are made nearby at the Airbus plant in Filton.

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The Business Pulse Survey

HOW THE SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA Sustainability is no longer a niche but central to business values, according to the findings of the latest Business Pulse survey.

The Bristol Post business team reports

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RISTOL has long held a reputation as being a thriving centre for clean tech and sustainable businesses, with some of the world’s leading experts in green technology, environmental engineering and research based in the city and the surrounding area.

The importance of such companies has regularly been highlighted by the Government, with these fast growth businesses providing resource efficient goods and services seen as being vital to the economy in the coming years.

With this in mind, and with Bristol preparing itself for its role as European Green Capital, the fourth Business Pulse special report published today by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, in partnership with the Bristol Post,

now view “theBusinesses sustainability agenda

in its fullest sense as a way of developing, building and protecting a strong brand. They no longer see it as a box ticking exercise to fulfil the corporate social responsibility agenda.

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Paul Falvey, tax partner at BDO takes an in-depth look at the sustainability agenda and its impact on businesses in the region.

Some of the leading businessmen and women from Bristol and the greater city region were invited to respond to the exclusive survey, with the Business Pulse Steering Group including the Bristol mayor, George Ferguson, Colin Skellett (West of England Local Enterprise Partnership chairman), James Durie (executive director of Bristol Chamber at Business West), and a cross section of leaders of local fir ms.

The first question in the survey sought to establish how big a part sustainability plays in driving a business’ growth strategy.

It appears that the days when leaders viewed the issue as a specialist area or unimportant to their business are now very much a thing of the past.

Now, 87 per cent believe that sustainability plays an important role in their growth strategy for the future.

But what is driving businesses to adopt a more sustainable approach?

Two areas were clearly identified by respondents: the need for operational efficiency (60 per cent) and the perceived competitive advantage gained by enhancing brand reputation with

sustainable credentials (56 per cent).

Paul Falvey, tax partner at BDO in Bristol, said: “Our results highlight that many aspects of the sustainability agenda have become the norm for businesses. This is partly due to economics, with expensive resources meaning that there has been an increased blurring between the concepts of operational efficiency and sustainability.

“However, it also appears that there has been a strategic shift. Businesses now view the sustainability agenda in its fullest sense as a way of developing, building and protecting a strong brand. They no longer see it as a box ticking exercise to fulfil the corporate social responsibility agenda.

“The need for transparency, an ethical supply chain and high labour standards has resulted in a robust ap-

proach to sustainability becoming an essential risk management tool for many businesses.”

When asked what strategic changes they had implemented, it became clear that many businesses are looking at the impact of travel / transport, something that was highlighted in one of the previous Business Pulse surveys as being a major challenge to businesses in Bristol and the greater city region.

Over the coming years, several major public transport schemes are to be launched in the Bristol area and the electrification of the main rail line between Bristol and the South West will also start to take shape. There are high hopes that the new initiatives will cut down travel times and make the region greener.

And it appears that businesses are

starting to spend more time looking at how their employees travel to work and the impact that has on the environment. One in five respondents reported offering ‘travel to work’ schemes, including cycling as well as introducing additional incentives on company car schemes to purchase electric cars.

Many businesses highlight the use of teleconferencing to reduce the expense of travelling to meetings, while others have moved their businesses closer to their client base, which in turn has brought a number of new companies into the area.

However, nearly half (49 per cent) of businesses report that cost remains a major inhibitor to developing and implementing sustainable measures.

Simon Pringle, head of sustainability and clean tech at BDO, said:

“While implementation can sometimes be costly in the short term, it is important that businesses conduct a full analysis as to the potential impact.

“Many large organisations embark on bold strategies, such as Marks and Spencer’s ‘Plan A’, which was expected to cost the organisation money.

However, the reality is that many of these commitments have actually delivered huge cost savings, along with improvements to risk management and brand protection.

“In addition, with nearly a quarter of businesses identifying internal resistance to change as another barrier to putting a sustainability strategy into practice, it appears that better assessment and internal communication is needed as to the tangible gains of a well-crafted sustainability strategy.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

AFFECTS US ALL

Wages

Specialist roles now seeing pay rises of more than 10% Gavin Thompson

James Durie – executive director of Bristol Chamber at Business West ● “The survey reflects how local businesses are committed to taking on board a more sustainable approach to business. This is reflected in our experience – we are finding our members are actively seeking ways to adopt more sustainable business practices.

“Technological solutions, including the use of LED lighting, have become proven and trusted, while changes in employee behaviour, for example volunteering, are providing companies with additional benefits in terms of developing an individual’s talent and skills and boosting staff morale and loyalty.

“With so many ways for businesses to adopt green measures, the challenge is deciding on which solution will have the biggest impact.

“The Green Capital year is the opportunity to widen and deepen business engagement in Bristol and its surroundings.

“We have joined forces with Low Carbon South West and Bristol 2015 to develop the Go Green Programme. We intend to reach over 1,000 businesses, providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate how they are going green, share expertise and inspire each other to do more.”

George Ferguson – mayor of Bristol ● “We must remind ourselves throughout 2015 that true sustainability is about so much more than the environment. It is about the creation of a healthy, robust and caring economy that provides opportunities for all – not just the fortunate – and a cleaner, greener, healthier and accessible city – one in which everyone can enjoy the benefits.

“That sustainability is moving up the business agenda is encouraging. Transport is clearly an issue, but the combined effect of Residents’ Parking, 20mph zones and

MetroBus; when added to local rail and cycling improvements plus conveniences like wifi and smart ticketing on local buses, will make a very positive difference.

“One practical step I’d encourage all businesses to take is to introduce and champion car-sharing schemes.

“More than 50,000 commuter cars enter Bristol every day, and most are driver-only. This is not sustainable and simply cannot continue if we want to solve the congestion issue.”

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Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

WAGES might be rising very slowly for most of us but for those in demand they are shooting up, according to a new survey.

Construction, IT and procurement are most in demand with some specialist roles enjoying pay rises of more than 10 per cent, compared to the regional average of 1.7 per cent.

Workers in finance and engineering also have the pick of jobs, with companies bidding for their services.

Experts from Hays, the recruitment firm behind the survey, say some firms could face serious skills shortages next year.

Simon Winfield, pictured, regional managing director of Hays, said: “New developments around Bristol city centre are fuelling the skills shortages within construction and employers cannot find professionals with the experience they need, they are looking to graduates and offering training and professional development to provide employees with the skills needed in the roles.

“An increase in house building activity has not only led to a skills shortage across areas of construction such as estimating and surveying, but also in legal areas such as conveyancing.

“For example, a legal professional who was out of the profession for a number of years was

recently hired by a Bristol firm in response to the demand for conveyancing services.”

He said the problem is likely to get worse.

“Given that businesses are now more confident about the year ahead and they have plans to take on more staff we expect to see this competition for skills and salary growth to take a greater hold by the middle of next year,” he said.

“Some employees have already spotted they can earn more and decided to make a career move. Others will follow suit over the next 12 months and the situation could soon reach crisis point for employers fighting for the talent they need.

“Employees rarely move for salary alone but it is always an important consideration and employers need to look at what they can offer in order to attract and retain the best employees.”

The survey of 600 employees and employers in the South West found: ● Average salary growth of 1.7 per cent ● Over 10 per cent pay rises for some qualified, professionals and skilled workers across the UK ● 56 per cent of employers plan pay increases in the next 12 months ● Fight for talent to intensify as 65 per cent of employers plan to increase head count and 81% expect skills shortages will be a challenge ● 64 per cent of employees in the region anticipate they will move jobs in the next 12 months.

Alan Bailey – chairman of Low Carbon South West ● “Traditionally, sustainability has too often been viewed as a box ticking exercise from a business perspective rather than as an embedded activity.

“However, I believe, and as the survey results indicate, that businesses are beginning to recognise that engaging with the sustainability agenda is now much more about value add than added cost.

“When I meet with companies, the conversation around sustainability is not solely about being ‘green’. It is first about rates of return and positive impacts on the business; and then secondly how these areas will

impact on environmental management.

“Indeed, there is increased recognition that a review of people, processes and technologies and the implementation of measures to increase efficiency can in fact be made at low cost and with fairly rapid returns.

“However, communication remains a challenge. While practices may be in place to create a better and more efficient working environment, in some instances businesses are not necessarily communicating these to staff and stakeholders.

“This is an area where more education would be beneficial.”

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Chris Curling – chairman of Sustrans agenda at the core of their operations.

“Sustainability is no longer a superficial marketing badge or simply about being ‘green’ – rather it is the ability for a business to ‘future proof’ itself and ensure the delivery of shareholder value into the medium and longer term.”

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● “Great progress is being made positioning the Greater Bristol area as a centre of excellence for sustainable businesses.

This has been crowned by the city’s achievement of Green Capital status.

“Today, many companies recognise the commercial benefits that can be achieved by putting the sustainability

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Property Matters Property matters

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 We dndensedsady,ay, November 5, 2014 We October 1,

‘FRINGE’ BOOMING CREATIVE SCENE’S STRETCHEDBENEFITS PLANNERARE S STRBECOMING UGGBUZZY LE TO KE Big changes are coming for The growth of Bristol’s Thenorthern recovery in the the fringe of technology and creative Bristol property market Bristol. Gavin Thompson is gathering pace but sectors is leading to changing reports on the opportunities that speed could lead demands from the propertyto a bottleneck init the market. adapt? fringe RIBut STOcan L’S northern planning process.

Gavin has been thereports city’s engine Gavin Thompson

developments since 2008, an area home to some of region’s major employers was more than ready.

But he warned that administrative of political squabbles over boundaries must be set aside, with much of this area falling into South room inre recent years. The Gloucester● BRISTOL mayor George Ferguson will be Thompson p o r t s of later other creative SMEs, has ● CREATIVE like conference to presence of engineering gishire Council speaking at a companies major property benefited Hurricane enormously huddle together for inspiration. It’s HE face such of Bristol’s ants as business Airbus, not Bristol. this month. since we arrived here in February one of the appeals of places such community is changing.

If Rolls-Royce, GKN and BAE, as well as “As far as The MIPIM commercial property event is a 2012.

WO years ago there was little as Bath Road Studios. you look around the Engine mainstay of the industry calendar and the Bristol those further down the supply chain occupiers building onand in The has finalinphase of the Shed –well-paid a work hub ofgoing digital region the past sent high profile “Whilst it’s a highly creative and have brought engineering and the propenvironment to work in, Bristol. companies That has changed redevelopment HTV from delegations in a of bidthe to former woo investors torelaxed the jobs. tech erty world are there’s an air of professionalism and quickly!

In the studios start-ups to growing – re gion. into office what the Access tofast London viabusinesses theresidenM4 or concer ned, that resonates throughout the tial sector we have Finzel’s owners describe as “n e w, yo u ’ll see more hipster beards than The event takes place in Cannes but this year a Bristol Parkway has made the area North Bristol is Courage contemporary workspace” space tReach ies. at the UK version of the event is being stagedbuilding for the which is perfect for our attractive for former offices too, with BrewAztec very much seen as an brand’s image and our ability to ery revived under new has time beenatcomplete, it is That change is reflected in propfirst London’sand Olympia.

West, Almondsbury anddeveloper Bradley intrinsic and dynamic part of the with other Cubex, Wapping Wharf near the already 80elected per cent let. is taking part collaborate erty needs too.numerous Style is important.

Bristol’s mayor in a Stoke housing companies Greater Bristol area,” he said. “We business-focussed creative M shed rising from the ground and The project, commissioned by These companies are attracting session called My Future City in 2050, staged by of all sizes. shouldn’t let administrative boundthe General Hospital conversion into the building’s owners Cube Real young, skilled and motivated workers the Future Cities Catapult, But since the recession, there has aries stand in the way of progressive flats don’t is wellwant under Estate, at highlights a continued who to way. sit in That’s a boring old looking how places been little new activity. about development and inward investment.

On the office side Salmon Hardemand for small-scale, office. such as Bristol can to change. Thousands of new homes Indeed we need to think strategically veThe ster’s Two Glass Wharf stands contemporary space in Bristol, in industries are fast moving too. become smarter and are being built or planned in Emeras a city region and capitalise on all Whilst it’s a highly proud in itsexpand Bristol quickly blue colours line with a rise in the number of Companies and more successful. son’s Green, Cribbs Causeway and its successes if we are to be taken while Skanska’s 66 Queen Square start-ups and SMEs in the city. sometimes vanish just as fast, deso creative and relaxed But overall, the former Filton Airseriously in the UK and beyond.” velopmentleases is taking with the Almostindustry 80 per is cent of the long-term just shape, don’t work.

Bristol’s environment to work in, field site.

An example of how businesses can steel thatbewill sit behind building has now been let to a Andframe that can a problem for the taking more of a And facade withnow visible. thrive either side of the boundary is t h e re ’s an air of curving variety of firms, ranging from small commercial property market, where wait-and-see them The Mall.

Thenshould there’s all thesuch bed as spaces start-up companies to big institutional investors penprofessionalism that approach to the come new Richard Moore of CBRE Bristol, being companies created to accommodate the multinationals such as PUMA. sion look for safe, event. resonates throughout elong-term mploy- returns. below right, said: “There was some thousands more coming to study in The fact that the site includes an David Mace, concern that Cribbs Causeway would on-site Friska and a Pilates But this thriving technology and regional senior café director Ruari Laidlaw struggle following the arrival of studio gives you an insight into the digital sector is growing in importat GVA, which is attending Cabot Circus but that has proved not target market. ance in Bristol. It is becoming the the event but not exhibiting, said: “As a company to be the case.

Ruari of Cube MIPIM Real in Cannes poster child of economy. companies.”

GVA hasLaidlaw been attending for “The area has long benefited from They cut theministers planning are Estatetime, said:and “Wefor are really pleased Government The building is also home to The some the last couple of years we’ve good transport links and easy access ● have Keithcompleted Brock andthis Dave Murfitt at the new site for Wessex Garages to queuing up to the pictured next to a Set, an workspace that operates worked very closely with Bristol, Bath, South teams very hard and the in comparison to the centre of Brismuch-needed refurbishment fancy piece of kit that symbolises a a membership club where Gloucestershire and North Somerset onastheir tol, meaning it has been able to draw ability to build back that project, which will now allow us to fast-paced and future-proofed ecobusinesses can presence at this hugely influential eventlike-minded – we’re on a wide geographical market. resource to week saw Business turn ourforward attention improving nomy. This past network and share skills and looking to to being there again in 2015.

“With further expansion planned, sustainability and green initiatives Secretary Vince Cable meeting the ideas.

Its collaborative base “It’s therefore a talking point for the property accommodate growth The Mall looks set to within the building. creations of OC Robotics in Abbey removes industry that the UK is to have its own event in the isolation of working will cement its posi“It alsoand gives us an opportunity Wood.be Thechallenging week before the President from London, we’re hugely encouraged that home, while offering tion as both a was not covered by the Bristol ● AN award-winning Bristol car to work with existing tenants to of Singapore was at the University of contemporary facilities. mayor Ferguson will be representing Bristol in a thriving centre residents’ parking zones was a dealership has our being granted further improve offer soclearly it is strengthening Bristol to see how advances in wearOn the first Wednesday of each Cities of the Future debate, for economic “great bonus”. planning permission forfuture a third even more attractive to able technology could be applied to month, The Set plays host to an Bristol’s place as a core city. activity, leisHe added: “The entrance to the community and this next stage in outlet in the city, creating 25 new occupiers.” the healthcare market.

The Engine informal networking night where “We’ll be a keen and supportive observer of the Jo Davis, senior planning ure, comnew site will be the gateway to a our development will share enablea us to jobs.

Jon Mowat, managing director Shed itself is director a regular stop-off for like-minded creatives Simon Price, ofat Alder King London event this year both from the perspective property merce and have or a much impact on the whole new development of around WessexHurricane Garages,Media which already ofBristol’s tenant VIPs, from politicians to royals. agency GVA in Bristol glass two ofgreater something, a few of participation andsaid: GVA’s own.” industry and 2,000 new homes with local local economy with has two in Bristol, “Being in dealerships a building with such will Paul Williams, from commercial nibbles and some of the thatcreation of of the most onVictoria what we knowwhich as the new jobs inspiration. and money being put Houseamenities openfacilities, a third, purpose-built, Nissan collective ment development too. good and a broad range ● Bridgewater in Bristol’s Street has beenone refurbished

by Cubex, the firm behind the Fin property agency Bruton Knowles’ important shopold Filton runway.” back into the community. showroom in October next year at Simon Price, head of agency at the city office, each year atthe ourinflux universities Bristol said of techping destinations Dave Murfitt, director of network “The new Nissan dealership will Cribbs Causeway.

Alder King, said while attention this (see Expert Eye column, right). nology firms was good for the city. inwhich the South West.”the Finzel’s development for new be on Hayes Way at Cribbs Managing director year had veryjust much been focused on And that’s Bristol itself.

The “The regeneration of large areas of little development activity.Keith Brock “We now have some planning The problem isand thatquality all those Cubex is behind bridge and Matthews Brutoncity Knowles Nissan GB, said: a the Causeway, area that “We are over theplanning moon that policy Bristol city centre, particularly the northern and eastern fringes are Jo said: Davis, right, senior previously abandoned commercial certaintyanacross the isBristol developments need “Building input from Reach Paul development inofBristol over 800 new added a note caution.

“There istono“We enjoy showcase dealership inalong Cribbs and it looks set be ourthe planning permission success ofbeen the twotonew speculative buzzing with largely house-building at road, property agencyishas GVA, space has key Bristol’s recent director adeveloping ,” said Jo. “The property in-to relevant council and has also been across Paintworks onefinally of are tions, media and technology sector funding which don’tall suit lowerthe cost, centre a proposition tooftake torefurbishdevelopers doubt that so plans in the Causeway will ensure that weconwill ingsay an excellent location forscale, us.” been approved and can now dustry office schemes at as 2 Glass Wharf led activity, the Green last year in Bristol 878 homes success and such is lifting theLyde city up and the said needs use that to in way, including public Bridgewater House in working the top media hubs in thewe city, whilst deals tend to to be retail fairly modest easy-in easy-out terms.” we’ve gotwith four ofmany fiveVictoria companies pipeline the –it Northern fringe of Brisprovide a great facility inkind the ideal The span just really get thenext ballto rolling on the 66 Queenleague Square, North Bristol development intable Emersons Green built, compared with in wedealership speed up the national in terms ofhad at- were sultation, reports and todemand bring up tocan grade with planner Temple Studios the 2,574 train sta- ensure the sheer number ofwill business moves It takes a different of de- Street with where you A build tol will look different 20 how the location to fullyameet the needs overprocess.

18,000 square feettoand project. the trend. been “quietly creating its said. own suc- 2008/9. and several sites around Keynplaning tracting new business,” he eventual planning per-of standard, hasevidence seencompletely theofproblem first tion new has continued brings the footfall – not mention veloper, with different business based on demand we canseen years from now,” he said. “But it at is council t current Thankfully and future Nissan create least 25aunewrely jobs on in for “It’slast a massive investment for us spend cess story”. sham.

“In the three years, the create only “And the planning “Previously redundant and negmission.

Any bigare devel“These popular centres help – at city centres model. there some, hand. give you?” that the the mixchallenges of new commercial customers.” addition to the existing with as we the whole willwere cost “North Bristol has cranes The locations upsurge is office welcomed across had seen in sky atin thorities need to company’s be lected in the citytake-up centre and will behind involvethe He vital understands faplanning the buzz which allproject cities need to take growth.” firms opment such as Verve Ben Shorrock, product developbuildings is at right if Bristol they to The dealership willapplications. be a centre Nissan business, in Pennywell the region of £5 been very strong year on Southmead industry, but the this speed ofand the Hospital,” she said, tomodest take on the multiple around the Temple Quarter areisresetthe city council, but would likeare has full advantage themillion. recovery,” said ready The nature of those deals Paintworks and TCN behind Temple cingment manager Invest andnumbers provide workplaces for local vehicles will also Road.

“Wessex Garages is firmly track tohas exceed 400,000 ft,guard, almost speaking covery caught manysqoff at aconfidence recent property sem-in extra activity that isparticularly for That and means the ting the trend, attracting increasing to see action Paul. “The generated can pose a problem, Sfor tudelectric ios.

Bath, said:taken.

“It’s often not aboutpeople. stylemendous “We more basic space beMatt a charging point.Bristol Keith said the fact the new siteas rooted Bristol’s business double 2013’s total,” he said. not least the authorities. the firminhubs hosted the M shed. place. slimmed down, austernumbers of local technology, media and inar havewill fiveneed planning applicaon the rema our creative is at percolating back taking old-style property investors such said Invest and Bath “We of space but having a bit more flex-for growing small andby medium-sized “With no departments new development curPlanning She thepraised South “That is funds more difficult. ity-sized planning telecommunications firmshave and not exbeing considered Bristol along riverside Bristol, to mothballed city pension which look for steady was building a picture of teams demand, tions ibility.

If you are working in anim-ficers. businesses at amoment rent can rently under way, years North has Gloucestershire been exempt ofBristol austerity and They cut returns. the planning a bottleneck Council at the are tending the from city’s so-called Media centre sites such and as theBath Glassfields long-term finding are out becoming what the needs of some fo Cityation for example, needthey toand go upafford. and “This do Perhaps isathe role Filton and deep cutsthe inA4.” authority North-East Somerset councils for very hard and the abil- exciting” less 10,000 sq ftlocal of immediately that could beisholding ecoshortly toa submit further two,”should Milethan out along delays in t ment on the fringe de- teams northern fringe were “very dramatic changes on the up North Brisdevelopment innorth Temple Way –and wh ich Matt Cross, head of inward investthe companies it attracting to the down lotthat in size.

With traditional fulfil you providing flexible budgets from Whitehall. the should downturn in activity to build back that resource to growth in aroundand BrisGavin.

“Collectively these rep- office He points to the £1.35 million re- using available grade A space, its lowest velopers be encouraged bytothe ity and the Filton plans andand Mall ex- nomic tol are skyline,” heand said. has now been earmarked for three ment agency Invest Bristol Bath, city and being proactive hav- saidoffice, sign a five-year lease forprocess whe centres, such as those at the Forfor theatlast five probably their core for flats fugrowth will be chaltol.ing David resent overspace £100 million of found develapplication furbishment project by itCube Real develop level least 10years, years. market reaction tostrategies 2 Glass Wharf and accommodate pansion represented a are multi-million Mace, regional senior dirnew buildings including offices, said: “When developers governed “mature conversations” with despecific so that doesn’t work.” d id n’t which matter because there so ture development sites. lenging.”

Hive in than Weston-super-Mare, and Gavin far right, directoragency of opment, 100moving homes, a the consider Estate has transformed the old “The opportunities are was clearly 66 Queen and a café.Square.” pound investment in the then area. those property by institutional lenders veector lopeBridge, rs.at another He more added firms tonew Bristol B015-1411 Bruton Knowles Bristol “Although Post Commercial Advert 270x40mm AW the 2.pdf institutions 1“The 06/05/2014 17:24 small – 5,000 sq ft) industrial HTV for studios in Bath Road.

Just there speculative office developtelecommunicaSimon saidmany the prospects for conditions on next create five years will see some GVA, inset,been agreed that on with no new are “We have working creating often(2,500 won over by spaces like the

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MIPIM commercial property Case study

Contemporary now Mayor maps outworkspace the complete - and already 80% let future at conference

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“ The opportunities are clearly there for speculative office development on the north fringe The next five years will see some dramatic changes on the North Bristol skyline

Dealership finds new place to park Case study

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Achieve more from your property

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Expert eye

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Paul Williams Head of Agency Bruton Knowles paul.williams@ brutonknowles.co.uk 0117 287 2101

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Gavin Gavin Thompson reports

on?MIPIM Property ofproperty the Week commercial Case study

0117 287 2101

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brand’s image and our ability to ery revived under new developer area’s commercial, industrial has time beenatcomplete, it is That change is reflected in propmuch itoffice mightand cost to maintainlocathe propfirst London’sand Olympia. regional cities as well as the capital.

Manchester and with other Cubex, Wapping Wharf near the tions. already 80elected per cent let. Contact: erty needs too. Style is important. erty (inside out), over the term Bristol’s mayor is takingpaul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk part collaborate in a • Flexible terms available BK code:2639 Birmingham seeingand increased activity but of the business-focussed creative M shed companies rising from the and With are fouralready top universities within a 20-mile The project, commissioned by2050, staged These are ground attracting l e a s e. session called My Future City in by Bristol is alsothe on their radar. the General Hospital conversion into radius, impact on Bristol Bathover will be theFuture building’s owners Cube Real young, skilled and motivated workers can aand arise service the Cities Catapult, Overseas investorsDisputes own quarter of inflats don’t is wellwant under more pronounced thanalmost in many comparable Estate, at highlights a continued who to way. sit in a boring old charges.

These should be set outre-in the looking how Contact: places come-producing commercial property in the UK, with paul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk BK code:2639 On the office side Salmon Hargional cities. lease but often people concentrate on the demand for small-scale, office. such as Bristol can shopping centres, warehouses, hotels and office buildveThe ster’s Two Glass Wharf stands Bruton Knowles has rent been monitoring contemporary space industries are fast moving too. headline toclosely be paid, and only become smarter and in Bristol, in ings a favourite target.

China, Russia and more re- later Whilst it’s a highly proud in itsexpand Bristol quickly blue colours the conversion trend since it gained traction line with a rise in the number of Companies and realise that the service charge is more more successful. centlyduring Brazil the have been busyBack in this area but there has while Skanska’s 66 Queen Square downturn. then, owners, builders start-ups and SMEs in the city. sometimes vanish just as fast, deso creative and relaxed significant than they thought.

FortuBut overall, also been a marked rise in investment from German velopmentleases is taking with the and developers werefor keen to keep busy andhave set been Almostindustry 80 per is cent of the long-term just shape, don’t work. nately tenants, regulations Bristol’s environment to work in, funds and also from the Middle East. steel thatbewill sit behind about transforming secondary office and elderly building hasofnow Andframe that can a problem for the tightened up intorecent years, and landtaking more a been let to a Invest Bristol & Bath is helping focus –interest there’s an●air of curving facade now visible. commercial stock residential especito ain lly variety of firms, ranging from small commercial property market, where Proposals, above, for the former Filton Airfield site lords into are no longer permitted treat a wait-and-see the Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Then there’s all thesuch bed as spaces student – accommodation.

But what was start-up companies to big institutional investors peninclude more a and professionalism thatthan 2,600 homes, two schools,Bath service charge asand rent going by a difapproach to the North-East Somerset areas has worked being companies created to accommodate the something of aferent stopgap measure hashave been boosted multinationals such as PUMA. sion look for safe, hotel, care home and health centre as well as name, but they to account for event. resonates throughout closely with groups like the West of England China thousands returns. more coming to study in by the faster than expected recovery andand is now The fact that the site includes an long-term employment land to cater for 7,000 jobs. the expenditure properly, provide David Mace, Bureau to raise the city’s profile. llyaudited accounts at year end. on-site Friska and a Pilates But this thriving technology and ● The former Rolls-Royce East Works, close toHigh-powered thefundamentadelegations regional senior café director Ruari Laidlaw from the major Chinese transforming The the service studio an insight into the digital sector is growing in importairfield is likely to be available for development, at GVA,gives whichyou is attending charge can Bristol be almost as cities entire of Shenzhen and Guangzhou have visited commercial target market. ance in Bristol. It is becoming the It’s a past monthmuch the event but not exhibiting, said: “As a company perhaps with room for more employment land. as the rent in some instances, in the looking for investment oppor- and Ruari of Cube MIPIM Real in Cannes poster child of economy. significant plot, half the size of the airfield. tunitisees.ctor. companies.”

GVA hasLaidlaw been attending for one way to protect against any unforeAnd whereasmajor expenditure items is to ask They cut theministers planning are Estatetime, said:and “Wefor are really Government ● isThe owners The building also home of to The The Mall shopping centre in Cribbs some the last pleased couple of years we’ve Overseas in- seen most people to have very completed queuing up to the pictured next to a Causethat way,operates top left, recently announced expansion Set, an workspace worked closely this with Bristol, Bath, South teams very hard and the forwela cap on the level of service charge vestors snapping comed the ptransmuch-needed refurbishment fancy piece of kit that symbolises a plans, which could see the complex increase in size as a membership club where Gloucestershire and North Somerset on their ayable. up competitively ability to build back that formation of so clauses can be a good insurance project, which will now allow us to fast-paced and future-proofed ecoby 50 per cent and businesses can with a new anchor store, hotelpriced presence at this hugely influential eventlike-minded – we’re Break property many abandoned offices or a unused resource to week saw Business turn ourforward attention improving nomy. This past network and share and 3,000 skills new jobs. looking to to being there again in 2015. enabling tenantindustrial to exit from a has premises, its draw-the policy continuing demand fordo even sustainability and green initiatives Secretary Vince Cable meeting the ideas. Its collaborative ● Around base 2,000 homes are planned for the land, “It’s therefore a talking point for the property accommodate growth lease if business levels notmore live up to backs – shar penstudent accommodation raises the question of exwithin the building. creations of OC Robotics in Abbey removes the isolation of working left, between Cribbs and Filton, dubbed Charlton industry that the UK is to have its own event in expectations or the business rapidly ing demand and will where such development will take place – es“It also gives us an opportunity Wood.be Thechallenging week before the President offering Hayes.

London, and we’re hugely encouraged from that home, while pands and needs to move somewhere increasing compecially once the supply of secondary sites is to work with existing tenants to of Singapore was at the University of contemporary ●facilities.

Emerson’s Green boasts potential development mayor Ferguson will be representing Bristol in a petition for UK bigger. exhausted. furtherofimprove ourdebate, offer soclearly it is strengthening Bristol to see how advances in wearOn the firstland Wednesday of each around the Bristol and Bath Cities the Future with 22 hectares They areissue also in fraught with difficulty, buyers –Inbut this isamore of an London than it Bristol, number of well known office buildeven more attractive to future able technology could be applied to month, The Set plays Park host to ananother 15 in the Emerson’s Bristol’s place as a core city.

Science and and the detailed wording is critical to is in the regions. ings have already been converted or earmarked occupiers.” the healthcare market.

The Engine informal networking nightsite. where “We’ll be a keen and supportive observer of the Green East Jo Davis, senior planning ensuring that the break can bearea correctly So what is it that makes the Bristol Bath for student accommodation, not and to mention the Jon Mowat, managing director Shed itself is director a regularatstop-off for like-minded creatives share a London event this year both from the perspective property operated.

Another thing to check is such a target for overseas investment? city’s former ice rink, a police station and a ofBristol’s tenant Hurricane Media VIPs, from politicians to royals. agency GVA in Bristol glass or two of something, a few of participation andsaid: GVA’s own.” when andregional how the rent will be and reviewed.

As number well as ofbeing a key transport old people’s apartments.

“Being in a building with such ● Skanska’s 66 Queen Square development Paul Williams, from commercial nibbles and some of that is taking shape with the steel It is common to find that a lease contains concentration of aerospace and warehouse are most have to allow these types of collective inspiration.

Now developers are lookingbyatCubex, ‘hands on’firm in- behind the Finzel good facilities, and aframe broadnow range in place e Finzel’s Reach development inwhich Bristol city centre we ● Bridgewater House in Bristol’s Victoriacommunications Street which hashub, beenthe refurbished the property agency units, Bruton Knowles’ what are called “upward only” rent reand other high-tech industries attracts and supports a likely to provide workplaces local premises to be built nearer to homes dustrial and commercial sites in Bristol and Bath the city office, each year ourinflux universities Bristol saidatthe of for techviews, which mean that the rent can highly skilled workforce ably supported by no fewer p e o p l e. and not push them out of town or into – several of which have already been taken out of (see Expert Eye column, right). nology firms was good for the city.

0117 287 2101 never fall below space the original level, refour major universities.

“The Bristol and Bath Science Parkmeasures industrial ghettos. the new sector to create additional forFinzel’s student And that’s Bristol itself.

The “The regeneration of large areas of littlelittle development activity.

“We now have someularly planning The problemorganis that than all those Cubex which is behind the and the potential tojust create bridge and the welcome any that would more people. Zoe Willcox, service liaise with property brutonknowles.co.uk of prevailing marketin condiUWE alone investing £220 million in Emerson’s Green is excellent for Joresource “The Victorians built communities accBristol om modat iogardless n. isdevelopment northern and eastern fringes are Davis, right, senior planning previously abandoned commercial policy certainty across the Bristol developments from the Reach in Bristol city 0 new jobs. over 800 new jo provide additional and supdirector for planning and sustainisations such as the Planningneed Userinput tions.

Agreeing upward or downward infrastructure including a dedicated business school embryonic businesses, but once around factories, but wefor have Hands on centre businesses as tyre firms to “We enjoy with largely director at road, property agency space has been key to house-building Bristol’s recent are ”council’s said Jo. “The property in-and relevant council along the and such has also beentorefurbishenjoy buzzing an excellent ●a,Main tobusithose officers.” ability, said: “The develGroup Bristol Property Agents Engine Shed, only find it’sport full-up. across the Paintworks isGVA, one ofnow “There is strong demand comattractive location for both big busitions, media and technology sector funding which don’tall suit lower cost, a proposition togarages, take developers reviews at the outset can pay dividends building.

The additional student accommodation renesses are established needobvious had 100 years where factories were andconrepair shops have traditionally been located working led activity, such as the Green said lastimpact year in 878 homes success and is lifting theLyde citythey up the dustry needs to use to way, including public ingsay Bridgewater House Victoria g relationship re pictutend re , section The isBristol on opment management isthat Association to Suite ensure they are But the market is responding. the top media hubs in the city, whilst mercial property space from techness and innovative start-ups tothat grow. deals to be-fairly modest inOffice scale, easy-in easy-out terms.” we’ve got four of in five companies To Let City Centre the line. quired support premises afurther steeplydown increasing pop-to with planners b room to grow. built in one part ofto the city and homes into secondary and many arestudent development inbeing Emersons Green were built, compared with 2,574 ensure we resilience speedItup the national league table in terms offor at-a developments sultation, reports and bring up tobeginning grade anners but have new but any theit newly managed to ensure has kept up-to-date with any developThere are plans drawn up Temple Studios next the train stanology businesses in Bristol but in not is that we make to the sheer number ofimportant business moves It space takes a different kind of de- Street withtodemand –it where can you A build Tenants often believe they have no ulation isperalso proving highly attractive for overseas “Of course developers look for the2008/9. inhas another.

If we are about 3rd cater Floor Block Whitefriars, Mead, run out of options they need move, after and several sites around Keynplaning tracting new business,” he said. eventual planning standard, has seen the problem first w the cutbacks bottleneck will have an eftoserious flex and respond of– for refto urthe biprocess. sPart hdemands edfootfall ments to our service.

In this wayawedifferent second Engine Shed within the tion continued the trend. enough appropriate supply, so it vital this demand andveloper, at Lewins Bristol & brings the not to A, mention with business based ifon evidence ofto demand we canseen how the cu invebig stordevels. ofoldspecialist as their at so-council to r best value they can getand out negof fect the that being greener then ideas have to spend outhand. ofneed theiryou?” premises advice for instance. sham.

“In the need last three years, the only “And the au“Previously redundant mission. Any ncil to reduce further down the the local property market.

Bath Road feel that we will maintain Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.

“These popular centres help create this is addressed.

Bath Science Park we are working up – planning city BS1 centres relyconfident on for model.

Thankfully there growing are some, give Bristol 2NT A report

by Centre forwill Cities McKinsey &thatplanning licitor all the advice is commercial of tech their change andseen people will need to live, The level demand weprovide areand seeing is certainly The upsurge iselements welcomed across cranes wewhich had sky were at thorities needof to be for lected locations in the city centre and opment will involve understands the challenges fang officer o chain.

If, for example, ainsector “The financial crisis 2008 a good working relationship with Another of the city’s hubs for the“Businesses buzz all cities need toglobal take in this are able plans a new building to help acgStudios rowth.” with firms suchthe as Verve behind the ofHe Ben Shorrock, product developCompany named Bristol and Bath’s high tech sector as required.

However this can be a false schemes, so we need the local auonce again, within walking and cycskewing development patterns and impacting on industry, but the speed of the reSouthmead Hospital,” she said, ready to take on the multiple applications. around the Temple Quarter are setcing the city council, but would like rs has put trenumbers has pu new office site is delayed, resulted in a significant drop off in commercial property sector at this and, firms is the Bristol and Bath Science full advantage the up recovery,” said to develop andof scale more easily commodate this.”

The modest nature of those deals Paintworks and TCN behind Temple ment manager at Invest Bristol and only globally-significant cluster ofbe itsablemendous as a“It’s solicitor not thefast-growing, city scene, transforming traditional thorities to attracting ensure that the mixthen isspeaking ling distance ofintheir workplace and • Open plan air conditioned suite covery has caught many off guard, at aconfidence recent property extra activity thatSuch isparticularly That the means the centre ting the trend, increasing to economy see action taken. us pressure pre firms interested the amount planning applications. increasingly busy above, the Park.

The Emerson’s Green includes Paul.

“The generated inof than previously as barriers tosementry expansions to can pose a problem, forneed Sttime.” udihappen os.

Bath, said: often may not about style to kind in the UK, with“We the South West’s aerospace sector comment on property Evenflexif you commercial function and usage. that everybody isn’t chasthat can’t just be smart offices.” not least the authorities. the firm hosted at the M shed.

•skilled 1,540 sq ft (143 sq ft) taking place. slimmed down, austernumbers of local technology, media and have five planning remaining of- and on the remaini moving in might have toIt Happily however, Bristol has been atinvestors Recruiting people in the Bristol Bristol and hotright desk facilities for start-ups plus a inar our creative hubs is percolating back have been reduced. is, for example, soon or businesses as Just Eat old-style property such as such Matt said Invest and Bath property of space but having aissues. bitapplicamore highlighted in this category too. get on with your landlord before the According toibility. recent ing on the centre same occupiers.” plays out, the combinPlanning departments She However praised Bristol, South “That is funds more difficult. ity-sized planning telecommunications firmshave and not exbeing considered by50,000 Bristol wait, along meaning there old the forefront national economic current growing market is nota alBath • Two onthe sitecity car parking spaces of teams grow for companies that the riverside to mothballed city of apension much easier toitmake prototypes now whichlook have lured to which forbeen steady was building picture demand, tions Ifforecasts you are some working in stuanim-ficers. profusion of skills exhibited the growth lease is always remember that“This does dents arefoexpected to beexample, forkey accommodHe added there were sectors wereGloucestershire exempt from years of austerity ation of links, presence of and Bath and They cut the because planning are aThe bottleneck City Council atlooking thein moment tending thespace. city’s so-called doesbeen cause tied upmotorway that bit revival which has led to a significant ways easy however, asbecoming many Science need more Crucially itMedia is premises decentre sites such as the Glassfields so is technology is advancing quickly. of the so talent pool and quality long-term returns. finding out what the needs of some ation forsigned, need toand go are up and • Flexible terms areas ation such as Bristol aerospace, nuclear industry; and awhen circumstances can change, and over yearstraditional with cutsthe inA4.” local authority for teams very hardhead and abilthedeep shortage was more of acute. that couldhave beisholding up ecoother bigSomerset employers to cluster around shortly tothe submit afew further two,” Mile out in theand planning delays in the longer. North-East And the property increase in activity private sector the companies Park signed toalong meet the needs research development in Temple Way – wh ichadevelopment “In addition, our councils region has ofinthe life (and investcheaper-than-London Matt Cross, of inward companies it attracting tointhe down athe lot next in size.

With STEM (science, technology, engineering and maththey do you the only thing which defines further 20,000 in Bath – the equivalent of building budgets from Whitehall. the downturn in activity to tocurrently build back thatBristol resource nomic growth inand and around Brissaid Gavin.

“Collectively these rep- forthe He points to the £1.35 million re- ofusing whether before an process wheth “A real issue will be the provision merry-go-round stops. and availability ofskills development land the citythree and weity are inproperty the found, so developers, agents and development-led businesses, has now been earmarked for strong engineering base, deprices) won’t wait. ment agency Invest and to Bath, city are and being proactive and havoffice, sign a five-year lease ematics) is further helping to focus overseas interest position between the parties is the prea new tenspecific times bigger Keynsham.

Contact: paul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk For the five years, probably develop their core strategies for fuaccommodate growth chalover £100than million of develtion is furbishment registered or during project It’s anReal issue City Council isof afringe process of recruiting in order to other interested parties will be workshops, warehousing and distrimean the northern offlats Bristol where lablast space canbybeitCube more im- Bristol new buildings including offices, veloped off the back rich heritage Thewill property markettol. needs to learn said: “When developers arebe governed ing “mature conversations” withtown de- resent space so that doesn’t work.” application is on what Bristol and Bath has got to offer. ciseHe wording of the lease. d idbu n’t matter because there was so ture development sites. lenging.”

Gavin opment, more 100moving homes, a sideration period. would Estate has transformed the old well aware of and is toand hire meetfor this We from regwatching closely. tiwhich onthan ,” We said Paul.

“If we really want be a hub of activity therenewed next portant desks. and a looking café. initwill aerospace advanced enginthe technology sector pick far right, director of by demand. institutional lenders then those veloand peBridge, rs. addedthan firms tonew Bristolthe considerati BK code:2433 B015-1411 B015-1411 Bruton Bruton Knowles Knowles Bristol Posteering, Commercial Post Advert 270x40mm 270x40mm AWit2.pdf 2.pdf 1 institutions 06/05/2014 1 06/05/2014 17:24 HTV studios indoesn’t Bath Road.

Just a society that rely on said: theBristol car Chief executive Bonnie Dean “Although many telecommunicafiveCommercial towhich 10Advert years. means that isAW an up17:24 theconditions pace. create on “We have been working on creating are often won over by spaces like the

Thompson reports

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“

“

EPB-E01-S3

enquiries@brutonknowles.co.uk enquiries@brutonknowles.co.uk brutonknowles.co.uk brutonknowles.co.uk

Achieve Achieve more more from from your your property property EPB-E01-S3 EPB-E01-S3

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0117 0117287 2872101 2101

10

Special feature

Planyour financial needs

In pictures GVA clients drinks party

Finding the right funding for your business

T

o continue driving the economic upturn, small and medium-sized enterprises need all the help they can get and that includes planning for the right finance.

Figures released last week by the British Bankers’ Association show that £7.9bn was lent to small firms in Q3 this year, the highest quarterly amount since 2011.

The current economic conditions present a number of funding options to enterprises looking to develop their business.

Planning to raise growth finance is essential – especially those considering expansion such as overseas trade or an acquisition. Consider your business plan and have a clear idea of funding requirements to

be realistic about what finance you can raise.

Evaluating your cash flow 12 months ahead is a good way to plan how you’ll meet existing and potential obligations, the level of inventory you hold and how much credit you should extend to customers.

Imagine a company could buy inventory, sell its product, collect payment, and pay suppliers all in one day. The company would have a cash cycle of zero days. The longer the cash cycle, the more the need for financing. Once you’ve mastered cash flow forecasting, banks, such as RBS, have financial planning tools to help, including a Cash Flow Calculator and Finance Finder available on www.rbs.co.uk

Steve WilSon, Director of Corporate Banking Bristol

Gina Fucci, Managing Director of Films at 59

If a business is to reach its full potential, finance has a big part to play. My team and I support commercially-viable businesses and we want to help you get the money you need to grow. We’ll look at your business plan and guide you through the options – we just ask that you’re realistic about your goals. With a range of facilities that can be tailored to your needs, we can talk you through options available. We want you to succeed so we’ll work hard to support you.

We deal with finance all the time as we are regularly buying and upgrading our equipment as TV technology is changing so quickly. We have to ask ourselves: Do we need it? Is it sustainable to pay any loan back? Having a good relationship with our bank and leasing companies, which we also do via RBS, is very important to us. Our bank understands us when we go to them for finance and they understand if something we need to purchase or upgrade is sustainable.

● Lee Halmshaw, GVA; Kieran Daya, Redrow; David King, Redrow; Leigh Richardson, GVA; with Cirque Bijou

GVA celebrates the year’s successes

P

ROPERTY adviser GVA hosted a drinks party for clients, friends and business associates at The Watershed. Celebrating the optimism that is now returning to the commercial property market in the South West, around 100 guests attended and were entertained with magic from Cirque Bijou during the evening.

While welcoming everyone to the

● Thea Gregory, Barratt Homes, Martin Kendall, The Bush Consultancy, Peter Mansell, Key Transport, and Jo Davis, GVA

To find out how RBS can help your business visit rbsbusinessconnections.co.uk call Steve Wilson on 07919 210737 or email steve.j.wilson@rbs.co.uk EPB-E01-S3

Security may be required. Product fees may apply. Over 18s only.

ANY PROPERTY USED AS SECURITY, WHICH MAY INCLUDE YOUR HOME, MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.

● Simon Speirs, Osborne Clarke; Ben O’Connor, GVA; Ben Cook, St Modwen

evening event, GVA regional senior director David Mace took the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support over the last year, which has seen GVA become a part of the Bilfinger Real Estate group.

He also outlined some of the key projects that the GVA teams have been involved in throughout the region, across the commercial, residential, health and consultancy sectors.

GALLERIES GALORE

FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at bristolpost.co.uk/business

www.bristolpost.co.uk

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

In pictures Inaugural Bristol Junior Chamber President’s Lecture

11

Business diary Flexibility in the Workplace Friend or Foe? Experts examine arguments for and against. A Glass Lift Elevator event.

December 4, 4pm-7.30pm, Engineers House, Clifton.

Register www.the glasslift.co.uk.

A Festive Networking Boost: Small business owners can unwind with a glass of wine and a mince pie and tips from de-stress by wellness coach Alisa Burke.Tuesday December 9, Unilit Club, 5:30-8pm. Free but register at www. festiveboost.eventbrite.co.uk.

Inspiring Women Live!

Christmas social on Monday, December 8, 6:30-9pm at Revolution Bar, Baldwin Street. www.inspiringwomenlive.co.uk

● Leon Musmann, Karl Brown, Baroness Shephard, Ben St Quintin, Gemma Alaway, Charles Chami and Lucy Mills

● Bristol Lord Mayor Councillor Alastair Watson and Lady Mayoress Sarah Watson

President’s Lecture Bristol Junior Chamber hosts inaugural event

T

HE Inaugural Bristol Junior Chamber (“BJC”) President’s Lecture was recently held at the Bristol Offices of national law firm Clarke Willmott.

The topic of the lecture was social mobility which is a core theme of

current BJC President Karl Brown.

The main speaker at the lecture was Baroness Gillian Shephard, Deputy Chair of the Government’s Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission.

Karl Brown said “The lecture

presented by Baroness Shephard was thought provoking and fascinating.

Baroness Shephard made it clear that the need to improve social mobility is not just a social issue but also an important economic issue for the south west and the UK. It was great to

hear the positive responses and thoughts from local business leaders who attended the lecture and who showed a determination to increase social mobility in the local south west economy”.

Photographs by Jon Craig

Gregg Latchams Business Club Christmas drinks: With guest speaker David Garmston of BBC, Points West and Sunday Politics. At Bristol Hotel. Tuesday December 9, 6-8.30pm.

IoD Wednesday @6 Christmas Special: Join the IoD Bristol Committee for drinks at the last Wednesday @ 6 of the year.

Hosted at Smith & Williamson, Portwall Place.

Bristol Connected: The Bristol Post networking event, from noon to 2pm on Tuesday, December 16 at 10 Templeback.

Networking with guest speakers.

Register via eventbrite.

Part of the Local World group

● Bristol Junior Chamber president Karl Brown with Bob Durie, Baroness Shephard, Lucio Mesquita and James Durie GALLERIES GALORE

FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at bristolpost.co.uk/business

● Karl Brown with John Hirst of Destination Bristol

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12

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The back page Deals ● A Bristol-based company that uses innovative technology for cleaning the inside of pipes has been bought by water management specialists, Aqualogy Environment for an undisclosed sum.

Ice Pigging, developed and patented by the University of Bristol spin-out company, PCIP Ltd, is an innovative process for cleaning pipes that uses slush ice.

It has wide-reaching applications in the water industry, food and beverage industry, energy, oil and gas sectors, and has potential across a variety of applications where pipes are used.

The acquisition gives Aqualogy full rights to use the technology across industry sectors.

The process was invented and developed by Joe Quarini, professor of process engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol. The technology differs to conventional pipeline cleaning methods by using slush ice to clean pipe walls without the use of disinfecting chemicals.

Professor Quarini said “We are very pleased to have sold the technology to Aqualogy as they, with their many years of experience of successfully using the technology, are uniquely placed to further develop, adapt and customise the technology to other industry and market sectors. In short, Aqualogy are the world’s best placed organisation to make the ice pig fly.”

● Bristol Airport has put out its airport taxi/private hire car service to tender. The airport is the ninth largest airport in the UK and it handled over 6.1 million passengers in 2013. Taxi/private hire companies are invited to express their interest in providing a taxi/private hire service to the airport, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Success ● Pill-based Clifton Asset Management has been shortlisted for two industry awards – The Business Moneyfacts Best Alternative Funding Provider 2015 for pensionledfunding.com, and the Innovation in the SME Finance Sector award for the alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk portal.

Clifton and pensionledfunding.com won the Best Alternative Funding Provider Award in 2014 as it is one of the largest providers of alternative business finance in the UK – helping more than 1,500 businesses find necessary funding, to the tune of around £200 million .

Adam Tavener, chairman of Clifton Asset Management and catalyst for the alternativebusinessfunding.co. uk collaboration, said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for two awards in 2015.

“This is recognition of all of the hard work that has taken place both within Clifton, and at a wider industry level, through the ABF collaboration.”

● Henleaze firm Parkhouse & Co Solicitors has joined law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards.

David Parkhouse and team will continue to specialise in residential conveyancing, contentious probate and family law within the private client team, headed by Michelle Rose. David remains as a consultant and is available to his clients.

VWV managing partner Simon Heald said: “VWV has a thriving private client practice and is highly ranked by the legal directories. The opportunity to further expand, within a key geographical location, complements perfectly the client base already held.”

Your digest of the week in business ● Property developer Cubex commemorated a decade of developing the region with an anniversary dinner at Bridgewater House, Finzels Reach.

The Clifton company, founded in 2004 by directors Gavin Bridge, Josh Roberts and Peter Walford, pictured bottom, celebrated the milestone with fellow industry professionals who have been involved in various projects over the years. As the developer behind mixed use central Bristol development, Finzel’s Reach, the trio are ready to take on new challenges in both commercial and residential property development and are actively pursuing new deals across the South West and South Wales with the ongoing support of their funding partner, Palmer Capital. ● Bristol-based charity, the St Monica Trust won two gold awards beating the likes of Tesco, Barclays and Ladbrokes in the process.

The trust’s training and development team took the gold award in both the Operational and Not for Profit categories at 2014 Training Journal Awards in London.

“The Training Journal Awards are like the Oscars for the training sector and we were so privileged just to get nominated,” says St Monica Trust’s Training and Development Manager, Jo Boshoff.

“But for a relatively small, regional charity like us to be up against multinational companies and bring home two gold awards – it’s an amazing achievement.”

Places ● Three businesses have let space in the Quorum, in Old Market, Bristol.

Felinesoft, the software and website development house, has agreed a new five-year lease on 4,000 sq ft suite (372 sq m) and will pay a rent of £40,000 per annum.

Yolk Recruitment has taken 2,865 sq ft (266 sq m) of office space on the second floor, agreeing to a five-year lease at a rent of £28,650 per annum.

The Arcadia Group, the UK’s

FOR SALE Prominent freehold site with development potential KINGSWOOD, BRISTOL Comprising a former NHS Centre of approximately 3,660 sq ft (340 sq m) with parking.

All enquiries contact the agents:

largest retailer, has taken a new five-year lease on the office accommodation, which totals 1,600 sq ft (149 sq m) and will pay an annual rent of £16,000.

Julian Cobourne, asset manager at Aviva Investor, said: “Welcoming three new tenants to The Quorum is testament to the high quality of the space available at the building.”

Savills and Colliers are marketing the remaining space. ● Fast-growing Buffalo Fundraising Consultants is moving to larger offices at city centre landmark office Whitefriars in a deal brokered by property consultancy JLL. Topland Group, the landlord, has been investing in refurbishing the property, where 3,073 sq ft of space on the second floor has now been let to Buffalo. In total, Topland Group has let 30,000 sq ft in the building so far this year.

The Buffalo team is moving from offices in Clifton due to the growth of the business.

The company expects that the majority of the team will have moved into the new offices by the second week of December.

Managing director Ed Lang said: “We are looking forward to continuing to grow our business and staff numbers, as well as developing new services for the not-for-profit marketplace in our new home.” ● Freshford House and WCA House in Redcliffe Way in Bristol have been sold by UK Commercial Property Trust to AEW UK Core Property Fund.

The property comprises approximately 32,000 sq ft and is let to Ofsted until July 2015 when they will be moving out to take up space elsewhere in the city core.

Both properties are held on a leasehold basis with an unexpired term of circa 93 years. The price paid was £3,610,000, reflecting £112 per sq ft.

The seller was represented by Colliers International and the buyer

by Knight Frank.

Richard Coombs, director of investment at Colliers International, said: “The vendor took the opportunity provided by an improving market to exit from an asset with a short unexpired term at a good price.”

EPB-E01-S3

People Email: mike@wghproperty.co.uk ©LW

● DTZ has appointed a new director to its Bristol office.

Jo Williams joins the project and building consultancy team. She brings 19 years experience and

joins from Ridge and Partners LLP. In addition to this, Jo, left, is actively involved in the Association of Women in Property South West.

Senior director Tim Davis said: “Jo makes a great addition to the team and her appointment will help to further strengthen our building surveying capabilities, providing our clients with a ‘best in class’ service.” ● Business and financial advisers Grant Thornton has appointed a new business development manager.

Adina Watt, right, moves from the same role at the firm’s Manchester and Liverpool offices.

Practice leader Tim Lincoln said: “We are investing in our team to drive our ambitious growth plans. That means bringing in new people, as well as developing our existing staff, and Adina’s appointment forms a crucial part of this. She already possesses a strong track record in driving new business acquisition and client retention programmes.” ● Communications agency McCann Bristol has gone a long way for its latest hire. It has recruited Paul Cottrell, below, as creative director from Ogilvy, in Melbourne, Australia.

He joins the agency during a period of sustained growth, following double digit growth and doubling head count in 2014.

Paul said: “I’ve been hired to help take McCann Bristol to the next level creatively, providing a strong creative offer for clients looking for an alternative to London.

“Bristol has a fantastic reputation for creativity both nationally and internationally and the city is going from strength to strength.”