Business 4 February 2015 by BGSD-cs

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

AND THE NOMINEES ARE...

KEEP CASH FLOWING

Software firm announces deal that will see sales soar – page 3

We reveal finalists in our Women in Business Awards – pages 6&7

Business advice from the Phone Box Millionaire – p12

bristolpost.co.uk

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04 FEB

2015

PROPERTY MATTERS

CUE FUN IN THE WORKPLACE... Offices are about more than desks and chairs. How the market needs to adapt to Google-esque companies Pages 8&9

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Recruitment

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Transport

Companies plan to take on more staff ● HALF of businesses plan to grow their workforce this year, according to a survey by the CBI and Accenture. It found among firms which employ people in the South West, 50 per cent expect their workforce to grow over the next year. Job prospects for young people have also improved with many of these firms planning to recruit graduates and apprentices. Other key findings: ● 40 per cent of respondents plan to increase permanent posts and 32 per cent temporary; ● 45 per cent expect to increase apprenticeship intake and 45 per cent will recruit higher numbers of graduates; ● 86 per cent anticipate having roles suitable for people aged 16-24 who are seeking work. Deborah Waddell, pictured, director of CBI South West: “Firms are gearing up for a positive 2015 with more than half planning to create jobs, most of which will be permanent. “Young people should find more chances to get a foot on the career ladder this year, with many firms looking to boost their intake of graduates and apprentices. “We want to see everyone enjoy the rewards of the recovery and the South West has a big role in driving the UK economy forward. Growth should work for everyone, and skills are the key route to ensuring that this happens through improved productivity and pay.”

Housing

● An artist’s impression of the planned sheltered housing

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Historic site bought for new homes plan ● A RETIREMENT homes company has bought the site of two former lime kilns where it plans to build new homes. Churchill Retirement Living bought the 0.6-acre site in north Bristol, which already has planning permission for 32 sheltered housing flats, for an undisclosed sum. The site, at the junction of Henleaze Road and Eastfield Road, has been controversial because the kilns were believed to date back to the 1600 or 1700s. An attempt to get the kilns listed by English Heritage failed and Bristol City Council gave the landowner permission to demolish them back in 2012. The scheme for 32 one and two bedroom apartments should be finished by spring 2016. Chris Haworth, partner at sale manager Alder King, said: “Demand for well-located sites from the retirement sector remains strong.”

“ Transport is known to be a significant contributor to the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere as a direct result of making film and TV. Here at The Bottle Yard we have been keen for some time to find new ways to reduce our studio emissions, and this unique green initiative is a big step forward in achieving this. Fiona Francombe

● Nick Kenyon and Fiona Francombe at The Bottle Yard Studios, Bristol

Ready to roll Chauffeur firm the latest to set up in city film studio Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

TAXI company is the latest firm to set up a base at Bristol’s film studio as the growing number of productions attracts more and more busi-

nesses. Studio Cars is offering chauffeur services to productions based at the Bottle Yard Studios in Hengrove. It means the cast and production crews of the TV shows and movies being filmed at the site will be able to get around quickly and easily. The studios is proving a hit with production companies with the BBC 2

period drama Wolf Hall the latest to use the former bottling plant. Site director Fiona Francombe said: “We’re hugely excited to launch this new partnership, for a number of reasons. On a practical level it enables us to officially offer for the first time our own dedicated transport for industry professionals based with us. They are being driven by highly experienced unit drivers who have worked extensively in the region for a number of years.” She said the fact that the company used low emission cars was an added attraction. “Transport is known to be a significant contributor to the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere as a direct result of making film and TV,” she said.

“Here at The Bottle Yard we have been keen for some time to find new ways to reduce our studio emissions, and this unique green initiative is a big step forward in achieving this. We are pleased to be able to launch this now, especially as Bristol takes on the title of European Green Capital 2015.” Studio Cars will be using a fleet of low-emission Mercedes Benz cars. The firm’s founder Nick Kenyon said: “Myself and my fellow seasoned drivers have been behind the wheel driving together for high profile film and TV clients for almost 12 years now. Coming together as Studio Cars, we have created a company with a wealth of experience and an environmental friendly ethos at its heart. “We run 12 cars with modern low

emission diesel engines, and are expanding our fleet to include the latest electric vehicles on the market, including the Mitsubishi PHEV, which will be charged at dedicated on-site charging points. “We look forward to getting this partnership on the road this year, to support film and TV productions at The Bottle Yard whilst helping to make Bristol’s air cleaner.” Studio Cars is the 14th tenant to join The Bottle Yard’s growing business community. Other recent additions include location supplies company Location One, Emmy-award winning music and sound design company Radium Audio, sustainable film/TV set-clearance company Drèsd, and Filmscape Media, a supplier of film and TV equipment.

Growth

Law firm’s turnover rises to £25 million LAW firm Thrings has put a double-digit rise in turnover down to good service and clear pricing. The Bristol firm reported ongoing investment in clients and staff, advising domestic and international clients on big corporate deals and sustained organic growth combined to deliver an 18-per-cent increase in turnover to £25 million for the year ending 30 April 2014. As the office market recovers strongly, it should be no surprise that the firm’s commercial property arm has played a part, along with its corporate, agriculture and company commercial teams. All four experienced substantial growth as activity on behalf of clients,

including Watson Petroleum, Intrinsic Financial Services, Greene King, Coty and the NFU, returned to pre-recession levels. Managing partner Simon Holdsworth, pictured, said: “These results confirm it has been a strong year for Thrings and we are seeing the impact of our investment in clients during the economic downturn. “Our focus has remained on improving how we deliver services, and as a result, the firm is on a strong financial footing. “Rather than pursuing a proactive merger strategy, we have enjoyed high

levels of organic growth. Our lawyers are entrepreneurially-minded, and have been able to offer more commercial services to long-term clients due to the depth of understanding they have of their businesses.” The firm is already enjoying further growth of 12 per cent in the current financial year, but Simon said the fast-changing legal landscape – led by government reforms – would be challenging. He said: “The Legal Services Act has created more competition among law firms, with clients increasingly inclined to shop around for the

most competitive legal costs. “The results of our recent client survey highlight how clients want more choice, more flexibility and more transparency, and how they don’t want any surprises when it comes to fees. “In response to this, we are offering bespoke pricing options which closely reflect clients’ specific needs and represent genuine value. “Our healthy financial figures have shown us that whether we are acting on behalf of a sole trader or a multi-national corporation, our focus remains on fostering strong, long-term relationships with clients and providing them with affordable first-class legal advice.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Technology

Data kings Deal with rival firm helping software experts thrive Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

SMALL company based in the shadow of Bristol’s Ikea store is showing it has big ambitions in the very large data storage market. StorMagic has come up with a way of solving data storage problems for retailers and other companies with lots of outlets. The firm’s typical customer has between 10 and 10,000 sites. It might have seven or eight applications running such as security cameras, footfall monitors, sales and stock inventories. Its software aims to allow businesses to keep frontline services running regardless of server problems by using virtual shared storage platfor ms. Today the company has announced joint marketing deal with a rival firm VMware, which means sales staff from both companies will be able to sell each others’ products. Chief executive Hans O’Sullivan explained that it may sound strange to work with a competitor but the deal would help the firm to grow. “It’s a huge endorsement by our biggest competitor,” said Hans. “Most of our customers already run our software on top of Dameware. But we specialise in different areas. Our services complement one another very well.” He said the beauty of StorMagic’s solutions was that it had simplified the process for customers who don’t want to be changing things all the time, meaning the data from lots of outlets can be monitored from a remote location. “We’ve solved key business problems for a growing number of large

retailers, government agencies and more, enabling high availability across their sites with less hardware and less operating expense than traditional and other competing virtual storage solutions “Now, with VMware, we are positioned to deliver the ultimate in value to a market that is growing rapidly – organisations looking for affordable alternatives to expensive Storage Area Networks in virtual server environments.” The firm was founded in 2006, although many of the people involved came from a number of forerunner companies, including Clifton-based Eurologic. StorMagic’s Eastville base gives it more room, space which it is rapidly using up. It is looking to take on more space in the near future. It employs 40 staff and is growing. It had four new hires start last week and is recruiting in sales staff, engineers, marketing and support engineers. “The last couple of years have been fantastic for us,” said Hans. “We have expanded significantly but this will be a big expansion year for us. “We have trebled sales over the last six months and I would expect this deal is going to top that over the next six months or so.” It has offices in the United States and Japan, but Bristol is head office where the software development takes place. Hans said: “Bristol is an excellent area for us, we have been able to get great people in all types of roles from engineers to sales and marketing. “We are attractive to engineers because our technology is leading edge, there are no books written about it so it’s an opportunity to do the sort to work that would usually only be done in the US.”

● Staff at Bristol company StorMagic in Eastville, Bristol; inset, chief executive Hans O’Sullivan

Trends

Rates for IT staff only exceeded by London ● BRISTOL companies are paying day rates for IT workers which are second only to London. The city is also fifth highest payer for permanent IT roles. The figures come from the Tech Cities Job Watch report by IT recruitment firm Experis. It focuses on trends within the industry’s hottest sectors – mobile, cloud, big data, security and web development. The report found London accounted for 72 per cent of IT jobs advertised but outside the capital the big players were Cambridge, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. The report found a day rate for IT contractors in Bristol averaged £393, behind London’s £417 and ahead of third place Manchester at £368. Within that figure, those working on cloud projects were by far the biggest earners locally, getting £521 a day, while next was web developers at £390. Permanent IT staff in Bristol can expect to earn £37,859 a year, although those in IT security were much better off, getting paid £49,599, with web developers on a relatively lowly £34,150. Geoff Smith, managing director or Experis Europe, said: “There are strong indications to suggest tech job opportunities are on the rise throughout the UK. “We’re seeing an increasing number of London-based companies establishing remote working centres to ensure their hunt for IT skills doesn’t miss out on talent that sees more appeal in the quality of life outside the capital.”

Property

Landowners urged to act on development sites LANDOWNERS are being urged to act now if they want to see homes and other developments on their grounds in the coming years. Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset councils have issued a call for sites to help inform the availability of development land within their areas. As part of a joint strategy, the four councils have also committed to working together to prepare a joint planning strategy. The strategy will become a development plan to identify housing and

employment land across the authorities’ areas to meet anticipated needs up until 2036. Marcus Plaw, director of planning at Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), said: “This joint approach to planning is exactly what is needed for these four authorities. “Economic development strategies will not work unless they are founded upon critically sound infor mation.

“The consultations on the strategy and the Call for Sites are two important initiatives to set a framework from which sustainable economic growth and positive town planning can be achieved.” The four local authorities are seeking information from landowners with suitable development land and buildings that are capable of delivering 10 or more dwellings and economic develop-

ment on sites of more than 0.25ha (0.6 acres) or 500 sq.m (5,350 sq.ft) of floorspace. Marcus, pictured, added: “LSH is working with landowners and developers to enhance the development potential of their land and buildings – so these consultations present a valuable opportunity for the development potential of sites that are in cities, towns, village and rural areas to be highlighted.” Submissions and comments on both the JSPS and the Call for Sites are sought by the local authorities by March 6.

Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1 Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07584 003229 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Hospitality

Big year Hopes high for strong tourist trade Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

RISTOL’S hospitality industry is gearing up for a strong year, building on a big rise in the events and conferencing trade in 2014. As well as the annual events, such as the International Balloon Fiesta, the arrival of another Aardman visitor trail is creating optimism among businesses. John Dowling, manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre, said: “We had a great 2014 and indications show that there is an appetite for both business and leisure travellers to visit Bristol and stay in quality accommodation. “Bristol has a big year ahead of it. Its European Green Capital label will place it prominently across the whole of Europe hopefully attracting visitors. “The Shaun the Sheep trail will give the city international exposure and attract people wanting to tick off

as many of the individual characters as possible. “The Rugby World Cup is also going to attract lots of fans and teams with Exeter, Gloucester and Cardiff hosting 15 games between them. We’re already taking bookings which is great news for us and also the city.” Kathryn Davis of Destination Bristol said: “Following a few challenging years, there seems to be a renewed confidence for conference and meeting business and Bristol has been benefiting from this optimism.” She said Destination Bristol had been working hard behind the scenes to market the city to business event organisers and associations – including attending five national and international trade events – contributing to a 35 per cent rise in inquiries in 2014. She added that the city rose a place in the British Meetings Events Industry Report to seventh most popular UK destinations for corporate and association event planners. The benefits of more people coming in should be felt in and out of the city. Steve Bowen, owner, Steak of the Art restaurant, hopes the Har-

● Steve Bowen, owner, Steak of the Art, Harbourside, Bristol; inset, the Shaun the Sheep and Rugby World Cup are expected to generate business for Bristol’s hospitality industry bourside will be a part of that as the area continues its transformation toward becoming a leisure area. “As Bristol emerges as a key business and tourist destination so the need to have quality places to eat also increases,” he said. “The development of Harbourside has opened up an area of Bristol that a decade ago was cross crossed with old rail tracks and was nothing more than a muddy car park and has helped pull in more visitors.” Further afield, destination hotels

are also feeling the positive benefits of the rising popularity of Bristol. Colin Badcock, general manager at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Congresbury, said: “We are positioned slightly outside the city centre but we are reaping the benefits of being so close to such an up and coming city.” He cited the hotel’s location close to Bristol International Airport as helping it pull in leisure and business clients flying in. The growth in the Bristol visitor

market is also shown by a number of plans for new hotels. This week economy brand Hampton by Hilton revealed plans to build at Bristol Airport, the expansion of Cribbs Causeway includes a hotel and another is proposed for the Finzel’s Reach development in the centre. Colin added: “It is immensely important for the region to offer high-quality accommodation and meeting facilities to compete with other large cities and attract business and tourism.”

Oil exploration

Undersea experts enjoy soaring profits

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● A COMPANY which helps install equipment under the sea has seen is profits heading into the stratosphere. Viper Subsea, based in Portishead, enjoyed 45 per cent growth in the last 12 months and boasts and order book that should see that rate continue. The company specialises in controls and distribution gear, enabling it to extend the life of deep-sea electrical equipment, reducing the need for repairs and replacement. Founded by Neil Douglas, pictured, and Max Nodder, it works with major oil companies and their first tier suppliers. Neil said: “Products are designed in-house and provide highly reliable, and

novel solutions to address the challenges of installing, operating and maintaining equipment on the seabed for periods in excess of 25 years. ”The products focus on the distribution of electrical power, hydraulic fluids, chemicals and optical fibres in order to enable the control of oil and gas production equipment.” It has won contracts that have seen its work used offshore in Brazil, Australia, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and the Caribbean as well as in the home waters of the North Sea. The firm has been supported by Cheltenham-based advisory firm Crowe Clarke Whitehall.

Mobile

Merger could see income drop for landlords with masts ● LANDLORDS who have telecoms masts on their properties could lose thousands of pounds of annual income if the merger of 3 and O2 UK goes ahead, a telecoms expert has warned. Mark Walters, pictured, Bristol-based director of the telecoms consultancy team at property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), said thousands of landlords had already seen their telecoms income plummet following the consolidation of Orange and T-Mobile into Everything Everywhere (EE) and Telefonica and Vodafone sharing network infrastructure. Now, with the announcement by the owner of 3, Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa, that it is in exclusive

talks with O2 owner Telefonica to acquire the network for £10.25 billion, Mark warned it could have a significant impact on revenue potential if it goes ahead. “There are more than 50,000 masts across the country, on land and on buildings, and they can bring in a much-needed income stream, but if this huge merger happens landlords could lose out,” he said. Mark, who is based in the Bristol office of LSH, said landlords should also get advice if operators want to introduce site-sharing agreements as a result of any merger. “Whether a landlord has one mast or a portfolio of sites, it is essential to be prepared now.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Property

Aerospace

Dead serious Zombie festival firm seeking office deal to stay in city

Airbus secures more orders in Japan

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

HE company that brought the IgFest zombie festival to Bristol could leave the city if it can’t secure a new lease for its current offices. Slingshot has been based in the Milk Bar in St Nicholas Street in Bristol’s Old City since it was founded in 2008. It shares the building, which is owned by the city council, with a number of artists and has been paying a peppercorn rent in return for keeping the site maintained and in use. But now that arrangement is coming to an end, leaving the tenants facing an uncertain future. Co-founder Simon Evans said: “At the time this area was down at heel with some derelict properties and the

● Slingshot co-founder Simon Evans and the Milk Bar in St Nicholas Street; below, a zombie from an Igfest event

● AIRBUS has secured another order for its popular single aisle A320 family aircraft in the key Japanese market. ANA Holdings has ordered seven more A321 aircraft, four with of the current engine option (ceo) model but with sharklet wing tips to make them more fuel efficient and three of the new engine option (neo) model. The deal is on top of four a firm order for 30 A320neo family aircraft, pictured, placed in July 2014. ANA is gradually replacing its existing single aisle fleet and will be the first Japanese operator of

both Sharklet-equipped A321ceo and A321neo. Airbus chief operating officer customers John Leahy said: “We are extremely pleased that such a prestigious airline as Japan’s ANA, has placed repeat orders for our A320 Family aircraft. By selecting our single-aisle aircraft, ANA is investing in the best in class, securing excellent cabin comfort as well as operational efficiency for its future.” ANA became an Airbus customer in 1987, when it ordered ten A320s. In 1995 ANA also selected the larger A321, with a total of seven orders. The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle range with more than 11,500 orders to date.

“ We’ve put our proposal to the council and hope it will be accepted. We are in a position to rent the building on a commercial basis, but if we are outbid we would have to move. Simon Evans

Business rates council couldn’t sell it or do it up to rent. “Now the area is much better so it has put the lease out to competitive tender to put it on a commercial footing. “This building allowed us to start our business and have the confidence to try without fearing failure.” From starting with two people, the company now has eight, about to become 13 and aims to reach 30 this year. As well as organising IgFest, it runs the 2.8 Hours Later zombie

street games which it has staged in cities around the country, including Bristol. It has established itself among the businesses in the Old City, using local traders as suppliers and providing people with the chance to learn new skills and bringing thousands of people to Bristol for its events. The company has become a successful small business, with a turnover of more than £900,000 in

2014, so it wants to take on the building as a commercial tenant. “We’ve put our proposal to the council and hope it will be accepted,” he said. “We are in a position to rent the building on a commercial basis, but if we are outbid we would have to move.” He said the company would like to stay in Bristol, where it was founded and where it has strong links with the creative economy.

“But Bristol is an expensive place to rent property,” he said. “And we need quite a big space.” As previously revealed in Business, the company has been developing a theme-park style experience called Hyde. Simon, 51, added: “Cardiff has been courting us about Hyde, so moving there would be an option.” But first choice is to stay put. Otherwise the zombies get it.

Offices

‘Rising rents forcing firms to look out of town’

● Heron House

● Vantage Park offices

end of the market. “Ease of access to the region’s motorway network is a prime consideration, offering staff an opportunity to work around the jams rather than

having to fight their way through to the city centre. “Out-of-town offices also offer rather more generous levels of on-site parking – which is virtually unknown

in the city. The introduction of resident parking schemes in Clifton Village and other locations may also be playing a part. Clearly, businesses looking for space away from the city centre are also expecting to save on rent, especially if they are prepared to look at refurbished or Grade B accommodation.” He cited two sites, Heron House on the Thornbury Office Park and Vantage Office Park on the Old Gloucester Road, Parkway, as good examples, both of which have availability in the under 2,000 square foot market. “These offices are popular with small to medium businesses and ideally placed for hassle-free road and rail connections,” he said.

● A PROPERTY agency has set up a hotline for businesses to appeal their business rates valuations in a bid to prevent them losing five years’ worth of refunds. As reported in last week’s Business, the Government has set the end of March as a cut-off point for rating valuation appeals for the past five years. After that, firms which successfully appeal their valuation will only get a refund back dated to April 1. Ben Batchelor-Wylam, associate director of rating, South West and South Wales at Colliers International, fears most businesses are unaware. It has set up a hotline for firms to call, to find out more about this issue, 0800 358 3230. The deadline was “almost lost in the small print” of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in December 2014 with “certainly no attention drawn to it,” said Ben. He said: “Despite having extended the time period for the revaluation of businesses on the ratings list from five to seven years (extended to 2017) they haven’t extended the period where businesses are entitled to appeal. This means that whilst businesses will still be able to appeal between April 2015 and 2017, any refunds or savings will only be backdated to April 2015. “Making this announcement only weeks before the cut-off is scandalous.”

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RISING rents in the city centre combined with the roll-out of residents’ parking schemes across Bristol are driving many small businesses to look north for office space. That’s according to offices sector specialist Paul Williams at Bruton Knowles, who said smaller offices in the sub-2,000 sq ft capacity in North Bristol continued to be popular with businesses looking to take advantage of the superior road network. He said: “The out-of-town sector has seen a return of large headline-grabbing deals in 2014, with a number of transactions of 20,000 sq ft or more during the course of last year, but there has also been a strong resurgence of activity at the smaller

Hotline set up for valuation appeals

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Women in Business Awards

REVEALED: OUR FAB FEMALE AWARDS The wait is over. The judges have poured over the record number of entries for this year’s Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards and we now reveal the finalists...

events with exceptional artistic vision, providing spectacular experiences for clients and their guests. Examples include the Colston Hall New Year’s Eve swing party and a secret pop-up Christmas bash for local firm e3 which included a decoy venue. opportunities. The trust works with over 50,000 people every year.

New Business of the Year, sponsored by YourStreet Gift Cards Meals for Squeals Cookery School Coalpit Heath, Bristol. www.mealsforsqueals.co.uk – @mealsforsqueals ● Mum-of-twins Jackie Novels enjoyed cooking for her children while weaning them onto solid food so she set up a cookery school teaching parents to make healthy, homemade food for their babies and toddlers. Fox Davidson Harbourside, Bristol. www.foxdavidson.co.uk – @Fox_ Davidson ● Fox Davidson is a mortgage and protection brokerage, providing advice and arranging mortgages for the people of Bristol. It was started because Sarah Fox Clinch and business partner Wesley Davidson wanted to inject character and personality into the world of finance. Bath Yoga Studio Bath. www.bathyogastudio.com – @bathyogastudio ● Bath’s only Hot Yoga Studio with a friendly teaching team offering a range of yoga styles and classes which has grown quickly from two to 12 teachers. Hibbert Harwood Bath. www.hibbert-harwood.com – @HibbertHarwood ● A thriving design consultancy specialising in brand communication online and offline. In the last two years, they have branded and re-branded more than 20 businesses, from start-ups to long-standing, established companies.

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Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by The Mall Galleries Bristol City Community Trust Bristol. www.bristolcity communitytrust.co.uk – @BCCommTrust ● The trust strives to make a difference to the lives of communities in Bristol through football, working with disadvantaged young people to provide sporting and educational

Morgan-Brinkhurst Consultancy Bath. www.morganbrinkhurst consultancy.co.uk ● Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst founded this events company in 2004 after her year as mayor of Bath. The business has organised a number of charity events, including a fundraising reception for the British Skeleton team ahead of the Winter Olympics. Flamingo Westbury Park, Bristol. www.flamingo-creative.co.uk – @flamingokatie ● Flamingo is a corporate social responsibility consultancy which enables businesses that otherwise would not have the staffing or resources to get involved and be active corporate citizens. Projects including a suit amnesty, donating thousands of suits to homeless jobseekers, along with interview advice.

Women in the Workplace Rebalance Resource Bristol. www.rebalanceresource.co.uk – @work_flexibly ● A new type of recruitment agency dedicated to sourcing flexible working opportunities to meet the growing skills gap. It focuses on the problem/challenge the employer wants solved rather than the need for someone to be at a desk from 9-5. Heathers Pet Care Ltd Fishponds, Bristol, and Bathampton, Bath. www.HeathersPetCare.co.uk – @HeathersPetcare ● Heather founded her dog walking and pet visit business as a sole trader nine years go and has grown it and now has 11 people working for her, many are women with childcare commitments or who are semi-retired. The Detective Project Bristol. www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk ● Runs events for adults and children in crime scene investigation, aiming to spark an interest in science and give participants the opportunity to experience hands-on challenges. Having been a police detective for 14 years, founder Jenny Williams was keen to make the working environment as family friendly as possible.

Female Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Crest Nicholson Tina Hayden- Williams, First Group PLC Lawrence Hill, Bristol. www.first group.com/ bristol –

@FirstBSA ● Tina is in her third year as an apprentice PCV mechanic with First West of England. She has been learning how to carry out vehicle inspections and repairs, helping to keep the buses running. She is described as having fantastic attitude and a great aptitude for the job. Bryony Marshall, AKA Hairdressing Bishopston, Bristol www.akastyle.co.uk ● At 24, Bryony wanted to re-train as a hairstylist. She focused on finishing her training as quickly as possible and did so in 18 months. She keeps up with the latest trends and has helped in several fashion shows and is now building her own client base. Leonie Jack, Double by Hilton, Bristol City Centre Bristol. www.doubletree.hilton.com ● Leonie so impressed her bosses at the four star hotel where she worked while studying Business and Administration Level 2 at City of Bristol College that they took her on full time. She is focused on customer service and was Christmas coordinator last year.

Award for Innovation, sponsored by Spire The Glen Hospital Bristol The Marmalade House Bath and Clifton. Bristol. www.themarmaladehouse.co.uk – @MarmaladeHouse ● From starting in her kitchen with a paintbrush, the business has grown to a studio and two shops in just 18 months. The exclusive Bath and Bristol stockist for Annie Sloan paints and product, the shop also buys in bespoke furniture to blend with its colour palette and runs courses on painting furniture, upholstery and more. Paradise Hotel Bristol. www.paradiseproductionco.com – @ParadiseHotel ● A specialist creative event production company, producing

Threesixty Services Ltd Redland, Bristol. www.ecosoftwater.co.uk – @ecosofteurope ● Established in 2008 by Samantha Mant and Eden Warren as plumbing and heating engineering company, the firm secured exclusive distribution rights for Ecosoft, an environmentally friendly way to tackle limescale which damages heating and plumbing in hard water areas such as Bristol. Tin Dog Ltd Redland, Bristol. www.cleverdoglead.co.uk – @CleverDogLead ● Dog walking friends Susie Worthington and Amy Newton found it a problem to secure their pooch when they stopped for coffee. So they designed and now manufacture a lead with a clip and cuff to attach it to posts, table legs and so on. A new product that no one else made.

Woman of the Year, sponsored by PPC

Annette Gabbedey, Gabbedey Designer Goldsmith Frome. www.annettegabbedey.co.uk – @AnnetteGabbedey ● Born without any fingers but with a passion for jewellery design and opal gemstones, Annette ass overcome prejudice to become a respected jeweller. She has just marked 10 years in business delivering unique pieces of bespoke jewellery for a global clientele from her showroom in Catherine Hill. Ellen Green, Blue Badge Company Montpelier, Bristol. www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk – @BlueBadgeCo ● Ellen became managing director of The Blue Badge Company in 2013 and has taken it from a back-bedroom start-up to a business that’s

blue badge wallets are stoc Boots and the Post Office. aim was to sell bright, attra wallets for disability parking badges instead of the tradi ones with a big disabled sig the front.

Alison Howell, Foot Trails www.foottrails.co.uk – @FootTrailsUK ● Alison founded the business in 2002 after spotting a niche in the travel market for authentic and indulgent walking experiences. It crafts tailor-made self-guided and guided walking tours aroun West Country from custom visiting from as far as the U States and Australia.

Marketing Camp of the Year

Fabulous Southgate Centr www.fabulouscollections.co @FabCollection ● Retailer selling contempo designer jewellery, stocking of leading brands and up-a coming designers such as Ani, Thomas Sabo, Vivienn Westwood, Nikki Lissoni an Pandora. Owned by Jo Stro ran a Reloved jewellery am raising money for charity by recycling jewellery and givin discount vouchers in return

Dunleavy Vineyards Wring North Somerset. www.dunl vineyards.co.uk – @DYviney ● Vineyard producing Engl and sparkling wine from pin grapes grown near Bristol. been communicating its me through social media, appe on Radio 4, organising a lo producers’ market and win awards.

Business West Abbots Lei North Somerset. www.busi west.co.uk – @bw_busines ● A business support and leadership organisation wh works with more than 18,00 across the South West. It’s #GetExporting campaign a inspire businesses to sell a has gained extensive cover through partnerships with l media. For the launch it bra shipping container and fille local produce, gaining loca national coverage.

Mentor of the Y sponsored by Me Media Trainin

Jackie Matthews, Libra L Bristol. www.libralearning.c @Libralearning ● Visits schools across Bri Bath and South Gloucester delivering independent fina knowledge to students of a including running activities restaurant competitions wh

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

S FINALISTS

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Trails Box.

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youngsters take on marketing, finance, catering and management roles. Emma Collins, Gallery Creative Business Consultancy Bristol. www.visitgallery.com ● Creative consultant, leadership coach, trainer and facilitator working in the design industry, Emma’s clients include creative agencies, cultural organisations and education. She led the West of England Design forum for three years and has been a board member of the South West Design Forum for nearly 10, helping and supporting creative companies.

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Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by EY

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Holly Burrage, The Triathlon Shop Harbourside, Bristol. www.thetri athlonshop .co.uk – @TheTriShop ● Launched start-up business The Triathlon Shop with husband Jon, which now employs 10 people having moved to new, bigger premises last year. Holly is driven, coming from a background where even heating the house was a challenge. She brought focus to the store team and revitalised the website, resulting in a 200 per cent sales value increase.

ts Leigh, .business sinesswest and n which 18,000 t. It’s ign aims to sell abroad coverage with local it branded a d filled it with local and

Sophie Hibbert, Hibbert Harwood Ltd Bath. www.hibbert-harwood.com – @HibbertHarwood ● Sophie founded Hibbert Harwood, a thriving design consultancy based in Bath specialising in brand communication online and offline. In the last two years, they have successfully branded and rebranded more than 20 businesses. She has a team of eight and the business is growing at 50 per cent a year.

e Year, Mentor ning

bra Learning ning.co.uk –

Samantha Payne, Open Bionics Ltd www.openbionics.com – @openbionics

Sponsor profile

in association with

● After working as freelance journalist and marketing professional, Sammy joined start-up Open Bionics full time. She has driven the company, which makes robot hands for amputees, to gain worldwide recognition including helping it take second place in Intel’s Make It Wearable competition, winning $250,000 investment.

Business of the Year Cod Steaks Ltd St Philip’s, Bristol. www.codsteaks.com – @CodSteaks ● Susannah Lipscombe set up Cod Steaks 35 years ago. It creates three dimensional designs and models for a wide range of UK and international clients. It created sets for the Wallace and Gromit films, as well the scenes and the stunning ship model seen in The Pirates! feature film. Geometry PR Bath. www.geometrypr.co.uk – @geometrypr ● A small independent, public relations company, owned and managed by Linda Donaldson, which has achieved national awards and industry recognition. It is growing quickly, and was appointed by more than 10 new retained clients last year. After a tough 2013, it changed the business model to a smaller permanent team using experienced freelancers. The HR Dept. Ltd Winterbourne Down, Bristol. www.hrdept.co.uk – @TheHRDept ● The HR Dept (Bristol) Ltd provides SME businesses and organisations in Bristol, Bath and North Somerset with locally-based, personal and practical HR advice and support, whether taking on their first member of staff to managing several hundred employees. It employs 13 people in Bristol and has a national franchise business. 1pm PLC Bath ● A specialist independent provider of finance to the UK SME sector. Founded in 2000 and floated on the AIM in 2006. Last year it launched a new hire purchase product. Since the all female executive team took over in 2010 it has gone from a £400,000 loss to £1.3 million profit and its share price rose 351 per cent in the last 12 months.

● Dave Mason, head of training at Mentor Media, which is sponsoring a category at this year’s Picture: Jon Kent Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards

‘We aim to change the way TV programmes are made’ Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

A BUSINESS which specialises in training companies to handle the media has decided to create its own television programmes. It may sound a little gamekeeper turned poacher, but for Mentor Media Training it makes perfect sense. The company has access to skilled broadcasters with bags of experience, so why not explore new opportunities? Head of training Dave Mason said media training remained the core business for the company but they saw an opportunity to change the model of TV production. Traditionally, channels commission people to make programmes, paying them to do it. Mentor is turning that on its head. “In the modern digital media world, we have to be more creative about how to get television programmes made but a lot of production companies are still looking at the old model,” he said. “We have gone to the channel and said, ‘we want to make this programme, we’ll fund it and you can have it for free’.” The company is producing a series about Hidden Bristol for the new local channel Made in Bristol TV. Because of the channel’s smaller budget, it can’t afford to commission lots of original programming so the situation was a win-win. Mentor takes its fees from the sponsorship, in this case from First Great Western, and the channel gets an original show. Willingness to diversify is one of the reasons

why Mentor is a growing business. It started as a training company, then developed Mentor Digital, a web design and digital agency arm which shares is Kingsdown offices. Eighteen months ago, the firm had eight staff, now it has 26. But it’s the media training that most excites Dave, 45, who recently joined the firm after 25 years of broadcasting combined with training work. “I might be running around Salisbury Plain media training with the Army one day and the next producing the nightly news on ITV Westcountry,” he said. “All of that experience came together for this job.” The company has invested in new kit to make its media training as realistic as possible, simulating an outside broadcast or live interview without the expense of moving everyone to a TV studio for the day. Mentor Media Training is sponsoring the Mentor of the Year category at this year’s Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards. Dave explained: “It’s about celebrating and promoting the fact that these business women have achieved such great things in their own careers and they are also training and encouraging people and helping promote business growth in Bristol and Bath.”

“ I might be

Outstanding Contribution to Business in Bristol and Bath, sponsored by UWE Bristol

● Will be revealed on the night.

running around Salisbury Plain media training with the Army one day and the next producing the nightly news on ITV Westcountry. All that experience came together for this job.

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s Bristol, estershire t financial s of all ages, vities such as ns where

Ellen Green, Blue Badge Company Montpelier, Bristol. www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk – @BlueBadgeCo ● The company makes stylish and personalised blue badge wallets and has grown from a back-bedroom business to have a turnover of £250,000. It is now branching out into new areas such as lap trays and wheat warmers.

Dave Mason

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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Focus on start-ups | Sponsored by THEME SPONSOR’S NAME HERE.

Property Matters

DEMAND FOR TRENDY OFFICE SPACE Developers and landlords need to come to terms with a changed world if they are to keep their offices full. Gavin Thompson reports on how the workplace is evolving in Bristol

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HE world is changing quickly. Technology is developing that means things are possible now that would not have been just a couple of years ago. At the same time, social norms are being challenged both by legislation and market forces. All this means the seemingly predictable old world of commercial property is undergoing something of a revolution. And businesses are struggling to keep up. Jeremy Richards, head of the Bristol office of agency JLL believes the city needs to cater for rising demand for trendy office space akin that found in London’s Silicon Roundabout tech quarter with a focus on innovative and sustainable design. He says the move towards smart factory-style office space could represent the biggest shake-up of Bristol’s office market since the introduction of large floorplates with the opening of Portwall Place in 2008, at the time billed as the city’s first “London-style super office”. “The impact of advancements in technology on the property market is likely to be significant as the requirements of a multitude of sectors including logistics, retail, healthcare and more shift as innovative, ‘smart’ ways of working and living are embraced,” Jeremy, below right, said. “The challenge for the property market is to keep pace with the changing face of technology; the latter is currently moving faster than the built environment can adapt.” A recent report into the financial sector published by another property agency, DTZ, found banks faced a talent train if they failed to smarten up their workplaces. The report, carried out in conjunction with consultancy Unwork, is the culmination of more than 100 interviews with senior figures in the banking, property and HR industry. It found more than half of employees are now working in IT and technology related roles, meaning the banks are competing for talent with not just other financial bodies but also big tech firms which have invested much more heavily in positive and creative workspace. Andy Heath, director of office

‘We wanted spaces at work where our staff could have fun together’ ● AN office isn’t just where you work, the environment can help set the culture of your business. For Bristol tech and IT recruitment specialist People Source, that environment is believed to be a key driver of performance. And that’s not just woolly ideas, the 13-year-old business grew turnover from about £20 million to nearer £30 million this year. That’s why owner and chairman Jason Baker and managing director Tim Allen have invested in a new office in Bath Street, on the third floor of the Clarke Willmott building in Bristol’s professional district. They moved the 47 staff in a month ago after giving the space a total makeover. As well as room for all the desks, with views over Castle Park and the Floating Harbour, there’s a pool table, Sony Playstations, arcade driving games and beer garden-style picnic benches for eating. Jason said: “People Source has moved into larger premises primarily to facilitate further expansion with plans to double in size over the next four years. However, half of the office space is dedicated to break out areas and non-work space. “This is because People Source is a company defined and differentiated by its people centric ethos. “The culture has always existed and runs deep throughout the whole of the organisation. Moving to a new, bigger office gave us the opportunity to cement that further by creating better break out spaces where people

agency at DTZ in Bristol, said: “Bristol has the highest retention of its graduates of any UK city, graduates who want to work in dynamic companies. “There are major companies in the city such as Ovo Energy which are responding to these demographics and creating ‘Googlesque’ places of work which challenge the old methods of one desk per person, enclosed meeting rooms and a kettle. “It is vitally important that businesses imprint their identity on their offices and don’t let the offices dictate their identity and the way they should work. “In such an attractive environment

Case study would have fun together, develop closer relationships and help integrate new people quickly.” And despite the growth plans, Jason and the team made sure they have enough space so that won’t jeopardise the play areas. Culture needs more than just furniture. A pool table won’t help if people are too sacred to use it. But that’s not the case at People Source. Jason, 39, enjoys taking on all comers on the driving game, and it’s a good way to break the ice with a new team member. Being accessible is part of that culture. “I don’t have an open door policy because there is no door,” he says. Marketing manager and the person who handles its own recruitment, Ria Davidson, said: “There isn’t just one single element to the People Source culture that makes it special - being a great place to work is in our DNA. “The company’s belief that a happy workforce is more important than profit is cemented into the culture here, especially reflected through the unified mentality between managers and staff - there is no gap. Where else do you get to challenge the chairman to a race on Sega Rally at lunch?” The company hasa host of accolades to its name, including twice appearing in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 and being named Future Champion in the National Business Awards.

as Bristol, with parks and waterways throughout the city centre and the highest ratio of cycling commuters per head, it is also becoming essential that in building design we incorporate high levels of bike racks per worker – approximately one per 10 but we are acting for occupiers who demand up to one per three 3 – and showers – on average we are advising one per circa 35 workers – to cope with the cyclists and the running clubs that the more sustainable businesses are providing.” Demand for attractive work spaces is one consideration when designing or developing. Another is flexible working.

● Staff at People Source enjoying the fun work culture; inset, left to

Richard Morris, UK chief executive at Regus, believes flexibility is key, especially following recent legislation giving workers the legal right to request flexible working options. “A fifth (22 per cent) of Bristol businesses increased their flexible working options for staff over the past 12 months,” he said. “The reasons for embracing a flexible working model are many. Perhaps most importantly, flexible working has been shown to make staff more productive. “In addition, flexible workspaces represent a low-risk financial commitment, enabling companies to avoid high rents and long leases. “Many businesses are also keen to have a space that can grow with the business, negating disruptive moves when more space is required.

“This trend is driving take up throughout our network of flexible workspaces. “Indeed as well as flexible office space, our network now includes workspaces in transport hubs, hotels and even shopping centres, giving users the flexibility to work wherever and whenever it suits them. “For many companies, the idea of a fixed office on a long term lease where all staff are present 9-5 is a thing of the past. “Now, they are turning to flexible workspace options that can grow with the business and maximise workers’ productivity.” Caroline Vickery, from Barrow Gurney, founded Rebalance Resource last year, a company which works with businesses to help them move to more flexible and remote working, as

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Expert eye Paul Williams

In association with

IN BRISTOL ON INCREASE

right, chairman Jason Baker and MD Tim Allen

“ For many companies, the idea of a fixed office on a long term lease where all staff are present 9-5 is a thing of the past. Richard Morris

Pics: Michael Lloyd

well as recruit staff for such environments. She believes a number of factors are driving the change in working patter ns. “Technology is one,” says Caroline. “There are 83 million mobile phones in Britain – more than there are people. Attitudes are just now catching up with the technology. “Demographics are changing too. There will be 700,000 fewer 16-49 year olds soon but 3.7 million more people between 50 and pension age. For some of those people staying in work longer is more suitable around part time or flexible hours. “And the recession has driven some different attitudes. A lot of companies got through the recession by flexing their workforce rather than making redundancies.”

Property of the Week 0117 287 2101 brutonknowles.co.uk

City Centre Offices To Let 35-38 High Street, Bristol BS1 2AW • Open plan refurbished suite • 1,976 sq ft (183.6 sq m) • Flexible terms • Available now

Contact: paul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk BK code:2583

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

Property owners too slow to act on energy legislation

ANY property owners appear unlikely to undertake any energy performance improvements unless they are forced to do so – and may lose out as a result. Despite all the warnings, the market has still not fully woken up to the introduction of further measures on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), due to come into force in April 2018. The requirement to have an EPC in place before marketing a property has been in force for more than five years, but after 2018 it will become unlawful for any commercial or residential property to be either sold or let where it has an EPC rating of below band E. At present a large proportion of properties fall into this category. More work is needed to ensure owners are aware of the new rules and the practical implications should they not take appropriate action by the time the legislation comes into force. If a landlord is able to rent out a property without having to do anything to it, then it is perfectly understandable that they would want to do so. It’s a bit like selling a car without having to put on new tyres, if the existing ones are legal. At present, awareness among occupiers remains relatively low, but this will only rise as time progresses as the potential impact of the legislation is recognised. From a tenant’s perspective, the forthcoming changes mean they may find that they can potentially drive down their rent or threaten to move on if required improvements aren’t made. The landlord will then be unable to re-let or sell the property without potentially costly works to improve its energy efficiency rating. If this scenario is repeated across a portfolio of investments, then the risks are easy to see. A landlord may find themselves with a portfolio of property which can’t be let without expensive improvements being carried out, and not even able to cut their losses and sell poorly performing assets which fail the EPC test. In the meantime under current rules they will remain liable for payment of business rates even if the property is empty. Thinking you can do little or nothing is therefore not really an option unless owners are happy to risk ending up with a portfolio of void properties on their hands, whereas undertaking a programme of improvements over the next couple of years could help to spread the cost and minimise future risks. Our advice is to undertake any energy efficiency improvements during current void periods or lease breaks. They will more than likely be simple, low-cost measures which can be implemented and will have a significant impact on the energy rating of a building. In terms of residential properties, the new legislation is likely to affect small buy-to-let landlords and large portfolio holders. From 2016, residential tenants are able to insist that their landlords make energy efficiency improvements, and as with commercial premises, from 2018 houses and flats with a rating of “F” or “G” will be unlettable and unsaleable by law. There is still time to make sure any properties are up to scratch in terms of energy performance. With Bristol basking in the Green Capital limelight, if ever there was a time to undertake any improvements it is now.

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

In pictures Institute of Directors honours John Shore MBE

● The IOD Wednesday at 6 at the Engine Shed in Bristol. January 2015 Photographer Freia Turland e:info@ftphotography.co.uk m:07875514528

● Pedro Bonillo-Farias, PBF Wealth Management, with Kim Jones, Pics: Freia Turland High Growth Knowledge Company

● Ken McEwan, of Gregg Latchams, and David Rayfield

IoD salutes John after New Year’s honour

● Chris Smith, Marshfield Bakery and Nicholas O’Regan, University of the West of England

HE Bristol branch of the Institute of Directors gathered to congratulate one of its longest standing members, John Shore, on his MBE for services to the business and voluntary sector in the Queen’s New Year Honours. Following a long and successful career in the Royal Navy, John headed up the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and organised a number of trade missions abroad, including South Korea. He subsequently joined the institute of Directors and played a major role in establishing what has become one of the organisation’s strongest membership bases in Bristol and the South West.

Now retired, he continues to support the work of the charity Alabare, which helps UK veterans return to civilian life with homes and support across the South West and Wales. Rebecca Tregarthen, Bristol branch chair, said: “John has been one of our greatest advocates for the IoD which is why he was recognised by the Institute with an honorary fellowship some years ago. His MBE is very well deserved and we are delighted for John and his family.” John and his wife Sylvia were guests of honour at the branch’s first networking meeting of the year at Bristol’s Engine Shed, attended by members and guests. The next meeting will be at the Commonwealth Society on February 25 from 6-8pm.

● John Shore MBE and Rebecca Tregarthen

● Above, Felix Spender from North Light Solutions. Left, Al Keck, To Infinity, Alexandra McArthur-Davies, from McArthur Davies, Jonathan Snary, BPP, and Sue Cooper, St John’s Hospital

In pictures PA Network, Hotel du Vin

PAs enjoy canapes and top tips

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OW to create the perfect Linked-In profile and use the social media platform to engage with others were among the lessons given to a group of professionals at a recent networking event. The first PA Network event of the year was held in the glamorous and atmospheric surroundings of Hotel du Vin in Bristol. More than 45 personal assistants and secretaries caught up over drinks and canapes before sitting down to a warm welcome from the network’s founder, Debs Eden. Debs is well known in the PA profession and has a passion for helping fellow PAs grow and develop in a supportive and encouraging environment. Imogen Woodford of Social-i, the Bath-based social media consultancy

and training school, gave a masterclass on using LinkedIn to its full advantage, covering writing the perfect profile, how to get the latest news using Pulse and joining and using Groups to share and engage. This was followed by Mark Rabbetts of Hays PA/secretarial recruitment. Mark gave an overview of the current job market. A lively Q&A followed which included a debate around extended notice periods. Debs wrapped up the event with a look at future topics, which include effective communication, personal development plans and having appraisal conversations, speaking in public and overcoming networking nerves. For more information, and to join the network, visit www.bristolpanetwork.co.uk or follow on Twitter @bristolpanetwrk.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

In pictures JLL’s South West Market Review

Business diary Outlook 2015: Commercial property agency DTZ presents analysis and forecasts for the sector at The Bristol Hotel, from 8am on Thursday, February 5. Financial Planning Clinic: One-to-one advice on financial issues and questions from chartered accountant Tony James at The Hive, Weston-super-Mare on February 5. Register at www.north somersetenterpriseagency.co.uk.

● Fiona Moore, Christine Mann and Rosie Barclay

Pics: Dan Regan

● Robert Keeping, Sarah Outram and Robin Rajanah

Quirky factory-style spaces to shake-up market

new era of grade A office space is set to shake up the Bristol market, according to property consultancy JLL, as businesses seek out next-generation ‘white-collar factories’ to house their operations. Demand for quirky “factory-style” space – with “smart services” and low running costs – is likely to come from creative businesses in expansion mode, while it could also be boosted by employers looking at near-shoring their operations to regional cities such as Bristol to escape rising costs in the Capital. These predictions, revealed at JLL’s South West Market Review, themed smart future, come after “a real breakthrough” for Bristol’s office market in 2014, said Ian Wills, director, office agency, at JLL in the

city. He said: “Bristol’s office market rose like a ‘phoenix from the ashes’ in 2014 and we expect demand to continue this year, with more speculative city centre development in the pipeline. “There will be continued demand for conventional, grade A space in Bristol, but we predict a shift in the marketplace as businesses seek out a different kind of space.” Bristol needs to cater for rising demand for office space akin to White Collar Factory in London, a scheme being built in the city’s “silicon roundabout” tech quarter with a focus on innovative and sustainable design.

Confidence in business - Keys to Success: Unlock the what, how and why of your business. Four linked morning events starting February 5 aimed at Bristol businesswomen covering branding, marketing, presentation skills and finance. Free, by women for women. www.blueorchid.co.uk/events. Bristol Connected: Bristol Post networking event at the Bristol Hotel. Thursday, February 5, 6-8pm. Register via Eventbrite. Introducing the Clean Web: Presentations from five clean web projects explaining how they are using technology to solve sustainability challenges, followed by a panel discussion and time for networking. 6-9pm, Thursday, February 5. Find out more at www.bristol2015.co.uk/ events/cleanweb. Digital Challenge 48-hour Hack Weekend: Teams of developers together with digital and environmental experts compete for the chance to win £50,000 and stimulate innovation in the development of software applications addressing five environmental challenges: energy, transport, food, resources and nature. Watershed, February 6-8. www.bristol2015.co.uk

For more the changing nature of office space, see Property Matters: Page 8 & 9

Bristol Post Business Awards Launch: Drinks and canapes to celebrate the launch of this year’s Bristol Post Business Awards. From 6pm on February 9 at Hargreaves Lansdown. Invitation only. Contact sarah.wallbridge@b-nm.co.uk.

● Lawrence Dungwell and Stephen Rickard

● Jeremy Richards and Josh Roberts

● Chris Howell and Ian Wills

Bristol Distinguished Address Series - Peter Mather: BP’s group regional vice president, Europe and head of country, UK, delivers the latest in the address series supported by the Bristol Post. From 6pm, February 11, at the Glendinning Lecture Theatre, Frenchay Campus, UWE. Families in Business Insight: Bristol’s family businesses can experience a taste of the support available from specialist advisers at the first of a new Insight Group pioneered byFamilies in Business. It launches with a free half-day taster on Thursday February 12 at Close Brothers Asset Management’s Bristol offices on Queen Street. Email: Jennette@fibcommunity.com South West VR Conference: Organised by Opposable Games, shining spotlight on virtual reality industry, At-Bristol, February 24. www.southwestvr.com.

● John Mulholland

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● Jayley Price, Lee Mantle and Sebastian Fitzgerald

Email your business events to gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk. Events are sometimes cancelled without us being notified so please check with organisers before travelling.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

The back page

Your digest of the week in business

People

Recognition

● A fast-growing telecoms provider has appointed a new member. Tyler McKenna, 30, joins Pure Comms as account manager. Her responsibilities will include supporting existing clients and providing customer service, as well as acquiring new business. The appointment of Tyler, pictured, is part of the Tickenhambased company’s plans for growth, which has already seen the company open a second office in St Austell, Cornwall. The company has also recently brought on board a major new client in retail giant the Co-operative. Pure Comms will be providing telecoms services to more than 400 Co-op stores. Tyler said: “It’s a great time to be joining Pure Comms. The company is committed to investing in its staff, products and services and I’m excited to be part of a business that has such ambitious plans for the future.” Pure Comms was established in 2009 by Rob Vivian and has quickly become one of the leading telecoms providers in the region, counting Bristol Airport, BWOC, auctioneers Bonhams, Co-operative and fast growing Opus amongst its clients.

● Wessex Water has become the first water company praised for the high quality and development of its scientists who test water to ensure it meets regulatory standards. The Science Council awarded the firm the CPD Approved Employer status to recognise the commitment to good practice in employer learning and development schemes. The scientific team, based at Wessex Water’s scientific centre at Saltford, near Bristol, regularly undertakes the sampling of water supply from around the region to ensure the quality of drinking water. It also tests treated waste water before the company returns it to the environment. Ali Orr, registrar at the Science Council, said: “The award of Approved Employer status to Wessex Water recognises its strong learning culture and support for staff development. “The approval panel was particularly impressed with the quality of the Scientific Centre staff and their commitment to developing both personally and professionally.” Around 70 staff work at the centre. Helen Shapland, head of analytical services, said: “It’s a great accomplishment to be accredited for our ongoing commitment to training and the quality of our staff.”

Deals ● Food and agriculture sector specialists at the Bristol office of Smith & Williamson acted as financial advisers to the UK’s leading farmer-owned grain marketing co-operative, Openfield, on its acquisition of Countrywide Farmers PLC’s grain business. Openfield, which collects, stores, distributes and markets over 4.5 million tonnes of grain every year on behalf of an extensive network of farming businesses, has acquired Countrywide Farmers’ grain business which is expected to handle 400,000 tonnes this year. John Stables, Group Finance Director and Deputy Managing Director at Openfield, said: “Given our unique position in the UK as the leading, farmer-owned co-operative focused on grain, we are delighted

● 3P Learning who won two categories at the BETT Awards with the acquisition. The Smith & Williamson team has a deep understanding of our business that was important in helping achieve our objective of completing the transaction within a short timescale.” Martyn Fraser, pictured, director in the corporate finance team at the Bristol office of accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson, said: “Our long-standing relationship with Openfield and its predecessors enabled us to provide advice on the strategic as well as financial aspects of the transaction.” ● Law firm TLT has advised BGL Group, one of the UK’s largest consumer insurance groups, on the sale of Bennetts Insurance, the UK’s number one bike insurance business, to Saga plc. The TLT team in Bristol was led by corporate partner John Wood,

● Helen Shapland pictured, and included commercial partner Alison Deighton; tax partner Nathan Williams; corporate associate Alice Gardner; and corporate solicitor Amelia Jarrett. John said: “The sale of Bennetts creates opportunities for the brand with the focused support Saga can offer. “For BGL, Bennetts is outside the BGL core target high growth/ scale markets and having considered what gave Bennetts the best opportunity for growth, BGL accepted the offer for Bennetts for Saga.” Peter Thompson, group director for insurance and legal services at BGL, said: “TLT were a key part of the team, providing us with valuable advice and guidance throughout the Bennetts sale process.”

● An education company has won two awards for its learning resource Mathetics. 3P Learning won Best Whole Course Curriculum Content and Best International Digital Resource categories in the BETT Awards, which coincided with the world’s largest technology in education show in London. Mathletics is used by nearly five million teachers and students globally. The judges praised the “truly comprehensive primary maths resource”, which is aligned to the new national curriculum. Jayne Warburton, CEO at 3P Learning, said: “We are pleased that the judges recognised that Mathletics supports teachers by delivering content that is fully aligned to the new maths curriculum – addressing fluency, problem solving and reasoning. “This award is a ringing endorsement of the impact that Mathletics has on maths teaching and learning globally.”

Business advice from the ‘Phone Box Millionaire’

Simple - sell your goods for more than you paid

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NE of the things often ignored by entrepreneurs is the importance of cash flow. Profit is clearly vital in the long run but unless you manage your cash flow your new business may not be around long enough to see any profit! Cash is often quoted as King, but if that is true then Cash flow is its Queen. These two ‘royal’ musts need a close marriage if any enterprise is to survive start-up and evolve into the major employer of tomorrow. Making sure you sell whatever goods or service you’re offering is essential but making sure you get paid for those goods or services afterwards is paramount. If you don’t

Stephen Fear Fear Group

you haven’t only lost the profit, you have lost the cost of production, delivery, marketing and a whole myriad of other expenses too. Make sure you invoice early and don’t let your customer overrun his or her payment terms. Honest people or companies intend to pay so will not be bothered that you have asked them to pay quickly, especially if you explain that you are a small business and need to get the cash in. Don’t be afraid to ask because most will pay up

and you will maintain that all important flow into your coffers. Business is essentially quite simple. It’s a matter of selling your goods for more than you paid for them, including any associated costs. In my experience most new businesses that go wrong do so for one of two reasons. Firstly, by assuming that all the money received is there for the owner to spend, and secondly, because they never researched the market thoroughly enough before they started spending money on exploiting it. In many instances newly created businesses find, after they have started spending money, that there is no market! Or perhaps that the com-

petition is too stiff. Always research any market you are considering entering thoroughly. Not just on the web either. Go into your local library where a huge amount of information awaits you, often accompanied by professional librarians who will direct you to just what you need. One of the best things about the library service is that it’s a free. A genuine national treasure in my opinion. Stephen Fear was brought up on a Bristol council estate and ran his first business from a phone box. As well as a successful businessman, he is entrepreneur in residence at the British Library.

In numbers Inflation (CPI)

0.5 1.6 1.7 0.5 3.99

Inflation (RPI)

Weekly earnings

Base interest rate

% % %

Ave mortgage rate % Corporation tax % Main rate

Small profits rate – below £300,000

Business current accounts

1.01% State Bank £10,000 deposit of India 0.25% £1 deposit

Business savings accounts State Bank of India

1.49% £10,000 deposit

National 1.41% Counties BS £1,000 deposit Source:

Petrol prices .36p

106 113 117 61

Unleaded

.42p Diesel

.27p Super unleaded

.32p LPG

Source: PetrolPrices.com