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GLEEM OF HOPE
ALE AND HEARTY
PARKING MANOEUVRE
The one-year-old cleaning firm that has entered Post awards – p4
Leading brewer joins Bristol’s buoyant beer industry – page 5
Parking space entrepreneur strikes deal with rival – page 3
bristolpost.co.uk
www.
04 MAR 2015
BUSINESS PULSE SPECIAL REPORT
THE IMPORTANCE OF A HAPPY MEDIUM Is the role played by our mid-market firms undervalued? We highlight the role of MSBs in Bristol and the surrounding region to see if they could be better supported
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Development
Building set to begin on new office scheme ● BUILDING is set to begin on a new office development after North Somerset Council agreed to lease part of it to give the developer confidence about making the investment. Dowlas is behind 26,000-sq-ft Enterprise House on the Weston Gateway Business Park, close to Junction 21 of the M5 motorway. The building will have space for 250 workers next to Worle Parkway rail station. The location and expected huge investment in a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset should make it an attractive location. But to make sure it goes ahead, the local authority has made the unusual step of taking a 15-year lease on a more than half the space – 16,300 square feet. It will ten sub-let the space. Council leader Nigel Ashton said: “The acquisition of the head lease on Enterprise House is another positive example of the council’s resolve to continue stimulating economic development and regeneration. “Enabling Enterprise House to be built sooner rather than later will be a key trigger to unlocking further development of the Gateway site and therefore the jobs and business rates that will generate. “This bold step will provide the catalyst to unlock more than 900 jobs, a significant contribution towards the overall target of 9,000 jobs across the whole of the Junction 21 Enterprise Area.”
Networking
How to develop and grow a business ● HIGH street businesses can get advice and find out about what support is available at an event later this month. Bristol’s Enterprising High Streets is a collaboration between Bristol City Council, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), City of Bristol College, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Destination Bristol and the Business Growth Service. With a practical focus on how to develop and grow a business, there will also be presentations from experts on topics such as the importance of effective marketing and making your business more sustainable. Several small businesses from across the city will be showcased and the event should be a good networking opportunity. The event is at City of Bristol College on March 12. Visit http://bristolshighstreets.event brite.co.uk for more details.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Lord Mayor’s Charity Gala Dinner
Make the headlines Chance to Be editor for day among auction lots Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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OW do you fancy editing the Bristol Post for the day? That’s one of the money-can’t-buy experiences being offered at a business event later this year. The Lord Mayor’s Charity Gala Dinner, which is supported by the Post, is raising money for the city’s most disadvantaged children. Targeted at the business, financial and legal services community, the dinner takes place at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel on Thursday, April 30. The event is in aid of The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal, which gives 1,650 disadvantaged children vouchers for food, clothing and gifts at Christmas. The dinner’s first gold sponsor has already been announced as ‘Millionaires’ Mentor’ Bev James and its second gold sponsor can be revealed as Ashfords LLP. Auction lots to date include private behind-the-scenes tours of Rolls-Royce and the Tower of London. Lots range from signed artwork and jewellery to a joint membership of Lido Bristol. As well as taking the helm at the Post, other money-can’t-buy experiences up for grabs include joining the train driver on the high-speed service from Bristol to London, donated by First Great Western. But charity volunteers are calling on businesses in Bristol and across the South West to donate more auction prizes, to help raise money for disadvantaged children. Jamie Breese, director of Business Showcase South West, is volunteer-
● Left, Jamie Breese, who will be auctioneer on the night, with Freddy Bird, executive chef and director of Lido Bristol ing his event-management services to the charity and securing sponsorship and auction donations. He will be donating his professional services on the night, too, as auctioneer. Jamie, who stars in Discovery Channel’s Auction Kings, said: “This will be one of the great events of the year in Bristol, and we are asking people to donate prizes. “These need to be auction lots which generate interest so dinner guests bid generously. The more
money we raise, the more we can help the city’s most disadvantaged children.” The event includes a drinks reception and sumptuous three-course dinner, the auction and raffle, plus world-class live entertainment. Chairman of The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal Bruce Simmonds added: “We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received to date from the business community, through sponsorship, ticket sales, auction and raffle prize
donations.” Other companies which have already donated items for auction include Lido Bristol, F Hinds Jewellers, Divine Divas, Sanlam Wealth Management, Bristol Chiropractic Centre and Art Jayne Ltd. ● Tickets are now sold out, please go to https://galadinner2015.eventbrite. co.uk for the waiting list. Businesses and organisations interested in donating prizes or sponsorship packages should email info@galadinner2015.com.
Fundraiser
Prove your staff are smartest in charity quiz IF you think your staff have what it takes to be crowned the brainiest in Bristol then a charity is offering you the chance to put that to the test. Businesses are being encouraged to enter teams in a fundraising quiz in aid of the Brandon Trust, which supports people with learning difficulties. Brains for Brandon will take place on Thursday, March 26, at the Grand Thistle Hotel, and will see businesses from across the Bristol area battling it out. Over the course of six rounds, the quiz will test the grey cells of those taking part while they enjoy a
three-course dinner and entertainment, with local stand-up comic Cerys Nelmes performing. Organisers say the event will also provide an excellent chance to network with clients. The charity specialises in offering people with learning difficulties the ability to live as normal lives as possible. As well as offering individual support, they also run summer camps for children. The trust’s corporate fundraiser
Erin Lawton said: “We have some fabulous local celebrities coming including Jack FM’s Downsy, Bristol chef Dean Edwards, Paulina and Ed from Heart FM and the hilarious Cerys Nelmes (pictured), all hosting a round each. “Come and win the title of ‘Bristol’s Brainiest’. It will be perfect for networking, rewarding your team and client hospitality so basically ticks all the CSR boxes while having a fun night out.” Prices are £500 per table (ten guests)
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The Bristol MBA
or £55 a ticket and include a red carpet welcome, pre-dinner drinks reception, three-course meal, entertainment, auction and raffle and complimentary goody bag. There will also be an after-party. The event will start at 6.30pm. For further information about the Brains for Brandon quiz and how you can get involved e-mail Erin Lawton at erin.lawton@brandontrust.org. Anyone who wants to stay overnight can take advantage of discounted rates at the hotel. To find out more about the work of the Brandon Trust see www.brandontrust.org.
Find out more Open Evening 25 March, Watershed, Bristol City Centre www.uwe.ac.uk/bristolmba
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Parking
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SMEs
New rules to mean improved cash flow SMALL and medium-sized firms are being urged to bid for government contracts after new measures for faster payment were introduced. New rules mean public sector bodies must pay undisputed invoices within 30 days, which should help smaller firms where cash flow is critical. In Bristol 49.2 per cent of SMEs cite late payment as a hindrance to growth. Figures show government is spending more with SMEs, totalling £11.b billion in 2014. It has relaunched its Contracts Finder website – www.gov.uk/contracts-finder – to help firms find the opportunities after 42 per cent of Bristol SMES said they didn’t know where to look. The reforms
also simply the bidding process, scrapping some red tape on lower value contracts. One local organisation which has had success is the Bristol-based Centre for Sustainable Energy, which employs 50 people. It won a contract to develop a national digital open homes hub and to support development of more local homes networks around the country, letting visitors see first-hand what energy-saving features may mean in their own homes. Chief executive Simon Roberts, pictured, said: “The result is a far better programme than the Department for Energy and Climate Change would have designed themselves or than we could have done without their funding.”
● Damian Rooney of Bargain Parking, left, and Harrison Woods of YourParkingSpace
Selling up Parking space entrepreneur cuts deal with rival Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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N entrepreneur who started a business renting out driveways as parking spaces has sold the company to a rival backed by two Dragons from the BBC business pitching show. Damian Rooney, 40, set up his business three years ago after having success renting out his own driveway in Redcliffe on the YourParkingSpace website. He then did the same for his neighbour before deciding to take it a step further. “It was at this point that I realised there was a real business here,” he said. “The concept of driveway rentals was almost unknown then and for people I spoke to it was a no-brainer. “It gave them a significant extra income for simply allowing someone to park in their empty driveway.” Damian set up Bargain Parking and built up his offering to 1,000 spaces rented out across the South West, with 70 per cent of them in Bristol. He said: “It’s a really exciting time in the
parking industry, it’s moving rapidly, and the old way of doing things is changing. “I look at companies like Airbnb in the hotel industry and see a real opportunity to make a similar impact in the parking industry.” Now he has done a deal to go into partnership with the site that first inspired him, YourParkingSpace. Young entrepreneur and founder Harrison Woods, 24, persuaded Theo Paphitis and Peter Jones to invest £60,000 in the business when he appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2012. He said: “2015 is a big year for YourParkingSpace and acquiring Bargain Parking is a huge coup for the business.”
“ Family businesses are the backbone of the nation’s economy – they are our unsung heroes – and they make a massive contribution to Tracey Bentham, family
Commercial property
South Bristol ‘enjoying renaissance’ of starter offices and workshop spaces is due to open next month. An example of a site Paul believes has potential is Clue House, which he is currently marketing, on Central Park commercial estate in Hengrove, formerly home to Berger Paints. It is midway between the city centre and the Bottle Yard Studios. Paul said: “For so long considered the poor relation, South Bristol will succeed on its own terms, not by aping the business parks on the north Bristol fringe, but by forging its own identity based on creativity and innovation. “The ‘Media Mile’ is starting to look more like a ‘Golden Triangle’, bounded by the Temple Studios, The Paintworks and Bath Road Studios on one side, extending out to the Bottle Yard Film Studios in Whitchurch and encompassing Filwood Green Business Park.”
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SOUTH Bristol is finally making its mark after what seems like decades in the doldrums. That’s according to city commercial property specialist Paul Williams from Bruton Knowles who said a series of recent developments is helping to shift Bristol’s creative axis south of the River Avon. He said: “South Bristol is enjoying something of a renaissance in terms of businesses looking for commercial property. “It’s not just a question of lower rents this side of the river, it’s also about new, young business needing to be seen in the hip and trendy locations.” Paul said infrastructure projects such as the South Bristol Link Road and the MetroBus project would greatly improve accessibility to and from the area. The new Filwood Green Business Park, which provides a range
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Service industry
Cleaning up 1,000th customer as firm teams up with water charity Rupert Janisch
THE CATEGORIES
Business@b-nm.co.uk
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CLEANING company which started up a year ago has celebrated with a giveaway to its 1,000th customer and a new relationship with a Bristol-based charity. Gleem, which started life in January last year as Tidy and Shiny under managing director Joe Edwards, has also moved into new offices in King Street. And as it hopes to cap off a great first year, the firm will be entering this year’s Bristol Post Business Awards. The company is working with Frank Water, a Montpelier-based charity which supports and funds clean water projects in India, by donating one per cent of its profits. Gleem gave away a bottle of bubbly and some bottles of Frank Water to Esta Porter of Southville, who was the company’s 1,000th customer. Since starting up a year ago, Gleem now has an office of staff looking after its 20 cleaners who operate in offices and homes around Bristol and Bath. During the next 12 months it plans to diversify into window cleaning and carpet cleaning and is asking customers to suggest other services it can provide, such as dog walking or garden landscaping. Joe said: “Growing Gleem and keeping the service modern and interesting has been really enjoyable, plus it has enabled us to support Frank Water, a local charity here in Bristol. “Personally, I’ve enjoyed developing new skills which have come from creating a startup. I’m pleased with the tone and service Gleem sets. The industry seemed to be missing a simple yet fun cleaning brand and now we are filling that gap.” The company decided to link up with Frank Water to support the work it does in working on sustainable solutions to issues around clean water access. Children in India who are having to travel to collecting water should be in school and the water that they
● Gleem celebrates its 1,000th customer. Annabelle Hunt, Jon Shepherd, Lucy Kane, Joseph Edwards, Esta Porter, Sarika Pic: Michael Lloyd Seshadri struggle to collect is often unhygienic. Frank Water is working on educating and providing equipment to help supply clean water to those in need. Joe said: “We are proud to say that we donate one per cent of all our profits to Frank Water and we are looking forward to the next event where we’ll be able help out.” Katie Alcott, Frank Water’s founder and CEO, said: “We’re thrilled that Gleem and its customers have chosen to support Frank Water. “All donations from Gleem will fund safe drinking water and good quality sanitation for some of the poorest, most vulnerable communit-
Sponsor profile
● NGD’s world-class mega data centre hub
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Celebrating Bristol’s world-class tech talent WITH Bristol being home to such a dynamic array of businesses Next Generation Data (NGD) is delighted to be involved with this year’s prestigious Bristol Post Business Awards programme and especially excited to be sponsoring the Best Creative or Technological Award category. The Business Awards have attracted a high calibre of entrants over the years. They play a key role in encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and achievement within the local business community while ensuring exceptional success is fully recognised and rewarded.
Vision, innovation, creativity, differentiation and drive are all essential ingredients for achieving and sustaining profitable business growth and world-class reputation in the fast moving and highly competitive creative and technology industries. The judging criteria for our award category is indicative of these qualities and in tune with our own business values and credentials hav-
ing rapidly established NGD as one of Europe’s fastest growing and most profitable data centre operators: by daring to be different, more innov-
ative, more flexible, and more responsive than our competitors. NGD’s success in establishing a world-class mega data centre hub in
● Innovator of the Year, sponsored by Aon ● Export Award, sponsored by Mazars ● Marketing Campaign of the Year ● Best Creative or Technological Business, sponsored by Next Generation Data ● Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Renishaw ● Lifetime achievement award, sponsored by Punter Southall ● Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Broadmead Bristol BID ● Family Business of the Year, sponsored by BOM Group ● Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Smith & Williamson ● Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Lloyds Bank ● Start-up Business of the Year, sponsored by Jordans ● Environmental Business Award, sponsored by Nuffield Health ● Contribution to the Community, sponsored by First Great Western ● Customer Service Award, sponsored by Destination Bristol ● Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year, sponsored by QBE
ies in the world. As small but ambitious organisation, based in the South West, Frank Water and Gleem make natural partners. We’re looking forward to demonstrating how Gleem’s donations will change people’s lives.” ● The awards will be presented at a gala dinner at the Passenger Shed on June 25. To enter the awards, become a sponsor or attend the ceremony, go to bristolpost.co.uk/businessawards.
the area well away from London offers local businesses, large and small, the benefit of affordable word-class facilities for supporting their critical IT, cloud and data storage requirements. Already ‘home’ to some very large government and multinational organisations, BT, CGI, IBM and Wipro included, NGD is also fast becoming a haven for businesses here in Bristol with Computershare Technology Services (UK), Hub Network Services, UNIT4, Ovo Energy and Southern Telecom already among them. And just as the railways and motorways did in the last two centuries, we fully recognise how in this digital age a truly world-class data centre will help deliver the region further talent, opportunity and economic prosperity. We wish all entrants to this year’s Best Creative or Technological Award the very best of fortune and success.
● www.ngd.co.uk
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Office space
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Economics
Drinks
Refurbishments to meet rising demand
Devolution ‘threat to Bristol companies’
● REFURBISHMENT opportunities need to be exploited in the Bristol office market to meet a rising demand for grade A space as the city awaits the next wave of development, according to property consultancy JLL. Across the big six office markets, Bristol recorded the second highest number of deals over 10,000 sq ft in 2014, 18 in total, surpassed only by Manchester, which recorded 28, JLL’s office market report showed. In terms of total take-up for 2014, Bristol came in third place at 870,000 sq ft, ahead of Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow. Manchester and Edinburgh came in first and second place respectively. Bristol recorded one of the lowest grade A vacancy rates of the six markets at 1.1 per cent. This compares to a 1.6 per cent average across the core six markets outside London, the lowest level for 10 years. Jeremy Richards, pictured, head of JLL’s Bristol office, said: “Looking ahead, we expect demand for Grade A office space in Bristol to continue to rise. “With businesses in London faced with rising costs and the prospect of an undersupply of office space over the next three to five years, we expect to see a growing number of relocations – or part-relocations – to Bristol. Around 23 million sq ft of offices are needed in London, but currently just 10 million are being provided. “In addition, Bristol will effectively be brought closer to the capital by the electrification of the Great Western railway line and this will no doubt boost demand further. “Bristol’s latest speculative development schemes, 2 Glass Wharf and 66 Queen Square, now have tenants for the whole or part so we expect the next wave of development to start. However, in the meantime, refurbishment opportunities need to be exploited to meet demand as these can be delivered more quickly than new schemes.”
● COMPANIES in Bristol could be hit by more devolution to Wales, politicians and business leaders have warned. With 90 per cent of the Welsh population living within 50 miles of the English border and 138 million journeys being taken between the two countries each year, different tax and transport policies could be detrimental for firms on the English side of the bridge. Business West raised the issue at an event in Westminster attended by, among others, Bristol Airport chief executive Robert Sinclair and West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Colin Skellett. Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “Businesses are concerned that the potential devolution of new tax, borrowing and economic development powers to Wales on March 1 is happening too quickly, and without sufficient consideration or evidence of the likely impact of these changes to businesses in England.” North Somerset MP Liam Fox added: “The West of England, and the Bristol area in particular, is doing very well economically. We do not need anti-competitive measures Introduced under the guise of devolution. There is no advantage to UK plc for costly shifting resources around for no overall gain.” Sue Turner, communications director at Bristol Port, said she had “serious concerns” about more power going Wales. “The implications of any further devolvement must be fully assessed in order to avoid destabilising business in transport, energy and a range of other sectors. We currently have a very competitive level playing field – it isn’t always perfect but we are all treated the same.”
● Justin Hawke, co-owner of Moor Beer Company
Moor the merrier Brewers aim to double production Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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RISTOL’S growing reputation for breweries has been given a boost by the arrival of multi-award winning Moor Beer Company in the
city. The brewery moved its operation from the Somerset Levels to an industrial unit on Days Road in Bristol, just behind Temple Meads Station. It has carried out a complete refurbishment with the installation of seven fermentation tanks and a bottling line. And now it has added a brewery tap outlet for its beers open seven days a week offering off sales, tasting sessions and catering for parties and
private functions. Currently seven people are employed in the business, with the hope to grow in future, brewing around 20-30 different beers each year which are offered in kegs, casks and bottles ranging in strength from 3.8 per cent to a rather more potent 9.5 per cent. The firms beers are unfined, which means they don’t use the fish product or finings to settle the brew. This leaves them looking hazy and the firm says it gives a bigger aroma and richer flavour. The Moor Beer Company is owned and operated by former US Army officers Justin and Maryann Hawke. Justin said: “Our new premises has given us the capacity to grow and we have plans to double and perhaps treble production and our workforce in the next few years. “We will be installing another seven fermentation tanks and a can-
ning line which will support the international demand for our beer which takes about 30 per cent of our total production. “Export and domestic markets are important for growth but we also want to develop the local market and our Brewery Tap is key to this strategy.” Richard Kennedy, a partner at chartered accountants Francis Clark helped the firm buy the property and secure a grant from the Regional Growth Fund. “We are now preparing a claim for Research and Development Tax Relief regarding the development of new brews,” he said. “As well as being an ideal facility for expansion and developing new products, the new premises are in a superb central location and I’m sure that when word gets around it will become a Bristol ‘must-go-to’ place.”
Property
Offices being turned into waterside apartments ● Bridge Quay
photovoltaic solar panels on the roof and the basement is retained to provide secure parking and cycle storage. Adam Pratt, development director at Urban & Civic’s Bristol office, said: “We are really excited about the redevelopment of Bridge Quay. It is a great building in an outstanding waterside location in the heart of the city centre.” He added: “The structure has allowed us to design generously sized apartments. Residents will be able to enjoy light, bright living spaces with Bristol’s amenities on the doorstep.” Work on Bridge Quay started last month and the apartments will be launched on the market in April.
TV firm Endemol snaps up city office ● TELEVISION production company Endemol has signed a 10-year lease on a new office in Bristol. Property firm Savills has let space at Embassy House, above, on Queens Avenue, Clifton, to Endemol UK Ltd on behalf of Kames Capital. The leading production company is taking space on the second floor totalling 5,176 sq ft (480 sq m), and will pay an annual rent of £80,228. The building is now full. Other occupiers include Rider Levett Bucknall, Specialist Publications and SACO. Chris Meredith, director of business space at Savills Bristol, said: “We are very pleased to have secured the letting of the final office suite at Embassy House to Endemol. Requirements for prime office accommodation in Bristol remains high and we expect this to continue in 2015, with the TMT sector continuing to fuel demand.”
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WORK has started on the transformation of a landmark building on Bristol’s waterfront into one and two bedroom apartments. Bridge Quay, the former office building located close to Bristol Bridge, is being redeveloped into 59 waterside apartments by Urban & Civic plc. It is the latest in the trend of offices being converted into flats under a temporary relaxation in planning rules called permitted development rights. Each apartment has been designed with picture windows and its own balcony to provide views across the Floating Harbour and city centre. This development will incorporate
Property
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
The Business Pulse survey
‘MID-MARKET FIRMS ARE ENGINE FOR Medium-sized businesses are often under valued. In the latest instalment of the Business Pulse we look at what the future holds for these workhorses of the economy
NIC RILEY
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EDIUM-sized businesses make a huge contribution to the UK economy. They produce a combined £1 trillion in turnover each year and account for 6.2 million jobs. However, research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP suggests this valuable element of the UK economy is still too often under-valued and overlooked. This is why the latest Business Pulse special report, published today by BDO in partnership with the Bristol Post, looks closely at the role of MSBs in Bristol and the surrounding region; examining how they could be better leveraged and supported. With input from a steering group including Bristol mayor George Ferguson, Colin Skellett (chairman of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership), James Durie (executive dir-
“ As policy makers strive to re-balance the economy and we begin the run-in to a General Election, now is a good time to reflect on and recognise the significant contribution of mid-market firms.
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Paul Falvey ector of Bristol Chamber at Business West), and a wide cross section of leaders of local businesses, the survey first addressed how the role of medium-sized companies is likely to change over the coming years. The overwhelming majority (87 per cent) of respondents believe MSBs will play an important or much more important role in the local economy over the next five years. When asked what specific qualities these companies bring to the table, the stand-out factors highlighted were their ability to quickly grasp opportunities, passion and commitment to succeed and quality of customer care. Paul Falvey, tax partner at BDO in Bristol, said: “As policy makers strive to re-balance the economy and we begin the run-in to a General Election, now is a good time to reflect on and recognise the significant contribution of mid-market firms. “In the South West alone, despite making up less than one per cent of all firms, MSBs provide £65 billion in revenue and create 21 per cent (451,000) of
● Nic Riley, managing director, Limbs & Things, St Philip’s based manufacturer of medical training products: “We are fortunate in that we have been able to fund all of our growth internally over the last decade and so are not exposed to some of the issues other businesses face in securing external sources of finance to expand. “However, the burden of red tape and bureaucracy is a big challenge for a medium-sized business such as ours because a lot of organisation is needed to stay on top of legislation and if there is no internal resource for this then it has to be outsourced at a cost. “What’s more, the resources committed to this are non-productive – it is not activity that is going to help us win orders or satisfy customers. “It is great to be based in and part of a successful and growing city, but more does need to be done by local authorities to support medium sized businesses and encourage them to set up here rather than abroad.”
● Paul Falvey
private sector jobs. But what’s more, these businesses have the potential to deliver even more if they are given the right support.” So what support do MSBs in Bristol and the greater region need in order to maximise their potential? The Business Pulse survey asked respondents to pinpoint the barriers to growth as well as who is best placed to help them overcome these. Almost half (48 per cent) identified the burden of red tape and bureaucracy as being the biggest inhibitor to achieving growth, closely followed by access to investment, which more than four in ten (44 per cent) businesses claimed was a major hurdle.
The majority (58 per cent) of respondents identified banks as the most important source of funding for MSBs, with the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) also seen as an important conduit for financial support (53 per cent). Paul added: “Bristol and the greater city region is home to a number of innovative and ambitious mid-market firms who are the engine for much of the city’s growth. However, these companies are often too large to benefit from policies tailored towards smaller businesses, yet too small to garner the attention commanded by the largest corporates. “In our Mid-Market Manifesto we
have outlined a number of practical policy recommendations that could make a real difference to MSBs in Bristol and the wider economy if they were adopted by Government. One of these is to make it easier to access capital from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) in order to aid expansion. “It is pleasing to see that this chimes with feedback from the survey, with the local LEP, which works closely with the RGF, highlighted as one of the most important sources to assist MSBs with future growth.” Another area identified in BDO’s Mid-Market Manifesto is temporarily reducing employers’ National Insurance (NI) for manufacturing compan-
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
R CITY’S GROWTH’
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Airbus flying high as A380 super jumbo finally takes off
Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
● James Durie, Executive Director of Bristol Chamber at Business West: “As the Business Pulse survey highlights, mid-market firms are too often the ‘unsung heroes’ of the economy. With just over 2,500 of these businesses in Bristol and the South West, their contribution in driving sustainable growth and jobs should not be underestimated. “There remains much to be done to encourage this growth. As the survey illustrates, many businesses without the resources of larger organisations can miss the help and support available through publicly funded programmes. “We recognise this and our focus is on ensuring that the right joined up support is put in place through our Business West offer, LEP Growth hubs, and our delivery of the UKTI contract in the South West. “In particular, our international trade services are relevant for many MSBs and our role at Business West is to encourage and stimulate their appetite for international expansion by making them aware of the support that is available via our #GetExporting campaign.”
ies when they take on new staff. Paul, who is also head of manufacturing for BDO in the South West, believes this would be another important step in the right direction. He said: “Manufacturing is a vital sector for the region and the UK as a whole, and it is the medium-sized businesses that provide the biggest untapped potential in both domestic and international markets. “In the South West, mid-sized manufacturers already employ more than 110,000 people and generate £18bn in revenue, but another 5,500-plus new jobs in the sector would be created in the region over the next Parliament if NI was temporarily reduced.”
THE A380 double-decker super jumbo will finally break even in 2015. That’s according to results published by Airbus Group, the parent company of plane-maker Airbus which employs 4,000 people in Filton on the edge of Bristol. The company, which also includes helicopter, defence and space divisions as well as making passenger planes, also revealed it will increase production of its smaller single aisle A320 aircraft to 50 every month in 2017. At the same time it will cut the number of A330 planes it makes to just six per month. It also said it was “closely monitoring” the A400M military transport plane programme after delays and setbacks in production. The plane is important locally because the wings are made at Filton, before being shipped to Spain for final assembly. The RAF’s recently took delivery of its first A400M, which it named City of Bristol. The firm delivered 30 of the A380 super jumbos last year and the plane has a list price of $428 million (£278 million), which gives some idea of the level of investment involved. Overall, Airbus Group enjoyed a record year in 2014. Group revenues increased five per cent to a record $60.7 billion (£44.2 billion), up from
$57.6 billion (£42 billion) in 2013. Earnings before tax increased 54 per cent to $4 billion (£2.9 billion) up from $2.6 billion (£1.9 billion). Commercial Aircraft revenues rose seven per cent, driven by the overall increase in deliveries to a record 629 aircraft (FY 2013: 626 deliveries) and a more favourable delivery mix including 30 A380s compared to 25 in 2013. In the fourth quarter, the first A350 XWB was delivered to Qatar Airways And it has a backlog order book of 6,386 aircraft, providing solid platform for growth. “We achieved a significant improvement in profitability and cash generation in 2014 thanks to a record order book and strong operational performance in most areas,” said Tom Enders, Airbus Group chief executive. “We delivered more commercial aircraft than ever before, including the first A350, and our net orders were, once again, more than twice the number of deliveries. Due to strong demand for single aisle aircraft we have decided to increase production of our A320 family to 50 aircraft per month from 2017 onwards. “At the same time, we have decided to temporarily reduce A330 production to six aircraft per month in 2016. Most importantly, we confirm the A380 break-even for 2015. “We are focused on tackling our various operational challenges, including the A350 and A400M ramp-up and costs, first A320neo deliveries, boosting helicopter sales, and continuing the reshaping of our defence and space portfolio.”
COLIN SKELLETT ● Colin Skellett, Chairman, West of England LEP: “This is a fascinating insight into the issues affecting what is becoming an increasingly important part of the economy here in the South West. “I am pleased that the findings of the Business Pulse survey show that the Local Enterprise Partnership is recognised as an important facilitator for funding. “It is also good to see that the work we have been involved with to encourage growth and create new jobs through the Regional Growth Fund appears to have had a positive impact on business and the local economy.”
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Aerospace
Gavin Thompson
JAMES DURIE
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Wednesday, March 4, 2015
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Property Matters
SPACED OUT: DISTRIBUTION FIRMS The logistics and distribution sector employs 38,000 people across the Bristol area. But, as Gavin Thompson reports, it is fast running out of space
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HE rise of shopping online and click-and-collect from store has been good for the logistics and distribution industry. People want wider choice but shops don’t want to have their stock taking up expensive retail space, so goods are stored in huge warehouses and delivered when needed. That lifestyle change for time-poor consumers is one of the factors driving growth in the distribution and logistics sector. And it’s a growth Bristol has been well-placed to capitalise on. Sitting at the cross roads of the M4 and M5, the area offers good access to the North, South Wales, South West and the corridor towards London. The Bristol Port and Bristol Airport offer routes to global markets too.
“ The strong competition between occupiers and the lack of good quality opportunities means Bristol currently has the highest industrial rents outside of London. Phil Cranstone
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The sector now employs 38,000 people in the West of England – Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North-East Somerset. But despite the 550 hectares of land in the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area – the largest brownfield site in Europe – it seems the industry is running out of options when it comes to property. Industrial take-up in the South West totalled 1.1 million square feet in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to Phil Cranstone, right, associate director for industrial agency at property consultants DTZ in Bristol. But he says the lack of supply held back take up around the city. “There was quite a lot of activity in peripheral locations over the second half of the year,” he said. “The
● From left, Matt Boyd, sales director at IES, Piotr Strug, packer at IES and Ministry of Defence representative Bob Deary. Bristol packaging, logistics and engineering company IES has secured an MoD accreditation that will allow it to work for the defence industry
well-documented lack of stock and land space in the Bristol area is evident here, with no deals above 50,000 sq ft recorded in Bristol or Avonmouth, two grade B transactions in the surrounding areas of Yate (63,000 sq ft to Amazon), and in Portishead (51,000 sq ft to Masters Golf).” Phil says there are only two grade A buildings currently available in the region, both in Avonmouth – the remaining 334,000 sq ft of Crossflow 550 and the 270,000 sq ft 250 G. Park which is now being openly marketed. “The strong competition between occupiers and the lack of good quality opportunities means Bristol currently has the highest industrial rents outside of London,” he said. “This is expected to grow by a further 1.3 per cent on average per year by 2019, having already seen modest growth to the current £7.50 per sq ft.” David Mears, commercial property partner at Bristol-based law firm
Thrings, says demand from retailers is having an impact on the sector. He says there hasn’t yet been a huge amount of pressure on rents but that the incentives have disappeared. “The two years’ free rent period which was being offered to tempt tenants has largely gone and is back to normal six months’ free on a five-year lease,” he said. “There is generally felt to be a dearth of good space, particularly there is a dearth in the 30-100,000 square foot category. “Last year take up was 2.5 million square feet. We’ve got under 2 million square feet of space at the moment. At the same rate we will soon run out of space, unless somebody starts building.” Which is, of course, the obvious answer. Build more. But there’s not much happening yet. “Developers generally don’t have much enthusiasm for speculative building,” said David, right. “One of the issues will be where?
There are not huge amounts of land. Almost nothing in South Bristol, there’s some allocation at Filton but only around 60,000 square feet. “That might appeal to the builders merchants who like to be among the chimney stacks. But if you are a haulier and want to be away from homes there’s really just Avonmouth.” One developer, however, is at least dipping its toe in the market. St Modwen’s has secured planning consent to build 107,000 sq ft of warehouse and industrial units at its 212 acre development, Access 18, off junction 18 of the M5 in Avonmouth. Pete Davies, senior development manager at the company, said: “Access 18 is one of our key commercial development sites under way in the South West. Developed in phases and easily accessible from the M5, it’s an ideal location for businesses looking to expand their distribution and industrial operations in the region.
“Following this new planning consent, work will start shortly on the first of three new commercial units. “This first building will provide 37,000 sq ft of prime warehouse and industrial accommodation through 2015, which is available for purchase or rent.” This £150 million scheme is home to businesses including national paper distributor Antalis; catering suppliers Nisbet; greetings card manufacturer Budget Greetings Cards; Richard Austin Alloys and Flexipads World Class Ltd. Design and build opportunities are available from 10,000 sq ft to 300,000 sq ft on a leasehold or purchase basis. In addition to this speculative build, St Modwen’s has signed a pre-let deal with parcel distribution firm myHermes to expand operations into a new 43,100 sq ft warehousing on the Access 18 site. A planning application has been submitted and work could start quickly. If St Modwen’s speculative schemes
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Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Expert eye
In association with
Paul Williams
RUNNING OUT OPTIONS Ministry of Defence approval enables IES to distribute military equipment Case study ● PACKAGING, logistics and engineering company IES has secured a key accreditation that will allow it to distribute military equipment. It should open up new markets for the firm and help it to grow quickly. IES has been accredited for the prestigious Military Packager Approval Scheme (MPAS) by the Ministry of Defence. It is the first company in the country to secure the approval after starting from scratch, rather than being transferred over from the MoD’s previous packaging approval scheme. The accreditation has been awarded to only 26 other companies across the UK who meet the MoD’s stringent standards that certify them to package goods for the defence industry. Packer Piotr Strug undertook various stages of training and assessment, including intensive online training and a five-day expert course culminating in a series of practical exams.
attract tenants it should encourage others to take the plunge. The proposed new M49 Junction, which was awarded funding in the last Budget, could help encourage development as it will improve motorway access around Avonmouth. There will be some second-hand stock back on the market, such as the 67,000 square foot City Link site at Cribbs Causeway following the firm going bust. But it’s the bigger speculative schemes that will be needed if the sector is to grow to its potential. Phil, from DTZ, added: “Developers are beginning to consider speculative development in the South West. Any larger scale speculative development will be more likely to happen towards the end of 2015 and into 2016, either on distribution land in Avonmouth or at the Rolls-Royce East Works site in Filton.” Timing is everything for developers. Too late and they miss the opportunity, too soon and they are left with very expensive empty buildings. It’s understandable that they are cautious. But the signs are that the time is now.
Meanwhile, the firm implemented new ISO 9000 management processes, which were audited by an MoD approved external certification body. It has been involved with the export packing business since 1991 and has supplied this service to companies such as Rolls-Royce, GE and Intel. Over the past three years turnover has increased by 30 per cent. More significantly, the business has grown from a £4.5 million turnover in 2005 to a £7.5 million turnover in 2014, an
“ It will open up a whole new area of business for us and we are confident that we will win some big contracts, which will have a positive impact, both on the local economy and us. Matt Boyd
increase of an impressive 66 per cent. At the same time IES has expanded from employing 31 people to 45 people. Having recently taken on new packaging staff, the new accreditation will enable it to grow further and take on more staff. The firm is fortunate that it has been able to buy the Avonmouth base it used to lease and has room to keep growing. Sales director Matt Boyd said: “It is extremely important for our business that we have secured the MPAS registration and certification from the MoD. It will open up a whole new area of business for us and we are confident that we will win some big contracts, which will have a positive impact, both on the local economy and us. “We are forecasting high growth over the next three years and predict more recruitment will be needed to help us carry out the extra work required. “There are numerous companies in the South West who supply parts to the MoD and they all need a packaging supplier who has this essential MPAS registration.”
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High street recovery will place pressure on charity shops
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HARITIES have been told there’s no such thing as a free shop anymore… After years of being able to take their pick of vacant retail premises in all but the most prestigious of shopping locations, charities across the UK are being obliged to revise their expectations as increased demand and changing usage begins to affect supply. During the recession landlords and stakeholders were desperate to get charities into vacant units rather than contemplate rows of empty and boarded up shops. The Government backed a nationwide campaign fronted by Mary Portas in a bid to try to put our struggling high streets back on their feet. As retailers moved out, charity chains and pop-up stores moved in. In many cases they were the only sectors left standing, helping to keep West Country high streets ticking over during the downturn. The growth of charity shops hit a peak in 2013 with some 10,000 reported across the UK. In some High Street locations it seemed that the not-for-profit retail outlets were in danger of outnumbering conventional retailers, potentially undermining rental values. But now the retail property market is recovering, charities are finding their choices are becoming increasingly constricted. As supply diminishes and rents begin to rise once more, landlords are starting to think twice before allowing vacant properties to go for low or ‘peppercor n’ rents. In some fringe locations, landlords may have found entirely new uses for their vacant retail property, turning abandoned shop premises over to residential or alternative commercial uses. Today’s rapidly changing retail property market is placing a question mark over what had been a virtual year-on-year expansion programme for the charity sector. Inevitably there is a limit to the number of charity shops which can be viable in any given location. As commercial property specialists we are active in the not-for-profit sector – and carry out important work acquiring premises or negotiating leases on behalf of a number of leading UK charities. In response to the ever-changing market trends we have set up a special hotline for those charities who find themselves struggling to maintain their existing property portfolio – let alone identifying new shop outlets. Many charities are still looking for additional store outlets but they won’t be as spoilt for choice as they were four or five years ago. During the downturn charities were often able to take their pick of business locations on very low rents or in some cases rent free. With an 80 per cent reduction in business rates also available in most cases, charity occupiers were able to trade successfully in some very marginal locations, as well as picking up units in better locations at below market value. But the rapidly recovering economy has reignited interest in all commercial property and this increasing demand could impact on charity operations, particularly where the charity has little or no security of tenure as a condition of being allowed to occupy on concessionary terms. We have heard of some extreme cases where charities have taken on a shop on a short lease, fitted it up and found staff only to learn the landlord had taken it back again. It seems clear that the changing retail market could put pressure on the charity sector as a whole, as they seek to maintain income from their retail operations. Charities running into difficulties finding new or negotiating new leases can ring the Bruton Knowles Charity Shop hotline on 0117 287 2101.
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Business diary
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
In pictures Bristol Distinguished Address Series
Business Models and Structural Choices: Seminar series focuses on how business models can maximise productivity and growth. ESRC Research Seminar Series, today, UWE Bristol, Frenchay Campus. Email: fblevents@uwe.ac.uk. Confidence in Business - Keys to Success: Unlock the What, How and Why of your business. Four linked morning events starting today aimed at Bristol business women covering branding, marketing, presentation skills and finance. This is a series of free events presented by women for women. www.blueorchid.co.uk/events. Bristol Distinguished Address: James Timpson, chief executive of Timpson, gives the address at UWE Frenchay Campus from 6pm today. Networking with Freelance Mum: The networking event you can take your kids to. Extended special for International Women’s Day with guest speakers Rev Helen Johnson, business coach Gail Gibson and recruitment specialist Helen Sanders, March 10, 10am-2pm. Lunch provided by Relish. www.freelancemum.co.uk. Smart Cities - tech solutions to urban transport challenges: Panel event hosted by Bond Dickinson at its Temple Quay offices about how connected technology and data could help traffic problems. From 11.30am, March 16. Email bonddickinson events@dickinson-dees.com. Bristol Business Exhibition: Sponsored by Bristol City Council and Destination Bristol, this event attracts more than 500 delegates, typically business owners and decision makers from the SME sector. March 17 at M shed. See www.bristol businessexhibition.co.uk.
Law of the jungle Speaker tells of upheavals in global legal market
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HANGE was the topic for Matthew Layton, managing partner of Clifford Chance LLP, when he addressed the business community as part of the Bristol Distinguished Address Series. Matthew’s lecture was entitled: “A journey of change – past, present and future – the development of the global legal market”. The event was hosted by the Bristol Post and sister paper the Western Daily Press. The British legal industry is facing a decade of new challenges and opportunities with increasing competition and unprecedented disruption – from within and outside the market. Technology will be a major driver for change but transformation, innovation and cultural change within any professional services firm
presents particular challenges. Matthew reflected on the key elements of the successful development of the global legal market in the context of Clifford Chance and looked forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Bristol Distinguished Address Series is one of the highlights of the University calendar and is a unique opportunity to hear about the challenges, issues and decisions being made at the highest level of strategic leadership, directly from the leaders of organisations driving UK business perfor mance. The series is delivered by the Bristol Business School in partnership with ACCA, Bristol City Council, Bristol Junior Chamber, Bristol Post, Business West, CBI, CMI, FSB, ICAEW, IoD, and the West of England LEP.
Walk & Swim Netwalk for Women in Business: Meet at the Lido for coffee, walk to the Gorge, along the Promenade to Clifton Downs and return to Lido around 10.30am for coffee. Then a swim and sauna pass and stay for a couple of hours. March 19. Book via Eventbrite. Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Women In Business Awards 2015: The winners will be revealed at a gala awards dinner at the Bristol City Centre Marriott on March 19. To book tickets for the night, visit www.bristolpost.co.uk/ wiba. If you’re talking about the awards on social medial, use #wiba.
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The Lord Mayor’s Charity Dinner: Enjoy a drinks reception followed by a three-course dinner, live entertainment and auction, in aid of The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal on April 30 at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel. Book tickets through Eventbrite and help raise money for the city’s most disadvantaged children. Email info@galadinner2015.com for sponsorship opportunities. 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.
● From left, Ian Mean, Western Daily Press editor, speaker Matthew Layton, managing partner of Clifford Chance LLP, Laura Vega, Business and Management student at UWE Bristol; Professor Nicholas O’Regan, Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) Bristol Business School, UWE
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Wednesday, March 4, 2015
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In pictures Bristol Junior Chamber hustings
● From left, Stephen Rosser, chief executive of Clarke Willmott LLP, Charlotte Leslie, Bristol Junior Chamber President Karl Brown, Clare Campion-Smith, Darren Jones, James Durie, executive director of Business West
Candidates state case to business leaders of future
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HE Bristol Junior Chamber (BJC) held hustings for the Bristol North West parliamentary seat. The hustings were held at the Bristol offices of national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP. Three of the candidates for the Bristol North West seat, sitting MP Charlotte Leslie (Conservative), Darren Jones (Labour) and Clare Campion-Smith (Liberal Democrats) took part in the Hustings. James Durie, executive director of Business West chaired the Hustings. The three candidates debated the following
topics in front of BJC members, (1) the Economy and Business, (2) Education and Skills and (3) Local Devolution and Transport. BJC president Karl Brown said the Hustings were a fantastic opportunity for chamber members to hear the policies and views of each candidate on important business issues. Karl also added that the BJC membership consists of many future business leaders in Bristol who are keen to ensure that whichever government is elected provides the right conditions for businesses to thrive and succeed.
In pictures Seeing is Believing
Lessons on job skills for youngsters
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BUSINESSES were invited to find out how they can engage more with schools. Seeing is Believing gave people the chance to see the impact of work done by Business in the Community, meeting some of the schoolchildren and mentors. The event, at KPMG’s Temple Street offices in Bristol, gave attendees information about Business Class, a programme with the goal of widening young people’s understanding of what they need to be employable and the skills they need in the jobs market.
Part of the Local World group
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The back page
Your digest of the week in business
People ● Law firm Clarke Willmott has re-elected Stephen Rosser as chief executive for a further term, extending his tenure until April 2019. As part of his re-election, the firm adopted a new three-year strategy based on continuing growth. Clarke Willmott recently filed its latest accounts which saw turnover grow from £33.1 million in 2012/13 to £36.2 million in 2013/14 and profit rise by 33 per cent. The 2014/15 results are expected to continue this trend with budgeted turnover in excess of £38 million. It has hired 55 new employees in the past 12 months across its six offices including Bristol and plans to open a seventh in Cardiff soon. Stephen, pictured, said: “No one in professional services has had an easy time over the past couple of years so we are delighted that we have come through a difficult economic period and started to see real growth. “I am very pleased to have been asked to continue to lead the firm for the next four years with a strategy that will focus on growing market share in our key target sectors, achieving faster and enhanced service delivery in all practice areas through continued innovation, and maximising our geographical spread.” ● Change Real Estate is expanding its team with the appointment of James Fothergill as development manager. James, inset right, will bring forward the firm’s mixed use developments in Bristol city centre at Sampson Court and Redcliffe Square – the company’s first in Bristol – as well as a further development close by at Redcliffe Parade West. James is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and brings over 30 years’ experience of the property and development industry, most recently with Terramond and AWG Developments. He said: “The opportunity to work with Change Real Estate to deliver
● From left, Michael Rees, Alex Joyce, Jack Sutherland, Terri McDonald (MS Therapy Centre), Mark Mullan, Rhys Mansell, Jo Holburn (Bristol Young Carers), Michael Simpson, Tory Brown, Mark Poarch (BRACE Alzheimer's Research), Richard Thorning, Michael Donnelly and Jess Lomath
● Nick Pearce, Mike Willmoth, Matthew Farrington and Scott Graham Cheltenham. Craig O’Brien, director and Savills head of Bristol planning, said: “It is an incredibly busy time for us with planning issues remaining high on the political agenda. We welcome Chloe to the team. She brings a wealth of relevant experience and knowledge which will benefit both us and our clients.” ● Head of the Bristol office of BNP Paribas Real Estate Jeremy Hughes with new recruits Laura Green and Keith Low successful and desirable developments is one I am relishing.” ● Savills Bristol has appointed Chloe Clark as senior planner. Chloe, inset above right, qualified as a chartered town planner in 2012 and prior to joining Savills she worked for Hunter Page Planning in
● BNP Paribas Real Estate has made two appointments to the firm’s Bristol office. Keith Low has joined the building consultancy team as an associate director. Keith previously worked with Kenningtons in Swindon, and prior to that he was with Watts Group in Bristol. Laura Green has joined to work for the agency and residential consultancy teams. Laura previously
worked for Rivendale Estates, the property investment and development company based in Clifton. Jeremy Hughes, head of the Bristol office for BNP Paribas Real Estate, said: “These exciting appointments will further strengthen our growing team. Keith has strong experience in working with dilapidations and technical due diligence fields advising landlords, tenants, vendors and purchasers and will work with clients to help them make informed decisions on their property portfolios. “Laura has strong experience in the property sector and is well placed to deal with property enquiries, data bases and research analysis and will be a major asset to the team.” ● Recruitment group Alexander Daniels has appointed two new team members to its fast-growing healthcare division. The firm recruited experienced NHS and healthcare recruiter Mike Willmoth to lead the team last year. Now Mike has been joined by senior NHS consultant Matt Farrington and resource consultant Scott Graham. Both new recruits have a clinical background in the NHS, Matt as an emergency medical technician with the South Central Ambulance Service Trust and Scott as a care co-ordination centre call handler in Shropshire. “Alexander Daniels continues to
Advice
Know your market to mushroom your business
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EOPLE often ask me whether entrepreneurs are born, or made, and my answer is always the same. It’s a bit of both! I didn’t receive a conventional education because of my fragmented and difficult family background, but I did receive an education by using Bristol Central Library as my personal classroom. My interests have always been eclectic so I would spend hours there reading whatever took my fancy. It was anything initially, from a history of dogs, to Winston Churchill and other great leaders. Gradually my interest turned to reading about markets and business.
Stephen Fear Fear Group
I was frequently moving around as a child but would always find a library where I could go and read up on my latest venture! I read in The Exchange & Mart about a fast growing mushroom compound, so started a business in the attic above my Dad’s flat in Henbury. It worked really well until the smell caused a neighbour to call the council. They discovered that as there were no divisions between the attics of neighbouring flats, I had occupied the whole rooftop of the
entire block with my mushroom growing business! By the way these weren’t ‘magic mushrooms’ they were the edible type which I had developed a market for in local fruit and vegetable shops in Southmead, Henbury, and Westbury-on-Trym. I was 12 and my Dad wasn’t happy! My point is that to achieve any success it’s essential to understand your market. This means reading, as well as experiencing it. As soon as I thought there might be a business growing mushrooms, I realised that I needed a place to do it. My Dad’s attic seemed ideal, warm, dry, and secure; all things I needed to accelerate the growth of both my mushrooms and my bank balance!
I read everything I could about mushrooms (my product) and also read up on selling and finding markets. I decided my market had to be local as peddling a bike too far wasn’t on my agenda! As the years went by I realised the importance of reading and understanding all aspects of business but for me the option of a conventional education, which might include university wasn’t available. Today we live in a fast moving world where understanding your market and dealing with aspects of its development is essential, so if you are young and want to become an entrepreneur and have the opportunity to go to college or university I would
expand and we are constantly looking for opportunities to move into dynamic growth markets such as healthcare,” says director Nick Pearce. “Now three-strong, our healthcare division is staffed exclusively by people with a track record in the sector who possess an intimate knowledge of both the current trends within it and the challenges it faces.” ● Law firm Bond Dickinson has appointed Greg Moss as a senior wealth adviser. A chartered financial planner and fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Greg will provide financial planning and investment advice to private wealth clients. His expertise in financial planning with particular focus on the areas of retirement planning, family succession planning and investment management will be leveraged to further develop the team’s work in investment, pension and protection planning. Partner David Dale said: “We are delighted to have recruited a senior wealth adviser of Greg’s calibre into our wealth management team. His experience in financial planning across various areas will prove an invaluable asset to our current and future clients.”
Community ● Three local charities have benefited to the tune of nearly £9,000 thanks to the fundraising activities of the Rolls-Royce Apprentice Association (AA) in Bristol. Representatives from MS Therapy Centre, Bristol Young Carers, and BRACE Alzheimer’s Research each received a cheque for £2,939.58 at a ceremony held at the group’s Bristol site. Additional funds of £1,225 were raised for Marie Curie and the Bristol Rotary Club, bringing the funds raised by the AA in 2014 to a grand total of £10,044. AA chair Sam Marsh, said: “It’s been a great year for the AA and our fantastic charity total wouldn’t have been achievable without the generosity of everyone who donated or took part in one of the many charity events the Bristol AA led over the past year.”
take it. Not because people say “if you fail you will have a qualification to fall back on” but because the better educated you are within your particular field of specialism the less likely you are to fail in the first place. Business education is about learning what you need to know to earn a living. We are fortunate in Bristol, we have two great universities on our doorstep. The University of the West of England (UWE) is an amazing place, with a brilliant ethos, offering a huge resume of specialist business education and is well worth a visit. Do you need a degree to succeed in business? No you don’t, but you do need an education of some sort - so why not combine the two? The more knowledge you have the more likely you are to succeed. ● Businessman Stephen Fear grew up on a Bristol council estate and ran his first company from a phone box.