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INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
PROPERTY MATTERS
CUTTING EDGE
We share some insights into the modern media business – p10&11
How office conversions are impacting Bristol – pages 8&9
Enter the West’s newest innovation awards – pages 2&3
Business www.
bristolpost.co.uk
04 NOV 2015
BIG INTERVIEW
THE GIRL DONE GOOD How Vashti Seth fulfilled her father’s dying wish, and then some – pages 6&7
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Edge Awards
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peter.mcmillan@localworld.co.uk
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HE West is a creative hotbed of businesses and individuals driving the region along the technological highway to the future and now is the time for them to be recognised. Local World, the publisher of the Bristol Post, is today launching the Edge Awards to celebrate Excellence in Design, Gadgetry and Entrepreneurialism. The awards, run in association with the University of the West of England (UWE), will showcase the finest in their fields across Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire in creative disciplines. These range from branding to innovation and from products to interactivity, with a commitment to recognising and rewarding the best in design, gadgetry and technology. From garden shed start-ups to globally established businesses, Edge will provide a unique opportunity to make a mark in their business sector. There are a host of categories, including App of the Year, Creative Agency of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Best Product of the Year. There will also be special recognition in the form of Creative and Technology Ambassador for the businessman or woman considered to have made a considerable, profitable
and lasting contribution to the technological, innovation or creative industries in the region over a period of at least 20 years. Finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their products and receive the recognition they deserve. Stats underline the region’s status in innovation, with Bath and Bristol both in the Top 10 creative hotspots in the country and more than 60,000
people employed in technology and digital industries in the cities. There is no sign of that slowing down, with 65 per cent growth in new digital companies in the past five years. The two cities also boast a wealth of leading creative, marketing and design agencies. Meanwhile Gloucestershire has an abundance of small to medium-sized
enterprises in the increasingly important field of cyber security, as well as the creative industries, including digital, all of which have high growth potential. As well as UWE, the awards are being made possible by sponsorship from leading precision engineering firm Renishaw and intellectual property law firm EIP. The awards will be presented on
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the Paintworks in Bristol, beginning with an exhibition and drinks reception, followed by the awards and entertainment.
● Professor Nicholas O’Regan
Bristol has many leading-edge firms that contribute in many different ways to a successful economy and to making the lives of others more effective. UWE Bristol is happy to sponsor these awards as they are the first of their kind in the region, that recognise and reward the excellent work being carried out. The awards are one of a series of initiatives and events that UWE Bristol is involved in – others are the Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards and the Bristol Post Business Awards – events that are quickly becoming established as the highlights of the business year. What do these awards mean for UWE? UWE is passionate about business and we aim to help business achieve in every way that we can. We offer exciting undergraduate and postgraduate courses, professional and executive development, as well as a range of advice services and incubation facilities. Innovative and creative businesses
are the backbone of the Bristol economy and we will do everything that we can to help them compete, grow and prosper. Running your own business is not easy and success results from hard work, tenacity and creativity. The awards are an excellent way of raising the awareness of the cutting edge creativity in the region and are also a means of encouraging others to develop and leverage their entrepreneurial skills and, of course, establishing more successful businesses in the Bristol region. The Bristol region has all that any aspiring entrepreneur could ask for – advice on setting up a business and an array of financial and legal firms, and infrastructure. We believe in encouraging and promoting the entrepreneurial mind-set and celebrating success. How do these awards relate to UWE’s offering? Awards events like the Edge help to develop talent from universities like UWE which see entrepreneurship as a clear career choice.
We’re looking for most inspiring entrepreneurs Associate dean for research and innovation Professor Nicholas O’Regan explains why the University of the West of England is backing the Edge Awards
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HE EDGE Awards provides a stage to celebrate, recognise and reveal our region’s finest in design, gadgetry and entrepreneurialism. From start-ups to established businesses, Edge will provide a unique opportunity to make a mark in their business sector. The awards will showcase busi-
nesses and individuals across all creative disciplines, from branding to innovation, products to interactivity with a commitment to recognising and rewarding the very best in design, gadgetry and technology. The Edge Awards brings together the best of the West, where finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their products and receive the recognition they deserve. Entrepreneurs are the drivers of employment and successful economies – but not all are successful, for various reasons. These awards focus on the really exceptional cutting edge firms – those that inspire others and enable businesses to compete in different and more innovative ways.
● To find out more and to enter the EDGE Awards, go to theedgeawards.co.uk. The closing date for entries is Friday, January 8, 2016.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
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TECH FIRMS ON THE CUTTING EDGE AWARDS CATEGORIES App of the Year ● An app with outstanding design, user experience and performance that has been indispensable over the past 12 months. Entrants should consider what is the purpose of the app and who is the target audience? What is new, different or unique in terms of the technology or business model? And how did you get the app to market and explain the campaign to get it noticed. Best Marketing Campaign of the Year ● A marketing campaign which has successfully reached its target audience over the past year. Entrants should tell us what was the purpose of the campaign and who were the target audience? What media did you choose and why? How was the campaign structured? Creative Agency of the Year ● For an agency which has excelled at using world-class creativity, insight and innovative approaches to support their clients. A broad field, which could include agencies specialising in digital services, marketing, public relations, design, advertising, technology and strategy or all of them. Tell us how have you been providing your clients with creative solutions and getting results.
preparation for the future and achievement. What are some of the ways that UWE is helping business? As well as our highly acclaimed Team Entrepreneurship course we have recently received funding for a University Enterprise Zone. We have recently been awarded the coveted Small Business Charter that provides a range of help, assistance and guidance to growing businesses. On the research side, we are heavily involved in Big Data research, the Internet of Things, new business models and leadership for the future. Why are cutting Edge firms important? We know from our research that innovative and creative firms are the key to a successful economy – a reason that Bristol is the most innovative city outside of London. The finalists are likely to have high degrees of agility, innovation, technological strengths and the capacity to adapt to rapidly changing market environments.
Young Innovator of the Year Sponsored by Renishaw ● Open to both young innovators, the visionaries of the future, who are enjoying success in building their own business or working for another while in education or in an apprenticeship. Tell us what contribution you have made to your company or the company you work for or in establishing your own business. How does a creative, technical or entrepreneurial project you have been involved in fill a gap in the market? Entrants should be aged 35 or under as of July 1, 2015. Innovator of the Year ● This award will go to the innovator who has made a considerable, profitable and lasting contribution to his or her field. It could be a designer, inventor, engineer or entrepreneur but must
be someone who has disrupted a market or found success from going their own way and adopting a creative approach. How does an innovative product or service you have been involved in fill a gap in the market or how has it disrupted the market?
This includes the process in which the technology was selected or developed, the team structure implementing, utilising or supporting it, performance before implementation compared to after and how the technology or tool was identified to meet the business objectives.
Creative and Technology Ambassador ● This award will go to the businessman or woman who, in the opinion of the judges, has made a considerable, profitable and lasting contribution to the technological, innovation or creative industries in the West over a period of at least 20 years. The winner of this category is selected by the judges and not open to entries.
Environmental Tech Award ● This award is open to all the technologists and innovators who have developed a new service or process that has made a positive contribution to the environment. What is new and innovative about the product and how has it changed things, solved a problem or met a need for a business or its customers? Applicants should be able to demonstrate commercial success for the product during the past 12 months and show how the product or technology has improved the environment.
Best Product of the Year ● Celebrating exciting new products coming out of the region. Unlike the app, this should be a physical product – a gadget, piece of hardware or innovative device. The judges want to know how the product is new, how it is disrupting the market or finding new ways to solve problems to benefit users. Emerging Technology Sponsored by EIP ● The business that has most successfully designed and implemented a new technology to improve the service they are providing.
Outstanding New Business Idea ● The judges are looking for a brilliant business opportunity. It must address a real customer need, solve a problem or have the potential to disrupt a market with a strong likelihood of becoming profitable. Judges will be looking for a strong entrepreneurial team which they believe is capable of turning the idea into a profitable business. ● Enter online at theedgeawards.co.uk by Friday, January 8, 2016
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We want to inspire talented individuals to pursue innovative ideas and, of course, winning or being a finalist in these awards has its own benefits – giving the firms credibility and setting them on the path to further success. We want to recognise and reward companies that have innovated, bringing new ideas to the market in a range of activities. By supporting early-stage technology development and research, UWE can increase the number and quality of start-ups that reach growth stage. Not only are they important employers – they underpin a high achieving economy. The event will showcase businesses – an important activity for the region. I look forward to seeing a high number of finalists which reflects the degree of cutting edge thinking and the diversity of the region. The Edge awards have a range of categories which are all part of the jigsaw of regional competitiveness that is Bristol and the wider region. They represent pride in our region,
Designer of the Year ● Open to creative designers of all disciplines who are leading the way with creative thinking. Applicants will need to demonstrate ambition, energy, skill and vision, as well as being at the forefront of their company and the creative sector. What contribution have you made to your company or the company you work for? Demonstrate how your designs have made a commercial impact for your employer or your customers.
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Innovation
Water softener idea put to test at bank ● A BRISTOL entrepreneur will be trying out her method for tackling hard water in the offices of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Halcyan Water Conditioners are a passive, eco-friendly solution to hard water which uses alloys to change the shape and structure of the mineral content to create softer water. The company behind them, run by Samantha Mant, pictured, is currently based at the Entrepreneurial Spark powered by NatWest hub based at the RBS building in Trinity Quay. It has been chosen as one of a dozen green ideas to be tested in a real working environment in RBSowned properties in Bristol as part of its Innovation Gateway programme. The challenge has three aims: to help RBS and NatWest save more energy, water and waste; to nurture new, brilliant ideas; and to help innovators and small and medium sized firms get their ideas to market faster. The winning technology will be tested in the Trinity Quay building or NatWest’s Fishponds branch, where the bank is aiming to create its first carbon neutral branch. The bank launched the RBS Bristol Innovation Gateway in June as part of its engagement with Bristol European Green Capital 2015 and specifically Bristol 2015’s Go Green scheme. The other ideas which will be tried out came from entries across the UK and include brick bird houses, a green rewards scheme, a central heating additive that helps radiators warm up faster, and a device that removes air from the water in heating systems resulting in warmer rooms, a reduction in energy usage and an improvement in boiler performance. Matt Hatcher, NatWest’s director of commercial banking for Bristol, said: “If those innovations prove to be successful in our Bristol properties we hope to introduce them across the entire RBS estate to help us achieve our targets around sustainability.”
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Aviation
Tech
Speakers aim to link city into global arena
● Bristol Airport can expect skilled workers from around the world flying in to work on the Hinkley Point nuclear plant
Airport ready for take-off powered by Hinkley effect Upjohls avun
michael.yong@localworld.co.uk
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VIATION bosses in Bristol have backed the creation of a new nuclear plant near the city. Hinkley Point C will make Bristol Airport a hub of activity with more people coming to the region during its construction and running of the facility. French company EDF Energy announced it had signed a Strategic Investment Agreement with the China General Nuclear (CGN) Power Corporation for the power station’s construction and operation. CGN will make its investment in the UK through its new company called General Nuclear International, while scores of engineers from France will be expected to be located in Bristol. BMI Regional already offers two
flights daily between Charles de Gaulle Airport and Bristol. The airline, which has half of its fleet based at Bristol, also has a deal with Lufthansa to fly to other parts of the continent. Shaun Browne, aviation director at Bristol Airport, said: “We are going to see people coming from around the world, all with different skill sets and investment. “It can only be good for Bristol. We think Hinkley Point C will have a significant impact on the airport for the next few years. “We know, if it goes ahead, we are going to have passengers and people coming in on a regular basis. It could transform the airport.” Peter Simpson, group chief executive officer of BMI Regional, said there were already plans to expand their operations in Bristol, including taking on more staff. The company currently has 112 staff based in Bristol, made up of cabin crew, engineers and other per-
sonnel. “Hinkley Point will be key for us. People want to be able to travel, and we have an excellent track record with business travellers,” Mr Simpson said. “With two flights to Paris and back every day, it is more than other airlines can offer. “It will be right at the doorstep of Hinkley Point, and with our connections to other parts of the world, it will mean a lot of people coming through Bristol.” Shaun added the airport was also looking to expand its operations to include longer flights to the United States and Far East. In June, the airport announced the next major phase of its expansion programme – a £24 million west terminal extension which will improve the security search process for passengers. It is the biggest construction project at the airport since the current terminal building opened in 2000.
Care
Firm makes medicine much easier to manage
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A BRISTOL company is working with a chain of pharmacies to launch a new system to manage medicines given to residents in care homes. Invatech Health will provide the technology and operating systems to the Well Pharmacy group, previously known as Co-operative, the UK’s biggest independent chemist chain. The partnership is investing £25 million in the Well Careplus service which uses digital devices to make sure patients get the right medicines by using a barcode system. It will create 450 jobs both in Bristol and across the UK.
Well Careplus and the Well Pad is now being rolled out across the UK. Care homes are already using from the service and it is available at the 780 Well Pharmacy branches throughout the UK. The partnership is new strategy for Invatech Health’s chief executive Tariq Muhammad but not a new market. Tariq founded a company called Pharmacy Plus in 1994 after taking over a chemist and built it into a chain before moving into the supply side, delivering drugs to care homes across the UK.
● A nurse uses the Well Pad device to check a patient’s medicine is correct He developed a barcode system to manage administration of medicines for his customers. But after handing over control of
the company to a private equity firm, Easton-based Pharmacy Plus went into administration with the loss of all 240 jobs.
● SPEAKERS from Google and Linkedin will be sharing some tips in Bristol next week. IT recruitment specialist Randstad Technologies is hosting its Technologies for Success event on Wednesday, November 11. They aim to bring together entrepreneurs, innovators and creative talent with key influencers from the digital sector for an evening of networking, social learning and business opportunities. Ruth Jacobs, managing director of Randstad Technologies, said: “Bristol has grown into one of the most cutting-edge tech clusters in the UK. It’s also at the forefront of the global smart cities movement, as well as being a major player in both the IT and robotics sectors. “But even though Bristol technologies pack a punch, the city is still relatively unknown on the global arena. “Our event – co-hosted with Google and LinkedIn – aims to correct that oversight.” It takes place from 5.30pm at the Engine Shed by Temple Meads station. Sign up via the ranstand website.
Property
Anniversary gifts are a fund-raising treat ● A PROPERTY and construction consultancy has marked 25 years in Bristol with a gift for staff in aid of The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity. Tuffin Ferraby Taylor (TFT) has been based in Queen Square since 1990. It now employs 24 staff, including chartered surveyors, project managers, engineers and property experts. The company held an anniversary party at the Hotel du Vin to mark the milestone. Each member of staff was presented with a paint-your-own Shaun the Sheep figurine, created by The Grand Appeal. Partner Neil Gilbert said: “What better way to celebrate our 25th birthday in Bristol, than to support one of the region’s best-loved charities, The Grand Appeal, in aid of Bristol Children’s Hospital.” Hundreds of thousands of visitors took part in the ‘Shaun in the City’ trail this summer, which saw 70 sculptures around the city.
Tariq believed the technology still had potential and bought back the intellectual property rights to set up a new company, based in the former Pharmacy Plus offices in Stapleton Road, last year. “We are delighted to have been able to secure our partnership with Well who have shown great commitment to the care sector,” said Tariq. “Care homes across the country can now benefit from improved efficiency and increased safety for their residents.” A Care Quality Commission’s damning report last month, which concluded 40 per cent of all care and nursing homes have problems with safety. Medication mistakes including delays in administering drugs and signs of overdose are at the forefront of these problems. Tariq said his system provided a simple solution for preventing these mistakes.
www.southwestbusiness.co.uk
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Bicycle servicing
Cars
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Carbon composite wheel is launched ● A COMPANY which makes carbon composite wheels has launched its first car wheel for 10 years. Dymag made its name supplying Formula 1 and IndyCar racing teams in the Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell era. The firm is working closely with the National Composites Centre on the edge of Bristol towards cutting the cost of producing carbon composite wheels to make them affordable for the luxury car market. Once they crack that, the goal is to build a new factory in the area, relocating from its Chippenham base. The firm recently received £7.1 million funding from the Government, through the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, to support that work. Now the firm is unveiling its new carbon composite wheel at SEMA,
● Frank Colzie is launching a mobile cycle servicing service five years after opening his shop in Bristol
On your bike! Mobile servicing firm keeps cyclists safe on streets Oh}pu \ovtwzvu
Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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O market stands still. Businesses have to keep moving to sustain success and Frank Colzie is taking that advice literally by getting out of his shop and on the road. Five years ago Frank used a small grant of £2,500 from the Prince’s Trust to open a shop in Redcliffe selling new and reconditioned bicycles. The money paid for some stock and he did the fit-out work himself with help from friends. He saw Bristol was enjoying a
cycling boom and realised not everyone would want to shell out for top-of-the-range bikes, so he went after the value market. It proved a successful formula. His Re-Cycle Bristol store started pulling in customers “as soon as the doors opened, selling bikes from day one”. But now Frank, 36, believes it’s time to change direction. “I’m changing the focus of the business to become more of a mobile mechanic,” said Frank. “The industry has changed so much in the last five years. Gone are the days when you would have people walk in and say here’s £500, I want a bike. Sales are down across the board.” Competition from online retailers has hit the high street model, but
Frank believes the thing people still need locally is servicing. And for the commuter market, they need servicing that’s convenient. “I’m offering same-day servicing,” he said. “We’ll come and collect your bike, bring it back to the shop to service and repair it and bring it back. We will leave a courtesy bike in its place just in case so you know you won’t be left without transport.” In order to make the model more efficient, Frank wants to work with businesses to offer the service to their staff. That means he could collect and return several bikes at once, cutting the time spent travelling from place to place. For the moment, Frank will be collected and repairing all the bikes himself and aims to do five a day. But
when the business builds up he may look to pass on his skills and train staff. The potential in the market is clear, Bristol is a Cycling City and the current European Green Capital. The harder part might be persuading people of the value of looking after their bikes. “If you are servicing your bike, it will last longer and your repair bills will be lower,” said Frank. “But the real reason is safety. I’ve seen mothers riding bikes with the children with brakes that don’t work.” After all, most people service their car and they’re a lot more vulnerable on two wheels. To find out more visit www.re-cyclebristol.co.uk.
the world’s top automotive speciality trade event which attracts around 60,000 buyers over four days. The firm’s carbon car wheels are typically 40 per cent lighter than an equivalent aluminium alloy wheel of the same size. Chief executive Chris Shelley said: “The new wheel represents a big step forward in terms of performance, quality and the future ability to produce wheels reliably in higher volumes - using all the knowledge and experience we have built up over 20 years of making robust high quality carbon composite auto and motorcycle wheels tested to accepted international standards. “These are exciting, game-changing times for Dymag as the funding investment enables us to focus on developing high volume carbon composite auto and motorcycle wheels for a wide range of performance and luxury vehicles using advanced production processes and materials.”
Tech
‘Touchless’ control is a step closer Rover want to reduce the time it takes to use these controls by predicting what you are going to touch in mid-air. Ultrahaptics’ solution lets the driver’s hand be located and tracked as it moves, with the system locking on to the hand’s movement and creating a physical sensation to indicate connection and button presses. This means the driver can feel virtual objects such as switches and buttons without having to reach fully to the touchscreen, and will let them know when they have been engaged through the power of touch. Ultrahaptics chief executive Steve Cliffe said: “We are enormously proud to have been chosen to support
this safety critical technology program. “Our innovation will be truly disruptive to the way we interface with the technology within our vehicles.” The firm started as a spin out from the University of Bristol based on the research of founder Tom Carter. This week it secured a major investment led by Oxford-based Woodford Investment Management and existing backer IP Group. Work with the likes of Jaguar Land Rover is the reason investors are keen to get on involved. Engine Shed director Nick Sturge described the firm as “one of the most exciting stars coming out of the Bristol and Bath ecosystem”.
● Steve Cliffe, left, and Tom Carter
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A COMPANY which is developing touchless control technology is working with Jaguar Land Rover. Ultrahaptics revealed the partnership the day after announcing it had secured a £10 million funding round. The firm, which is based at the Engine Shed and is a Bristol SETsquared member, is working with the car manufacturer in the investigation of a mid-air touch system to control in car entertainment. Touchscreens are the control system of choice in most cars these days, but there is an increased temptation for drivers to take their eyes off the road for longer when reaching for the controls. To mitigate this, Jaguar Land
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Green capital
Firms encouraged to stay green for future ● COMPANIES are being urged to take steps towards becoming greener even after Bristol’s year as European Green Capital comes to an end. The Go Green 2016 Awards was launched last night for organisations which have signed up to the Go Green programme that helps companies take steps to becoming more environmentally sustainable. The programme, funded by Bristol 2015 and run as a partnership between Business West and Low Carbon South West, launched to coincide with Bristol’s year as European Green Capital. But director Amy Robinson, pictured, said: “Go Green is an initiative that will continue beyond 2015, so there are still plenty of opportunities for businesses, however big or small, to sign up. Even if your company has just become a member, you can still enter the awards as long as you’re able to demonstrate that you’ve improved your business’ green credentials over the past 12 months.” Go Green suggests steps businesses and organisations can implement under five key themes: Planning & Resilience, Travel & Transport, Energy & Efficiency, Sustainable Sourcing and Happy & Healthy and the awards in February will follow the same theme. Meanwhile, the Bristol Post Bristol 2015 Green Capital Awards take place next week.
Tech
Skilled IT workers in are in huge demand
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● GROWTH in IT jobs in Bristol outpaced London in the last three months as regional tech hubs start to close the gap on the capital’s dominance in the sector. The figures come from the Tech Cities Jobs Watch quarterly report by Experis, which analysed 52,000 IT jobs advertised across the UK from July to September. The number of jobs advertised in London over the quarter dropped eight per cent to 35,610, in line with seasonal summer trends. However, some cities, such as Bristol, saw an increase. Geoff Smith, managing director, Experis Europe, said: “Since the start of the year, the proportion of roles advertised in tech cities outside of London has been on the rise. In this quarter nearly one in every three jobs we’ve analysed is now being offered outside the UK’s tech capital. “This has been the dominant trend through 2015, a country invigorated by positive economic sentiment to hi-tech skills.” Bristol saw a 74 per cent increase in the number of big data roles advertised and a 42 per cent rise in IT security jobs. The city pays the highest day rates for cloud professionals outside of London. The average permanent salaries for IT roles in Bristol was £37,163.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The Big Interview
CHANGING LIVES IS VASHTI’S
Plenty of people will not hesitate when it comes to donating to charity. Many have gone on bike rides, runs or cake sales to fund raise. But for Deki founder, Vashti Seth, changing lives has a deeper, personal meaning. Michael Yong finds out why...
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O something good – that was the mandate given to Vashti Seth, founder of Britain’s first peer-to-peer microlending charity,
Deki. The 38-year-old from St Werburghs in Bristol was handed £2,000 in cash by her late dad John Richards, with a note reading: “Do something good”. She did not disappoint. A few years after her dad died in 2005, she set up Deki, with an aim to change lives and bring people out of poverty. Vashti has a varied upbringing, best described as unconventional. Spending most of her childhood in
Vital statistics Name: Vashti Seth Age: 38 Place of birth: Bristol School: University of the West of England, BA Philosophy and Sociology, honorary MBA First job: Waitress in different restaurants.
Bristol, various communes around the UK and then as far as Morocco and Australia, she learned different life skills. When she was just four, Vashti’s dad and brother moved across the world to Australia, while her mother and her stayed in Bristol. After leaving St Katherine’s School in 1993 with a handful of GCSEs, she travelled across Asia, trying to find her place in the world. Seven years later, then 23, she settled in Australia, looking to reconnect with her dad. It was also there she started a career in television production. Based in Sydney, she started working as a freelance production manager in the film industry, moving from runner and progressing up the career ladder. By 2003, she had a number of high-profile clients, such as Pepsi and Pizza Hut, while doing shows such as Home and Away. Two years later, she moved back to Bristol, hoping to launch a film career here. Then she found out her father had terminal cancer. “I found out my dad wasn’t very well, and I had to hand in my notice and went out there to see him,” she said. “He had lung cancer. We thought he’d have 18 months to live, but it was only 11 weeks. “When he died, that was shocking
for me. I am one of seven siblings, and when dad passed away, my family were all given something quite personal except me. “But I found out at the end of the will he had left about £2,000, with a note saying ‘do something good with it’. I didn’t know what it meant.” She stayed in Australia a little while longer, but soon travelled across India to meet a Tibetan refugee whom her father had sponsored for many years. The 16-year-old girl, Deki Dolkha, had been sponsored by John since she was just four years old. He had been to see her three times before he died, and committed to putting her through school until she was 18. He believed it would give her a better start to life, but Deki was living in such abject poverty it was proving difficult. “I didn’t even know what to do. She had very basic education, so did a lot of the girls there,” she said. Vashti came back to England, and started a degree at the University of the West of England (UWE).
My day 5.30am: Woken up by a hungry Jago, my two-year-old son. 5.45am/6am: Run my eyes over my emails and flag up anything high priority to my team – sometimes I’m lucky enough to fit in some meditation and yoga. 6.15am: My daughter Isla wakes up 7am: I make porridge for the children. 8.30am: The school run! 9am: I make it into work, where our marketing assistant, Antonia, usually starts listing off all the important things I need to do that day. 9.30am: Every Monday we have a team debrief, where we talk In 2008, combining her business acumen, her dad’s inspiration and her interest in microfinance, she set up Deki, named after the little girl. Spending the £2,000 to fly to Nepal, she met with her first field partner. UWE the provided her
about our goals for the week and how we can help each other achieve them. I’ve worked hard to make sure our team meetings as productive and proactive as possible – so we talk in bullet points and only have five minutes speaking time each. Less talk, more action at Deki HQ. 10.30am: I usually pop to Wise Beans in Stokes Croft, exactly opposite our office across the road. Their coffee and breakfasts are amazing. 11am: I was given some great business advice: “Eat that frog” which means get all of your biggest tasks done in the
morning. So aim to get th my to-do lis 1pm: If I’m n lunch at my marketing a you’ll proba and Spence 2pm: I’ll me or fundraisin all aware of the next 90 4pm: I’ll hav of our truste account and toes. It’s Na at the mome week expres our dedicate
£8,000 to set up her website and launched her business. Two years later, Deki was given charity status, and within a year, started taking on members of staff. There is an old saying – give a boy
a fish, and teach him t hungry aga That cert Deki. The i charity giv training
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
S TRUE VOCATION
o I bite the bullet and he biggest thing on st ticked off by 11. not having a working desk with my and fundraising team, ably find me at Marks er. eet with our marketing ng team so that we’re what our plan is for days. ve a meeting with one ees; they hold me to d keep me on my ational Trustee Week ent so I’ve spent the ssing my gratitude to ed team.
Imperial’s profits increase despite challenges abroad FTSE 100 company Imperial Tobacco grew profits in a “successfulâ€? year which saw the Bristol firm grow its US market by acquiring a number of big brands from rivals. The firm, which employs more than 1,000 people from its new headquarters in the south of the city, grew operating profits adjusted to take account of the acquisition by 3.2 per cent from ÂŁ2.98 billion to ÂŁ3.05 billion. But the firm continues to see troubles in Iraq and now Syria affect its sales and profits as both countries are among its designated growth markets. And the US deal pushed up the firm’s debt sharply by 43 per cent from ÂŁ8.11 billion to ÂŁ11.65 billion. Chief executive Alison Cooper, pictured, said: “This was another successful year for Imperial in which we further strengthened the business and improved our quality of growth. “We generated excellent results from our growth brands, outperforming the market with volume and share growth. “Our footprint was significantly enhanced by the US acquisition and the acquired brands performed well in the final quarter, maintaining share. “Elsewhere, we maintained positive momentum in many growth markets and enhanced our delivery in returns markets. “We realised further savings through our cost optimisation programme, providing funds for investment and improving our margins. “Cash conversion was up to 97 per cent, supporting sustainable returns for sharehold-
ers with another 10 per cent dividend increase. “We continue to deliver against our strategic priorities and look forward to building on these good results in the year ahead.â€? The preliminary results statement delivered to the stock exchange said the firm had saved ÂŁ85 million, putting its cost cutting programme on track. Imperial bought a number of American brands from rivals Reynolds and Lorillard, which the US firms sold to ease competition concerns around their merger, including the significant e-cigarette brand Blu. The manufacturer’s strategy is to focus on growth brands and markets, largely away from Western Europe in countries such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Japan and Egypt. But the firm’s growth brand volumes were down 16 per cent, largely due to falls in trouble-hot Iraq and Syria and also Vietnam where a rise in illegal sales have had an impact. Looking ahead, Imperial says it will continue to focus on its growth and specialist brands, expects its new US brands to perform well but forecasts Iraq and Syria will continue to be difficult markets. “Challenges will persist in some markets but we have the assets and capabilities to further drive quality growth in this environment,â€? the firm stated in its results. “We have the brands, the footprint and the people to make 2016 another successful year of value creation.â€?
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developing countries, and they apply that into their business. Partners in the UK and overseas lend as little as ÂŁ10 or more to a chosen entrepreneur. All of the money goes directly to that person, and is paid back within a year. It can then be withdrawn, or re-lent. In its five years, Deki has loaned more than ÂŁ500,000 to about 2,700 people across seven countries, changing 14,000 lives. She said: “People are generally quite charitable. I know many successful business people who want to do something to help, to give something back. “We’ve had a lot of success stories, some of which are just amazing you can’t help but smile when you read them. Going through these stories just makes you think how far we’ve come, and how you can change lives.â€? Being the mother of two small children is a full-time job, as is changing the world. But the 38-year-old takes it in her stride. Last year, she was awarded an honorary MBA by UWE. Earlier this year, she was awarded Third Sector Director of the Year prize,
and was a nominee for Red Magazine’s Woman of the Year back in 2011. Her network of partners are incredible. They run from Ghana to South Africa, in South Sudan and Malawi. But she also has a heart for home, where she works with Bristol schools to talk to them about entrepreneurship and how it can help other children less fortunate. There is no time for resting on her laurels. Vashti wants to see Deki grow even more. By 2020, she hopes to lend more than ÂŁ2 million a year, and aims to see more than 100,000 lives improve. Last Friday, the charity completed a six-week exhibition at the Engine Shed, showcasing the story of entrepreneur Halima Namutosi, a South Sudanese refugee who changed her life with a crowdfunded Deki loan. For someone who has achieved an incredible amount in just a few years, there is no aloofness when she talks about her achievements. She added: “I would hope dad would be proud.â€? We are sure he is.
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www.southwestbusiness.co.uk
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Property Matters |
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CONVERSIONS SPARK CONCERN FOR
The Government has announced measures to make it easier to turn empty office buildings into new homes. Outside of London, Bristol is the city with the highest number of conversions in the last year. Michael Yong reports
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ORE than one million square feet of office space have been converted into residential property since 2013 – when the Government announced measures to make that change easier. Commercial buildings were emptied during the recession, with businesses choosing to go remote or going bust. The temporary permitted development rights (PDR) was introduced in 2013 to allow these vacant offices to be converted into new homes. But with those rights set to expire in May next year, developers had expressed concerns it could lead to
“ Around £250 million of office space have changed hands in the last year. Some of the biggest deals in the country have taken place here.
Andrew Main
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unnecessary red tape when it comes to providing needed new homes. Last month, Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis announced the rights would become permanent. Those who already have permission to convert will have three years in which to complete the change of use – ending potential uncertainty for developers and enabling the development of much needed homes. The scheme has benefited developers in the capital, but outside of London, the highest number of conversions have taken place in Bristol. Andrew Main, head of western region business development at Savills Bristol, said demand for office space in the city was on the rise, but the large number of conversions meant office stock was falling. “Around £250 million of office space has changed hands in the last year,” he said. Some of the biggest deals in
City saw two of the largest deals in UK ● TWO of the three largest commercial property office investment deals in Britain took place in Bristol this year. The off-market purchase of Templeback by Orchard Street Investment Management in June for £58.5 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 5.34 per cent, was the biggest in the country this year. Aviva Investor’s acquisition of 66 Queen Square for £32.7million, at a net initial yield of 4.94 per cent, was the third largest. Templeback has just been given a £400,000 refurbishment of the reception area and ground
the country over the last year have taken place here. “We are also seeing a rise in demand from overseas investors looking for offices in the regions, outside of London. Some of them come from Germany, or further afield, such as Singapore. “Foreign investment in the regions outside of London is something that wouldn’t have happened 18 months ago. It’s fair to say, outside of London, Manchester is top for foreign investment, but Bristol is on par with cities
floor, creating a self-contained entrance and double-height atrium. Both buildings are grade A office space, which is in demand in the city right now. Steve Oades, head of Knight Frank’s capital markets team in Bristol, was involved in the purchase of 66 Queens Square, on behalf of Aviva Investors Property Trust. He said: “Prime multi-let assets are in high demand from both UK and overseas investors, particularly those buildings located in major regional cities where grade A supply is tight.
like Birmingham and Edinburgh.” It is mostly grade B commercial building stock that is being made into new homes. Grade A commercial estates, such as the recently sold Templeback – for £58.5 million – and 66 Queens Square – for £32.7 million – remain as offices. With supply dropping and demand increasing, rent prices are also at a premium. New research from the British Council for Offices showed how changes to the permitted develop-
“There are good transport links and there is little anticipated landlord capital expenditure in the short to medium term. “The lack of buying opportunities combined with the weight of money looking to invest in the regions has resulted in yield compression for ‘best in class’ assets across the UK.” Templeback, which was only completed in 2008, comprises 124,198 sq ft of grade A office
ment rights is estimated to have led to more than 6 million sq ft of office space in England in the last year. It meant about 7,600 new homes have been created, although housing supply is still short for an increasing population. When these permitted development rights were first introduced, the British Council for Offices warned against “a free-for-all”, and expressed fears small businesses might lose out. Local authorities told the BCO grade B commercial stock were mostly se-
space, spread across six floors. Barney Rowe, partner at Orchard Street - which bought the property - called Bristol one of the country’s “strongest regional cities”. “We are pleased to have secured this highly liquid, prime office asset in one of the UK’s strongest regional cities. “It benefits from excellent fundamentals and a prominent position in the heart of Bristol’s
lected for conversion, and these were home to small or medium-sized businesses. And there were worries even if this lost office space was replaced by new commercial development, it was likely to be at the top end of the market, making it unaffordable for many of these smaller businesses. Richard Kauntze, chief executive of BCO, said: “It is time to take stock and consider the impact of the office-to-residential PDR. “While the PDR can certainly con-
www.southwestbusiness.co.uk
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
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Expert eye Xh|s _pssphtz
OFFICE SPACE IN BRISTOL Property of the Week 0117 287 2101
• Newly refurbished
brutonknowles.co.uk
Newly Refurbished Office Suite To Let Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol BS1 2NT • Open plan • 1,540 sq ft (143.1 sq m) • 2 secure on-site car parking spaces • Convenient city centre location • Flexible short lease available
Contact: paul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk BK code: 2433
● Above and left, Templeback was bought for £58.5m in June, the largest deal in the UK in the past year
main office core. “A combination of the strong covenant strength on the existing income and the severe supply and demand imbalance in the Bristol occupational market provide real opportunities for both rental and capital growth.” Orchard Street was advised by Savills about the acquisition of Templeback. Alder King and Cushman & Wakefield are acting as joint letting agents.
tribute towards much-needed housing, a cautious approach is required. When, in 2013, the Government consulted on the possibility of allowing the conversion of offices to housing without the need to secure planning permission, the BCO stressed the vital need to avoid a free-for-all. “This is now more important than ever, as the increase in office-to-residential conversions since the PDR represents a growing challenge in how to satisfy office demand.” One group in Bristol which will be
pleased with the PDR being made permanent is the Abolish Empty Office Building (AEOB) campaign. The group raised nearly £300,000 from a Community Share Offer, which allowed them to buy their first property in St George’s, Bristol – a commercial property in Battens Lane. Triodos Bank has also granted a £425,000 mortgage, and building work has now begun. It will be refitted and extended to create six flats to house 10 people. The
● Bristol Bridge House, above, in Redcliff Street is one of numerous offices being converted into homes in Bristol
first tenants are expected to move into the rented accommodation before the end of next year. Tony Crofts, AEOB founder, said: “We have clearly struck a chord with those who want to make an ethical investment to support those who do not have accommodation. “We are delighted to be working with Triodos UK to move this first project onward to completion.” One of the first prospective tenants, John Cook, said: “It’s nice someone’s not in it for the money.”
Head of Agency Bruton Knowles paul.williams@ brutonknowles.co.uk 0117 287 2101
Student ‘hotspot’ in need of a balanced investment
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HE UK Commercial property sector is on track for its best year ever – generating investment of more than £70 billion in 2015. And while London and the big regional cities continue to attract the lion’s share the cultural hotspots of Bath, Oxford and Cambridge are proving increasingly popular – especially for student accommodation. But there is a limit to how much student accommodation one city can take – and Bath is certainly full to bursting, as evidenced by recent news reports of students having to share rooms meant for one person, and in some cases even share a bed due to lack of sufficient accommodation. Simple supply shortages could impact on inward investment, as much of the city’s development land has already been snapped up. We have maintained a watching brief on the area’s increasing popularity as a student property hotspot. Student accommodation has given the local construction sector a genuine shot in the arm and radically transformed the commercial property landscape, bringing forward the development of a number of sites previously earmarked for offices, but which were in the wrong location and as a result had lain dormant, in some cases for a number of years. With further growth planned at the four main universities in the Bristol/Bath area the student population is only going to increase, and fuel continued demand. Although Bristol continues to offer considerable potential for further development, Bath is much more physically constrained, and lacks capacity to deliver the required number of viable sites. Most of the larger city centre sites have already been developed and attention has turned to secondary space on the city’s outskirts – resulting in some blue collar artisan businesses leaving traditional warehouse and workshop locations along the city’s Lower Bristol Road. We were particularly pleased to note that the newly unveiled Bath Quays blueprint includes some 30,000 sq ft of new office space, aimed at nurturing the media, hi-tech and creative businesses which might one day employ the large number of students qualifying locally! The Quays site, together with Ediston Properties’ newly announced plans for a major office development at Pines Gate, could be critical in terms of the city tourist and commercial landscape and will hopefully go some way towards helping to redress the balance between commercial and leisure-based business, both of which are essential to ensure the future success of the city. For further details contact Paul Williams on 0117 287 2101 or paul.williams@bruton knowles.co.uk.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
In pictures Bristol Connected
Connected Business world gets a glimpse of how media adapt to changing technology
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● Bristol Post managing director Sarah Pullen speaks to the Bristol Connected audience
Pictures: Dan Regan
HE regional media industry is constantly changing, but our values remain the same,” Sarah Pullen, regional managing director for Bristol Post publisher Local World told the local business community. Businesspeople were given an insight into the fast-changing world of regional media at the latest Bristol Connected event. Sarah highlighted past changes to how people consumed local news, from the advent of newspapers, though the rise of television, commercial radio and the smartphone. She said: “I’ve been in the media industry for 22 years and this is the most exciting time to be in it because our audience is the biggest it’s been for decades. “Print is still big but people are engaging with us through so many different channels, Facebook, our website, Twitter. We are engaging with more people than ever before.” Post editor Mike Norton added: “Our digital story is an amazing one. We are the fastest growing news website in the regional press. We’re on track to have about 1.9 million unique users in October and 10 million page impressions.” He gave a live demonstration of some of the software used to track audience online, showing how many people are looking at any one story,
where they are arriving from, how long they spend on the story and where they go next. “We have these programmes up and running on screens and when we have a good day it’s such a good feeling in the newsroom,” he said. Mike said Facebook was a big driver of online traffic but its growth was among the over 50s so the Post was looking for platforms that engaged with younger audiences too. He said: “During the trial over the killing of teenager Becky Watts we have set up Whatsapp groups which about 1,500 people have signed up to and we’re sending them three or four stories a day. We’re also looking at Snapchat.” Mike added the average age of the Post newspaper reader is 39 but 29 on the website. The networking event run by the Bristol Post and our southwestbusiness.co.uk website takes place every other month at different locations in the city. Assistant editor Gavin Thompson said: “This time we thought we’d invite people into our offices and let them take a nose around the newsroom. People seemed interested to see how a 21st century regional media organisation works, particularly how we use social media to reach new audiences and technology to better understand what our readers want.”
● Karl Brown of Clarke Willmott and Joseph Williams of Computershare BRDR20151029C-003_C GALLERIES GALORE
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● Below, Gregory Dodimead
● Professor Nicholas O’Regan of UWE
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● Julia Wimbush and Councillor Ian Boulton
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FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at southwestbusiness.co.uk
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
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Business diary Global MSC – Technology and Innovation in the Security Industry: With speakers from chief constables to Big Brother Watch, Global MSC’s annual conference is a high profile industry event. November 9 and 10 at the Bristol Hotel. Email events@globalmsc.net. Technologies for Success: Linkedin regional account manager David Moore and Google’s Brian Coffey will be speakers at this event organised by recruitment firm Ranstad Technologies at the Engine Shed from 5pm on Wednesday, November 11. David will ask ‘How well are you digitally networked?’ while Brian will discuss ‘Work the way you live’. Register at www.randstad.co.uk/ employers/areas-of-expertise/ it/technologies-for-success-event. Improve Your Forecasting: Master class from Mazars aimed at finance professionals and senior management who dread budgeting and forecasting, have to manage stakeholders expectations or want to raise finance from investors. From 8am at Mazars new offices in Victoria Street from 8am, November 11. Email lucy.smith@mazars.co.uk.
● The Bristol Connected event at the Bristol Post offices on Temple Way
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Backing your ambition: Featuring experts from Lloyds Bank and Get Safe Online CEO Tony Neate talking about investing in digital and the importance of cyber security. Takes place at the Hilton Bristol in Bradley Stoke from 8am to 10.15am, November 12. Linking marketing to financial performance: If you aspire to run your own business or rise to a board level position within a larger organisation understanding the links of marketing to business performance is critical. Half-day CIM workshop at The Bristol Golf and Country Club, Almondsbury, on Thursday, November 12. Email cimevents@cim.co.uk. Employment law seminar: Discrimination, social media and managing workplace investigations seminar for business owners, managers and HR advisors. Leigh Court Business Centre, Abotts Leigh, Thursday, November 12. Email marketing@qsbdlaw.com.
● Rob Wimbush and Gimel W
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● Alastair Orchard and Dagmar Smeed
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Workshop essentials: For people who give or would like to give workshops as part of their business. Three-hour session from 9.30am on Thursday, November 12 at Bristol Spaceworks, Easton Business Centre. Email helene. jewellfacilitation@gmail.com. Bristol Post Green Capital Awards: Celebrating the achievements of businesses, communities and individuals in making the city a greener and better place. The gala ceremony takes place on November 12 at Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre. To buy tickets, visit www.bristolpost.co.uk /greencapitalawards.
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● Bristol Post editor Mike Norton
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● Rob Rodgerson of Local World
Post your events online at www.southwestbusiness.co.uk. Events are sometimes cancelled without us being notified so please check with organisers before travelling.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The back page
Your digest of the week in business
● Pictured left to right of Sanderson Weatherall are partner Christian Humphreys and associate partners, Chris Brooke and Lee Joyce
People ● Bristol-based chartered surveyor and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has launched a new integrated asset advisory service for businesses following the appointment of a debt and working capital management specialist. Chris Brooke has been appointed associate partner within the asset-based lending valuation and advisory department. He joins Christian Humphreys, partner, and Lee Joyce, associate partner, in delivering the asset-based lending service to customers including financial lenders, insolvency practitioners, corporate recovery specialists and private equity houses operating within a wide range of industry sectors. Asset based lending is a loan secured against a company’s assets, such as property or equipment. Christian said: “Chris has more than 13 years’ experience in the sector and brings with him skills and knowledge that enable Sanderson Weatherall to strengthen its offering to clients. With Chris on board, we can now deliver a complete asset advisory service, nationwide, which incorporates valuation, advice and management.” Chris joins from BDO and previously spent seven years at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He said: “The firm’s strong reputation and potential for even further growth within asset based lending advisory and valuation was a real draw for me to join Sanderson Weatherall and I am looking forward to sharing my experience with the team and clients.”
Success ● A PhD student from the University of Bristol has been named one of the winners of a national competition for
his work on a new technology that could fundamentally change future wireless communications. Leo Laughlin, from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Centre for Doctoral Training in Communications, won the Technology Everywhere category in the UK ICT Pioneers competition 2015, honouring researchers who are pioneers in information and communication technology. Leo’s work on bi-directional radio communications could result in a fundamental change to the way we design wireless devices and has the potential to increase data rates and network capacity, reduce power consumption, create cheaper mobile devices and enable global roaming. Together with his supervisors, Professor Mark Beach and Dr Kevin Morris, Leo has developed a novel method of minimising interference. Mark, professor of radio systems engineering, said: “We are justifiably proud of Leo and this award exemplifies both his technical contributions to the field of full duplex wireless and skills of conveying his research to a non-specialist audience. Equipping our students with such skills is at the heart of our training at Bristol.” Dr John Haine of u-blox, who has been Leo’s industry mentor, added: “It has been a pleasure to work with Leo and the Bristol team on this project. We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to push this research forward and we will be continuing the association to the next phase.” ● Bristol-based design consultancy, Kinneir Dufort, has been awarded Consultancy of the Year, at the British Engineering Excellence
● The staff at Kinneir Dufort – awarded Consultancy of the Year Awards 2015. The city centre-based research, innovation, design and product development consultancy operates globally a range of sectors. The judges said: “Kinneir Dufort has demonstrated a real sense of purpose and has delivered fantastic results by following a clear five-year plan: it has grown headcount and turnover, created excellent design work across hundreds of innovative project solutions. It has worked successfully over a wide range of markets and sectors and achieved significant export success.” One example was a project for Huggies, in Korea. The agency designed and developed a brand extension in the form of wearable cameras to capture and share precious family moments. The project was taken from initial concept to delivery of six sets of
working prototypes for consumer trial in less than four months and was central to the success of a viral YouTube campaign, watched by 2.5 million people. Ian Hollister, development and prototyping director, said: “We have an amazing team who, through a culture at Kinneir Dufort developed over decades, have achieved an integrated approach that enables the most rapid cross discipline development of complex products. “Our team thrive on combining our expertise to deliver real innovation, bringing business success for our clients worldwide.” ● Stewart McNicholl, founder and managing director of Stoke-Gifford-based asbestos, water, fire, health and safety and environmental compliance services firm ASKAMS has been named
Opinion
City property always attracts the smart money
P
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ROPERTY has always attracted entrepreneurs. However they earn their daily bread, they almost always invest something in the property market eventually even if they never become full time property developers. Whether they are car dealers, restaurant owners, solicitors, or sales reps by day, as soon as they make some extra money they start visiting estate agents to see what they can buy cheap to improve and sell on or use as a buy to let. Bristol has always had its property developers, many of whom focused on converting the large Victorian and
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Regency houses in Clifton, Cotham and Redland into flats. Splinters cafe in Clifton used to be a regular meeting place for some of these ‘faces’, many who have since passed on, and like that well-known cafe itself, become part of Bristol folklore. I remember one well known property converter turning up at an Osmond Tricks auction in a top hat and tails and successfully bidding for
two large houses on Royal York Crescent, Clifton, before going onto a black tie dinner happy with his purchase. Auctions in the city are buzzing at the moment with packed auction houses almost everywhere you look. It’s not surprising really as Bristol has emerged from the Great Recession in a powerful position. We now have the office of elected mayor, which whether you support George Ferguson as the current mayor or not, is a major cause of the city’s growing national and international fame. Now cited as the tenth most expensive city in the world for students
to live in, it remains a honeypot as far as investors are concerned. The vibrant cafes, restaurants, and wonderful individual shopping areas, make Bristol a brilliant city in which to live and work. Take the entrepreneurs who run the quirky shops on Gloucester Road as an example. Napoleon once said that “Britain is a nation of shopkeepers”! You must have been walking down the Gloucester Road when you uttered that sentence, Mr Bonapart. St Nic’s Market in the city centre is another fantastic example of independent shopkeepers plying their trade to satisfied customers.
Young Director of the Year at the national Institute of Directors (IoD) Awards. The 39-year-old, right, beat competition from 10 other directors under the age of 42 in the only category in which all 33 judges unanimously agreed on the winner. The firm, which rebranded in 2015 from AMS Asbestos Management Services, was founded by Stewart in 2006. Today it employs 55 people throughout offices in Cramlington, Edinburgh, Warrington, Leeds, Bristol, Caerphilly and Redruth, who service high profile contracts in the UK and overseas. Stewart was commended by the judges for his staff engagement and for his corporate social responsibility initiatives that include training programmes, sponsorships, community programmes and carbon offset initiatives. He said: “To receive this prestigious award is fantastic, but none of it would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of all ASKAMS’ employees throughout the UK.” The Director of the Year awards took place at the London Lancaster Hotel, where the IoD recognised some of the country’s most inspiring and accomplished business leaders. ● The Bristol Post’s business coverage has been nominated for a national award. Post assistant editor Gavin Thompson, left, has been shortlisted for the SME/Enterprise Journalist of the Year category at the Santander Financial Media Awards. Gavin is up against journalists from trade publication Professional Adviser as well as the Daily Telegraph and Mail on Sunday. Only two journalists from regional publications have been short-listed across the individual categories. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday, November 11.
A walk around this vibrant quarter of the city delivers the feeling of a genuine “London-like” Petticoat Lane. Cafes are filled with chatter as people from all walks of life mingle together. The national chains are represented at Cabot Circus and Cribbs, both of which rival any national, or even international, competitors. Shopping in Bristol and its immediate surrounding area has become as good as anywhere in the UK and when coupled with the many other wonderful attractions has created a city of European stature whose future looks very bright indeed. Brunel would be proud of the entrepreneurs who are ever driving this international city forward to greater prosperity. The ghost of Napoleon Bonaparte might be surprised by the number of new shops since his day too!