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FIRM DEFENCE
HERE’S TO US
HOLIDAY NIGHTMARE
Military suppliers report profits despite tough market – page 2
Sisters toast their new wine bar venture – see page 5
Pay ruling could put firms out of business – Opinion: page 12
Business bristolpost.co.uk
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AUG 2014
SMART BUILDINGS SPECIAL
BRAND OF BROTHERS Duo create tools to make buildings more efficient while property industry considers how to get smarter – see pages 4, 8 & 9 EPB-E01-S3
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Asia
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Defence industry
Law firm attracted by Eastern promise ● LAW firm Osborne Clarke is moving into the Asia market. The Temple Quay-based firm is forming a partnership with a Hong Kong law firm and has hired a local expert to lead its expansion. The firm hired Marcus Vass from Bird & Bird in Hong Kong and plans a strategic alliance with a new firm established by John Koh, with whom Marcus worked closely. Simon Beswick, chief executive of Osborne Clarke’s international organisation, said: “We have been planning on supporting clients in a number of industry sectors on their legal needs in Asia for some time and as the first step in our strategy to do so, we are delighted to be able to offer the services of Marcus and John and their teams to our clients. “We welcome Marcus to the UK partnership. He will continue to provide support to clients between Europe and Asia. His expertise in advising clients operating in digital business market as well as other industries fits perfectly into our sector approach and will enable us to continue to give our clients creative business-focussed advice at a competitive price. “We’re really looking forward to introducing John to our many clients that are in the sectors he specialises in, digital business, automotive, life sciences and energy and utilities.” Marcus advises international online retail companies, advertising agencies and local retail clients on telecoms, media and data protection issues.
Construction
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7,000 jobs could be created in five years ● THE construction industry could create nearly 7,000 new jobs across the South West as it grows over the next five years. Figures from the Construction Skills Network suggest the sector could grow 3.5 per cent a year from 2015-2019, faster than the 2.9 per cent UK average. Roger Stone, pictured, Construction industry training board sector strategy manager for the region, said this was good news but pointed to challenges ahead. He said: “The forecast suggests that the overall picture is very positive for the region. Infrastructure works for Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs in the area across the full duration of the build. “But, with a better economic outlook comes challenges and CITB and industry must find a way to respond to a changing industry. “New technologies, a new generation of nuclear power stations, business information modelling and offsite manufacture means that we need to adapt if we are to exploit the opportunities that present themselves as the industry continues to grow. “Skills are the oxygen of the sector and construction needs to invest in its workforce - upskilling those who already work in the industry and attracting new talented recruits to offset those who are due to retire in the next five years.”
● The F-35B fighter plane whose short take-off and vertical landing system is worked on at the Rolls-Royce plant in Patchway
Double dip Rolls-Royce and BAE stay upbeat despite fall in profits Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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HE tough battle to maintain profits in the defence sector was highlighted when Bristol’s blue chip firms Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems reported half-year results on the same day. Rolls-Royce, which employs 3,500 people in Patchway, reported its order book down two per cent to £70.4 billion and underlying profit down 20 per cent to £644 million. Pre-tax profits leapt from a loss of £527 million this time last year to a £717 million profit, largely due to the way it hedged against currency shifts. Meanwhile BAE Systems, which has 500 workers at Filton, saw revenue fall 10 per cent to £7.6 billion and
operating profits for the half year drop eight per cent to £689 million. However both firms said they were performing well in a challenging market. Rolls-Royce has a large chunk of its defence business at Patchway. Among other things the plant works on the unique LiftSystem which provides short take-off and vertical landing capability for the F-35B fighter planes, which will replace the Harrier Jump Jet, and the TP400 engine which powers Airbus’ military transport plane the A400M. Tom Bell, pictured, Rolls-Royce president – defence, praised the workforce locally and said the business was preserving profits by driving down costs. He said: “The defence business has
shown excellent resilience in what remains a challenging market. “We take pride in the fact that we have increased our order book and preserved profitability in this environment as we continue to focus on driving down costs. “This creates a good position from which to grow this business in the future. I’d like to thank all of our employees for all their hard work over the first half of the year.” BAE, meanwhile, has engineers and designers working on its naval ships business, on projects including the Type 26 frigate, as well as its research and development arm in Filton. Chief executive Ian King said overseas markets were keeping the business strong and the firm’s sales were weighted to the second half so full
year figures would look better. He said: “Operationally, the group continues to perform well, benefiting from good programme performance on its large order backlog of almost £40 billion. “We continue to see a high level of activity in international markets, including from our substantial presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while the US and UK environments remain more constrained. “Sales are anticipated to be weighted towards the second half of 2014, including the timing of Typhoon aircraft deliveries. “We are finalising a further £1.3 billion of international orders and are at an advanced stage of negotiations on a further £1 billion of UK sole source naval contracts. “Excluding the impact of exchange translation, the group remains on track to deliver earnings in line with our expectations for the full year.”
Business rates
Shelving of valuation appeal reform welcomed THE Government has shelved plans to reform the system of appealing against the property valuations used to set business rates, a move which has been welcomed locally. Business rates are based on the value of a premises, although the last valuation came before the recession. Firms can appeal the value their premises is given, and many do so successfully, but the Government had proposed reforms that would have made more demands of the business in return for more detail on how the decision was reached.
After a consultation, the Government has shelved any changes until after the next rates revaluation in 2017, when it will also be reviewing the administration of rates. Rohan Short, pictured, director and head of the rating department in CBRE’s Bristol office, welcomed the decision, but said the focus needed to turn to more substantial reform of the whole rates system. He said: “The proposal was unpopular since it became apparent that the additional information to be made available was so superficial it
was of very little use to a ratepayer. Therefore the net effect of the proposal was just to make serving a valid appeal more difficult. “Whilst this decision is welcomed, we will continue to lobby for real reform and greater transparency and accountability for the rating system on behalf of ratepayers.” Mark Rigby, chief executive of Bristol-based rates specialist CVS, said:
“This is a pragmatic, common-sense decision and chimes with what we have been saying for some time. Getting business rates right is important so a reform that does it once and does it properly is the right way to go. “CVS welcomes the decision and the attention now turns to ensuring the broader review delivers what businesses want and need from Government.”
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Telecoms
Broadband boost Firm supplying students secures £28m to grow Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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BUSINESS specialising in broadband for students is planning to grow after securing a £28 million finance package. The student accommodation market is booming in Bristol and in other UK cities, and modern students expect more than just the grotty digs of The Young Ones’ days. As well as en-suite rooms, they all expect fast broadband for their studies, and leisure. All of which means Clevedon-based
CableCom is well placed to capitalise. The firm specialises in delivering internet services to high-density accommodation, such as student flats and social housing schemes. It already delivers broadband, TV, telephony and other internet services to more than 250,000 residents across hundreds of sites throughout the UK and Europe. Now the firm has agreed a refinancing deal with its bank RBS alongside HSBC worth £28 million to support its investment and growth. The company was founded back in 1993 by former electrician Chris Elliott. In 2007 he sold out to a management buyout led by current managing dir-
ector Mark Burchfield, pictured. Last year it underwent another management buyout, backed by private equity firm Inflexion. CableCom finance director Lee Colliss said: “We are excited about the next stage in CableCom’s growth with the backing of Inflexion, an experienced sponsor in this space, and the continuing funding support of RBS.” Gareth Healy, investment director at Inflexion, said: “CableCom is an excellent business, led by a high quality, ambitious management team.
“The company has grown strongly from a core strength in technology, it has great fundamentals and multiple routes to further growth.” He added the firm was delighted to have the support of the two banks, who had demonstrated a “deep understanding” of the business. RBS director Nick Evans said the company had been a valued customer since it was founded. “We are delighted to continue to support CableCom’s management team in the next phase of their development and enable them to invest for future growth,” he said.
Advertising
Science Park answers call for Samsung ad ● BRISTOL likes to be seen as being at the forefront of the technology scene. So it was the perfect setting for an advert for the new Samsung Galaxy S5. The film, which can be seen on YouTube, tells the story of a designer preparing for an investor meeting that is unexpectedly brought forward. It was filmed in Cabot Circus and Quakers’ Friars and the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green, which is used as the set for the meeting. Bonnie Dean, chief executive of Bristol and Bath Science Park, said: “The Forum at Bristol and Bath Science Park is a unique and beautifully-designed space created to inspire entrepreneurs and enable innovation. “So it is highly appropriate that the Park was chosen as the backdrop to a film promoting a new smartphone release by leading technologist and innovator Samsung.”
● The Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green; the new Samsung Galaxy S5
Networking
Still time to book place at Bristol Connected tination Bristol, talking about his work trying to bring more people into the city. Bristol Post assistant editor (business) Gavin Thompson said: “Our speakers will no doubt be very informative and entertaining, but the main event is you – the people who come to network. “It’s also a good chance to tell us here at the Post about your successes. I’ve followed up a number of conversations at our previous events with stories in Business.” To attend, register for tickets by searching “Bristol Connected” on eventbrite or scan the QR code.
Sector
Fear skills shortage will harm recovery ● BUSINESSES need to take urgent steps to tackle an impending skills crisis, according to research from HSBC and the Prince’s Trust. Two thirds (66 per cent) of South West businesses surveyed fear skills shortages will put the brakes on the economic recovery, while a third (33 per cent) fear it would cause their business to fold. Forty-five per cent of South West businesses surveyed are already experiencing skills gaps within their organisations and more than half (56 per cent) have been unable to fill vacancies over the past year as a result. Youth charity The Prince’s Trust is calling on employers to invest in vocational training for unemployed young people in the region. Regional director Dermot Finch, pictured, said: “It is deeply concerning that employers are struggling to fill vacancies when we have thousands of unemployed young people desperate for work. “The current economic recovery is encouraging, but in order to sustain this growth, UK plc needs to invest in the next generation to avoid a skills vacuum in the future. “We are urging businesses to take action now to up-skill the workforce of the future to prevent the bubbling skills crisis from boiling over.” The trust works with a number of local businesses, including M&S. One youngster to benefit from that is Josh Small, from Henbury. The 17-year-old couldn’t wait to leave school and was often in trouble. He said: “I didn’t enjoy school and, as a result, I didn’t get the grades that I needed to progress onto college. But, at the time I didn’t see it as a bad thing as all I really wanted to do was find a job and start earning money.” But finding a job at 16, with little training and practical experience, was easier said than done. Luckily, he came across the Prince’s Trust and M&S employability programme. Adam Powell, director of skills for the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The West of England has a thriving economy with many businesses choosing to locate or invest here. If we want to build on this success, it's vital we have a workforce equipped with the right skills. One of the key drivers of economic growth both locally and nationally is ensuring the current and future workforce are provided with the opportunities to develop the skills that business need.”
Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1 Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk
● Johnny Palmer of SXS will be speaking at Bristol Connected
Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07828 941469 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk
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MORE than 100 tickets have gone for next week’s Bristol Connected networking event, but it’s not too late to sign up. The Bristol Post event takes place every other month and is a chance for business people to meet peers, share experiences and make connections. The next event is at the Bristol Hilton Garden Inn in Temple Way. Johnny Palmer, from Bristol-based events firm SXS will share his experiences running a successful company with a staff of 10 that produces 300 events a year for clients across the UK. The night’s other speaker will be John Hirst, chief executive of Des-
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Finance
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Building management
Retail
Bristol firms ‘refused £5.5m worth of loans’
eXPD8 wins store loyalty card contract
● BUSINESSES in the Bristol area have been turned down for £5.5 million of loans, new figures show. The number comes from analysis by Cambridge and Counties Bank, a so-called challenger bank targeting the small and medium-sized business market. Across the South West as a whole, 780 loan applications worth £74.5 million were rejected in the first quarter of 2014. The bank recently launched in the region, hiring Paul Howard from Warmley as its regional business development manager. Paul, pictured, said: “There are many strong and well-run businesses across the South West and some are finding it difficult to raise funds. “They represent an exciting opportunity for us and we are confident we can grow our presence here.” Chief executive Gary Wilkinson added: “The South West is home to over 240,000 businesses, some 9.5 per cent of the total in Britain. “It is a hotbed of entrepreneurial spirit and it is imperative that this is supported by funds from banks to fuel growth and employment.”
● RETAIL support specialist eXPD8 has won a nationwide contract with McColl’s Retail Group to help support the launch of the convenience store chain’s loyalty card scheme. It is the first partnership of its kind in the convenience sector and will involve eXPD8’s national retail support services team registering shoppers for the scheme in McColl’s stores using its tablet technology, which will be linked to the retailer’s customer relationship management system. Bristol-based eXPD8, winner of the large business category in the Bristol Post Business Awards this year, will also be providing the service in future stores acquired by McColl’s as part of its expansion plans. It extends the retail support services that the firm has been providing for McColl’s Retail Group since 2013, which include checking in-store marketing promotions, stock availability and promotional set-ups. The Plus card will reward customers when they shop at a McColl’s, Martins or RS McColl store nationwide with money off deals, as well as giving them access to exclusive prizes and competitions both in-store and online. The scheme is designed to help McColl’s increase sales in the growing UK convenience market and to enable the company to respond more intelligently to its customers’ shopping habits. Amanda Heritage, pictured, head of convenience at eXPD8, which is based in Orchard Street in the city centre, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the growth of McColl’s by assisting in the acquisition of loyalty card customers. “It demonstrates the value that we can bring to retailers through the diverse range of our support services in-store. “Our technology, which is already integrated with McColl’s internal systems through our existing contract to provide a range of retail support services, means that we can register people immediately and they can use their new PLUS card within 15 minutes of registration.”
● Brothers Jak, 29, and Robert Ollett, 34
Relativity theory Brothers tackle space-time issues Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
Tell us your views on sustainability, the role of the mid-market in the economic recovery and the importance of apprenticeships. Scan the QR code below using the scanner on your smartphone or visit http://tinyurl.com/bristolpulseqr
Pic: Michael Lloyd BRML20140724C-003
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PAIR of tech-minded brothers are tackling the space frontier with their enterprise designed to help people manage buildings better. Jak and Robert Ollett set up Eudaimon Design in 2009, aiming to bring together architecture, ecology and technology in one practice. Now they have built on their ideas to found Habu, a tool to help businesses manage their space, time and people more efficiently. Robert, 34, said: “Over the past year or so, we worked with a number of different businesses ranging from bustling creative work hubs through to events promoters who all suffer from an administrative grind. “This grind comes from having teams of people who rely on managing multiple spaces and many
events with spreadsheets and calendars. The problems that result from this are wasted time, a lack of an overview and accurate analytical tools. “These businesses all want to manage their spaces better but lack software options in the market. “With this we saw an opportunity to help businesses that do great things such as facilitating the creative and entrepreneurial economy. So we founded Habu.” Robert said Habu was an “elegant ecosystem” of space management tools, primarily for businesses with more than one tenant all using shared space, such as the Engine Shed or Spike Island. He said: “Habu connects the core areas of an organisation; people, spaces and time. “With these three combined intelligently, companies have a complete live overview of what’s going on in their building. They are able to see who is doing what in any given space and when they are doing it.”
He said this meant they could be more efficient in how they used rooms, cut out clashes and reduce the admin involved, so companies can spend more time on their core work. The system, which combines software with devices to monitor energy, light, air and so on, also produces information such as how well used a room is and how much income it generates. Jak, 29, said: “Our vision begins with helping people who run buildings to enhance their economic sustainability – to save money with efficiency gains and increase revenue through a better understanding of their business and improved utilisation of their resources.” Habu, currently based at the Engine Shed as part of the Webstart Bristol programme, is looking for development customers and partners in the city before boldly going into the market next spring. PROPERTY MATTERS: BUILDINGS ARE GETTING SMARTER, PAGES 8&9
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Efficiency
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Eco advice firm awarded £40,000 to expand A BUSINESS that helps other firms become greener has been awarded £40,000 to help it grow. Sustain, based in Baldwin Street, specialises in energy and carbon management for customers including schools, property management firms and ordinary businesses. It has secured the grant from the West of the England Growth Fund, managed by the Local Enterprise Partnership. The firm, which has 40 employees, only moved into the city 18 months ago and has not looked back since. Chief executive Tobias Parker said: “We saw the potential of the LEP’s
West of England Growth Fund to support companies like Sustain whose principle investment is in people rather than products and buildings. “As a result, this grant is a real game changer for us and means we can really develop our solutions business bringing the latest in cost and carbon reduction programmes to our clients.” The match-funded grant will create two full time jobs, safeguard three more and support its growth plans. The business was formed in 1997 and has so far helped organisations cut 5 million tonnes of carbon over their lifetime, a potential £1 billion of
energy cost savings. At a time when energy costs have been rising, such savings are increasingly sought-after by companies. Andrew Youl, project manager for the LEP, added: “We’re delighted to award this money to Sustain to enable them to invest in their existing staff as well as creating new jobs. “With the low carbon sector identified as a key area of economic growth for the West of England and a more sustainable way of life at the heart of the LEP’s vision, Sustain are exactly the type of business we’re keen to support.” The Growth Fund was supported
by the Bristol Post’s Going For Growth campaign, which helped encourage 300 firms to apply for a £25 million pot. The LEP has recently opened a third round of funding applications, with grants of £10,000 to £80,000 available. But the money has to be spent by April so firms need to act fast to take advantage. The closing date for applications is September 8. Details of how to apply, can be found at www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/we gfr3. Businesses can also email the funding team on growthfundapps@westofengland.org or call them on 0117 903 6207.
● Sustain boss Tobias Parker
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Hospitality
Motors
Sisters act Pair go into business together with launch of wine bar
‘Regional hubs way forward for dealers’
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business)gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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NE is a restaurant manager, the other an accountant but now these two twenty-something sisters are doing it for themselves and going into business. Louise and Sarah Hawkins are opening a wine bar in Cheltenham Road. Louise is just 23 and Sarah 26 but they have packed a lot into their short careers to date. Louise graduated from Durham then worked as a receptionist for Whitbread before working her way up to restaurant manager. Sarah graduated from Exeter before working for PwC as a qualified accountant. Their two backgrounds seem to complement each other perfectly for running a business. “Sarah is very logical and very driven,” said Louise. “I am a bit the whacky one. I think outside the box and she gets me back in sometimes but we work well together.” And they share a passion for their new trade. Louise said: “We both have a huge passion for wine and delivering excellent customer service. “We believe that Bristol needs a bar which provides a wide selection of wines from around the world alongside knowledgeable staff who can help customers to test their taste buds and provide an education in wine – hence our name, The Library. “Our main feature will be our wine flights which will enable customers to enjoy a glass of what they know and be complemented by varietals [a single grape variety wine] that can expand their wine database.” The pair are keen to make their bar a part of the local business community. For example, wine flights will be accompanied with a selection of antipasti platters which will be sourced locally from shops along the
● From left, sisters Louise and Sarah Hawkins; below their new wine bar Gloucester Road. “We think it’s really important to use suppliers who are nearby and support them,” said Louise. “Especially on this road. We are a new business and everyone has been so supportive and popping in to see what we are doing.” The sisters both got a taste for hospitality when they got waitressing jobs with the Zizi Italian chain as teenagers. Later on they were drafted into the Cabot Circus branch, which gave them a taste for management and customer service. Louise went on to a management post in a Bath hotel. “I was working 90 hours a week for someone else and I thought, if I could
put this into something for myself it could be really good,” she said. “At the same time Sarah was keen to use what she had learned about supporting businesses and also to get back into the hospitality industry.” They have put their savings into
Pic: Dan Regan BRDR20140731C-003 the project – “the thing about working in a hotel is you never have time to spend anything,” said Louise – and have had a lot of support from friends and family putting the bar together. Louise said: “We have had a carpenter in to build the back bar and some people to put the sign up but the rest we have done with help from friends and family. “I’ve never been one for DIY but I’ve spent the last few weeks covered in paint.” But there’s no respite for the sisters as The Library, which is just beyond the arches, opens on Friday night. Their friends and family, on the other hand, will no doubt be expecting a glass or two as reward.
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● CAR dealers will become increasingly focused on big hubs in places such as Cribbs Causeway, according to a property expert. Manufacturers which have supported dealerships through the recession are putting pressure on dealers to make sure they have state of the art facilities in order to delivery sales now that the economy is improving. Will Jolly, pictured, from Colliers International said that will lead to more high-profile regional hubs in places like Cribbs Causeway, that offer not just sales but related businesses such as parts warehouses, trade counters and repairs. He said: “We believe there will inevitably be fewer but bigger dealerships. The requirements of the manufacturers are such that in order to justify the bigger and better facilities they have to be selling into a wider geographical area.” He added: “As the general economy has improved, motor manufacturers have sought to reinforce their brand standards. In particular Volkswagen Group and Jaguar/Land Rover are imposing new standards upon their dealers which will lead to requirements for extensions and, in many cases, relocations. “As a consequence we have seen a higher level of property requirements than we experienced over the last five years and a number of relocations have and are being undertaken.” Last year Wessex Garages unveiled plans for a new £5 million showroom in Hayes Way, Cribbs Causeway. Brunel Ford also relocated nearby. Will added the motor trade was recovering strongly. He said: “Whilst there were virtually no transactions during the depths of the recession, the situation has now completely turned around, with enquiry levels in the first six months of 2014 up by around 150 per cent from this time last year.”
Life coaching
‘I help people build their self-belief’ experience, said: “I love Bristol and many people here have tremendous talent. But many are also held back by their inability to manage their own emotions and self-sabotaging mind-sets. “I work with people to resolve these limitations and unlock their potential. I’m really passionate about supporting people to achieve what they are really capable of. “The students were really inquisitive and asked a number of thought provoking questions. They had great enthusiasm and it was a joy to work with them. This is an exciting opportunity to support Bristol in nurturing our future leaders. I was delighted to be asked to get involved and leapt at the opportunity.”
Now aged 43, Paul became interested in coaching other people’s performance after taking up Japanese martial arts at the age of 18. A graduate in communication systems from Swansea University, he noticed the outcome of competitions was rarely based on skill alone. He then competed at the Japanese Ju Jitsu national championships in 2006 and won, demonstrating the power of self-belief. Marvin said: “This programme is for young people who are smart and have aspirations but are from disadvantaged backgrounds. “We want the best of Bristol to have an input into the lives of these young people, which is why we got in touch with Paul.”
● Paul Burden with Marvin Rees
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A FORMER martial arts national champion turned business performance coach has shared his expertise with disadvantaged youngsters. Paul Burden, who now runs Clifton-based PerformWell, has been working with newly-launched Bristol Leadership Programme (BLP) after meeting its founder Marvin Rees. Paul shared his own experience, overcoming anxiety as an athlete, to help develop leadership skills among young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. BLP is a social enterprise and Paul has adapted his Executive Acceleration Programme to help young people at schools and bodies in Bristol work on their self-belief. Paul, who has 20 years’ coaching
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Graphic design
Property
Looking back on 20 years of the creative process Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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HEN graphic design business The Drawing Room started, tools of the trade included a can of glue spray and a photographic dark room. Bike couriers were needed to race proofs and artwork from designers to clients and back. Things have changed a bit in the 20 years since Trevor James decided he wanted to set up his own agency so he could meet clients face to face and better understand their business and therefore the creative approach that would best suit them. The agency has since been offering its design services to a range of local businesses from its Wine Street office, from new logos to brochures, websites and exhibition displays. Trevor, 57, said: “Our clients include sole traders promoting a new business, through to large national law firms, where we work closely with their marketing teams. “Quite a few of these clients have been with us since the outset and we enjoy building a long-term relationship to get to know and help promote their business. “We are proud to be based in Bristol and be part of the local business community. In the period of time that we have been in business, we have seen Bristol become a recognised centre for creative industries.” Trevor’s wife Zoe, 56, has worked as
a graphic designer at the firm since it was founded and has seen the changing times. She said: “In 1994 our artwork was created at drawing boards using hand-drawn elements and sticking down sheets of typesetting, which was produced by an outside bureau. “We had a glue spray booth in one corner of the studio and a dark room with a copy camera in another. “We have always been faithful to Apple Mac computers with our first ‘Classic’ bought second hand. Although, at first we only used it for word processing and not artwork. “We have worked our way through the iconic blue iMac up to today’s brand new flat screen iMacs with up-to-date Adobe Creative Cloud software. We used to draw visuals with Magic Marker pens to show how a finished design would look. “We don’t do that very often anymore, although we do still get out our layout pads and pens and sketch initial concepts by hand.” But Trevor said some things had stayed the same. “The technological tools that we have used over the last 20 years have changed dramatically, but the creative thought process and attention to visual detail remains the same,” he said. “Our creative focus and enthusiasm for good design continues to grow with our experience.” As for the future, Trevor is working on designs for his own business. He said: “We are now looking forward, with a planned rebrand of our own image in the near future.” Done using his latest iMac, no doubt.
Solar panels cut tenants’ energy bills
● Trevor James, design director, and wife Zoe, graphic designer, celebrating 20 years of The Drawing Room
● THE recent hot weather and a bit of forward thinking saw a property management firm cut the energy bills for its tenants this summer. Two years ago, family-run BNS Property Management began looking into ways to go green and this quest for sustainability led directors to install state-of-the art solar panels at one of their larger properties. A couple of years down the line and having just experienced the hottest June since 2006, residents of the 80 flats at H20 in Kingswood are not only saving significant amounts on their bills, they are feeding energy back into the grid. BNS managing director Andrew Simmonds said: “We have always been very conscious of our sustainability practices but two years ago we really started taking it seriously and wanted to ensure we were doing everything we could to be green. “After some research we planned the installation of the solar panels carefully and chose the most appropriate block to trial it on. Having monitored its success for the past two years we are now planning to roll it out across more of our blocks. Run by brothers Andrew and Ian, BNS covers apartment blocks, gated communities and large and small properties across the South West from its Downend offices.
Development
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‘We’re excited about architect’s plans for church buildings’ ARCHITECTS in Redland have created plans for the redevelopment of a cramped 1950s hall into a £1.9 million community and church centre. Redland Parish Church was built in 1743 and stands opposite the tennis club just off Redland Green Road. Next to the tennis club, on the other side of the road, are the church’s 1950s hall buildings which are lacking in space, meaning the family service is currently held at Redland High School. Now award-winning architects O’LearyGoss have put forward plans for a design with flexible space able to accommodate around 300 people. Planning approval is yet to be given for the scheme but the architects and church management hope that the proposals will create a new, airy space for the users of the facilities. The proposals would see the redevelopment of the church halls, with the oldest parts being demolished to make way for the new buildings. Rod Symmons, vicar at Redland Parish Church, said: “We chose O’LearyGoss for this project because of their track record with similar projects, and Edwin Hill and his team seemed like people who would work well with us.
● O‘LearyGoss architects from left Robert O’Leary, Jenny Goss, and Edwin Hill right, the proposed design for the church and community hall at Redland “We have been delighted – after exhaustive consultation and creativity, the design is one we are really excited about and cannot wait to see the project completed.” Edwin Hill, architect at O’LearyGoss, said: “We work just around the corner from the church so it’s lovely to be involved with this neighbourhood project. “The design offers the choice of three main halls and folding par-
titions which open to one large room, plus new catering kitchen, lounge and foyer. “If planning is passed and the fundraising is achieved we expect to start construction next year. It will be a lovely facility for the church and community.” The RIBA architects have won many awards including Bristol Civic Environmental Awards, Conversion of the Year Regional Winner and the
RIBA Town and Country Award. Landmark projects include the prestigious Bridge House opposite Clifton Suspension Bridge, and conversion of the Robinson Building in Bedminster. Other projects carried out in the city area recently include the £2 million all-glass superstructure for Clevedon Pier’s new visitors’ centre and the Grade II listed property in Hill Road in the same town.
The 12-strong firm recently completed a number of multi-million pound residential conversions including a £4.5 million student accommodation project in the city centre at Stonebridge House, former 1950s city offices. It is behind the £5.2 million transformation of The Regent – a derelict 19th Century former restaurant in Clevedon – into luxury apartments and shops.
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Wednesday, August 6, 2014
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The Big Interview
UNI WITH BRAINS FOR BUSINESS When it comes to collaboration and partnerships, many organisations could learn a thing or two from Bristol’s universities. Gavin Thompson meets UWE Vice Chancellor Steve West to discuss the role the institution plays in our city’s economy
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HINK of universities and you picture perhaps lazy students avoiding work for another three years or academia, badly dressed with wild hair, wilder eyes and little connection to the “real world”. Times have changed, and Bristol’s academic institutions are leading the way. Universities are now expected to work with businesses to produce employees not just thinkers, to produce research that can be used by industry and even lead to spin-off businesses. Both Bristol’s universities follow this course in their own way and UWE in particular has been pioneering the path or working with business for some years. Partly that comes from a recognition that they themselves cannot be cosseted from the world of competition and financial realities. Steve West, Vice Chancellor at UWE, says his institution recognises this. “We are a university that is playing in a global knowledge economy,” he said. “We are trying to create an environment whereby the university is recognised and is differentiating itself in an emerging marketplace. “And this sounds all really alien to
● UWE Vice Chancellor Steve West who was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by Bristol University
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to create a so-called university enterprise zone. And another £4 million is coming via the Government Growth Deal, channelled through the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, to invest in the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. That lab is a joint project with Bristol University, and it’s through such partnerships that UWE has found much of its success with funding. Steve said: “In the research arena, we are not competing with each other, we are competing with the rest of the world. “And the rest of the world, believe me, is pumping far more money into research than the UK is so the only way we stand a chance is by continuing to collaborate. “The universities do complement each other and that means you can then very naturally join things up and bring expertise to the table. “In this part of the world you will find Bristol, Bath, Cardiff and Exeter are all working together to make sure that where possible we exploit the research that we are developing into products if we can and also share equipment and space because we can’t afford not to.” He points to the Pervasive Media Studio, a UWE led project involving Bristol, Exeter and Cardiff, being one of only four projects awarded a significant arts and humanities re-
“ We are clearly defining ourselves as a university that is connected and networked to that global economy.”
Name: Steve West Age: 52 Job: Vice Chancellor of the University of the West of England
Steve West
the university and offer us opportunities in terms of research, development, ongoing training programmes’, and ‘how can you help us prepare our students for the world’. “They have to see what’s in it for them otherwise it’s not sustainable. We have learnt that.” He added: “When you look at the sorts of people who leave the university, business school creates business leaders, accountants, lawyers and marketers but alongside that have faculties delivering significant workforce to teaching, health services, engineering, computing.
“Wherever you look we have got people who will be touching probably everybody in society at some point in their lives. “That’s why we have to get it right. We can only do that if we are working closely with the professions to understand what they need. “We can build that into the programmes and get them co-designed and co-delivered with those folk and then you get an ownership. “It’s not by accident that the university is seventh in England in terms of employability. You have to work at that and you have to have the connections and the bridges and you
have to be prepared to listen and work with to create those opportunities. “All the stuff we are investing in is designed for that end point.” That stuff includes a new Faculty of Business and Law, costing £50 million, new student union facilities, a new research centre around bio-science technology, and (hopefully) classroom facilities in the proposed Bristol Rovers UWE Stadium, should delays over the sale of the club’s old ground to a supermarket finally get resolved. UWE has also proven adept at securing outside funding. It was recently awarded £4 million
search grant and similarly the new enterprise zone again being just one of four nationally. “Why is that happening?” asks Steve, before answering: “It is happening because we are joining things up. And that’s when you win. “Those synergies deliver something way beyond what one institution can deliver on its own.” An example of the close relationship is the fact that Steve was recently awarded an honorary doctorate by Bristol University. When it is pointed out this might surprise outsiders who expect more fierce rivalry, he laughs. “Bristol has got something quite special, and it’s not just happened overnight it is something the two universities are absolutely committed to because both vice chancellors, Sir Eric (Thomas) and I, believe we have a civic responsibility to do the best that we possibly can for the city region. And that means collaborating and working to a single agenda, which is raising the aspirations and the possibilities for our city region. “If the city region is strong, then the universities are strong. It is in everybody’s interest to get this to work but I have to say I have yet to find any other city in the UK that has such a strong relationship between sister universities at all levels of the organisation. “For Bristol that is unbelievably powerful.”
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people when you think of universities but the reality is that we are now competing and collaborating with other universities. “What I am trying to develop is an understanding in that marketplace of what this university does and the quality of what it does. “We are clearly defining ourselves as a university that is connected and networked to that global economy.” Steve says that means creating graduates who are “employment ready” when they graduate and are prepared to be lifelong learners. He said: “They might have a 50 or 60 year working life ahead of them and what’s for sure is that they are not going to have one job for life and the technologies they will be engaging with are going to change. “I have to create graduates who are confident about their abilities to learn, confident about how to apply knowledge and confident about how to be creative and innovative.” UWE does that in part by working with businesses and professional organisations. “We’ve learnt how to engage with private and public sectors in a way that makes sense for them and is multi-pronged,” said Steve. “We will be working with them at the level of ‘what does your organisation need to survive and prosper’, ‘what does your organisation need in terms of a future workforce’, ‘how can your organisation connect back into
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Property matters
RADICAL IDEAS PROMISE SMARTER As populations grow and more people gravitate towards urban centres, our cities, including Bristol, have to get smarter. Our commercial properties can lead the way, as Gavin Thompson discovers
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OU arrive having read your popular in mainland Europe. meeting notes on your smart It is made from industrially dried glasses in the car on the way fast growing spruce wood, stacked in. It’s driverless of course, and glued together to form layers. using the city’s high-speed “This is a fantastic building mabroadband network to steer you terial,” said Dan. He says it has been safely to your destination. used for buildings up to 15 storeys tall It’s the height of summer but the and is “just as structurally sound” as office is cool, thanks to the living other materials. Dan say it has adalgae facade that regulates the heat vantages over brick, including that it and shades you from the sun. Your doesn’t burn (just chars, whereas diary booked a space in the car park brick crumbles in a fire), is less enfor you as it’s integrated with the vironmentally damaging to produce office management systems, so you and is pre-fabricated to mean spendarrive relaxed for that big meeting. ing less time on site building. You came in an hour early so you Other building materials could be can go over some reports first, and a used too. Bristol-based Modcell is desk space has been automatically using timber stuffed with straw bales assigned to you for that time. You use to form pre-fab panels to make your own tablet, no need for desk-tops super-insulated, low energy buildcluttering up the room, which conings. The firm has been nominated nects to the secure wi-fi seamlessly. for an Earth Champions award in the The temperature in the meeting run-up to the Bristol Green Capital room will be just right, as the air status in 2015. conditioning and heating systems “The only thing stopping this all know when it is going to be used. from happening now is to do with That may sound far fetched, esscaling it,” said Dan. “Industry has pecially if you’re currently baking in optimised around brick and concrete an old building with a creaking AC, after having suffered a bout of road rage on the way in and arrived late, with someone else in your parking space. But it could be a reality in the very near future. Smart cities are rising up the agenda and the commercial property industry is in prime position to lead this revolution. With Bristol about to be European Green Capital, there Dan Hill could hardly be a better time. Dan Hill is executive director of the Future Cities Catapult, an organisaso that’s what the supply chain protion set up by government to bring duces. We just need to shift the intogether business and universities to dustry.” develop ideas to help cities meet the The insurance industry would challenges of the future. need to change its thinking too, many Dan said looking ahead there were buildings insurance policies specify could be some “really radical” brick-built. Shifting the focus of an changes to our building landscape. industry takes time, but there are less “Such as algae based facades which radical steps being taken now, parcapture energy from the sun,” he ticularly with new office buildings. said. “This living system generates “Smart is about using today’s techenergy, provides shade as it effectnology to make buildings more efively blooms in the sun, as well as fective, more efficient and more sound insulation. It sounds like scicomfortable,” said Dan. ence fiction but the technology exists Grade A developments under way and was tested on a building in Hamsuch as 66 Queen Square in Bristol, burg last year. show this in action. That project will “More down to earth, we could see include measures such as energy more wooden buildings,” he said. meters to monitor use, low-flush loos “Buildings in our cities of the future and water flow regulated taps, makwill be increasingly wooden.” ing the most of daylight to cut down That may not sound like a step energy use, more energy efficient forward but Dan points to cross-lamLED lighting and photo-voltaic paninate timber, which isBruton becoming more to Commercial generate electricity. B015-1411 Knowles Bristolels Post Advert 270x40mm AW 2.pdf
“ It’s about using today’s technology to make buildings more effective, more efficient and more comfortable.”
Project to be showpiece for Green Capital year Case study ● Filwood Green Business Park is being developed by Midas Construction for Bristol City Council to kick-start Bristol’s status as European Green Capital in 2015. Work began on site in Knowle this February. The £11.6 million project has already attracted international attention for its high eco-friendly standards, and is set to be the first ever BREEAM outstanding development of its type for the South West. BREEAM, an environmental assessment technique and rating system, measures how sustainable and energy efficient buildings are against a range of categories. A range of automated services are being fitted to reduce energy, and the building will generate 20 per cent of its energy via solar panels fitted to 60 per cent of the roof. There will also be a roof garden accessible via the work hub, further blending the building into its surroundings. The Filwood scheme has been designed to maximise natural lighting, reducing the need to rely on electricity, as the main building has been positioned specifically to make the most of the daylight.
Andreas Lindelof, managing director development for Skanska, the firm behind the project, said building more efficient and smarter buildings was about meeting future demand. He says people may not “pay a premium” now, but such standards will become a requirement in future. “You have to think, will it be good enough in five years or 10 years?” he said. Alex Jordan, the developer’s leasing and marketing director, added: “These things are becoming more and more important for corporate customers. On Queen Square, we have revised the specifications in the last few months because this needs to be a building for 2020, not 2012.” Hawkins, 1 Marcus 06/05/2014 17:24 property man-
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Low energy internal and external lighting will be installed, and these lights will be controlled via automatic daylight linking controls to reduce lighting levels on sunny days. Ceiling-mounted sensors will also shut off lights after set time periods if users forget to turn off the switch, adding an extra layer to energy-reduction measures. The building is being thermally insulated to ensure it retains maximum heat during colder months. Midas will make sure the building is well sealed and entirely airtight, so it has a higher thermal value and operates much more efficiently, with less reliance on energy sources to heat or cool the interior.
agement director at GVA, said technology had come on in leaps and bounds recently. “The flagship smart building in Bristol is the new Environment Agency building,” he said. “This is a great example of where the building management systems and energy control management systems allow dynamic control and configuration of devices in order to respond to the climate, the environment or changes in strategy. “These systems are the foundations of self-configuring building systems which learn from their own and user behaviour and are able to adapt to new situations.” Marcus added: “Bristol has a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 40 per
enquiries@brutonknowles.co.uk brutonknowles.co.uk
The structure will use natural ventilation rather than air conditioning, again reducing the electricity needed, as well as benefiting the environment. Natural ventilation will be controlled through automated building management systems to control angled blinds. Roof-mounted wind catchers will help to provide more fresh air in the summer months, and night-time cooling has been incorporated so that in the warmer months, the blinds will be controlled to allow fresh air to cool the building when the external air temperature drops at night. Andy Blake, Midas Construction project manager, said: “The whole point of having a thermally insulated building is that you don’t
cent by 2020 and has set itself the objective of becoming one of the top 20 European cities by 2020. “Consequently it is actively encouraging new developments to embrace such technologies,” he said. But if such ambitions are to be achieved, Bristol needs to tackle the older buildings that make up the vast majority of office space. Marcus said: “There are systems available that can be fitted to buildings retrospectively, so they are accessible to all. “For the first time building management systems have the capability to absorb and anticipate occupiers needs, programme prerequisites and preferences for light, temperature
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BUILDINGS IN OUR CITIES Property of the Week 0117 287 2101 brutonknowles.co.uk
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need to cool it down so much, so we only need air conditioning units in the bathrooms, and the remainder of the build employs natural ventilation. This also reduces CFCs entering the building. “It’s becoming more common to have systems like this in place in new builds; measures like this require more robust building materials to create the right level of insulation, and that comes at a higher initial cost, but the energy efficiency
savings for the long term are substantial.” The project is being funded by Bristol City Council with £5.37million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as well as funding support from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The park is expected to attract businesses working primarily in the environmental sector, and will be completed in time to open in early 2015.
● From left, Mayor George Ferguson, Derek Quinn, executive director of Midas Construction Wessex & Wales, and Andy Smith, business development director at the Midas Group
and other services in order to mainprofile across the market.” “I’m currently replacing a lot of tain the quality and comfort for The returns for businesses which lighting in communal stairwells staff while reducing their carbon make such investments are promand car parking areas with LED footprint and energy costs, with ising. Ben St Quintin, pictured, fittings,” he said. lower failure rates and downtime. from commercial property “When combined with mi“Across elements such as heatfirm JLL, said it had recrowave sensors (so the ing, lighting, parking, security, if cently tried out an inlights only come on when the software systems can be intelligent management something the size of a tegrated then a facilities manager system on 12 Proctor human moves), the enwill be able to look at the data and & Gamble buildings ergy savings can be siganalyse the stats to determine around the world, nificant. Microwave where a reduction in carbon footresulting in a 10 per sensors are considered print and overheads can be made, cent energy saving. superior to other not just in building performance, The investment paid sensors, which are often but in space provision too.” for itself in just three triggered by animals or He added: “Occupier pressures to months. insects crawling over the achieve both environmental and He says many measures sensors.” financial efficiencies mean that can be retro-fitted, some of It’s not just property firms looksmart buildings areBruton takingKnowles a higher them ing 1at 06/05/2014 this. RBS is running the B015-1411 Bristol Postsimply. Commercial Advert 270x40mm AW 2.pdf 17:24
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BK code: 2583
● ModCell’s BaleHaus@ Bath which is built of pre-fabricated straw-bale and hemp panels Innovation Gateway programme, inviting businesses to try out their new ideas on its building stock. Marcela Navarro, the bank’s head of customer innovation, recently staged an event at the Watershed appealing for Bristol firms to get involved. “We have 2,500 properties that mirror the majority of properties in this country. From two-storey flat roofs to listed historical buildings,” she said. “We would love to see our RBS buildings in Bristol being used to test innovations from Bristol companies.” Smart buildings and smart cities are on their way. Bristol can either lead or follow.
Is the UK’s housing market really booming?
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ROPERTY prices are either spiralling out of control or falling back depending on which newspaper you read each day. If you factor in the immense regional variations it’s difficult to come up with a clear picture of what’s happening on sites at a local level. From shortages of bricks in Scotland to shortages of skills in the West Country the picture is somewhat muddled – but there is one thing we can be sure of: no matter which column of figures or what news report you are reading the back story is all about confidence. Cranes are popping up on the horizon – or the site next door. Dormant projects are up and running after years on the back burner. Brownfield sites are being redeveloped. Long term plans are being shredded as the rollercoaster market switches direction in a matter of weeks rather than months or even years. One booming property area in the West Country, where we have excellent universities and colleges of further education, is student accommodation projects. Developers are climbing over each other to complete projects. Student accommodation accounted for a good percentage of the secondary office stock converted for residential use – a trend which kept developers and builders ticking over during the downturn but which really took off as the recovery gathered pace. And it’s not just offices which have been converted. Hotels, filling stations and a range of other buildings have been earmarked for conversion or demolished to make way for new student accommodation. But some commentators are picking up signs that industry enthusiasm for these projects is beginning to cool, as increased demand for office space encourages owners and developers to rethink their strategies all over again. In this rapidly evolving market, it now appears one cost effective way of utilising secondary office accommodation might well be to use it as office accommodation as originally intended. But only after a judiciously costed refurbishment. Air conditioning, bike-friendly facilities, atriums, lowered ceilings and raised floors – a judicious revamp can work wonders with what until last summer had been virtually redundant stock. Whatever uses these buildings are put to, demand and activity across the construction industry is on an upwards curve – despite ever widening regional variations and the positive-negative pull of our super-strength capital. It’s clear confidence is a major factor – and it’s stronger now than it has been for years – even decades.
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Associate Bruton Knowles 0117 287 2101 paul.williams@ brutonknowles.co.uk
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In pictures Author AA Abbott unveils thriller
Business diary Wednesday@6: Institute of Directors’ informal networking at the Radisson Blu Hotel 6-8pm, today (August 6). Non-members welcome. Free but to register call 0117 3707785 or email iod.southwest@iod.com. Set.Social summer party: The informal networking evenings are a chance for the creative community to get together. Tonight’s is a summer party with Pimm’s and nibbles at The Set, Bath Road Studios. from 6pm. Business Pledge launch: City of Bristol College hosts a breakfast to launch its business pledge tomorrow (August 7), from 7.30am at its City Restaurant in Anchor Road. The Local Enterprise Partnership will give an update on the West of the England Growth Deal while the college will take about how it can help businesses.
Bristol Connected: The Bristol Post’s popular business networking event takes place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Temple Way, from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, August 14. A chance for SMEs to network as well as meet the Post team. John Hirst from Destination Bristol will be among the speakers. To sign up go to eventbrite or scan the QR code, below left. Wednesday@6: Institute of Directors’ informal networking at the Radisson Blu Hotel Wednesday, August 20, 6-8pm. Non members welcome. Free but to register call 0117 3707785 or email iod.southwest@ iod.com. Wednesday@6: Institute of Directors’ informal networking at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Wednesday, September 3, 6-8pm. Non members welcome. Free but to register call 0117 3707785 or email iod.southwest@ iod.com. Access to Growth Capital: The London Stock Exchange and Capita Asset Services are organising this event to help fast-growing SMEs understand how they can get money to grow. From 2.30-6pm on September 9 at Burges Salmon offices, 1 Glass Wharf. Register at
www.lseg.com/register1000. Institute of Directors’ Bristol branch Autumn Special Held at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens with Martin Bigg from the Bristol Green Capital Partnership, Tuesday, September 9. Book at www. iod.com/swestevents. Introduction to Bloodhound SCC: See the latest developments behind the supersonic car and learn about tax relief for research and development at this event organised by Chantrey Vellacott. The Bloodbound Technical Centre in Avonmouth from 4.30pm to 7pm on September 17. The Bristol Business Exhibition: The exhibition attracts business owners and decision makers from across the region and is a great way to source suppliers and generate new business. It takes place at Ashton Gate Conference Centre from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, September 30. 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.
Novel approach to launching new book Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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OST of us have had a dreadful job interview at some time in our lives, and Bristol writer AA Abbott is no exception. “I do temporary work for large companies, so I go to interviews a lot,” she said. “Once I was sent to the wrong address. On another occasion, I was told, ‘Nothing ever happens around here. I don’t know why you’re interested in us.’ Of course, you always bounce back. But in my new thriller, After The Interview, an opportunity for revenge presents itself, leading to fraud, financial ruin and murder.” A regular face on the Bristol business networking scene, the author decided to invite members of the business community to the launch of her second novel at Goldbrick House. Buoyed by the interest in this and first book, Up In Smoke, she says she plans to fit in writing more around her work. “I continue to combine interim work with writing,” she said. “I enjoy corporate life, and it gives me inspiration. It also allows me to meet people, while writing is a solitary pursuit. “I love speaking to business networks and book groups too, on
● Author AA Abbott with Richard Graves of GWS Media; right, the new book subjects as diverse as capturing family memories and writing an e-book to promote your business.” Both books are available on Amazon while the author can be found on Twitter at @AAAbbotStories.
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● Above, Katharine Adlard of Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Marie Langan of BDO; right, cover artist Anna Hurl; left, writer Tim Davidson and architect and travel writer Cat Martin
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Wednesday, August 6, 2014
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In pictures The What’s Right? Networking group
● The Rev Dan Tyndall of St Mary Redcliffe and John Tiley of Image Through Quality
● Judith Heale of Gregg Latchams and Marcus Robinson of Mortgage Style
● Julian Withers of Jessie May Trust
FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our
● Rebecca Jenkins of Results With Marketing
● Cartoon character WhoArYa mingles with guests
Worthy causes How funds are being spent
● Julie Evans of Kbase Ltd and Steve Tasker, Chartered Management Accountant
● Sarah Hennessey of CCS Adoption, Dr Isioma Nwokolo, Peter James Martin and Richard Tidswell
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GROUP of Bristol busiTrust, Edd Smith of St Peter’s Hosnesses that help good causes pice and Stephen Melanophy of Busiin the city through networkness in the Community all shared ing heard how the £20,000 their feelings about the support they they have raised in the last receive in both financial and practhree years has been used locally. tical terms from the group. The What’s Right? NetworkCo-founders of the group ing group supports Bristol John Tiley of Image Through GALLERIES charities through corporQuality and Mark Evans of GALORE ate social responsibility. Kbase Connect were Seven good causes praised for their work. FOR MORE PICTURES helped through donaThe event was organCheck out our tions explained the ised by Judith Heale of website at work they carried out Gregg Latchams and Rebristolpost.co.uk/business at a special gathering at becca Jenkins of Results Bristol and Bath Science with Marketing, both Park. trusted partner organisaSarah Hennessey of CCS tions within What’s Right? Adoption, Angela Emms RainEntertainment was provided bow Centre for Children, Mike Pierce with a piano recital by Ben Saunders of the Southmead Project, The Revof Gregg Latchams, dressed as the erend Dan Tyndall of St Mary Redcartoon character WhoArYa to raise cliffe, Julian Withers from Jessie May £100 for St Peter’s Hospice.
● Author Peter James Martin talks to Mark Evans of KBase Connect
● Edward Smith of St Peter’s Hospice
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● Mike Pierce of the Southmead Project with John Tiley
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Wednesday, August 6, 2014
The back page
Your digest of the week in business
People
1,100 people in the UK,with Aust as its HQ. Paul Williams, Brightside chief executive, said: “We look forward to building upon Brightside’s success to-date and drawing upon AnaCap’s considerable expertise to grow the business into one of the leading specialist personal and commercial lines insurance brokers in the UK market.” Jatender Aujla, investment director at AnaCap, added: “Brightside has grown rapidly over the last few years to become a scaled and relevant player in both the UK personal and commercial lines insurance broking market. We are excited to work with the business during its next phase of development and growth.”
● Andy Bill’s day job sees him part of the landing gear team at Airbus in Filton, working on complex systems to monitor the equipment that helps passenger planes take off and land. But this week he’s revealed hidden talents, exhibiting his paintings of hot air balloons as part of a Fiesta Fringe event looking at the city’s ballooning heritage. Andy said: “I grew up in Leicester and when the balloons flew over our house, my brother and I were part of a group of kids who would chase after them to help pack the balloons after they landed. “Now I do the same with my son, Austin who’s five, when the balloons are flying in South Gloucestershire, where I live with my wife, Cara.” Andy’s work will be exhibited with that by other artists at the Above Bristol exhibition at The Island, Bridewell Street, from August 7-13. ● Commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has made a senior local appointment as it seeks to grow its public sector division further. Jaime Blakeley-Glover, below, has moved to the Bristol office as regional director for public sector services. Jaime, who joined LSH in 2011, takes on the role alongside his position of consultancy director within public sector services. Jaime said: “This is a very exciting opportunity and I’m looking forward to building on LSH’s market presence in the West Country and our national public sector advisory capability.” ● Most company directors are quick to claim credit for their firm’s success, so it’s nice to see one giving an outsider a share of the acclaim. Managing director James Eades, who runs specialist IT company Systemagic Ltd in Bath says Bristol-based Roger Piahay of Sandler Training is a big factor. James said: “There is no doubt that investing in Roger and Sandler Training has transformed the business. It’s changed the way I do business, the way I feel about
● Airbus worker Andy Bill with some of his photographic work business and the way I behave. “I’ve got a much better understanding of myself and of my interaction with others. As a result turnover and profits are up, the team is well motivated and I’ve made connections which I might not have made previously.”
Deals ● Pensions services firm Punter Southall has won the race to provide actuarial services to Honda. The group’s UK pension scheme has 5,000 members and the trustees chose Punter Southall, which has its regional base in Queen Square after being impressed by the commitment, professionalism and insight of the team, combined with “cutting edge” technology. Chris Mapp, principal at the Bristol office, said: “We believe our
collaborative approach, strong actuarial experience and market-leading technology make Punter Southall a natural choice for funds like the Honda UK scheme. Honda is a highly regarded household name, with which we are proud to be associated, and we look forward to enjoying a constructive and rewarding relationship with the scheme trustees.” ● Insurance broker Brightside Group has been bought by European financial services private equity firm AnaCap Financial Partners LLP. Brightside is a fast-growing top 20 insurance broker and financial services provider based in Aust, South Gloucestershire. It employs
● Bristol headquartered law firm Burges Salmon advised the Co-operative Group on the sale of its farms business. The sale was part of the group’s moves to raise money to pay off debt and focus on its core shops business. The operation, which includes 15 farms and almost 16,000 hectares of land, was bought by the Wellcome Trust. The Burges Salmon team was led by corporate partner Nick Graves and real estate partner Alastair Morrison. Nick said: “The team really enjoyed working with the mergers and acquisitions team at the Co-operative Group and helping them bring this important transaction to a successful close.”
Profits ● Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming is reporting another year of expansion as it plots its eventual goal to break into the top tier of practices. The firm’s fee income grew by more than three per cent to almost £17 million. The business has 26 partners and 280 members of staff across the South West, including Bristol. Managing partner Matthew Lee, above, said: “Just as we help every client to build and deliver a business plan for growth, our own plan is gathering momentum.”
The op-ed column
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1.9 2.6 0.6 0.5 3.99
Inflation (RPI)
Weekly earnings
Base interest rate
Deborah Waddell Director – CBI South West @DeborahJWaddell
“week’s pay” – based on basic salary and excluding payments such as working allowances, expenses, overtime, commission and bonus payments, all of which refer to specific work done by someone while performing their duties. But this recent ECJ judgment ruled that the employer in question must pay an allowance for commission, despite the fact that commission is paid on sales made and the employee would not have delivered those sales while on holiday. If liabilities on holiday pay are backdated, individual firms may face bills of tens of millions of pounds. A number of South West medium-sized
businesses have told the CBI that backdated claims could push their otherwise profitable businesses into insolvency. Moving the legal goalposts in this way is unacceptable. Firms that have done the right thing and fully complied with UK law now face the threat of substantial additional costs. And the companies most at risk are in vital sectors for our economy, such as manufacturing, construction and civil engineering. Although most businesses believe we are better off in a reformed EU, there is a real danger of expansive decisions being made by the ECJ on the UK labour market. As part of an EU reform programme, this has to be addressed. It’s time to put a stop to back-door EU employment law being made. We need the UK Government to take a strong stand and do all it can to
remove this threat. Otherwise we face the very real prospect of successful firms in this country going out of business, with the jobs they provide going too. With such hugely significant long-term effects, the UK must resist these judgements, which go far beyond what could have been foreseen when the working time rules were introduced, and do not respect the EU treaty – which reserves matters of pay to the Member States. Further cases on commission and overtime are currently proceeding, meaning major uncertainty for businesses. And if the Government doesn’t step up its engagement with the cases to defend the current UK law, and use its powers under British law to limit the retrospective liability fir ms’ face, we should face up to the reality that some of our successful firms could be going out of business.
% % %
%
Ave mortgage rate % Corporation tax % Main rate
21
Small profits rate – below £300,000
20
%
Business current accounts State Bank of India
1.01% £10,000 deposit 0.25% £1 deposit
Business savings accounts Cambridge & 1.80% Counties Bank £10,000 deposit Shawbrook Bank
1.40% £5,000 deposit
Source:
EU holiday pay ruling could be disaster for firms BUSINESSES in the UK are currently facing an anxious wait to see if they will be hit by huge additional costs due to a change to UK holiday pay law. This comes after a recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling redefined holiday pay to include an allowance for commission. What this means is that, depending on the subsequent ruling from the UK courts, employers may have to change the way they calculate holiday pay to take account of commission payments. Businesses could face retrospective claims relating to earlier periods of annual leave, and these claims could go back six years or possibly even as far back as 1998. The impact of this would be massive – potentially billions of pounds and a threat to the very existence of some firms. At the moment, holiday pay in the UK is calculated on the basis of a
In numbers Inflation (CPI)
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