Business 7 January 2015

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07 JAN

2015

Bristol’s property sector is on the cusp of a gold rush as investors look West for the best returns

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Sale

Historic harbourside parade sold for £4m ONE of Bristol’s most distinctive Georgian parades has new owners.

Change Real Estate has acquired the freehold of the parade in Redcliffe, which includes six town houses, most recently used as office accommodation, together with modern offices to the rear.

Overlooking the floating harbour, near St Mary Redcliffe Church, 3-8 Redcliffe Parade West have Grade II listed status. Together with the separate office building, the total floor area is 32,400 sq ft.

The property has been bought in a joint venture with Cannon Family Office from a private vendor for £4 million. The buildings could be converted back into homes, as a scheme to create 14 apartments has consent.

Ron Persaud, director of Change Real Estate, said: “The Redcliffe area is undergoing a renaissance, from the Bristol General Hospital redevelopment through to Redcliff Square.

“This is an exciting acquisition for Change Real Estate in the heart of an historic corner of Bristol.”

Offices

Limited supply will force up prices ● PROPERTY agency Knight Frank has made its market predictions, forecasting prices will be driven up by limited supply.

Martin Booth, the partner heading the office agency team in Bristol, said: “We expect to see strong rental growth in the majority of regional city centres over the next 12 months, with new development completions securing higher prime rental levels.

“In Bristol, headline rents of £28 at the end of 2014 will have risen to £29.50 by the end of 2015, driven by a lack of grade A stock.

“We fully expect that vacancy rates will continue to reduce across all of Bristol’s office markets and across all grades of accommodation.”

Louisa Rickard, associate, commercial research, Knight Frank, added; “As economic growth spreads to the regions we expect to see prime office rents rise across regional city centres in 2015. Lack of supply at the prime end of the market will add further upward pressure on both prime and secondary rental growth.”

Retail

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More stores could be opened in region ● RETAILERS are eyeing the South West for more new stores this year.

The TLT Retail Growth Strategies Report 2015 found that retailers think the South West is the region with the most potential.

One factor could be the relatively high disposable income around the Bristol region.

Perran Jervis, of Bristol-headquartered law firm TLT, said: “There has been significant investment in recent years across the South West, including the development of Bristol’s Cabot Circus and the expansion of Exeter’s high street.

“But, as our annual report reveals, there is still more potential for new stores in the region.”

Forecast

Wild West Bristol property market will boom this year, claims expert Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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NCREASED investment will put Bristol at the forefront of a Wild West style property boom through 2015, says one expert.

Colliers International’s economic forecaster Walter Boettcher, pictured, made his predictions during a whistle-stop tour of leading Bristol companies where he gave city professionals a rundown on current and projected business drivers through 2015 and in to 2016.

Walter gave a 30-minute presentation on key economic trends to invited audiences at the offices of BDO, RBS, Williams and Glynn, HSBC, VWV Solicitors and Clarke Willmott as well as hotel investors EQ Group.

He was joined by Colliers International hospitality sector director Simon Wells, who reported on the increasingly healthy state of the West Country hotel market and the latest investment trends within the sector.

Central to Walter’s theme was increasing investment in the regions. He said: “Bristol really is like the Wild West in some ways as the scramble for yield sees multiple buyers chasing investment and other property.

“Regional purchasing managers’ index (PMI) indicators are improving across the UK. Economic and property performance is picking up in the regions and we are finally seeing signs of rental growth in the Bristol office market. We are also on

the cusp of rental growth in the wider industrial sector.

“UK-wide property performance has certainly recovered more quickly than anticipated and Bristol is feeling the lift.”

Walter predicted that given strong take-up in Q4 2014 and a discernibly stronger rental tone, it was plausible that the Bristol office market would soon be breaking the £30 per square foot headline rent threshold.

He also said interest rates were showing few signs of going up anytime soon and, given the weak growth in real wages and tax receipts, a rate hike was unlikely until Q1 2016 and even then it would only be modest.

“At HSBC, an interesting question

arose about the depressing effect on wages of the auto-enrolment pension schemes of SMEs,” he added. “Data suggests that real wages could remain lower for longer as employers reach into the wage pot to fund increased pension contributions - another reason why interest rates are unlikely to rise soon.”

Walter also highlighted the potential impact of increased devolution to the regions and increasing cooperation between Bristol and Cardiff.

“I am convinced the devolution agenda is being pushed less for political reasons and more as a means of providing added impetus to the regional economies. Let the regions do what they do best and choose their own course, rather than having one centralised model that is meant to fit all. The advantages of having entities such as a Bristol-Cardiff City Region make sense.”

Development

Builders turn to garden sites as pressure for city space increases PRESSURE on space in greater Bristol could see more homes built on gardens.

Two new residential projects being undertaken by Aust-based Helm Construction are on garden sites.

Chief executive Gary Sheppard said one site in Peache Road, Downend, had been bought by a client for its particularly large garden – now in a dilapidated state - which offers enough room for four semi-detached homes.

The other property in Muller Road is an end terrace house where permission has been granted to build a three-bedroom house on the adjoining garden plot.

Gary said: “Both sites have plan-

ning permission with the opportunity to utilise under-used space.

“Development in Bristol is dictated by lack of space. There is not a lot of undeveloped space to play with which means developers are constantly on the lookout for suitable brown-field sites or thinking outside of the box to make the best use of spare plots like these.

“There is a housing quota to meet and land is limited, unlike South Gloucestershire which has plenty of land available to build on.”

The firm is active on a dozen brown-field sites across Bristol, helping to bring derelict or abandoned plots back into the public realm after years and even decades of standing

● Peache Road in Bristol where new homes are being built on a garden plot empty.

Gary added: “Developers are recognising our ability to deliver homes on the tightest urban sites where you have to deliberately downsize the whole operating schedule in order to work within and alongside the community rather than try

and work against it.

“These inner city sites tend to be fairly restricted in terms of elbow room and this factor puts some builders off. But we see these smaller sites as a crucial component in providing the homes Bristolians are crying out for.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Hotels

Owner taking hands-on role at luxury venue THE owner of a four-star hotel near Bristol is taking greater control of its management.

The operation of the DoubleTree

by Hilton, Cadbury House in Congresbury, which is owned by Sanguine Hospitality, will now be overseen by New York Italian Ltd. With its HQ based at the North Somerset venue, the running of the venue will be overseen by Wrington-based Nick Taplin who is chairman of New York Italian Ltd. The decision, made possible by a new bank facility from Lloyds, does not affect the day-to-day running of Cadbury House.

The hotel had previously been overseen by Interstate Hotels and Resorts UK. The venue has enjoyed a £26 million investment over the past 10 years. And it’s this sort of investment that the switch of management companies will allow in future.

With backing from Downing Investment and Lloyds Bank the venue was bought by Nick back in 2003 and he has personally overseen the reinvention of the well-known venue.

He said: “This is an exciting time for Cadbury House.

“It’s been a fantastic journey to oversee the transformation of this sleepy giant, into the leading, four-star, boutique-style hotel, health club and spa that has helped place North Somerset right on the map.

“There are still lots of exciting plans that will ensure it maintains its position as the number one venue for conferences, meetings, weddings, celebrations and health and fitness.

“The best way we feel to do this is to give the team at the venue the

● The DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House; inset, Nick Taplin and, below, chef Marco Pierre White autonomy to make the decisions as they are the ones who know the venue better than anyone else. “ By bringing the management of the venue back in house we will be able to make quicker decisions and be a lot more present in the business than an international manager.”

During Nick’s tenure a new £6 million health club and spa opened in 2006 followed by the refurbish-

ment of the house and opening of a new 72-bedroom hotel in 2007.

In 2009 it became part of the DoubleTree by Hilton franchise while remaining independent.

In 2010 a 60-bedroom hotel extension was opened while the restaurant was re-branded as a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill.

Nick added: “It will be great as an

owner to spend more time in the business, ensuring we are all at the top of our game.

“I am looking forward to getting Marco more involved with me here too as well as our other restaurants across the country.”

Existing general management team of Colin Badcock and Jason Eaton will report directly into the board headed up by Nick.

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Economy

Dip in optimism but ‘recovery on track’ ● CONFIDENCE among businesses has slipped in the past six months against a background of rising concern about exports to Europe.

The Business in Britain report from Lloyds Bank gathers the views of bosses twice a year.

Across the South West confidence fell from a record high in July.

Expectations for total sales, orders and profits in the next six months have all dropped but remain above their long-term regional average.

Fifty-two per cent of businesses said they expect their orders to increase during the first half of the year, while just four per cent anticipate a decline. The 48 per cent net balance represents a 13 point decrease.

Similarly, 54 per cent stated that they think their sales will increase in the next six months, while just 11 per cent expect a drop, leading to a 43 per cent overall balance, a 22 point decrease from July.

But David Beaumont, pictured, area director for SMEs at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Although business confidence has slipped back, it is important to remember that the UK recovery remains on track. Companies should continue to think about their priorities and how they can best grow their businesses as we start the New Year.”

Fitness clubs Fundraising

On crest of a wave We’re aiming to evolve, say Fundsurfer pair Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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The business will offer free 30-minute consultations to develop a funding strategy with any businesses or social enterprises.

Oliver said: “It may involve us putting together a crowd-funding project for them or there could be a need for a start-up loan from Start-Up Loans Company, a mentor, support from Growth Accelerator, or a loan from a peer-to-peer lending partner.

“The objective is to put forward sustainable business funding strategies and to move away from the reliance on grants because they always come to an end.”

Fundsurfer will then refer firms onto partners including peer-to-peer lender Funding Circle or private equity consultants Lucid Ventures, who are eager for quality applications.

“We know what the lenders want to see we know what grant providers want to see so we can broker that relationship,” said Oliver.

The right solution for a business might be mix of several funding sources. Fundsurfer gets paid on commission, so only gets money once the business has succeeded in raising some.

The focus remains on social and

REWARD SYSTEM ● Fundsurfer started as a rewards-based, crowdfunding platform – so what does that mean?

It means that when people pledge money, rather than a stake in the business (equity funding), they get a reward.

The simplest version might be the product being made.

You pledge money to a writer to help them create a comic, and your reward is one of the first copies.

It’s a way for start-ups to measure demand before they order stock.

In the case of 20th Century Flicks, backers received membership, free rentals and coffees, T-shirts and a special screening depending on the amount pledged.

creative businesses and projects.

But the guys are confident this change in direction will give them a long-term future. Derek put it: “Crowd-funding will lose its buzz word status at some point… but the need for funding won’t.”

● WITH more than 150 gyms and health clubs across Bristol expecting to welcome significant numbers of new members this month, TV Licensing is reminding owners of fitness clubs they need a licence if their members watch live TV while they exercise.

However, gyms and health clubs require a TV licence if customers or staff watch live TV programmes – whether on a TV, tablet, computer or any other type of equipment.

Richard Chapman, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said: “Being caught without a business TV licence is a criminal offence and could potentially mean you’re unable to provide this form of entertainment to your members – a service that many people enjoy while they work out.”

Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1 Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07828 941469 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk

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HE team behind a crowd-funding platform plans to transform it into a one-stop shop for raising money for creative business and social enterprise projects.

Fundsurfer, based at the Engine Shed centre in the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, launched as a rewards-based crowd-funding website and helped film rental business 20th Century Flicks get enough money to move from Clifton to a bigger premises in central Bristol.

The platform has helped 12 projects so far, including furniture recycling enterprise Re:Work and author Amy Morse, but founders Oliver Mochizuki, pictured, and Derek Ahmedzai believe it needs to evolve if it too is to become a successful business.

20th Century Flicks was something of a breakthrough.

“We had our first real success story where they set a target of £10,000 – they went a couple of thousand past that,” said Oliver. “We had national press, Simon Pegg got involved Tweeting about the fact he

owed them £4.50 from when he was a student. That was great. He actually sent a package to them with a cheque including interest. I don’t think they’ll be cashing that cheque.”

Oliver said launching a campaign was hard work and this one worked because the 20th Century Flicks team took advice and put in the effort.

“It was a great validation of Fundsurfer and proof that you can do it,” said Oliver. Now the pair want the platform to evolve.

“The whole financial landscape is changing and being disrupted on an almost weekly basis so we are trying to evolve and keep up with that,” said Oliver.

While keeping the rewards and donation based Fundsurfer platform, the duo are branching out and not just to other forms of crowd-funding.

“There’s been an evolving of our position from being a crowd-funding platform to being a funding platfor m,” said Oliver. “We’ve been in the trenches now for six months and talked to dozens of creative and social projects and the number one problem people have is funding.”

Gyms warned to get TV licences in shape

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Legal

Solicitors on move as staff numbers leap ● THE Bristol arm of NewLaw Solicitors has revealed a growth of 650 per cent in staff numbers since moving to the city less than two years ago.

Since January 2013 NewLaw’s Bristol team – which was ranked in the Legal 500 for the South West region last year – has grown from 10 to more than 75 employees.

As a consequence, the rapidly growing firm has acquired the entire second floor of Bristol’s Tower Wharf office building to accommodate its expanding workforce in the city.

With capacity for housing 160 staff, this new space will allow for the significant planned growth of the team in Bristol over the coming few years.

Head of office Jon Fitzpatrick said: “Making the move to larger premises is the next step towards confirming and consolidating our reputation as a leading law firm in the city and we are really looking forward to welcoming new colleagues to join our excellent team as the office expands.

“Bristol is a major legal centre and as such there is a large pool of existing expertise on which we can draw to fuel our planned growth, supplemented by the impressive quality of the graduates produced by the city’s impressive universities as far as new talent is concerned.

“Our success in Bristol mirrors that of the NewLaw group as a whole, which is based on the high quality of our staff, their strong work ethic and client focus, our integrity, our innovative approach to solving legal and business problems, as well due to the strength of our commercial partnerships with companies equally successful in their own fields.

“Our new offices in Tower Wharf are in a superb, central location with facilities to meet all the needs of a modern law firm and we are looking forward to making it our new home.”

The firm specialises in personal injury work, as well as wills, trusts and probate.

Jo Darlington, who heads up the firm’s Bristol Serious Injuries unit, said: “Every year we help thousands of injured people recover the compensation that they deserve and need following what can be devastating and life-changing accidents.”

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Insurance

Recruitment

Opus ranked among top firms to work for

● Simon James, managing director of Venture Insurance, says the right kind of office is not available in the firm’s Clifton and Whiteladies Road heartland

Growing pains We can’t find suitable office space Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk

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N independent insurance firm is targeting 30 per cent growth this year, but is frustrated over a move to larger premises by the lack of available office space in Bristol.

Venture Insurance has seen premiums placed through the firm rising to in excess of £6 million in 2013/14, from £4.5 million the previous year, with two new permanent members of staff growing the team to 11.

Further expansion is targeted as Venture Insurance continues to build its client base, and more growth will necessitate a move to larger premises away from the company’s offices in Kings Parade Avenue in Clifton.

But managing director Simon James says he is struggling to find anything available to buy close to the

company’s present location off Whiteladies Road.

He said: “We are desperate to purchase some new offices. We’re out of space here and with the parking restrictions causing issues for our staff and our clients, we definitely need to do something. We have a good budget and we are flexible – we are prepared to occupy anything between 2,000 sq ft and 4,000 sq ft, letting part of it out if necessary.

“The problem we have is that we want to stay in our heartland of Clifton and Whiteladies Road but there’s just nothing around to buy.

“The easing of the planning regulations which allow conversion from offices to residential is a real issue for us. We’ve been looking for several months but we can’t find anything appropriate.”

Venture Insurance’s brokers offer between them more than 150 years’ experience in insurance across a wide range of industries.

Last year the company, which was

set up three years ago, became one of fewer than 100 companies in the UK to have been given Chartered status.

Despite the difficulties in finding new office space to cater for the expansion of Venture Insurance, Simon remained encouraged by his company’s growth.

He said: “Our performance is shown in the fact that we now have 11 full-time staff – with a new accounts manager joining us full-time – so we’ve added two staff since the summer.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and things are looking healthy financially. We are a business which is thriving and bringing in lots of new clients. We are aiming for 30 per cent growth in terms of the premiums we have placed this year.

“We are still getting great support from insurers who love the fact that we are independent. We are hiring developed, experienced, top-end professionals, employing people who can really look after our clients.”

Technology

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Robotics team hits the jackpot with Vegas trip A START-UP company has been showcasing its work at one of the world’s biggest technology shows.

In just eight months Open Bionics has grown from a one-person, crowd-funded idea to a three-person business that has attracted investors and attention worldwide.

Now the team has flown off to the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The show, taking place this week, is where breakthrough technologies are revealed to the world with more than 3,500 exhibitors across fields such as gaming, 3D printing, car electronics

and bio-technology.

Inventor Joel Gibbard founded Open Bionics at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory at UWE’s Frenchay campus with the goal to make affordable robotics hands for amputees.

Last year, Joel and colleague Sammy Payne took part in a global wearable technology competition run

by Intel.

They came second and walked away with £125,000 to invest in their young business.

Now Intel has also flown them to Vegas to take part in the trade show.

Joel said: “It’s an incredible op-

● Sammy Payne with Open Bionics founder Joel Gibbard portunity to be on the world stage showing how innovative technologies can be used to change lives and help

people. We have a feeling new advancements in the field of wearable technology will be taking centre

● A RECRUITMENT agency has been named one of the top 100 small companies to work for.

Opus Recruitment Solutions was founded in 2008 and is based in the towering Castlemead office block in the city centre. It has expanded into a London office and an office in Sydney, Australia.

It is the first time the firm has made the list, but bosses won’t find out where it is actually ranked until February.

Founder and chief executive Darren Ryemill said: “We feel that in order to grow a strong business, you must start from the bottom by ensuring job satisfaction across the company.

“To be acknowledged by a nationally recognised achievement makes us feel very proud and we will continue to strive for excellence in both the work we do and the environment we do it in.”

The Best Companies survey is conducted on a yearly basis and results consist of one, two and three-star accreditation ratings, and a best companies Index (BCI) score. In 2012 and 2013, Opus featured in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track.

IT

Firm on cloud nine after HP recognition ● A BRISTOL firm has been put in the spotlight by IT giant HP for its innovative work in the cloud.

GateWest is one of only a handful of companies in Europe accredited to work with HP on its next generation data analytics platform IDOL. Developer Dean Kinch from the Thornbury-based company created an app called KnowGate to allow companies using HP’s IDOL On Demand to access important – and sometimes sensitive – information in a secure way while on the move.

HP invited a team from GateWest to its annual conference in Barcelona to launch a new set of cloud analytics services called Haven OnDemand.

Neal Holley, head of operations for GateWest, said: “It was fantastic for HP to recognise our work in this way and to see us as pioneers in taking their new technology and adapting it for the modern environment.”

stage this year. It’s going to be an exciting trip.”

An Intel spokesman added: “Intel aims to inspire and create excitement with CES visitors by showcasing – through technology demonstrations like these – that the future of wearable computing is boundless.”

Joel and Sammy were joined by a third team member, Vitória Maurício, and will demonstrate their latest robotic head.

The firm’s work is open source, meaning others can use it, and its Dextrus hands have been 3D printed by people in the USA, Canada, Ukraine, Scotland, and Australia.

It has been quite a year for Joel who was recently named British Young Design Engineer of the Year at the British Engineering Excellence Awards, Founder of the Year at The Bristol and Bath SPARKies, and has been shortlisted for Semta’s Engineering Hall of Fame award sponsored

by Rolls Royce and Jaguar.

Women in Business

Double winners ‘Awards really gave us a great confidence boost’

THE CATEGORIES

in association with

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

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OR Imogen McIntosh and Anne-Louise Perez, the 2014 Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards was a key moment in the journey of their burgeoning business.

The pair won two awards, new business and innovation, for their company YourStreet Gift Cards which creates gift cards to be used in independent stores.

Now they are urging other women to nominate themselves for the awards before the deadline on Friday, January 16.

“The awards really gave us a great confidence boost,” said Imogen. “We are passionate about our business but having it recognised in that way showed other people were also passionate about it.

“We were setting up in business for the first time having both been stay-at-home mums.

“Taking a career break, you feel de-skilled and lacking in confidence but having won these awards made us feel so empowered to carry on.”

Imogen, 38, and Anna, 45, were so impressed by the evening that this year they are sponsoring the New Business prize in the hope others will enjoy the benefits they have had.

“We had such a great experience last year,” said Imogen.

“The exposure was fantastic and it was a brilliant way to network.

“I used to be a mental health nurse and Anna was a teacher so didn’t have a lot of experience in the business world before and tend to find ourselves surrounded by lots of men in suits.

“It is really empowering to see lots of other women in similar positions.

That was really important for us.”

The past year has been good for YourStreet.

They have been piloting their gift cards in their home city of Bristol and hope to roll it out to Bath and other towns and cities in 2015.

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015

● Imogen McIntosh and Anne-Louise Perez, founders of YourStreet Gift Cards

Pic: Barbara Evripidou

SPONSORED BY

“It’s really exciting time for us,” said Imogen.

“Bristol has been a learning experience, now we know what people love, what didn’t work and have spent time working out solutions to problems and have a model ready to roll out elsewhere.”

Entries for the 2015 Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards, held in association with the University of the West of England, must

“ It is really empowering to see lots of other women in similar positions. That was really important for us.

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

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

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

Fluid systems

Swagelok ‘delighted’ with new base for sales centre

The firm has signed a10-year lease on the industrial unit, which totals 18,215 sq ft (1,692 sq m). The quoting rent for the unit was £6 per sq ft (£65 per sq m).

Rob Cleeves, industrial director at Savills, which represented the firm, added: “With high quality industrial accommodation and superb transport links, Orpen Park is an ideal location for Swagelok to continue its growth.”

TO LET Period Offce Building Westbury on Trym Bristol Approx 1,700 sq ft with parking All enquiries:

andrew@wghproperty.co.uk

©LW

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A COMPANY that provides fluid systems for the pharmaceutical, power and semiconductor industries has moved its Bristol sales and service centre.

Swagelok Bristol, represented by international real estate adviser Savills, has taken a unit in Almondsbury from Aviva Investors Global Services Limited.

Simon Cooke, pictured, managing director

of Swagelok Bristol, said: “As the company expanded it was clear we would need to re-locate our operations to facilitate our needs and we are delighted with this new space on Orpen Park.

“We are particularly happy to have found a Bristol location for the firm, not far from our previous address in Avonmouth, which enables us to continue our first class service to clients across the region.”

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

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

Mentor of the Year: The woman who has demonstrated the skills of being a mentor, who has gone the extra mile in supporting a colleague or business Contribution to the Community, sponsored by The Mall Cribbs Causeway: The woman who can demonstrate the difference she has made to their community and/or Bristol and Bath over the year to Jan 1 2015.

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

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

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

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

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

Female Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Crest Nicholson: A female apprentice who can show the impact she has had on the organisation she works for, as well evidence of personal development Outstanding Contribution to Business in Bristol and Bath, sponsored by UWE: The businesswoman who has made a considerable, profitable and lasting contribution to business in Bristol and Bath. Not open for submissions, but handpicked by the judges.

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015

The Big Interview

PLASTERBOARD FIRM’S SHAPING UP The construction industry needs to innovate to cope with fast growing demand and labour shortages. Gavin Thompson meets Neil Ash, the managing director of plasterboard maker Siniat, who believes he may have some of the answers

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T was a case of needs must when Neil Ash joined the company that is now plasterboard-maker Siniat. He wanted to buy a house and needed a mortgage but, self-employed, he was struggling to get one. He joined the business “for three months” to get his mortgage approved. That was 18 years ago.

Neil’s still there and 12 months ago became managing director.

It’s a journey that has taken him from Bristol to France, Poland and back again and stands as a message to the 350 people working at the firm’s head office and manufacturing plant in Bristol that if they work hard, they could fulfil their ambitions too.

“That’s how this company develops people,” says Neil. “If people want to join they can have a great career in our business.”

Having cut production during the recession, the business is growing again and taking on staff. It has about 20 vacancies in a range of roles from engineers to finance, and having had the opportunity to develop his own

Vital statistics

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Name: Neil Ash Age: 43, Born: Bristol Education: Bedminster Down School First job: Working in the family business. My parents owned petrol stations /garages when I was growing up so I was involved from an early age.

career, Neil is keen others who join get the same.

“The opportunities are diverse but we try to keep each role focused,” he says. “The more you ask someone to do many things, the harder it is to recruit that role. We make the role smaller, more focused and it’s easier to recruit but also means you can progress in our business. There are layers. You need to give people the opportunity to develop and see where they are going, otherwise good people will leave.”

It’s not just about fulfilling the ambitions of its workers, Neil has goals for the business too. The plasterboard business may sound a little, ahem, dry, but there’s innovation here as the construction industry aims to become more efficient and sustainable.

“Our vision is we want to become the leader in dry construction,” says Neil. “Dry construction is moving away from traditional heavy trades like bricks, blocks, masonry which have their place in the market but can be time and energy consuming. That includes taking plasterboard from the inside to the outside. So we’ve recently launched an innovation called Weather Defence, which is the first time in the UK plasterboard has been able to be used outside to clad the building before the final surface cladding goes on top of that.”

Neil explains the advantages of dry construction is that it can be built off

site and assembled on site more easily and quickly, which saves on labour costs. There are a range of boards from the basic to the high-end which have greater degrees of fire, sound and impact proofing depending on the customer’s need.

“What we try to do is provide solutions and systems,” says Neil. “Our strapline is shaping the way people build and live and what that means is trying to create better environments for people to live and work in. We do that with plasterboard.”

An example is Southmead Hospital, where the firm installed a pre-sealed board that doesn’t need priming, saving time on decoration.

And when there are 800 bedrooms, that’s a lot of time.

“Southmead Hospital was one of the biggest jobs in the county for a while,” says Neil. “That’s all Siniat plasterboard, using a high-performance plasterboard for fire, impact and sound with a pre-sealed surface so what that brings is simplicity on the job site. My wife’s had a baby recently and I’ve seen been into the new hospital. When people ask what ‘do you do?’, that’s what we do.”

On big projects such as Southmead, Siniat aims to design out waste, making plasterboard to specification so that there’s no need for off-cuts. What waste there is, can be collected and recycled.

Plasterboard is a strange concept.

It’s gypsum, which you dry out, then add water, stick it between two sheets of paper then dry them out again which, somewhat surprisingly, becomes tough enough to become a wall. With old or waste plasterboard, the paper and gypsum can be separated so that the latter can be fed back into the manufacturing process.

Gypsum itself comes from two sources, natural gypsum is dug out of the ground while synthetic gypsum is made from a byproduct of coal power stations. The Bristol plant used mainly the former but a recent £9 million investment means it can start to use more recycled synthetic gypsum too.

“We try to leave as light a footprint as possible,” says Neil. “We are working to make the processes more energy efficient, we try to optimise transport so trucks go out full and we are one of the first companies using tear drop trailers, which are more efficient for fuel consumption.”

It seems right that sustainability is on the agenda for a Bristol company as the city is the European Green Capital this year. This is a business born in Bristol. The company is based here, close to Portbury dock, having started here in 1987. A second production line was added five years later. The ownership has changed a couple of times with Australian firm CSR selling out to Lafarge and more recently Etex buying the business and re-branding it as Siniat.

Neil admits that an acquisition is always a worrying time, but has been delighted at the outcome.

“We now have a parent company much more focused on what we want to do,” he says. “When we were part of

● Neil Ash of Siniat in Easton-in-Gordano

My working day You wake up at? 6.30am What do you have for breakfast? Cornflakes and a double espresso What time do you start work?

My day starts around 7am, checking emails while having breakfast and making plans for the day ahead.

What happens in your typical working day? My job has tremendous variety, so there’s not really a typical day. I love spending time talking to people and spending time with

Lefarge we were a small part of a huge organisation. Now we are a very big part of the Etex group. We are a priority. We can set our focus and have parent company behind us prepared to invest in that ambition.”

The new facility is an example of that, another is a £250,000 testing lab which opened last year.

“That investment would not have happened under the old ownership.

Not because it wasn’t a great company but it’s focus was elsewhere.

Etex has bought us because it wants

customers. Doing this allows me to understand how we are doing and where we should develop.

What time do you go home? If I am in the office I try to leave no later than 7pm, but it really depends what I am working on.

Sometimes I am so engrossed in what I am doing I look at my watch and its 7.30pm and other times if I have been away from home a lot I will go home at 5.30 to spend some time with my family. A good work-life balance is so important.

to be the leader in dry construction and wants Siniat to be the vehicle to doing that.”

The company came through the recession much better than most in the construction sector, largely because of it wasn’t solely reliant on building.

“Like every company we had to resize our organisation,” says Neil.

“But I’m really pleased to say there weren’t major redundancies. We weathered better than our competitors because our background has

Pic: Dan Regan BRDR20141024D-006_C been with builders’ merchants who work on small repair, maintain and improve projects and through the recession that was the part of the market that was least impacted. If your bath overflows and your ceiling falls down you need to repair it. We were less exposed to national housebuilding.”

The firm lost some shifts but kept the capacity in terms of space and production lines so can now scale up again. And Neil believes it has come out stronger.

“The recession makes you think a lot about your business and we are more focussed now,” he says. “One of the things I’ve tried to implement is a focus on different parts of the market.

We’ve segmented our sales force to make sure our sales teams who visit builders merchants understand that market while we have a specification team to work with the bigger projects.

We do big construction markets right down to builders’ merchants where you can buy products for your bathroom ceiling. The needs aren’t the same for both. What general builders need isn’t the same as something like Southmead Hospital.”

Now it’s about growing the business. For Neil there are a number of strands to that. One is a happy workforce, he’s taking more time to listen

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Wednesday, January 7, 2015

FOR SUCCESS

7

Digital services

Now you’ll have to pay VAT across Europe, suppliers told COMPANIES supplying digital services are being warned about impending changes to VAT rules in the EU. Any business which provides broadcasting or electronic services to EU consumers will be affected by the changes, which came into effect from January 1.

Services affected include TV and radio broadcasting, websites and website hosting, downloaded software, e-books, apps, electronic games and music and film downloads.

According to the Bristol office of accountancy and tax specialists Moore Stephens, suppliers will be liable to account for VAT in each EU member state where a customer consumes the service, even if they are not currently registered for VAT in the UK because they fall below the registration threshold.

Affected company owners not preparing for the changes by registering for a new system set up by HMRC risk major inconvenience and loss of valuable business time.

Evading VAT payments is a criminal offence and, in the worst case scenario, business owners entering a country where tax is due could face demands for payment or even arrest.

Mark Chesham, pictured, director of indirect tax services based at the Moore Stephens office in Redcliffe Street, said: “An example is a UK supplier who is selling an e-book to a consumer

in France. From January next year, they will be liable to account for French VAT (TVA).

“At the moment, VAT is accounted for in the country of the supplier and, as a result, many suppliers of electronic services have based themselves in countries like Luxembourg which have low VAT rates.

“These changes are designed to level the playing field.”

Normally the changes would mean the supplier has to register in every country in which they sell the services. But in the UK, HMRC has introduced a Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS), which lets businesses account for all non-UK VAT on a single return and make a payment to HMRC. Businesses have to register for MOSS. Mark said: “Those caught out by the changes will need to show they can identify and evidence, with two pieces of evidence, their customer locations and amend their billing systems to ensure the correct rate of VAT is applied.

“Businesses will first need to establish they are affected by these changes, then decide whether they want to register for MOSS, although it’s difficult to see that doing so wouldn’t be beneficial.

“All this will need to be done in a very short space of time. I recommend getting some expert advice and support where required.”

Restaurants

My downtime What’s your perfect weekend? A perfect weekend for me is spending time with my four lovely daughters. I have two girls from my first marriage and two with my partner, Edyta, who is Polish. It doesn’t really matter where we go or what we do, it’s the spending time together that counts. I love hearing what they are up to and what’s going on in their world.

What’s your favourite book or film or TV show? I love The Apprentice, just for the cringe factor really. Bookwise, I recently read Alex Ferguson’s autobiography, an amazing leader of people regardless of what team you support.

What are your hobbies (if any)? I love playing golf. The perfect start to a weekend would be 18 holes really early in the morning on a sunny summer’s day, having some banter with a few friends.

Five Guys adopt queue-busting payments A BRISTOL business has teamed up with a chain of burger bars to try to solve problems caused by long queues.

CreditCall, based in the city’s Harbourside, makes technology that allows businesses to take card payments without staff on hand such as in car parks.

Now it has developed software that means staff at burger restaurant Five Guys can take orders and payment in the queue using tablet computers. It should speed things up by cutting out the dead time while people stand around waiting to be served.

American chain Five Guys came to the UK in July 2013 and recently opened a restaurant in Bristol’s Cabot Circus shopping centre.

Sian Bosley, commercial director of Creditcall, which employs 60 people in Bristol, said, “As mobile continues to become an integral part of our everyday lives, mobile point of sale capability is increasingly important.

“It requires a payment system that is not only as secure and reliable as any traditional retail point of sale system but also one that requires

easy integration for developers.

“Companies have the option of white labelling our mPOS (mobile point of sale) payment solution, or using our mPOS SDK which can be added to existing mobile customer service apps.

“By doing this the secure integration of payment processing, as illustrated by the Five Guys implementation, is assured.”

John Eckbert, chief executive of Five Guys in the UK, said, “In sites where we have limited space or that get particularly busy – such as Islington when Arsenal play their home matches – we needed a queue busting solution to alleviate the wait time and improve the process for customers.

“This solution, with Creditcall’s mPOS payment functionality at the heart, has been hugely welcomed by both customers and our managers.

“It has enabled us to offer an improved service and to better engage with customers which, for a relatively new brand in the UK, is very important.”

EPB-E01-S3

to staff and invest in making the working environment better. Another is targeting the big projects at the early stages, so that the company’s products and capabilities can be included in the design. We want to come with the right solution for what they want. Understand what they need for acoustic performance, ongoing maintenance costs and so on, so we can identify products which are right for the building,” says Neil.

Third is working with the tradesmen and small businesses, through the builders’ merchants.

“We bought a mobile training vehicle to go round builders merchants and educated the builders about our products,” says Neil. “If we don’t, who will?” An example is that the company’s market research into why builders weren’t recommending its performance plasterboard to customers. The builders said it was because their customers wanted the cheapest quote. But the customers said actually they chose on trust and references and rarely picked the cheapest quote, a message the firm can take back to the builders.

“It’s a time of change in our business,” says Neil. “We have a new brand as Siniat. We have to demonstrate what that means by what we do.”

8 8 6

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Property Matters Property matters

WeWe dnd en sd ad y,aDecember es y, January 3, 7, 2014 2015 We dndensedsady,ay, November 5, 2014 We October 1,

‘CINDERELLA’ ‘FRINGE’ BOOMING CREATIVE SCENE’S STRETCHEDBENEFITS PLASOUTH NNERARE SBRISTOL STRBECOMING UGGBUZZY LGETS E TO KE Big changes are coming for The growth Bristol’s While Northoffringe Bristol Thenorthern recovery in the the ofgrabs technology andand creative Bristol property market the headlines investment, Bristol. Gavin Thompson is gathering pace but sectors is leading to changing the south the city has reports onofthe opportunities that speed could lead to demands from the been left behind onproperty jobs and a bottleneck init Thompson the market. can adapt? fringe prosperity.

RIBut STOGavin L’S northern planning process.

Gavin has been thereports city’s engine Gavin asks, isThompson it time for Cinderella room inre recent years. The Thompson p o r t s South Bristol to the gipresenceto of go engineering face such of Bristol’s ants as business Airbus, ball? HE community is changing. If

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

But he warned that administrative of political squabbles over boundaries must be set aside, with much of this area falling into South Gloucester● BRISTOL mayor George Ferguson will be of later other creative SMEs, has ● CREATIVE like conference to shire Council speaking at a companies major property benefited Hurricane enormously huddle together for inspiration. It’s not Bristol. this month. since one the appeals of places such event Rolls-Royce, GKN and BAE, as well as “As far as TheofMIPIM commercial property is a we arrived here in February 2012.

WO years ago there was little as Bath Road Studios. you look around the Engine mainstay of the industry calendar and the Bristol those further down the supply chain occupiers building onand in The has finalinphase of the Shed a work hub ofgoing digital region the past sent high profile “Whilst it’s a highly creative and have brought engineering and the propRIST–Owell-paid L’S property market environment to work in, Bristol.

That changed redevelopment HTV from delegations in a of bidthe to former woo investors torelaxed the jobs. tech erty world are appearscompanies to has be booming there’s an air of professionalism and quickly!

In the studios start-ups to growing businesses – re gion. into office what the Access tofast London viacan theresidenor concer ned, again.

Cranes beM4 seen that resonates throughout the tial sector we have Finzel’s owners describe as “n e w, yo u ’ll see more hipster beards than The event takes place in Cannes but this year a Bristol Parkway has made there the area North Bristol is across the skyline, are building which is perfect for our Reach the former Courage Brewcontemporary workspace” space tattractive ies. athundreds UK version of the event is being staged for the for officesoftoo, with Aztec very much seen as an homes being brand’s image and our ability to ery revived under new has time beenatcomplete, it is That change is reflected in propfirst London’sand Olympia.

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

Bristol’s mayor in a Stoke Greater Bristol area,” he said. “We in thehousing city centre and companies northern business-focussed creative M shed rising from the ground and The project, commissioned by These companies are attracting session called My Future City in 2050, staged by of alles. sizes. shouldn’t let administrative boundfring the General Hospital conversion into the building’s owners Cube Real young, skilled and motivated workers the Future Cities Catapult, But since the recession, has aries stand in the way of progressive Proximity to the M4 and there available flats is well under way.

Estate, highlights a continued who don’t want to sit in That’s a boring old looking at how places been new about development and inward investment. land little makes theactivity. area attractive for On the office side Salmon Hardemand for small-scale, office. such as Bristol can to change. Thousands of homes Indeed we need to think strategically employment too.Wharf It new is home to veThe ster’s Twosites Glass stands contemporary space in Bristol, in industries are fast moving too. become smarter and are being built or planned in Emeras a city region and capitalise on all the aerospace sector, with Whilst it’s a highly proudlocal in its Bristol quickly blue colours line with a rise in the number of Companies expand and more successful. smarque on’s Green, Cribbs such Causeway and its successes if we are to be taken companies asfast, Airbus while Skanska’s 66 Queen Square destart-ups and SMEs in the city. sometimes vanish just as so creative and relaxed But overall, the former Filton Airseriously in the UK and beyond.” and Rolls-Royce, employing about velopmentleases is taking with the Almostindustry 80 per is cent of the long-term just shape, don’t work.

Bristol’s environment to work in, field site.

An example of how businesses can 7,000 people between them in largely steel thatbewill sit behind building hasofnow Andframe that can a problem for the taking more a been let to a And skilled withjobs. thrive either side of the boundary is highly t h e re ’s an air of curving facade now visible. variety of firms, ranging from small commercial property market, where wait-and-see them The Mall.

The should Avonmouth Severnside Then there’s all and thesuch bed spaces start-up companies to big institutional investors as penprofessionalism that approach to the come Richard Moore of CBRE Bristol, area onnew the rise too, withfor Europe’s beingiscompanies created to accommodate the multinationals such as PUMA. sion look safe, event. resonates throughout ebiggest m p l oy below right, said: “There was some brown-field development site thousands returns. more coming to study in The fact that the site includes an long-term David Mace, concern that Cribbs Causeway would on-site Friska café and a Pilates But this thriving technology and regional senior director Ruari Laidlaw struggle following the arrival of studio an insight into the digital sector is growing in importat GVA,gives whichyou is attending Cabot Circus but that has proved not target market. ance in Bristol. It is becoming the the event but not exhibiting, said: “As a company to be the case.

Ruari Laidlaw of Cube Real poster child of economy. companies.”

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

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

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

Jon Mowat, managing director Shed itself is director a regular stop-off for like-minded creatives Simon Price, ofat Alder King London event this year both from the perspective property merce and have or a much impact on the whole new development of around WessexHurricane Garages,Media which already ofBristol’s tenant VIPs, from politicians to royals. agency GVA in Bristol glass two ofgreater something, a few of participation andsaid: GVA’s own.” industry 2,000 new homes with local local economy with creation of has two dealerships in headquarters Bristol, being by mainly by the dis● Imperial Winterstoke Road, Bristol Pic: Jonand Kent BRJK20150102B-004_C “Being inTobacco’s a buildingnew with such will in Paul eyed Williams, from commercial nibbles and some of the that of the most onVictoria what we knowwhich as the new jobs inspiration. and money being put Houseamenities openfacilities, a third, purpose-built, Nissan collective ment development too. tribution and warehousing sector. good and a broad range ● Bridgewater in Bristol’s Street has beenone refurbished

by Cubex, the firm behind the Fin property agency Bruton Knowles’ important shopold Filton runway.” back into the community. showroom in October next year at Simon Price, head of agency at The proposed new M49 junction anthe city each year atthe ourinflux universities Bristol office, said of techping destinations Dave Murfitt, network up, “The Nissan dealership Cribbs Causeway.

Alder King, said while attention this nounced in December’s those on new the motorway corridor.will Things are director finally oflooking productions film there from Deal Or (see Expert Eye column, right). nology firms was good for theAutumn city. in the South West.”theand development quality for new be Hayes Way at Cribbs Managing director year had very much been focused on Statement should help this mo“Inon the industrial space market, The however. new Green Nowhich Deal Trollied upcoming And that’s just Bristol itself.

The “The regeneration of large areas of little development activity.Keith Brock “We now have some planning problemThe isand that allFilwood those Cubex istobehind Finzel’s bridge and Paul Matthews ofBristol Brutoncity Knowles Nissan GB,Park said: Causeway, anacross area that “We are over theplanning moon that policy a Bristol city centre, particularly the mentum build. warehouse enquiries dominate 80:20developments Business creating 40,000 drama WolfinHall. northern and eastern fringes are Jo said: Davis, right, senior previously abandoned commercial certainty the isBristol needis“Building input from the sq ft ReachBBC development over 800 new added a note caution. istono“We enjoy and it looks be ourthe planning permission showcase dealership inalong Cribbs success ofbeen the two speculative What poor old South Bristol? over manufacturing.

Theset parcel car- funding of workshop and all office accommodBristol Airport has a “There £120-million buzzing with largely house-building at road, property agencyishas GVA, space has key tonew Bristol’s recent director adeveloping ,” said Jo. “The property in-to relevant council the and has also been across Paintworks onefinally of are tions, media and technology sector which don’t suit lower cost, centre a proposition tooftake torefurbishdevelopers doubt that so plans in the an excellent location forscale, us.” been approved and can now dustry Causeway will ensure that weconwill 350 office schemes at as 2 Glass Wharf Surely it’s to get that market riers, trade counters/merchants, ationway, and is expected to support expansion plan including a 200-bed led activity, such the Green last year in Bristol 878 homes success andtime is lifting theLyde city up and the said needs use that to in including public ingsay Bridgewater House in working the top media hubs in thewe city, whilst deals tend to to be retail fairly modest easy-in easy-out terms.” we’ve gotwith four ofmany fiveVictoria companies pipeline the –it Northern fringe of BrisThe span such just really get thenext ballto rolling on the a great facility inkind the ideal 66 Queen Square, North Bristol m ov ing. league supply chain jo hotel.

Further expansion is planned development intable Emersons Green built, compared with in wedealership speed businesses up the national in terms ofhad at- were sultation, reports and todemand bring up tocan grade A with planner Temple Studios the 2,574 train sta- ensure the sheer number ofwill business movesas provide Itbs.takes a different of de- Street with where you build tol will look completely different 20 how the overprocess.

18,000 square feettoand project. the trend. location fully thestarting needs been “quietly creating its said. own suc- 2008/9.

Paulseveral Hobbs, of commercial propAmazon, and– Royal Mail can’t veloper, “Thisto is an excellent point at Imperial Park too. and sites around Keynplaning tracting new business,” he eventual planning per-of standard, hasevidence seen theof problem first tion new has continued brings the DPD footfall not mention with ameet different business based on demand we canseen years from now,” he said.

“But it at is council to create least 25aunew jobsthan in for “It’slast a massive investment for us spend current and future Nissan cess story”. GVA, erty agency says the reasons for risk vehicles taking more one model. with public-sector support, and abBut the improvement is limited by sham.

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

Any bigare develhand.

“These popular centres help – at city centres rely on Thankfully there some, give you?” that the the mixchallenges of new commercial addition to the existing as we the whole willwere cost customers.”

“North Bristol has cranes the area’s relative poverty are long toneed get to the net- with solutely area says He vital The upsurge is office welcomed across infrastr ucture. had seen in sky atin thorities to company’s be motorway lected locations in the citytake-up centre and opment will needs,” involvethe understands faplanning the buzz which allproject cities need to take ghour rowth.” firmswhat such the as Verve behind Ben Shorrock, product developbuildings isBristol right ifisBristol they to Nissan business, in Pennywell the region of £5 The willapplications. be a centre been very strong year and on standing but not always

by Southmead industry, the this speed ofhelped the wo rkto .”modest Hospital,” she said, take on the Pa ul. dealership multiple around the Temple Quarter areisreset“South restrained the city council, but would likeare has full advantage themillion. recovery,” said ready The nature of those deals Paintworks and TCN behind Temple cingment manager at Invest andnumbers provide workplaces for local Road.

“Wessex Garages is firmly electric vehicles and will track tohas exceed 400,000 ft,guard, almost speaking covery caught manysqoff at aconfidence recent property sem-in extra activity that isparticularly p olicy.

That offices means the ting the trend, attracting increasing to see action Paul says the 1960s employment p The foralso Imperial however by itsoften topography, thepeople. lackmendous of Paul. “The generated can pose a problem, for Sfor tud ios. landmark Bath, said:taken.

“It’s not about style “We need more basic space Keith said the Bristol fact the is new siteas rooted Bristol’s business be a charging point. double 2013’s total,” heto said. not least the authorities. the firminhubs hosted the M shed. place. slimmed down, austernumbers of local technology, media and inar havewill five planning applicaon “For those wanting travel from stock inproperty South another Tobacco and the redevelopment of the “We investment and by the rema our creative is at percolating back taking old-style investors such Matt said Invest Bristol and Bath ofinward space but having a subsidy, bit more flex-for growing andby medium-sized “With new curPlanning departments have not She thepraised South “That more difficult. ity-sized planning telecommunications andthere extions being considered Bristol ficers. the south no of the citydevelopment tofirms the north issue, is making up some thesteady lowest was Ashton Gate astadium are changing the lack ofsmall significant scale employalong riverside Bristol, to mothballed city pension funds which lookoffor building picture of teams demand, ibility.

If you are working in animbusinesses atthat amoment rent they can rently under way, North has Gloucestershire been exempt years ofBristol austerity and They cut the planning are a bottleneck Council at the are tending thetofrom city’s so-called Media are rivers cross, narrow streets, grade premises in the city. centre sites such and as theBath Glassfields the face ofbecoming the Winterstoke ment could attract new“This do long-term returns. finding out what the needs ofRoad somearea fo Cityation forsites example, need toand go upafford. and Perhaps that isathe role and deep cutsthe in authority Somerset councils for less 10,000 sq ftlocal of immediately very hard and the abilthat could be ecoshortly toa submit further two,”should Milethan out along A4.” delays in t ment on the fringe de- teams northern fringe were “very exciting” dramatic changes on the North Brisdevelopment innorth Temple Way –and wh ich new speed limits and well-known bot- North-East “Cramped estates at Brislington, and providing spin-off forup local busiMatt Cross, head of inward investmajor employers to theFilton area,” say s the companies it isholding attracting to the down lot in size.

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

“Collectively these rep- office points the £1.35 re- using available A “As space, its lowest velopers be encouraged bytothe ity and the Filton plans and Mall ex- nomic tol skyline,” heand said. has now been earmarked for three tbudgets leHe neck s,from ” grade heto says. wemillion have seen ment agency Invest Bristol and Bath, Cater Road, Ashton Vale, Novers Hill city proactive hav- saidoffice, nesare segrowth s.and being sign a five-year lease forprocess whe Paul.you centres, such as those found at the Forfor theatlast five probably their core for flats fugrowth will be chalresent overspace £100 million ofSouth develfurbishment project by Real develop application i level least 10years, years. market reaction tostrategies 2 Glass Wharf and accommodate pansion represented a are multi-million Mace, regional senior dirnew buildings including offices, said: developers governed “mature conversations” with dewith similar problems initCube Gloucester specific so that doesn’t work.” and “When Hengrove have declined becausetol.ing David The Bottle Yard Studios in HenThe proposal for the Bristol d id n’t matter because there so development sites. lenging.”

Hive in than Weston-super-Mare, and far right, of opment, 100moving homes, a the consider Estate which has the “The opportunities are was clearly 66 Queen and a café.Square.” pound investment inhas thechanged,” area. those at proving another by lenders then veector lopeBridge, rs.is He more added firms tonew Bristol and Bridgwater –transformed the winners on old the ture theinstitutional demand market he Gavin grove a property hitdirector in theagency media Link Road, which has cleared planB015-1411 Bruton Knowles Bristol●“Although Post Advert 270x40mm AW the 2.pdf institutions 1“The 17:24 small (2,500 – is 5,000 sq ft) industrial HTV for studios in Bath Road.

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MIPIM commercial property Case study

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

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South Bristol has for too “ The opportunities long been the Cinderella are areaclearly for commercial there for speculative property in the region. Full office development on of hard-working grafters the fringenever The next but north somehow quite five years will see some getting invited to enjoy dramatic changes on the the full riches.

North Bristol skyline

Dealership finds new place to park Case study

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

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Head of Agency Brutonshould Knowles, Partner

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Bruton Knowles paul.matthews@ Bruton Knowles OR many growing and start-up paul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk brutonknowles.co.uk 0117 287 2101 businesses, signing the first 0117paul.matthews@ 287 2101 lease on a property is something tobrutonknowles.co.uk be celebrated. But it is also

vestment is delivered in tandem.

“The fact that it will open up the something small businesses expanding employment opportunitshould do carefully, and only after taking ies of north Bristol to the labour appropriate independent advice. brutonknowles.co.uk market of south Bristol is a huge Make sure that you don’t sign a lease advantage for the whole city.” for longer than you want to, as it is a Paul Matthews, from the Bristol binding legal agreement.

True, if your MAGINE having to find space for the equiHE economic recovery which gathered brutonknowles.co.uk To Let - High Quality Officesoffice of commercial property Bruton valent of a new town ten times bigger requirements change you may be able to Knowles, agrees. pace throughout 2014 shows nothan signs of Keynsham, somewhere innew the vicinity oflease, sub-let the property oryear. assign the ● BRISTOL mayor George Ferguson will be Near Parkway Station, Bristol “South Bristol has for too long been letting up for the But it’s imThompson reports of later other creative SMEs, the has Cinderella area for commercial Bristol portant and the prospect the con● CREATIVE like conference to butBath. that can that’s be a costly and time speaking at a companies major property to Well draw a distinction between the ToforLet - High Quality Offices benefited Hurricane enormously two cities are facing as levels they seek to provide huddle together inspiration.

It’s HE face of Bristol’s business suming process, with guarantee of a this month. property in the region,” he says. frantic activity innoand around ITH money from overseas continuing to the since we arrived here in February accommodation to cope with a continuing surge one of the appeals of places such community is changing. If successful outcome.

The MIPIM commercial property Station, event is a Bristol “Full of hard-working grafters but capital with complicated picture flownumbers. into the the more UK, Bristol is poised for a in the Near Parkway • From 980-1,980 sq ft (91-183.9 sq m) 2012.

WO years ago there was little in student as Bath Road you look around the Engine Signing a Full Repairing and Insuring mainstay of theStudios. industry calendar and the Bristol somehow never quite getting invited regions. significant increase in inward investand building onand in WithThe Bristol, UWE, Bath andyou Bath camThe has finalinphase of the Shed – a work hub ofgoing digital lease means that areSpa liable forlandthe • 8creative parking spaces region the past sent high profile “Whilst it’s a highly to enjoy the full riches. feedback we are getting demonstrates ment. For to many years overseas investors environment to work in, for a South Bristol Link Bristol. companies That has changed puses predicted significantly over thepretty redevelopment HTV tech from cost ofgrow any to their the property from delegations in a of bidthe to former woo investors torelaxed the “Plans lords andbeen tenants arerepairs keeping cards have concentrating their cash on • Easy access to M4/M5/M32 motorways there’s an of professionalism and quickly!

In businesses the residen-– nextclose few to years demand forchests new student studios start-ups to fast growing that date, regardless what accomcondition it • air From 980-1,980 sq ft (91-183.9 sq m) re gion. into office what the Road have been talked about for dectheir collective –ofalthough sense trophy investments in London and the South East.–we resonates throughout the tialmore sector we have Finzel’s has was absorbed many available sites notcheck owners describe “new, you’ll see hipster beards than • Flexible terms in when you moved in.toward So The event takesas place in Cannes but that this year a 8 parking spaces ades and available there is no doubt that if itButmodation the balance is beginning to tip back the • highindemand and rocketing prices arearound obliging for our just residential market but also the how contemporary workspace” space tReach ies. at the former Courage Brewresponsibilities are and UK version of the event is being stagedbuilding for the which is perfectdoes happen it will go a long way more to lanthe dlord . what your overseas investors to look at locathe • Easy access to M4/M5/M32 motorways

brand’s image and our ability to ery revived under new developer aand rea’smore commercial, office and industrial has time beenatcomplete, it is That change is reflected in propmuch it might cost to maintain the propfirst London’sand Olympia. ensuring that Cinderella finally gets We as arewell seeing some increasingly bigand deals in regional as the capital.

Manchester with other Cubex, Wapping Wharf near the tioncities s. already 80elected per cent let. Contact: erty needs too. Style is important. erty (inside and out),reduce over the term of the Bristol’s mayor is takingpaul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk part collaborate in a • Flexible terms available BK code:2639 to the ball.

Bristol which will inevitably the levels of Birmingham are already seeing increased activity but business-focussed creative M shed companies rising from the and With four top universities within a 20-mile The project, commissioned by These are ground attracting l e a s e. session called My Future City in 2050, staged by “In many ways South Bristol’s time stockradar. available. The balance of power is Bristol is quality alsothe on their the General Hospital conversion into radius, impact on Bristol and Bath will be the building’s owners Cube Real young, skilled and motivated workers can a arise service the Future Cities Catapult, is about to arrive. The northern partOverseas changing asDisputes supply diminishes andover demand coninvestors own quarter of inflats don’t is wellwant under more pronounced thanalmost in many comparable re-in the Estate, at highlights a continued who to way. sit in a boring old beUK, setwith out looking how Contact: places of BristolBK always had an advantage come-producing of tinues commercial to charges. increase.These Rentsshould and quoting rents are property in the paul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk code:2639 On the office side Salmon Hargional cities. lease but often people concentrate on the demand for small-scale, office. such as Bristol can being the crossing point of the two going upwarehouses, as a result ofhotels this increased activity. shopping centres, and office buildveThe ster’s Two Glass Wharf stands Bruton Knowles has been closely monitoring contemporary space in Bristol, in industries are fast moving too. headline rent to be paid, and only later become smarter and where upcoming dramas motorways and while there was land With leases much shorter, the frequency of lease ings athe favourite target.

China, Russia and more re● Bottle Yard WhilstWolf it’sHall a highly proud in itsexpand Bristol quickly blue colours conversion trend since it gained traction line with a risestudios, in the number of Companies and realise that the service is more more successful. available for development was always renewal has increased.

This creates abuilders dilemma for centlyduring Brazil have been busy in this area but charge there has and Poldark have been filmed while Skanska’s 66 Queen Square the downturn.

Back then, owners, start-ups and SMEs in the city. sometimes vanish just as fast, deso creative and relaxed significant than they thought.

FortuBut overall, going to be favoured by both office both the landlord and the tenant. also been a marked rise in investment from German velopmentleases is taking with the and developers werefor keen to keep busy andhave set been Almostindustry 80 per is cent of the long-term just shape, don’t work. nately tenants, regulations Bristol’s environment to work in, and distribution businesses wanting From the landlord’s perspective they need to funds about and also from the Middle East. steel thatbewill sit behind transforming secondary office and elderly building hasofnow Andframe that can a problem for the tightened up inrental recent years, and landtaking more a been let to a to relocate to the area.” consider whether their values have risen Invest Bristol & Bath is helping to focus interest in t h e re ’s an air of curving facade now visible. commercial stock into residential – e s p e c i a lly variety of firms, ranging from small commercial property market, where ● Proposals, above, for the former Filton Airfield site lords are no longer permitted toand treat a wait-and-see He says despite poor infrastrucsufficiently to take proactive approach the Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Then there’s all thesuch bed as spaces student – accommodation.

But what wasa terstart-up companies to big institutional investors peninclude more than 2,600 homes, two schools,Bath a and professionalism that service charge asand rent going difapproach to the ture, the area has a real asset in its minate the existing lease or allow theby current North-East Somerset areas has worked being companies created to accommodate the something of a stopgap measure has been boosted multinationals such as PUMA. sion look for safe, carewo home and health centre as well asclosely with ferent name, butofthey have toChina account for event. resonateshotel, throughout groups liketo the West England rkforce. rental income drift on. thousands returns. more coming to study in by the faster than expected recovery andand is now The fact that the site includes an long-term employment “The land to cater forof7,000 jobs.labour the expenditure properly, provide David Mace, Bureau to raise the city’s profile. strength the local Tenants also need to consider their amentallyaudited accounts at year end.position in on-site Friska and a Pilates But this thriving technology and ● The former Rolls-Royce East Works, close toHigh-powered thefundthe regional senior café director Ruari Laidlaw delegations from the major Chinese market has meant that some pockets market and possibly strike early by restructransforming The the service charge can be almost as studio an insight into the digital sector is growing in importairfield is likely to be available for development, at GVA,gives whichyou is attending cities entire of Shenzhen and lease Guangzhou visited Bristol of commercial property have returing their with ahave longer term.

If in doubt, commercial target market. ance in Bristol. It is becoming the room for more employment land.

It’s a the event but not exhibiting, said: “As a company perhaps with much asadvice. the rent in some instances, in the past month looking for investment oppor- and mained strong with Cater Road, take professional s e c t o r.

Ruari Laidlaw of Cube Real poster child of economy. significant Bishopsworth, plot, half the size of the airfield. companies.”

GVA has been attending MIPIM in Cannes for one way to protect against any unforetunities.AndFor those Hartcliffe Way and paying business rates, the Autumn whereas They cut theministers planning are Estatetime, said:and “Wefor are really Government ● isThe owners of Mall shopping centre in Cribbs The building also home to The The some the last pleased couple of years we’ve seen major expenditure items ischeer to ask– Overseas inSouth Liberty Lane all providing Statement has brought a little Christmas most people forwelto have very completed queuing up to the pictured next to a Causethat way,good top left, recently announced expansion Set, an workspace operates worked closely this with Bristol, Bath, South teams very hard and the areforms cap on outlined the levelby of the service charge vestors snapping bases for local businesses and although the Chancellor comed the ptransmuch-needed refurbishment fancy piece of kit that symbolises a plans, which could see the complex increase up in size a membership club where Gloucestershire and North Somerset onastheir ayabl e. as radical as many commentcompetitively ability toand build back thatecoconsequent employment opportunitare nowhere near of Break so clauses project, which now influential allow us toeventlike-minded fast-paced future-proofed by 50 per cent with a new anchor store, hotelpriced and formation businesses can presence at thiswill hugely – we’re can be a good insurance property ies.

Our surveys have shown that ators have been urging. many abandoned offices or a unused resource to week saw Business turn ourforward attention improving nomy. This past network and share and 3,000 skills new jobs. looking to to being there again in 2015. policy enabling tenantindustrial to exit fromaca has its drawmany people in South Bristol work in It is good to see the Government finally premises, the lease continuing demand fordo even sustainability and green initiatives Secretary Vince Cable meeting the ideas. Its collaborative ● Around base 2,000 homes are planned for the land, “It’s therefore a talking point for the property accommodate growth if business levels notmore live upfor to backs – shar penthe Avonmouth and Port of Bristol knowledging and responding to the need student accommodation raises the question of exwithin the building. creations of OC Robotics in Abbey removes of working left, between Cribbs and Filton, dubbed Charlton industry that the UK is to have its own event in the isolation expectations or the business rapidly ing demand and todevelopment will area and the new link road will help change make the system for business. where such will fairer take place – es“It alsoand gives us an opportunity Wood.be Thechallenging week before the President offering Hayes.

London, we’re hugely encouraged from that home, while pands and needs to move somewhere comthem with their daily commute. increasing The doubling of the small business rate pecially once the supply of secondary sitesrelief is for to work with existing tenants to of Singapore was at the University of contemporary ●facilities.

Emerson’s Green boasts potential development mayor Ferguson will be representing Bristol in a bigger. petition for UK year “But more importantly it will ena further and the capping of inflation-linked exhausted. furtherofimprove ourdebate, offer soclearly it is strengthening Bristol to see how advances in wearOn the firstland Wednesday of each Cities the Future with 22 hectares around the Bristol and Bath They areissue also fraught with difficulty, buyers –Inbut this isarates more of two an in London than it meascourage businesses to locate thembusiness at per known cent areoffice welcome Bristol, number of well buildeven more attractive to future able technology could be applied to month, The Set plays Park host to ananother Bristol’s place as a core city.

Science and 15 in the Emerson’s andshort-term, the detailed wording is critical to isa in the regions. selves in South Bristol, especially if ures in the but the long-term focus ings have already been converted or earmarked occupiers.” the healthcare market.

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

Another thing to check is such a target for overseas investment? opened theformer 21st century. ice rink, a police station and a ofBristol’s tenant Hurricane Media VIPs, from politicians to royals. agency GVA in Bristol glass or two of something, a fewup at Brookgate and someAs city’s of participation andsaid: GVA’s own.” when and howwould the rent will be and reviewed. well as being a key regional transport new commercial development is alMost business people agree business rates number of old people’s apartments.

“Being in a building with such ● Skanska’s 66 Queen Square development Paul Williams, from commercial nibbles and some of that is taking shape with the steel communications Itcalculated isthe common to find that a lease contains hub, concentration of aerospace and warehouse are most have to allow these types of collective inspiration. lowed along the route.” should on an annual basis rather Now developers are looking ‘hands on’firm ingood facilities, and aframe broadnow range in place e Finzel’s Reach development inwhich Bristol city centre we ● Bridgewater House in Bristol’s Victoria Street which hasbe been refurbished byatCubex, the behind the Finzel property agency units, Bruton Knowles’ what are called “upward only” rent rehigh-tech industries attracts and supports a likely to provide workplaces local premises to be built nearer to homes Paul believes the road will lead and to other than every five years as it in is currently. dustrial and commercial sites Bristol and Bath the city office, each year ourinflux universities Bristol saidatthe of for techviews, which mean that the rent can highly skilled workforce ably supported by no fewer p eExpert oparea. lfirms e. Eye and not push them out of town or into the quality of the workplaces in imThis would ensure that rates more accurately the As Paul puts it: – several of which have already been taken out of (see column, right). nology was good for the“The city. most 0117 287 2101 never fall below theproperty original level, refour major the universities.

“The Bristol and Bath Science Park industrial ghettos. proving as older stock is refurbished reflect current value of the and not the obvious opportunity to improve themeasures the new sector to create additional space forFinzel’s student And that’s Bristol itself.

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

“We now have someularly planning The problem is that than all those Cubex which is behind the and the potential tojust create bridge and the welcome any that would more people. Zoe Willcox, service liaise with property organbrutonknowles.co.uk 0117 287 2101 of prevailing market UWE alone investing £220 million in condiin Emerson’s Green excellent for Joresource “The Victorians built communities and brought upthe to date. prior, when conditions situation is the A4174is ring road with accBristol ovalue m modfive at iogardless nyears . isdevelopment northern and eastern fringes are Davis, right, senior planning previously abandoned commercial policy certainty across the Bristol developments from the Reach in market Bristol city 0 new jobs. over 800 new jo provide additional and supdirector for planning and sustainisations such as Planningneed Userinput brutonknowles.co.uk tions. upward orschool downward“We enjoy infrastructure including aAgreeing dedicated business embryonic businesses, but once around factories, but wefor have “It willfor be both a funding big advantage for the may have been completely different. the missing links at Stockwood todirector Hands on businesses such as tyre firms with largely at road, property agency space has been key Bristol’s recent are ”council’s said Jo. “The property in-and relevant council all along the centre and has also beentorefurbishenjoy buzzing an excellent ●a,Main tobusithose officers.” ability, said: “The develGroup Bristol Property Agents Engine Shed, only to house-building find it’sport full-up. across the Paintworks isGVA, one ofnow “There is strong demand comattractive location big busitions, media and technology sector which don’t suit lower cost, a proposition togarages, take developers to reviews at the outset can pay dividends building.

The student accommodation re- your nesses are established needobvious had 100 years where factories were green credentials of the area as Do additional check when you last appealed against Hengrove, and Long Ashton tothe Whitand repair shops have traditionally been located led activity, such as the Lyde Green said lastimpact year in 878 homes success and is lifting the citythey up dustry needs to use that to way, including public coning Bridgewater House in Victoria g relationship working re pictutend re ,To The isBristol on opment management section is Association to ensure that they are But the market is responding. the top media hubs in the city, whilst mercial property space from techness and innovative start-ups to grow. deals to be fairly modest in scale, easy-in easy-out terms.” say we’ve got four of five companies Let City Centre Office Suite down the line. quired supportStreet afurther steeply increasing student poproom to grow. built in one part ofto the city and homes people will able to work to kind rating Has anything changed since church.

TheinSouth Bristol Link into secondary premises and many are tothen, development Emersons Green were built, compared with 2,574 ensure we resilience speedItup the national league table in terms offor at-ahas sultation, reports and bring up tobeginning grade A anners but have with planners b new developments but any theit newly managed to ensure has kept up-to-date with any developThere are plans being drawn up Temple Studios next the train stanology businesses in Bristol but in not is that webe make to the sheer number ofimportant business moves It space takes a closer different of de-though. withto demand –it where can you build To Let - Modern Office Suite Tenants often believe they have no how the cu ulation iseither also proving highly attractive for overseas course developers look for the2008/9. inhas another.

If we are about hoA, m e, ”our he adds.

“South Bristol atdifferent the on your property or in the immediate area, 3rd cater Floor Block Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, run out of options ifon they need to move, after all“Of thenew permissions ithe needs to start and several sites around Keynplaning tracting business,” said. eventual planning perstandard, has seen the problem first w the cutbacks seen bottleneck will have an eftoserious flex and respond of– for refto urthe biprocess. sPart hdemands edfootfall ments to service.

In this wayawe second Engine Shed within the tion continued the trend. enough appropriate supply, so it vital this demand andveloper, at Bristol & brings the not to mention with business based evidence of demand we can invebig stordevels. ofoldspecialist advice as their at so-council to r best value they can getfull out of fect the that being greener then ideas have to spend moment does not have enough worktraffic changes or development? outhand. ofneed theiryou?” premises for instance. building.

Now awaiting approval Heron House, 7 Thornbury Office Park sham.

“In the last three years, the only “And the au“Previously redundant and negmission.

Any ncil to reduce further down the the local property market.

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

“These popular centres help create this need is addressed.

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

Thankfully there growing aree.g. some, give Bristol 2NT A report

by Centre for Cities McKinsey &thatplanning licitor will provide all the advice is commercial of tech their change andseen people will need to live, places for therelationship number ofachouses people are paying too much in rates beTheMany level demand we areand seeing is certainly from theofDepartment for Transport, The upsurge iselements welcomed across cranes wewhich had sky were at thorities needof to be for lected locations in the city centre and opment will involve He understands the challenges fang officer o chain.

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

However this can be aand false schemes, sothe wespeed need the local au-Southmead once again, within walking and that surely has tosector be multiple addressed. skewing development patterns impacting on cause they don’t regularly review factors like these industry, but of rerelease ofTemple funds to the start Hospital,” she ready take on the ofcommercial around Quarter are set-this cing theand city council, but would like rs has put trenumbers has pu new office site isand delayed, resulted in acycsignificant drop off in at this and, firms isthe the Bristol and Bath Science full advantage of the up recovery,” said to develop scale more said, easily commodate this.”

Thetomodest nature those dealsproperty Paintworks and TCNapplications. behind Temple ment manager atand Invest Bristol the only globally-significant cluster ofbe itsablemendous economy as a“It’s solicitor may not thefast-growing, city centre scene, transforming traditional thorities to attracting ensure that the mix isspeaking ling distance ofintheir workplace and • Open plan air conditioned suite Providing easier the area that their rates bill. covery has caught many guard, at aconfidence recent property extra activity thatSuch isparticularly means the may much-needed project tooff open up then the ting the trend, increasing toinfluence see action taken. us pressure pre firms interested the amount planning applications. increasingly busy above, the Park.

The Emerson’s Green includes Paul.

“The generated inof than previously as barriers tosementry expansions to can pose a problem, forneed Sttime.” uaccess dihappen os. to That Bath, said: often not about style to • Open plan ground floor suite kind in the UK, with the South West’s aerospace sector comment on property Evenflexif you commercial function and usage. that isn’t chasthat can’t just be smart offices.” willsuch change balance if in it is used than simply add these suggestions to the remaini not least the local authorities. the firm hosted at the M shed.

•skilled that 1,540 sq ft (143 sq ft) taking place. slimmed down, austernumbers ofthe technology, media “We have five planning applicaremaining of- and on moving in might have toIt south of cityeverybody is start-ups expected inand 2015.

Happily however, Bristol has been atinvestors Recruiting people the Bristol and hotright desk facilities for plus a inar our creative hubs is percolating back have been reduced. is, for example, soon or businesses as such as Just Eat old-style property Matt said Invest Bristol and Rather Bath property of space but having aissues. bit more • 1,130 sq ft (105 sq m) highlighted in this category too. get on with your landlord before the According toibility. recent some ing the same occupiers.” plays out, the combintofor open up to develop your must-do list take a more view of your Planning departments not She However praised Bristol, South “That is funds more difficult. ity-sized planning telecommunications firmshave andwill extions being considered by50,000 Bristol ficers. wait, meaning there old the forefront of apension national economic current growing market is nota al“In commercial this be a along Bath •opportunities Two onthe sitecity car parking spaces of teams grow on centre for terms companies that the riverside to mothballed city much easier toitmake prototypes now • With parking whichlook have been lured to which steady was building picture demand, Ifforecasts you are strategic working in stuanimprofusion of skills exhibited the growth lease is always remember that“This does dents arefoexpected to beexample, forkey accommodHe added there were sectors were exempt from years of austerity ation of links, presence of and Bath and land provide the property.

For instance, weigh up the pros and cons They cut the because planning are becoming aThe bottleneck City Council atlooking thein moment • Flexible terms tending the city’s so-called doesbeen cause tied upmotorway that bit revival which has led to a significant ways easy however, as many Science major bonus for South Bristol andGloucestershire need more space.

Crucially itMedia is premises decentre sites such as the Glassfields so is technology is advancing quickly. ofemployment the so talent pool and and quality long-term returns. finding out what the needs of some ation forsigned, need toand go are up and • Flexible terms areas ation such as Bristol aerospace, nuclear industry; and aof circumstances can change, and when over the years with deep cuts inA4.” local authority for the shortage was more of acute. teams very hardhead and abilthattocould beis holding up of ecoother bigSomerset employers to cluster around shortly tothe submit afew further two,” Mile out along the quality of the buildings attract new in theand planning delays in the an alternative full advantage last longer.

And the property increase in activity private sector companies have Park signed toit meet the needs research development in Temple Way – wh ichadevelopment make a more realistic location forNorth-East “In addition, our councils region has ofinthe life (and cheaper-than-London Matt Cross, of inward investthe companies it attracting toin the down ause lottonext intake size.

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

“Collectively these repHe points to the £1.35 million re-the whether before an process wheth “A real issue will be the provision ofusing merry-go-round stops. and availability ofskills development land the citythree and weity are inproperty the found, so agents buand sinto eBath, swon’t sedevelopers, s.” wait. yeahavr20,000 ’s changes in legislation.

Do youfor have and development-led businesses, has now been earmarked for strong engineering base, deprices) new investment and renewal of ment agency Invest city are and being proactive and office, you sign a five-year lease ematics) is further helping to focus overseas position between the is the prea new town ten times bigger than Keynsham.

Contact: paul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk For the five years, itCube probably develop their core strategies for fuaccommodate growth chaltol. over £100 million ofinterest develproject bybe tion is furbishment registered or during application is r It’s anReal issue City Council isof afringe process of recruiting in order to other interested parties will be the workshops, warehousing and distrimean the northern offlats Bristol Perhaps the link be room grow your business?

Isparties there any empty Contact: paul.williams@brutonknowles.co.uk where lablast space can more im-theBristol new buildings including offices, veloped off the back rich heritage Thewill property market needs toroad learn said: “When developers arebe governed ing “mature conversations” with de-toresent specific space so that doesn’t work.” existing stock, as well as allowing on what Bristol and Bath has got to offer. cise wording of the lease. d idbu n’t matter because there was so ture development sites. lenging.”

Gavin far river right, director of you opment, more than 100moving homes, a sideration period.

We would Estate has transformed thebulk old well aware of of and is toand hire meetfor this We from regwatching closely. tiwhich oof nthan ,”labour said Paul.

“If we the really want be a hub of activity therenewed next glass many of the space canHe make more use of ? portant desks. and a looking café. initwill aerospace advanced enginthe technology sector pick by demand. institutional lenders then slipper those veloand psouth eBridge, rs. added firms tonew Bristolthe considerati flow to where BK code:2738 BK code:2433 B015-1411 B015-1411 Bruton Knowles Knowles Bristol Post Commercial Post Advert 270x40mm 270x40mm AWit2.pdf 2.pdf 1 institutions 06/05/2014 1 06/05/2014 17:24 HTV studios indoesn’t Bath Road.

Just a society that rely on said: theBristol car Chief executive Dean “Although many telecommunicafiveCommercial towhich 10Advert years. means that isAW an having been up17:24 theconditions pace. create on waiting “We for. have been working on creating are often won over by spaces like the new jobs areBruton ifBonnie public transport in- eering,

The of Bristol’s The growth recovery in the So,property what’s going technology and creative Bristol market is gathering pace but sectors is leading to changing that speed could lead demands from the propertyto a bottleneck market.

But caninit the adapt? planning process.

Gavin Gavin Thompson reports

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10

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Business Digest

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: NEW YEAR, The new year will mean a new start for many in the business world.

Gavin Thompson rounds up some of the latest appointments in the Bristol business scene

New head for BNP Paribas Real Estate BNP Paribas Real Estate has appointed Jeremy Hughes as the new head of the firm’s Bristol office in Portwall Place.

Jeremy, a well-known figure within the commercial property market, has been with the company since 1997 and as the director in charge of the agency department brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Jeremy said: “I am really excited about leading and expanding the BNP Paribas Real Estate team into a new era. This is a fantastic time for the property sector in Bristol and across the South West.

“The planned investment for the South West’s infrastructure means that the profile of the city will be raised immensely, resulting in superb future opportunities for business in the region in which BNP Paribas Real Estate will play a major role. Our confidence in the Bristol market has allowed us to appoint two new members of staff who will be joining this month.”

Keith Low joins as an associate director in the building consultancy department, and a new secretary for agency and residential consulting has just been appointed, with more room left for expansion.

Jeremy added: “It heralds extremely exciting times ahead for us.”

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Four new hires at ForrestBrown Clifton-based research and development tax credit consultancy ForrestBrown is celebrating a successful first year of trading with the appointment of four new members of staff: three more senior tax specialists, all three having experience of working for the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms, and a dedicated marketing manager.

Alex Price, right, joins ForrestBrown as director from PwC. Alex has 16 years tax experience including Deloitte and KPMG in London and nine years at PwC in Bristol. Alex worked across a wide range of tax areas, leading a 14-strong team at PWC in delivering advice to companies relocating staff to and from the UK. Adam Kotas, chartered tax adviser, joins as a senior tax manager. His career started at Deloitte in Bristol before moving to Marcussen Consulting – a tax consultancy in Bath where he advised entrepreneurs on optimising the tax structure of their business.

Graham Heydon, also a chartered tax adviser, started his career at Ernst & Young in Exeter before joining Baker Tilly in Leeds. Graham gained his ATT and CTA qualification relatively early in his career and enjoys the technical side of tax work.

● BNP Paribas Real Estate has appointed Jeremy Hughes as new head of the firm’s Bristol office, in Portwall Place

● Staff from Bibby Financial Services Bristol office. From left, Morgan Whiteside, David Baum, Nick Risdale and Jon Dyer. Front row sitting is Mike Pic: Professional Images Freebury Marketing manager Simon Crozier, inset below right, has a professional services background having worked as a digital marketing manager for Bristol-based law firm Burges Salmon and at a marketing firm specialising in providing digital solutions for law firms.

Managing director Simon Brown said: “It has been a fantastic first year, we have far exceeded our forecasts and these appointments reflect how quickly the business has grown.

“Maintaining high service levels is paramount and these latest appointments mean that every client will continue to benefit from receiving best in class advice from experienced tax specialists.”

ForrestBrown is a specialist R&D tax credit consultancy. In the first 12 months of trading the team have successfully recouped almost £10 million for clients.

Bibby Financial Services invests Invoice finance provider Bibby Financial Services has invested in its Bristol sales and operations teams with the appointment of six new staff.

Based in Bradley Stoke, they will work with SMEs throughout the South West region.

The team welcomes four new business development managers to the company: David Baum, Jon Dyer, Morgan Whiteside and Nick Risdale.

With 18 years’ experience within the invoice finance industry, David will work with businesses across Cornwall, Somerset and Devon.

Jon has worked in the sector for 13 years’ and holds the Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA) Certification; he will be responsible for funding small businesses with turnover between £5 million and £100 million.

Morgan joins with responsibility for Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, bringing over 15 years’ experience to the business. Nick’s previous role was based in asset based lending and acquisitions.

He brings 16 years’ experience to the business and will be responsible for funding SMEs in Bristol and Bath.

The firm also welcomes Craig Durnell as head of operations in Bristol.

Craig has 22 years’ commercial finance expertise and will hold responsibility for a team of 23, coaching and developing operational staff.

Terry Burke joins as relationship manager for customers in the South West.

Terry brings a 26 years’ experience in financial services to the role and

● Graham Heydon

● Adam Kotas

will work closely with both customers and the sales team.

Sharon Wiltshire, South West managing director, said: “These new appointments reflect the period of growth BFS is seeing at the moment, which is mirrored by the invoice finance market more widely.

“In the third quarter of the year, we increased funding to SMEs by six per cent and we now provide over £400 million of finance to companies across the UK. “It’s clear that the appetite for funding is growing throughout the region and our strengthened team will ensure that businesses receive the expertise and support they need to grow.”

national projects.

Zoe is experienced in creating frameworks for complex commercial deals and developments including, property and leasing issues, mergers and acquisitions and agreements with interested third parties.

Peter O’Brien, partner in the Bristol construction team, said: “Zoe is a strong addition to the team and will bring considerable additional experience to our fast growing construction service offering.”

Clarke Willmott expands as Zoe Stollard joins Law firm Clarke Willmott has expanded its construction team in Bristol with the appointment of Zoe Stollard, who joins as a partner.

Zoe joins has spent five years practising law in Asia and has particular expertise in construction, infrastructure and commercial projects.

She specialises in non-contentious advice to stakeholders on a variety of public, private, domestic and inter-

New face at Medikas Cat Powell has joined the team at Bristol’s newest aesthetic clinic Medikas.

The 21-year-old, who lives in Kingswood, is a facial specialist and works from the clinic at 20 Whiteladies Road, Clifton.

Medikas Bristol is run by Dr Beatriz Molina and Dr Ian Strawford.

They are founding members of SaveFace, a campaign to promote high standards in the aesthetics sector.

Cat, a former pupil of Oldfield Girls School in Bath, has recently taken up her role as a beauty therapist after completing a range of qualifications including a course in hair and beauty therapy at the City of Bristol College.

Akhlaq Ahmed bolsters KPMG KPMG has bolstered its forensic team

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

NEW START FOR NEW FACES in Bristol with the appointment of Akhlaq Ahmed as director.

Akhlaq joins the firm after 10 years at EY, where he was responsible for leading the firm’s forensic practice in Bristol and Reading.

In his new role at KPMG, Akhlaq will lead the team of forensic experts who work with public and private sector organisations to help them identify and protect themselves against risks that could result in financial, commercial and reputational loss.

Phil Cotton, regional chairman at KPMG, said: “While the changing nature of business has created new opportunities for organisations, it has also created new risks and potential threats as fraudsters become ever more sophisticated.

“Akhlaq will work closely with our team to help our clients take immediate and decisive action to prevent, detect and respond to potentially harmful situations.”

● Akhlaq Ahmed has joined KPMG

● Victoria Moore joins DTZ

als and expanding overseas which are all areas where Pete has accumulated significant experience and expertise.”

Pete is Bristol born and bred, an old boy of Bristol Grammar School, a keen local football player and a Bristol City season ticket holder.

Pete said: “A marked increase in investment has made Bristol one of the main regional hubs outside of London. This is attracting more small-to-medium owner-managed operations which are particularly dependent on achieving maximum tax efficiency.

“Owner-managed businesses are driving the recovery but face a number of challenges in terms of finding the time to concentrate on business development and growth.”

Pete has been working with the SETsquared business incubator unit in Bristol, helping fast growing clients with tax and investment briefings.

New directors at Weston College

Metcalfes Solicitors appoints Peter Watkin

Six new directors have been appointed at Weston College to gear up for new challenges across the board.

Principal and chief executive Dr Paul Phillips has overseen the college’s turnover soar from £10 million to £50 million in 10 years.

The new directors will support plans to continue that growth. Andy Davidson will be executive director for strategic intervention, Liz Redwood becomes enterprise and commercial development director for data compliance, funding and Fiona Quick as external partnership director.

Jo Watson assumes the role of new business opportunities executive director, Darran George is multi-academy trust executive director and Barbara Titmuss takes on the job assistant director of inclusivity, leading on the Bristol Futures Academy.

Paul said: “Competition for these posts was extremely strong and I believe the team we have now will compliment and take forward this outstanding college.

“The strategic plan is all about putting learners first and we have focussed on consolidating key aspects of our business as well as developing a multi academy trust model the college can sponsor.”

In the last six months the college has invested in IT for the prisons it offers education in, created a second extension for its university campus, finished multi-million pound works at the South West Skills Campus, and created bespoke resources for students with learning difficulties and disabilities at the Knightstone Campus.

The new £12 million designs for the North Somerset Enterprise College (NSETC) have been unveiled, as has the College’s first Bristol venture – Bristol Futures.

Dr Phillips added: “With this new team on board we can look forward to an even more exciting future as one of the top-performing colleges in the country.”

Metcalfes Solicitors has appointed Peter Watkin, who is an experienced chartered legal executive to its residential property department at the fir m’s Queen Square offices.

Originally trained as a litigator, Peter now specialises in the sale and purchase of property, with a particular interest in new homes, long residential leaseholds and small residential developments.

Peter acts for individuals, small businesses and management companies and has a reputation for a straightforward approach.

Peter said: “Living in Somerset for most of my life, I know Bristol very well, but I am looking forward to the daily buzz of city life.

“As anyone can see, the city is alive with development. That together with Bristol’s legacy of leasehold property should provide plenty of work to satisfy my areas of special expertise, new build and residential leasehold.”

When not in the office, Peter is a keen Harley Davidson rider.

Victoria Moore joins DTZ

● Pete Edwards, of Corrigan Associates

Hotcha expands again

● Peter Watkin joins Metcalfes

● Zoe Stollard joins Clarke Willmott

Tim Davis, senior director and head of office, said: “Graduates are essential to the future success of our business and I am delighted to welcome Victoria.

“Our graduate programme offers for those that have the ambition, ability and attitude to succeed a huge amount of opportunities, with many of our senior leadership joining the scheme straight from university.”

ted Corrigan Associates to appoint Pete Edwards as a partner specialising in tax advice to owner-managed businesses. Corrigan Associates – formed in 2009 by Edward Corrigan – is a fast-growing independent accountancy practice specialising in helping local entrepreneurial businesses.

Edward said: “Our payroll has grown from two to eight in just over five years and our clients include fast-growth technology businesses as well as not-for-profit organisations and private individuals.

“Pete’s promotion is well earned and an indication of the progress of the practice. Our clients are increasingly looking for investment, dispos-

Corrigan Associates to appoint Pete Edwards as a partner Bristol’s fast growing reputation as a hub for high-tech businesses promp-

Entrepreneur James Liang has made a second hire from Domino’s Pizza as he continues his drive to turn his Hotcha brand into a national Chinese takeaway franchise.

The Bristol-based company has hired Clive Mellor, former senior executive at Domino’s as part of its national growth plan to open 100 franchised stores across the UK in the next five years.

Clive joined Hotcha’s management board as operations director. His hospitality career has spanned a number of big brands including Little Chef, Burger King and Traveller’s Fare.

He will be responsible for maintaining high trading standards across all aspects of the business and also help increase the frequency of store openings.

James, 32, said: “This high-level appointment signals our intentions to make Hotcha a leading national takeaway and restaurant brand in the next few years.”

It is the second former Domino’s senior executive he has taken on, following Andrew Emmerson who was appointed as non-executive director, advising on business strategy last year.

Business diary Business West Chamber Networking Breakfast: Meet like-minded business people.

Arrive at Bordeaux Quay tomorrow, January 8, from 7.30am for 8.10am breakfast.

Event finished by 9.30am. Book via businesswest.co.uk/events.

Bristol Jobs Fair: 21 local employers exhibit from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday, January 14 at Colston Hall. Admission free.

Executive briefing on internet security: Designed to inform you of the security threats you face, your responsibilities in respect of those threats and practical suggestions on how to discharge those responsibilities. Run by Bristol-based TVS at the Engine Shed, Tuesday, January 20, 8-9am. Register via Eventbrite.

LEP Digital – driving results through social media: Simply signing up to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn is not enough, you need to align your social media activity with your business strategy to drive results.

9.30am-3.30pm on January 22, at the BAWA Centre, Filton.

Bristol PA Network: A professional forum where you can find inspiration, develop your skills and meet fellow PAs. Each meeting includes elements of learning & development, inspirational speakers and networking. January 25, 6pm at Hotel du Vin. Strictly for PAs, EAs, secretaries and office administrative professionals.

Book via eventbrite.

Western Daily Press Business Guide launch: A breakfast event to mark the annual must-read Western Daily Press guide. Save the date, Thursday, January 29.

Venue and time to be confirmed.

Bristol Distinguished Address Series - Peter Mather: BP’s group regional vice president, Europe and head of country, UK, delivers the latest in the address series supported by the Bristol Post. From 6pm, February 11, at the Glendinning Lecture Theatre, Frenchay Campus, UWE. Bristol Airport Careers Fair: Information on becoming one of the 3,000 workers are the airport.

Held in the Administration Building at Bristol Airport from 4-6pm on Friday, February 6 and 10am- noon on February 28.

Email recruitment@ bristolairport.com to register, indicating preferred date.

Start-up Drinks Bristol: UWE Enterprise hosts drinks and informal networking evening at the Engine Shed on Tuesday, February 17, for all those interested in start-ups and entrepreneurship. Book via Eventbrite.

Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Women In Business Awards 2015: The winners will be revealed at a gala awards dinner at the Bristol City Centre Marriott on March 19. To book tickets visit www.bristolpost.co.uk/ wiba.

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.

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Property agency DTZ welcomes graduate Victoria Moore, from Northumbria University, to the valuations team at the Bristol office.

● Cat Powell joins Medikas

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

The back page Opinion

United, we can make most of 2015 Forget carbon targets. Think sustainable neighbourhoods.

Nina Skubala, Initiative manager at Business West and vice chair of the Bristol Green Capital Partnership, thinks it’s time to redefine being “green” if we want to achieve everyone’s buy-in.

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015 is here: Bristol’s year in the sun. But I have some real concerns that we still run a risk of switching people off by making them feel that leading a sustainable lifestyle is expensive, difficult or even dull.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t all strive towards having smaller carbon footprints. Or that it doesn’t matter if we plough on using fossil fuels at the current rate.

My point is this: for many of us just getting through the day is a tough enough task without worrying how many food miles we’ve burned up, or CO2 we’ve been responsible for by driving rather than cycling to work… let alone obsessing about whether or not we have left food on our plates.

Read the forum sections of our local papers and online blogs you’ll see plenty of people who are already unenthusiastic, and many downright unpersuaded, about the whole green agenda… not least those who rail against restrictions on car use, or reclaiming our streets.

There’s a real risk that being green is seen as a middle-class pursuit – something that’s a lot easier to do if you can afford to put solar panels on your roof, drive a hybrid car or shop at Waitrose.

So I do hope that – as we become European Green Capital – we can put this whole green thing into some sort of perspective, and see it as an opportunity to think of it in terms of developing sustainable communities and healthy futures and foster a vision that. If not everyone, far more of us can buy into.

Because the last thing we need to do as a city during 2015 is to sow divisions rather than spread harmony.

So what’s my vision of a greener Bristol? Critically: how can everyone in the city benefit?

● Nina Skubala, Initiative Manager, Business West and vice-chair of the Bristol Green Capital Partnership

To me, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-look at our city and – rather than being guilt tripped into being told how we should live – make some informed, collective decisions on how we want live… and not just us either, but our children and future generations.

Personally, I’m really optimistic that there is plenty of common ground – because, given a choice, most of us would want to live in sustainable, resilient, self-reliant communities. And that, at the very heart of it, is what being “green” is all about.

So what does a sustainable, resilient community and city look like?

Years ago it was how most of us lived: in a village. Goods and services mostly came from local suppliers – circulating wealth rather than seeing it sucked out by multi-nationals. The community itself played a bigger part in looking after each other and running communal facilities, and making the decisions that affected local lives. Of course we’re now living in a large and expanding city, so pining for a rural past serves no useful purpose… but so many areas of our city – neighbourhoods, suburbs, even streets – have established a real village feel to them.

Look at places such as Gloucester Road and St Marks Road, Easton, and you’ll see residents shopping locally, cafes are buzzing, street markets are springing up and community groups are thriving. That shouldn’t be a surprise: you only have to look back at the times we’ve had street parties to mark big occasions to recognise that a great many of us would welcome thinking and acting more locally.

But surely that runs counter to our increasingly digital world? Not in the least. We are all quite capable of living locally at the same time as working globally. Indeed, digital connectivity will be enabling more and more of us to do that in the years to come and the possibilities that may arise from the “internet of things” and smart cities is uplifting: and that’s as green and carbon-free a vision as you’re ever likely to get.

So if I can embed one thought to go away with, it’s this: let’s use this year to re-evaluate what being green really is… and try to build a more sustainable, more resilient and self-reliant Bristol. Now that would be a real legacy from our year as Green Capital.

Opinion

Crunch year ahead with country at crossroads

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HE noise and glare of fireworks we’ve enjoyed this New Year must not mask the fact that we are fast approaching a significant economic and political crossroads. Look behind us and we see a year when the UK finally emerged from a damaging recession. Turn to look ahead and we see a political battleground to secure our economic and constitutional futures.

In the last 12 months business watched unemployment plummet, GDP climb above its pre-recession peak, the UK survive a break-up at-

Phil Smith Managing Director of Business West

tempt and business confidence boom.

Yes, this was a year to applaud, but clapping hands now will soon turn to pointing fingers, as all eyes focus on the General Election in May. The big issues are on the table for all to see. When Scotland voted against independence in September, it sparked a brawl for the wider devolution of local power and freedoms from Westminster, with the Braveheart cries spreading to all corners of the UK. This constitutional reform

momentum promises to roll its way to the election and beyond, with devolution pledges set to be penned on all party manifestos.

Our future relationship with the EU is far from certain, with Conservative promises of a referendum and UKIP demands for exit. Inside and out, the political ropes are wearing thin. With political powers being rearranged, struggling tax bases and a further round of austerity looming, this promises to be the most important economic and political election in recent memory.

As this drama unfolds, we as busi-

ness cannot simply sit as bystanders enjoying the show. Over the past year we have been consulting with our members and the wider business community, driving hard to gather your concerns so we can shout them to the stage at this decisive time. This work all builds towards the release of our election manifesto, which will be the focal point of our lobbying work in the lead-up to May. With the political landscape far from certain and the economy only a year out of the recovery ward, we will see battle commence and the voice of business must be heard.

In numbers Inflation (CPI)

1 2 1.8 0.5 3.99

Inflation (RPI)

Weekly earnings

Base interest rate

% % %

%

Ave mortgage rate % Corporation tax % Main rate

21

20

Small profits rate – below £300,000

%

Business current accounts

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

Business savings accounts 1.9% Secure Trust £1,000 deposit Bank State Bank 1.49% of India £10,000 deposit Source:

Petrol prices .32p

111 118 121 64

Unleaded

.30p Diesel

.24p Super unleaded

.88p LPG

Source: PetrolPrices.com