Business 10 September 2014 by BGSD-cs

BUSINESS RATES

SAY CHEESE!

IMPORTING

Firms back our campaign for Real Rates Reform – page 2

Welsh producer relocates dairy to Somerset farm – page 5

There’s profit to be had from shipping in goods – p8&9

SEP

2014

BIG INTERVIEW

TUNNEL VISION How aerospace firm’s £170 million investment sees it focus entire plant on satisfying one very important customer – see page 7 EPB-E01-S3

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Real Rates Reform campaign

It doesn’t add up... Accountants join our battle for rates rethink Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

OMPANIES including a fast growing accountancy firm are throwing their weight behind the Bristol Post’s campaign for a serious overhaul of business rates. Our Real Rates Reform campaign is calling for: ● A simpler system that small businesses can understand. ● An end to the property-based deterrent to growth and expansion. ● And greater local control over how the income from rates or their replacement are spent. Bishop Fleming, which has offices in Bristol and across the South West, has been at the forefront of calls to overhaul the system. Managing partner Matthew Lea described rates as an “iniquitous tax”. He said: “Business rates were supposed to be less than half of rents, but that ratio is becoming overturned by the reduction of rents and the continued increase in business rates. “The Government is expecting the recovery to be driven by the small business sector, but that potential for recovery is stifled by the iniquities of business rates – the only tax that is index linked and guaranteed to rise, irrespective of how a business is perfor ming.” The firm carried out a survey of businesses in the region which found that 81 per cent had seen their business rates rise over the past five years, becoming one of their biggest costs. Half had seen rates rise to almost match their rents and 18 per cent are paying as much or more in rates than rent. Crucially, 89 per cent reported that business rates had hampered their ability to invest in growth. Commenting on the results, Matthew said: “The Government is relying on ownermanaged businesses to drive the economic recovery, but the Treasury’s reluctance to change the iniquitous unfairness of business rates will block that am-

WHAT ARE BUSINESS RATES? ● Business rates are collected by local councils but the money goes to the Treasury. They are paid by occupiers of business premises. If the property is empty, the owner or leaseholder will still pay the tax after the first three months (six months for warehouses and industrial sites). Rates are based on the rateable value of a property, this is the figure the property could have been let for on a set date, the current date being April 1, 2008. It should be re-done every five years, but this is now overdue. You can appeal this valuation if you think it is wrong. The valuation is raised in line with retail price inflation. The rateable value, set by the Valuation Office Agency, is used to work out your rates bill. Your local council works out your bill by applying a government-set multiplier (currently 48.2p in the pound) to the rateable value, then subtracting any relief you are eligible for, such as small business relief. So if your property’s rateable value is £26,000, then 26,000 x 0.482 = 12.532. So your rates are £12,532. Unless you are entitled to any relief.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH RATES? ● BUSINESS rates are linked to RPI, which is seen as an unpredictable measure of inflation. ● Property values are out of date and don’t follow the market. When the economy crashed, rates didn’t fall with it making

bition.” Other businesses have also pledged support since the campaign was launched last week. Jayne Smith, director of Rapport Digital Marketing in Brislington, said: “The ongoing success of our

Print manufacturer expands its operations

EPB-E01-S3

them a heavy burden on business in hard times. ● They discourage expansion and investment. Rates discourage firms from taking on more space because their tax bill goes up even if profits don’t. ● They discourage retailers from taking the step onto the high street and penalise bricks-andmortar against online competition. The result is empty shops and offices.

WHAT SHOULD CHANGE? ● Greater local control over how rates are spent so they can be used to encourage more investment and job creation. This happens to a small degree around enterprise zones, such as Temple Quarter, and is being used to help fund the Bristol

economy depends on the success of small and fledgling businesses, who receive little or no tax incentives of breaks.” Dan Molloy, managing director of recruitment firm Colston Consulting, said business rates were: “Out-

Arena, but should become the norm. ● A simpler system that small businesses can understand. ● Break the deterrent to expansion. One way this could be done is by replacing rates with a local sales tax.

SIGN THE PLEDGE ● We are calling for business leaders, owners and entrepreneurs to sign-up to our call for business rates reform. Simply scan the QR code above or go to www.bristolpost.co.uk/ business.

SUPPORTERS ● James Durie, executive director of Business West: “This is a tax that hits companies of all sizes long before they a make a profit,

dated and an additional cost to new businesses that brings no return on investment or tangible benefit.” Kevin Seager, director of Kingswood lettings agent Martin & Co, said: “Business rates are unfair and we get nothing in return. We have to

and acts as a drag on business growth and investment.” ● John Hirst, Destination Bristol: “For many years now we have listened to retailers, both existing and potential occupiers complaining furiously about business rates. Empty stores simply do not help anyone.” ● Rebecca Tregarthen, above, chairman of the Bristol Institute of Directors: “The postponement of revaluation means many business are now paying the wrong rate. “I am also in favour of examining the relationship between central and local control.” ● Johnny Palmer, right, SXS Events, “Business rates are one of the many taxes and pieces of red tape that slow down growth and limit how many people can be employed.”

pay for our own rubbish removal so what do we pay for?”

● We want to hear from more businesses. Please fill in the form online and join the conversation using #RealRatesReform.

Economy

IT ● A MANUFACTURER of print, document and IT process technology has taken on so many new people it has had to find more office space. Balreed has refurbished its regional base in Almondsbury and taken extra space. The firm has added an “innovations area” to showcase the latest digital print engines to potential customers. The firm has taken on 50 new members of staff across the UK since the start of the year, six of them in Bristol. Bristol operation manager Mark Walters said: “We have outgrown

● Helen Harris and Jayne Smith of Rapport Digital

our original office. “This investment will allow us to accommodate our growing workforce and help us maintain our industry-leading standards of managed services.” The company’s growth has been largely driven by the managed service it offers, where a team of specialists monitors the live status of more than 15,000 devices across the country and pre-empts problems. For example, the firm should deliver new toner before your old cartridge runs out. The firm’s customers range from architects to schools and barristers to housing associations.

Optimism Index dip brings warning for rest of year ● THE first signs of bullish business confidence being tamed are starting to appear. The latest business trends report by Bristol-based accountants and business advisers BDO saw confidence fall for the first time in six months in August. The BDO Optimism Index, which predicts businesses’ growth expectations over the next six months, is still well above the 100 mark that indicates long-term average growth, however it fell for the first time in six months to 105.0 in August (from 105.1 in July). Although small, the drop gives a

firm indication that economy-wide growth may plateau during the remainder of 2014. The biggest fall was in manufacturing, where confidence fell from 119.9 in July to 118.8 in August. It follows a similar fall in the Grant Thornton /ICAEW confidence monitor last week. Graham Randall, pictured, head of BDO in Bristol, said: “After a strong start, the rest of 2014 is looking increasingly

uncertain for businesses, with manufacturers being most affected. With anaemic growth enduring in our key trading partner – the Eurozone – and external shocks such as the crisis in Ukraine further dampening confidence, no one should be surprised to see growth impacted in the second half.” He added these figures could push the Bank of England to delay interest rate rises further, perhaps to late 2015.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Construction

Survey

‘New products offer best growth chance’

● Bray and Slaughter is constructing a 600-seat auditorium and baptistry for St Michael’s Church in Stoke Gifford

Church reborn Revamped church to receive Archbishop’s blessing

● SMALL and medium sized manufacturers believe their best prospects for growth are close to home, according to a new survey. Nearly two thirds of South West respondents (62 per cent) in the Manufacturing Advisory Service barometer highlight capitalising on opportunities in the domestic market as key to growth over the next five years. And most - 68 per cent - see innovation in new products as the likely driver for this growth. Simon Howes, area director for the service, said the upturn in the economy was the likely source of the sentiment. He said: “The UK is clearly moving ahead with investments planned or under way in many areas including Hinkley Point, Crossrail and HS2, and it is great to see our manufacturers tuning in to these opportunities as well as exploring key growth sectors such as marine and offshore wind.” Simon said all businesses needed a robust strategy to achieve growth and added they should not ignore markets further afield. “What is most important is that businesses have a clear understanding of opportunities in all markets, including those overseas, matching this with the right capacity, capabilities and processes to build a solid base for growth.”

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

VEN the house of God needs a builder, and in this case it’s a Bedminster-based family business. Bray and Slaughter has begun on fitting out a new 600-seat auditorium and baptistry for St Michael’s Church, Stoke Gifford. And the firm’s work will be inspected by perhaps the highest authority in the country in such matters, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. The Archbishop is to visit the church, which was also built by the firm, to dedicate the new building when he comes to Bristol on Saturday.

The firm’s latest work on site will complete the transformation of what was once a derelict piece of land in the centre of the South Gloucestershire community into a new place of worship and a community centre. It has been built on land known as The Barns, in North Road and will be the centrepiece of the St Michael’s Heart of the Community scheme which also sees the refurbishment of Stoke Gifford’s former village school – known as the Old School Rooms – and refurbishing St Michael’s Church, which dates back to the 14th Century. Stoke Gifford is a fast-growing area and the new facilities will include conference facilities for schools and

local businesses, meeting rooms and accommodation for wedding receptions and other celebrations are right on the community’s doorstep. Managing director Grant Jefferies said “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver the St Michael’s Heart of the Community project on The Barns site. “The opportunity for a local business such as Bray & Slaughter to be involved in a scheme with such a strong emphasis on local engagement and legacy is inspiring and we look forward to forming a strong relationship with all stakeholders of the project.” His firm, founded more than 100 years ago, won the contract for a variety of reasons including its pro-

ject experience and knowledge and its local roots. The Bishop of Bristol, the Right Reverend Mike Hill, who will be accompanying the Archbishop described the ambitious multi-million pound project as “audacious” . The Rev Simon Jones, Rector of St Michael’s said: “The new church and community centre will be the hub of our community. “It will give us the space and facilities to make a real difference for the people of Stoke Gifford and beyond. “The Heart of the Community project will enable us to provide more youth activities, more events for the elderly, more support for the disadvantaged, more facilities to share with local schools and charities and a bigger meeting space for our growing church and community.”

Technology

Screen protection specialists eye expansion

● Left to right: Josh Gunn of Knight Frank with Tuffscreen managing director Tristan Fowler and business development manager Will Jones

sectors in the UK and we look forward to growing into Europe and North America in the coming years. “The move will allow us to grow significantly in the near future. The building has space for production, storage, offices, and distribution facilities and we have invested in laser cutting equipment to enable us to bring in-house some of the processes currently carried out under sub-contract. Later in the year we will also hope to launch new products with an anti-microbial treatment for use in schools and hospitals.” The company expects to create at least 10 new jobs over the next three years. Property consultants Knight Frank advised Tuffscreen, which has taken a five-year lease on the 2,600 sq ft building at an annual rental of £18,200, and also carried out refurbishment works. The landlord was advised by BNP Paribas.

● A SURVEY of Bristol companies by QBE found 70 per cent plan to hire extra skilled staff in the next 12 months. And 72 per cent plan to invest in more than one operational area in the next 12 months, including in new or additional facilities, machinery or production processes. However 28 per cent of them were concerned about the availability of the talent they need. The survey asked businesses about risks, where 24 per cent feel the level of risk they face has risen in the past six months, with more competition a common factor. Chris Bevan, commercial manager in QBE’s Bristol office said: “A robust and rigorous approach to risk management is essential.”

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 Advertising Shama Abokor, Regional Business Account Executive Call 0117 934 3426 Emailshama.abokor@ b-nm.co.uk

EPB-E01-S3

A COMPANY that makes screens to protect mobiles and tablets has moved into bigger premises as it grows. Tuffscreen Screen Protection manufactures custom-made screen protectors to provide scratch and impact protection to the mobile computers and barcode scanners, satnavs, and smartphones used by companies in the field. The technology developed by founder Tristan Fowler bonds a hard-coated anti-glare film to a self-adhesive gel layer to give radically improved performance. Now the company, which was formed in late 2011, has moved into bigger new premises in Southmead Road, Filton in Bristol. Tristan said: “We have a globally unique technology and business is going really well with prestigious customers across many industrial

City firms looking to invest in skilled staff

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Construction

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Sector

Technology

Landowners gear up for housing boom

Open evening as firm seeks new recruits

● PROPERTY experts are predicting a major increase in new homes being built over the next 18 months. The Bristol area looks set to lead the residential property charge with an increasing number of landowners seeking valuations of potential residential sites in order to raise finance, according to the local office of regional property specialists Bruton Knowles. In the 12 months to March 2014 building started on some 22,060 new homes across the South West out of 133,650 nationally. It means the country has seen a 31 per cent increase compared to the year before. Angus Taylor, pictured, partner in Bruton Knowles, which has offices in Great George Street, Bristol, said: “London has led the way with residential development but we are now seeing the ripple effect hitting the South West with a number of sites preparing in the Bristol area. “There is much more confidence now that funding can be obtained for good schemes and the first step in that process is to get a good valuation on the potential for any scheme that can be used to raise finance. “In the last year it has mostly been niche lenders that have been financing property schemes but we are now seeing signs that the High Street banks are coming back into the market and are prepared to lend money for the right residential scheme. “We have been involved in several valuations in the Bristol area and although inevitably some do not go ahead very quickly the current climate is very positive and we would expect to see a further marked increase in new homes getting permission and being built in the next 18 months.” In the quarter up to March 2014 the number of house building starts was 11 per cent higher than the previous quarter, reaching 36,450. Some 3,729 of these were in the South West region, making it the greatest number of housing starts in any region outside of London. According to Bruton Knowles Bristol is leading the way in the refreshed housing market.

● A HIGH tech company is growing and looking to take on more technicians as its confidence in the market grows. Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology is holding an open evening for electrical and mechanical build technicians on Monday in their Yatton offices. The firm builds complex equipment for the semiconductor industry and related markets. In the past it has relied more on contractors as demand could be variable but now the firm is more confident in its markets it is creating permanent roles instead. It plans to create 20 permanent roles that will mean it can train the technicians to develop more specialist skills that it needs. HR director Helen Kirkcaldy said: “We need high calibre people with skills to match. A career at Oxford Instruments is more than a job, it is a way of life that we support through training, personal development and an exciting working environment.” The event on Monday is an opportunity to get an insight into the technologies used within the firm, meet current employees, discuss the opportunities available and tour the facility with experts who will show the exciting work they carry out.

● From left,Toby Savage, Laura Wyatt, Will Morgan and Alice James, the Remarkable Group’s new Bristol team

Remarkable success Time right to open city office Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

COMMUNCATIONS firm has opened a new Bristol office as it looks to grow its business in the South West. Remarkable Group has been building a portfolio of clients in the region and has reached the point where it needs a physical presence in the region. The firm hopes its base in Aztec West will provide a firm foothold to continue extending its national reach, after its Manchester office launched in April this year and its London office opened in 2013. The new office has a focus on public consultation and regional and government relations. Leading the South West team is associate director Laura Wyatt, who has ten years’ experience in the industry.

She said: “This is an exciting step for us and we are delighted to be able to strengthen our South West offering for our clients. “We have been delivering successful consultation and political engagement strategies throughout the region for many years. “We are proud to say we’ve worked in every mainland local authority in the region. “The launch of our South West office allows us to strengthen our relationships with our existing clients, bringing us closer to the areas in which they work so we can achieve even better results for them. “To further enhance our experience and expertise in the region, we’ve recruited locally-based employees, who offer a wealth of knowledge of the region. Their network of political links and comprehensive understanding of the environment in which our clients work will provide a substantial advantage. “We look forward to sharing this

expertise with them.” Those local appointments as senior account managers are Will Morgan and Toby Savage. Will has worked in the communications industry throughout the South West. Toby has spent almost a decade working for local and national politicians, including as a policy and media adviser to South Gloucestershire Council Leader John Calway. Toby said: “We are both excited to join Remarkable Group at a time of significant growth for the business and we look forward to using our unique combination of knowledge and experience of the South West to help our clients go from strength to strength and promote the regional economy.” Chief executive Stephen Pomeroy said: “After successfully launching our London and Manchester offices, introducing a Remarkable base in the Bristol area was a natural step for us.”

HB06265_Bristol Business Pulse campaign_50 x 100.indd 7/17/2014 1 11:56:38 AM

Retail services

● Staff from eXPD8 are dressed as characters from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to launch the DVD of the film Picture: Freia Turland

EPB-E01-S3

Superheroes give their support to DVD launch A RETAIL support services specialist is hoping to catch movie lovers in its web as it helps the DVD launch of one of the year’s biggest film releases, The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Bristol-based eXPD8 helps make sure the DVDs are stocked and promoted correctly in more than 2,000 stores across the country. The film has already grossed more than £16 million at the box office, so the DVD will be big business too. It is the second blockbuster that eXPD8 has managed in as many months, following the launch of The

Tell us your views on sustainability, the role of the mid-market in the economic recovery and the importance of apprenticeships. Scan the QR code below using the scanner on your smartphone or visit http://tinyurl.com/bristolpulseqr

Lego Movie in July. The company’s retail support teams visit stores to inform staff about the film so they can talk confidently about it to customers, including showing them previews. Mark Thurgood, director of eXPD8, said: “Managing the launch of a global blockbuster is not an easy task. “However, our nationwide team, together with our fully integrated IT system has effectively managed the retail set up ensuring movie lovers get their hands on one of the biggest films of the year and sales targets are

achieved across the country. “We work closely with a number of clients, including most of the film studios, ensuring their products are fully supported and available within thousands of retail outlets across the UK and Ireland.”

To celebrate the launch of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, the firm has organised a fancy dress competition within the company. Staff chose a character from the film with the best Spider-Man and villain costumes winning prizes.

The £22-million turnover company, based in Orchard Street, was launched in Bristol in 2003 and now employs more than 2,500 staff. It won the Large Business of the Year category at this year’s Bristol Post Business Awards.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Food

Moving Caerphilly Brothers bring top cheese-making skills to area

Radio

Self-made millionaire to inspire youngsters ● AN inspirational Bristol businessman is taking to the airwaves to share his story and advice with up and coming entrepreneurs. Dr Stephen Fear, below, who was given a lifetime achievement award at this year’s Bristol Post Business Awards, is co-hosting a radio series on community station Ujima Radio 98FM. Stephen became a millionaire despite starting out living in a council flat in the city, and running his first business from a local phonebox. He said: “With this series we aim to encourage young people, who seemingly have little or no future, to become creators of their own wealth, that benefits both themselves and society. Wealth is not just about money, it’s about attitude and community too. Some may also become millionaires and future leaders of a more balanced and tolerant society.” Roger Griffith, chair of Ujima Radio and co-host of the show added: “We want to inspire people of all backgrounds to achieving success. We will be working with a young team of entrepreneur’s, who are seeking advice and guidance in tough economic times.” The show airs at 5.30pm on Monday for three weeks.

Tina Rowe tina.row@b-nm.co.uk

● Caerphilly cheese makers brothers Maugan and Todd Trethowan; above, dairy assistant Georgie Thomas at work in the new dairy at Puxton Court Farm in Somerset processing 3,000 litres of milk a day, and we are really pleased. The milk comes straight from the cows which are right next to the dairy and we have a gravity-fed system so that the milk runs down into our vat. “Most people have milk pumped under pressure but this comes into the vat so gently, and that means there is a lovely texture. “We could tell really early into the making that we had the best milk possible and it was making beautiful curd. We were quietly confident it was going to be good, but really we have to wait about two months until they are mature before we sell them. But even at this early stage, at three weeks we have been testing them and we could tell there is a depth of flavour.” The cheese is exported all over the world. Todd said that in marketing there is only one advert worth having – the product. “We export to the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Europe and when I go to trade events or to see customers I don’t take bumf and leaflets. There are only two things I need, cheese and a knife.” Visitors to Puxton Park can see how the dairy and milking parlour are laid out and watch production through a viewing gallery. The project received help from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership. The brothers have taken on two more staff and are expecting to confirm a third new member.

Part of the Local World group

Staging your Awards doesn’t have to cost a fortune... We supply a glossy setting worthy of any award winner. From staging and set design, to an assortment of lighting from LED’s to gobos. We provide all the necessary services and equipment you would need to make your awards evening the one to remember.

Presentation Production Live Camera Relay Pyrotechnics Call us on: 01684 575832 Email us at: enquiries@aneventservices.co.uk Visit us at : www.aneventservices.co.uk

EPB-E01-S3

HEN any food production business moves to a new site there will always be a heart-stopping moment when the maker tastes the first produce, and measures it against the previous high standard. When that produce has been described by cookery writer and broadcaster Nigel Slater as “one of the great cheeses of the world”, it might be a good idea to have an A&E team standing by. But for Todd Trethowan, one half of the sibling pair making award-winning Gorwydd Caerphilly by hand there was no need to worry. Research, preparation and the best ingredients are vital and the brothers did everything in their power to make sure the move from their base in West Wales to the new £1 million Trethowan’s Dairy at Puxton Court Farm, near Weston-super-Mare went according to plan. The move itself was the outcome of their search for “the best possible milk”. They found it in Derek and Alistair Mead’s herd of Holsteins and Jerseys. It tasted great, microbiological tests showed it was of high quality and an old fashioned souring test proved it still tasted great after being left out for three days at room temperature. The move to Somerset is not as strange a journey for Caerphilly as some might think. Todd learned the original recipe from Somerset Caerphilly-maker Chris Duckett 25 years ago, when he spent six months working for the third generation Caerphilly-maker. There was a long history of Caerphilly-making in Somerset between the wars when canny Cheddar makers realised that it was a quicker way to turn milk into money. The new dairy has been built next to the milking parlour at Puxton Court Farm and is up and running, just 10 miles from where Todd learned his craft all those years ago. Todd said: “Things are going brilliantly. This is our third week in production, we are

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Economy

EPB-E01-S3

Bristol ranked highly in two growth studies TWO new studies underline the strength of Bristol’s growing economy this week. The city is ranked as one of England’s top five growth centres in a report by Grant Thornton. While a report by UHY Hacker Young found the city is creating 10 times as many businesses per head as the rest of the UK. The studies by the two accountancy firms, which both have offices in the city, are positive indicators that Bristol is punching above its weight. The first report, based on Grant Thor nton’s High Growth Index, provides a ranking of English cities and districts according to their growth over an eight-year period. Outside London, it places Bristol at number four in a ranking of cities as measured by economic and demographic growth, with Manchester at number one, followed by Birmingham and Milton Keynes. The report also assesses the quality of local growth – or dynamism – to identify areas with a vibrant and dynamic economy capable of supporting future expansion. Outside the capital, Cambridge tops the list of future sustainable growth, followed by Reading and Manchester, with Bristol again in fourth spot. The study also reveals a number of ‘growth corridors’ around the country, one of which is London-Bristol. John Golding, pictured, head of public sector assurance at Grant Thornton in the South West, said: “The growth corridors identified by the report highlight a number of implications for those local authorities and LEPs, both in and out of these corridors. “For local economies, like Bristol, which are within a growth corridor, it’s vital that leaders and economic stakeholders collaborate to manage and deliver growth in a joined up and complementary way, and also consider their local strengths and assets in a broader context, be that human capital or local amenities.” Meanwhile UHY Hacker Young found Bristol was seventh out of 150 towns and cities for creating new businesses. It found 8.7 new businesses were created per 10,000 population in Bristol, compared to a national average of 0.8. Lisa White, a partner at the firm, said: “It’s really encouraging to see Bristol within the top ten places in the UK for new business creation. “The improvement in the economy has seen a wave of new start-ups launching in Bristol because of its recognised pedigree in aerospace and financial services, but also due to its broad-based economy, encompassing many high-tech and media businesses, as well as its thriving tourist industry. “The cluster of blue chip aerospace companies with major manufacturing and design operations here – companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus Group, GKN, and Rolls Royce – help attract new businesses that want to take advantage of the existing infrastructure and talent pool. “Companies like these will have a supply chain of hundreds of smaller companies. When they do well that helps create new jobs and new small start-ups across their supply chain.”

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

OpenCo festival

It’s a tale of two cities as Mubaloo connects offices

● Mark Mason who founded Mubaloo with staff

APP developer Mubaloo will be linking its London and Bristol offices as part of OpenCo. The consultancy firm, founded in 2009, helps businesses understand how mobile and apps can work for their business and has created more than 200 apps for customers around the world. Its recent work includes the HL Live iPad app for investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown and a maintenance app for student accommodation provider Unite – both successful Bristol-based businesses. Chief executive Mark Mason said: “Our London office was part of the first OpenCo London. As a Bristol-based company, we wanted to be involved in OpenCo Bristol. “Last year, we had a 4G live video feed, powered by our partner, EE, to our Bristol office to show people in London around. This year, we are doing the first dual-city link up between OpenCo Bristol and London from our offices.”

Star cluster City’s acclaimed tech firms join UK innovation showcase

ECHNOLOGY companies in Bristol will showcase their talents and products when the city takes part in an innovation festival. The UK is the first country to hold a nationwide OpenCo festival, backed by Tech City UK. The event – described as a tech conference/studio tour with a music festival vibe – has previously been staged in San Francisco and other global cities but the UK is widening the event. And Bristol’s world class tech cluster will be leading the way when some of its most innovative businesses open their doors to executives, entrepreneurs, investors and potential employees. Bonnie Dean, pictured, one of the organisers of OpenCo Bristol & Bath and chief executive of Bristol & Bath Science Park, said: “OpenCo offers a rare, not-to-be-missed opportunity to gain compelling insight into the businesses which are working on the very latest innovations in technology. “Bristol and Bath’s tech cluster is

the ideal location for such an event as it has strong networks across a diverse combination of inter-related sectors such as high tech, creative and digital media, robotics and aerospace, resulting in plenty of collaborative working, a key ingredient of any OpenCo event.” Joe McGeehan, chair of Invest Bristol & Bath and special adviser to Toshiba, said: “It is highly appropriate that Bristol and Bath’s tech hub has become part of the OpenCo phenomenon as the cluster is a vibrant and dynamic hub of innovation, which competes on an international level. “It is home to a real melting pot of companies, bolstered by leading tech players, such as JUST EAT, Huawei, Kainos and Somo, which have chosen to invest in the region recently.” The line-up features social video company Yogcast, which is behind

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX ● Wildseed Studios is an ideas accelerator helping create entertainment that has an audience but might not otherwise be made. Organisers compare current TV to the music business of the 1970s: “Concept albums, inflatable pigs on stage, flowing robes and banks of keyboards and racks of guitars with roadies to help the musicians. So we have more and more expensive dramas, more and more extreme reality shows – many of them very good and many of them very profitable – but are they what the audience really wants?” Wildseed was set up to a be a fast and low cost way to create entertainment. It makes £10,000 investments in new intellectual property and asks creators to make something that can go in front of an audience, such as a pilot, film or graphic novel. It then decides whether to invest further. It release projects on

digital platforms such as YouTube or video on demand services and devises a sales and marketing strategy. Sci-fi horror film Hungerford, for example, starring and directed by 19-year-old Drew Casson, was made for £22,000 despite including more than 100 visual effects shots. Wildseed Studios managing director Miles Bullough said: “We set up our company in Bristol because we wanted to avoid the new hipster-Shoreditch establishment and because in a place like Bristol unusual and interesting things can happen that don’t ‘conform’ to current trends - it’s a creative city with a great appetite for innovation and experimentation. “We jumped at the opportunity to be part of OpenCo to celebrate our commitment to the city and strengthen our relationship with the creative community here.”

the largest gaming YouTube channel globally; XMOS, the semiconductor company with huge potential to capitalise on ‘the internet of things’; Bristol Games Hub, the largest independent co-working hub for games developers, and Pervasive Media Studio, whose presentation looks set to embrace topics ranging from personal space travel to the future of musical instruments. Bristol and Bath’s high tech hub was highlighted recently in an influential report by Centre for Cities/McKinsey & Co as the only “globally-significant”, “highgrowth” UK cluster of its kind outside of London. As well as being a world leader in media and digital entertainment, the region is at the heart of Europe’s largest aerospace cluster, built on a rich heritage of advanced engineering. The event opens with a drinks reception at Bristol & Bath Science

WHO’S INVOLVED? ● Zynstra; Genius Digital; CFMS Services Ltd; Wildseed Studios; XMOS; Coull; Bristol Games Hub; Pervasive Media Studio; Sift; Money Hub; Mubaloo; Yogscast; Toshiba; Engine Shed.

Park on Wednesday, October 1, before the main festival gets under way on October 2. A closing reception, sponsored by inward investment agency Invest Bristol & Bath, will be held at the Engine Shed, Bristol, on the evening of October 2. The closing reception at Engine Shed will be followed by an event by Bristech, a group that discusses computer programming. The event will host two talks from local developers on Agile and Open Source. Sign up for OpenCo events at http://uk.openco.us/bath-bristol.

SERIOUS FUN AND GAMES ● Bristol Games Hub is a non-profit organisation that provides space for developers and academics to work together. Its vision is of a centre of excellence that attracts new business and job opportunities for Bristol’s thriving games development community. The hub is for firms, freelancers and academics working on game-related activity. With 35 residents and 400 games designers, the hub is the largest independent collective space for developers in the world. The ethos is one of openness, generosity and collaboration. Support is given to start-ups and students by providing low-cost office space, sharing of resources, expertise, experience and best practice to develop the current and next generation of

‘stars’ in game development. Ben Trewhella, pictured, managing director of Opposable Games and co-founder of the hub, said: “The success of the hub is a direct result of an open collaborative ethos and the amazing talent and creative thinkers that have been attracted, and we are always keen to help other people get started in games. We are also constantly surprised how few people know how accessible the games industry can be once you know who to talk to and where to find help. “The OpenCo concept really helps us communicate this to people who we’d normally find difficult to reach, and we know that early conversations started on the day can easily unfold into hit games or new technology – that’s really exciting.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

The Big Interview

£170M, 370 JOBS...ONE CUSTOMER Steve Colebrook is the man in charge of perhaps the most cutting edge manufacturing plant in Bristol. Gavin Thompson meets the boss of GKN’s Western Approach facility, which cost £170 million to build and has just one customer.

VITAL STATISTICS Name: Steve Colebrook Age: 41 Place of birth: Cowes, Isle of Wight School: Cowes High School First job: Westland Aerospace Craft Apprentice at 16, been within the Westland / GKN Aerospace Business for 25 years Hero or inspiration: My father – he has provided constant support throughout my career and taught me to constantly listen and learn from those that add value in manufacturing.

“ Bristol has a very strong aerospace heritage ... what we are doing is vitally important for the area and the UK ● Steve Colebrook, the boss of GKN; and GKN’S Western Photos: Jon Kent Approach facility

Steve Colebrook

production.” The A350 XWB is not yet flying commercially but already 750 orders have been placed by airlines around the world. Final testing and certification is under way and the first paying passengers will be boarding very soon. Part of the reason for its popularity is the improved fuel efficiency much of which comes from using components made of lightweight materials such as those GKN produces here. There’s no doubt this work is vital to the plant. It is the reason GKN opened a second site here, as its existing facility in Filton was not large enough to handle the job. When more planes start flying off the production line, this plant will grow to around 470 employees, probably by 2016 or 2017. Some of those new employees could be apprentices. The plant has taken four apprentices each of the past two years. It’s a handful, but something Steve feels is important. He said: “I personally started as an apprentice 20 odd years ago at Cowes

on the Isle of Wight, so it just goes to show that if you stick with a great organisation and work hard then you can achieve good things.” Because the materials involved are new, even recruitment of more experienced hands involve re-training for many. Steve said when hiring final assembly fitters, the site was competing with GKN’s Filton plant, Airbus and Rolls Royce, which meant it was tough, although they had a “good core of those guys” now.

MY WORKING DAY Wake up: 6am-ish What do you have for breakfast? Quick yoghurt & glass of juice What time do you start work? 7am or as soon as the first email is read What happens in your typical working day? Ranges from tactical expediting with ‘kick ’n’ rush’ challenges to long-term strategic planning for continuous improvement and rate increases all of which involves working with a very

committed and dedicated workforce … and most importantly making sure we have a laugh along the way. What time do you go home? 7pm-ish Do you take work home/attend evening functions? Yes, I commute weekly as home remains on the Isle of Wight so work-life continues well into the evening. Emails dealt with and any phone calls that didn’t occur during the day often take place.

But on the composite side, things were easier. Steve said: “It’s an emerging technology so we have set up a trade conversion training programme. So we have on site very competent composite laminators who have come from mechanic or electrician backgrounds where GKN has taken them on board and trained them and who have gained accreditation in the composite world.” He said that training was an attractive prospect for would-be employees. “It’s the material of the

MY DOWNTIME What’s your perfect weekend? Time with my family, long walks on the beach with our dogs followed by good food ’n’ wine with plenty of laughter. Your favourite TV shows? Blackadder and The Young Ones (pictured) Favourite movie: Forrest Gump – wonderful life story What are your hobbies (if any)? Social golfer, aviation enthusiast and family man

future,” he said. This training is not just good for the individuals, but Bristol too. It shows the city’s interest in aerospace has a strong future not just a brilliant past. Steve says: “Bristol has a very strong aerospace heritage, GKN forms part of that, likewise Airbus and the A350 programme and GKN’s wing technology and our advancements for further wing technology into the future only under pin that. So yes what we are doing is vitally important for the area and the UK, hence the number of governmental visits we get here.” The site has a strong two-way relationship with the National Composites Centre in Emerson’s Green, again building that local pool of expertise and skills in this emerging technology. The A350 programme is likely to keep the site in work until 2020 and possibly beyond. That’s a long time, but the firm can’t rest on its laurels. Steve said: “This is a growing technology. For any future opportunities, Western Approach is prime set to capture that and grow further.” For now though, his goals are simple, to fulfil his contract and keep the customer happy. “It never ends,” he said. “Until this business is running like a Swiss watch and we are delivering our monthly obligations without question and no quality issues, the quest for continuous improvement never ends. “You stop, you draw breath and then you go again. “We’ve come a long way with a very technically challenging component and we’ve delivered it successfully. Brilliant, thumbs up. Now we’ve got to go again. We’ve got to get ready for volumes in 2015, 2016. I don’t think there’s ever time for complacency.”

EPB-E01-S3

KN’S Western Approach facility is at the cutting edge of the industry. Opened two and a half years ago by Chancellor George Osborne, the plant was a £170 million investment in the future by a big player in the aerospace sector. Yet it only makes two things. Or rather, the same thing for two different planes. It’s not the fuselage, the wing or the tail. It’s one piece of the wing, albeit a large one. That’s 370 jobs, £170 million investment, making two variations of the same thing for just a single customer, Airbus. Given the sums involved it might sound crazy, but that’s the scale of the aerospace business. Big. Really big. And making one vital part of a plane is really big business. Particularly when it is made using new composite materials seen by many as the future of manufacturing. That’s why in its short life to date, this plant has welcomed not just the Chancellor but also the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Business. It’s not even GKN’s biggest site locally, the firms metals plant in Filton employs more than 1,000 people. But the importance GKN puts on the site is shown by the fact this is where it brings its own investors to showcase where the company’s future lies. No pressure then on general manager Steve Colebrook, who has the job of overseeing the work done in these two very large sheds on the Western Approach Distribution Park in Severn Beach. Steve explains the facility makes spars for the wings of both the A350 XWB – Airbus newest passenger plane – and the A400M military transport plane. These spars run along the back of the wing and carry the weight of the landing gear as well as all the wiring, hydraulics and other bits and pieces needed inside it. “When the plane lands that’s 350 tonnes of load going into a titanium fitting and then into our composite structures,” says Steve. He says the composite structure is five or six times thinner than an aluminium one would be. So that’s a lot of force being taken by relatively light and very new component. “It is the first time that composite technology has been used for a class-one primary structure of this magnitude,” says Steve. “These are the largest one-piece composite components GKN produces. They then form part of a primary structure so the engineering that goes into the material and properties to work in such a way is forefront engineering.” He says it has taken a huge investment by GKN in the engineering skills, machines and facilities to produce what he describes as a “very, very credible component” with which the customer is “very satisfied”. Walking around the plant, however, it is clear the facility is not working flat out. This is nothing to worry about, says Steve. “It’s purely on the basis of where the A350 XWB programme is,” he said. “We are supporting the customer’s current demands. It’s still a young developing business and we still have a long way to go meet full

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

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

Focus: Importing

HOW TO ENSURE IMPORTING GOODS Importing is not something you hear much about, given that exporting dominates the headlines. But, as Rupert Janisch discovers, there are opportunities to be had

EPB-E01-S3

HE latest Government figures show that as a nation we are still importing more goods and services than we are exporting. The South West is consistent with the national picture, importing around £19 billion worth while exporting closer to £13 billion, for the four quarters leading up to the end of the second quarter in 2014. And the region’s performance also compares favourably with others in the UK. The largest year-on-year percentage increase among the English regions was for the South West, where imports increased by 9.4 per cent, with much of the growth coming in machinery and transport. The shortfall of exports is certainly an issue which needs to be addressed. But the fact that we do bring in more than we send away is rarely discussed from a different point of view, namely that importing is itself big business. Clearly much of our imports come from big companies – super markets and motor dealers to name but two of the most obvious examples. But as with any business spectrum, there are also many smaller businesses which profit on importing. Since the days before the British Empire, the city of Bristol has been a key player in importing goods from around the world. One of our most famous brands is of course Harveys Bristol Cream, sherry imported from Spain since 1882 by the company originally set up by William Perry in Denmark Street in 1796. Nowadays, the city’s port remains a key feature of our success as a city which imports, with cars in particular being a vibrant recent source of trade. So generally, what benefits are on offer for companies which are looking to import as part of their business? Importing goods from outside the UK can help businesses find new or lower-priced supplies. But before importing, it is important to consider if companies have the right skills and resources to do so. And just as with buying within the UK, it’s important to find good suppliers, to make sure the offering is correct. Importing can also present complications, such as managing long-distance relationships and organising international transport and customs clearance. Business owners should therefore be sure that they are ready to import before they commit themselves.

● Andrea Barroero of Mercanti

Picture: Dan Regan BRDR20140908A-001

Paperwork can eat into profits, says boss at food business ● MERCANTI Ltd has been established for seven years and is sited on the Premiere Estate in William Street, St Philip’s, employing nine regular staff and looking to take on more. The company started as a family-run business and, after a couple of years of steady business, it began to expand, based on the company’s good

Linton Martin is managing director of Algy’s Autos, which imports Japanese cars into Bristol and ensures they are legislation compliant before selling them on. He said it is crucial for any company looking to import to have a solid understanding of the market before doing so: “It’s very important that you know your commodity as the customer wants to know that you

Case study: Andrea Barroero, office and sales manager of Mercanti Ltd products, service and value for money. Specialising in the importing of quality Italian food, wine and other

“ It’s very important you know your commodity as the customer wants to know you know what you’re talking about. Linton Martin

drinks, Mercanti has several hundred customers which include restaurants – both Italian and British – as far afield as Cornwall, Wales, Birmingham and the south coast. Office and sales manger Andrea Barroero said that in an industry where margins are tight, the burden of paperwork was a major issue, especially with regard to drivers. He said: “We do follow the rules because it’s important for us but sometimes it’s really difficult to profit out of some deliveries. “Our business is quite seasonal

know what you’re talking about. “You also have to be very aware of the trends and fashions, the fact that they may be different in the country that you’re importing from compared to the market you’re importing into. “You also have to work out your prices very closely, because exchange rates fluctuate all the time. It’s not just the currency of the country you’re importing from, but you need

and it’s tough in winter because many of the seaside places are shut, which makes it hard to cover expenses. But we manage to survive. “What I’ve seen since I started working here three years ago is that people are happy buying from an independent supplier, rather than a big London-based company. “We can give the same, or even better, product for the same price, or maybe even cheaper. That’s been a major change which we’ve seen in our customers over the past 18 months.”

to monitor shipping rates which are always in the US dollar. You have to know all this, calculate it, and remain competitive.” As with any aspect of business, strategy and planning can make the difference between success and failure. It’s therefore a good idea to have clear objectives before starting to import, whether that is finding a cheap-

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

DELIVERS BENEFITS TO YOU

Expert eye Maurice Ezekiel Managing director Ultimate Finance mezekiel@ultimate finance.co.uk 0800 121 7757

Import without pain using trade finance

● Dave Bishop with work colleagues Jon Wileman and Mike Sprackman

Pic: Dave Betts BRDB20140909A-004

Garage converting Japanese cars now motoring along nicely again

er source of supplies overseas, or to import products that aren’t yet available in the UK. And importing should fit in with an overall business strategy – for example, making sure that low cost goods do not compromise a reputation for quality. Significant investment in business infrastructure to enable importing activities is only worth doing if im-

Case study: Hallen Import Specialists, Dave Bishop He said: “During the recession, the pound dropped from 240 yen to 119 yen at one time. That affected us, but fortunately I do other things as well. Now sterling is bouncing around 175 yen, it’s not setting the world on fire but it will save our

customers money.” Among Mr Bishop’s customers is Linton Martin, who has run Algy’s Autos since 1997, originally dealing in Japanese cars bought at auction at Bristol docks but eventually dealing directly with Japan. The business turns over more than £1.5 million per year, employs five staff at its headquarters in Cyprus, as well as using a dozen mechanics at the garage in Bristol. Customers found that extras on

vehicles came as standard when imported, and the cars from overseas were generally in better condition, with less rust due to the drier climate. Linton said: “It’s been a bumpy ride at times and with the financial problems worldwide, most dealers and auction halls bailed out. “We were probably the only ones to remain but we’ve come out of the other side and are enjoying a flourishing market now.”

porting will be an important part of business. And business owners also should decide how much involvement they want to have in the import process. There is a choice between placing the paperwork and logistics in the hands of experienced suppliers, or import agents, against dealing with smaller suppliers and dealing with the paperwork yourself.

Many businesses which import say logistics and paperwork are major issues which complicate the process. Clearance through customs, dealing with delays, damages or losses, and payments in foreign currencies can all hamper the efficiency and therefore the effectiveness of the whole importing process. For this reason, it is worth working out what time a business can devote

to importing – researching markets and managing overseas suppliers can be time-consuming and expensive. And for many smaller businesses which are importing infrequently, negotiating deals will not be an option. But given how tight margins are on goods, haggling over prices can make a massive difference to the viability of importing procedures within any business.

EPB-E01-S3

● VEHICLE sales are one of the major industries where importing plays a significant role and in Hallen, Dave Bishop runs a garage whose business is converting imported Japanese cars to pass their Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) to conform to UK regulations. This year, Dave expects to turn around between 180 and 200 cars – lower than the pre-recession peak but still an improvement on the situation five or so years ago.

F you can buy cheaper abroad, and resell here at a profit, then what’s stopping you? For most SMEs it’s the F word – Finance. The solution is trade finance, and here’s an example of how it works. Made in China but financed in the UK: We were recently approached by a company who had a confirmed order from a UK based client – the contract was to supply a collection of customised luggage to fit into the boot of a new sports car. This involved providing a 30 per cent deposit to the factory in Shanghai. Then they had to pay the balance, as well as the hefty VAT and import duty, three months later as the goods docked in the UK. Once delivery was complete they had to wait 60 days for payment. So trade finance was essential. Their long-term bank turned them down because, in the words of their managing director: “They just put the information into a computer, out spewed a risk profile, and the computer said ‘No’.” They were also rejected by another trade finance company because the final invoicing and delivery arrangements were slightly complicated. We looked at the situation and quickly realised we could provide a solution. We came up with the cash and the deal went through – the goods were successfully imported, delivered and invoiced for. It gets better: Under a normal trade finance arrangement our client would have had their invoice paid in 60 days, after which they would give us back the money they had borrowed, plus interest. However, because we are part of the Ultimate Finance Group we could offer our client a complete supply chain finance solution. What we did was twin the trade finance with a back-to-back invoice finance facility. That meant that as soon as our client requested payment from the car manufacturer our invoice finance department advanced them 80 per cent of the invoice value, thereby paying off the trade finance loan. This reduced the length of that loan by 60 days, with a cost saving. What’s more, because of the mark-up on the goods, the advance from Ultimate Invoice Finance exceeded the amount of money borrowed, giving our client additional working capital two months earlier. This is just one example of the way we regularly help a wide variety of businesses fund very profitable transactions that would otherwise be out of their reach.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

In pictures Networking event at The Set BUSINESS DIARY Triodos annual meeting: A chance for customers, investors and anyone who’s interested in a more progressive approach to banking to find out more about the bank. This year the event will explore the real cost of food, energy, society and finance – demonstrating how the sustainable option provides true value in the long run. Speakers from Triodos Bank will be joined by Patrick Holden, director of the Sustainable Food Trust, Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh and Jeremy Leggett, chairman of Solarcentury. Saturday, Sept 13 at Brunel’s Old Station, Passenger Shed, Temple Meads, 10am to 4pm. Introduction to Bloodhound SCC: See the latest developments behind the supersonic car and learn about tax relief for research and development at this event organised by Chantrey Vellacott. It takes place at the Bloodbound Technical Centre in Avonmouth from 4.30pm to 7pm on Wednesday, Sept 17. Electronics reliability engineering seminar: At the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, on Wednesday September 24 from 9am to 4.30pm. Lunch buffet and refreshments. Organised by Bangor University to help companies understand the importance of reliability analysis and testing during product development and continuous improvement, and offer practical guidance to enhance product reliability, reduce costs and improve competitive advantage across region. £100. Email g.fargher@bangor.ac.uk. Getting more out of creative agencies workshop: Research conducted by UWE Bristol academics into the relationship between clients and creative agencies has resulted in a series of workshop events designed to examine and improve the fundamentals of the working partnership. This second workshop is aimed at clients. It takes places September 24, 9am-1pm, Paintworks. Book a place via the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Inspiring Women Live! Series of events to help to connect the dots between personal and professional development. The events are aimed at women who want to be more successful in all aspects of their lives. Networking then speakers Louise Ladbrooke, Business West growth manager, and Denise Jacobs at the Marriott Royal from 6.30-9pm on Wednesday, September 24. See www.inspiringwomenlive.co.uk. The Bristol Business Exhibition: The exhibition attracts business owners and decision makers from across the region and is a great way to source suppliers and generate new business. It takes place at Ashton Gate Conference Centre from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, September 30.

EPB-E01-S3

Growing your business into a

winning brand seminar: Gregg Latchams and ActionCOACH Bristol & North Somerset jointly host an event with guest speakers including local cheese maker Todd Trethowan and Chris Head of the West of England Rural Network. They will talk about creating and marketing a successful brand and how to grow a food business in the current climate. To reserve your place send an email to kayleigh. groves@gregglatchams.com. Oct 1, 10am-1.30pm, Puxton Park. Refreshments and lunch provided.

Monthly gathering brings out the social side of the creative Set

Process Improvement seminar: APDS, supplier of drives and motors, holds event to educate industry leaders on how they can cut their energy bills without compromising production processes. October 8 at ABB training centre, Bristol. Book for morning or afternoon session via eventbrite. Bristol Distinguished Address: UWE’s series giving the chance to meet the leaders of industry returns starting with Leo Quinn, chief executive of aerospace ad defence business QineticQ. Bristol City Hall, 6pm, October 9. Register via UWE. Women Outside the Box Festival: This year, Women Outside The Box is holding their annual festival of female entrepreneurship - Reach Out For Success - at Colston Hall. Monday, October 20.

● From left, Paula Bowles, Katy Sims and Emillie Forrest-Jones during the business networking event at The Set Photographs: Dan Regan BRDR20140903D-003_C

Bristol Distinguished Address: UWE’s series giving the chance to meet the leaders of industry continues with Stephen Varley chairman and managing partner UK&I, Ernst & Young. Bristol City Hall, 6pm, October 23. Register via UWE. Bristol Distinguished Address: UWE’s series giving the chance to meet the leaders of industry continues with Dr Tony Cocker, CEO, E.ON. Bristol City Hall, 6pm, October 28. Register via UWE. Bristol Distinguished Address: UWE’s series giving the chance to meet the leaders of industry continues with Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman, John Lewis Partnership. UWE Exhibition and Conference Centre, Frenchay Campus, 6pm, November 4. Register via UWE. Bristol Distinguished Address: UWE’s series giving the chance to meet the leaders of industry continues with Anne Francke CEO, CMI. Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh, 6pm, November 13. . Register via UWE. Bristol Junior Chamber Presidents’ Lecture: Baroness Gillian Shephard, Deputy Chair of the Government’s Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission talks on “What is the economic importance of improving social mobility and what is the current state of social mobility in 21st century Britain?” 11.30am on November 26 at Clarke Willmott LLP, Bath Street, Bristol.

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.

● Jack Hayes BRDR20140903D-004_C

● Paula Bowles BRDR20140903D-005

● Tristan Moss

BRDR20140903D-006

T was a quiet but creative close to the summer at the monthly Set Social networking event at Bath Road Studios. The informal event is aimed at Bristol’s many creatives and although the place wasn’t heaving, there’s always a buzz at such a meeting of minds and imaginations. The Set is a workspace that operates as a membership club where like-minded businesses can network and share skills and ideas. Its collaborative base removes the isolation of working from home, while offering contemporary facilities. Which means the monthly social plays an important role, bringing people together informally to either talk shop or simply chat. The event – using the slogan Meet.Think.Create – takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at The Set. And if the chance to meet up with like minded people isn’t enough to tempt you, the canapes and drinks from Friska might! Organisers say they are lining up some interesting speakers for the autumn, but aren’t ready to reveal them just yet. Register for future events and watch for news at www.bathroadstudios.co.uk/set-social.

● Dave Abraham, right, at the event

BRDR20140903D-002_C

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

In pictures Networking walk for mums in business

THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION A

● Above, organiser Faye Dicker (also pictured top right) talks to mums on the networking walk. Left, Victoria Jackson (with Ted), Gail Gibson and Faye (with Suki Edworthy). Right, Becky Joynt, Claire Sketchey, Nicola Proctor and Nicola Thomas. Below left, Helen Jewell (with Tegan) and Tara Milne. Photos: Jon Kent

GROUP of businesswomen from companies ranging from social media marketing, cake making and interior design to drama stepped out to network and talk shop. The group of 26 mums walked in pairs discussing the topic “what came first, the business or the baby?”. The event was run by Freelance Mum, a support group for parents who work freelance or run their own business. They met in St Andrew’s Park before walking to KudaCan play cafe, where speaker Eva Fermendes, co-founder of Gloucester Road mother and baby shop Born talked about her business success. Eva talked about the ethos behind Bor n’s success; to sell environmentally friendly, natural, organic, fair trade and practical products for parents and their babies. She asked the group, if they could identify that lightbulb moment when they realised what they wanted to achieve with their business. She said: “If so, hold on to it, and ask yourself, what do you predict to be the experiences that may influence the next generation of business people, which may well include our children?” The next event will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, starting at South Street Park, Southville. There will be an outdoor walk and talk followed by pit-stop at St Paul's Church, on Coronation Road, where the group will hear from the Bristol Post’s Gavin Thompson, who will talk about what makes a good business story. Tickets £5, on sale now. Start time: 10am.

EPB-E01-S3

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

The back page

Your digest of the week in business

Opinion

A good time to have our eyes on the world James Durie

Success ● MOTION Experiential has been shortlisted for the prestigious New Agency of the Year award at The Field Marketing & Brand Experience Awards. Alex Kopfli, planning director, says: “It has been a fantastic year. We have created and activated some outstanding campaigns for some fabulous clients including: Colgate Palmolive, Marriott Hotels, Yorkshire Tea and Warner Bros to name a few. To be shortlisted for the biggest awards in our field is a great achievement.” The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Troxy, London on October 23.

EPB-E01-S3

Opportunity ● Games developers are invited to apply for a new incubator accelerator programme. Creative England has launched GamesLab Campus in association with PlayStation. The programme will invest a maximum of £250,000 into five Games companies (up to £50,000 each) to support the development of new and innovative entertainment experiences on the PlayStation 3, 4

1.6 2.5 0.4 0.5 3.99

Inflation (RPI)

Executive Director Bristol Chamber of Commerce at Business West

VERYONE accepts that having an international spotlight on a city, region or nation can provide a “business bounce”. Just look at the benefits this year alone of the Tour de France stages through Yorkshire and London, and the fillip to Glasgow from the Commonwealth Games – including rocketing sales of their famous “dancing teacakes”! Advertising pays, below as well as above the line, and wall-to-wall media coverage around the globe can only be good for business – in the shape of customers, clients and tourists, as well as raising awareness and boosting confidence. Which is why the NATO Summit, the largest ever gathering of world leaders in the UK, happening right on our doorstep, was a fantastic reminder of why we must seize our opportunities on the global stage. We’re doing okay in the South West but we could and should do better. In the region as a whole we have some 201,000 companies based here, but just 2.8 per cent are actively exporting – fractionally below the national average of three per cent and with a trade deficit. So how can we here in the West maximise this opportunity while the coverage is still fresh in people’s minds? Through exporting. Our usual exports – great, world-leading sectors such as advanced engineering, aerospace and microelectronics – are going from strength to strength, trading on reputations won over decades. In addition though we are seeing more and more smaller, specialist busi-

In numbers Inflation (CPI)

Weekly earnings ● World leaders including Barack Obama and David Cameron at the Nato summit last week nesses recognising that doing business overseas isn’t as daunting or as expensive as they imagined. And I say this with some confidence as the pattern of who exports, and what they sell abroad, is undergoing change and growth – thanks to the digital age we are living in. We are also encouraging the export products and services that perhaps we don’t immediately think of as for overseas. Like the quality foods and drinks for which the region is famous, and attract a premium price in many countries: we’re currently taking cider to Australia and cheese to France, for instance. Or professional services – such as legal expertise. We recently helped one local firm to win lucrative clients in the Far East because they could act as a bridge between there and the EU. It really is a question of “who dares wins”. And while traditional export markets such as the EU and the US will always be attractive, more business is

now being done in countries with far faster growth rates – such as the MINT countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey) who have a real, immediate need for the expertise or products we can supply. All too often I meet bosses of really interesting businesses, keen to expand sales here in the UK, but knowing they will may well have to cut margins to compete with other, well established players. Yet they ignore the potential of other markets where they will have a real differential to sell and potentially bigger profits to earn. Their competitors from Germany or France are often not so shy. Research shows that exporting businesses generate an average growth of 30 per cent after exporting for just two years – a serious reason to consider trading overseas. Opening up new markets does require doing the right homework with the right partners by your side and will require patience, research and ap-

plication. But most of the world really respects the quality and heritage of what is “made in Britain”, and much confidence and trust as a place to do business and is often prepared to pay a premium for the right product. Moreover, the current package of support services we and UKTI have at our disposal – including the export guarantee scheme – effectively “de-risks” exporting. To fuel momentum earlier this year we here at Business West – Chambers of Commerce launched our ‘2020 by 2020’ initiative. Working with a range of partners and businesses we have set our sights on getting 2,020 businesses exporting more by 2020. The world currently has its eyes on us. A good time, I suggest, for us to have our eyes on the world. Many businesses are already doing it. Come and get involved or just get in touch to find out more by visiting www.businesswest.co.uk/GetExporting and following the hashtag #GetExporting.

Base interest rate

% % %

Ave mortgage rate % Corporation tax % Main rate

Small profits rate – below £300,000

Business current accounts

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

Business savings accounts and Vita. Successful studios will also receive a package of mentoring, support and technical benefits. Jaspal Sohal, head of games and digital media at Creative England, said: “Whether you’re a start-up or an experienced developer, we’re looking for exciting and innovative projects that really demonstrate the technical and creative gaming talent we have in England.”

People ● A respected silk has joined the commercial and international groups at No5 Chambers, which has a base in Queen Square. Mohammed Zaman QC (left), who is also a registered practitioner of the Dubai International Finance Centre Courts and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators said: “I was attracted to No5 Chambers because of its growing presence and stature on the international stage. They are an excellent fit for my work in the Middle East and South Asia.”

● Gareth Morris (right) has become one of only eight newly created catering sales managers to be appointed by Marriott Hotels across Europe. He has joined Bristol's Marriott City Centre Hotel where he formerly worked in conference and banqueting for nine years. Gareth, 33, said: "With the UK economy on the up and up again it is believed that companies large and small as well as charities and individuals will want to spend more on conferences, events, weddings, Christmas parties and other hotel based events. "My specific role is to generate more business for all the catering related services that both the Bristol Marriott City Centre and the Bristol Marriott Royal have to offer.” ● Recruitment group Alexander Daniels has appointed Mike Willmoth (left) to head its new healthcare division. The firm already operates in the finance, accountancy, corporate governance

and engineering sectors. It has recruited Mike to lead its new venture into the fast-changing healthcare market. Director Nick Pearce said: “We are constantly looking for opportunities to move into dynamic growth markets such as healthcare. Mike has a wide and diverse background in this sector and is the perfect person to head up our new division.” ● City businessman Edward Corrigan has been named new President of the West of England Society of Chartered Accountants district, representing ICAEW members in the region. Edward has 27 years of experience in accountancy and set up his own practice, Corrigan Associates, in 2009. specialising in advising growing and independent businesses. He said: “I hope my well established network will help the society reach more members and become even more influential.”

1.8% Cambridge & Counties Bank £10,000 deposit State Bank of India

1.49% £10,000 deposit

Source:

Petrol prices .97p

128 133 137 69

Unleaded

.31p Diesel

.73p Super unleaded

.32p LPG

Source: PetrolPrices.com