Business 11 March 2015 by BGSD-cs

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Outsourcing special report: When to and when not to – p8&9

What Bristol’s open data project could mean for you – page 2

Women in Business finalists enjoy a warm reception – p10

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MAR 2015

THE BIG INTERVIEW

MITIE ROLE MODEL Our outgoing Bristol and Bath Woman of the Year talks about business growth, workplace diversity and learning to sing in Latin – see pages 6&7

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Technology

Smarter city Broadband link that aims to improve our urban lives Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

RISTOL is about to become an open laboratory for businesses to find new ways to make the city smarter and develop technology and software to solve urban problems. The Bristol is Open project, a joint venture between the University of Bristol and the city council, has created a sophisticated digital research infrastructure across the city. The network is made up of a ring of super-fast fibre broadband connecting At-Bristol, the Watershed and Engine Shed, and a so-called “mesh” network across a wider area using 1,500 lampposts. It is only possible because more than 10 years ago the council bought a network of redundant ducts from a TV cable company. Now the fibre in them has been upgraded along the Brunel Mile from Temple Meads station to the ss Great Britain and into the Harbourside and Millennium Square. It all links to the university’s BlueCrystal 2 super computer, housed in Park Row, to allow high-speed processing of the data. Partners in the project will be able to experiment and develop new solutions for the challenges of modern life. These could involve machine-to-machine communications – the so-called internet of things, driverless cars, sensors to monitor the health of citizens and very large data transfers that will make it possible for global collaboration on research projects. Bristol Mayor George Ferguson said: “Cities across the globe have to face up to the looming challenges posed by increased population, scarcer resources and a changing climate. “Bristol is Open is a project that will improve our understanding of

Land Rover the top sponsor for city gala dinner ● FUNDRAISING for a Bristol children’s charity has gone up a gear, with the announcement of a new platinum sponsor for The Lord Mayor’s Charity Gala Dinner. Guy Salmon Land Rover Bristol, based in Brislington, has agreed to be the event’s top sponsor. Money raised at the charity gala dinner, which is supported by the Bristol Post, is going to The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal. The volunteer-led charity helps the city’s most disadvantaged children, giving them vouchers for food, clothing and gifts at Christmas. The car dealership is the latest company to offer its support, following the announcement of ‘Millionaires’ Mentor’ Bev James as the first gold sponsor. Legal firm Ashfords LLP agreed to become gold sponsor for the gala dinner,

● Engineers upgrade the fibre cables along the Brunel Mile what technology can do to overcome the challenges faced by cities around the world.” He added: “Our year as European Green Capital is the perfect time to take these first steps towards building the model of the cleaner, greener city of the future.” University Vice Chancellor Sir Eric Thomas said the city was renowned as a centre for digital innovation. “It is no surprise that this city leads the way in developing solutions to the major issues facing urban life today,” he said. The project aims to create an open programmable city, open because the code and methodology is shared, and programmable as it collects data gathered from a range of sensor equipment around Bristol which will

be used to develop new applications to make the city work better. That could be a way of turning out the lights in a building or controlling complex traffic signals. The first partners have been named with a memorandum of understanding signed with Japanese IT services firm NEC Corporation. A partnership is also developing with Bristol’s twin city of Guangzhou in China. NEC director of strategy and solutions Dejan Bojic said: “This is a truly groundbreaking smart city project.” The aim is to also involve small and medium sized enterprises. Blu Wireless, based at the Engine Shed, has already played a part in developing the wireless technology. The infrastructure has been installed and the network will be tested

and developed from April to June with a goal of opening it up to other partners before the end of this year. The project has been funded with support from the Government’s Super Connected Cities programme and Innovate UK. Stephen Hilton, director of Bristol Futures at Bristol City Council and Bristol Is Open board member, said: “The creation of this innovative digital research infrastructure has already raised Bristol’s profile in the international debate about how and why to create liveable smart cities. “Over the coming months and years, as results emerge from the research and experimentation, I am certain there will be many positive benefits and opportunities for everyone involved.”

Aerospace

US firm confirms order for 55 Airbus planes AN American leasing company has firmed up an order for 55 new Airbus aircraft worth millions for the plane-maker which employs 4,000 people at Filton near Bristol. Air Lease Corporation is buying 25 A330-900 neo (new engine option) and 30 A321LR, two of the latest fuel-efficient models. ALC was the first to sign up for the newest member of Airbus’ wide-body

Fundraiser

family, the A330neo, announcing a commitment for 25 A330-900neo during the launch at the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow. It was also the first to commit to the A321LR, the newest variant of the A321neo, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding for 30 at the launch in January 2015. Chairman and chief executive Steven F. Udvar-Házy explained why

the firm, which will lease the planes on to carriers that don’t want the overheads of owning their planes, was so keen to support new aircraft. “We are proud to be adding these newest generation Airbus aircraft to our portfolio and to have played a part in launching these latest generation, efficient aircraft,” he said. “We see significant market appetite for Airbus’ A321LR and A330neo

models, offering operators exactly what they want - even more range, even better economics and superior level of passenger comfort.” Airbus chief operating officer, customers, John Leahy said: “ALC is always ahead of the game and we are happy to have them on board from the start with our latest models.” The wings of all Airbus’ commercial planes are designed in Filton.

● From left, Amanda Binner-Vaughn (Guy Salmon, Head of Business), Bruce Simmonds (Chairman of the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s children appeal), Sebastian Morgan-Giles (Guy Salmon, Marketing Manager) due to be held on April 30 at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel. Tickets for the event have sold out, and the charity’s events team members are encouraging people interested in attending to add their names to the waiting list. The charity gala dinner is targeted at the city’s leading business people, and ‘movers and shakers’. The charity has also appealed for raffle prizes as well as high-value and money-can’t-buy auction prizes. Head of business Amanda Binner-Vaughan for Guy Salmon Land Rover Bristol said: “The team is delighted to be supporting this event. It will be a great evening for the city’s business community and most importantly we will be striving to raise as much money as possible for this worthwhile local charity.” Companies interested in sponsorship packages or in donating prizes should email info@galadinner2015.com. Go to https://galadinner2015. eventbrite.co.uk for the waiting list.

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The Bristol MBA

Find out more Open Evening 25 March, Watershed, Bristol City Centre www.uwe.ac.uk/bristolmba

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

SMEs

Workplaces

Engineering firm one of the best in Britain ● A NUMBER of local firms have been celebrated as among the best places to work. Engineering firm Hydrock, based in Almondsbury, was ranked 13th in the Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For list. Managing director Dr Brian McConnell, pictured, said: “We are thrilled. It’s a recognition of the importance we attach to investing in the wellbeing and motivation of our most valuable asset – our people. “We are now a 400-strong company and we aim to offer our employees a challenging and interesting work agenda focused on shaping the future of the built environment, and in addition we look to

provide a family-oriented, healthy work/life balance. Our commitments range from simple things such as the provision of fresh fruit in the office and encouraging our people to compete in various sports and charitable ventures, through to hosting a Challenge Day that brings together all our staff for team-focused activities and briefings on the strategic direction of the business.” Software consultancy Softwire, based in Colston Tower, was rated 20th in the list. Business West, based in Abbots Leigh, was ranked 80th in the best not-for-profit companies list and accountancy firm EY, which has a major office in Bristol, was 14th the ‘big companies’ list.

● People Source chairman Jason Baker and MD Tim Allen

Shining lights The dynamic city firms leading the way Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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RECRUITMENT firm, McDonald’s franchise, pension provider and a construction machinery hire business from Bristol have all been hailed as among the country’s most inspiring small and medium-sized enterprises. Ten companies based in the city are listed in the London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain list, which identifies the fastest growing and most dynamic SMEs in the UK. Among them was People Source, an IT recruitment company which recently moved to new offices in city centre off Victoria Street. The firm has doubled its revenue from £10 million to £20 million in the last year and continues to grow. Chairman and founder Jason Baker said: “It is an honour to be identified as one of the London Stock Exchange 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain – a testament to how our unique culture influences the growth of the business. “People Source is a company defined and differentiated by its people centric ethos, which puts us on the map as an agency that stands out from the crowd. This recognition demonstrates that taking a wholesome approach to recruitment and balancing it with a great work culture makes for a highly successful business.” The company’s culture and working environment is one of the things that makes it stand out. It’s new offices include a pool table and arcade machines, where Jason can be found taking on all comers at lunchtimes. The other Bristol-based firms to feature are: ● Caspian Networks, the McDonald’s fran-

chise network based in the Horsefair in Bristol but with fast food restaurants across the area, headed up by entrepreneur Mike Guerin ● Curtis Banks, a self-invested pension scheme provider based in Temple Quay ● Dancourt Plant Hire, which provides machinery to the construction industry from its South Liberty Lane base in South Bristol ● Gas World, a central heating, renewable and fireplace installer based in St Anne’s ● Nasa Umbrella, an umbrella company that handles payroll and employee services for contractors, based in Fairfax Street in the city centre ● Rowan Dartington Holdings, investment management and stockbroker based in Colston Tower but with offices spread across the UK ● Safe House Holdings, trading from the office of Bishop Fleming in Queen Square, it manages other holding companies ● Simplify Digital, the UK’s largest free digital TV, broadband and home phone switching service based in Temple Quay ● Vetasi, an Aztec West-based enterprise asset management, IT service management and property portfolio management company, which has offices around the world. Xavier Rolet, chief executive, London Stock Exchange Group said compiling the report is a part of the organisation’s broader campaign to support UK high growth companies in their journeys from start-up to stardom and to “create an entrepreneurship revolution”. “I’m delighted that a strong alliance between UK Government, financial market participants, investors, entrepreneurs and companies has been created to support these inspiring businesses,” he added. Commenting on the report, Chancellor George Osborne, pictured, said: “This is a remarkable list of outstanding companies. These businesses have been built by the drive, commitment and vision of Britain’s entrepreneurs and business leaders. It is my privilege to congratulate them all.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

APPRENTICESHIPS

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Energy

Construction

Brickies in demand in the South West

Hannah Maddocks Business Development Manager for Creative and Leisure City of Bristol College

Hannah has worked at City of Bristol College for 4 years, helping employers in the creative and leisure industries recruit apprentices and provide training for existing staff. Q Which business sectors have you been working closely with? A City of Bristol College has excellent, long standing relationships within the catering and hospitality, hairdressing, barbering and beauty industries in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Local employers regularly ‘give back’ to our learners, many being ex-students themselves, through offering apprenticeship opportunities, work experience placements or by coming back into the college to provide inspiring sessions for our learners. As a college we work closely with industry groups including The Chefs Forum and Style Forum to understand where there are local skill gaps and create opportunities for apprentices. We invite employers to a variety of events which give our students the opportunity to display their skills, meet the employers and learn more about their businesses. Q Which business sectors are recruiting right now? A We have many amazing apprenticeship opportunities within all sectors of creative and leisure who are looking for enthusiastic people to start now. We have noticed a great increase in our vacancies for Professional Cookery and Hospitality Apprenticeships, covering the diverse range of different employers and cuisine that Bristol has to offer. We also have some excellent vacancies available for Beauty Therapy Apprenticeships and within Hairdressing and Barbering.

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Q Tell us about the new Creative Arts Apprenticeships available at the college? A The Creative industries are expanding rapidly in Bristol and City of Bristol College is excited to now offer a range of Creative Apprenticeships including Design, Creative and Digital Media, Photo Imaging and Live Events and Promotion. The Design Apprenticeships have already proved popular with employers and learners, we have also just had our first apprentice start on the new Photo Imaging Apprenticeship and we are advertising now for an apprenticeship opportunity within Live Events. We have seen a shift in this industry with employers who traditionally recruit graduates realising the benefits of investing in growing their own talent. The creative industry is increasingly popular with our students and apprenticeships provide students with a great opportunity to get a foot in the door and step into an inspiring industry. The new creative apprenticeships at City of Bristol College provide training for wide range of job roles including: ✔ Web coordinator ✔ Trainee/ assistant photographer ✔ Junior Graphic Designer ✔ Venue and Stage Crew Support ✔ Event Promotion Support Staff ✔ Junior digital imaging technician ● For more information on recruiting apprentices or training opportunities for your employees contact our Employer Advice team at City of Bristol College on 0117 312 5020 or email employers@cityofbristol.ac.uk.

● The Powervamp management team

Making sure the lights will stay on at No 10 Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

ANY politicians have talked about the importance of keeping the lights on, regarding the fragile nature of the UK’s energy supply. But one Weston-super-Mare business is keeping the lights on for the politicians. Powervamp designs and manufactures a range of power solutions, including emergency lighting battery systems – known as its ‘Effekta range’ – that ensure the lights and power stay on in public buildings and workspaces, should mains electricity fail. And the advanced manufacturer has supplied and installed a large quantity of its innovative EF5 ELI emergency lights inverters to Num-

ber 10 Downing Street. So as Prime Minister David Cameron stays up all night watching the General Election results roll in, or during a national emergency, he can be sure the lights will stay on regardless. The company manufacture a range of advanced power solutions exported to more than 40 countries around the world. No. 10 Downing Street is one of many buildings it helps to keep running; others include Dublin Airport and Molineux Stadium. Richard Roller, who started the company 21 years ago following a career in engineering, said: “It’s rewarding to see Powervamp products chosen by No. 10 to help keep the lights on at one of the most important buildings, especially in

election year.” The Effekta range of emergency lighting power is used across the UK and overseas, in high-risk areas where loss of light can endanger people’s lives or pose a security threat. The company also designs and supplies a range of other products and recently achieved a UK manufacturing first with the supply of bespoke ground power units (GPUs) to London City Airport. Director Ken Walker said: “We are unique as a company because we often build our products to fit bespoke environments – nobody else in the UK is agile enough or has the skill base to deliver these advanced power solutions. “Powervamp is a real success story for UK manufacturing and Brand Britain.”

● THE building trades most in demand in the South West over the next five years have been revealed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), as new research shows the number of construction firms taking on apprentices is up by a third in the past year. The highest demand over the next five years in the region will be for bricklayers, with 470 needed each year, and plasterers, with 420 needed. Other in-demand trades include labourers and glaziers. These jobs figures, released in National Apprenticeship Week, are backed by a CITB survey of 1,500 employers, which reveals: ● The percentage of firms taking on apprentices is up 30 per cent, with one in four (26 per cent) firms taking on apprentices in 2014 compared with one in five (20 per cent) in 2013. ●25 per cent of companies say they are likely to take on apprentices in 2015 - down slightly from 27 per cent in 2013, but significantly higher than 15 per cent back in 2011. And 75 per cent of firms reported that they are either satisfied or very satisfied with their apprentices. Gillian Cain, sector strategy manager for the South West at CITB, said: “These figures reveal that as our industry returns to growth, more apprentices are being recruited and are making a real difference to businesses. “But the skills gap remains a threat. During National Apprenticeship Week we want talented young people to consider a rewarding career in construction – as our figures show, brilliant opportunities are out there.”

Construction

Tricky job nears end ● HELM Construction is wrapping up a tricky year-long build on Horfield Road at the back of the Bristol Royal Infirmary providing nine new apartments, eight of which have been sold off plan. Paul Evans, MD of the Aust firm, said: “The build presented a multitude of obstacles from access difficulties to a particularly narrow frontage.”

Recruitment

Matrix meets appetite for food industry jobs A RECRUITMENT firm is planning major growth by meeting demand for staff from the food manufacturing industry. Matrix, based in Clifton, has specialised in IT programme and project management recruitment for the past 19 years but has spotted the growing demand for fresh talent in the food manufacturing industry and has set up a new division. A major recruitment drive of its own is now under way to increase the original six-strong team to a team of 50 consultants by the end of 2015.

The move is driven by demand for staff in areas such as engineering, technical, operations, HR and new product development which has grown significantly across the food industry over the last few years. Nathan Arter, managing director at Matrix, said: “It was too good an opportunity to miss, there was a noticeable gap in the market and we have been able to recruit consultants into the team with specialist knowledge of that industry. “The food manufacturing industry is growing rapidly and yet

● Staff at recruitment firm Matrix, based in Clifton the recruitment market in this area is still relatively untouched. With an increasing skills shortage and a static ageing workforce, this is the perfect time to broaden our offer and help fill these jobs with fresh, young talent.” The company has recently moved to a larger workspace within its

current offices on Queens Road, Clifton, to accommodate its growth strategy. As well as its move into the food manufacturing market, Matrix will look to expand in other industries over the coming years with new, specialist divisions being created in line with industry demand.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Warehousing

Banking

Triodos shows all-round growth ● ETHICAL bank Triodos has grown its lending, deposits and customers over the past year. The Bristol-based business now has 46,000 UK customers, up by nine per cent according its 2014 full year results. Savings grew by £102 million to £754 million with just over half the growth from business banking deposits and the bank’s lending, aimed at sustainable organisations, rose by nine per cent to £565 million. Hydro energy, social housing and faith group projects were the main drivers. UK managing director Charles Middleton said: “Sustainable banking means using money with conscious thought about its environmental, cultural and social impacts, with the support of savers and investors who want to make a difference. “We use their deposits to lend to sustainable entrepreneurs working in the real economy, so they can deliver real impact. “And we are 100 per cent transparent; we give everyone the chance to see every loan we make and the impact being achieved thanks to our customers’ savings from the solar panels on the roof at Yeo Valley’s Holt Farm to a community shop in the Cotswolds.” ● Clunk Storage in Brislington, a new business offshoot of SXS Events; inset, founder Johnny Palmer

Utilities

Selling space Growing events firm expands to offer storage services

Businesses in dark on energy savings

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

GROWING events business which recently expanded its headquarters has come up with a way to profit from all the extra space – by launching a storage company. Clunk Storage, Support and Studio is a new arm of SXS Events, which was set up in Bristol 16 years ago. The new business will offer services including storage, asset man-

agement, logistics, safety inspection and maintenance to its mainly London client base of marketing, public relations and events-related companies. Founder Johnny Palmer said: “Following the purchase of our freehold warehouses in 2014 we are now in a position to offer our clients a new range of services. “We have had a fantastic uptake from several of our London clients – I think there is a real demand for those services. “Our location in Bristol is accessible for our London clients but also allows us to offer these services

at a competitive rate. “I really see Bristol as perfectly positioned to service the affluent London market and that is what Clunk is doing a great job of doing.” SXS Events has worked on a similar philosophy for some time, with most of its clients in the capital but taking advantage of relatively lower property costs and overheads being based in Bristol. Johnny also believes the city being a great place to live and relatively affordable helps with staff retention and recruitment too. The events business was founded

in a garage in 1998 as a sound and lighting provider. Now based in a large warehouse in Brislington it has staged more than 5,000 events to date and has grown 50 per cent year on year for the last four years. It has recently developed in house graphics and video production facilities to add to its offering for clients. Johnny added: “We are so proud of our growth. “Keeping established clients and always looking for new ways of improving the quality and scope of our offering has been key.”

● BUSINESSES in Bristol are in the dark on energy purchasing as new research shows nearly half (49 per cent) have never switched suppliers or tariffs. Three-quarters of SMEs in Bristol believe they pay too much for their utilities. Energy consultancy Utilitywise spoke to 169 Bristol firms and found that although almost one in five (18 per cent) switched in the last year, many avoided moving to new suppliers and tariffs due to the belief it is not worth the hassle (33 per cent) and the return would not outweigh the time it takes to organise (23 per cent). Deputy CEO Andrew Richardson said: “There has been much in the news about domestic customers switching to get better energy deals. Businesses in Bristol can do the same and there are real savings to be made.”

Technology

Finance firm moves into new base in Bristol as businesses look for ways to change how their staff work and interact with their office environment. Jonathan Lawes, director of Cube Real Estate, which asset manages the property on behalf of owner Benson Elliot, said: “The way people spend their working day is changing and we knew that to meet these demands, we need to offer flexible terms and give businesses the opportunity to make their mark on the building. “This trend is particularly prevalent amongst tech businesses as they look to fall in line with sustainability measures as well as the ‘smart working’ concept. “In Bristol, there are rising de-

mands for office space with a real focus on innovative design. “The way Momentum has adapted the space in response to this is outstanding and we hope it will become a benchmark for future tenants at the building.” Toby Hughes, chief executive at Momentum Financial Technology, said: “We were amazed at how quickly the fit out was completed and even more amazed when we saw the finished product in the flesh. “The space offers us with all we need and more, including capacity to further expand our growing team which we hope to have in place by early 2016.” The office was designed by Area Sq

● Toby Hughes, CEO at Momentum Financial Technology and Jonathan Lawes, director of Cube and fitted by Sketch Studios, both part of the FourFront Group. Features include a table-tennis and foosball area, an event space and bar,

sound-proof work pods and a financial wellness wall, which represents the complexity of navigating financially through your life.

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A FINANCE technology company has moved its 40-strong team to a new office in central Bristol. Momentum Financial Technology, formerly known as Blue Speck Financial, has moved to 10 Templeback. The Bristol-born financial firm, which announced plans to open a new 120-person site in November, has moved to the top floor of the building. The 13,000 sq ft office space has been designed to offer a quirky, flexible working environment which includes creative breakout zones, a communal canteen and up-to-date meeting spaces. The concept of workplace transformation is a rapidly growing trend

The Big Interview

PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO

“ My career has been life-changing for me, it has taken me to places and allowed me to meet people I would have never dreamed of as a child. Suzanne Baxter

One of Bristol’s top businesswomen, Suzanne Baxter, talks to Gavin Thompson about role models, entrepreneurial spirit and how to get spark in your business

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UZANNE Baxter is the Woman of the Year. At least for another eight days anyway. The winner of the 2014 Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards says being a role model doesn’t sit comfortably but it is something she takes seriously. “When I was at school I was the only girl in my year to go off to university,” says Suzanne. “My careers adviser was appalling. Because I was good at maths it was suggested I should work in the local bank. “My career has been life-changing for me, it has taken me to places and allowed me to meet people I would have never dreamed of as a child. “For those of us lucky enough to be in jobs such as mine it’s incumbent upon us to give the visibility to young people to see how they get to those roles. I have two daughters and I want them to have those opportunities.” As group financial director, at most FTSE 250 companies Suzanne would be the poster girl for diversity but at outsourcing giant Mitie, chief executive Ruby McGregor captures most of the headlines. Not that Suzanne minds, to her and her colleagues they don’t see what all the fuss is about. “Mitie is in unusual position having a female CEO and a female CFO which I think is unique in the FTSE 250, but it’s something we see as completely normal,” she says. “I remember starting work in my first job and being told I wasn’t allowed to wear trousers. That seems completely impossible now. “There is a still long way to go. The workplace has fundamentally changed but we do still hear horror stories. The pay gap remains an issue so clearly that’s a focus but I think the shift is generational. We see an improvement as the generations move through and as ‘nor mal’ changes.” She adds: “We don’t feel we need quotas to drive our behaviour here at Mitie because diversity is important for us anyway. Our organisation is a mixed bag of people and that makes it more interesting. If we were all the same it would be pretty dull.” Suzanne, now 46, joined Mitie nine years ago as chief financial officer. In that time the company has doubled in size. There’s more that’s striking about the business than just it’s better gender balanced board, however. “It’s a very entrepreneurial organisation,” says Suzanne. “Mitie stands for Management Incentive Through Investment Equity. Our founding director David Telling had the view that value was created by the guys and girls out in the field creating businesses and generating wealth and they should share in that.” David developed the Mitie Model, which allows entrepreneurs to come

to Mitie with a business plan but keep up to 49 per cent of the equity then after five years they can ask Mitie to buy the shares from them. “We have a number of businesses in that model at the moment and we would love more start-up businesses,” says Suzanne. “We’ve probably had fewer over the last five years because the economy has been depressed but we are very keen to bring in more businesses and particularly interested in businesses that can add something to our niche operations.” In recent years Mitie has grown its catering business this way and has a fledgling events company too. The benefit to Mitie, however, is often wider than simply the profits those businesses bring. “It brings entrepreneurs into the business it keeps the organisation fresh and they are great fun,” explains Suzanne. “A lot of people who

Vital statistics Name: Suzanne Baxter Age: 46 Born: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire Lives: Bath Education: University of East Anglia, Norwich First job: First professional job at PwC in Southampton Current job: Group financial director at Mitie, based in Emersons Green

have been part of those start-up businesses are now part of the senior management team or the core services. It’s what Mitie’s all about, that spark and entrepreneurship.” Mitie has grown profitably in each of its 27 years in existence. It employs more than 70,000 people across the UK, including hundreds at its Emerson’s Green HQ. Despite that success, it isn’t a household name. Perhaps that’s because it’s not a consumer facing business, and also because people don’t quite understand what it does. “We are a support services organisation,” says Suzanne. “We aim to take the non-core services from our clients and run their building-related infrastructure for them or people services. For example, we run the estates for large organisations such as Vodafone and Lloyds. We take the non-core services around infrastructure, where we are expert and they just need it doing really well. They don’t need to question that their building runs properly, that they are safe and they comply with regulations and

also increasingly that they are productive working places and they are inspirational spaces.” Clients are looking for more from service providers such as Mitie, now. Something that goes beyond functional. “We’ll help clients develop a workspace that reflects their branding and the demands that their employees put on them that means they can attract the best talent,” she says. “If you’ve got a really dull office environment which isn’t inspirational, isn’t lit property, doesn’t have the right canteen facility you’re unlikely to be able to easily attract the best candidates if your competitors are offering that, so the working environment is very important.” Changes in the economy and technology mean changing demands too. Suzanne believes the challenging environment first led people to look for more efficiencies. “But I think also it has made them look differently about the kind of space that they really need,” she says. “Property real estate is expensive so perhaps we don’t need the rafts of space that we did previously, people are increasingly working from home and they need a different style of space. It’s more about drop-in space and creating good communication with staff. All of that talks to brand. A company’s brand and style of office will be linked and we want to support our clients with that and work closely with their property teams and management teams to achieve that.” Will the improving economy mean more change? “It will mean potentially people will have a bit more money to spend,” says Suzanne. “But I think they will continue to be far more discerning about the environment they operate in.” Mitie is growing into new areas too, such as healthcare as it sees the changing demographics in society. “We want to operate in markets that show growth and the potential for clients to outsource,” says Suzanne. “The healthcare market has potential. We see the ability for Mitie to add value. We have a great track record managing large numbers of people working remotely. There will be more people who will need care in their own home and we will look to responding to that by providing quality services.” With plenty of potential new markets, Suzanne believes Mitie will continue its success story. “We don’t see any reason that profitable growth should stop,” she says. “We’ve got some fantastic people so we see great opportunity to grow over the medium ter m.” What about her own role? In a small management team, Suzanne is in-

in association with

My downtime Hobbies and interests: I have two daughters, 12 and 15 and a husband so most time outside work is spent with family. I enjoy tennis and just joined a choir, learning to sing Mozart’s Requiem. I will be performing March 14 at Royal High

School in Bath with community choir. I’ve never done anything like it before in my life, it’s incredible difficult but I now travel to work singing as I go, trying to learn it. I can

My working day Start work at: I tend to be here in Bristol, Reading or London. If it’s London I’m leaving the house at 6.30am, if I’m in Bristol I leave at 8.30am so I can have breakfast with my family. Take work home? I try not to take work home because I’m a great believer in the fact you need to have a clear head. You need to get enough sleep and have a degree of downtime. I tend to get home most days between 6pm and 7pm but it can be a lot later. Typical day: I don’t have an average working day but I always have a full on day, I don’t stop.

● Outsourcing focus – pages 8&9 ● Women in Business Awards finalists reception – page 10

‘Superb opportunity’ offered by ‘hatchery’ for start-up businesses ENTREPRENEURS are being sought for a new business accelerator programme which has opened in Bristol. Entrepreneurial Spark, backed by NatWest, will open a hub – or “hatchery” – for start-up businesses in the city this summer, and applications are now open. It will be based in the Natwest offices at Trinity Quay with room for up to 80 new businesses. Entrepreneurs will be able to join the programme for up to six months with the most promising offered an extra year. Members will get free physical office space and super-fast internet access along with mentoring, workshops and training as well as a start-up boot camp. There will also be competitions with prizes of up to £50,000 investment. The hub sees Natwest positioning itself as backing entrepreneurs and looking to follow on from the successes of seed camps more synonymous with technology businesses from Silicon Valley. But applications are invited from any sector, not just technology, from idea and early-stage businesses to those who have been trading for up to four years and have a turnover of £1 million or less.

Haydn Thomas, pictured, NatWest’s managing director of business banking for South West, said: “This is a superb opportunity for budding entrepreneurs and those who have just started on their journey in Bristol and the South West to access some first-class support. “The successful applicants will get to work in a collaborative atmosphere in our offices in Trinity Quay and will have plenty of access to the local team from NatWest as well as our wider networks. “We hope to receive lots of exciting applications from across the city and across the South West. The local economy is experiencing solid growth and this is reflected in the increasing confidence we are seeing among our business customers. These are the ideal conditions in which to launch this new hatchery and I’m confident we’ll see some great South West success stories emerge from it.” Jim Duffy, chief executive of Entrepreneurial Spark, said the firm had launched three similar projects in Scotland which had supported 350 fledgling firms and created 1,000 jobs. “Launching in the South West is very exciting,” he said. “Bristol is a city with a growing entrepreneurial culture, and we want to help nurture that and allow start-up businesses to reach their full potential.”

Business growth stays solid, but slowing down ● BUSINESS growth is slowing across the region, according to new purchasing managers’ index data. The seasonally adjusted Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking South West Business Activity Index lost the ground gained at the start

of the year in February, falling to 54.8 from 58.0 in January. That signalled the weakest rate of expansion since last October, driven by a slower increase in new business. That said, the Index remained above its long-run average of 54.1, and signalled a solid overall rate of growth.

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read music from playing clarinet at school. It’s all in Latin which I’ve never studied. Favourite film: Breakfast at Tiffany’s - I love Audrey Hepburn. Sofa time for me would be watching Audrey Hepburn.

volved in most key decisions. “My role is broad in its remit,” she says. “It is very much a support role to the MD and a liaison with regional and divisional managers to make sure the business works and that the finance aspects of the business work alongside that. In terms of scale and scope it’s everything from looking at the regulatory aspects of the listing of a public company to new bid activity to acquisitions, systems implementation and our corporate responsibility and sustainability programmes. I’m a trustee of our foundation which is our charity that looks at employability and skills, bringing people into the workplace and creating employment.” Suzanne credits charity work such as this with helping her to climb the career ladder. Before joining Mitie she took a role on the board of Opportunity Now, the Business in the Community gender diversity campaign. “I was the youngest most inexperienced of all the people around the table,” she says. “They were running major investment banks and plcs but I was working on something I was passionate about. It was fantastic from a development angle too because it made me work in a different environment with a different set of people and it made me push myself. “You realise you can sit around a table and be amongst equals and it’s fantastic for your confidence and was one of the most instrumental parts of my personal development, making me realise I could do other things outside of my normal trajectory. I took on Opportunity Now 18 months before I came to Mitie and it gave me the confidence I can do this job.” After nearly a decide in the top finance role, Suzanne could be seen as an obvious future chief executive, at Mitie or elsewhere. But if she wants to take a step up, she’s not letting on. “I’ve just taken on the role as chair Business in the Community in the South West and I’m chair of the Business Services Organisation, our trade body so that’s keeping me busy,” she says. Suzanne is clearer when it comes to her beliefs about the role of business – creating jobs. “Creating stable employment is a huge responsibility,” she says. “It gives people huge opportunity and it massively enhances families in terms of stability and is one of the most important things you can do as a business. That’s at the heart of what we do. If we can create wealth for all our people and give them stable employment, that generates growth for the economy but most importantly it gives people choices and the ability to run their life independently. That’s really important.” Choices that many of her peers at school may not have had.

Accelerator programme

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

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

Outsourcing special

‘GET CLEVERER PEOPLE TO DO LOTS Rupert Janisch investigates when is the right time to bring in outside experts and free yourself and your team to focus on the core tasks

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HE vast majority of businesses will start outsourcing work as soon as they become incorporated. Most, if not all, would start off recognising the benefits that a bookkeeper or accountant can bring, realising that such tasks are best done by someone who knows what they’re doing. It’s an investment worth making. And this principle carries forward throughout the growth of a business, to the other end of the spectrum where multinationals outsource whole functions to a large external company. Most people in business work for small companies, for whom large-scale outsourcing is not a requirement but for whom handing over certain key functions enables them to focus on what the business does best for its customers or clients. But even this first step can be a challenge for owners who have built up a company from scratch. It can be hard to let things go. Chris Budd, below, is a Bristol-based member of South West business coaching firm Quiver Management. He said business leaders he works with, to help them achieve growth, can struggle to delegate responsibility, especially when it involves giving work outside the business. Trust is usually the barrier. He said: “A really good example is delicatessen I know, who books his time out as a chef at a good rate but spent every Wednesday morning doing his books. He could easily pay a bookkeeper £100 to do the work and hire himself out at £500 but he wanted to keep his hands on it, rather than investing in setting up the process properly. “Most businesses that fail to grow do so because the business owner is stopping it. It’s a trust issue and a character trait of many business owners, who find it hard to give responsibility to other people. “Business owners should aim to make themselves the least important person in their business. That way they get other people far cleverer than them to do lots of the work, they can stick to what they enjoy and eventually, if they want, sell the business.

● Matt Clark and Toby Fisher from Maggs & Allen

Outsourcing IT allows us to focus on business ● THE smooth running of a company’s computer systems is often taken for granted. It’s only when something breaks down that you realise how dependent on IT we all are. But for many SMEs, employing a full-time IT department in house is surplus to requirements. Property consultancy Maggs and Allen, which has offices in Henleaze and Clifton and employs 25 staff, is one such company. Established for more than 25

“That’s not just outsourcing – it’s also employment of people – but outsourcing can play an important part.” This is not to say that outsourcing is universally the right approach. James Smalley, far right, who heads up the out-

Case study years, the company has been outsourcing its IT to Bristol Computer Support for many years, with demand increasing as the firm has grown. Director Toby Fisher said: “IT has not been something we would try and do ourselves as we realise it wouldn’t be the most efficient way of doing it. “We outsource our website and

sourcing division in Bristol and the rest of the south of England for accountancy firm Mazars, said the risk is that by taking functions outside the business, you sacrifice the hard-won expertise inside your company. He said: “You can outsource a specific function, but remember that the person might do other important tasks around the office, such as dealing with administration, or opening

print too. Initially those are things we might have tried to do in-house but rather than us spending our time designing and printing it, we can get them commissioned and produced for us by the next day.” Matt Clark, managing director of Bristol Computer Support, said: “We can either offer companies an entire IT department or support whoever a company has in-house with advice and support. This can be looking after server and networking issues, when onsite

the post. So companies need to think about that, too. Outsource companies might struggle to fill all the gaps.” However he said that web and cloud-based innovations were making it easier for SMEs, not just bigger companies, to have the best of both worlds. He said: “Technology is making it much easier to collaborate with outsource companies now – cloud based

staff maintain the PCs. “We can also add resources to corporate firms who have offices in the region, but have their support staff elsewhere. “System failures in an office can cost your business money in lost time, or even lost profits. So whether it’s hardware or software support, it makes sense these days to leave it in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing and who can act quickly to repair any faults.”

solutions mean that a client and a provider can both use the same data set. “You can also share roles much more effectively, so whereas before you might have outsourced every part of a business function, you can now be much more selective. “So in finance, for example, you might just outsource payroll or the purchaser pay process. Or if there’s a

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Expert eye

In association with

Jon Marchant

OF THE BUSINESS’ WORK’ We take on the HR burden Case study ● Based in Staple Hill, care company Aspirations Support has grown considerably since it was established in 2007, now running 13 supported living houses in east Bristol and employing 94 staff. Outsource HR firm The HR Dept has been with the company since the beginning, helping deal with its employment issues as it has continued to grow. Joe Imber, Aspirations Support’s director and owner, said: “We offer a diverse range of services including community outreach, day services, supported living, personal care and supported holidays. “We care for, support and enable adults with learning

● Joe Imber and Ryan Gay from the HR Dept at Aspiratuins Support difficulties and mental health needs to live rewarding and fulfilling lives. The HR Dept is well established and works with a number of providers like ourselves, so we benefit from experience and a great wealth of knowledge.

Legal advice a call away

● From left, Mike Hughes (MD Latcham Direct), Judith Heale (head of In-House Lawyer) and Edward Boal (solicitor Gregg Latchams)

Case study ● BASED in Hengrove, Latcham Direct Limited employs 80 people and delivers digital print, tailored marketing and customer communication solutions to the private and public sector. It is one of many second and third tier businesses which subscribe to the In-House Lawyer, the outsourced legal package from city centre law firm Gregg Latchams, having done so for nearly two years. Latcham Direct is an award-winning firm which has seen solid growth and has made significant investments into the business over the past four years. bookkeeper in house then you might just need the month-end management accounting doing, rather than outsourcing all your accounting needs. “We have also seen more and more processes becoming automated – that’s happening as software becomes cloud-based and systems can link together to capture data. And whereas it’s been

“We find it helpful to have impartial advice from an external agency and our staff also find this beneficial. It’s a comfortable set-up and I think we’ll continue to outsource our HR work as we grow further, rather than employing anyone

Clients include the National Trust, Time Europe and The Royal College of Midwives. It has built a reputation for delivery of complex quality solutions and for its attitude to

corporate social responsibility. In outsourcing the company’s legal function Mike Hughes, the managing director of Latcham Direct, values the ability to pick up the telephone to a “proper” driven by the big multi-national companies it’s becoming more and more popular in the SME market too.” For bigger companies the crux of successful outsourcing, said Mr Smalley, is efficient use of data: “Companies might want to make sure that they have the right team structure in place, so that the roles people are performing could be

in-house.” Ryan Gay from The HR Dept said: “Aspirations Support has been working with The HR Dept since 2009 and I have been the onsite HR Manager for the company since late 2013, working at the offices for a day per week and being permanently available outside of this to help with any unforeseen issues. “It’s a great solution for the company – all the expertise and service offerings from a highly qualified and experienced HR advisory company, without any of the costs associated with recruiting and employing a team in-house. “They can come to me with for anything they need, from drafting employee contracts to dealing with disciplinary issues, and everything in between. I’m here to take that burden away from them, giving them peace of mind to focus on what they do best, as a partner in the development of the company as it continues to grow.” lawyer, who speaks commercial sense in plain English without the clock ticking. He said: “The service has enabled me to make sure all my legal documentation and general corporate governance is in good order, ensuring I am able to conduct the business of the day with increased confidence and minimal disruption to growing the business from a secure platform. There are times when all business owners need to seek expert legal advice before making key decisions to safeguard the development and growth of their business. “I trust the team at Gregg Latchams to support me and understand my requirements, giving me important legal technical advice on employment, strategy, commercial property, commercial and corporate aspects.” done more efficiently. “A lot of that centres around the automation of processes and making sure that they are building the information up from the right base layer. As long as it’s structured correctly, it should flow through but what often happens as businesses evolve is that no one looks at the whole structure and that’s when efficiency can be lost.”

Director Mazars Jon.marchant@mazars.co.uk

How to be a stand out SME? – Build resilience and financial discipline

AST year Mazars published a study into the SME market which analysed SMEs across the EU for the period. In a crowded and competitive market place, there were 6 key themes that the best SMEs demonstrated: ● Maintain a Sharp Focus ● Bring More to the Party ● Build Resilience and Financial Discipline ● Right Size Your Company ● Increase International Outlook and Extend the Geographical Footprint ● Manage for Today and Lead for Tomorrow So why build resilience and financial discipline? If you have financial resilience the company is better placed to weather a financial storm. Investing in the key areas of the business ensures that returns are maximised for shareholders and provides sustainability for the future. With good financial discipline you have the processes and procedures to enable the receipt of timely management information, thus helping management to navigate the business environment and highlight potential risks. With key risks highlighted, planning for all eventualities is easier and supports provision of suitable finance at an early stage, whether for an increase in working capital as the business grows, the opportunity to acquire a competitor or the demise of a key supplier. So how can you build resilience and financial discipline? Good financial discipline starts with a good foundation. Transactional data forms the base of your management information. This may derive from purchase or sales invoices, bank transactions or payroll journals. With the right process in place, time is saved and many steps can be automated. In today’s 24/7 society a lack of information can be costly. We expect instant access to information through e-mail, web portals and on-line banking, but many business owners still wait weeks or months to find out how their business is performing. Often SMEs do not have the expertise or the funds to introduce systems that can provide the right information on a timely basis. This is why many choose to outsource their accounting function. This can take away the administrative burden and ensure a sound foundation layer of data upon which solid management reporting and analysis can be carried out. It will also free up manager’s time to focus on using the information rather than preparing it. By working in partnership with an outsourcing company, you can leverage their system and process knowledge to either support or replace your existing finance team. Typically, an outsourcing company will have access to various solutions allowing increased collaboration through cloud services, technology that can automate processes and sector specific solutions that can help develop your business. Outsourcing gives time back to management and can add real value to the business. The Mazars Outsourcing Team help many businesses build financial resilience; enabling business leaders to focus on what they do best.

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

In pictures Women in Business Awards reception

Inspiration Awards finalists gather ahead of the big night

T WAS a night when they were all winners. The finalists in this year’s Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards gathered for a reception in their honour hosted by new restaurant Aquila. The evening gave all the finalists the chance to toast their success and network with other inspiring businesswomen ahead of the presentation night next week. The awards, in association with UWE Bristol, are run by the Bristol Post and sister title the Bath Chronicle. Dr Fiona Jordan, UWE’s associate dean for external engagement, who give a short speech on the evening, said afterwards: “It was great to meet so many inspirational women.” A number of the finalists took to social media to talk about the event, using the hashtag #wiba. Sophie Hibbert, from Bath-based design consultancy Hibbert Harwood, who is in the running for the young entrepreneur prize as well as the new business award, Tweeted: “Privileged that @HibbertHarwood are finalists twice in a room full of so many fantastic finalists.” Alison Howell, founder of walking tours business Foot Trails and a nominee for Woman of the Year, said: “Great evening last night @aquiliabristol with lots of inspirational

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS SPONSORED BY

in association with

business women.” And fellow Woman of the Year finalist Ellen Green, founder of the Bristol-based Blue Badge Company which makes attractive wallets for disability badges, added: “Had a great time @aquilabristol for the #Bristol & #Bath #WIBA finalist event. Can't wait for the 19th! #YoungEntrepreneur.” Sammy Payne, from robot hand maker Open Bionics, who is up for the young entrepreneur award, said: “Brilliant evening with the Women in Business nominees.” Sarah Fox-Clinch, of Bristol mortgage broker Fox Davidson, a finalist in the new business category, Tweeted: “Great night. Great people. Great venue. Roll on the #wiba later this month.” The awards will be handed out at a black tie gala dinner on Thursday, March 19 at the Bristol City Centre Marriott Hotel. To find out more about the awards, visit www.bristolpost.co.uk/wiba.

● Above left, Dr Fiona Jordan of UWE speaks during the Women In Business event at Aquila; left, Bristol Post managing director Sarah Pullen; other pictures show guests Pictures: Dan Regan at the event

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

In pictures West of England LEP map launch

Business diary Smart Cities - tech solutions to urban transport challenges: Panel event hosted by Bond Dickinson at its Temple Quay offices about how connected technology and data could help traffic problems. From 11.30am, March 16. Email bonddickinson events@dickinson-dees.com Bristol Business Exhibition: Sponsored by Bristol City Council and Destination Bristol, this event attracts more than 500 delegates, typically business owners and decision makers from the SME sector. Tuesday, March 17 at M shed. See www.bristolbusiness exhibition.co.uk. Driving Results Through Social Media Marketing: Business West-run free workshop March 17 9:30am-3:30pm, Mercure Holland Hotel, Redcliffe Hill, Bristol.

● LEP chairman Colin Skellett, far left, with guests at the unveiling of the map

Pics: Freia Turland

Spreading the message – the West is the best THE Bristol area is the home of knowledge, innovation and quality of life. That’s the message the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership took to Westminster this week as it seeks to promote the area for business and government investment. The organisation produced a map highlighting some of the region’s successes and showed it off at the Engine Shed before taking it to Westminster. LEP chairman Colin Skellett said: “The West of England contributes more to the UK’s GDP than any region outside of London and the South East. As an LEP we’ve broken new ground in the way industry, the public sector

and academia work together and we have created a dynamic partnership with solid governance in place to deliver sustainable economic growth. This new map is a clear, visual representation of just what makes the West of England such a great place to live and work and the future opportunities the region offers for UK plc.” Deputy chair Councillor Paul Crossley added: “This sets out just what a compelling case we have here in the West of England. We have a workforce educated way above the national average, leading universities, world-leading industry sectors, excellent connectivity in every sense and

an un-paralleled quality of life.” Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore hosted the Westminster event. He said: “Within my own constituency of Kingswood, the Bristol & Bath Science Park stands as a shining example of the great things that are being achieved through collaboration, with three leading universities coming together with public and private sectors to deliver a facility that showcases the strength and potential of the West of England’s knowledge economy.” Nick Davies, who runs Neighbourly from the SETsquared business centre at the Engine Shed shared some of his company’s success story. The social

network helps connected businesses and community projects. It has already overseen the raising of £760,502, 6,905 days pledged and more than 200 projects backed. Nick said: “For business growth to flourish, the positive atmosphere of partnership and connectivity between the public and private sectors and also between industry sectors is a key part of our success. “Neighbourly is delighted to be able to support the LEP with the launch of its new map and we like to think we are a real example of an SME success story in the West of England, which can set an example to the rest of the UK.”

Walk & Swim Netwalk for Women in Business: Meet at the Lido for coffee then walk towards the Gorge, along the Promenade to Clifton Downs and returning to the Lido around 10.30am for coffee. Then a swim and sauna pass and stay for a couple of hours. March 19. Book via Eventbrite. Digital Marketing That Will Give Your Business the Edge: Free Business West workshop 9:30am-3.30pm on March 19, Aztec Hotel, Almondsbury, BS32 4TS. Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Women In Business Awards 2015: The winners will be revealed at a gala awards dinner at the Bristol City Centre Marriott on March 19. To book tickets for the night, visit www.bristolpost.co.uk/ wiba. If you’re talking about the awards on social medial, use #wiba. Tweet Up Bristol: Social and business informal networking event where you can meet who you tweet. At Revolution Bar, Bristol, 6-9pm, March 24. @tweetupbristol Digital Challenge Final and Awards: Finalists from the hack weekend in February will compete for a £50,000 cash prize to develop a software application or game addressing one of five environmental challenges, energy, transport, food, resources and nature. Colston Hall, April 20. www.bristol2015.co.uk

● Above left, Chris Skidmore MP; above right, Neighbourly chief executive Nick Davies; below front, James Durie from Business West

The Lord Mayor’s Charity Dinner: Enjoy a drinks reception followed by a sumptuous three-course dinner, world-class live entertainment and auction, in aid of The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal on April 30 at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel. Book tickets through Eventbrite and help raise money for the city’s most disadvantaged children. Email info@galadinner2015.com for sponsorship opportunities.

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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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The back page

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

COLLEGE PROFILE

Your digest of the week in business

Places

responsible for building new customer relationships as the bank looks to expand further into the region and sector. John previously worked for RPS Renewables and has 15 years of experience in the sector as a consultant and project developer.

● A prominent mixed-use building on Bristol’s Baldwin Street has been sold to residential development company Westcoast Developments, a Bournemouth-based firm renowned for its luxury homes on Poole’s world-famous Sandbanks Peninsular. 28 Baldwin Street, a nine-storey property which offers leisure accommodation at

basement, ground, first and second floors, and serviced offices on the upper five floors, will be redeveloped into 50 flats once lease agreements with serviced office occupiers have expired. The new owners are looking for interested parties regarding vacant basement and ground floor commercial space, which could become a restaurant, coffee shop, gym or retail store. The 39,000 sq ft property, which has a 15-space car park nearby, is the latest in a line of city centre office buildings to be allocated for residential conversion under a temporary relaxation of the planning rules. Property consultancy Alder King secured the freehold sale of the property off a quoting price of £2 million on behalf of the Lewis Group and Kurt Wyman. ● Lewis Innovative Investments has acquired the Sainsbury’s store in Bristol’s Broadmead for £2.18 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 6.2 per cent. The supermarket has a 15-year lease on the site at a rent of £150,000 per annum. Gemma-Jane Ogden of Hartnell Taylor Cook which advised Lewis said: “The property is in a strong convenience location in Broadmead.” ● The 66 Queen Square office development has reached

● NewLaw Solicitors recruits, from left, Ben Jones, Charlotte Tracy, Daniel Thomas, Rhys Williams, Catherine Dally and Ashleigh Hill Picture: Huw John, Cardiff another milestone, with the removal of the tower crane. Developed and funded under the Workplaces by Skanska banner, 66 Queen Square is making rapid headway. The removal of the tower crane demonstrates the progress being made on site, with all construction work on

programme for completion in September 2015. The development will provide 61,000sqft (5,667m²) of Grade A office space in the centre of Bristol city, 85 per cent of which has been pre-let to KPMG on a 15-year lease.

People ● Business West has strengthened its governance with a new non-executive director. Mark Mason, right, founder and CEO of app developer Mubaloo will bring expertise in mobile, digital marketing and mentoring to Business West. Chairman Stephen Robertson

said: “Mark’s insight and wisdom in the genesis and growth of modern businesses will have immediate relevance in the Business West board and in service of our members’ needs too.” ● Lynne Fernandes, right, an optometrist who runs three successful practices across Bristol and Nailsea, has been shortlisted for Optometrist of the Year in the Optician Awards 2015. Lynne said: “It means so much to me, as it is recognition of my absolute commitment to my profession and my patients. Obviously I’m keeping everything crossed for April 18, when the winners will be announced!” ● Santander Corporate & Commercial has appointed John Sturman as the new relationship director – renewable energy for Thames Valley and South West. Based in Bristol, John will work with local renewable energy businesses and will be

● NewLaw Solicitors has appointed six new trainees to its expanding legal team. The traineeships, which are akin to legal apprenticeships that any aspiring solicitor has to experience before they can qualify, have been awarded to Daniel Thomas, Ashleigh Hill, Charlotte Tracey, Catherine Dally, Ben Jones and Rhys Williams following a tough interview process. Jon Fitzpatrick, head of the Bristol office and NewLaw’s training principal, said: “We’re fortunate to be in a position to take on six trainees this year, which has increased by two compared to last year, reflecting the growth and success of the business in 2014. “I would certainly like to congratulate our new trainees on their success in the face of such tough competition and I really look forward to watching their careers develop with NewLaw over the coming years.” ● Bristol Street Motors Mazda in Bristol has appointed two new faces to the management team. Bringing with them more than 40 years of motor trade experience, Paul Marsh is the new general manager at the dealership with Andrew Semper taking on the role of sales manager. Paul, 48, from Bath, joins the dealership after beginning his career as a fleet sales executive. A keen cricketer, Paul played minor county cricket for Wiltshire before joining the trade. Andrew, 52, from Cheltenham, brings with him 22 years of motor retail experience. Paul, said: “I am really looking forward to working with the team at Bristol Street Motors Mazda in Bristol.”

Opinion

Quick decision on rail franchise is crucial

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HE Government must make a decision on the future of the South West’s rail franchise or risk the Bristol not being properly set up to take advantage of electrification. Reports suggest that operator First Great Western will be awarded the rail franchise for the region for the next four years soon, but the bidding process has already been postponed by the Government once before amid a series of problems.

Philip Morton Head of office agency & development CBRE Bristol

There has already been a lot of confusion and delay surrounding the bidding process for the Great Western franchise but it appears that the Government is on the verge of making an announcement that should hopefully settle the long-term future

of the railway. Transport ministers need to settle the issue once and for all so we can get on with implementing the investment in our railway network as soon as possible. We at CBRE believes an early decision is crucial in ensuring that Bristol is able to capitalise on the opportunities that will be presented by the £4 billion electrification of the main rail link between London and the South West. Electrification will be vital for

the economic prosperity of Bristol and the whole of the surrounding region. We are talking about a direct link straight into the heart of the economy, which will bring business direct from London into the Enterprise Zone situated right next to Temple Meads station. It is critical that we have a sound structure in place now so that electrification can be introduced as smoothly as possible, with minimum disruption and delays.

Sara-Jane Watkins Vice Principal and Deputy Chief, Partner South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College

SOUTH Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College is one of the newest in the country and was formed by the merger of Filton and Stroud Colleges in February 2012. The College had its first Ofsted inspection in November 2014, which judged that SGS had an overall ‘Good’ status with ‘Outstanding’ Leadership and Management, Learner Support services, and Employability Programmes. There were further ‘Outstanding’ grades in Sport, Business, Performing and Visual Arts. The report also outlined that a significant and increasing proportion of teaching and learning is outstanding, and learners benefit from the College’s culture of high expectations and receive outstanding support in their studies. At SGS, there are three main campuses – Stroud, Filton and WISE – as well as many local community venues, welcoming around 15,500 full-time and part-time students of all ages every year. There are also centres in the centre of Bristol, at the West of England School of Art and at the Bristol Zoo & Gardens. Campuses are based in state-of-the-art buildings in great locations – Filton and WISE are within easy reach of the centre of Bristol, while the Stroud campus is based in the beautiful five valleys, in the county of Gloucestershire. Each campus provides a warm welcome, and a friendly, dynamic atmosphere, where learning is fun and students are sure to make lasting friendships. As a merged institution, the College now offers an even wider range of vocational and academic courses, in an even greater range of subjects. What’s more, SGS has an excellent reputation for delivering work-based programmes, such as apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships and professional training. The thriving enrichment programme offered across all campuses, offers extra classes, trips, events and activities. The College’s student union organises many of the exciting enrichment activities, which is run by students for students, whose contribution helps shape day-to-day life at the College. In addition, the learner services team is on hand to support students during their time at college, answering any questions about courses, future careers, travel, money issues and more. Students can also get help and advice on personal or health issues from the College nurse or counsellor, or via the online counselling service. SGS College has seen a 15% rise in student numbers since 2012 while at the same time student success rates for learners aged 16-18 have consistently been in the top decile when compared with all other similar colleges in the country. When compared with all further education colleges in the South West, SGS College’s value-added performance ranked highest of all similar colleges for A Levels or Vocational programmes. With its plans to further improve teaching and learning, SGS has big ambitions to expand its provision through the development of a new campus at the former Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories focused on construction and engineering training, which has been supported by the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership GFIRST. Recently, SGS received the green light to establish a £10m University Technical College at Berkeley specialising in Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Technology. SGS has also asked to form a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), which sees the College take responsibility or sponsor primary and secondary schools that are struggling academically. These initiatives have been chosen to serve the needs of the communities the College serves, which is confident it will be graded ‘Outstanding’ when inspected in the near future.