Business 13 August 2014 by BGSD-cs

CHICKEN RUN ON EXPORTS

SHE’S A DIVA WEAVER

THAT’S LOGISTICS

Company grows sales of super foil to poultry farmers – page 5

Entrepreneur lives her textiles dream 20 years on – page 6

The ins and outs of getting things from A to B – p8&9

Business bristolpost.co.uk

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AUG 2014

EHTHICAL BUSINESS

RESTORE YOUR FIRM’S BALANCE How your business can help poor schoolchildren around the world, without costing you a penny – see page 4

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Utilities

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Retail

Company wins £20m-a-year water contract ● CONSTRUCTION firm Kier has won a £20 million-a-year, five-year deal to maintain Bristol Water’s network. Work will include repairs and maintenance, meters, new connections and mains work. Kier, which has an office in Warmley, first started providing such services for Bristol Water when it won an emergency contract after the previous provider went into administration. Toby Harding, Kier’s operations director for utilities in the South, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as sole provider of Bristol Water’s network

GREEN FACTS ● Natural ventilation saves the equivalent of the energy consumed by 450 homes annually ● Use of high efficacy lamps and intelligent lighting controls throughout ● Rainwater harvesting, serving public loos and irrigation points ● 17 different types of waste recycled ● 434 tonnes of card and paper recycled in 2013, saving 7,000 trees ● 42 tonnes of mixed metal recycled last year, equivalent to 84,500 baked bean tins

maintenance services programme. Our forward-thinking approach to safety, health and environment; quality and customer service is closely aligned with Bristol Water, and we look forward to working with them to ensure the continued success of the programme.” Bristol Water supplies drinking water for 1.1 million people around the city from Tetbury in the north to Frome in the south. Network director Gary Freake said: “Kier brings a wealth of experience not only in water, but also from the wider utility and construction sectors. Over the recent turbulent period, since our previous service provider went into administration, Kier have proven themselves, through their consistent performance and positive behaviours, to be a valuable partner to Bristol Water and one we are looking forward to working with in the years to come.” Kier became a bigger player in the utilities industries after it acquired May Gurney in July last year.

Green bag Why your shopping trip really is good for the environment Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

HOPPING might not seem the most obvious sustainable business. But as Bristol prepares to take the European Green Capital crown next year, organisations of all shapes and sizes are keen to show their green credentials. This week Cabot Circus celebrated all things green with its Big Positive Weekend. Long before it opened nearly six years ago, the one million square foot centre set out to manage its environmental impact. It was the first retail-led urban regeneration scheme to achieve an

excellent environmental rating under the BREEAM scheme. Centre director Stephanie Lacey, pictured, said it was designed to be energy efficient, with natural ventilation helping to save an estimated five million kilowatt hours each year, equivalent to the energy consumed by 450 homes. The unusual layout ensures there is a natural funnelling of air to avoid the need for air conditioning, and the glass roof was designed to hover above the central area, creating a light, open space but still providing protection from the elements. Stephanie said: “With a design that has energy efficiency at its very core, it was important to us that this approach was adopted in all aspects of

the way we work, to ensure our commitment to sustainability creates a positive legacy for the centre.” While shopping centres are seen by some as a symbol of a disposable society, Stephanie says no waste goes to landfill from the site. It recycles 17 types of waste including cardboard, paper, aluminium, plastic and food waste from the restaurants and cafes. Last year Cabot Circus recycled 434 tonnes of card and paper, the equivalent of 7,000 trees. Food waste is either turned into so-called grey water – re-used for irrigation – or composted, for re-use as fertiliser. And anything else goes to a local incinerator, which burns it to produce electricity for the National Grid. Stephanie said: “We

have worked very hard over the past few years to ensure we divert all of our waste from landfill, which benefits both the environment and the bottom line. When you consider we have over 140 retailers and restaurants , this is a challenge but one that is central to our operations. Our recent event celebrated this, but also reached out to consumers to demonstrate how everyone can make small changes to live a greener lifestyle.” Part of that message is delivered with a “green wall”, informing shoppers and staff about the activity that takes place behind-the-scenes. With over 3,500 staff working across retail, catering, security, cleaning, customer service and centre management, minimising waste, energy use and resources is no mean feat. But Stephanie and her team believe they have set the bar for shopping centres across the UK.

Carpeting

Family-run flooring shop expands

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A FAMILY-run flooring shop has expanded with a new branch inside a Bristol department store. Classic Carpets was established at Emersons Green Retail Park in 2009 selling carpets, vinyl flooring, wood and laminate flooring and rugs. Now the firm has opened a concession within the Gardiner Haskins Homecentre in Straight Street. Owner Tristan Chalmers, 21, joined the business, set up by his father Kim, straight from school and now runs it. He said: “It was important to Gardiner Haskins to have someone who offers good customer service. We are here for our customers – we have been established for five years and

have never needed to do any advertising. We rely on word of mouth. “People are also coming back round to supporting local independent businesses rather than the big chains. “We are in the main building next to the furniture department, so we will be able to offer customers a service to match what Gardiner Haskins already offers them in furniture.” Classic Carpets is retaining its Emersons Green store and has taken on an extra member of staff to manage its new outlet. “It is very exciting,” said Tristan. “I have lots of energy and I am ready to move the business forwards. I have

been keen to open a second branch but we have been working through tough times in the economy. Now we are seeing an improvement though.” The expansion was possible with support from Natwest. Tristan worked with the bank’s relationship manager Joseph Evans to secure a £15,000 loan towards signs, fitting and marketing. Joseph said: “When Tristan approached me with such a strong business plan I was certain this was something that NatWest would be able to help with. I am very happy to be able to support a local family run business with their expansion into one of Bristol’s most iconic department stores.”

● Joseph Evans, left, of Natwest, and Tristan Chalmers, owner of Classic Carpets

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Fashion

Eyes on the prize Wooden specs a natural progression for engineer Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business)

N engineer turned artist with an eye for business has set up a company making high-quality wooden spectacle frames by hand. Martin Prothero, who had worked in environmental education, found himself unemployed when a key contract ended, so took the opportunity to start his own business. And his enterprise is the 300th firm supported by Outset Bristol, an organisation that helps entrepreneurs get started. Martin, from Windmill Hill, said: “I wanted to create a lifestyle where I made a living from making beautiful things. “I wear glasses and found it difficult to find frames made out of natural products, so I decided to make my own wooden spectacle frames.” He heard about Outset’s free courses and signed up. “Outset Bristol’s business start-up training was invaluable in helping me start my business,” he said. “I’m so thrilled to be the 300th business and I would highly recommend the Outset Bristol programme to anyone thinking of starting out on their own.” The organisation also helped him secure a £10,000 government Start-Up Loan, to get the business up and running. He said: “I needed a loan to fund essential manufacturing equipment and the development time for the product. “I received guidance on how to put my business plan together and practical support in planning how to take the ideas forward.” He is still building the prototype for his wooden frames but has big plans and believes they will be attractive to the environmentally aware consumer. “I want to create highly desirable and beautifully crafted eyewear that connects people to nature,” said Martin.

● Martin Prothero works on his prototype wooden spectacle frames “All my products are to be eco-friendly in that they are made of responsibly sourced and recyclable materials. “I will start by supplying frames in the UK and plan to do my first European trade shows next year.” Outset Bristol programme director Andy Dean praised Martin’s work. He said: “Martin is an inspiration to anyone who is thinking about starting their own business and we’re thrilled that he has achieved his dream of becoming his own boss. “Our team is dedicated to helping

new businesses like his launch and develop; boosting the Bristol economy and helping it grow. “Outset will continue to provide Bristolians with the support, skills, confidence and access to finance they need to take the leap into self-employment.” Outset’s future was in doubt last year until Bristol City Council stepped in to provide more funding. City mayor George Ferguson

said: “Thriving small and medium-sized businesses are pivotal to our city region’s economic success and Outset Bristol, which I have witnessed giving great support, plays a vital role in helping them get off the ground and grow. “Bristol City Council has been supporting Outset Bristol for several years and we’re thrilled to see another business successfully established as a result.”

Business rates

Rates appeals could save businesses millions In North Somerset, there are 4,734 sites yet to appeal, which equates to £85 million and a potential £11.2 million of savings. In South Gloucestershire there are 4933 sites yet to appeal, which equates to £176.8 million in rates and a potential saving of £23 million. And in Bath and North-East Somerset 4,372 sites have yet to appeal over £89.9 million of rates, with a potential savings of £11.6 million. Meanwhile CVS, based in Great George Street, Bristol, carried out a survey of 250 businesses nationwide which found many were concerned that more regular reassessments of rates could be detrimental. A majority – 65 per cent – of respondents favoured retaining the predictability of five-yearly revaluations, with just seven per cent sup-

porting annual reassessments. 10 per cent supported two-yearly and 18 per cent supported three yearly revaluations. Revaluations are currently supposed to happen every five years, although the Government postponed the last one, which was due in 2012. Mark Rigby, pictured, chief executive of CVS, said: “Any reform to the system must protect the predictability and stability of this significant overhead for ratepayers. “CVS has been saying this for some time and these research findings clearly show that stability and predictability is what businesses want. “Increasing the frequency of re-

assessments could expose businesses to uncertainty in payments, while imposing an unsustainable burden on the Valuation Office Agency. “The business rates system is not fundamentally broken – the Government should not be pressured into introducing new and unproven methods. “The focus should be on creating a less adversarial system which is more transparent and equitable, and which doesn’t leave businesses confused and frustrated about business rates.” The Treasury recently shelved plans to change the appeals system which many feared would make it more complicated.

Start-ups

Magic enterprise one of 76 new start-ups ● THE first six months of 2014 saw 76 new businesses start-up in North Somerset. The firms were all supported by North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA), the not-for-profit organisation with social objectives – with the new enterprises already creating 93 jobs. The figures are on a par with the first six months of 2013, which saw 77 businesses started and 97 jobs created. A DJ and magic enterprise, a boat and marina cleaning service, an online lettings and estate agency, a childminder, a pub/restaurant and a children’s gift firm were among the new businesses launched. The agency’s team of business advisors have been almost fully booked during the last three months, which suggests more start-ups are in the pipeline. The agency has found that of the 44 new businesses who launched three years ago (January to June 2011), 40 are still successfully trading. Many businesses fail in the first three years so the survival rate is encouraging. Chief executive Angela Hicks, pictured, said: “Small and medium sized businesses are the engine that drives the British economy so It is encouraging to see that new business start-up figures remain high in the year to date. “We are also thrilled to see that over 90 per cent of the businesses we helped start out three years ago are still trading. “Everyone who has tried to set up their own business will know just how difficult it can be – having a great idea, spotting a gap in the market for your product or your service is just the start.” The agency recently built, relocated to and opened The Hive, North Somerset’s new business development centre in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area of Weston-super-Mare.

Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1

Writer Rupert Janisch Email business@ b-nm.co.uk 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

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BUSINESSES across the Bristol area could save millions of pounds by appealing over their business rates. Business rates are based on the so-called rateable value of a business, which is set by a review of property values last carried out in 2007. Businesses can appeal against the value assigned to their property and many successfully do so. But a report by rates specialist CVS says firms have not appealed over the value assigned to thousands of properties, and if they did so they could make significant savings. In Bristol city, CVS estimates there are 11,127 sites yet to appeal over their rateable value, which equates to £266.9 million. The firm estimates successful appeals could save firms a total of £35.2 million across the seven years that the valuation stands.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Finance

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Office supplies

City lender backing alternative loan plans ● ONE of the driving forces in the alternative lending market has welcomed plans to make banks refer rejected business loan applicants to other organisations. Legislation is being drawn up by the Treasury because it fears a reluctance to lend by the main banks could be holding back the economy. Adam Tavener, pictured, chairman of Ham Green-based pensionledfunding.com, said: “What we are seeing is the first steps of a journey which will, ultimately and permanently change the way small business owners access finance for growth going forward.” Adam was the driving force behind a collaboration of alternative lenders setting up a web portal earlier this year where small and medium-sized business owners could find them all in one place. Once the new legislation is drawn up, the portal could become one of the ways banks refer rejected applicants to other lenders. Adam said: “From the outset the principle behind our collaboration was to provide a simple and safe journey for businesses to access quality alternative funders if they were not able to, or did not wish to obtain finance from a main bank.” He said the site had already been used by thousands of businesses in search of lenders. “But it was always designed to exist in an environment where banks and other significant credit providers were required absolutely to signpost rejected SME owners to the now vibrant alternative funding sector,” said Adam. “The confirmation from The Treasury that our initiative will, indeed, pass into legislation is both sensible and pragmatic.” He added: “This is a very positive move for the economy and Alternative Business Funding is proud to have played such a significant part in this and look forward to continuing our close work with The Treasury to ensure that what is finally delivered is simple, fair, transparent, but most of all gets real results.”

● Nicaraguan children benefit from the work of James Warner and Jonathan Pic: Michael Lloyd BRML20140730D-003 Lewis, right

Balancing act Enterprise helps out pupils in poorer countries Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

OW businesses can help schoolchildren get the resources they need for a better education, simply by switching their stationery

supplier. Then-Bristol student Jonathan Lewis was on a charity trip to Uganda delivering school uniforms when he discovered that for rural areas in particular, their needs were more basic. “They kept asking us for supplies,”

he said. “We went into town to buy some for them but it made me realise some schools have nothing. “I came back to Bristol and did some research and some thinking.” The result saw Jonathan partner with a charity and an office supplies company to form social enterprise Balance Stationery. The idea is simple, businesses order their supplies from the company – which promises to match their current cost – and the profits go into buying and delivering stationery to schools in need. The 29-year-old is so committed to the cause that dropped out of his masters degree course in order to work on it full-time, although he retains ties to Bristol University with a

group of students supporting the project. He is based in Chipping Sodbury, but regularly uses the university’s Basecamp space for entrepreneurs at Merchant Venturers’ Building in Clifton. So far the organisation has focused on Nicaragua, due to Bristol’s twinning links there. In March it made its first delivery to eight schools. Jonathan is keen to do more. “We are hoping to build on what we have achieved and perhaps help with teaching training or even paying teachers,” he said. “I want to get to more schools in rural areas where they really need the support.” To do that, he needs more customers. Some of the existing cus-

Interactive video

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Entrepreneur’s advice helps firm go global A BUSINESSMAN is preparing to lead his firm’s move from a local business to a global one, thanks to support from a successful entrepreneur. Steve Callanan, from Filton, runs Wirewax, which produces interactive online video that people can pause to buy or find out more about items featured. Earlier this year, the 35-year-old won a month of mentoring from Yo! Sushi founder Simon Woodroffe. Wirewax was set up in 2010 but Steve was looking for guidance about the next steps for the business.

At the first mentoring session, Simon encouraged Steve to take a step back from running his company day-to-day and reflect on two things: the future of the business and how to handle the transition from a national to multinational one. He urged Steve to become the face of a large company with offices in different countries across the globe. And he has been encouraging Steve to invest in his employees more, empowering them to make decisions and drive the success of the company while he is elsewhere. He has also implemented company

● Steve Callanan, from Filton, and Simon Woodroffe, founder of Yo! Sushi away days in order to help Steve create a strong company culture that will translate from office to office, but also from office to consumer.

Finally he urged Steve to change the business model, away from offering bespoke projects to licensing his product to big production houses.

tomers are Bristol schools, which get more than just stationery as they also build links with recipient schools and opportunities to create cultural projects. Some businesses including lawyers and estate agents have signed up too. Jonathan said the organisation was capable of supplying bigger businesses too, but as a new company found the procurement processes more challenging to get through. “We can do it on a bigger scale,” he said. “We have our own fleet of vans and we can offer next day delivery. “You can donate to charity through your current expenses, it won’t cost you anything extra but you still get a good service.”

Steve said: “I’ve been running companies my entire career since I left university and you rarely get decent advice when you are doing that. You are very much on your own. Simon asked me what challenges I found most difficult. Things like trying to spread myself thinly and taking more time for myself. It’s incredibly difficult to manage a rapid expansion where things are moving very quickly. Just trying to get everybody in the organisation singing from the same hymn sheet is a challenge in itself. I know Simon’s incredible experience as a businessman is going to be invaluable to me.” Simon added: “Every successful company needs a human face that represents the company and helps to take the brand forward, so as well as stepping up, Steve needs to step out.” The mentoring was the result of a competition run by The Times and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

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Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Exports

Silver lining Firm’s super-strong foil helping farmers boost profits Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

ROM an industrial unit in Avonmouth, one Bristol business is helping poultry farmers in Africa and India increase their profits using a super-strong foil. Technical Convertors provides coating, laminating and sheeting services and products used in a host of sectors including for packaging goods to be shipped aboard and thermal blankets for hospitals. Set up in 1991, the firm has been growing its exports in recent years across the board. But the business, which employs 25 people, has found a particularly strong demand for one product in hot countries. It makes a form of super-strong foil called Valeron AVA, made of layers of laminate, aluminium foil, valeron film and polyester, which can be used to keep buildings cool by reflecting the heat. And it has become very popular among poultry farms in Africa – particularly South Africa, Kenya and Uganda – and India, as a way of keeping their chickens cool. Managing director Mike Freeman said: “It’s been a growing success story within the last five years. It is installed under the roof with a small air space and reflects 90 per cent of the radiant heat away from the building. “You could do this with any foil but it would degrade within a few weeks or months, whereas this is very strong and will work for 10, 15 or 20 years.” Customers tend to be the big poultry producers in their respective

#GetExporting ● Business West is campaigning to increase the number of exporters in the region. Under the banner #GetExporting, the goal is help 2,020 companies to grow their business through exports by 2020. Business West and UKTI can offer a range of support for firms looking to export. Find out more online at www.businesswest.co.uk.

● Mike Freeman with AVA foil at Technical Converters Ltd in Avonmouth. Pic: Dan Regan BRDR20140811A-004 markets. Mike said the foil cooled the buildings which meant better conditions for the chickens, which both reduced mortality rates and also made the birds more productive, in turn improving the profits for Technical Converters’ customers. Export sales of the product have grown from about £40,000 a year to a forecast of £600,000 this year. The company made its first forays into foreign markets on its own, but has since used support from UK

Trade and Investment, the Government service delivered locally though Business West, taking advantage of subsidies for trade visits, market research help and more. Mike said his message to other companies looking to export would be: “First, make sure your products are relevant. “Second, go there. Make sure you visit because you need to build relationships. And don’t just go once, keep going after you have started trading.”

The Dos & Don’ts of Doing Business in Africa 1. Understand that Africa is big…very big. More than 50 countries, 1000s of cultures and countless languages. A ‘one size fits all’ approach will not be to your advantage. Create a strategy for each and every country. 2. Think long term. It takes time to get a business going and then to keep it going. Don’t see the continent as your passport to a ‘quick buck’. You require patience and a long-term focused goal in order to truly see any ROI. 3. Set realistic goals. Africa is rising...not raised. Be realistic as to what you are able to achieve on the continent; start small, gain experience and then start to look at scaling up. 4. Understand local laws. Before you do anything in Africa, understand the legal framework you will be working within as well as the basics of commercial law. 5. Find local talent. As a foreigner it’s very difficult to break through the cultural barriers as well as deal with bureaucracy. Try to find locals to work for you or with you. 6. Build relationships. Locals want to do business with people they like and trust. A relationship is crucial to this so make sure you visit a lot. Don’t expect to accomplish anything in one visit. 7. Be open to difference. Phone calls answered during meetings or meeting the local chief under the banyan tree may not be standard business protocol at home, but in Africa you need to be aware of local culture. By Neil Payne, pictured, who is Founder of the specialist African translation & localisation agency Translation-Africa.com

South Africa

Rainbow of exporting opportunities SOUTH Africa is a market with great potential for Bristol exporters, according to a local trade adviser. The Rainbow Nation of South Africa is a radically varied land, shaped by the contrasting environments of the industrialised and the prosperous, and the agricultural and the impoverished, existing side by side. It is seen as the economic powerhouse of Africa and forms part of the so-called BRICS group of countries. The country has a dynamic, young, educated middle class rising out of the booming industrial, research and financial sectors. This young population will have great surplus income to push growth in South Africa.

UKTI South Africa trading expert Sandra Warne believes that there is great potential for local firms to do business with South Africa. “With a climate that is geared for growth and open for trade, South Africa is the destination for UK businesses of all shapes and sizes,” she said. Sandra says there are many opportunities, from advanced engineering projects and the quickly developing infrastructure to possibilities in the education, agriculture and energy sectors. She said: “The best way to test the water and start your business venture in South Africa is to visit the market and network with potential

● Sandra Warne in front of Robben Island, South Africa

#GetExporting #GetExporting #GetExporting #GetExporting

www.exportbritain.org.uk

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contacts using the help of the UKTI offices based in Johannesburg, Durban and in the British Consulate in Cape Town.” The South African government has schemes in place to diversify the economic landscape by empowering the black community in business. The country is currently the World Design Capital for 2014. Sandra said: “South Africa’s prospects are undeniably rich, driven by an increasingly educated population and an abundance of natural resources. The diversity of South Africa may make it a challenging country to navigate, but the multitude of opportunities on offer cannot afford to be missed.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Textiles

Leisure

Angie gets weaving in second chance at dream career

Visitor rise helps trust’s revenues grow

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

EXTILE weaver Angie Parker is taking a second chance at her dream career. The 41-year-old studied design in the 1990s and even won an award for a handwoven rug in a prestigious New Designers show in London. But her career took a different path and she spent 16 years working in costumes for the theatre and television industries. After the birth of her third child, Jeanie, in 2010, Angie thought hard about her future and decided to give her weaving dream another go. She successfully applied to the Crafts Council for a place in its businesses development programme, called Hothouse, last year, where she benefited from six months of business training and mentoring. And things have been on the up ever since. Last month, armed with a new collection of handwoven textiles, Angie was invited back the New Designers show. She said: “Returning to New Designers after 20 years was such a privilege. I was so pleased to have earned the chance to pick up from where I left off and it was a great opportunity to present my business alongside today’s graduates. Twelve months ago, I couldn't see this part happening and the event was the icing on the cake after a year of hard work.” Now she is moving into new studio space in Bedminster under the business name Diva Weaver. Angie’s work takes traditional patterns but uses bold colours. She cites time spent living in India and Bristol’s street art scene as influences, although her weaving technique originates from Scandinavia.

“ My message to anyone with an idea for a business is to get on with it, but realistically.” Angie Parker Her customers are usually looking for a special one-off piece. Angie said: “The demographic is mid-20s up, who want to invest their limited spare income in a one-off hand-crafted piece. “Customers who've followed my business from the beginning are coming to me with commissions for special birthdays or a family heirloom.” With the help of a network of friends, or elves as she calls them, she sources abandoned furniture from

around the country. Working in fine cottons, silks and chenille, she then restores them with handwoven new finishes. Angie said she hoped her experience would inspire other people to follow their business dreams. “My message to anyone with an idea for a business is to get on with it, but realistically,” she said. “Set manageable goals and talk to everyone you can about it. Access as much support as you can, and there really is a lot of help out there. “The craft sector alone is worth

millions of pounds in the creative industries economy and programmes such as Hothouse, organised by the Crafts Council, are an invaluable resource for new businesses like mine. “Through it I completely restructured my five-year business plan and feel confident that my business will flourish.” She added: “It also taught me that even though I'm a sole trader, my business will not progress without the input and support of fellow makers and experienced business mentors, which we are lucky to have plenty of in Bristol. “And finally, you need good old-fashioned hard graft!”

● A SOCIAL enterprise which runs eight leisure centres across South Gloucestershire has reporting rising revenues for the past year. Circadian Trust grew revenue by 7.6 per cent to £10.22 million. Costs also went up, however, due to investment in facilities, but the organisation said it was lower than forecast however would not reveal the figures. Visitors to the centres were up by nearly 280,000 (12 per cent) to 2.5 million. Chief executive Mark Crutchley said: “These results are one of the most successful to date for the trust and are testimony to the dedication of our staff across all our sites. “Key drivers have been significant investment in the facilities, commencement of a digitisation programme to continuously enhance the customer experience and the introduction of a social media programme to heighten interaction with our customers. “The figures speak for themselves and shows that we are delivering what our customers want at prices they are willing to pay.” The trust works with South Gloucestershire Council and reinvests its profits back into the business. Since it was formed in 2005, the trust has spent £3 million on improved leisure facilities. Sign up here for business news direct to your inbox every day

Tax

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Tax warning for suppliers of e-books and digital services

THE Bristol office of accountancy and tax specialists Moore Stephens has warned suppliers of digital services about impending changes to VAT rules in the EU. Any business which provides broadcasting or electronic services to EU consumers will be affected by the changes, which come into effect from January 1, 2015. Services affected include TV and radio broadcasting, websites and website hosting, downloaded software, e-books, apps, electronic games and music and film downloads. Suppliers will be liable to account for VAT in each EU member state where a customer consumes the service, even if they are not currently registered for VAT in the UK because they fall below the registration threshold. Affected company owners not preparing for the changes by registering for a new system set up by

“ These

changes are designed to level the playing field.” Mark Chesham

HMRC risk major inconvenience and loss of valuable business time. Evading VAT payments is a criminal offence and, in the worst case scenario, business owners entering a country where tax is due could face demands for payment or even arrest. Mark Chesham, pictured, director of indirect tax services based at the Moore Stephens office in Redcliffe Street, said: “An example is a UK supplier who is selling an e-book to a consumer in France. “From January next year, they will be liable to account for French VAT (TVA). 2 At the moment, VAT is accounted for in the country of the supplier and, as a result, many suppliers of electronic service have based themselves in countries like Luxembourg which have low VAT rates. These changes are designed to level the playing

field.” Normally the changes would mean the supplier has to register in every country in which they sell the services. But in the UK, HMRC has introduced a Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS), which lets businesses account for all non-UK VAT on a single return and make a payment to HMRC. “Businesses have to register for MOSS and registrations open in October. Mr Chesham said: “Those caught out by the changes will need to show they can identify and show, with two pieces of evidence, their customer locations and amend their billing systems to ensure the correct rate of VAT is applied. “All this will need to be done in a very short space of time. I recommend getting some expert advice and support where required.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Careers

SCHOOL’S OUT... FOREVER Tomorrow thousands of teenagers get their A-level results. Many will go on to university but increasingly businesses are offering other routes into successful careers.

● School leaver trainees Hallam Sullinge-Farrall, 20, and Daisy Mackay, 22

NE of Bristol’s leading accountancy firms is calling on students to consider the merits of school leaver programmes as an alternative career path to university. Graham Randall, below, partner and head of BDO LLP in Victoria Street, Bristol, believes such schemes are an attractive option for students looking for an alternative to full-time university education. He said: “The traditional route into professions such as accountancy is via university. However, applying for a degree is no longer the straightforward decision that it was once was. “With the recent increase in university tuition fees and the average student leaving university with debts of around £30,000, an increasing number of talented A-level students are looking at school leavers programmes. “One of the best things about our school leavers programme is that trainees earn as they learn, with the security of a permanent salary that rises as they progress through the scheme. “Those who enrol can become a fully qualified accountant in five years, which is a year less than a graduate given that the average university degree lasts three years and it takes an additional three years to qualify as a chartered accountant.” BDO has 100 school leavers enrolled on its a programme with 90 more set to join the firm after the summer. Applications will open for the next academic year on 1 September, with a further 100 places available for the 2015 intake. Hallam Sullinge-Farrall, 20, is one of the trainees currently enrolled on the scheme in Bristol. He strongly considered going to university but was put off from applying by the rise in tuition fees and lack of job security for graduates. He said: “It was a steep learning curve to go from full time education straight into the workplace but BDO provides plenty of support and have

DEMAND FOR ALTERNATIVE ROUTE ● A PROFESSIONAL training organisation says demand for routes to careers that avoid university are growing. BPP Professional Education runs an annual three-day course at its Grove Avenue office to give students who are unsure about following the traditional university path an insight into the professional apprenticeships that are on offer in law, marketing, accountancy, financial services and business. Managing director Jonathan Snary said: “We received interest from students across the city who were eager to attend the course and receive a greater level of insight into the range of professional apprenticeships that are available. “Over the past few years we have seen an increase in the range of firms offering professional apprenticeships to college and school leavers who have chosen to enter into a professional career, but have decided university is not the right option for them.” The event included representatives from BT, Deloitte and Burges Salmon offering students in-depth careers guidance. made me feel part of the team from day one. I am progressing all the time and being able to learn from industry experts on a day-to-day basis is extremely valuable. I would certainly recommend the programme to anyone looking to get into the accountancy profession that is unsure about the university route.” Daisy Mackay, 22, is coming towards the end of her first year of the programme in Bristol and is based in the firm’s audit division. She said: “I was not convinced that university was necessarily the best option for me, particularly after the

rise in tuition fees, and so I explored other options. I think the main advantage of the scheme is that I am studying to gain a well recognised, professional qualification while putting into practice on a daily basis the areas covered by the exams.” Getting involved in accountancy isn’t just about number crunching. It can provide ambitious students with a lifelong career in business and commerce, with many travelling

the world dealing with international businesses. One of BDO’s previous trainees is Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, below, now chief executive of Bristol-born Mitie Group plc, which has revenues of more than £2 billion. One of the firm’s current rising stars is Tim Everitt, 24, who joined BDO at the age of 18 on the firm’s school leaver programme. He has risen through the ranks to become an audit manager at the Bristol office and was recently named in Accountancy Age’s ‘35 under 35’, which showcases the accountancy profession’s best and brightest talents in the UK. Tim’s client base includes large international companies, including Specsavers and Agilent Technologies, which sees him regularly travel throughout Europe, the US and Asia. On the school leaver programme, Tim said: “One of the best things is that you instantly have the advantage of working with real experts on real business projects from day one. “I have learned a lot about the accountancy profession and business as a whole and have been lucky enough to travel around the world at the same time – it was definitely the right decision for me.”

Law firm helping Bright Sparks gain insight to attend university or who receive free school meals, in order to give them hands-on experience of working in a large legal practice. The Year 10 to Year 13 students come from a variety of schools and spend their respective weeks working on presentations, participating in workshops and learning about the day-to-day office life of a busy law fir m. Students are able to gain insight into the role of a lawyer through

shadowing sessions and engage with other business functions such as IT, human resources, marketing and business development, highlighting the many different career paths that are available. The students also worked on a group project all week, which consisted of providing 10 recommendations on how to engage with Bristol’s diverse communities and make Bristol's year as European Green Capital informative and en-

gaging for young people. The week culminated with the students presenting their group project in two teams in front of a panel and an audience comprising parents, school work experience coordinators and head teachers. Corporate responsibility manager Catherine Correia said: “Our aim was to put together a full and engaging week to ensure each student gained maximum understanding and learning from the programme.”

Economy

Firms fear big increase in competition ● THE improving economy has been welcome for businesses but the change in environment brings its own challenges. New research from Bibby Financial Services says small and medium sized businesses now say growing competition is now their biggest threat. Official data showed the number of new UK businesses reached a five-year peak in March this year, and those start-ups are putting pressure on existing firms. The SME Tracker, which surveys businesses with a turnover of up to £25 million and up to 250 employees, saw 22 per cent of businesses in the South West citing an increase in competition, which has come about as a result of the improving economy, as their biggest worry. Meanwhile, 14 per cent believed that red-tape is the biggest challenge they face. A shortage of skilled staff was a concern for nine per cent, rising material costs troubled 15 per cent but access to finance – long the major bugbear – was top worry for just five per cent. Sharon Wiltshire, regional managing director for Bibby, said: “This is certainly a different picture from just a few years ago and the South West has returned to its position as a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. “The economic downturn has fostered a DIY ethos in the country, which is now paying dividends for the economy through both recruitment and output.” She added: “Technology is undoubtedly removing barriers to entry for a lot of industries, but it’s vital that new-start and early stage businesses have the financial means to invest for long-term success.”

Growth

Business expansion still healthy despite dip ● BUSINESS expansion is slowing down across the region but still healthy, according to new figures. The headline Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking South West Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that tracks changes in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – posted at 57.8 in July. This was down from June’s five-month high of 59.4, but still signalled a further expansion of business activity. Although slightly below the UK average, the rate of increase was sharp. Growth of services activity continued to outpace manufacturing output, albeit to a lesser extent than in June. David Beaumont, Lloyds area director SME Banking in the South West, said: “The South West private sector economy remained in strong growth territory, with output, new orders and employment all increasing at sharp rates. “Although costs have risen at their strongest pace this year, input price inflation remained historically weak and output prices rose only marginally.” The survey also found staffing levels rose and backlog of orders continued to grow, but at a slower pace.

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LAW firm Burges Salmon has opened access to the legal profession as part of its social mobility agenda with two one-week work experience programmes entitled Bright Sparks. Launched last year, the programme is aimed at students aged 15 to 17. The firm, which has its headquarters at 1 Glass Wharf in the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, is committed to providing work experience placements for students who would be the first generation in their family

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

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

Focus: Logistics and distribution

IT’S ALL ABOUT DELIVERING GOODS Logistics is a major industry in itself, which impacts companies in many sectors on many levels. Rupert Janisch looks at the related issues affecting Bristol businesses

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OGISTICS is one of those words which have many meanings and applications, in many different spheres. Often used in a military context, it can involve the movement, procurement and maintenance of personnel and kit. More contemporary usage tends to relate to the organisation and engineering of complex operations – people systems rather than machine systems. In a business context, it broadly means having correct numbers of desired items, delivered on time to the right place and people, at the promised price and in the required condition. That’s the broad definition, which clearly opens up a whole spectrum of places in which the term logistics can be applied – from major business operations to a one-man-band ordering something online and expecting to arrive the next working day. What is generally true is that, in an increasingly competitive global economy, physical and digital connectivity is a key factor in achieving a sustainable position in whichever marketplace you operate. In the South West, the logistics sector employs 130,400 people across 15,705 companies. Including those who work in logistics occupations in other sectors, the size of the sector is 183,000 people which equates to seven per cent of the region’s workforce. And the figure is on the rise. The net number of people employed in the South West’s logistics sector is expected to rise by 14 per cent between 2007 and 2017, with figures suggesting that more than 80,000 extra workers will be required by 2017. The significance of the sector in terms of people employed in it shows that the ability to deliver goods and services wherever they are needed is absolutely fundamental to businesses of all sizes and small and medium sized businesses are by no means immune. One example is Flying Penguin Enterprises (FPE), a specialist distributor which supplies a wide range of spare parts, consumables, equipment, tools and accessories to service the needs of operators all over the UK and beyond. FPE is based in Bedminster with clients including police, fire and ambulance services, local authorities, MoD, utilities and major corporate clients as well as UN and export customers. Managing director of FPE, Nick Wilton, said: “For us logistics infrastructure is fundamental to our business. It is a self-evident truth that having the spare part the client needs is useless without the capability to deliver that part, on time, intact, where it is needed. We aim to achieve levels of indestructible reliability that Kalashnikov would have been proud of.”

Given the nationwide and also international nature of what Mr Wilton’s company does, Flying Penguin has its own fleet of delivery vehicles for local deliveries in the Bristol area, as well as leveraging its supplier partners’ logistics arrangements and also making extensive use of a range of logistics specialists whether for routine deliveries across the UK or for more challenging tasks such as delivering to UN missions in Darfur, Kabul, Mogadishu or elsewhere. The international aspect of Flying Penguin’s business is one which many other businesses in the city may be increasingly coming across – perhaps not to the same extent but at least involving the movement of goods to customers overseas. International shipping or freight therefore is something which is growing in relevance for many SMEs as the international market opens up to them. Ben Young is the deputy general manager for San Giant Express, a Taiwan-based logistics company

“ Logistics infrastructure is fundamental to our business. It is a self-evident truth that having the spare part the client needs is useless without the capability to deliver that part, on time, intact, where it is needed. Nick Wilton which arranges shipping by sea and air between Europe and Asia. Ben, who has recently returned to his Redland home from where he will represent the firm locally, said that the expected dominance, at the cost of smaller independents, of freight giants such as DHL, DB Schenker and Swiss giant Kuehne + Nagel had failed to materialise recently, citing World Air Market Cargo Data which reported at the end of 2013 that the top 20 global forwarders showed no growth in air cargo volumes, while smaller forwarders had gained market share all over the world in the same time period. He said: “This may be because local forwarders can be leaner, more agile and highly specialised, whilst also providing local knowledge and relationships that the multinationals can’t offer. “I think that lots of companies do actually like working with a smaller, friendlier logistics handler that they can really get to know, especially if that company is itself an SME. “Obviously, the big companies do offer global coverage and many have excellent staff working for them, but it’s just a different feeling working with someone smaller. “Working with a smaller independent logistics company you can end up growing a relationship with them, whereby you really care about and support each others’ businesses. “In truth, there’s no way that, as an

● A lot of freight is taken by road, but traffic congestion in the Bristol area poses problems

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

– AT THE RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE

● Shipping is growing in relevance for many SMEs, while air cargo remains a key part in the transportation of goods

● Ben Young, deputy general manager for San Giant Express

“However, relationships also go a very long way. My company would be a good example of the fact that the relationships that you build over the years can get you the best prices and priority with the carriers you work with. For example, the relationships we have with the major airlines in Taiwan are so good because they’re built on real friendships that have been made over decades; we can pull in favours on occasion and we’ll do them for them. “Sometimes it will come down to

● Sanjeev Bakrania, managing director of Safran Office Supplies

who gets priority on a shipment – again, it’s down to relationships.” Mr Young also believes that the shipping industry has an opportunity and a responsibility to effect a positive impact on climate change, citing examples of the streamlining of technology and reduction of carbon emissions for both sea and air-going craft. He said: “Whatever happens, it is clear that transport is going to have to change dramatically in the following decades and the freight forwarding

industry must be at the forefront of this change, innovating and supporting these necessary transformations.” Of course many businesses have a more immediate focus, sourcing supplies and distributing their own wares within the Bristol area, or the South West. For many of these, transport is a major bone of logistical contention, with the age-old problem of congestion on Bristol’s roads rearing its head again. We often hear figures of how our

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SME, your contribution alone will ever make an enormous difference to the fortunes of one of the giant logistics companies. “But if you’re working with someone who is of the same size as you, and you know that they need you as much as you need them, then it’s a different relationship. “Of course, the big corporations have economies of scale, which means that they can drive very low prices out of the companies that they’re working with.

● Nick Wilton, managing director of Flying Penguin Enterprises

city’s transport woes cost our economy many millions each year. Leaving lost many hours aside for a moment, the inability to deliver goods and complete transactions is business lost in its most basic form. In Brislington, Sanjeev Bakrania is managing director of Safran Office Supplies, which is about to take on its sixth member of staff and has been up and running since 2007. He said: “Traffic is definitely an issue – it often creates a lot of problems for us, especially on a Friday when there always seems to be a problem for one reason or another. If something goes wrong the whole place gets gridlocked. “We deal in the Greater Bristol area but a lot of our deliveries are made in the city centre. “There have been instances when we have had to postpone deliveries until the following day because of traffic. Usually it’s OK but there can be occasions when it causes a major difficulty.” Safran Office Supplies uses just the one van, with Mr Bakrania opting to keep deliveries in-house rather than outsourcing. “We don’t believe that a courier driver would be able to offer all the other facets of the delivery service that we provide. “By having it in-house, we have a driver who is committed to providing the level of service of a small business. “Where we differentiate ourselves from the larger office supply companies is that we provide a high level of service – friendly and more personal. There are a lot of companies out there for whom price is not the only issue. There are maintenance costs but we feel that the benefits outweigh the costs.” Traffic issues are something that Mr Wilton would like to see addressed, not only as a businessman but also as the SME representative on the board of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership. He said: “On occasion our drivers face gridlock as the sheer weight of traffic reduces average speeds to walking pace. The breakdown in connectivity is becoming a serious constraint to businesses reliant on the movement of physical goods, in the same way that broadband speeds restrict the growth of digital businesses. “The solutions are complex. We have a real interest, as a business, in our own mayor’s efforts to reduce traffic density in Bristol and we see similar problems replicated across the UK. “We’d like to see greater investment by local, regional and central government to strengthen transport infrastructure and to work together across local authority boundaries to deliver a more coordinated approach to transport. “We think better public transport alternatives are part of the solution as less cars are used for short journeys, especially in Bristol and other urban centres, the easier it is for those that must drive to get where they need to quickly. “We are also interested in using electric vehicles which commercially and environmentally we see as increasingly viable driven by tax incentives.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Business diary Bristol Connected: The Bristol Post’s popular business networking event takes place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Temple Way, from 6pm-8pm tomorrow (August 14). A chance for SMEs to network as well as meet the Post team. John Hirst from Destination Bristol will be among the speakers. To sign up go to eventbrite or scan the QR code below. Wednesday@6: Institute of Directors informal networking at the Radisson Blu Hotel 6-8pm, Wednesday, August 20. Non members welcome. Free but to register call 0117 3707785 or email iod.southwest@iod.com. Wednesday@6: Institute of Directors informal networking at the Radisson Blu Hotel 6-8pm, Wednesday, September 3. Non members welcome. Free but to register call 0117 3707785 or email iod.southwest@iod.com. Access to Growth Capital: The London Stock Exchange and Capita Asset Services are organising this event to help fast-growing SMEs understand how they can get money to grow. From 2.30-6pm on September 9 at Burges Salmon offices, 1 Glass Wharf. Register at www.lseg.com/register1000.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

In pictures Moon Consulting summer party

Guests over the moon with party

ORE than 100 business leaders from across the region joined executive recruitment business Moon Consulting for an evening of fun, fast cars and firemen at its 2014 summer party. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to examine close up some elite Bentley cars courtesy of HR Owen Cheltenham, along with some classic Austin Healey racers. A local crew of firefighters from Avon Fire and Rescue were in attendance to talk about their work and receive a cheque from Moon Consulting for the Firefighters’ Charity. The Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Alastair Watson and Lady Mayoress Sarah Watson were special guests for the evening, taking the opportunity to discuss the pressing business issues facing Bristol with some of its leading directors. Moon Consulting director Vanessa Moon said: “It has been a fantastic year so far, with a big increase in recruitment volume across a variety of sectors, reflecting the improving economy in the region. “A big reason for our success is the long-term relationships that we build with our clients, so this event is a great way to keep connected.”

● From left, Ian Mackinnon, Mark Curtis, Lord Mayor Alastair Watson, Vanessa Moon, Jamie Gibbard, Tom Creese, Lady Mayoress Sarah Watson and Peaches Golding OBE

● Peaches Golding OBE, Vanessa Moon, Director Moon Consulting Limited

Institute of Directors Bristol branch Autumn Special Held at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens with Martin Bigg from the Bristol Green Capital Partnership, Tuesday, September 9. Check www.iod.com/swestevents for more information and to book. 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. The event will explore the real cost of food, energy, society and finance. 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, September 12 at Brunel’s Old Station, The 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 September 17.

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The Bristol Business Exhibition: The exhibition attracts business owners and decision makers from across the region and is a great way to source suppliers and generate new business. It takes place at Ashton Gate Conference Centre from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, September 30. Email your business events to gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk. Events are sometimes cancelled without us being notified so please check with organisers before travelling.

● Tom McCarthy, Peter Palframan and Simon Quinn

● Left, from left, Jamie Gibbard, Tom Creese, Peaches Golding OBE, Steve Nutt, Lord Mayor Alastair Watson, Vanessa Moon, Brian Frost, Lady Mayoress Sarah Watson, Gemma Webber, Simon Quinn, Samantha Bunn; right, Simon Quinn, Moon consulting Limited

In pictures The Set.Social networking evening

● From left, Owen Shirley, Asif Khan (CultureKhan)

● From left, Louise Bolton and Joni Farthing (Women Outside the Box)

Social occasion helps spark creative ideas

● From left, Matthew Cooper (Connect.IB), Jon Craig (Jon Craig Photography), Pete Harris (Connect.IB) and Andre Regini (Kingbridge Photographic)

ACH month, Bristol’s creative industries come together for an evening of informal networking at one of the city’s newest membership

clubs. The Set.Social, held on the first Wednesday of every month, has been designed to facilitate collaborative working among like-minded creative professionals, many of whom work from home as freelancers. There are now hundreds of creative businesses thriving in this ambitious and innovative city and the Set.Social gives people the chance to network, share skills and ideas as well as creating a central hub for thought processes to evolve and become reality. The events are held at The Set, a contemporary hot-desking space at the recently refurbished Bath Road

● From left, Lidia Drzewiecka (Women Outside the Box), Charlie Bradley (Women Outside the Box) and Jade Wicks (Worthers Creative Media Solutions) Studios. For those who work at home and know how distracting it can be, The Set removes the isolation they face and eliminates the risk of becoming demotivated through lack of ideas and inspiration. Forging links between Bristol’s

● From left, Abigael Chesan, Benjamin Harding (2 Bee Videos) and Suzan Uzel (Spirit PR) creators and innovators has quickly become the ethos of the Set.Social, which will take place again on Wednesday, September 3 from 6pm.

The organisers say a number of key partnerships have been made since the event began earlier this year, with many more on the cards.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

In pictures Networking for freelancers with little ones

● From left, Sarah Jane Freni, Rebecca Whitehead, Helen Farmer, Lotte Lane, Victoria Jackson, Faye Dicker, Gail Pictures: Nicola Proctor Gibson, Julie Cox and Sarah Cook with their children

● Faye Dicker, Suki Edworthy, and speaker Gail Gibson

● Rebecca Whitehead, Faye Dicker and Pegah Esmali

● From left, Victoria Jackson,Teddy Jackson, Evie Jackson, Faye Dicker, Suki Edworthy, Gail Gibson and Joshua Whitehead

Mum’s the word Chance to network and bring your tots Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

Part of the Local World group

Staging your event doesn’t have to cost a fortune... ● Luke Cox and mum Julie Cox to be created that allowed parents to network and bring their children.” Networking for freelancers with little ones launched in June and the second event took place recently with a walk around the Harbourside, stopping to hear a speaker at At-Bristol. The next meeting is in September – go to www.freelancemum.co.uk for more details. The event is sponsored by Relish and SeeingSticks, who provide flapjacks for every one and entertainment packs for the children, to keep them engaged in the walk. Faye said: “It’s a great way of combining business, fresh air & spending time with your little ones.”

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FREELANCE broadcaster started a networking group where mums can bring their children after finding she felt isolated when becoming a working mum. Faye Dicker, who blogs as Freeland Mum, found that after having her first daughter Jemima, now two, she was still doing most of the childcare but trying to run a business at the same time. She said: “I often felt on the margins and felt I was missing the water cooler-moments a workplace gave me. “Without a community for freelance mums, I decided to create one, through podcasts – showcasing and supporting talented mums in business. “As a broadcaster by trade, I was no stranger to the microphone, so took to the streets of Bristol with a mic in one hand and pushchair in the other, interviewing women. “It was an instant hit. So many women like me who were also juggling the work/life balance and running a business around family.” Networking become a byproduct of her website, giving people a chance to meet face-to-face, do business and bring their children. Faye said: “As a freelancer with children, networking becomes impossible to shoehorn into your day, so I realised something needed

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

The back page

Your digest of the week in business

The op-ed column

With investment, our smart city can really fly Jeremy Richards

“ It’s also about smart people. This is where Bristol really shines in terms of a highly skilled workforce

head of JLL’s Bristol office www.jll.co.uk

WAS probably the only person trying to remain grounded at last weekend’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, where I was speaking as President of the Bristol Property Agents’ Association. The topic was smart cities – and despite the Bristolian tendency for self-deprecation, we’re actually doing pretty well on the road to smart success. With our role as European Green Capital 2015 just around the corner, Bristol’s place on the map is being cemented. According to a much quoted document on the subject, the definition of a smart city is about more than connectivity and technology – although they play a key part. It’s about having a smart economy. That’s innovation, enterprise, productivity and a flexible labour market – attributes that Bristol is becoming increasingly known for. It’s also about smart people. This is where Bristol really shines in terms of a highly skilled workforce, the provision of excellent universities with growing international recognition and a commitment to creativity – something that can be seen at every level from Bristol’s worldwide reputation for street art to our thriving creative economy. The definition goes on to include smart governance, the need for transparency and clear decision making. Mayor George Ferguson has undoubtedly ruffled feathers, but few can deny his decisiveness and commitment to public participation. Also on the hit list for a smart city is

People ● Solicitors at commercial law firm Thrings have received recognition for their knowledge of the commercial property and construction sectors. Partner Eric Livingston has become vice chairman of the Great Western branch of the Forum for the Built Environment, while fellow construction law specialist Natalia Sokolov (both below) has been elected as vice chair of the Association of Women in Property in the South West. Natalia said: “Women account for just 15 per cent of the property and construction industry workforce in the UK. As an organisation, we are focused on redressing this

Jeremy Richards, head of JJL’s Bristol office

● JLL launched its new balloon at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, where the firm’s Jeremy Richards spoke about how Bristol could really fly as a smart city... with the right investment and leadership smart environment. As one would expect of an upcoming Green Capital, we are someway ahead here – in pollution control, environmental protection, recycling and green energy

1.9 2.6 0.6 0.5 3.99

Inflation (RPI)

Weekly earnings

Base interest rate

% % %

Ave mortgage rate % Corporation tax % Main rate

Small profits rate – below £300,000

Business current accounts State Bank of India

1.01% £10,000 deposit 0.25% £1 deposit

Business savings accounts balance by highlighting the numerous benefits and opportunities that a career in property can offer.” ● Commercial building and cost consultancy practice CS2 has promoted Mark Humphries, left, take on the role of director at its Bristol office. It comes as a direct result of the office winning an important contract for Seco Tools International’s portfolio. His promotion allows Mathew Belgrove, director in charge of the branch, to focus more on project management services while Mark takes control of building surveying. Managing director Andrew Mather said: “This promotion does more than recognise Mark’s many achievements, it reflects the dynamism of our business and our senior team.”

Places

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production. However there are a couple of areas where this Balloon Fiesta presentation rapidly bumped down to Earth.

A key criterion of a smart city is smart mobility. This includes local, national and international accessibility, the availability of ICT infrastructure and the provision of sustainable, innovative and safe transport systems. Even I can’t claim we’re competing with the likes of Copenhagen or even Manchester on this score – yet. However there are steps in the right direction, with rail electrification, public transport modernisation and substantial investment in superfast broadband. It’s also about smart living, which includes social, sporting and cultural life. An arena, now happily back in prospect, is just a stepping stone. Arguably the only truly international event Bristol currently hosts is the Balloon Fiesta. In order to meet our stated goal of becoming a top European city by 2020 – and ‘smart’ by definition – we must invest in the facilities and infrastructure to support large-scale events. We only need to look at the effect of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a comparable city in economic and certainly in property market terms, to see how a city can really fly.

In numbers Inflation (CPI)

● WorleyParsons, a provider of professional services to the resources and energy sectors, has relocated its Bristol office to Bull Wharf, top right. The firm has taken over 4,300 sq ft of recently refurbished space on the second floor of the office building, on the

waterfront in Redcliff Street, let by DTZ. The company is moving from Redcliffe Parade West and is relocating so it has room to grow. Adrian Shields, from WorleyParsons, said: “Bull Wharf puts us on a strong footing for the future with its central location, easy walking distance to Temple Meads and superb waterfront views. The refurbishment has been completed to a great standard and offers us the flexibility we require.” ● An aviation training company has moved to a bigger office. Founded in 1992, Bristol Groundschool has moved to Clevedon from Cheddar to benefit from larger, more modern premises and improved access to and from Bristol for students attending coursework revision sessions. It has take a 10-year lease on the first floor suite of 4 Rivermead Court, bottom, which includes 5,260 sq ft and 21 car parking spaces. Tom Dugay of Alder King’s Bristol office agency team said: “While students complete course modules using

distance learning, they also need to undertake a series of classroom revision sessions at Bristol Groundschool’s premises to consolidate their learning prior to taking their exams. “Finding modern premises accessible from the motorway network and Bristol Airport, and with sufficient parking, was key.” ● A Bristol firm has brokered a deal to buy one of the South West’s most recognisable commercial buildings. The green Morrisons distribution centre off the M5 near Bridgwater has been bought by Aviva Investments as the supermarket looks to dispose of assets. But the company will continue to operate from the site. Tim Davies who heads up Colliers International’s Bristol office which brokered the deal, said: “There is stiff competition in the investment market for quality buildings occupied by strong covenants. Funds are hungry for opportunities in the South West as they see the local economy continuing to grow.”

Cambridge & 1.80% Counties Bank £10,000 deposit Shawbrook Bank

1.40% £5,000 deposit

Source:

Petrol prices .81p

129 134 138 69

Unleaded

.08p

Diesel

.59p Super unleaded

.08p LPG

Source: PetrolPrices.com