Business 14 October 2015

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GAMES ROOM

ROLE MODEL

BIG INTERVIEW

Showroom the biggest of its kind in Europe – page 3

Beauty contestant an inspiration with her business – page 5

Law firm boss makes the case for making work fun – p8&9

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OPEN BIONICS

THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE . . .

The Bristol tech firm creating amazing bionic hands for child amputees inspired by Star Wars – see page 7 EPB-E01-S3

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Tech

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Retail

Computer firm announces its global ambition ● SUPER computer maker Cray Inc has announced ambitious plans for a Europe, Middle East and Africa research lab in its Bristol offices.

The firm made the revelation at the 2015 International High Performance Computing User Forum in Paris.

The lab will work on large research and development projects with key customers and partners.

It will be at the forefront of the firm’s work with what it calls the “European high performance computing ecosystem”.

The company makes super computers which cost millions of pounds to customers, including the Met Office.

It opened its European HQ in Bristol earlier this year.

The research lab should position Cray to work with new and existing customers on various projects such as special research and development initiatives, working with them on bespoke computers to solve their specific problems.

Steve Scott, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Cray, said: “Establishing a dedicated research lab in the region allows us to further engage with our customers in co-designing solutions for their current and future supercomputing requirements.

“The European market is vitally important to Cray.

“With the recent opening of our regional headquarters in Bristol, a new Cray EMEA Research Lab, and a growing customer base in the region, our commitment to the European HPC community is stronger than ever.”

Sale

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‘Exciting’ times ahead after new acquisition ● AN Avonmouth company that supplies motor, pump and gearbox repair and maintenance to the water and rail industries has been bought by a Scottish firm.

Parsons Peebles Group, a Clyde Blowers Capital company, has acquired Anstee & Ware Ltd. The acquisition means the group can offer more services and in more locations. Its employee numbers rise from 120 to 270, creating what bosses believe will be one of the strongest players in the UK electrical service market.

Group chief executive Frank Barrett said: “Anstee & Ware are a high quality company with an excellent reputation and strong customer relationships.

“They will enable access to new market sectors, significantly enhance our coverage and add a service capability on specific mechanical equipment. I’m very excited about the additional capability this acquisition brings and we look forward to delivering even better service to our growing customer base.”

Jonathan Anstee, who represented the sellers in the deal, said: “We consider this sale very beneficial to the future growth of Anstee & Ware. The combined strengths of the two companies will deliver one of the most comprehensive electromechanical service providers in the UK.”

● Staff at Cadbury Garden Centre in Congresbury

In full bloom Revamped garden centre reopens creating 40 jobs Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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GARDEN centre near Bristol has reopened after a 13-week redevelopment which has created 41 new jobs.

Owner Wyevale Garden Centres has given Cadbury Garden Centre in Congresbury, North Somerset, a makeover.

The new-look space, which is the largest garden centre in Bristol, includes a 91,221sq ft outdoor area.

The owners are aiming to create the

“ultimate retail destination” combining shopping, leisure, dining and events.

The are hoping to spark a love of gardening in all ages and offers a choice of thousands of different plants, shrubs and trees.

Features include: ● A new botanic kitchen, an open plan eatery serving breakfasts, afternoon teas and hearty mains; ● A kids’ soft play area; ● Walter Smith Farm Shop, offering locally-sourced produce; ● Costa coffee shop; ● And new concessions including a Clarks Outlet, Christy, Mountain Warehouse, Laithwaites Wines, Craft shop and Yankee Candle.

The new concessions and shops within the garden centre are helping create the new jobs.

Centre manager Paul Butchers said: “Our new-look garden centre will not only offer quality, range and value to customers who love their home and garden; but also a unique day-out destination for all the family to enjoy.

“We look forward to welcoming new customers through our doors and are confident they will enjoy the experience.

“With the countdown to Christmas already beginning and our Christmas Preview Night around the corner, we are also looking forward to bringing the joy of Christmas to Bristol.”

The centre has also appointed charity and environment champions who will be responsible for building links with the local community.

James Searle-Mallon will be responsible for raising money for the Wyevale chosen charities, Marie Curie and NSPCC, as well as any local charities the centre chooses to support.

Meanwhile Gary Upham Jones has been made environment champion, responsible for spearheading campaigns to reduce the impact the business has on the environment.

The centre has planned a series of events to pull in shoppers, including half-term activities, a Christmas grotto and a food festival.

Tech

3D printing firm moves into another dimension A GROWING Bristol 3D printing company aims to break new ground by building a new Additive Manufacturing Technology Centre.

HiETA Technologies, based at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, specialises in additive manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D printing.

The process uses layers of material to create 3D objects and components.

The firm will offer what it calls a full A-to-Z service that will take customers from concept through to product at the site.

HiETA has grown quickly since it was founded in 2012 from a hot-desk at the park to a 24-strong team.

The centre will create six new jobs.

It will comprise a large office space

for design work, a materials room, on-site additive manufacturing machines and a testing lab.

The development of the centre follows a grant from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership.

Chief executive Mike Adams, pictured, said: “The success of HiETA over the last two and a-half years is testament to the collaborative environment that we call our home, Bristol and Bath Science Park.

“We have built strong relationships with other tenants like CFMS and Altair that have served us very well.

“We believe our additive manufacturing technology centre presents an exciting opportunity for innovative manufacturers who like the flexibility that the process can offer them.

“Our full service offering means that clients will be able to see the whole process under one roof and be confident that we have every stage of the process, from initial concept through to part delivery, covered.”

The firm has developed components for the automotive, defence, aerospace and clean energy sectors, working alongside organisations including the Ministry of Defence and InnovateUK. Iain Gray chairman of the steering committee at Bristol & Bath Science Park, in Emersons Green, said: “HiETA is an exemplar tenant that

illustrates exactly what we are trying to achieve here at BBSP, from start-up, to successful company and market leader.

“The growth and innovation within the walls of HiETA’s developing centre come hand in hand with our future ambitions for the Science Park that were unveiled earlier this year.

“It is an exciting time for the industry and we are delighted to be a part of the foundations of HiETA’s development.”

The science park has attracted more than 40 tenants, which have helped to create 350 jobs since 2011.

www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Leisure

Biggest in Europe Games supplier opens new star-studded showroom Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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GAMES room supplier has opened a new showroom just north of Bristol which it believes makes it the biggest of its kind in Europe.

Home Leisure Direct has added a new showroom to its existing two, meaning the three combined now have a floor space covering more than 7,500 square feet.

The showrooms display an array of products that includes 32 pool tables, seven table tennis tables, four foosball tables, six jukeboxes, 22 pinball machines, 18 arcade machines and a 12-foot shuffleboard.

The showrooms have been developed from converted barns in Elberton, just north of Bristol.

Managing director Andy Beresford said: “In our line of work getting your hands on our products is a vital part of the customer experience.

“As they say ‘the sizzle sells the sausage’ and our showroom is certainly sizzling. Allowing our customers to try their hands at a wide range of the equipment that we offer enables them to appreciate just what they’ll be getting – and hopefully inspire them to consider even more possibilities.”

He added: “Our showrooms are the largest of their type in Europe. Their combined size and scale puts us at the forefront of the European market as no other games room supplier is able to offer a similar setup.

“Our existing showrooms used to attract visitors from far and wide, with some flying in from overseas solely to pay us a visit.

“With the introduction of our new showroom we hope to encourage even more to swing by and see what we’ve got on show.”

Alongside the games equipment, the showrooms house a selection of sporting and movie memorabilia on the walls, including signed football shirts from Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Gascoigne and Pele, which are all for sale.

And a soon-to-be-launched range of home bars is also featured, with samples of on tap beverages.

● The Home Leisure Direct team led by husband and wife Andy and Michelle Beresford and dogs Charlie and Frank in front: above, inside the showroom The company invited key clients and customers to celebrate the launch, mingling with some of the UK’s leading games room players, including pool’s Mosconi cup winner Karl Boyes, Commonwealth Games table tennis gold medallist Ryan Jenkins and Team GB foosball captain Ben Mason.

Andy said: “It was great to see so many in attendance. There were

around 200 across the course of the day, which was a fantastic turn out given everyone’s busy schedule.

“We’re absolutely delighted with our finished showroom so we were pleased that we were able to show it off to so many. We look forward to welcoming more customers through our doors as we continue.”

So far in 2015 the company has already won three awards covering

customer service, best small business, and best leisure, entertainment and sports ecommerce retailer.

It has also been shortlisted as a finalist in the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards, featuring in two categories; The Lloyds Bank Digital Business of the Year and The Lloyds Bank Small to Medium-Sized Business of the Year. The winners are due to be announced on November 10.

Finance

Money&Co founder to guide Clifton expansion million in funding to more than 1,500 businesses. Nesta research found almost two-thirds of SMEs using pension-led funding saw their profits rise and almost half employed more people.

Nicola, right, has been a leading fund manager in the City of London for over 30 years. During that time, she has set up and managed several investment businesses. Crowdfunding platform Money&Co has a shared interest with Clifton as it provides loans to SMEs looking to grow their businesses.

She said: “I get approached for non-exec roles almost every week, but what particularly attracted me to Clifton was that pension-led funding

is something genuinely original and disruptive in the pension space. Pension-led funding has the potential to become a much more mainstream funding solution for SMEs – particularly as the government, through pension freedom, has changed the mindset of not touching your pension until retirement. As a result, we are seeing a new wave of entrepreneurs turning to their pension funds for growth capital.”

Adam Tavener, chairman of Clifton Asset Management, said: “We’re delighted Nicola has decided to be-

come a non-executive director. Her huge experience in the City and in the alternative funding market will benefit Clifton and pensionledfunding.com.”

He added: “Pension-led funding has huge growth potential. Many entrepreneurs and business owners have been forced to give personal guarantees, often putting their family home at risk. Pension-led funding allows business owners to invest in their businesses and potentially create a larger pot of money for their retirement if the business succeeds.”

Financial

Huge public interest in Lloyds Bank shares ● MORE than 120,000 investors have registered an interest in the upcoming public sell off of Lloyds Bank shares with Bristol investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown.

It shows there’s been more than Bake Off on the minds of the Great British public in the last week, as the £2 billion sale of the Government’s remaining stake in the bank is planned for next spring.

And the overall number interested will be much higher, as this figure only relates to those registering on the website of the FTSE 100 investment specialist.

Lloyds is already the most popular stock amongst Hargreaves Lansdown share investors, and finds its way into the portfolios of Junior ISA investors and drawdown investors alike, which the firm says is testament to the broad appeal enjoyed by the stock.

Senior analyst Laith Khalaf said: “Sid has come out in force to find out more about the forthcoming sale of Lloyds shares.

“The bank is a trusted high street name and will be offered on attractive terms for investors, which has generated a wave of interest from the public.

“Lloyds has a broad appeal amongst investors, and shares in the company find their way into accounts ranging from Junior ISAs for children, right through to the drawdown portfolios of pensioners looking for income.

“The tremendous level of interest in the Lloyds sale demonstrates how high profile offerings can really capture the public imagination, and get people thinking about investing for their future.”

Tourism

Holiday park buy-out safeguards 18 jobs ● JOBS have been saved after a Weston-super-Mare holiday park was bought out.

West Country Park Homes has acquired Purn Holiday Park for an undisclosed seven-figure deal with support from Barclays. The move safeguards 18 jobs and adds to the company’s portfolio of nine caravan parks in Somerset. The 28-acre park sits in the greenbelt landscape of Bleadon, housing 165 static caravan pitches and space for 60 touring caravans along with numerous pitches for tents. It also has a clubhouse, including bar, restaurant and an indoor swimming pool.

Director Sean Abrahams said: “We look forward to carrying on the work started by its previous owners.”

Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1 Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07584 003229 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk

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BRISTOL firm Clifton Asset Management has appointed Money&Co chief executive and founder Nicola Horlick as a non-executive director.

The high-profile appointment will provide the board with expertise to help guide the pension-led funding specialist through the next phase of its growth.

Based in Ham Green, just outside Bristol in North Somerset, the company helps the owners small and medium-sized companies to invest in their business from their own pension funds. The firm won the Best Alternative Provider Award in 2014 and is one of the largest providers of alternative business finance in the UK having facilitated more than £250

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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Aerospace

Airbus plane will provide longest passenger flights in the world Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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IRBUS has launched a longer range version of its A350-900 plane to service the world’s longest haul route, with much of the key modification works to be carried out in Filton.

The Ultra Long Range version is being created for Singapore Airlines and will be able to fly for 19 hours, meaning the carrier can fly non-stop to the United States.

It will include a modified fuel system to increase the fuel carrying capacity, an increase in maximum take-off weight, plus aerodynamic improvements, which will give a range not just to the US West Coast but as far as New York on the East Coast.

At a distance of some 8,700 nautical miles, the New York service will be the world’s longest commercial passenger route, with an expected flight time of up to 19 hours.

The airline will also be able to re-configure the planes to the standard long-haul A350-900 specification should they need to later on.

Engineers at the Filton plant in Bristol will be modifying the fuel system, improving the aerodynamic lift to cope with a heavier aircraft, and re-certifying the landing gear for the increased maximum take-off weight.

Airbus president and chief executive Fabrice Brégier said: “We are excited to be working with Singapore Airlines to re-launch its premium non-stop service to the US. “The A350 is the perfect, flexible platform for such operations, offering unrivalled operating economics for the very longest routes.

“And the wider and quieter cabin will provide the perfect environment for passengers to enjoy the world-famous Singapore Airlines in-flight product.”

The airline’s chief executive, Goh Choon Phong, said: “Our customers have been asking us to re-start non-stop Singapore-US flights and we are pleased that Airbus was able to offer the right aircraft to do so in a commercially viable manner.

“This is another example of how we

● The A350-900; below, the Fuel Test Facility at Filton; bottom, A350 XWB landing gear test rig; left, Robert Pimm, gear installation engineer, working on the newly installed A350 XWB nose landing gear

strive to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations by remaining at the forefront of product and service innovation in our industry. It will also further strengthen the Singapore hub by providing the fastest and most convenient air connectivity between North America and Southeast Asia.”

“ We are excited to be

working with Singapore Airlines to re-launch its non-stop service to the US.

Under an amendment to the carrier’s existing order for 63 A350-900s, seven of the aircraft will now be delivered with the Ultra-Long Range capability.

In addition, the airline has ordered four extra A350-900s, taking its total firm orders for the A350 XWB Family to 67.

Awards

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Uplifting offices are the UK’s best workplace

THE UK’s best workplace is in ...

Keynsham. The town’s new civic centre was given the top prize in the British Council for Offices National Awards last night.

The judges singled out Keynsham Civic Centre & One Stop Shop in recognition of the building providing an environmentally sustainable, low maintenance and flexible workspace, whilst acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of the town.

The judges felt the Civic Centre clearly served the local community with half of the building given over to public realm, as well as providing

valuable retail space to stimulate the revival of the town’s High Street.

As a workplace for the local council, the judges praised the building’s impressive use of natural light to create an “uplifting workspace” as well as the design of the office floors which lend themselves toward flexibility and encourage collaborative working.

The team behind the building were also commended for conducting a thorough and impressive stakeholder engagement process, from the inception of the project through to completion.

● The Keynsham Civic Centre and One Stop Shop Peter Crowther, property director at Bruntwood Estates and awards chairman, said: “This is an inspirational development that improves

working practices and offers much to the local community in terms of its public facilities and its form within the urban landscape.

Training

Young entrepreneur a true inspiration ● A YOUNG entrepreneur has become a motivational speaker looking to encourage others to raise their aspirations.

Tanaka Chigwada, 21, is an entrepreneur and a youth ambassador for social enterprise Babbasa which reaches out to people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and also a resident on the E-Spark powered by Natwest incubation programme.

“I was born in Zimbabwe and have had a tough upbringing,” he said. “I’ve been through a lot of struggles, which shaped me as a person and defined my aspirations. I didn’t know many people who ran their own businesses. I also did not know how to access the right information or knew people willing to support me with my ideas of inspiring other young people to live a better life.”

Tanaka, above, first heard of Babbasa last year and got involved with its annual ‘Ask About Me’ project, where he gave presentations to both businesses and young people by taking part.

And he hasn’t looked back since.

“They also helped me to finally secure a mentor, who supported me with getting my ideas down on paper and turning them into a business plan,” said Tanaka.

“Babbasa has enabled me to see the hard work that’s required in running a business day in, day out and it has given me the drive to further reach out and encourage other young people to not allow their environment to limit their dreams. Young people need to believe in their ambitions and not to be afraid of dreaming big.”

Luke Sapsed, CEO of KOJI, a soft drink brand, became Tanaka’s mentor, through the Babbasa scheme. The Ask About Me project is a training programme, networking event and mentoring scheme. It takes place at Bristol Hotel on Saturday, October 24.

Find out more at https://aam2015.eventbrite.co.uk or contact Amy on admin@byep.org.uk or 07548 645179.

“Whereas the scale and formality of a number of civic buildings can often serve to drive away the people they are designed to accommodate, this development provides a clear, accessible and inviting beacon of civic pride.

“To achieve all of this whilst also delivering such a low carbon building is remarkable.”

BCO chief executive Richard Kauntze added: “The judges were unanimous in the opinion that the Keynsham Civic Centre & One Stop Shop is an excellent building that offers much to the local community.

“At a time where office space is in high demand, creating a dynamic workplace that delivers to both those using the space, and the community it forms part of, is more important than ever.”

The civic centre took the corporate workplace prize as well as the best of the best award. It was the only winner in the South West.

www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Care services

Economy

How beauty contestant turned her business around with new attitude

‘Steady growth but spending to slow’

Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk

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52-YEAR-OLD Bristol businesswoman is one of the oldest nominated finalists in a national beauty pageant, after being selected for the finals of the Ms Galaxy competition for 2016.

Shelley Reice is managing director of Thornbury-based Careflo and, newly anointed as Ms North Bristol, is one of the eldest in the national over-30s category, which is being run this year for the first time as part of the Miss Galaxy UK pageants.

She hopes to inspire women of all ages to recognise that there are no limits to their potential, having set up her care business with nothing but a telephone from an office in Thornbury eight years ago.

As the business grew Shelley suffered the classic challenges which face many entrepreneurs, taking on more and more responsibility and finding it difficult to delegate.

“I was caring for patients,” she said, “at the same time as running the business – doing the admin, co-ordinating other carers, managing staff and even doing the bookkeeping.

“It was unsustainable and around last Christmas I was at a real low.

“But I visited a couple of women’s business meetings, worked with a great coach and mentor, as well as some great accountants, to get things on track.

“Now the company’s firing on all cylinders and we’re branching out to offer a full range of care-related services. It’s an exciting time.”

Following a recent re-brand Careflo, formerly known as Complimenting Care Training Services, has developed into a business which offers the full suite of care services through three strands: domiciliary care through Careflo Care; wellness treatments through to Careflo Holistic; and care training through Careflo Training.

The company turns over nearly £1 million per year and employs 50 carers who work at homes around South Gloucestershire.

● Shelley Reice, who has been chosen for the finals of the Ms Galaxy competition for 2016 Shelley has a 17-year-old son Matthew who is currently at college studying business studies and lives at home with her in Alveston.

She said: “He says that seeing me entering a beauty pageant is quite funny but I think he’s quite proud, too. It started off as a bit of fun – an idea my personal trainer came up with. But as it’s gone on, I’ve got more into it. Now being selected as a finalist has given me a lot of self-confidence. It’s made me realise that anyone can do anything they want to, if they put their mind to it.

“From where I was last year, to where I am now with the business… I didn’t know which way to turn but

“ If this can show other

women in business, or in life generally, that just changing the way you think can turn your whole life around, then that can only be a good thing.

having the clarity of vision that I have now is a really empowering thing.

“If this can help draw some attention and my story can show other women in business, or in life generally, that just changing the way you think can turn your whole life around, then that can only be a good thing.”

The Ms Galaxy UK 2016 competition is the inaugural over-30s contest in the annual Miss Galaxy UK beauty pageant. Nine category winners from around the country will represent the UK in the finals in America later next year. The pageant is raising funds this year for NHS cancer hospital The Christie.

Overseas investment

China views Bristol as latest investment target

● Guangzhou in southern China

announcement that Chinese investment will be part-funding the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, near Bridgwater.

“These investors have been attracted by the fact Bristol has a strong economy, and by concerns that London is overheating and will provide less opportunity for growth.”

The Colliers International Bristol office works closely with the West of England China bureau, established to build links between the South West and China, and in particular Bristol’s twin city Guangzhou.

Tim said: “There are regular Bristol trade missions to China organised by the West of England China Bureau, and these have done much to raise

awareness of the many investment and trade opportunities that can be found in the West Country.”

The Colliers’ Q3 2015 Capital Flows Report predicts that strong inflows of capital to Europe from domestic and international investors will result in record volumes in 2015, with this pattern likely to continue into 2016.

The research identifies three distinct waves of Asian investment into European real estate: long-term players such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Japanese capital; mid-term entrants including Malaysian and Korean Pension Funds; and thirdly, fresh capital like Chinese and Taiwanese insurance companies, Thai investors and Indonesian developers.

● THE economy will continue to post solid growth rates over the next three years but, as consumer spending slows, business will have to rely on harder-to-win gains from increases in investment and productivity, according to the EY ITEM Club Autumn Forecast.

The club says over the last year consumers have enjoyed a “sugar rush” as falling commodity prices pushed inflation down to zero.

However, a combination of rising inflation – expected to start going up in the winter despite this week’s fall – and a tightening fiscal policy will see consumer spending growth slow from three per cent in 2015 to 2.6 per cent in 2016 and 2.1 per cent in 2017.

The forecast predicts that the recent upturn in productivity will continue, as firms use their strong financial position to step up investment. This, in turn, should allow wage growth to continue to steadily accelerate and help firms to weather the impact of the National Living Wage.

As a result, the club expects GDP growth to reach 2.5 per cent this year before it slows to 2.4 per cent in 2016 and 2.3 per cent in 2017.

Richard Jones, EY’s senior partner in Bristol, said: “UK productivity is set to improve, but to accelerate growth South West businesses will need to step up their efforts to improve their operations.

“After years of relying on offshoring, outsourcing and plentiful labour to reduce costs, the ability of businesses to drive real change in their activity now comes to the test.”

Economy

Interest rates likely to stay same into 2016 ● INFLATION in the UK fell back to below zero, at -0.1 per cent, making an interest rate rise unlikely until the middle of next year, according to a Bristol expert.

Ben Brettell, senior economist at Hargreaves Lansdown in Bristol, said the fall was down to the “usual suspect” of falling fuel costs, coupled with smaller-thanusual increases in clothing prices.

He said: “The rate of consumer price inflation has now been zero, or close enough to make no difference, since February.

“It’s expected to climb in the coming months as the big drop in fuel prices falls out of the year-onyear calculation, but core inflation, which strips out volatile components like food and energy, also remains weak at one per cent.

“This offers little suggestion that underlying inflationary pressures are building in the UK economy, despite continuing strength in wage growth. Figures due out tomorrow are expected to show pay growing at 3.1 per cent.”

He said global risks to the UK, especially surrounding China and other emerging markets, have been well-documented, but there were also signs the domestic economy could be faltering.

“While the impact of rising wages remains notable by its absence in the inflation figures,” said Ben, “I expect the Bank of England to focus on the risks and exercise caution on interest rates.

“I see them remaining at 0.5 per cent into the second half of next year, and quite possibly longer.”

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BRISTOL and the South West are being targeted by Chinese investors seeking overseas opportunities in response to their nation’s current economic uncertainties.

Tim Davies, head of the Bristol office of commercial property experts Colliers International, said: “The difficulties being experienced by the Chinese economy have resulted in Chinese investors seeking new outlets, and this has led to inward investment into the UK. “Initially this was focussed almost exclusively in London but more recently Chinese Investors have looked to the leading regional centres, especially Bristol and the South West.

“This is illustrated by the recent

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Online

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Day care

Design

Courses make digital more accessible

Architects move into city’s Colston Tower

● BRISTOL businesses have taken a central role in helping the Government-backed Digital Business Academy launch a second tier of courses aimed at enabling UK SMEs improve their profile and trade online.

The new courses are now live on the Digital Business Academy website - www.digitalbusiness academyuk.com with one – ‘How to Use Social Media for Business’ – having been designed by digital marketing consultancy Valuable Content, based at Spike Island in Bristol.

It aims to demonstrate how to make the most of social media for business.

Richard Dennys, pictured, head of Digital Business Academy, said: “Small business owners are aware of the value that having a good online presence and trading capability can provide, but it is another thing knowing how to go about getting that right.”

Valuable Content founder Sonja Jefferson said: “It was a great privilege to have been picked to create this course but also we were very aware of the responsibility that we wanted to be able to make something that everyone could get involved with “To do this we were privileged to be able to work with three outstanding companies who are all very different and who have been successful in making social media an integral part of how they go about their day-to-day business lives.”

The businesses featured on the course are start-up Bristol-based dining app Wriggle, online beer club BeerBods and Clutton Cox Solicitors, based in Chipping Sodbury.

Paul Hajek, managing director of Clutton Cox Solicitors, said: “We are a small firm in Chipping Sodbury and have been around for many years, so it could be surprising that we have been so successful through our online and social media channels.

“But I realised quite early on as I was using the internet for my own research to find things I needed how powerful a tool it would be.”

● ARCHITECTURAL practice Chapman Taylor has moved its Bristol design studio into new premises at Colston Tower as a result of the company’s growth.

Property consultancy JLL secured new premises for the firm at the landmark building, which enables the company to remain in the heart of the city and will accommodate up to 25 architects.

The office was established in January 2012 to create new opportunities for the practice.

Bristol director Nick Thursby said: “The new ‘tower studio’ will allow the office to double in size over the coming years whilst maintaining its welcoming, productive, imaginative nature.”

Hannah Waterhouse, associate director at JLL in Bristol, added: “We were delighted to be appointed by Chapman Taylor and pleased to secure offices which met their expectations.”

The pan-European real estate investor acquired Colston Tower in 2014. Its plan for the building includes refurbishment and branding to reposition it within Bristol’s burgeoning creative and digital market.

● Tony and Bev Driffield with Mama Bear

Bear necessities Couple expand nursery portfolio Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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HUSBAND-and-wife run business is getting ready to open its 22nd site in the new year. Mama Bear’s Day Nursery has expanded quickly with most of its sites in the Bristol area.

Bev and Tony Driffield’s next endeavour will be on the new Hanham Hall housing development in Whittucks Road.

Located in the picturesque residential area, the nursery itself will be housed in a striking grade II listed building, which is being converted for its new use.

The nursery has its own gardens as well as access to three parks and play areas, a secret garden and a nature walk area with a pond.

Bev said: “We are so excited to be

opening a new nursery in Hanham and adding to our portfolio of much-loved nurseries in Bristol.

“This nursery will not only serve the families who will be moving in to their new homes at Hanham Hall but also other families living or working in the local area, looking for quality childcare.

“At the moment we are working really hard to completely renovate the nursery and create our purpose-built rooms which are suitable for each age group from babies to toddlers. The home-from-home feel is something we ensure we install in each of our nurseries and the same will be said for our Hanham setting.

“While we will not be officially open until the new year we are inviting any families interested in looking around and finding out more to come along and see us from November.

“We will also be taking registrations straight away and we expect this nursery to be fully-subscribed so

Growth

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Firms stand out as star performers mid-market SIX Bristol companies have been listed in an annual table of mid-market star performers.

The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table ranks the UK’s private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales.

Topping the Bristol contingent was energy supplier Ovo, based near Temple Meads, with sales of £339 million, ranked 63rd overall.

Building firm Integral followed, ranked 74th, with £309 million sales.

Next was Oasis Dental Care, 119th, with sales of £234 million.

The provider of NHS, private and

specialist dental care in the UK, has moved up an impressive 90 places. In the last year, the firm, which now has 350 practices across the UK and Republic of Ireland, has gone through a period of rapid expansion – growing by over a third in size.

It now uses almost 1,500 dentists and 3,000 staff to deliver dentistry to its 2.8 million patients and believes as it continues to expand, consistency in delivering quality dental services to patients across its practices will be vital to its success.

Chief executive Justin Ash said: “Seeing the company jump so many

● Justin Ash places in this year’s Top Track 250 is a real achievement and testament to the hard work that the team have put in across the board.

Drink

Hospice to benefit from brewery funds

I’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch soon.”

Mama Bear’s is a family-run business founded in 2002 with its offices nearby in Hanham.

It now runs nurseries across Bristol, Somerset and Devon, aimed at providing children with their first stage of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.

Bev added: “It will be run to the same high standards as our other nurseries with a friendly atmosphere and purpose-built rooms suitable for each individual age-group.

“We put a massive focus on the quality of care we provide. Mama Bear’s has gained a reputation in the South West for offering the highest quality, affordable care and has been awarded an Outstanding grade by Ofsted every year since 2009. It is this commitment to quality that has allowed us to grow to 22 nurseries and we look forward to caring for more children in the years to come.”

● THE Hare Foundation, a charity set up by South West brewer Bath Ales, has donated £5,000 to St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol.

The funds donated to Bristol’s only adult hospice, will help towards the work the charity does to improve the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, as well as to offer comfort and guidance for their loved ones.

To raise money, the business has organised many charitable events such as sponsored bike rides, cake sales and dress-down Fridays. Substantial donations were received from the Bath Ales-owned Graze Bar and Chophouses in the South West, from customers generously adding to the funds.

Foundation trustee Karin Ashwell said: “We are delighted to be able to help St Peter’s. After a visit to the centre in Brentry, the trustees all agreed that the work the hospice does for, and with, local families is fantastic.”

“It’s been a year of tremendous growth, driven by both organic growth and acquisitions and mergers.”

Catering equipment supplier Nisbets, 128th, is next with £226.7 million sales; then building product supplier Taylor Maxwell, 171st, £183.5 million; and finally recruitment consultancy Resource Solutions Group, 182nd, £176.2 million.

The Clifton-based recruitment consultancy expanded into Europe this year, opening offices in Munich, Amsterdam and Dublin, and grew sales 12 per cent in 2014.

Chief executive Mike Beesley said: “We are delighted to have made such an inroad on the Sunday Times Fast Track 250 this year by leaping 15 places.

“In the 40 years we have been operating as a business, this year we have seen significant levels of expansion and growth with the opening of four new offices, three of which are

outside of the UK, so it’s great to have that recognised at a national level.

“The result is testimony to the dedication and talent of everyone who works at RSG as they consistently deliver excellence and I’m grateful for their continued support and enthusiasm in getting the job done to the highest standards possible.”

Tim Lincoln, head of the Bristol office at Grant Thornton, sponsor of the league table, praised the companies for their performance.

“It’s inspiring to see such a diverse range of businesses creating growth opportunities both at home and abroad and positively contributing to the UK economy,” he said.

“The fact that over half of the Top Track 250 businesses are headquartered outside of London and the south east speaks to the growing influence of the regional business hubs and the opportunity these present in the creation of a more vibrant UK economy.”

www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Tech

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Property

The world-first Disney deal that’s making bionic hands cool for kids Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

A

BRISTOL company is creating amazing bionic hands for amputees inspired by Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars characters.

It means child amputees or those born without hands can be the coolest kids in class, thanks to Open Bionics which has signed a world-first deal with Disney.

The first prototypes are the Iron Man hand, LightSabre hand and the Snowflake hand, inspired by Queen Elsa from Frozen.

Open Bionics, based at the Bristol Robotics Lab at the UWE Frenchay campus has been working on ground-breaking robotics hands for amputees with the goal of dramatically cutting the cost of high quality limbs by using 3D scanning and printing techniques.

The company, which is staffed by just a handful of people, recently won a place on the Disney-backed Tech Stars scheme, which picks a small number of tech companies and gives them three months of intensive mentoring and support out in California.

And clearly they’ve made some good contacts, resulting in the landmark Disney deal.

Chief operating officer Samantha Payne – a regular columnist for the Bristol Post Business section – said: “We’ve spent a year developing hands for adult amputees and something that struck us nearly every time we spoke with an older amputee was just how much of a social stigma they faced growing up.

“We’re now living in a society where we can embrace our differences and we like being unique.

“It’s really important for us to encourage young people with limb differences to see themselves as cool.

“They’re not lacking anything, they just have a difference. So we’re making bionic hands to celebrate those differences. We’re making prosthetics cool.”

The team has used their time in the Disney programme productively, to develop the first child versions.

Prominent offices are now fully let

● Open Bionics founders Joel Gibbard and Samantha Payne

“We’ve spent the last three months working on hands for children and developed two wearable prototypes,” said Samantha.

“The kids loved them. We fitted a 10-year-old boy called Logan, and a 12-year-old girl called Sydney, both children born without hands.

“It was amazing to see how quick Logan responded to the device.

“He was controlling the fingers and changing the different grip modes with ease. It was very promising and the first time Open Bionics has fitted a child.

“We 3D scanned his left hand and

3D printed him a right hand based on the size of his left. I’m pretty sure there hasn’t been a bionic hand made that is so proportional to the wearer.

“We’re now focused on furthering the development of these hands, so we can release children’s and adult’s hands next year.”

Open Bionics has now graduated from the Tech Stars Disney Accelerator.

Samantha added: “We’re very lucky to have received worldclass mentoring and business coaching as part of this accelerator programme.”

Disney owns both Marvel and Lucasfilm, and Open Bionics has secured the royalty free licence to produce bionic hands based on characters from Marvel, Star Wars and the smash hit animated film Frozen.

To give an idea of the popularity of the brands, the latest Marvel film Avengers: Age of Ultron which featured Iron Man has made so far $1.4 billion while Frozen is not far behind at $1.2 billion.

● THE 76,000 sq ft One Castlepark office building in central Bristol is now fully let, following the securing of three lettings within recent weeks by landlord, Circle Property Unit Trust.

The prominent seven-storey building, above, is situated between Temple Quarter and Cabot Circus and has recently seen the extensive refurbishment of the final office suites.

Acting on behalf of the trust, Knight Frank and Alder King have let a third floor suite, comprising 4,898 sq ft, to Heat Recruitment Limited on a five year lease and a further 4,898 sq ft to BaseKit Platform Limited at fifth floor level on a ten year lease.

Meanwhile, existing tenant Irwin Mitchell Solicitors has expanded its presence in the building, and will now occupy 11,893 sq ft on the top two floors of the building.

Martin Booth, partner in the office agency team at Knight Frank in Bristol, said: “This flurry of deals is indicative of a strong market with occupiers keen to secure high-quality refurbished space.

One Castlepark provides exactly this space.

“Sadly, other occupiers have been disappointed by the absence of further available space within the building.”

Tom Dugay of Alder King added: “The location of One Castlepark between Cabot Circus and Temple Meads station makes it popular both with occupiers and with their employees. The recent successes come as no surprise within the Bristol office market.”

DTZ acted on behalf of BaseKit Platform Limited. JLL acted on behalf of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors.

Marketing

Young talent helping GWS growth “In return, we offer training and mentoring, which aids personal and professional development.”

Richard, 69, who is the marketing and financial director for GWS Media and a published author, added: “In many ways this is a young person’s business and they help to keep us on our toes.

“We are optimistic about the future and hope to continue to grow in the upcoming months and continue to develop young talent.”

Senior graphic designer Ian Richmond, 29, is one of the longest serving employees after Richard and David spotted his work at a UWE exhibition in 2007.

He said: “It happened much quick-

er than I expected or hoped for. I think UWE helps to develop a creative mind while also providing practical support.

“I really enjoy working for GWS because of the variety of work involved and the range of clients we work with. We cover anything from branding to web design.”

UWE graduate and marketing executive Lauren Dickson, 21, is now a full-time employee after completing a six month internship.

She said: “I’ve learned so much since I started working with GWS and would definitely recommend an internship to anyone interested in developing their skills in the workplace.”

● Apprentices join long serving members at GWS Media University of Bristol student Catrin Harris, 19, is on a part-time work placement as a computer coder with GWS Media, while studying for a degree in Chemical Physics.

She said: “I did some computer coding as part of my physics module.

The university encourages this as it can be applied to physic experiments and makes you more employable.”

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A BRISTOL web design and online marketing company has expanded its team – with more than half of the new recruits coming through apprenticeships.

GWS Media has employed half a dozen people as their client base continues to increase.

And the family firm has taken on four apprenticeships through placements from the University of the West of England and Bristol University.

David Graves, who set up the company in 2000 with his father, Richard, said: “I think it’s essential to renew our skillset and respond to a changing market. The apprentices have been brilliant, bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective.

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www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

The Big Interview

WE HAVE DYNAMIC STAFF WHO ARE FU He’s head of office at a leading large law firm but, as Gavin Thompson finds out, there’s more to Peter Clough than clients and casework

“

I AM the guardian of the ofthe individual cares about. The befice culture... it’s my job to nefits for OC, as the staff refer to the make sure people have a lot of firm, are happier and more rounded fun.” Perhaps not the words people. you’d expect from the head of “We want to attract the best talent,” office of one of the city’s biggest law he says. “Not just the best lawyers but fir ms. the ones who are good to work with You might expect winning cases or and relevant to our clients. clients to be top of the to-do list. But “We take being a good lawyer as Peter Clough is confident he has his given. We want people who are dypriorities right. namic, innovative and fun to work He has just started his three year with. I had a client ask me the other term as the head of the Bristol office day, he said ‘I’ve worked with lots of at Osborne Clarke and the firm is on a Osborne Clarke lawyers and they’ve high, having been named UK law firm all been fun to work with... what’s the of the year by two of the three big secret’. I found that a really gratifying legal trade publications. thing to hear.

Serious stuff. But Peter is a man “You want to hear people saying who takes fun seriously. This is a you did a great job and the people man, after all, who owns a Penny were good to work with and relevant Farthing. to our business. And I don’t think “I rode it from home to the office you’d get that in all law firms. the other day for National Cycle to “It really came home to me the Work Day,” says Peter. “Coming other day. I was at dinner with clients through Queen Square at 8.45am was and two of our associates. We talked quite amusing, people almost runabout the work and finished that and ning out of the way. It’s about six then the two of them were just fantmiles and I had to come the long way astically engaging with the client. to avoid Park Street.”

That’s what you want.

The bike was People who are good at handed down from his the legal part of the job grandfather, who had but also talking to a “treasure trove” of a people and underName: Peter Clough garage in Cornwall standing what they Title: Head of Bristol which also housed want from us. I was office of Osborne classic cars including really proud of them.”

Clarke a 1903 Dion Bouton The firm has a long Age: 48 which Peter will be pedigree in Bristol, From: St Ives, driving to Paris next having advised Brunel Cornwall. An amazing month with his famon the construction of place to grow up. ily. the Clifton Suspension Education: Cardiff The bike has had a Bridge.

University, studying few outings too, That puts Peter’s law, then Law School in mainly charity rides own career in perspectGuilford. through the counive. He joined in 1996.

First job: General pub tryside. “Usually by “It seems like yesterdogsbody at the Castle rivers as you tend to day,” he says.

Inn, St Ives. I knocked get flat sections,” he A commercial dison the door of the pub, says. “We’ve probably putes lawyer, Peter was I was too young to raised about £150,000 hired to grow the comwork behind the bar at for cancer charities mercial and corporate first but did barreling, over the years.” litigation division. cleaning, re-stocking.

This adventurous “Over the years we spirit crosses over developed that into a into work. Peter bepractice that is now lieves the company has an enviable doing huge international arbitration culture that needs to be protected. cases and we work for more than half “We’ve got a great social life at OC of the largest companies in the South in a fun and professional way,” he West,” he said. “Now the team has said. “We put on good purely social about 100 people, when I started it events for people. We have fancy dress was 20. It was tremendous fun.” parties. The last one was Great The firm has grown overall too. It Gatsby. People tend to really go for it employs 450 people in Bristol, the and I have to set the example. biggest office, but has 1,200 staff “We decided to go as a Barber Shop across 20 offices in nine legal jurQuintet and sang some silly songs. isdictions. Six of those territories are Sadly singing is not one of my talnew in the past five years. ents.”

Another part of Peter’s role is to The parties take place twice a year. continue that growth.

The previous one asked people to “We’ve done very well over the last dress up as what they really wanted to 10 years in growing the business, be when they grew up. Peter went as a attracting some fantastic clients and chef, largely so that he could throw expanding internationally,” he says. flour around. No one went as a lawyer.

“The key challenge is to keep up the Which is sort of the point. growth.

“If you want to have really well “To do that we have to make sure motivated interested people working that we help our clients succeed in for you, the last thing you want to do tomorrow’s world. We have to make is put everyone in a room and make sure the marketplace understands them do legal work all day,” says what we are about and how we can Peter. help them.”

That’s why the firm encourages The international reach is a key people to do charity, community or part of that offer. As is its strong links pro bono work. Everyone in the firm to the City. has a target of 25 hours a year of such “For businesses in the region wantwork. Some of it is done for the office ing to do transactions in London or chosen charities the rest for causes find investment, we are very well

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Vital statistics

My downtime I’ve got three kids so I spend a lot of time doing various sporting and other activities with the family. We sail together which is great partly because it’s fun and exciting and partly because they can’t get off! I love old cars and old bikes too. We’re doing the London to Brighton car rally soon in a 1903 veteran car which has been in the family since 1960 at least. A Dion Bouton.

It’s a labour of love. It gets to 30mph tops. We pile the kids in, get about eight in there.

● Peter with his Penny Farthing having ridden to his office on National Cycle to Work Day last month. He had cycled 6 miles in 50 minutes

www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

UN TO WORK WITH My working day Normally take my kids to school on the way in, about 8.30am. My day is spent on three main things, the office head role; looking after clients - I’m client relationship partner for a number of key clients; and then doing actual legal work in the litigation and arbitration team. I’ve just come from serving a notice on behalf of an Indian client on a Ghanaian company.

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Property

More big deals on the way in buoyant office market BRISTOL’S commercial property market remains buoyant and demand could prompt more speculative development in the city centre next year.

Martin Booth, pictured, partner in property consultancy Knight Frank’s Bristol office agency team, said city centre office take up for the third quarter of 2015 continued on the same trend as the first half of the year.

He said: “Following a pause for breath post-election and the good news from the general UK economy, occupier sentiment remains positive. Q3 take up of 131,162 sq ft was in line with the five and 10-year averages and we are all hoping for a strong finish to 2015.

“The quarter’s figures were not distorted by any unusually large deals. However, the quarter did have the largest deal to date this year, which was the letting of 14,494 sq ft to Civica in the Spectrum building.”

He added: “The autumn rush of new enquiries to the market has not materialised to the high levels we were hoping for.

“That said, enquiry levels remain healthy with demand for ‘creative’ or ‘quirky’ space far exceeding supply.

“To date in 2015 a further 128,000 sq ft of accommodation has been removed from the city centre office market for alternative uses, predominantly residential or student accommodation which increases the pressure on an already tight market.”

The out-of-town office market continued at a steady pace with the third quarter take up of 64,641 sq ft.

The largest deal was the letting of 12,831 sq ft at 740 Aztec West to Northgate.

● The Spectrum building “This comprehensive refurbishment by L&G has seen real success, with 38,534 sq ft already pre-let to Alcatel Lucent at the end of 2014,” said Martin. “It demonstrates a demand for high-quality product in a market where there is a real scarcity.”

Looking ahead, he said there could be some big deals to come.

“A number of the larger indigenous grade A and B requirements of more than 10,000 sq ft which have been circling the market are beginning to hone in on their preferred options, and we expect a number of those to land in Q4 2015,” he said.

“With availability now standing at its lowest level since September 2008, we anticipate speculative development will commence in Q1 2016 within the city centre.”

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2016 - 2017

“ You want to hear people saying you did a great job and the people were good to work with and relevant to our business.

ant too. “Bristol has become a real hub of professional services, legal services in particular,” he says. “The industry here was nothing like as significant 20 years ago.

“We are lucky enough to be very successful and that obviously helps with our talent attraction but the way Bristol has grown helps too, into a city people want to come and work in.”

The city still has challenges, one leaps out.

“Transport,” says Peter. “That’s the one thing the city really does need to sort out. Happily there are things going on but it will hold back the success of the city. The South Bristol Link road should help. It needs a coherent policy of road, rail, bus and tram.

“But Bristol has changed much for the better overall. It’s a very exciting, dynamic place.

“When I arrived the docks were derelict, Temple Quay area didn’t exit and the city needed to reinvent itself, which it has done really successfully.

The docks are now very vibrant, this area is fantastic. It’s been quite a success story in difficult times. There aren’t many cities to achieve that.”

And Temple Quay of course is now home to many serious players in the professional services.

As well as the odd one that doesn’t always take itself too seriously.

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placed to help them,” says Peter.

“We are a leading international business law firm with international reach, we can provide access to the City and are a good place to come for premium transaction work.”

The firm acts for more than half of the biggest firms in the South West, Peter says, but its interest goes beyond the corporate giants.

“We act for a lot of smaller businesses too,” he says. “We try to get a balanced portfolio of clients. We don’t want to just work for very large companies when there are some fantastic growth companies too.”

Bristol has had only a handful of companies floating or pulling in big private investment in the last couple of years. Are there more to come?

“Undoubtedly,” says Peter. “There will be more companies emerging who become very successful. People are now talking about Bristol as the Silicon Valley of the UK. If you look at some of the possibilities for Bristol tech companies it could be very interesting. We’re also seeing US companies coming here and setting up offices because they know it’s a place you can get people who innovate.”

In his 19 years in Bristol, Peter has seen the city change and grow. He says the firm is rarely short of people who want to come and work for it and while part of that is about its own reputation, Bristol’s image is import-

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www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Know how Nick Spicer Chief Operations Officer Your Group

How to gain EPC points with solar PV

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● WITH the Government bringing in measures in 2018 to improve energy efficiency, commercial property landlords will be turning to a suite of alternatives to address the properties Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) points.

The improvements that could save you the most energy depend on your property, but typical examples include insulation, heating, draught-proofing, double glazing and renewable energy generation through either solar panels or heat pumps.

As a business landlord which should you choose? A recent EPC Your Power completed saw the EPC range from 39 to 55 SAP points, an uplift of 16 points after installation of 4kW of solar.

From previous improvements you can expect to achieve 5-20 SAP points domestically with a much larger uplift for commercially let properties. Other technologies give a various range of SAP points, with solar only ranking behind condenser boilers in terms of points uplift.

Solar PV is the perfect way to reduce your energy bills, cut CO2 emissions, and ensure that at least part of your electricity requirements will be met whatever is happening to the grid.

With EPC SAP points solar is one of the easiest and most proven technologies to implement.

The system is quick to install with minimal impact on the business, not only increasing the efficiency of the building but also future proofing your energy needs.

Because solar generation is stable and easily modelled we can accurately forecast the number of units a system will generate over its 20 year lifetime.

By dividing the number of units by the system cost we can calculate a cost per unit, a price that is significantly lower than the current market rate for grid connected electricity.

In essence, installing solar PV enables you to pre-purchase power today at a fixed unit cost, protecting businesses from energy price rises in the future.

The huge uptake in solar panels for businesses is testament to the reliability and strong returns offered by solar PV. With no moving parts solar panels have long warranties and provide predictable long-term electricity generation. Coupled with the large roof spaces and high on-site energy demand of most commercially-let premises, solar PV is a proven way to reduce costs, protect your business against future price rises, and uplift your EPC points with minimal hassle.

You can contact us at Your Power on 01225 667 151 or at www.yourpoweruk.com.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Green offices

WHAT ECO LAWS MEAN FOR The Government is stepping in to force landlords to make the buildings we work in greener. Gavin Thompson reports on what these measures will mean for landlords and tenants and why you need to be considering it now

B

RISTOL’S newest office buildings boast about their green credentials. When Skanska built 66 Queen Square the plan was for it to be a beacon of environmental good practice.

Such green credentials are attractive to the top tier tenants they were aiming for, the likes of KMPG which is letting most of the space.

But most of Bristol’s office buildings aren’t new. They are old and in some cases badly energy inefficient.

If we want a greener city, this is where we need to make the difference. Retro-fitting measures, however, cost money. And that’s where the system has fallen down.

David Eynon, of property consultants Colliers International, said buildings present a “huge opportunity” for companies to reduce the amount they spend on energy and to cut carbon emissions.

“But it is often a tricky process to implement energy efficiency works here, given the differing motivations of the various stakeholders involved in the process,” he said.

“The traditional barrier has been the ‘split incentive’ between landlords and tenants – whereby the landlord bears the cost for improving the energy efficiency of a property, and the tenant benefits through lower bills.”

Now the Government has stepped in to tackle the issue. From April 2018, it will be unlawful to let buildings with an F or G Energy Performance Certificate rating.

That means 18 per cent of the 598,512 EPC registered commercial properties in the UK, and 17 per cent of Bristol’s buildings, will not be able to be let unless they are brought up to scratch.

At the same time, the Government has dropped the so-called Green Deal which gave financial incentives to improve commercial buildings. Which leads to the big question. Who has to pay to bring your office up to scratch?

Steve Schofield, commercial property solicitor at Thrings, says the rules will have a substantial impact on both tenants and landlords.

“The key question for landlords and tenants is the same,” he said. “If the property fails to comply with MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards), who has to carry out – or pay for – the required improvements?

“The regulations are imposed on landlords. However, leases generally require the tenant to comply with all laws relating to the property – even if those laws are actually imposed on the landlord.

“Unless the tenant secured an amendment to the lease when it was signed, most leases will require the tenant to bring the property up to an E rating at the tenant’s cost. Leases

● The Government will require higher energy efficiency standards in office buildings from 2018 - the question is,

may also require the tenant to pay for improvements to the energy efficiency of a shared building through a service charge.”

Steve said tenants signing new leases would be well advised to have meeting the new regulations excluded from their responsibilities.

But many leases were signed long before the new rules were dreamt up.

“Those tenants may have secured general carveouts, but the situation will be less clear because the lease could not have dealt with MEES specifically,” he said.

He advised tenants to check if their properties complied and to take advice on their rights if not. If their lease

expires before 2023, when the rules roll out to all properties regardless of when the lease was signed, they might want to move out rather than take on the burden of paying for work to be done. And firms should plan for the future, as the minimum standards could well rise.

Steve said the rules will affect landlords and investors too.

“For commercial buildings, institutional investors tend to look for leases which enable them to pass on all costs relating to the property to

www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

TENANTS AND LANDLORDS WHAT TO DO ● Check whether new and existing properties are compliant. ● If any properties don’t comply, take advice on whether the landlord can require the tenant to carry out or pay for the relevant works. ● Plan for the future – the minimum standard is likely to increase. ● If a new or renewal lease is being entered into, ensure MEES is dealt with. ● Tenants with an option to terminate the lease before 2023 should consider terminating if they are likely to have to pay for MEES works, unless the landlord will agree to bear the cost themselves. ● Tenants with rent reviews who are obliged to comply with MEES, should ensure that this obligation is taken into account when setting the new rent. ● Tenants should bear in mind that the prohibition on new lettings from April 2018 applies to sub-lettings. If the property is non-compliant and over-rented (meaning an assignment is unlikely to be possible), this may effectively close the tenant’s only remaining exit route. It may be worth attempting to sub-let before that date. ● Landlords should ensure that tenants do not carry out any alterations which might result in a lower EPC rating. New leases should contain a specific restriction against doing so.

who will pay for improvements, tenants or landlords? Below, Steve Schofield and Amy Robinson

“I suspect that there may also be an effect on value for properties rated D, which are currently compliant but dangerously near the minimum standard.

“Properties which are well above the minimum standard may be subject to an increase in value if we see a flight to quality. The extent of the impact itself remains to be seen.”

Jonathan Gibson, associate at Bilfinger GVA, believes the impact will be big. “The regulations are likely to cause problems for at least a fifth of the commercial property market with winners and losers in both landlord and occupier businesses, he said.

“This impact will be particularly prevalent from now in the run-up to the implementation date

Expert eye David Eynon Senior Sustainability Advisor Colliers International

Engagement is key in mitigating risk ● AS Bristol’s year as European Green Capital 2015 enters its final quarter, there is strong evidence that businesses across the city and region have increasingly engaged with experts to access practical advice on how they can improve the environmental performance of their operations.

In particular, buildings present a huge opportunity for companies to reduce energy spend and carbon emissions – but it is often a tricky process to implement energy efficiency works here, given the differing motivations of the various stakeholders involved in the process.

The traditional barrier has been the ‘split incentive’ between landlords and tenants – whereby the landlord bears the cost for improving the energy efficiency of a property, and the tenant benefits through lower bills.

Amongst the methods being used by the Government to address the split incentive issue is the introduction of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations which will prohibit the letting of assets with poor Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings from April 2018.

The MEES regulations are seen by many in the property sector as a game changer, forcing landlords to address energy performance within their portfolios or face significant fines.

The impacts on landlords will include reduced marketability of assets at risk, and implications for rent reviews and dilapidations assessments. Tenants should also consider the lease terms they enter into on properties which are potentially captured.

Whilst landlords should start to evaluate the impact of the MEES regulations on their revenue generating estates now, they can also positively engage with tenants on this issue to ease the burden of compliance and additionally engender more co-operative relationships with the businesses occupying their built assets.

An example of this is a ‘Green Lease’, under which contractual arrangements between landlords and tenants can be structured so as to promote a collaborative relationship between the parties to work together to improve building environmental performance, overcoming the split incentive with all reaping benefits.

What is clear is that with a progressively onerous legislative landscape and a long term upward energy price trend, businesses will increasingly come under pressure in the areas of energy and sustainability; and co-operative engagement with all stakeholders in their property relationships is vital to successfully drive energy efficiency, ensure legislative compliance and improve environmental performance.

In short – engagement is key!

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their tenants,” he said. “This enables them to receive the rental income without having to spend anything on the property. If the landlord is likely to have to pay for these works, their investment value is likely to suffer. The introduction of MEES will obviously have the greatest impact on those properties which are rated E or below, but especially where the tenant is not obliged to pay for improvements or is unlikely to be able to pay, or where the lease is unclear.

of April 2018 whilst the industry wakes up to the regulations.”

Ian Wills, director at property consultants JLL in Bristol, pointed out another pitfall for tenants should they wish to move out before the end of their lease.

“Most landlords are aware of the need to green up their buildings in time for the new energy efficiency standards, but it is important that occupiers are also up to speed with the requirements,” he said.

“If you’re an occupier who signs up to a building which doesn’t meet the minimum energy efficiency standards due to take effect in 2018 and takes a 10-year lease without any break options, whilst it isn’t a problem in 2015, you could be caught out later down the line.

“You won’t be able to get rid of your lease by assigning it or sub-letting. So, you need to understand what your current building’s EPC is and what plans your landlord has to make sure it’s compliant.”

Ian said landlords had been reluctant to invest in premises but that that was now changing.

He said: “In the last few years, where offices are concerned, the rents and demand haven’t been there to warrant the investment in making them compliant in energy efficiency terms, especially in poorer quality offices and locations, and, with the introduction of permitted development rights, many landlords have chosen to convert offices to residential use instead.

“However, at the moment, there does seem to be a bit of a flip occurring. Improving rents and demand make the refurbishment and upgrading of many more ‘dirty’ office buildings viable.”

Amy Robinson, of Low Carbon South West which supports companies looking to become greener, said the new regulations would no doubt create difficulties for some but would hopefully have a wider benefit for all.

“These regulations are useful in demonstrating an overall direction of travel within the property sector,” she said. “I hope that they will help landlords to develop a sound business case for making improvements to their buildings and help grow confidence among the businesses who provide retrofit services.

“Action only needs to be taken when the cost of the work involved can be paid back in energy savings over a reasonable period, and there are a variety of finance options available for companies required to undertake the work.

“This will clearly create some upheaval and present a steep learning curve to begin with. However, we hope that it will result in a significant boost to local green industries, a reduction in carbon emissions, and importantly, improved building stock that provides a better working environment and is more commercially attractive to future tenants.”

The key advice, however, echoes Bob Hoskins’ famous words in the BT adverts – “it’s good to talk”.

David Eynon added: “Co-operative engagement with all stakeholders in their property relationships is vital to successfully drive energy efficiency, ensure legislative compliance and improve environmental perfor mance.”

Don’t ignore the problem, seize the opportunity.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

In pictures CBI South West dinner

● Hugh Cooke, Burgess Salmon, Chris Perry, Marsh Insurance, Chris Dover, Marsh Insurance, Pictures: Michael Lloyd and Dominic Davis, Burgess Salmon

● Shirley Walker, Rich Adams, David Coslett and Carolyn Ansell, of Plymouth University

● Guests at the CBI South West annual dinner

● Prof Steve West, UWE, and Stephanie Winnard, Vanessa Dowst and Tessa Griffiths of Bath Spa University

‘We must play huge part in Europe debate’ Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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USINESSES must engage with Government and the public over big issues, according to CBI regional chair Steve West.

He was speaking at the organisation’s annual South West dinner, where more than 300 industry leaders gathered in Bristol.

Steve, who is vice chancellor of the University of the West of England, said: “The business community has a huge role to play engaging with the debate on Britain’s future in Europe.

“We have to try to understand the opportunities and of course the difficulties of either leaving Europe or staying in.”

He said another area business needed to shape the debate was the recent announcement about devolving business rates to local councils.

“It has the potential to have a huge impact on us as businesses, we need

to be at the table and having a voice,” he said.

Steve also raised the prospect of succession planning at local enterprise partnerships.

The Post previously reported that West of England LEP chair Colin Skellett wanted to retire but could not find a successor.

“We need to find the next generation of LEP chairs,” said Steve and he suggested that candidates could come from within the ranks of the CBI membership.

The audience also heard from new BBC England chief operating officer Jenny Baxter, who put the case for preserving the BBC as a national treasure for future generations.

And former Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon paid a warm tribute to outgoing Augusta Westland boss and former South West CBI chair Graham Cole.

Afterwards, CBI South West director Deborah Waddell said: “It was a fantastic evening that provided our members the opportunity to discuss important topics affecting businesses across the region, such as the recent devolution announcement.

● Laura Rawlings, BBC, with Kaz Dev and Paul Rodwell of Grant Thornton

● Jenny Baxter, BBC, and former Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon “We welcome the opportunities outlined by the Chancellor for boosting local growth, as long as they don't push up costs for businesses “If this bold announcement on

● Mark Russell, Jemma Inker and Penny Hilton of EY

business rates is a way to cut them, it will spur councils to take a pro-growth approach, and has the CBI's support.

“Taken together these changes rep-

resent the largest ever shake-up in local government – so elected representatives should work with businesses to get any changes right without adding further layers of complexity.

“We also need to see an overhaul of the outdated business rates system.

Switching the up-rating from RPI to CPI, exempting smaller properties from the system, and more frequent valuations will help to boost jobs and investment right across the South West and beyond.”

Lee Everson, head of large corporate banking at Barclays, the event’s main sponsor, said: “This is a key date in the business calendar attracting many of the region’s leading businessmen and women.

“It provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent the region has to offer during what was an informative and entertaining evening.”

Guests enjoyed food and a goodie bag from a host of South West suppliers including Luscombe Drinks, Marshfield Bakery, Ministry of Cake, Orchard Pig, Wadworth brewery, Wyke Farms and Yeo Valley.

● Simon Moore, CBI, Jill Williams, Pittards, and Samantha Burn, Moon Consulting

www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

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Business diary Netwalk for olderpreneurs: Walk and talk considering healthy you, healthy business, running a business as an olderpreneur. Takes place on Thursday, October 15, gather Bristol Folk House at 9.15am for 10am start. Aimed at business people over 50. Cost £10, book via eventbrite.

Thesis seminars: assessing and selecting DFM partners: Experts from Asset Risk Consultants (ARC), Financial Express (FE), Diminimis and Thesis Asset Management explain how to choose and use discretionary fund managers. The Bristol Golf Club, Almondsbury, Thursday, October 15, 8.30am. ● The CBI dinner held at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre

● Andrew Woollard and Nigel Poole of Smurfit Kappa

Online Influence West: Pinterest’s UK marketing manager Lizzy Sibley, Airbnb’s EMEA marketing manager Holly Clarke, global lead social analytics at Microsoft Thane Ryland and Twitter head of content Europe Paul McCrudden are among speakers at this event at Mercure Hotel, Bristol, on October 16. Find out more at www.online influence.net/oi-west.

Preparing your business for sale: Free half day seminar jointly hosted by ActionCOACH Bristol & North Somerset, Burton Sweet and the HR Dept. It’s aimed at owners of businesses with sales between £250K-£30m who want the option of selling or creating a business that works without them. Leigh Court, 8.30am on Friday, October 16.

● PageGroup Jack Watters, Matthew Rick and Nick Stavri

● Alex Anderson, Hills Group, Gareth Waite, Marsh, and Rachael Runane Burgess Salmon

Landlords legal property seminar: Andrews holds final free landlord seminar of the year in Keynsham on Monday October 19, from, 6.15pm at the town’s civic centre. The event will provide guidance on issues including: immigration checks; new fire safety regulations; problem tenants; and eviction notices. Register via southwestbusiness. co.uk/business-calendar.

Small Business Saturday Inspire Series: Dare to Dream talk by Freelance Mum Faye Dicker. Tuesday, October 20, 12.30-1.30pm at KudaCan, Dongola Avenue, Bristol.

Register at https://www.small businesssaturdayuk.com/inspire

● Donna Whitehead, UWE, and Adrian Dawson, Plymouth University

● Shirley Walker, Rich Adams, David Coslett and Carolyn Ansell of Plymouth University

Employers’ pensions Seminar: Punter Southall is hosting a pensions seminar on Wednesday October 21for employers and pension scheme trustees. Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, who was the architect of many of the recent changes to pensions, is guest speaker. Contact the events team on 0117 202 0449 or at dcevents@puntersouthall.com.

Bristol Connected: The Bristol Post’s regular business networking event, this time taking place in our offices in Temple Way. Post editor Mike Norton will talk about our changing audience while managing director Sarah Pullen will discuss the future of media.

From 6pm, Thursday, October 29, please register via eventbrite.

● Members of the Grant Thornton team at the dinner

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● Hugh Cooke, Burgess Salmon, Chris Perry, Marsh Insurance, Chris Dover, Marsh Insurance, and Dominic Davis, Burgess Salmon

Post your events online at southwestbusiness.co.uk.

Events are sometimes cancelled without us being notified so please check with organisers before travelling.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

In pictures Bristol Distinguished Address Series

Powerful words Engaging with a digital revolution Ian Mean Business@b-nm.co.uk

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ICK Haythornthwaite is chairman of the energy giant Centrica and a man whose philosophies and direction have been called upon by many companies to steady the ship.

In short, he is possibly one of the best business leaders in the UK and he captivated the audience at the University of the West of England’s Bristol Distinguished Address Series.

He combines a hard-edged business drive with a searching mind that has made him a target for major companies looking for dynamic and thoughtful leadership but based on the most important tool in a firm’s

box – its top people.

This is a visionary leader who has chaired Network Rail, during which time his team delivered major rail projects. He has also been a non-executive director of Cookson, Lafarge and Land Securities.

His lecture at UWE was titled: Disruption and the future of leadership.

How do we stop the digital revolution becoming too disruptive?

“The impact of the digital revolution is far greater than leaders allow themselves to believe”, he said.” It is very tempting to think about this digital revolution like all the other revolutions which have gone before.

“We have been having revolutions for the last millennium, each one about a third shorter than the one before and it’s disruptive for a couple of reasons.

“The first is that it’s moving ever faster and actually that allows us to tackle one of the big issues of our time

● From left, Peter Haigh, managing director at Bristol Energy; Sam Nwanko, founder of Altitude Tech and a UWE robotics student Centrica chairman Rick Haythornthwaite and UWE professor Nicholas O’Regan which is productivity.

“So, a really big opportunity there.

But at the same time, it is actually changing society – our relationship to each other, our relationship to power, our relationship to ideas in a greater way than we have seen since the 15th century.

“That is posing questions for leaders which were at one time exciting

but also quite disorientating. That makes it a threat unless leaders embrace it and find new ways of leading in this different digital world.”

So how do they do that?

“The nature of the opportunity is very clear. In the UK we have a big productivity gap – 25-35 per cent.

“People look at this and say: This is really weird we have this digital re-

volution but productivity is lagging.

Well, the good news is that it has always lagged in history.”

He believes we are now waiting for a series of technologies to come through , including the Cloud and Big Data, which will then make a profound difference to our areas of weakness like manufacturing.

“Leaders need to relax and do everything they can to bring in these new technologies and deploy them.”

He cites the revolution when the printing press was invented by Guttenberg, giving society huge amounts of information and data.

“Then, suddenly, society wanted freedom of the press and human rights – it was all pretty chaotic.

Leaders were struggling with how to make sense of it. That’s what’s happening today in my view,” he says.

“Zuckerberg (Facebook) and Berners-Lee (World Wide web) have done that in this day and age – just what Guttenberg did with the printed word. They have democratised society putting huge power in the hands of individuals.”

Against this background, it is no coincidence, he says, that we are going through a period of trust in business: “Good service is not enough in this society – the slightest stumble on this high wire and you fall.

“Things are moving too fast. To embrace strategy you have to really step forward in time – what might the future look like? It is a different world for leaders today and leaders who come to terms with having a very exciting set of tools at their disposal.

“Those who don’t and fight are in for a hell of a bad time. We are in an extraordinary time of history – just recognise it and ride it.”

In your position as chairman of Centrica, do you see energy as one of the key issues of today?

“As chairman it certainly feels like it – it is clearly rarely out of the news and rightly so. People’s energy bills make up a lot of their disposable spend,” he says.

“Inevitably, customers are worried about their bills. Right now, climate change is a peripheral issue but somehow we have got to find a way of communicating that. In the end, an energy supply company must serve the customer and you are absolutely right – they want lower bills. We have to crack that one.”

● You can watch full interview with Rick Haythornthwaite at www.southwestbusiness.co.uk ● Details of future lectures in the Bristol Distinguished Address Series at UWE can be found at www1.uwe.ac.uk/ whatson/bristoldaseries,aspx

www.southwestbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

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In pictures Deliveroo party

Service delivers best food on offer in city FOOD lovers in Bristol can now enjoy their favourite restaurant dishes from the comfort of their desks or home.

Deliveroo – the premium restaurant food delivery service – has been live in Bristol since the beginning of April, but with an expanded roster of impressive restaurants there has never been a better time to use the service.

Deliveroo aims to revolutionise the way Bristolians dine by delivering quality food from local independent and chain restaurants direct to people’s doors.

The firm invited a bunch of key influencers within the city to sample some of the food on offer.

Deliveroo Bristol is quickly growing its customer base, doubling numbers in the last month.

Nick Lonergan, South West regional manager said: “Bristol has one of

the most thriving foodie scenes, not just in the South West but in the UK. “The selection of restaurants in Bristol is world class, and the people of Bristol really know their food.

“It has been a real delight working with such a fantastic selection of the city’s favourite restaurants, transporting those great tastes to people’s homes and offices.

“Whether it’s award winning Indian from Myristica, elegant Thai food from Giggling Squid or a ‘build your own’ burger from The Burger Joint, Deliveroo has it covered, and now, six months down the line we are adding more quality restaurants every week” The Bristol arm of Deliveroo has already welcomed a selection of popular eateries including Three Brothers Burgers, Planet Pizza, Bagel Boy, Yume Sushi and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

● Guests and food providers enjoying the Deliveroo function

In recent weeks it has added Wagamamas, Giggling Squid, Koh Thai Tapas, Las Iguanas, Loch Fyne, Entelia and Krishnan’s Kitchen to the platform adding to an already excellent choice of restaurants.

Jack Cunliffe, South West community manager said: “The first six months in Bristol have been really exciting - what a city to launch a food

delivery service in!

“We are going from strength to strength, and the calibre of restaurant we have on the platform has never been higher.

“In a year’s time we hope to be at the core of Bristol’s food landscape, helping Bristolians access the very best independent and chain food the city has to offer.”

In pictures Discover Your Bounce book launch

Inspirational individuals celebrate book launch

that it inspires people to find their own bounce.”

“Maybe they will pass the book on to a friend that is going through challenges to help them find theirs.”

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A GROUP of Bristol men and women celebrated the publication of their new book at The Grosvenor Casino with champagne and canapés.

The Missing Piece in Bouncing Back is a collection of inspiring stories from individuals who have all battled back from adversity.

Each writer is given a chapter to tell their story, which also includes details on how their life has improved and a few helpful tips tip for readers.

Out of the 24 writers, 14 hail from Bristol and Bath.

The book has been compiled by Nicky Marshall, who works through her company Discover Your Bounce to foster positive attitudes and healthy and happy communities.

Nicky has her own story of recovering from adversity, having suffered a stroke and recovering fully within three years.

She said: “My hope for this book is

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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

The back page

Your digest of the week in business

People ● A Bristol businessman has won a national award for his successful group of McDonald’s restaurant franchises.

Mike Guerin, 57, who began as a trainee manager at McDonald’s 36 years ago, won the ‘Olderpreneur’ category at the 2015 British Franchise Association HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.

Mike operates 13 restaurants in Bristol and Wiltshire, employing around 1,000 staff. He has been a franchisee with the chain for 23 years.

He said: “It’s a pleasure to be acknowledged for my business and work in the local community. I’ve enjoyed great support over the years from my family, my staff and from McDonald’s and I appreciate being in a position to give something back to them all.”

Cathryn Hayes, who chaired the judging panel, said: “Mike stood out for his exceptional commitment to his local community and fellow franchisees, giving his time to charitable causes while building a highly impressive business.”

Andy Brattesani, head of franchising at HSBC, added: “This is a notable success story. Mike’s commitment to staff development, highlighted by the fact that some of his very first apprentices are now managers in the business, has empowered his teams and in turn underpinned his accomplishments.” ● Commercial law firm Roxburgh Milkins has boosted the team by hiring Harriet Webb.

Somerset-born Harriet, below, has recently finished her training with a larger firm and is looking forward to joining the specialist commercial business based in Wapping Road, Bristol. Founding partner Bruce Roxburgh said: “It’s important to us to keep providing opportunities for younger lawyers to join our growing team and further strengthen our resource, so we’re thrilled that Harriet is joining us at the start of her career as a qualified solicitor and we are confident that she will complement our existing team well.”

The firm was founded in 2003 by two lawyers to serve growing businesses, entrepreneurs and

● Steph McGovern (BBC Breakfast presenter), Andy Brattessani (HSBC), Mike Guerin (winner), Cathryn Hayes (bfa head judge), Sean Hammond (Express Newspapers) House, attracted by its proximity to Temple Meads railway station, and in a location that is the preferred choice for a growing number of businesses.”

Kingsland House is a self-contained 4,639 sq ft office on Silverthorne Lane, on the eastern side of the enterprise zone, featuring a mixture of cellular office accommodation and larger open plan rooms, plus a kitchen, shower facilities, secure cycle storage and seven parking spaces.

Colliers International acted on behalf of the private pension fund owners. ELM Legal Services was unrepresented.

Welcoming James to the firm, regional head of office Darren Sheward said: “There are a growing number of opportunities in the commercial property sector in the region and having James join us means we can offer an even broader range of high quality services to both existing and potential clients.”

Places ● Bull Wharf, Redcliff Street

● Kingsland House

investors. A decade on, the model has proved itself and the team now numbers 9 lawyers covering the range of corporate transactional and non-contentious commercial legal work. Recent highlights include acting for Curtis Banks Group plc on its £85 million AIM flotation in May 2015.

throughout the South West and London.

“This is an exciting opportunity to grow a team while servicing key LSH clients,” said James. “With the growth of the Severn region powerhouse, the South West has a golden opportunity to focus on its potential and we’ll be looking to see how our experts can play a major role in the development of the area.”

James, right, will be leading a team that provides a range of key services to the commercial property sector, including lease renewal, rent review, lease re-gear and Section 18 advice to both investors and occupiers in the public and private sectors. Key clients include Nationwide, Mapeley, Wesleyan Assurance and Urban Splash.

● Property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton has strengthened its Bristol office with the appointment of an associate director to head up its lease advisory team.

James Banks will work closely with its agency and building surveying teams to identify long-term opportunities in the area.

He previously worked at Cushman and Wakefield, where he advised a range private and corporate clients

● The increasing attraction of the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone has been demonstrated by the rapid letting of Kingsland House by Colliers International.

Will writing and estate planning specialists ELM Legal Services has moved into the recently refurbished two-story office building on a 10-year lease with breaks.

Alfie Passingham, of the national offices team at Colliers International in Bristol, said: “There has been a noticeable rise in demand for office space in the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.

“Forthcoming developments such as the new arena are undoubtedly encouraging companies to move into the area, together with the opportunities for business rate discounts for companies located in the enterprise zone. This has been underlined by the speed in which an occupier was found for Kingsland

● Business rates and rent specialist CVS has moved to a new office within the financial district of Bristol.

The move is part of the firm’s strategy for investment in new staff and infrastructure as it responds to what it describes as the strong, nationwide appetite for cost-saving business rent and rates services.

The company, previously based on Great George Street, has moved to Bull Wharf, Redcliff Street, over the weekend.

Stephen Philp, rating management director, said: “We have enjoyed a lot of success recently for clients in the South West and are seeing a much higher demand for our services. Bristol is a fantastic city to do business from and we are delighted that we are moving to the prestigious Bull Wharf location.”

The firm, which also has offices in London and Manchester, cites significant wins for clients this year, such as Fowlers, Cotswold Inns, Royal Mint and S4C Wales.

Chief executive Mark Rigby said: “CVS is growing nationally as more and more businesses look for effective and professional advice on reducing their business rent and rates bills.

“We have been delighted with the development of the Bristol office over the past four years.

“The move to Bull Wharf falls in line with our ambitious growth plan and I am sure we will have a home in the city for many years to come.”

Opinion

Heathrow hub will help South West compete on global scale

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UILDING a new runway at Heathrow will be one of the biggest decisions facing our region’s MPs in 2015. While the runway may not be in the South West, the implications of failing to take action certainly are.

I say that because if we are to access as many markets as possible, the evidence clearly demonstrates that the key way to achieve this is through boosting direct flights.

Independent research demonstrates that eight new routes to emerging markets alone would provide up to a £1 billion boost to annual UK trade.

And of course, what works for trade works for investment too, which ex-

Steve West Vice Chancellor, UWE Bristol, and CBI South West chair

plains why 85 per cent of multinationals say strong air links are a determining factor in their investment location.

Competitive airports in the South West must be a key part of the solution.

Businesses in this region will always prefer to travel wherever possible from the airport that is nearest to them, so government must make this as easy as possible.

This is why for firms such as Air-

bus and Rolls-Royce, better surface access connections with airports like Bristol are critical. This will drive demand that will lead to a wider range of connections right here on our doorstep.

Yet we must also acknowledge the role that having a thriving national hub airport like Heathrow plays in connecting firms in the South West such as BuroHappold Engineering to the BRICs of today and the MINTS of tomorrow.

The data speaks for itself – by drawing on transfer passengers, hub airports serve on average three times as many emerging market destinations as non-hubs.

But with Heathrow full and Lon-

don’s airports set to be full as early as 2025, we have reached a crunch point, with clear implications for this region too.

As this decision has stalled, we have handed first-mover advantage in the markets of the future to our competitors – and it is costing us dearly.

A glance at flights to China tells you everything you need to know. By fostering links to cities like Xiamen, Wuhan and Shenyang – among others – other European hubs now have access to a Chinese market with a combined population of more than 38 million, to which the UK does not have a single direct flight.

Our inability to do the same is like

the UK refusing to trade with Canada.

The Airports Commission could not be clearer.

In recommending a third runway at the UK’s hub airport, Heathrow, it has recommended the option that will deliver maximum benefit outside of the South East, for all regions of the UK. The message from businesses to our MPs here in the South West is equally clear – play your part and vote to get it built alongside the infrastructure for our regional airports to connect easily to the hub.

We need joined-up and comprehensive infrastructure to compete on a global scale.