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BUSINESS PULSE
BRISTOL CONNECTED
UP AND COMING
Why Bristol’s a great place to do business
Business people out and about at networking event
Young entrepreneur cleaning up as his business expands
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16 APR 2014
ENTERPRISE ZONE
JOBS SUPPLEMENT INSIDE
IN THE ZONE What’s going on at the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone - pages 8&9
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Start up advice and support Business advice clinics for growing businesses Coaching and mentoring Training courses Office space
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Partnership
School thrilled with success after launching recruitment service Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
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SCHOOL in Thornbury is launching its own recruitment service following a successful partnership initiative with local businesses. The Castle School launched its Premium Partners scheme three years ago to give its pupils the chance to develop essential skills with local fir ms. More than 55 companies are now members of the scheme, which gives pupils mentoring, work experience, interview and CV workshops in exchange for marketing, networking other business opportunities. The latest project set to develop through the Premium Partners scheme is a school-based recruitment agency which will see apprenticeships and work placements advertised for both students and the community. Tess Wilkinson, business development manager at The Castle School and founder of the scheme, said: “We are always innovating and finding new ways of working with our business partners. “Our students have gained hugely from the scheme and many of the companies involved find it an excellent way of giving their employees access to really rewarding professional development. We are thrilled with the success it is enjoying.” The Premium Partners Business Forum is held three times a year, either at Old Down Manor or Thornbury Castle who are both part of the network. Among the partners on the scheme is Renishaw, whose spokeswoman Julie Collins said: “Renishaw joined the Premium Partners scheme to strengthen our links with the school in order to allow its pupils and teachers to better understand the world of businesses and to help students gain the skills that will make them more employable. “The business forums are always well attended by local businesses and the presentations from the students showcasing their talents are very motivating.” Partner-only breakfast meetings
● The Castle School has been building its business contacts in a number of ways, including holding a business forum. Above Caroline Wilson, Year 7 pupil Tom Wilson, Bernard Doyle of View Architects and Meng Kwok, head of finance and business at the school; below, left, Simonne Watts and Julie Colins; right, Farukh Navabjan and Olivia Pictures: Sabine Coe Photography Mills of Old Down Manor
are held every five weeks and have given the group a means to build good relationships. Many of the Premium Partners are now referring others and doing business together. The Castle School is also part of the Whole Education Network, a not-for-profit organisation that facil-
itates the sharing of best practice between schools from across the country that are committed to providing their students with a fully rounded education. Ms Wilkinson leads on supporting schools within the network that are dedicated to engaging businesses,
providing inspirational work experience and truly preparing their young people for life and work. For further information on the Premium Partners, visit the Castle School website or contact Ms Wilkinson on tessa.wilkinson@ thecastleschool.org.uk.
Support project
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Service aims to help developing enterprise A NEW enterprise support service to help new, young and maturing businesses and social enterprises has been launched. Funded as part of the Filwood Green Business Park project, the £270,000 service will focus on developing enterprise in South Bristol, offering one-to-one advice, workshops and business networking opportunities. It aims to help get new and fledgling businesses off the ground whilst also supporting existing small ventures which want to grow. The scheme is part of the new £11.6 million business park project, which broke its first ground last month.
When the environmentally friendly development opens in early 2015 it could provide up to 350 jobs. The new Enterprise Support Service aims to make sure there are new businesses ready to take up tenancies at the development, part of which is geared towards providing smaller spaces for local start-ups. Start-up support is aimed at potential entrepreneurs based in Bristol’s Filwood, Knowle, Hartcliffe, Hengrove, Stockwood and Windmill Hill wards. Help will be available to develop their ideas and potentially take up space at the new park. Other eligible small businesses from across the city will also be able
to access the support. Another aspect of the service will be to assist small, medium and micro businesses to improve their environmental performance, contributing to Bristol’s greener economy as part of its status as European Green Capital for 2015. Councillor Mark Bradshaw, Assistant Mayor with responsibility for regeneration, said: “This new service will help local people to develop their business ideas. Anyone who is currently working out of their garage, bedroom or on the kitchen table should come forward to seek support. This kind of help can really help your business survive, grow and flourish.
“It would be fantastic to see people getting support from the scheme now and starting to grow, ready to take up a space at the impressive new Green Business Park for Filwood once it’s complete.” The council has appointed Blue Orchid Management Consultants to deliver the service. Director Paul Mooney said: “Our team of advisors has already opened for business out of our new local office, just a stone’s throw from the construction site.” Anyone seeking support should contact 01173 703 134, email info@blueorchid.co.uk or visit www.blueorchid.co.uk.
Cidermaking
Cheers for Thatchers as sales rise 27% CONTINUED demand for its flagship brand Thatchers Gold contributed to a 27 per cent increase in sales for the Somerset cidermaker last year. Turnover at Thatchers increased from £40,832,023 in 2012 to £51,832,800 in 2013. To support its growth, the company has continued to reinvest into the business. This year the company is dedicating £6.5 million in a marketing campaign to help the Thatchers brand nationwide. This includes a national TV campaign which will run until September; outdoor billboard advertising, trade advertising, and sponsorship of events and festivals such as GoldCoast OceanFest in North Devon. As well as continuous planting of new orchards, £3.5 million is being invested in the company’s new Jubilee Building, a state-of-the-art packaging and warehouse facility at Myrtle Farm in Sandford. The facility seeks to limit the company’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources. It has features such as rainwater collection, high performance insulation and is heated by biomass from the Thatchers farm. The 4,000 sq m building is home to the Thatchers kegging facility, filling 450 kegs an hour with draught cider. The Jubilee Building will in future also house a new canning line. Martin Thatcher, managing director and fourth generation of the cidermaking family, said: “Care for the environment and creating a sustainable business for future generations is a key focus for us. The continued investment into our employees and our facilities here at Myrtle Farm supports the growth of our brands both at home and increasingly overseas. “To make the best cider, we need the best input all around us – and that includes the orchards we own and the quality of our apples we grow, the passion and talent of our staff, to our production facilities.” In 2013, Thatchers Vintage Cider was awarded the accolade Champion Cider in the International Brewing Awards. A new contract sees Thatchers Gold sold on draught in Australia, through Coopers Brewery. The company, founded in 1904 by William John Thatcher, employs 120 people.
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Business Awards
Building to be a millionaire by time I’ve reached 40
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Sponsors
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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NTREPRENEUR James Kingston has a clear career goal. He wants to be a millionaire by the time he’s 40. At the age of 30 he was doing pretty well for himself as an associate director of an established recruitment company. But pretty well wasn’t going to put him on the road to Millionaire’s Row. So days before his 31st birthday, James quit to set up his own business. With support from Neil Sharreard, a former managing director at Cowlin Construction, he established Kingston Barnes. His new business stuck to his field of expertise, recruitment for firms working in construction and the built environment. Not everyone would have started a business in a construction-dependant field – and one that is already very competitive – at a time when the recession was still biting. James said: “There were a lot of interesting faces when I told them I was setting up but if anything that drove me even more.” It was even tougher given that James was initially restricted from contacting old clients for his new business, but that just drove him to find new customers. And so far it is paying off. The business, currently based in Park Street, is moving to Queen Square soon and the team is expanding from four to five. The firm has smashed even its most optimistic turnover forecasts, achieving more than £500,000 revenue in the first 12 months and hopes to double this in 2014. “From the outset I thought we had to stand out,” said James. “We are offering a market-leading service and we do things differently.” James, who chose not to go to university but instead get stuck into a career, credited hard work and hiring the right people for much of the success. He said: “I have always had the
● Kingston Barnes managing director James Kingston, left, with consultant Sam Ferris and senior office manager Photograph: Artur Lesniak Emma Barton
Categories ● Business of the Year Bristol, sponsored by UWE Bristol ● Young Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Punter Southall ● Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Broadmead Bristol BID ● Customer Service Award, sponsored by Broadmead Bristol BID
● Family Business of the Year, sponsored by BOM Group ● Innovator of the Year ● Export Award, sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group ● Marketing Campaign of the Year ● Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Smith & Williamson ● Best Creative/Technological Award, sponsored by Ashfords
Solicitors ● Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year, sponsored by QBE ● Small Business of the Year, sponsored by First Great Western ● Start Up Business of the Year, sponsored by Jordans ● Environmental Business Award ● Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by Renishaw
dream of having my own business. People such as James Caan are massive idols for me. I have read all the entrepreneurs’ books – they inspire me. “I want to be a millionaire by the
time I am 40. I was 30 and I thought ‘if I don’t do it now, I won’t do it’.” James has entered the Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the New Business of the Year categories in the Bristol Post Business Awards.
To enter the awards visit www. bristolpost.co.uk/businessawards. Entries close on May 2. The awards will be presented at a gala ceremony at Brunel’s Old Station, Temple Meads, on Wednesday, June 25.
Best deals - How the numbers stack up Inflation (CPI) Business current Business savings accounts accounts 1.01% State Bank £10,000 deposit of India
1.36% National Counties BS £1,000 deposit
0.25% £1 deposit
Bank of 1.25% Cyprus UK £1,000 deposit
0.12% £1 deposit
1.25% Shawbrook £5,000 deposit Bank
0.10% Unity Trust £25,000 deposit Bank
State Bank 1.24% of India £10,000 deposit
0.05% £1 deposit
Cambridge & 1.20% Counties £10,000 deposit Bank
Co-operative Bank
Allied Irish Bank (GB)
0.05% £500 deposit
1.10% £1,000 deposit
1.7 1.6 0.5 3.99
Weekly earnings
Corporation tax % %
%
23 20 13 10
Main rate
%
Small profits rate – below £300,000
Base interest rate Employer NI rates .8% % Standard rate on Ave mortgage rate %
earnings above £148 per week
.4%
Employees in salary-related pension scheme earning up £770 p/w
Petrol prices .49p
129 136 138 71
Unleaded
.10p Diesel
.12p Super unleaded
.59p LPG
Source: PetrolPrices.com
Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1
Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07828 941469 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Shama Abokor, Regional Business Account Executive Call 0117 934 3426 Emailshama.abokor@ b-nm.co.uk
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Source: Business Moneyfacts moneyfacts.co.uk
Aldermore
Get in touch
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Property
Growth brings jobs at management firm ● AN increase in the number of people living in flats, apartments and new-build developments in the city has meant strong growth for a Bristol-based company set up to manage property on behalf of tenants. BNS Management Services in Badminton Road, Downend, now manages more than 200 apartment blocks around the Bristol area and is expanding with the recruitment of additional property managers. Andrew Simmonds, below. who set up the business with his brother, Ian, in 2006, said: “We have seen strong growth in the last few years as people realise that they can appoint local managers to their apartment blocks rather than deal with the larger agents. “Lifestyle changes mean that more people are living on their own in apartments rather than houses. They have busy schedules and dealing with all the issues of managing the blocks is a hassle they do not need. “We’ve also seen a huge increase in housing estates becoming managed. We have signed up several mixed-use developments which include residential properties, ensuring that the common areas are looked after.” BNS Management Services now provides support for people living in apartments throughout the greater Bristol area as well as in Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Exeter and Bath. As well as giving practical help, it ensures that tenants do not fall foul of the raft of legislative pitfalls that those who look after apartments and flats must comply with. Andrew said: “The legislation is constantly changing. Paperwork and contracts must comply with regulations and it can cause a real headache for those who volunteer to oversee the management. “Because we are dealing with 200 blocks we can bring economies of scale and anticipate problems before they arise, making huge savings for those living in the blocks as well as the time spent in dealing with issues. There has been a huge growth in the number of residential blocks being built in and around Bristol over recent years.”
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Beverages
£150k funding helps take soft drink to new markets Chris Campbell Business@b-nm.co.uk
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GROWING soft drinks brand launched by Future Drinks Co has secured further funding, meaning the Bristol-based business has received more than £½ million of investment. Koji, a range of natural spring waters infused with Japanese fruits and botanicals, has received £150,000 from the Government-backed Angel CoFund. The brand is sold in selected Budgens, As Nature Intended, Shepherds, Partridges, Amazon and through bars, cafes, delis, health food outlets and several retailers across the UK. Tim Chater, co-founder of Future Drinks Co, said: “It’s great to have more funds in place, and especially from all of our original investors. The growth potential for Koji is huge, given the scrutiny that high-sugar food and drink is under both by consumers and by retailers. Koji offers a healthy, low-sugar alternative that we know appeals to adults in particular. “The soft drinks and health drinks markets are worth more than £13 billion in the UK, so we know there is a great opportunity here.” Mr Chater added that the latest investment in the business meant it could continue to scale up its operations and take the Koji brand into new market sectors. Future Drinks, established in 2010, was built on the market potential Tim and his co-founder Luke Sapsed could see for a natural and low-in-sugar soft drink. Koji was launched in 2012, following a £350,000 first round by the Angel CoFund, Wren Capital and Arion One. “It was a big investment initially to break into the soft drinks market,” said Mr Chater. “You need to make a real impact with the brand and with sales and marketing, as well as needing working capital to secure intellectual property rights and to invest in full-scale production. We’ve jumped all of those hurdles and done well in our first two years of
● Koji co-founders Luke Sapsed, left, and Tim Chater
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● BUYERS for business are being asked to take part in an event that will introduce them to smaller local suppliers. Bristol City Council and the Federation of Small Businesses are organising a Meet the Supplier event for June 25 at Regus in Bristol’s Temple Quarter and need to get buyers signed up to take part by the end of the month. Buyers frequently find it too time-consuming to sort through the myriad of local suppliers to find those that might be able to offer them something better. Smaller businesses, often with innovative products and services, can find it difficult to make effective approaches to larger buyers. The Meet the Supplier solution makes the process easier for both sides. Each buyer will be invited to send along a representative for a series of 15-minute one-to-one meetings with various pre-selected sellers – a sort of business speed-dating. Councillor Mark Bradshaw, assistant mayor with responsibility for regeneration said: “The event provides a very cost-effective way of meeting or identifying new suppliers who can offer your business relevant goods and services. We have a diverse range of industries in the Bristol city region, so there will be all sorts of business opportunities on offer.” Registrations for buyers are open now at Eventbrite.
trading. Now we need to press on.” Koji uses a patented technique developed by Tim and Luke that means it retains all the flavour and nutritional properties of the ingredients without large amounts of sugar being added. It is a traditional method that is used in other contexts by the Japanese today to make liquids such as sake and soy sauce. The duo still retain majority ownership of the business, which has its headquarters in Harbury Road. Support on the deal came from Jonathan Poole, a partner with Bristol law firm Temple Bright.
“It’s also an organisation’s responsibility to make sure that there’s a culture where everybody is always looking out for opportunities, taking time to develop new relationships. “Small businesses are working at maximum efficiency at the moment, which means they don’t have the capacity to go out and do business development at the moment. “The danger with that is that they’re never going to grow, or that their clients are going to go somewhere else.” Before starting Selzig, Mr Moyle
Growing Viper scales up with office switch
Mr Poole said: “This follow-up investment came together well because of the mutual trust between the investors and the management. Tim and Luke are experienced in this sector and now have two successful years behind them with Koji. Put together with the original deal we secured in 2012, more than £½ million has now been put in by investors, so Future Drinks’ growth plans are on a really secure footing.” Production of Koji is outsourced to Brothers Drinks in Somerset. For more information, visit the website at kojidrinks.com.
● A RAPIDLY expanding sub-sea engineering company has moved to a bigger office in Portishead. Viper Subsea, which began trading in 2007 with three staff, now employs 35 and had outgrown its previous base in the town. Acting on behalf of PMH Western, property consultants Alder King negotiated a letting at Marine View Office Park. The site is 4,199 sq ft of grade A office space over ground and first floors, on a 10-year lease. Tom Dugay, of Alder King’s office agency team, said: “The shortage of grade A office space in Bristol has spilled over into secondary markets like Portishead, where we are now seeing increasing demand for quality space.”
● Alex Moyle
was a director at the Bristol office of finance recruitment giant Robert Half, responsible for learning and development and talent management. He worked there for 15 years, operating in Bristol, London and Birmingham, helping businesses manage their employees, whom he describes as their “greatest resource”. His new business helps companies develop their salespeople as well as their sales strategy, with a focus on understanding the customer rather than simply selling a product. Mr Moyle, who moved to Bristol at the age of seven, is now 38, is married and lives in Stoke Bishop. He is running a series of talks in Bristol over the coming weeks, advising business leaders on how to address disengagement, adapt to an environment of growth and develop talent within the business.
Look after your staff and they will take care of growth – sales expert Mr Moyle believes that as businesses seek to grow, with budgets still tight it is important to use company staff as a priceless asset to develop new revenue streams, communicating to them their value for achieving the goals of the company. He said: “I’m a great believer that if companies serve their people first, then they will serve their customers and ultimately more revenue and profits will come from that. “Sales systems should be organised in a way where the company and the individual win at the same time.
Buyers urged to sign up to meet suppliers
Engineering
Strategy
DISENGAGED employees are hampering business growth, according to a Bristol-based sales consultant. Alex Moyle, who recently launched his own company, Selzig Consultancy, cited recent surveys by organisations such as Deloitte and Gallup which suggested only a minority of people felt engaged at work. The Deloitte Human Capital Trends survey, for example, released last month, suggests that only 17 per cent of people are engaged at work, 56 per cent are not engaged and 24 per cent are actively disengaged.
Event
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Motoring
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Movers & shake-ups The latest appointments news. Send your news to business@b-nm.co.uk
● Chairman of Williams Automobiles Richard Williams and managing director Henry Williams; and vehicles at Williams Automobiles
Award bid Car firm survives the storm and hits road to success Chris Campbell Business@b-nm.co.uk
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FOURTH generation family business in Bristol that has represented brands including Morgan and Lotus is in the running for a national award. Williams Automobiles has been at the heart of the Bristol community for more than 100 years and this month has been named as an area winner in the FSB WorldPay UK Business Awards. The firm has been awarded £500 and will now compete against 46 other businesses from across the UK in a national final, where it will have the chance to win up to £10,000. Since launching in 1911, the business has been passed down
“ We’re over the moon to have been named as the overall regional winner and to be shortlisted for the final. Henry Williams, through four generations of the Williams family and is now run by Henry Williams, 29, who is also a finalist in the young entrepreneur category. He said: “We’re over the moon to have been named as the overall regional winner and to be shortlisted for the final.” After building up the business as a regional, family-owned group representing brands such as Saab,
Skoda, Suzuki, Subaru and Isuzu, chairman Richard Williams and his son, Henry, turned the business around from a franchised dealer to the ultimate dealership for British performance cars, such as Morgan and Lotus. Richard said: “The business has had a rollercoaster of a ride since it began 103 years ago. It survived the two world wars, but it was the recent recession that hit the business hard. “At the time, I was looking to retire, but Henry was keen to take over the reins and reinvigorate the business.” In 2011, they made a decision to sell the current business that was trading from high-profile, high energy use premises in Bristol and relocate the Morgan and Lotus service operation to a rural location between Bristol and Bath, using redundant farm buildings. Three years on, the business em-
“ The business has had a rollercoaster of a ride since it began 103 years ago. It survived two world wars, but it was the recent recession that hit the business hard. Richard Williams ploys 11 staff, has three showrooms and a turnover of more than £5 million. It supplies cars all over the UK and around the world. Ron Kalifa, deputy chairman of WorldPay, said: “Williams Automobiles has weathered the storm by adapting to new markets and driving innovation.”
● A NEW director of skills has joined the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver its vision of developing a well-educated and well-motivated workforce to meet business needs now and in the future. Adam Powell joins the team from Bath Spa University, where he had senior management responsibility for employability, enterprise and widening participation activities in schools. Adam said: “Working closely with a range of partners across business, local authority and education providers, our strategic economic plan details how we aim to shrink the mismatch between skills supply and demand.” ● Commercial property consultant Knight Frank has expanded its property asset management department in Bristol to meet growing demand in the South West. Jo Crofts, formerly an associate in the office agency, has joined the team which manages key industrial, office and retail buildings. David ‘Dai’ Williams, who heads the department in Bristol, said: “As the impact of the recession begins to ease, there is a growing demand for skilled professional management of commercial property in the region.” ● Smart Traffic, a search marketing company, has appointed Duncan Parry as chief operating officer. Duncan, who is based in the company’s Bristol office, will report to chief executive Philip Cheek and oversee the company’s product development and service delivery operations. Duncan joins Smart Traffic following a nine-year career with Steak Group. Philip said: “The convergence of technology and marketing is one of the most significant challenges businesses are facing today as the use of big data empowers decision-makers. “Duncan has an impressive track record in building and leading teams as well as being a digital marketer who expertly bridges the gap between technology and marketing.”
Catering
Restaurant to offer a taste of northern Italy myself. My mother is from northern Italy, so we are going to cook that cuisine, which is not very well known in this part of England because people mostly know southern Italian cooking. “We are bringing an Italian atmosphere into the heart of Bristol. We have a terrace by the river, so it will be lovely in the summer.” The restaurant will employ five staff initially, with plans for 10 in the near future. Petrit is front-of-house, with Adnand in the kitchen. Petrit and Adnand secured a
● Petrit Krasniqi and Adnand Zaganjori with Adam Elliott from NatWest £24,000 loan from NatWest, working with business specialist Adam Elliott, to transform a former shop into their restaurant.
“Adnand and I gave up our jobs to do this,” said Petrit. “It has been a full-time job getting it ready. Adam has been really helpful.”
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TWO Bristol chefs who have worked together for more than a decade are bringing their experience to a restaurant of their own. Petrit Krasniqi and Adnand Zaganjori have opened Bella Vista in Victoria Street. Petrit said: “We have both been working in restaurants for more than 16 years and have worked together for more than ten years, so we thought it was about time we had a restaurant of our own. “We have always worked in Italian restaurants – I am half-Italian
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
The Business Pulse Survey report
BRISTOL’S A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUS T
HE first Business Pulse special report is published today by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP and the Bristol Post, in a project that aims to get to the heart of what businesses need to succeed to ultimately bring more jobs and prosperity in the Bristol city region. This first report looks at the views of business leaders towards the opportunities and challenges of doing business in and around Bristol. The most striking finding is that 78 per cent of respondents report that being based in Bristol is “advantageous or very advantageous to their business” – with just seven per cent considering being in the city as “disadvantageous” to their business. The quality of Bristol’s workforce was identified as the city’s key business advantage (73 per cent). Technology and professional businesses, in particular, recognise the calibre of the city’s recruits, which reflects Bristol having one of the highest con-
“ Bristol has certainly positioned itself as one of the best-placed cities in the country to take full advantage of the recovery
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Graham Randall, partner and head of BDO LLP in Bristol centrations of university educated populations in the UK. The second highest scoring business advantage was identified as being Bristol’s proximity to a strong customer base (71 per cent). The strength of the city’s supplier base was also recognised as being a significant advantage by 44 per cent of the panel. Other local advantages for businesses included “connectivity and broadband strength” (46 per cent). Being close to strategic business partners was highlighted by 40 per cent of respondents. Technology businesses identified partnership and research opportunities with the city’s two universities, the University of Bristol and University of the West of England, as a key advantage. The survey also investigated areas where the panel, comprising directors and chief executives of local firms, believe that improvements are needed. The traffic network and congestion
78 %
say being based in Bristol is ‘advantageous or very advantageous to their business’
66 %
cited transport issues as a problem, with concerns over time lost in traffic jams and difficulties for staff parking
were identified as being by far the most significant difficulties for businesses based in and around Bristol. Two-thirds of the panel cited transport issues as a problem, with concerns over time lost in traffic jams and the difficulties experienced by staff getting to work and parking. Other challenges identified included concern over the cost of land, rents and building costs (25 per cent) while a similar percentage of responders believe that there is a need for greater support from the local au-
thority and the Local Enterprise Partnership. Representatives of the panel of business leaders were also concerned that Bristol lacks credibility as an international business destination (18 per cent). This includes worries that the city lacks multinational head offices. Graham Randall, partner and head of BDO LLP in Bristol, believes that the survey presents “an optimistic assessment” of Bristol as a business destination from local business lead-
ers and plenty of opportunity for development. “Bristol has certainly positioned itself as one of the best-placed cities in the country to take full advantage of the recovery,” Mr Randall said. “The city has some very clear and obvious advantages in terms of wealth, quality of life and education. It is a place where people want to come to live and work but that does not mean that there can be any room for complacency. Mr Randall added: “There is a lot of
competition in the UK when it comes to attracting investors and Bristol still has ground to make up in some areas. “It cannot afford to rely on its reputation as a great place to live and has to give businesses plenty of good reasons to invest here. “There are improvements planned such as the Metro system and more importantly the electrification of the Great Western mainline, but a lot of work needs to be done to convince the business community that the prob-
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
7
USINESS ... EXCEPT FOR THE TRAFFIC REACTION:
73%
Bristol Mayor George Ferguson ● “THE Pulse survey makes interesting reading and it is very encouraging that the business leaders are emphatically backing Bristol as a great place to be based as a business. This echoes the recent Sunday Times survey, which concluded that Bristol is head and shoulders above its rivals when it comes to quality of life. “We understand concerns about traffic and congestion, which is why we are working hard to develop Bristol’s transport system. We are well on the way to implementing an improved transport infrastructure for Bristol and the surrounding region that is specifically designed to encourage economic growth, new investment and create new jobs. “This infrastructure features a ‘jigsaw’ of interconnected transport options such as the £200m MetroBus rapid transit bus network, the MetroWest rail project and the Greater Bristol Bus Network that reduce congestion and help people move around the city more easily. “Added to that, over £20m is being invested in transport options
identified the quality of Bristol’s workforce as the city’s key business advantage
“ We understand concerns about traffic and congestion, which is why we are working hard to develop Bristol’s transport system around the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone to support inward investment and new employment opportunities in the area. “This includes a complete re-design of the Temple Circus roundabout, new vehicle, pedestrian and cycle links to ‘Arena Park’ and better walking and cycling links on all routes in and out of the Enterprise Zone.”
West of England LEP chairman Colin Skellett
... and tech businesses identified links with the city’s two universities as a key advantage
the Business Pulse panel. “This initiative is part of our drive to champion growing businesses in Greater Bristol,” he said. “By taking time to complete our survey, businesses have allowed us to give them a powerful voice. “Their feedback is clear and we will ensure that this is communicated directly to the region’s strategic leaders.” The Business Pulse steering group included the Bristol mayor George Ferguson, West of England Local En-
terprise Partnership chairman, Colin Skellett, and James Durie, executive director of Business West, together with a cross section of leaders of local firms. The second Business Pulse Report, covering the availability of finance to local firms, will be published in June. Businesses interested in contributing to future Business Pulse surveys can register interest by contacting Isabel Duckworth via isabel.duckworth@bdo.co.uk
“ We understand that Bristol has historically punched beneath its weight in terms of its international presence
Ed Brown (Co-Founder, Friska) ● “BRISTOL is a fantastic place to start and grow a business. For Friska the key factors have been that it is a growing city, drawing in an increasingly affluent customer base, we have got great access to capital here and a fantastic pool of talent to recruit from. Plus it’s a great place to live!”
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lem of congestion is being addressed. “Overall however, the findings of our survey are extremely positive and reflect a renewed optimism amongst business leaders. “It seems that after five very tough years, the pace of economic recovery is really starting to pick up and that Bristol could be one of the biggest winners.” Bristol Post assistant editor Gavin Thompson thanked the range and variety of businesses that have joined
● “IT is positive to see such a strong endorsement for the West of England as a base for local companies. “Local business leaders appreciate the quality of the local workforce, links with universities and other strategic advantages that they enjoy being based here. “However, there are no grounds for complacency. We understand that Bristol has historically punched beneath its weight in terms of its international presence. “This is something that we are working hard to address. Clearly transport and congestion is also a further crucial matter for us to continue to tackle with the local authorities.”
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Focus on start-ups | Sponsored by THEME SPONSOR’S NAME HERE.
Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone focus
AMBITIOUS ZONE MUST FIND THOSE With grand ambitions to create 17,000 jobs, there is pressure to deliver at the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. Gavin Thompson finds out what is already happening in the zone
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N the March 2011 Budget, George Osborne announced the creation of 21 enterprise zones, including one in the area around Temple Meads in Bristol. The idea was that relaxing planning rules would attract businesses to regenerate areas. And allowing businesses rates to be reinvested in the infrastructure would create a virtuous circle, making it easier to unlock private funding, too. A year later, the Chancellor officially opened the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. Two years on, what has changed? There’s certainly plenty in the pipeline – a major overhaul of Temple Meads station and a new arena accessed by an £11 million bridge. But lots has already happened, too. The West of England Local En-
“ As a creative hub, it has been a great showcase for our economy
‘It’s a fantastic location… clients hop off the train and we’re there’ James Durie
terprise Partnership is co-ordinating activity in the zone and has published a plan to create 17,000 jobs within it. James Durie, of Business West, is a board member of the LEP. He points to the Engine Shed business centre as a terrific example of what could be achieved in the zone. The £1.7 million innovation centre opened in December, bringing a raft of new and exciting companies. “That’s the place where we take all the dignitaries to show off the area,” said James. There have been a few, including several Government ministers and a least one royal. “As a creative hub, it has been a great showcase for our economy,” added James. “It’s also a showing the kind of space we think will be in demand. The creative and tech industries want a more informal space which engineers those accidental collisions between businesses, universities, representatives of the council.”
● SINCE it was founded in 2008, TVS has become a global company employing 100 people in countries including India, Singapore and Germany. The business is growing at around 30 per cent a year. But the firm’s head office remains in Bristol. As part of the SetSquared business network run by the University of Bristol, it moved to the Engine Shed, Temple Meads, last year. Managing director, Mike Bartley, said: “We work with high-tech
James believes the presence of organisations such as the LEP and inward investment body Invest in Bristol and Bath all help Bristol put forward a united message to investors and Government. “It’s a great starting point,” he said. “The next step will be to build the Engine Shed 2.” The LEP has included the idea in its strategic economic plan, submitted last month to
Case study companies to help them test their products, hardware verification and software testing. “For example, for Intel we help verify the chips that go in their mobile phones, for Ericsson we help verify products for video broadcasting. For (Bristol-based) Nvidia, we help them make sure the mobile phone chips they produce work correctly before they go into phones.”
Government in a bid to attract funding. While the Engine Shed is attracting most of the VIPs and media attention, a development just across Station Approach is perhaps more significant. It took a £7 million private sector investment by office space provider TCN to create Temple Studios, another trendy office environment packed with creative businesses. It
Mike had been working for software and semiconductor companies around Bristol for 20 years and felt there was a gap in the market. He set up the business without borrowing or grants, using the SetSquared framework for support. “Early on, someone advised me SetSquared would prove a useful place to be and they have provided a lot of help and advice in terms of HR and legal advice,” he said. “We pay a monthly rent and the
houses around 150 people working for a host of firms, from architects to web designers, music producers to marketing agencies. And while the work behind the scenes by the LEP, the city council and Invest in Bristol and Bath is important, in the end the success or otherwise of the zone will be determined by whether private investors can make a profit.
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advice is free. Advice in areas such as sales and marketing has been very valuable to me.” And he is loving the location since the move to the Engine Shed. “It’s a very good location,” he said. “It’s fantastic – customers can come to Temple Meads, they hop off the train and we are right there. If I need to visit someone for a meeting, I can jump on the train. The M32’s not far away, either. “There’s a lot going on, so it’s vibrant and exciting – there’s a buzz about the place.”
One of the big employers in the zone is law firm Burges Salmon, which moved to a purpose-built office at One Glass Wharf in 2010. Among the 670 employees there is partner Liz Dunn, who specialises in planning and who recently attended the MIPIM international property conference in Cannes, promoting investment in the city and the zone in particular. Liz said moving had been a sig-
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014
KEY PIECES OF THE JIGSAW Area is ‘pretty perfect’ bar one crucial factor Case study ● OLIVER Gosling, 30, and David Robinson, 29, know all about the importance of appearance. They set up Hype and Slippers in 2011, specialising in branding, often for new businesses. Based at Temple Studios, their space has the informal, casual feel you increasingly expect in a creative business. David’s border terrier Odi even has the run of the office. “He’s head of chewing,” joked David. “It’s an important role.” About 30 to 40 per cent of their business comes from Bristol, the rest is global, with customers in Australia, Los Angeles and London. The pair have found plenty of work through referrals without needing to go looking – they haven’t even printed business cards yet. But it’s going well enough that they hired their first member of staff last year and will be adding another designer soon. David said: “We’re taking on another designer to allow us to
focus on running the business.” On being in the enterprise zone, David said: “The location is pretty perfect.”
But he added that the kind of bar where young creatives might network in the evening was the only missing ingredient.
● Oliver Gosling and David Robinson with border terrier Odi Photograph: Michael Lloyd BRML20140414A-003_C
Simon’s rapidly-growing team of creatives inspired by Studios
● Simon Coles
nificant step for the firm to take. “It’s quite a building,” she said. “The office was built for us to our specifications and it has consolidated the way we think about ourselves and helped us to grow.”
Photo: Michael Lloyd BRML20140414A-008_C
Liz is passionate about the regeneration of the area, which she describes as a “key” site for the city because it acts as the gateway for train travellers. She said there were a number of
● WHEN Simon Coles set up his own architecture practice, he knew he wanted to be in Bristol. “It’s the regional centre,” he said. “So when I heard about the enterprise zone and especially what (property firm) TCN was doing here at Temple Studios, I wanted to be part of it.” The 42-year-old was undeterred by the recession, starting up Keep Architecture in 2012. “My work is in the commercial property sector, which had just died,” he said. “But I took a strategic view and kept up those relationships. My fundamental belief was that people would always need buildings, so there is a business opportunity, no matter what.” The gamble paid off. Simon is working on a number of
pieces of the jigsaw that needed to fall into place for the project to be a success. Near the top of the priority list is the derelict former Royal Mail sorting office, an eyesore that greets visitors.
Case study regeneration schemes, from Bodmin to Milford Haven, and has grown from being one man with a mobile phone and a computer to running a team of seven (including freelance workers), with more to follow. “I moved to a bigger office with space for 15 people,” he said. “I wouldn’t have done that last year if I didn’t believe we were going to be at 15 people within two years.” Those people are part of the reason Simon has chosen to base the business at Temple Studios. “I have got fantastic, creative people. They are the future of my business and they have to be inspired by the environment they work in.”
“That’s a really important piece of the puzzle,” she said. “When that site is starting to be redeveloped, the message that will send out to the people of Bristol and people coming into Bristol would
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Moving in ✔ THERE are 350 businesses already in the zone including Burges Salmon, BT, IBM, Osborne Clarke, Canada Life and HSBC. ✔ Thirty-five companies have moved in since the zone was opened by the Chancellor in April 2012. ✔ New occupiers include: LICenergy UK – a Danish wind farm developer; Simmons and Simmons – the legal firm’s first office outside of London; Creston – a marketing giant; Bristol University’s SETsquared business acceleration centre – recognised as the best incubator in Europe, based in the newly-opened Engine Shed; and Bluwireless, a company developing the next generation of wi-fi. ✔ More than 620 jobs have been created since April 2012, with 400 in the first year. The goal is to create 4,000 in the first five years and 17,000 in the 25-year lifespan.
be a really strong, positive one.” But although it is symbolic, it is only part of the answer. Network Rail’s planned reconfiguration of Temple Meads station and other infrastructure improvements are critical for making sure people can move around easily. And, of course, the long-awaiting concert arena will be important, too. But Liz says the key is more people. “At the moment, the area is still a bit sterile,” she said, frankly. There are a number of empty units for restaurants, bars and shops, including on the ground floor of Burges Salmon’s own office. When these and places like them are full, it will start to bring the area to life. But that won’t happen until it makes business sense for retailers to move in. “But I feel like things are really starting,” said Liz. One group that could help transform the feel of the area is students. “I expect there will be some student accommodation put forward within the enterprise zone,” said Liz. “Students are often more adventurous in the way they interact with each other and their place, so that has the potential to bring a bit of life to the area.” Whether it is students, residents, businesses or, more likely, a mix of them all, the zone needs people to grow. It has momentum. Tenants already within it rave about the links to London for customers and the advantages of being near other creative businesses. Electrification of the rail line, cutting the journey to Paddington to one hour and 20 minutes, will help. But the zone needs to build on that and keep moving forward, both on the big projects, such as the sorting office, and the smaller ones, such as a place for hip young professionals to network over a beer.
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Know how
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
In pictures: Business people out
John Bonney Online marketing specialist
Bristol Connected - Bristol Post networking event hosted by Thrings
How to make your website truly effective
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O you’ve got a great social media plan, well-written content, and a finely-tuned pay-per-click campaign – but are you having trouble making that into something that works? If so, it’s time to take a look at how your website performs. Humans are visual creatures; unfortunately that means we also make quick judgements on the quality of a website by how it looks. Considering this, your website needs to be aesthetically pleasing, and attention grabbing. Research suggests that different colours affect purchase choice and mood. One of the most popular infographics of last year by KISSmetrics, entitled “how colours affect conversions” featured a case study of a company named Performable – who changed their call-to-action button from green to red and saw a 21 per cent rise in conversions. The majority of sites have a contact us page, but are you making yourself easy to contact? Insert your phone number into the header of your site, this means your contact information is readily available on every page. Consider including a blog and news page. By having your own original content you are encouraging users to spend even more time browsing your site. If you’ve already got the hang of all the above, then now is the time to analyse a little deeper. When a website isn’t performing, it generally means that you aren’t converting traffic, or you aren’t receiving traffic. One of the best ways of figuring out which one it is, is by installing Google Analytics. This is an essential tool, to monitor the traffic your site receives. Once you’ve installed this, take a look at the bounce rate of your website, this indicates whether you are engaging your current audience. It provides statistics regarding the length of time visitors spend on your site, and also information on the time being spent on certain pages. By setting up a filter you can monitor the visitors your website gets from each of your social media channels. This information can be used to analyse which media campaigns are most popular. It is estimated that a quarter of all web traffic in the UK is by mobile users – and this is rapidly growing. If your analytics show that you are receiving lots of mobile traffic, then it’s essential you are catering for that audience. Your website is the foundation of your home on the internet, and is the most vital part of your digital brand. Your whole online campaign is built around marketing it correctly, and sturdy foundations are a must for any budding online operation If you have a question for John Bonney, email Craig Sheppard on c.sheppard@bathchron.co.uk.
● Lizzie Heffer of Thrings; Tracie Jolliff of JT&C The Knowledge Group, and Jo Reid of Calvium
● Angela Belassie, PR The Write Way, and Simon Bates, of Jordans Corporate Law
● Robert Harris, of Bristol 24-hour Pedal Car Race Ltd; and Duncan Snook and Brett Lambe of Thrings
● Larry Sargent, Director of Aim Financial Consulting, and David Minns, of Brown in Town Tailors & Atelier
● Above and below, scenes at the networking event
Photos: Artur Lesniak BRAL20140409E
● From the top, Thrings managing partner Simon Holdsworth; Clive Wray, director of public sector contracts at Business West; and Moussa Clarke, Export Manager at Bath Ales
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HE lure of the sunshine outside was enough to keep business people away from the second Bristol Connected event, hosted by Thrings LLP, where the talk was of a bright outlook for the city’s economy. The Bristol Post event, held every other month, brings together entrepreneurs, professionals and business people from across the city region for an opportunity to network and make business connections. In an on-stage interview, Thrings managing partner Simon Holdsworth talked up Bristol’s economic performance – in particular the creative and hi-tech sectors – and urged everyone to take advantage of the city’s European Green Capital
status next year. He said: “I think we’re seeing a renewed sense of optimism. Commercial property-wise we’ve seen half a million sq ft of space taken up in the city centre which has got to be good for the city and give businesses real confidence for the future.” But he conceded congestion was holding Bristol back and said more should be done to tackle congestion and to keep the city moving. Taking place in export week, the evening had an international trade theme and Simon gave the audience of around 50 people a few pointers. He said: “Do your homework. Do the research and go out there and do the field trips. You need a really good distributor wherever your chosen
market is going to be. And get a decent distribution agreement.” Clive Wray, director of public sector contracts at Business West, talked about the work the organisation does to support firms, including to export through its UK Trade and Industry contract for the region. Moussa Clarke, from Warmley-based brewer Bath Ales shared his experiences of selling the firm’s beers to Russia, Brazil and other foreign markets. Among those in attendance was Matt Rogers, marketing manager at Outset Bristol, based on Prince Street. He said: “For me it gives me access to a range of businesses that I
wouldn’t necessarily have access to on a day-to-day basis. Accountants, lawyers, all different types of people.” Neil Dimes, partner at accountants and business advisers BDO, said: “I think it’s vital. It’s an opportunity for the local business leaders to get together and compare stories.” Kevin Brynes, general manager at Hilton Garden Inn, Temple Way, said: “Events like this in a city that is as diverse as Bristol provide an opportunity to share ideas and add to the fantastic development that is happening here at the moment.” The next Bristol Connected event will be in June. Watch this space for news on where, when and who will be speaking.
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014
and about
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Business diary Graduate innovation seminar: ActionCOACH Bristol & North Somerset has teamed up with EU-funded scheme Grads for Growth to host a free seminar looking at unlocking innovation and how to access graduates to help do this. It takes place at Leigh Court on Thursday, April 17, 8.30am-1pm. Register via Eventbrite.
The Distinguished Executive Address - Dr Louise Makin, CEO of BTG plc ● Pictured left at the event, David Potter of CMI; Jane Harrington of UWE; Dr Louise Makin, and Nicholas O’Regan of UWE. Right, Dr Makin soeaking at the event; below, scenes from the event. Photographs: Michael Lloyd BRML2014 0409B-003_C
Ready for business workshop: Introductory workshops for anyone who is exploring the concept of self-employment or starting a business at Brave, The Coach House, Upper York Street, Bristol, 10am-4pm, Thursday, April 24. Free. Contact readyforbusiness@businesswest .co.uk. Mark Ormrod business talk: Motivational speaker, author of Man Down, former Royal Marine Commando and triple amputee Mark Ormrod visits Pure Comms, Clevedon, to talk to business owners at 5.30pm on Thursday, April 24. Followed by auction and book signing – with all money raised being donated to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. Visit www.purecomms.co.uk. Taking Care Of Your Music Business: Bristol-based independent records label Jelli Records runs a workshop at the Coach House, Upper York Street, Bristol, on Saturday, April 26, covering self-employment in the music business and getting work. Sign up at www.jelli-records.com. China breakfast briefing: Breakfast briefing for high-tech and green technology firms about opportunities in China, outlining details of the Smart Cities’ China Trade Mission to Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in November. HSBC Commercial Centre, Temple Back, Tuesday, April 29. See www.bristol-china-partnership. com for more information. FSB South Gloucestershire seminar: Wednesday, April 30, 7pm-10pm, Azec West Hotel, Almondsbury, BS32 4TS. Register at www.fsb.org.uk.
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R Louise Makin, CEO of BTG plc, was the latest big-business name to take part in this year’s Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series. Dr Makin, a brewer’s daughter from Warrington, Cheshire, was at Bristol City Hall for the event, during which she was also interviewed by Ian Mean, content director for Local World in the region. She is credited with turning BTG from an IP commercialisation business into a profitable specialist healthcare operation since she took the top job in 2004. Dr Makin said an ageing pop-
ulation in the UK was going to need commercially-viable and cost effective products. She added the UK was behind the US in healthcare research and investment but there were positive signs, particularly with the development of more healthcare hubs, such as MedCity. “A lot of my work is done in the US, a major market for healthcare and I spend a lot of time there,” she said. “If I were to draw a comparison then I would say that the whole system of providing early-stage funding for research and cultivating a core group of risk minded investors and commercially-minded research-
2014 15 HOSPITALITY
oneering the technology and it is now being more successfully commercialised and moving into industry.” The majority of BTG’s revenue comes from antidotes for commonly used heart and cancer medications and snake bites, interventional oncology products for the treatment of liver cancer and interventional vascular products for severe blood clots and varicose veins. The address series has brought a number of high profile business leaders to the city. The next event is Xavier Rolet, chief executive, London Stock Exchange Group, talking on May 7 at the Passenger Shed in Bristol.
Email your business events to gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk. Events are sometimes cancelled without us being notified so please check with organisers before travelling.
For more information & to book please contact either:
SUZANNE ROPER sroper@bristolrugby.co.uk
SARAH GORVETT
sarahgorvett@bristolrugby.co.uk
or call the commercial team on
0117 958 1635
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PACKAGES
ers is a lot more developed in the US than it is here in the UK. “So we may well have enough researchers (in the UK) but we haven’t got all the right links in place. The results speak for themselves as we haven’t got the successful biotech companies at scale that you’ve got in the US. “Bringing people together in hubs is one of the things that the US has done really well, and that does have a benefit, I’m sure. “There’s a lot of work going on actually, if you look around many of the universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, the leading London colleges and here at UWE. People are pi-
The Set.Social: Monthly informal networking night at The Set, a collaboration club at Bath Road Studios. Taking place on the first Wednesday of every month, it aims to bring together like-minded people in the South of Bristol to meet, think and create over drinks and canapés. From 6pm.
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Up and coming START-UPS
Tidy and Shiny Joseph is cleaning up as his business expands Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
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YOUNG entrepreneur who started a cleaning business in January is taking on staff and is set to move into new offices. Joseph Edwards, aged 25, set up Tidy and Shiny from his parent’s home in Westbury-on-Trym just 10 weeks ago. After winning four office contracts and 60 domestic projects in that time, with several more pending, he is now taking on two admin staff to look after the 15 cleaning staff he will soon be subcontracting work to. With the aim of moving into offices near Temple Meads, Joseph plans to use his freed-up time to develop the business, first expanding in Bristol then moving to other cities around the UK with his web-based service. Ultimately he hopes to be operating in 66 major towns and cities in the UK within three years. Tidy and Shiny offers a standardised service, with set options for deep or light cleaning, and a money-back guarantee if customers are not satisfied. Joseph believes his business model could revolutionise the domestic and commercial cleaning market. He said: “The domestic cleaning market is a pretty saturated one but unfortunately most of them over-promise and under-deliver. “In the modern world where people don’t have time to waste and want to be able to do it on the internet, there’s no-one who’s really developed this scalable model which I think I have with this standardised pricing. “It’s very encouraging. “Everything’s moving forward nice and quickly.” Joseph graduated with a first class
● Joseph Edwards of Tidy and Shiny degree in economics in 2011 before spending two years travelling, returning in 2013 and initially planning to apply for corporate graduate schemes before deciding to set up on his own. Tidy and Shiny was born out of a desire to tap into the £10 billion per year domestic cleaning market and he has been using business support
Picture: Dan Regan BRDR20140404D-002 from Queen Square-based Outset Bristol to help him realise his ambitions. Matt Rogers, spokesman for Outset Bristol: “Tidy and Shiny are routinely outperforming the targets set by their business advisers. “Although they are still in the early stages of growth, the possibility of rapid expansion for Tidy and Shiny
Education
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● TLT’s senior partner Robert Bourns with the work experience students
people to the realities of a career in the law and the different routes that they can take. We are a diverse society and look to create an innovative
Age limit removed on start-up funding A Government scheme previously aimed at entrepreneurs under the age of 30 has had its age limit removed. Over 30s are now able to apply for funding through the Start-Up Loan scheme, with Queen Square support organisation Outset Bristol being one of the official delivery partners. The group is now able to offer low-interest loans for entrepreneurs over 30 just starting or in business for less than 12 months. The Start Up Loan Company deals typically range from £2,000 to £10,000, filling a big gap for early stage enterprises to buy stock, equip premises or simply to fund those crucial first months. Bev Hurley, founder of the Outset programme, was delighted with the appointment: “Being chosen as a delivery partner underlines our expertise and experience in early-stage funding. “At Outset Bristol we’ve helped our clients create 281 new firms, and 304 jobs too, but now this money gives us a boost to getting local people out of unemployment, or a dead-end job, and into a properly-funded business. “Because it’s a personal loan, we don’t have to ask for security or guarantees, but we will fully check the ability to repay, and the robustness of the business. It’s certainly not a handout.” The Outset Bristol team works with the borrowers so that the loans will be spent wisely, and readies them to start trading profitably and sustainably. A comprehensive website, outsetfinance.com, is where entrepreneurs will discover information on eligibility, terms and an online application form. The government introduced Start Up Loans originally for 18 to 30 year olds, and has loaned more than £60 million to bolster the UK’s economic growth.
Development Hire an office by the hour at new hot desk facility
A-level students go to work in lawyers’ office LAW firms TLT and Clarke Willmott have partnered with the University of the West of England to offer a two-day pilot work experience scheme. The scheme was delivered to 19 first-year A-level students, who learned about the variety of qualifications, roles and responsibilities that make up a law firm. The youngsters came from schools and colleges around the Bristol area including St Brendan’s Catholic College, City of Bristol College, Bradley Stoke Community School, Cotham School, Colston’s Girls School, Stroud and South Gloucestershire College. The students had access to employees across the firm, from partners to trainee solicitors, and support staff, including HR and IT. Robert Bourns, senior partner at TLT said: “TLT recognises its responsibility to introduce young
has already been identified. “Joseph has grand ambitions of becoming operational in all 66 major UK cities within three years, and with confidence shown in him through the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme, Virgin’s Start Up initiative and the Web start Bristol incubator, these ambitions may not be too far away.”
Loans
working environment reflecting the broader community and providing opportunity to people from a wide range of backgrounds.
THE Hive, North Somerset’s landmark new workspace and business development centre which is due to open in May, has announced details of a new hot desk facility. The Hive Express Business Lounge, based in the Weston Business Quarter on the old Weston airfield site, will provide space by the hour or by the day. Hive Ex press will be a work hub for its tenants and for businesses and employees from North Somerset and surrounding area. It will include free unlimited wi-fi, space for quick informal business meetings, lockers, access to daily broadsheet newspapers and monthly business magazines and even shower facilities as part of its offer. Charges will be £3 per hour or £20 per day, from 9am to 5pm, with refreshments, printing and photocopy-
ing facilities available at an additional cost. Further developments at The Hive have seen the scaffolding removed to reveal the exterior and external spiral staircases, with photovoltaic cells and solar panels on the roof. The building will be handed over to North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA) in mid-April with first tenants following in May. Angela Hicks, CEO of North Somerset Enterprise Agency, said: “We have been working towards the delivery of this modern and eco-friendly managed workspace for many years, so finally seeing the building standing in all its glory and being able to gradually unveil the unique package of facilities and services that we will soon be offering to local businesses is an exciting milestone.”