Business 17 September 2014 by BGSD-cs

BUSINESS RATES

FEM-ALE FRIENDLY

GET GROWING

Reform vital to success of independent traders – page 4

Bristol brewer seeks to broaden its appeal – p5

How your business can cash in on the recovery – pages 8&9

SEP

2014

BIG INTERVIEW

BREAD OF HEAVEN Meet the proud Welshman who has overseen the stunning rise of bread maker Warburtons in Bristol and the rest of the South West Pages 6&7 EPB-E01-S3

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Awards

Sparkies shine light on digital success stories ● BRISTOL’S technology companies have a chance to show off just why the city has been rated the top tech cluster outside London. Nominations for the Sparkies awards for companies across the West are now open. Now in its third year, the number of categories has been expanded to 14 – including Best App, Best Start-up, Biggest Success Story, Start-up To Watch and the heralded Founder / Entrepreneur Of The Year. But in keeping with the fast pace of the technology world, there’s just three weeks to enter with nominations closing on Friday, October 3. Founder David Maher Roberts, who is the creative and digital media sector specialist for Invest Bristol & Bath, said: “Shadowing the growth of the digital economy in the region, The Sparkies is going from strength to strength. “When we first launched the awards in 2012, we had 100 nominations and 250 people attended the awards night – two years on and we’re expecting hundreds of nominations and we have had to increase the venue capacity to over 400 for the event.” Bristol and Bath’s tech cluster was recently highlighted as being of global significance in an independent report. This year the awards have attracted sponsors including international management consultants Deloitte Digital, crowd-funding startup CrowdBnk and Peter Gabriel’s music label Real World. Among the judges will be Nick Sturge, director of the Engine Shed, said: “The region’s digital economy has been steadily growing, minding its own business and largely ignored by the rest of the UK. But now our profile has stepped up massively to the point that we’re seen as a leader – an exemplar of how to grow a tech-based cluster. “As a judge I’m hoping to see some great, ambitious companies that are truly innovative and keen to scale.”

Survey

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Entrepreneurs enjoy successful 12 months ● ENTREPRENEURS have seen their businesses grow considerably over the past year and are optimistic about their future, according to the results of an EY survey. EY’s South West data shows that 65 per cent of entrepreneurs have increased their headcount, with 27 per cent of these businesses creating more than 50 new jobs. The EY survey also revealed that almost all of the entrepreneurs surveyed (90 per cent) expect their turnover to increase in the next three years. However, just 20 per cent feel that they are able to attract the right talent, suggesting that the South West skilled labour market remains challenging for many businesses. EY surveyed 40 entrepreneurs to assess how their firms have performed in recent years and whether they expect to grow in the future. The majority of entrepreneurs surveyed in the South West have well-established businesses; three quarters of respondents have run their firms for at least a decade.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Enterprise Awards ● Best Start Up finalist David Graves from OmniDynamics

One to watch 3D printing business picks up the best start-up crown Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

BUSINESS developing 3D printers for the consumer market has been picked as having great potential to grow. OmniDynamics has taken the South West best start-up crown in the Lloyds Bank Enterprise Awards. As well as banking a cheque for £1,000, the firm goes into the national final. But more important for the young company, which is based at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory at UWE’s Frenchay campus, is the recognition

and kudos the title brings, as well as additional business support. Chief executive and founder David Graves said: “We are delighted to win the best start-up prize, and it has presented us with the perfect opportunity to market ourselves and move the business forward. “We are going to put the money towards the recycling element of our product, so we can reduce plastic waste reduction. “The mentoring support we will receive will also be a vital to the development of our firm, as it will provide us with the business advice needed to take the company forward.” The award recognises businesses that have been running for less than

two years but have the potential to grow and be profitable. Omnidynamics was recognised for its work building and developing a product which will help introduce 3D printing to the consumer market. The innovative product, The Strooder, was developed by robotics students during their placement year at the University of West England, and transforms plastic pellets into plastic filament that can be used in 3D printing. Many experts predict 3D printing will be the next big thing to transform our lives and businesses on a scale not seen since the rise of the inter net. David and fellow founder Greg Gruzecki recently raised more than

£50,000 for the programme through a crowdfunding campaign on the Kickstarter platform. David Beaumont, area director SME Banking, South West, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The awards are proof that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the UK. Speaking with all of the shortlisted businesses, I was impressed with the level of drive and determination that these young business owners have. “The presentation given by OmniDynamics really brought to life their business ideas and commercial skills to convince all of the judges that they were the worthy winners.” The grand final takes place in Edgbaston on October 15.

Property

Lack of office building could hold back recovery A PROPERTY expert is warning that a lack of new office building could hold back the recovery in the region. There are two significant speculative office developments under way in Bristol, 2 Glass Wharf by Salmon Harvester and 66 Queen Square by Skanska. But Philip Cranstone, pictured, associate director at DTZ’s industrial agency team in Bristol, said more might be needed as firms look to improve productivity. He pointed to Bank of England Governor Mark Carney’s belief that the “easy” bit of the recovery was behind us and now we face the harder part, where the economy needs an

increase in productivity, pick up in real wages and export competitiveness which will have an impact on future growth prospects. Philip said: “Mr Carney’s comments regarding productivity increases relies heavily on companies being able to maximise efficiency of their existing facilities or secure new sites for expansion to meet demand. “Due to the acute shortage of Grade A industrial accommodation as a direct result of the lack of speculative development during the recession coupled with strong take-up of prime space, we have seen long-term average Grade A availability fall below half that of historic levels, now being less than five per cent in the South

West. He added: “The impact is being felt acutely at the small to medium end of the occupier market. “Aside from one or two speculative schemes of small units in certain pockets, no speculative development has yet been delivered where occupiers haven’t already been secured, and importantly not in the key industrial and logistics locations.” Philip said the next 12 months would be critical for the region’s industrial market with the prospect of increased interest rates, a general election and increased likelihood of

speculative development, albeit at significantly lower levels than at the economy’s peak. He said: “Local companies now more than ever need to plan for growth and relocation carefully to ensure that productivity levels can be increased and that a lack of available space will not impact on future prospects. “Now is the time for developers and investors to be brave with decisions to bring sites forward to meet the increasing demand in the occupier market to ensure the recovery continues its positive trajectory.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Exports

Jobs

Sign up to help 600 find way into work ● BUSINESSES are being asked to sign up to a scheme to improve the job prospects of hundreds of unemployed youngsters across the Bristol area. The HYPE West (Helping Young People into Employment) programme will provide 600 unemployed people from across the region, aged 18-24, with a range of support and activities to increase their chances of finding a job. As well as mentoring and job coaching, the initiative includes a high quality work experience placement with guaranteed reference and a job-matching service aimed at securing an apprenticeship or job for each participant. Participants will also be giving ongoing support throughout the first six months of

● Mark Callaghan with his staff of British Corner Shop

employment. To be eligible for the Bristol City Council-led scheme, the young person must be aged 18-24, have been claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance for 13-26 weeks and be ready to start work within 26 weeks of joining the programme. In Bristol and South Gloucestershire Business West will be signing up businesses to offer work experience placements and job opportunities, while Bath & North East Somerset Council and North Somerset Council will do the same in their areas. Adam Powell, director of skills at the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Providing our young and unemployed with the support and training they need to help get them into work is vital for the future economic success of the West of England.”

Pic: Dan Regan BRDR20140909B-001

Global reach Sales soar at the corner store to the world Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

“ Everyone talks about Marmite, Branston Pickle, Coleman’s Mustard, Heinz Beans and people love them. Mark Callaghan them to me, put them on a container and sent them off. “One Christmas Eve I got an email saying ‘the goods will be arriving soon, where is my export documentation?’. “I said ‘what export documentation’?” Things worked out in the end and the buyer is still a regular customer, but Mark said seeking some professional advice might have helped smooth over a few of the bumps in the road. Especially as Mark had no retail or exporting experience when he bought the business – he previously worked for Hewlett Packard. But he had the one thing all businesses need. Drive. He added: “At some point you have got to just jump in.”

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COMPANY that ships favourite British products has seen its revenues grow after branching out beyond its traditional ex-pat market. British Corner Shop has become an export success story built largely on Brits abroad missing their Marmite and Coleman’s Mustard. But while such old favourites remain a staple of its online retail business, the Iron Acton-based company is building a much wider market. Managing director Mark Callaghan said: “Everyone talks about Marmite, Branston Pickle, Coleman’s Mustard, Heinz Beans and people do love them. “But if you look at our supermarkets compared with a lot of other parts of the world, we are spoilt for choice. We have got a huge variety of products.” And being able to supply that variety – the firm sells 10,000 products – appeals to more than just homesick Brits. “A lot of non-Brits are buying from us,” said Mark. The firm was founded in 1999 but was very much a home-based business until Mark bought it in 2004. “I liked the concept and most of all I liked the name,” he said. Since then he has built a serious export business, which has grown quickly and as it grows, it has been able to lower its prices. “We can now deliver a crate of about a month’s groceries to mainland Europe for about £5,” Mark said. It can cost close to that to get your weekly shop delivered from the supermarket up the road. About three years after taking over, the firm moved into the wholesale market and has now moved into bigger volumes which helps it drive down its costs and therefore prices. The firm now supplies supermarkets and convenience stores abroad serving domestic markets rather than ex-pats. It’s a move that is paying off. Last year revenues grow 40 per cent and in the last two

months that growth is more than 60 per cent. Revenue is forecast to hit £10 million this year. The company is adding new lines all the time. Customers can suggest products but they seek them out too. “People love new products so we work with most major brand owners and get access to their new products at the same time as UK supermarkets do,” he said. It wasn’t always this way. When the company had its first wholesale order, it had to find a supplier as the brands would not deal with it direct because it wasn’t big enough. And that first experience offers a valuable exporting lesson for others “We had an email from a customer in Saudi Arabia drop into my inbox asking if we could send a box of some confectionery items,” said Mark, “We did and after that he asked if he could but a 20ft container full – about 10 pallets. We managed to find someone who would sell

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

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

WHAT’S WRONG WITH RATES? ● BUSINESS rates are linked to RPI, which is seen as an unpredictable measure of inflation. ● Property values are out of date and don’t follow the market. When the economy crashed, rates didn’t fall with it making them a heavy burden on business in hard times. ● They discourage expansion and investment. Rates discourage firms from taking on more space because their tax bill goes up even if profits don’t. ● They discourage retailers from taking the step onto the high street and penalise bricks-andmortar against online competition. The result is empty shops and offices.

WHAT SHOULD CHANGE? ● Greater local control over how rates are spent so they can be used to encourage more investment and job creation. This happens to a small degree around enterprise zones, such as Temple Quarter, and is being used to help fund the Bristol Arena, but should become the norm. ● A simpler system that small businesses can understand. ● Break the deterrent to expansion. One way this could be done is by replacing rates with a local sales tax.

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

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Business rates SUPPORTERS ● Matthew Lea, managing partner at Bishop Fleming: “The Government is expecting the recovery to be driven by the small business sector, but that potential for recovery is stifled by the iniquities of business rates – the only tax that is index linked and guaranteed to rise, irrespective of how a business is performing.” ● James Durie, executive director of Business West: “This is a tax that hits companies of all sizes long before they a make a profit, and acts as a drag on business growth and investment.” ● John Hirst, Destination Bristol: “For many years now we have listened to retailers, both existing and potential occupiers complaining furiously about business rates. Empty stores simply do not help anyone.”

● Anne-Louise Perez, left, and Imogen McIntosh

Rates reform Gift card firm backing campaign Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

BUSINESS that aims to support independent retailers is backing the Bristol Post’s campaign to overhaul the business rates system. Our Real Rates Reform campaign is calling for: ● A simpler system that small businesses can understand. ● An end to the property-based deterrent to growth and expansion. ● And greater local control over how the income from rates or their replacement are spent. We are asking for businesses to support the campaign by signing up online. The latest organisation to do so is Your Street, a Bristol gift card business which works which allows independent retailers to offer gift cards to customers. Retailers are particularly hard hit

by business rates, which has led to many empty shops or the rise of charity shops in many streets – as charities get rate relief. Co-founder and director Anne-Louise Perez said: “We would love to see independent shops taking on empty buildings and thriving, however the current business rates approach seems to be restricting this group before they have even began trading.”

Anne-Lousie was particularly critical of the fact the property valuations used to calculate business rates are only carried out every five years – with the latest one already overdue. She said: “Valuation every five years of rates doesn't take in to account fluctuations in the economy such as recession. “Therefore it deters smaller shops opening who then also run a higher risk of failure. “To offer the shopper a varied experience, and to have town centres with character and identity, it seems vital to have a combination of the larger stores and the unique and specialist independent stores. “With the current business rates, the balance appears to be in favour of the large chains, and a solution to readdress this would be welcome by all.” We want to hear from more Bristol businesses on this issue. Join the conversation using the hashtag #RealRatesReform or sign the pledge at www.bristolpost.co.uk/business.

● Rebecca Tregarthen, above, chairman of the Bristol Institute of Directors: “The postponement of revaluation means many business are now paying the wrong rate. “I am also in favour of examining the relationship between central and local control.” ● Johnny Palmer, right, SXS Events, “Business rates are one of the many taxes and pieces of red tape that slow down growth and limit how many people can be employed.” ● Jayne Smith, director of Rapport Digital Marketing in Brislington: “The ongoing success of our economy depends on the success of small and fledgling businesses, who receive little or no tax incentives of breaks.” ● Dan Molloy, managing director of recruitment firm Colston Consulting: “Business rates are outdated and an additional cost to new businesses that brings no return on investment or tangible benefit.” ● Kevin Seager, director of Kingswood lettings agent Martin & Co: “Business rates are unfair and we get nothing in return. We have to pay for our own rubbish removal so what do we pay for?”

Retail

Conference bid to revive suburban high streets A REGENERATION company, local entrepreneurs and a politician have teamed up to stage an event championing Bristol’s suburban high streets. Local entrepreneurs Imogen McIntosh and Anne-Louise Perez of Your Street Gift Cards, regeneration firm Revive and Thrive, community change website Reward Your World and Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Bristol North West, Darren Jones are hosting a day-long conference on community regeneration in Bristol. Darren, pictured, said: “The hearts

of most of the communities within Bristol North West are based on high streets, parades and squares. Some are successful, but with the closure of youth centres and sporting facilities, and the decline of retail outlets, many areas are facing the prospect of their communities looking very different over the coming years. “Whilst the centre of Bristol is doing really well Bristol suburbia could do with better partnership work to help revive these often forgotten communities to ensure that if they do look different, it is for the better. And in light of continued

transport issues with cut bus routes and delayed rail connections now is the time to work with those who know best to come up with a plan to help rebuild local communities to be a great place to live, work and play.” Matthew Powell, director for policy and partnerships for Revive and Thrive added: “Our mission is to help all those who care about their place – whether they be businesses, residents, workers or vis-

itors – to find solutions to the problems their town centres and high streets are facing.” Business rates have long been a problem on high streets and are part of the reason many suburban high streets are filled with charity shops, as these get rates exemptions, meaning they can afford to operate where other retailers cannot. The conference takes place at the Greenway Centre in Southmead on Thursday, September 18.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Law

Trademark lawyers expand city office ● A FIRM of trademark lawyers is expanding its Bristol office and opening a new one in Germany as it looks to expand its overseas trade. Withers & Rogers specialises in intellectual property law, which has seen it enjoy year on year growth and attract new clients. The growth has created the need for additional capacity. Work has recently started on the expansion of the Bristol office in Redcliff Street, where the firm employs 48 people. That figure has risen by 11 in the past year, eight of them in administration and support jobs and three in fee-earning roles. The office advises on a range of intellectual property issues including securing patents for inventions, trade mark registrations and design rights. It provides protection both in the UK and overseas, working with clients from a wide number of industry sectors including life sciences, computing, software and advanced engineering. The overseas dimension has seen the business open a new office in Munich as part of a strategic move to strengthen its presence in Europe. Chairman Karl Barnfather, above, said: “None of the expansion we’re enjoying would be possible without the hard work and dedication of an enthusiastic team of people who are highly motivated and drive the firm’s success. Continued investment in expansion is essential if we are to meet demand.”

● Dipam Patel, owner of Zerodegrees microbrewery

Beer

£350k revamp Craft brewery discovers its feminine side Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

RAFT brewer Zerodegrees has undergone a major refurbishment to its building to soften the edges and appeal to more women. The establishment has also launched a new menu offer, deciding to freshen things up after a successful decade at its Colston Street site. Reopening last week, the £350,000 refurbishment has seen the dining room moved to the top floor and an expansive, flexible drinking and dining space created downstairs. The new Zerodegrees will seat 230 people; with expanded seasonal seating in a walled garden, transformed from the historic tram ramp, and the roof terrace with new awning and sliding glass doors. Ten years ago, the business pioneered a revolutionary concept of brewing and dining. Shiny steel vats

and futuristic long bars showcased the craft of brewing – with pizzas, pasta, salad and indulgent desserts perfectly complementing the speciality beers. Today, responding to changing tastes and loyal customers' feedback, the industrial, masculine feel is being softened and made more welcoming. A “forest of globes” provides overhead lighting and the more comfortable furnishings have been introduced to make the drinking and dining environment more comfortable. Owner Dipam Patel said the refurbishment was extensive. “We are beautifying what is already a stunning building, not one wall remains untouched,” he said. “We also recognise that eating habits have changed. People like to have less formal dining, to share plates of food or gather in groups and have more choices.” But while food is central to the business, Dipam says its brewing roots remain the core and Bristol-based brewmaster Simon

● Head brewer Simon Gueneau at the new-look Zerodegrees microbrewery Pics: Michael Lloyd BRML20140903A-007

“ We’re still a craft brewery and are unique in being able to offer the sight, smell and sounds of a working brewery. Dipam Patel

Gueneau will be producing an extended special beer choice, to satisfy the city's sophisticated taste for craft beers. Dipam said: “At our heart we are still a craft brewery, and we are unique in being able to offer the sight, smell and sounds of a working brewery dedicated to producing great beers – a real theatre of brewing – but we are widening our appeal.”

Construction

Drive to get more women on site Natasha Cottell, business development manager at Wates, said: “Data from the Office of National Statistics at the start of the year showed that the number of women in construction rose by 14 per cent compared with the previous year, a clear sign that considerable progress has been made in the industry over the past few years. “There is still a way to go and we are keen to make every effort to raise awareness of the career opportunities available in construction.” Peter Whitmore, business unit director for Wates in the South West added: “With the CIOB’s forecast of 182,000 new construction jobs by 2018, investment in the future workforce is more urgent now than ever before. “There are so many more facets to

construction than merely bricks and hard hats and it is important that females do not discount the multitude of different disciplines that exist in this exciting and thriving industry.” Laura Fuller, chairman of the South West branch of Women in Property, said: “As an organisation we try to instil gender diversity at every stage of one’s career. In fact, we start long before the first salary slip arrives, by going into secondary schools, reaching girls at an early age to explain what they might be missing. If girls don’t know what careers are available in our industry, how will they ever find their way into it? “We are delighted and encouraged that Wates adopt such a positive and inspirational approach.”

● Attendees at the Women in Property event at 2 Glass Wharf

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A BUILDING contractor working on one of the city’s flagship office developments is calling for a drive to get more women into construction. Wates Construction, based in Bradley Stoke, is building £40 million scheme 2 Glass Wharf, the city’s first speculative office development since the recession, for Salmon Harvester. The call to action comes after the contractor hosted the first in a series of events for the Association of Women in Property on site. The industry is facing a serious skills shortage in the face of sudden demand from the growing economy twinned with companies laying off staff and not hiring during the recession. Recruiting more women could be part of the answer.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Big Interview

MAN WHO HAS HELPED BREAD MAKER T Vital statistics Name: David Williams Age: 43 Born: Bridgend School: Dyffryn Comprehensive, Port Talbot First job: Generating features and selling display advertising for the Western Mail newspaper in Cardiff. Hero or inspiration: Every Welsh rugby team. I’m also inspired by business leaders who hold opinions based on experience, something that I feel is rarer in society today.

My working day Wake up: 6.30am Breakfast: Cereal and toast (Warburtons seeded batch) Start work: Around 7am; I’m reading emails and reports for the bakery and distribution performance. Typical working day: Every day is different, but typically there will be a number of meetings covering a broad spectrum of topics – from the quality of our products and the health and safety of our people, to the installation of our wind turbine and solar panels. I also review the previous day’s performance of the manufacturing and distribution operations and get into the bakery to see how things are going first hand. I find getting feedback from the bakery operatives and drivers directly gives me a true sense of how we are performing, and if things are going well or otherwise, they will tell you quicker than a computer or report can. Go home: Sometime between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Do you take work home? Yes, most weeks there’s a need to take work home or just catch up on emails in the evenings/ weekends. I’ll only typically attend half a dozen or so evening work functions a year.

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My downtime Perfect weekend: Spending time with the family. My daughters are quite active with Rest Bay Surf and Life Rescue Team, Porthcawl, so we’ve spent many a Sunday on a beach while they take part in training and competitions. Favourite book, film, TV show: Book – Unreliable Memoirs by Clive James, film – I never tire of watching The Great Escape or Zulu every Christmas. Hobbies: Mountain biking and skiing.

Warburtons’ growth to become the biggest player in the Bristol bread market has been impressive. Gavin Thompson meets plant manager David Williams to find out about the £70 million manufacturing investment which has supported that rise

EFORE 2001, you couldn’t buy a loaf of Warburtons here. That’s when the bread maker first tentatively entered Bristol. Now it has 22 per cent of the market, that’s nearly as much as its nearest two competitors combined. Now the city is home to one of the most advanced bakeries in the world, baking loaves by the thousands and delivering them to the region. It’s also at the forefront of the family firm’s innovation in the market. The Bristol bakery, at the Western Approach Distribution Park in Severn Beach, produces 98 per cent of the company’s thins, a popular new product taking a slice out of the market. The man who has overseen this growth in Bristol is Welshman David Williams, who moved from the Newport bakery to open this site. Now its general manager, David is proud of what he and his team have achieved. “From a standing start, we’ve grown to be the number one brand in Bristol and the South West,” said David. “With 22 per cent market share, we’re nearly as big as the next two competitors put together so we’ve grown very well over the last 10 years. “We started distributing products into Bristol in 2001. We opened a depot in Cardiff On April 1, 2001 and very slowly started distributing products across the bridge to a few of the big supermarkets in Bristol.” David was manager of the Newport bakery when the decision was taken to build a new plant. “We had a forecast what sales would be across the South West and South Wales and it said we needed another bakery,” he said. “Bristol’s geography means it is perfectly positioned to distribute products to the South West, South Wales and the West Midlands. There are five million potential customers in the South and South Wales, and this site is just off the motorway network.” The new plant started baking bread on December 1, 2008. David said: “We had a bit of a record as being the quickest ever bakery build. We cut the ground in February and by December 1 we had spent £44 million on the site.” The plant operates 24-7, with 12 hour shifts on the production line. It can produce 10,600 400 gram loaves in just an hour. The baking is a four-hour process from the mixing to the finished bagged and sliced product, although the bread is only actually in the oven for 23 minutes. It’s not just baking that goes on here. The firm has 92 vehicles based at the site – part of Warburtons’ nationwide 1,000-strong fleet, with shifts starting at 3.30am. “We deliver to the biggest super-

● Mike Joy, community champion and financial manager, and David Williams, general manager, in the plant producing sliced br

“ From a standing start,

we’ve grown to be the number one brand in Bristol and the South West, nearly as big as the next two competitors put together. David Williams market down to the smallest corner shop right down to Penzance,” said David. The operation has grown since 2008, starting with 109 staff and now up to 435 with two new shifts added in recent months of about 15 people each. The number of staff on a production shift is relatively small as so

much of the operation is automated, although it means a team of engineers is needed to keep everything working as it should. Much of the expansion has been away from the tradition loaf. Warburtons invested more than £20 million in a new sheet and cut plant, currently producing mainly the fir m’s thins and wraps although it can be switched to other things. “Sheet and cut,” David explains, “means you’ve got a sheet you cut and can do anything with – croissants, wraps, whatever. It is lot more flexible than a bread plant. We’ve purposely built the sheet and cut plant with future flexibility in mind. There’s parts we can pull out and put different bits of kit in.” The sheet from which the thins are cut extends 680 metres, winding back and forth around the plant, spending just 24 seconds in the oven before being cooled from 95C to 20C. It can

COMMUNITY C ● THESE days just making and selling something isn’t enough. Most big businesses are expected to engage in their communities too. For many, this can be rather ad-hoc. Bosses at Warburtons decided they needed a more cohesive approach. It now bases its community engagement around the theme of family matters, inspired by the firm’s history as a family business. Each site has a community champion and in Bristol that’s finance manager Mike Joy, pictured. Mike said the firm is involved in numerous schemes including programmes to give young

w h

S p T f

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

R TO THICKEST SLICE OF CITY MARKET

● Above and below, from dough to sliced bread at the Warburtons plant

ed bread alternative thins, which were inspired by a New York product

TY CHAMPION

produce 66,000 individual thins in an hour. Bristol produces almost all the firms thins – excluding gluten free which has to be on a separate site – delivering them to depots around the country. The product has proved so popular that a new plant is being planned in Burnley, Lancashire, to serve the North. David said the firm was always looking for new products. “The supermarkets and consumers always want new products so we’ve got a department new product development department looking and travelling the world in search of new ideas,” he said. “It was them who came up with the thins from a product they found in New York and it has gone especially well. But we’ve got to remember white 800g loaves of bread is still a huge proportion of the market. Thins are selling extremely well, that’s great but we see those as an ac-

companiment to the other products we produce.” Other developments on the site since it opened include the addition of a wind turbine and solar panels on the roof, capable of providing up to a third of the energy the plant needs. And like unbaked dough, there is potential for the bakery to expand further. “We’re one of the few Warburtons sites with spare space,” said David. “The site here is 13 acres and was built, bought and developed with the space to grow. We could put a bakery as big as the bread plant on the back again. The room is there but we’ve still got some space to grow the number of shifts we operate in the current plants.” He added: “We own the site. We had to raise the ground by 1.2 metres because of a one in 200 year flood risk so we’ve invested an awful lot of money. We’re not going anywhere.”

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unemployed people a taste of work. “They have a placement for a week weeks and it builds their confidence,” he said. “But it also really engages our staff too.” Community groups and projects can apply for grants of up to £250 or £10,000 depending on the type of project, through the Warburtons’ website. Last year it gave out £17,000 and this year expects that figure to be £24,000 to groups applying across the South West and South Wales region. One recent project it support was a series of Talking Money workshops delivering financial education to Bristol

Pictures: Barbara Evripidou BRBE20140829D-13

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

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Growing your business

GET TO THE HEART OF WHAT YOU The economy is growing. That’s great, but what about your business? A business that wants to grow needs to do more than just carry on and hope for the best. It needs a plan. Gavin Thompson reports

ANY businesses battened down the hatches in the recession. Now the storm has passed they hope to pick up speed in the calmer waters. But any business thinking that will be plain sailing is in for a shock. A lot of companies got through without throwing too many men and women overboard. They avoided the mass redundancies of previous recessions one way or another. That means they should have the most important resource – the people – in place to step up productivity. The first step is to want to grow. Jon Marchant, audit director at Mazars, in Clifton, said: “Everyone got very risk averse (in the recession) but economies don’t grow without a bit of risk from entrepreneurs.” The key is choosing the right risks, and having a strategy. There are a number of ways businesses can grow. One is to innovate. Jon said the Bristol area punched above its weight when it came to innovation but many firms might not be making the most of the tax benefits that go with it. “Because we are a nation or entrepreneurs, we find that people are solving problems in their workplaces about how they do something or how they get their products out there. They don’t see themselves as innovators. “But what they are doing might count as research and development and if it does, then the government gives you credit for that. It’s worth having the conversation.” After all, that’s money that can be reinvested in more development and growth. Another area that can help businesses to grow is to decide what is at the heart of what they do, and focus on that. Jon said: “Ask yourself what is core to you? I have talked to people who spend as much time trying to do their books as trying to win new business. “If you are starting a business, by all means do your own books. But if it gets to the point when you are turning down business in order to do them, you need to think about that.”

● Taxi Studio design director Olly Guise. The firm put together a Beef Up campaign to promote Siniat’s thermal plasterboard

Campaign helps plasterboard manufacturer beef up sales ● A PLASTERBOARD maker boosted sales of a premium product by 56 per cent by with a strong marketing campaign. Manufacturer Siniat developed a premium thermal plasterboard which it was confident would be a winner. But the firm – which recently invested £250,000 in a new laboratory for product testing and development at its Portbury HQ – needed to get the message across to its customers. So it brought in some experts in the shape of Hotwells-based creative firm Taxi Studio. The brief was to devise a simple-yet-disruptive campaign to extol the benefits of using thermal

Case study plasterboard and persuade three different audiences, merchants, builders and homeowners, to trade-up from using a bog-standard thermal board to Siniat’s premium offering. There were quite differing needs for each of these audiences that we had to take into account. The resulting campaign encouraged people to “beef up” and get the better board. Armed with a thermal plasterboard bull the campaign was rolled out in over 500 merchant stores nationwide, in trade press, on radio and online.

Year-on-year sales of the premium boards increased by 56 per cent as a direct result, with three extra workers being hired at the factory to meet demand. Siniat marketing and communications manager Fiona O’ Callaghan said the decision to bring in people with more expertise had paid off “We had nil experience of executing a national marketing campaign and the benefits of the thermal plasterboard are complex ones to communicate,” she said. “What’s more, having recently rebranded there was very little knowledge of the Siniat brand. Taxi Studio managed to devise a campaign that dealt with all

aspects as well as creating a real internal buzz around the company. “We’re absolutely delighted with the results and the creativity of the Beef Up campaign has really opened our eyes.” Taxi Studio design director Olly Guise said: “On the face of it, creating a disruptive, engaging campaign for Thermal Plasterboard was a pretty tough ask. “But we succeeded with an irreverent approach that captured imaginations, more customers and raised a few smiles along the way. “Proof that a fearless approach can drive commercial effectiveness.”

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Mazars helps SME’s manage for today and lead for tomorrow

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Expert eye Jon Marchant

DO AND FOCUS ON THAT Vitamin drinks firm has recipe for success Case study ● WINNING trust and building relationships has the recipe to growing a new vitamin drinks business. Unusually, Chris Arrigoni founded More Drinks because he had a big customer but no product. Chris had been working for an American firm Neuro Drinks, which was looking to break the UK market with its products. Changes in labelling regulations and a challenging market led the firm to pull out, leaving Chris and colleagues out of work. But he had already built a good relationship with a Tesco buyer, who was keen to stock the product. “He said ‘I don’t want to work with another big company in this area so if you can come up with something to fill the gap, you can have the space on the shelves’,” said Chris. There was no contract, just an opportunity based on a relationship. It was a risk but one Chris was willing to take so he founded More Drinks with business partner Steve Norris in 2012 and by June 2013 had its first products on the shelves of 800 Tesco stores. The firm now has adult and child ranges and is also sold in WH Smiths and is due to launch in Asda this week. The drinks help people to top up on vitamins. Get More Vitamin A, for example, is blackcurrant and blueberry flavour drink and there are other flavours for different vitamins. Now 33, Chris works from his Bishopston home, while Steve is based in Nottingham. The pair

outsource production and distribution and for the time being focus on sales and making sure their products are where they should be. “We spend a lot of time in stores,” said Chris. “You can’t just assume your products are being displayed where head office says they will be. They might be sitting in a warehouse out the back.” The business had limited marketing resources, so chose to invest in promotions rather than

He said the burden of administration was growing on small businesses, with real-time information on payroll now required by HMRC and the staging dates for workplace pensions drawing closer. “For a small business, I would say just outsource your payroll. Businesses need to work out what other people can do more efficiently for them.” The third route to growth is through new markets. For most businesses the starting point for the

journey will be the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) service, which in this region is organised through Business West. James Durie, pictured, executive director of the Bristol chamber at Business West, said: “We mustn’t forget that growth is not limited to the UK market. Far from it and research shows that trading internationally

● Chris Arrigoni is the founder of More Drinks, which is a growing business

advertising in order to directly target likely customers. “That way we are reaching is a proven way of improving financial performance and it’s great to note that our #GetExporting campaign being supported by the Bristol Post is already producing some great results – with 209 new exporters in the region since the end of March.” Evidence shows the economy is growing. The most recent Chambers of Commerce

Pic: Dan Regan BRDR20140901A-004 potential customers who are in store standing in front of our products,” he said. The combination of hard work and strategy has seen the products move from the shelves and the back of the big Tesco Extra stores, to the more lucrative spots in the chilled sections of the convenience stores. In the first six months turnover was just below £400,000 with, unusually, a small profit and that figure looks set to grow quickly. quarterly survey carried out locally by Business West, found business confidence was up at 74 per cent, driven by increases in domestic sales and orders. But growth is not automatic simply because the economy is improving. Just recently, for example, fifth generation family business McArthur, which supplied fencing and security equipment, ceased trading. Now is a time when businesses can thrive – if they have a plan.

Director Mazars Jon.marchant@ mazars.co.uk

How you can stand out from the crowd

HERE are nearly 21 million SMEs in Europe. Many of these companies are small and will never grow beyond the micro sector. Ninety-two per cent have less than ten employees. So how do you stand out from this crowd? Mazars has studied SME businesses across eight European countries over the last five years and identified six common traits in the strong performers. ● Maintain a sharp focus. The best performing SMEs understand how they add value to their sector and what makes them different. They focus on what is core and outsource what is not. ● Bring more to the party. Consistent innovation in products, business models and processes is a critical factor in business sustainability and growth. Indeed the best performing economies, namely Germany and Sweden, also boast the highest number of consistently innovative businesses. ● Financial resilience. Working capital policies are not the preserve of multinationals. Those SMEs which have applied clear rules on accepting or rejecting new customers, pricing policies and credit terms have built better balance sheets. Turning down a sale is difficult, but writing off a bad debt is worse. ● Right size. Bigger is not always best, but scale is important. Smaller businesses can thrive by entering strategic alliances and joint ventures with the key to success being a clear focus on what they do best. ● Operate internationally. The ability to extend a geographic footprint has become a necessity where domestic demand has stalled. Internationally active SMEs have higher employment growth and higher product innovation that those who are not. The barriers often cited in relation to international trade (finding customers, financing, pricing, lack of assistance) stem from not addressing barriers to successful performance generally (defining your market, innovating, planning). High performing SMEs find internationalism a natural consequence of their strategy rather than an objective in its own right. ● Quality management. SMEs do not rely on multi-layered management systems but on small dynamic and agile management teams. The best apply attention to detail daily and create time to plan for a better future. In order to stand out, they manage for today and lead for tomorrow.

www.mazars.co.uk/ Home/Your-needs/ Owner-managed-businesses/ EPB-E01-S3

How-to-be-a-Stand-Out-SME

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BUSINESS DIARY Introduction to Bloodhound SCC: See the latest developments behind the supersonic car and learn about tax relief for research and development at this event organised by Chantrey Vellacott. It takes place at the Bloodbound Technical Centre in Avonmouth from 4.30pm to 7pm on Sept 17. Electronics reliability engineering seminar: At the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, on Wednesday September 24 from 9am to 4.30pm. Lunch buffet and refreshments. Organised by Bangor University to help companies understand the importance of reliability analysis and testing during product development and continuous improvement, and offer practical guidance to enhance product reliability, reduce costs and improve competitive advantage across region. £100. Email g.fargher@bangor.ac.uk. Introduction to Green Accord environmental accreditation for SME’s: Start “greening” your business at low cost and save costs in your business. 10am-4pm, September 19. Armada House. This is followed by a session on Aspects of Financial Control for SMEs and finally an introduction to Social Media – the biggest thing to hit marketing since TV advertising. All free including free lunch. Book via Eventbrite. Bookkeeping and Financial Management: Six-hour free seminar unravels the mysteries of bookkeeping for the owner manager. Ideal for younger SME’s who need to get a firm understanding of making the cash work in the business. Armada House. 10am-4pm, September 23, includes a free lunch. Book via Eventbrite. Getting more out of creative agencies workshop: Research conducted by UWE Bristol academics into the relationship between clients and creative agencies has resulted in a series of workshop events designed to examine and improve the fundamentals of the working partnership. This second workshop is aimed at clients. It takes places September 24, 9am-1pm, Paintworks. Book a place via the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Internet, Website and eCommerce for Business workshop: Six-hour free seminar gets you building your company website and introduces e-commerce. Well-suited for young companies needing to make the most of the internet to promote their business. Armada House. 10am-4pm, September 24. Book via Eventbrite.

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Inspiring Women Live! Series of events to help to connect the dots between personal and professional development. The events are aimed at women who want to be more successful in all aspects of their lives. Networking then speakers Louise Ladbrooke, Business West growth manager, and Denise Jacobs at the Marriott Royal from 6.30-9pm on Wednesday, September 24. See www.inspiringwomenlive.co.uk.

Advanced Social Media: This is a two-day seminar presenting a Master-Class of Social Media. Attendees will work through a social media strategy for their own business. Armada House, 10am-4pm, September 25 and 26. Book via Eventbrite.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

In pictures Bristol and Bath Marketing Networking

Marketing network Big turnout for fresh chapter

Introduction to Green Accord environmental accreditation for SME’s: Start “greening” your business at low cost and save costs in your business. 10am-4pm, September 26. Armada House. This is followed by a session on Aspects of Financial Control for SME’s and finally an introduction to Social Media – the biggest thing to hit marketing since TV advertising. All free including free lunch. Book via Eventbrite. The Bristol Business Exhibition: The exhibition attracts business owners and decision makers from across the region and is a great way to source suppliers and generate new business. It takes place at Ashton Gate Conference Centre from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, September 30.

● From left, Jon Payne, Willow Thompson and Josh Baldwin from Noisy Pictures: Dan Regan Little Monkey

Market Strategy workshop: Three-hour free workshop designed to explore the process to create an effective marketing strategy for your business in advance of generating specific marketing campaigns. Armada House, 9.30am-12.30pm, September 30. Book via Eventbrite.

● Daniel Fallon, left, from Search Star and Andy Nottingham from Project Graphics

Advanced marketing workshop: Assumes that the attendee has completed basic marketing training. This is a three-hour programme, designed for those who have already completed their initial market research and have recognised the need for a marketing strategy within their business. Armada House, 1pm04pm, September 30. Book via Eventbrite. Growing your business into a winning brand seminar: Gregg Latchams and ActionCOACH Bristol & North Somerset jointly host an event with guest speakers including local cheese maker Todd Trethowan and Chris Head of the West of England Rural Network. They will talk about creating and marketing a successful brand and how to grow a food business in the current climate. To reserve your place send an email to Kayleigh. groves@gregglatchams.com. Oct 1, 10am-1.30pm, Puxton Park. Refreshments and lunch provided. Process Improvement seminar: APDS, supplier of drives and motors, holds event to educate industry leaders on how they can cut their energy bills without compromising production processes. October 8 at ABB training centre, Bristol. Book for morning or afternoon session via eventbrite. Bristol Distinguished Address: UWE’s series giving the chance to meet the leaders of industry returns starting with Leo Quinn, chief executive of aerospace ad defence business QineticQ. Bristol City Hall, 6pm, October 9. Register via UWE.

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.

HE Bristol and Bath Marketing Networking began a new chapter with a festival feel. The guest speaker was Digital Visitor chief executive Anthony Rawlins, on the topic of seasonal Facebook campaigns. Social media marketing firm Noisy Little Monkey has taken over the regular networking event, which was held at the Clifton Club. Host Jon Payne, founder of Noisy Little Monkey, said: “It was a fantastic turnout. We sold over 130 tickets on our first night as hosts so that took the pressure off a bit. “We’re thrilled to be hosting future events and look forward to seeing everyone at the next one. We have some cracking speakers lined-up; just goes to show the South West is a thriving place for world-class marketing. “It’s always a great night at the Bristol & Bath Marketing Network. It’s the best place to share ideas, strategies, and make connections across Bristol.” Willow Thompson, who helped organise the event, said: “This was my first time at BBMN and I thought it was really good. I’m definitely going to the next one because Rubber Republic are speaking and they make great viral videos.” The next speaker is Tiffany Maddox from Rubber Republic who makes viral videos that have been dubbed “refreshingly insane” by Gladiator actor, Russell Crowe.

In pictures Virgin StartUp event

Pieminister boss shares secrets of his success THE founder of successful Bristol business Pieminister shared his advice with would-be entrepreneurs. Tristan Hogg said he had two golden rules for starting in business. “First, don’t have the idea and spend hours talking about it but doing nothing about it,” he said. “If you’ve got an idea, test it in a very small way to start with. Then if it works, pull together a really full business plan and ask more people for money. “Second, if you are looking for finance consider more than just the interest rate. What else do you get in terms of support and advice? “That can double the value of the

● Tristan Hogg, (founder of Pieminister) money you receive.” Tristan was one of the guest speakers at Virgin StartUp event held at the Watershed, where about 60 people went seeking advice and possible funding. Virgin is offering Government-backed start-up loans of up to £25,000 to entrepreneurs but each suc-

cessful loan applicant also gets a mentor and support from a business adviser. The organisation has already agreed to lend a total of £20,000 to six budding Bristol businesses. Tristan was joined by Office Pantry founder Giles Mitchell as guest speaker.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

● Above and below, guests at the networking event

● Above, from left, Digital Visitor team members Eleanor Fullalove, Richard Birtwhistle, Ant Rawlins and Lee Haines

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The back page

Your digest of the week in business

People

Deals

● Clarke Willmott chief executive Stephen Rosser is leading by example when it comes to giving something back to society. Touched by a family experience of cancer, he has undertaken a summer-long fundraising challenge for Penny Brohn, culminating in the upcoming Bristol Half Marathon. It hasn’t been an easy ride for the 53-year-old however, as he took a tumble during the Windsor Triathlon. “It was a racing incident,” said Stephen. “Someone tried to over take and managed to clatter into the back of me and knock me over the handle bars. I broke a joint in my shoulder.” He’s in good company, however. “It was exactly the same injury as happened to Mark Cavendish in the Tour de France a week later.” Onwards and upwards though. Stephen has completed the Dragon Ride, a 133-mile cycle across the Brecon Beacons, and the Bristol Property Agents cyclo-sportive last weekend. So far he has raised £1,300, hoping to reach £2,000 by the end of September. And if that’s not enough, he’s also become a trustee of the charity. Which means he’ll no doubt be using the weight of his contacts book as well as his sporting prowess for the charity.

● Aviva Investors has sold the freehold of the Honda and Toyota dealerships on Bath Road to CBRE Global Investors for £6 million. Colliers International was behind the deal with Oliver Jordan in the retail investment team and roadside specialist Anthony Keohane selling the neighbouring dealerships – which offer 26,829 sq ft of combined floor area on a 3.11 acre complex. Anthony said: “This site benefits from a prominent position on Bristol’s busy A4 Bath Road and offers room for expansion. The top retailing centre already boasts big hitter occupants including Jaguar, Fiat, Hyundai, Lidl, McDonald’s, TK Maxx, Halfords and Matalan.” Oliver added: “This site provided a mix of a longer lease with a further fixed rental uplift on review for the Toyota dealership and a shorter term on the Honda facility which offered some active management opportunities.”

● Legal expenses insurer DAS has promoted Southern broker sales manager Darren Weekes to the newly created position of UK Broker sales manager. Darren is responsible for the development of all DAS broker sales business in the UK, with the Manchester, London and Bristol broker sales offices reporting directly to him. The promotion follows the recent sales restructure. DAS group head of sales Lyndon Willshire said: “Darren’s promotion recognises the role he has played in building many successful broker relationships and leading his broker sales team in the

● Stephen Rosser has so far raised £1,300 South. His professionalism and expertise will be key in helping him grow our broker business nationally.” ● Dave Mason, a former ITV presenter and reporter has joined Mentor in Bristol as its head of media training. He leaves broadcasting after a 25 year career. Until recently, Dave was a freelance producer and reporter for ITV News in Bristol, and also travelled the world coaching the armed forces and NATO in how to handle the media. He was a founding presenter and shareholder of Somerset’s Orchard FM aged just 20, and worked extensively in commercial radio around the UK. He now concentrates on coaching executives, public servants and business people, to help them

perform better in the media. ● Independent schools expert Matthew Burgess, left, will join the education and charities team at law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards. Matthew is a former general secretary of the Independent Schools Council. He said: “My work at ISC, leading the challenge to the Charity Commission on behalf of the sector, negotiating regulatory and compliance standards with the Department for Education, lobbying for a more proportionate visa regime for pupils and, most recently, heading off threatened inspection changes, is a perfect fit with the areas of expertise of my new partners and colleagues. “I am looking forward to continuing to work with the best schools in the world.”

● Lawyers from the Bristol HQ of Burges Salmon advised Marks & Spencerin relation to its sector leading use of biomethane. M&S will become the first retailer in the UK to buy biomethane Ggas certificates, a move that will lower its carbon footprint by more than 6,400 tonnes, following completion of a deal with Future Biogas. The law firm previously advised M&S on its direct power purchase agreement portfolio, and has now worked with its long-standing client on this new idea. Partner Nick Churchward, left, who leads the law firm’s energy team, said: “We are delighted to have advised M&S on this its first green gas deal. M&S’s approach to energy contracting is not only successfully delivering its ambitious Plan A commitments, but also really helping to shape the way large corporates buy renewable energy, and we are proud to be a part of that.”

In numbers Inflation (CPI)

1.5 2.4 0.4 0.5 3.99

Inflation (RPI)

Weekly earnings

Base interest rate

% % %

Ave mortgage rate % Corporation tax % Main rate

Small profits rate – below £300,000

Business current accounts

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

Business savings accounts 1.8% Cambridge & Counties Bank £10,000 deposit

Opinion

MetroWest plan for local rail on the right track

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T IS no surprise that cities where people can get around easily without the use of a car are by far the most successful. London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Amsterdam are prime examples of cities that reap the rewards of having excellent transport networks offering a range of alternatives to the car. Bristol, of course, is already one of the most economically-significant cities in Britain, so imagine how successful it could become if its congestion woes were banished. I was, therefore, pleased to see that experts and civil servants have at long last agreed that that the upgrade of the Portishead rail line should go ahead. In fact, the report, which recently went before transport leaders at the West of England Partnership, deemed the whole of Phase One of the MetroWest programme for more local rail routes as “value for money” and “financially affordable.”

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

As ever, this series of projects is subject to funding, further approvals and meeting technical requirements, but it is certainly good to see this plan moving a step closer. Anything that gets commuters into Bristol out of their cars is a good thing – for both the environment and the economy. If a city is well connected, then demand for office accommodation improves; for example the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone is likely to benefit from the improved rail links to Bristol Temple Meads.

No doubt, companies in the city will see the benefits too as it would mean employees could travel to and from work more easily, ensuring the attraction and retention of high quality staff. Meanwhile, reopening the Henbury line under Phase Two of MetroWest would help support north Bristol and the homes due to be built at Filton Airfield and its vicinity. After all, this part of the city is an important component of our wider economy with aerospace giants such as Rolls-Royce and Airbus, as well as the occupiers based around the M4/M5 interchange. Any progress on the MetroWest scheme is most certainly a step in the right direction. Unfortunately Phase One is not set to be in operation until May 2019, with Phase Two scheduled for May 2021. So it goes without saying that it would be even better if these projects could be brought forward.

“ It is crucial that

MetroWest ticks all the boxes required to ensure people do actually leave their cars behind. However, perhaps even more importantly, it is crucial that MetroWest ticks all the boxes required to ensure people do actually leave their cars behind. Many studies show that, to get people out of their cars, public transport has to be quicker, more comfortable, efficient, and cheaper than driving – a tall order! So it really is vital that these factors are kept in mind to ensure that, once up and running, MetroWest is a real success story.

State Bank of India

1.49% £10,000 deposit

Source:

Petrol prices .86p

128 133 136 68

Unleaded

.14p Diesel

.24p Super unleaded

.36p LPG

Source: PetrolPrices.com