Business 19th February 2014

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Don’t miss our 8-page supplement – inside

Which leading light of theatre was the first Distinguished Executive? – p12&13

Find out which cool travellers got the thumbs-up from Dragon Theo – page 2

Business bristolpost.co.uk

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FEB

2014

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS SPECIAL

GRAND DESIGNS UWE graduate Joanna Allsop has big ambitions for her enterprise selling nature-inspired scarves.

Find out how your business can grow too. P6-9

Start, grow and succeed EPB-E01-S3

www.businesswest.co.uk

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Pumps

Retail

Engineering firm buys up its Somerset rival

Twitter Dragon Theo gives thumbs up to travel accessories firm

● A BRISTOL engineering firm has bought a Somerset-based rival as it looks to expand its reach.

Mawdsleys BER Ltd, based in St Philip’s, acquired Chard-based Somerset Pumps.

Mawdsleys’ managing director Pete Woodward said: “I am pleased to announce the acquisition as our lasting commitment to expand and improve services to our customers.

“This will help us increase our service area of the UK, predominantly within our pump service division.

“We as a company are committed to reinvestment, thus ensuring the sustainability of our services.”

The firm specialises in repair, refurbishment and supply of electric motors, generators and pumps.

Economy

Micro businesses are feeling good for 2014 ● MICRO businesses - those with fewer than 10 employees - are feeling confident, according to a recent survey.

A nationwide survey of 1,500 micro businesses show the South West area had the highest level of confidence in England at 88 per cent. Business optimism for 2014 was also high, particularly in Bristol, with many sole traders and part-time businesses looking to expand.

Geoff Mesher, of Bristol firm Tempest Forensic Accounting, said he had felt the increase in business confidence first hand.

He said: “Confidence seems to be returning to businesses. They’re taking action and making decisions on moving forward.”

The study was conducted by Printing.com.

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

Writer Rupert Janisch Email business@ b-nm.co.uk Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07828 941469 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Simon Coy, Media Sales Executive - Business Call 07736 900 705.

Email simon.coy @b-nm.co.uk

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Advertising Shama Abokor, Regional Business Account Executive Call 0117 934 3426 Emailshama.abokor@ b-nm.co.uk

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

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FLEDGLING Bristol company is all in a twitter over an endorsement from a firey celebrity business investor.

Urbane Traveller makes fashionable travel accessories for the discerning jet-setter, from money belts to cable tidies, backpacks to multi-use little black dresses.

It was founded by Clare and Richard Barrell who, both with successful careers in professional services behind them, decided to go their own way.

The pair of business consultants loved travelling so much that they decided to fly off on a 12-month honeymoon, during which time they spotted a gap in the market.

Now the Westbury Park business is celebrating winning the blessing of the chairman of Ryman Stationery, Boux lingerie and ironmonger store Robert Dyas.

But you’ll know him better as “dragon” Theo Paphitis, one of the wise but firey investors on BBC’s Dragons’ Den TV show.

One of Theo’s off-screen initiatives is the Small Business Sunday Award.

Each week he selects a small business upon which to confer his blessing.

Rather like a retail Pope.

Entrepreneurs tweet him describing their business and he rewards his chosen one with a re-tweet to his followers.

Their business is also profiled on Paphitis’ website www.theopaphitissbs.com.

So what, you might say. But his under 140-character endorsement promotes the winning business to a whole new, and really rather large, audience.

Theo currently has 409,135 Twitter followers, all of whom will see the endorsement for the lucky business he selects.

For a new or growing business, it’s welcome exposure.

Clare, 33, said: “Theo’s backing is a

● Richard and Clare Barrell, founders of Urbane Traveller, a posh travel accessories business. Their year-long honeymoon, including Machu Picchu, inspired the business, based in Westbury-on-Trym great boost to a small local business like ours. We look forward to building on this success and achieving our business goals in 2014.”

Husband Richard, 41, added: “Starting a new business and targeting a new niche in the current economy can be a daunting task.

“Theo’s backing reminds us we were not completely mad to give up our careers and follow our dream.”

All that excitement over a single tweet. But then, for one thing, without it you wouldn’t be reading this article.

An article which, by the way, will undoubtedly be promoted on Twitter.

RT @TheoPaphitis?

Anyone?

● URBANE Traveller was founded in 2012 by business consultants Clare and Richard Barrell. Lovers of travelling, when they got married they went on a round-the-world honeymoon.

The idea for Urbane Traveller was borne out of a certain frustration because they could not find what they considered to be stylish travel clothing and accessories for their trip.

They found all too often the technical travel clothing was not as stylish as they hoped and travel accessories did not work as well as they were supposed

Best deals - How the numbers stack up Inflation (CPI) Business current Business savings accounts accounts 1.01% State Bank £10,000 deposit of India 0.25% £1 deposit 0.12% £1 deposit

Co-operative Bank

0.10% Unity Trust £25,000 deposit Bank

Cambridge & 1.80% Counties £10,000 deposit Bank 1.55% United Trust £500 deposit Bank 1.53% Hanley Economics £1,000 deposit BS 1.50% United Trust £500 deposit Bank

0.05% 1.50% Shawbrook £1 deposit £5,000 deposit Bank Allied Irish Bank (GB)

0.05% £500 deposit

Source: Business Moneyfacts moneyfacts.co.uk

State Bank 1.49% of India £10,000 deposit

2.0 1.1 0.5 3.99

Weekly earnings

%

%

to. As a result, Urbane Traveller was established in 2013 from their desire for style, performance and comfort whilst travelling. They believe that design and function are not mutually exclusive and are of equal importance to the modern-day traveller.

The Urbane Traveller mission is to source beautifully made and stylish travel accessories and fashionable travel clothing from like-minded brands who share the same ethos, bringing these products together in a premium and stylish online emporium.

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 .51p

129 136 138 73

Unleaded

.96p Diesel

.27p Super unleaded

.32p LPG

Source: PetrolPrices.com

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Sector

Academia

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Bristol Uni working with Intel on computer project

Services Advisors win bid for 3-year Investors in People contract

● THE University of Bristol has been chosen

by Intel to work with it on ways to make modern computers more efficient.

The firm is creating Intel Parallel Computing Centres with leading high performance computing research groups to work on the problem. It has chosen the university in recognition of its world-leading research into the efficient use of many-core parallel computer designs.

Simon McIntosh-Smith, senior lecturer in high performance computing and architectures, said “We look forward to working closely with Intel to help design the next generation of highly parallel high performing computing applications, and in training the next generation of parallel programming experts.”

● BUSINESS advisers Grant Thornton Following have won a bid to act as the licensed deliverer of Investors In People in the South West. The firm, based in Hartwell House, Victoria Street, will hold the licence from April 1 for three years.

Karl Eddy, head of business growth services at Grant Thornton, said: “As a leading adviser to dynamic businesses, public sector and third sector organisations, we know that good people make great business and so believe that investing in talent is vital to economic growth.

“This is why we’re very excited to have been selected to deliver Investors in People, a programme which aligns closely to our own values and adds tangible benefit to ambitious businesses.”

● Katcha Bilek with tyres that she transforms; inset below, one of the manbags that will be Main pic: Jon Kent given to music stars at the Brit Awards

Brits Stars holding Katcha’s man bags Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk

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BRISTOL fashion designer will see some of her work paraded by music stars from around the UK at the Brit Awards tonight. Katcha Bilek, who runs her own fashion design company KB, has won a contract to supply men’s goodie bags at the 2014 edition of the major awards ceremony for the British music industry.

Male performers, presenters and winners will each receive one of the 42 custom-made manbags at the prestigious event which takes place at London’s O2 Arena tonight.

It will mean acts like the Arctic Monkeys, Disclosure and Rudimental will be sporting the larger versions of Katcha’s popular A3 manbag at the event.

KB is based at Hamilton House, part of the Stokes Croft artists’ quarter in Bristol.

Founded in 1999, the company specialises in ethical, sustainable fashion items, made from 100 per cent reclaimed materials.

The bespoke pieces, designed to be a rugged all-purpose holdall for the man about town, are made from a single lorry inner tube.

The KB team constructs the bags, belts and accessories from ex-industrial inner tubes, bike tyres, and seatbelts.

All KB’s materials are locally sourced and are also 100 per cent vegan, as well as being hand-crafted in Bristol.

The company is a zero-waste organisation, and uses very little electricity in making its products.

Katcha, who is 41 and manages to runs a successful business while also parenting two children, including a six-month-old daughter, Plum, said she was proud to win and fulfil the prestigious Brit Awards contract during what is proving to be a busy time for her company.

She said: “We are thrilled to be a Brits 2014 Official Goodie Bag Partner, and to be spreading the sustainable fashion message to an even greater audience. We can’t wait to see some of the UK’s top musicians wearing our bags out and about.”

Katcha is no stranger to industry prizes and awards, although tonight will mark a significant step up in those she is used to receiving herself.

In 2013, KB was made a fellow of the Ethical Fashion forum for pioneering work in promoting sustainability and ethical values in the fashion industry.

The company won highly commended in the Innovation: Accessories and Footwear category of the 2013 Ethical Fashion Forum SOURCE Awards and also won a silver award for Specialist Media in the 2013 Craft & Design Selected Awards.

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Economy

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Leisure

Composites

Optimism at highest level in 22 years

Minister checks on centre’s expansion

● BUSINESS optimism reached its highest level for 22 years in January, indicating that the economy will keep growing quickly over the coming six months, according to the latest Business Trends report by Bristol-based accountants and business advisers BDO. The BDO Optimism Index, which predicts business performance two quarters ahead, reached 103.8 in January, up from 103.4 in December.

This is the highest reading ever recorded since readings began 22 years ago and sits well above the 100.0 mark, meaning the economy is expected to outperform its long-term historical growth trend.

In the manufacturing sector, the Optimism sub-index rose to a new all-time high of 117.1 in January, up from 115.5 in December. And for services, which accounts for roughly three quarters of the economy, confidence rose to 101.2 in January, up from 100.7 in December.

In tandem with improved confidence, businesses’ hiring expectations increased markedly over January as the BDO Employment Index rose to 101.3, up from 99.4 the previous month. The index now stands at its highest level since August 2008 and above the crucial 100.0 mark for the first time since March 2011, signalling that job creation is likely to exceed trend growth over the coming months.

In line with the overall positive outlook, low or negative business cost inflation is helping companies – especially manufacturers – control costs. The BDO Inflation Index read 97.9 in January, its lowest level since November 2009 and down from 98.7 at the end of last year. Falling input prices helped manufacturers control costs over the past year and in the services sector, annual wage growth of only 0.9 per cent held down the cost of inflation for labour-intensive firms.

Graham Randall, above, partner and head of BDO LLP in Bristol, said: “Companies are raising headcounts in response to rising client demand and the data suggests that the unemployment rate is likely to fall below the Bank of England’s 7.0 per cent threshold for considering raising interest rates in the very near future.”

● FINANCE secretary to the Treasury, Sajid Javid, visited the National Composite Centre in Emersons Green to see how Government money was being invested.

He joined Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore on the visit to the groundbreaking centre, which recently received £28 million funding to help expand its operation.

Mr Skidmore said: “It was great to have Sajid Javid, the Finance Secretary to the Treasury, visit to see how the NCC is expanding thanks to investment from this Government, with companies such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce benefiting from the NCC’s ability to be the leading producer in high-performance composites.”

NCC operations director, Rob Ludford, said: “The additional space will enable enhanced opportunities for a full range of composites manufacturing technologies.

“We already provide cost-effective opportunities to optimise new products and to work with world class composites manufacturing and testing equipment on a pay-per-use basis.

“The phase two extension will offer increased capacity and flexibility as well as a shift in focus for how we engage with big business and small and medium enterprises.

“It will provide smaller-scale capability to meet the needs of SMEs and provide both research and industry scale prototyping.”

● Simon Sucksmith and Jamie Weber, both directors of West Country Games, at Gatcombe Farm, Flax Bourton – Pic: Barbara Evripidou BRBE20140206B-2 the pair have now launched Welsh Games in Cwmbran

Pair look west to Wales to expand events company Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk

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WO school friends from Somerset who set up a firm running West Countrythemed stag and hen weekends have expanded their business into Wales.

Simon Sucksmith and Jamie Weber, who are both aged 37 and are originally from Cheddar, have recently enjoyed their most successful year to date with their company West Country Games.

Based at Gatcombe Farm in Flax Bourton, the company is now set to open up its first site in Wales in April, at Cwmbran, just 25 minutes outside Cardiff.

Mr Sucksmith, who lives in Westbury-on-Trym, and Mr Weber, from Bedminster, have lived in Bristol since 2002 and set up West Country Games in 2011.

Mr Weber is now working full time on the business and Simon expects to

be doing the same later this year. West Country Games specialises in outdoor activities for stag and hen groups, birthday parties, corporate events and other social occasions.

The concept offers nine unique West Country or Welsh-themed activities for people to enjoy in the open air with friends, family or colleagues.

The business has proved hugely popular and attracted more than 6,000 customers in 2013.

Mr Weber said: “We were looking for a suitable venue to host our second site, and with so many connections to Wales via friends and family, we realised that the next logical step was to create Welsh Games to tap into a whole new audience.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our first visitors in April, and have already started taking bookings.

“In both Bristol and in and around Cwmbran, we have been working hard to attract visitors both locally and from further afield to the site, and are committed to supporting the

local economy by teaming up with suitable accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants, night clubs and other entertainment – all tailored to the requirements of each group.”

Welsh Games, as the new venture will be known, will be seeking

“ The next logical step was to create Welsh Games to tap into a whole new audience Jamie Weber part-time employees, creating up to 20 jobs at peak times in the season from March to October each year.

Over the next two seasons the pair of entrepreneurs hope to increase the amount of business on the two sites and offer further enhancements with accommodation and entertainment packages, although this will be rolled out in Bristol in 2014 first.

Construction

Golden opportunity as Midas makes shortlists ● ONE of the UK’s largest independent construction companies is celebrating a brace of nominations in the national Building Awards 2014.

Bristol-based Midas Group has been selected as one of four finalists in the Contractor of the Year 2014 (up to £300 million) category.

Midas also saw one of its most recent developments for long-term customer Waitrose nominated for Sustainable Project of the Year.

Midas chief executive, Alan Hope, said: “We are delighted to be nominated for such an important award.

“We see this as a reflection of Midas’s continued focus on staff development, achieving industry-leading customer service, and maintaining the highest standards in all our work.

Taxation

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Bristol 10k Business Challenge

Sponsor calls on firms to step up

HMRC to delay start of new penalty system

BUSINESSES from across the city are being encouraged to enter the RunBristol annual Bristol 10k and raise funds for the race’s three official charities.

The Bristol 10k Business Challenge, sponsored by law firm Clarke Willmott LLP for the sixth year, attracts more than 100 teams a year.

It aims to promote the benefits of health and fitness in the workplace through competition between employees and businesses.

Prizes will be awarded to the fastest team, man and woman and fastest male and female veterans taking part in the Business Challenge.

● HMRC is to stagger the start of a penalty system for late payment and filing penalties in relation to PAYE real time information to give employers more time to adapt.

Paul Tucker, employment tax partner at the Bristol office of accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson, said thousands had been affected by problems.

“Some had HMRC debt collectors arriving on their doorsteps, even when all their PAYE had been paid,” he said. “To load penalties onto a system which has not yet bedded down would have increased their misery and distress.”

Stephen Rosser, chief executive, Clarke Willmott, said: “The Business Challenge is a terrific opportunity to promote healthy competition between employees and rival companies for great causes.”

The 2014 Bristol 10k will take place on Sunday, May 11. Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal will once again feature as the race’s official local charity, alongside national children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent and international children’s charity COCO. For further information, and to register for the 2014 Bristol 10k or Business Challenge, visit www.run bristol.com.

● 2013 Business Challenge Winners: Back row: Georgette van Hoof, Run Bristol race director; Team Nvidia, fastest team; Stephen Rosser, chief executive at Clarke Willmott. Front row: Owian Jones; Claire Hann, fastest woman; Sandy King, fastest female veteran

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Awards

Women in Business ’Proud of my role in male-dominated industry’ Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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NTRANTS for the inaugural Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards only have until the end of this week to get their submissions in.

We’ve already had more than 30 entries but women keen to celebrate their successes need to act quickly if they are not to miss out.

One Bristol businesswoman already in the running is 41-year-old Tracey Sprason.

Tracey is the director of GBBS Ltd, which runs the Dyno Plumbing franchise in Bristol and Bath, as well as Gloucester and Swindon.

She said: “I started GBBS 10 years ago from a bedroom in my home. The day after the birth of my son Marcus, my husband Philip and I began trading with just two vans in Bristol.

“In 2008 Philip handed the reins over to me. Within eight months we had expanded our patch and began servicing Bath and eventually Gloucester. By 2012 we had acquired the Swindon patch.”

The business now has 15 vans, 15 engineers and three office staff.

Tracey added: “Plumbing is not the first trade you would associate a woman with.

“As a teenager I attended catering college with aspirations to work in hospitality. But little did I know I would end up as one of the few senior women in a male-dominated industry.

“I am the only female Dyno Plumb-

● Bristol businesswoman Tracey Sprason is the director of GBBS Ltd and is the only female franchise licence holder Photo: Dave Betts BRDB20140213B-004 for Dyno Plumbing

THE CATEGORIES ● Woman of the Year, sponsored by PPC ● Young Entrepreneur of the Year ● Mentor of the Year, sponsored

by Lloyds Banking Group ● Contribution to the Community Award, for women who have made a difference to Bristol or Bath ● Women in the Workplace Award, sponsored by Crest Nicholson, for companies that show flexibility and adaptability to the employment of women ● New Business of the Year,

sponsored by HSBC Commercial Banking ● Business of the Year, sponsored by City of Bristol College ● Award for Innovation ● Marketing Campaign of the Year ● Female Apprentice Development Award, sponsored by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership ● Outstanding Contribution to Business in Bristol or Bath, sponsored by UWE Bristol ● Overall sponsors UWE Bristol

ing franchise licence holder, an accomplishment I am very proud of and my business is now celebrating 10 successful years.”

She manages the business full time around her two children, three cats and two ponies.

On top of all that, Tracey has been chair of the Ladies Circle, the women’s arm of the Round Table, for two years and got involved in the campaign to save Portishead’s open-air pool back in 2008, by sending plumbers to help with the refurbishment.

She said: “I’m proud to be a busy working mum who runs a thriving company. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years has in store for us – who knows; maybe my daughter will take over the reins one day!”

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Sponsor profile

Leading the way to a diverse workforce ● HSBC is a company that realises the strategic advantage of having a diverse workforce.

Fifty years ago, the number of women employed by HSBC was very, very low. Today, nearly half of its retail branches in London are female-led, and women occupy four of the 17 seats on HSBC Holdings’ board of directors.

But the firm has taken its commitment one step further, by throwing its institutional weight behind placing diversity on the agenda of key influencers and opinion leaders. For example, they hold events to educate business owners – including a symposium in the House of Commons that brought together members of Parliament, small and medium-sized enterprises, and external lobbying groups.

HSBC also works with the well-known British entrepreneur and women’s empowerment advocate Lynne Franks, who created and hosted the bank’s first Women’s Knowledge and Wisdom Forum in 2010.

And the bank makes sure to keep its pipeline filled with talented young women by early outreach to students completing their secondary education, giving them the opportunity to learn about HSBC, the roles available within the company, and the banking industry in general. The programme includes training sessions on personal brand and confidence building and encourages participants to apply for internships. The Women In Business is an important initiative and one we would encourage other businesses, large and small, to embrace.

Debbie Hosking, regional head of business banking represents HSBC commitments, having started her career in Ashton Gate, where she undertook her work experience. Debbie is proud to be supporting these awards.

International Women’s Day

An event to celebrate and inspire ational speakers, including Olympic silver medalist and high performance consultant Miriam Lake, part of the quad sculls rowing team in Sydney.

The other speakers are: ● Julie Ashmore, regional director HSBC Invoice Finance, who in addition to her senior banking role has climbed Kilimanjaro and skied to the South Pole ● Ros Taylor, a clinical psychologist, writer and TV and radio presenter ● Nicola Cook, entrepreneur and chief executive of Company Shortcuts, a business dedicated to improving other businesses.

The event takes place at the Future

Inn Hotel, Bond Street, on Friday, March 7.

Victoria, herself a business role model having grown up in Bristol and working in the family firm Local Pages before moving into the banking sector, said the speakers had been carefully chosen.

She said: “We chose them to demonstrate different strengths and capabilities. The event is not just around talking about women who have made it to a very high level position but about empowering women at all levels to achieve what they want to.

“It’s very much about celebrating what woman have achieved.”

● Ros Taylor, a clinical psychologist and TV presenter, will be among the speakers at the event

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● Victoria Bernard-Hayklan who is organising the International Women’s Day celebration

HSBC is celebrating International Women’s Day with a celebration in Bristol.

The event, which aims to celebrate and inspire businesswomen, is organised by the bank’s regional diversity champion Victoria Bernard-Hayklan.

The 29-year-old staged the event for the first time last year and was keen to repeat it.

“We had 60 places last year and it filled up quickly, so I was desperate to do it again,” said Victoria. “This year we doubled the places and they have all gone already.”

The event is packed with inspir-

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Expert eye Mark Tanner Growth Strategy People

Recovery will not help your business grow

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LTHOUGH we are beginning to see some semblance of economic recovery, this alone will not ensure your business growth.

To take total control of that, there are three elements that must be in place. These are your Exit Vision, Growth Strategy and solid Business Processes.

For brevity’s sake, this column addresses the first two.

The Exit Vision is all about goal setting; love or hate the word, your business needs goals.

Stephen Covey told us to “start with the end in mind” and without knowing your Exit Vision, your Growth Strategy will flounder.

How much do you want to grow and by when? How big do you want to become? All this must be underpinned most crucially by understanding why you want these?

I often find far too many businesses either skip this altogether or have not spent enough time making the Exit Vision clear and communicated to their key staff.

The Growth Strategy is next and this includes your Exit Strategy; (the Exit Strategy deserves its own column).

An extremely effective way to do this is to imagine you have reached your Exit Vision and then chart a line backwards to the current year.

Add bullet points to this high level plan which maps out what is needed to be put in place and in which year, so that you reach your Exit Vision.

This Growth Strategy can be conveyed on a single sheet of paper and shows at a glance how you will be achieving that Exit Vision. This makes it easy to communicate with your staff.

When the plan reaches the current year then add the detail for the next twelve months.

We help clients break this down to weekly High Payoff Activities.

This makes this so powerful; completion of those High Payoff Activities each week and means you and your staff will be continually driving your business toward your Exit Vision.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Growing your business

PLANNING IS VITAL BEFORE Most businesses don’t grow on their own, at least not in the way you’d want. You – the manager or owner – need to make it happen.

Gavin Thompson looks at how you achieve it

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ALK down any suburban street and look at the gardens. Some of them will be blooming riots of colour, others will manicured, ordered and planned, some a mess, filled with weeds, and a few simply covered over with paving.

It’s easy to spot the influence of the owner. Vibrant but chaotic, meticulous, too busy, or simply not wanting the hassle.

Now think about your business in the same way. If asked, most owners and managers would say they wanted their business to grow, but to achieve growth, and growth in the right areas, you have to know what you want your business to look like first.

Damien Webb, restructuring and

“ You should always have a business plan in place and a strategy to appraise that. You can highlight questions that need to be answered Damien Webb recovery director at Baker Tilly in Bristol, said: “You need to ask yourself what’s the purpose of your business. Why are you doing it? Is it just what I have always done? Is it to sell the business in five years’ time? Is it to fund a lifestyle? What are you trying to achieve?

“When you go into a good business you often feel as soon as you get there that they know what they are for.”

But he said in others, often long-running family businesses, it seemed the people were there just to keep the business going, not to get anything out of it.

While all firms start with a business plan – at least any firm that needs capital or investment does – many lose their way a few years in.

Mr Webb said: “You should always have a business plan in place and a strategy to appraise that on a regular basis. It means you can highlight questions that need to be answered about the business.

“You can look at your management

● Kate Hargreaves teaches a student English

‘UKTI has been invaluable in helping us to grow’ ● A LANGUAGE teaching business is growing by tapping into the growing global demand for personalised English tuition.

Living Learning English arranges for people who want to learn the language to stay with a tutor in their home, immersing them in English and giving them a tailormade programme. The service is used by business people, students and even politicians.

Kate Hargreaves set up the business 19 years ago and now brings around 2,000 students a year to the UK. Kate is joining a UKTI trade mission to Brazil, one of the fastest

Case study growing markets in the world.

She said: “A lot of our clients are business people who would not find it easy in a language school so they feel more comfortable learning on a one-to-one basis in someone’s home.

LLE uses agents overseas to bring students in and has seen big demand from Russia, Ukraine and also France and Spain, where the effects of the recession has meant many business people need English to apply for new jobs on the international market.

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Start, grow and succeed www.businesswest.co.uk

The company has a turnover of £2.5 million and employs 10 staff at its offices in Portland Square but major growth in recent months means it is looking to expand.

When she wanted to look for business in new markets overseas, Kate turned to UKTI for support.

She said: “The help we have received from UKTI has been invaluable. All our work is dependent on overseas markets and when we started-up we got help under the Passport to Export programme which helped fund our visits abroad and with translation work. They have also helped pay for important industry networking.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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Know how Robin Goddard

SOWING SEEDS FOR GROWTH Degree show profits funded business start

Fulfilling your growth aims

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Case study ● UWE graduate Joanna Allsop has gone into business straight from university, designing scarves then selling them online.

Originally from rural Worcestershire, 23-year-old Joanna, her partner Ross Gibson and chihuahua Moses moved to Clapton-in-Gordano last year.

“All my work is inspired by nature so it’s nice here,” she said. “It’s already inspired my next collection for autumn and winter.”

Joanna has ambitions to grow her fledgling business and is already selling around the world.

She said: “My goal is to get into department stores such as Liberty and Harrods.”

She has the scarves made by a producer in Evesham and then sells them through her own website, www.joannaallsop.com and through up-market online fashion bazaar Boticca for £160 a time, putting them firmly in the designer bracket.

Fortunately Joanna hasn’t had to borrow to get started, using her degree show work for her first sales and then reinvesting the money in more materials. That means she can plough her profits into the business to fund her growth plans.

● Joanna Allsop and some of the scarves she designs, inspired by nature

team and put steps in place to strengthen the business, plan how you can achieve growth, but also how you can manage it.

“A lot of businesses focus on the day-to-day, with no clear plan where they want to be. You need a strategy.

Where do you want to be in six months, 12 months, three years?”

He also warned of being too reliant on one customer because that could stymie growth in other area.

“I have seen businesses with one fantastic client and all the costs of the business are built around that,” he said, adding that the business needed to be flexible to changing circumstances.

For managers unsure where to go next, there is plenty of advice out there. Professional advisers will cost, but if it puts the business on a better path it will pay off in the long run.

The Growth Accelerator programme, for example, offers coaching for businesses with fewer than 250 employees which have the potential to grow quickly. It focuses on overcoming barriers preventing growth, and helps with attracting investment, and with product development and

leadership. The basic cost is £3,500, although that can be less, depending on the size of business.

Another area where there is plenty of support out there is exporting. The Government is pushing for more firms, big and small, to export and it’s an obvious way to grow.

Clive Wray, director of Business West with responsibility for running the UKTI contract in the South West, said: “Research shows that businesses generate an average growth of 30 per cent after exporting for just two years, are 34 per cent more productive in the first year alone, are more innovative and 11 per cent more likely to survive.”

There are several ways UKTI can help companies to export their goods and services, including: ● The Passport to Export scheme, which helps firms decide if exporting is right for them, provides training, planning and ongoing support needed to begin their journey and includes mentoring and advice from an international trade adviser for 12 months ● Gateway to Global Growth, which helps more experienced exporters

ready to expand further afield, enabling firms to conduct extensive market research, undertake language training and attend networking events ● Joining trade missions overseas.

Mr Wray said: “After years of economic uncertainty it is good to see business becoming confident again and talking about growth. But it is clear that we cannot rely on Government spending to generate growth. Trade and investment must remain top of the agenda – and investment overseas by companies is

● Clive Wray

Start up advice and support Business advice clinics for growing businesses Coaching and mentoring Training courses Office space

Pics John Kent BRJK20140212D-009 absolutely vital. So many companies have the potential to achieve success through trading overseas, but they either don’t realise it or are reluctant to expand existing export activity into new markets.

“That’s what we are here to do – to encourage and support companies to export for the first time or export more. Why do we put so much effort into this? Quite simply because we know that exporters have significantly higher growth prospects, more durability and better profitability than comparable businesses that don’t export.

“Taking the plunge and tackling the unknown in overseas markets will often seem daunting, to say the least. But help is at hand and I would encourage all businesses to take this help to offset the risk. Business West and UKTI together can provide all the help you need to export successfully.”

So there are ways to grow your business. The key is decide what you want it to look like. And then if you don’t know how to get there, call in a professional to help you work out where to plant the seeds.

www.businesswest.co.uk

FTER a long period of stagnation, the economy is finally showing signs of recovery. The latest results from our Business Barometer, a quarterly survey of more than 700 UK SMEs across a variety of industry sectors, reveals that a third of businesses have expansion plans for 2014.

For many this will be natural growth but for others seeking to outperform the wider economy, or to achieve their growth ambitions more quickly, it may mean considering mergers and acquisitions, refinancing or perhaps a management buyout (MBO).

One of the most important questions is how to finance it.

Many companies have the ambition to expand but lack the means or professional advice to do so.

For example, if a business is looking to grow relatively quickly, a strategic acquisition can be a transformative moment in their evolution, but it requires significant investment.

Asset based lending (ABL) is one possibility to consider.

It is an invoice finance-led arrangement and works by releasing cash from a sales ledger but crucially it also enables management teams to leverage assets – be they inventory, plant and machinery or real estate – from their business to unlock greater funding and provide the necessary capital to support business growth.

Both invoice finance and ABL work harmoniously alongside each other to ensure a business is best positioned to take advantage of any growth opportunities that come along.

The asset based finance industry, and ABL in particular, has never been in better shape – it is currently one of the few forms of lending that is growing – good news for business.

At Close Brothers Invoice Finance we are collaborating with an increasing number of local organisations, as well as their financial advisers, to put together tailored funding arrangements which will aid businesses in taking full advantage of the opportunities that 2014 is set to bring.

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• • • • •

Regional director Close Brothers 07809 877198 robin.goddard@ closebrothers.com

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Expert eye Addy Bridger Associate Page Hargrave

So are you protected?

S

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o, you’ve created your brand, got your company name safely registered, grabbed a great domain name and are now safe to get down to growing your business. Or are you?

Ideally, before you start using a brand, you should have searches performed to check for the existence of conflicting trade mark rights, to avoid walking into problems.

However, even if you’ve done this, and been trading for some time, your brand may be vulnerable.

If a third party subsequently registers a trade mark, identical or similar to your brand name, logo or domain name, that could cause you to infringe, albeit innocently. Even though you started using the branding first, it is possible that a competitor could rely on their later registration to prevent your business from expanding, or to force you into an expensive rebrand.

This can be particularly problematic for newer companies, trying to build up a strong brand reputation. The simplest way to avoid these problems is to register your own trade mark first – it’s also a defence against allegations of infringement.

There are other benefits too – a trade mark registration enables you to enforce your rights against anyone who uses or attempts to register an identical or similar trade mark without your permission. A registration allows Trading Standards to bring criminal charges against counterfeiters. It is also a business asset which can be sold, mortgaged, franchised or licensed.

Fortunately, there’s no cut-off deadline for applying for registration. It’s possible to wait until your branding is finalised and your product line planned before you apply; one application could then cover all your intended products and services.

Even if you’re already using your brand, it’s not too late to apply. Money well spent? A trade mark registration lasts for ten years and can be renewed every ten years thereafter.

Not only does it provide security for your business but it is also an asset which adds value to the business and can be included on the company’s balance sheet.

The more successful the business becomes, the more valuable your trade mark becomes.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Growing your business Childcare

‘Parents want and deserve a good start for their children’ Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

M

AMA Bear’s Day Nursery has been one of Bristol’s fastest growing businesses in the past 10 years. It all began as something of a romantic notion for husband and wife team of Tony and Bev Driffield, Tony, 47, said: “We decided we wanted to work together. We looked at what our joint skills were. Bev’s background is as a nursery nurse and early years teacher. My background is business. At the time I was travelling the world as a marketing manager and was fed up.

“The day nursery seemed logical, Bev could provide the product and I could provide the infrastructure.”

Once they had made the decision, however, the pair didn’t rush in – planning was paramount, says Tony.

“I would advise any new business to do your research before you do anything else,” he said.

“We started trading in February 2004 but made the decision to start the business in July 2002.

“We spent a lot of time planning and getting it right, testing the model and looking for what assistance there was out there.”

Knowing what help you can find is key to growth, said Tony. Mama Bear’s had grant support when it started and recently it has secured funding from the Going for Growth campaign run the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and backed by the Post to help it expand.

● Tony and Bev Driffield with Mama Bear Other factors in its expansion included a strong relationship with its bank, Santander, which Tony described as “very supportive”.

But most of all, the couple knew what they wanted to achieve.

Tony said: “With our business model, everything is about the quality of the product, the quality of the care. If you can provide quality care and education everything else falls in behind it.

“Parents want and deserve good quality care and education to give

their children a good start in life.”

The business now has 19 sites, 12 in Bristol and seven in Somerset and Devon, employing 400 people.

“It’s never been about profit for us,” said Tony. “Profit is important because we want to reinvest.

“You can’t buy capital items without profit but it’s never been about taking it all out of the business, we have invested more than the profit we have retained.

“It was about achieving critical mass from a business point of view.

Pic: Barbara Evripidou “We needed to get to a certain size, which we are about now.

“We can take a different strategy going forward now that growth is less important. We can look at more ways to improve the product.”

So the business formula has worked, what about the marriage?

Bev said: “It has worked for us, being a couple who work and live together. For us, it’s invigorating.”

Tony added: “We’re certainly never one of those couples who go out to dinner and have nothing to say.”

Firms must act fast for share of research cash BUSINESSES in Bristol are being invited to apply for grants from a new £4 million pot – but they need to be quick.

The fund is being run by the University of the West of England, with grants of £25,000 to £150,000 available for research and development projects.

Professor Martin Boddy, pro-vice chancellor, research and business engagement, said: “We are delighted to offer support to promising enterprises across the South West.

“Not only in the Bristol area, but right across the region – from Truro to Tewkesbury, Bideford to Bourne-

mouth – the fund will enable us to help businesses innovate and grow.

“Any company with plans for research and development, or thinking about an innovative project, should consider applying.

“We would typically fund 35 per cent of project costs for small and medium-sized businesses, and a bit less for larger companies – so a significant portion of expenditure can be claimed.”

Financed by the Gover nment’s Regional Development Fund, the scheme will help businesses develop new or improved products, techno-

logies, processes or services, safeguarding existing, or creating additional, jobs as a result.

The university’s administration of the scheme reflects its goal to be a key part of Bristol’s business community.

But companies have not got long to act. The application deadline is Monday, March 10.

Professor Janice Kiely, director of the Institute of Bio-sensing Technology, who leads the project, said: “It is important that businesses express an interest as early as possible.

“Having said that, our dedicated advisers are more than happy to

provide assistance with both the short application form and the overall process, making things much easier for those considering a submission.

“Businesses should complete the brief online registration of interest form in the first instance.

“An adviser will then contact them within three working days to discuss the potential application and to organise further telephone or face-to-face support, if required.”

For details of the scheme and the registration of interest form, visit the website at www.innovation4 growth.co.uk.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Growing your business Know how Stuart Sermon Managing Director Team Partners Telecommunications 03333583333

Telecoms should be a top priority

T

here are those who will tell you that a car is just a car, it gets you from A to B and that’s all there is to it. Others will tell you that hi-fi is hi-fi and as long as it makes a noise it’s fine, or that one mobile phone is much like another... and the truth is that that’s all rubbish and while it might not matter to you what car/hi-fi/phone you use, it matters to me.

The same thinking should be true of broadband and your phone and IT systems generally; it really matters what systems and connectivity you use and who you choose to provide it, because if your business is important then your telecoms should be too. It plays too vital a role not to be.

You’ll note above that I’ve referred to both phone and IT in one breath: Why? Because the two are inextricably linked – like love and marriage you can’t have one without the other, both are interdependent, both are data hungry and, if used sensibly, both can run on your broadband connection and be used to make money for your company instead of just being a necessary cost.

It’s this hunger for data that is driving initiatives such as the excellent Connection Voucher Scheme. As we link to the Cloud, increasingly use Voice over Internet (VoIP), have a workforce that lives and works remotely to the office, use data-dependent CRM systems to manage our clients and spend our lives browsing and emailing, our standard broadband packages struggle to keep up, leaving us annoyed, frustrated and probably swearing as we impatiently wait for our systems to catch up with us. Slow broadband is plainly inefficient and, what’s worse, it costs us money.

For most of us rescue is at hand, but that’s the rub... how at hand? Even now there’s a range of broadband options available on the market for both fixed and mobile telecoms. Bristol, for instance now enjoys 4G, but some of these solutions are eye-wateringly expensive; financially challenging enough on a monthly basis to encourage businesses to put up with what they’ve got, no matter how attractive the connection voucher scheme. So where does that leave us?

It’s a matter of time. Businesses in the cities listed on the Connection Voucher website can already have superfast broadband, if they’re prepared to pay for it. What a reputable supplier such as Team Partners Telecommunications will do is enable you to register with them (www.tptele.com/fibre) so that they can then get in touch and let you know as soon as an affordable broadband connection that meets your needs is available for you to connect to.

They’ll also be able to tailor your broadband connection to achieve the maximum possible within your budget, meeting the requirements of your business at a price you can afford and making sure that, like your car, hi-fi, mobile and anything else that’s really important to you, both your systems and your connectivity are precisely what you want and need.

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Broadband connection vouchers

Technology

Fast track Swift action needed to claim ‘valuable’ broadband boost Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

B

RISTOL businesses need to act fast if they want to get connected to superfast broadband, courtesy of the taxpayer.

The city was one of just a handful around the country to be given funding for broadband connection vouchers from the Treasury in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

George Osborne believes key cities, including Bristol, with a strong creative and digital sector need access to fast broadband to stay competitive.

Bristol City Council is managing the scheme, worth up to £4.8 million. So far, 40 businesses have made expressions of interest in the scheme.

Small and medium-sized firms based in Bristol can get up to £3,000

to pay for a high-speed broadband connection. That can include upgrading from a slower broadband.

High-speed, high-grade broadband can benefit businesses by enabling them to operate more efficiently and therefore increase productivity.

Speaking when the scheme was announced, Bristol mayor George Ferguson said: “This is a hugely valuable opportunity for the Bristol business community and I support this investment to help build our city’s digital infrastructure.

“Connectivity drives innovation and new opportunities, which are essential to the success of our business community, and to build a strong, sustainable local economy.

“I urge all eligible businesses to look into the financial support and business benefits that the Connection Vouchers Scheme presents.”

Stephen Hilton, director of the city council’s digital futures division, said: “Many businesses in

● Bristol mayor George Ferguson Bristol will already be aware of the benefits that a high-speed, high-grade broadband connection could bring to their business.

“Equally, there will also be many businesses that do not yet appreciate the enormous benefits that it can bring in terms of competitiveness, productivity, efficiency and growth.

“High-speed, high-grade broadband is not just about speed of

connection, it is also about business reliability.

“This is an opportunity for Bristol SMEs to put in place a business essential that will ensure they benefit from a fast-approaching future where this type of connectivity is the norm.

“There will be a limited number of vouchers and we expect demand to be high, so we urge businesses to apply as soon as possible.”

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said: “Businesses expect and demand faster broadband to compete in the global race.

“Connection vouchers will be an important tool for cities in helping to address that demand.”

The grant is for installation, but businesses have to meet the running costs and should be careful to look at the real price – not just the introductory offer price – before signing up to a supplier for the long ter m.

See www.connectionvouchers.co. uk for more information.

HOW THE SCHEME WORKS How do I apply? Go to www.connectionvouchers.co.uk, where you can fill in an application form or register an interest and someone will contact you.

What will the voucher pay for? Your voucher can be used towards making the physical connection to your business premises. It doesn’t pay rental or for IT equipment or VAT, which you have to pay direct to the supplier.

Am I eligible? You have to be based in Bristol and be an SME – broadly that means you should employ fewer than 250 people and your turnover is below £40 million. If you have received other grants or state aid, you could be ineligible. Best to get in touch and check it out.

What if I work from home? The connection has to be to your main place of work. If that’s your home, that’s fine. If you work from home occasionally, it’s not.

Anything else? The cost of the connection has to be more than £250 to get the grant. It will pay up to £3,000. You also have to sign up to at least a six-month contract with your chosen supplier. The broadband speed must be 30Mbps or higher.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

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✔ Saves time and resources and reduces the need for travel ✔ Faster processing times mean you can increase productivity and communicate with suppliers and customers more efficiently ✔ You can stream online content such as videos, webinars and podcasts more efficiently ✔ You can communicate confidently with customers, suppliers and staff at any time, no matter how many people are using the same connection ✔ Fast broadband will help you to access the software and tools customers and suppliers use ✔ Makes you more competitive in local and international markets by ensuring you have the technology in place to meet your customers’ expectations.

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

PREMIER BUSINESS SHOW ‘A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY’ O

NLINE promotion and marketing specialist GWS Media has been attending the Bristol Business Exhibition for the past five years.

Marketing director Richard Graves believes that relationship has been of great benefit to his company.

He said:

We have followed the show through from near the beginning when it was occupying corners of hotels and other spaces to where it is now – the premier exhibition event in Bristol.

THE BRISTOL BUSINESS EXHIBITION 2013

“It’s very valuable for us as a chance to show people that our business is here and is progressing.

“I never go with the aim of going to do business that day, but see it as an incredibly good way to build our credibility and relationships with a whole host of business contacts.

“It’s a wonderful networking opportunity and a chance to make new business contacts.”

GWS Media creates websites and carries out social media marketing for firms across the UK but with most of its customers in Bristol and the South West.

Richard said: “For anybody targeting Bristol and the South West, this is a wonderful place to exhibit,” He added: “It’s also extremely good value.”

For exhibitors, stands cost £200 or £300, with a 50 per cent discount for members of the Federation of Small Businesses.

The exhibition attracts 500 to 800 delegates and more than 100 exhibitors so is an ideal place to make contacts that could lead to new business.

But for delegates it is free to attend and with free parking too. There are a number of seminars – also free – including a talk by Don Cameron, founder of Cameron Balloons in Bedminster sharing his vast business experience, and Guy Longmore from RE Cloud talking about whether using the cloud is right for your business.

The Bristol Business Exhibition, sponsored by Brunel One printing, is organised by Neil Kinnerly. This will be the 15th event since it began just over five years ago and so far well over £1 million of business has been generated for companies taking part.

For exhibitors, the large numbers of visitors and low price for a stand make it attractive.

“It only takes one good lead to make the whole day worthwhile,” said Neil.

For delegates, the exhibition offers a one-stop shop for all their business support needs. The owner of a hairdresser or restaurant, for example, can find someone to design their website, print their flyers, handle their books, run their Twitter and Facebook accounts and more.

The Bristol Business Exhibition takes place at Ashton Gate on Tuesday March 4 from 10am to 3pm.

For more information, visit www.bristolbusinessexhibition.co.uk.

MAIN EVENT SPONSOR BrunelOne.com ... your local online printer

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The exhibition is the perfect opportunity for Bristol-based businesses to meet each other, faceto-face and to celebrate the brilliant business community of Bristol.

As part of its commitment to printing The BrunelOne.com team very much for businesses in the Bristol area, Brunelook forward to meeting new and lOne.com is very proud to be the main sponsor for the Bristol Business Exhibition in familiar faces at Ashton Gate March 2014.

Conference Centre.

Sue Tugman Managing Director - BrunelOne.com

0117 300 2223 www.brunelone.com Exhibition Stand 13 As the new web-to-print website from the experienced team that have been printing in Bristol for over 100 years, BrunelOne. com is very keen to support local businesses in Bristol and the South West. BrunelOne.com has also recently signed up to the Bristol Pound currency, who will also be returning to exhibit at the event again.

“The open plan set up of the exhibition, together with the number and variety of businesses it attracts makes it an ideal networking opportunity for businesses in the Bristol area. It is also great value, both for exhibitors and for delegates, who not only get in for free but also get to attend the seminars throughout the day too.

We can’t wait for the exhibition and look forward to speaking to people at our stand, whether it’s to talk about print requirements or just for a chat. We promise, unlike the Bristol Croc, we don’t bite!”

Said Ian Chambers, BrunelOne.com BrunelOne.com offers easy online printing services to upload artwork, browse templates or create your own design online, together with their valued ‘local’ customer service & exceptional print quality.

Aimed at sole-traders, start-ups & smallbusinesses, their focus is on high quality, affordable print, easy online operation, and useful design & business advice.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

AMONG THE EXHIBITORS ARE ECO IP

NetPilot Internet Security Ltd

The Bristol Hotel

At the heart of every successful modern business is an efficient and cost effective communications solution. In collaboration with leading manufacturers, we provide products at the forefront of technology.

Our specialists will deliver unrivalled applications for your business, regardless of size, service or location.

Bristol based NetPilot has fifteen years’ experience of developing and manufacturing internet security and productivity devices for businesses, schools and the armed forces.

The Bristol Hotel is a luxurious beacon of bold modernity, sitting pretty on the quayside of the Floating Harbour.

Experience the great location and enjoy the chic cuisine in The River Grille, cocktails in The River Lounge and for the more informal experience drinks and food in The Shore Bar – the perfect place to watch the world go by.

At Eco IP we take the time to understand the challenges your organisation may face, not only today but in the future – for example time, finance, resources, staff mobility and globalisation – and provide an effective, innovative solution that works for you.

Working with you, offering impartial advice, we will provide a diverse and tailored solution that meets your needs, now and for the future.

We assess the Environmental impact of the solution and by supplying low-power consumption; recyclable equipment can reduce your carbon footprint.

Whether it’s due to Regulations, a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, cost reductions or all of the above, Eco IP are here to help you.

To take advantage of our FREE, no obligations, on site telecoms review, contact us today.

0117 911 2992 www.ecoip.co.uk Exhibition Stand 111

The company creates all its own software and hardware, which it then combines to build products including the new SoHoBlue product range – being shown for the first time in public at the exhibition.

The new SoHoBlue devices protect complete organisations from a wide range of internet threats including viruses and hackers. To enable businesses to get the best focus and productivity from employees, SoHoBlue either monitors or enforces company policies defining which websites can be accessed. With interest growing in the use of ‘Cloud’ services, SoHoBlue provides extremely fast and secure connectivity to Cloud hosted resources including over high speed fibre optic internet links.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have on business internet connectivity.

See us on Stand 9.

01275 333 608 sales@netpilot.com www.netpilot.com Exhibition Stand 9

The self contained Meetings and Events Centre features meeting rooms for as few as 6 or as many as 400 - from the stunning executive boardrooms to the splendour of the Ballroom with superb complimentary conference technology, you can be sure of outstanding facilities, elegant surroundings and a highly experienced events team all combining to make you your meeting effortlessly productive.

You can also relax in the knowledge that you can stay in touch via the complimentary wi fi throughout the hotel.

The Bristol Hotel dinary hospitality

bringing you and expert

extraorservice.

0117 923 0333 www.doylecollection.com Exhibition Stand 136

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TESTIMONIALS FROM LAST YEAR’S EXHIBITORS

Absolutely great day as usual and very professionally run. Stand 40 is becoming a landmark for us I think now Julian Puddy Financial Consultant Hartsfield Financial

As usual, the exhibition was fab. I have already made two sales as a direct response of the exhibition...

Which paid for the cost of my stand in full Alison Jones Owner Alison Websites

Tuesday 4th March 2014 10am 3pm Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol For full details visit www.bristolbusinessexhibition. co.uk or call 0117 9114223

Business West – A Powerful Voice for Business Business West, the largest business membership organisation in the region, represents and works with 16,000 businesses from large to small and across all sectors.

We provide a full range of advice and support services from how to start, develop and grow your business to expanding overseas and breaking into foreign markets.

As the voice of business in our area we are uniquely positioned at the heart of the local business community – advising, leading, connecting and helping businesses to grow.

We also ensure that business issues are taken into account when key decisions are made at the local, regional and national levels, so together we can make a difference to your business and the local economy.

For free expert advice visit us at stand 124 to see how we can help your business.

01275 373 373 info@businesswest.co.uk www.businesswest.co.uk Exhibition Stand 124

Nozey Parkers

Costco

We are business troubleshooters that work with SMEs to sort out chaos and inefficiencies.

We are often bought in where others have failed to deliver, and quickly spot the problem areas. This means businesses see the results immediately.

A company may have grown too fast, the owners might be looking to retire/sell/or franchise and want everything in order, or it could be that business is not improving and they don’t know why.

We can get your business to run efficiently, smoothly, increase performance and save time and money.

We can help you find customers & keep them happy, so they use your services time and time again.

We can eliminate the stress of unhappy, under productive staff.

Come and see us at the Bristol Business show and find out more about how Costco can help you in your business.

Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.

We are passionate about making improvements, so businesses become more efficient, streamlined, cost-effective and competitive.

Knowledgeable, pragmatic and approachable, enabling owners in many diverse businesses to find and resolve inefficiencies since the mid-80s.

07784 611399 tina.parker@nozeyparkers.co.uk www.nozeyparkers.co.uk Exhibition Stand 18

The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT).

Membership criteria applies, to find out more see us at the show or call us on 01179160130.

0117 916 0130. www.costco.co.uk Exhibition Stand 90

A great exhibition and some inspiring talks.

I look forward to the next one.

Look forward to seeing you soon Andy Ellis Operations Manager Dynamic Heating Services

A great event - plenty of new faces in terms of companies exhibiting and visitors to the event. I had a very productive day meeting new people - over 30 new leads which is brilliant - and catching up with people that I already know.

The catching up is sometimes seen as one of the least important of the reasons to exhibit but, and I suspect that there is research to prove it, it is for me one of the most important reasons. I will add that everything was so well organised and made the whole experience great Sean Humby MD Business Network

We had a great reception from new businesses and some immediate sign ups on the day.....

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Sarah Forrester - Wilson Community Engagement & Events Coordinator The Bristol Pound.

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Business diary Wednesday@6: Bristol Institute of Directors informal free networking at The Radisson Blu from 6-8pm, February 19. Call 0117 3707785 to register.

Responsible Business Awards: Business in the Community , the charity led by HRH The Prince of Wales, is calling for inspiring examples of responsible business to enter its annual awards before February 21. For more details, visit www.bitc.org.uk/awards.

In pictures Bristol’s business community out and about

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series

Advice clinics: One hour clinics with Business West for ambitious managing directors who want to focus on the challenges of growth. Bristol and Bath Science Park on Tuesday, February 26. Email info@growthsouthwest.co.uk.

FSB South Gloucestershire seminar: Wednesday, February 26, 6.45pm-9.45pm, Azec West Hotel, Almondsbury, BS32 4TS. Register at www.fsb.org.uk.

● The Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series. UWE Students at City Pics Michael Lloyd BRML20140212A-005 Hall

Emerging Europe trade mission: Join Lord Livingstone, Trade Minister, on our high profile mission to discover the benefits of exporting to a region which holds huge potential for both novice and experienced exporters in Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.

March 3-7. Contact Angela.

Maynard-Smith@uktisouthwest.org.

to make theatre pay without compromising what’s on stage and how to persuade city investors to see the arts as a viable business prospect.

She told the audience of gathered business people and academics: “It’s an industry that does make you feel part of something that’s a little bit of magic.”

The address series, held at City Hall, is delivered by the Bristol Business School at Bristol UWE in partnership with ACCA, Bristol City Council, the Bristol Post, Business West, CBI, CMI, FSB, IoD and the West of England LEP. See Rosemary Squire’s Q&A video at www.SouthWestBusiness.co.uk.

● The Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series. Speaker Rosemary Squire OBE, of the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd, makes her presentation Pics Michael Lloyd BRML20140212A-003

● A LEADING light in the theatre world delivered the first talk in the new round of the Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series. Rosemary Squire OBE is co-founder and joint chief executive of the Ambassador Theatre Group.

The firm has managed to grow despite a tough economic climate, when funding for the arts has been squeezed, and it has recently bought the biggest theatre in Broadway – the Foxwoods Theatre.

The group also owns dozens of UK theatres, including the Bristol Hippodrome.

Ms Squire gave a founder’s perspective on creating the largest live theatre group, talking about how

● The Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series with Jane Harrington of UWE, mayor George Ferguson, Rosemary Squire OBE, Nicholas O’Regan Pics Michael Lloyd BRML20140212A-001 of UWE and Ian Mean, Bristol Post

● The Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series BRML20140212A-010

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, February 27. Free.

Contact readyforbusiness@ businesswest.co.uk.

Get in the picture Send us photos from your event, with names please, to business @b-nm.co.uk

Colston St Bar & Kitchen launch: Colston Hall, Colston Street, Monday, March 3.

Invitation only from Bath Ales.

World Class Marketing, Made in the South West: A free monthly networking event for the creative services sector run by Marketing network Bath & Bristol. Guest speaker Tim Hughes, professor of applied marketing at UWE Bristol. At the Clifton Club, 22 The Mall, Tuesday, March 4. Call 0845 8382159.

Advice clinics: One hour clinics with Business West for ambitious managing directors who want to focus on the challenges of growth. Rivergate Business Centre, Temple Quay, on Tuesday, March 4. Email info@growthsouthwest.co.uk.

FSB Bristol branch networking event: Free for members networking, 9.30am-11.30am, Wednesday, March 5, 9.30am-11.30am, 1 Friay Temple Quay BS1 6EA. Register at www.fsb.org.uk.

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Wednesday@6: Bristol Institute of Directors informal free networking at The Radisson Blu from 6-8pm, March 5. Call 0117 3707785 to register.

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.

Pics Michael Lloyd

Trav Media networking event ● TRAVEL writers and journalists from across the South West met up at Bristol’s newest four-star hotel at a networking event.

Organised by the South West branch of Trav Media, the 40-strong group discussed the latest issues affecting the sector at DoubleTree

by Hilton, Bristol City Centre.

Trav Media is an online tool for journalists researching and writing travel stories.

John Dowling, general manager at the hotel, said: “Despite the atrocious weather, there was a really good turnout and we were delighted to play host.”

On the tourism industry, he added: “Not only is confidence returning to the economy as a whole but people looking to enjoy weekend breaks are also spending more. Let’s hope it’s a trend that continues throughout 2014.”

● Left to right: John Dowling, general manager at Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton, Fiona Quinn of Trav Media, Elaine Gibbins, director of sales at Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton and James Mundie of Trav Media

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

City of Bristol College partners in business launch

13

I

F YOUR company needs training, City of Bristol College can tailor a package for you. That was the message at the launch of the college’s new Partners in Business programme.

Businesses from across Bristol were invited to the college’s City Restaurant in Anchor Road to hear about the scheme and enjoy the hospitality of the institution’s catering students.

Principal Lynn Merilion said the college had 27,000 students, 2,000 staff and plenty to be proud of. But when she arrived in 2012, it was run, as you’d expect, like a college.

“We had a structure very much based on education,” she said.

“We had faculties which were almost like silos. If you are an employer who wanted to interact with us, you had to navigate our structure.”

The introduction of Partners in Business aims to change that, with a single point of contact for businesses whether they are looking to offer work experience, hire apprentices or find training for their employees.

“The message which we are giving today is that this is something quite different, something hopefully you will be a part of. It’s about bringing together employers and the college.”

She said the programme meant employers should never have to say the city was not providing the right kind of workers, because it was an opportunity for them to work with the college and shape that future workforce.

Peter Lewis, director of the engineering division at Precision Profiles, told how his firm had worked with the college investing in apprentices.

He said it was helping the firm meet a skills gap in engineering.

“The old guys love it because they can share and pass on their skills and knowledge,” he said.

“It’s the only way forward if engineering in this country is to grow and pull back business from China and the Eastern Bloc.”

To find out more email programme director Will Cookson at will.cookson@cityofbristol.ac.uk.

● City of Bristol launches its new partners in business programme at City Restaurant, City of Bristol College

● Joanne Van, business development manager for City of Bristol, Chris Mitchell, projects officer for City of Bristol and Ken Simson, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses Pics Dave Betts BRDB20140211C-002

● Ela Walford, work placement manager at City of Bristol, Helen Sims, HR manager for Office Response, Karen Dicks and Academy team manager at Office Response BRDB20140211C-003

● Above, City of Bristol launches its new Dave Betts partners in business programme BRDB20140211C-013 ● Below: Lynn Merilion, Principle and Chief Executive of City of Bristol addresses the crowd BRDB20140211C-014

● Rachel Gollin of GKN Aerospace, Georgina Baxter, a professional indemnity solicitor at Kennedy’s Law and Iain Johnston, business Pics Dave Betts BRDB20140211C-010 development manager for City of Bristol

● City of Bristol launches its new partners in business programme at City Restaurant, City of Bristol College Pics Dave Betts BRDB20140211C-005

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● City of Bristol launches its new partners in business programme at City Restaurant, City of Bristol College Pics Dave Betts BRDB2014 0211C-012

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

In pictures Bristol’s business community out and about Gregg Latchams Business Club breakfast ● Business owners from around Bristol received an environmental update from experts in commercial property and construction law at the latest Gregg Latchams Business Club breakfast event.

The meeting, held at the M Shed, featured talks from Julian Pyrke, head of commercial property at Gregg Latchams, his colleague Ben Preece from the firm’s construction department, and Marie-Clare Brind of Sustainability Plus.

Delegates were advised on how forthcoming legislative changes – relevant for anyone developing, buying, renting or building a new property – could affect their

properties and businesses.

Ms Brind, an experienced management surveyor, used case studies to show how Energy Performance Certificates are already impacting property decisions.

Mr Preece looked at the situation from the construction angle, while Mr Pyrke examined how these actions need to be documented.

The next Gregg Latchams Business Club event takes place on Thursday March 13 and is themed on social media.

If you’d like to come along, to book your place please email Kayleigh Groves at kayleigh.groves@gregglatchams.com.

● Julian Pyrke of Gregg Latchams at the Gregg Latchams business breakfast

● Stuart West of Calne Town Council at the Gregg Latchams Business Club breakfast

● Simon Quinn, of Moon Consulting Executive Recruitment, at the Gregg Latchams business breakfast

● Ben Preece of Gregg Latchams at the Gregg Latchams business breakfast

h

● Marie-Clare Brind, of Sustainability Plus, at the Gregg Pics Rupert Janisch Latchams business breakfast

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Community Finance ’14 at the City Centre Marriott Hotel ● ALTERNATIVE lenders gathered in Bristol for Community Finance ’14, the annual conference of the Community Development Finance Association, where they were thanked by the Government.

Speaking to the guests at the Marriott City Centre hotel, financial secretary to the Treasury Sajid Javid said: “Community development finance institutions served 50 per cent more customers than in previous years, dispersed 50,000 loans and helped create and protect 50,000 jobs.”

The MP for Bromsgrove was brought up in Bristol and he told delegates it was nice to be home.

“I’ll be popping to my mother’s home for a cup of tea afterwards,” he said.

Being brought up in Bristol, he knows the area, particularly Bedminster, and said local knowledge was so important in community lending.

“When you understand the local community and know them well you can sometimes seize the opportunity that larger banks

cannot,” he said.

“These opportunities make a difference to the community and to the economy too.”

The event included the City Micro-entrepreneurship Awards, in association with the CDFA, presented by BBC business reporter Steph McGovern. Bristol-based Co-operative & Community Finance won the innovation award, and a £20,000 prize, for its new fund to support communities wanting to raise money through a community share issue.

● The CDFA team Pat Conaty, chief executive Ben Hughes and Shamima Begum at Community Finance ’14; inset the BBC’s Steph McGovern hosts the awards

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

15

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

Commercial feature

MoT hold-ups drove us to radical solution to cover the running costs and eventually recoup the investment, the firm has opened up the lane to other companies.

It has a VOSA tester on site three days a week, but is hoping to extend that to Monday to Saturday once it has enough customers coming in – that could add up to 80 tests each week.

Juan says the MoT lane will never be a big profit-maker for the company, but has mutual benefits for his business and other firms in the area that can make use of it, paying just a small pit fee on top of the VOSA charges.

The MoT lane is just one of the services Eurotaxis offers over and above a typical taxi firm.

It runs a commercial-vehicle recovery service for breakdowns, can carry out repairs and maintenance work, and can collect and return vehicles for their MoTs. And its coach hire arm takes people across the UK and Europe.

Eurotaxis undertakes around 8,000 to 10,000 taxi journeys every week, and buses about 5,000 children to and from school.

Juan said: “The key to growing the business has been hard work and family.”

His wife Anne is the managing director, sons Keith and William are directors and son-in-law Toby runs the workshop.

Juan said: “It is very important that it is a family business. It gives you trust, and know how, from length of service. For example, Keith has been with the business for about 20 years.”

As to his own involvement as company secretary, Juan, 63, has no plans to retire.

He said: “I enjoy this too much.”

And he still gets behind the wheel regularly.

Juan said: “I still drive every day – buses, taxis, whatever. I enjoy the driving. There is no hassle. There is no stress. Driving is driving.”

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

A

YATE taxi and coach-hire company is opening its doors to other businesses after investing in a commercial vehicles MoT lane.

Eurotaxis has been a phenomenal success story since it was founded by Juan Sanzo in 1980.

It has grown from a one-man operation, after Juan bought a “battered old” Austin for £200.

Now the firm has 180 vehicles – taxis, buses and coaches – and a turnover of £5 million a year.

It employs 95 people and uses a number of other self-employed taxi drivers.

That growth, however, caused Juan a headache. Every commercial vehicle has to be MoT-tested each year. And unlike with a personal car, you cannot take it to many garages.

There are a select number of specialised testing lanes in Authorised Testing Facilities.

Difficulties in getting Juan’s fleet of vehicles to the nearest centre, and lack of available appointments, prompted Eurotaxis to come up with a radical solution.

Juan said: “You can never get an appointment – it was a real problem.

And when you did it was taking four hours to take a vehicle for testing and then bring it back.

“So we decided to invest £150,000 in building our own lane to do it in-house.”

It took six months to get through the red tape and logistical hurdles.

But the lane finally opened for business in November, just before the fir m’s 33rd birthday.

The benefits for Eurotaxis are the time and cost savings in not having to get its vehicles to the test centre. And

● Eurotaxis directors Keith and William Sanzo

Further growth is very much achievable for us

W

ITH the Government’s continuing frugality, it may seem that the transport industry has been regulated an exponential amount.

Rising costs of fuel coupled with increasing traffic congestion mean that for many operators profits are being squeezed like never before.

Established more than 33 years ago and still a family-run taxi and PCV operator, Eurotaxis has seen many changes, the largest of which was amalgamating two sites and

Know how William Sanzo Director Eurotaxis

moving to a purpose-built transport yard in Yate.

Only last year we were based on a small, dusty yard in Westerleigh

with our maintenance facilities based eight miles away, and our nearest VOSA Authorised Testing Facility 16 miles away in Avonmouth.

If you think that some PCV vehicles will only do eight miles per gallon, we were wasting a small fortune in fuel and wages commuting daily between the sites.

After 13 years, we finally found a suitable location and moved to a purpose-built transport yard in Yate with on-site facilities.

However, we still had the 32-mile

round trip nearly twice a week for a PCV vehicle to go to the ATF for its MoT. We have invested £150,000 in a new ATF lane at our depot in Yate.

The ATF lane is now open to the public and to other operators.

Since its opening day we have seen all kinds of vehicles on site, from horseboxes to coaches, from HGVs to buses.

Some individuals or operators who do not have maintenance facilities have even brought their vehicle to us for its MoT preparation where we have guaranteed it

will pass its MoT. Alongside our ATF lane we have invested in our vehicle-recovery infrastructure with a Mercedes Actros and a Mercedes Atego.

So far there have been numerous HGV and PCV operators who have used our maintenance and recovery services as a one-stop shop for their vehicles.

Our other significant investment last year was building a classroom and becoming an authorised centre to give the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.

We see that growth – although difficult at the moment – is, with the right infrastructure and commitment, very much achievable.

Not Just Taxis

eurotaxis.com 0333 666 66 66

Mini Buses & Coaches

Taxis & Weddings

ATF - HGV & PSV MOTs

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Recovery & Repairs

16

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Up and coming

Movers & shake-ups The latest appointments news. Send your news to business@b-nm.co.uk

Business support

Fund Virgin gives a helping hand to start-up ideas Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk

E

NTREPRENEURS wanting a helping hand have a new pot of potential funding thanks to a collaboration between Virgin StartUp and Business

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West.

Businesses wanting expertise or funding support can submit an idea to Business West by the end of March and secure a mentor or loans of between £1,000 and £25,000.

The programme is targeted primarily at young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 30 who may have a great business idea but are unsure of how to get it off the ground.

Business West is delivering the programme in the South West in partnership with Virgin StartUp, with a project team managed by Tara Gillam and supported by colleagues Taylor Milsom, Alyson Eyval and two other advisors.

Tara and her team want entrepreneurs to send them ideas – the detail can fit on the back of an envelope – which they will then assess and decide on whether the businesses are feasible.

She said: “We are just after brief business ideas. Then for any one which is commercially viable, with an entrepreneur who is really passionate and committed to getting their business up and running, we can probably find them some funding and a mentor as well.

“We would love to find a situation where a youngster is looking to grow a business and employ some people, but even if it’s a small independent or a sole trader, we’d really like to hear from them as well.

“For example it could be someone who has come out of college, or has been unemployed but has an ambition to start something of their own. As long as it’s credible, there’s a solution.

“Our mentors are volunteering their own time to give young business owners a helping hand through the difficult early stages of setting up a business and we will manage the process of matching the right people together.”

Virgin StartUp is a non-for-profit initiative instigated by the company’s boss Richard Branson.

He said: “I started my first business with a handful of coins out of a phone-box at school, but it was the £300 from my mum that really kick-started our student magazine and sparked the Virgin adventure 40 years ago.

“Today, young people need that same help and I believe Virgin StartUp will provide it – with access to early capital, strong mentorship, advice and promotion.

“We look forward to helping launch thousands of new businesses across the UK in years to come.”

To apply, entrepreneurs need to fill in a form or send their idea to the team at Business West.

For more information contact the team on 01275 376 233 or email ready forbusiness@businesswest.co.uk.

● PROPERTY consultancy Alder King has appointed James Nicholas as a partner in its asset management and consultancy teams.

Previously a surveyor in Alder King’s professional team for three years, James has re-joined the company after nearly 10 years holding senior positions managing the Ashtenne Industrial Fund.

James will provide clients with high-level strategic advice across a wide range of disciplines including asset management, investment, agency and lease advisory.

He said: “The opportunity to return to Alder King and take up such a strategic and wide-ranging new role is very exciting.

“It feels good to be back!”

● Tara Gillam, project manager, and Alyson Eyval, advisor, at Leigh Court, Picture Barbara Evripidou BRBE20140213B-2 Abbotts Leigh, Bristol

Education

New businesses

Apprentice wows in UK awards

Start-up group creates 300 jobs

AN apprentice based at Abbey Wood in the procurement and support organisation of the Ministry of Defence has been acknowledged at a national awards ceremony.

Kimberley Hill, who is 19 and from Coalpit Heath, was runner-up in the prize for outstanding achievement by a final year apprentice at the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2013.

Kimberley was named runner-up of the award, sponsored by EAL, for her commitment and determination to succeed in her apprenticeship at Defence Equipment & Support.

The judges praised her tremendous potential.

Julia Chippendale, managing director of EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications, said: “First of all, I’d like to say huge congratulations to Kimberley.

“Apprentices are such a vital part of the future of the engineering and manufacturing industry and it is great to see such outstanding talent being recognised for their efforts.”

Phil Brownsord, region director for

AN organisation based in Queen Square which supports start-ups from all over Bristol has created more than 300 jobs in the city in less than three years.

Since early in 2011, Outset Bristol has helped 272 companies start up in Bristol, creating more than 300 new jobs for the local economy at a rate of eight jobs per month.

Andy Dean, Outset Bristol’s programme director, said: “We’ve worked very hard to bring these jobs to Bristol, and create new opportunities for our clients, many of whom were unemployed or aspiring to be their own bosses.”

Since inception the team at Outset has engaged with 2,359 Bristolians interested in starting their own business. Of these, more than 1,000 clients have received support to develop marketable ideas and build strong and sustainable businesses.

● Kimberley Hill with Julia Chippendale and Declan Curry the South West, said: “Ensuring that the UK has future engineers, team leaders and managers is essential to long economic prosperity, which is why it is essential to nurture the talents of apprentices such as Kimberley. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I hope that his passion and interest encourages more young people to become engineers.”

Outset’s advice, help and workshop sessions are particularly open to those in difficult circumstances, such as the long-term unemployed, disabled or disadvantaged.

Mr Dean, pictured, has calculated that a third of clients come from minority backgrounds and around three of every five are from deprived wards in the city.

He said: “Nearly half of the people we work with were unemployed when they joined the programme. Outset enables everyone, no matter what their situation, to start a new company and a new life for themselves. It’s certainly not for the privileged few.”

Bristol South MP Dawn Primarolo, recognised Outset Bristol’s achievement: “The quality support provided

by Outset is truly valuable for people to set up their own business. It’s clear that Outset’s advice and experience really makes a difference.”

● BUSINESS and financial advisers Grant Thornton have made a new addition to their corporate finance team in Bristol.

Nic Ross joins from Royal Bank of Scotland in Reading, where he was an associate director in the structured finance team.

Mark Naughton, corporate finance director at Grant Thornton, said: “Nic brings real insight into the debt market and this will be invaluable to clients who are looking to raise finance as the economy emerges into full recovery.”

● THREE members of St John’s Chambers based in Victoria Street have been recognised in The Chambers UK 100 Bar. Leslie Blohm QC, Andrew Marsden and Glyn Edwards have been ranked in top 100 silks and barristers practising at the Bar of England and Wales.

St John’s Chambers is the largest set in the South West with 80 members and seven silks working from it.

Head of chambers Richard Stead said: “This clearly indicates that Bristol’s reputation in providing high quality legal advice and expertise has been recognised as a genuine alternative to London.”