Business 21 May 2014 by BGSD-cs

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Retail

Locally produced food guaranteed as farm shop and cafe opens up

VER since a farm shop he used to work in closed, Michael Dilloway has been trying to find the right site to replicate it. Now he and his wife Lucy have opened their own farm shop and café with help from NatWest. Michael, whose family runs a poultry wholesale business, used to work in Oakham farm shop. When it closed he knew there was a good loyal customer base that was being left with little choice but to shop at the supermarket or travel further afield for a traditional butcher’s shop. He searched for the right site for a venture to bridge the gap, and approached Golden Acres Garden Nursery in Tickenham about the possibility of opening a farm shop there. Now he and Lucy have also taken on the site’s café, The Potting Shed. “I have always wanted to open a café using produce from the farm shop,” said Michael, 31. “Now we are able to do that. About 18 months ago they redeveloped the café at Golden Acres which left the old kitchen space redundant, so we have turned that into the farm shop. “We have family friends who are breeding lambs for us and we have poultry coming from the farms that supply our family business. “We are also working with the local abattoir in Nailsea and we are buying produce from their family farms as well as other trusted farms within Bristol and Somerset. “Everything is local and we are making sausages, faggots and burgers on site as well as other produce in the cafe including pies, jams and chutneys.” Michael and Lucy, 27, who have two children, retained four staff from the café. They have also created five new jobs, including taking on butcher Mark Batterham who worked with Michael at Oakham as the head butcher. Michael’s sisters Jade and Charlotte are also working there and his brother, George, will be lending a hand during his holidays from university. Now the couple are also on the hunt for an apprentice to work in the farm shop. Michael and Lucy borrowed from NatWest to fit out the farm shop and

● Paul Grantham of NatWest, centre, with Michael Dilloway, left, and butcher Mark Batterham, right, of The Potting Shed

“ Family businesses are

the backbone of the nation’s economy – they are our unsung heroes – and they make a massive contribution to our GDP Tracey Bentham

buy equipment such as fridges as well as initial stock. They worked with NatWest relationship manager Paul Grantham to secure the funding. Michael said: “I spoke to Paul about six weeks before we decided to open and he moved very quickly. “He gave us a lot of help. He went through the different options such as a loan or hire purchase and found the option that suited us best. He has been on the phone to see how things are going – he has kept in touch, he hasn’t forgotten about us.”

Paul said: “I am delighted to have been able to help Michael and Lucy with the funds to start their business. Michael came to me with a strong business idea and great knowledge about the industry. “Mark has a great reputation as a butcher in this area and he, Mark and Lucy make a good team. “Michael and Lucy have really made the most of this building and the space that was available to add a farm shop to the existing café. We wish them every success with their new venture.”

Motors

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Garage aims to go the extra mile on service GARAGES might not be thought of as the most family friendly places - filled with dirt, grease and machinery. But a new business in Weston-super-Mare is hoping to change that. Autoserv Car & Bike opened on Thursday with the goal of offering a bit more then just an MOT. Managing director Paul Rogers said: “Our aim is to offer high levels of customer service that other outlets in the industry don’t often provide. “We’re very family-friendly and have worked hard to create an atmosphere and facilities that will appeal to everyone. “We have magazines and free wi-fi

● From left, Steve White and Paul Rogers, who are both managing directors at Autoserv Car & Bike in Weston

in our waiting area, and baby changing facilities in our toilets that both mums and dads can use. ” The business has taken on six full-time members of staff. “We’re very much a local business, employing people from Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding area as well as serving the community,” said Paul. The company, in Pottery Close, Weston, specialises in tyres, exhausts, batteries, MOTs, fixed price servicing and vehicle repair work. Paul added: “We will also be able to offer a ‘turn-up and test’ MOT service, which means people no longer need to book they can just turn up and get their vehicle tested.”

Higher education

University opens up new office in China ● ONE of the city’s universities has opened a new office in Guangzhou, the city in Southern China in which Bristol is trying to build trade ties. UWE Bristol will initially have two representatives based at the new office, promoting the university to students and businesses. David Caine, director of UWE’s international office said, “China is a big market for us both in terms of student recruitment and partnerships. The main function of the office will be to support these activities in south China.” He said the China-based staff will promote the institution at education fairs, interview potential students and liaise with partner organisations. The university has been pushing strongly to build links with industry and business in the UK and abroad. It already has an office in Shenyang which provides similar support for northern China. David said: “Guangzhou is partnered with Bristol and there are already lots of activities between the two cities. It is a booming city and is a significant education hub.” The announcement is the result of a delegation visiting China last month. It included Dianne Francombe, chief executive of the Bristol China Partnership (BCP) and West of England China Bureau (WECB), who said: “This is a momentous occasion and will cement the strong relationship between Bristol and Guangzhou. Having a permanent presence in Guangzhou will raise the profile of the innovative and creative city of Bristol as well as UWE.” The delegation was welcomed by vice mayor Lim long, members of the Guangzhou University Town Board, and of the Guangzhou International Innovation Development and Construction Headquarters.

Higher education

Uni teams up with telemarketing firm ● THE University of the West of England has launched a new research-focused social enterprise partnership with Bristol-based telemarketing company Integrity Business Connections. UWE-Integrity Research is a new social venture with a mission to provide talented masters students with an opportunity to work on commercial real world research projects and increase their employment prospects, while providing organisations with a source of high quality, academically rigorous, bespoke professional research. The initiative is being overseen by Professor Tim Hughes and Dr Ed Little, associate head of department, postgraduate marketing programmes, with all students being supervised by senior members of academic staff from the Applied Marketing Group. Professor Tim Hughes said: “The employability of our students is one of our key priorities and we are always looking for opportunities to provide our students with experiences that will equip them with the skills that are valued by employers. The partnership intends to engage local businesses and institutions across the West of England and beyond and hopes to secure sufficient interest to provide talented graduates with invaluable ongoing industry experiences.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

● Ed Cheney of Mabboo, a business based in Southville, Bristol, selling clothes made from bamboo; above right, models wearing the T-shirts

Retail

Panda-monium Firm hopes bamboo T-shirts are a hit Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

N entrepreneur is building a retail business using a substance better known as the dinner of choice for giant pandas. Ed Cheney runs Mabboo, a Southville-based business that imports and sells T-shirts made from bamboo. Bamboo is seen as a green material because it doesn’t need irrigation and fertilisers to grow, and is sustainable because it spreads and grows quickly. But the 30-year-old is trying to raise money to invest in an even greener process, called bamboo lyocell in which 99 per cent of the chemicals used in the process can be recycled. Ed spent three years in China teaching after graduating from Nottingham University. It was there he decided bamboo was the future. “I came across the fact that bamboo was starting to be used to create clothes and I thought that was a bit different,” he said. “So I came up with the brand idea and thought it had potential.” He wanted to start the business on his return to the UK. “I toyed with running it from China but it’s hard enough learning how to start a business, let alone do it in a foreign language,” he said. “Bristol was a natural place with its green credentials. I love this city and thought it

was a good place to locate.” Ed and his team of five design the T-shirts and have them manufactured in China, then shipped to the UK on the “slow boat”. “It takes 30-45 days to get an order made then another 35 to get it shipped here,” said Ed. “It means you have to be pretty good with your business planning!” Mabboo – an anagram of bamboo – started on market stalls and Ed had some success with a spot at the Christmas market. Since then he has had five pop-up shops, including his current outlet in the Galleries shopping centre in Broadmead. Ed said: “The pop-up shops are great because they give us the opportunity to try things out and see what works, without having to commit long term.” They also work for the landlord as they provide business rate relief on the otherwise empty premises. Ed’s Kickstarter campaign needs to raise £20,000 by June 6. If successful, he believes the bamboo lyocell T-shirts will be popular because of added green selling point. But he has grand ambitions beyond that. “I have started with T-shirts but bamboo can be used to make so many things so we’re looking at iPhone cases, watches and more. Any product I can think of, you can make from bamboo. “I would like to supply a big retailer, that would help us take off. But in the long term I would love to build a recognised brand around Mabboo with a flagship store in Bristol and selling as a real omni-channel retailer.” Like the bamboo, Ed will be hoping his business grows fast and stays strong.

Get in touch Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm. co.uk

Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call 07828 941469 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk

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

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Bristol Post Business Awards 2014

Taste for success Now star chef hopes to bag another award...

Sponsors

Award categories ● Business of the Year Bristol, sponsored by UWE Bristol ● Young Entrepreneur of the Year ● Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Punter Southall ● Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Broadmead Bristol BID ● Customer Service Award, sponsored by Broadmead Bristol BID ● Family Business of the Year, sponsored by BOM Group ● Innovator of the Year ● Export Award, sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group ● Marketing Campaign of the Year ● Large Business of the Year, sponsored by Smith & Williamson ● Best Creative/Technological Award, sponsored by Ashfords Solicitors ● Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year, sponsored by QBE ● Small Business of the Year, sponsored by First Great Western ● Start-Up Business of the Year, sponsored by Jordans ● Environmental Business Award ● Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by Renishaw

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

ISING star chef Josh Eggleton is hoping to top a great 2014 so far by winning at the Bristol Post Business Awards next month. Josh is the creative force behind the Michelin star-rated Pony & Trap in Chew Magna. He is one of the youngest chefs to hold that accolade. So far this year Josh has starred in BBC2’s Great British Menu, representing the South West and just missing out on the overall title. Josh has taken a regular slot doing food demonstrations at Harrods in London. He was on the steering group for the recent 10-day Bristol Connections Food Festival. And he is a director on Chew Magna’s Community Farm and the Seven Project, a community scheme using urban farm sites to grow organic veg for the local food trade. But it’s his business achievements that will be of more interest to the judges in the Young Entrepreneur category. The 30-year-old started his career at a Bristol chip shop 15 years ago before becoming an apprentice with City of Bristol College. He triumphed in the Gordon Ramsay College Scholar competition and went on to develop his craft in Bristol before embarking on his travels. He experienced working with some best chefs in the world at restaurants including Sicily’s il Mulinazzo, the New York institution, Chanterelle and the three Michelin starred French Laundry in California. Upon his return to England, Josh soon became one of the youngest pub and restaurant proprietors in the country by taking over the Pony &

● Chef Josh Eggleton, of the Michelin starred Pony & Trap in Chew Magna Trap at just 22, along with his sister Hollie. Now the restaurant employs 17 people turns over £1 million a year, having increased profits by 12 per cent last year. This will be reinvested in the business with a £300,000 refurbishment including an induction kitchen that will be more energy efficient and

refurbishing the dining room. Josh was also a driving force behind Eat Drink Bristol Fashion, the pop-up restaurant and food festival that takes place in Queen Square. Now in its third year, the event attracts 25,000 visitors annually. Josh told the Bristol Post he was keen to champion and promote the city.

“Bristol should be proud of its position as one of the UK’s leading food capitals and as I was born and bred here, I am a big advocate for the city, he said.” “It’s a great place to own a business with its proximity to a countryside and to collaborate with the other suppliers and restaurants on Eat Drink Bristol Fashion.”

Sponsor profile

Proud to support best of local businesses

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OWin their 10th year, the Bristol Post Business Awards showcase some of the best local examples of entrepreneurialism, innovation, good management and strategic thinking. Smith & Williamson, the accountancy and investment management group, is very pleased to be involved with these awards for the sixth consecutive year, this time as sponsors of the Large Business category. Recently voted the Sunday Times’ Best Place to Live in Britain, Bristol is a dynamic and exciting city. Smith & Williamson (formerly Solomon Hare) is proud of its Bristol heritage

which can be traced back to 1869 and the relationship it has with businesses and individuals locally. The firm has grown steadily over the years to become one of the UK’s leading, independently-owned accountancy, investment management and financial advisory groups, with a large office in Portwall Place, Bristol, with 180 people. We work closely with businesses, often as an extension of their own team, as well as with private individuals, building long-lasting relationships, helping them to get the most out of their assets and investments. Our commitment is reflected in our entrepreneurial spirit, com-

● Mike Lea, Managing Partner, Smith & Williamson mercial acumen and integrity, underpinned by an accessible, pragmatic and joined-up approach to financial services. When it comes to business support, we offer a range of tax, corporate

finance, audit, assurance and recovery services which you would expect from a ‘Top 10’ accountancy firm . Our business clients include ambitious, growing companies, well-established, family-owned SMEs and

large, multi-national or international businesses with a South West base. We have locally-based specialists to support businesses in the sectors which contribute most to the South West economy including food and drink, farming, aerospace and defence, manufacturing, media and technology and professional practices. We also advise entrepreneurs, business owners, families and individuals on how to manage and grow their personal wealth, offering specialist financial services and advice. The Bristol team draws on knowledge, skills and research from across Smith & Williamson which has 1,500 people based in 11 principal offices and is a member of Nexia International, one of the world’s top 10 networks of independent auditors, advisers and consultants. We would like to take this opportunity to wish those taking part in the Bristol Post Awards every success, both on the night and in their business ventures.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Adventure start-up

Going the distance Endurance events challenge body and mind Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk

FORMER student and an undergraduate from Bristol University have teamed up to launch a strategic endurance event business. Will Bayley, 34, and Alex Dotsch, 21, have set up HQrecon, which already employs four permanent staff and is recruiting 100 event staff for three races in September and October. Will is a qualified bodyguard and a professional teacher of self-defence to both civilians and military personnel. Alex is studying mechanical engineering and has been interested in business since the age of nine, setting up first profitable website aged 16.

“ The adventure race market is rapidly expanding, proving a public need for areas of self-discovery. HQrecon attempts to add a thinking dimension to it Will Bayley He is chairman of the university’s Enterprise Society and recently launched Develop My Startup, a social networking site for young student entrepreneurs to meet each other and find new business partners. HQrecon is a strategic endurance race with an emphasis on thought rather than sheer running speed. Based on special forces reconnaissance exercises, the races require their participants to race between a series of zones, gathering codes from each. Every zone is patrolled by a pro-

● Will Bayley, left, and Alex Dotsch of HQrecon fessional security team and if participants are caught, they face take a time penalty and some tough exercise. Will said: “The thinking behind HQrecon is all about personal challenge. The adventure race market is rapidly expanding, proving a public need for arenas for personal discovery. It’s a market dominated currently by obstacle racing, races where participants take on military style assault courses and muddy trails, but HQrecon attempts to add

another dimension, a thinking dimension, a race where you have to use your mind as well as your body, strategy as well as speed and strength. “The idea for HQrecon came to me after completing my 18-day instructor certification. Seeking further challenge, I wanted an event that would test me mentally and physically, but the market only offered races that challenged fitness and speed. “Originally, HQrecon was created and run for a small group of

like-minded people, but the positive response was such that I took the decision to bring it to market and release the idea to the public.” The company is now gearing up for its first events this autumn, with the first taking place at Charlton Park in Wiltshire on the weekend of September 5 to 7. Future plans of HQrecon include expansion to many more areas of the UK in 2015, along with international expansion, with primary target markets being the USA and Europe.

Housing

Firms secure £90m worth of contracts ● A HOUSING association is investing in the regional economy through the re-tendering of some of its maintenance contracts. The contracts cover everything from planned maintenance, including kitchen and window renewals, to responsive repairs, empty homes and gas servicing, as well as an expansion of Knightstone’s own in-house maintenance team. They are worth more than £90 million over the next 10 years, a major commitment to selected contractors and residents. Contractors had to prove their commitment to local communities, promoting apprenticeship programmes and deliver social value to meet the Weston-superMare association’s standards. Mark Beard, director of customer and community operations at Knightstone, said: “Maintaining our homes and ensuring they’re safe are some of the most important services we provide to our residents, whether it’s responding to emergency repairs, planning upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms or servicing equipment. “These are five-year contracts, with an opportunity to extend up to ten years, meaning our contractors can really invest in their services and provide consistency to residents in the long term. We’re excited to be investing in our own in-house maintenance team at the same time as signing these contracts. We’re doubling its size, employing more people and expanding its operating area. This shows our commitment to Somerset and the West of England.” The chosen contractors were put through a selection programme, which included interviews and site visits. They will also sign up to a common doorstep standard, to ensure that all of Knightstone’s customers receive the same service. The selected contractors are: Anglian Building Products, the large projects division of Anglian Windows, Gregor Heating, Electrical and Renewable Energy, John West Contractors Ltd, MD Building Services Ltd, Mi-space (UK) Ltd, NKS Contracts Ltd and Spectrum Property Care Ltd.

Telecoms

Merger aims to spark growth surge In 2011 it merged with Converged Voice Solutions, whose founder Darren Ross remains with Solution IP as technical director, providing expertise on the design and implementation of systems and solutions. With offices in Bristol and Reading, the company now serves around 500 customers in the South West, the M4 corridor, Europe and across the Atlantic in the US and South America. Clients range from smaller businesses with 20 to 50 users, up to large companies with 500 users who require telecoms infrastructure networks designed and implemented across their business. Patrick, 30, said: “I have known Ryan since I started this business seven years ago and we have frequently worked closely with Versacom. “This acquisition is really about

offering the best service to our customers, bringing all the available expertise under one roof, giving us the chance to grow and enabling our customers to benefit from the combined resources and contacts. “Solution IP now offers the complete range of unified telecoms network services and we are able to provide a truly bespoke solution for companies looking to maximise the effectiveness of their voice and data systems.” Ryan, who is 42 and founded Versacom in 2010 after a 15-year career with major telecoms providers, said: “Over the years, Versacom grew from a zero start point to become an established provider of services to local, national and multi-site businesses, providing data and telephone networks, systems and hardware. “We recognised that to continue

● Ryan Jones, left, and Patrick Lincoln of Solution IP our success we needed to expand our resources. We have known Solution IP for several years, sharing a similar ethos and quality of service provision, so it made perfect sense to bring the two businesses together.

“Solution IP is looking forward to working with forward thinking businesses which recognise the value in having a technology partner who can help them achieve their business objectives.”

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TWO telecoms companies have joined forces to form a business which expects to turn over more than £2 million per year. Business telecoms network specialist Solution IP has completed the acquisition of the client portfolio and infrastructure of Versacom. Based in Westbury Hill in Westbury-on-Trym, the newly-merged Solution IP is expecting significant growth and is forecasting turnover of £2 million by the end of the financial year, which ends in January. The acquisition is a result of a long-standing relationship between Solution IP founder Patrick Lincoln and Versacom managing director Ryan Jones, who takes over as sales and operations director at the firm. Solution IP was founded in Clifton in 2007, providing fixed line services for phone lines and broadband.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

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

Creative and digital focus

REGION’S CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Bristol is often hailed as a creative and digital hub. Gavin Thompson reports on how well placed the sector is to deliver jobs and prosperity for the city.

T has been a positive month for Bristol’s reputation as a creative and digital powerhouse. Last week global mobile solutions company Somo announced it is moving here to create an innovation centre. And just a few weeks ago SecondSync, which measures the impact of televisions shows on social media, was snapped up by Twitter. But beneath those stories is a bigger picture. Bristol is far from being just a couple of high-profile successes. The city has developed a creative eco-system, without which, companies such as Somo would not be coming here, nor might the likes of SecondSync have succeeded. Jon Gill, a partner at Bristol-based

“ We have something

special here. We have big organisations such as the BBC as well as medium-sized firms and lots of smaller agencies too. Paul Appleby

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law firm TLT specialising in the technology sector, believes the levels of support locally are vital to those success stories. “There is a growing eco-system of support in the region,” he said. “For example at TLT we sponsor the South West Founders, a monthly networking event for technology start-ups, and there is the Engine Shed where you have Webstart Bristol and SetSquared. We have these clusters of early stage companies. Some of them won’t achieve the levels of success they want to but many of them will.” Secondsync, whom TLT advised on their deal with Twitter, is a good example of how success grows from that support. It started in the SetSquared incubator, now based at the Engine Shed, before moving to Aardman’s office. Paul Appleby, chairman of Bristol Media and creative sector for the

West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, is a strong believer that ecology is the key to sustained success in the sector. “We have something special here,” he said. “We have big organisations such as the BBC and Aardman, as well as medium-sized firms with maybe 50 employees and lots of smaller agencies too. “We have the digital companies, technology and creative all here, nowhere else has that.” He admits recruitment is becoming a challenge with a shortage of people with the right skills, although says that eco-system means Bristol is better placed than most. “We have got the universities in Bristol and Bath which have a strong creative focus bringing thousands of young people into the area each year,” said Paul. Teaching coding to schoolchildren will help too, but, he says it will take “five to 10 years to get a return on that investment”. Paul hopes to see the development of more apprenticeships in the sector but concedes it is “very hard” for smaller firms to invest the time in training. However Bristol Media, which has 500 members in the city, and the West of England LEP are working to make it easier by acting as brokers. “If firms come to us we will have those conversations with the universities on their behalf,” he said. Debbie Staveley, managing director of Portishead-based bClear Communications, has found recruitment a challenge, particularly as a firm based outside the city. But she says having come through the recession, now is a great opportunity for growth in the sector. “The creative industries are at the front end of helping other business to grow,” she said. “If people want to grow their business, one of the first things they look at is marketing and PR for their business so that people know about it. “Businesses tend to be sales-led or accountant-led. If they are sales-led, then in a recession they say let’s spend on marketing and PR because it’s a great opportunity to grow our market share. If they are accountant-led, they tend to cut back on areas they see as discretionary. But once confidence starts to return even those businesses are going to start spending.” And that spending is driving growth, which Bristol’s creative firms are enjoying. The recent Bristol Media survey found resurgent confidence levels in the sector. As those businesses grow they will need to find new markets. With com-

● Neil Collard, front centre, with e3 staff

Picture: Jon Kent BRJK20140515B-016

Digital agency helps firms set out net strategy ● WHEN the internet was just becoming the next big thing, everyone wanted a website, although many didn’t really know why. Things have changed. Now being online is a given but more and more people and businesses are asking, what can the internet do for me? What problems can it solve? Growing digital agency e3’s story parallels - or perhaps leads - that trend. Founded in 1997 by Mike Bennett (who went on to found the See No Evil street art festival) and Stuart Avery, it began life as a web design business. Now, as managing director Neil Collard, right, explains, building websites is still part of the business, but not the purpose. “Now we are strategic,” he said. “We don’t build websites as much, we help clients work out how digital could be used to help their business.” He says the rise of both social media and mobile devices has transformed how people use the internet.

Case study He said: “Every organisation can benefit from digital, our job is to help clients unlock that potential - provide creative solutions to real world problems.” One example is the National Trust. Paintworks-based e3 has helped the firm look at the problem of children sitting at their computers all day and not getting out into the great outdoors. They launched the 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 3/4 campaign, using the internet and social media to encourage children to become more active. Other customers include Orange (an early client, having it on the books helped build the firm’s reputation), Unicef, Bristol Airport and Clark’s Shoes. “Pretty much all our clients are household

names,” said Neil. The business has been growing at 20 per cent a year, with a turnover around £4.2 million, and the aim is to continue that, with aspirations to expand across the UK and eventually overseas. One of the things that Neil thinks give e3 the edge is its size. Employing 60 people and growing, it is much bigger than most agencies in Bristol and beyond. “Bristol has a lot of agencies that just build websites,” said Neil. “That is relatively straightforward. There are fewer which lead thinking the way we do and you need scale to do that, to attract the right brains into the organisation and to be taken seriously by the client. If you want them to invest £1 million, they’ve got to be sure you can deliver.”

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Expert eye Jon Gill corporate partner at TLT

RIDE A WAVE OF SUCCESS T

Top tips to maximise value of your firm

Creative industries

● There are 15,900 jobs in the creative industries across the Bristol and Bath region, generating £660 million for the economy each year. Bristol and Bath creatives are 50 per cent more productive than the UK as a whole. Since 1999, there has been a 106 per cent growth in productivity in creative industries across the Bristol and Bath area. The area is one of three key centres for creative industries in the UK. The others are Manchester and London. As a major centre for film, TV and animation, the area has won 14 Baftas and four Oscars. More than 500 million users every month view digital content produced in Bristol and Bath.

petition increasing at home, more firms are looking overseas for opportunities. Mike Rundle, international trade adviser with UK Trade and Industry, said: “The market in the UK is saturated, there is a lot of digital and creative companies here so it’s natural to take these skills and develop an overseas market profile.” He believes even a small agency can succeed in international markets, perhaps using technology they already sell to a big UK client that can also work for businesses abroad. “Bristol has got a fantastic global reputation for the creative industries and firms don’t need to go to London,” he said. “There are opportunities for young companies to establish themselves and remain in Bristol rather than being sucked into London. To the overseas market, it doesn’t matter.” Mike admits exporting isn’t straightforward but says firms can start to see a return on their investment within 12-18 months, and can get grants through UKTI – which is delivered in Bristol through Business West – to help them get over that hurdle. Bristol is riding a wave of growth in the creative sector, but it is clear that if the industry wants to sustain that success it needs to invest in its future by focusing on exports and training while the going is good. To use a rather low-tech phrase, make hay while the sun shines.

● Three Bristol authors are in the running for a business book award, from left, Sharon Tanton, Bryony Thomas Pic: Amanda Thomas and Sonja Jefferson

Three marketeers in running for national award ● THREE Bristol marketeers are showing the way in the sector with shortlisted entries in a national book awards. Bryony Thomas decided to go it alone after years of running accounts for the likes of IBM, Dell and HP. She led a pitch team that secured a multi-million pound Microsoft account. Then working freelance for clients including Lloyds TSB, whilst securing an MBA with distinction, Bryony undertook an award-winning strategic customer management project for database specialists ClarityBlue, where she subsequently became director of marketing. She played a role in raising the profile of the 200-employee business as part of a strategy that saw the company sell to Experian for £85 million in 2006. At 28, Bryony secured the position of divisional director of

Case study marketing for the FTSE 100 company, reporting directly to the board. She now helps businesses big and small to understand and make the most of their marketing activity to help them grow in a sustainable way through her Watertight Marketing Accredited Consultant Network. Her book, Watertight Marketing, is in the running for the Small Business Book Awards 2014, and will compete in a public vote for the community award category. Bryony said: “Bristol has some phenomenal marketing talent, and I’m thrilled that the world has started to notice. “It really is a shame we can’t both win! I hope the city gets behind us by voting for both, or either of our books.”

The opposition includes fellow Bristolians Sonja Jefferson and Sharon Tanton, whose co-wrote Valuable Content Marketing. Sonja said: “It’s no coincidence that two books for small businesses have come out of this fantastic city. “Bristol has become a thriving centre for entrepreneurial businesses in recent years. We are delighted to help put our city and the small business community on the international map.” Valuable Content is a content marketing consultancy and training business based at Spike Island, using Sonja’s sales and marketing expertise and Sharon’s creative copy writing skills. All three authors attended the University of Bristol, and live and work in the city. They are also regular professional collaborators, working on common clients and sharing the conference stage as speakers.

HERE are many trends in the TMT sector creating significant opportunities right now for entrepreneurs. From the rise of “big data”, the increasing consumption of content on mobile devices and the use of the cloud to deliver software, it is clear there is a substantial tech boom under way. So what does this mean for South West TMT businesses and how can they take advantage? Confidence at a macro level is resulting in a real increase in mergers and acquisitions activity. Those who have built businesses that attract the attention of well-capitalised buyers will have the opportunity to cash in on the value of what they have created. Equally, for those not thinking about an exit but looking to grow their business, the wider optimism in the economy is increasing the range and amount of finance available. TLT has seen this first-hand, advising on various South West deals including the recent sale of Bristol-based SecondSync to Twitter. TLT’s “top tips” for success in maximising the value of TMT businesses are: ● Ensure your intellectual property is both owned and protected – this is particularly so with software code which may be written by third party developers. This needs to be properly assigned to the company to definitively show ownership. ● Lock-in your key people – Enterprise Management Incentive options and the new employee shareholder scheme present tax-efficient ways to incentivise key staff. Employment contracts should also be clear on IP ownership, confidentiality, notice periods and restrictive covenants to protect the business. ● Shore up key commercial relationships – businesses with long-term contracted revenues, particularly through a software-as-a -service model, can be very attractive to buyers due to the security of the customer base. ● Begin with the end in mind – building a business that raises third party finance, or is successfully acquired, needs to invest in the right people, structure, systems and advisers that more lifestyle businesses might be prepared to live without. Entrepreneurs need to make sure that their business stands up to scrutiny and delivers a confidence-building message to potential investors or buyers. Jon Gill specialises in M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions in the TMT sector. For more information contact Mr Gill on 0117 917 7774/Jon.Gill@TLTsolicitors. com. Visit www.TLTsolicitors.com

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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The Big Interview

IN AN UPWARDLY MOBILE WORLD D

AVE Evans doesn’t look quite the typical tech company poster child. He’s not in his mid 20s. His appearance maybe casual but not wannabe cool. He’s 50. There’s a bit of grey showing. He describes his background as being “fairly traditional blue chip” rather than starting an empire in his garage a la Jeff Bezos of Amazon. He came to the start-up game when he already had a successful career behind him. His CV includes a stint as a vice president at O2. His job, he says, is to “look after anything with a plug on it”. But that’s understating things somewhat. As chief technology officer at Somo, he is what those trendy, hungry web start-up guys want to be. He’s one of the key players at a tech-based business that’s growing rapidly – “about 100 per cent a year” in its first five years, says Dave – and at the sharp end of the mobile revolution. As mobile internet becomes faster and more commonplace – through 4G and whatever follows – businesses around the world and in every sector are looking at how they can make the most of it to sell their goods, engage their customers and so on. That’s where Somo comes in. It provides “mobile solutions” and is, it seems, very good at it. Founded at the time when the iPhone and Android phones were launched, its goal was to help big brands make the most of mobile. Customers include Audi, De Beers, BP, The New York Times, AirAsia Expedia and many other significant global brands. It developed the iPad app for Domino’s making it easier to order pizza online, a cross-platform campaign for online department store Very, organised a campaign to increase downloads of Air Asia’s app. And so on. It achieves that because of its people. And that’s why it is coming to Bristol. Dave, who lives up the M5 in Stroud, said: “Our growth has meant that we are always on the lookout for new talent and new skill sets.” He points to the trends towards more web-connected devices in people’s homes, from TVs to fridges, heating controls to alarm systems.

Just days after mobile solutions firm Somo announced it was opening in the city Gavin Thompson talks to co-founder chief technology officer Dave Evans about why the business chose Bristol and what it has in store

“ We looked at a number of cities, Bristol was far and away the best. It is well known as a digital centre and has a strong heritage around design and broadcast television. Dave Evans

“We are seeing a new wave of connected devices,” he said. “And we want to continue to be the leader. That means we need really high quality staff. As a business we are differentiated by the quality of our staff. “In London I have a team of 70-80 engineers. We are finding it is becoming a very competitive market in which to find experienced staff so we took the decision to start looking elsewhere. “We felt we wanted to stay in the UK because we feel there is a lot of talent here and we want to keep a level of intimacy with our customers so we wanted staff to be accessible. “We looked at a number of cities, Bristol was far and away the best. “It is well known as a digital centre and has a strong heritage around design and broadcast television. Secondly it is located close to London – it’s straight forward to get people between the two. “There is a real cluster of well respected universities, with Bristol, Bath and UWE as well as Cardiff and Exeter and we are looking at a long term investment here. “Today we’re recruiting experienced guys from the talent pool in this area but want to build on that to get a conveyor belt of good quality high tech staff coming through.” Somo encourages its staff to be creative. “As a business we take one day out every six weeks where we stop working on customers’ work and have a hack day, bring them all together and talk about a particular subject such as Google Glass.” said Dave. “Creativity of the team comes out if you let them experiment. That drives huge ambition and innovation.” He said the market is looking for companies that can innovate.

That might be retailers who have products that recognise where customers are within a shopping mall and tell them about relevant offers. Or a utility company that wants to use intelligent devices in the home to manage energy consumption and

make decisions about energy useage so people can think about more important things. “We are excited to be in this space,” said Dave. In Bristol Somo is creating an engineering centre specialising in de-

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Invest Bristol & Bath wooed Somo ● ATTRACTING new businesses to the city doesn’t just happen by accident. Invest Bristol & Bath, the inward promotion agency based in the Engine Shed, played a role in wooing Somo to choose Bristol. It took just six weeks for the organisation to secure the company in the region after receiving the initial inquiry. Invest Bristol & Bath helped Somo host a series of innovation showcases at the Engine Shed, pictured left, to increase awareness of its activity in the area and boost recruitment. Professor Joe McGeehan,

chair of Invest Bristol & Bath and director of Toshiba’s Telecommunications Research Laboratory, said: “Bristol’s high quality of life is becoming increasingly well known, with high profile accolades such as last month’s nomination from The Sunday Times of Bristol being the best city to live in Britain. “There’s a growing opportunity for the regions to capitalise on the growing appetite among companies to set up in locations outside London where they can avoid the high costs of the capital but still attract and retain the right staff, and Bristol offers all this and more.”

veloping licensed products for connected devices in the home. Licensed products, says Dave “take the risk out” for the customer. Initially the firm plans to hire 20 engineers building towards 60 over time. They will have a temporary home in the Engine Shed, above left, business centre in Temple Meads before finding somewhere permanent nearby. While it was looking at moving to Bristol, the company brought a lot of high tech kit for Bristol’s tech community to play with, such as Google Glass and drone technology. “There was a huge appetite for it,” said Dave. The success of the day helped cement the decision to move. Dave and the team were clearly impressed with the Engine Shed. He said: “We are looking for a central location for a permanent home, close to the Engine Shed – that’s the digital hub. The catchment area for staff includes Bath and Cardiff so train access is very important.” So... close to Temple Meads and the Engine Shed. The recent West of England Local Enterprise Partnership’s strategic economic plan included the idea of an Engine Shed 2. It could be just the solution for this mobile firm.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Out & about: Bristol’s business community

Bristol Junior Chamber Annual Spring Drinks at the RWA

MPROVING social mobility is vital for businesses, the new President of the Bristol Junior Chamber told his members at their annual spring drinks. Karl Brown, who recently took on the duties, was addressing the organisation which represents the young business community, said: “The issue of social mobility is not just of moral importance but is an imperative for Bristol’s future economic success.” Members have to be under 40 – and at 38 Karl still just qualifies. The chamber chose the Royal West of England Academy on Clifton Triangle for the drinks party, allowing members a look around the latest exhibition as well as a chance to bask in sunshine on the terrace. The chamber was formed in 1948 and has played its part in shaping trade, commerce and industry in the city. It was a key player in the creation of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta in 1978, now a major event on the calendar. Members attend regular functions and get the chance to hear from leading voices in the business community. They also get involved in the community through mentoring and mock interviews for talented youngsters from challenged backgrounds. Karl, pictured, said: “The BJC Spring Drinks was a fantastic success with in excess of 130 people attending. As well being an excellent social event for the Bristol calendar it also helped raise the profile of the fantastic work being carried out by the junior chamber through its various education initiatives and projects.”

● Gareth Mason and Amanda Kerin

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● David Tingay and Felicity Flanagan at the Bristol Junior Chamber annual spring drinks at the RWA BRDR201405 15C-002

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● From left, Steve Grey, Rachel White, Stephanie Bishop and Lizzie Smith at the Bristol Junior Chamber annual Pictures: Dan Regan BRDR20140515C-003 spring drinks at the RWA

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

● With their Design Through Innovation award for Bristol Zoo Gardens’ New Gorilla House are Timothy Wilson, of the zoo, and architects Robert Battersby and George Tasker – presented by Claire McKenna of Forbo Flooring Systems

● Receiving the Community Benefit award for South Bristol Community Hospital is David Perkin, left, of AWW architects, from Matt Howell RICS UK managing director

RICS South West Awards at Grand Thistle Hotel, Bristol

WENTY-NINE of the South West’s most impressive property schemes battled it out at The Grand Thistle Bristol for top honours at the RICS South West Awards 2014. The annual contest celebrates inspirational initiatives in the land, property and construction sectors. It was hosted by BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell, with an audience of more than 150 property professionals. The winners of the eight individual categories were:

● Building Conservation – Porthmeor Artists’ Studios and Fisherman’s Cellars, Cornwall ● Commercial – Royal William Yard ● Design through Innovation – Bristol Zoo Gardens’ New Gorilla House, Bristol ● Community Benefit – South Bristol Community Hospital, Bristol ● Infrastructure – New Land Based HRAS Training Facility, Cornwall ● Regeneration – Dunster Estate, Somerset ● Residential – Officers Field, Dorset

● Tourism & Leisure – Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, Dorset ● Porthmeor Artists’ Studios and Fisher man’s Cellars, Cornwall was named Project of the Year. For the first time, the awards also included a student category recognising the best overall student from those studying on RICS accredited courses at 20 partner universities. Jennifer Lemen-Hogarth from the University of the West of England where she studies Property Management and Investment was among the winners.

● BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell, left, with Laura Chadderton and Mary Peake of RICS, who organised the awards

Monty Halls talk to business leaders, Merchants’ Hall

DVENTURER and TV personality Monty Halls took a break from a jungle expedition in Guyana to give a seminar on leadership and team building to business leaders in Bristol. In an event sponsored by local executive recruiters Moon Consulting, 50 of the region’s most prominent directors gathered at the prestigious Mansion House to learn about the ‘Alchemy of the Team’. Monty related his extensive adventuring experience to the challenges of running a business. This included how to plan your projects like an expedition, choosing your attitude before a challenge and overcoming your fear response, whether facing down a great white shark or a management buy out. In an “engaging” and “valuable” GALLERIES GALORE

FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at

● Sam Chapman, Jo Bailey, Suze Scott, Gemma Webber, Monty Halls, Vanessa Moon, Samantha Bunn and Jamie Breese

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bristolpost.co.uk/business

seminar, Monty also spoke about identifying the personality types within a team, the impact of gender, democratic leadership approaches and combating “morale vacuums” that could disrupt progress. Vanessa Moon, director at Moon Consulting, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Monty to Bristol and to such a prestigious venue. He is one of the foremost experts on leadership and it is great that board directors are able to take home these techniques and apply them to their businesses.”

● Above, Rory MccGwire, Claire Ladkin, Vanessa Moon; right, Caroline Duckworth, Sonya Chowdhury, Louise Mason and Andrea Cartwright

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Business diary Excalibur Tech Roadshow: Communications firm Excalibur marks its arrival in Bristol with a morning of activities at the Engine Shed today (May 21) including a presentation from CEO James Phipps and representatives from Nokia and Vodafone before giving people the chance to try its latest kit in the tech roadshow. IoD Bristol and Bath Young Business Forum dinner: Thursday, May 22, 6-8.30pm at Waterhouse, Bath, and speaker, award winning Lindsay Haselhurst, head of business development at Wincanton. Call 07771 772223 or email roger.plahay@sandler.com to book.

● Student Winners Deborah Bryant-Pearson and Jennifer Lemen-Hogarth, of UWE, right ● Right, the judges Tim Griffin, Sally Anne-Carr (Brunel Project Management), Richard Basnett (Basnett Associates), Jan Molyneux (Jan Molyneux Planning) and David Marsh

Cocktails and canapes: Join communications firm Excalibur at the Milk Thistle in Colston Avenue for cocktails and canapes from 6pm, on Thursday, May 22, plus the chance to check out the latest smartphones and tablets on the market. Places are limited so register at welcome@ex-c.co.uk. Broadband vouchers information: Businesses in Bristol are invited to apply for grants of up to £3,000 to connect to fast broadband through a government scheme. An information event takes place at the Engine Shed on Tuesday May 27 at 6pm. Find out more at www.connectionvouchers.com. FSB South Gloucestershire seminar: Wednesday, May 28, 6.45pm-9.45pm, Aztec West Hotel, Almondsbury, BS32 4TS. Register at www.fsb.org.uk.

ICAEW South West Dinner at the City Centre Marriott

HE incoming president of the body that represents accountants told the business community that more needs to be done to support SMEs. Arthur Bailey, president-elect of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), announced to business leaders at its South West Annual Dinner, sponsored by Thrings and Lloyds Bank, that the organisation was stepping up its support of the SME sector. He said: “Recent media reports still show that too many SMEs are in distress, a particular concern in the South West, which has a heavy reliance on the sector to drive its economic growth. “We’re lobbying the Government to help SMEs prosper. We want Government to underwrite loans for SMEs that have been operating between two and five years. “These businesses are at what we

call the critical growth stage but typically find it harder to raise funds than start-ups or more established businesses. “We think that this intervention would help foster the next stage in their development, allow them to invest in new products and services and perhaps even hire some new employees. “We’re also suggesting too that the government should help SMEs export more, through offering better export finance.” The dinner at the city centre Marriott was addressed by explorer, fundraiser and author Sir Ranulph Fiennes. The ICAEW is a professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports nearly 13,000 chartered accountants working at the heart of South West business in the professional services, manufacturing and industry.

Institute of Directors Bristol branch Wednesday @ 6: Informal networking from 6-8pm at Radisson Blu Hotel, Wednesday, May 28. Free and open to non members but please register by calling 0117 370 7785. Bristol Connected – Auto-enrolment: Are You Ready? The next Bristol Post business networking event will feature expert speakers on workplace pensions auto-enrolement, a looming issue for small and medium sized businesses. Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo, 5.30 for 6.15pm start on Wednesday, June 4. Places are limited. Register via Eventbrite.

● Sir Ranulph Fiennes addresses the event; below, guests

Is Your Business Committed to a Sustainable Future? Executive seminar on the future of the low carbon sector takes place at Clarke Willmott’s Bristol office on Wednesday, June 4, from 4.30pm. Hosted by Clarke Willmott, Low Carbon South West and Moon Consulting. To register, contact Gemma Webber gemmawebber@ moonconsulting.co.uk. Ready for business workshop: Introductory workshops for anyone who is exploring the concept of self-employment or starting a business at Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh, BS8 3RA, 10am-4pm, Tuesday, June 10. Contact readyforbusiness @businesswest.co.uk.

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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.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/business

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The back page

Your digest of the week in business

People

levels: as a contribution to our ongoing development fundraising and as a powerful endorsement of our project from a growing UK renewable electricity supplier.”

● A BUSINESS that makes traffic control systems enjoyed a visit from the Duke of Kent. Simulation Systems Ltd showed off its CCTV equipment which is used by the Highways Agency to manage motorways such as the busy M4/M5 junction near Bristol. A spokesman from the Yatton-based firm said: “The visit went extremely well. The Duke enjoyed meeting the workforce and looking at the leading edge highways technology demonstrations. “He was particularly engaged by the demonstration of the precision long-range CCTV camera which could be zoomed into far distant landmarks, he stated that the camera was amazingly good.” It’s not the first royal recognition for the firm as it won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and Innovation last year. ● Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has announced two senior promotions in its Bristol office. Darren Sheward, head of office at the commercial property firm in Bristol, said: “It has been a landmark year for LSH, and we are excited about the future as we continue to innovate and invest. LSH is set for growth and is investing in its staff.” Simon Redgers and Hollie Ruddle have been promoted to associate director in building consultancy and capital markets, respectively. ● Meanwhile another commercial property agent – Colliers International – is challenging Bristol’s business community to take part in its annual TRYathlon. The Broad Quay-based agency will hold its second Bristol Professionals TRYathlon on Thursday, July 10, offering a chance to test yourself against colleagues from other firms, network with fellow city professionals and raise money for a good cause. Despite being held on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, last summer’s inaugural event was a great success attracting more than 150 competitors from across the Bristol business scene including eventual winner Steven McGuigan from Veale Wasbrough Vizards. Head of the office Tim Davies – who completed last year’s challenge – said: “The emphasis is very much on fun but that didn’t mean to say

● The Duke of Kent with Simulation Systems managing director Louis Picture: Michael Lloyd BRML20140515C-004 Thompson competitors aren’t going all out to win.” The event will be held at Tockington Manor School from 10am-3pm. Contact Sue Francomb on 0117 917 2041 or sue.francomb @colliers.com to get involved. ● Law firm Ashfords LLP has hired Stewart James as a partner in the company commercial team in Bristol. Stewart was previously a partner at DLA Piper before working as a consultant to the Ministry of Justice and specialises in advising public sector bodies on regulated procurement, outsourcing and ICT. Stewart said: “Better use of technology is allowing the old order dominated by large firms to be replaced by more flexible, client-focused law firms like Ashfords that concentrate on delivering innovative solutions within constrained budgets.”

Deals ● The idea of harnessing the power

of the Severn Estuary has been on and off the agenda for decades but now progress is being made with help from Bristol-based law firm TLT. The firm has advised Tidal Lagoon Power on the grant of a Power Purchase option to clean energy supplier, Good Energy. Tidal Lagoon Power is behind the world’s largest tidal energy project of any kind, which is being planned for Swansea Bay. It intends to start generating electricity in 2018. Good Energy has taken an option of over 10 per cent of the planned electricity output and has made an associated subscription for 500,000 of new shares as part of the project funding. TLT’s Robin Staunton said: “This area of the UK has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world and the potential for generating low-carbon electricity from this low-impact natural element is enormous.” Patrick Carter, director at Tidal Lagoon Power said: “This investment is significant on two

● SCISYS – a supplier of bespoke software systems and support services to the media, space and defence sectors – has signed a £1.2 million deal with the European Space Agency. The firm, based in Brislington, will deliver a project testing autonomous systems, essential for future space missions involving planetary rovers and robots, called the Harwell Robotics and Autonomy Facility in Oxford. Planetary rovers are critical to enable future planetary exploration science missions. Testing them needs specialist facilities including mock planetary surfaces, simulated software environments and field trials. CEO Klaus Heidrich said: “The area of autonomous systems and robotics is currently receiving a lot of investment and with HRAF we are delighted to be at the forefront of this area. “In addition to our core space business it also has the potential to create exciting opportunities in non-space domains.”

Awards ● Wessex Water’s operations team has picked up two prestigious awards for keeping its workforce safe and healthy. The firm received an International Health and Safety Award with distinction from the British Safety Council, along with a new sector award. Of the 521 organisations that were awarded an International Safety Award, 33 were shortlisted as deserving candidates for the new sector awards with Wessex Water receiving the energy generation, distribution and utilities sector award. Charles Keyte, one of the firm’s health and safety advisers, said: “This achievement shows our commitment to maintaining the health, safety and well-being of our employees through good health and safety management.” The awards were presented at the International Safety Awards Gala Dinner which took place at the Grosvenor House in London, last month.

The op-ed column

It’s time to step back, stop and really listen

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SAW a message recently where it was posted that the words ‘listen’ and ‘silent’ have exactly the same letters. This had never occurred to me but it’s an interesting observation and one that has some implications within a business world. We are reliant on generating information. Think of all the ways in which you communicate with others and the things you have to say; your team, colleagues, clients, associates, the shop staff at lunchtime, the bar staff in the pub after work... Communication is essential. We’re constantly at it. It’s success and progress, the essence of the workplace. But technology makes it all quicker

Rebecca Tregarthen Chairman Bristol Institute of Directors

and more efficient; emails, smart phones, GPS, datasets, web traffic, TV, video...the list goes on. We are immersed in it 24-7, trapped in the ever-increasing drive towards packing more in during the short 24 hours we have in each day. All we do is read short texts, 140 characters, quick emails, sudden pop-ups. There’s no room for listening carefully at length or quietly absorbing anything. There’s never more than a couple of minutes before the next task has to be

attended to. However, I ask you this. When you get rid of the smart phone, the email and the reactionary reading and find yourself in a good old fashioned conversation situation face to face while networking (no getting away from it – it’s an essential business tool), how do you approach the listening element? Who are the ones you meet whom you remember and seem most interesting to be with? Those people droning on at you while you sip your wine in sheer boredom, looking round the room for an escape route or those who are listening (carefully) to what you’re saying? These people aren’t talking while they listen to you – they are silent. Whether or not they are thinking of

something completely different is another matter but at least they are giving you the space and respect you deserve. I’m thus going to make a plea. Stop a minute. Step back. Remember that you have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Ask a question, start the conversation and then listen. Be quiet. Gather the facts. Gain the advantage. Droning on for the sake of it? Giving the back story to everything despite a straight query? Surely we’ve not got time... Silent and listen: it really is the same thing.

● Got an opinion on a business topic? Contact us at Business@b-nm.co.uk if you want to write for this column

In numbers Inflation (CPI)

1.8 2.5 1.6 0.5 3.99

Inflation (RPI)

Weekly earnings

Base interest rate

% % %

Ave mortgage rate % Corporation tax % Main rate

Small profits rate – below £300,000

Business current accounts

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

Business savings accounts 1.85% Secure Trust £1,000 deposit Bank National 1.36% Counties BS £1,000 deposit Source:

Petrol prices .01p

130 136 138 70

Unleaded

.15p Diesel

.47p Super unleaded

.59p LPG

Source: PetrolPrices.com