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ON A ROLLS
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
CRISIS, WHAT CRISIS?
Engine maker invests in future of Bristol plant – see page 9
How employers can benefit from flexible pension reforms – p10&11
Hiring the right people could ease health service woes – p12
25
MAR 2015
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
WOMAN OF THE YEAR Be inspired by the amazing winners from our awards – Full coverage see pages 1-8
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Business of the Year
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Contribution to the Community Award
‘The lesson for me is that businesses can do well by doing good.. it’s win-win’
in association with
● Helen Walker, finance director at 1pm, is presented with her award by Amanda Beard, newspaper sales director for Bristol News and Media
‘This is for the staff – they are so dedicated’ ASSET finance firm 1pm was crowned Business of the Year at the 2015 Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards. The company, which is the only member of the Stock Exchange’s AIM index with women as both finance director and chief executive, beat tough competition to take the title. Helen Walker, finance director at the Bath-based firm, which was also a finalist at last year’s event, said she was absolutely amazed to collect the award. She said: “I don’t know who the judges are but thumbs up to them. This is for the staff. They are so dedicated and they work really hard – they make 1pm what it is.” In addition to the senior women, the company is made up of a 60 per cent female team. Founded in 2000, 1pm floated on the AIM in 2006. The firm provides finance to the UK’s small and medium sized businesses. Since the all-female executive team took over in 2010 it has gone from a £400,000 loss to £1.3 million profit and its share price rose 351 per cent in the last 12 months. It has made a monthly profit for the past 52 months and revenues last year rose 36 per cent and profits before tax
were up 74 per cent from £775,000 to £1.3 million.
FINALISTS ● Cod Steaks, St Philip’s Susannah Lipscombe set up Cod Steaks 35 years ago. It creates in three dimensional designs and models for a wide range of UK and international clients, such as created sets for the Wallace and Gromit films and the stunning ship model in The Pirates! feature film. ● Geometry PR, Bath A small independent, public relations company, owned and managed by Linda Donaldson. It is growing quickly, and was appointed by more than 10 new retained clients last year. ● The HR Dept. Winterbourne Down Provides SME businesses and organisations in Bristol, Bath and North Somerset with locally-based, personal and practical HR advice and support, whether taking on their first member of staff to managing several hundred employees. Employs 13 people in Bristol and has a national franchise business.
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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ORPORATE social responsibility consultancy Flamingo won the Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by the Mall, Cribbs Causeway. Based in Westbury Park, Bristol, Flamingo enables businesses that otherwise would not have the staffing or resources to get involved and be active corporate citizens. For example, a suit amnesty saw thousands of suits donated to homeless jobseekers, along with interview advice. Founder Katherine Sparkes, who also runs a charity and a ballet school for children with disabilities, was delighted. “It’s brilliant to have recognition from your home town, the city where I live and work,” she said. “I’m really excited to be among such great company, the opportunity to meet people such as Peaches Golding, [who won the Outstanding Contribution to Business award] is really incredible. “The lesson for me is that businesses can do well by doing good, it’s something I’ve always encouraged people to do. It’s a win-win. We all have a responsibility to help those around us and in turn by doing so it can help businesses too. “Companies are awakening to the benefits of corporate social responsibility now more than ever. But also I think it’s about individuals looking at their own social responsibility and looking around us to think what can we do to make the world that little bit better.”
● Maria Crayton, head of marketing at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway presents the Contribution to the Community award to Katherine Sparkes of Flamingo She said this area was particularly strong when it comes to social responsibility. “Bristol is leading the way,” said Katherine. “There’s a really good sense of community in Bristol.” As to the future, Katherine hopes the award will help Flamingo continue to flourish. She said: “My business has been going for 12 years the charity a couple of years and Flamingo Chicks a couple of years. We’re rolling out Flamingo Chicks ballet nationally at Easter so it’s exciting times.”
FINALISTS ● Bristol City Community Trust Strives to make a difference to the lives of communities in Bristol through football, working with disadvantaged young people to provide sporting and educational opportunities. The trust works with over 50,000 people every year.
Innovation Award
● Threesixty Services, Redland Established in 2008 by Samantha Mant and Eden Warren as plumbing and heating engineering company, the firm secured exclusive distribution rights for Ecosoft, an environmentally friendly way to tackle limescale which damages heating and plumbing in hard water areas such as Bristol.
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‘It is wonderful to be recognised’ THE winners of the Innovation Award had no need to brush up on their business skills. The award, sponsored by Spire the Glen Hospital Bristol, was won by Marmalade House, based in Clifton and Bath. From starting in her kitchen with a paintbrush, owner Vanessa Sayce has grown the business to a studio and two shops in just 18 months. It is the exclusive Bath and Bristol stockist for Annie Sloan paints and product, the shop also buys in bespoke furniture to blend with its colour palette and runs courses on
painting furniture, upholstery and more. Vanessa said she did not expect to win. “There are so many amazing women here tonight, who have all done fantastic things,” she said. “It is wonderful to be recognised in such a competitive field.”
FINALISTS ● Paradise Hotel, Bristol A creative event production company, producing events with exceptional artistic vision, providing
● Morgan-Brinkhurst Consultancy, Bath Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst founded this events company in 2004 after her year as mayor of Bath. The business has organised a number of charity events, including a fundraising reception for the British Skeleton team ahead of the Winter Olympics.
spectacular experiences for clients and their guests. Examples include the Colston Hall New Year’s Eve swing party and a secret pop-up Christmas bash for local firm e3 which included a decoy venue.
● Vanessa Sayce, Marmalade House receives her award from Kate Hoffmann, Hospital Matron at Spire the Glen Hospital Bristol
● Clever Dog Lead, Redland Dog walking friends Susie Worthington and Amy Newton found it a problem to secure their pooch when they stopped for coffee. So they designed and now manufacture a lead with a clip and cuff to attach it to posts, table legs and so on, a new product that no one else made.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
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Round-up
Evening devoted to exceptional women IT was a night of celebration and inspiration. More than 270 people gathered for the second Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards to share in the success of an incredible group of finalists. Bristol and Bath News & Media managing director Sarah Pullen told the audience: “Tonight is about recognising the women in business in our two cities. “It’s a whole evening devoted to telling stories about exceptional women, many of whom have succeeded in the most difficult circumstances. “We are proud that everyone in the room is setting an example to the next generation. Every woman here is sending a message to their daughters and granddaughters and the message you are sending is that anything is possible if you have the right attitude and work ethic. “Until women are on an equal footing, every opportunity should be taken to show the women coming after us just what can be achieved. “We should take every opportunity to inspire women, to show them what is possible, to tell their stories and
● The winners at the Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Women in Business Awards 2015 celebrate their success.” Sarah added that the celebration was only possible with the support of the sponsors, and in particular headline sponsor the University of the West of England. UWE Bristol deputy vice chancellor also addressed the audience at the Bristol City Centre Marriott, praising the inspirational finalists and ex-
plained the work the university does to produce talented, entrepreneurial graduates ready to take on the world, some of whom where in attendance. She also highlighted the achievements of UWE graduate Vashti Seth, who set up charity Deki in 2008 which provides small business micro loans to entrepreneurs in the developing world.
Pictures: Michael Lloyd
The charity recently launched Bristol Businesses Against Poverty, a campaign to get local firms to help fight poverty in Africa which has already won support from Ocean Estate Agents and cafe chain Friska. Bristol Post editor Mike Norton closed the night. He said: “I am overwhelmed by the enormous energy, talent and innovation of our finalists
and winners. “I am proud to be here tonight. And our newspapers are proud to support women in business across these two great cities.” The evening also raised £472 for charity Women’s Aid which works towards ending domestic abuse and provides lifesaving support to women and children survivors.
Outstanding Contribution to Business in Bristol and Bath Award
‘Delight to be among such inspiring people’ Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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OR Peaches Golding, winning the Outstanding Contribution to Business in Bristol and Bath Award was a total surprise. Unlike the all the other winners, she did not even know she had been considered for the prestigious prize, which is sponsored by the University of the West of England. It was such a surprise that, just for once, she was lost for words. “I’m speechless,” she said after being presented with her award by UWE deputy vice chancellor Professor Jane Harrington. “It’s not often that I’m speechless. I came tonight relaxed wanting to watch all these fantastic women who have received awards and I’m delighted I was able to do that but nobody told me I’d get to walk away with this award. “I’m just delighted to be here and be
in association with
● Peaches Golding presented with her award by UWE deputy vice chancellor Professor Jane Harrington able to see so many inspiring people.” Peaches is no stranger to recognition, having been appointed an OBE in 2009. She is the principal consultant at executive recruitment specialist Moon Consulting, based in North Somerset, and a non-executive dir-
ector of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership. This non-executive role is one of several she has held which has helped make Peaches such a well known figure in the local business community. She is a trustee of the ss Great Britain and chair of the ITV West Country Viewer Advisory Panel. She was director at Business in the Community, taking of a range of different roles over a number of years. Peaches become the first black female High Sheriff of the County and City of Bristol in 2010. Going further back, Peaches founded her own marketing and communications business in 1992 which she ran successfully until 2010.
The Bristol MBA
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Find out more Open Evening 25 March, Watershed, Bristol City Centre www.uwe.ac.uk/bristolmba
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COLLEGE PROFILE Iain Johnston City of Bristol College
Iain Johnston is the Business Development Manager for Construction & Green Technology industries at City of Bristol College Q What is happening in the Construction and Green Technology industries in 2015? A In my role I work very closely with employers across the region and growth in the Construction industry appears to be on the up. In fact you only need to drive through the centre of Bristol to see the number of building projects going on to see that we are entering an exciting period of time for the industry. We are also now in Green Capital Year and City of Bristol College have been very enthusiastic about getting involved. We are working in partnership with a number of organisations to offer low carbon and sustainability courses and training for the construction industry. We have also established a Green Business Forum which construction employers use to inform us of their needs and requirements and helps us to ensure we are providing up-to-date training for the Low Carbon sector. Our next Forum Meeting is on March 19 at our Ashley Down Centre. The college will support Bristol wherever it can to ensure that Green Capital Year is a huge success. Q What training is on offer for Businesses in the South West? A The biggest challenge employers seem to be facing within the industry is labour shortages and this had led to an increase in businesses recruiting Apprentices. We offer a diverse range of apprenticeships across all of the main construction trades and have introduced a new multi-trade apprenticeship called Maintenance Operations which is proving to be very popular with those companies who offer a multiple trade delivery service including landscapers, general builders and even schools! Traditional trade skills apprenticeships like electrical, plumbing, plastering, brickwork and carpentry are always popular and the mainstay of our service provision.
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Q What is the main request you receive from employers? A I spend much of my time visiting both large and small businesses and providing them with solutions for their training or recruitment requirements. In return employers keep me up to date with new developments and information like skills gaps within the industry. Most of the employers I visit are interested in recruiting apprentices who have a good attitude to working and a genuine passion for their work. To help with this we offer a free vacancy matching service at the college. Our dedicated employment team will work with all applicants and recommend the most suitable candidates to the employer. The employers then interview the candidates and find the right person for their team. The best aspect of my job is knowing that I have helped to make a difference to a young person’s life by finding them a good employer who is going to help them achieve their future career aspirations. ● If you would like more information on recruiting apprentices or training opportunities for your existing employees contact the Employer Advice team at City of Bristol College on 0117 312 5020 or email employers@cityofbristol.ac.uk
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Female Apprentice of the Year
‘I just do my job, but if that can encourage others it’s a bonus’ in association with
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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TALENTED young woman is driving her career forward as an apprentice at bus operator First West of England. Tina Haden-Williams, from Yatton in North Somerset, was named Female Apprentice of the Year at the Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards. And the award, sponsored by Crest Nicholson, is not her only recent achievement. Twenty-five year old Tina recently won the title of Advanced Apprentice of the Year in the Passenger Transport category at the People 1st Apprenticeship Awards handed out in the House of Commons. Tina said: “I’m thrilled to have been named the Female Apprentice of the Year at the Women in Business Awards. “I just do my job, but if by doing that to the best of my ability I can encourage others, and particularly other women, then that’s a bonus. “It was a great evening out overall, and taking home a trophy at the
● Female Apprentice of the Year Tina Haden-Williams receives her award from Debbie Aplin, managing director regeneration at Crest Nicholson end of it was the icing on the cake.” First West of England managing director James Freeman is full of praise for the apprentice. “Tina is a real asset to our team, and we’re thrilled that all her hard work has been recognised like this,” he said. “She thoroughly deserves all the praise and accolades that she’s been given. She is one of a number of apprentices we employ, all of whom show great promise for the future. Success at awards like these underlines the excellent work
going on around our business within both the engineering and training departments.” Tina works as an apprentice mechanic at the firm’s depot in Lawrence Hill, Bristol, helping to keep the fleet of buses on the road.
FINALISTS ● Bryony Marshall, AKA Hairdressing, Bishopston At 24, Bryony wanted to re-train as a hair stylist. She focused on finishing her training as quickly as possible and did so in 18 months.
She keeps up with the latest trends and has helped in several fashion shows and his now building her own client base. ● Leonie Jack, Double by Hilton, Bristol City Centre Leonie so impressed her bosses at the four star hotel where she worked while studying Business and Administration Level 2 at City of Bristol College that they took her on full time. She is focused on customer service and was the hotel’s Christmas coordinator last year.
New Business of the Year
‘It’s down to my young but very talented team’ FOR Sophie Hibbert, winning the New Business prize at the Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards is proof that young workforces can be just as successful as older ones. At just 27, Sophie is managing director of Bath-based design consultancy Hibbert Harwood. “We’ve had two awards in two weeks and it’s testament to my young but very talented team who do so much beyond their years,” she said. The firm, which is less than two years old, has just eight members of staff with an average age of 23. In the last two years they have successfully branded and re-branded more than 20 businesses, from start-ups to long-standing, established companies, working with clients including Boux Avenue, Henri Lloyd and Bath University. The firm has increased its turnover from £35,000 to £150,000 and grown the team from one to
● Anne-Louise Perez and Imogen McIntosh of YourStreet Gift Cards present Sophie Hibbert, centre, of Hibbert Hardwood with her award eight, adding skills in web development and cutting edge animation. It recently moved to bigger premises to continue to grow. The award was sponsored by YourStreet Gift Cards, who also provided gift cards for the winners of all categories, and was keen to support this particular award, having won it just 12 months ago.
FINALISTS ● Meals for Squeals Cookery
School , Coalpit Heath Mum-of-twins Jackie Novels enjoyed cooking for her children while weaning them onto solid food so she set up a cookery school teaching parents to make healthy, home-made food for their babies and toddlers. ● Fox Davidson, Harbourside, Bristol Fox Davidson is a mortgage and protection brokerage, which provides advice and arranges
mortgages for the people of Bristol. It was started was started because Sarah Fox Clinch and business partner Wesley Davidson wanted to inject a bit of character and personality into the world of finance ● Bath Yoga Studio Bath’s only Hot Yoga Studio with a friendly teaching team offering a range of Yoga styles and classes which has grown quickly from two to 12 teachers.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
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Woman of the Year
in association with
● Annette in her workshop; below, some of her fabulous jewellery
● PPC managing director Bernie Glancy presents Annette Gabbedey with the coveted Woman of the Year prize
‘I’ve been inspired by my customers over past 25 years’ Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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FINALISTS ● Ellen Green, Blue Badge Company, Montpelier, Bristol Ellen became managing director of The Blue Badge Company in 2013 and has taken it from a back-bedroom start-up to a business whose blue badge wallets are stocked in Boots and the Post Office. The aim was to sell bright, attractive wallets for disability parking badges instead of the tradition dull ones with a big disabled sign on the front. ● Alison Howell, Foot Trails, Box Alison founded the business in 2002 after spotting a niche in the travel market for authentic and indulgent walking experiences. It crafts tailor-made self-guided and guided walking tours around the West Country from customers visiting from as far as the United States and Australia.
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NNETTE Gabbedey has overcome enormous prejudice to achieve amazing things in her career in business. Born without any fingers but with a passion for jewellery design and opal gemstones, Annette has become a respected jeweller. After undertaking a degree in jewellery design and manufacture, her career began amongst the bullion dealers of London’s Hatton Garden and is now based around a showroom in St Catherine’s Hill, the fashionable vintage and artisan street in Frome. Her shop in the Somerset town is marking its 10th anniversary this year, although Annette has been in business for 25 years. But she isn’t getting complacent. Over the last year, her shop floor and workshop has undergone an extensive re-fit. Having previously hired young graduate designers, Annette is now back running the business full time and winning new clients with her stunning creations. And the return to her roots is paying off as
Annette was crowned Woman of the Year, sponsored by PPC, at the Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards. “I want to thank the person who nominated me – an ex Saturday girl,” she said. “The award comes from being inspired by all my customers over the last 25 years – they keep me excited and inspired.”
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Women in the Workplace Award
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
‘We’ve a big few years ahead
● Heather Thomas of Heather’s Pet Services is given her award by Bristol Post editor Mike
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
B ‘I’m shocked. I really was not expecting it. It’s crazy... brilliant’
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EATHER’S Pet Care Services won the Women in the Workplace Award for companies which go the extra mile to encourage and support the needs of women at work such as flexible working. Owner Heather Thomas said: “I’m completely shocked, I really was not expecting it. It’s crazy, it’s brilliant. “It gives you the determination and drive to keep going, employing more people and getting those women out there to go to work, with children. “I’ve got two young children so other people can do it too. We’ve got 12 members of staff and we hope to keep growing.” The business, founded in 2006, offers a professional dog sitting service around Bristol and Bath from a base in Fishponds and gives its employees the chance to work flexible hours, including taking school holidays off. This approach that saw it take the Women in the Workplace category. Many of the firm’s employees are women, often with childcare commitments or who are semi-retired and do the work because the hours suit them. The company offers
grooming, dog day care services including walks, home boarding – where dogs stay at the carer’s home not in kennels – and even a wedding service so your pet can join you for part of your big day.
FINALISTS ● RebalanceResource, Bristol A new type of recruitment agency dedicated to sourcing flexible working opportunities to meet the growing skills gap. It focuses on the problem/challenge the employer wants solved rather than the need for someone to be at a desk from 9-5. ● The Detective Project Runs events for adults and children in crime scene investigation. It aims to spark an interest in science and give participants the opportunity to experience hands on challenges in crime scene investigation. Having worked as a police detective for 14 years, founder Jenny Williams was keen to make the working environment as family friendly as possible.
LUE Badge Company has announced it has won a major contract just days after managing director Ellen Green took the Young Entrepreneur prize at the Bristol and Bath Women In Business Awards. The company, based in Montpelier, Bristol, has been commissioned to supply 5,000 blue badge wallets by Fish Insurance, one of the UK’s biggest disability insurance specialists. The deal, which carries a retail value of £90,000, is to support a promotion being launched by Fish which will see it give away the wallets to anyone taking out a new disabled car insurance policy. It is the second biggest single order won by Blue Badge Company, beaten only by a landmark contract Ellen secured with Boots in 2013, shortly after taking the helm of the business. Commenting on the deal, Ellen said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us because it not only gets our products out there and in people’s hands but sees us
joining forces with a very reputable brand. Fish’s brand, core values and policies are very much aligned with ours. It’s a great fit.” John Garrard, Fish Insurance’s managing director, added: “Blue Badge Company ticks all the boxes for us. It’s a fantastic product produced in the UK, in Bristol, by a diverse workforce, around 40 per cent of which themselves have a disability. “Ellen and her team have been really great to work with and as a result we have a superb and exclusively designed wallet with which to provide another incentive to take out our specialist car insurance.” Ellen has grown the business from a back bedroom to occupying three workshop units in Montpelier. It now sells in 2,000 Boots stores, 500 post offices and its own website. Its range of fabric and leather permit holders is now augmented by wheat bags, reading glasses with fashionable cases and similarly stylish Radar key fobs. The new deal is an example of why Ellen won the Young Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by EY. Talking about the award, she said: “I’ve a lot to thank Bristol for – it’s the greatest city in the world and if I wasn’t here there’s no way I’d have achieved these things… so big up to Bristol.”
● Young Entrepreneur of the Year Ellen Green receives her award from EY tax partner Karen Kirkwood
Ellen was also a finalist in the Woman of the Year category but admitted she was “nervous” about her chances. “I was really chuffed to win,” she said. “It’s wonderful, especially to be around such inspiring women.” The talented young businesswoman believes the award will give the firm a real boost.
Mentor of the Year
‘I was sat trying to process how deeply moved I was’ EMMA Collins, of Gallery Creative Business Consultancy, was still in something of daze after being named Mentor of the Year. The whole thing has been something of a surprise for modest Emma. “It’s a bit surreal,” said Emma, pictured, who is based at Spike Island. “My wonderful clients Design & Co had secretly entered me so I had this incredible email a few Saturday mornings ago to say I had been entered and I had had no idea. “A few weeks after that I had another
lovely email saying I was a finalist which was another lovely surprise. “And then they texted me to say they had bought me my ticket to come so I came tonight and was surrounded by all these awesome women and thinking ‘yes, come on the girls’, but to win was a
bit surreal. “I sat listening all the other awards after me still trying to process how deeply moved I was by the whole thing. “I am passionate about being supportive of as many people as I can be. It gives me incredible pleasure to help anyone get further on in what they are doing. When somebody takes the time out completely independently to do something for me, that’s a very beautiful thing. Moved is the word.” Emma won the award, sponsored by
How a business is structured can make all the difference
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OU will probably be familiar with the most common forms of business structures – sole traders, partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and limited companies. You may also be aware that different structures suit different purposes. However, it may surprise you to learn that the way a business is structured is often the fundamental difference between the success and failure of an enterprise. As so often, this can be the result of the impact of tax on a business. The different types of business structure can be split into two main camps. Firstly, those where the owners are taxed on the surpluses whether or not they are distributed – this applies to sole traders, partnerships
Know how Andrew Fisher Executive director Alanbrookes Ltd 01934 863386 AndrewFisher@ Alanbrookes.co.uk www.alanbrookes.co.uk
and limited liability partnerships. Many owners have felt the injustice of leaving half the profits in the business to fund future growth (or in the interests of simple prudence) yet being taxed on the whole amount.
The second camp comprises those businesses which are taxed as an entity distinct from their owners, who decide how much they draw out and therefore how much personal tax they pay. The most common businesses in this camp are good old limited companies, but there are definite commercial and tax advantages to a mutual structure, for example a co-operative. Although little known, these are certainly worth exploring. It is not just short-term tax considerations which are important. The structure of a business affects its robustness and longevity and how and when it can be handed down to future generations or sold to a third party. It also affects its growth potential and ability to raise
finance. It may be that reading this you feel concerned that you may currently be in the wrong structure. Don’t worry – the structure can be changed (the earlier the better) and there may in fact be significant one-off tax benefits arising from the restructuring process. It is also a mistake to think that you have to run the whole business through the same entity. It is fairly common to run a commercially risky trade through a different company to that which holds the valuable assets, but there are many more strategies to employ. For instance, have you thought of keeping the intellectual property of the business outside the main trading company and taking royalties instead of salary, thereby saving na-
tional insurance, and protecting it from business failure? Have you thought of forming a co-operative to supply the labour to the business, thereby boosting the productivity and take home pay of your team? The list is endless. Having the wrong structure can be a glass ceiling that inhibits growth, increases tax and increases commercial risk. The good news is that you don’t have to leave things as they are, with you at the back of the queue and HM Government at the front. If you attend to the structure of your business and put your family first, you stand a good chance of making it to the point where economies of scale and a larger business propel your family fortunes into an altogether different league.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015
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Marketing Campaign of the Year
ad and this was a big hurdle’
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She brought focus to the store team and revitalised its website, resulting in a 200 per cent sales value increase. ● Sophie Hibbert, Hibbert Harwood, Bath Sophie founded Hibbert Harwood, a thriving design consultancy based in Bath specialising in brand communication online and offline. In the last two years, they have successfully branded and rebranded more than 20 businesses. She has a team of eight and the business is growing at 50 per cent a year.
“We’ve got a really big few years ahead of us and I feel that getting this recognition was a big hurdle,” she said. “It means a massive amount, it really does. Being Young Entrepreneur just feels fantastic.”
FINALISTS
● Holly Burrage, The Triathlon Shop, Harbourside, Bristol Holly launched start-up business The Triathlon Shop with husband Jon. It now employs 10 people having moved to new, bigger premises last year. Holly is driven, coming from a challenging background where even heating the house was out of reach.
Mentor Media Training, in part for her work as a creative consultant, leadership coach, trainer and facilitator working in the design industry. She led the West of England Design forum for three years and has been a board member of the South West Design Forum for nearly 10, helping and supporting creative companies. The nomination submitted by her client Design & Co said: “Emma is a very special person, providing inspiration and support to creatives like ourselves. Her work as chair of the West of England Design Forum from 2011-14 and as a member of the South West Design Forum (for almost 10 years)
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● Samantha Payne, Open Bionics, Frenchay, Bristol After working as freelance journalist and marketing professional, Sammy joined start-up Open Bionics full time. She has driven the company, which makes robot hands for amputees, to gain worldwide recognition including helping it take second place in Intel’s Make It Wearable competition, winning $250,000 investment.
have helped put the Creative Industries in Bristol and Bath on the map – highlighting the wealth of talent in the South West and the value of design.”
FINALIST ● Jackie Matthews, Libra Learning, Bristol Jackie visits schools across Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire delivering independent financial knowledge to students of all ages, including running activities such as restaurant competitions where youngsters take on marketing, finance catering and management roles.
● The Fabulous team received their marketing campaign award from Bath Chronicle editor Lynne Fernquest, centre
‘This campaign was not for any marketing gain but for charity’ A CAMPAIGN which turned unwanted jewellery into vital funds for a cancer charity won the marketing prize at the Bristol and Bath Women in Business Awards. Fabulous jewellery store launched a jewellery amnesty encouraging women to hand over their no longer used pieces, which were then made into new pieces by students at the City of Bath College and sold in aid of the Breast Cancer Campaign. It clinched the Marketing Campaign of the Year prize for Fabulous store, based in the Southgate Shopping Centre in Bath. Store owner Jo Stroud said: “This was a not-for-profit campaign that we launched, not for any marketing gain, but to raise money for charity. “We are delighted that such a campaign has been recognised.” She added that attending the awards night at the Bristol City Centre Marriott had been a great experience. “The awards have been fantastic. I support anything that supports and celebrates women in business. “I set my business up ten years ago and I know how important it is to be surrounded by people who support you.” The retailer sells contemporary designer jewellery, from fashion jew-
ellery through to fine, stocking a mix of leading brands and up-and-coming designers such as Alex & Ani, Thomas Sabo, Vivienne Westwood, Nikki Lissoni and Pandora.
FINALISTS ● Dunleavy Vineyards, Wrington, North Somerset Vineyard producing English rose and sparkling wine from pinot noir grapes grown near Bristol. It has been communicating its message through social media, appearing on Radio 4, organising a local producers market and winning awards. ● Business West, Abbots Leigh, North Somerset A business support and leadership organisation which works with more than 18,000 companies across the South West, many through its Chamber of Commerce network. Business West’s #GetExporting campaign aims to inspire businesses to sell abroad and has gained extensive coverage through partnerships with local media. For the launch it branded a shipping container and filled it with local produce, gaining local and national coverage.
West of England Local Enterprise Partnership
Business board reps resign to make way for new team Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset, Professor Steve West from the University of the West of England and five business representatives. They are: David Sproxton, centre, co-founder and executive chairman at Aardman; Professor Joe McGeehan, MD of the Toshiba Telecommunications Lab and chairman of Invest Bristol and Bath; Katherine Bennett, left, vice president and head of political affairs at Airbus; Robert Sinclair, right, chief executive of Bristol Air-
port; and chairman Colin Skellett OBE, executive chairman of Wessex Water. Business advisers Kalpna Woolf, Malachy McReynolds, James Durie and Nick Wilton will also step down. Colin said: “The West of England has a flourishing economy worth £25 billion a year and we are the only region in the country that contributes to the Treasury, giving back around £10 billion every year. “After four successful years, the board have decided that the general election and a new government in
May provides an ideal opportunity to review and refresh the business representation on the LEP board.” A business nominations committee with representatives from the CBI, IoD, FSB and Business West will choose the new business members after submissions of interest. The chair will be chosen in conjunction with the four local authority leaders. ● To apply, contact Malachy McReynolds, The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership Business Nominations Committee, c/o Phil Smith, managing director, Business West, Leigh Court Business Centre, Bristol, BS8 3RA or email phil.smith@businesswest.co.uk
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THE entire business representative on the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership board is to resign. It was an open secret that chairman Colin Skellett planned to stand down this year. The high-profile role of chairman is a demanding one and Colin has increasingly taken centre stage in the public eye since former chief executive Paul Wilson was replaced by Barbara Davies. But now the five business representatives and four business advisers have said they will resign in a bid to attract new blood to the organisation.
However it may not be a total clean sweep as some of the resigning members are expected to put themselves forward again. The local enterprise partnership was created as a bridge between local councils and the business world and is a conduit for government funding to encourage job creation, regeneration and growth. Despite only having a small staff, the partnership has become increasingly prominent as political parties on all sides look to push the devolution agenda. The board, which oversees it, is made up of the leaders of the four local authorities in its patch – Bristol,
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Business diary
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
In pictures Women in Business Awards
Unlocking Innovation: Networking event for those in low carbon technology sector at the Bristol & Bath Science Park from 4.30pm, today, featuring talk by Pete Stirling of Stirling Dynamics. Register at eventbrite.
in association with
Agents of Growth Summit: Guest speakers including Next founder George Davies, Alex Reilley of Loungers, and Tim Westwell of Pukka Herbs will address a breakfast event for mid-sized businesses at Tortworth Court from 8am tomorrow. Email agentsofgrowth @uk.gt.com for details. Bristol Social Enterprise City the Next Stage: Event looking at how the social enterprise sector is growing and what the future holds. 1.30-5pm Friday at the Watershed, Bristol. Email bristol.bath.sen@gmail.com.
GALLERIES GALORE
FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at bristolpost.co.uk/business
● Guests arrive at the Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Women in Business Awards 2015
Pictures: Michael Lloyd
The Future of Construction in the South West: Moon Consulting hosts free business breakfast to discuss the future of the construction industry in the South West, including skills provision, sustainability and long-term resilience, at the South Bristol Skills Academy, Hengrove, 7.30am on Tuesday, March 31. Helping tech firms protect their intellectual property: Natwest and Microsoft host free workshop run with asset finance specialists Lombard and IP experts Inngot. Takes place on April 16 at the Engine Shed. First slot 9am-noon then 1-4pm. Book via Eventbrite. Digital Challenge Final and Awards: Finalists from the hack weekend in February will compete for a £50,000 cash prize to develop a software application or game addressing one of five environmental challenges, energy, transport, food, resources and nature. Colston Hall, April 20. www.bristol2015.co.uk
● The Business West team, including Nicola Pullin and Mary Martin, front
● Jennine Way, Tom Alexander, Laura Baggaley, and Paul Cooper, all from Ernst and Young
Finance and business briefing: The Bristol office of accountancy and investment management group, Smith & Williamson, is hosting a briefing to help SMEs get to grips with the latest changes to accounting practices, tax, regulations and company compliance procedures at the firm’s offices in Portwall Lane on April 21, 8.30-11am. Email rebecca. walford@smith. williamson.co.uk. 20 Ways to Grow Your Business: Seminar on how to structure a business for sustainable and profitable growth. Ashton Court Mansion, BS41 9JN, 7.45am on April 22. Contact Mazars.
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The Lord Mayor’s Charity Dinner: Drinks reception followed by three-course dinner, live entertainment and auction, in aid of Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal, April 30 at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel. Book through Eventbrite. Email info@galadinner2015.com for sponsorship opportunities. 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.
● The team from PPC
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Jobs
Construction
£10million in grants shared out to 222 companies
One million hours without an accident
MORE than £10 million has been handed out to 222 companies across the Bristol area as part of a campaign to support jobs and growth. The West of England Growth Fund has made the grants, helping to create more than 800 jobs. Much of the money was handed out after the Bristol Post’s Going for Growth campaign last year encouraging businesses to apply for match-funded grants. Colin Skellett, pictured, chairman
of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, which managed the fund, said: “I am delighted that the growth fund has enabled so many businesses in the West of England to realise their expansion plans and create new jobs. These companies are the driving force of the UK economy and help deliver economic growth for the region. It is encouraging that so many have capitalised on this great opportunity.”
Companies benefiting include C Enterprise Ltd, based in North Somerset, which received £185,000 to fund research into a desktop fabrication robot and is working on a 3D printer. And Combined Brewers in South Gloucestershire, formed last year from the merger of two existing companies, plan to move into larger premises with increased capacity after their pay-out of £30,000.
Aerospace
New hub Rolls-Royce secures jobs with centre focusing on civil work COMPOSITES
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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OLLS-Royce is opening a composite technology site at its plant just outside Bristol. The engineering giant’s move will secure or create 120 jobs but more importantly could be vital to the future of the Patchway site by putting it at the forefront of the latest technology. The centre will build on research and expertise from the nearby National Composites Centre in Emersons Green to develop new fan blades and cases made from lightweight composite materials to be used in Rolls-Royce engines. The long-term hope among the workforce is that once the site has developed expertise in this area, it could ultimately house the manufacturing of such parts in future. The investment by Rolls-Royce is welcome news following the announcement of significant jobs cuts globally at the end of last year. Up to 2,600 jobs are being cut and hundreds of staff have already left through voluntary redundancy. The new centre will help to better balance the workload at the Bristol plant, which is heavily biased towards defence. The defence market has had a tough time in recent years due to global government austerity while the civil aviation market has boomed. The new centre, which should be running by the end of 2017 and be fully operational in 2019, will focus on civil work.
● Rolls-Royce is developing new fan blades and cases made from composite materials at its plant in Patchway, Bristol Paul Craig, pictured, president customer services – defence at Rolls-Royce, told Business: “We are creating a centre of excellence developing this leading-edge technology. This is a new line of work which will hopefully grow.” He said the workforce at Patchway had proved it was flexible and could adapt, which helped win this work. Some of the work will be transferred from the Isle of Wight, with up to 40 staff moving to Bristol. Another 80 new roles will be created at the centre. Paul said he hoped the site would eventually turn this pre-production
work into manufacturing, although Rolls-Royce has not yet made a decision on that. “That’s our hope and that’s the opportunity for this site,” said Paul. “We’ve got the first part with this pre-production centre.” He pointed to the company’s strong relationship with Airbus, which designs its wings in Filton, as part of the reason for choosing Bristol. The decision adds further weight to the city’s growing status as the leading place for composite research. As well as the NCC, aerospace firm GKN makes composite parts of
● The new Rolls-Royce composite knowledge hub will develop the next generation of fan blades and fan cases for the company’s civilian aeroplanes. Composite materials are made from at least two different types of materials which, when combined, create a new material that offers different physical properties and particular advantages not available from the materials on their own. Engines use titanium blades and cases. New ones made from lightweight but strong composite materials, but with titanium leading and trailing edges, will be designed and built. They are a key feature of the firm’s Advance engine design, unveiled last year, which will offer at least 20 per cent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than the first generation of the Trent aero-engine. The blades and associated composite engine casings will form part of the new CTi fan system that could reduce weight by up to 1,500lb per aircraft, the equivalent of seven more passengers and their luggage.
Airbus’ latest plane the A350. The new hub will be developed within an existing building alongside Rolls-Royce’s new facility for carbon-fibre electrical harness rafts, currently being constructed on the Bristol site.
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● A BRISTOL construction company is celebrating one million working hours without a reportable accident on its sites in the region. Midas Construction, which has its HQ in the city, have achieved the milestone across its Wales and West division. Group health and safety director Brian Smith said: “This is a fantastic benchmark to achieve in the construction industry, and we are very proud that our Wales and Wessex division has worked for over one million hours without a single lost-time injury or reportable accident. “This includes no major injuries, broken bones or seven-day injuries, such as sprains, requiring time off work. “It is a notable achievement, and a direct result of the ongoing hard work and determination of the Midas Construction team to instil essential health and safety practices on site as a matter of course for staff and sub-contractors, ensuring a safe working environment and thorough training is provided, and an ongoing commitment to employee accountability.” The company is currently building the £11.6 million Filwood Green Business Park in South Bristol. Last year it was awarded by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Presidents’ Award, given to firms which achieve the organisation’s gold benchmark for 10 years.
Tech
Firm wins contract without contacts ● A BRISTOL company which specialises in remote payment technology used in car parks and other places is moving into the fast-growing contactless payment market. The firm. based in the city centre, has been chosen by Dutch contactless payment terminal provider Payter to power its new P6 series of unattended terminals. Creditcall’s software acts as a gateway between an unattended payment machine, such as a parking meter, and card companies such as Mastercard and Visa. Contactless payments, where people don’t need to enter a PIN, is a fast growing market with the number of contactless card transactions in Europe up 174 percent year over year in the last quarter of 2014.
Giving women the keys to success Turner, who runs Netwalking South West, said: “These sessions are designed to provide business women with the keys to success from understanding brand and finance to improving their presentation and pitch skills. The course also provides an opportunity for building supportive networks as the women develop and grow their businesses. “I am passionate about co-creating a world that fully supports and encourages women to explore their full potential.” The course is linked to the new Filwood Green Business Park and has a particular aim to encourage business in south Bristol, though is not
exclusive to entrepreneurs from that area. Gary Chatwin, area anager for Blue Orchid, said: “Women represent a significant and growing percentage of business people in Bristol, however they remain under-represented. “It is vital that women have access to best practice, and the knowledge and skills they need to develop a successful business.” The service also offers free one-to-one support, drop-in advice sessions, networking activities and a scheme to help businesses meet environmental accreditation through the ‘Green Accord’, open to men and women.
● Trainers and business women taking part in the course
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WOMEN in business have been benefiting from a free training programme. Run by management consultancy Blue Orchid as part of the city council’s Bristol Enterprise Support Service, the course aims to give women the keys to success, covering finance, branding and presentation skills. Course trainers and panellists are brand and marketing specialist Harriet Kingaby, finance expert Clair Banning, round-the-world yachtswoman Vicky Ellis, personal development leader Yvonne Bignall, coach Pippa Adamson and The Plumbher’s Debbie Stanley Jones. Programme facilitator Rosalind J.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Focus on start-ups | Sponsored by THEME SPONSOR’S NAME HERE.
Employer pensions
WHAT MORE PENSIONS FLEXIBILITY As individuals are about to enjoy new freedoms over how they use their private pensions, Gavin Thompson looks at what these changes and others mean for the employers offering workplace schemes
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HILE your employees are weighing up whether to blow their pension pot on a Lamborghini (they wish!), invest in the magical buy-to-let market, stick with a boring old annuity or something else, few people are thinking about what it all means for you, the employer. But you should be. The changes in the pensions market will affect employer pension schemes, presenting both challenges and big opportunities. Allister Weir, below right, tax partner at accountants and business advisers Grant Thornton in Bristol said: “The pensions landscape is
“ It may be wrong to assume there is no longer a role for employers in helping their people understand their retirement saving options. Allister Weir
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changing and a number of measures have been introduced to make saving for retirement more attractive and meaningful. More choice though, can often lead to more confusion. “With the introduction of free guidance alongside the new pension flexibilities, it may be wrong to assume there is no longer a role for employers in helping their people understand their retirement saving options. In fact, the guidance may alert individuals to the fact that they need more in-depth knowledge. “If you want to support your employees and show you care about their financial wellbeing you will need to consider how you communicate the new landscape in a way that will engage them. This can also present an opportunity to highlight the investment you are making in them as a valued employee. “As staff engage more, they may seek reassurance that their scheme is a quality workplace pension. For that reason, it might be worth considering
DEFINED BENEFIT VERSUS DEFINED CONTRIBUTION ● A defined benefit pension scheme – sometimes called a final salary pension scheme – is one that promises to pay out an income based on how much you earn when you retire. The amount you get at retirement is guaranteed, and it will be paid directly to you so you don’t have a pension pot. Defined contribution pension schemes, also called money purchase schemes, see you build up a pot of money that you use to provide an income in retirement. The income you might get depends on factors including the amount you pay in and the fund’s investment performance.
FLEXIDAY ● On April 6 this year, a host of new rules to make pensions flexible come into force. Some are calling it Flexiday. Before Flexiday, people in defined contribution pension schemes had to buy an annuity – a financial product that pays a fixed income for life, however long that may be. They could take up to 25 per cent in cash, but the rest went on the annuity. After April 6, they will have more options. They can still buy an annuity, but they could take the whole lot in cash and spend it or invest it as they choose, although only the first 25 per cent is tax free so it pays to think it through. They can also leave the money where it is and draw down cash at various
establishing a governance committee. This could include management, external business advisors and also employees themselves, to ensure the interests of all members are being met.” Chris Mapp, who heads the Bristol office of pensions consultants Punter Southall, puts it more strongly. “A lot of employers will want to offer guidance and support because there is now more possibility of making horribly wrong decisions,” he said. “The statutory guidance guarantee is fine, but it’s at the point of retirement whereas we feel guidance and help is needed well before that. People are going to need to know what they should be investing in before they retire and that will depend
stages. There’s no single solution that suits everyone. In this year’s Budget, the Chancellor announced the flexibilities would be extended to people who had already bought annuities, who can now sell them and use the money for something else. The market is still catching up with the new rules, however, so the right choice for some might be
on what they expect to do in retirement.” Punter Southall has been offering a retirement counselling service for some time now and it is this sort of scheme that more companies are likely to look to as their employees become more engaged with their pensions and look to get involved earlier. The web-based service helps people work out what income they might have in retirement, and measure that against the money they need for the lifestyle they want. They can then use this to inform their decisions about how they invest
to wait and see what develops.
AUTO-ENROLMENT ● Among the raft of pension changes currently under way is auto-enrolment of workplace pensions. This means all companies have to provide a workplace pension scheme and automatically enrol employees,
their money and the level of contributions they put in. The new flexibilities in how people use their pensions make that kind of proactive approach more important, and it’s something employers need to consider, says Chris. “Employers with defined contribution schemes will need to make sure that they are fit for purpose,” he said. “They will have to make sure the default funds adapt.” Chris explains that most schemes have a default option which assumes people will want to take a 25 per cent cash lump sum and use the
Progressive and pragmatic help for employers with their pension arrangements
who can then choose to opt out. It applies to any employee aged between 22 and the state pension age who works in the UK and earns more than £10,000 a year. All businesses have to comply but will be informed by the Pensions Regulator of their staging date. It is best it act quickly when you are notified as it make take months to organise.
rest of their money to buy an annuity at the point of retirement. Because that’s what most people did. Now with new-found freedoms, more people are likely to take different approaches, and that’s a problem because most default funds are geared towards that traditional outcome. Chris said: “For many years, defined contribution schemes have a default strategy which in the 10 years leading up to retirement would move money into bonds and low-risk options with a view to buying annuity. “They would gradually move out of equity and end up by time someone retires with 25 per cent cash and the rest in gilts and bonds. They are tailored for a set outcome but now
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015
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WILL MEAN FOR EMPLOYERS’ ROLE
will have to be a lot more flexible. “You need to understand the decisions your employees will need to make. They might want to retire at a different age to what they currently expect to, or at least take some of their benefits earlier. You should be thinking about what support you should give.” There are other considerations for companies and their pension schemes too. Employers have to decide whether their scheme will offer the new flexibilities through the scheme, which might not be the best use of their limited budget, or risk more people transferring to others that do. While the new flexibilities related to defined contribution schemes, they
“ A lot of employers will want to offer guidance and support because there is now more possibility of making horribly wrong decisions. Chris Mapp, right will affect defined benefits – or final salary schemes – too. While these schemes are generally regarded by employees as more attractive, some people will jump ship lured by the greater freedoms offered to people in
other schemes. “The expectation is that a reasonable number of people will want to transfer out to take advantage of flexibilities,” said Chris. “Some people will be well advised to do so. If you are in very poor health and single so don’t need the spouse’s pension, it could be the right thing to do. Other people may just need the money to pay off the mortgage. “There’s a feeling that up to 10 per cent of people will transfer, although no one really knows. If it happens in any magnitude it will change defined benefit schemes. It could make them easier to
manage and scale them down or it could disrupt their investment strategy. The worst case is they end up with all the people left who are going to live the longest.” Trustees of such schemes have to ensure that members taking their money out have taken advice before doing so. They don’t have to follow the advice, but they have to get it. Whatever sort of pension scheme you offer, the biggest change of the new flexibility may be that people are more engaged with their pension. And that’s where pro-active employers could see the
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Progressive and pragmatic help for employers with their pension arrangements
real gain. “There’s an opportunity to sell what you are providing in terms of a pension throughout their career and have a whole of life approach where people are engage with their pension,” said Chris. “It’s more like workplace saving now and that may be a lot easier sell. “It makes a good pension a more attractive selling point. If employers are spending quite a lot of money on pensions, which most are, then you might as well try to get as much value from that as you can through employee motivation and engagement and you might as well try to do that in the whole time they are working for you, not just in the lead up to retirement.”
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015
The back page
Your digest of the week in business
Success ● A small Bristol company took part in one of the biggest TV events of the year – the launch of season four of Game of Thrones. Giggle Group, based at the Paintworks, provides title sequences, visual effects and graphics for big names in the television industry. It has been highlighted in the Government’s Business is Great campaign following research showing the creative industries account for 1.7 million jobs. Giggle Group managing director Jonathan Bridgen said talented staff were behind the company’s success. “Our people are the heart of our business, and developing a talented workforce is essential for us to continue to grow and play a key role in the success of the British creative industries,” he said. “We are delighted to be part of the Business is Great campaign to celebrate this. “Our business is one that is driven by creativity and innovation, and so it is important that we take on the right staff. We are constantly developing new and existing talent. We currently have a trainee that is funded through Creative Skillset, and are looking into implementing an undergraduate summer placement programme.” ● Clifton Asset Management has been honoured at an industry award ceremony for the launch of the alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk portal. The finance company was highly commended in the Innovation in the SME Finance Sector at the Business Moneyfacts Awards. Clifton, which employs 100 people at its Ham Green offices, had a very successful month after being named as one of the UK’s top disruptive SMEs in The Everline Future 50 Awards, and also reaching the finals of the Credit Today Awards, shortlisted for the Best Alternative Funding Provider Award. Chairman Adam Tavener was instrumental in the launch of the ABF portal in March 2014. It signposts SMEs to the most appropriate source of non-bank funding. With more than 14,000 visits so far, and 8,000 clicks through to a funder, an estimated 2,500 SMEs have successfully found funding through the portal since launch. Adam said: “The portal has really gathered momentum since launch – finding funding solutions for around
Charities’ estates strategy to invest in more modern, purpose-built almshouse accommodation in the city. Urban Creation acquired the Dutch Restoration-style building for an undisclosed sum said to be well above the £800,000 guide price. The Manor House was built in 1691 as a family residence and was last refurbished in 1980 to provide nine flats for elderly residents. Located within the St Michael’s Hill and Christmas Steps
● Dominic Jermey and Martin Thatcher 2,500 businesses in just twelve months. This is testament to the speed and simplicity with which business owners can get an indication of the funding options open to them.” ● Hub Network Services (HNS) has won a deal to house the network and data centre infrastructure for Multicom Products, a Bristol-based company providing software solutions to the global travel industry. The contract was awarded to HNS, also Bristol-based, because Multicom needed more reliability, resiliency and cost efficiency. As part of the deal Multicom has relocated its mission critical computer racks, servers and data storage systems to nearby NGD Europe, a high security tier 3+ mega data centre. Chief executiveJohn Howell said: “To ensure a continuous service for all users accessing their systems, the migration had to be smooth and seamless to the travel professionals who rely on our mission critical software. HNS responded quickly and provided all the services necessary to facilitate the migration in the short timescale we required.”
Places ● Global management, engineering and development consultancy Mott MacDonald is to become the latest tenant at 10 Templeback in the city centre.
The deal comes just a week after Momentum Financial Ltd moved into the building, which is asset managed by Cube Real Estate on behalf of its owner, Benson Elliot. Mott MacDonald hopes to move its 100-strong team from its Prince Street address in June 2015.
The consultancy is taking 10,000 sq ft on the ground floor of the building on a 10-year lease. There is just 41,000 sq ft left at the building, with another two units under offer. Mark Shields, office manager at the firm, said: “Our new premises will give us the opportunity to strengthen and expand our service offering while improving operations efficiency, allowing our staff to work more closely and with our clients.” ● Grade two listed 17th century Manor House in St Michael’s Hill has been sold to become student flats. Acting on behalf of Bristol Charities, property consultants Alder King sold the property to Urban Creation. The disposal is part of Bristol
Conservation Area and next to the University of Bristol’s main campus, the 5,600 sq ft house includes a communal terrace, garden and off-street parking. Ben St Quintin, senior surveyor at Alder King, said: “Demand from developers and investors for well-located student housing opportunities in Bristol continues unabated. “An additional 4,000 under-graduates are due to start at the University of Bristol over the next five years; therefore demand for student accommodation is only going to get stronger.” Anne Anketell, chief executive of Bristol Charities, said: “We’re delighted the sale of Manor House, a beautiful old property that had served us well in the past, will find a new lease of life and support our recent investment in newer purpose-built facilities for our residents in Bristol. “The charity is in the process of acquiring a new almshouse site in south Bristol and is also seeking further sites in the south and east of the city, suitable for providing new extra care facilities.”
Events ● Saxophonist James Morton is pulling together a world-class line-up for The Lord Mayor’s Charity
Gala Dinner. One of the UK’s most exciting saxophonists, James is also the Mayoral Ambassador of Music for Bristol. He has worked with Kasabian, Pendulum, legends Andy Sheppard and Pee Wee Ellis, and The Herbaliser. He is joined on April 30 by vocalist Celestine, as part of the band. The charity event, which is supported by Bristol Post, takes place at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, and raises money for the city’s most disadvantaged children. The gala dinner, in aid of The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal, is targeted at the city’s leading business people and the South West’s ‘movers and shakers’. Volunteer events committee member Jamie Breese used personal contacts to secure the booking and describes it as an “incredible coup”. He said: “These musicians are world-class, they are brilliant, and they will help make the event a success. They are performing twice during the evening, inspiring guests with their world-class playing and providing a jazz, funk and soul party set.”
And finally.. ● The boss of the UK Trade and Investment paid a visit to North Somerset cider maker Thatchers. Dominic Jermey was making his first visit to the region as chief executive of the body which provides export advice and support to businesses. Managing director Martin Thatcher showed him the Sandford-based firm’s investment plans. Thatchers Cider is a fourth generation cider maker, currently producing 50 million litres of cider a year. UKTI provided assistance to Thatchers in the development and implementation of its global export strategy back in 2012, consequently appointing distributors in Scandinavia, Spain and Russia, as well as a developing major partnership with Coopers Brewery in Australia. Thatchers has also recently launched in the USA. Martin said: “We have made a great start in our export, but we know the opportunities are enormous.”
Opinion
Urgent action needed to stem exodus of top staff from NHS
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NOTHER winter, another “crisis” in the NHS. Over the past few months we’ve heard much in the media about how our overstretched and under-resourced health service appears to be at breaking point. In the case of A&E in particular, the pressures of ever-increasing demand and lack of resources, set against the backdrop of our ageing population, have painted a seemingly hopeless picture where a number of hospitals have declared “major incidents” and the entire system seems to be falling
Mike Willmoth Head of healthcare Alexander Daniels
apart. Acute staff shortages are also in the headlines, especially among doctors and paramedics, with many trusts forced to look overseas to fill vacancies. As someone whose day job involves recruiting senior professionals for a variety of positions in the NHS – and who has a clinical background across
acute and community NHS organisations – I’m the last person to downplay any of the challenges facing our health service. Nonetheless there is no denying that the problems faced by the NHS over the winter of 2014-15 haven’t been radically different from any other over the past decade. One key difference, is that this is a winter running up to a general election in which the NHS will take centre stage in the national debate. Politicians from all sides have not been slow to score points and to make political
capital from the NHS’s travails. This is not to say that urgent action does need to be taken to stem the exodus from the NHS of skilled specialists such as therapists and physios, many of whom are leaving either to work for local authorities or the private sector. Indeed, there is a much wider and longer term task of making the NHS a more appealing place in which to work – going into schools to encourage more young people to consider a career in healthcare. This is not a popular message in a time of austerity, but as a healthcare
recruiter I firmly believe that the NHS’s top priority should be to take on the right people – experienced people who actually have a track record of delivery, as opposed to the cheapest option, which has too often been the case. This must be in the best interests both of the health service and of the nation. I can testify to the fact that there are plenty of high calibre healthcare professionals on the market and that a more “expensive” person with real credentials is more likely to be able to help bring down A&E waiting times.