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APR 2014
FOOD FOCUS
ECONOMIC BITE Business gets a taste for success as confidence grows in the region’s food and drink sector – pages 8&9
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AWARDS 2014
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Communications
EE on course for six million 4G customers ● BRISTOL-based communications giant EE is on course to reach six million 4G customers by the end of the year. The company, which began life as Rabbit before becoming Orange and now EE, is a significant employer in the city. It was the first to market with 4G internet services and has used that to steal a march on its rivals. Chief financial officer, Neal Milsom, said: “We are delivering strong, consistent commercial performance and continue to successfully create value through our award-winning network. “We signed up nearly 900,000 4G customers in a single quarter, with over one in four new customers opting for EE’s exclusive double-speed 4GEE Extra plans. “In line with our vision to provide the best network and best service, we’re also further improving customer service across all channels to support our long-term growth.” The firm has 5,100 corporate customers as it grows its business market, with the 4G network now reaching 72 per cent of the population of the UK, or 46 million people. The first quarter results released yesterday showed EE, which employs 15,000 people across the UK, increased turnover 3.6 per cent year-on-year to £1.55 billion. Chief marketing officer, Gerry McQuade, recently told a business audience in the city that being located here was a key part of EE’s success. Speaking at the Business Showcase South West, at Colston Hall, he said the universities and a plethora of high-tech and engineering companies in the area gave EE access to a talent pool that helped drive its business.
Technology
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Carl reaches final with Spotify headphones ● THE designer of a set of headphones that gives the listener access to Spotify using the mobile phone network has reached the final of a national contest. Carl Thomas, 31, from Stoke Gifford, will now pitch his business to Moonpig founder Nick Jenkins, Holly Tucker, the founder of Not on the High Street, and Peter Williams, founder of Jack Wills, at the Oxfordshire home of Sir Richard Branson. Carl, pictured, came up with the headphones idea after getting in a tangle at the gym trying to listen to music while exercising. His wireless product seemed the ideal solution. He will be pitching against 29 other entrepreneurs from around the country. The winner gets £5,000 of investment plus mentoring, including legal, branding and marketing advice, and networking opportunities.
● A billboard in the centre of Bristol advertising the Quartet Community Foundation’s new online campaign
Charity
Fund Click if you give a monkey’s Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
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UARTET Community Foundation has launched a new online platform for small businesses looking to contribute to a charitable
fund. Giveamonkeys is a new charity brand that aims to give individuals and businesses which want to give cash an opportunity to do so and notice a real difference from their donation. A dozen companies have already signed up to the campaign, donating funds and benefiting from their association to the cause. Quartet Community Foundation is an organisation that has been helping donors support charities in the West of England for more than 25 years. It is one of the longest-established community foundations in the UK. Since its foundation in 1986 it has distributed more than £35 million in
grants and manages an endowment fund of over £21 million. But as Caroline Duckworth, chief executive, points out: “Local charities and voluntary groups across the West of England are doing great work with the funding they get from our donors. But we would welcome more of both. “So we set out to reach a wider audience of potential givers – in particular, younger people, perhaps with small, but growing, businesses and a desire to put something back into their local communities.” Quartet Community Foundation called upon the services of Colour & Thing – a brand and digital communications agency in Bristol – to create something completely new in the world of fundraising. The result was giveamonkeys.co.uk. Dom Lane, of Colour & Thing, said: “We’ve developed a charity brand which is provocative rather than institutional, a message which is direct rather than needy, and a mobile-first digital platform which makes giving to causes and sharing on social media really simple.
“ We set out to reach a wider audience of potential givers – in particular, younger people, perhaps with small, but growing, businesses.” Caroline Duckworth “Giveamonkeys.co.uk is all about supporting what matters to the user, defined in terms of outcomes rather than specific charities. It's a microsite designed to make it as easy as possible for individuals and businesses to get the picture and make a real difference without having to spend ages searching for a beneficiary. “Donate to one of four funds and Quartet will distribute your cash for you via grants to the relevant local
charities that need it most. “We’ve sidestepped newsletters, using Facebook and Twitter to tell beneficiaries’ stories. And each step on the giveamonkeys.co.uk user journey is easily shared. “Every visitor can help spread the word and engage with what’s being achieved through their donations. It’s crowdfunding for local causes, if you like. “It’s up and running. Now we just need people to get involved.”
Commercial property
Caution urged as office stats show mixed results BRISTOL’S office take-up has soared 76 per cent since the end of 2013, but most of the deals are for smaller premises, according to the latest statistics. The figures for the first quarter from Colliers International show that business is picking up, but despite all the talk of the economy growing to pre-recession levels, the sector has not reached that point yet. James Preece, from the Broad Quay-based firm, said: “The first quarter stats reveal rather a mixed picture, with larger numbers of smaller deals, many of them in the sub-3,000 sq ft bracket. “After a disappointing finish to last year, city centre take-up in Bristol is
up by an impressive 76 per cent quarter-on-quarter. “Pipeline deals look promising for the remainder of the year and poor quality stock continues to be taken out of the market for permitted development into residential accommodation. “This all points to a fast-moving and fast-recovering sector. However, with no deals over 25,000 sq ft and take-up down on the same quarter of 2013, some caution should be taken before celebrating the return of the boom times.” James, pictured, said professional
and financial services continued to dominate the city centre, but there had been an increase in demand from recruitment consultants, who appear to be expanding. “The recent trend for grade C office stock being converted for alternative uses has removed some 95,000 sq ft from the market in Q1. “This, combined with better economic conditions, is encouraging businesses to relocate to better specification offices.” The out-of-town market is recovering well, with total take-up of
108,000 sq ft – more than double the previous quarter and nine per cent up on the five-year average for Q1. Headline deals saw Broadcom taking 25,000 sq ft at 910 Aztec West. The NHS also took 24,000 sq ft at Highwood Pavilions, at Cribbs Causeway. “Average deal size out-of-town for Q1 was around 6,000 sq ft, with the number of deals up 38 per cent on the same quarter of 2013,” said James. “After taking an unexpected a dip in Q4 2013, take-up has bounced back in the first quarter of 2014. “Both the city centre and the out-of-town office markets have shown significant improvement and the current level of requirements indicates this should continue throughout this year.”
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Events
Happy home Growing SXS sticking with ’creative and vibrant’ Bristol Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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N events company with clients including Apple, Nike and Airbus is expanding its Bristol headquarters – despite most of its work being in
London. SXS Events has bought the warehouse next door to its Brislington base so that it can offer new services, such as video and photo studios. The move commits the 15-year-old firm to Bristol as it continues to grow. Founder Johnny Palmer, 31, said: “Despite over 80 per cent of our work being in London, the whole team agrees that we would never want to move the business away from Bristol
Credit union launches business loan service ● A CREDIT union has launched its first business loans, aimed at small firms in the area. Somerset Savings and Loans credit union, based in Portishead, has committed £150,000 to business development loans to encourage growth in the local economy and support job creation. Treasurer Paul Urch said the move reflected the increasing maturity of the credit union in the local marketplace. He said: “We have a simple business model – we borrow and lend locally, keeping wealth in the community, providing a sensible dividend to savers and affordable loans to our members. We have the appetite to lend and we are determined to demonstrate we value your business, whether it is a well-established SME or a start-up.” A typical loan of £10,000 over five years would result in repayments of £222.44 per month, with a total interest charge of £3,346.67.
Redhead’s continental services in demand
● SXS Events founder Johnny Palmer; below, in his new warehouse The business puts on events for customers including the RAF, Shell, Axa and London Fashion Week, providing services including design, fabrication, live audio, lighting, video production, set building, rigging and live event infrastructure. It has grown from humble beginnings. Johnny moved to the UK from Tasmania as a teenager. He founded the business in a garage in 1998, initially as a sound and lighting provider for parties, weddings and presentations. It grew into an event design and production business and has produced more than 5,000 events to date. Johnny said: “I am so proud of what we have achieved as a company in the last 15 years; it’s been an incredible journey and I have no doubt the next 15 hold just as much promise.”
as it’s such a creative, vibrant and affordable city.” The firm bought the 20,000 sq ft warehouse and some brownfield land with it for storage as part of its growth strategy. Johnny said: “In the last 18 months, the company has seen phenomenal growth and as we come to the end of our financial year, we’re on track to double our turnover (from £991,000 to around £2 million) and triple our profit. “This has put us in a great position to purchase the new premises to increase our capacity so we can be more efficient, especially with building live event infrastructure. The economy is good for young, nimble companies like ours and the future is bright, so now is definitely the right time to invest in the future.”
Networking
Sign up today for the next Bristol Connected... ● Graham Randall, of BDO, with Ian Muir, Bristol Connected, at a previous event Pic: Michael Lloyd ployees can afford to ignore and while many larger firms are already signed up, smaller businesses face getting to grips with the issue soon. There will also be the usual networking opportunities.
Post assistant editor (business), Gavin Thompson, said: “We’re excited about this extra-special Bristol Connected because it will give businesses the chance to start tackling the biggest headaches they face in the
coming months. But also because it’s at such a great venue. And because of that, we’re able to increase the ticket numbers so that more people can come along. “However, tickets for previous events have gone very quickly, so don’t delay in signing up.”
● Bristol Connected: ‘Auto-Enrolment – Are You Ready?’ takes place on Wednesday, June 4, at Bristol Zoo’s Clifton Pavilion. Doors open at the earlier time of 5.30pm for networking and a chance to look around, with the speakers starting at 6.15pm. There will be refreshments plus more networking time after the speakers. To register for free tickets, search Bristol Connected on Eventbrite.
● LOGISTICS business Redhead International says growing demand for its services to France and Germany reflect an increased appetite for exporting from the region. The firm, which opened a depot in Bristol two years ago, offers a 48-hour door-to-door service to both countries. The demand for its services has been particularly strong from businesses looking to transport between one and four pallets internationally. Managing director, Tony Suggitt, said: “Bristol and the South West have been an important part of the company’s plans since we opened the office in the city in 2012. To see demand for our German and French services growing, despite the recession, is really positive.” The firm has seven depots across the UK and Ireland and a turnover of £30 million a year.
Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1
Writer Rupert Janisch Email business@ b-nm.co.uk Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call07828 941469 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Shama Abokor, Regional Business Account Executive Call 0117 934 3426 Emailshama.abokor@ b-nm.co.uk
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THE Bristol Post is holding an extra-special Bristol Connected business networking event... at the unusual location of Bristol Zoo. The event will be the third Bristol Connected, with the first two oversubscribed within days of free tickets being made available. This time, the event is in association with Clifton Asset Management and has the theme Auto-enrolment: Are You Ready? It will feature a selection of top speakers – to be announced at a later date – from the workplace pensions field, who will be able to answer questions about how businesses can and should be preparing for the looming issue of auto-enrolment. It’s an issue no business with em-
Finance
Logistics
“ The economy is good for young, nimble companies like ours and the future is bright, so now is definitely the right time to invest in the future.” Johnny Palmer
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Development
Historic square’s revival boosted by £3.5m project Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
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RCHITECTS based in Redland are working with a city developer to undertake a £3.5 million renovation of buildings in Portland
Square. O’LearyGoss architects has teamed up with Barnett Developments to create Portland Heights in the square in St Paul’s. The first phase, of 19 energy efficient apartments, was recently completed and the second phase is due to be finished by the autumn. Work on the third phase will start in the summer and will involve redeveloping a garage into a mix of flats, four townhouses and two office units. The development marks a further renaissance of Portland Square, which was a popular residential area for prosperous Bristol merchants during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
However, after riots in the city in 1831, many merchants decided to move to Clifton and the square fell into decline. It became partially derelict after the bombing of the city centre during the Second World War. Architect Robert O’Leary said: “Portland Square is 200 years old and one of the finest examples of a Georgian square in the UK, which was badly bombed on December 2, 1940. “With only around 9,000 grade one-listed properties in the UK and half of those ecclesiastical, Portland Square is vital to preserve, protect and improve. “The five-storey concrete building, dating back to 1973, was completely stripped back to a bare shell and O’LearyGoss and Barnett Developments achieved an excellent industry design standard for noise and energy. Portland Heights is set to be nominated for two building awards this summer.” The developers worked with local artist Wei Ong, known as Silent Hobo, to create a new mural at the building’s base to celebrate Bristol’s famous street art culture. Nick Barnett, of Barnett Develop-
ments, which is based in Portland Square, said: “It’s a privilege to work on one of the most up-and-coming areas of Bristol. “The council is supportive of re-
generating this important historic area and it is wonderful to partner O’LearyGoss, which has created amazing designs in Bristol and surrounding areas.”
● Lorna Barnett, Nick Barnett, of Barnett Developments, and architect Robert O’Leary in Portland Square
Start-ups
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Agency chief’s ‘delight’ as dozens of firms launched MORE new businesses are getting started in North Somerset, according to new figures. The North Somerset Enterprise Agency launched 39 new firms, creating 44 jobs, between January and March. The start-ups include an aromatherapist, online crafts seller, hairdresser, landscaping company and a property maintenance company. Agency chief executive, Angela Hicks, said: “We are delighted to report a strong start to the year in terms of start-up numbers and also that we have a steady flow of potential business owners talking to us about how we might support them in launching their businesses this year. “Following a year in which the UK's new business numbers swelled by more than half a million, business ambition is clearly remaining high, which is great news for the local and national economies as new companies create jobs and, in turn, wealth. “We are thrilled that so many local businesses are choosing to start out with information, advice and support under their belts, as research shows this is the best approach to creating a sustainable business.” For many start-ups, surviving the first year can be a real struggle. But the agency reports that 33 of the 38 businesses it helped launch in the same period last year are still trading. And looking back further over three years, of the 27 firms started in January to March 2011, 22 are still going strong. The enterprise agency is about to open its own business centre next month, the Hive, based in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area. The purpose-built centre will be a new home for the agency, but also a place for businesses owners to move when taking
● Angela Hicks that step out of the back bedroom or garage into their first office. Businesses that move in will get free support and advice from the agency simply for being there. Angela said: “With our own business development centre, The Hive, opening its doors at Weston Business Quarter next month, it will enable us to support new and growing businesses with more facilities and services in addition to our ongoing free or low-cost business advice, support and training, “This is already looking to be a great year for North Somerset business enterprise.” The agency is a not-for-profit organisation encouraging local enterprise and job creation. Firms in North Somerset looking for support can visit www.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Sponsors
Business awards
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Cycle post Service delivers major cash savings for doctors’ surgeries Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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OCTORS’ surgeries have been taking advantage of a local postal service that delivers by bicycle to get important documents around
the city. St George Health Centre and Fallodon Way Medical Centre in Henleaze are among the customers of Velopost, a green Bristol delivery service. Susan Fowler, practice manager at St George, said the decision saved time and money. “We have been using Velopost on a daily basis for almost a year. I use the service to post to the local area because it reduces both the cost of stamps and time spent sending post, too,” she said. The centre posts roughly 600 letters per calendar month. A saving of 20p per letter means they reduce the cost of postage by £1,440 a year. Peter Yates, management support assistant, oversees all postal correspondence for the Fallodon Way Medical Centre. He said: “I knew about the service as I had used it at a previous practice because of the savings offered. “This practice was sceptical of the promised delivery time at first, but the service has proved perfectly satisfactory and customer support very helpful, too.” Fallodon posts roughly 500 letters a month. Velopost estimates the practice is preventing the generation of 168,000 grams of CO2 each year. Peter said: “It is a bonus to be able to do our part for the environment, too.” Velopost is an environmentally friendly way to post to Bristol and Bath. Bikes and electric vehicles offer a collection and delivery service, delivering in less than two days, and for 20 pence less than the cost of a second class stamp. Velopost has 14 cyclists covering, on average, 25 miles a day each, delivering 20,000 to 25,000 pieces of mail around Bristol and Bath each month.
● Cyclists deliver important documents around the city
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, Since it was founded in 2011, it has delivered more than 700,000 letters and estimates its saves around eight tonnes of C02 each year. Director, Joe Broadway, said: “At a time when staff resources and budgets are under immense pressure
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 in the healthcare sector, cost-effective and time-saving solutions are always welcome. We also appreciate the important nature of the documents sent in the post, which is why an increasing amount are choosing to adopt our service.”
● 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
Velopost has entered the environmental business category of the Bristol Post Business Awards. Entries for the awards must be submitted by Friday. To enter, visit the website at www.bristolpost.co.uk/businessawards.
Sponsor profile
Family values are crucial for BOM
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products and services and driving the local economy for local people. The draw to other cities or towns is appealing to many, but family-run business should remain in Bristol and continue to help drive the city’s growth. At BOM, we know and understand the struggle at times that running a business presents, and awards of this type are important in showing recognition. Such recognition and praise may just help fuel the next
working day and desire for success when things aren’t going to plan. It’s often refreshing to deal with a family-run business, where the values are high and good service is the main focus for retention and growth of its customer base – where work isn’t just a place, it’s where they share the challenges together and work as a team, as family, pushing for the best. We believe putting people at the centre will help deliver the goals with the very DNA of those in the business wanting the same things. The city offers a great support network and what better place to start than with the family-run business. BOM would like to wish all those nominated the very best and we are looking forward to hearing about the goals, dreams, visions and successes we all share in business.
● Members of the BOM team during a Microsoft Cloud Services training day. The firm offers IT solutions for businesses of all sizes
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HY the family business of the year award? Well, it kind of chose us really. After 55 years of incorporation and still family-owned, we at BOM recognise the values of a family-run business and are proud to be associated with this year’s Family Business of the Year Award. As a Bristol-born business and supplying IT services to businesses of all sizes, we feel family-run business is a key area to further developing Bristol and the surrounding areas. Over the years the city of Bristol has seen many small family-run businesses develop into some of the city’s largest and most successful companies. As a result of these successes, many of those businesses remain in Bristol, offering a great choice of
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Transport
● Above, Damola Johnson, Rich Malone, Sarah BRML20140424D-001 Page and Lyle Finlay
● Lyle Finlay, previously managing director of Claire’s Accessories, is aiming to set up a chain of independent bike stores
Pic: Michael Lloyd BRML20140424D-003
Wheels turning Bike store chain starts here Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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OST of Lyle Finlay’s career has been in big retail chains. He was managing director of Claire’s Accessories and more recently European retail director at discount chain TK Maxx. So it’s something of a surprise to find him running a bike shop in Clifton. But he has done just that – with his business partners he bought
independent store Bike UK in Clifton, along with another store in Taunton. The goal is to create a small “chain of independent bike stores”. Lyle, who has also held senior positions at Olympus Sports and Nike, said: “I’m now in a position where I can get a better work-life balance. I’m a passionate cyclist, so the opportunity to combine a passion with my retail experience was great.” Lyle is spending a bit more time on the golf course, but the bike business is his main focus. He says the learning curve is on both sides – he picks up things from
Finance
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repairs,” he said. That’s why the shop offers free servicing for life on bikes it sells. The refit includes launching a new Shimano brand service centre – just the fourth in the UK. It is stocking more brands, including Giro’s New Road clothing. The cycle range has expanded, too, with brands such as Wilier, Whyte, Focus, Orange, Ridgeback, Marin and Orbea. He hopes to acquire more stores – but retain their own brands and heritage – and increase the stores’ buying power as the numbers grow. He said: “There is some room to
grow in the sector, but not as much as people think. You have to work hard for it.” But Lyle says Bristol is a great place for the first store. “Our core business is commuters,” he said. “Bristol’s a fantastic commuter city. Throughout my travels I’ve seen good and bad cities for cycling commuters and Bristol’s up there alongside Edinburgh.” The shop sells bikes from £250 to £5,500, but the £1,000 price point is the most popular. It plans to host a range of events as it attracts new customers, such as evenings dedicated to women riders.
Contest
Control of portal may be switched FINANCE firms behind an alternative lending portal have offered to hand over control of the site as part of a Government review into ways to get money flowing into business hands. In its submission to the consultation, the alter nativebusinessfunding group proposed that the Government outsourced the management of its platform to an independent organisation to ensure its neutrality, with the platform funded by a membership fee. The platform would be used to match businesses referred by banks with funders, offering another way for small and medium-sized firms to
the experienced bike shop staff and their specialist knowledge, and in return they learn from the insight he gained at larger retail businesses. The Clifton store has been expanded and was officially relaunched on Thursday, with a bigger repair shop. The store has stayed open while the expansion and refit has been carried out, and Lyle said the team, which includes six sales staff and six servicing staff, had done an “excellent job” working through it. “We want to make the workshop the heart of the business because while you can buy bikes online you will always need somewhere to go for
find the finance they need to grow. Adam Tavener, pictured, chairman of pensionledfunding.com, an ABF member and the catalyst for the creation of the portal, said: “It seems that both the relevant Government departments and our peers recognise the effectiveness of the ABF portal in guiding an SME owner quickly and simply to a likely source of finance, without cost, bias or risk.” The consultation, proposed by the Chancellor in the March Budget, is looking at how to deliver on proposals to make banks refer SMEs rejected for loans to alternative lenders.
Seven up for Dan’s perfect Pitch A COMPETITION for entrepreneurs, which started in Bristol, is running for the seventh year. Applications are now open for The Pitch, which has grown into a nationwide event from its local roots. Applicants are whittled down to a shortlist of 100 to attend boot camps in London and Manchester. There they will get advice on pitching and growing their business. Then 30 finalists will be chosen to come to Bristol for the grand final at the Paintworks on October 23. The finalists will pitch in front of judges including serial social entrepreneur and founder of CrowdMission.com, Karen Darby, Company Shortcuts boss Lara Mor-
gan, who built luxury toiletries provider Pacific Direct into a £20 million business, and Judith Bitterli, serial entrepreneur and chief marketing officer at AVG Technologies. Event founder, Dan Martin, pictured, said: “The Pitch has come a long way since our humble beginnings in 2008, and we are delighted to be back for a seventh year. There aren’t many business competitions that have lasted that long. “From day one, our aim has been to support Britain’s innovative en-
trepreneurs who are so crucial to the success of the UK economy. “We’ve helped thousands since we launched, but The Pitch 2014 is set to be the best competition yet. We can’t wait to meet this year’s crop of entrepreneurial talent.” The eventual winners gets a package of business support, including free taxi travel, free access to business lounges around the world, PR consultancy and more. Entrepreneurs who wish to apply can do so at www.thepitchuk.com. Entries close on July 13.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
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The Big Interview
DESIGNS WILL MAKE CHORES ‘A PLEASURE’
“ We are a family business and think of our consumers as part of the family – they are loyal to us and they remain at the forefront of our minds when designing and creating stylish products that they can enjoy and be proud of, too Tijn van Elderen
Gavin Thompson meets Tijn van Elderen, the chief executive of Brabantia, a firm making household items that has designs on being pretty as well as practical
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RABANTIA is a business that reaches into many of our homes. If you’re not convinced, have a look at who made your kitchen bin. But as the Dutch family firm, which has its UK base in Nailsea, makes the transition to the fourth generation of leadership, it is also transforming from a business that makes useful things to one that designs beautiful objects. Chief executive, Tijn van Elderen, said: “Our transformation to a global interior design brand was the next logical step for us, helping us inspire and delight our consumers, fitting into their stylish world. “We are a family business and think of our consumers as part of the family – they are loyal to us and they
Timeline ● Brabantia was founded in 1919 as Van Elderen & Co in Aalst, Netherlands. ● It began making milk cans, jugs, sieves and funnels before diversifying into radio casings for Philips in 1930. ● The firm was an early recycler... after the war, in 1945, it helped to recycle old milk powder tins into cups. ● It launched its first pedal bin range in 1955. ● The Patrice pattern, which became a kitchen staple, was launched in 1970. ● In the late 1970s and 1980s the firm expanded sales across Europe.
“Our aim is to enrich the quality of life of our consumers with beautiful interior designed products that make daily chores a pleasure – products that they can enjoy every day, for as long as they want. That’s Designed for Living. “Our new collection represents the new Brabantia – new colour palettes, must-have accessories and all with an element of surprise in the design. It’s our most exciting time to date in over 90 years of business.” The UK is a big market for the firm and in many ways has driven the shift to more design-led interior products. “People don’t buy anything anymore that doesn’t look good. If it doesn’t look good, people choose something else,” said Tijn. So it’s not surprising the firm has a base here. Unlike many businesses
that choose Greater Bristol for its transport links or talented graduates, Brabantia’s decision was less thought through. “It’s historical,” said Tijn. “The previous marketing manager started in 1973 in the UK. He was a resident of Nailsea, so that’s where we are.” But the site is important for the business and Tijn is a regular visitor. It employs about 60 people here as its UK sales force and to assemble “volume” products – “so we don’t keep having to ship 50 litres of air,” explained Tijn. Historical ties are central to a family business. Tijn started his career with drinks supplier Diageo before joining Brabantia 15 years ago, but as a family member he considers himself to have been with the firm 44 years. He’s 44.
“Every time we are asked if we want to sell the company, when we get together and we ask the family it’s clear we don’t want to,” he said. “When we took over a couple of years ago, we agreed almost unanimously to continue as a family company.” Tijn has three children, aged five, nine and 10. He’d like to see them take over one day. “The most important thing as a business is to make sure you deliver value in the eyes of your target group – that’s what it’s about,” he said. “The only reason we will exist in another 95 years is that people understand we provide them with value. “My goal is to make sure we hand over the company in better shape to the fifth generation than when we took over.”
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remain at the forefront of our minds when designing and creating stylish products that they can enjoy and be proud of, too.” The origins of this shift, which the company is calling Designed for Living, go back two-and-a-half years to when Tijn and his peers became the fourth generation of the family to run the business. About that time, Brabantia undertook some market research by talking to women – who remain its target consumer – in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK. The feedback was very positive on quality, something the firm had worked hard to establish after branding itself a “solid company” in 1997. But it was also revealing. “The answer we got was very clear,” said Tijn. “They loved us and they
thought our products were high quality and they loved our services. But with our designs they thought we could be a bit more surprising – positively surprising.” The firm is making changes as a result, reflecting the consumer shift from practical to pretty – a trend led by designers such as Orla Kiely and Emma Bridgewater. “The road from head to heart is twice as long as the road from heart to head,” said Tijn, “so it makes business sense for the firm to make products people want, not just need.” Another, more surprising, finding from the research was that Brabantia’s products lasted too long! “We heard the fact that sometimes the product was too durable,” said Tijn. That doesn’t mean it will be making cheap rubbish anytime soon, however. He said: “There’s nothing more annoying than a household item that doesn’t work. We guarantee our products for 10 years.” But he said people want to be able to change sometimes, which the firm is addressing in two ways – making some items changeable, such as with parts you can swap, and making its wares more recyclable. “The first step was how could we change our products in a positive way,” said Tijn. “We have looked at kitchen tools, where you can swap the back of the tool so you can change the colour once in a while. “Also, people don’t want to throw away something that is still working, so we are introducing a concept of cradle to cradle.” He explained most products were cradle to grave, which meant something was made from raw materials then thrown away at the end of its life. Cradle to cradle means you take raw materials, make them into a product and at the end of its use it is taken apart and the materials reused to make something else. “We want to make sure people don’t feel guilty when they throw good working products away,” said Tijn. “They told us they like to change once in a while, but they want the product to last as long as they want it to, not as long as we want, so we added a touch of recycle-ability to it.” Brabantia makes hundreds of products, so a change in philosophy doesn’t appear on shop shelves overnight. One of the first products in its new wave is the flat back pedal bin – getting rid of that annoying problem when the bin lid whacks the wall every time you open it. So those practical solutions are still at the core of Brabantia products.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
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Food industry focus
PUTTING LOCAL FOOD FIRST CAN BE As Bristol gears up to host a major food festival, starting tomorrow, Gavin Thompson looks at the state of the industry locally and how attempts to make the city more sustainable could affect it in future
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HE food and drink industry locally is growing in confidence and is upbeat about its prospects, despite concerns about the price of raw materials and energy, as well as worries over whether the recent floods will have disrupted production. Bristol is buzzing about the start of the Bristol Food Connections festival tomorrow, celebrating the city’s vibrant independent food sector. At the same time, a regional survey by business advisers Grant Thornton and Taste of the West found 60 per cent of food and drink businesses based in the South West were feeling more optimistic than a year ago. Three-quarters expect turnover to increase and 85 per cent see being in this region a distinct advantage in the market. John Sheaves, chief executive of Taste of the West, which represents 8,000 members in the region, said: “These results bear out the overwhelming message that I have picked up from our membership, which is that the sector is resilient, buoyant and positive about its prospects.
“ These results bear out the overwhelming message I’ve picked up from our membership, which is that the sector is resilient, buoyant and positive about its prospects
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John Sheaves “I am particularly pleased to see that 20 per cent are looking at international markets for growth, which demonstrates a clear shift in recent years to broaden and differentiate the market for food and drink products made in the South West. “There is not only a buy-local offer but a Made-in-the-South-West offer, too, which helps to broaden the appeal. Also, linked to this is the strong provenance brand the region is now using to back up quality and integrity claims in national and international markets.” James Morter, right, food and beverage partner at Grant Thornton in Bristol, believes that investment made during the downturn will be rewarded in the coming years. He said: “Many of the most suc-
Award-winning trio to launch new restaurant Case study ● ITALIAN restaurant Rosemarino opened its doors in November 2010 and has set out to quietly build a reputation since, with several Bristol Good Food awards under its owners’ collective belts. The business has done well enough for the trio of Sam Fryer, 32, Mirco Bertoldi, 33, and Tony De Brito, 41, to open a second restaurant in July. The three of them gained experience in some of Bristol’s many top dining establishments,
including the Glassboat, Riverstation, Hotel Du Vin and Goldbrick House – the latter where they all worked together for the first time. “Our concept is simple,” said Tony. “We offer all-day dining options with emphasis on top-quality food served every day. “Breakfast doesn’t stop at midday, but continues to run alongside our lunch menu. “Dinner is inspired by traditional regional Italian dishes, but executed with a modern twist.” The menus are changed monthly to keep them fresh and seasonal – a key ingredient for the Bristol foodie scene. And while, to be authentic Italian, many ingredients are imported from the country, this is combined with locally sourced fish, meat and veg. Perhaps less typically for an Italian, breakfast is an important part of the business, with the restaurant tucked away between Park Street and Clifton Village – a popular brunch spot, or place to find a hangover cure. The new restaurant, in Colston Street, will keep the Rosemarino brand and concept. But Sam said: “We’re also
cessful food and drink producers have reacted to difficult times by streamlining their processes and investing in technology and new product development. Now, as we enter a more benign environment, food and drink businesses will have a crucial role to play in the region’s economic recovery, so it is good to see our latest survey painting such a positive picture of the sector.” But he says the rising price of raw materials and energy would be a drag, along with the “burden” of regulation and VAT.
● Sam Fryer, Mirco Bertoldi and Tony De Brito; below, filetto di merluzzo con carciofi
ramping up our early evening plans, with a strong focus on aperitivo, which really suits the pre-theatre, post-work crowd. Expect plenty of Campari and
In Bristol, the mood is certainly upbeat. Bristol Food Connections is a 12-day festival celebrating the independent food culture in the city. Curator Lorna Knapman, far right, said: “This is about bringing good food back down to earth and enjoying eating simple food together with friends and family. “It aims to reconnect communities, reconnect people to the seasons and encourage
antipasti between 5pm and 7pm.” Mirco added: “Italian cuisine is more than pizza, spaghetti bolognese and Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling. Our
people to place food higher on the list of priorities.” It is hoped those connections will see Bristol move towards a more sustainable food economy, with more locally grown produce. The Bristol Food Policy Council, whose members are made up of representatives from the sector and supported by the city council, has an ambitions vision for the city.
concept is authentic, simple, tasty and real. My family has been a huge inspiration and central to the evolution and success of the business.”
It believes the city should have fresh, seasonal, local and regional, organic and fairly traded food staples available at affordable prices in all local shopping centres. If that sounds a bit knit-your-ownyoghurt for your taste, there are business reasons behind it. Buying from local, independent food shops and traders is said to be better for local employment and can make a significant contribution to Bristol’s economy. The policy council’s food plan says there needs to be a significant in-
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Wednesday, April 30, 2014
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RECIPE FOR A THRIVING ECONOMY What’s on the festival menu... ● The Bristol Food Connections Festival runs from May 1-12 with a host of events. If you want to start early, here’s a few things on this week: ● The Food Trail: From Easton to Bedminster, and even further afield, festival-goers will experience first-hand what makes Bristol’s food culture so special. More than 50 restaurants, cafes, shops, street food vendors, pop-ups and bakeries all over the city will offer special dishes, produce, deals, menus, tastings and events over the course of Bristol Food Connections. ● Eat Drink Bristol Fashion, a pop-up restaurant, tapas bar and live music venue showcasing the best of Bristol’s food and music scene, opens. Set in a festivalstyle ‘tipi village’ against the iconic backdrop of Queen Square, it hosts a line-up of the South West’s best known chefs, who each take over the fine-dining restaurant for a night.
● The Wholesale Fruit Centre, Bristol chairman Robert Smith and director Tim Down
Market hopes for a key role in changing culture
crease in the number and market share of independent food retailers and restaurants selling so-called “good food”. The trend in recent years has instead seen the rapid growth of supermarkets over other food sellers. The Who Feeds Bristol report in 2011 showed the big four supermarkets of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons had grown the number of stores they owned in the West of England from 19 to 76. This has only gone one way since, with their move into the convenience store market with the likes of Tesco Ex-
Case study have consolidated in order to compete. “Our traditional customer base of the independent shop has been unquestionably shrinking because of the growth of the supermarkets,” said Tim. “Your high street greengrocer can compete on price, freshness and availability, but people are not shopping for food on the high street.” He said some of that business
had been replaced in the market by the increasing trend of eating out. “We don’t supply the supermarkets,” Tim said. “But the restaurants, pubs and catering businesses have increased and some of that trade has come through to us, although not all because some of that food comes in pre-prepared forms.” The wholesalers who are part of the market have a combined turnover approaching £100 million annually, so it’s still big business. The premises are 45 years old and
will need to be redeveloped at some stage in the not too distant future, although no plans have been drawn up yet. And Tim would like to see the market play a bigger part in changing food culture in future. He said: “We have become more obese as a nation and that needs to be addressed. “Cooking from scratch is something that can be a factor in reducing obesity and therefore that’s something we would like to be involved in.”
press and Sainsbury’s Local shops. The food policy council isn’t so bold as to try to stop existing supermarkets, but it does want to see more intervention into where new ones can be built. It says: “While there is always a place for supermarkets in the food industry, Bristol must be strategic in its retail planning; controlling supermarket expansion
and only allowing new sites where it will be beneficial for the local community.” Its vision is for locally-grown food to be processed, stored and distributed and sold locally through independent retailers. It may seem utopian, but then who would have predicted a few years ago that Bristol would have its own local currency? But the Bristol Pound appears to be thriving
among local independent traders. Whether it is through this grassroots production and sale, the big four supermarkets or somewhere inbetween, food is certainly big business in Bristol. More than 4,500 firms in the city are registered with the local authority public food register. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg (lettuce?). There are the rural food producers in the surrounding authorities areas, from Lye Cross Farm to Thatcher’s Cider. And Avonmouth has become a distribution hub for the big industry
● A Celebration of Apples, Land and Heritage: The Stables, Canon’s Road, Harbourside, will be serving more than 70 types of cider during the festival, as well as a special tasting board selected by four ‘Masters of the Cider Universe’. They will also be hosting an event on Friday from 5-6pm with Fiona Beckett and cider experts. ● For more information see bristolfoodconnections.com.
players – for example, Asda opened a chilled centre the size of 28 football pitches last year and Farmfoods recently announced plans for a new depot. With one in 10 jobs in the West of England in some way related to food and drink, as an economy we are what we eat. If we can combine Bristol’s taste for a more sustainable diet with our geographic advantage as a distribution hub with strong connections north, east, south and west, and a business hunger to export more, we’ll be in pretty good shape.
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● THE Wholesale Fruit Centre, Bristol, is the only fruit and veg wholesale market in the South West. Without it, independent food retailers would have to go west to Heathrow, north to Birmingham or east to Cardiff for their fruit and veg. Based in St Philip’s, the market continues to succeed, despite challenges. Director Tim Down said there were now eight wholesalers at the market, which operates as a co-operative. There used to be more, but they
● Pizza Pandemonium: Harts Bakery in Temple Meads is turning into a pizzeria again for one night only from 5-9pm on Friday. No bookings, no booze, no plates, just pizza!
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Know how John Bonney Online marketing specialist
Wordpress platform offers many benefits
W
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ORDPRESS is a free, open-source and powerful blogging and content management system, that can be used for a variety of business and personal uses. As it’s open-source, this means that the technology behind Wordpress is transparent, which makes it easier for developers to create and test new features. Whether you’re setting up a new company blog, or looking for a new website, Wordpress may just be your new digital platfor m. Forbes estimated that 60 million websites online were on the Wordpress platform, and there are many big names making the most of what the most popular CMS has to offer. Companies such as, Mashable, UPS and Samsung, and even Katy Perry, all have blogs and websites based on Wordpress. This shows the versatility and the range of websites that can be provided. There are many free plug-ins and handy features that can aid you in making the best website you can. Themes allow you to change the design of your site in a couple of clicks. Many are free, although there are also paid options. Plug-ins are tools to increase the functionality of your site, such as Askimet, which fights spam comments. Using Wordpress for your website is beneficial in many different areas, search engine optimisation being one of them. Matt Cutts, head of Google’s web spam team, said it was designed to carry out SEO well, and when something gets Google’s approval, it has to be a great product. Although Wordpress is good for SEO ‘fresh out the box’, there are numerous plug-ins specially built for this purpose. Yoast is a highly recommended developer that has created many different features for every Wordpress site. It also has a great blog on Wordpress-based SEO, featuring everything from basic search engine optimisation to more advanced tactics, with an easy step-by-step guide. If you are not technically minded, Wordpress is the site you’ve been looking for. The layout makes it easy to change content, create posts and add photos – without knowing HTML. It’s perfect for anyone looking to play with their online presence. We recommend starting off slowly by creating a blog and playing around with plug-ins and themes. A blog is one of the most popular ways, at the moment, to drive relevant traffic to your site, and if you haven’t got one already, then head over to Wordpress.com and start creating! Sign up to Think Local – Online Marketing for Business seminar via eventbrite or email Craig Sheppard on c.sheppard@bathchron.co.uk.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Networking
BRISTOL’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY Breakfast briefing - trading in China ● BUSINESS leaders heard more about doing deals with China over breakfast yesterday. HSBC Commercial Banking hosted the briefing on a Smart Cities China trade mission, which will take local businesses to Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in November this year. The West of England China Bureau and the Red Dragon Advisors organised the briefing to encourage innovative high-tech and green technology firms to snap up one of the remaining places on the mission. Bureau director, Richard Lowe, said: “There are clear opportunities for deal-makers and innovators to promote their business and expertise in one of the fastest growing economies in the world, as well as assisting firms in securing partners, projects, start-up and export opportunities.” The briefing, at the bank’s Temple Back office, also gave businesses the chance to network with peers
● David Pinchard, of the Bristol Steering Group Pics: Dave Betts BRDB20140429B-006 who have already made trade connections in those markets. As a world leader in silicon and semi-conductor technology and the
● Nick Palmer, general manager of the environmental division at DPS Global BRDB20140429B-002
UK’s low-carbon innovation hub, Bristol is a front-runner in the race to link up with partner organisations in China.
● Richard Lowe, MD of HR and Training Solutions; CEO, Red Dragon Advisors BRDB20140429B-005
● Dr Owen Byrne, of Digtal TV Labs
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The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund - talk and charity auction ● AN inspirational talk and charity auction attended by more than 50 business leaders raised £2,500 for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. Mark Ormrod, a former Royal Marine commando who is the UK’s first triple amputee, and who wrote Man Down, visited the Pure Comms offices in Clevedon to deliver a motivational talk to business leaders. Pure Comms is a telecoms company with customers across the UK, including Bristol Airport and the auctioneer Bonhams. Following the speech, there was an auction with prizes donated by At-Bristol, Fishers Restaurant in Clifton and celebrity agent John Miles – who donated Noel Edmonds and Carol Vorderman memorabilia, an iPad mini, a signed Carl Froch boxing glove and many more. Mark also signed copies of his book and guests had a opportunity to talk to him one-to-one. Drinks were provided by Butcombe Brewery. Pure Comms managing director, Rob Vivian, said: “Mark delivered an inspirational speech that made you sit up and take note. The room was captivated by Mark’s story of resolve, determination and success
● Above left, Mark Ormrod, author of Man Down, signing books; above right, Pure Comms managing director Rob Vivian carrying out the auction; left, Mark with Rob before the event GALLERIES GALORE
FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at bristolpost.co.uk/business
against overwhelming odds.” Allan Finnie, a director at Pace, a printing and design company based in Clevedon, said: “It was a privilege to meet and listen to Mark. It won’t be something I’ll forget.” Mark himself added: “The evening was well attended and we raised a sizeable amount of money for charity. I’d like to thank Pure Comms for supporting us and everyone who attended.” Pure Comms unveiled a plaque outlining its support for the RMCTF. Over the coming months, it will be hosting more events to raise money for its cause.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Business diary
OUT AND ABOUT
FSB South Gloucestershire seminar: Today, 7pm-10pm, Aztec West Hotel, Almondsbury BS32 4TS. Register at www.fsb.org.uk. Institute of Directors Bristol branch Wednesday@6 Informal networking from 6-8pm today, at Radisson Blu Hotel, with speaker, Pacific Ocean rower Elsa Hammond. Free and open to non-members, but register by calling 0117 370 7785.
Golden Gift Appeal - TV Dragon Deborah Meaden
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V DRAGON Deborah Meaden called on Bristol firms to be more proactive about changing negative public perceptions of business. She was giving a talk at the M shed to raise money for the Golden Gift Appeal, which is hoping to raise £6 million for Bristol’s city centre hospitals. “There is a generalisation that big business and being wealthy is bad, but it can be good,” she said. She added that business should not be seen as a negative because it created the wealth for society, but companies could only change perceptions by doing positive things. The investor also revealed her personal reasons for supporting the appeal – her 10-year-old nephew was treated at the Children’s Hospital. “He received amazing care,” said Deborah. “The hospital is beautifully designed. We were able to stay with him, could visit when we wanted, it’s colourful and I thought, ‘this is great’.” But she said it contrasted with when her mother had been ill at hospital elsewhere in a much more depressing environment. So she was pleased to support Above and Beyond, the charity behind the appeal, because things like the environment, which were not always prioritised for NHS funding,
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Netwalking: Tim Macartney, of Embercombe, will lead a discussion entitled The Twin Trail of Leadership on a four-mile netwalking event in Clifton on Friday, from 10.30am. More at netwalkingsouthwest.co.uk. Feeding Tomorrow’s City: Discussing a fresh approach to connecting food, health and planning in the urban environment. Bristol-focused conference led by UWE. Tuesday, May 6, At-Bristol, Harbourside. See UWE website.
● Deborah Meaden taking questions from the packed audience at the M shed, pictured with BBC west of England business correspondent Dave Harvey made such a difference to patients. Deborah also told the audience of businesspeople about her own career, from selling handbags for Italian brands to running West Star Caravans and becoming a star of Dragons’
Den, where she and fellow investors listen to pitches from entrepreneurs and decide whether or not to put their own money in. In terms of advice, she said anyone in business should be able to explain
what their firm did in 30 seconds. For more on the appeal, go online to www.goldengiftappeal.org.uk or contact the charity's head of corporate partnerships, Lorna Clarke, at lorna.clarke@aboveandbeyond.org.uk.
FSB Bristol branch networking event: Free for members, networking. Wednesday, May 7, 9.30am-11.30am. 1 Friay Temple Quay BS1 6EA. Register at www.fsb.org.uk. The Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series: Networking and opportunity to hear leading business voice. Xavier Rolet, chief executive, London Stock Exchange Group. May 7. Venue to be confirmed. The Set.Social: Monthly informal networking night at The Set, at Bath Road Studios. First Wednesday of every month. Brings together like-minded people in the south of Bristol to meet, think, create over drinks and canapés. From 6pm. CBI South West Annual Lunch: At-Bristol, Harbourside, on Friday, May 9, sponsored by RBS. Tickets via Eventbrite. Ready for business workshop: Introductory workshops for anyone exploring the concept of self-employment or starting a business, at Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh BS8 3RA. 10am-4pm, Tuesday, May 13. Contact ready forbusiness@businesswest.co.uk.
● Above and Beyond chair of trustees Drummond Forbes with Denise Finch, director, business development, at NatWest, Bristol, and Susan Duncombe, Pictures: Chas Breton of RCI Europe
● Jo Day, sales manager of Oven Gleamers, Catherine Rogers, chief executive of Oven Gleamers, and Philippa Constable, founder and business owner of Women Mean Biz
Meeting the Challenges charity seminar: For charity trustees, officers and key volunteers involved in charity management and administration. Burton Sweet event at M shed, May 15, 8.45am-2pm. Email karen.chelton@burton-sweet. co.uk for booking inquiries. RICS South West Awards: Showcasing the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment. At Grand Thistle Hotel, Bristol, May 15, from 7pm. Bristol Junior Chamber Spring Drinks: The Bristol Junior Chamber’s summer social, at the RWA, Queen’s Road, Clifton, 6.30-8.30pm.
● Golden Gift Appeal board member Chris Monk with former intensive care patient Lucy Silverthorne, owner of Lucy Butler flowers, and her husband Steve Silverthorne
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● Gonzalo Trujillo, partner at Heron, Golden Gift Appeal board member Julian Telling, Lorna Clarke, of the hospitals' charity, and Jamie Cameron, senior associate, Burges Salmon LLP
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.
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The back page
Your digest of the week in business
People ● TLT has re-elected managing partner David Pester, below inset, for a further three-year term. This will be David's fifth term, having taken on the leadership role in 2002. Since 2002, the Redcliff Street-based firm has more than tripled in size, with revenues expected to exceed £55 million in 2014/15 and staff numbers likely to touch 1,000 in the next 12 to 18 months. The firm has focused on building expertise in key industry sectors, with Boohoo.com and E.ON recent additions to a client list. David said: “Our approach is simple – we want to be famous for our expertise and the responsive, efficient and collaborative way we deliver it.” ● Bristol-born Jamie Harwood has been promoted to become operational director for Midas Construction’s Wessex and Wales division just five months after joining the company. The Midas Group, an independent construction company based in Winterstoke Road, recruited Jamie as an operational manager in November 2013. Jamie, 39, will take responsibility for major developments, including a £16 million student accommodation facility in Bristol and a £7.5 million office refurbishment and the new Filwood Green Business Park being created in Knowle. Jamie said: “I know the area very well, having grown up here and worked locally in construction for many years, and I’m really enjoying working for Midas on some major developments which will really benefit the region.” ● Chartered accountancy firm Milsted Langdon, also in Redcliff Street, has made Susannah Adams, right, a partner in the practice. She now heads the firm’s growing corporate finance offering. Susannah said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been made a partner in this forward-thinking and responsive firm. I will be looking to encourage more family-run
weeks in Tower House, Fairfax Street, and joint agents Colliers International and JLL are predicting that high levels of activity seen at the beginning of the year will continue. Nasa Consulting joins Marr Corp, Financial Claims Made Simple and Astrum Element One, who between them have snapped up six suites. Jonathan Lipfriend, from Colliers International, said: “With a lot of secondary office space in the city centre being converted to residential, Tower House has attracted a lot of interest from tenants looking for newly refurbished space at a very competitive rate.”
Awards ● Starters at Thrings, Iain Mason, Edward Jackman and Natalia Sokolov businesses, which make up a significant percentage of our client base, to consider succession planning at a much earlier stage.” ● Law firm Thrings, based in The Paragon, off Victoria Street, has recruited three specialist solicitors to advise its growing portfolio of commercial property clients. They are partner Edward Jackman, associate Iain Mason and solicitor Natalia Sokolov. Commercial property partner, Colin Stratton, said: “There is a growing sense of confidence among developers, and the buoyancy in the market is being reflected in the range, quantity and complexity of projects that Thrings is being asked to advise on. Edward, Iain and Natalia are joining at an extremely exciting time.”
Places ● Three companies have moved to new premises at Quadrant Industrial Estate in Almondsbury following the completion of major refurbishment at the estate. The NHS, care services provider Eleanor Healthcare Group and Premier Contracts, a supplier of sanitaryware and bathroom furniture, have all moved there in a quick series of deals brokered by
● Tower House, Fairfax Street JLL and Russell Property Consultants. The hat trick of deals totals more than 40,000 sq ft and demonstrates the growing demand for well-connected and high-quality industrial space. Graham Walsh, operations and business development director of Eleanor Healthcare Group, said: “Location is paramount to what we do in serving the NHS, and Quadrant perfectly meets that need.” ● Nasa Consulting is the latest company to take space at the landmark Tower House in Bristol’s commercial centre. It was the sixth deal in as many
● Workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA is celebrating winning at the British Council for Offices Awards. The Montpelier company scooped the regional award for Best Corporate Workplace for its project with engineering firm Seco Tools (UK) Ltd. The scheme included a new reception, complete with a bespoke staircase, a technology and production centre, meeting, exhibition and auditorium suites, open-plan office accommodation, café, break-out areas and a gym. ● Veale Wasbrough Vizards, based in Orchard Lane, central Bristol, has received the Investors in People bronze award for going above and beyond in the way the firm develops, supports and motivates staff. Managing partner, Simon Heald, said: “Our people and culture are important to us. We are proud to have the reputation of being a friendly firm to work for and with.”
You may have missed ● The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors voiced concerns on Friday that a shortage of surveyors could stall the rise of Bristol’s housing market. ● Bank of England governor Mark Carney told the Bristol Post he was “comfortable” with low interest rates and didn’t see them changing while there was slack in the jobs market with many people wanting to work more hours. ● The first turf was cut at the Somerdale housing development, which will see Taylor Wimpey transform the site of the former chocolate factory.
The op-ed column
Smaller firms must make sustainability a priority
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RISTOL will receive £7 million of additional funding to support it as a European Green Capital, Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, announced on a recent visit to the city. This is great news for Bristol SMEs, which can help the local area environmentally while saving money to reinvest and nurture growth. For the private sector, the Government will also match funding to deliver a number of projects, offering an opportunity to explore new ideas on environmental sustainability. As part of the funding provided by the Government, there will be an expanding volunteer programme to
Martin Racher Area director SME banking Lloyds Bank commercial banking
support SMEs and front-line businesses to prepare for an increase in visitors and tourists during its tenure as the European Green Capital during 2015. A report commissioned by Bristol City Council found that the initial investment was predicted to generate around £215 million of additional economic activity for the UK. In addition, research from Lloyds Bank found that a quarter of small
companies in Bristol and Somerset cite sustainable business practices as one of their top priorities for this coming year. Businesses in the region clearly see the benefits of sustainability, and they are carrying out their environmental responsibilities through recycling and being energy-efficient. But for SMEs, sustainability also means interacting with charities, social enterprises and the community in which they operate; working responsibly within their supply chain and engaging with the next generation through, for example, apprenticeship schemes. Some sectors are really leading the way and other industries across the
Bristol and Somerset economy can follow their example and help underpin the growth we are now seeing with practices that will give us all a sustainable future. We are committed to doing all we can through mentoring and broader support to help small and medium sized businesses succeed. Whatever a business’s situation – whether it is looking to undertake a new property development or take advantage of new investment or growth opportunities – it is important to explore all the sustainable opportunities available and be confident in the fact that there are forms of support out there to bolster SME growth in Bristol.
In numbers Inflation (CPI)
1.6 2.5 2.4 0.5 3.99
Inflation (RPI)
Weekly earnings
Base interest rate
% % %
%
Ave mortgage rate % Corporation tax % Main rate
23
Small profits rate – below £300,000
20
%
Business current accounts
1.01% State Bank £10,000 deposit of India 0.25% £1 deposit
Business savings accounts 1.36% National Counties BS £1,000 deposit Bank of 1.25% Cyprus UK £1,000 deposit Source:
Petrol prices .16p
130 136 138 71
Unleaded
.38p Diesel
.46p Super unleaded
.14p LPG
Source: PetrolPrices.com