2
Business bristolpost.co.uk
www.
02 OCT 2013
INSIDE THE ETHICAL BANKER
Meet the man who runs Bristol-based Triodos ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
Hi-tech company wins third Queen’s Award for Enterprise WIN DESK SPACE
FAMILY BUSINESS
THE FAMILY WAY There are 250,000 family firms in the South West – we highlight some of these unsung heroes who are the backbone of the nation’s economy
Six months’ free space at Launch Point for a start-up or micro firm
EPB-E01-S4
2
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Augmented Reality
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Motors
Exciting new addition to your newspaper ● THE Bristol Post has teamed up with a digital communications specialist to pioneer a way to give readers more value from its print and online products. The Augmented Reality (AR) app for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets means readers can scan over an image such as a photo and it will releases additional content such as video. Andy Jackson, from Smith David Press, which has developed the app for the Post, said: “The augmented reality platform is ideal to offer great added value to a newspaper’s readers and advertisers – it makes print pop with exciting, entertaining and engaging features and allows readers to interact with a newspaper like never before. “It’s great that the Bristol Post is leading the way with this technology, and exciting that the paper’s readers are among the first in the UK to enjoy it.” Along with other titles in the Local World group, the Post began using the technology this week.
See Page 11
The Pitch 2013
● Williams Automobiles’ Elle, Richard and Henry Williams with Paul McKenna, relationship manager for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, and the rest of the team from the Chipping Sodbury-based prestige car dealership
Coffee to fuel venture lands top UK contest ● AN entrepreneur who turns coffee grounds into fuel has won one of the UK’s longest running small business competitions, which was staged in Bristol. Arthur Kay, founder of Bio Bean, was victorious in The Pitch 2013, held at the Paintworks in Bath Road. Mr Kay, who converts coffee grounds into second generation biodiesel and biomass briquettes, was one of 46 business owners who pitched during The Pitch Live, a 12-hour event, in the city where the competition was founded in 2008. London-based Mr Kay wins a package of business support including 12 months of mentoring from entrepreneur Karen Darby and a day with the co-founder of successful brand Morphsuits. Dan Martin, editor of BusinessZone.co.uk and founder of The Pitch, says: “The Pitch Live was phenomenal. It was our best event by far and the entrepreneurial energy in the room was massive!”
2 world firsts Simon Wilshire CIMA T4 - March / May 2013
Prestige car dealer races to award Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
A
PRESTIGE car dealership based in Chipping Sodbury has won a national award in recognition of its environmentally-friendly site. Williams Automobiles has seen such increased client demand since winning the Green Dealer of the Year Award that it has added two new members to its staff of ten and acquired new lines of stock. Originally, the firm was based in the centre of Bristol but moved to its new location to decrease overhead costs and provide an innovative new retail environment.
The 102-year-old family business is one of the largest dealers of Morgan cars in the UK and turns over £5 million a year. It also sells and services Lotus. It was established in 1911 by Harry Williams who took the company from selling horses and carts to motor vehicles and luxury cars. Richard Williams, chairman of Williams Automobiles, said: “We are very proud to win this award. We worked hard to convert the barns into something different and environmentally friendly which would attract the right customers for our specialist cars. We have seen a large increase in export sales and the commercial loan has allowed us to invest in stock without affecting our cashflow. “Lloyds Bank Commercial Bank-
ing has been very supportive of our plans, while showing a real understanding of our business and the automotive sector, and supporting our international trade requirements. The funding will help us expand into the growing racing market and increase our export sales.” Paul McKenna, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It is wonderful to see Williams Automobiles flying the flag for British business in overseas markets.” CAR DEALER’S AWARD
BUSINESS NEWS Our reporters file on the move, and you can keep up to date out and about via the mobile versions of our website bristolpost.co.uk/business
Event ‘supports coalition’s drive to build a culture of enterprise’ fi.co.uk
Fiona Walker ICAEW
Advanced Stage Business Change - July 2013
3 regional firsts
Samantha Barnes (2 papers) Tom Foster (1 paper) ICAEW Professional Stage - June 2013
100% pass rate
ICAEW Advanced Stage & Case Study for all our first time students - July 2013
92% pass rate
ACCA approved rate for all papers by first intuition Bristol students - June 2013
EPB-E01-S4
Aided by the support of a £200,000 working-capital facility from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, the new complex consists of converted rural barns designed to provide a special showroom to exhibit the bespoke cars. The dealership has a worldwide customer base with export orders contributing to 20 per cent of total sales. Highest demand for the company’s cars comes from Germany, followed by New Zealand, France and Denmark. Williams Automobiles received the Green Dealer of the Year Award for its efforts to run an environmentally-friendly site. Eco-friendly features of the showroom include wood-burning stoves, Cotswold stone walls, and efficient underfloor heating.
First Intuition Bristol, 6th Floor City Point, BS1 6PL
Government minister backs festival of women in business A GOVERNMENT minister has backed a Bristol festival of female entrepreneurship which takes place next week. Business Minister Michael Fallon, right, said: “More and more women are turning their business ideas into reality and becoming their own boss. “It is even more encouraging that Government schemes such as Start-Up Loans have reached out to female entrepreneurs, with around 40 per cent of loans now going to women. “Events such as (Bristol’s) Women Outside The Box support the Government’s drive to build a culture of enterprise and I hope this will inspire even more budding female entrepreneurs to realise their dream of starting and running their own business.” The event is headlined by Julie Meyer, a leading entrepreneur whose talk is about making that first million. The festival’s theme – she who dares – aims to encourage more women to take the leap of faith into business. The business exhibition and market areas
are free to enter. There is a charge for attending speeches and workshops. Bristol mayor George Ferguson said: “I am delighted that Women Outside The Box is again celebrating the many female entrepreneurs who are helping to shape the future success of Bristol’s economy. The fact that more than 700 people turned out on a wet and windy October day last year to what was a new event to celebrate female entrepreneurship shows there is a huge demand from women across the South West for this type of support. “Women Outside The Box plays a crucial role in helping women from Bristol and the surrounding areas realise their potential as successful businesswomen. It gives them the positive encouragement and recognition they deserve when starting up on their own. Small- and medium-sized enterprises make up the majority of businesses in the South West, so supporting female lead start-ups is of real importance.”
As well as the opportunity to hear from some of the most successful women in business in the UK, visitors will be able to attend workshops on a diverse range of topics including setting up a publication, how to start an online shop, getting crowd-funding and running an ethical business. Women who attend will have the opportunity to network, make contacts, buy from the market, meet suppliers and chill out in the pamper area. There will also be a net-walk around the quayside where women can walk and talk business at the same time. Event sponsors at gold level include Bristol solicitors Gregg Latchams LLP and email marketing specialists EssentiaMail, with the Institute of Directors partnering at the opening. Skylark Media Group, film-makers, are silver sponsors. Bronze sponsors include pamper experts The Beauty Event and BrunelOne.com, which launches a small- and medium-sized enterprise print service this autumn.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Technology
When the chips are down, this award-winning firm is here to help Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
A
COMPANY that builds equipment for testing tiny microchips is making a big impact as an exporter after being awarded its third Queen’s Award. Metryx, which moved from Nailsea to Aztec West 18 months ago, continues to grow and was presented the Queen’s Award for Enterprise by the Duke of Gloucester. The firm previously won the enterprise award in 2007, and scooped the innovation award the following year. The company supplies testing equipment to major microchip suppliers, such as Toshiba. Chief executive officer Adrian Kiermasz told Business: “There are
Fleet management
ALD’s deal to service training firm’s fleet ● ALD Automotive, based in Lodge Causeway, has secured a new three-year contract to supply fleet management services to one of the country’s top training providers. Clifton-based Lifetime Training has placed an initial order of 33 vehicles with ALD for its network of trainers based across the UK, with the potential for a further order of 300 more vehicles over the next three years. As Lifetime’s exclusive supplier of fleet management services, ALD will provide the business with a fleet of company vehicles combined with a range of services, including in-vehicle telematics and driver licence checking.
Sign up here for business news direct to your inbox every day
There are seven top “ players in the world and we supply five of them. To penetrate these companies is quite humbling
Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1
Adrian Kiermasz seven top players in the world and we supply five of them. We are a small company from Bristol. To penetrate these companies is quite humbling.” Although not keen to reveal specifics, the firm has a multi-million-pound turnover. Each machine will sell for $1-2 million (£600,000 to £1.2 million). The firm sells in dollars because that is better for its global customers. Sales grew 20 per cent last year and are set for around 2 per cent this year. Microchips are built in many layers – each one can involve 1,000 steps in the process. They are built on round discs called wafers which are then cut up into individual chips. Metryx’s success comes from discovering how to check wafers by testing the mass. If the mass is wrong,
3
● The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is presented to Metryx’s Adrian Kiermasz by the Duke of Gloucester. The firm Pic: Michael Lloyd BRML20130926A-006 supplies testing equipment to major microchip suppliers and ship it out, with no obligation to manufacturers are alerted immedibuy. It is the only way as many firms ately to a problem and can act quickly do not want their latest technology to fix it. to be let out of their sight in Mr Kiermasz said: “With case it falls into the hands our machines you can tell VIDEO of competitors. immediately if a process ONLINE Metryx sells directly has worked. With a lot of in Europe but uses measuring processes ADRIAN KIERMASZ agents in the US and you have to wait for the My top tips for Asia, including big results to come back – importing, go to: names. Cannon, for exand by the time you bristolpost.co.uk/business ample, handles selling have, several containers and sales support in of wafers have been proJapan. cessed. One wafer can be The company employs 20 worth $500,000 (£310,000) and people but outsources some asthere are 25 in a container.” pects of the work to avoid having to Even with the obvious benefits, lay off staff during leaner spells. The buyers will not order a machine market tends to be cyclical. without evaluating it first. Mr Kiermasz, 56, and his business To do that Metryx will build one
partner Rob Wilby, 51, founded Metryx in 2000. Both are physics graduates. Mr Kiermasz studied at Liverpool and Mr Wilby at Cambridge. They each had a successful career in industry, including six years in Silcon Valley for Mr Kiermasz, before setting up a business. Mr Kiermasz grew up in Portishead. When the firm started he returned to North Somerset, working from a barn in Nailsea. He said: “When people from firms like Toshiba visited, we had to take them through the country lanes. We had guys from Silicon Valley thinking ‘What is this?’. “We had to say ‘Yes, this is where we are – but this is where we are going’. And they believed us.”
Writer Rupert Janisch Email business@ b-nm.co.uk Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call 0117 934 3352 Email robert.rodgerson @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025 Email jane.chapman @b-nm.co.uk Advertising Simon Coy Call 07736 900 705. Email simon.coy@b-nm.co.uk
Best deals - How the numbers stack up Business current accounts
Business savings accounts
Bank of India
Bank of Cyprus
1.01% £10,000 deposit
Co-operative Bank
0.25% £1 deposit
United Bank Trust
1.75% £500 deposit
0.12% £1 deposit
United Bank Trust
1.50% £500 deposit
Unity Trust 0.10% Bank £25,000 deposit
Bank of India
1.49% £10,000 deposit
0.05% £1 deposit
Cambridge 1.45% & Counties £10,000 deposit
0.05% £500 deposit
Melton 1.20% Mowbray BS £1,000 deposit
Source: Business Moneyfacts - moneyfacts.co.uk
%
2.7 % 0.7
Weekly earnings
Base interest rate
%
0.5
Ave mortgage rate
%
3.99
Corporation tax
%
23 % 20
Main rate Small profits rate – below £300,000
Employer NI rates Standard rate on earnings above £148 per week
%
13.8 % 10.4
Employees in salary-related pension scheme earning up £770 p/w
EPB-E01-S4
Allied Irish Bank
1.75% £1,000 deposit
Inflation
4
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Conference
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Services
Drinks
Tackling challenges faced by fundraisers
Accountants net two wins at top awards
● MARKETING and fundraising challenges faced by those in the charitable sector come under the spotlight at a conference next week. The Chartered Institute of Marketing, has organised the event to take place on Wednesday, October 9 at Bristol Zoo Gardens. The keynote speaker is Professor Ian Bruce of the RNIB and the Centre for Charity Effectiveness at City University’s Cass Business School. He said: “Charitable organisations are facing unprecedented changes – not least from the fall in personal giving but also statutory funding cuts as well. These alone were estimated to be in region of £396 million during 2011/12. “At this conference, I am going back to the fundamentals so that charities can continue to control their own agenda.” Conference chair and CIM regional charity sector ambassador Rachel Baker, who is head of marketing and communications for Bristol-based St Monica Trust, said: “Add to these funding issues the increasing number of media channels and new digital marketing techniques that we need to harness to effectively engage more with donors and beneficiaries. Our roles have become more challenging and it’s these issues the conference will be addressing.”
● A BRISTOL accountancy firm had a double win at a prestigious industry awards event. Smith & Williamson, the accountancy and investment management group, was named accountancy team of the year and investment team of the year at the STEP Private Client Awards 2013/14. The firm was also a finalist in the multi-family office team of the year category. Jerry Barnes, head of private client tax services at Smith & Williamson’s Bristol office, said: “We wouldn’t have received this accolade without the wonderful commitment and dedication of our staff who are always prepared to go that extra mile for our clients. I would like to thank them for their continuing support and hard work.” John Erskine, head of investment management in Bristol, said: “To have both of our key private client teams win awards in their respective disciplines is a testament to the breadth, depth and quality of the services we offer.”
Development
● Thatchers managing director Martin Thatcher on orchards in Myrtle Farm with two members of staff
July heatwave sees huge thirst for Thatchers cider
Why builders should branch out into wood
Rupert Janisch
● CONSTRUCTION industry professionals are invited to an event next week to highlight the sustainability benefits of using timber in urban development. The event takes place on Thursday, October 13 and is hosted by Wood for Good with support from the Defra’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement (CPET). Called Growing Communities, Planning for a Sustainable Future the one-day event at Bristol City Hall will appeal to planners, policy makers, architects, contractors, developers and anyone involved in the procurement of construction materials or projects. Sessions, from 9.30am to 5pm, are free but registration is required.
ORTH Somerset cider producer Thatchers enjoyed record monthly sales in July, boosted by the year’s summer heatwave. The hot weather meant that the firm posted a highest-ever figure of £42 million turnover this year, to the end of August, continuing the consistent growth the Sandford company has seen over recent years. July saw the firm’s best month of sales since it was founded in 1904, and over the course of the year 60 million pints of cider were sold through pubs, clubs and retailers up and down the country. Managing director Martin Thatch-
Business@b-nm.co.uk
N
er said: “July’s sales in particular were phenomenal this year for us, the heatwave drew more people than ever to Thatchers. We estimated that we sold as much cider in that one month as we did in the whole of 2006. “It’s not only a reflection on the loyalty that the Thatchers brand receives from our customers here in the South West, but increasingly from many new customers in many parts of the UK. “Cider remains one of the most buoyant sectors of the drinks market, and with increased demand for good quality, craft ciders such as we produce here at Myrtle Farm, and continued innovation throughout the sector, things continue to look good for the industry.” The cold spring has resulted in harvest time coming a few weeks later than normal at Thatchers home on Myrtle Farm this year but gath-
ering in the crop of apples is now well under way. Over the coming month Thatchers, which employs around 100 staff, expects to press more than 450 tonnes of apples every day, with the fruit arriving not just from Thatchers’ own orchards in Somerset, but from its network of growers across the UK. Thatchers continues to reinvest profits in the business in a bid to continue its growth. This year £3 million is being invested in a new packaging plant, which will enable the firm to upgrade its kegging facilities, as well as install a new canning line and a second bottling line. The energy efficient building has been designed to promote Thatchers’ sustainable philosophy, including features such as solar panels, rainwater collection, natural ventilation, and it will be powered by the firm’s own biomass boiler.
Exporting
‘We can’t afford to ignore Indian market’ ● BUSINESSES can get advice on how to do business with India at a seminar next week. India is the second fastest growing economy, after China, and in 2012 the bilateral trade between the UK and India was £15.4 billion. UKTI regional director Russell Jones said: “India may seem a complex and challenging market, but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore. “Many South West companies have enjoyed considerable success in India but we would like to see more of the region’s businesses take advantage of the opportunities in this growing market.” The Doing Business in India workshop, being held on Wednesday, October 9 at Leigh Court in Bristol has been organised by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) South West in partnership with the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC). For further information and to book a place on the seminar, email events@uktisouthwest.org.
WIN DESK SPACE free for six months for your business
at Launch Point, worth up to £900
Launch Point is office space in the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone beside Temple Meads station, run by Business West to give a hassle-free and flexible way for companies to have a base without the long-term commitments.
EPB-E01-S4
Entrants must be either a start-up business or micro business (up to 10 employees) and have a turnover of less than £1.6 million a year.
Entry Form To enter, tell us why your business deserves to win and fill in the form below. My business should win Launch Point desk space for six months because:
Business name: Your name: Phone number: Email: A judging panel from the Bristol Post and Business West will select best entry as the winner. The closing date is 5pm on Friday, October 11. Entries can be posted to Launch Point Competition, Marketing department, Business West, Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3RA or filled out online at www.bristolpost.co.uk/launchpointcompetition. By entering this competition you agree to take part in publicity around it, including a story about the winner to be featured in the Bristol Post. Winners will be subject to the terms and conditions of Business West’s licence agreement at 2 Rivergate. Standard Local World terms and conditions apply, for a full list visit www.bristolpost.co.uk/houserules.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
5
Manufacturing
Technology
Growth grant will help firm to expand and take on five staff
Chancellor hails bid to beat land speed mark
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
A
COMPANY that makes webbing has netted a grant that will help it to hire five new people. Polystrop, based in Kingswood, is the latest beneficiary of the grant from the Going For Growth campaign, run by the Bristol Post and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership. The LEP is continuing to distribute money from the £25 million Regional Growth Fund, set up to aid jobs growth in the area and allow companies to develop and grow. GRANT WILL HELP FIRM TO EXPAND AND TAKE ON FIVE STAFF
BUSINESS NEWS ON THE MOVE Our reporters file on the move, and you can keep up to date out and about via the mobile versions of our website bristolpost.co.uk/business Polystrop has been awarded £21,000 which it will use towards new equipment to help it grow. And as part of its expansion it plans to hire five extra members of staff. The company has 36 years’ experience of manufacturing webbing lifting slings, roundslings, load restraint and webbing equipment. The products are used in a variety of industries, including offshore, marine, construction, engineering, power, defence and transport. Managing director Chris Porter said: “We need to increase our man-
LEP board member Joe McGeehan presents the Growth Fund certificate to Polystrop managing director Chris Porter ufacturing capacity in order to cope with the rising demand for our products. “We have already used our own resources to build an extension to our factory and we will be investing in excess of £100,000 on new production machinery. “The grant will allow us to go ahead with this investment more quickly and with greater confidence.
“We plan to safeguard existing jobs and eventually hope to appoint five new members of staff, to join the 21 people we currently employ. “Our investment will allow us to increase both the range and volume of the products we manufacture, strengthening our established position in the market.” said Mr Porter. LEP board member Joe McGeehan, who presented the grant, said he was
very impressed by what he had seen at Polystrop. “This is a tremendous business, competing successfully in a global market and producing some high quality material,” he said. “It is great to see a local manufacturer doing so well and I am confident the Regional Growth Fund contribution will help them do even better in the future.”
● A BRISTOL project attempting to break the land speed record has been lavished with praise by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In his speech at the Conservative Party Conference, George Osborne was talking up Britain’s engineering prowess and calling for the country to lead the way. He told the delegates in Manchester: “The other day I went to meet the people building a car that will travel at 1,000mph and break the land speed record. “And it’s not being built in Boston by some huge American defence company. It’s not being built in Beijing by the Chinese Government. “It’s called the Bloodhound. Built in Bristol by British engineers and British apprentices and British companies. “That’s why I say we are in charge of our own destiny.” It followed his visit to the Avonmouth headquarters of the project last month, pictured. Bloodhound driver Andy Green said: “It's great to be recognised on a national level for the role Bloodhound has played in promoting science and engineering in education. Bristol is once again at the forefront of British technology and innovation" Sign up here for business news direct to your inbox every day
Leadership & management
Communications
Hear leading figures deliver talks
Consultancy secures £250k of top deals
A HOST of top business leaders are set to deliver a series of talks to the business community. The University of the West of England’s Bristol Business School is launching the Bristol Distinguished Address Series in partnership with Bristol City Council, the Bristol Post, Business West, CBI, CMI, Institute of Directors and West of England Local Enterprise Partnership . The Post is sponsoring the first talk, featuring Jon Moynihan executive chairman of the PA Consulting Group, entitled Reflecting on the Economic Decline of the West. Professor Nicholas O’Regan, professor of strategy/innovation and en-
terprise who is overseeing the series, said: “The list of speakers so far is a particularly impressive one and could be seen as a Who’s Who list of UK and world business leaders.” Speakers choose their own topics and while the audience will include management students from the university it is open to private, public and not-for-profit sector businesses too. Guests are welcomed from 5.45pm at Bristol’s City Hall. The lectures are followed by a buffet supper – an opportunity for networking – and for delegates to talk with the guest speaker. Anyone interested in attending should contact events@uwe.ac.uk.
● David Potter, Professor Nicholas O’ Regan, James Durie, Sarah Pullen, Sue Fox, Tom McCarthy, Jason Sprague and Mike Norton
● RECRUITMENT communications and branding agency Genius Consultancy has won more than £250,000 of new contracts from high-profile organisations. The Queen Square-based consultancy has secured accounts with Morgan Sindall Professional Services, Aardman Animations, Legalmatters and, in association with GradWeb, Ford Motors and Imperial Tobacco. Peter Gibbons, managing director of Genius Consultancy, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to work with such high-profile organisations.”
Want the best advice? We have years of practice Lloydbottoms chartered accountants - here to help. Lloydbottoms Chartered Accountants, 118 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol. BS16 5HH | principal@lloydbottoms.co.uk | www.lloydbottoms.co.uk
EPB-E01-S4
Contact Sue Rickerby 0117 957 3537
6
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
IN PICTURES: Business people out and about Bristol Post Business supplement launch at the Bristol and Bath Science Park
● From left, Phil Smith, Business West managing director, Richard Pitkin, Innovation Centre director, Mike Norton, Bristol Post editor, Gavin Thompson, Bristol Post assistant editor (business), Sarah Pullen, Bristol News & Media BRML20130925A-367 managing director,
● Front, Mary Martin, Business West
BRML20130925A-376
GALLERIES GALORE
FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at
bristolpost.co.uk/busines
● Andy Dean and Matt Rogers of Outset Bristol
BRML20130925A-273
● Vicky Barnes BRML20130925A-420
● Leighton Deburla
BRML20130925A-286
● Netw
EPB-E01-S4
Tobacco Factory Theatre Business Club's annual celebration
● Adrian Needs and Anna Iborra, both from Osbourne Clarke
● Doug Hunter, Zurich, with Lauren Scholey, Tobacco Factory
● From left, Sarah Smith and Nigel Greenhalgh KPMG, and his wife Miranda
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
ES
Social networking
Pictures: Michael Lloyd
#BristolBusiness
● @AmbitiousPR Good turnout at new @BristolPost business supplement launch this morning, SMEs rock! ● @lyannatsakiris Listening to @gavin_thompson1 talking ‘small is beautiful’ when it comes to business. SMEs key to making economy grow #bristolbizlaunch ● @AscentPR Great launch event of the new business section of the Bristol Post this morning. The bacon sandwiches weren’t too bad either :-)
● Guests at the breakfast launch at the Science Park
BRML20130925A-351
Get in the picture Send us photos from your event, with names please, to business @b-nm.co.uk
/business
BRML20130925A-294
● Jeremy Richards, Jones Lang Lasalle
● @WOTBFestival Is business’s future feminine? @JulieMarieMeyer (pictured) speaks on women and entrepreneurship Oct 7th #WOTB #Bristol ● @faisalislam Osborne praises the “Bloodhound” – Bristol based 1000mph car ● @TonyWWatts Fantastic news for #BristolBusiness Metryx Ltd receiving its #QueensAward for int trade from Duke of Gloucester
BRML20130925A-407
GALLERIES GALORE
FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at bristolpost.co.uk/business
EXPAND
YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL Leaflet Design, Print and Distribution service FOR AS LITTLE AS £30 PER 1,000 A4/A5LEAFLETS (DISTRIBUTION ONLY)
● From left, Neneh Pepperell, Candi Williams and Andy Bamford, all from 33
For more details contact Simon Butler t: 0117 934 3741 e: simon.butler@b-nm.co.uk or visit our website www.thisisbristol.co.uk/ leafletdistribution
EPB-E01-S4
halgh, both of Elev 8, with Phillip Cotton, of
What the business world is posting online
● @Karenwhite03 Great turnout at launch of @BristolPost bizz supplement @bbsciencepark – congratulations to team
CTURES our at
● Networking at the launch
7
8
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Focus on start-ups | Sponsored by THEME SPONSOR’S NAME HERE.
Family business
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY FOR Around two-thirds of the UK’s smaller businesses are family-run firms with close to 250,000 in the South West alone, Rupert Janisch reports.
“ Family
businesses are the backbone of the nation’s economy – they are our unsung heroes – and they make a massive contribution to our GDP. Tracey Bentham, family business expert at the Bristol office of PwC
Case study: Flair 4 Recruitment, Clifton
A
CROSS the globe, there are many, many examples of successful family businesses, from giants like Indian car manufacturer Tata and American retailer Wal-Mart to millions upon millions of smaller operations. In the UK, approximately two thirds of the nation’s SMEs are family-run firms, according to the most recent figures from the Institute for Family Business. This includes just a shade under 250,000 in the South West alone, accounting for 59.3 per cent of private sector firms. Back in 2010 – statistics are only
IN NUMBERS
250
,000
family firms in the South West
60
%
of private sector firms are family businesses
£1.1
trillion
EPB-E01-S4
family-firm generated revenue in 2010
produced every two years and the IFB’s 2012 figures are due out next month – family firms generated revenues of £1.1 trillion, or 35 per cent of private sector turnover. The highest sector concentrations were in agriculture and extractions, and in wholesale and retail, with business services and construction making up the biggest numbers in absolute ter ms. Clearly family businesses can range in style and size, from a father-and-son window cleaning company to a multi-national organisation. But essentially a company counts as family-run if the following criteria are met: ● the majority of votes are held by the person who established or acquired the firm, or their spouse, parents, child or child’s direct heirs ● at least one representative of
● HUSBAND and wife team Leah and Harry Burrows (pictured above) set up Flair 4 Recruitment in offices in Whiteladies Road back in 2004. Almost a decade on, the award-winning agency has taken on two more directors, a number of additional staff and also has branches operating in Exeter and Plymouth. Harry has since launched a sister company, Flair 4 IT, operating out of the same offices in Clifton. But although his attentions have been diverted from the recruitment
the family is involved in the management or administration of the fir m ● in the case of a listed company, the person who established or acquired the firm, or their family, possesses a quarter of the right to vote through their share capital, and that there is at least one family member on the board. The benefits are many, ranging from common family values, strong commitment, loyalty, stability and decreased costs. Having said that, there is an argument to say that family disputes can be the most bitter of all and, when things go wrong in family businesses, they can go very wrong. Managing succession, making sure the right family members
side of the company, he remains a key stakeholder and a crucial support to Leah in implementing the strategic vision for the firm. The couple have two children and a strong common goal – providing for their young family while also developing and nurturing the business. The family ties don’t stop there, as Harry’s uncle Bob is the company accountant. Leah said: “We definitely try to keep work and family life separate but of course there are crossovers. I suppose the same things which make our
are in the right positions, allocating shares, fairness and honesty, and a lack of communication are all pitfalls which await families who go into business together. Tracey Bentham, family business expert at the Bristol office of PwC, said: “Family businesses are the backbone of the nation’s economy – they are our unsung heroes – and they make a massive contribution to our GDP. “Our research shows that family businesses are positive about the future and the majority are looking to grow the business in the next five years. “The results prove that family firms are robust, vigorous and successful. “What’s concerning is to see
personal relationship successful work well in business too. “I’m a big believer in family businesses and the model works really well for us. The fact that we are married makes us a strong team when times are tough and, when other working relationships might struggle to survive, we have each other to rely on, rather than being driven apart. “We’ve had to survive some difficult times since the recession started but it’s definitely coming good now and the future’s looking really exciting.”
that the skills gap is widening, between the abilities of the younger generation and the requirements of the positions they need to fill at the top of family businesses. “I’m sure that there’s more that can be done here and it needs to go hand-in-hand with the overhaul of the education system. “The support for family businesses from Government is also disappointing. “Family companies are typically well-behaved and strong economically, with good balance sheets and loyal to their staff in tough times. “They make a big tax contribution but there aren’t many instances where they are rewarded for that.”
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
A RELATIVE SUCCESS
9
Opinion Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
Family firms offer stability
H
● Jake and Soeli O’Hagan with their children at the family-run Impact Gym Photograph: Jon Kent BRJK2013 0926E-001
Case study: Impact Gym, Staple Hill ● IT’S a classic, if unconventional, case of mixing decades of expertise, a network of contacts, local reputation and the business exuberance of youth. For more than 30 years, martial arts instructor Kevin O’Hagan has been teaching hand-to-hand combat at classes all over Bristol. The 53-year-old’s expertise and knowledge has been handed down through the generations, to sons Jake and Tom, as well as their own
children. Now the family has teamed up to launch Impact Gym in Staple Hill, which opened three months ago. Jake’s wife Soeli, herself a fitness instructor, is also part of the business. She’ll answer the phone if you call the gym and chances are you’ll find baby Logan with her, as well as eight-year-old son Brenen, if he’s not off at conditioning classes of his own. The gym teaches a range of
classes in many different disciplines and for all abilities, capitalising on the growing popularity of Mixed Martial Arts as a form of keeping fit. Jake, who at 24 is the younger of the two brothers, said: “We’ve all got different backgrounds in terms of what we teach and what we bring to the business. “Dad’s got the knowledge and experience, while I interact a lot with the kids’ classes and Soeli’s got her own unique ways of training as well.
“What started up as a one man band has now become a full-time martial arts training and conditioning centre. “We are smashing our membership goals and we don’t have any business training or advice. We are just using our expertise and contacts, learning our lessons as we go along. “The good thing about a family business for us is that we all trust each other and are working towards the same goal.”
Case study: Whitehall Printing, Barton Hill company since 2007, during which time they have steered Whitehall Printing through a double-dip recession. Adaptability remains a key quality in the family’s approach to business - Colin had also led the company through two previous recessions in the 1970’s and 1990’s. Last year the firm invested £1 million in a new factory and print technologies at its site in Barton Hill. Adam Bendon said: “Throughout this period of significant growth and change we as a family have retained the core values the company was founded on by our father Colin Bendon four decades ago. We think we're a great example of a how professional a family business can be, and how the values of honesty, familial support and mutual respect can create a successful, sustainable and growing business.”
● Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United manager sniffed at. Business is often compared with sport and it can provide a useful analogy here. Great sporting teams tend to have the same leader during their most successful periods, such as Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. If they are really lucky, a dynasty of successive leaders who carry on with the same ethos. The Liverpool football teams of the Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley era, for example. Family businesses can offer that same stability, and sometimes that dynasty too. A business in which the core people are bonded by blood ties can provide a strong foundation for success. Many businesspeople do what they do, partly at least, for their families. To provide a home, a safe environment of a lifestyle. If your son, daughter, husband or wife is part of that business too, the motivation to strive for success, to work that little bit harder to hit targets or to find that extra spark of creativity that keeps a customer happy, is even stronger. When that example is followed by the rest of the people in the business, family or otherwise, that’s when a company really starts to rack up big wins. And from that stability, you can become a high growth company after all.
EPB-E01-S4
● The team at Whitehall Printing, including Colin Bendon, far right
● WHITEHALL Printing was founded by Colin Bendon in 1977 from a small premises on Gordon Road in Whitehall. Colin had left school aged 15 with no qualifications, had tried to find work on his local high street and after the first business he approached was a printers he was offered an apprenticeship on the spot. With a few years’ experience behind him, Colin founded Whitehall Printing where he ran the presses, visited clients, processed orders and made the deliveries. Today, 35 years later, the family firm encompasses 20 staff, including six members of the Bendon family, and is managed by brothers Joe and Adam. It turns over £1.5 million and supplies material for more than 300 companies around the South West. The brothers have managed the
IGH growth companies is a label you will hear bandied around the business world a lot these days. After the shock therapy of the credit crunch caused so many businesses to retreat into their bunkers, lock their money in the safe and hole up waiting for the storm the pass, it’s hardly surprising that there is such a clamour for growth. High growth companies are seen as something of a Holy Grail for politicians looking to point to signs of a recovery and that we are all on the road back to happier times. There’s nothing wrong with that. Growth is good. It is key to building a strong future for us and our children in which we have good, well-paid and secure jobs. Stability is a less fashionable phrase. But it’s one not to be
10
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The Big Interview
PROFIT ISN’T EVERYTHING FOR A Charles Middleton is a keen photographer, has just finished a foundation degree in counselling and loves reading. And he still finds time to run the Bristol-based ethical bank Triodos. Gavin Thompson puts the focus on him.
O
EPB-E01-S4
N a Friday night you wouldn’t find your typical banker in a disused church helping to feed, clean and cloth the street children of Mumbai. Charles Middleton isn’t your typical banker. And perhaps
Vital statistics Name: Charles Middleton School: Harrow First job: Three months as assistant purser on MV Plainsman, a cargo ship taking whisky to South America
that’s why he left Barclays after 21 years to take the helm as managing director of Triodos, the self-styled ethical bank. Charles spent 12 years of his time at Barclays overseas, where he saw the difference a bank can make in a community. “In Botswana the business community played a big role in bringing about acknowledgement that HIV aids was an issue that needed to be recognised, and Barclays was at the forefront of that,” he says.
Hero or inspiration: Sister Frances Dominica, founder of the first children’s hospice Helen House and Douglas House in Oxford. She’s a remarkable person and it was awesome to get to meet her.
But on his return to the UK, Charles began to realise his values and the banks were moving apart and he wanted something different. “Barclays wasn’t going to change – why should it? So it was down to me,” he says. When the chance to take the helm of Triodos came about, he jumped at it. And 10-and-a-half years into the job, the 56-year-old father of three has certainly found a comfortable fit at the Bristol-based bank with a difference. In many ways Triodos is like any bank. It takes customers’ savings and invests them in ventures it believes will make a healthy profit, then pays interest back to the original savers. But unlike most banks, for Triodos profits come second. “The first thing we look at with a proposition is ‘what is the mission, what are they trying to do?’ Then we do the credit work to make sure it stacks up,” says Charles. It’s a formula that seems to be working as the bank keeps growing. “In 2011 we had a stonking year, increasing lending by £106 million, that was a 40 per cent increase; last year about 14 per cent increase; this year expect to lend another £60-£80 million and next year will do more,” says Charles. “We have continued the core business of savings and loans and developed it. We have also done some really interesting investments working in other areas of finance. We did the first charity bond issue a number of years ago, we took the first fair trade business to market to raise money, Cafe Direct. They were groundbreaking at the time.” The combination of being based in the city and the strong ethical and environmental feeling here mean Triodos has a sizeable customer base in Bristol, with businesses including Alistair Sawday’s Publishing, the Better Food Company and the Soil Association. Charles finds he has to explain the bank to fewer people these days, as awareness, and the business, grows. “People had no idea what ethical banking was so I used to say to people if you’re a Buddhist organic farmer, you’re a prime target for us,” Charles half jokes. “Now it’s different. I just say we are an organisation looking to finance social and environmental activity. We do that within the framework of a bank that has to be regulated and make profits.” Charles is proud of the projects the bank invests in, such as Jamie’s Farm in Box, a farm where children from the city who are facing expulsion or suspension from school go and spend a week and get the chance to change track. “For some of them it’s life changing,” he says. Unlike most banks, Triodos doesn’t pay big bonuses, it’s highest paid staff earn about 8.5 times the lowest paid, and it is “very well
capitalised”, with a core tier 1 capital ratio – a bank’s main benchmark of health – of 17 per cent, well ahead of the seven per cent requirement. The bank moved into new offices 18 months ago, opposite the Central Library in Bristol, and continues to grow. “We are a bigger proposition that we were 10 years ago, our balance sheet is 10 times what it was,” says Charles. Its loan book stands at £522
million for 2013 up from £486 million for 2012 and just £248 million five years ago. “I think we could be a lot bigger. It’s good to have grown but I still think there’s a long way to go. “We have grown up but we are like an adolescent finding our own way towards adulthood. “One of the challenges is achieving that growth while really hanging onto our mission and our values.” A decade is a long time for an MD
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
11
FAR-FROM-TYPICAL BANKER My working day You wake up at? On a Monday, get up at 5.15am, two and a half hour drive to Bristol Breakfast: Orange juice and a bowl of Alpen and a cup of tea Start work: Arrive 8.30, lots of the day engaging with people in one-to-one meetings with the senior team, being available to people, working on projects, speeches, planning. Other days meetings or in London, meeting customers. End of the day: I finish at 7pm, do some evening functions but have become more selective. I take credit reports home at the weekend.
My downtime
● Charles Middleton’s favourite film, I’ve Loved You For So Long, top; favourite book An Evil Cradling, left; and inspiration Sister Frances Dominica, above
Perfect weekend: Mixture of time with friends, some time with family, exercise, perhaps walking, some time taking photographs, reading for counselling, sometimes a weekend away with friends in Scotland and that’s always a treat. Favourite film: I’ve Loved You For So Long, a French film starring Kristin Scott Thomas about a woman who comes out of prison. No car chases, no gun fights, just a beautiful film. TV: Would I Lie To You Book: Brian Keenan An Evil Cradling. I put it down and picked up Time Out and saw he was speaking that night, I went, listened and asked a few questions. He didn’t want to change the world.
THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH CHARLES MIDDLETON
What is Charles Middleton’s message for Bristol businesses. Watch the video to find out Instructions on how to use our new app on page 18 of today’s Post bristolpost.co.uk/business
● Top and left, Charles Middleton at the Deanery Road offices of ethical bank Triodos; above, Charles’ photo of street children in Main photo: Dan Regan BRDR20130927A-014 Mumbai about not disrupting his children’s education, after Charles had spent years working around the world in Botswana, the Caribbean and India. During that time his three children have grown up and the youngest has just finished school. But he still has his wife – and a border terrier – at home waiting at weekends. True to his international banker roots, Charles’ dogs are
Next week
EPB-E01-S4
to run a company, particularly when his family home is 100 miles away. Charles lives in Leamington Spa, making the less than environmentally friendly drive to Bristol on Mondays, staying overnight then back home on Tuesday. He travels around the country – by train – on Wednesdays and Thursdays and back to Bristol on Friday. The decision to commute was
arrive, there was a tap to wash in, named after the currencies in have access to medical facilities, places where he works. Previous we would serve them a meal pooch Pula is both the currency of prepared by children from a local Botswana and the word for rain – school and every few months both precious commodities. The there would be a clothing colcurrent family pet is Rupee, lection for them. They harking back to Charles’ were eight or nine years time in India, specificold, often with a ally Mumbai. younger sibling in But it wasn’t the their arms. financial deals that Sandra Warne, “It was a drop in made the biggest international the ocean but it was a impression from trade adviser for way of doing Charles’ time in UK Trade & something.” India. It was the Industry Charles indulged his poverty and people. passion for photography “When I lived in while in India and on his India there was this amazreturn held an exhibition of his ing thing called the Pavement images, raising £17,000 which he Club, which was an old church used to fund 20 Indian children building that would open its doors through their education. to street kids on a Friday even“That was the most fulfilling ing,” he says. “I would change thing I’ve done in my life,” he into my non-work gear, drive says. Certainly not your typical down with my driver and go and banker. help for the evening. They would
12
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Up and coming
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
The future of business sponsored by
Sponsor logo here
Movers & shake-ups The latest appointments news. Send your news to business@b-nm.co.uk
Contact centre teams up with college
Course offers chance to start on career path in customer service Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
“ Before I made my first call, I just sat staring at the phone for an hour in pure terror ... Now, I’m gaining top marks and really hope I can progress to a permanent job.
S
EPB-E01-S4
TUDENTS interested in a career in customer service can take part in a new apprenticeship programme run by the City of Bristol College and Office Response. Based in Pritchard Street, in the city centre, Office Response is a 24-hour contact centre which businesses can use to outsource their telephone answering and management. Now students, aged 16 to 18, from the college are being offered the one-year programme through the fir m’s apprenticeship academy. The most successful apprentices will have the opportunity to progress to a permanent position at the company. Apprentices will be trained in all aspects of customer service including inbound and outbound calls, customer service and data protection. Among the current apprentices is Kayleigh Stone, 17, from Patchway, who has already achieved gold status at Office Response – the top incentive scheme for apprentices. She said: “I found the apprenticeship really hard at first and almost left after a few weeks. But now I love it. “Before I made my first phone call, I sat staring at the phone for an hour in pure terror. I could not dial the number. “Now, I am gaining top marks and I really hope that I can progress to a permanent job. Working here has
● KNIGHT Frank in Bristol has recruited what it describes as one of the South West’s best known retail investment agents. Philippa Carey, above, joins Knight Frank’s commercial investment team as partner leaving Bristol retail specialist Macarthur Wilson, where she was retail investment director. She has 15 years of experience of operating in the retail market and advises a range of clients including some of the UK’s largest institutional investors.
Kayleigh Stone, 17
given me the stability and confidence I have needed and I now love coming to work.” Karen Dicks, academy team manager from Office Response, said: “This apprenticeship is ideal for those young people who want to start out on a career path in customer service, and gain valuable experience in a working environment but
do not want to go down the traditional route of further education. This is our fourth year of working with City of Bristol College and our shared focus of offering young people employment opportunities within the city is a winning formula.” Hannah Lloyd, director of workplace learning at City of Bristol College, said: “This programme of-
fers fantastic job opportunities within Bristol for young people who are interested in working for one of the top local employers. “Office Response is passionate about its staff and is keen to invest in and reward hardworking employees. Those who have the right attitude, focus and passion will excel within this apprenticeship.”
Apprentice impresses hotel bosses
Guest speaker at fund-raising dinner
On fast track to full-time role
Chance to hear former CBI boss
AN apprentice at one of Bristol’s biggest hotels has impressed his employers so much he is being fast tracked to become a full-time member of staff. James Richardson, from Clevedon, is currently studying business and administration at Brunel & Gordano Training (which is part of City of Bristol College) while gaining hands-on experience at the Hilton DoubleTree hotel in Redcliffe Way. Only nine months into his course and after showing outstanding commitment and customer service, the bosses at the newly-refurbished hotel now want James to take on more responsibility and become a permanent member of the team. He now plans to complete his NVQ Level 2 course while working at the hotel, and is looking to enrol on either the advanced apprenticeship programme or the Level 3 NVQ diploma in business and admin course to further his learning. James said: “The apprentice scheme has been brilliant for me. I
YOUNG entrepreneurs can get the chance to hear from one of the country’s leading business experts later this month. Former CBI boss Lord Digby Jones (pictured) is guest speaker at a Rotary Club of Bristol fundraiser on October 22. And the rotary has teamed up with Business to offer up to 10 up and coming young businesspeople or entrepreneurs to attend for free. Branch chairman Ron Stagg said: “By listening to Lord Jones I am sure that our local entrepreneurs are going to better prepared to meet and overcome the challenges.” To apply for the tickets you must be 35 or under on October 22 this year, and either running your own business or playing a part in the success of a bigger business. Email entries to Ron Stagg at ron.stagg@healthyfocus.co.uk with
● James Richardson feel it provides you with more knowledge not just about the course, but also greater knowledge of a working environment which is better compared to just doing a standalone college course. “My goal is to complete my business and admin qualification and work my way up the ladder.”
“Lord Jones Competition Entry” as the subject line, stating why you want the tickets, and including your name, age and business. The most inspiring or deserving entries will be chosen to receive the tickets. Entries must be in by 5pm on October 10. Any businesses interested in sponsoring more young entrepreneurs to attend or wishing to buy tickets can also email Mr Stagg. Standard Local World terms and conditions apply, for a full list visit www.bristol post.co.uk/houserules. The title for the speech is “What Business Needs to Succeed in Asia’s Century”. Tickets for the four-course dinner in the Grace Room at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club cost £75, with proceeds going towards the Rotary’s charity work including clean water projects in Nepal.
● A BRISTOL businessman is to represent the city in China at the first global conference aimed at showcasing Cantonese culture and tourism. Kam Wong, above, honorary chairman and co-founder of the Bristol China Partnership, will attend the Cantonese Reunion and Dream Fulfilment event in Bristol’s twin city, Guangzhou on November 12. He will join 3,000 delegates from across the world for the conference in Guangdong province along with state leaders and officials from China. “To represent the city at such a prestigious and high level convention is a huge honour and a real feather in the cap for Bristol,” said Mr Wong, managing director of Portishead-based DPS Global/ DPS Environmental Technologies.
● A scuba-diving fanatic, who has spent more than 1,500 hours underwater is the newest recruit to Bristol Aquarium’s team. Displays supervisor Paul Strachan, above, previously spent time working as a keeper at Australia Zoo in Queensland as well as Deep Sea World in Scotland and the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. “I’m really excited to be joining the team at Bristol and I’ve already had the opportunity to dive in the displays to carry out some routine maintenance work,” he said.