Business 06 November 2013

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Board 2020

Know how

Delegates talk business ethics

Paul Williams Head of agency Bruton Knowles

FROM tax planning and avoidance to the benefits of building your company’s reputation, delegates grappled with the ethics of business at the latest Board 2020 event.

It was the fifth such event organised by Moon Consulting, the University of the West of England and Strategic Value Partners, with the goal of helping business leaders discuss hot topics and challenges with others in confidence.

Keynote speaker was Steve Hindley, chairman of Bristol-based Midas construction, who spoke about how trust and ethics were key parts of his company’s success.

Delegates listened to a staged debate from two tax experts – from Baker Tilly, and AC Mole and Sons – who discussed the ethical issues around tax, tax planning and tax avoidance.

Peaches Golding, principal consultant for Moon Consulting, said: “We had a mixture of people from boards, whether family businesses, public sector, private sector and consultants, leading to rich discussion.”

The topic for the next Board 2020 has yet to be chosen. Email oliver harrison@moonconsulting.co.uk to suggest ideas or find out more.

Signing with care is lease you should do

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OR many growing and start-up businesses, signing the first lease on a property is something to be celebrated. But it is also something small businesses should do carefully, and only after taking appropriate independent advice.

Make sure that you do not sign a lease for longer than you want to, as it is a binding legal agreement. True, if your requirements change you may be able to sub-let the property or assign the lease, but that can be a costly and time-consuming process with no guarantee of a successful outcome.

Signing a full repairing and insuring lease means that you are liable for the cost of any repairs to the property from that date, regardless of what condition it was in when you moved in.

So check what your responsibilities are and how much it might cost to maintain the property over the term of the lease.

You should not sign a FRI lease on commercial premises without having the property’s condition checked independently.

Disputes can arise over service charges. These should be set out in the lease – but often people concentrate on the headline rent to be paid, and only realise later that the service charge is more significant than they thought.

Fortunately for tenants, regulations have been tightened up in recent years, and landlords are no longer permitted to treat a service charge as rent going by a different name.

The service charge can be almost as much as the rent in some cases. One way to protect against any unforeseen major expenditure is to ask for a cap on the level of service charge payable.

Break clauses can be a good insurance policy, enabling a tenant to exit from a lease if business levels do not live up to expectations or the firm expands and needs to move somewhere bigger. They are fraught with difficulty, and the detailed wording is critical to ensuring that the break can be operated correctly. Another thing to check is when and how the rent will be reviewed. It is common to find that a lease contains what are called “upward only” rent reviews, which mean that the rent can never fall below the original level, regardless of prevailing market conditions. Agreeing upward or downward reviews at the outset can pay dividends further down the line.

Tenants often believe they have no need of specialist advice as a solicitor will provide all that is required. However, this can be a false economy as a solicitor may not be able to comment on property issues.

● Networking at the Board 2020 Conference on Business Ethics and Morality

Engraving

Lasers leave glass-makers beaming Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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COMPANY that makes Bristol blue glass is using the latest laser technology to produce the traditional glassware.

Bristol Blue Glass, at Bedminster, is one of two companies left in the city making the trademark glass.

The company has invested “tens of thousands” of pounds in a French-made engraving machine that means customers have to wait only a few minutes for the work to be done.

Dr Francis Burroughes, company secretary, said: “We will still be offering our hand-engraved and carved art pieces in our finest lead crystal, engraved by some of the greatest engravers working in Britain at the moment.

“But this new technology will en-

able us to fill our customers’ demands for high-quality engraving for commemorative items, personalised gifts, and corporate and promotional items within an hour or two of ordering.”

He said the technique uses pin-point laser accuracy to control diamond cutting heads and produce intricate designs and lettering.

Dr Burroughes said: “The state-of-the-art machine is not made in this country.

“The French have long had a magnificent high-quality glass industry, and have recently developed engraving machines which rival the finest hand engraving.”

One of the first uses of the machine was a large order for The Mansion House, London, to be used for official banquets.

The glasses have been given by the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, and are the first that it has commissioned in its 349-year history.

They are engraved with the name of the master, the Worshipful Company’s coat of arms, and the date.

● One of the engraved wine glasses sent to The Mansion House, London

Dr Burroughes said: “We are enormously honoured and thrilled that these glasses from a small company in Bristol will be used by the Lord Mayor of London when he hosts dinners for international official visitors to the city, including the Queen and visiting royalty, as well as world-famous leaders, statesmen, politicians and business leaders.

“The plan is that these glasses should become heritage pieces, part of the historic collection of artefacts at the venue.”

The Bedminster firm was responsible a few years ago for producing a smaller suite of wine glasses for Bristol’s Mansion House.

These were engraved with the city’s coat of arms.

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Personal development

You’re shore to sea benefits being a Navy reservist EMPLOYERS are being urged to encourage their staff to sign up for the Royal Navy Reserves.

HMS Flying Fox in Winterstoke Road, Bristol, is holding an open day on Saturday, November 9 for people interested in signing up.

HMS Flying Fox Commanding Officer Dave Bucknell said: “Being a reservist brings a huge range of personal and professional rewards that also bring benefits to civilian roles.”

Reservists normally commit to the equivalent of 24 days a year for training, which takes place mainly during the evenings and at weekends. Reservists are paid for their time, with

pay increases with seniority.

However, new recruits can easily earn more than £1,000 a year, in addition to a yearly tax-free bounty which ranges from £400 to £1,600 depending on the length of service.

When needed, the reservists supplement the full-time ranks with extra manpower, and in some cases provide additional specialist civilian skills. New recruits must be aged between 16 and 40, have a basic standard in English and maths, and be able to complete a one-and-a-half-mile run within a specific time period.

Leading Seaman Andy Westlake, 45, from Mangotsfield, joined up 10

years ago. Andy has been a quantity surveyor for 25 years and now works for Cowlin Construction. He serves in the Seaman Reserve Branch, specialising in maritime force protection, and is a small-arms instructor.

He said “Being a reservist gives you the opportunity to visit places and do things you would not normally do. It is hard work but rewarding. You make friends for life. You develop personal and professional skills as weeks go by and you find these skills are useful in day-to-day life too.”

He has used his training in instructional techniques to help him deliver courses at work.

● Leading Seaman Andy Westlake, 45, from Mangotsfield

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Dining

Technology

Expansion ‘will see turnover up to £2.6m’ ● CLIFTON restaurant The Cowshed has secured a £140,000 finance package to help its expansion plans.

The restaurant, launched in 2009

by Adam Denton, has expanded into the next-door premises, which was originally the Whiteladies Picture House bar. The renovation has included a new bar area, larger kitchens and a chef’s table so diners can see the kitchen at work.

The renovation has expanded the

restaurant’s covers capacity by 50 per cent and is expected to increase turnover by 35 per cent to £2.6 million. The company secured the finance from HSBC’s Bristol commercial team.

Mr Denton said: “It is great to open the expanded restaurant to the public, and the initial response has been fantastic. In more austere times, people value good quality – and that is why we have been operating at capacity. Customers appreciate the quality of our food.

“We did not want to be turning customers away and we did not want to have to leave our home, so the logical move was to expand next door. The results have exceeded our expectation.”

Bristol leads the way in UK-Jordan partnership Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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RISTOL is leading the way in a partnership with Jordan that aims to drive economic growth through innovation and technology.

Delegates from the city visited Amman where King Abdullah of Jordan unveiled a new tech hub.

The hub will help British start-up firms partner with Jordanian contacts and innovative companies.

Jordan has more internet start-up companies than any other country in the Middle East. The country has been dubbed the Middle East’s Silicon Valley.

Professor Joe McGeehan, above, chairman of Invest Bristol and Bath said: “Bristol and Bath are recognised widely as UK hotspots of creativity and innovation, which is why this tech hub provides such an exciting opportunity for the region’s companies to partner with Jordan’s fast-growing technology sector.”

Delegates from London, Belfast

and Glasgow also attended. But Bristol and Bath were chosen as leaders in creativity and innovation, with particular strengths in film, animation, microelectronics and advanced engineering.

Bristol is a recognised global centre of excellence for producing factual television programmes, natural-history film-making and animation.

It is also a leading destination for aerospace, advanced engineering and microelectronic industries and is at the heart of one of the largest cluster of silicon designers in the world, outside Silicon Valley.

David Sproxton, co-founder and chairman of Aardman Animations, said: “This tech hub will help cement further the region’s reputation for innovation, technology and creativity and set up new and exciting partnerships with companies in the Arab world.”

The partnership will see business delegations between Bristol and Jordan, conferences, workshops and partnering events, bespoke programmes for leading companies and raised awareness that should lead to concrete business deals and contracts in due course.

“ Bristol and Bath are recognised widely as UK hotspots of creativity and innovation, which is why this tech hub provides such an exciting opportunity for the region’s companies Professor Joe McGeehan Baroness Morris of Bolton, Trade Envoy to Jordan, Kuwait and the Palestinian Territories, said: “This is a really exciting initiative which will enormously benefit both countries.

“The tech hub will open up new pathways between the UK and Jordan, giving innovative start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises in both the chance to access new markets and learn and grow from each other.”

Lord Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, said: “Jordan’s education system and integration with world markets make it a real leader in technological innovation. The UK Jordan tech hub will serve as a beacon in the region, delivering the partnerships and investment that create the jobs of the future.”

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Food

Leading chefs show their skills at festival ● TOP chefs cooked up treats at a Bristol food exhibition. The new demonstration stage from The Chefs’ Forum was one of the highlights of the Home, Food and Drink Festival.

Chefs including television’s Martin Blunos, Chris Wicks of Bell’s Diner and Josh Eggleton from the Pony and Trap showed off their skills with the chopping knife, frying pan and a few choice ingredients.

The Chefs’ Forum also held a pop-up banquet at the festival venue for 60 guests. The Chefs’ Forum founder Mr Wicks, Adrian Kirikmaa from City of Bristol College, and hospitality students served a meal and raised £500 for Children's Hospice South West.

The festival, held at the University of the West of England Exhibition and Conference Centre, attracted 6,000 visitors over two days.

● Adrian Kirikmaa in action

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Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336

Email gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

Writer Rupert Janisch

Email business@ b-nm.co.uk

Advertising Robert Rodgerson Call 07828 941469

Email rob.rodgerson@b-nm.co.uk

Advertising Jane Chapman Call 01179 343025

Email jane.chapman@b-nm.co.uk

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Technology

Know how

Conference venue’s £100k net upgrade

Pat Murphy Director of Golf at the Kendleshire Golf Club

Get into the swing of team building

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HE weather looks miserable with rain sweeping across the golf course and the delegates for the day’s team-building exercises are fretting about what is going to happen if this keeps up.

Fran Burgess from Zing Associates, the facilitators for the day’s activities, has a smile on her face and knows this little adversity will get the day off to just the right start. “There is nothing like a horrible day at work and these days do happen so let’s see what everyone is made of right from the off,” she says.

Team-building has become very popular with companies and it definitely adds another dimension to a company sales meeting or conference. Fran’s aim as a good team builder is to focus on the skills of planning, communication and teamwork as well as delegation, time management, problem solving, creative thinking and decision making.

Where you hold your meeting and if you are going to add any sort of activity-driven extras is obviously a major consideration when planning your event. Your staff understand that the day is important and if done properly everyone will benefit and learn a great deal. The out of town venue almost certainly has the edge when it comes to this type of day.

You want to find a venue with space, excellent meeting and IT facilities, great catering, well-trained staff and that understands the needs of conference and events organisers.

Flexibility goes a long way when you are planning the day or in the process of delivering it.

Cost is also another major factor and free parking is always a bonus.

One form of activity that all golf clubs have of course is the chance to actually play the game as well and it is now very common to find the annual conference finished off with either a round for the players or a session with the club professional for the beginners.

Sarah Claridge and Tom Gillespie teaching pros at The Kendleshire have put together a great programme called Golf in Half a Day and on many occasions companies have held their conference or seminar in the morning and then got everyone out in the fresh air to see if they can master a chip, putt or drive on the fantastic practice facilities that the club offers.

There is nothing like having a go at something that appears very easy but is actually incredibly frustrating.

Watching groups of colleagues helping each other out and laughing with each other is great to see and just rounds off all you are hoping to achieve when delivering your company message.

● Martyn Bowen, venue manager at the Engineers’ House

Pic: Dave Betts

Economy

Now is the time to invest in our city, say experts Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk

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OW is the time to invest and expand in Bristol, according to a commercial-property specialist in the city.

Colliers International used a business event to deliver the assessment to city movers and shakers.

The Broad Quay-based firm’s research guru Walter Boettcher said: “There is a lot of good cheer around at the moment, and with justice. We are looking much better than we were four years ago.”

Speaking at the third business breakfast, he dismissed fears the economic recovery was not broad enough to prove sustainable, pointing to improving performance in the services, construction and manufacturing sectors.

He said small- and medium-sized companies had got to the point where

they were re-occupying space they had disposed of during the downtur n.

They were also absorbing excess capacity rather than taking on hundreds of new employees, which explained why employment indicators had not caught up with wider economic indicators.

He said the South West was third behind London and the South East in terms of growing business activity.

But he said: “London is getting so expensive that many institutions are looking a lot more at regional opportunities.

Improvements in the fundamentals could lead to a two-year expansionary cycle.”

Tim Davies, pictured, head of Colliers International’s Bristol office, predicted that the return of speculative development across the West would gather pace, with at least two further big-shed deals being announced around the end of the year.

He said: “Increased demand combined with a shortage of quality accommodation could cause a bottleneck, with the tipping point occurring some time next year. Prime rents will start to pick up as a result of the correction in supply and demand.”

Offices director Stephen Lipfriend also predicted a bumper year for Bristol, with office take-up 42 per cent up on last year.

He said the market had seen a bias towards bigger deals in the 25,000 sq ft-and-upwards bracket following the 1,000-10,000 sq ft deals which had begun to proliferate through the downtur n.

Mr Lipfriend warned of supply problems as steadily-improving take-up absorbed remaining grade-A space. He said the speculative development taking place in Bristol would be swallowed up by current demand – which he estimated at around 350,000 sq ft.

Construction

New office and big plans see firm pledge support to city MAJOR housebuilder Barratt has pledged its support to Bristol with the opening of a new office and plans for a raft of developments in the area.

More than 65 Barratt Bristol staff have relocated into new offices in Aztec West. And the city has become the regional head office for Barratt West, reinforcing the importance of the Bristol area to the future of the five-star housebuilder.

Regional managing director Chris Burton said the South West has be-

come a crucial area of activity for Barratt, and the investment in new regional headquarters is testament to the developer’s long-term confidence in the region.

He said: “We are delighted to be making Bristol the regional headquarters. The new offices have been designed to accommodate growth in the future. We have been active in the Bristol area for many years with a wide range of successful developments, and we have a number

of exciting projects in the pipeline which will build on the foundations we have built in the region.”

The move to new premises coincides with plans for the launch of 27 major developments in the region in the next 12 months, seeing more than 2,250 new homes for the South West.

Mr Burton said: “We are seeing increased confidence in the housing market, with developments such as ND10@The Zone and Charlton Hayes in Bristol proving very popular.”

A BUSINESS and conference venue in Clifton has invested £100,000 in superfast synchronous internet capable of uploading and downloading 100MB per second.

EEF Venues, which owns Engineers’ House on the corner of Clifton Down and Percival Road, commissioned telecoms experts Gamma to install the new system using the latest fibre-optic technology.

Martyn Bowen, venue manager at Engineers’ House, said: “Having this new technology on site means delegates can carry out multiple online activities, stream videos in HD and upload and download large data files without any danger of frustrating and time-consuming buffering.

“It will also give our business delegates superb video-conferencing facilities.

“That will allow them to connect people and ideas, share documents, projects, videos and whiteboards while working in real time with colleagues or clients anywhere in the world.”

Part of the investment involved replacing the old conference-room chairs and tables with bespoke, Italian furniture.

Homes

Planning consultancy sees business rocket ● A BRISTOL planning consultancy has seen the number of applications for new homes it handles more than double. Aspire Planning, a division of Sanderson Weatherall, is dealing with dozens of applications on behalf of residential developers.

The firm is handling inquiries and instructions for 300 homes, a 100 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Around 30 per cent of them are in the Bristol area, including plans for 13 apartments in Duncombe Road, Speedwell, and eight town houses in Morley Road, Southville.

James Davis, a partner at Sanderson Weatherall and head of Aspire Planning, said: “Demand for new homes in the region continues to outstrip supply and there is a major shortfall of available land.

“This is placing huge pressure on local authorities to find space for homes, which means that sites outside development boundaries are being approved for housing.”

Commercial property

Firm ‘delighted’ office scheme is under way ● A CLIFTON property and construction consultancy has been appointed to work on a major speculative office development in Bristol.

Wakemans is acting as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent on behalf of developer Salmon Harvester Properties on the 100,000 sq ft Two Glass Wharf scheme close to Temple Meads. The site was previously owned by Castlemore Securities and bought out of administration in 2010 by SHP, a joint venture between Salmon Developments and National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Co Ltd. Wakemans’ John Woodhall said: “We are delighted this development is going ahead. It could mark the beginning of a new phase of development in Temple Quay.”

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Education

5

Intellectual property

Aardman backs boost to protecting ideas BRISTOL animations firm Aardman has welcomed extra support for smaller companies to protect their intellectual property.

The Government’s Intellectual Property Office launched IP for Business – a suite of tools which makes sure firms can tap into up-to-date guidance to help manage their intellectual property.

It aims to help firms get more relevant advice from accountants and other advisers. At the centre of the suite is IP Equip – a free, interactive, online training tool that helps businesses and advisers identify assets which may be protected by IP rights, and think through a strategy for protecting them.

Aardman Animations, creators of the Wallace and Gromit films, argue that it is essential to

protect ideas in the early stages to safeguard a company’s future growth.

Aardman’s Sean Clarke said: “A ● Aardman lot of hard work goes into what the favourites Aardman team produces. If we do Wallace and not protect the ideas we have then Gromit it is a free-for-all and it does not allow us to create value to reinvest in future ideas. It is important to have a system in place to protect what we do. I would urge other companies to protect their intellectual property if they want to benefit from it and help grow their business.”

Lord Younger, Minister for Intellectual Property, said: “Intellectual property is a prospect which small businesses often find daunting. IP for Business shows that this does not have to be the case.”

● Former detective Jenny Williams celebrates the success of her business

Evidence of detective workshops’ success Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk

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BUSINESS based on the scene-of-crime experience of a former police officer is celebrating three successful years and the appointment of its first national franchisee.

The Detective Project, which provides events for children and adults through detective birthday parties, educational workshops and corporate events, was launched by Stoke Bishop-based mum and former detective Jenny Williams at the end of September 2010.

Jenny, who has worked with both the Metropolitan and Avon and Somerset police forces, combined her expertise and knowledge of scenes-of-crime methodology with her experience as a mum to her children, now aged 9 and 11, to create the event business.

By offering fun, science-based events to individuals, schools, summer and youth clubs and businesses, The Detective Project aims to spark an interest in science and give participants the opportunity to experience hands-on challenges in crime-scene investigation. Typical clients are children over 7, or businesses and organisations promoting teamwork and shared challenges.

The concept has been so successful that The Detective Project has doubled its turnover each

year and is working to meet demand outside the West Country.

Now, with first franchisee Steve Sharkey, a retired Metropolitan Police officer, having launched The Detective Project North East Surrey last month and more franchise enquiries in the pipeline, Jenny is looking forward optimistically to the next three years of business success.

She said: “Starting up and running a business has meant three years of working harder than I thought was possible, but the time and effort are paying off, with growing numbers of bookings for parties and corporate events, lots of interest in our franchise offering and our first new office now up and running.

“Customers love the originality of our idea and that Detective Project events are educational as well as entertaining. Our business customers also enjoy offering their teams of staff a corporate workshop which is unusual, fun and challenging.

“I am proud that within three years we have gone from a start-up enterprise to a successful business which is attracting franchise enquiries from across the UK. “My ambition is that in a further three years The Detective Project will be known across many more areas of the UK and that a wider audience of children and adults will have experienced the joys and challenges of donning a scenes-of-crime officer suit, picking up their magnifying glass and engaging with forensic science.”

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

The Big Interview

A POIGNANT VENTURE FOR MASTER Becoming master is a big moment for any member of Bristol’s Society of Merchant Venturers. But for Anthony Brown it will mean even more, as Business found out

“ My father

was intensely proud of The Society of Merchant Venturers. In becoming master I feel that I am completing something that was of great significance to him

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ECOMING master of The Society of Merchant Venturers is a poignant moment for Anthony Brown. In October 1989 his father died shortly before Charter Day. Anthony’s father was the society’s senior warden and looking forward to becoming master in November that year.

Anthony said: “My father was intensely proud of the society. In becoming master I feel that I am completing something that was of great significance to him.”

Born in Bristol and educated at Clifton College, Anthony read law at Magdalene College, Cambridge. After a period as an auditor with Thomson McLintock (now KPMG) in London, he was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn. But his interests lay in commerce rather than the law, and Anthony soon established a trading company, operating between the Far East, Norway and the UK. This was merged in the early 1980s with the family shipping business, TR Brown and Sons Ltd, which was a household name in Bristol.

Founded in the 1850s, the company became the biggest barge owner in the Bristol Channel. It owned tugs, was a salvage contractor and stevedore, and engaged in marine civil-engineering projects including the Severn Bridge. In the 1920s, The Holms Sand and Gravel Company was formed to dredge sand from the seabed for supply to the construction industry in Bristol, Liverpool and Scotland. During the 1960s, four ships were launched at the Charles Hill shipyard in Bristol.

Anthony became company secretary and finance director and joined with fellow family directors in restructuring the business to meet the challenges of the fast-changing marine landscape. The result was a flourishing business, which was a focus for his working life over the next 20 years.

He said: “I led projects to reinforce the core shipping operation with a series of high-growth new ventures.

“This included an operation based in Scotland that outsourced personnel, and an innovative residential property company.”

As his fellow family directors retired, significant elements of the business were sold in the late 1990s, leaving Anthony to continue to own and manage residual financial and property interests.

He joined the Merchant Venturers

Anthony Brown

Vital statistics Name: Anthony Brown.

Age: 60.

Place of birth: Bristol.

School: Clifton College.

First job: Accountant, KPMG. Hero or inspiration: Roald Amundsen.

in 2000, following in the footsteps of his father and another family member, Sir Kenneth Brown, who became master in 1970.

Anthony said: “It was a great honour being invited to join the society.

The 13 years since have been a fascinating period of change. Huge innovations have been introduced in the composition of the society and the way in which it operates.

“We have seen a transformation in the scale and ambition of the society’s work, particularly in the fields of education and care for older people.

“There have been important changes to the way in which the standing committee, our main decision-making body, is organised. We have also welcomed the introduction of women members.”

Soon after becoming a Merchant Venturer, Anthony joined the board

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T h e Ken d l e sh i re 0 117 95 6 70 07 t h e Ken d l e sh i re . co m

of Colston’s Girls’ School, becoming chairman of the school’s finance committee. He played a key role in the transformation of the school into an academy.

During Trevor Smallwood’s year as master (2008-9), Anthony became the school’s chairman of governors. He led the complex £12 million programme to build the school extension, accommodating its major expansion. He is delighted with the outcome.

Anthony said: “We have created some excellent buildings. Colston’s Girls’ School is very close to my heart.

“In my year as master I look forward to supporting fully and understanding more deeply all of the Merchants’ schools. They have all achieved great success in recent years and are all supported by highly-committed members of the society.”

Anthony is also very enthusiastic about the progress that the society has made in caring for older people.

He said: “The Merchants’ perfor mance in managing the St Monica Endowment has been remarkable.

“We have come through the financial crisis with the St Monica Endowment significantly increased in value.

“This must be a matter of great

pride for the society and a reflection on the commitment and business acumen of its members.

“We have seen St Monica develop in just a few years from its single site at Cote Lane to the sophisticated operation that it is today with four sites.

“This expansion is built on a creative, well-thought-out strategy that has been implemented tenaciously.”

Anthony is also enthusiastic at the achievements of Katherine House, within the Cote Charity.

He said: “We should be proud of the quality of the care and the wonderful environment here as well as the beautifully-designed building.”

The society is responsible for the beautiful Colston’s Almshouse at St Michael’s Hill. And Anthony is particularly supportive of the work of the society’s Almshouse Charity to broaden the availability of suitable, affordable accommodation for the elderly in the wider Bristol area.

During his year as master, Anthony intends to raise the profile of the Merchants’ involvement with the Downs and Avon Gorge.

He said: “The society is the joint custodian of this extraordinary amenity.

“I, together with many others, am determined that we realise the potential of this remarkable space.”

£50 M&S voucher

My working day Wake up: 7am.

Breakfast: Muesli and a banana.

Start work: 8.45am.

Typical working day: A great deal of working with a computer interspersed with meetings, both business and connected to many voluntary activities – Merchant Venturers, schools, academic research and Avon Wildlife Trust.

Do you attend evening functions? I attend numerous evening functions.

My downtime My perfect weekend: Saturday – a country walk, an interesting church, a pub lunch, gardening, a bonfire, dinner with friends.

Sunday – service at Bristol Cathedral, newspapers, a roast lunch, and an afternoon and evening at home before a log fire.

Favourite book, film and TV show? Proust’s In Search Of Lost Time, La Vita e Bella, Wallander (Swedish version).

Hobbies: Walking, wildlife, skiing, exploring churches and historic cities, music (popular and classical), reading, theatre.

Where conferences are more productive.

for the organ iser on the first booking

Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2UY

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

GALLERIES GALORE

In pictures

Business people out and about

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● Explore Export. UK Trade & Investment roadshow with advice on how to sell your services/products abroad.

Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Wotton-under-Edge. Tuesday, November 12 ● Your Dental Practice, Your Future: A free seminar for dentists hosted by chartered accountants Milsted Langdon in conjunction with Meade King Solicitors and NatWest Bank, at The Clifton Pavilion at Bristol Zoo Gardens, Wednesday, November 13. ● Be Your Own Boss: A chance for people to find out more about starting or strengthening their small business. Speakers are inventor Lorna Perks from LornaLou and Alex Poulter from East Bristol Bakery, plus lots of support organisations will be on hand. 10am-2pm, City Hall, Wednesday, November 13. ● Growth Clinic: Business West is encouraging managing directors of ambitious companies to step away from their day-to-day activities for an hour or so to focus on future business growth in one to one clinics. Leigh Court, Wednesday, November 13 and 21. To book email info@growthsouthwest.co.uk or call 01275 376 233. ● Regional Growth Fund Roadshow: Help for businesses thinking of applying for round five of the RGF, open to private firms seeking £1 million or more for high quality projects that leverage private sector investment and create sustainable jobs. 2 Rivergate, Temple Quay, Tuesday, November 19. ● The Hive Preview: Chance to find out about The Hive, flexible office space for start-ups and growing business. Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare, 5.30pm, Thursday November 21.

The Bristol Distinguished Executive Address Series

● Guests at the event held at City Hall; bottom right, key delegates Prof Nicholas O’Regan, of UWE, James Durie, of Business West, Frances O’Grady, of the Pics: Michael Lloyd Trades Union Congress, who addressed business leaders, and Prof Martin Boddy; of UWE

Networking: Bloodhound Supersonic Car

● Ian Steele from South Gloucestershire Council with his daughter Charley, 8 BRDB20131029C-009

● Above and right, the presentation about the Bloodhound; left, Steven Mayer, Callum Smith and Neil Narine from GKN Aerospace take a close look Pics: Dave Betts BRDB20131029C-007 (left); BRDB20131029C-005 (above)

COmpETITION

SIX £90 COSTA COFFEE VOUCHERS TO BE WON In a recent survey Clifton Wealth discovered 75% of small business owners did not realise that auto-enrolment for their employees meant setting up ongoing reporting and staff communication.

This might sound expensive and time consuming but there is no need to worry as local company Clifton Wealth have the easy solution – for just the cost of a cup of coffee for each employee per month.

Contact 0800 054 2555 or visit CliftonWealth.com

Send your business events to gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk Follow us on social media

@gavin_thompson1 uk.linkedin.com/pub/gavinthompson /67/624/281/Edit

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How to enter Simply answer the following question: Which country drinks the most coffee per capita? a) Finland b) Ireland c) China Please send your answer along with your name, address, postcode and email address to promotionsep@bepp.co.uk Mark the subject of your email as ‘Clifton Wealth Auto Enrolment’.

All entries must be received by noon on Wednesday, November 13.

Terms and conditions: The winners will be the first 6 names drawn at random from all eligible entries. Standard Local World rules apply, for a full list visit www.bristolpost.co.uk/houserules

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Six lucky readers have a chance to win £90 of Costa Coffee vouchers – for a month’s free coffee – thanks to Clifton Wealth.

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

AUTO ENROLMENT – pensions special Expert eye Hannah Mainstone Chartered Financial Planner Trigon Financial Services

Auto enrolment: we can help you

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UTOMATIC enrolment is a Government initiative that aims to encourage more employees to make provisions for their retirement. It highlights the Government objective to shift responsibility of retirement saving on to the individual, to lessen reliance on state benefits.

One of the main reasons behind the pensions overhaul is that we are living longer. According to a 2012 study by the Office for National Statistics, life expectancy at age 65 has increased by 43 per cent on average for males and females since 1981. This is predicted to rise a further 20 per cent by 2051.

Twelve months after the initiative was introduced, and with larger employers having already enrolled their employees into a qualifying pension arrangement, it is time for small- and medium-sized enterprises to start preparations for their own automatic-enrolment journey.

As an employer, the first step is to find out your company’s staging date. This is the date at which you will have to automatically enrol your workforce into a pension scheme and is based on the number of people in your PAYE scheme at April 1, 2012. It is advisable to start preparations around six months prior to staging, and take the opportunity to set up a worthwhile scheme that integrates well into business functions. Encouraging employee saving may prevent employers having concerns over an ageing workforce.

Employees are assessed on their employer’s staging date to determine whether they are eligible to be automatically enrolled and entitled to employer contributions into their pension. Other types of employee must be reminded of their right to opt into the scheme, although not all will be entitled to employer pension contributions.

Lower initial levels of contribution have been set out to ease in the additional expense and will be phased in fully, to steady state levels, by October 2018.

Automatic enrolment can be costly. It was initially predicted that around 30 per cent would opt out, whereas the Department for Work and Pensions report actual figures of around 10 per cent. More onerous administrative duties will also be required.

Trigon Pensions have already seen several employers of varying sizes through their staging date and beyond. We offer tailored advice to guide employers through every stage of the automatic-enrolment process. For more details, call me on 0117 369 3663 or email hannah.mainstone@trigon.co.uk

TIME TO ACT ON WORKPLACE The clock is ticking for medium-sized companies to sort out workplace pensions for their staff. Gavin Thompson assesses the auto-enrolment timebomb and looks at how businesses can defuse it by acting now

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N less than six months, medium-sized businesses – those with 50 to 249 employees – across Bristol will be expected to comply with workplace pensions auto enrolment for their staff.

There are more than 500 such businesses in the former Avon area. And if they have not already taken steps to deal with the issue, then they need to move fast.

The worry is that many are taking the ostrich approach. Research carried out last month and released today shows that 90 per cent of smalland medium-sized business have not yet started preparing for auto enrolment.

Companies in the medium-sized category are due to comply between April 1, 2014, and April 1, 2015. The exact date will vary but they can find out by going online to the Pensions Regulator website. Smaller firms follow in 2015 and 2016.

Just as worrying, the research showed 80 per cent of small- and medium-sized firms were unaware they would need to re-register, every three years, employees who opt out.

Half of business owners said they did not understand what auto enrolment was, and 82 per cent had no idea of the ball park.

Anthony Carty, group financial planning director of Pill-based Clifton Wealth, which commissioned the study, said: “We have been warning owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises for some time that auto enrolment is not something that can be ignored and requires planning.

“However, whereas the employee message seems to have got through – with a 90 per cent opt-in rate – the employer message has proved more difficult.

“As a result, the majority of business owners are completely unaware of the administration and compliance involved – and that even when they have gone through the initial staging process, they will still need to re-register three years down the line those who have opted out.”

That message is backed up by the Pensions Regulator, which will be enforcing the new laws. Its executive director of automatic enrolment, Charles Counsell, said: “The six-month countdown for medium-sized employers has begun and we are calling them to action.

“We know many have been working hard to ensure they are ready for their new duties.

“We are calling on all employers not to be complacent and that is why

THREE DON’TS 1 DON’T assume your staff will opt out. Government figures show that more than 90 per cent are staying in.

2 DON’T leave it too late.

Owners with fewer than 50 employees believe there is time to sort out auto enrolment before the deadline of April 2015. But many specialists have already reported a jam as business owners seek financial advisors,

payroll providers and software suppliers.

3 DON’T think you can get away without complying. The Pensions Regulator is taking its role extremely seriously. Since October 2012, it has launched 89 inquiries on firms over compliance issues – and those are large employers, with greater in-house resources at their disposal than small businesses.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

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

WHAT IS AUTO ENROLMENT? ● A NEW law means employers have to automatically enrol workers into a workplace pension scheme if they are aged from 22 to the state pension age, not already in a workplace pension scheme, earn more than £9,440 a year and work in the UK. Individuals have to opt out if they do not want to be in a workplace pension, and are automatically re-enrolled every three years.

Pensions contributions have to total a minimum of 2 per cent of the worker’s salary, rising to 5 per cent in 2017 and 8 per cent in 2018.

That sum is the total of the employer’s and employee’s contribution along with any tax benefits. But details will depend on the individual schemes to which employers sign up.

PENSIONS FOR YOUR STAFF 90

%

THE DEADLINES Auto enrolment ● Large companies (with more than 250 staff): October 2012 to February 2014. ● Medium-sized firms (with 50 to 249 staff): April 1, 2014 to April 1, 2015. ● Small firms (test group): June 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015. ● Firms with 30 to 49 staff:

It found each company will have 33 different administration tasks to undertake, and the process would take 103 man days per firm.

The research was commissioned

by Creative Auto Enrolment, which has its South West base in Temple Quay, Bristol.

Managing director David White said: “The costs to each business of meeting their auto-enrolment responsibilities will vary based on differing labour costs across the UK. “But make no mistake that getting ready for auto enrolment is a huge task.

“With 250 pages of guidance from the Pensions Regulator, the South

Of SMEs are to yet start preparing for auto enrolment

T

HE book The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy had the words “Don’t panic!” emblazoned on the front because, the story said, it helped boost sales as people found it calming.

While keeping a cool head is always important in business, we are approaching the moment where companies need to be less relaxed about workplace pensions. The auto-enrolment laws are coming into force in stages.

Large companies have already been through the process, but armed with well-staffed human-resources and payroll departments they should have been prepared.

Now it is the turn of medium-sized firms, soon to be followed by small companies.

For such businesses it may seem another round of red tape to be handled, hurriedly, as well as they can as close to the deadline as they can get away with.

But it is clear from the research reported elsewhere on this page that this process is time consuming and, with every employee who opts out having to be re-enrolled every three years, will have to be managed closely over time.

Auto enrolment will be for the long-term good of society.

Take-up rates of 90 per cent suggest it will make the biggest difference to pension provision for a long time.

But it cannot be ignored in a file titled “mostly harmless”.

August 1, 2015 to October 1, 2015. ● Firms with fewer than 30 staff: January 1, 2016 to April 1, 2017. ● Companies formed after April 2012 have to comply during 2017. And new employers formed from October 2017 have an immediate duty to comply.

West businesses are facing a Herculean challenge.

“Auto enrolment is happening and it is crucial for firms to set aside plenty of time and resources to get to grips with what is being required to allow for the necessary processes to be put in place.”

The last word goes to the man charged with overseeing auto enrolment of workplace pensions, Pensions Minister Steve Webb.

Mr Webb, MP for Thornbury and Yate, said: “With only six months before medium-sized employers enrol their staff, the message is clear – act now to ensure you meet your duties.”

dcpensions.co.uk

Auto-enrolment is here.

Understand exactly what you need to do and when.

Call us now on: 0117 937 8763

Bristol’s

workplace pensions

experts

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we have written directly to them – to make sure they know what their duties are, what they should have done by now and what they will need to do.”

The regulator recommends that employers due to comply in April next year should by now have identified a suitable pension provider and software provider as well as any outside help they may need.

They should also have started checking which of their workers they will need to automatically enrol and communicating with them about the changes.

More than 1.7 million people nationally have already been automatically enrolled for pension schemes by their employers, as large companies were required to lead the charge. More than 2,000 firms have complied with their duty so far.

The system has been tweaked based on feedback from those larger firms, so the hope is if people act soon enough things should run smoothly.

Lessons learned from larger employers show the importance of being certain that your pensions provider can provide what you need and that your payroll systems are compatible – employers should test their systems in advance of their staging date.

Research by the Centre for Economic Business Research found the average set-up cost to companies in the South West will be £17,400, although it could be higher in Bristol where wages are often higher than other parts of the region.

Firms need to be less relaxed

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THE SKY IS THE LIMIT D

eveloping international markets is critical to achieving sustainable growth, not just for individual businesses but for the wider economy too. This doesn’t just apply to large organisations. In fact, smaller companies often have the advantage of more easily tailoring their products for niche markets.

Russell Jones has been Regional Director for UK Trade & Investment in the South West since 2007. Here he explains how the sky is the limit for companies big and small when it comes to exporting.

‘Easy for you to say’, I hear you cry. When I visit companies across the South West, I constantly hear recurring reasons why businesses think exporting isn’t for them. “We’re just too small” or “I wouldn’t know where to start.” At UKTI we understand that doing business overseas is not always straight-forward – but we are here to help.

In the seven years I have been Regional Director at UKTI, I have been blown away by the innovation and energy out there in our region. There is also an unbelievable appetite across the globe for British goods and services, and I strongly believe that EXPORTING IS GREAT for most companies.

UKTI’s dedicated team of international trade advisers works tirelessly to help local businesses achieve their international growth objectives by providing bespoke advice and strategic ongoing support. Their expertise, combined with their first-hand experience of exporting provides businesses with the assistance, advice and knowledge they need to succeed.

There is a world of opportunities out there and with UKTI’s help, the sky is the limit.

If the sky seems too far right now, then perhaps a visit closer to home is more practical. We are hosting Export Week from 11 to 15 November in a bid to inspire more of the region’s businesses to explore overseas markets. The highlight of the week will be our annual ExploreExport event, which this year is being held in two locations – Exeter and South Gloucestershire.

These events provide a unique opportunity to speak to advisers, gain valuable insight from successful exporters and meet with commercial officers from up to 60 global markets on a one-to-one basis.

If you have a high quality product or service that is successful in the UK, then there is absolutely no reason why it couldn’t succeed overseas.

Bristol’s ExploreExport event is being held at the Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel on Tuesday 12th November. Find out more or book your place at www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk and by following UKTI South West on Twitter @UKTI_SW (#exportweek)

CASE STUDY:

KEEPING POULTRY COOL IN HOT CLIMATES Avonmouth-based Technical Converters has seen significant growth in export sales of its heat reflective lining material for the agribusiness sector, thanks to help from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

The product, known as Valeron AVA, is installed as an internal lining under the roof of poultry units and is designed to reflect 95 percent of radiant heat away from the building – something that is particularly beneficial for poultry farmers in hot countries.

Initial sales in 2009 of £65,000 to niche farmers in Japan and Australia have grown to £470,000, with the product being adopted in India, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Now, around 20 percent of the company’s turnover is generated from exports.

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Technical Converters approached UKTI in June 2012 when it wanted to explore further overseas opportunities in India, Saudi Arabia, West Africa and Sub Saharan Africa.

The company received strategic advice from UKTI’s International Trade Adviser Andrew Fraser and also took part in Market Visit Support (MVS) to Saudi Arabia and India, a programme which enables companies to visit overseas markets where UKTI has

a presence, either as part of an organised group, or where appropriate on an individual basis.

Technical Converters has also taken part in UKTI’s Gateway to Global Growth programme, which is designed for companies with some experience in exporting, and is now looking for further support from the Tradeshow Access Programme.

The company has since installed 170 units across 14 farms with India’s third largest producer, Indian Agro Industries, and carried out the refurbishment of 10 poultry farms, comprising 90 units, for South Africa’s top two poultry producers.

Mike Freeman, Managing Director at Technical Converters said: “The support has been clearly explained by Andrew throughout the process and he has been in regular contact with updates on UKTI services to assist us.

We took advantage of Market Visit Support and made visits to Saudi Arabia where we were able to get trials under way that will hopefully pave the way for substantial future business in that region. We also made an MVS visit to India which enabled us to gain some extra business there.

“Linking up to field-based UKTI sector managers, such as in Brazil, has given us a good insight to that market and how we may approach that market in the medium term.”

UKTI’s International Trade Adviser Andrew Fraser added: “Technical Converters is a fine example of a South West company with a very good product which is taking up the export challenge. They have a strategic view of where growth potential lies for their products and with their focus and determination I’m confident Technical Converters will continue to succeed on the international stage.”

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Acorn Interactive – the online tool to help with overseas trading Acorn Interactive is an online toolkit which supports exporters with all the tools and information required to be successful in international trade. Developed

by Business West in partnership with i2i, Acorn has recently been voted best in the world at the International Chambers of Commerce Awards for Best International Project.

UK Trade and Investment: Helping you to grow your business overseas

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KTI is the Government’s main export department with a mission to get another 100,000 SMEs exporting and increase the value of exports to £1 trillion by 2020. It does this through a range of services and dedicated support, from financial subsidies to overseas missions.

Passport to Export – support for first time exporters The ‘Passport to Export’ scheme helps new or novice exporters assess their readiness for international trade. It provides them with training, planning and ongoing support needed to begin their journey to export. The programme includes mentoring and advice from an International Trade Adviser for 12 months and free attendance to workshops.

Companies taking part are entitled to £3,000 of matched funding and a £500 grant towards a company’s first Overseas Market Introduction Service.

Gateway to Global Growth – assisting experienced exporters For businesses that have already begun exporting and are ready to expand further afield, the ‘Gateway to Global Growth’ 12-month flexible programme can provide strategic support from an International Trade Adviser. The programme enables companies to conduct extensive market research, undertake language training and attend networking events to build a solid foundation for overseas expansion.

Companies taking in part receive an International Business Review and are entitled to £3,000 of matched funding for Export Vouchers and free access to training and workshops.

Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) – putting you in touch with market experts UKTI has a unique network of commercial officers based in British embassies and consulates around the world. The Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) puts businesses in direct touch with these market experts, who can offer focused advice and assistance tailored to specific requirements.

These teams have the local language skills, market knowledge and network of commercial connections to help businesses at whatever stage of their journey- be they in the initial research stage or at the point of closing a deal. OMIS is a subsidised service and charges vary according to the extent of the assistance required. Discounts are available for first time users of OMIS.

Acorn Interactive brings together innovative solutions that can assist exporters to produce all their documentation, purchase cargo insurance, engage with online training, access other professionals such as lawyers, freight forwarders, translation service providers and many others, as well as developing their knowledge and skills.

To find out more about how Acorn Interactive can help your export activities visit our stand at UKTI’s ExploreExport or come along and attend our workshop – ‘International Trade in a Nutshell!’ www.acorninteractive.co.uk

DONT FORGET: Don’t forget to book your place at one of UKTI’s ExploreExport events during Export Week, where you can meet trade officers from up to 60 countries on a one-to-one basis.

Trade Missions – taking your first step overseas Trade missions provide participants with unique access to high quality information, business contacts • and officials that it would be virtually impossible to achieve alone. They also provide companies with an opportunity to benefit from the knowledge, contacts and experience of others travelling with them. Participating in a UKTI trade mission is a great way to quickly get the feel and flavour of a country, and to determine if and where the opportunities lie.

In short, there is also no better way to learn about the culture, customs and business environment than getting on a plane and seeing it for yourself.

Tuesday 12 November Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Wotton-under-Edge, South Gloucestershire www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk

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To find out more about UKTI’s range of support services visit www.ukti.gov.uk, call 0845 60 60 969 or email enquiries@uktisouthwest.org

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

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Up and coming

The future of business

Education

Entrepreneurial skills

Firms help kids on to write track with literacy

● ENVIRONMENTAL consultancy firm SLR has appointed Amanda Woollaston as communications manager.

Amanda, who has more than 20 years’ communication experience, joins from Nash Partnership, a multi-disciplinary architecture practice in Bath.

“This is an exciting time to join the SLR team as it continues to extend its technical and geographic coverage,” she said.

“My role will focus the business on effective engagement with existing and new clients across SLR’s business sectors.”

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● LETTINGS agency Connells has appointed Alice Hay as lettings negotiator and Abi Sutter begins the an office apprentice at its Southville office.

The decision to expand the lettings at Southville, which launched this time last year, comes on the back of an increase in demand for rental homes throughout 2013.

Southville-born Alice is relatively new to the industry but is learning fast while Abi is the office’s first apprentice.

Branch manager Stephen Davies – pictured with the new recruits – said: “This is an exciting time to enter our industry and there is a large pool of talented young people in Southville.”

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

A Ready to inspire in community A SCHOOL for social entrepreneurs has seen the culmination of its first year with certificates presented to its first 17 students – pictured above – by Mayor George Ferguson.

The Bristol School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) offers a range of support for people who want to hone their skills and ideas to address a social need.

The graduates of the school are now are working in many important areas of life to reduce inequality, raise aspirations of children, young people and families, make prosperity sus-

tainable and build strong and safe communities.

Their projects range from a Bristol community bike workshop to an online network for the over 50s.

Dirk Rohwedder, head of the Bristol SSE, said: “To tackle the huge social and environmental challenges that we face today in Bristol, we need to develop inspirational people with entrepreneurial flair from our communities – and give them the best tools to succeed. We are delighted to see our first graduates complete their year with us.”

BRISTOL education charity says businesses are helping improve literacy and numeracy levels in the city. Roger Opie, chief executive officer of Ablaze, said it was “alarming and damaging to the economy” that school leavers in this country are lagging behind those in the rest of the developed world.

But Mr Opie, pictured, said Bristol companies are showing the way forward.

He said: “In the Bristol area where primary literacy and numeracy and GCSE maths and English results are improving, enlightened businesses and enthusiastic schools are working in partnership with an understanding that early prevention is now better than cure in later years to raise standards in numeracy and literacy.”

Around 60 businesses in the Bristol area now provide volunteers who give school children extra help as number partners or reading buddies.

Ablaze, which organises links between the firms and schools, said that a record 1,400 primary-school pupils are now getting one-to-one help each week from the business volunteers.

Mr Opie said: “The impact measures are impressive, and contributing businesses and enlightened schools are doing their utmost to see that the

coming local generation has every chance to succeed in education and work. At Ablaze our focus is very much on prevention rather than cure later.”

A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned that English school leavers were entering a “more demanding labour market” but were “not much better equipped” than previous generations. The report ranked English children 22nd out of 24 for literacy, and 21st for numeracy.

Almost a quarter of adults in England and Northern Ireland have the literacy skills expected of a 10-year-old.

Ablaze was formed seven years ago and has business volunteers going into secondary schools to work as mentors with young people. Mentors can help to introduce them to the world of work by talking about their own careers or inviting groups of young people to visit their workplace.

Robert Bourns – senior partner at law firm TLT, which has been working with Ablaze for six years – said: “The OECD report made for depressing reading and should be a call to action for those who are concerned to ensure that our young people have the self confidence and engagement that flows from an ability to read, understand and communicate effectively.”

Mr Opie said: “Today’s school pupils are tomorrow’s employees, leaders and entrepreneurs. Businesses in Bristol can shape the future by giving them their support.”

Apprenticeships

Investors in People

Firm delivers for youngsters

College hailed again for staff care

CITY Link’s Bristol depot is one of the first in the country to take apprentices on board as part of a national initiative.

The scheme offers on-the-job training together with nationally-recognised qualifications and the necessary skills to pursue a career in the distribution industry. It follows the launch of a trial scheme last year, a first for the industry, which proved a great success, with more than 100 employees completing the first year of the programme.

New apprentices Nathan Frost and Russell Price are embarking on a Level 2 apprenticeship in warehousing and distribution. The course, relevant to the City Link operation, has been designed around the working practices in the City Link warehouse.

During the year-long training programme they will earn while they learn and undertake a mix of classroom-based workshops, assignments, activities and experiences.

There is also a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills. Having completed a basic induction, Nathan and Russell have already been out with a driver and worked in the office. They are now working on the outbound operation in the warehouse.

Following the successful completion of the programme, the apprentices may be considered for a permanent role with delivery firm City Link.

City Link’s Mike Goldsworthy said: “Nurturing young talent is essential if we are to maintain the skills to drive the business forward.”

WESTON College has again received the highest level of a coveted national award for displaying outstanding commitment to staff development.

The Investors in People (IIP) Gold Award, previously given to the college in 2010, followed an inspection and interviews with staff in September. The accolade is made to less than two per cent of UK businesses, and is given to run organisations which meet stringent criteria, including learning and development, leadership skills and recognition and reward of staff, among others.

Dr Paul Phillips, Weston College’s principal and chief executive, said: “To retain this very prestigious award is a great honour, and is reflective of the time, effort and energy we put into staff development.

“Weston College is an entrepreneurial organisation that is more than meeting the demands of the 21st century workplace. We very much hope

● From left, head of Human Resources Caroline Long; Dr Paul Phillips; and executive director of College Services and Responsiveness, Andrea Greer we can champion our Investors in People status and share our good practice and ideas with many other organisations.”

The college was also honoured at the inaugural North Somerset Business Leader Awards, being named Employer of the Year and receiving the Training Initiative award.