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09 OCT 2013
THE EXPORT ISSUE
INSIDE BLIND INVESTMENT
Why you’ll want to back 10 tech start-ups you’ve never heard of FIT FOR GROWTH
Component maker secures £100,000 grant to move site
SPECIAL DELIVERY Why your company needs to be on the export bandwagon – and how to do it
WIN DESK SPACE
Six months’ free space at Launch Point for a start-up or micro firm
Exploit new export opportunities EPB-E01-S4
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Meet the Buyer event
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Trade visit
Assisting big and small firms to work together ● BIG buyers have until Friday, October 11 to sign up for a chance to meet small- and medium-sized companies who could provide them with goods and services. Bristol City Council and the Federation of Small Businesses, with support from Regus (Temple Quay), are organising a Bristol Meet the Buyer event on November 20. Buyers frequently find it too time-consuming to sort through the myriad of local suppliers to locate those who might be able to offer them something better. Smaller businesses, often with innovative products and services, can find it difficult to make effective approaches to larger buyers. The event will streamline the process for both sides – making introductions to help shorten supply chains, save money and improve products and services for the buyers, while boosting the small-business sector and delivering a positive economic impact to the Bristol region. Mayor George Ferguson said: “I am pleased that the council is running this kind of event to help smaller businesses work with bigger buyers. A healthy economy relies on both large and small business, from global corporations to local niche suppliers. This will bring them together with the aim of forming better relationships and help boost local trade.” Among the buyers already signed up to attend are the University of the West of England, RaddisonBlu Hotel Bristol, MITIE Technical Facilities Management, Bristol and Weston NHS Purchasing Consortium, Tesco, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Sarafan Sports, and Specsavers Bristol. The city council will also be on hand to provide advice on its procurement processes and how to do business with the authority. Buyers wishing to take part should contact the council’s Jason Thorne at jason.thorne@bristol.gov. uk or on 0117 922 2042.
SMEs
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Campaign launched to raise profile ● A CAMPAIGN is being launched to raise the profile of small and medium sized manufacturers in the region. Manufacturing Matters is the idea of the Manufacturing Advisory Service to promote a sector which accounts for more than 110,000 businesses. Simon Howes, MAS area director South West, said: “There is no better time to launch Manufacturing Matters with recent reports and PMI data suggesting a three-year high in confidence, investment and output. “The larger companies are the ones that usually get the column inches and airtime, yet it is the SMEs in the supply chain that make up 95 per cent of industry.” He added: “We want it to be inclusive so firms and their employees need to come forward and actually shout about all the good things they do and why they are proud of the industry they work in. “If we get more people talking about the sector, watching videos or even teachers just talking to pupils about it in schools and colleges, then the initiative will have been successful.” You can find more details on the website http://manufacturing matters.mymas.org.
● The delegation from Oman at the Mansion House formal dinner as part of their visit to Bristol
Omani delegation mission could lead to big deals for local companies A DELEGATION from Oman has been visiting Bristol building trust and relationships that could eventually lead to big deals for local companies. The official remit of the delegation is to learn about the automotive parts and aftercare industry but the hope is
that the face-to-face meetings with a range of firms around Bristol during the visit will blossom into productive business relationships. During the week-long stay the delegation visited Leigh Court, home of Business West which organised the trip along with Flying Penguin En-
terprises, the Bloodhound supersonic car in Avonmouth and enjoyed a reception at the Mansion House. Business West director Clive Wray said: “This visit has gone incredibly well and we hope it is just the start of building strong business connections between the Government of the Sul-
tanate of Oman and our city. “It could well result in great opportunities for companies in the West of England to become part of the supply chain in Oman. In Oman culture it is all about ‘who you know’ and we have opened this door and made connections at high levels.”
Competition
Train your staff, urges Lord Jones Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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MALLER businesses in Bristol should export to sharpen their performance, according to one of the country’s leading businessmen. Lord Digby Jones – the former head of the CBI and trade minister – spoke to businesses in advance of a talk he is giving at the Rotary charity event later in the month. Lord Jones praised the city’s strong economic credentials but urged small and medium sized businesses to keep driving forward. “The message to SMEs in Bristol is they should constantly train their people, up-skill their people,” he said. “They must look for other and better markets. Smaller businesses which export become more competitive and more productive at home because they expose themselves to bigger and better competition. “And they should look at constantly
Win tickets to see Digby ● LORD Jones will be speaking on the subject of What Business Needs to Succeed in Asia’s Century at a dinner organised by the Rotary Club of Bristol on October 22. Tickets for the four-course meal 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. But for up to 10 young entrepreneurs, the evening will be free, and a great opportunity to both network and listen to a highly respected business figure. investing in kit so that they constantly become effective.” Lord Jones, who said he visited the city often through his work with firms such as Jaguar - which sees Bristol as a key market - and JCB, said he had seen smaller businesses in the city were investing in training and skills and was encouraged by the improving pic-
To apply for the tickets you must be 35 or under on October 22 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 Lord Jones Competition Entry as the subject line, stating why you want the tickets, and including your name, age and business. The most inspiring entries will be chosen to get tickets. Entries must be in by 5pm tomorrow. ture in the region’s general economy. “Bristol is starting with two bullets in the barrel,” he said. “First, you have got three fabulous universities within a few miles – Bristol, UWE and Bath – and knowledge will be the way that we hold our own in the world. “Secondly Bristol is the capital of the European aerospace industry.
Toulouse might argue with that but without Bristol, there is no Toulouse. It’s world class for aviation and aerospace.” He added that business also needed to take a role in dealing with some of the social issues in city. “There are challenges in Bristol in terms of social inclusion that come from areas such as St Paul’s and in education and how you deal with those will be one of the ways the city is judged in the next 20 years. “These need leadership from politicians and leadership from business.” Lord Jones echoed the recent comments of the Prime Minister that profit is not a dirty word, and called for less regulation that hampers business. “Only business creates wealth. Lots of other people will tell you how to spend it but the only people who will create it are businesses,” he said. “Without profit, there’s no tax, and no policemen, schools and other public services.”
Financial services
Award for the founders of local success story finance company ONE of the city’s highest profile business success stories in recent years has been honoured for its contribution to the local economy. Peter Hargreaves and Stephen Lansdown, the co-founders of financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown, were presented with the award at a ceremony at the Mansion House by Master of the Guild of Guardians Nigel Puddicombe. The prize is said to be the first business award the FTSE 100 company has ever received, despite its phenomenal growth since launching in a Bristol bedroom in 1981. Hargreaves Lansdown now has a
market capitalisation of £4.8 billion, employs more than 700 people and manages £36.4 billion on behalf of its clients. Mr Puddicombe said: “Peter and Stephen have made an immeasurable contribution to Bristol’s economy and it is a privilege for the guild to be able to recognise them. “Their story is the stuff of Hollywood, which should be an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs and is testament to what can be achieved.” Mr Hargreaves said: “It is a great honour to receive this award and I’d like to thank the guild for recog-
nising our work in developing Hargreaves Lansdown over the last 30 years.” The Guild of Guardians also recognises young local entrepreneurs. Nick Hime was presented with a grant of £1,500 and the prestigious Alfred Telling Award, which recognises a young business person who has started or developed a business based on traditional craftsmanship, for his Classic Sash Company. The Guild of Guardians is a registered charity that aims to promote the city of Bristol, its traditions, trade and commerce and to improve the quality of the civic life.
● Stephen Lansdown and Peter Hargreaves with their award
www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Construction
Outsourcing
New home for factory with £100k Going for Growth grant
Pub and restaurant deal worth £38million ● MITIE, the Bristol-based FTSE 250 strategic outsourcing company, has been awarded a £38 million waste management and cleaning contract with pub and restaurant chain Mitchells & Butlers. Mitie will provide recycling and environmental services at 1,600 restaurants and pubs all over the UK for three years. It will also clean at 650 establishments. The company’s brands include Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One, O’Neills’s and Browns. Martyn Freeman, managing director of Mitie’s facilities management business, said: “We are delighted to be working with Mitchells & Butlers, and building on our strong relationship to provide them with our world-class environmental services. This important contract award demonstrates how Mitie can bring value, innovation and high quality services to clients through a strategic facilities management model.” Jamie Swanston, head of corporate and retail procurement at Mitchells & Butlers, said: “Mitie demonstrated its ability to manage an estate of the scale and diversity of Mitchells & Butlers.”
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
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MONTPELIER manufacturing company has been awarded a £100,000 grant to help it move to a new site within the city. Fowlers of Bristol (Engineers) makes sheet metal components, precision machined parts, welded fabrications and pressings for the aerospace, defence and automotive industries. It applied for money from the Going for Growth campaign, which aimed to get money to businesses to spur growth and job creation in the Bristol economy. Finance director Justine Witherden said: “The fact is that our current premises are really not suitable for us any more and are hampering our growth. “The buildings are old, inefficient and poorly laid out and as each year passes becoming more difficult to maintain, this restricts the efficient flow of work and is frustrating for us and our skilled workforce. “We need somewhere with more space, height and natural light to give our employees a much better working environment and to project a more positive image to our customers.” The money will help the company to make that move, although it is not yet decided exactly where the new site will be, and hopefully expand its business and take on more workers. Mrs Witherden added: “We are looking at another site at the moment which will give us the opportunity to improve the factory layout and grow
● Gary White (Sales & Engineering Director) and Justine Witherden (Finance Director) of Fowlers receive a grant from Photograph: Dave Betts BRDB20131007E-005_C the Bristol Post Going For Growth campaign the business to the extent that we plan to employ another five members of staff. “We were delighted to be successful with our application because it meant we could go ahead with our plans to move. We wouldn’t have been able to afford to without it.” The Going for Growth campaign was run by the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Bristol Post to distribute £25 million of money from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund earlier this year.
After a large response, the LEP team is working through the applications and getting the money to where it’s needed - Bristol businesses. Business adviser Anthony Downes said: “Our team was delighted to help Fowlers through the process, in particular, making sure that their ambitions matched the criteria of the fund.” After handing over the award, mayor George Ferguson said: “The Growth Fund is providing a tre-
Best deals - How the numbers stack up Business savings Inflation Business current CPI accounts accounts Bank of India
Cooperative Bank
1.01% Bank of £10,000 deposit Cyprus
1.75% £1,000 deposit
0.25% United Trust £1 deposit Bank
1.75% £500 deposit
0.12% United Trust £1 deposit Bank
1.50% £500 deposit
0.10% Bank of Unity Trust £25,000 deposit India Bank
0.25% £0.01 deposit
1.45% 0.05% Cambridge and £10,000 deposit £1 deposit Counties Allied Irish 1.01% Melton 1.2% Bank £10,000 deposit Mowbray BS £1,000 deposit Source: Business Moneyfacts - moneyfacts.co.uk
2.7 -0.7 -0.5 -3.99
Weekly earnings
mendous boost to small and medium sized enterprises in Bristol and I am delighted to have the chance to visit one of the deserving recipients. “This company is already a success story and the grant will allow them to develop even further, providing jobs and apprenticeships for our young people. It is important that we keep a vibrant manufacturing and engineering sector because it helps create a balanced economy, offering the opportunity of employment to the whole community.”
Corporation tax % %
%
Base interest rate % Ave mortgage rate %
23 20 13 10
Main rate
%
Small profits rate – below £300,000
Employer NI rates .8%
Standard rate on earnings above £148 per week
.4%
Employees in salary-related pension scheme earning up £770 p/w
3
National average petrol prices .54p
132 139 140 70
Unleaded
.30p Diesel
.62p
Super unleaded
.56p LPG
Source: PetrolPrices.com
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Get in touch Assistant Editor (Business) Gavin Thompson Call 0117 934 3336 Email gavin.thompson @b-nm.co.uk Twitter @gavin_thompson1
Writer Rupert Janisch Email business@ b-nm.co.uk Advertising Robert Rodgerson 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 Media Sales Executive - Business Call 07736 900 705. Email simon.coy @b-nm.co.uk
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Building
Investments
Property
Construction firms in curry networking day
Scheme offering stake in 10 tech start-ups
Landmark building sold in £7.5m deal
● A NEW networking event is being launched in the city with a view to building strong relationships among the property, finance and construction industries. The Curry Club will be held at 4,500 Miles From Delhi Indian restaurant on Colston Avenue – pictured below – on the second Thursday of the month, starting tomorrow. Although it has a sector focus, the club is open to all firms within that, from the contract cleaner to the property giant. Nick Carter-Brown, of Portal Tax, is organising the Bristol club, a spinoff from others that have been running in places such as Manchester for 40 years. Mr Carter-Brown said the event
was “speaker led”, with the first guest being Alan Hyde from EDF Energy, talking about opportunities in the region springing from the new Hinkley Point nuclear power station. He added the venue in Colston Avenue was the perfect spot for a networking event, and not just because of the central location. “Because the building used to be a pub, unlike a lot of restaurants it has space for people to move around and talk,” said Mr Carter-Brown. He added: “First of all this is about making people aware of all the commercial property opportunities in Bristol.” The series is being sponsored by financial firm Smith & Williamson and chartered accountants Sanderson Weatherall. Those wanting to attend can simply turn up on the day. The event costs £25 and runs from noon to 2pm.
Gavin Thompson
“ We are creating a space for bright young things who want to become the next Mark Zuckerberg
Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
A
N incubator to nurture Bristol tech start-ups is being created in the city’s Enterprise Zone. WebStart Bristol launches next year – but potential investors can get in early to back the projects through a crowd-funding platform from this week. However, they will have no idea what the companies they are investing in will be. Mike Jackson, founder of WebStart Bristol, said: “We are creating a space for bright young things who want to become the next Mark Zuckerberg and we will show that you do not have to go to Silicon Roundabout to do that.” The 51-year-old was inspired after reading about incubators in technology magazine Wired. The scheme will see 10 web start-ups receive 10 weeks of intensive mentoring in areas such as product development, finance and marketing, as well as use of the office and IT facilities at the Engine Shed in Temple Meads. Investors are being asked to back them through crowd-funding platform Seedrs. Instead of backing one idea, they will get a stake in all 10. A combined total investment of £150,000 will give backers a share of a 10 per cent stake in each start-up. Mr Jackson, a father of two from Westbury-upon-Trym, said: “Investing in any start-up is a bit of a lottery – only a few succeed but out of 10 the odds are that at least one will be successful. And with the high multiples in the internet sector, you might only need one.” Applications to the join the incubator programme, which starts in January, are still open, as are those from would-be investers. Mr Jackson said: “Most people would not have spotted any of the current super-successful app and
Mike Jackson, founder of WebStart Bristol
● A LANDMARK Clifton office block has been sold in a deal worth £7.5 million. Kames Capital, represented by independent property consultant GVA, has bought the freehold of Embassy House – pictured – from Rockspring, advised by Knight Frank. The multi-let, six-storey office tower accommodates shops and a banking hall on the ground and first floor. The 60,248 sq ft property is let to 19 tenants, including Barclays, Austin Reed, Savills, Ranstrad and Failand Paper Services. Richard Howell, investment director at the Bristol office of GVA, said: “This is a well-known building in Clifton, that benefits from open plan floor plates. “There are significant opportunities to add value through active asset management, as confidence in the occupier markets continues to improve.”
Fundraiser
Boy band tribute to help hospice
web-service companies, so we will be judging the entrepreneurs, not the idea. If they have the drive, skills and judgement to see it through, we will go for it.” Mr Jackson is planning to invest £30,000 of his own money in the first fund through Seedrs, giving him a two per cent equity stake in each of the 10 companies. Jeff Lynn, chief executive of Seedrs, said: “We set out to be a new kind of financial-services firm that makes investing in startups simple and rewarding. “Setting up this fund complements that by making it much easier for people to diversify their investments and show their support for the thriv-
ing tech ecosystem that has emerged in Bristol over the last several years. “Bristol benefits from close proximity to London, a rich manufacturing heritage, thriving universities and a fantastically-vibrant culture. Young people are expressing an interest in staying instead of moving away to Tech City. “The WebStart Bristol fund is looking to mould and mentor young tech companies – with the support of their investors – and make them stand out among the tech world’s finest.” The minimum investment pledge is £100 and the identity of the start-ups will not be revealed until next year. Visit www.webstartbristol.com to find out more.
● BRISTOL hotel has chosen St Peter’s Hospice at its charity of the year and is staging a boy band tribute night as its first fundraiser. Hits from Take That, Westlife, One Direction and more will get business boppers on the dance floor of the Novotel. General manager Tim Howes said: “The event is intended to be a fun filled evening to lift the autumnal blues between summer and Christmas and to raise lots of money for St peter’s Hospice. “We hope that people from local businesses will get together to take a table and come along for a fantastic night out.” The evening also includes a two-course dinner and disco. The event takes place on Friday, November 1 and tickets cost £24.50.
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 9, 2013
Nanotechnology
Queen’s Award
Specialist firm sold for £15million
● Lord Lieutenant Mary Prior (left) hands the award to Margot Cooper; right, a view inside the workshops during the presentation ceremony at Limbs & Things in St Phillips. Photos: Dan Regan
● A FORMER Bristol boy has sold his company for £15 million. Jeremy Warren, 55, grew up in Almondsbury and went to school at Thornbury Grammar, later Marlwood School. He has sold his firm NanoSight, which makes specialist technology and instruments to Malvern Instruments. Mr Warren lives in Marshfield, and set up his firm in Amesbury, Wiltshire, where it developed and commercialised nanoparticle tracking analysis technology, which allows fast analysis of many different types of nano-sized particles. He said: “The plans we have are ambitious and exciting, and the support and reach of the Malvern organisation will allow us to grow more rapidly than we could alone.”
Innovation prize ‘a reward for staff dedication’ Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
A FIRM from St Philips which makes medical-skills training products has been given the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation. Limbs & Things makes realistic artificial body parts – designed and produced in its factory in Sussex Street – for doctors and surgeons to train on. On Friday it was presented with the prestigious award by the Queen’s Lord-Lieutenant Mary Prior at a ceremony at the company’s headquarters. The award, which is the UK’s highest accolade for business success, was given in recognition of the company’s innovative contribution to skills training in medicine. Limbs & Things’ in-house design and manufacturing process combines traditional craft-based sculpting techniques with the cutting-edge
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technologies. The result is an innovative range of products whose realistic look and feel allow doctors, nurses, surgeons and other healthcare professionals to build their confidence and skills to ultimately improve the care of patients. Margot Cooper, president of Limbs & Things, said: “We feel extremely honoured to have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation. “This award ceremony was a celebration to recognise and thank our employees for all their hard work. “It is their sheer dedication, creativity and continuous innovative work that has ensured our remaining at the forefront of the industry.” Also attending the award ceremony to give presentations at the event were Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy and city mayor George Ferguson. They saw an interactive exhibition of Limbs & Things’ key products and had a rare opportunity to tour the company’s on-site factory.
Ms Cooper said: “Our vision has always been to develop and supply products which allow clinical educators to deliver their curriculum requirements in physical examinations and procedural skills successfully. “We remain committed to working closely with leading clinicians and embracing new materials and technologies to help meet the educational needs of tomorrow’s doctors and nurses.” Among Limbs & Things’ new products is the breast-examination trainer. This provides a realistic platform for acquiring the delicate skills re-
quired for clinical breast examination. Made from realistic soft “tissue”, with the versatility of interchangeable pathologies, the product teaches trainees about the identification of anatomical landmarks and lymph nodes.
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
Design
Agency acquisition
STORY RECAP HERE
● PR and news agency 72Point has acquired specialist website and graphic design agency, Drench Design. The deal, which follows on from the acquisition of Response Fusion, and Radio PR, extends the range of services 72Point offers to its clients, chiefly in the design area.
TO LET
Team of 70 in extreme endurance race
The Mudder of all challenges
Neighbourhood Centre Bridgwater, Stockmoor Village TA6 6AH
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The product is soaked in rapidly evaporating alcohol, offering inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits without the need for ice or refrigeration. The bandages are already used by the NHS and Physicool estimates they could save the NHS
● Synergi Fitness and Physicool joined forces to make one big team of 70 for the Tough Mudder event £20 million annually, compared to other aftercare methods following knee surgery. The bandages are also used by
physiotherapists and sports people and are available at independent pharmacies, retailers and clinics in Bristol.
Retail Premises Available Immediately Variety of Uses – A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 & D1
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A TEAM of runners from Bristol businesses took part in a 12-mile extreme endurance race to raise £5,000 for a local cancer charity. Penny Brohn Cancer Care, which has its headquarters in Pill, benefited from the endeavours of the runners who ran through the course, designed by the British Special Forces, near Newport in south Wales. The hilly and muddy course was called the Tough Mudder and featured obstacles ranging from fires, water courses, electric shocks, tunnels and heights. Only 78 per cent of entrants completed the full 12 miles. The team of 70 runners were from Bristol-based personal trainers firm Synergi Fitness and Physicool – a producer of innovative cooling bandages whose directors have recently made an appearance on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den.
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www.bristolpost.co.uk/business
Social networking What the business world is posting online #BristolBusiness
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
In pictures: Business people out Women Outside The Box festival of female entrepreneurship at Arnolfini
● Good debate today on women on boards – but my focus is pipeline. And it’s wider than women, what about race, disability, age? @RubyMS
● Left, Joni Farthing, WOTB founder and headline speaker Julie Meyer; right, the lively auditorium; far right, members of the monthly WOTB business club at the festival
(Ruby McGregor-Smith) ● Huge tks to all the Filton folks. World-beating output from them. #A400M #BristolBusiness. (referring to delivery of the first A400M, the French government) @AirbusMilitary ● My sort of bank and banker. RT @gavin_thompson1: Meet the banker from @Triodos who says profit isn’t everything. @Hugh_de_Funki
All photos: Naidene Rheeder
● Great business case 4 #Bristol #Arena. Bristol is “last frontier” without a large music venue. Nearest 95 miles away @GeorgeFerguson
GALLERIES GALORE
FOR MORE PICTURES Check out our website at
● Delighted to host a group of automotive business owners from Oman. @MDBusinessWest welcomes our guests to #Bristol @BW_BusinessWest ● New speaker: Paul Robertson is there to sweep up the pieces when an organisation’s crisis has turned to failure. @TEDxBristol ● Incredibly excited to announce we bought the Bristol Children’s Hospital Gromit at auction last night! Here he is!! @WessexGarages
bristolpost.co.uk/business
● Left, Sarah Cook and the team from The Beauty Event; right, Cecelia Thirlway of Cecelia Unlimited with Judith Heale of Greg Latchams
● @WOTBFestival @SpillaneConsult @Ambitiouspr Huge well done for great event. @JulieMarieMeyer a definite highlight plus all those fab women!” @kathchristie3 ● Great to see so many female entrepreneurs today @WOTBFestival We loved @barchocolatcafe @smattamats and @amiaonline @BeeSocialSmart Follow us on social media
@gavin_thompson1 uk.linkedin.com/pub/gavinthompson /67/624/281/Edit
@BristolPost @swbusinessnews
● Left, a spot of relaxation courtesy of reflexology from the Festival Elderflower Company; right, Helen Phillips of Dunkleys Chartered Accountants Photos: Naidene Rheeder
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
and about
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Get in the picture Send us photos from your event, with names please, to business @b-nm.co.uk
Business West Access All Areas at new pavilion of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
2 world firsts Simon Wilshire CIMA T4 - March / May 2013
â—? Above and right, inside the new-look pavilion at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. Above right, Dev Chakraborty of Business West; and Tim Davies, of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club; below, Phil Lawrence, of Veale Wasbrough Vizards; Paula Horton of Prolific Solutions Ltd; and Franky Fatica of Anything Stone UK Ltd
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Fiona Walker ICAEW
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Focus on start-ups | Sponsored by THEME SPONSOR’S NAME HERE.
Exporting special
OPPORTUNITIES KNOCK ABROAD FOR As more Bristol companies are looking to export, Rupert Janisch looks at the openings that await in the lands of opportunity
D
ESPITE the national trade deficit and the widespread belief that the golden age of British exporting is behind us, figures suggest there is light amongst the gloom. According to the Office for National Statistics, UK exports in the second quarter of 2013 reached £78.4 billion, a record high. And there’s no doubt that for the adventurous, forward-thinking SME, the global village of the 21st Century genuinely is their oyster. Regionally, the South West is improving its levels of exporting custom, being one of few regions in the UK to actually grow in annual export value, according to HMRC figures which run up until June 2013. The total value of exports from the region in the year was £13.26 billion. Our region now represents six per
“ The latest statistics are great news. Exporting is a proven way of growing the South West economy, bringing wealth and jobs to our region. Russell Jones cent of England’s exports and 4.5 per cent of those in the UK, with the second highest regional figure for the change in the number of exporters in the 12 months since the middle of summer 2012. Like the rest of Britain, the South West’s main trading area remains the Eurozone, but look further afield to emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China and opportunities abound. For example, India and China alone contributed more than 20 per cent to overall global GDP. Russell Jones, regional director for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in the South West said the increase in exports and the growth in companies in the region which are exporting was extremely encouraging. He also urged the region’s firms to renew their efforts and take advantage of the support available to businesses via UKTI’s services. He said: “The latest statistics are
Case study: Belle & Boo ● A BUSINESS which started almost a decade ago as a series of children’s illustrations about a little girl and her soft toy rabbit is now becoming an international range of products. Mandy Sutcliffe first started drawing Belle and Boo back in 2004 and used to sell their image in the form of high-quality prints. She joined business partner Kate Shafe in 2006 who helped developed the images into retail products. Since then Kate’s husband Patrick has joined the management team and the business strategy has been to develop a range of hand-made Belle & Boo products but also give reproduction rights to a number of partner licensees. And the game-changer has been the production of a series of four books through an international publisher, giving the characters a voice and opening up many new opportunities. Translations of the books have
great news. Exporting is a proven way of growing the South West economy, bringing wealth and jobs to our region. That’s why I am so pleased that so many more companies in our region are going down this route. “UKTI in the South West wants to hear from companies from all sectors who want to take their companies to the next level and are considering the international trade route. “We have the skills, products, services and expertise as a region to capitalise on international opportunities wherever they arise, and I am quietly confident that we will continue driving forwards for the remainder of 2013. “Although the prospect of trading internationally can be daunting, UKTI support is available, with access to essential knowledge and expertise.
● Belle and Boo illustrator Mandy Sutcliffe, centre, with Kate and Patrick Shafe been published in Japan, South Africa, Sweden, Norway, France and Germany, as well as in many English-speaking countries. In Japan, a licensee is making toys, clothing and iPhone
Once companies start exporting there’s no limit to where you can go. UKTI works hard with its many partners to help ensure companies have all the support they need to succeed.” Support is in place for SMEs wanting to look further afield to new markets for business. Business West has recently implemented its Acorn Interactive web platform, which supports exporters with all aspects of international trade. It also offers a Letter of Credit service whereby exporters can submit the correct documentation service and dramatically improve the chances of being paid on time – a constant bugbear for small businesses working to tight margins and with few funds to fall back on. James Durie, director of Business West, said: “As the world becomes an
accessories, all under the watchful approval of the Montpelier-based firm, for which Belle & Boo gets a monthly royalty payment. Not forgetting their UK roots, Belle & Boo products are also sold
increasingly open and interconnected market place, it is vital that companies ‘think global and act global’ and develop a mindset that is naturally geared towards exporting and entering new markets. “Despite improvements in exporting, however, our trade deficit is still too large and we aren’t making enough progress in rebalancing our economy towards net exports. “We are lobbying the Government to seize the momentum and do more to help British exporters penetrate new markets and compete on a level playing field in key areas such as trade finance, insurance and promotion. “Business West through Acorn Interactive, UKTI and Enterprise Europe Network is working hard to persuade potential and reluctant exporters to become dynamic, interna-
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in 512 retail outlets here, as well as having almost 5,000 registered online customers. Sales were up 26 per cent year-on-year and retail sales for 2012/13 reached £2.7 million.
tional traders. “As the leading Chamber of Commerce in the region we are in a unique position to build partnerships with business communities through our overseas Chambers and UKTI network in embassies across the world, to raise awareness of the export support available both at home and abroad. “We need more companies from our region exporting to help the UK win the ‘economic war’ the Prime Minister has so often spoken about. “The Government must play its part too and adopt measures to foster an export-friendly environment where businesses can continue to trade inter nationally. “We must secure Britain’s future as a leading exporter; only by doing this will we move our economy forward from adequate to outstanding.”
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
FORWARD-THINKING FIRMS ● REDHILL-based farm and cheesemaker, Alvis Bros Ltd, is taking Korea by storm with its conventional and organic Lye Cross Farm products. The company, which has been in business for 61 years, makes 70 tons of cheese a week and major retailers in the UK, as well as exporting to more than 30 countries. Lye Cross Farm has been doing business in Asia for the last four years, mainly focusing on Korea with some business more recently developed in Japan. The company first found an Asian appetite for its products at the ANUGA international food show in Cologne in 2009. Lye Cross Farm cheeses caught the attention of a Korean distributor with European connections and with their help started supplying major stores including Homeplus (Tesco), Lotte and E-Mart. Bulk shipments of its West Country Farmhouse Cheddar were also made to major Korean dairies. In March 2012, the company attended a UKTI trade mission to Korea, which involved a full programme of store visits, networking, sampling opportunities and meetings with key dairy customers and retail buyers. Tim Harrap, head of collaboration at Lye Cross Farm, said: “2012 has been a pivotal year for the company in Korea, with sales growing by 50 percent in the 12 months.
Gavin Thompson
Why we must export more
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● Lye Cross farm cheeses from Bristol on sale in Korea; left, Tim Harrap “Much of this success can be attributed to the market insight and support received from UKTI, as well as showcasing the brand and educating trade and consumers about cheese and production methods. “Nothing beats actually taking time to visit and explore Korea even
when you already have business there. You can’t escape the energy and drive there – they’re keen to do business and there are always new opportunities. “There is such a strong interest in Britain and its culture so our imported products are sought after by consumers.”
Case study: Foot Anstey LLP Foot Anstey has also helped the Sharia compliant real estate investment firm, 90 North, to complete a string of deals including the £42 million acquisition of a student village in Canterbury and the £18 million acquisition of a new HQ for Siemens in Lincoln. Foot Anstey has advised other Middle Eastern investors on other similar deals, including the £19 million purchase of Everything Everywhere’s Bristol offices at Aztec West. Imam Qazi, pictured, who works from the firm’s Bristol office, said: “Islamic finance is fast becoming the prevailing method of finance in some Middle Eastern states, a region where conventional finance once dominated. “We have established an Islamic finance practice to take advantage of the opportunities presented by
Middle Eastern financial institutions and investors who want to do business in the UK. “Islamic banks cannot charge interest so deals must be structured to accommodate this, for instance, the bank might buy the property or land and lease it to the client, who will buy it at the end of the lease. “To be compliant with Islamic law, all of our financing deals have to be approved by the bank’s Sharia Supervisory Board which consists of independent Islamic scholars. “Although most of our business has been in the Middle East, where there is still huge potential growth, we are now looking to expand into South East Asia as well.”
Overseas market research Export strategy International business partnerships Export documentation Workshops, master classes & training courses
Foot Anstey has used UKTI’s Passport to Export scheme which assesses a company’s readiness for international trade and helps it built capacity. UKTI International Trade Adviser Graham White said: “Foot Anstey have identified and tapped into a fast growing market for Islamic finance and are starting to reap the rewards. “The valuable new contracts they are winning not only eases the way for foreign, especially Middle Eastern, investment into the country but also adds to the local economy through additional profits generated at a Westcountry firm.”
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HERE is no question that Bristol and the South West’s exports are on the up. The region was one of the few to grow its exports in the second quarter of this year, up 3.5 per cent compared to a UK average of a 0.1 per cent slip. That’s good news. But we must also be honest with ourselves. We are starting from a low base. The recent quarterly trade statistics from HM Revenue and Customs showed the value of exports from the region stood at £13.26 billion, and that we, to quote the UKTI release, “no longer have the smallest total value of exports among the English regions”. I’m not hanging out the bunting just yet. Indeed, the region is hardly an exporting powerhouse, with only the North East exporting less in England. In Bristol we have some great foreign trade success stories. The big manufacturers such as Airbus, GKN and Rolls-Royce are obvious names and there are some smaller companies doing great things too. But too many firms still look inwards for their sales. When a luminary such as Lord Digby Jones, on page 2 of this edition, says his key message to business is to export more, we should pay attention. Lord Jones says exporting sharpens up performance as it exposes firms to tougher competition. His view is backed up by trade adviser Sandra Warne, on page 10, who remarks that businesses which export have coped better with the recession. Exporting is not just for big companies, small and medium sized firms can export just as well. There are good examples on this very page. And, with the wide range of support available through the likes of UKTI, there is no longer any need to be daunted. Exporting is not a big scary word. But it is a big opportunity. Let’s take it.
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Opinion
Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
Case study: Alvis Bros Ltd
● A BRISTOL law firm is winning valuable contracts from the Middle East by specialising in Islamic finance. Foot Anstey LLP is one of very few firms in the country to be able to arrange finance deals in accordance with Islamic law. Partner Imam Qazi has recently returned from a marketing trip in Kuwait arranged by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) where he built new relationships with potential partner firms and secured work from new clients. The Islamic finance team at Foot Anstey has enjoyed considerable recent success in advising Islamic banks and Middle Eastern investors on a range of high value and complex transactions. They have created structures to allow conventional and Islamic financiers to work together.
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Know how
The Big Interview
Director of Golf at the Kendleshire Golf Club
HELPING LOCAL ENTERPRISE
Choosing the right venue
After a five-year mission overseas, international trade adviser Sandra Warne is supporting Bristol companies in boldly going where they have not gone before. Gavin Thompson met the export expert.
Pat Murphy
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WONDER how much thought went into choosing the venues for the recent political party conferences? A nightmare, one would think, for the person put in charge of the most important event of the year for not alone these heavyweights but for even the smallest of businesses. Taking a day out of everyone’s busy schedule to meet and plan next year’s strategy or review of the year is a very important decision for all businesses. Deciding where to then go is just as important. People want to come to and from the day with positive thoughts and feel invigorated, ready for action. Nowadays the choice of venue has risen dramatically and the inner city hotels are far from the only option although they may well suit on some fronts. Moving outside of the city centre adds something extra to the event whilst still providing the focus that one needs. Many golf clubs lend themselves perfectly to either the company conference, sales meeting , or even a place for the board to meet away from the every demands of the office. One thing every golf club can offer is space – and invariably meeting rooms with lovely views – which in turn provides the necessary vitality to get across the day’s important messages. With club members demanding quality food constantly, delegates are sure to enjoy this aspect of the day. When the chance to break arrives there is always plenty of lovely fresh air to breathe in beautiful surroundings. Golf clubs such as The Kendleshire, situated on the north east of Bristol and only 15 minutes from the hub of the city, have positioned themselves perfectly for the returning conference organiser. Clubs such as this have rooms of varying sizes equipped with all the necessary technology to run any event. When the hard work is over, of course there is always the bar with attentive, thoughtful staff who normally remember your face and name when you visit. Clubs, by their very nature, realise that service is vital and will normally provide dedicated staff who look after your every need during a visit. Finally, when choosing any venue these days cost is a major consideration. The country venues tend to come out on top here too with no parking fees and a real desire to please and make you come back again.
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OR someone with a global outlook, Sandra Warne is rather enjoying being back at home. The 52-year-old has recently returned to Bristol after five years as a vice counsel in South Africa, helping UK companies make connections and do business in the country. But once her five-year tour of duty was up – any longer and the Civil Service worries people will forget who they are working for – there was only one place Sandra was coming home to, despite her Welsh accent. She said: “My husband and I have lived in Bristol since 1994. We consider Bristol our home. “When I have gone overseas we always kept our house here knowing this is where we would come back to.” In her ever first non-Civil Service job, Sandra has taken a role as one of 36 international trade advisers in the South West. Based from her Bristol home (she has turned the spare room into an office, always dresses for work – “you feel more professional if you dress for work” – and shuts the door firmly in working hours), she delivers services for UK Trade and Industry and is employed by Abbots Leigh-based Business West. Now she is advising companies on how to export – and her time in Africa gives her a wealth of experience from the other side. Sandra said: “I was vice counsel but headed up the UKTI team there, helping companies enter the South African market as smoothly as possible. We gave as much or as little hand-holding as required. “We would identify best route of entry, for example through a distributor or a partnership, inform them of
Vital statistics Name: Sandra Warne Age: 52 Place of birth: Llwynypia (Wales) School: Penyrheol Comprehensive First job: Excluding babysitting for the neighbours’ children, it was the Civil Service Hero or inspiration: Nelson Mandela (right)
potential competition in the market, talk to them about their pricing and so on. “We would open doors for companies. For example, if we identified that the best route of entry was distributorship, my role would be to do cold calling for the companies – ‘UK Trade and Investment calling from the British Consulate. I have a company from the UK interested in doing business, do you have five minutes to talk?’. “I could virtually guarantee five minutes because the person on the other end would think ‘This must be a serious company going through this official route to talk to me’.” Sandra’s role was not to do the deals but give feedback to the companies about who was or was not interested, and why. She said: “For example, when helping a whisky producer we found out that South African whisky has to be stronger and come in larger bottle
My working day You wake up at? 7am What do you have for breakfast? Toast or cereal What time do you start work? 8.30am What happens in your typical working day? It’s probably easier to describe my typical week because I normally have two different type of ‘typical’ days. These are days when I work from home or days when I am out visiting clients. Ideally it would be made up of three days of visits and two working from home but it is driven by the needs of my clients. Typically working from home means that I will start my day by catching up with e-mails that might have come in during the night or whilst out visiting. Working in international trade means that there are no real
My downtime time patterns to e-mails. The rest of the day is spent on research to answer clients’ questions, report writing or speaking with my Passport or Gateway clients finding out how they are progressing with their international trade plans. On my visiting days – I try to plan visits in the same area on the same day which means on a good day I can meet with three of my clients. However the area I cover is the whole of Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath so often this equates to two visits in a day. What time do you go home? I try to finish at around 5pm Do you take work home/attend evening functions? Yes to both.
What’s your perfect weekend? Meeting up with friends on a Friday or Saturday night for dinner and after five years in South Africa I really appreciate being able to see family over the weekend. What’s your favourite book or film or TV show? I don’t have one favourite book but my book case is mostly made up of all sorts of travel guide books (sad), and for fiction its anything from Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist) through to Dan Brown’s latest (The Lost Symbol) with a few ‘Harry Potters’ thrown in. TV show has to be either Only Fools and Horses or Gavin and Stacey but this could be because I’m a Welsh lady married to an English man. What are your hobbies (if any)? Travel – one of the reasons I enjoy my job so much. ● The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; and Gavin and Stacey
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Comments
BRING IN FOREIGN TRADE
sizes than in the UK. So with that information the company can think about whether it is still going to be cost effective to go into the market.” The new role sees her working at an earlier stage in the process, when firms are just beginning to think about exporting. Sandra said: “Now I am at the coal face, at the starting point for exporting. “I will work with companies new to exporting who have got no idea about it. My role is to show them that although it is going to be another journey for them, it need not be a difficult jour ney.” Her patch covers Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire.
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She helps firms looking to get into all countries, but due to her background is a champion within the region for South Africa. Sandra said: “We work by identifying where a company is at the moment and where it would like to be at some time in the future. “We survey the market – is this the right market for them or should we be looking at somewhere else? We create an action plan and strategy. “My role is to help them along that journey and help them achieve their objectives.” Through Business West, there is a surprising amount of help available to companies looking for support, much of it free. Sandra said: “What we do is available to any British-registered company. My help and support are free of charge. “We have the Passport to Export scheme which has a £500 joining fee but they immediately get a two-day residential workshop which costs more than £500 to put them through. “That helps create strategy, how to appoint a managing agent and how to get the best export prices. Companies also get a £3,000 match-funding grant to use on anything that helps their company become more internationally friendly. “It could be to redesign a website or create product literature in other languages. I worked with one company who had their business cards translated into Japanese.” There are chances to join trade missions abroad. Sandra is hosting one to South Africa next month and there are 20 flying out over the next 12 months to destinations including India and Singapore. But right now Sandra is having a ball travelling around the West, talking to companies about their goals. She said: “I am enjoying the variety of industries I am working with in my job, from food and drink to advanced engineering. “The smaller companies are as proactive as the larger ones. “For a lot of companies it is exciting. “Coming back after five years I did not know what to expect after hearing so much about the recession. “But I have been very impressed with the amount of drive and determination out there. “I have been really encouraged by what I am seeing – the number exporting seems to be growing. “Companies which are exporting are managing to ride out the downturn better than those which are not. It is spreading the risk.”
● International trade adviser Sandra Warne by Robben Island, South Africa; Main photo: Dan Regan BRDR20131003C-003_C top, at an event at Leigh Court
T h e Ken d l e sh i re
Bristol business leaders call for action to back up David Cameron’s warm words towards business ● Dave doesn’t know the meaning of the word “action”. What happened to that cast-iron guarantee of an EU referendum? It turned out to be all talk and no action! Now he is promising action again sometime after 2017 (if we are lucky). Expect yet another u-turn. Eurosceptic ● This prime minister (pictured) is so out of touch with reality that he should be renamed as Robinson Crusoe. The only business to be in if he gets in to power without a coalition in 2015 will be the food bank business. richard35 Rail passengers in Bristol have been promised improvements on key routes after First Great Western was given a 23-month extension to its franchise for the region. ● So no real improvements for Bristol then. A couple of sleeper carriages, some wi-fi (no doubt extortionately priced) and trains with fewer first class seats. We’ve been suggesting this for years. Hardly seems grounds for a franchise extension with a cost of over 77p per mile for a single journey to London. arealbristol ● When I went to a meeting before the mayoral election, Tim Kent (pictured) was extolling the virtues of the First train service. I told him that I couldn’t afford the train fares to London (though I’m clearly paying his expenses) and he actually told me to use National Express coaches instead! J12345678 Airbus delivers its first A400M military transport plane to a customer ● Good news, but it’s a shame we’ll never see one land at Filton. TonyMolen
Where conferences are more productive.
for the organ iser on the first booking
Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2UY
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0 117 95 6 70 07 t h e Ken d l e sh i re . co m
● The trade mission to South African leaves from Bristol Airport on November 16. If you want to take part, register online at http://south africa2013eventbrite.co.uk or email angela.maynard-smith@ uktisouthwest.org.
£50 M&S voucher
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Up and coming
Movers & shake-ups The latest appointments news. Send your news to business@b-nm.co.uk
Business start-ups
Use new loans, Dragon tells young tycoons Rupert Janisch Business@b-nm.co.uk
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RAGONS’ Den star and entrepreneur James Caan has urged budding youngsters to take advantage of a scheme to help more people get into business. The Start-Up Loans scheme was launched to help anyone aged between 18 and 30 initiate a business enterprise and has so far resulted in more than 300 applications from the Bristol area. The £110-million national programme was launched by the Government and James Caan in October 2012 and aims to help 30,000 new businesses get off the ground. So far, 334 loans have been issued in the South West as a region, totalling just over £2 million. Mr Caan told Business: “Bristol is a thriving hub of creativity and diversity and some great businesses have come out of Bristol through the initiative. “It is crucial to give start-up companies the confidence to get going. “It is one of the hardest things to do because you’re putting yourself on the line and opening yourself up for criticism.” Amounts are flexible, with a typical loan size of £5,000. Alongside this finance, young business owners receive fully-funded business advice during the application process and on-going mentoring support for a year.
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“ Bristol is a thriving hub of creativity and diversity and some great businesses have come out of Bristol through the initiative
Among the successful applicants in Bristol are Thomas Coppen, of Keel Over Marketing, who borrowed £5,000 to get his company off the ground. The firm is now established as a specialist search engine optimisation, pay-per-click and adwords management company. Thomas, 25 from Bedminster, said: “The Start-Up Loan allowed me to realise my dream of setting up the office in Bristol. “This funding came after I was turned down by banks due to my age and insufficient credit history. “The mentor scheme associated has allowed me to ensure my loan is invested and used productively.” Keel Over Marketing now employs two people full time and is about to employ a third as well as employing three or four contractors at any given time. South West Investment Group Start-Ups is delivering the fund in the South West and has developed relationships with local business support agencies to help applicants with developing business plans and mentoring support. Mr Caan said: “Providing the right follow up support once they have the loan is essential. “This can be mentoring, resources centres, peer to peer support or just a forum to share ideas and ask questions. “Without the initial support for start-ups we cannot expect the UK economy to grow from the ground up. We all have to help businesses thrive. It is beneficial to us all.”
Education and skills
● ANDREW Burt has been appointed to head the building consultancy team at Knight Frank in Bristol. He joins after nine years at BNP Paribas in Bristol, where he was associate director. Andrew, 30, said: “Knight Frank in Bristol has a great reputation and I am keen to help build the business further. With the welcome return to more positive messages from the market there is a real potential for growth.”
James Caan
“ “The Start-Up Loan allowed me to realise my dream of setting up the office in Bristol. Thomas Coppen
● ROXANNE Ratcliff has been appointed managing director of Bristol-based consultancy IMS, which specialises in helping companies become more environmentally sustainable. The former UWE student has worked for the consultancy for the past six years, helping clients in sustainable development, strategy and communication. She specialises in stakeholder engagement and also played a role in the city’s successful European Green Capital bid. She said: “As the sustainable agenda continues to rise, more and more businesses are starting to implement real organisational change for good.”
Technology
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Law firm pioneers apprenticeships New app to give your job an MOT THREE young people have started careers in legal services this week by beginning apprenticeships at the Bristol offices of leading international law firm DAC Beachcroft. The apprentices began on Monday and will be working in claims solutions, corporate recovery and insolvency teams at the firm’s office in Portwall Lane, Redcliffe. The Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Legal Services is a new qualification developed by Skills for Justice and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). It attracts Government funding for the employment and training of young people aged 24 and under. DAC Beachcroft is one of the first law firms in the country to take advantage of this new initiative. Therese Tyson, HR manager at DAC Beachcroft, said: “We are confident that apprenticeships will prove to be a successful and popular way of training paralegals and bringing new talent into the firm.” Jenny Pelling, business director of
● Clockwise from top left, Mike Thomson, Rebecca Mason, and Larissa Bayliss CILEx Law School, said: “We look forward to teaching these young people and watching them flourish in the workplace.” The new apprentices are Larissa Bayliss, who completed A-Levels in Bristol this summer; Rebecca Mason, who is moving from County Durham to Bristol to take up the position; and Mike Thomson, who is moving from the firm’s HR recruitment team.
BRISTOL-based Pitman Training has launched a new app to help unhappy workers find their dream job. The Career MOT app, which is available on iPhones, iPads and android phones, asks users a few questions before highlighting respondents assets, suggesting career characteristics and proposing new career paths. Pitman Training, which is based on Waterloo Road in St Philips, launched the app in response to research from the Princes Trust which suggested the 27 per cent of youngsters in work are depressed and that only eight per cent of us feel we are in our dream job. The app is available at www. pitmancareermot.com and the centre is inviting people in to try the app and get a print-out of its recommend-
ations, or stop off for some free CV and career advice. Martin Ladd, Pitman Training Centre Manager, said: “We hope people will make a pit stop in their day to call in for a career MOT. “We believe that a bit of encouragement, in a fun way, will show there are ways we can take charge of our careers, and we hope this will lead to Bristol being a place full of happier workers. “Asking if your skills are perfectly matched to the job you’re in, and if you could make use of your key character traits to help you get ahead, our Career MOTs are a chance to see how you can help yourself to be happier at work. Drop in on the way to work, in your lunch hour, whilst out shopping, or on your way home and tap into our free advice.”
● MATTHEW Hammond has been appointed as PwC’s regional chairman for the West and Wales region, succeeding Rob Lewis who has moved to the firm’s London office to lead its mid-market Business Recovery Services practice. PwC has more than 700 people based in the region with offices in Bristol, Plymouth, Swansea and Cardiff. Mr Hammond will lead PwC’s deals business across the region, including the business recovery services practice. Mr Lewis said: “I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Matthew, PwC’s business in the region is in great shape.”