Business
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WED
18 SEP 2013
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SMALL THINGS MAKE BRISTOL GREAT The arguments why getting new businesses be the fastes t way for Bristol to thrive will ’s economy to recover... and
● Charlotte Leslie MP, Jenny Willott MP and Meg Hillier MP enjoy a taste of Butcombe beer
Business is growing ... Next week read our new 12-page business pull-out with more news, more features, more pictures
Women have the power to reshape drinking – MP Jobs Your first beers from around the country with food selected to match each beer style. In her introductory speech, Miss Leslie, suggested that women had the power to re-shape UK drinking habits and that it would be driven by “food and family” – demonstrated earlier by the arrival of fellow MP Jenny Willott with her two small children to the event.
Guy Newell, managing director of Butcombe Brewery, said: “It was great to see women MPs enjoying our beer and having the opportunity to hear, first hand, the importance of our industry to the whole community.” Butcombe Adam Henson’s Rare Breed was served with chicken teriyaki bites with coriander yoghurt. The ale has recently been awar-
ded a gold medal in this year’s International Beer Challenge 2013. Inge Plochaet, chief executive of AB InBev, highlighted research which showed only 12 per cent of women in the UK drank beer, compared with 25 per cent in the US and Belgium. It urged brewers to rethink their strategies to be more inclusive of female drinkers
Family firm cooks up new £1m kitchen deal Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk
Exclusive A BRISTOL appliance retailer has won it’s biggest ever order – and has now revealed plans to go online for the first time. Nailsea Electrical, based in Gloucester Road, secured a £1 million deal to fit kitchens in a housing development. And the family-run firm expects its turnover to pass £5 million within the next two years. The business, which has recently opened a kitchen showroom at its
● Ben Gilks, director of Nailsea Electrical store in Gloucester Road, will supply kitchens for 185 “top-end” retirement apartments in the plush village of Sunninghill, near Ascot. Ben Gilks, director of the successful small business told the Bristol Post the work had just started,
but he had not wanted to publicise it until they were in there with boots on the ground. The contract is with Wilmot Dixon and Andrew Wilson Homes on the £39.8 million Rise Lodge development, offering supported living in a community setting. Mr Gilks also revealed the firm’s turnover grew to £3.6 million last year and that he expects it to top £5 million in the next two years. He added the firm was making a profit but would not be drawn further on numbers. Part of the plan to grow further is to finally add an online offering to customers. “We are going online. I have always said I wouldn’t become an internet player but it’s a huge gap in Nailsea Electrical,” he said.
The 28-year-old had been reluctant to do business online for fear it would detract from the firm’s core customer service values. But he is now convinced he can square the circle by restricting delivering to the South West, and therefore still use their own delivery drivers rather than thirdparty couriers. “Some people want to come in and have a look, and then log on and order from home rather than come back in to the showroom,” he said. Mr Gilks took over the running of the business from his dad 10 years ago. In addition to appliances and kitchens, it also houses the 102 Cookery School, offering private functions and corporate classes.
step to a new career starts Page 9 Page 5 | Setting standards with the green team
Page 4&5 | Somerdale looks to the future
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A BREWER won Parliamentary backing for its latest ale with a tasting for women MPs at the House of Commons. Wrington-based Butcombe Brewery showcased it Adam Henson’s Rare Breed ale at the event, organised with the help of Bristol North West MP Charlotte Leslie. A lively crowd of more than 50 women, and a few men, tasted six
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Rates ‘savings’ should be used to help firms ● THE Government should use money it saves by putting off the re-evaluation of business rates to help companies, according to a Bristol commercial property adviser. Businesses were last valued for rates before the recession, which has left many companies struggling with higher rates than they should be paying. The Government has put off the due re-evaluation until after the next general election. Property firm GVA says “savings” from that should be used to freeze business rates from inflationary rises in 2015/16 and 2016/17 and increase relief for rates on empty properties. Leigh Richardson, senior director at GVA in Bristol, comments: “The revaluation deferment is creating continued hardship for businesses.”
Eco project Hanham Hall exceeds sales targets ● BARRATT Group’s new South Gloucestershire development Hanham Hall has exceeded sales targets in its first year. The development of energyefficient homes, set in 12 acres of open space and with Grade II listed Hanham Hall as its centrepiece, is one of the region’s property successes. Buyers are reserving homes which are due to be completed in 2014. Staff celebrated Hanham Hall’s first birthday with a visit from Mark Clare, chief executive of Barratt Group. He said: “Location has been key, as has the style of home we are building, the environment and the fact that Hanham Hall is setting the standards for sustainable living.”
Unum’s Bristol partner ● INCOME protection specialist Unum has hired another Bristol firm to handle its recruiting in future. Unum, based in Redcliffe Way, has been insuring workers for over 40 years and insures almost half of the FTSE 100. Head of human resources Lindy Strudwick said: “We believe that Unum and Resource Management will form an excellent partnership; enhancing our ability to acquire and manage talent across our UK business.”
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Profile:
Q&A
John Dowling
What first inspired you to become involved in business? I once spent a day with the Managing Director of The Savoy Hotel in London without really knowing too much about the hotel industry. Seeing at first hand the passion he had for his business and the interaction with the hotel’s guests and his staff really inspired me.
General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre
Looking back is there anything you would have done differently in the course of your career? Almost every day I learn something new which I look to apply next time round. As we are in a fast moving industry I tend to just concentrate on what I could do differently tomorrow that would add value to the business taking on board what I have learnt the day before. What part of your job do you enjoy the most? Working with enthusiastic managers and helping them to develop their skill levels so that they can achieve their career ambitions. It’s also great to get good feedback from satisfied customers knowing that they’ve had a pleasant stay in the hotel.
In brief Age: 53 Sector: Hospitality and leisure industry
What is the key challenge facing business in the UK today? Not knowing what tomorrow will bring makes businesses reluctant to invest in the future. At DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City centre £5 million has just been invested in a complete refurbishment and rebranding of the property. It was a bold decision but one that I am sure will prove to be the right one.
Size of company: The DoubleTree by Hilton brand has 330 hotels in 32 countries totalling 83,500 bedrooms. DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol employs 108 people and has 201 bedrooms, 10 conference rooms and a 24-hour gym. Born: London Educated: Stonyhurst College, Blackburn and Westminster College, London
What can Government do to help businesses thrive? I keep reading about how the Government is making it easier to lend money but I am not so sure this is filtering down to where it’s needed most. Cutting your costs might keep a business alive but it won’t be the one that is thriving. Making sure funding for future investment is available is really important.
First job: Waiter in a small country house hotel Influences and inspirations: No one person or situation stands out but I have met many people who have had a really positive influence on my career. The last two CEOs that I have worked for were really passionate about their business and took a keen interest the hotel I was in charge of.
What piece of advice would you give to anyone considering setting up their own company? Find a business or sector that you are passionate about, draw up a realistic business plan and surround yourself with the best people that the company can afford.
Irritations: Having to queue and mood hoovers (people being consistently negative) Hobbies: Play league tennis and golf badly and not often enough
‘This is part of our programme of addressing poverty of aspiration in young people’
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Pupils benefiting from business expertise NEARLY 1,400 pupils in primary schools across the city now receive extra help from business volunteers. The figure was revealed by Bristol education charity Ablaze which organises one-to-one support from volunteers who visit classrooms as number partners, reading buddies or mentors. The volunteers are employed by a range of firms from the financial and legal sectors to the aero-engines industry. Roger Opie, pictured, chief executive of Ablaze, said: “We are working on some new exciting projects to help primary and secondary school students. “We shall be maintaining our long-standing programmes but building on them to enhance the help volunteers provide.
“We have reached a new record of 1,393 primary school children receiving one-to-one regular help. This is a remarkable figure that has been achieved with many new firms joining us over the past year.” They include law firm Foot Anstey, software specialist Linux IT, the world-wide engineering group GKN, engineering and development consultants Mott MacDonald and the international company Intellect Books. “It is impressive that more and more firms are enthusiastically supporting our programmes aimed at raising aspirations and achievements of young people in our schools,” said Mr Opie. One of the schools that benefits is Christ the King Roman Catholic Primary at Filwood where head teacher Anne Peachey and the
neighbourhood partnership team invited Ablaze to work with them. It resulted in Teleperformance, another company new to Ablaze, committing itself to sending 12 volunteers on a weekly basis to the school as reading buddies. Mr Opie said: “We were also able to introduce to the school 30 individuals, firms and organisations that could help enrich its curriculum. This brought about visits by pupils to various firms, including a tour of the Port of Bristol’s wind farm and taking part in drama workshops run by Bristol Old Vic. “They have also been meeting people from various professions as well as local and national politicians. This is part of our programme of addressing poverty of aspiration in young people and recognising the power of positive role models from business in motivating young people to succeed.”
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
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‘Hopefully this idea will put power back in the hands of the consumer’
Confidence improving
Good beer advice on tap thanks to free app which rates city pubs
Fresh signs of optimism in Output Index
Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk A FORMER Royal Marine who was fed up paying for bad quality beer has decided to do something about it. Dave Leaning, 33, has spent a happy few weeks visiting most of Bristol’s pubs sampling their produce to create an app rating beer quality. He said: “Beer prices have gone up massively in the last few years and they’re not going to be coming down anytime soon. “When I’m out and about I’ve often noticed that the quality of the beer I’m being served can vary from place to place. “That’s what gave me the idea for this concept, a place where you, the consumer, can find out if you’re being overcharged on price or neglected for quality by the landlords that are serving you. Hopefully this idea will put power back in the hands of the consumer, power to choose the best value and quality.” Mr Leaning, who lives in Blenheim Road, Redland, hopes the app would push brewers, landlords and pub chains to pay more heed to the quality of the beers they sell. The app – getthebeersin.org – also tells people which pubs show sport, host live music and so on. So far 132 pubs in Bristol have signed up, including the Berkeley in Park Street. Pub manager Paul Walton said: “If it takes off it would be fantastic because it helps customers compare prices and quality which is something that has never happened before.
Where to find the cheapest beer Bitter: Courage Best for £1.89 at The Assembly in Bedminster Lager: Carlsberg for £1.94 at The Roo Bar on Whiteladies Cider: Thatcher’s Gold for £2.20 at The London Inn, Bedminster
Among beers scoring top marks for quality ● Dave Leaning’s free app allows people to rate the quality of beer in pubs “It’s gone further than any other app or website out there in what it does and has to offer the customer.” Mr Leaning has been working full-time on his dream project, living on savings from his time as a private security consultant, but hopes if Bris-
tolians take to the app, which is free to use but carries advertising, he can roll it out elsewhere. If he achieves his goal of improving beer quality no doubt happy punters will be happy to drink to his success.
Bitter: Gem at the Bank of Stokes Croft; Tribute at The Cat and Wheel, Cheltenham Road Lager: Stella Artois, Cambridge Arms, Coldharbour Road, above Cider: Thatcher’s Gold, Old Market Tavern, Old Market Source: gethebeersin.org
‘This trip has been life changing ...’
Bravo! Dedicated cyclists descend on Champs Elysees for GroceryAid A TEAM of 20 employees from Imperial Tobacco has completed a cycle ride from London to Paris in aid of GroceryAid. Dubbed the Imperial Wheelers, the team of cyclists from the Bedminsterbased firm rode more than 300 miles in just four days, crossing their finish line on the Champs Elysees in Paris. The ride raised £30,000 for GroceryAid, which helps needy retailers in the South West and around the UK. The charity looks after more than 6,500 current and former retail in-
dustry workers and will spend close to £3 million on welfare support this year. One of the cyclists, Ben PettiforSmith, said: “This trip has been life changing and I have made some amazing friends. “Some of the roads were breathtaking, others punishing. But overall it was an unforgettable experience.” In total, the team raised £30,000 for the charity, which will go to assisting current and former retail industry workers.
● The team of 20 Imperial Tobacco employees after completing their cycle ride from London to Paris
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SHORT-term business prospects have continued their sharp improvement this month and reached the highest level since March 2011, according to the latest Business Trends report by Bristol-based accountants and business advisers BDO LLP. BDO’s Output Index, which predicts short-term turnover expectations and reflects the experience of businesses, climbed to a 29-month high of 98.3, up from 96.8 in July. The figure is close to the 100.0 mark that would indicate long-term growth trends. Graham Randall, lead partner at BDO LLP in Bristol, said: “We’re encouraged to see that business conditions and confidence are continuing to improve, and that the economy is set for relatively robust expansion for the remainder of 2013. However the sting in the tail is that the improvement is not being reflected in businesses’ hiring intentions.” Output in the services sector, which makes up three quarters of the UK economy, rose from 96.5 in July to 97.7 in August, while the manufacturing sector rose above 100.0 to 100.7 in August from 98.3 in July. Business confidence also continued to rise. BDO’s Optimism Index, which predicts business performance in two quarters time, increased for the seventh consecutive month – from 95.6 in July to 98.0 in August.
‘Real tax advantages’
Share scheme is double-edged sword – experts A NEW Government measure aimed at boosting employee share ownership could provide significant tax breaks – but those who want to take part will have to sacrifice key employment rights in order to benefit, according to experts in Bristol. Under the plan, employees can receive shares with a market value of at least £2,000 in exchange for giving up employment rights concerning time off for study or training, the ability to request flexible working, with the exception of parental leave, unfair dismissal and statutory redundancy pay. Caroline Harwood, equity reward director at Grant Thornton in Bristol, said: “There are real tax advantages for any employee taking part in the scheme. “But with the loss of employment rights involved for those who participate, some employment lawyers forecast an increase in discrimination claims from those who cannot claim unfair dismissal.”
Real Time Advice from Real People Lloydbottoms chartered accountants - here to help. Lloydbottoms Chartered Accountants, 118 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol. BS16 5HH | principal@lloydbottoms.co.uk | www.lloydbottoms.co.uk
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Contact Sue Rickerby 0117 957 3537
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Advertisement feature
Plans to build more than 700 new homes at the Somerdale site in Keynsham are now ready to be considered
INVESTING IN A
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FTER 18 months of planning and consultation by housebuilder Taylor Wimpey, the fate of the 220 acre mixed use sustainable development at Somerdale in Keynsham will be decided by Bath and North East Somerset Council at the end of the month. If approved, the development will offer up to 700 new homes, including everything from one bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached homes. But there’s a lot more to the story than just housing. The proposed plans for Somerdale aim to provide much-needed new homes, employment opportunities, new sports facilities, formal and informal open spaces as well as commercial and community facilities. All of which combine to offer significant economic benefits for the region. The new development will include significant infrastructure enhancements both on site and in the surrounding area. Improvements will be made to the existing road network and access to the site will be improved by creating a new road layout and signalised junction at the entrance. The existing access to Priory Road and Chandos Road will be closed except for emergency access, making a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists and the local residents who use the junction. Additional pedestrian crossing facilities will be built together with new cycle and pedestrian walkways to link the development directly with Keynsham town centre and the train station. The overflow car park for the station will be extended and resurfaced, and significant financial contributions will be made to improve public transport in the area. A major part of the regeneration of the site is the provision of additional leisure, recreational, sports, children’s activities and community facilities to add to the richness of the site’s legacy. Once complete, the site will offer 13 full-size and two junior football pitches, four cricket pitches and a nine-hole golf course. The iconic Fry Club which has long been an integral part of the Keynsham community will be rebuilt with
new, high-quality facilities. The replacement two storey club will feature modern changing facilities, five flexible rooms to increase the offer of the Fry Club as an event venue, larger sports bar with skittle alley and a multi-activity room for use by community groups. Part of the proposals also includes a riverside walk together with a new cycle/pedestrian bridge over the river. This will not only improve access and connectivity through the devel-
opment to the rest of the town, but will also for the first time provide an opportunity for walking and cycling along this stretch of the banks of the River Avon. Substantial areas of public open space, including a new wetland area, will be created to allow the community to use these spaces for recreation while also improving the ecological habitat. With more than 700 new homes being built at Somerdale, extensive thought has also been given to the provision of new services and amen-
ities for use both by residents and the wider Keynsham community. A new local centre will be built which will offer a small amount of local retail, a medical centre, community areas, riverside café and a care home. Educational needs will be well provided for with a new 210-place nursery and primary school. Of course, all of this will require a significant workforce to create and sustain. As part of B&NES drive to encourage economic development,
its Local Plan seeks to provide 1,500 additional jobs within Keynsham. Clearly, the former Cadbury site at Somerdale plays a key role in this respect and the proposed mixeduse development will significantly contribute to the level and variety of employment provision in the town. The employment benefits of the development at Somerdale will be both direct and indirect, through increased demand for goods and services. The construction value of the scheme totals more than £120m. On
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013
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Advertisement feature
BRIGHT FUTURE
“We have taken
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our inspiration from Fry’s ethos of living and working in a restful and engaging place as a key driver in shaping the proposal for Somerdale
Adrian Slade, project director for Taylor Wimpey Bristol
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the wider South West region. Of course it’s not just the construction of the Somerdale development which will create more jobs for Keynsham. The proposed plan for the mixed use site incorporates multiple employment opportunities across a variety of sectors. Some of the existing factory buildings will be used to create 10,000sq m of employment space, which will attract high profile employers to the area. Two well-known organisations have
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average, this broadly equates to 128 full-time construction workers on-site for every year of the 10 year construction of the development. In addition, the scheme will also contribute further indirect benefits to the local economy through the use of local suppliers and services. Planners estimate that the construction phase of the proposed development alone will generate an economic output (GVA) totalling a massive £88m, the effects of which will be seen not just locally but across
already shortlisted Somerdale as a relocation site; which if successful would immediately create 650 jobs. In total, it’s estimated that the new commercial space, together with the amenities such as the care home, school, riverside café and improved Fry Club will deliver more than 1,000 jobs across a range of sectors including education, medical care, social care, retail and catering. This will provide a massive boost to the local economy with an estimated £12million being spent by Somerdale businesses and residents in the local community. The regeneration of Somerdale will be fundamentally unique, building on the legacy of living, working and relaxing on site started by Fry and hopefully continued by Taylor Wimpey with the creation of a new garden neighbourhood. Adrian Slade, project director for Taylor Wimpey Bristol, commented: “This redevelopment offers an exciting opportunity to create an attractive and integrated new quarter for Keynsham. “The vision quite simply is to make the best use of the considerable assets on site and to add to these to provide an aspirational location for sustainable living and working which provides for the needs of the local community. “We have taken our inspiration from Fry’s ethos of living and working in a restful and engaging place as a key driver in shaping the proposal for Somerdale. “We were also keen to mark the heritage of the site and its importance to the town. The Cadbury factory was a significant landmark and we wanted to ensure that the buildings we create will continue to contribute to what is a distinctive part of Keynsham. “The feedback from the extensive workshops, consultations and public exhibitions provided us with a clear insight into local peoples’ concer ns and aspirations. “The final proposed plans are the culmination of a great deal of time and investment by us and most importantly, the local community.” The proposed plans for Somerdale will go before B&NES planning committee on September 25 2013. Copies of the planning application can be seen at www.somerdaledevelopment.com .
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013
New paving, lighting and distinctive street furniture ...
Millie Moon supports local designers
Broadmead Bid: The goals ● Promote the entire Bristol city centre shopping area under the Bristol Shopping Quarter banner. ● A programme of events with appeal to a range of age-groups will be held across the Broadmead area. ● Cut crime by working with the police and retailers, building on recent success in this area. ● More street cleaning so Broadmead matches Cabot Circus. ● Improving the appearance of vacant stores by dressing interiors or by applying colourful graphics to the windows.
Will Broadmead decide to back the BID again? Gavin Thompson Assistant Editor (Business) gavin.thompson@b-nm.co.uk TRADERS in Broadmead will soon vote on whether to renew a scheme designed to keep improving the area. After the opening of Cabot Circus five years ago, many feared Broadmead could slump as a shopping district. Instead the Business Improvement District (Bid) team has looked to cash in on Cabot’s cache and take advantage of the increase in shoppers coming to Bristol. Now the Bid team has put sent out its prospectus to renew the partnership, which sees stores pay a levy for various measures to make the area more attractive to shoppers. Retailers will vote from September 27 to October 29 on whether to renew the deal for another five years, or
scrap it. If they back it, they will pay a 1.5 per cent levy on top of their business rates, or 0.75 per cent for stores in the Galleries. They have twice before voted in favour, the first time in 2005. Before then Bristol languished at 30th in the list of top shopping destinations in the UK. Now it is 12th, although the opening of Cabot Circus takes a large share of the credit for that climb. Since the start of the BID 150 new stores have opened. John Hirst, chief executive of Destination Bristol said: “The Broadmead Bids have been a huge success, yet we recognise that the current national position is very challenging – we need to continue to improve in order to succeed. “Bids have revitalised Broadmead with new paving, lighting and distinctive street furniture.
“The Bid team has worked closely with retailers and the police, reducing crime by over 50 per cent.” Jo Hawkins, city centre retail manager for Destination Bristol, added: “Bids have funded intelligent marketing campaigns, promoting the total city centre retail experience and attracting new shoppers from a wider catchment. Bids have also funded enhanced cleaning and maintenance regimes. Now it’s time for our BID to be renewed. “It’s time to clarify our achievements – and objectively identify our plans to positively address the issues which affect our retailers. “Our BID aims to maximise the appeal and advantages of shopping at the heart of Bristol. “It is shaped in response to the current tough trading environment and the impact of internet shopping.”
A passionate champion for Broadmead
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PAUL Davis, the owner of Parson’s Jewellers, has been a voice for independent retailers on the Bid Steering Group since its launch in 2004. Mr Davis said retail was tough everywhere but Bristol should be positive. “We have a fantastic offering in Bristol City Centre
and enjoy one of the most affluent catchments,” he said. Mr Davis said the aim must be to attract even more people to visit and shop here in Bristol. And he warned that retailers could not afford to be complacent. “Imagine if the BID funding wasn’t there. If we didn’t have money to clean our streets
to a high standard,” he said. “Imagine if there wasn’t the money to maintain our street furniture and lighting and remove graffiti. “Imagine if there was no money for marketing, events and street entertainment. “What if the Bid management team wasn’t there. It would not take long for Broadmead to slip back to the state it was in just 10 years ago – before Bids.”
● The team at the Keynsham Millie Moon store, from left, Angela Lai Yen, Becki Noble, Rachel Le Page and Ruth Le Page
Ambitious haberdashery team sew pleased with new expansion A HABERDASHERY store founded by two sisters has opened its third outlet, moving into Keynsham. Millie Moon Haberdasher Boutique is a haberdashery and fabric shop, selling a range of 100 per cent cotton fabrics, for dressmaking, patchwork, soft furnishings and craft projects. The first store was opened in May 2008 by sisters Rachel Le Page and Becki Noble, 38, in the market town of Frome, Somerset. Mrs Le Page, 41, said: “We always wanted to work together and set up our own business, and we have always loved to sew and make, so this seemed a perfect opportunity. “We struggled to find good quality cotton fabrics for our dressmaking
and soft furnishing, so that was what we were looking for. Our makes always influence our buying” The second store opened in Wells and now the sisters have their third branch in Keynsham. The success of the business reflects a growth in craft projects and the do-it-yourself approach popularised by the likes of Kirstie Allsop with her Homemade Home Channel 4 series. The shops stock fabrics from designers such as Moda, Amy Butler, Michael Miller, Robert Kauffman and Riley Blake, as well as haberdashery items, ribbons, bobble trims, toy stuffing; threads, buttons and craft kits and sewing kits for all ages. Millie Moon also supports and sells products made by local designers.
‘Lower price and a brilliant central location’
Smaller units pay off for Trust THE decision to refurbish a Bristol office block and turn it into smaller units has paid off after a new tenant signed up and an existing one took more space. Circle Property Unit Trust bought One CastlePark, pictured, close to Cabot Circus, and has kitted it out to a higher spec with space from 4,037 square feet to 8,935 sqft. JISC has taken 9,257 square feet on two floors on a five-year lease, while existing tenant Which? Financial Services has expanded to occupy 11,840 sq ft on the first floor on a 10-year lease. Property agents Knight Frank and Alder King were appointed to find tenants for the building. Martin Booth of Knight Frank said: “The decision by the new owners to offer smaller office suites mean that a
wide range of companies can now take advantage of accommodation which internally is up to grade A standard. “But it’s at a much lower price – and in a brilliant central location, with easy walking to Temple Meads station and quick access to the M32.” Cat Collis of Alder King said: “Pricing remains key in the current market. At just £15 per sqft we are confident of further success.” Existing occupiers in the 75,000 square foot building include Irwin Mitchell, James Hay Partnership and Turner & Townsend. The extensive refurbishment of One CastlePark included new reception and lifts, air conditioning, bike racks and showers. The building has 52 car parking spaces.
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Business West launches annual competition for third year running
How you can ‘break into new markets with global success’ Rupert Janisch business@b-nm.co.uk BUSINESS West has launched its Born Global competition for the third year. The contest is open to all businesses in the South West who have new and exciting product ideas, innovative solutions or services with export potential. The prize for the best idea, judged by a panel of experts at a grand final in December, is a package of cash and bespoke business support such as mentoring and advice from business advisers and investors. Entrants also gain access to the Launchpad workshop programme which provides support including support on writing the entry proposal, advice on how to deliver a winning pitch to investors and help identifying markets for their product or service. Last year’s winner was nu desine, a technology firm based in the Watershed which specialises in the integration between hardware and software. Its flagship product is the Alphasphere, a new electronic musical instrument. Adam Place, founder of nu desine, said: “Winning the competition has been fundamental to
● Adam Place of Nu Design with the AlphaSphere
the success of my business. At the grand final last year I met Nick Baird, head of UK Trade and Investment, and as a result of that meeting I was invited on a trade mission to Japan with the Prime Minister, which is something I would never have expected. “This led to one of the first major contracts we signed for the distribution of the Alphasphere.” Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, said: “We are delighted to be running Born Global again to support the international aspirations of South West’s businesses. “This competition helps businesses of any size or sector to break into new markets and achieve global success. “We are fortunate to have European Regional Development Funding to support this exciting project and access to essential knowledge and expertise from UK Trade & Investment. “I would encourage those organisations that have a new business idea that is ready for international success to submit their entries now.” To enter Born Global visit www.born2bglobal.co.uk. The deadline for entries for this year’s competition is noon on Friday October 18.
Alzheimer’s Society fundraiser raises £800
● Airbus employees in onesies queue for coffee as part of the fundraising event
It’s all for one and onesies for all at Airbus! The popular all-in-one style, usually worn to bed or for watching TV, was spotted as employees queued for coffee and went about their daily tasks around site. Designs worn ranged from Kermit the Frog, Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse to Tigger. Jan Lane, charity challenge joint coordinator, said: “The onesie challenge was the natural
next step after the Wacky Wardrobe day we held in April.” Fellow coordinator Hayley Christopher-Lee added: “It was a fun discussion to have in a meeting as there were lots of admissions about owning onesies, with some owning more than one!” Bethan Wood, corporate fundraiser at Alzheimer’s Society said:
“We are delighted with the support we have received from Airbus since the start of our partnership in January 2013. “The enthusiasm we have seen from their employees has been fantastic and fun events such as this onesie day have been brilliant to help raise money and awareness of our cause.” The day raised £800.
Businesses welcome decision to drop proposed shop tax ● THE decision to drop the proposed shop tax in Bristol has been welcomed by the business community. The idea to charge the biggest retailers an 8.5 per cent levy on top of business rates had been floated within Bristol City Council, but councillors voted it down. Richard Moore, director or agency and development at property advisers CBRE Bristol, welcomed the news. He said: “We are operating in a very tough environment both on a local level and national level. The so-called business levy would have sent out entirely the wrong message about Bristol at the wrong time. “In the face of one of the worst recessions in generations and tough conditions on the high street, the city has established itself as one of the top retail destinations in the country. “The key to economic success is to attract new investors and new business into Bristol, and introducing an extra charge on large stores would have sent out entirely the wrong message.” The scheme would have affected 34 stores and raised around £3 million in extra revenue. It was originally aired as a way of giving smaller, independent traders a chance to compete against national organisations. Mr Moore added: “A lot of work has been done by our mayor to attract companies to Bristol and the surrounding area. From the very start, the message has been that Bristol is open for business. He has been consistent in that message and a lot of firms and property professionals will be grateful that the levy appears to have been taken off the agenda.”
Hotcha takes a grab-and-go approach to lunch market ● A GROWING Bristol Chinese takeaway is diversifying into the busy lunch market with a new grab-and-go range. The Hotcha chain, which has eight outlets, will be selling rice rolls from its sites in Baldwin Street and Whiteladies Road. Entrepreneur and founder James Liang said: “We wanted to continuously add to our service offering while retaining the taste and quality of our products. “While our lunch time meal-deals are doing extremely well, we felt there was a big niche in the market for an alternative to the standard sandwich. “Today, consumers are looking for even healthier options and the consumer-facing food industry needs to respond to this. “We feel the rice rolls as well as our new noodle salads are a great option for health conscious people.” The business, which turns over £1.5 million a year, is growing fast, having recently opened a Swindon store.
Spin doctor’s speaker slot ● ALASTAIR Campbell, former press spokesman for Tony Blair, will be guest speaker at this year’s CBI South West annual dinner. More than 400 guests have so far signed up for the event at Brunel’s Old Station at Temple Meads. Andrew Jenkins, regional director for the CBI South West, said: “Our annual dinner has established itself as one of the most respected events of its kind and is widely viewed as a perfect environment for networking and entertaining key customers. “This year we are pleased to have Alastair Campbell as guest speaker, who is guaranteed to capture guests with an informative and compelling speech.” The black tie event attracts many of the South West’s leading businessmen and women as well as key political figures from the across region.
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AIRBUS staff are known for their precision engineering, design and manufacturing but the highly skilled members of the workforce chose to do their bit for charity with an altogether different approach – wearing onesies. More than 20 employees dressed up for the Airbus Charity Challenge onesie day in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
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www.bristolpost.co.uk
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Advertisement feature Best of Bristol Business Exhibition
Among the exhibitors are: West Of England Local Enterprise Partnership A new local skills service providing free and impartial advice and support for your business. The West of England LEP offers expert and dedicated advice and support to those in business wanting to recruit an apprentice. We can support you through the whole Apprenticeship recruitment journey. From explaining the qualifications, to sign posting to financial support, and sourcing training providers which meet your individual business needs. To get involved in encouraging young people to enter your profession visit; www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/people-and-skills E: info@woeskills.co.uk T: 01275 378892 Activia Training Online Cloud Tools… Do you find it difficult to ascertain the right level of course for your delegates? Would you like to be able to create courses online? How about having access to a tutor for pre/post course questions/support? Well with Activia Tr a i n i n g all these are covered via our FREE Cloud Tools, which are available online to all our customers http://www.activia.co.uk/tools/bespokeBuilder.php?app=TR. Our contact details are: www.activia.co.uk, 0845 230 6150, marketing@activia.co.uk. 10% discount on bookings (code: EVX576)
● The Best of Bristol Business Exhibition takes place on Tuesday, September 24, at the Ashton Gate Conference Centre
What you need to know to grow your business
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AUNCHING a new business venture can be confusing, particularly if it’s your first toe in the water of being an entrepreneur. You suddenly need all sorts of services for areas in which you might have no expertise – who will design your logo, do your accounts, create your website? The list goes on. And that is why for anyone who has recently started a new venture, be it as a sole trader or a new small business taking on employees, the Best of Bristol Business Exhibition is just what you are looking for. The event, on Tuesday next week, will bring more than 120 businesses under one roof offering just those services you are looking for. And to top it off, it’s free to attend. The exhibition is a perfect one-stop shop for someone starting a business, as well as established firms who might be looking for new services or service providers. Organiser Neil Kinnerly is a Bristolian who left behind a successful career in corporate finance to set up his own business and has seen it grow impressively in the past decade. The 51-year-old explained who would get the most out of the event. “Delegates are usually business owners from the SME sector primarily, although not exclusively,” said Neil. “It’s great for start-ups too, you can come along and find all the services you need.” And as most of the firms exhibiting are from the Greater Bristol area or the South West, it’s a great way of supporting the local economy by using local companies.
As well as trade stands, the Best of Bristol Business Exhibition includes a number of free seminars. Neil said: “The seminars are an opportunity for businesses to discover things they can do to help them grow – what they need to learn about marketing, how to drive sales forward, things business people tell us they want advice on.” Next week’s event, sponsored by Activia Training, will feature three speakers. Hussain Bayoomi, media and sales director for Bristol Post owners Bristol News & Media, will talk about marketing in the digital age. Ciaran Mundy will explain the benefits to businesses of using the Bristol Pound. And Becca Thurston, a skills advisor with the Local Enterprise Partnership, will discuss the merits of apprenticeships and how they can work for small businesses. On top of the direct benefits, the exhibition provides a fantastic chance for businesspeople to make contacts and win new business. Neil added: “There is a real buzz when you walk in. You get 120 to 140 exhibitors and around 500 delegates. There is a lot of business done.”
● Exhibitor prices range from £200-£300 with a 50 per cent discount for Best of Bristol and FSB members. People interested in the event should call Neil on 0117 911 4223. Delegates attend for free. There is ample parking and disabled access. Hot food and drinks are sold on site. The Best of Bristol Business Exhibition at the Ashton Gate conference centre takes place on Tuesday, September 24
425 Financial Solutions a wholly owned subsidiary of National Friendly, is a telephone-based financial services company based in Clifton. We cover all aspects of financial planning, specialising in retirement planning and protection. We provide both a Compare & Buy Service and an Independent Financial Advice Service. Please call today on 0845 077 7077 or visit us at www.425fs.co.uk. The Payroll Department is a Bristol based Payroll Bureau. It provides exceptionally cost effective outsourced payroll services to SMEs and Accountants. Qualified & experienced payroll specialists with BACS accreditation can pay your staff, deal with HMRC, RTI and auto enrolment, leaving you more time to focus on your business. For further information please contact us on 01179353900 or visit www.thepayrolldept.co.uk Health Insurance Group is one of the largest healthcare intermediaries within the UK. We conduct market reviews on behalf of your company and negotiate renewal premiums including discounts with existing insures. We have strong relationships with household names such as Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva, Pru Health, Simply Health and many smaller insurers. Visit us on Stand 84 or call Keith Harshaw to arrange a market review on 07734 511716 or 01380 729668. Email keith.harshaw@healthinsurancegroup.co.uk Business West: Business West, the largest membership organisation in the region, represents and works with 16,000 businesses. We provide a full range of advice and support services from how to start, develop and grow your business to expanding overseas. Visit us at stand 124 to see how we can help your business. www.businesswest.co.uk ECO IP Communications Ltd Eco IP understands the challenges your organisation faces and will provide an effective, innovative, environmentally-friendly telecommunications solution tailored specifically for your business. Founded in 2011, our heritage is in the telecommunications sector, we have 20 years’ experience finding solutions. For further details call Paul on 0117 9112992 or email paul@ecoip.co.uk. Check our website at www.ecoip.co.uk. Come and visit us at stand 106. Grosvenor Park has money to lend to SMEs. We offer highly specialised solutions for the arrangement of debt finance, capital restructuring and equity finance. We assist business start up, expansion and recovery. We advise on business strategy and provide resources to support restructuring. Grosvenor Park can lend you money to help you grow; putting you back in control. T: 0800 181 4011 • F: 01934 628268 • E: info@grosvenor-park.co.uk Calvium Ltd Thinking of creating an iPhone and Android app? For friendly advice visit Calvium on Stand 68. Calvium are mobile app development specialists. Soundwalk is our own location-based app development platform. It mixes layers of ambient sounds, speech and music, allowing you to tell your audience a story by walking them through a landscape of sound. Find out more. Email hello@calvium.com or call 0117 370 8875. Twinfield is Europe’s largest online accounting solution. Providing all the benefits of ‘cloud’ accounting, Twinfield gives you access to real-time information about your business anytime, anywhere on any device. Available for a fixed monthly fee Twinfield is a scalable solution designed to grow with your business and is rapidly becoming the software of choice for Entrepreneurs and Accountants. Visit www.twinfield.co.uk or talk to us at stand 111. Bristol City Council Supporting Local Business ● In business and want to do better? ● Want to save costs and help the environment? ● Looking for new premises? ● Uncertain of legislation or regulations? ● Not sure where to go for advice? We are proud to support the Best of Bristol Business Exhibition, please visit our exhibition stand. Email: bristol.futures@bristol.gov.uk, tel: 0117 922 2928
Website Sorted Get your Website Sorted today! ● Content managed websites ● E-commerce websites ● Mobile websites ● Hosted Blogs ● Search Engine Optimisation Call or email for your FREE no obligation website proposal. t: 0117 911 4223 e: info@websitesorted.com w: www.websitesorted.com. See us on stand 67 and receive 10% off the cost your website design and build.
Destination Bristol Representing some 600 private businesses and two local authorities, Destination Bristol has two significant roles as the area’s destination management organisation (DMO): developing specific projects both in the Bristol city centre retail areas and as the central body promoting and developing leisure and business tourism for Greater Bristol and South Gloucestershire – an industry worth over £1 billion to the local economy.
Best Of Bristol Business Exhibition EPB-E01-S3
The One Stop Shop For All Your Business Services Tues 24th Sept 2013 10am - 3pm Free Entry Ashton Gate Conference Centre For event details call 0117 911 4223
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