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www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
A portal to help business prosper B
lackpoolunlimited. com is an online portal that brings together information from a range of public and private sector organisations to help local businesses. Through this free website people can: ● Access high-quality information about a range of bespoke services, opportunities, initiatives, advice, funding and support that is available to them at local, regional and national level ● Access up-to-the-minute information about the strategy and vision for the town’s regeneration and capitalise on the business opportunities that the New Blackpool will create BlackpoolUnlimited.com has
Blackpool Enterprise Centre been established by a unique partnership between the Blackpool Business Leadership Group, Blackpool Council and Business Link North West in order to help businesses realise their potential. There’s no charge for any of the
online advice services – their aim is simply to try to help businesses in Blackpool to prosper. Why? Because they passionately believe that nurturing and energising local businesses will help build a bigger and better Blackpool. Within the BlackpoolUnlimited.com site you will find a wealth of information to help you make the right business decisions. And there is now a special section giving specific advice on how you can survive the “credit crunch”. Blackpool Council has invested heavily in enterprise and employment programmes over the last 18months through its Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI).
For example, the Get Started team - which helps local residents achieve their ambition of starting up in business - continues to report a brisk demand for its services and since April 2007, over 300 new businesses have been established in the resort. Businesses like the John Anthony Hair Salon (above). John Anthony was between jobs before realising his dream to open up his own salon. After approaching the bank, he soon realised he would need more support to get his business off the ground.
After helping John to set up a small salon in central Blackpool, he has now expanded into bigger premises and is still receiving free advice from the Get Started team. Additional programmes are helping provide direct assistance to businesses to help plan their longer-term strategy when the economy recovers, including high growth coaching via the Skills for Success programme (attended by over 60 companies in the last year) and specialist mentoring via Guardian Angels. See www.BlackpoolUnlimited. com
Advertising feature
Super solutions to your outdoor needs THE No 1 Club in Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, employed Duckworth Outdoor Solutions to design and build its outdoor smoking area. One of the client’s main criteria was that the platform supports were not to obstruct the car park beneath. To solve this problem the platforms were constructed using a cantilever system which spread the weight of the platforms underneath the building.
front of the club a bright new look, making it feel more inviting. Duckworths Outdoor Solutions specialise in outdoor solutions for restaurants, bars/pubs, hotels, cafes, bingo halls, theme parks, tourist attractions, sports centres/gyms and commercial offices. The company also installs domestic patio and conservatory awnings, parasols, bespoke structures, decking, flagging, outdoor heating and lighting. n January sale: Outdoor Solution is offering awnings inA new enstalled from £890 plus trance way was VAT! There’s free moalso constructtorisation on selected ed, allowing models, free five-year covered access manufacturer’s guarto the smoking BEFORE AND AFTER: A new look antee and a huge for the No 1 Club from Duckworth range of fabrics to platforms. The develop- Outdoor Solutions choose from. ment of the Duckworths Outoutdoor smoking area has given No 1 door Solutions, telephone (01253) club members a warm and comfort767650. able place to smoke and socialise. www.duckworthsoutdoorsolutions. The development has also given the com
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
Glimmers of hope despite bad news
But the banks must help out with cashflow
T
he results from the fourth quarter of the British Chambers of Commerce Quarter Economic Survey for 2008 highlighted a frightening deterioration in the UK economic situation. “The results confirmed what most of us already knew – that the UK economy is facing a very serious recession and that the downturn is deepening at an alarming pace. “All this indicates that 2009 will be particularly ominous for the Fylde business community. “We have to focus on holding the productive sectors of the economy together. “If we are to climb out of this downturn, we will need a strong business base particularly in the small to medium sized sector which, after all, makes up over 95 per cent of the UK business base.
By Hugh Evans, policy director for the North West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce “All of us have a role to play in helping small firms to survive not only because they will get us out of this downturn but because the businesses we lose will never return. “One of the key issues facing businesses
during 2009 will be managing the relationship with their bank. “Our own surveys have highlighted that access to cash and cashflow are major issues facing businesses and that this is likely to get worse unless banks can be persuaded to start lending again. “The smooth flow of finance to businesses must be sustained at all costs but this must be at a rate that businesses can afford. “Businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and the banks have a vital role to play in helping small firms in particular manage their cashflow and their liquidity. “However it’s not all doom and gloom on the Fylde. The recent announcement that Home Bargains is looking to invest and recruit in the area is very welcome news especially
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coming on the back of the demise of Woolworths. “The success of the Houndshill development and the continuing investment in Blackpool’s infrastructure all point to good times ahead. None of this would be happening unless there was confidence in the future of the area. “Whilst the biggest story in 2009 will undoubtedly be the recession – and, hopefully any signs of a recovery – we believe that 2009 will also be dominated by the run-up to the next general election. “Last year was a bad year for the Government in the eyes of the business community and there is no doubt that ministers will have their work cut out to gain the confidence of businesses as we get closer to the next general election. “Getting business on board will be a key part of the next election campaign and we will be waiting with interest to see how all the political parties will be dealing with this challenge.”
We’re in for a bumpy ride ... but we’ll get there RECESSION, credit crunch, economic downturn... These are all phrases which have now become commonplace on the Fylde today. But, sadly, you will probably read them a lot more in The Gazette over the next few months as the recession deepens. In Blackpool itself, business chiefs are doing their best to buck the national doom and gloom by revamping the town centre, cleaning it up and making it presentable to shoppers. And their gamble seems to be paying off! The Houndshill has seen a massive turnover in footfall since its grand opening last September. At the last count, more
than 300,000 shoppers were passing through their doors in the past few months - a rise of 60 per cent. Debenhams continues to go great guns and even the stores which are doomed to close - the likes of Zavvi and Barratts - are doing well and remain open to trade. While the likes of Woolworths sadly depart and Next, River Island and New Look move into the £30m shopping centre, stores continue to look to Blackpool for their next venture.
By Nick Hyde business writer
The future of the former Woolworths store on Talbot Road is secure with budget giant Home Bargains moving in and bringing 45 jobs with it, and the former Next store could also have new tenants within weeks. Pound shops in the resort are fairing better with some seeing an increase in sales of more than 10 per cent. Even empty stores are set to get a new lease of life with the town centre manager promising a “visual spectacular” of colour by placing regeneration promos in them.
Unfortunately, the rest of the Fylde is feeling the pinch with the likes of Lytham and South Shore suffering with businesses going bust and leaving trading gaps. So no “green shoots of recovery” just yet but it seems Blackpool has embraced a little Dunkirk spirit while it is being bombarded in the face of recession. Pulling together is a phrase many business leaders on the Fylde have said to me over the past few months. That and the old adage of a rollercoaster ride would be the best way to take on 2009 and beyond, because it seems that while we may be in for a bumpy ride, ultimately the end result will be worth it.
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www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
Gloom on high street T
he January sales failed to provide relief to battered retailers and the situation is expected to worsen, business leaders have revealed.. Retail sales fell for the tenth month in a row, with a balance of 47 per cent of retailers registering drops in the first two weeks of the year, according to the CBI business group’s Distributive Trades Survey. And in a sign of deepening gloom in the sector, a balance of 52 per cent of businesses expected sales to decline in February the weakest forecast since the survey began in 1983. The latest figures came just days after official data contradicted the last CBI survey by suggesting retail sales had grown in December. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) research showed sales volumes were up 1.6 per cent in the month, compared to the CBI’s survey which registered a balance of 55 per cent of retailers reporting sales declined.
But analysts and the ONS warned the official figures could have been skewed by the Government’s VAT cut and rampant pre-Christmas discounting. Howard Archer, of IHS Global Insight, said retailers’ grim forecasts for February “suggests that retailers are understandably highly worried that once the clearance sales are over, consumers will batten down the hatches even more tightly’’. Andy Clarke, retail director of Asda and chairman of the CBI Distributive Trades Panel, said: “Customers appear to have made new year resolutions in terms of how they are going to behave and we can see that in the things they are starting to buy.’’ He said consumers were tightening their belts, leading to a migration of shoppers to value products and retailers. In a sector which has seen a rash of high profile collapses, the fear of unemployment is ever-present for both staff and customers, he said. Last week official figures confirmed the UK fell into recession at the end of 2008.
DOWNBEAT: The January sales provide little relief for retailers Efforts to soothe the ailing economy have included a cut in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent, along with the Bank of England’s reduction in interest rates to 1.5 per cent. Ian McCafferty, CBI chief economic adviser, said the gap between the onset of recession and firms’ decisions to make redundancies is narrower than in other downturns. He said this was down to firms’ uncertainty about the future and reduced access to credit as banks cut their lending. “Later this year, we hope to see some benefit from recent interest rate cuts, falling inflation and the Government’s steps to kick-start lending,’’ he said.
Cleaning with care Advertising Feature BESPOKE tailors and milliners T & J Hooley of Cleveleys have introduced a bespoke dry cleaning service for people who care about their appearance. Top of the range machinery and fully-trained staff ensure the highest possible standard of service. Hooley’s Dry Cleaners treats both clients and their clothes with the respect that they deserve. “Garments are treated with individual care, to the extent of covering buttons to protect them and cleaning delicates separately in bags,” explains owner Janneta Hooley. “Here, clothes are cared for as they should be, with utmost respect. We want them to emerge as if they were new!” The new dry cleaning element adds to a long list of services, including bespoke tailoring for ladies and gen-
tlemen and hats made to order. The company also stock Nigel Rayment’s millinery collection. T & J Hooley has been established for almost 40 years and is one of only two tailors in the UK which create suits using a hand-sewn internal structure of “floating” horse hair canvas, which gives a superior finish. They are also pleased to offer ethically-produced jewellery from around the world, including pieces designed by Janneta herself and hand-made in Bali. There’s also an invisible repair and alteration facility and dress and suit hire. Hooley’s has agencies in the area with companies such as Mr Lambar’s, Fleetwood, Hunt’s at Knott End and Hambleton Signs, Hambleton, with others on the way. Telephone for details on (01253) 866606. Website: www.tjhooley.co.uk
“But retailers will still have to work hard to coax anxious consumers back into the shops.’’ The balance of retailers reporting a decline in sales was a slight improvement on December’s record of 55 per cent, but Mr Archer said the figure was still one of the worst since the series started and it was a huge change from the long-term average a balance of 18 per cent reporting sales rises. “We expect consumer spending to fall back substantially over the coming months and to be extremely weak through 2009, thereby being a major factor in the likely deep contraction in economic activity this year,’’ he said.
Leniency plea over tax forms SMALL business leaders have urged Customs and Revenue to be “more understanding’’ in the current recession if self-assessment tax forms arrived late. The Federation of Small Businesses said HMRC should accept sickness as a reasonable excuse if smaller companies or entrepreneurs missed this week’s deadline, facing a £100 fine. The business group said it welcomed the extra two days small firms would have to file their self-assessment form online but urged HMRC to ensure there was no repeat of last year’s site crash. Chairman John Wright said: “The self-assessment tax return will be an unnecessary burden on our nation’s small businesses if we see a system failure like last year. The FSB urges the HMRC to take a soft touch to small firms
in these difficult times. “For small businesses, the self-assessment tax return is a very important task and in these tough times there are many reasons why they will need up until the deadline day to file their return. We urge HMRC to ensure they have the right resources in place to deal with the influx.’’ A HMRC spokesman said: “Any small business which anticipates difficulty paying their tax bill should phone our Business Payment Support Service so we can quickly agree time to pay. “We are committed to doing everything we can to support small business. “Where a business customer has tried to file on time but has simply been unable to because they have a reasonable excuse they will not have to pay any penalty.’’
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A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
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www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
RoofSure sole TrustMark holders R
TRUST QUALITY: Roofing from RoofSure
OOFSURE LTD are proud to announce, and shout from the roof tops, that they are still the only roofing and insulation company to be awarded the prestigious, Government-endorsed TrustMark. This accolade can only be awarded to companies who have continuously traded under the same name, are members of Fair Trades and have the highest quality and standards of workmanship. What is TrustMark? TrustMark is an award-winning scheme supported by Government, building industry and consumer protection groups to help you reliable, trustworthy tradesmen to make improvements and repairs inside and outside your home. If a firm displays the TrustMark logo you know that a trade association or other certification organisation has approved and checked the firm and has ascertained the the firm involved does meet certain standards set by the Government. Please check out a company’s track record before you place your business! Only then will you get the peace of mind that your home improvement is being carried out by a top quality firm and top quality craftsmen.
Rest assured RoofSure has a reputation you can trust.
What is the RoofSure System? The RoofSure system is a permanent solution to your roofing problems. Due to the specialised nature of traditionally constructed roofs, all spray installers have a specialist remedial team to carry out necessary roof repairs. RoofSure’s highly trained BUFCA-approved (British Urethane Foam Contractors’ Association) technicians will sprayapply the polyurethane foam directly to the underside of your roof to bond slipping slates and tiles, insulate and strengthen the entire roof structure, stop illegal roof entry and keep out all the rain, wind, snow and sand. This is installed in one to two fuss-free days and guaranteed for 30 years. The RoofSure system is the most effective form of insulation available on the market today. With the RoofSure system installed, heat loss is a thing of the past, dramatically reducing fuel bills. Telephone RoofSure on (01253) 839888.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
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Big night for business WITH Lancashire’s biggest business awards just a matter of weeks away, Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board has joined the BIBAs 2009 as VIP hosts. Mike Wilkinson, chief executive of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board said: “We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of local companies in the magnificent surroundings of the Blackpool Winter Gardens. We are proud to play a role in supporting an event that not only recognises local excellence but also plays a vital part in using local businesses to supply services and products to these awards”. Hailed as the “one they all want to win” the BIBAs 2009 has attracted an exceptional level of entries from many of
Lancashire’s top performing companies – almost 900 entries were submitted, 20 sponsors have pledged their support, 14 BIBAs are up for grabs and 1000 guests are expected to attend on the night. Babs Murphy, chief executive of the organisers North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce added: “We are delighted that the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board are supporting this year’s event. They join a star line of sponsors and the extent of this support has helped the BIBAs to be the most recognisable and important endorsement of corporate and individual achievement in Lancashire.” Mike Wilkinson said: “ Building on the huge success of the previous year, which
gathered more than 750 businesses at the most prestigious business event in Lancashire, BIBAs 2009 is set to be an even grander showcase of the best of Lancashire business.” A 1000-strong audience of leading businesses, will gather for BIBAs 2009 at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on March 6, 2009 where the winners will be announced. Tickets for the event are now on sale and can be booked online at www.thebibas.co.uk or by calling 01772 653000. ● Pictured, David Slater, marketing chief at Business Link Lancashire and Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce show off the spectacular BIBA trophy at a previous year’s event.
A year of new opportunities A
s we enter 2009 there is no doubt that we are facing major challenges in the 12 months ahead. However, although times are hard, international trade and exporting in particular has a major role to play in helping companies through the downturn and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is determined to play its part in ensuring Lancashire businesses can make the most of the opportunities that now exist. In the half year to September 2008, UKTI North West’s team of International Trade Advisers helped 85 Lancashire companies either make their first exports or access new markets, with 22 companies completing the Passport to Export Programme, 45 companies accessing schemes to help research new markets, three companies undergoing an Export Communications Review, and total orders obtained totalling £2.7 million. In challenging times it is of prime importance that firms are
By Clive Drinkwater, International Trade Director for the North West competitive, and trading internationally has been shown to improve business performance. When firms start to trade internationally they experience a 34% improvement in productivity on average, and businesses that export also become more adaptable. Evidence shows that when a business begins exporting it also grows its home sales. Exporting firms invest more in technology, plant, equipment … and their greatest resource – people. As a result exporters have a 12% higher survival rate than firms that don’t export. It is also worth bearing in mind the relative competitive advantage our firms will have following the weakening of sterling versus other major currencies. Of course, there will be an increase in cost for anybody importing materials and paying in
these currencies but for anybody exporting from a sterling base the weak pound gives us a good advantage.B UK Trade & Investment has a wide range of services available to help Lancashire businesses through the downturn. We will ensure that they have International Trade support when they need it, whether they are new and inexperienced exporters, or established international companies who need specific help with sector and market research, or support in forming complex strategic alliances such as overseas joint ventures. UKTI also organise a wide range of trade missions and market visits, as well as offering the expertise of our hundreds of staff in embassies overseas – all of whom can give you real local sector specific knowledge and warmed leads to ensure your
business trip abroad is really worthwhile. Another initiative we are justifiably proud of is our Meet the Buyer programme, which brings influential buyers from around the world to the North West. Meeting lots of international buyers in one convenient location is a very powerful tool for Lancashire suppliers, and over the next few months we will be holding a number of events covering the health, technology, music and chemicals sectors. Looking through the business prospects posted on the UKTI website recently I found a wealth of information on opportunities from 10 countries, China, Australia, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Costa Rica, Austria, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Lithuania and Bangladesh.
The sectors concerned were energy, construction, advanced engineering, ICT, transport, creative, textiles, healthcare and aerospace, and UK Trade and Investment offer a free service which will regularly alert your businesses to these chances – all you have to do is visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk to register. So despite the negative predictions made for 2009, there are plenty of international opportunities available. The North West International Trade Team have a dedicated team of advisers on hand to help you with whatever international trade queries you may have. ● Contact us on 0845 603 7053 or info@uktinorthwest.co.uk to see how we can help.
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A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
Advertising feature IF you’re looking for new, solid oak furniture a visit to Oaklands is a must, for there’s never been a better time to buy in a very competitive market. Specialist retailers of quality solid oak furniture, their range covers dining room, living room, beds and bedroom furniture. You won’t find pressure sales techniques at the Oakland showrooms, which are located within Allied Carpets, on Cherry Tree Road, Blackpool. The friendly team of staff endeavour to help you choose the right product for you, at a price that’s right for your budget. And while some businesses are struggling, family-run independent retailer Oaklands reports a fantastic 2008 with the company going from strength to strength, and a massive increase in turnover of 130 per cent up on 2007. Product re-assurance and customer recommendation play a big part in their ongoing success story, together with customer service and after sales care. One happy customer said: “The furniture is fantastic and the bed is like sleeping on a cloud. “The customer service at Oaklands exceeded all my expectations,
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Quality furniture from the specialist supplier they listened to what I wanted and delivered exactly that.” Their fantastic results are also due to increased advertising, to some extent, particularly in The Gazette and The Reporter, particularly when many competitors have cut back on their advertising. Oaklands take the view that a small increase in their advertising costs can bring a greater response plus more sales and more profit. It’s not all doom and gloom and for Oaklands, 2009 looks even better. The company, which launched in Blackpool in April, 2006, also has showrooms in York and Wakefield and will soon be opening in Llandudno. So buy with confidence from Oaklands – open seven days a week with plenty of free customer parking.
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk
C
ONTEMPORARY, uber cool, funky and modernist, are not words often associated with furniture in Blackpool, yet some of the world’s leading furniture brand names, and most fashionable products can be found at Lefton’s Furniture Group in Blackpool. Lefton’s is a leading independent furniture retailer that stocks some of the finest furniture names in the industry from leading British and European design houses at surprisingly realistic and affordable prices. A family business that’s been trading for over 60 years, Lefton’s is no stranger to economic downturns and changes in the market. While times are worrying for everyone in business, Lefton’s are holding their position strongly and in fact making gains in new geographical areas. Part of this stability and strength can be placed firmly with the business’ founding principles of quality, service and great value; which remain the core focus of the business today, offering great products at great prices to suit every need and every pocket. Director Richard Lefton said: “It’s always worrying when there are changes in the marketplace and the effects are noticeable across all industry sectors. “This presents us with a new set of challenges to tackle but the business is strong and built on solid founding principles.
Bucking the trend Advertising feature
“We attract customers from all over the north of England, in part because we offer competitively prices products alongside some very exclusive brands.” It is these principles, the extensive furniture collection and the company’s ability to adapt to change and continually innovate that has enabled it to build up an impressive business over the years and an equally impressive and loyal client base. There are two Blackpool showrooms giving over 30,000 sq ft of display space and nearly as much again in stock and warehouse areas, offering an enormous range of contemporary and traditional furniture for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms. However, plans are under way to redefine the showrooms to create
a stunning new flagship store in Blackpool. Lefton’s are not afraid to take an opportunity to get themselves out there in front of their customer base and try something new. A new airport advertising campaign is about to launch, a radio campaign in a new geographical area, a new website is to follow in coming months and Lefton’s will be featured again on national TV having been involved in lifestyle TV home makeovers. A time when many businesses cut back on their ethical activities, advertising spend and often staffing levels, Lefton’s are continuing with their charitable giving, maintaining their loyal and long serving staff and increasing their advertising spend. The future is always bright and Lefton’s are embracing the changes and challenged ahead.
A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
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RELAXED: Richard Lefton in a Keyton chair,
LEFTON’S BY NUMBERS ● 30,000 sq ft of retail space ● 100+ leather and fabric suites in stock from £399 ● 100 beds to bounce on from only £125 ● 75 dining sets and cabinets on display ● 64 years of trading history
● 25 bedroom suites on display starting at £499 ● 24 years by longest serving member of staff ● 20 recliners to sit back on ● 3 showrooms ● 2 undercover car parks ● 1 successful family firm!
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A Gazette Publication Saturday, January 31, 2009
www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk