Torfaen Business Voice - June 2014 Edition

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Page 3 - Our previous networking event / Dates for your diary 2014 / New Members Page 4 - Our Next Event / September meeting details Page 5 - Torfaen Women in Business event / Communities First in Torfaen Page 6 - Communication Crossroads / Automation Support in Torfaen Page 7 - Meet the Member – Talk HR Solutions Ltd Page 8 - Local business achieves awards / South Wales Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Page 9 - New company has grand designs / Be in the next newsletter Page 10 - Introduce a member scheme / Your views are wanted / Calling all Torfaen Businesses, we want your news Page 11 - TBV membership information and benefits Page 12 - TBV application form

To book, please contact elizabeth.crowley@torfaen.gov.uk

Has the time between Torfaen Business Voice events shortened or is it just that I am getting older and the time appears to go quicker? They say that every cloud has a silver lining so if this is the case, our next event on July 3rd seems that bit closer. The fact that it will be a ‘Hog Roast’ has no bearing on my wishes in any way.

This event is an experience I would like to share with all TBV members, especially those new ones that have joined recently.

We are delighted to have Steve Dalton OBE as our speaker at our next event. If you ‘Google’ Steve you will find his achievements take far more space that I have available within these notes. He is Managing Director of the Sony UK Technology Centre at Pencoed near Bridgend and I am sure he will be an inspiring speaker.

Please see page 4 of this newsletter for more information and how to book your places.

So please use the following link to access the online survey and complete it by Friday 13th June. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7HZF932 As a Committee we will be looking at your feedback in our brainstorming session on 25th June so please take the time to contribute your thoughts.

Publicity especially FREE publicity is a rare beast. TBV have captured that beast and in our case are offering free publicity for your company in the way of articles in our newsletters. When you look at the cost of publicising your business in print even on a small scale it can be scary. If you would like to have an article in the TBV newsletters then please contact Cheryl or Jo for consideration.

Look forward to seeing you all on July 3rd. Book your places soon!!

You will have read in our previous newsletters about our ‘introduce a Member’ scheme. This benefits everyone in helping to keep the membership vibrant! Introduce a new member to TBV and you can gain money off your own next year’s membership.

Have you filled in our TBV Membership Survey yet? I have completed mine; where else can you assist in the future direction of your business club? We all look for something different from our membership of TBV. No opinion is too small or unwarranted.

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IF YOU WOULD LIKE A FREE ENTRY* ON THE TORFAEN BUSINESS DIRECTORY PLEASE VISIT www.southwalesbusiness.co.uk and add your details. *Please note, entries are available only to businesses that are located within Torfaen.

On Thursday 1st May 2014 we held our first Torfaen Business Voice event of the 2014-15 membership year.

The evening was well attended and featured several rounds of facilitated networking which received positive feedback on the night. Hopefully those that attended found the evening beneficial for their business and created some worthwhile connections from it.

All events are held at Greenmeadow Golf & Country Club, Croesyceiliog Cwmbran

Control Systems Services Ltd - www.controlsystems.co.uk Core Golf Management Ltd - www.coregolfmanagement.com ECT Training - www.ecttraining.co.uk Xanthe Studios - www.xanthestudios.co.uk WESTON SECURITY SOLUTIONS LTD - www.weston-security.co.uk Page 3

To book your places please contact elizabeth.crowley@torfaen.gov.uk

Our next TBV quarterly event will be taking place on Thursday July 3rd at Greenmeadow Golf Club, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran. This event promises to be a fantastic opportunity to not only network with other businesses and contacts over a tasty hog roast but also to hear from Steve Dalton, Managing Director of Sony’s UK Technology Centre at Pencoed, near Bridgend. Steve has kindly agreed to come and talk to us about his career and achievements at one of the world’s leading iconic brands. This is a unique opportunity to meet and listen to one of Wales’s most inspiring and exceptional business leaders, so please ensure you book your membership places as soon as possible by contacting Elizabeth.crowley@torfaen.gov.uk This event will be starting at 4:30pm instead of the usual 6:30pm, so please note the change of time in your diary!

As Managing Director of Sony UK Technology Centre in South Wales, Steve has overall responsibility for the manufacturing facility.

He has spent over 30 years with Sony and in 2006 he was appointed Managing Director. Since then, Steve has transformed the Pencoedbased business into a high-value, high-skill, technology- driven operation of high-definition professional and broadcast camera systems, which is now competing globally.

Steve has been the key figure in creating Sony’s main UK and European Customer Service Centre as well as a business ‘incubation’ centre, which houses 34 related start-ups who are able to access specialist support services. Today, the site has shown consistent increased output and growth for the past six years.

Our event in September will feature facilitated networking, ensuring members and their guests maximise every opportunity to introduce their business to others. This event in our Membership calendar is always popular and well attended. Don’t forget, you can bring a colleague, business contact or client so make the most of your 2 places at this event.

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Following on from our highly successful Torfaen Women in Business event in November 2013, Torfaen Economy and Enterprise is planning another opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contribution that women make to the business community in the borough. So, ladies, please ensure you make a note in your diary for 13th November 2014. This year’s event will be taking place at Greenmeadow Golf & Country Club, Cwmbran. Further details to follow, but please email Jo or Cheryl if you would like to be added to our contacts list to receive further information in due course about the opportunities to showcase your business and booking.

For further details contact Jo or Cheryl on 01633 648644 or e-mail: joanne.john@tofaen.gov.uk or cheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk

ÂŁ50 The Communities First programme in Torfaen works in the most deprived areas of the county borough. The aim is to improve the health of its residents, to improve access to more learning opportunities and to increase the chances of individuals and families to become more prosperous, all in the short medium and longer term. The programme consists of two cluster areas in the north and south of the county and officers work with local people and a variety of agencies to enhance life changing opportunities.

In very difficult economic times local people are looking to access products and services which are cheaper but still provide absolute quality and value for money. Communities First working with Torfaen design agency Brandnucreative have recently developed a website highlighting the services it provides covering the three main areas highlighted.

Similarly three local organisations that provide more affordable services have also developed web pages to increase their own longer term prospects of sustainability but also to provide more low cost services to local residents. These sites are documented below

Please visit the sites for contact information, office addresses, activities, events, products and services: www.cftorfaen.org.uk www.groundforcetrevethin.org.uk www.growingthevegbox.org.uk www.trac2.org.uk

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Hello. I’m Liz Walder and I run Communications Crossroads, a small business that delivers a high standard of copy and content writing and presentation.

I understand what communication is about – whether local, regional, national, or global. I will write for you, and portray you / your organisation positively, to the modern world. My experience tells me that all my clients are different so I listen, observe, engage on an individual basis, and know how to deliver on a grand scale.

I can also help you write and deliver a solid presentation if that’s an area in which you might need assistance. With the right planning and preparation, I can help you develop confidence in public speaking even if you feel like a jelly underneath.

Using social media at its best, I select the right platform for the right message. I use twitter on a daily basis for myself and a number of my clients (you’ll often see @Walderwit tweeting that she has attended a Torfaen Business Voice networking meeting for example), initiate and maintain LinkedIn company pages, manage and update company facebook pages, and write and build WordPress websites.

Academically I have a PhD in architectural history and have (incidentally) become an online authority on architectural awards and prizes. I am also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, the professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK. I offer real solutions for real business and ensure that you get what you have asked for, and I deliver great results on time, every time.

Using Communications Crossroads can make a positive and visible difference to your business.

Contact details:

liz.walder@communicationxroads.com www.communicationxroads.com 077 020 46 426 @Walderwit Connect with me on LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/lizwalder

Control Systems Services Ltd has been providing automation support to industrial end users and OEMs for more than 20 years.

The company moved into new larger premises in Llantarnam one year ago to allow for further growth.

The majority of work carried out by the company is for customers in Wales and the rest of the UK. CSS has supported its OEM customer’s activities in Europe and the rest of the world.

CSS operates ISO 9001:2008 approved quality administration systems, relating to process control, automation and IT solutions.

CSS provides complete project life cycle support services to end users and OEMs including: • Systems specification (URS, FDS, SDS) • Control panel design and manufacture (including drive systems) • Software development (SCADA, PLC, DCS, PAC) • Electrical Installation • Commissioning • Training • Site support (including routine system validation and calibration) Outsourced Automation Service A number of our OEM customers find that partnering with CSS for automation support, is a cost effective alternative to expanding in-house technical departments.

With the wealth of experience that CSS has acquired, we are usually able to provide cost effective initial system design, repeat build and after sales support.

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Contact details:

Neil Whatley, Managing Director info@controlsystems.co.uk www.controlsystems.co.uk 01633 868168

Do you believe people are your greatest assets? True or False? I guess the answer to that question will vary from person to person, the likely response you receive may depend on what is going on for the business owner or manager at the time.

When we are part of a business that is going well we believe we are part of the greatest team ever, however, what do you do when someone is underperforming, is absent from work or causing mischief by not complying with workplace rules or worse still is a totally disengaged and demotivated individual?

Are you looking for a trusted Human Resource Business Partner to support you in enabling and empowering your employees to achieve their full potential? Maybe a partner that is commercially focused and understands that your efforts are better spent in doing what you do best?

There is no shortage of recruitment agencies and HR Consultancies in the marketplace but Talk HR offers a refreshingly different service.

Our services are delivered by professionally qualified, experienced and knowledgeable experts in their field.

We are able to support all types of organisations that are looking to outsource HR activities and want support in meeting their legal obligations in employment law, occupational health and health & safety, whilst employing a practical and cost effective approach in line with business needs.

We provide leadership and expertise in the delivery of projects supporting organisational change and transformation.

It is not just our full spectrum of solutions that makes us so appealing though - it is our focus on quality, transparency and exceptional service.

We act with integrity - your interests come first every time. We are honest, friendly and approachable; in fact, we'd go as far to say that we are enjoyable to work with. Most importantly we are dedicated to providing an outstanding service that will deliver bottom line results for your business.

For more information see our website www.talkhrsolutions.co.uk or call us on 01495687070. Present a copy of this article to receive a 10% discount on your first year retained contract. (Offer is valid until 30th November 2014, terms and conditions apply).

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Maxim business solutions are delighted to announce that they have been successful in their IiP assessment and have been identified as meeting the criteria to be recognised as an Investor in People. Claire Dolph their IIP assessor measured us against a range of criteria such as: Strategic Leadership Focused Learning and Development Impact Measurement As part of their commitment to IiP they have now identified further opportunities which will improve their performance and are aiming to upgrade their assessment to a minimum of Silver Status, with a timescale of achieving this within the next 18 months.

They are also delighted to announce that they have been successful in their Leadership Management Wales Quality Award accreditation. This is a new quality award which is being introduced across Wales to ensure the highest standards of leadership and management development.

The Leadership & Management Wales (LMW) quality award is available to training providers offering leadership and management courses in Wales who meet the award’s quality standards. They will now be listed on the LMW website and be awarded the standard “quality assured by Leadership & Management Wales”.

LMW director, Dr Barrie Kennard stated “This award will represent a definitive standard for training providers”. “Those who gain it will have shown the ability to continually develop and pursue best practice in leadership and management development.

www.maximbs.com 01495 774433 07730 370953

For more info, visit www.exhibitionswales.co.uk Page 8

Peter’s career started with an honours degree in software engineering but any progression was hampered by a lack of commercial experience. While doing a Masters degree Peter gained valuable experience at one of Cardiff’s top agencies, Box UK. With this new experience and his qualifications Peter joined a company based in Cambridge developing e-learning software. His experience has grown by working at several companies; developing websites and software, some of which now drive many top sporting web sites.

Although a developer Peter appreciates the importance of design in the delivery of a good website or system and this appreciation lead to the birth of Xanthe Studios.

Xanthe Studios produces innovative, efficient and attractive web sites at affordable prices supported with superb technical knowledge and expertise. Their modern approaches to web design and development is reflected in the quality and appeal of their finished product.

Each completed product is tailor-made to the client’s requirements with levels of design, development and customer care carefully crafted to accommodate the best interest of the client’s needs and budget. Varying levels of service agreement offer the customer products and support covering all eventualities thus giving the customer a confident and professional service.

If you would like a review of your current site or want to find out more about how Xanthe Studios may help your business then please say hello@xanthestudios.co.uk.

Our next newsletter will be published early June 2014 so if you would like to advertise what you do or have a recent success or news story, just let us know and we will book you a space. We only have 2 slots available and it’s first come, first served for this opportunity. The maximum number of words you need to supply is 250, plus we can carry your logo and, if room, a suitable photograph.

We also have the “Meet the Member” feature, so if you would like to be the next one please let us know. Again, it’s first come, first served.

Another 2 good reasons to be a member!!!

E-mail: joanne.john@torfaen.gov.uk or cheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk

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20% of our new members joined through this scheme last year, so why not help us spread the news about Torfaen Business Voice and encourage your business contacts and clients to join this popular business club and enjoy all the benefits of belonging to Torfaen Business Voice.

For every business that you encourage to join, your own business will earn £5.00 off your 2015-16 membership (up to a maximum of £50.00).

The new member will be entitled to a £5.00 discount off their joining fee.

Simply make sure that the new business member completes your name and your company name in the space provided on the back of the newsletter application form.

If you would like to receive additional membership forms please let us know. e-mail joanne.john@torfaen.gov.uk and Cheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk

Understanding what our members enjoy and want from their local business networking club is the key objective of our current Members Survey. Many of you have already completed our online Survey, so thank you ! If you haven’t already provided your feedback we are keen to hear from you, so please spend a few moments of your time and use the following link to access the Survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7HZF932 It’s simple to complete but the feedback we receive will help shape what the TBV Committee consider for continuing to improve what TBV can offer and how it can support the local business community.

Survey will close on Friday 13th June 2014, so please respond as soon as possible.

The Torfaen Economy & Enterprise website is packed full of information on how to access advice and support to help you develop your business.

We also have a business news section within the website, giving varied business news from funding support given to success stories on winning business.

So, please let us know your business success stories and we will let Torfaen and the rest of the world know. Any free publicity during these times when budgets are tight is worth taking advantage of, so if you have a story e-mail the site at: info@southwalesbusiness.co.uk

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Torfaen Business Voice Llais Busnes Torfaen

QUARTERLY EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY FOR MEMBERSHIP YEAR 2014/2015 3rd July, 25th September, 4th December

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in

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Introduce A Member scheme

If an existing TBV member has introduced you, please enter their name and company name below:

Torfaen Business Voice Llais Busnes Torfaen

Name :. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company Name :. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership Fee (Please reduce the following fees by £5.00 if joining via our Introduce a Member scheme) Please Tick as Appropriate

£50.00 (Companies with 1-4 employees) £65.00 (Companies with 5+ employees) £30.00 (Companies under 1 year of trading) Company Name:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company Address:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Post Code:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contact Name:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contact Telephone Number:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Position in Company:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E-mail address:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Website address: www. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brief Description of company products/services: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................................................. ..................................................................

No of employees: Length of time business has been operating: Under 1 year

1-5 years

6-10 years

11-15 years

16-20+ years

Please tell us how you found out about Torfaen Business Voice:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................................................. *Please note, entries are available only to businesses that are located within Torfaen.