www.twitter.com/torfaenbiz http://linkd.in/1eHoanB
Page 3 - Our previous networking event / Dates for your diary 2014 / New Members Page 4 - Our Next Event / Christmast meeting details Page 5 - Torfaen Business Breakfast / Torfaen Women in Business event Page 6 - Enterprise Facilitation / Software Alliance Wales support for IT businesses Page 7 - TBV Survey / We want your business news / Call for newsletter articles / Member Get Member Scheme Page 8 - Meet the Member - AeroPerspective Ltd Page 9 - What free & open source software means to my business Page 10 - Green & Co Investors In People award / Melin Works Programme success Page 11 - TBV membership information and benefits Page 12 - TBV application form
To book, please follow the link below http://bit.ly/TBV-book-online
Although I say in every Chairman’s notes that the previous meeting was excellent – and I sincerely believe it to be the case – the last meeting I can categorically state that was one of our best so far. Steve Dalton from Sony UK simplified the management techniques that would make a business a success. The fact that we have nearly 20 new members from April is my case in point. We are seventy members strong at present, and growing weekly, so you will certainly see and meet some new people at your Business Club event in September. Have you colleagues who are not TBV members? Why not use your two guest places and invite them along? I understand time is tight for people but having the opportunity to showcase their business is as good a reason as any to make the effort. They may even thank you for the invite! Remember if you get them to join you will get money off their membership and your future membership. Well worth it in my opinion. On the subject of showcasing your business, do you have a pop up stand? If it’s not earning any attention in the store cupboard bring it along and give it an airing! If it’s old, don’t worry, so am I. We may be old friends! So what are we looking to achieve at the next meeting? We will be looking at the intricacies of Auto-Enrolment in pensions. Is it a good thing or not? Depends on which business you are in, come along and learn more. Page 2
Use #TBVevent at our next networking event and we’ll feature your tweets in the next newsletter!
We will be having facilitated networking session after the presentation, giving people a chance to promote their business amongst peers. And to finalise this message, I am not going to mention the food provided. I always mention the buffet, not this time! Look forward to seeing you all on 25th September, 6pm sharp.
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 3rd July we held our summer meeting with a truly positive experience for all. The evening started earlier than usual with a larger number of members attending this popular event. Feedback was positive about the change in time and that this suited people better and was to be considered for future events. Our guest speaker Steve Dalton OBE from Sony UK didn’t disappoint and made everyone in the room look at their engagement with people and how they could improve their leadership as people and managers.
From left to right: Ashley Harkus (Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt); Steve Dalton MBE (Sony UK); Deborah Spedding (Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt); David Griffith (Griffith & James Ltd); Steve Marsh & Nigel Jones (The Balloon Experience)
Steve Parsons, AeroPerspective Ltd All events are held at Greenmeadow Golf & Country Club, Croesyceiliog Cwmbran
COMPANION & TELECARING SERVICES (CATS) - www.c-a-t-s.co.uk Ecotherm Plumbing & Heating Ltd - teresa.pearce@ecothermheating.co.uk E H Accountancy - www.ehaccountancy.co.uk marka Studios - www.markastudios.co.uk MElin Homes - www.melinhomes.co.uk Pat and the beanstalk - www.patandthebeanstalk.com time potential wealth management - www.tpllp.com
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Our next Business Voice meeting will be taking place on Thursday 25th September, 6pm start at Greenmeadow Golf & Country Club. We will start the evening with a talk by Brian Thomas from True Potential Wealth Management on the topic of Auto Enrolment and the reason for the legislation, according to government. Brian with the assistance of Steve Brice from LP Auto Enrolment Solutions Limited and is Co- Chair of the Friends of Auto Enrolment will centre on the practical aspects and timelines that companies need to be aware of when they are planning their own auto enrolment project plan.
The session will be littered with real life examples of what he has seen over the last 18 months since companies have been staging this which may help you to identify with the issues raised. Right now there are enough advisers to cope with 10,000 or so companies staging each month but in 12 or 18 months this figure may reach 60,000 and then peak at 137,000 companies each month! At that point both payroll support and advice for businesses will be thin on the ground so planning in advance will be key to any successful auto enrolment project and the avoidance of fines. After Brian’s talk we will go straight into a facilitated networking session followed by more informal networking over the buffet. We now have a new on line booking system for you to book your place for this event, so please use the link below!
To book your places please got to http://bit.ly/TBV-book-online
Neville Wilshire is the founder and CEO of the Save Britain Money group. A successful and award winning businessman, Nev, as he is known to everyone, is now a familiar face to millions of television viewers as the star of the BBC docusoap ‘The Call Centre’. Come and listen to Nev’s path to business success, save the date in your diary and book your place. Page 4
Social media is quickly becoming a key part of many business marketing strategies. Compared to traditional 'mass marketing' methods, social media can often provide a more personal interaction with existing and potential customers. The Breakfast seminar will be a general introduction to the use of social media and an opportunity to explore the strategic application of digital media within your business with an emphasis on effective marketing and the other key uses of social platforms. The seminar will be delivered by NativeHQ partners Car Morris and Tom Beardshaw. We will explore the key uses of digital and social media in business, the major social media platforms, how to use them effectively and when and why to use them, with appropriate examples. Topics will include: ● Defining and understanding Social Media ● Identity and voice ● Social media advertising ● Video and images
● Social media marketing ● Social media customer service ● Collaboration and cloud communication
Platforms covered will include: ● WordPress ● Facebook ● Twitter ● YouTube and others.
Small group discussions During the morning you will be divided into small groups and introduced to questions designed to prompt you to consider potential uses of social and digital media within your own situation. In the groups you will have the opportunity to explore issues with other attendees, to share your challenges and reflect on lessons you've learned. Outcomes Attendees will leave enthused with plenty of opportunities to consider, have an awareness of the main themes and principles of social media, its technologies and culture. They will have the opportunity to ask questions related to their own business situation and the chance to consider some of the major strategic decisions involved.
Book your place at: http://softwarealliancewales.com/social-media-businesses-1 For further details contact joanne.john@torfaen.gov.uk or for more info of SAW workshops visit http://softwarealliancewales.com/latest_workshops
Following on from the success of the 2013 event, Torfaen Economy and Enterprise has teamed up with St David’s Hospice and is planning another. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contribution that women make to the Business Community in Torfaen and beyond. Ladies, network in a relaxed atmosphere at The Parkway Hotel, Cwmbran where there will be trade stands, Afternoon Tea, hairdressing, fashion and raffle all for St David’s. Doors open at 5pm for registration and informal networking. To book your place it’s £6.50 per person. (All proceeds are going to St David’s Hospice Care)
Book On-line: http://bit.ly/women-in-biz Or, call and make your payment over the phone to St David’s on: 01633 851051 *Places are strictly limited to 150 so book early! 6ft Trade Stands available and we are requesting a £30.00 donation supporting St David’s Hospice Care. Why not donate a prize to the raffle? Get in touch with fundraising@stdavidshospicecare.org For further information / queries please contact: info@southwalesbusiness.co.uk
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Welcoming new members to Torfaen Business Voice is what we like to do best. We’re delighted to recently have had Jayne Skyrme from Torfaen EFFECT join our popular business networking club. Jayne, an Enterprise Facilitator, practices the Sirolli Institute’s model of business development which has helped hundreds of businesses, start ups and entrepreneurs all around the world, from Blaenau Gwent to Africa. ‘It’s all about supporting and championing those with passion and skill who want to achieve their business goals. It’s here in Torfaen in abundance and my job is to help identify and remove any barriers to success,” says Jayne who is well placed to lead this initiative in the borough. Torfaen born and bred, Jayne has a background in private, public and third sector organisations. She says “I will listen carefully, keep an open mind about ideas and focus on building up the support team that’s needed to achieve a person’s goals. The approach has been particularly successful in Blaenau Gwent and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve here as a community in Torfaen. It doesn’t matter what backgrounds people have. If they have an idea and want to discuss it I’m available at times to suit them, in complete confidence with no fee or time constraints”. Success of the project depends on a supportive and positive attitude from a volunteer resource panel – people from all backgrounds who are willing to help new and existing businesses grow. The only pre-requisite is that you are positive about your community, open minded to new ideas and willing to roll up your sleeves on occasion! To contact Jayne Call: 07534511575 or 01495 742247 Email: jayne.skyrme@torfaen.gov.uk
Software Alliance Wales (SAW), a project supported by European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, is aimed at boosting innovation and growth within the IT industry in Wales. Working closely with partner organisation CompTIA, SAW offer support and funding for businesses in Wales to become accredited IT Companies, and be recognised as ‘best in class.’ The Trustmark programme delivered by CompTIA, is an ideal opportunity for businesses in the IT industry to prove their excellence and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions and services. The benefits of accreditation are wide reaching and many state that the process, “reduces risk” “saves time” and “helps them lead, rather than manage”. Here’s what businesses have to say about the accreditation process and the support attained from Software Alliance Wales; For more info, email: g.daniel@softwarealliancewales.com
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Many thanks to members of Torfaen Business Voice who completed our first ever online membership survey during May and June 2014. It was great to see such a good response and we appreciate all the feedback and comments. With questions ranging from what benefits members value through to exploring views about events and thoughts on new ideas, the ‘rich’ information we have collected will help inform the future developments, benefits and direction of this popular business club in south wales. A taste of the feedback about the current membership offering we received included: • Nearly 90% of responders indicated that Torfaen Business Voice provided good value for money • The benefits of being a member include: Networking opportunities, the marketing and publicity opportunities for businesses, the opportunities to develop new connections and business relationships and the useful, informative talks and speakers • The current benefits most valued include: emailed information, quarterly newsletter, 2 free places at quarterly events and Member Get Member scheme In addition, the Torfaen Business Voice Committee met shortly after the survey results were compiled to discuss and brainstorm a number of new initiatives and suggestions to ensure Torfaen Business Voice continues to flourish and thrive - so watch out for some new and interesting developments for Torfaen Business Voice over the coming months !
Most companies want to spread the good news about their successes, achievements and initiatives. Offering a new way to distribute local, exciting business stories is just one of the advantages of the News section on the Torfaen Economy and Enterprise website www.southwalesbusiness.co.uk So please remember to send your news to us or better still, why not add our contact details to your PR and media distribution lists so we automatically receive them!
For more info, email: Cheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk or Joanne.John@torfaen.gov.uk
Welcoming new members to Torfaen Business Voice is key to keeping our thriving local business club dynamic, diverse and vibrant. Many of you have introduced new members already this year and this plays a vital role, so keep up the good work. Please keep encouraging your Torfaen clients, contacts and other businesses to join, the reward will not only be an expanding pool of contacts within the club but also the chance for you as a member to earn £5.00 off your next year’s membership every time they introduce a paying new member.
So a win-win situation all round! So start right now and earn money off your 2015 – 16 membership from today. New Applications can be submitted online: http://bit.ly/tbv-appform Page 7
Hello everyone, now for something a little different… Many of you will have likely recently heard, read or seen something in the media about the rise of ‘drones’… small unmanned aircraft that are appearing everywhere in our skies, many of which are being used professionally for a multitude of tasks. They are the latest technological ‘craze’ and are no longer a tool of choice exclusively available to the few commercial operators with huge budgetary resources. The use of these platforms can be more beneficial to our society and industry than many think or give credit for, however this technology becoming affordable to the masses is a double edged sword; there are many operators with little experience and knowledge of the increasing number of systems that can be easily purchased ‘off the shelf’ and flown ‘straight out of the box’. The relative ease of purchasing and operating these flight stabilised ‘drones’ belies the bigger picture of extensive safety implications, operating risks, need for ‘good airmanship’, maintaining platform airworthiness and a very necessary comprehensive awareness of the limits of the law applicable to this regulated industry being all too often overlooked. Here is where AeroPerspective steps in, as a company that professionally and responsibly embraces all aspects of building, operating, maintaining and repairing what ‘drones’ should really be called… remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). As director of AeroPerspective Ltd, my background in aviation, both military and civilian, extends to 32 years in the industry; being a qualified aircraft engineer, having served in the RAF for 23 years and holding a private pilot’s licence adds considerable value to all aspects of our business. Prior to leaving HM Forces, I spent 7 years based in industry specialising in reliability, maintainability and testability engineering, providing aircraft mechanical systems design influence to BAe Systems. As a local company operating throughout the UK and Europe, we are able to provide aerial services across a broad and diverse marketplace. From structural surveys to film productions, archaeological site detail to motor racing coverage… our Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved pilots and crews safely operate in-house designed, built and modified aircraft from the ground using our specialist ground support systems. We also have experience of operating over water (inland and offshore) and our pilots hold appropriate night flying permissions. We also provide consultancy and build services for those wishing to establish a serious position in the industry and are able to provide ‘end to end’ solutions for corporate, education and entertainment media productions requiring both ground and aerial based still or video images. We are currently building an extensive stock library for those requiring high resolution ‘off the shelf’ image material for their own corporate or commercial purposes. Two of our latest projects have been in-house managed media productions for TCBC, promoting the Blaenavon World Heritage sites. Spectacular footage has been effectively used to broaden the public’s holistic awareness of this historic industrial centre; the productions are due to be launched at the sites and across the internet this summer. Whatever the requirements for any aerial photographic, video or cinematographic imaging, we can cater for your needs. We are a small team of talented, hardworking, friendly and honest individuals who enjoy working with our clients; our complementary skills and dedication ensure an outstanding level of service that we are all proud of. Our pricing structure is both economic and competitive and our professional standards are the highest in the industry. We are able to deploy our crews at very short notice and welcome ‘one off’ tasks and long-term contracts alike. Why not give us a call to find out more? For a limited time we are offering a discount of 10% off our normal rates for contracts secured with recipients of this newsletter. To qualify, please visit our website at www.aeroperspective.com and submit your details on our webform before 30 November, 2014. Alternatively please don’t hesitate to give us a call us on 07807 981606… we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Steve Parsons Director AeroPerspective Ltd Page 8
Increasingly larger businesses and Public organisations are choosing the cost and flexibility of Open Source software (such as Linux) - over non-free or “proprietary” programs (like Microsoft Windows). However, Open Source system is often a good option for smaller companies looking to enhance their operation. Some Managers think that Free or Open Source (FOSS) software costs nothing. However, the ‘free’ refers to freedom - not price - and should not be confused with freeware.
With Open software Users have the freedom to… • • • •
access the source code run the program for any purpose study how the program works, and change/modify it to suit specific computing needs distribute copies of modified versions to others so they can benefit from the changes
…without having to ask/or pay for permission to do so. The users (both individually and as communities) control the program and what it does for them.
Flexibility FOSS is typically less resource-intensive than proprietary software so it can run well even on older hardware. It's your decision decide when to upgrade – a great advantage to cash-flow.
Quality FOSS is continually developed by its users - sharing their experience and innovating the functionality; introducing new features and enhancements; and strengthening security. Technical superiority is the primary reason many choose Open.
Your Profile Here!
Customisation Business users can take a piece of FOSS and modify the code to suit their exact needs and functionality requirements.
Interoperability With increased Cloud Computing, FOSS allows you to adhere efficiently with open standards so helps you if you need interoperability with other businesses, or integration with other technologies; computers and users. Perfect for supply chain applications.
Security The visibility of the Open code means you can confidently see and address risks. With Linux, Users do not usually have "root" privileges and are typically given lower-level accounts. This means that if the system is compromised, the virus won't have the root access to do system-wide damage. Just the User's local files/programs would be affected - meaning a minor annoyance versus a catastrophe for the business.
Cost Open is generally free, and offers support through the active communities surrounding each piece of software. E.g., most Linux applications have an online community with excellent resources and even live support chat. For the less IT-sophisticated, paid support options are available. Plus, some FOSS licences may attract a cost; and there may be restrictions surrounding distribution.
Want to Know More? Sources: Free Software Foundation http://www.pcworld.com/article/209891/10_reasons_open_source_is_good_for_business.html http://mashable.com/2010/06/17/foss-for-small-businesses/ Or, contact Principality Consulting to explore how FOSS packages can help make your systems and processes more effective; plus reduce your IT costs. Page 9
Attaining Standard status in 2011, Green & Co have gone on to become a firm that represents "world class best practice" in terms of the way people are led, managed and developed. Meeting the 165 evidence requirements necessary to attain Gold is a considerable achievement and significant for both Green & Co staff and clients. "We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold accreditation," said Ed Gooderham, Director. "We are one of only three accountancy firms in Wales to have Gold IiP status, and the sole one based in South Wales. It demonstrates our commitment to having the best people management practices, and is testament to our team's hard work and dedication to continuous improvement. We will continue to use the Investors in People framework and review process to ensure we deliver best practice for our staff and our clients." This achievement is the culmination of twelve months of successes for Green & Co, a year in which they were finalists in the 'Best Employer' and 'Independent Firm of the Year, Wales and South West England' British Accountancy Awards, and also celebrated their 20th year of business with a move to their new premises at Pembroke House. If you are interested in any of Green & Co's professional services please contact them on 01633 871122.
So far we have helped over 1400 people through our Melin Works programme and we are proud of our work with employers and individuals to support them back to employment. Our reputation for this is built on the support we provide with key skills training and expert help on bringing down barriers to employment. We have shown to be a trusted partner for businesses to work with us because our results speak for themselves. What has been most pleasing for me is the range of opportunities we have and can provide to people. Our Melin Cares project has given 132 people a chance to gain valuable work experience with care companies and 62 to find paid jobs in the sector. Through our ‘Drive to Thrive’ work we gave 75 people the opportunity to learn to drive, removing a key barrier to gaining employment. We also help unemployed residents who want to set up their own business. We give help from the idea right through to the opening of the business and have already had some notable success so far. Of course we build homes, but we also see ourselves as an engine for providing employment and business opportunities for the people that work with us. We are looking for local businesses with a similar ethos who would like to become a Melin partner and help young people into employment. Can you offer someone a work placement supported by a member of Melin’s Employment Team? If you would like to know more, contact Paula on 01495 745906 or you can email her on paula.skyrme@melinhomes.co.uk Page 10
Torfaen Business Voice Llais Busnes Torfaen
QUARTERLY EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY FOR MEMBERSHIP YEAR 2014/2015 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Twitter:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Facebook:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.