BUSINESS
Issue 15 August / September 2015
CONNECTED ESSEX
THE LEADING COUNTYWIDE B2B MAGAZINE
Leading B2B Magazine
Business Networking
Featured Local News
Discover choice for your business.
Discover Fleximize.
At Fleximize, we’re tech-focused, but relationship driven. This means a lightning fast process from application to draw down, plus one dedicated point of contact for you every step of the way.
Borrow £1,000 - £100,000 and repay over a flexible term Get funds in 1 - 2 days Dedicated Relationship Managers Absolutely no set up fees Top-up your loan as your business grows Call
0207 100 0110
hello@fleximize.com
Visit
www.fleximize.com
Our customers rate us
Excellent
BUSINESS
Issue 15 August / September 2015
CONNECTED ESSEX
THE LEADING COUNTYWIDE B2B MAGAZINE
Welcome... Welcome to the August / September Business Connected Essex magazine. This edition is packed full of news, features and much more. We kick off by taking a look at the benefits of driving an electric vehicle has on business. For this summer edition we also look at few of the golf days happening around the county. In the centre pages we have a look at the best networking events around, this month sponsored by the Chelmsford Business Breakfast Club. Our own events are featured on page 5 and soon we will be announcing two new and exciting venues to add to the four we currently operate. This magazine launches the much awaited Auditel business challenge which sees them challenging four companies to save them ten thousand pounds. A list of our new premier partners is
Leading B2B Magazine
Business Networking
Featured Local News
on pages 5 & 6 and a round up of Essex news is also in this edition. Essential HR have put together a fantastic A-Z of pension enrolment, we review the recent Tedx
Get In Touch Tel: 01702 513113
event and look at ways to plan your office move from a telecoms point of view. A full list of features is below. Thanks for reading and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Richard Pond Managing Director
Email: info@businessconnected.co.uk
Or Visit: www.businessconnected.co.uk Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ BusinessConnected Follow us on Twitter @Connected_Essex
Contents 04 05
About Us & Our Networking Events -
06 07
Premier Partner Scheme -
10
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any way without prior written permission of Business Connected Ltd.
Bringing Local Businesses Together
The Strategic Marketing Solution For Your Business
HR Update The A to Z of Pension Auto Enrolment
Update 22 Technology Cyber Security – Why now is the time to start talking about it
24 Essex Networking Events 25 Recommended by Business Connected
Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions.
30
Printed in the UK by Printwize www. printwize.co.uk
40 44 45
H&S Update One Small Step for Magistrates, But a Giant Leap for Criminal Fines
Telecoms Update Office Relocation
Essex Round Up News From Around The County
www.businessconnected.co.uk
03
BUSINESS
CONNECTED ESSEX
About Us Business Connected is proud to be operating the county’s
Connected understand running your own social media
premier b2b magazine, networking events and online portal
can be very time consuming and we know your
that focus on the business community of Essex. We bring
time is valuable. Business Connected can set up
local businesses together via the many platforms that we operate. Our magazine is distributed across the whole county in print and online. The business connected website which
your accounts as well as run them for you, promote your company from our own account or simply come over and give you regular training to all your
receives over half a million hits
staff. With our help in just 90
a month is dedicated to
days we aim to increase your
up to date business news,
twitter followers dramatically.
a business directory and Business Connected specialise
the number one place to
in providing first class social
find out what’s going on in Essex. You may have heard about the Business Connected Premier
Partner
scheme
which
media training to businesses across
the
South
East.
We
are
introducing a new training course.
helps businesses be seen not just in print but also online and through our fantastic social media offering, please see full details opposite.
Do you feel you’re not using Social Media to it’s full effect and would like some fantastic training? Then our courses will be perfect for you. We offer training for LinkedIn, Twitter,
Do you use social media and are you aware
Mailchimp and Hootsuite. Each course is
how it can help your company’s marketing
two hours long and fully interactive, we
and brand awareness? Business
suggest
Connected help companies on
so we can set up or work on
many different platforms such as
your accounts throughout the
Twitter/ LinkedIn/ Facebook.
training course. For a breakdown on
you
what’s
bring
covered
a
on
laptop
each
Over 75% of UK businesses now
course please email us today on
have a Twitter account, there are
info@businessconnected.co.uk or
also over 500 million registered
give us a call on 01702 513113.
accounts worldwide. Over 100,000 businesses have a Facebook page and now LinkedIn have reached over 15 million connections.
To advertise in any of our forthcoming publications or
Are you one of them? If not Business Connected are here to
for any information on anything Business Connected
give you a helping hand. Yes, you may have Twitter/ LinkedIn/
related please call us today on 01702 513113 or email
Facebook but how about taking it to the next level. Business
info@businessconnected.co.uk.
04
www.businessconnected.co.uk
THE LEADING COUNTYWIDE B2B MAGAZINE
Our Networking Events Business Connected operates premium b2b networking
and have a dedicated YouTube channel. So just search
events across the south east. We have a different event
for Business Connected and have a look for yourself. All
every
week
across
of our venues offer
a variety of quality
free
venues.
excellent
At
each
parking
and
networking
meeting we typically
facilities. We also have
attract
dedicated
between
and
100
Our
current
70
delegates.
groups
venues
LinkedIn for
each
venue, which is just
are below. There is no
for
membership required
have
just come along when
group.
you can.
you to network before the
At all events we follow the
same
formula,
we
delegates
who
attended
each
This
event
allows
with
the
delegate list, on the
proven
day at the meeting
send
and
delegate lists out in
afterwards
on
LinkedIn.
advance, have plenty of time to network, listen to one or two short but informative talks and have a great
For more information
To book tickets for any Business Connected event please visit: www.businessconnected.co.uk/our-events or call 01702 513113.
or to book on to one of our events please have a look at www.
breakfast. We always make sure there is a real focus on
businessconnected.co.uk/business-networking/ or give us
networking. We have some great videos of our events
a call today on 01 702 5131 13.
Business Connected
Business Connected
Business Connected
Business Connected
Business Connected
@Essex Cricket Club
@Southend Airport
@Ipswich Town FC
@Colchester United
@The Olympic Park
www.businessconnected.co.uk
05
The Business Connected
Premier Partner Scheme The Business Connected Premier Partner scheme is designed to support companies who need to introduce a co-hesive and co-ordinated marketing strategy or a company who wishes to enhance an existing offering. We provide companies with an effective, structured solution at an affordable price. How often do you promise yourself that you’ll invest more in social media, run regular email and print campaigns but simply don’t have the time or expertise to do it? Our Premier Partner scheme could be the answer.
How VORTEX paid for Sponsorship
To view our video testimonial
with Spare Capacity
have a look at our Premier VORTEX EXHAUSTPartner TECHNOLOGY are experts in
improving efficiency of vehicle engines and wanted to expand their brand awareness by creating a marketing budget they currently didn’t have.
page on our website
www.businessconnected.co.uk/ 1. Vortex opened a
account.
premier-partners/
2. BBX sold Vortex’s Spare Capacity (Exhaust Systems) within the BBX Community.
3. Vortex received BBX pounds. 4. BBX sourced a sponsorship opportunity (Legends Cars) for Vortex. 5. Vortex paid for the sponsorship with their BBX pounds leaving their cash flow intact.
To find out how to become a Premier Partner and to see if =your business category still Result Vortex have paid for Sponsorship with Exhaustis Systems. (picture below)
available then give us a call today and we can pop in for a chat and run you through the many features of becoming a Business Connected Premier Partner. 01702 513113.
Turn your spare capacity into something you want. Call BBX on 0333 400 2014
M A N Fleet Loyalty Reward System
Transportation
Radio
Trade Exchange
Leadership and Management Training
Printers & Copiers
Marketing
Bookkeeping
Zone 1 About Geerings
Sound Financial Planning Group The Retirement Planning Specialists
Zone 2 Print Management, Mobile Printing & Data Security
www.cbhc.uk.com Zone 3 Document Management
Financial Planning
CBHC Launches ‘Investor Matchmaking Service’ & FD 4 toOutsourced ProvideZone Local Businesses withCourier a Successful Managed Print Services & Cloud Accounting Freight Services Route to Funding Zone 5 spirit, Essex is home Renowned for its entrepreneurial Equipment Demonstrations to a large number of thriving companies, using their unique ideas and initiative to generate business that
in a position to access funding, if required. At the same time, we work with a number of high wealth individuals looking for good quality investment opportunities, so it
In 2011, the Chancellor also launched the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) to help small, early-stage companies raise equity finance by offering a 50 per cent income tax relief to those investing up to £100,000 in a qualifying start-up. The latest figures show the uptake of doubled to £155m in the year April 2014, Book for the 23rd July S the P ESEIS A Knearly ING Speakerwith Masterclass and receive up from about £80m a year earlier almost 1,900 the Business Connected offer price TO THE of £57 for the whole day including companies receiving investment.
WORLD
refreshments (offer code “BIZ57”)
Public & Business Speaking For more information
and to book: “The tax reliefs afforded under the Enterprise Investment www.thespeakerexpert.com Motivational speaker /speakerx Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme Inspirational speaker provides a huge incentive for high wealth individuals to Event speaker seek out speaker investment opportunities which in turn, provide Business Conference speaker businesses with a golden opportunity to new and growing Speaker coach needed funding.” access much
David Bell is an award-winning businessman, speaker and entrepreneur who is helping businesses and their
“In order to be viewed as an ideal investment there
We hope our ‘Investor Matchmakin more companies to take advantag secure the investment they need,”
For more information about CBH Matchmaking Service,’ please con Gary.white@cbhc.uk.com
About Gary White:
Gary is the Business Developmen He has a background in industry a qualified in a large PLC in the food owned a successful accounting pr becoming a partner in CBHC, mak to help other company owners ac theirs. Genuinely passionate abou
Here is a list of exactly what our Premier Partner scheme offers:
EXCLUSIVITY – We only work with one
NETWORKING EVENTS - Many people know
company of any type within the county.
Business Connected from our countywide events and we want you to be part of them.
BUSINESS CONNECTED MAGAZINE - A full
Fancy being a speaker or displaying your
page in every edition of our magazine. We
banner at all our events? Being a Premier
print and distribute 6000 copies, email
Partner of Business Connected gives you tickets
50,000 copies as well as uploading to the
and access to all of our events from Ipswich to
Business
Southend and everywhere in between.
Connected
website
and
social
media sites. WEBSITE - Our Business Connected website SOCIAL MEDIA - Yes, you may have a Twitter/
gets thousands of visitors a day, being a
Linkedin/Facebook account but how about
countywide news based website we are the
a helping hand, we can set up and run your
number one place to find business news.
account, interact as a ”raving fan” or simply
We are offering our Premier Partners prime
come over and give you regular training to all
advertising space throughout the site.
your staff. ACCOUNT MANAGER - Probably the most EMAIL CAMPAIGNS - Need to get the message
important feature of the Partnership scheme.
out to the masses? We have a number of
Our account managers are working around
options which we can tailor to suit the needs
the clock to find our partners leads, from the
of your business. From monthly newsletters,
many networking events we attend and run to
your logos and links on our email campaigns
the list of leads. Our staff are introducing and
or simply a help with data.
passing referrals on a daily basis.
Logo usage
Lending 5
Telecommunication Straplines Auditel style guide Colours
H&S
Printers
Fonts
Straplines Incorporating
There are two approved straplines that can be
Lowering the cost of doing business
combined with the Auditel logo.
Office Furniture
HR & Auto Enrolment
The logo may also be combined with the web address.
Recruitment
Cost Management
The preferred position of the logo is bottom right of the page, but this may vary depending on the content and space available.
HOME CHOOSe LTD
Taking cost and purchase management to a new level
Commercial Flooring, Blinds and Curtains est. 1988
Research & Development Tax Advice
IT Support & Consultancy
www.auditel.co.uk
Home Choose are very proud of the
Commercial Flooring, commitment to quality and service we provide our customers. Blinds & Curtains
We offer a mobile service with over 5,000 samples of carpets, curtains and blinds brought to you and we are very confident to satisfy your
Call Free:
0800 243 110 Call for details 01702 513113
HR Update
The A to Z of Pension Auto Enrolment
A is for ACT NOW! Pension auto enrolment has arrived for small businesses and you must get ready to avoid fines for non-compliance. B is for BRING FORWARD your workplace pension staging date to avoid the capacity crunch in the market in 2016! C is for CERTIFICATION. You will need to check that your pensionable pay definition meets at least the minimum required under the new rules and then complete a special certificate if you are not using qualifying earnings. D is for DIRECTOR ONLY BUSINESSES that must inform the Pensions Regulator of their status to avoid fines. E is for ELIGIBLE JOBHOLDERS who are aged between 22 to SPA and earn over £10,000 per year or equivalent monthly/weekly amount and who you must auto enrol into your pension plan. F is for FARMERS who must also meet auto enrolment rules for their employees, including those who might only be seasonal workers! G is for GROSS EARNINGS which is an employee’s earnings before tax and national insurance are deducted. H is for HOTEL OWNERS with seasonal employees who need to check their workers’ status carefully and plan early to ensure compliance. I is for IFAs who are regulated by the FCA to provide advice on products such as pensions. J is for JOBHOLDER. This is a UK employee aged between 16 and 74 and to whom you pay qualifying earnings. K is for KEEP GOING with your pension auto enrolment activities after your staging date to make sure you enrol the right staff at the right time. L is for LIKE IT OR NOT, pension auto enrolment has arrived and you must assess your workforce every time you run your payroll. M is for MINIMUM CONTRIBUTIONS that you must pay into a workplace pension for each eligible employee.
Q is for QUALIFYING PENSION PLAN which is the type of company pension plan you need to put in place by your staging date in order to meet the new rules. Existing pension plans may not meet the requirements so you must check to be sure. R is for REMINDERS which you can get if you sign up for a free trial of AE Wizard, the workplace pension toolkit for small business at www. aewizard.co.uk/price-and-free-trial. S is for STAGING DATE which is the date that is set by the Pensions Regulator and is when your pension auto enrolment obligations begin. T is for THE PENSIONS REGULATOR who will issue fines for noncompliance starting at a fixed fine of £400 and then daily fines for continued non-compliance. U is for UNDERSTAND THE NEW PENSION AUTO ENROLMENT RULES for your business so you don’t get caught out. V is for VERY IMPORTANT that you keep records of your pension auto enrolment actions for at least 6 years. W is for WORKER who is an employee or has a contract to perform work personally for you and must be included in your assessment. X is for eXASPERATING that lots of businesses are leaving it too late to get started with pension auto enrolment. Don’t let that be you…. Y is for YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to meet the new rules as a small business. Don’t be complacent - make sure your advisers are doing what they say they are going to do as the Pensions Regulator will come to you if there is anything wrong. Z is for ZERO HOURS WORKERS who in the majority of cases must be included. This type of worker can make pension auto enrolment more complicated for you as they have fluctuating earnings.
For more information about any of the terms in our A to Z of Pension Auto Enrolment, please contact Fiona Cowie. Fiona is owner of Essential HR Solutions based in Chelmsford. As a pension auto enrolment guru, Fiona is also the ‘go to’ person for any business needing to deal with the new legislation.
N is for NON-ELIGIBLE JOBHOLDER who you do not need to auto enrol into the pension plan but who can choose to join if they wish to. O is for OPTING OUT which eligible jobholders can do if they do not want to stay in the pension plan but only after they have been automatically enrolled. P is for PAYE REFERENCE which determines your staging date. If you had a PAYE scheme on 1st April 2012, you will already have been allocated your staging date.
10
www.businessconnected.co.uk
Incorporating
Tel: 01245 349492 Email: fiona@essentialhr.co.uk Web: www.essentialhr.co.uk Fiona Cowie, HR & Workplace Pensions Specialist
Incorporating
The One-Stop Solution for Your HR and Pension Auto Enrolment Needs
How we can help you Easier Staff Management
Easier Auto Enrolment
Let us take away the worries about managing your staff. We will free up your time so you can focus on your business. Let us reduce your fear of making a wrong HR decision.
We will take away the pain and hold your hand every step of the way. Quick, easy and cost-effective support. From full consultancy through to a self-service toolkit - you choose what works best for you!
HR support, providing priority access to advice whenever you need it.
guide you step by step through the new rules and manage the planning and implementation in your business.
Tailored HR Solutions Essential HR Solutions Club for retained
Flexible Workplace Pension Solutions Full auto enrolment support on a fixed fee to
Pay As You Go HR advice to dip in and out only when you need us. HR project support on a fixed fee for
AE Wizard, our innovative online, self service
those bigger jobs.
toolkit for small business providing a very costeffective alternative to consultancy support.
www.essentialhr.co.uk | www.aewizard.co.uk
BUSINESS
CONNECTED
THE MEN’S HEALTH DAY 10AM - 4PM - FREE MEN’S HEALTH CHECKS Registration from 9am
at The Essex County Ground, Chelmsford Wednesday 19th August 2015
THE CHAPS CHARITY GOLF DAY at Crowne Plaza Colchester Five Lakes Championship Course
WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2015 Entry £70 per player
Early bird discount: only £60 if booked by 31st August
Timetable
Open to
10.00 11.00 12.00 18.00
Ladies & Gentlemen - max handicaps 36 & 28
Competition
Pairs: Any Combination, Stableford, Combined Scores
Registration Opens Golfers’ Breakfast Shotgun Start 3 Course Dinner
Prizes will include
Best Scores, The CP Water Challenge, Longest Drives / Nearest The Pin, plus a raffle and lots more fantastic prize winning opportunities
Optional Extras
Non-Golfers’ Breakfast £10; Dinner £25; Special B&B Rates; Range Balls £2; 9 Holes warm up on the Links Course £10
07734 747854
www.chaps.uk.com
To book contact CHAPS on 01206 321253 chris.booth@chaps.uk.com
info@chaps.uk.com
Book health checks online - www.chaps.simplybook.me
www.cbhc.uk.com
Why a financial director is a critical member of the team when it comes to accelerating business growth JULY 2015: No matter what the size of a business, the ability to work productively as a team is crucial to achieving long term success. Not only does teamwork facilitate creativity in the workplace and improve the quality of work, it also ensures that individuals and departments that have their own specific targets and objectives to meet, work collaboratively with other parts of the business in line with the company’s strategic direction. About CBHC: When a business is at a stage where it is looking to accelerate growth, understanding the company’s cashflow and ongoing financial health is crucial to setting the strategic direction which in turn filters down to the goals and objectives of individual team members and departments.
and guidance to managers and staff to enable them to meet their objectives. While many businesses recognise the importance of having a Financial Director and the positive impact they can make to their team and the business, one of the main obstacles many encounter is the cost of a full-time hire.
CBHC is one of the largest independent firms of accountants in the Essex and East London region with branches in Chelmsford and Canary Wharf. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond the traditional accountancy remit, to support our clients more fully with their business venture. While compliance and taxation are at the heart of what we do, our comprehensive portfolio of integrated financial services help clients transform their business, ultimately improving their bottom line. Our commitment to personal service means we work with clients to create a bespoke strategy, support them with our broad commercial expertise, and help them to achieve their business goals.
Having a Financial Director as part of the team is often critical at this stage as they play a vital role in supporting several aspects of the business including; providing strategic and financial guidance to ensure that the company’s financial commitments are met; developing policies and procedures to ensure the sound financial management of the company; and providing advice
28091 our CBHC advert - Chronicle - new lo At CBHC, Outsourced Financial Director Service enables companies to overcome the costbarrier allowing them to access a wide spectrum of Financial Director advice and guidance that is specifically tailored to their individual business requirements.
Gary White, Business Development Manager at CBHC, said “The service has revolutionised our
client relationships. We can establish where a company is now and where it wants to be in the next five years; analyse how a company makes their profit and providing strategic advice to ensure it is more successful; and provide advice on maximising profits through sales revenues and maximising the brand and intellectual property within the business.
CBHC Chartered Accountants, Carlton House, New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0PP
ogo
This shows that while an effective team is critical to driving business success, your ‘team’ does not have to be limited to your internal staff.
While a core advantage for our clients is the obvious cost benefits of having access to Financial Director advice as and when they need it, without the need to engage a Financial Director on a full- time basis, one of the key aspects that has made the service such a success is our ability to become an effective part of our client’s team. We work in partnership with clients to understand every aspect of their business so that we can provide strategic advice on the key areas of their business 28/04/2015 09:41 Page 1 that facilitate growth and impact their bottom line. Utilising the Xero accounting system, we have access to our client’s financial data anytime and
At CBHC the value that we place in facilitating teamwork and good working relationships with our clients often extends to including clients in activities that are outside the usual business remit. Recently, a team of CBHC staff along with several of our clients took on the Three Peaks Challenge which involved climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in just 24 hours! Not only did we support each other along the way to conquer the challenge, as a team we also managed to raise over £10,000 for The British Heart Foundation and Farleigh Hospice.” If your company is looking to gain the benefit of a Financial Director that will become an active member of your team without requiring you to hire them on a full time basis then do get in touch with Gary White, Business Development Manager at CBHC at gary. white@cbhc.uk.com
anywhere which means we are always on hand to provide instant advice and guidance whenever our clients require it. Essentially, our clients get all the benefits of having a Financial Director as part of the team but at a fraction of the cost.
T: 01245 495588 E: info@cbhc.uk.com www.cbhc.uk.com
Auditel launches business ch
£10,
Are you up for “Can’t afford that new sales person?” “Been told there is no budget to attend that trade exhibition?” Well, by taking part in the Auditel challenge and freeing up cash that is currently being misspent, you can have all of the above and use these funds to help your business grow to the next level!
Strategic Cost Management Benefits businesses by helping them achieve: • Competitive advantage • Improved efficiency in the business • Financial survival of the business • Accelerate performance A recent Auditel survey showed that 70% of businesses have no strategic approach to dealing with costs. Companies simply do not have the internal resources to undertake this exercise effectively in terms of time, people and money. I am passionate about helping companies to stop throwing money down the drain and at Auditel we deal with over 125 costs on a regular basis for our clients.
hallenge to save 4 companies
,000
the challenge? So I want to issue a challenge to all of you. We are looking for 4 companies to take part in a challenge which is for me to save each of these £10,000 per annum in 6 months. Initial work up to £10,000 savings completely free of charge with a fee payable once £10,000 exceeded. It’s not about price but service is paramount. Participants have to be prepared for their details to be used for marketing purposes and updates provided at Business Connected events.
So who wants to help your businesses and take advantage of this challenge? Businesses will be chosen subject to certain criteria.
Tel: 01279 722167 Mobile: 07803 246737 Email: lee.freeman@auditel.co.uk Lee Freeman, Auditel
A true partner for all your recruitment needs… • • • • • • •
Accountancy Financial Services Human Resources IT Marketing Office Support Executive
Also offering a wide range of initiatives to support clients and candidates including… • • • •
Women’s Leadership Programme Best Employers Eastern Region Compare My Salary Seminars and Forums
T 01245 708808 E Chelmsford@prs.uk.com www.prs.uk.com
5, 88A High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9BT 01277 658868 | www.redwoodclarke.com
Effective Bookkeeping Solutions We offer practical and affordable Bookkeeping and Payroll solutions to SME’s in Essex. With over 20 years experience we are able to provide a comprehensive range of services, all tailored to suit your company. Work can be under taken at the client’s premises or at our office in Billericay.
M A N Fleet 01206 844905 | neil@manfleet.co.uk www.manfleet.co.uk
M A N FLEET IS CLOSELY BECOMING THE PREMIER VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION COMPANY IN ESSEX AND THE UK OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES • Daily collections throughout the UK • New vehicle handover • Corporate deliveries • Short notice collections • Non runner(s) can be collected
• VIP customer delivery • Full risk comprehensive insurance • Tracked collection/delivery service • Full appraisal of vehicles • Driven or transported deliveries
Our clients range from automotive manufacturers and fleet, leasing and finance companies, to franchise and independent dealers of all sizes. We donate a large amount of our proceeds to local charities/worthy causes and are at the moment in discussion with several local groups/individuals to see how we can help them.
Technology Update
Cyber Security – Why now is the time to start talking about it.
T
he latest PWC Information Security Breaches Survey commissioned by HM Government shows that security breaches continue to grow in number and impact across large and small business alike.
90%
of large organisations
74%
of small businesses
had a security breach. Up from 81% a year ago. Up from 60% a year ago. The report sampled large and small business across the UK and in both size categories the rise in breaches is significant. Some security commentators say that almost all large business have suffered a breach but just don’t know that they have – potentially a more worrying statistic. Of those surveyed 59% expect the number of security incidents to grow over the coming 12 months and will continue to increase their spend to seek better protection through technology and people skills. The impact on businesses will inevitably be measured in terms of additional costs, lost sales and reputational damage. The smaller business often suffer disproportionately more and with some businesses unable to sustain the damage caused and never recover.
£1.46m - £3.14m £75k - £311k is the average cost to a large organisation
is the average cost to a small business
of its worst security breach of the year. Up from £600k - £1.15m a year ago. Up from £65k - £115k a year ago. The nature of breaches are changing with attacks from externals sources continuing to grow. Larger businesses are more prone to attack although smaller businesses may simply not know that they have been attacked as the available budget and resource to monitor attacks is not available. The ‘Denial of Service’ type of attack is continuing to reduce from a high point in 2013.
22
www.businessconnected.co.uk
69%
of large organisations
38%
of small businesses
were attacked by an unauthorised outsider in the last year. Up from 55% a year ago. Slightly up from 33% a year ago. Whilst external attacks continue to play a large part in the breaches recorded, the Human Factor remains a big issue for large businesses in particular. The need to ensure that a security culture is developed and maintained within a business is ever more present. The acceptance of unexpected emails and the opening of their attachments is a key contributor to a breach where malware is installed and access to systems provided to cyber criminals.
75%
of large organisations
31%
of small businesses
suffered staff related security breaches in the last year. Up from 58% a year ago. Up from 22% a year ago. There are clear business benefits to be gained from developing and maintaining a Cyber Security strategy and include:- less disruption caused by breaches; confidence that the business can protect valuable data, both that of the business and of its clients; ability to secure contracts requiring security standard accreditation; and many others. For more information about Cyber Security contact Maria West on 01268 494160 or email maria.west@yellowspring.co.uk
Tel: 01268 494101 Email: paul.rolison@yellowspring.co.uk Web: www.yellowspring.co.uk Paul Rolison, Yellowspring Ltd
you started talking about Cyber Security? Isn’t it about time
If you hold sensitive information about clients, customers or any Third Party, are you sure your security measures are sufficient to protect against the growing number of Cyber attacks?
Cyber Essentials is a Government initiative designed to help responsible businesses demonstrate that they take Cyber security seriously and have implemented controls to protect data held about their clients and connected parties.
Yellowspring has the skills and experience to help you develop your security using technology and importantly process controls, and if certification is required Yellowspring can guide you through the process.
Telephone Maria West on 01268 494 101 to arrange a meeting or email: cyber@yellowspring.co.uk Yellowspring Ltd Astra House, Christy Way, Laindon, Basildon, Essex SS15 6TQ.
www.yellowspring.co.uk/cyber
Essex Networking Events August
August
August
04 07
03 & 17
August
August
10 & 24
12 & 26
4N Rayleigh
Friends of
Business Connected
Success in the City
EBN Basildon
Hungry Horse,
Braintree Town
@Essex Cricket Club
The Bayhorse,
The Burstead Golf Club,
Rayleigh
Braintree Town FC,
Chelmsford,
Chelmsford, CM2 0LG
Little Burstead,
Cost: £12
CM7 3RD
CM2 0PG
7.30am to 9.30am
CM12 9SS
Membership Required:
7.00am to 9.00am
7.30am to 9.30am
Cost: Free
7.00am to 8.30am
Yes
Cost: Free
Cost: £20.00
Membership Required:
Membership £195
Membership Required:
Membership Required:
No
Breakfast £10
Optional
No
August
August
August
August
14 20 21
August
27 28
Business Connected @
Friends of the City
Chelmsford
Hoskins Golf Event
Business Connected
Southend Airport
Chelmsford City FC,
Professionals Lunch
hoskinsgolfevents.co.uk
@ Colchester United
Holiday Inn,
CM1 2EH
The Chop Bloc,
Cost: £25
Colchester United,
Southend SS2 6XG
12pm to 2.00pm
Chelmsford, CM2 6QR
Membership Required:
CO4 5UP
7.30am to 9.30am
Cost: Free
1.00pm to 3.00pm
No
7.30am to 9.30am
Cost: £20
Membership Required:
Cost: Free
Membership Required:
Optional
Membership Required: No
No
Cost: £20.00 Membership Required: No
August
Sponsored by
Every Thursday CBBC The Secret Gardens, Chelmsford, CM1 3BL Cost: Membership £75 Breakfast £10
Why get up early and
24
• Meet local business people in an informal setting • Generate new business through recommendation • More leads than cold c • Convenient time and location • Not-for-profit club run by it’s members • Nominal annual memb If you want to see if CBBC is worth your time - attend our next visito
www.businessconnected.co.uk
September
September
September
September
September
01 04
07 & 21
08
09 & 23
Friends of
Business Connected
Success in the City
Bishop’s Stortford
EBN Basildon
Braintree Town
@Essex Cricket Club
The Bay Horse,
Chamber of Commerce
The Burstead Golf Club,
Braintree Town FC,
Chelmsford,
Chelmsford, CM2 0LG
Great Hadham
Little Burstead,
CM7 3RD
CM2 0PG
5.00pm to 7.00pm
Golf Club, SG10 6JE
CM12 9SS
4.30am to 6.30am
7.30am to 9.30am
Cost: Free
8.00am to 10.00am
7.00am to 8.30am
Cost: Free
Cost: £20.00
Membership Required:
Cost: £15.00
Membership £195
Membership Required:
Membership Required:
No
Membership Required:
Breakfast £10
Optional
No
Optional
September
September
September
September
September
10
11
11
18
24
Friends of the City at
Business Connected
Billericay
Chelmsford
Friends of the City
the Races
@Southend Airport
Professionals Lunch
Professionals Lunch
Chelmsford City FC,
Chelmsford City
Holiday Inn,
Bar Zero, CM12 9DZ
The Chop Bloc,
CM1 2EH
Racecourse
Southend, SS2 6XG
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Chelmsford, CM2 6QR
7.00am to 9.00am
4.00pm onwards
7.30am to 9.30am
Cost: Free
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Cost: Free
Cost: £7
Cost: £20.00
Membership Required:
Cost: Free
Membership Required:
Membership Required:
Membership Required:
No
Membership Required:
Optional
Yes
No
September
September
No
September
24 25 25
September
Every Thursday
Business Connected
Harlow
CBBC
hoskinsgolfevents.co.uk
@Colchester United
Professionals Lunch
The Secret Gardens,
Cost: £25
Colchester United,
Park Inn, Harlow,
Chelmsford, CM1 3BL
CO4 5UP
CM18 7BA
Cost: Membership £75
7.30am to 9.30am
12.30pm to 3.00pm
Breakfast £10
Cost: £20.00
Cost: Free
Membership Required:
Membership Required:
No
No
No
information on any of these events please call
Hoskins Golf Event
Membership Required:
For more
Richard on 01702 513113
d network at CBBC?
calling, tele-sales or advertising • Gain valuable business help and advice • Share knowledge, ideas and business experiences bership cost • Restricted membership - one per profession • Free visitor day to give us a try first! ors day* simply register online: www.chelmsfordnetworking.co.uk
www.businessconnected.co.uk
25
Would you like additional revenue?
BB UK
Yes Please!
BUSINESS BANK EXCHANGE
BBX is a complimentary currency that works in addition to core revenue, enabling businesses to sell what they haven't been able to in a less competitive marketplace About 60 per cent of businesses experience ‘Spare Capacity’ on a regular basis in the form of vacant hotel rooms, empty restaurant tables, unsold advertising space, unfilled appointment times, slow moving or surplus stock… costing UK business owners billions of pounds a year. Carole at Contempo PR said: “By unlocking Spare Capacity in our business we have saved thousands of pounds. Spare Capacity for our company Contempo PR came in the form of under-utilised staff and therefore the ability to take on an extra PR client every other month." BBX is an international company who work with businesses that find themselves with Spare Capacity that they would like to turn into additional revenue without discounting or eroding their core business. By adopting the BBX
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
www.contempopr.co.ukCMY K
payment facility the business can sell their Spare Capacity to other businesses within the BBX community in exchange for BBX pounds. Accounting for this in a business is simple as one BBX pound is accounted for in the same way as one pound sterling and can be used in any of the 12 countries that the BBX community is established. Carole at Contempo PR has found utilising the BBX facility very simple: “Once I established I could handle another customer I contact my local account manager at BBX who promotes me within the community and sends me an additional client. By using BBX to sell our Spare Capacity we have seen an increase in sales, saved on costs, and improved our bottom line profitability. We spend our BBX pounds on such things as printing, design, roller banners,
business cards, accounting services, business advice, restaurant meals and hotel stays to name but a few! But also as business owners, we can use our BBX pounds on personal purchases too, which adds value to the income from our business. With such a large and varied database of clients using this service, it is a fantastic way to save on your cash flow and at the same time afford the extras within your business. There is such a wide variety of businesses now using BBX within the UK.”
To find out how your business can be involved in creating efficiency go to www.bbxuk.com or call 0333 400 2014.
Radio
Mobile
Online
TV
“The digital growth programme has been very successful for us. We would no longer shy away from employing graduate trainees but in fact would welcome the positive effect of bringing fresh minds into the mix.” - Cath Fox – Objective Computing
“This training is definitely helping to boost morale, due to the fact that we’re investing in training to grow the business” Tracy Meakins – Able Canopies
“There were no suitable apprenticeship programs that met our requirements and this scheme enabled us to devise a funded but targeted training program.” – Valeria Lynch– AND Technology Research LTD
“We’ve been very focused on the Education sector for the past 10 years, and this will now give us more skills to use Internet platforms and tools more effectively to target new market sectors.” Tracy Meakins – Able Canopies
“By having someone else that can do the work it has released me to concentrate on developing the business in other areas, when I would not have otherwise had time to do so.” – Steven Blackwell – CAD Bureau Southern
“Technical knowledge and skills are naturally disseminated throughout the company after they are gained, with “did you know that….” being a common statement after the courses are taken”– James Brabyn – Delicious Webdesign
Wheels for Wilderness Sponsored Bike Ride In aid of the
Sunday 6th September 2015 Wilderness Foundation, Whitbreads Business Centre, Whitbreads Farm Lane., Chatham Green, CM3 3LQ 45 mile route and special 8 mile family circuit
There are two routes available - a short circuit of 8 miles for families and a more challenging 45 mile ride out through the villages of Essex. Both routes are circular, starting and finishing at our UK Head Office in Chatham Green, where there is plenty of free parking. 45 Mile route ÂŁ25 per person 8 Mile route
ÂŁ10 per family
Entry fees cover the cost of the event so all cyclists are asked to pledge to raise sponsorship for the charity. Your support will allow us to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in our community.
Please support us by registering today for Wheels for Wilderness
www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk Tel : 0300 123 3073 Registered charity no. 1118493
H&S Update
One Small Step for Magistrates, But a Giant Leap for Criminal Fines
F
allen asleep yet? No three words have caused more eye-rolling or ridicule at the water cooler over the latest low-ladder-usage training course than good old Health & Safety. And admittedly, when people do engage with it, it’s not the most exciting of subjects. But it is a hugely important part of what we do every day. Whether you’re a multimillion pound construction company, or a three man band professional services provider, it’s something that we all have to embrace (well, at least address) to create a safe and secure working environment for our employees. So let’s be a little radical and look at it from a different perspective: using Health & Safety as a PR tool. We put a lot of time and investment into Health & Safety (or at least we should) so why not try to make a return on that investment? Some very familiar brands have gone the extra mile to highlight their dedication to Health & Safety. Companies such as Laing O’Rourke (the “Get Home Safely” scheme), Carillion (“One”) and Scottish Power (“It All Matters”) are just a few of the major players to put it all on display when it comes to their take on Health & Safety. The idea is simple. First and foremost it is to communicate their message of how seriously they take their Duty of Care to their employees. But not just internally. By creating a brand out of their Health & Safety, it is also a way of saying to potential clients or customers just what a grown-up, responsible and forwardthinking organisation they are.
and notepads. And if you’re in a business that uses them, stick it on your hard hats or company vehicles. Getting your workforce to buy into your safety brand is as important as the external message you’re trying to get across. A few Health & Safety “brand” messages around the office may be a little more eye-catching than just the proforma Health & Safety Executive posters and immersing them in the brand will help them further promote the message to clients. But make sure you practice what you preach by keeping your employees refreshed with training and legislation updates and reinforce the importance of what you are doing and why. So ensuring your staff are safe and their working environment is a healthy one can also be used to your advantage. You will inevitably invest time and money in the endeavour - so why not try and get something back? It’s not as if your lowladder-usage training course is going to directly bring you new business (unless you make low-level-ladders, that is) but promoting the fact that you consider your staff important enough to warrant such training could put your nose ahead in a closely run tender. We are all striving to find something that sets us apart from our rivals and, in a competitive market, these really are the things that can make the difference.
Well so what? Funnily enough, it turns out that most potential clients would much prefer to deal with a supplier that considers itself careful and responsible to both its customers and staff, and not one that would have its employees cleaning the windows of the London Shard using an abseil harness made out of bailing twine. Of course, as a small or medium size business, no one would expect you to have the same resources to put into a Health & Safety campaign as the national and global conglomerates, but there are a lot of simple, practical things you can put in place to start reinforcing your safety brand. The key is to shout about it: promote it in your client newsletter and on the website; use social media and email footers. Why not brand it alongside your usual corporate branding on promotional materials such as pens, mugs
30
www.businessconnected.co.uk
Tel: 01206 752100 Email: juliet.price@parkcity.co.uk Juliet Price, Park City
Bringing Health & Safety expertise to your business
Talk to the experts Call us on 01206 752100 or visit us online at www.parkcity.co.uk Real people, real experts, real time Park City Consulting Limited Tel: 01206 752100 Fax: 01206 752400 Email: consulting@parkcity.co.uk 894 The Crescent, Colchester Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9YQ
D O Y O U WA N T T O SPEAK AND PRESENT LIKE AN EXPERT? SPEAKING TO THE WORLD
Book for the Wednesday 30th September Speaker Masterclass and receive the Business Connected offer price of £57 for the whole day including refreshments
Motivational speaker
(offer code “BIZ57”) For more information and to book: www.thespeakerexpert.com /speakerx
Inspirational speaker Event speaker Business speaker Conference speaker Speaker coach David Bell is an award-winning businessman, speaker and entrepreneur who is helping businesses and their owners to make the impossible possible. If you want to be inspired, motivated and captivated then David will certainly take you on a journey that may include a twister to the world of Oz and even a trip down the rabbit hole to Wonderland, but watch out for the twist and turns as David explores the yellow brick road with you at his side! The question is how will your story finish? Will it be “The end” or “To be continued”?
“ Very informative, inspirational and useful.” Graham Manfleet “Excellent presentation, very inspirational.” Penny Rollo “ Thanks a million times, amazing.” Ernest Attah
How can David help you to make the impossible possible? Call us now to learn more on 0333 1500 136 hello@thespeakerexpert.com | www.thespeakerexpert.com
All Things | Scene Developing great marketing strategies and delivering with... Websites
Content Management
We can build you bespoke websites to really showcase your business
We can create and manage high impact copy, that really delivers results, and wows your customers!
Mobile
Search
E-Commerce
Email Marketing
As mobile grows and grows, we can build your sites or apps to really wow your customers
We can build you a bespoke store online that will really sell your products
Whether it's leading SEO strategies, or pay per click campaigns, we can get your site seen by more
We can build great email campaigns that will inform and encourage your customers to buy more
Photography We can supply unique photography that will really make your business stand out
Copywriting We can write high impact copy, that really delivers results, and wows your customers
Branding We can develop a clear brand identity and materials to support your business
Design We can develop high quality designs that will really work for your business
T: 01702 292 161
Essex Golf Days... Business Connected takes a look at a handful of golf days from around the county Sound financial planning golf day proceeds to launch new charitable fund Following our Annual Charity Golf Day on Wednesday, 10th June 2015 at Ballards Gore Golf Club, your Sound Team are delighted to confirm that the day raised £4,300.This aids us in launching the Sound Financial Planning Charitable Fund in partnership with The Essex Community Foundation.
ebn launches its first annual golf day the ebn classic The popular business networking group saw a great turnout for its first golf tournament. A number of players from ebn groups across the county gathered at The Burstead Golf Club in June. The Stapleford competition was won by James Blower of the Savings Guru.
BSCC 4th annual charity golf day The Bishops Stortford Chamber of Commerce charity golf day was held at the Manor of Groves on Friday 3rd July with all proceeds raised going to help St Clare Hospice at Hastingwood. A field of 14 teams saw the course in superb condition and superb weather accompanied the day. The team event was won by the Manor’s Pro Team of Ben Goodey Golf with Auditel second and Pelly’s third. An individual competition was run this year and Gareth Thomas of Team Auditel is now the proud owner, or certainly was on the night, of a case of Blind Pig Cider donated by Kevin Concannon of Water Lane Bar and Restaurant. Richard Pond of Business Connected won the main prize of a fourball at the Belfry in the £20 draw in the evening, and I am sure he will enjoy that.
The 4th Elwell Taylor Golf Hackers Day took place on the 17th June at Little Channels Golf Club, Chelmsford Following our Annual Charity Golf Day on Wednesday, 10th June 2015 at Ballards Gore Golf Club, your Sound Team are delighted to confirm that the day raised £4,300. This aids us in launching the Sound Financial Planning Charitable Fund in partnership with The Essex Community Foundation.
36
www.businessconnected.co.uk
if you have a golf day that you would like to showcase in the next magazine then please send a picture and write up to info@businessconnected.co.uk
Print. Managed. printwize.co.uk
Premier Partner
Sound Financial Planning Group The Retirement Planning Specialists
The Retirement Conundrum Will you outlive your money, or will your money outlive you? Most people do not know the answer to this question In fact, most people do not even realise that this is the question! Planning for the longest holiday of your life involves careful consideration and long term financial planning. This question can only really be answered by considering your lifelong cash-flow requirements.
The Lifestyle Wealth Programme™ A step by step process designed to help you achieve and maintain financial independence.
Cash-flow modelling, the only real way to be certain about your future.
Pre-Retirement
At-Retirement
Post-Retirement
Please contact us for a FREE NO OBLIGATION demonstration of how cash-flow modelling works. Remember people do not plan to fail, they simply fail to plan!
01268 567567 | enquiries@soundfp.co.uk | www.soundfp.co.uk
TEDxChelmsford was many months in the making
With 16 speakers, including 4 younger speakers from local schools, the event was a huge success. The day of idea sharing opened with the Mayor of Chelmsford in attendance and Nick Looby speaking
DAN FOXX
and was received last month to great acclaim.
about effective communication demonstrated with
The line up of speakers was excellent from Sacramento based Dan Foxx talking about human connection to Maya Patel (11 yrs old) talking about how a change in perception can change your reality.
NICK LOOBY
stress balls being thrown everywhere!
The videos of all the speakers will be available very
The event could only take place with the support of the local companies that sponsored it. Sponsor feedback has been great and several have already committed to next year too.
MAYA PATEL
soon.
If you would like to be involved next year in any capacity then sign up by visiting
www.tedxchelmsford.com/tedxchelmsford-2016/
Telecoms Update
Office Relocation
Moving Office? Start planning your telecoms move early.
7. Leave time for service provider surveys
Moving your office IT and telecoms can be painful and time consuming. Take the opportunity to evaluate your telecoms and determine whether to relocate your existing telephone system or upgrade to something new?
In some instances, your service providers or Openreach may need to survey your new location before they can get your new service up-and-running. This often comes as a surprise to businesses if they haven’t left enough time before their move-in date.
Whatever your choice, one thing’s for sure, your customers expect service and that you are just a phone call away. So above all else, take care of your telecoms during your relocation. The secret is in effective preparation. To help, here’s a simple guide to relocation, including suggested timescales so you can start early enough to ensure the best results. 1. Audit your current telecoms equipment At the earliest stages, audit your existing telephony. How many lines and type of lines do you have? Have you got enough or too many ? Is everyone within your organization happy with the existing functionalities? Remember, now is the time to examine the service you receive and the features available to your business. 2. Meet with your telecoms service provider It’s important to inform your telecoms service provider of your intention to relocate as soon as possible. See if they can come up with a plan of action for moving your telephone system and services (lines, ADSL/ broadband) with little disruption. In addition, it is important to determine what type and speed is available for your ADSL/broadband connectivity. 3. Consider your IT network and cabling for voice and data Now is the ideal opportunity to reconsider your network and install new cabling without disrupting operations. Your telecoms service provider should be able to advise you on a setup that will ensure you have ample bandwidth and high levels of availability. 4. Choose the right location for your telephone system The best place to locate your telephone system is often determined by the geography of your office. Where can it be situated safely and securely? Are you working within the restrictions of existing cabling, or can you let your telephone system lead your decisions? Try to avoid installing your telephone system and IT hardware in the same area or where temperatures are not consistent. 5. Check the power supply for your telecoms Your telecoms system requires a reliable power supply. Your handsets and other devices on your network may also require power. Don’t forget to check if you have enough power sockets and whether they are located appropriately; if they’re not, it’s easily solved at this early stage with a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply).
8. Leave extra time for a lease line (Ethernet fibre) Lease Line services are notoriously slow to install. In most cases, they take around 90 working days or in some cases longer, especially if you don’t own the building. If you are opting for this kind of service, always leave ample time for your service provider to conduct the implementation. 9. Check your workstation locations are marked correctly With the planning and ordering phase complete, it’s a good time to check your workstation locations for the final time. Is every device where it needs to be? Are you satisfied with your office layout and locations for phone & IT sockets? Any changes after this stage will require a time-consuming, costly revision to your telecoms and IT systems. 10. Check you can take your existing phone numbers Ideally, you’ll be able to take your existing phone numbers with you. Ask your service provider for the options available to you. 11. Plan for disaster recovery and business continuity Your service provider may be able to help you formulate a robust disaster recovery and business continuity plan. In essence, this is a strategy for communicating – and continuing to do business – if your telecoms systems encounter downtime. When things are working it’s great, but what would happen when things stop working? 12. Installing and testing For the most part, your service provider can take care of your implementation on your behalf. However, it’s important that you remain involved in verifying your installation and checking that the solution provided matches your expectations. 13. Always have a plan B As your move-in date approaches, it’s time to prepare for things to go wrong. Whilst we wish you the best of luck with your move, sometimes that’s not quite enough. Things do go wrong, particularly in more complicated relocations, and that’s why you should always have a contingency plan in place. We would suggest discussing this early on with your supplier. Feel free to contact us for any help or advice – we are your local service provider, and we are only a call away.
6. Notify your chosen network providers early It takes time to implement telephony and data services in any location – and can take even longer in a new build space. For your peace of mind, notify your service providers as soon as you have a date for your move. Make sure your new address is registered with Royal Mail to avoid any potential delays. All service providers within the UK use the Openreach system to check for line availability and installation addresses.
40
www.businessconnected.co.uk
Tel: 01206 848 090 Email: info@loopvoiceanddata.co.uk Web: www.loopvoiceanddata.co.uk Shahram Bagherzadeh , Managing Director
R & D Consulting T: 01245 905 145 | info@randdconsulting.co.uk www.randdconsulting.co.uk
Are you missing out on Research & Development Tax Credits?
R & D Consulting was formed with the simple aim of helping all eligible companies in the UK claim R & D tax relief.
We are a specialist firm who employ industry experts and only offer advice regarding R & D Tax Relief, so there is no need to change your current accountant to use our services. In fact a lot of our clients come from a referral network we have in place with accountancy firms who do not offer R & D tax advice themselves.
HOME CHOOSe LTD
Commercial Flooring, Blinds and Curtains est. 1988
Call Free:
0800 243 110
Home Choose are very proud of the commitment to quality and service we provide our customers. We offer a mobile service with over 5,000 samples of carpets, curtains and blinds brought to you and we are very confident to satisfy your every requirement.
Home Choose have been involved with the recent refurbishment and renovation of schools and offices and also nursing and residential homes, supplying carpets, curtains, bedcovers and blinds.
Covering the home counties and surrounding areas Unit 2, Station Industrial Estate, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8RW 01621 782020 | info@commercialflooringbyhomechoose.co.uk www.commercialflooringbyhomechoose.co.uk
S AV I N G S O N E X P R E S S F R E I G H T A N D M A I L S E R V I C E S
InXpress help businesses send and receive documents, parcels and pallets around the UK and between Europe and the rest of the world. We provide these services in conjunction with familiar national and international carrier partners who include DHL, FedEx, TNT, UPS , UK Mail and Palletways. They handle all the pick-up and deliveries, while we provide a personalised customer service and the invoicing. Our customers get a secure, reliable, discounted service, multiple carrier options, full auditability and one clear invoice, all of which is available through our web shipping portal WebShip. For further information or to receive a no obligation quotation please contact Martin Hagger on: 0845 576 0006 or email: martin.hagger@inxpress.com twitter: @InXpressLDN_E
http://inxpress.com/gb/44109/en/@in_Xpress ANYTHING • ANYWHERE • ANY TIME • ANY WEIGHT
Essex Round Up
News From Around The County Business Connected @ The Olympic Park Business Connected launches new venue. We are delighted to announce we have an extra venue for our networking events. We will be holding regular events at the East Village, Olympic Park, East London. This will sit alongside Colchester United, Essex Cricket Club, Southend Airport and Ipswich Town FC. Business Connected Mangaing Director Richard Pond said “we are delighted to finally announce our latest venue. We have been working hard to find the perfect partner to bring quality networking to East London.” Richard went on to say. “We have a formula that works really well in both Essex and Suffolk and are determined to make Business Connected @ the Olympic Park the number one networking group in East London.” For more details on this exciting announcement please take a look at www.businessconnected.co.uk
Essex-based e2v ‘overwhelmed’ at success of its role in New Horizons mission to Pluto Essex technology firm e2v says it is “overwhelmed” at the success of its imaging sensors on board NASA’s New Horizons space explorer which has just completed an historic flypast of the dwarf planet Pluto. The Chelmsford-based company supplied two sensors, one for colour images and one for high-resolution black and white pictures, for New Horizons, which was launched in January 2006 and has travelled more than three billion miles. The first pictures relayed back to Earth following the flypast have revealed a ma jor surprise – a range of mountains rising as high as 11,000ft above the surface of the icy planet. The mountains are from no more than 100million years ago, mere youngsters relative to the 4.56bn-year age of the solar system, and may still be in the process of building, according to the New Horizons scientific team. New Horizons is just one of more than 150 space projects in which e2v has been involved, with the list also including the European Space Agency’s Rosetta Mission, which successfully landed a probe on to comet 67p in November last year. Matt Perkins, president of space imaging at e2v, said: “At e2v we are overwhelmed to once again see our technology make history as our image sensors captured the first ever close-up pictures of Pluto.”
Colchester MP Will Quince secures place on Transport Select Committee Colchester’s newly-elected MP has secured a place on Parliament’s Transport Select Committee. The role for Conservative Will Quince means he will play a part in scrutinising the Department for Transport, including its expenditure, administration and policies. The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, appointed by the House of Commons and drawn from the three largest political parties. Mr Quince said: “Transport is one of the biggest issues facing Colchester and our region which is why I am so pleased to have secured a place on this important committee. We have our rail franchise up next year and ma jor plans underway for the A120 and A12, this position will give me the opportunity to scrutinise these issues and make sure the Government delivers for the people of Colchester.”
44
www.businessconnected.co.uk
Year of growth for regional law firm Prettys Regional law firm Prettys has reported a 13% increase in revenue for the year to April 30. Prettys, which has offices in Ipswich and Chelmsford, saw particularly strong growth in areas including corporate, dispute resolution, employment and commercial property. Among the transactions in which the firm was involved were the purchase of the Snape Maltings complex on behalf of Aldeburgh Music and the acquisition by Maritime Transport of Roadways Container Logistics. Prettys chief executive Ian Carr said: “The end of the financial year was a very busy period for the firm across all disciplines and the results are very satisfying, reflecting the hard work put in by the teams. The outcome exceeded our expectations and outperforms the ma jority of other firms in the sector.” He added: “We have finalised our budget for the current year and forecasting further substantial growth for the current year, supported by the energy and enthusiasm from our people and also the increasingly buoyant market place.” Prettys has hosted another pair of Business Academy studies, this time on the theme of “Social impact for fun and profit”.
Green growth fuelled by £105,000 grants in Chelmsford Over the past year, £105,237.06 of EU funding has been granted to Chelmsford businesses through the Low Carbon Business scheme. Results show resounding success in helping local enterprise and drastically lightening the city’s carbon footprint. Low Carbon Business grants opened for application in 2014 and closed in March 2015. The programme aimed to help lower carbon emissions, while also providing businesses with support. For example, businesses considering investing in new machinery, building improvements or transport could apply for a grant towards the cost, so long as they made the business more carbonefficient. Initially, organisers expected to allocate around £100,000 to the area. Exceeding this marker shows the high levels of interest from businesspeople in the city. 17 businesses in Chelmsford received grants: 90 were engaged in the programme of support, including environmental, start-up, innovation and ICT.
Business park broadband’s £200k boost in Colchester Seven business parks in Colchester look set to benefit from superfast broadband after regional funding was secured for the scheme. The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) will give £200,000 from its Single Local Growth Fund to Colchester Borough Council to improve connectivity to the business parks or clusters around the borough. Although the names of the centres due to receive the upgrade have not been revealed, as the information is classed as commercially sensitive, they will be sites not likely to be able to access superfast broadband from a commercial provider. They are also not sites covered by the Superfast Essex programme, Essex County Council’s initiative to bring high-speed broadband to areas not already covered by commercial operators. However two of the centres have been confirmed as the new Knowledge Gateway at the University of Essex and the Colchester Northern Gateway business parks.
BUSINESS
CONNECTED ESSEX
For more from around the county and to find the sources to all of these and many more Essex news stories please visit www.businessconnected.co.uk Business news stories are updated every day.
www.businessconnected.co.uk
45
Would you like to increase your sales by up to 25% guaranteed? BlueCloud CRM bespoke customer management systems guarantee to increase sales by: • Automating sales & marketing processes • Managing the sales pipeline • Track and manage customer activity
• Increase visibility of sales activity in real time • Database management and segmentation • Performance management of sales agents and channels
Managing your sales team – SFA is the answer SFA (sales force automation) is using software to automate sales tasks, including order processing, contact management, information sharing, order tracking, customer management, sales forecast analysis, employee performance evaluation, inventory monitoring and control.
“If you are not managing your customers someone else will”
Can you afford not to call now! www.bluecloudcrm.co.uk
0203 151 6410
What message does your printed sales and marketing literature give about your business? Upgrade your printed sales material to portray the professionalism of your company. • Stationery • Brochures • Flyers • Exhibitions • Point of Sale • Packaging • Branded/Marketing Items • Logo and Brand Design
T: 0207 242 0081
E: sales@createc1.co.uk
create@ec1 LLP, Olympic House, Third Floor, 85 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JR
THE GREEN ESSEX AWARDS 2015 Recognising organisations, community projects, education establishments and charities within Essex for their efforts to create a greener county.
The Green Essex Awards are the awards to win for organisations leaving behind a greener footprint across the county, providing a recognised accreditation for the adoption of environmental best practices and continuous commitment to green standing. The ten award categories have been created to recognise the diversity of business, community and not for profit organisations who deliver:
Greenest business
Greenest product or innovation
Greenest school or educational establishment
Greenest community project
Waste and recycling
Greenest transport
Water management
Greenest building
Local food and drink champion
Best renewable energy project
be announcing the winners on October 23rd at a special awards breakfast at the ESSEXWe’ll Weston Homes Community Stadium, so if you want to be proudly displaying one of
GREEN
our winner’s logos while adding a trophy to your cabinet.
greener lives, greener business, greener future.
Visit www.greenessexawards.com to enter now!
GREEN ESSEX Awards
greener lives, greener business, greener future.