Issue 18 Business Connected Essex Spring Edition by Business Connected

Essex Edition Issue 18 | Spring 2016 2016 Issue 11 January / February

We give you the key to unlocking the power of LinkedIn

Face to Face or Head in the Cloud? Juliet Price Managing Director of Park City discusses

Business Connected launch LinkedIn seminars in Ipswich PLUS...

Networking Events Directory of Business Events Leading in your area B2B Magazine

Suffolk Round-up Business news from aroundBusiness the County Networking

Suffolk Job Board The Counties top Featured vacant positions Local News

Premier Partner to

Printers of this Magazine

9 Stepfield Witham Essex CM8 3BN

www.businessconnected.co.uk

T. 01376 500900 E. Sales@printwize.co.uk W. www.printwize.co.uk

In this edition...

Spring 2016

Editor’s Note

The Business Coach

05: Business Connected

20: Oscar Delano’s Dave Pye

introduces the latest magazine.

and does appointing one apply to

Managing Director Richard Pond

discusses non-executive directors your business?

Premier Partner

Business Book Review

6-7: Find out more details on

24-25: We take a look at six

the Business Connected Premier Partner Scheme and take a look at our current partners.

6-7: Premier Partner Scheme

top business books, they say successful people read a book a week. Maybe one of these could be your next.

LinkedIn Seminars

Essex Wildlife Trust

8-9: You won’t find many businesses

32: We hear from Essex Wildlife

right can be a fantastic business

and news.

that will disagree that LinkedIn used

22-24: Essex Networking Events

Trust about their latest projects

tool. Book yourself on a seminar to get you up to speed.

HR Update

Social Media

10: In this edition we look at the

34: In today’s world, it isn’t

the workplace.

for your business - your

effects of alcohol and drug use in

enough to just have a website

28-29: Essex Round Up

business now extends to social media marketing.

Political Update

H&S Update

16: We hear from Colchester MP

38: Park City Consulting bring us

Will Quince on the reasons on

the latest health and safety article

why he has decided to vote to

titled “How to have That Difficult

leave the European Union.

Conversation”

42: Top Tweets from last month

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Editor’s Note Welcome to the latest edition of Business Connected. As we move into the spring we

Get In Touch

are often at a point in our business to reflect on the first quarter and take the opportunity to reset our goals in order to achieve what

Tel: 01702 513113

we want for the spring months and onto the rest of the year. We hope that Business Connected provides you with some of the

Email: info@businessconnected.co.uk Or Visit: www.businessconnected.co.uk

resources and solutions you may need to Richard Pond MANAGING DIRECTOR

make your business fly high this year.

To fit in with this natural evaluation time line we are moving our magazine from bi-monthly to quarterly. We believe that this will make our content more relevant to the important business diary dates that we all have and provide

fascinating insights to some of the more topical discussions happening within the business community. Business Connected Magazine is also proud to announce a third publication. This covers East London complementing our Olympic Park networking event

and we are very happy to welcome on board our Premier Partners that are joining us.

About us

publication may be reproduced in whole

Business Connected as a brand brings together businesses across a variety of

or in part in any way without prior written

mediums from face to face networking, social media, printed media in the form

permission of Business Connected Ltd.

of this our countywide magazine, and much more. Business Connected is proud

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions.

to be operating the county’s premier b2b magazine, networking events and online portal that focus on the business community of Essex. We bring local businesses together via the many platforms that we operate. Our magazine is distributed across the whole county in print and online. Our website, which receives over half a million hits a month is dedicated to up to

Printed in the UK by Printwize www.printwize.co.uk

date business news, a business directory and the number one place to find out what’s going on in Essex. You may have heard about the Business Connected Premier Partner scheme which helps businesses be seen not just in print but also online and through our fantastic social media offering. Full details on our events can be found on page 22 including details of our latest venue Business Connected @ The Olympic Park and full details of our Premier Partners can be found on pages 6 & 7 for more info on all things Business Connected please log on to www.businessconnected.co.uk or give us a call on 01702 513113.

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Premier Partner Scheme Are you happy with your current level of business? How often do you promise yourself that you’ll invest more in social media and/or run regular email and print campaigns, but simply don’t have the time or expertise to do it? Our fantastic marketing offer could be the answer!

Designed to support companies which need to introduce cohesive and co-ordinated marketing strategies or wish to enhance existing marketing strategies, we provide an effective, structured marketing solution at an affordable price.

•

Exclusivity — We only work with one company of any type within the county.

•

Business Connected Magazine - A full page in every edition of our magazine.

Networking Events - Many people know Business Connected from our county-wide events and we want you to be part of them. Fancy being a speaker or displaying your branding at all our events?

•

Social Media - Yes, you may have a Twitter/LinkedIn/ Facebook account but how about a helping hand? We can set up and run your account, interact as a ‘raving fan’ or simply come and give regular training to all your staff.

•

Website - Our Business Connected website gets thousands of visits a day. Being a Premier Partner gives you branding on our site.

•

Account Manager - Probably the most important feature of the Partnership scheme, our account managers are working around the clock to find leads for our partners, from the many networking events that we attend and run. Our staff are introducing and passing referrals on a monthly basis.

•

Email Campaigns - Need to get the message out to the masses? We have a number of options which we can tailor to suit the needs of your business.

•

Premier Partner Power Hour - Dedicated to Business Connected Premier Partners monthly with expert advice and referral platform. WHAT’S INCLUDED Exclusivity Full page magazine advert Full artwork and design Two tickets to all networking events and guest tickets Branding at all events Early delegate list to plan your networking Introductions to networkers from Business Connected staff Events for Premier Partners only Members-only log-in to the Business Connected website Web banner on Business Connected website LinkedIn training course for all your staff, on or offsite Promotion of your brand across all of our Social Media Platforms Inclusion on our monthly email newsletter Account Manager to run your campaign and pass you leads

Premier Partners

Premier Partners + Social

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Full social media management Premier Partner Power Hour

Price £500 per month

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£800 per month

Current Essex Partners

Radio www.heart.co.uk

Apprenticeship Provider www.seetecskills.co.uk

Apprentice Providers www.fsb.org.uk/regions/essex.co.uk

www.cbhc.uk.com

Bookkeeping www.redwoodclarke.co.uk

Personalised Clothing imageon.clothing

CBHC Launches ‘Investor Matchmaking Service’ toOutsourced Provide Local Businesses with a Successful FD CRM and Automation Route to Funding www.abundant-solutions.biz & Cloud Accounting www.cbhc.uk.com

Renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, Essex is home to a large number of thriving companies, using their unique ideas and initiative to generate business that makes a vital contribution to the economy. Despite the many success stories coming out of the county, a lack of funding and a lack of knowledge on how to access the right funding, are common barriers for start-ups during

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 makes sense for us to establish a service which effectively bridges the gap and supports both parties to achieve their desired outcome.”

Outsourced Tax Leadership www.plstax.co.uk

TO companies receiving investment.

THE WORLD

“The tax reliefs afforded under the Enterprise Investment speaker Scheme and Seed EnterpriseMotivational Investment Scheme Inspirational speaker provides a huge incentive for high wealth individuals to Event speaker seek out investment opportunities which in turn, provide Business speaker new and growing businesses with a golden opportunity to Conference speaker access much needed funding.” Speaker coach

We hope our ‘Investor Matchmaking Service’ will more companies to take advantage of these sche secure the investment they need,” Gary added.

HR & H&S Training www.parkcity.co.uk

For more information about CBHC’s ‘Investor Matchmaking Service,’ please contact Book for the 23rd July Gary.white@cbhc.uk.com

Speaker Masterclass and receive the Business Connected offer price of £57 for the whole day including refreshments (offer code “BIZ57”)

About Gary White:

For more information Garyand isto book: the Business Development director of CB

Public &He has a background in industry and commerce qualified in a large PLC in the food industry. Gar Business Speaking owned a successful accounting practice for 10 ye becoming a partner in CBHC, making him ideall www.simboc.com to help other company owners achieve success i

trip down the rabbit hole to Wonderland, but watch

plan, have professional out management and leadership for the twist and turns as David explores the in yellow brick road with you at his side! place and have good financial controls and reputable The question is how will your story finish? WillDirectors.” it be “The end” or “To be continued”? accountants or Financial

28/04/2015 09:41 Page 1

“ Very informative, inspirational and useful.” Graham Manfleet

www.thespeakerexpert.com /speakerx

theirs. Genuinely passionate about helping comp

grow, Gary specialises in developing and implem successful strategies which improve long term p and is an expert in cash flow forecasting and ma accounting. He is also heavily involved in speakin clients, and is constantly implementing new idea improve the quality of CBHC’s service portfolio. information, please visit: www.cbhc.uk.com

“This is where our gold “partnership with reallyPenny pays Excellent presentation, veryXero inspirational.” Rollo “ Thanks a million times, amazing.” Ernestus Attah dividends. The cloud accounting software allows to access a company’s real-time financial gettoan How can data David and help you make the impossible possible? Call usso now to can learn more on 0333 1500 136 instant snap-shot of their business health we hello@thespeakerexpert.com | www.thespeakerexpert.com provide strategic advice on key areas of their business and highlight the essential information that sets them apart as an ideal investment.” “So far local businesses have been slow to seize the opportunity for funding available under the EIS and SEIS.

Printers www.printwize.co.uk

T: 01245 495588 E: info@cbhc.uk.com www.cbhc.uk

CBHC Chartered Accountants, Carlton House, New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0PP

Office Furniture www.century-office.co.uk

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 the SEIS nearly doubled to £155m in the year April 2014, P E Awith K almost I N G1,900 up from about £80m a yearSearlier

David Bell is an award-winning businessman, speaker “In order to be viewed as an ideal investment there and entrepreneur who is helping businesses and their owners to make into the impossible are also other factors that come play possible. – as well as If you want to be inspired, motivated and captivated qualifying for EIS or SEIS, companies must demonstrate then David will certainly take you on a journey that maysales include a twister to thehistory world of Oz and and even a real USP’s, have a strong growth

“As part of the service, we draw on our Financial Director the early stages of setting up and running a business expertise to give a company and for more established 28091 CBHCM.O.T.’ advert - We Chronicle - new logo a full ‘business companies as they look About CBHC: help prepare and outline to accelerate growth CBHC is one of the largest independent firms of a solid business plan, and expand. accountants in the Essex and East London region establish key KPI’s and with branches in Chelmsford and Canary Wharf. To combat this, CBHC Intellectual Property as We pride ourselves on going above and beyond Chartered Accountants, New well as determine what the traditional accountancy remit, to support our London road, Chelmsford, sets them apart from their clients more fully with their business venture. have launched an ‘Investor competitors. Once satisfied While compliance and taxation are at the heart Matchmaking Service’ which that the company is in of what we do, our comprehensive portfolio of aims to provide a successful the right position to seek integrated financial services help clients transform route to funding for local funding, we connect the their business, ultimately improving their bottom companies. Utilising their business with a suitable line. Our commitment to personal service means Financial Director expertise, investor within our network,” we work with client to create a bespoke strategy, CBHC works with a business Gary added. support them with our broad commercial expertise, to ensure the key criteria and help them to achieve their business goals. required to qualify as an Initiatives that help ideal investment is met businesses gain access before connecting them with the company’s strong to funding have been a key focus of the government for network of investors seeking Enterprise Investment several years. In 2004, the Enterprise Investment Scheme Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) was introduced to help smaller, higher risk trading (SEIS) qualifying opportunities. companies secure funding by offering tax reliefs to Gary White, Business Development Director at CBHC, individual investors who purchased new shares in those said, “A core element of what we do involves proactively companies. It has become more popular since 2011, when helping our clients to create effective business models George Osborne simplified the scheme and raised the that enable them to accelerate growth and increase level of tax relief, with official figures showing investors their bottomline. Part of this involves ensuring they are poured £1.4bn into EIS in the last year alone.

Telecommunication www.loopvoiceanddata.co.uk

Printers and Copiers www.geerings.co.uk

NED Services www.oscardelano.com

Business Coach www.nextgearpartners.com

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2 hour LinkedIn Seminar How to Increase Sales using LinkedIn! Would you like to win more business using LinkedIn or think you are not making the most of this powerful business tool? If the answer is yes to either of these then you need to come along to our LinkedIn seminar! Below you will ﬁnd upcoming dates of our seminars LinkedIn holds the largest professional network of businesses in the world! For just £39.00 and designed for total beginners through to everyday and advanced users on this seminar, Business Connected’s Managing Director, Richard Pond will show you: • Homepage, Timeline & Toolbars

• Relationship tab

• Profiles & Branding

• Inbox & Notifications

• Sharing an update & Publishing a post

• Company

• Downloading connections

• Groups

• Interacting with new connections

• Privacy settings

• Endorsements & Recommendations

www.businessconnected.co.uk

Upcoming Dates: Upcoming Seminars: Colchester—Tuesday 29th March 2016 Ipswich—Thursday 7th April 2016 Chelmsford—Friday 8th April 2016 Leigh-on-Sea—Tuesday 12th April 2016 Colchester—Friday 22nd April 2016 Stratford—Friday 29th April 2016 Chelmsford—Friday 6th May 2016 Ipswich—Tuesday10th May Leigh on Sea—Thursday 12th May Visit: www.businessconnected.co.uk/linkedin-seminar/ to book a place onto any of these fantastic seminars or give the Business Connected team a call on 01702 513113. “I would highly recommend Richard’s LinkedIn course. I learned exactly what I needed to and have a comprehensive manual now to refer to. The course has encouraged me to get LinkedIn and use it to its full potential.” – Lucy Cracknell, Consultant at Reward Health. “The LinkedIn training is well worth attending and Richard’s clear guidance in using LinkedIn to its full potential was a real eye opener and something I will gladly recommend.” – Anthony Payne, Business Development Manager at Monthind Clean.

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Alcohol and Drug Use in the Workplace The use of drugs or alcohol by employees in the workplace can be a serious issue for your business. Whilst for most people the social use of alcohol and drugs does not have a negative impact on their personal or work life, research has shown that many employers have experienced problems in the workplace due to staff being under the influence of drugs (both legal and illegal) or alcohol. Any person who uses substances at work, or comes to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have their performance impaired and can put themselves and their colleagues’ safety at risk. This is not just a problem for construction workers, drivers and machine operators; it can affect an employee doing any job in any industry. Dependency on drink and/or drugs can also lead to mental health problems and increased absence from work. Research by DrugScope and Alcohol Concern revealed that 27% of employers say drug misuse is a problem at work and 60% have experienced problems due to staff drinking alcohol. What is your legal responsibility? You have a general duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of your employees. You also have a duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, to assess the risks to the health and safety of your employees. If you knowingly allow an employee under the influence of alcohol or drug misuse to continue working and his or her behaviour places the employee or others at risk, you could be prosecuted. Your employees are also required to take reasonable care of themselves and others who could be affected by what they do at work. The Transport and Works Act 1992 makes it a criminal offence for certain workers to be unfit through drugs and/or drink while working on railways, tramways and other guided transport systems. The operators of the transport system would also be guilty of an offence unless they had shown all due diligence in trying to prevent such an offence being committed. The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that any person who, when driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, is unfit to drive through drink or drugs shall be guilty of an offence. What should you do? It is important that you put in place a “Drug and Alcohol” policy in consultation with staff. The policy should form part of your overall Health & Safety policy and should: • Aim to protect and support those staff that are affected by alcohol and substance misuse and guarantee confidentiality.

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• Make it clear whether the use of drugs will be considered a criminal matter and at what times, if any, drinking alcohol on work premises is allowed. • Treat alcohol and drug misuse as a health, rather than disciplinary matter in the first instance. • Outline the situation regarding absence for treatment and rehabilitation. • Be clear and concise and leave no room for misunderstanding. Some employers, particularly those in safety-sensitive industries, are choosing to adopt alcohol and drug screening as part of both the recruitment process and as a routine part of the job. If you decide to do go down the screening you should make it clear in your Drug and Alcohol policy and check where you stand legally before going ahead with it. Workplace Culture Looking at the wider culture of your organisation may pinpoint areas that lead to drug and alcohol misuse at work. Socialising after work is often encouraged by employers, but where this revolves exclusively around alcohol it can lead to a culture or heavy drinking. Even alcohol drunk or drugs taken the previous evening can affect performance the following day if consumed in excess. Many people use alcohol or drugs to help deal with work related stress and employers should look at the general work environment to see if they can eliminate particular areas of stress if they are experiencing recurring issues of drink and drug misuse at work. Although it is an individual’s decision to control what they consume, their health and safety at work and that of their colleagues is ultimately the responsibility of their employer. Having a clear understanding of the affects of alcohol and drugs in the workplace and how to deal with related misuse issues is as important as any other part of your Health & Safety policy.

Navigating your business through the HR landscape

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

www.cbhc.uk.com

The CBHC Business Growth Hub Over the years at CBHC we have seen many great examples of business success, what has really helped businesses to succeed and sadly in some cases why did they fail. We have had the great pleasure of being involved in some really successful businesses and we felt that it would be really powerful if we could get our clients together to share good practice, success and ideas on things like business coaching, sales and marketing, strategy, products and services, technology, whatever you think you need to address for your business to overcome the hurdles it needs to.

just because of their great technical skills but also because of the fact that each adviser has set up and run their own business over the years so they are the best people around to advise business owners looking to grow their companies. The key values of the group are to provide help, advice and guidance to businesses and to learn, share and collaborate together throughout the process. We have designed the Hub to help clients make more sales, more profit, more cost effective use of costs and resources, and of course achieving all this without working any harder and retaining quality of life in the process.

But we also felt it was important to get together 28091 CBHC advert - Chronicle - new lo every month and get in The key subject areas we the best speakers and address in the meetings About CBHC: advisers in each of the cover the following areas CBHC is one of the largest independent firms of key areas to give specific and a good deal more: accountants in the Essex and East London region advice on how to action the key areas. Ian Harris with branches in Chelmsford and Canary Wharf. Sales and marketing and Gary White of CBHC We pride ourselves on going above and beyond Business strategy therefore teamed up the traditional accountancy remit, to support our with Tina Dulieu, the clients more fully with their business venture. While Training and international award compliance and taxation are at the heart of what development winning business coach we do, our comprehensive portfolio of integrated to create the Growth Hub IT and technology financial services help clients transform their and after 2 meetings to business, ultimately improving their bottom line. Purchasing and date now in 2016 it is Our commitment to personal service means we procurement going from strength to work with clients to create a bespoke strategy, strength. The meetings Finance and equity support them with our broad commercial expertise, take place on the first and help them to achieve their business goals. Exit strategies Friday of each month and are hosted at the The overriding objective Ivy Hill Hotel just outside of the group is that companies will gain sufficient Chelmsford in a smart and business like setting. The knowledge, methodologies and operations in order to next one is Friday March 4th and we welcome visitors build businesses that are worth maybe 9 or 10 times to come along for the first time to see it in action. their annual profits, rather than 1 or 2 times as is so often the case. This can translate into a significant The group has a first class team of strategic long term increase in wealth and really make all that advisers drawn from each of the key areas such as hard work involved in running a business much more sales and marketing, legal, IT, HR, technology and worthwhile. wealth management and all have been chosen not

CBHC Chartered Accountants, Carlton House, New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0PP

ogo

In the February meeting of the group we addressed the following key areas: Measuring your financial performance How to improve your website ranking Thinking of expanding your business? How do you do it? What legal business contracts should you have and why? Getting the best value from your bank. Performance Managing Your Staff Performance Managing Your IT How do you make your plans really happen in 2016?

The Hub meetings also include opportunities to network with other business owners who in many cases have experienced the same issues as you are facing09:41 withPage your1 business and may have overcome 28/04/2015 them and help you to do likewise. We also have guest speakers who have built up businesses, in many cases from scratch to very valuable operations and their input and experiences are so valuable to hear.

cases this represents the key strategic monthly work undertaken by members who are then very keen to put into practice what they have learned with us. We always look to see how we can help members implement strategies back in their business and hold them to account between the meetings in terms of what they are looking to achieve and any obstacles they may have encountered in doing so. The Growth Hub is an enjoyable and informative way of creating huge value for businesses who attend on a regular basis and is essential for any business where they feel their company is facing serious growing pains, where they feel unable to scale up the operation sufficiently or where they feel the business is just too dependent on them and needs to reduce this significantly so that the business works as well without them as it does with them. If you would like to attend the next Growth Hub meeting please contact Gary White at: gary.white@cbhc.uk.com

We help companies to connect with the right people in the right industries and often undertake research for members on competitors, suppliers and in some cases potential acquisition targets. So much information and inspiration comes from the day and in most

T: 01245 495588 E: info@cbhc.uk.com www.cbhc.uk.com

www.businessconnected.co.uk

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Will Quince -

“

Why I have decided to vote to Leave the European Union

I was confident the renegotiation process would secure the changes the Prime Minister had committed to. A four year wait before EU workers could claim in-work benefits, child benefit or apply for social housing in the UK. A ban on sending child benefits to children of migrants living abroad. A requirement for EU migrants to have a job before coming to the UK. I was also hopeful the Prime Minister could return more powers to Britain, over issues such as social and employment legislation and EU judges re-interpreting laws affecting our country. I also expected Britain to receive more powers on Home Affairs and Justice matters. These were things the Prime Minster committed to address in 2009 after the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. I hoped these issues could be tackled in a comprehensive renegotiation deal. The Prime Minister is a skilled negotiator and the renegotiation has lasted a full nine months. But I’m afraid, in that time, the Prime Minister has just not been able to secure the changes we promised. I think it speaks volumes that, in the biggest renegotiation Britain has ever attempted with the EU, backed by a democratic mandate from the British people, EU leaders have been unwilling to even grant Britain these relatively modest concessions. It shows that the EU is just not really interested in the types of reforms that suits Britain. This year, the UK is forecast to contribute £15.3 billion to the EU budget (more money than we collect in Stamp Duty and Inheritance tax). I don’t think it’s unreasonable for

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“

The Conservative Manifesto, on which I was proud to stand, promised to renegotiate Britain’s membership of the EU. It then committed to put these changes to the British people in a straight in-out referendum by the end of 2017.

us to ask for reforms that recognise Britain’s unique relationship in the EU. Unfortunately, the EU has rejected these common-sense reforms. That’s why, on balance, I have decided to vote for Britain to leave the European Union. Britain has always had an uneasy relationship with the project. Every loss of sovereignty has been resented by a majority of the British people. There are big structural problems at an EU level that the British public has never accepted. The EU Commission – the main EU Government – is unelected. The Common Agricultural Policy still accounts for nearly one third of the whole EU budget. Tariff policies which perpetuate the cycle of poverty in poorer nations. I was optimistic that the renegotiation could reset our relationship with the EU and make it suitable in the 21st Century. I don’t think this has been achieved. Whichever way the referendum goes, I am confident that Britain has a bright future ahead of it. The sky will not fall in if Britain leaves the EU. We will still attract more inward investment than any country in the EU. If we voted to leave, we would be able to sign our own free trade deals with other nations. We could have a points-based immigration system based on skills, not geography. And we could be sure that it was the elected British Parliament that made the laws that run Britain. I will not be playing a role in the Leave campaign or campaigning in Colchester for a Leave vote. My number one priority remains my job as the MP for Colchester, working for local people. This is a matter that, ultimately, will be decided by the British people, not politicians. But many constituents have asked me which way I was voting and I wanted to let them know how I stood on this important matter.

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HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN STUCK IN THE SAME GEAR FOR TOO LONG? Feel like you’re working harder, but getting limited progress? Are you trapped in the “must make more profit” mind set? Do you have a structure that will allow you to exit when you want and on the terms you want? Do you know the ‘real value’ of your business? Talk to us at NextGear Partners to learn how our products and services can help you evolve your business faster and more efficiently. A FRESH AND FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO BUSINESS COACHING Our team of business evolution specialists have built, scaled and exited businesses of their own - we really understand the journey! And we work with you and your team in the way you want to work, to achieve clear and specific results in a timeframe that suits you. Contact us for a consultation on how to shift your business into the next gear.

Tel: 01245 790799 | www.NextGearPartners.com | info@NextGearPartners.com

At the end of last year in my first article for Business Connected, I offered some considered advice concerning the value to business leaders as individuals in appointing a business coach to help their Dave Pye businesses grow. You may recall that in the sporting world we looked at how appointing a coach had transformed the success of a number of famous sports people including Rory McIlroy, Greg Rutherford and Jessica Ennis-Hill. My conclusion was very much, ‘if it is good for them, it is good for you’. People reading this magazine are true business leaders across this fine county of Essex and, in many cases, across the UK. I want the very best for all of our business leaders and future entrepreneurs and having a navigator along the way is a vital element to both individual and corporate success.

business coach will hold the CEO or business leader accountable. The NED will focus on the Board.

“

Non-Executive Directors: Does “Appointing One Apply to My Business?

2. He or she will ensure that the financial information is accurate and that financial controls are robust and defensible. They will often approve business plans and annual budgets. 3. An NED will participate in the analysis of the performance of the business. He or she will provide a ‘third eye’ for Shareholders, family members, fellow Board members, investors or owners. An NED will want to ensure the business is operating as effectively, efficiently and economically as possible. 4. The NED will ensure the business and the Board operates in line with accepted good practice in terms of Corporate Governance. This applies whether your business is less than 5 people or has 200 employees.

Sometimes though, if you are like me, do you look at a few of the ‘famous’ business magazines, articles, downloads and newspaper columns and think, ‘yes, that all makes sense, but I am running a niche business with less than 20 people’. Or, ‘well, that’s fine for a world leading tech company, but it doesn’t really apply to my business’?

When I set up Oscar Delano our focus was very much on providing both NED advisory services and also Executive Business Coaching. Six months into our success we have sharpened our focus. From 2016 Oscar Delano will focus on NED advisory services for the Essex business community in addition to a specialist focus on recruitment and tech firms as that is my business background.

My focus this week is on one example where, as business leaders, you may feel you have a question and be grateful for some clarity.

We would love to chat to you if this article has sparked any thoughts about how to make your business more robust, more professional and more like a ‘big and proper’ business. If you are thinking of an event to come in your business you may recall that last month we looked at how to prepare your business for sale. If you are seriously considering growing your business and want to consider an NED please give one of us a call.

‘Should my business have a Non-Executive Director (NED)?’ ‘Am I not too small for such an investment?’ Any one of us running a successful business knows the world in which we operate is becoming more challenging and more unpredictable. Of course, that is not necessarily a bad thing! Often running our business is enormous fun and we rise to face the challenges because that’s why we set up in the first place. We may even have a coach or navigator to help challenge us as individuals as we focus on getting the best out of our respective businesses. However, what about the business itself? Have you ever considered appointing someone from outside to help with the pressures which emerge around every corner? If you have a Board (or even just a few people who meet regularly to discuss the operations of the business), who sits on it to challenge your thinking with a completely outside perspective? Your role as a business leader is to lead your people and your Board through the challenges your organisation faces. Would it not help if you could spend maybe a few hours a month with someone who will support the business?

The other service which Oscar Delano and its Associates provided was Executive Business Coaching. Our exciting news for 2016 is that from this month, we have grown and launched a new company, NextGear which is featured elsewhere in this magazine. NextGear focuses on business evolution. It provides people and products in the gap that exists between the franchised business coaching firms and the expertise provided by independent advisors. We are in for an exciting year ahead. We hope that your business continues to challenge you in the months ahead and that you will never think that you are alone from a corporate business point of view or as an individual leader. Have a terrific month or so ahead. No Queen or Adele in this article I’m afraid, but the show goes on for us at Oscar Delano as we cement our place in the world of NED guidance and advice. Rumour has it that 2016 will be a great year for business in Essex. Let’s make it count.

That is one of the key reasons for having an NED working with you. Your business is under more scrutiny than ever. Key aspects of risk, governance, policies, changing customer behaviour – these are just some of the day to day challenges our businesses face whether we run a multi-site 100+ person organisation or a more local, specialist provider to our Essex community. Businesses need good NEDs to work with them.

Oscar Delano & Associates

So, what does a good NED look like?

Tel: 01245 407465

1. An NED is independent. They will offer an external view of the operation and will advise on strategy and implementation. They will also hold the Board accountable for what they are doing. An aligned

Email: dave@oscardelano.com

www.businessconnected.co.uk

Business Enterprise & Innovation Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SQ

Mob: 07855 444636 Web: www.oscardelano.com

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Essex Networking Events Our Events Business Connected operates premium b2b networking events across the South East. We have a different event every week

The format at every event is as follows:

across a variety of quality venues. At each meeting we typically

7:30am open networking

attract between 70 and 100 delegates. Our current venues are

8:15am breakfast

below. There is no membership required just come along when

9:00am Speakers, and prize draws

you can.

9:15am Open networking

At all events we follow the same proven formula, we send delegate lists out in advance, have plenty of time to network, listen to one or two short but informative talks and have a great breakfast. We always make sure there is a real focus on networking. We have some great videos of our events and have a dedicated YouTube channel. So just search for Business Connected and have a look for yourself. All of our venues offer free parking and excellent networking facilities. We also have dedicated LinkedIn groups for each venue, which is just for delegates who have attended each group. This allows you to network before the event with the delegate list, on the day at the meeting and afterwards on LinkedIn. For more information or to book on to one of our events please have a look at www.businessconnected.co.uk/businessnetworking/ or give us a call today on 01702 513113.

Our Current Venues Business Connected

Business Connected

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FSB Chelmsford

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25th May

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For more information on any of these events please call Richard on 01702 513 113

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Business Book review Title: Awaken the Giant Within Author: Anthony Robbins First Published: 1990 Wake up and take control of your life! From the bestselling author of Inner Strength, Unlimited Power, and MONEY Master the Game, Anthony Robbins, a world leader in the science of peak performance, shows you his most effective strategies and techniques for mastering your emotions, your body, your relationships, your finances, and your life. Anthony has changed the lives of millions across the world with his seminars and workshops. The acknowledged expert in the psychology of change, Anthony Robbins provides a step-by-step program teaching the fundamental lessons of self-mastery that will enable you to discover your true purpose, take control of your life, and harness the forces that shape your destiny.

Title: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Author: Stephen R. Covey First Published: 1989 Stephen R. Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, has been a top-seller for the simple reason that it ignores trends and pop psychology for proven principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity. Celebrating its fifteenth year of helping people solve personal and professional problems, this special anniversary edition includes a new foreword and afterword written by Covey exploring the question of whether the 7 Habits are still relevant and answering some of the most common questions he has received over the past 15 years. Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity - principles that give us the security to adapt to change, and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

Title: The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America Author: Warren Buffett First Published: 1998 The definitive work concerning Warren Buffett and intelligent investment philosophy, this is a collection of Buffett’s letters to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway written over the past few decades that together furnish an enormously valuable informal education. The letters distill in plain words all the basic principles of sound business practices. They are arranged and introduced by a leading apostle of the “value” school and noted author, Lawrence Cunningham. Here in one place are the priceless pearls of business and investment wisdom, woven into a delightful narrative on the major topics concerning both managers and investors. These timeless lessons are ever-more important in the current environment.

www.businessconnected.co.uk

Title: The Five Temptations of a CEO Author: Patrick Lencioni First Published: 1998 When published over a decade ago The Five Temptations of a CEO was like no other business book that came before. Highly sought–after management consultant Patrick Lencioni deftly told the tale of a young CEO who, facing his first annual board review, knows he is failing, but doesn’t know why. Refreshingly original and utterly compelling, this razor–sharp novelette plus self–assessment (written to be read in one sitting) serves as a timeless and potent reminder that success as a leader can come down to practicing a few simple behaviours that are painfully difficult for each of us to master. Any executive can learn how to recognize the mistakes that leaders can make and how to avoid them.

Title: The Lean Startup Author: Eric Ries First Published: 2011 Eric Ries defines a startup as an organization dedicated to creating something new under conditions of extreme uncertainty. This is just as true for one man band to a multi national organisation. What they have in common is a mission to penetrate that fog of uncertainty to discover a successful path to a sustainable business. The Lean Startup approach fosters companies that are both more capital efficient and that leverage human creativity more effectively. Inspired by lessons from lean manufacturing, it relies on “validated learning,” rapid scientific experimentation, as well as a number of counter-intuitive practices that shorten product development cycles, measure actual progress without resorting to vanity metrics, and learn what customers really want. It enables a company to shift directions with agility, altering plans inch by inch, minute by minute.

Title: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There Author: Marshall Goldsmith First Published: 2007 America’s most sought-after executive coach shows how to climb the last few rungs of the ladder. The corporate world is filled with executives, men and women who have worked hard for years to reach the upper levels of management. They’re intelligent, skilled, and even charismatic. But only a handful of them will ever reach the pinnacle--and as executive coach Marshall Goldsmith shows in this book, subtle nuances make all the difference. These are small “transactional flaws” performed by one person against another (as simple as not saying thank you enough), which lead to negative perceptions that can hold any executive back. Using Goldsmith’s straightforward, jargon-free advice, it’s amazingly easy behaviour to change. Executives who hire Goldsmith for one-on-one coaching pay $250,000 for the privilege. With this book, his help is available for 1/10,000th of the price.

www.businessconnected.co.uk

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Essex Round up Wanna Be An Entrepreneur 2016 Business Connected recently attended the Wanna Be An Entrepreneur Extravaganza 2016 in Southend on Sea. Afterwards we spoke to organizer Baiju Solanki and here is what he had to say. “Wow, that’s what I can say about the 3rd Wanna Be An Entrepreneur Extravaganza 2016. It was a phenomenal event, even if I say so myself. My vision is to take entrepreneurial thinking worldwide and especially to our young generation. We had over 250 sixth formers and 60 businesses in the room to listen to 9 speakers and performers who in their own way inspired us all. The LIVE pitch event had 5 phenomenal business ideas, congratulations to Laura & Barry Ash for winning the £5k business package for their idea of a children’s book to help them with good healthy nutrition. Massive respect to Mopani Mkandawire, Christina Imafidon, Lee Sutton, Anastasia Gergova for also pitching their business ideas, well done! However I could not put on this event with the support and collaboration. Thank you to all the sponsors and schools for supporting the extravaganza I couldn’t do it without your support”.

Birketts’ Race4Business 2016 The Chelmsford office of top 100 law firm Birketts has announced that this year’s Race4Business will take place on Thursday 23 June in aid of The J’s Hospice. The charity race, which attracts over 1,000 participants, is open to individuals and teams from the Essex business community and beyond, with each runner being given an individual timing chip to ensure accurate results. The 3.5 mile race starts in Chelmsford town centre, and finishes at the back of Birketts’ offices in New London Road, is mainly flat, and suitable for runners of all abilities. In addition to prizes for the fastest individual runners and teams, prizes will be awarded to the business that enters the most runners, and whose team raises the most funds for The J’s. Register your interest today to help raise funds for young adults living with life-limiting conditions in Essex: race@birketts.co.uk 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

Learn to present and speak like a pro James Whale (well-known broadcaster and radio presenter) and David Bell (The founder of The Speaker Expert) will be sharing their biggest secrets about media & PR to delivering killer presentations & professional interviews. So if you want to gain confidence and expert knowledge in media and speaking then you can’t afford to miss this action packed day. This one day masterclass will cover all the little things that are important about media, PR and speaking, but James & I will also share so much more. This masterclass will give you the skills, tools and techniques to make yourself look like the go-to expert. Here are some of the things James & I will cover during our time together: • Building confidence to stand up in front of an audience • How to instantly engage the audience in the room • Techniques to make you look like an expert when presenting • The power of media and how you can use the media to accelerate your business. • Plus much more... Date: Wednesday 15th June 2016. Start Time: 9.30am. Finish Time: 4.30pm. Location: Queens Building, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SQ Cost: £127.00 reduced to £77 with this code especially for readers of Business Connected with code Biz77 www.thespeakerexpert.com/whale

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D O Y O U WA N T T O SPEAK AND PRESENT LIKE AN EXPERT? SPEAKING TO THE WORLD

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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 www.businessconnected.co.uk hello@thespeakerexpert.com | www.thespeakerexpert.com

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Essex Wildlife Trust Barn Owl project

Essex Wildlife Trust’s Essex Barn Owl Conservation Project saw another exciting year in 2015. The project now has more than 150 nesting boxes monitored across Essex, from the Ingrebourne Valley in the south, to Saffron Walden and Harwich in the north.

The above is one of many joint projects undertaken around the county, but in addition, do you realise that your company can work in partnership with Essex Wildlife Trust through the Investors in Wildlife corporate membership scheme?

These boxes have been ‘taken under the wing’ of the existing, dedicated team of 50 volunteers. Their hard work, together with the irreplaceable support of more than a hundred private and commercial landowners, corporate members of Essex Wildlife Trust, councils, schools and community groups, is producing fantastic results.

The scheme has been in existence since 1991, and the Trust work with a variety of companies, including SME’s and blue chip around the county. Membership offers a range of benefits and provides long term strong reciprocal business relationships.

A good number of the boxes are already in use; in 2015 49 Barn Owl chicks were recorded by Essex Wildlife Trust volunteers. Many of these chicks were subsequently ringed by the British Trust for Ornithology, contributing data vital in determining the state of the Barn Owl population, nationally. Special thanks is given to Daniel and Kelly of Maestro Tree Services, who voluntarily give their services to support the project in such a key manner, often travelling the length and breadth of the county at weekends to ensure our feathered friends have a new home. Sometimes, that may, of course, be Stock Doves or Jackdaws – despite how well we label the boxes for Barn Owls! A volunteer monitor’s work is never done: over the autumn/early winter they have been busy removing debris from existing nest boxes to ensure that potential Barn Owl lodgers have an accessible, disease-free home. The mammoth effort made by the project’s volunteers was recognised when they were collectively awarded a Living Landscape 2015 Award for their hard work and dedication. As the project grows, more landowners are invited to be involved. Are you willing to consider hosting or sponsoring a Barn Owl nest box in Essex? Please contact Emma Ormond, Living Landscapes Co-ordinator, on 01621 862954 or email emmao@essexwt.org.uk for more information.

www.businessconnected.co.uk

Use of the corporate logo demonstrates to your clients, and potential clients support for a local wildlife conservation charity and acknowledges CRS and environmental responsibilities. The corporate directory of existing members is used for B2B marketing, and contact is actively encouraged between members. Additional benefits include reciprocal web-links (the Trust had over 1 million hits) an Investors in Wildlife logo, and use of the visitor centres for business meetings free of charge. Join us on a programme of corporate events, including Thank You, networking events, bat evenings, barge trips, a Golf Day and a special 25th Anniversary event during 2016. We all have an affinity with nature and enjoy our natural environment so as subscriptions are tax deductible, why not support your family focused LOCAL conservation charity and receive the benefits of business membership.

For further information please contact Michele Farrant, Corporate Manager on 01621 862984 or michelef@essexwt.org.uk. www.essexwt.org.uk

www.businessconnected.co.uk

Social Media In today’s world, it isn’t enough just to have a website

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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.

How to Have That Difficult Conversation Despite the UK economy enjoying a more buoyant economy over the last few years as we have clawed our way out of a global recession, it is the harsh reality of everyday business life that there are still times when we require a significant tightening of the purse strings and have to resort to making staff members redundant. Market fluctuations, closing a factory or simply advances in technology can all lead to a need to reduce the size of the workforce. It is likely that most companies will have had to face the task of having that difficult conversation with its employees at some point in its recent history, and just as likely that they will have to again at some point in the future. In just the last 12 months alone, over 950,000 people have been made redundant in the UK. From an employer’s position there is no doubt that making those tough decisions can keep you awake at night. And whilst it’s a business decision that comes from the top of the organisation, it is more often than not up to the HR department to direct the process and deliver the bad news. At such a devastating time for employees, employers need to ensure they are managing the consultation process to minimise the risks to their business as well as ensuring that employees are treated fairly. Is it a genuine redundancy? A redundancy is a dismissal and, like any other dismissal, it can be fair or unfair. For a redundancy dismissal to be fair there has to be a genuine redundancy situation and a fair procedure has to be followed. A genuine redundancy occurs when the job an individual was recruited to do no longer exists, or an employer intends to cease work in a particular location or there is a need to reduce the headcount. The specific circumstances of the situation dictate which specific procedure has to be followed. For fewer than 20 employees, the obligation is to consult with the employees individually. Where 20 or more employees are to be affected within a 90 day period, a collective consultation must take place, with an elected employee representative. The length of the consultation process depends on the expected number of redundancies. Failure to undertake the correct consultation process and to notify the Secretary of State can lead to criminal prosecution. Indeed a number of directors have been in the headlines in recent years for breaches of these requirements. Getting it right Once you’ve got the legal responsibilities sorted, it’s then time to look at the more “touchy feely” aspects of dealing with redundancy. What is the best way to go about it without destroying your employee’s confidence and at the same time trying to minimise the impact on your company’s brand? It of course depends on the individual circumstances of the employer and employee, but a few simple guidelines can set you off on the right foot.

www.businessconnected.co.uk

Do • Ensure that you follow the correct redundancy procedure and be consistent in your approach. • Communicate well with your employees – not just to let them know the formal arrangements of the process, but to reduce anxieties and reduce the negative impact on the business. • Consider your selection criteria very carefully, ideally with data/ statistics to back up your decision. Using objective, and not subjective, criteria to stand up to scrutiny in a tribunal should it come to it. • Offer opportunities (where they exist) to retrain into another area of the business. It may not be the solution for everyone, but it comes across as a sign of good will. • Offer outplacement support to those who are on the move. An external provider can offer practical support and career guidance to help the transition go more smoothly. Don’t • Use redundancy as an excuse just for getting rid of an employee you are not fond of. It is the job role that is to be made redundant, not an individual. • Rush into the redundancy process without considering other options such as retraining or changing working patterns. • Treat your people as disposable assets – it may leave a sour taste in their mouth. • Be in a hurry to save money and make people redundant before completing the full consultation process – it could cost you more in the long run. Although some redundant employees will inevitably challenge your decision, feeling they have nothing to lose, dealing with your staff honestly and professionally does a lot for good will. Commit to giving them a good reference, help them find potential new positions, give them time for working on their CVs, job searching and interviews if they are still in your employment and put in a good word for them here and there if you can. Redundancy can be a long and difficult process for employers, but at Park City we can take the burden away from you. From the start of the consultation process, right through to outplacement services we are experts at handling such situations in a professional, yet sensitive way, helping your business to protect its employer brand at such a crucial time.

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Top tweets from last month Essex County Council @Essex_CC Last week’s Essex Teaching Awards were fab. #TeachinEssex & get the recognition you deserve.

BBC Essex @BBCEssex Breaking news with @THEJamesWhale this morning as Colchester MP @ willquince says he will vote to leave the EU.

Jefferies Solicitors @JefferiesLaw Week 1 of The Jefferies’ #charity #bakeoff for @harpsouthend is underway and it’s all about #chocolate!

Essex Echo @Essex_Echo Fundraisers to kayak 150 miles on the Thames to raise cash for the Danny Green Fund.

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This well established circuit caters for everyone from the eight year old novice to the race-hardened expert. With a variety of bends and cambers and at a huge 8 metres wide this circuit offers a varety of racing lines and overtaking opportunities easy to learn, but hard to master!

LAKESIDE KARTING Arterial Road (A1306) West Thurrock, Essex RM19 1EA Telephone: 01708 863070 Web: www.lakeside-karting.com

900 metres long, ten challenging corners, three full blast straights. two daunting hairpins...it all adds up to one of the fastest, most demanding kart circuits in the country.

Hugely entertaining for kids and adults alike, Laser Warfare is the latest combat game to storm the UK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; totally safe and totally fun!

In a twin-engined Prokart, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sitting an inch off the ground and hitting speeds of 60/70 mph.

BRENTWOOD KARTING Brentwood Leisure Park, Warley Gap, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3DP Telephone: 01277 260001 Web: www.brentwood-karting.com

LASER WARFARE Warley Gap, Warley, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3DP Telephone: 01277 260001 Web: www.laserwarfare.co.uk