Business Connect Magazine - June/July 2016 by BusinessConnectPublishing

GREATER MANCHESTER’S FASTEST GROWING BUSINESS TO BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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June / July 2016

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In or Out?

Your DEFINITIVE GUIDE to the Europe vote

On the eve of the European Union vote GM Business Connect present an exclusive six page feature introduced by pro-manchester’s CEO and renowned economist Dr John Ashcroft.

IN OUT

An exclusive interview with Lord Hill, European Commissioner for Finance, explains why he feels remaining in the Union is so important.

John Longworth, ex Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce presents the leave campaign and the importance of a Brexit.

The Trafford Business Expo 2016 Back for a third year at Emirates Old Trafford - preview inside.

One Advice Group Exclusive interview with Matt Cheetham, CEO of one of the biggest businesses in Sale talks FCA approval.

Apprenticeships Trafford College and Salford City College feature article.

Connectworking Charity Lunch GM Business Connect’s annual networking charity lunch is back at Hotel Football for a second fantastic year.

Dr John Ashcroft, pro-manchester CEO pictured outside the Castlefield Rooms.

CONNECTING BUSINESSES ACROSS GREATER MANCHESTER

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June/July 2016

contents 4 news

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From Greater Manchester and beyond.

16 features IN or OUT The great Europe debate Special 6 page feature article on the vote on Europe. Includes an introduction from pro-manchester CEO Dr John Ashcroft, exclusive interview with European Commissioner for Finance Lord Hill, and ex Director General of the British Chambers John Longworth.

4 14

K-Club Catching Unicorns v Rowing the Atlantic. One Advice Group Focus on one of the largest personal insolvency businesses in the UK.

The Trafford Business Expo 2016 Preview of Trafford’s leading business expo back for it’s third year. Paul Daine Interview Altrincham & Sale Chamber’s newest president interviewed. RRG Group Fleet Focus on the rapidly expanding dealer group. Apprenticeships Apprenticeship feature on Salford City College and Trafford College.

Discounted packages are available on request for series bookings.

For more information please download a copy of our media pack found on our website: www.gmbusinessconnect.co.uk or alternatively please email: advertising@gmbusiness connect.co.uk or phone:

digital marketing Top 5 reasons to use ‘Google My Business’.

30 finance Cutting the cost of your holiday homes.

32 wellbeing

Paul Mirage

• 07708 987518

What happens when things don’t go according to plan?

welcome

Business networking events over the coming months.

BUSINESS the fastest growing business to business forum in Greater Manchester. P U B L I S H I N G

GM Business Connect is a dynamic business to business bi-monthly magazine that is crammed full of local and regional news, articles, interviews and regular columnists.

33 diary dates places to meet List of venues and facilities supporting businesses.

Here at GM Business Connect we are on the lookout for both news articles relating to business activity within Greater Manchester, and educational articles that can help businesses at any level. If you regularly send out press releases, or if you are looking for press coverage of a newsworthy event, please get in touch either by phone or send an email to editorial@ gmbusinessconnect.co.uk

We offer a fantastic range of advertising opportunities, from full pages through to eighth pages that offer advertising at extremely reasonable rates.

How to sell your services using Social Media.

One Net single solution to landlines and mobiles.

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• 07971 575977 Office • 0161 969 8632 DISCLAIMER Whilst we have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained within this magazine, we give no warranty and make no representation regarding the accuracy or the completeness of the content of this information. Consequently we accept no liability for any losses or damage (whether direct, indirect, special, consequential or otherwise) arising out of errors or omissions contained in this magazine. Views expressed in GM Business Connect in editorial or advertising content are not necessarily those of it’s publisher Business Connect Publishing Limited. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies supplied to us in editorial or advertising material.

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June/July 2016

news

Key speakers announced for Manchester’s Science to Business programme The EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF), Europe’s largest general science conference, will be delivered over three days in Manchester this summer (25-27 July). Organisers of the Forum have announced some of the top speakers who have confirmed involvement in one or more of the 125+ programme sessions to be delivered during the conference. With up to 600 speakers from over 55 countries expected to contribute, the diverse line-up is a reflection of an exciting programme covering nine scientific strands as well as standalone science to business and careers programmes. Healthy populations are one of the largest strands at ESOF and will explore issues such as personalised medicine, child

well-being, microbiomes, humanitarian medicine, eHealth and data issues and antimicrobial resistance. The strand includes a topical session on epidemics featuring Dr Paul Stoffels, Chief Scientific Officer at Johnson & Johnson, Sir Andrew Witty, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline and will be moderated by BBC global health correspondent Tulip Mazumdar. Professor Brian Cox, broadcaster and physicist from the University of Manchester heads up the host city contingent. He will be joined by Nobel Laureate graphene pioneers, Professor Sirs Konstantin Novoselov and Andre Geim who will be a key draw for sessions within the material dimensions strand, which will explore the applications of graphene and other 2-D materials, structural materials,

nanomaterials and nanofabrication, functional materials, quantum and statistical physics, substitution of critical materials and biomaterials. Two additional Nobel Prize winners will deliver keynote speeches during ESOF: structural biologist and President of the Royal Society, Professor Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, and Professor Ada Yonath, best known for her pioneering work on the structure of the ribosome. The science to business programme is also set to be a popular draw at ESOF 2016 due, in part, to its inclusion of industry pioneers including Dr Hermann Hauser, founder of Amadeus Capital and Dr Ruth McKernan, Chief Executive of Innovate UK. The strand will provide an

opportunity for industrialists, researchers, policy makers and business/academia support organisations to engage with one another, learn, network and debate the issues surrounding the exploitation of breakthroughs in science and to share ideas and best practise for improving the commercial outcomes from research.

Manchester’s Business Improvement District runs Mystery Shopping scheme The Heart of Manchester Business Improvement District (BID) has run a new Mystery Shopping campaign that saw retailers in the city centre evaluated for the quality of their customer service, with top scoring businesses enjoying an Awards Breakfast in late May. StoreCheckers, the UK’s leading independent Mystery Shopping company, undertook unannounced visits to shops in Manchester’s central retail district, assessing the

quality of service provided by each store during April and May. With over 380 retailers involved, the Mystery Shopping exercise identified the strengths and weaknesses of Manchester stores, at the same time showcasing leading retailers and highlighting where improvements can be made for shoppers in the city centre. The top scoring businesses were unveiled at an awards breakfast in late May, and the ‘Best of the Best’

were invited to the Retail Trust’s Midsummer Celebration on 16 June at Manchester Cathedral. Heart of Manchester BID Manager, Phil Schulze said, “As part of the BID’s range of services, the launch of a city-wide Mystery Shopping scheme demonstrates an ongoing commitment to ensuring the shopping experience in Manchester is the best it can be, whilst at the same time celebrating excellent customer service in our stores.”

Commercial rents keeping pace with previous years Commercial property rental value growth is keeping pace with the rate seen in 2014 and 2015, according to the latest CBRE Monthly Index. Rental values grew 0.8% in the first four months of the year, equalling the year-to-date growth for the same time period in 2015 and surpassing 2014’s total of 0.6%. While occupier demand shows little

sign of slowing, capital value growth has been considerably lower so far in 2016 than previous years, currently at 0.2% compared to 2.2% for the same point last year. Following a dip in capital value returns for March, when new stamp duty tax bands introduced by the Chancellor increased acquisition costs for properties valued at over

£1.05 million, April’s figures showed a return to the levels seen in February, rising from -0.4% to 0.2%, which mirrored February’s 0.2%. Miles Gibson, Head of UK Research at CBRE UK, said: “Rental value growth seems not to have been affected by political speculation around the Mayoral and local elections and June’s EU referendum.

“After the Chancellor’s tax grab around stamp duty, which inevitably had an impact on capital values in March, returns have reverted to trend for the year to date. “The economic fundamentals remain sound and should the UK vote to remain part of the EU, we expect a positive outlook for the second half of the year.”

June/July 2016

Manchester buildings recognised for world class design by RIBA

The city took home an armful of awards at the RIBA (The Royal Institute of British Architects) North West Awards 2016 at the end of April which heaped praise on four of Manchester’s newest or restored landmarks.

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The RIBA North West Awards 2016 seek to recognise architectural excellence. Three buildings commissioned by Manchester City Council received awards (HOME, the Library Walk Link Building and

the restoration of Manchester Central Library) as well as The National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester.

to see that aim recognised by these awards.”

“Manchester has benefited from dramatic and bold change in last few years and these awards recognise what we all already knew locally Manchester is a world class city that continues to evolve and grow.

team effort. Here at HOME we really appreciated how Manchester City Council so highly valued our input on our journey to create a cultural hub where we can present a diverse artistic programme spanning art, theatre and film, as well as a vibrant social space which has already attracted well over half a million visitors.”

Sheena Wrigley, HOME’s Executive Director, said: “Huge congratulations Manchester City Council went on to to Manchester City Council for gain further recognition receiving both winning the Client of the Year Award the Client Of The Year award and the as part of the 2016 RIBA Awards and Conservation award, specifically for we’re thrilled that HOME has also won work on Manchester Central Library. one of the ten 2016 RIBA Regional Awards, recognising North West Councillor Bernard Priest, deputy architectural excellence. leader of Manchester City Council said: “It’s an honour to see “We’ve really enjoyed this productive Manchester receive so many awards and collaborative relationship which from the Royal Institute of British has made it possible to realise a Architects. project of this scale – a fantastic

“We place sustainability and quality of design at the heart of all our regeneration projects and I’m proud

N Brown Group selects Sopra Steria to support its transformation into a digital-first retailer Sopra Steria, a European leader in digital transformation, has today announced a new partnership with Manchester’s leading multichannel retailer N Brown Group, to help support its strategic direction of becoming a digital-first retailer. As a leading multi-brand fashion retailer, N Brown is undergoing the biggest business transformation in its

140 year history, refashioning itself from call centres, stores, UK warehouses a direct mail-led to digital-first retailer. and other remote locations. Sopra Steria will run a core applications and infrastructure support service responsible for the management of IT service sub-contractors, data centres, servers and mainframes. The company will also provide technical support across a number of N Brown locations including its national headquarters,

In delivering an agile, cost-effective, digitally focused IT department, N Brown was keen to ensure its new partner had a close cultural affinity to minimise any impact on colleagues whilst transforming their risk position.

similar projects at scale, and whose culture and approach neatly matched our own,” said Andy Haywood, COO at N Brown.

“We are expecting to have the ability to become more agile, responsive and, most importantly, focused on customer experience and satisfaction. We will move towards being a technology company “Sopra Steria was a natural partner with that sells fashion, rather than just a fashion an impressive track record in delivering company using technology.” Award-winning cartoonist Tony Husband and his interesting friends are available for live presentations at your open days, training events, product launches, etc. Tony can offer a totally unique and humorous touch to your marketing literature, calendars, reception art, portraits, and christmas cards.

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June/July 2016

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Manchester house prices set to soar as the Northern Powerhouse delivers in the East The last weekend in April saw Hong Kong play host to hundreds of Chinese investors who were educated on the benefits of the North West as the new prime location for investment in the UK. Lured in by the propagation of the Northern Powerhouse, the M62 upgrade and HS2, the weekend cemented why it’s not only profitable to buy homes in Manchester, but also to build them.

Chinese clients, and the sales don’t look like slowing anytime soon. As organisers of the weekend’s seminars, the property giant has kept a close eye on the North West in recent years and has cited the Northern Powerhouse as one of the key reasons for investment.

Salford Quays highlights the shift to overseas buyers with just half of the apartments sold to locals, while a quarter were sold to Chinese investors with the remaining quarter going to ex-pats.

Charis Chan, senior manager of Hong Kong Homes international property division, said; “First of all it’s the Northern Powerhouse because they’ve heard that much new infrastructure is coming to the North. And another thing is the railway.”

With the steady rise in house prices across London, rental yields have ultimately become less attractive. Whereas in the north, house prices are yet to catch up with the increase in demand, meaning a more generous yield and a greater chance of capital appreciation.

Another reason for the move Northwards is the recent increase in stamp duty, with the top rate of duty on a property worth more than £250,000 now standing at 8%. Chan added; “If they go for the North, they can find something in the city centre Prime residential sales and leasing agent, Hong Kong Homes, has already below this budget.” sold more than 400 flats in Manchester, It’s not just the Chinese getting in Liverpool and Sheffield to numerous on the act. A recent development in

The Chinese are not just buying in Manchester; they’re building for the future. The Beijing Engineering Construction Group is investing £800m in Manchester’s Airport City, with an inclusive hub for other Chinese firms to set up. Even the street names will be reflective of the Chinese investment with names on the development being in both Mandarin and English. It seems

With house prices in Manchester and Liverpool expected to rise as a result of the Northern Powerhouse, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reported that house prices in London are to fall significantly over the next three months as investors begin looking further north.

no area of Manchester is impervious to Chinese investment, with Manchester City Football Club recently selling shares to the Chinese. Richard Willis-Woodward, an entrepreneur who helps wealthy Chinese invest in the UK, described their attitude to the Northern Powerhouse as “insatiable”. He went on to highlight the 300 million middle class Chinese who have money to spend saying; “These people are coming. They’re investing in the Northern Powerhouse because they’re looking at long-term opportunities. These guys are looking at 20 or 30 years ahead.” It’s clear that the Northern Powerhouse is strengthening the reputation of the North West, and the increase in property developments will help the economy with more people put to work, but if house and land prices soar to meet demand, British developers could find themselves priced out.

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June/July 2016

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Blackstone set for further expansion Blackstone Solicitors in Hale have again announced further expansion to the range of services that they offer as two more lawyers’ join the firm.

Property, Commercial Property, Family Law, Wills and Probate and Corporate services. The firm is led by Emma Nawaz who set it up in 2010.

The firm is adding a specialist department in both Wills and Probate and also Corporate Services.

Commenting on the continued expansion, Emma added, “We are delighted to welcome both Judith and Robin to the team, undoubtedly their specialist areas will prove invaluable to the Blackstone offering.

Judith Chesters is an experienced Private Client Lawyer specialising in dealing with estate planning and administration, the preparation of Wills and Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters.

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Companies must now come clean on who really owns the business All companies now must reveal who really owns the business. On April 6, the rules for the People of Significant Control (PSC) Register came into force. Michael Jayson, managing partner at the Manchester office of national audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill, explained the reasoning behind the introduction of yet another layer of bureaucracy.

Statistics, there were 2.45 million enterprises registered for VAT and/or PAYE in March 2015. Almost all of these businesses - around 99 per cent - are small ranging from none to 49 employees.

The Register is being drawn up and the Government says it will help to increase transparency over who owns and controls UK companies, will help inform investors when they are “The individual or individuals controlling a company can be different considering investing in a company, and support law enforcement agencies from those listed on its register of in money laundering investigations. shareholders,” he said. “The original reason behind the introduction of the PSC Register may have been to shed some light on the real names behind some of the companies buying up large chunks of London property - often a cover for overseas buyers who, for whatever reason, would prefer to remain invisible. “However, this sledgehammer to crack a nut has resulted in virtually every single UK company and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) having to ensure they comply with the PSC Register requirements.” According to the Office for National

more than 25 per cent of the company’s shares, holding more than 25 per cent of the voting rights, having the right to appoint or remove the majority of directors, with the right to exercise, or actually exercise, significant influence or control, and similarly trusts. Businesses will have to list the owner’s names, service address, nationality, date of birth and their usual residential address.

From June 30 the information will also need to be filed at Companies Michael added: “Failure to provide House. It comes in addition to accurate information and failure to existing registers such as the comply with notices requiring someone register of directors and register of to provide information will be criminal members/shareholders. offences, and may result in a fine and/ But he warned that companies or a prison sentence of up to two years. should make sure that the “The Small Business, Enterprise and information they are supplying Employment Act 2015 will apply across correlates with other returns they the board to all except companies make, or information they supply. on the London Stock Exchange who “It is important, where appropriate, already have to make a disclosure. there is consistency between “In addition, it will apply to LLPs and information included within the PSC UK-registered Societas Europaea, a Register and any documentation type of plc regulated under EU law.” established for tax purposes as well as the statutory financial statements The register affects those with significant control - defined as owning prepared by the business,” he said.

Phase one planning granted for Altair architects, Stephenson Studio. Altair will be linked directly to the tram, train and bus Transport Interchange via a new public bridge, making it easily accessible to those travelling to or from the Greater Manchester and Trafford areas.

Nikal has today been granted detailed planning permission for Phase One of Altair, Altrincham’s dynamic new £70 million residential and leisure quarter in the town centre. The decision means that construction on the 4.5 acre mixeduse scheme will start this Summer, with completion of the first phase anticipated in December 2017.

Main contractor, Eric Wright Construction, will commence site clearance works to make way for the construction of an iconic contemporary style building that will house 59 high quality apartments plus ground floor retail leisure units. The apartments will be delivered by Hillcrest Homes, and will comprise 36 one bedroom and 23 two bedroom apartments designed by Manchester

June/July 2016

Harrington Brooks buy Debt Lifeboat business One Advice Group and Harrington Brooks CEO Matt Cheetham

Harrington Brooks, the Sale-based debt management firm and IVA provider, has announced the acquisition of Debt Lifeboat’s customers after the company’s decision to withdraw from the IVA market. The acquisition reinforces Harrington Brooks’ existing successful insolvency practice, which has been an active service provider in the market for over 10 years. The firm currently supervises over 23,000 IVAs to help customers manage and get out of debt. 1,000 of Debt Lifeboat’s customers and their IVA agreements have been transferred. CEO Matt Cheetham commented: “We understand that people fall into money problems for a whole variety of reasons and, often, there isn’t a one size fits all solution to the unique underlying reasons for indebtedness. We put our customers first, and we will ensure that Debt Lifeboat’s customers are protected as we honour the terms of their existing IVAs. “This acquisition demonstrates the strength of our business and our offering to customers, and marks the latest step in the growth of Harrington Brooks’ customer base.”

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B U S I N E S S CHARITY LUNCH

Friday 23 September 2016

Kick off 11.30am - 3.00pm

Hotel Football, 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0SZ

BACK FOR A SECOND YEAR!

GM Business Connect magazine are once again pleased to be able to invite Manchester’s business community together for a very special networking charity lunch supporting three fantastic Manchester charities:

Forever Manchester • Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity • The Alex Hulme Foundation The event will kick off with registration at 11.30am - 12noon. This is a chance to network on the rooftop pitch with reception drinks featuring stunning skyline views across Manchester. We will then go down to the Stadium Suite to enjoy a special set menu of a two course lunch with coffee, after which we’ll enjoy an after dinner speech from pro-manchester CEO Dr John Ashcroft. Our compère will be Phil Jones, Managing Director of Brother UK. There will be prize draws and raffles, including the chance to meet and network at the table with many of Manchester’s leading businesses. A full bar service is available throughout the afternoon. Tickets are only £50+VAT per person (plus booking fee). Dress code: Lounge Suit. Tables of 8 are available @ £400+VAT (plus booking fee). Spaces are limited - please book early to avoid disappointment.

JOHN ASHCROFT CEO PRO-MANCHESTER

PHIL JONES MANAGING DIRECTOR BROTHER UK

To book your place visit www.eventbrite.com - ‘connectworking lunch’ or contact Paul Mirage on 07708 987518 for further information.

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June/July 2016

Together confirms partnership with RBS for SME customers Specialist lender Together has announced its partnership with RBS as part of the Capital Connections pilot scheme for business banking customers in selected regions. Where borrowing directly from the bank is not possible, SME customers can now be formally referred to the new panel of alternative lenders. The panel, which includes Together and three peer-to-peer platforms, will cater for businesses with a turnover of up to £25m and will initially be piloted in South West England, Wales and Scotland before being rolled out nationally later this year.

Together, said: “We’re really pleased to be part of the Capital Connections scheme, which will allow us to assist RBS’s customers in situations where direct funding is not available. “As a specialist lender with a successful trading history that spans over 42 years, built on a reputation for providing fast and flexible finance with exceptional personal service, and current external funding facilities of just under £1.6 bn, Together is ideally placed to act as a complement to the bank to ensure that their business banking customers are able to access the finance they need.”

Alison Rose, CEO of Commercial and Private Banking at RBS, said: Customers can choose to contact any “Building on our existing scheme of the funders directly or be referred by for small businesses, I’m delighted their RBS relationship manager. There that we will now be able to formally will be no commission paid as a result refer commercial scale businesses to of any referrals, ensuring maximum an unrivalled panel of experts and transparency and no conflict of interest. professionals with a wide range of lending appetites.” Marc Goldberg, commercial CEO of

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June/July 2016

Review Travel to see jump in turnover following first acquisition Review Travel has propelled its business growth with the acquisition of hotel and venue booking specialist, Executive Status - adding an estimated £2m in annual turnover. The acquisition will bolster the company’s bespoke business travel offering, with the six-strong Executive Status team bringing years of expertise and contacts in the conference and event travel sector. Manchester-headquartered Executive Status will relocate to Review Travel’s Wilmslow office, with founder Linda Cronshaw taking up the position of director. Linda will be tasked with raising and improving

Review Travel’s profile in the meetings, incentive, conferencing and events market. Review Travel, which currently employs 17 staff members across its Cheshire, Lancashire and Hertfordshire offices, achieved a record turnover of £10.7million in 2015. The business recently launched an aspirational rebrand, as it focuses on providing intelligent business travel solutions to its UK-wide client base. Christian Gleave, CEO of Review Travel, commented: “Not only will this acquisition complement our service and extend our expertise, but increased buying power will also

Alexander & Co duo hit the right notes with chart-toppers Sigma

provide far greater cost-saving options for clients. “Linda and her team are a perfect fit for Review Travel, bringing strong expertise, brilliant connections and huge enthusiasm for what they do.” Linda Cronshaw, added: “Being part of the Review Travel team allows us

to combine our expertise to offer the complete business travel service. It’s truly exciting to be able to offer this to current clients.” Review Travel will continue to seek further acquisition opportunities that strengthen its highly competitive, tailored business travel offering.

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Gary Kramrisch, centre, with Joe Lenzie, left and Cameron Edwards of Sigma

Chart-topping dance duo Sigma are ensuring they receive sound advice on their finances after appointing Manchester accountancy firm Alexander & Co to act for them. Partners Gary Kramrisch and John

Sigma, formed by Cam Edwards and Joe Lenzie, have sold more than two million singles with four hits and two platinum awards. Their hits include Nobody to Love and Changing, which featured Paloma Faith. Both singles reached number one in the UK charts. They are among a growing client base in the entertainment sector for Alexander & Co, which has offices in St Ann’s Square in Manchester city centre and at MediaCityUK in Salford.

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GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

europe

Should we

stay?

Regularly featuring in the current debate on whether to stay in or leave the EU is Dr John Ashcroft, CEO of pro-manchester and notable economist, frequently appearing in many programmes and magazine articles. John and the pro-manchester team have put together a series of events leading up to the vote, including John Longworth, ex Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Lord Hill, European Commissioner for Finance, and City council leader Sir Richard Leese. GM Business Connect took the opportunity to interview John Ashcroft on what he thought were the important economic markers to consider on both sides of the debate from a neutral viewpoint: We joined the common market in the 70’s from a position of economic weakness. We’re now in a far stronger position economically. Should we be worried about staying or leaving? “We need to balance up the arguments on staying or leaving. The challenges the UK and world economy faces are significant on many different levels. For the UK, there are challenges either within or outside the Union. World growth, world trade, population growth, wealth disparity, migration, immigration, the refugee crisis these issues affect everybody.” Have these concerns increased since we joined the EU? “They have increased in magnitude as a result of global interdependency and the comparative ease with which people move around Europe and around the world. There are those who would argue the growing income disparities between East and West, North and South are becoming influencing factors.” Are there any specific business sectors that would suffer or benefit from a vote to leave or stay? “There are concerns about investment into areas like Aerospace, which has been a principal area of growth in the Manufacturing sector within the UK economy, and there naturally have to be worries about the next wave of investment for the Airbus project. Its less likely the next round of Airbus

contracts will come to the UK if we were to leave Europe. Equally, there has to be questions about the Automotive industry because there have been commitments to continuous investment even if we were to stay. A lot of new investment would possibly look for new homes in Eastern Europe or elsewhere in the world. Sectors to be watched would be Aerospace, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals (because of regulatory issues) and also the Financial Services sector. There has to be concerns for London as the capital centre for Europe, with other centres like Paris and Frankfurt eyeing developments pretty closely at the end of June.” In your view, what would happen to Global markets if the UK were to vote either to stay or to leave? “Firstly currency. What would be the impact? I think there could be a currency shock pushing sterling lower in the short term. Generally though, currencies adapt to relative rates of growth, inflation, interest rates and capital flows. Whether you’d get permanent structural adjustment of 10% or 20% remains to be seen. If we were to leave the rates would stabilise quickly. I wouldn’t worry too much about currency over the medium term. As for the world markets, the driving issues are things like world growth, profit performance and the dividend programme. The impact globally of the UK leaving Europe is going to be pretty muted.” Recently the Chancellor revealed a

rather formidable formula in the argument to stay. Can you tell us what that formula actually said, and also was it justifiable in the debate? “The Treasury presented what’s called a gravity model or‘trade weighted proximity model. In essence, it says most trade is done with people you’re nearer to, which is more of a pragmatic observation.

The Treasury analysis looks at the pattern of our trade with the rest of the world, and other than the US and China, which were “outliers”, the pattern is very tight. Inevitably, in or out, we’re still going to be reliant on doing a lot of trade with our European partners. Therefore this proximity growth model is governed by things like rates of growth of population, rates of growth in GDP of all our partner countries, and also by price and tariffs. So, the proposition is that if you have

June/July 2016

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or should we camembert and champagne into the UK, so it’s logical and plausible that we would sort out some kind of trade deal moving forward. But that would still mean we would have to comply with many of the regulations and restrictions the “Leave” camp complain about.” That’s on the assumption that we import more from the EU than we export to them?

tariffs created as a result of leaving, then this will create a price barrier which will offset the proximity model. This means you’d do less trade, which means less growth and less expansion. “It’s a valid model. However, if you extrapolate it out over 15 years you would have to begin to question it in detail. It’s confusing for many people. In fashion you would say there’s a model for every catwalk, and in economics, you’d say there was a model for every cat fight! So the Treasury have their model, and the group of eight economists last week had their model in support of the leave campaign. You have to take everything with a pinch of salt as there are arguments either way from economists, all based on relevant information.” There is the argument that if we were to leave all trade with Europe would immediately cease. That’s obvious scaremongering. What actually would be the economic reality if we were to leave? Firstly, the EU, with the UK, is one of the largest trading blocks in the world. You would want a trade agreement with that market, and logically you’d want a free trade agreement, as you would with any other global market. So, to put that at risk means there could be significant problems for both trade and investment. If we were to leave, then it is argued that the Germans have a large surplus on many products, particularly motor cars, and they would not want to see a tariff imposed which would curb their imports into the UK. Equally the French. Why would they want a tariff that would prevent them selling

“Yes, we run the deficit on trading goods with the EU. But then, to offset that we have a surplus on Services. The big fear is for trading Services – Financial Services – and the impact on that sector would be far greater than on trading goods.” Would it be easier to trade with the rest of the world if we were out of the EU? “I don’t think that’s completely plausible. For example, the current agreement between the US and the EU – the TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership)– is stalled. This is because there’s not necessarily the same political will to commit to free trade in America as there is in Europe. There is no guarantee that we’ll get a further deal either inside or outside the EU. If you look at China, where an agreement is currently being updated, last year we were running a trading deficit of £25 billion, that compares to a deficit of only £10 billion five years ago. So, the caution is – be careful what you wish for with free trade agreements with other parts of the world. We are running surpluses with

John Ashcroft with John Longworth

leave?

America and a few other countries outside the EU, but fundamentally we are running deficits and those deficits are bound to increase with free trade agreements in place.”

model for every decision, good and bad, but it’s the business case that our members are currently struggling with. We do not really see the business case for leaving the EU.

pro-manchester have been keen to promote several events supporting pundits for both stay and leave. What is the general feedback from your members in terms of enough information being made available?

The big challenge is that when you look at the UK currently you see a growing Service sector economy. We have problems with Manufacturing, and we should be getting much better figures in Construction that we are not seeing at the moment. We have a fundamental, structural, increasing deficit “trade in goods”, which can only be financed by a developing surplus in Services. So we need a strong Service-led economy, Financial Services specifically. We need a strong London, dominating trade within Europe. That’s the only way we’ll be able to fund the goods deficit.”

“This is an enormous question that many people are struggling to get to grips with. Talking to our members we find that people generally see it as a very important decision and we absolutely need to vote on it. There are so many complicated issues about the whole question, and we have recommended splitting the arguments into the political, the social, the economic and the business case. “When we look at the political case, it’s down to who do you want to govern the UK? “On the social side it’s about immigration – do you think it’s good or bad for the country? Does it put a strain on the NHS, welfare, education, or does it mean that parts of the NHS and the Service sector benefit from a willing workforce? By growing the population, you create a stimulus to growth. Is immigration a drain or a net gain? Last year 400,000 new jobs were created in the UK economy, which on balance has to be positive. “The economics argument for and against is not so clear. There is a

John Ashcroft with Lord Hill

On reflection, the cases for and against a Brexit can be as simple or as complex as you like. When listening to John Ashcroft, and also to John Longworth and Lord Hill on the following pages, there are real, solid arguments for both sides of the debate. There is no right or wrong vote. The only negative would be not voting at all. 23 June 2016 – everyone has an opinion, you just need to make sure your opinion counts. pro-manchester is a corporate membership organisation representing the 240,000 employed in the financial and professional service community in and around Greater Manchester. Boasting more than 300 corporate member firms, pro-manchester engages with over 5,000 individuals. For more details call 0161 833 0964 or email: admin@pro-manchester.co.uk John Ashcroft & Company publish The Saturday Economist, a free weekly update on the UK and world economy. Sign up today to receive your free weekly bulletin www.thesaturdayeconomist.com

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June/July 2016

STAY Lord Hill In a visit to pro-manchester’s Spinningfield’s HQ, Lord Hill, European Commissioner for Finance, came to a round table event at the end of April where he met stakeholders from Manchester’s Financial Services sector. The visit was to discuss Manchester’s growing success in this sector, to listen to concerns from the attendees about the EU’s role in this area and to discuss the benefits of being in the single market. GM Business Connect caught up with Lord Hill in an exclusive interview straight after the round table finished. sector, talk about what I’m currently doing on the regulatory front, plus listen to how I can help more in supporting the sector.” Can you tell us why you visited Manchester today, and how you think the round table event went? “The reason I wanted to come today was to find out more about the Financial Services success story in Manchester and the Northwest. Too often when people inside and outside the UK think of financial services, they think only of London. “But the truth is that financial services are flourishing right across the UK. Manchester is presenting a really diverse Financial Services sector as part of that growth. I wanted to hear more,

and to meet and talk to representatives of the different areas of that industry here, listen to how they viewed the Service

Immigration is a strong part of the debate for Europe. If we were to leave the EU and closed our borders to economic migrants, what effect would that have on our economy? “If we voted to leave, and we still wanted access to that single market of 500 million people being able to buy our goods or services, of which approximately 50% of our exports currently go to Europe, then part of that arrangement is free movement of people. I cannot imagine that a deal removing free movement yet retaining access to a single market would be an offer. “But I also think that one of the reasons the UK does so well and we attract investors here is because we’ve got a flexible economy, coupled with a fantastic talent pool of people. These people come from not just the UK and the EU, but from all parts of the world. I think from a business perspective that diversity enriches our talent pool. It makes us more competitive. “Historically, as our economy has become more open, we have done better, in turn creating a strong

economy, and that is helped by the enriched and diverse talent pool we have always enjoyed.” How much has the recent deal with Europe affected our relationships with other member states, and in what ways will the specifics of that deal help our economy if we stay in Europe? “One of the main issues about the deal was the ‘Euro ins’ and Euro outs’, and how you make sure that if you’re a ‘Euro out’ like the UK, that your interests are properly protected and defended. There’s a perceived worry that the Eurozone countries will marginalise countries like the UK, and force rules through that might affect the British economy in a negative way. Now the element of that deal on the economic side that clarifies the position of the non-Eurozone countries mean for example that you can’t discriminate on currency, and I think the deal provides a much more secure basis for the UK going forward. I also think that it helps the Eurozone countries as it clarifies their ability to integrate further which they need to do, while at the same time getting the relationship right with non-Eurozone countries.” Sectors such as Agriculture and Fisheries have indicated problems over the sheer amount of red tape from Brussels, and there’s an argument that intrusive bureaucracy is a reason in itself for leaving. What’s your view on that? “First of all, cutting red tape is an extremely important thing to do. You don’t want the EU interfering in aspects of our national life that aren’t needed.

June/July 2016

So the current commission has a big push on reducing bureaucracy.” How effective do you think that would be? “You have to keep pushing. And it is working. As a commission we’ve brought forward 80% fewer laws than the last commission did year on year. We’re going through a process of removing lots of legislation that’s not effective. In my own area - Financial Services - we’re firstly reviewing all legislation over the last five years to see whether it’s proportionate, to see if we can have something in place that’s more sensible for smaller businesses, to see if we can reduce the cost of compliance. “I don’t think any EU government, not even the UK, has undertaken such a comprehensive review. So I think you can make progress, and in my view it’s the same as in the UK, where I was involved in the past with governments all wanting to cut red tape. Actually its hard, boring work trying to do it but you can if you set your mind to it.” Can you tell us about the importance of the Capital Markets Union plan, and the impact this will have on the UK economy if we remain in Europe? “The basic idea is to make it easier for capital to flow across the entire EU, and to make it easier for businesses who want to expand and grow. We were talking about this earlier at the round table discussion. How do you improve the funding conveyor belt? How do you ensure that businesses at different stages of their development have access to a wider fund of resources? “Part of that is to knock down barriers between countries, also to make it easier for alternatives to bank funding to be available. We were discussing about how to make it easier for

GM BUSINESS connect

businesses to list on the London Stock Exchange, plus we were talking about venture capital, also private equity – very relevant in Manchester which is seen as a centre of excellence for this Sector. “So it’s all about opening that market up, making it easier for businesses to grow, encouraging more competition, knocking down barriers and opening the single market up. It’s a classic single market project for all 28 countries in the EU which should be very good for many parts of industry in which both the UK and Europe have strengths. You have to win on merit, but if you are in a bigger market, this should create more opportunities.” Presumably we’d lose that if we left the EU? “You’d have problems and barriers specifically relating to access to the single market. You’d have to comply with the rules and you wouldn’t have a say in controlling them. And I do think that one of the contributions that Britain makes, not just in Financial Services, but in all sorts of different areas in Europe, is the ability to open things up, more trade, more competition, more choice. And without the UK pushing that approach,, then I’d think it’d be less likely you’d make progress.” In your opinion, from an economics perspective, what would we lose by leaving the EU? “The process of working out what relationship Britain would have with not just the EU but the rest of the world if we were to leave would be very uncertain and very protracted. So in my opinion when some say it’d be very easy and quick to

establish a free trade relationship – it’s simply not true.” How certain are you of this? “Firstly, no country the economic size of the UK has done this before, so we don’t know how this would work, and that uncertainty would have an effect on our economy. Secondly, what I do know from my knowledge of the financial services area, when you’re trying agree a bilateral deal it’s not easy. I did just that on behalf of the EU with the Americans on a specific issue to do with derivatives markets. Both the Americans and the Europeans wanted an agreement – and it still took nearly 4 years to negotiate this very specific issue! To do a widescale free trade agreement would take years. So it’s not going to be easy, particularly as we would be leaving behind people that did not want us to leave. And then when you think about Financial Services other countries have competitive positions of their own, and they certainly wouldn’t be granting favours to us if we were to leave. Some people say it is scaremongering to raise these concerns. But if the boot was on the other foot, and another country was leaving, what do people think Britain would do after a difficult and messy divorce? So I think there’s lots of uncertainty, and what I do know about uncertainty is that it’s really bad news for investment.” How would you view our relationship with our EU partners if we were to vote to remain? “I think there are opportunities for both Britain and the EU to have a ‘less scratchy’ relationship. The perception is often that there are 27 countries aligned against the UK, but in reality I’ve found that

many of things we care about are priorities and concerns shared by many other countries in the EU. And the UK enjoys a very good relationship on many EU issues with many countries. There are opportunities for both sides, for Britain of course to implement the resettlement deal agreed by the Prime Minister - to be able to preserve its interests and at the same time to contribute to a free trade agenda, to a competitiveness agenda, to a single market agenda, and to an open, outward looking agenda. But also for the rest of the EU – so that together we move towards greater reform. This is a significant opportunity for us all.” Do you think enough has been said at this time for voters to make an informed decision on 23 June? “With my role in Europe I’m not here all of the time, and the commission isn’t campaigning in the debate. That said, I think as we get nearer to the date all sorts of people will focus on the details – a bit like a general election. This decision of course has very high stakes. “I think there’s an awful lot of information out there now coming from business people, economists, politicians and foreign leaders, and that information is settling in and filtering down. The most important thing is that, whichever side people are on, they vote: it’s no good if people wake up on June 24 and say they had wished they had voted.”

GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

In a very public show of support for the leave campaign, John Longworth, ex Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce, famously tendered his resignation from the BCC in March after being suspended for breaching the BCC’s policy of neutrality on the Europe debate. He is one of many high profile committee members of the Vote Leave campaign, and is currently petitioning the UK business sector in the run up to the vote on 23 June. GM Business Connect caught up with John at the Castlefield Rooms in the newly refurbished Dukes92 in Castlefield, as part of a luncheon event organised by pro-manchester. After an introduction from John Ashcroft, John addressed a packed audience of business leaders: “I am here today as neither a Politician or Economist. I’m a Businessman. As you know, I resigned from the British Chamber of Commerce on a matter of principle. I felt it important to speak out about the right choice to make regarding the UK leaving the European Union. “My position on this has been based on many years dealing with Brussels on a variety of different levels. I have seen personally during my career, plus after speaking to many businesses across the UK over the past five years in my role on the BCC, what impact The European Union has on business for good and ill. I can say for certain that the UK’s business community is divided on this issue. “Most of the economic reports I have read have tended to say the best place for Britain to be is in a reformed European Union. However, the very worst place economically for the UK to be would be in an un-reformed Union, which I firmly believe to be the current case. “Let’s look at the issues one by one. Firstly, the issue of uncertainty. We live in an uncertain world. Global debt is approximately 2.4 times Global GDP, coupled with issues such as political unrest, this makes for a very uncertain world in

many ways – not just economically. My view is that the riskiest thing to do in an uncertain world is to actually give control of the decision making of your own economy to somebody else. “We have no idea at the moment how the European Union will evolve if we stay in, except insofar as the Five President’s Report published last year made it very clear that the Eurozone has the intention of further integration – for all intents and purposes forming a State. They have no choice. This has to be the way in a single currency union to keep the individual countries together – both fiscally and politically. Eventually, as a non-Euro country the UK will be marginalised in this respect, and will have even less say within the Union. Also, it’s a complete myth that we have more influence in world affairs as part of a Union with 27 other members. We will always have the problem of being outvoted by the other Eurozone members who are moving ever more together under one currency. By contrast, if we leave, we can actually take control of our own economic affairs in an uncertain global community. “Next, 13% of the UK economy is associated with exports to the European Union. That means 87% of the UK economy is not associated with the Union. Businesses that export to countries

outside the EU suffer from being uncompetitive by being in the EU. In a recent report from the Treasury, the cost that European Union regulations has on the UK economy is £125 billion a year. Now, not all of that regulation is a burdon, however, the 87% of businesses not benefitting from the single market economy can become far more productive without the regulations. “We also contribute £350 million a week to the EU. Half of that we get back, tied up in red tape, spent in ways that we don’t want spending, and with a top slice of admin fee from Brussels. The other £10 billion per year goes into a European black hole. “So, the economic and financial position within Europe points me in the direction that we would be better off out. Right now, countries like Iceland, Chili, Mexico, South Korea, Switzerland and Norway have trade deals around the world with economies that add up to many times more than the EU has managed to achieve in the past 40 years. Small countries are able to create trade deals with other countries around the world much easier than the EU can. This is because a trade deal with the EU needs to satisfy 28 separate countries within that one deal, and once agreed, that may favour other European countries much more than the UK. So far the EU has

been failing to make good trade deals that are helpful to the UK, and so Britain would be able to do that much better out of the EU as a separate country. “The EU itself – the single market – has in turn not been good for Britain. The single market benefits German manufacturing goods and French agriculture primarily, and its true to say there is no single market for Services, which account for 80% of the UK economy. The single market doesn’t benefit the UK. “There is a great myth that without a trade deal with the EU we will not be better off outside the Union. The truth is most trade in the world takes place without any trade deals. We actually have a Services trade surplus with the US – with whom we don’t have a trade deal, which is twice the size of the trade surplus in Services we have with the EU. Its perfectly possible to trade Globally without any trade deals. The EU is set up deliberately to prevent trade in Services, and there is no appetite at Commissioner and Director-General level to create a single market within the EU for Services. “If we leave the EU, we will be able to repatriate the costs of Europe and invest it entirely in the UK, we would be able to leverage the reduction in the burdon of costs of regulation to increase productivity in the UK, and we will be able to make trade deals with other countries. We will also be able to easily get a trade deal with the EU, because there is no way that powerful countries

June/July 2016

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John Longworth LE AVE

within the EU like Germany, who have a large trade surplus with the UK, will allow the Eurocrats to introduce barriers to trade for German cars for example. But even if we didn’t, the average tariff applied by the EU is only 3%, and it’s only a few sectors like Automotive and Agriculture that the tariffs are much higher.

“Fisheries – 70% of EU stocks come from UK waters. If we were to repatriate our fishing zones, we would create tens of thousands of jobs, and help both the UK economy, and the environment, as we’d be able to manage the stock much better, rather than having to accommodate Dutch and Spanish factory fishing.

“If we were to move out of the Union and remove the external tariffs on agricultural produce for example, food prices in the UK will go down, and inflation will fall. So, we can support British farmers, because the money they currently get from Europe would actually be our own taxpayer’s money, without anything going into the European black hole and further ‘admin’ reductions from Brussels.

“Finally, let me come to migration, particularly in terms of economics. We currently have an overheated supply of cheap labour from the European Union, which is uncontrolled and puts pressure on public services – up to 250,000 people per year. This leads to a low wage, low skilled, low cost economy. There is no incentive for businesses to invest in productivity increases or in skills training.

“We’d also remove external tariffs to the rest of the world for products we cannot produce enough of, or produce at all because of climate in the UK. The price of these goods would then fall, and at the same time we’d be supporting those poorer emerging markets in Africa and South America.

“At the same time, we have a shortage of skills which we actually need, which are not available from the EU – engineering and IT for example. This is because of an artificial cap put in place by Brussels severely restricting immigration from outside the Union. From places like Australia and Asia, where people holding those skills are looking to migrate to the UK. “So, looking across the board simply in terms of business and economics alone, I feel we have a very strong argument in terms of leaving Europe.”

GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

review

Catching unicorns

plus

rowing across the Atlantic

K-Club, in their popular breakfast networking event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford, welcomed two very different speakers to entertain a packed room of business leaders at the end of April.

guys eventually forgave me!” Mark did promise the ‘warts ‘n’ all’ version of his story, but the incredible fortitude of the four amateur rowers was soon obvious, and the sheer achievement of crossing the Atlantic has to be applauded – as well of course the huge amount raised for charity.

After a toast to the Queen’s 90th birthday, first to speak was Mark Brocklehurst, Managing Director of successful Warrington-based Sharples Second to speak was Hugh Campbell, Group – specialist suppliers of office Founder and Managing Partner of equipment for almost 40 years. Manchester-based GP Bullhound. Famous for his fundraising – in excess He’s spent the past 15 years advising of £400,000 to date for local charities and investing in Europe’s current and community groups – Mark and future Unicorns (Unicorns are presented a ‘warts ‘n’ all’ description described as mainly tech start-ups of how four amateur rowers took on with an initial valuation of $1 billion). the Talisker Atlantic Challenge and “I left Goldman Sachs in 2000 and made the grueling 3,000 mile trip started my business with three existing on meager supplies and colleagues just as the last IPO was very little sleep. taking place before the dotcom Even as amateurs, the crew still came bubble burst. I think what we tried in eighth out of sixteen competitors to do in 2000 was move too quickly. after battling terrible weather conditions and high seas, and raised a We didn’t have the infrastructure in very credible £250,000 for Bolton Lads place – not like we do today. Now we use technology to change much and Girls Junior Mentoring Project. more fundamental things in our lives. Mark took us through his journey The internet of things and wareable step-by-step, including 40ft waves, technology as examples. flying fish, circling sharks, salt sores “I think the next steps for technology and blisters, sleep deprivation, is to help us with our more basic and claustrophobic fall-outs: “The needs. Not just online shopping and race started the 2nd December. Conditions were pretty good, and we settled into a rowing pattern of two hours on, two hours off, which we maintained for the whole nine weeks of the voyage.”

Mark Brocklehurst

Hugh Campbell

gaming, but around fundamental global needs. Wealth, Energy, Water, very quickly. If they don’t adapt Food – in fact, food tech has been the quickly they will not survive. fastest growing area of investment for “There comes with this a certain the last 6 months. amount of risk. The movement of “The types of business that we are data into the cloud for example. advising are completely different from There is very much a cyber battle 10 years ago, and the astonishing going on today and it is simply down thing to realise is the speed of growth. to the incredible value of big data It took Walmart 35 years to reach a to businesses, and the way that data valuation of $1 billion, Microsoft 15 can be breached. It will be more and years, Google 8 years, and apparently more important to ensure individuals its going to take Uber just 5 years to within businesses are personally reach $10 billion – yes $10 billion! and corporately more aware of the dangers from cyber crime.” “The tech industry is already having, and will continue to have a huge impact on other sectors – Automotive, Financial Services, and there are huge industries that are going to change

The next K-Club will take place on the morning of Thursday 7 July – tickets are available through eventbrite. L-R Hugh Campbell, Founder and Managing Partner of GP Bullhound, Fred Stone, K-Club Founder, Mark Brocklehurst, Managing Director of Sharples Group

Mark then described the first hurdle: “Our supplies consisted of food sachets – you add boiling water for a warm, nutricious and tasty meal. However, if you bring along the wrong gas canisters as I did then there was no hot water for the entire voyage! Not a good start – cold, stodgy meals – but we persevered and I think the

For further information please contact Amanda Manson, Communications Director on

07754 069 829

amanda.manson@k-club.co.uk

www.k-club.co.uk

June/July 2016

GM BUSINESS connect

interview

One Advice Group Situated in the heart of Sale at Jackson House, the One Advice Group has been steadily growing since they were established in 1998. GM Business Connect caught up with CEO Matt Cheetham to find out more about one of the largest personal insolvency businesses in the UK: Thanks for speaking with us Matt, could we start by talking about what One Advice Group does? “We began as a debt management business, but we have evolved over time to offer a broad range of professional financial and legal services, debt resolution and personal insolvency solutions for customers across the whole of the UK. “We are helping customers repay their unsecured debts through our financial management plans (FMPs) and over 20,000 customers entrusting us to manage their Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVAs). “We’ve grown to become one of the largest employers in the area, with over 450 staff, behind Wythenshawe Hospital and Manchester Airport.” How does your service compare to the free to consumer advice sector? “It is absolutely right that there should always be a free to consumer option for those trying to get out of debt, such as StepChange. They offer a service to those who are most vulnerable which should be protected. “However, firms like the One Advice Group are able to offer that extra level of customer service because of the greater resources we have at our disposal as a result of the fee we charge. We are also able to offer our customers a bespoke service which includes taking care of all the various time-consuming and sometimes confusing administrational hurdles that come with trying to climb out of debt, such as utility switching and dealing directly with creditors.”

What else have you done to show “In May this year over 100 year seven that you are a responsible business? students at Newall Green High School played the PayDay game with “We recently hosted a successful inaugural Creditor Conference, which volunteers and mentors within the One Advice Group, to celebrate Give and brought all our main creditor partners Gain day. together to discuss best practice and “I’m also very pleased to announce we how we can, as an industry, better are winners of the DWF North West support vulnerable customers. The discussions were enlightening and Business in the Community Award 2016, for demonstrating progress on we took back a number of initiatives our journey as a responsible business. that we will be implementing across We will be collecting our award at the Group. the Business in the Community Gala “We also take a lot of pride of our Dinner on 7 June.” place in the community. As I have It certainly sounds like you are mentioned, we are a significant doing a lot of good in Manchester. local employer and we like to do I also want to talk about the state what we can to give back to the of the industry. Many firms, surrounding community. including your subsidiary Harrington “Our staff, many of whom live close to Brooks, are currently applying for our office in Sale, have been fantastic full authorisation from the Financial over the years in supporting local Conduct Authority (FCA). What has causes that make a real difference in been your experience of that and the local area. We have a Charity of how far have you got? the Year, which last year was Forever “Fingers crossed, the finishing line is Manchester, a charity that funds in sight. The FCA have been extremely thousands of community groups thorough in their approach - and and projects across the Greater rightly so - so it has taken some time Manchester region. This year our to get to where we are today. We Charity of the Year is the Christie started the process in 2014 and NHS Foundation Trust, which is one expect to achieve full authorisation of Europe’s leading cancer centres. later this year. Our relationship with “As part of our commitment to the regulator has always been financial education for future positive and constructive.” generations, we have also devised a Does your experience differ from board game for students of a variety other businesses in the sector? of ages to play, called PayDay. It gives young people an insight into “I can’t speak for all firms but the importance of managing their we have seen a number of them money effectively, and helps them drop out of the market and to understand the consequences of we expect the industry to lending and spending so that they can consolidate further over the make positive financial choices. In a next year. fun way, they also have to use problem “However, we believe the bar solving and maths skills too. that the FCA has set is “As part of our community work, we appropriate and we expect have been delivering sessions about that, once all the remaining financial education with school children firms gain full authorisation, across Greater Manchester to show we will have a healthier, more them the game and to get them professional industry as a result. thinking about debt and personal That can only be a good thing for consumers.” finance more generally.

So the future looks bright for the sector? “Oh, certainly. The One Advice Group is continuing to grow and recently purchased Debt Lifeboat’s business and took over responsibility for managing the IVA plans of its 1,000 customers. “Our goal is to continue to offer an excellent service to our customers, and with this maintain our strong reputation in the industry and continue to grow as a business and employer.”

Matt Cheetham, CEO, One Advice Group

Photography by Julie Harris Photography

TRAFFORD BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

review

The Trafford Bu

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We’re an expanding privately owned Logistics Group based in Trafford Park, and we feel it is very important for us to exhibit at the Trafford Park Expo. As a North West business and Trafford Park-centric, we are looking to offer a fabulous service to the local business community, and it is important that we build on this by attending an Expo that attracts many of the right sort of companies. We are also a fairly large employer at over three hundred staff, and we’re keen to attract young bright people to our company - and the more we can be seen locally the more potential employees will be aware of what we do and who we are.

Building on the success of the previous two year’s events, the Trafford Business Expo is once again inviting not just Trafford-based businesses but a wider reach of northwest-based companies back to The Point at Emirates Old Trafford.

“The exhibitors have some really fun plans for their stands, with rumours of lots of competitions and give aways - so make sure you get involved in them. “We are pleased to have RRG back showcasing their fleet of cars in the foyer again and new to this year, we will have a professional head shot photographer at the event, The Headshot Guy, who will be on hand to take your business photo and email this directly with you. With the importance of social media and digital marketing nowadays, we thought it would be a nice feature to offer those attending to have an opportunity to have a professional, up to date headshot to take away with them to use on their online platforms, whether it’s social media for Linkedin or on their website. “Running with the theme of online

The international division of the Group is growing steadily, with clients around the World, but we recognise that our long term loyal partnerships are forged right on our doorstep.

Alexandra Buckley, Sales Office Co-Ordinator AKW Group PLC businesses grow online.

marketing, we also have a fantastic programme of digital marketing experts on board to share advice with visitors to really boost their online presence. “These sector leaders have been selected to provide workshops and advice on a variety of business areas such as digital marketing, increasing sales, email marketing and website design. These hands on workshops are a chance for you to sit down away from the bustle of the exhibition hall to learn from the experts confirmed for the day.”

Tell Your Story Online The first step towards making the most of the internet is to show off the best of your business online. Make your website shine, on computers and mobile devices, develop rich content, and learn about the

10.30am The Digital Garage from Google Opening the line-up for the day, will be a Google Digital Expert running workshops for those who are looking to get a digital ‘tune-up’. This masterclass based on Google’s own expertise, will provide individuals with advice and strategies to help

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We are exhibiting at the Trafford Business Expo as we believe it is the premier business exhibition in the North West. The Point is an excellent location, both for its facilities and its accessibility, which ensures the maximum attendance by local business people. The number and quality of the exhibitors also helps to attract delegates that want to do business. We expect to meet both existing and prospective clients at the event and continue to work with them on an ongoing basis. The Expo also gives you the opportunity for networking with other exhibitors and to hold one to one meetings. Overall, it has everything a business needs to reach its target audience.

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GM Business Connect caught up with Liz Sinclair from organisers innov8 Conference Services: “We are excited to be back, and the Trafford Business Expo is set to be the busiest event yet with so much going on throughout the day.

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Following a succesful formula of a packed exhibition hall, alongside some great free presentations and seminars, the expo aims to attract higher visitor numbers than previous year’s, and looking at the many hundreds of visitors already signed up this will be an expected certainty.

We are always looking for the next business idea and we can share ideas with like minded companies at the Expo and build long term relationships and partnerships.

Paul Daine, Managing Director, Premium Collections

June/July 2016

siness Expo importance of measuring success with analytics. 11.30am Andy Preston Andy Preston is recognised Globally as a leading International Expert Sales Trainer, Sales Conference Speaker, Consultative Selling Specialist and the #1 Authority on the evolution of Cold Calling and ‘New Business’ Selling (300+ recommendations). Andy has personally trained more than 90,000 salespeople, in 25 countries, and has more testimonials than any other Sales Speaker, or Trainer, globally. Best known as the founder of the ‘Stand Out Selling’ Sales Methodology,

2016 Andy Preston’s advice will improve your sales results. 1.30pm Simon Hill, Extravision Simon is the co-founder of Extravision, an email marketing agency based in Manchester and he has been involved in email marketing for over 14 years. He has been a member of the DMA Article continues on next page

UK Distribution, Warehousing, International Freight Services and Contract Packing

Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1WF www.akwgroup.co.uk @akwgroup

Call Sales on

0161 873 7355

TRAFFORD BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

review The Trafford Business Expo 2016 for years the idea is that everyone will take away at least one point that will help them improve their email marketing.

email marketing council for the past 5 years and a regular judge at the DMA awards. Day to day, Simon provides strategic guidance and advice on how to leverage the power of email marketing to drive engagement and revenue.

1. How to improve your data acquisition and make sure your legal at the same time.

In between, the seminars we have a packed exhibition floor with over 60 varying businesses plus, free tea, coffee and lunch served in the Leemic Networking Area, and don’t miss the ‘Trafford Business Expo Best Stand Award’ being announced at the end of the day for one lucky exhibitor.

2. Ideas that can help your campaigns create more impact across all devices.

The Trafford Council Business Support Zone

Key takeaways

Don’t miss: Simple and effective ways to improve your email marketing Whether you are new to email marketing or have been doing it

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As a growing social enterprise committed to helping people achieve their full potential, CleanStart are building a track record of delivering facilities management contracts to maximise social value. Exhibiting at the Trafford Business Expo gives us the ability to talk to many local businesses about accessing the range of services we offer to increase their social and commercial impact.

‘‘

Deborah Elgar, Head of Social Enterprise, CleanStart

3. What can be done to help get your We are really pleased to offer a new area to this year’s Trafford Business message into the users inbox. Expo, and the event will feature the 4. Which stats are important and Trafford Council’s Business Support how successful has your campaign Zone. The Business Support Zone really been. is designed to offer businesses the 2.45pm opportunity to connect with a range The Digital Garage from Google of organisations for free business advice and support. Our Google Digital Expert will be back for a second workshop, sharing Experts exhibiting upstairs on the knowledge on a different area of their mezzanine will be available to provide advice and guidance on a expertise. range of topic areas on the day, Reach New Customers Online such as: Take the next step and make your • Finance and Funding business more visible online so • Business Start-Ups that new customers can find you. Understand the cornerstones of • Social Media digital marketing, and learn how to • HR and Training use online marketing tools to reach The Support Zone will also host the prospective customers.

Andy Preston, International Sales Speaker

The Digital Garage from Google who will be providing advice to businesses on website design, content, and the importance of measuring success with analytics. In addition, they aim to help businesses understand the cornerstones of digital marketing, and how to use online marketing tools to reach prospective customers. They will also be holding two seminars in the workshop programme. Some other companies you will find upstairs on the Mezzanine are: Business Growth Hub The Business Growth Hub are passionate about giving businesses and entrepreneurs access to growth programmes, expertise and the information they need to succeed. Whether it’s finding the finance your business needs to grow, discovering new ways to take a product or service to market, or learning more about the latest technologies and business thinking, they have the contacts and knowledge to make a real difference. MIDAS MIDAS (Manchester’s Investment and Development Agency) is the awardwinning agency which has helped

Based in Trafford, Travel Master is a favourite with an excellent reputation for both the high quality of our service and our executive range of minibuses and coaches. Whether your travel is local or national; rely on us to take you to your destination in comfort and style. From corporate and private hire to airport and school excursions, Travel Master aims to uphold the highest standards with every journey whilst ensuring competitive rates. Specialising in commuting staff, we can provide your company with all their transport requirements. For more information or a no obligation quote, please contact us now:

0161 775 0800

bookings@travel-master.co.uk

www.travel-master.co.uk

GM BUSINESS connect

‘‘

STAR Simon Hill, Extra Vision

hundreds of businesses to locate and expand in Greater Manchester. They do this by promoting the business benefits of Manchester to a global audience and by providing free and confidential advice for location consultants and potential investors. Their services include HR, recruitment advice and property solutions. Get Digital Faster Greater Manchester’s ambition is to become one of the world’s top 20 digital cities by 2020. The Greater Manchester Get Digital Faster Programme is integral to this vision, ensuring as many residents and businesses as possible have access to fibre broadband, stimulating growth, supporting innovation, and helping SME’s to grow and generate new employment

STAR Procurement is the shared procurement service for Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale Councils. They are involved in all stages of the procurement cycle: from assisting in the development of requirements, to ensuring compliance to procurement processes and contract monitoring and review – involving the relevant people at each stage of the process. Beever & Struthers Accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers provide local businesses with support in accessing and claiming research and development tax credits.

The Trafford Council Business Support zone ensures the advice is free, independent and individually tailored to business needs, and will be available throughout the day on the mezzanine area at the Trafford Business Expo so pop by for a chat.

The Trafford Business Expo is a fantastic event that allows us to meet hundreds of people from across Trafford and the North West who may be interested in our services.

We are in a very competitive market – there are numerous security companies in Manchester alone – so being able to see our potential customers, at a stunning venue, and engage in a face-to-face conversation with them is really helpful. These conversations can go a long way in helping us understand what services they may require and we can tailor our approach to exactly what they will need, whether that be a large scale event that requires several dozen staff or standalone site that requires keyholding. It also helps us tell them a bit more about us. There’s only so much we can tell them on a leaflet or a website, so getting out there and talking to people is great for us and allows customers to ask the questions they want. The event is ultimately a great day to network and you can essentially have dozens of conversations and meetings that may take weeks to book in to a diary if it wasn’t for this event. We get to see potential customers, but we also have an opportunity to meet other businesses who are exhibiting, which again, is really useful. In my opinion, the Trafford Business Expo is a must-attend event for any business that is serious about networking in the North West and we are really looking forward to attending this event once again.

‘‘

June/July 2016

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GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

interview

Paul Daine

The 105th President for Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce GM Business Connect caught up with Paul Daine, Managing Director of Premium Collections and latest President of Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce in Trafford, and asked him of his plans for the year, and for the Chamber: With your busy business life running your own company Premium Collections, how are you juggling the role with President of the Chamber? “I’m very fortunate to have a strong and experienced team of people working with me at Premium. They

look after my business whilst I am dealing with Chamber matters.” What are you hoping to achieve in your 2016 term in promoting and helping businesses who are members? “My main objectives are to oversee an increase in membership and also to broaden the geographic spread of those members. In particular I would like to see increased membership in Sale and more Chamber events held there.” What are the benefits of joining a district Chamber as opposed to

the biggest chamber in the UK on the doorstep? “Each and every Chamber of Commerce serves a purpose and serves its members well in their area. “However, it is easy to become lost or just another number when you are a member of a large Chamber. The beauty of a district Chamber is that the members and the board are there for each other and close at hand when a member needs help or advice.” What type of businesses are currently members of the Altrincham & Sale Chamber?

“The membership is very diverse, from accountants and solicitors to tree surgeons and therapists. There is something for everyone!” The Chamber has been established since 1909 - what legacy would you like to leave? “As I have previously mentioned, I would like to be able to say that the Chamber grew during the time I was President. I would also like to ensure that the Chamber remains on a firm financial footing to enable it to continue to provide first class events and services to its current and future members.”

GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

focus THE BRAND NEW HILUX LAUNCH JULY 2016

Driving success franchised dealers with over 40 years’ experience in the motor industry. We strive to provide a leading standard of customer satisfaction as well as contributing to our local community through schools and charity sponsorship. “Now approaching its 50th year of operation, RRG operates 29 locations across the North West and West Yorkshire - including dealerships, service centres and accident repair centres. Established in 1967, The RRG Group has expanded to become one of the largest and most successful dealer groups in the North West. The Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Marubeni Corporation which is one of the largest companies in the world; operating across a large number of sectors. GM Business Connect asked General Manager Fleet Sales, Martin Shorrock, to explain more about the dealer group: “At RRG Group you are dealing with corporate specialists at

“The team at RRG Group Fleet are experienced in meeting the needs of business users and fleet buyers, with a wide range of clients both large and small, and the full range of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, across the 8 franchises, are available for extended demonstrations. “Employees within the fleet department have won multiple awards including ‘National Business Centre of the Year’ and ‘Best Service to National Fleets’ by Toyota GB. This confirms the high standards that RRG Group Fleet works to when it comes to dealing

with their customers. “In 2015 RRG Group Fleet expanded with a dedicated fleet centre offering a new level of service to assist with the volume sales and enquires. “The current customer base comprises of a large portfolio of blue

chip companies including HSBC, AstraZeneca, United Utilities, Barclays and BskyB, plus, we can also look after corporate fleet requirements for all sizes of business, from sale or lease of vehicles to cost effective maintenance packages; delivering quality service and ensuring vehicles are kept in excellent condition.” For further information contact RRG Group Fleet, 191 Moorside Road, Swinton, Manchester M27 9LL

Tel: 0161 728 8218 www.rrgcontracthire.com

THE NEW PROACE LAUNCH SEPTEMBER 2016

GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

apprenticeships Salford City College is Number 1 for Apprenticeship Success Rates Salford City College is officially the top performing General Further Education College in Greater Manchester for Overall Apprenticeship Achievement success rates.

and support to both Apprentices and employers. This ensures that learners stay on track and achieve their Apprenticeship framework, and become a great asset to their employer.

Data released from the Skills Funding Agency in May, confirmed that Salford City College has an Apprenticeship success rate of almost 82% for 2014/15, putting the College significantly ahead of the majority of other GFE Colleges in Greater Manchester.

Salford City College works with hundreds of employers within Greater Manchester to provide a range of training frameworks for young and adult Apprentices starting their career or developing their skills in their professional role. The college delivers across 7 of the 9 key economic growth areas, and is keen to work with more employers to help support and develop their work force.

This success is down to recruiting the right Apprentices for the right employer and providing outstanding delivery, assessment

Salford City College has over 5,000 16-18 year old students and many College completers are now wishing to progress onto an Apprenticeship to start work in their chosen sector. Debbie Ward, Director of Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning said: “The whole team are delighted with the official results, this is a reflection of the support that we get from our employers and the dedication from our assessors who work so hard to ensure that all Apprentices enjoy their experience, complete their framework and achieve.”

Apprentices and Employers celebrate at Salford City College Awards

John Spindler, CEO and Principal added: “Salford City College is working hard with employers to ensure that we provide the very best training possible for Apprentices. The College is committed to supporting the Government strategy of delivering more Apprenticeships and this success rate demonstrates that our employers and Apprentices get the very best experience with us.”

June/July 2016

GM BUSINESS connect

Business Secretary praises College’s investment in Apprentices of the Future and will play an important part in the Northern Powerhouse, something I’m sure these young apprentices will play a key role in.” Council leader Sean Anstee said: “I was delighted to showcase the fantastic facilities available to apprentices at Trafford College to the Minister and would like to thank College Principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft, for showing us around. Nearly 6,000 young people have started an apprenticeship in Stretford and Urmston since 2010 and I’m pleased that Trafford Council has a close working relationship with the college ensuring good employment prospects for the next generation.” Sir Bill Moorcroft added, “We were

Sean Anstee, Trafford Council Leader and Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, talk to the students

Trafford College welcomed The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid MP, to its Centre for Science and Technology on Thursday 24 March. The Business Secretary, who was keen to find out more about the fantastic work being undertaken by the College with apprentices, was welcomed to the campus by Principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft and Councillor Sean Anstee. Also joining them for a special Q&A session and a tour of the facilities were some of the College’s current cohort of apprentices, who were keen to put their questions to the Minister about apprenticeships and progression onto higher qualifications. Since its launch in 2013, Trafford College’s Centre for Science and Technology has positioned itself as one of the leaders in STEM training in Greater Manchester, working alongside some of the most significant employers in the region. Crucially the Centre is tackling the serious issue of local skills shortages in the area of STEM, enabling the growth of employment and apprenticeship opportunities. Recent reports have revealed that there is a

40,000 per year shortage of homegrown graduates in the area of STEM and the UK requires 50% more science, technology, engineering and maths graduates than we presently have. STEM careers are highly sought-after by employers – both locally and nationally. Graduates from the Centre are set to develop a reputation for creating real solutions to real problems in the world of STEM, making them among the highest in demand within the borough. Business Minister Sajid Javid said: “I would like to thank Council Leader Sean Anstee and Trafford College Principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft, for inviting me along to meet apprentices at the college and find out about the STEM centre, which is helping to equip the science and engineering workforce of the future. “Nationally the Government are committed to seeing 3 million apprenticeships created by 2020, giving young people the chance to earn a salary and gain a qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Trafford is a shining example to other councils

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delighted to welcome the Minister to the College and to showcase our outstanding facilities at the Centre, as well as demonstrating the vital work currently underway with our young apprentices who are flourishing as a result of their training and world-class surroundings. The Minister was keen to make the most of the opportunity to spend time with a group of our new apprentices and find out more about their experiences of their apprenticeship programmes and their future plans. He was particularly impressed by our industry standard facilities in which our young learners can hone their craft, as well as hearing more about our close links with some of the borough’s leading employers.”

JOB

Skilled Young Professionals of the Future

Dedicated Support & Guidance

For more information, please contact Trafford First on 0161 886 7461 or email Trafford.First@Trafford.ac.uk

GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

social media

How to sell your services via

Are you generating sales via Social Media? One of the main objections I come against in relation to Social Media is “I can see how Social Media leads to awareness, but it doesn’t lead to sales” And the very simple answer to that is - Altrincham HQ wouldn’t be in business if social media didn’t lead to sales. We work with a lot of small businesses and although the metrics such as followers, likes, reach, engagement make a client smile the metrics that ensure our business relationship continues are cold hard sales and cash in tills. So does social media sell? Yes - and here’s our guide on how to sell via social media:

I recently hit 10,000 hyper-local followers on Twitter on our business account and the audience keeps growing because I always treat my latest follower like my very first follower - I’m massively appreciative that anybody chooses to follow us and listen to our words of wisdom, so I open up the conversation and try to help people as much as possible. And after that initial conversation, it’s about keeping in touch on a regular basis. Build Relationships and out-care the competition - there are dozens of people offering your service in Manchester at the same level of competency, so caring enough to talk to people goes a long way. 2. Establish a reputation

Social Media daily social media marketing plan designed to position yourself as the market leader. All this keeps you at the front of your customers’ minds and subliminally sells your services until the point where your target market are ready to buy.

Don’t be afraid to sell that course, service, new offer - sometimes all people need is that direct prompt to get in touch.

3. Deliver Social Proof

5. Convert the email/phone call

So you have relationship, you have the reputation built on the advice and information you share - and now you have to deliver Social Proof.

Unless you have an e-commerce set up where people can buy or book online - most sales conversions will end up via email or phone call.

Social Proof are the stories you tell backed up with the bank of testimonials you have on review sites

And those are entirely different skill sets to social media, but you can prepare yourself for when the enquiries come through.

1. Build a relationship Every single person reading this article knows within two seconds when a sales call has come through - often it starts with a thinly veiled scripted attempt at building rapport.

Establishing a reputation for being the best at what you do is an essential part of Social Media and being a content producing machine is integral to that.

I see similar attempts used on Social Media and it’s easy and transparent to see.

At primary school we were all content creators that got rewarded for our efforts and somewhere along the way at High School/University we started to judge people by their ability to remember facts and figures.

If you follow the process below

If you’re a business owner looking to establish your reputation you need rediscover your inner child and be producing content on a daily basis Images, quotes, blogs and content creation should be part of your

It’s the classic storytelling of a beginning, middle and end - and you should have a bank of these tales with testimonials on review sites from LinkedIn, Freeindex or your industry specific website.

Every time you get a new follower on Twitter or a connection on LinkedIn, it’s a chance to start a conversation and develop that relationship beyond mere numbers.

If every day you go out of your way to help others and you share tips, advice and useful articles - then trust me, you have the right to ask for a sale.

The business owner that produces the most quality content in their sector will over time become the first business people think off. The hierarchies are changing with Social Media and it’s not necessary about who spends the most money it’s about who’s the most visible.

Are you the go-to person in your industry? Are you dominating the market place? Are you first or last?

But rapport and relationship building when done authentically is the biggest chance you have with making social media work for your business.

have conversations. They’re on social media for exactly the same reason as you - they’re using social media as a vehicle to sell stuff.

• X came to me with this problem... • This was the solution we offered... • These were the results from it... • And this is what they said...

Testimonials are absolutely key to your social selling and the amplification of testimonials across social media will increase the number of sales/leads you bring in.

The key is knowing to ask for that sale after you have everything else in place - never try to hard sell in the first interaction.

• Have a list of questions that help to convert • Think of all possible objections and answers to them • Think of what is your closing one liner And work on the close for the sale whilst they’re in buy mode. Sometimes sales don’t happen simply because you didn’t ask “shall we firm this up and put it in the diary”.

If you have zero or few testimonials you are at a massive competitive disadvantage - there is no reason in the world that if you do your job well, you should not have a bank of testimonials. 4. Ask for the sale on Social Media Repeat after me: - it’s ok to sell on Social Media...

MARTIN HAMBLETON I COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER info@martinhambleton.com

07766 815703

www.commercialphotographynorthwestblog.co.uk

Clients are wise enough to know that your reason for being on social media isn’t just to share content and

Alex McCann Altrincham HQ www.altrinchamhq.co.uk

June/July 2016

GM BUSINESS connect

digital marketing Top 5 reasons you must feature your company on ‘Google My Business’ Every company has the opportunity to feature their business on the gargantuan Google platform. Your company can be profiled with promotional pictures, images and video, offer full info for internet searches and allow you to connect directly to your customers. ‘Google My Business’ listings feature prominently in organic local search, and when optimised correctly can dominate over any competing companies. If you haven’t listed your business already on the ‘Google my Business’ platform, you must. Here are the five top reasons why: It is where your current and future customers are. Despite the rise of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, when people are actually searching for real information Google is still king. The search engine receives over 3.5 billion searches daily. If you want dancing cats you go to Facebook. If you want the latest gossip you go to Twitter. If you are looking for new business opportunities you go to LinkedIn. When you want to locate, research and buy something, you go to Google. There are huge volumes of local searches made daily and ‘Google My Business’ puts your company front and centre to hungry consumers with specific, purchase intent. List your business with opening hours for information, maps for clear directions and contact details to make purchases simple. You will look great everywhere. Internet search habits are changing. For the first time mobile searches now outnumber desktop searches and this causes a major problem for over 75% of businesses whose websites are not mobile friendly. Today mobile internet searchers require mobile enabled websites. Mobile friendly websites reconfigure their pages for perfect appearance on mobiles and tablets. They also offer faster page loads for a better user experience and simpler navigation for effective browsing. The vast majority of companies have still not made their sites mobile friendly. As a result consumers, with

who will set this up for you. It is Free! Google have been at the top of the food chain for internet search since the very beginning. They look to keep their dominance by offering relevant solutions to both business and consumer alike. the modern day necessity for instant gratification, abandon their searches as soon as they encounter slow load speeds or tricky navigation. Your ‘Google My Business’ listing will be fully mobile configured and optimised for the small screen, it even offers ‘Click to call’ so making it very easy for searchers to contact your business. Whether your potential customer is on PC, mobile or tablet your ‘Google My Business’ listing will appear beautifully with perfectly sized images, simple navigation and fast page loads, every time. You can build brand, authority and relationships. Modern consumers spend more time communicating digitally than they do personally. The internet is not only a place to converse but also the medium to reach out and forge new relationships. With ‘Google My Business’ you can regularly update your listing to showcase your company, use video to command consumer attention and provide relevant content to build authority and brand awareness in your online sector. At the same time consumers can actively endorse your company with a one click rating system from where you can reply and build lasting relationships. It is real social media for business. Management is Easy. Google has made creating and maintaining your listing as simple as possible. Your intuitive dashboard will make adding and amending content a snip. The interface is ‘point and click’ easy; customer reviews are shown clearly for you to monitor and interact with. There is no HTML or complex coding to endure so this is a task which can be performed in house by any member of staff who is internet savvy. Or you can contact an internet marketing agency

‘Google My Business’ is free for you to use, and its simple mechanics ensure that the internet giant continues to offer the best business solutions and serve relevant timely results to the consumer.

such a prominent and professional internet presence as well as serve your content direct to consumers exactly when they need it. To claim your free ‘Google My Business’ listing today to showcase your company, go to www.google.com/business to start building your brand and growing sales.

Google internet search dominance is set to continue unabated as they continually strive to offer the best solutions to the marketplace. What to do Next. As a business you simply have to take advantage of your free listing.

Howard Jones

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GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

finance

Counting the cost of your

holiday home

Summer is here and as we approach warmer weather (or hope to) the thought of summer holidays also provides something to look forward to, be it a planned escape, or income generated from a holiday home. With the latter in mind, we have decided to take a look at some of the key tax issues holiday homeowners need to be aware of when letting out property. There are a number of unfavourable tax changes for mainstream buy-to-let owners being implemented following the Budget, and it is therefore essential that these changes are understood by landlords to avoid being caught out further into the tax year. So in this issue, our finance expert, Les Leavitt, Managing Partner at local firm LWA, provides an overview of the main tax changes affecting buy-to-let properties overall, including holiday home-owners.

Stamp duty on buying secondary properties Any property purchased other than your primary home as a buy-to-let property that is worth more than £40,000, will now attract a stamp duty surcharge of 3%. This can eat massively into long term returns on buy-to-let property investments.

For example, the stamp duty on a £500,000 house for buy-to-let will be £30,000, or 6% of the purchase price.

investors, will pay more in CGT when selling those properties.

Tax relief on buy-to-let mortgage interest payments to be slashed

Although buy-to-let investors took a hit in the latest Budget announcement, the one small corner of the buy-to-let market that seems to have been left alone is holiday lets, as the changes announced to tax relief for interest not affecting the furnished holiday lettings tax rules.

Originally, a basic rate taxpayer would get 20% tax relief on buy-to-let mortgage interest payments; higher rate taxpayers would receive 40% relief; and top-rate taxpayers could claim 45%. Now, this is all due to change, with tax relief being at a flat rate of 20%, something that will affect those on higher incomes, resulting in them losing much more from buy-to-let mortgage interest payments.

Capital gains tax surcharge for landlords selling property Landlords will now face a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) surcharge compared to other types of investors. The basic rate of CGT will be cut from 18% to 10% and the higher rate will be cut from 28% to 20%, but unfortunately the gains made on residential property sales are not eligible for the new lower rates. Existing rates will instead be maintained, equivalent to an 8% surcharge, meaning those with second homes, and buy-to-let

Good news for holiday lets?

As it stands, if you buy a property and proceed to let it out for holiday use, you will still be able to set your full mortgage interest repayments against tax - good news for holiday homeowners! Not only this, but full capital allowances will still be claimable, meaning that if you decide to renovate a property for holiday use or buy new furniture, that cost can be fully deducted from rental income. The benefits to renting holiday homes don’t stop there either, as furnished holiday lettings are actually classified as business assets for capital gains tax purposes, a result of which means that the tax is levied at only 10%. To be eligible for these benefits if you have a holiday home that you let, the following must apply:

• Your holiday home is open to guests for at least 210 days a year. • Your holiday home is let for more than 105 days a year. • No single guests stay for more than 31 days. • You charge the market value as similar holiday homes in the area. As long as these criteria are met, there is nothing stopping you from staying at the property yourself, however it is important to take into consideration that this will considerably reduce your tax allowances. With all of this in mind, it may be time to consider leaving conventional buy-to-let behind and look towards holiday lettings instead, and what better time to do this than summer?

Les Leavitt Leavitt Walmsley Associates Chartered Certified Accountants www.lwaltd.com

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR HOLIDAY LET TAX BENEFITS Your holiday home is open to guests for at least 210 days a year

Your holiday home is let for more than 105 days a year

No single guests stay for more than 31 days a year

You charge the market value as similar homes in the area

June/July 2016

GM BUSINESS connect

telecomms

A single solution... As an established Vodafone Business Partner for a number of years, we have great faith in their research and development of new products. One such product we are seeing real traction with at the moment is Vodafone One Net. One Net is suite of products that combines both landline and mobile infrastructure. This could be as simple as a one-man band receiving landline calls (possibly from multiple ‘geographic’ dialling codes) on a mobile and presenting a landline number when dialling from a mobile - or it could be a fully integrated phone system for an office with a large mobile workforce. So what does One Net actually do? In simplistic terms it integrates both mobiles and office based phones into a single solution. This means that mobiles become extensions of the phone system. Users are always contactable and calls can be directed more efficiently with the ability to put calls through from office to mobile users seamlessly and vice versa. It also brings together multisite companies. Said Gareth Steel, Commercial Director of TalkUK, “We truly believe in the One Net story and practice what we preach. We adopted the same system about two years ago now and it has been invaluable in linking up

our Hertfordshire and Manchester offices seamlessly. We are one company and there is no ‘you need to call the Manchester office’ and we put calls straight through.”

• In built redundancy - calls routed seamlessly to mobiles in event of outage.

Importantly it also allows calls to be directed out of hours and there has been several anecdotes of companies winning orders and long term contracts where a company has been able to respond to a request at a weekend, whereas the incumbent supplier has not been available.

• You’re in control - easy to use feature management portal allows you to change call routing and settings in real time.

So One Net is a tool which allows companies to respond to customers’ demands, which in our increasingly 24/7 ‘always available’ culture is essential in modern business. It also allows employees to work flexibly, where can work remotely and still be contactable.

The future proofed nature and inbuilt redundancy are particularly important to TalkUK. Gareth added, “A phone system may last 10 years. The customers we are taking to now… a hosted solution simply wasn’t viable when they were selecting their current solution. As systems go end of life and are no longer supported by manufacturers it is a constant headache for IT Managers and the ‘what if’ scenarios.”

There are several other benefits as well: • One Net is a hosted phone system, meaning other than deskphones and a router no equipment is on-site. • No upfront investment, purely operational expenditure. • No costly maintenance contracts, this is covered in simple monthly rental. • Future proofed – benefit from all Vodafone’s product development as and when it goes live.

• One single supplier, one bill, one point of contact.

• One Net Collaboration – integrate with Office 365 to allow calls to be answered on all devices, and video calling.

One Net underpins a philosophy, which Vodafone has coined this ‘better ways of working’. It has enthusiastically adopted the philosophy itself, at its offices there are far fewer desks than employees and by reducing employees’ travel time on increasingly congested roads it has improved work-life balance. Better ways of working has also allowed Vodafone to reduce its carbon footprint,

furthering its corporate social responsibility goals. While other suppliers purport to offer similar solutions, Vodafone has invested significant sums of money into One Net, which had its first launch about ten years ago. As the first UK network to own both fixed and mobile networks (following the acquisition of Cable and Wireless in 2012) it has an early mover advantage and while undoubtedly the merger of BT and EE will provide stiff competition, they are years behind in product development. Other providers have an app that can be downloaded onto the mobile, allowing users to become part of the phone system. However, this relies on a mobile data or wifi connection to work to carry the call. With Vodafone we know it is one single supplier and a true end to end solution. Gareth concluded, “If I were purchasing a phone system now I can’t see why anyone would look beyond a hosted solution. With all the technological advancements over the last 10 years and all the benefits of an integrated fixed/mobile solution, you are not replacing like for like, it is a significant upgrade. And One Net is best in class so really you don’t need to look any further.”

Providing the perfect solution for your Business Communications At TalkUK Telecom we understand the way business trends and economies play a major role in the way which companies look at telecommunications. TalkUK Telecom’s primary objective is to keep your telecommunications technology evolving. Our business solution consultants can advise you about what benefits and advantages it can bring to your business.

TalkUK Telecom Ltd, Osprey House, The Quays, MediaCityUK, M50 2UE info@talkuktelecom.co.uk www.talkuktelecom.co.uk

GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

wellbeing

What happens when things

don’t go to plan? I love failure! Some of my best results have come from brilliant ideas that didn’t work out as originally planned. One such idea was to host ladies parties which included a therapeutic angle. I printed leaflets and paid for promotional advertising in local magazines and newspapers. The adverts failed inasmuch as they didn’t really generate much business, but lead to my being given agony aunt columns and regular editorial pieces, several of which I’ve maintained to this day. When clients come with tales of hurt and disappointment I sometimes ask what they have learned from their experiences. Initially their reply may be not to trust people again or to avoid putting themselves in new situations, but gradually through their therapy, they start to appreciate that failure, something not working out well, has taught them resilience and the ability to look for other options. They learn to understand how they’ve survived and grown as a consequence of being challenged in this way. It’s important to not always play safe. By accepting opportunities to build new relationships, try new skills, risk failure or rejection and move out of your comfort zone you allow yourself to experience growth whilst adding value to your life. Let’s consider some positive ways to approach failure, have a different perspective on setbacks and so begin to thrive: One way is to adopt a positive approach to new situations

and relish saying ‘yes’ to (appropriate) invitations and requests.

You may find that an interesting sideline opens up unexpected opportunities for you too.

Even if something is not quite to your taste and you’d never choose to repeat the experience, you can still respect yourself for having had a go.

Saying ‘yes’ to new things doesn’t always have to entail massive upheaval or great expense and inconvenience.

Some people may regard these intermittent opportunities as a waste of their time, whilst others may view them more positively, as an effective way to meet new people, make different connections, expand their horizons and possibly even end up with an amusing story or two in their repertoire. Reflect on the potential of setbacks and failure. Is everything completely lost? Be receptive to alternative options and different ways that a situation may be retrievable. Take a step back and consider what ground you’ve already covered. Your master plan may be to travel from A to B and a setback may require a diversion en route. Allow yourself to enjoy the journey, appreciate the scenery and relish doing things that are new and unexpected along the way. When you step out of your comfort zone you can learn new skills. I never thought I’d write an article that would get published, let alone two books, or become a regular contributor on the BBC. My diversions have now become a passion, almost another career. Plus I know that my writing has improved as a consequence of all the practice I’m getting which in turn has improved my confidence in many areas.

Something as ‘simple’ as trying a different class at the gym, ordering something new for lunch, inviting someone out for a coffee, travelling another route to work can bring important shifts in your mindset.

of stress in your life a comfort zone can be an important place to reside for a time, but even then simmering resentments and disappointment about ‘if only’ can fester. Treat failure as a stepping stone on your journey and appreciate that those small steps can take you somewhere new, exciting and bring a sense of pride and feeling alive into your life.

I’ve had clients who’ve been so proud of themselves when they’ve done something they’d have previously avoided, when they’ve perhaps made a difficult phone call or done a job that they’d usually have let their partner undertake. Give nyourself credit when you do make that effort. Tell yourself ‘well done’. You’ve earned it. Let others help you too.

Susan Leigh MNCH (ACC)

If you’re not sure how to start, whether you have the confidence or feel you lack the ability, ask for their input and allow others to give you some support.

Susan runs Altrincham based Lifestyle Therapy offering a tailor made combination of counselling and hypnotherapy on a one-to-one or group basis.

Help might come in the form of therapy, coaching, enlisting a personal trainer or even by involving a friend or partner, but allow other people to fill in the gaps and provide you with encouragement along the way.

She works with stressed individuals to promote confidence and self belief, with couples experiencing relationship difficulties to improve communications and understanding and with business clients to support the health and motivation levels of individuals and teams.

People are often honoured to be asked to help someone who’s trying to improve themselves; it makes them feel valued and part of your team. Consider how you’d feel in years to come if you stayed safe in your comfort zone. If you have lots

For more articles, information or to make contact please call 0161 928 7880 or visit

www.lifestyletherapy.net

GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

diary dates 4 Networking

City Centre - Fridays Fortnightly - 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 8 Jul... 12noon - 2.00pm Venue Red Hot World Buffet, 48 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2EG Cost £15 Contact Jon Mason 01942 765308 Cheadle - Fridays Fortnightly - 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 8 Jul... 8.00am - 10.00am Venue De Vere Hotel Cheadle, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheadle SK8 3FS Cost £13 Contact Ian Lavin 07731 837936

page

Dynamic Networking Free Business Networking Sale - 3rd Tuesday monthly - 21 Jun, 21 Jul, 16 Aug 5.30pm - 7.30pm Venue The Boathouse, Sale Water Park, Rifle Road, Sale M33 2LX

Didsbury - Thursdays Fortnightly - 16 Jun, 30 Jun, 14 Jul... 8.00am - 10.00am Venue Grosvenor Casino Didsbury, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury M20 5PG Cost £13 Contact Sam Pratt 0161 875 2369

Stockport - 2nd Thursday monthly 14 Jun, 14 Jul, 11 Aug 5.30pm - 7.30pm Venue Grosvenor Casino, 59 Wellington St, Stockport SK1 3AD

Stockport - Fridays Fortnightly - 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 15 Jul... 8.00am - 10.00am Venue Bamford Arms, Buxton Road, Stockport SK2 6NB Cost £13 Contact Rachael Chiverton 07756 772950 Sale - Tuesdays Fortnightly - 14 Jun, 28 Jun, 12 Jul... 8.00am - 10.00am Venue Sale Golf Club, Sale Lodge, Golf Road, Sale M33 2XU Cost £13 Contact Gary Dwyer 07909 090238 www.4networking.biz

Connectworking Lunch

9 The best charity lunch of the year hosted by GM Business Connect Friday 23 Sept 11.30am - 3.00pm Venue Hotel Football, 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester M16 0SZ Cost £50+VAT+booking fee per person £320+VAT+booking fee table of Contact Paul Mirage 07708 987518 paul@businessconnect publishing.co.uk

Wilmslow - 1st Wednesday monthly 1 Jun, 6 Jul, 3 Aug 5.30pm - 7.30pm Venue Hallmark Hotel, Stanley Drive, Wilmslow SK9 3LD Contact Natalie Lewis natalie@dynamicnetworking.biz www.dynamicnetworking.biz

Action for Business Trafford 4 Aug 12noon - 2.00pm Venue Emirates Old Trafford Talbot Road, Old Trafford M16 0PX Cost £15 (members free) Quarterley Economic Breakfast 19 May 8.00am - 10.00am Venue Elliot House, 151 Deansgate Manchester M3 3WD Cost Free Stockport Breakfast Club 11 Aug 7.15 - 9.00am Venue Alma Lodge Hotel, 149 Buxton Road Stockport SK2 6EL Cost £30+VAT (Members £15+VAT) Contact events@gmchamber.co.uk 0161 393 4343

Handbags & Briefcases

Women’s networking Finance for the future 22 Jun 10.00am - 12.00pm Venue Trinity House, 114 Northenden Road Sale, Cheshire M33 3HD Cost £5.00 Email Marketing Workshop 6 Jul 10.30am - 12.30pm Venue Urmston Library, Corner of Hilton Ave & Crofts Bank Rd, Urmston M41 0NA Cost £20.00

Summer Social and Cocktail Class Federation of 11 Small Businesses 20 Jul 7.00pm - 9.00pm Venue GUSTO Restaurant and Bar, Bring a buddy networking 756 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury 1st Monday - 4 Jul, 5 Sep, 3 Oct M20 2DW 6.00pm - 8.00pm page Altrincham & Sale Cost £20.00 24 Chamber of Commerce Venue Orega Serviced Offices, Blue Tower, MediaCity M50 2ST Breakfast Matters - Networking and breakfast Contact Jenny Matthews 07984 872325 Cost Free Thursdays 7 Jul, 4 Aug, 1 Sep 8.30 - 10.00am info@handbagsandbriefcases.co.uk Venue Cresta Court Hotel, Church Street, 3rd Monday - 20 Jun, 18 Jul, 19 Sep, 17 Oct page Altrincham WA14 4DP K-Club Manchester 6.00pm - 8.00pm 18 Entrepreneur’s networking breakfast Cost £10 Venue Stretford Hall, Chester Rd M32 0LG Contact Anne Jardine 0161 941 3250 7 Jul, 22 Sept 7.30am - 10.00am Cost Free anne@altrinchamchamber.co.uk Venue AJ Bell Stadium, Barton-Upon-Irwell, Salford M30 7EY First Friday Club Bowdon Business Club Cost £30.00 Networking 3 Jun, 1 Jul, 5 Aug Weekly every Friday Contact Amanda Manson 07754 069829 1.00pm - 3.00pm - early networking includes full breakfast amanda.manson@k-club.co.uk Venue Pall Mall Medical, 61-67 King Street, 6.45am - 8.30am Manchester M2 4PD Venue Mercure Bowdon Hotel, Manchester Business Cost £15 Langham Road, Bowdon WA14 2HT Breakfast Club Contact Stephen Iacovou 07872 463690 Cost £10 Weekly Networking every Friday stephen.iacovou@cottonsfp.com Contact Members@BowdonBusinessClub.co.uk - early networking includes breakfast 7.00 - 8.30am Business Banter Forward Ladies Venue Manchester Tennis & Racquet Club, Business Networking, First Weds Monthly, Women’s Networking Power Business 33 Blackfriars Road, Salford M3 7AQ 2 Course Dinner, welcome drink Breakfast Club - 1st Wednesday Monthly Cost Visitors free for 2 visits 6.30pm - 8.30pm 8 Jun, 6 Jul, 3 Aug 9.30am - 11.00am Contact 0161 820 1135 Venue TBC Venue Albert Schloss, 27 Peter Street, info@manchester-bbc.co.uk Cost £26.94 Manchester M2 5QR Contact Debra Carroll Cost £12 M62 Connections 07814 131721 PAYG Networking Contact 0845 6434 940 businessbanter@talktalk.net Wednesdays Fortnightly enquiries@forwardladies.com page 20 Business over Breakfast 15 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 jul... 9.30am - 11.30am Greater Manchester Networking - Fridays fortnightly Venue The Coach House, Wilderspool Chamber of Commerce 17 Jun, 1 Jul, 15 Jul... 7.00 - 9.00am Wood, Trafford Centre M17 8WW Action for Business Manchester Venue Neighbourhood, The Avenue North, Cost £10 15 Jun 7.30am - 9.30am Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3BZ Venue National Football Museum, Cost £15 22 Jun, 6 Jul, 20 Jul... 8.30am - 10.30am Urbis Building, Cathedral Street, Contact Tracy Heatley 07812 076946 Venue The Peace Centre, Warrington Manchester M4 3BG WA5 1HQ Cost £15 (members free) Carrington Business Park Cost £10 Networking Action for Business Rochdale Mondays - 13 Jun, 11 Jul, 12 Sep Thursdays Fortnightly 10 Jun 12noon - 2.00pm 9.30am - 11.30am 9 Jun, 23 Jun, 14 Jul... 9.30am - 11.30am Venue Norton Grange, Manchester Road, Venue Carrington Business Park, Venue The Sandbrook, Sandbrook Way, Rochdale OL11 2XZ Carrington, Manchester, M31 4DD Rochdale, OL11 1RY Cost £15 (members free) Cost Free Cost £10 Contact Sue Murray 0161 776 4000 Action for Business Salford Contact Bill Dove 07932 044 743 smurray@cbpl.co.uk 24 Jun 12noon - 2.00pm www.m62connections.co.uk page Cheshire Business Venue On the 7th, The Landing, Blue Tower 10 Expo 2016 On the 7th Networking MediaCityUk, Salford M50 2ST Breakfast Networking 14 September 2016 10.00am - 4.00pm Cost £15 (members free) 13 July, 10 Aug 9.00am - 11.00am Venue The Hallmark Hotel Manchester Action for Business Oldham Venue On the 7th, The Landing, Blue Tower Airport, Stanley Road, Handforth 12 Jul 7.30am - 9.30am MediaCityUk, Salford M50 2ST Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3LD Venue Hotel Smokies, Ashton Road Cost £10 Cost Free (pre-registration required) Oldham OL8 3HX Contact Rachel Kirkman 0161 686 5500 Contact James Caldwell 0844 887 1550 Cost james@innov8-conferences.co.uk £15 (members free) hello@onthe7th.co.uk page

Rotary Club Altrincham

Networking, Dinner - Every Monday 7.00pm Venue Cresta Court Hotel, Church Street, Altrincham WA14 4DP £12 Cost Contact Ken Garrity 0161 929 0142 kengarrity@hotmail.com

Rotary Club Sale

Networking, Dinner - Every Tuesday 7.00pm Venue The Belmore, Brooklands Road, Sale M33 3QN Contact Peter Munday 0161 969 1391 Mari Griffin 0161 962 6078

The Business Network Manchester

Business Lunch 20 Jul, 31 Aug 10.00am - 2.00pm Venue The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, Manchester M3 5LH Business Lunch 23 Jun 10.00am - 2.00pm Venue The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6LJ £39.95 Cost Contact Helen Bennett 0870 751 7523 helen@business-network.co.uk

The Office Next Door

Business Networking at Regus - Last Thursday every month 30 Jun, 28 Jul, 25 Aug Venue 8.30am - 10.15am Regus Manchester Business Park, 3000 Aviator Way, Manchester M22 5TG Free for guests Cost Venue Cost

12noon - 2.00pm, Regus Cheadle Royal, 5300 Lakeside, Cheadle SK8 3GP Free for guests

Venue 4.00pm - 6.00pm Regus Manchester, Peter House, Oxford St, M1 5AN Free for guests Cost chris@theindependentratingscompany.co.uk

Trafford Business Club

Weekly Networking every Friday - early networking includes breakfast 6.30 - 8.30am Venue Bean and Brush Café, The Old Sorting Office, 12 Hayfield Walk, Sale M33 7XW £5 for guests Cost Contact Jon Cheetham 07971 575977 Laura Evans 07976 894419

Trafford Business Club EURO DEBATE

Panel Debate Thursday 16 June 6.00 - 9.00pm Venue SaleFC Rugby Club, Heywood Road, Sale, Cheshire M33 3WB FREE Cost Contact Jon Cheetham 07971 575977 Laura Evans 07976 894419

Trafford Business Expo 2016

7 June 2016 10.00am - 4.00pm Venue The Point, Emirates Old Trafford Talbot Road, Old Trafford M16 0PX Free (pre-registration required) Cost Contact Liz Sinclair 0844 887 1550 liz@innov8-conferences.co.uk

Women’s 20/20

Women’s networking - second Wednesday each month - 15 Jun, 13 Jul, 10 Aug 12.15 - 2.30pm Venue Mercure Bowdon Hotel, Langham Road, Bowdon WA14 2HT £20 for non-members Cost Contact Julie Gray enquiries@2020network.co.uk

Don’t forget your Business Cards! Please note If you plan to visit any of the above events please ensure all details are correct in advance. Whilst every effort has been made to confirm accuracy some details may be subject to change.

GM BUSINESS connect

June/July 2016

places to meet AJ Bell Stadium

Event City

Address Contact Facilities

Address Phoenix Way, Manchester M41 7TB Contact 0161 870 9800 Facilities Conferences, Large Events

1, Stadium Way, Eccles, Salford M30 7EY 0161 786 1570 Conference, Meeting Rooms, Events

Albert Square Chop House Address Contact Facilities

Memorial Hall, 14 Albert Square, Manchester M2 5PF 0161 834 1866 Function Room, Restaurant, Pub

Bean and Brush Art Café Address 12 Hayfield Walk, Sale M33 7XW Contact 0161 973 2140 Facilities Café, Food, Drink

Friends’ Meeting House Address 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS Contact 0161 834 5797 Facilities Meeting Rooms, Conference Venue

Gastronomy

Bossco

Business Design Store

13 Stonepail Road, Gatley SK8 4EZ 0161 282 0011 Tea/Coffee, Web Design, Print, Business Support

Bowdon Rooms The Cinnamon Club Address Contact Facilities

The Firs, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 2TQ 0161 282 0011 Conferences, Boardroom, Live Music

Café Gourmand Address 221 Ashley Road, Hale WA15 9SZ Contact 0161 929 6050 Facilities Coffee and Patisserie Shop

Carrington Business Park Address Contact Facilities

Carrington Lane, Carrington, Manchester M31 4DD 0161 776 4000 Café, Conference Rooms

Costa Coffee Address 33-35 George Street, Altrincham WA14 1RN Contact 0161 929 0382 Address Century House, Ashley Road, Hale WA15 9SF Contact 0161 926 9913

McGregors Address Contact Facilities

Macdonald Manchester Hotel Address Contact Facilities

London road, Manchester M1 2PG 0344 879 9088 Leisure Club, Spa, Conference Centre, Restaurant

Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel Address Contact Facilities

Hale Road, Hale Barns, Cheshire WA15 8XW 0161 904 0301 Leisure Club, Spa, Conference Centre, Restaurant

Address Contact Facilities

Cheadle House, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheadle SK8 3FS 0161 492 100 Conference, Leisure, Restaurant

Eaton Place Business Park Address 114 Washway Road, Sale M33 7RF Contact 0161 905 1424 Facilities Meeting Rooms, Offices

Elliot House Address 151 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WD Contact 0161 393 4352 Facilities Meeting Rooms, Private Dining

Emirates Old Trafford Home of LCCC - Event Space

Address Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0PX Contact 0161 282 4020 Facilities Conference, Meeting Rooms, Events

Address Contact Facilities

42 Stamford Park Road, Hale WA15 9EP 07921 717548 Meeting Rooms, Café

The Lowry Hotel Address Contact Facilities

50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf Manchester M3 5LH 0161 827 4000 Conference, Leisure, Hotel

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa

Back Pool Fold (off Cross Street), Manchester M2 1HN 0161 834 3210 Restaurant, Pub

Address Contact Facilities

St Anthony’s Centre

Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6LJ 01565 830 155 Meeting Rooms, Conferences

Victoria Warehouse

Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1JF 0161 848 9173 Conference Rooms

Address Contact Facilities

San Carlo Fiorentina Manchester Airport, Marriott Hotel, Hale Road, Hale Barns, Cheshire WA15 8XW 0161 904 5043 Bar & Restaurant

Trafford Wharf Road, Stretford, Manchester M17 1AB 0161 660 7000 Conference, Leisure, Hotel

Warren Bruce Court Address Contact Facilities

Warren Bruce Road, Stretford, Manchester M17 1LB 0845 602 5047 Meeting Rooms

SPECIALISTS IN

SIGNAGE

Mercure Bowdon Hotel

DESIGN • PRINT • INSTALL

Mersey Farm Address Contact Facilities

Carrington Lane, Ashton On Mersey, Sale M33 5BL 0161 962 8113 Restaurant, Hotel, Free Parking

Midland Hotel

Mr Thomas’s Chop House

DeVere Venues

Sunbank Lane, Altrincham WA15 8XQ 0161 489 3932 Conference Room, Conference area underneath Concorde, Restaurant, Concorde Experience and Tours, Meeting Rooms

Address Langham Road, Bowdon WA14 2HT Contact 0161 928 7121 Facilities Hotel and Leisure, Free Parking

Facilities Coffee, Snacks Church Street, Altrincham WA14 4DP 0161 927 7272 Snack, Rest, Hotel, Free Parking

The Little Deli Company

Sam’s Chop House

Address Contact Facilities

Warburton House, 14 Eagle Brow, Lymm WA13 0LJ also at 102 School Road, Sale M33 7XB 01925 551797 Coffee, Snacks

The LifeCentre

Runway Visitor Park

Address Contact Facilities

Address 235 Washway Road, Sale M33 4BP Contact 0161 850 0770 Facilities Meeting Rooms, Café

Facilities Offices, Meeting Rooms

Address Contact Facilities

The Coffee House

Manchester Escalator

Address 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS Contact 0161 236 3333 Facilities Function Rooms, Hotel

Address Contact Facilities

Manchester Business Park, 3000 Aviator Way, Manchester M22 5TG

Address 233 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN Contact 07711 556913 Facilities Coffee, Food, Meeting Room

Address Golden Way, Urmston, Manchester M41 0NA Contact 0161 926 7707

Cresta Court Hotel

Address Contact Facilities

29 Stamford New Road, Altrincham WA14 1EB 0161 928 1487 Natural Organic Food Served

Address Contact Facilities

5300 Lakeside, Cheadle Royal Business Park, Cheadle SK8 3GP

Houldsworth Mill

Bizspace

380 Chester Road, Manchester M16 9EA 0161 877 5579 Meeting Rooms, Offices

Contact 0845 300 3585

Houldsworth Street, Reddish, Stockport SK5 6DA 0161 975 6000 Meeting Rooms, Conferences

Address Contact Facilities

Address Peter House, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 5AN

Address 191 Ashley Road, Hale WA15 9SQ Contact 0161 928 7870 Facilities Deli, Coffee Shop

Address Bizspace Atlantic Business Centre Address Atlantic Street, Altrincham WA14 5NQ Contact Contact 0161 926 3600 Facilities Facilities Conference Rooms, Café Empress Business Centre

Regus

Meeting rooms for hire across a range of Regus properties

Address 52 Cross Street, Manchester M2 7AR Contact 0161 832 2245 Facilities Restaurant, Pub

On The 7th The Landing Address Contact Facilities

The Blue Tower, MediaCityUK, Salford Quays M50 2ST 0161 686 5500 Bar, Restaurant, Conference Room

Red House Farm Address Contact Facilities

Red House Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 5RL 0161 941 3480 Restaurant, Conference Room

Red Rooms

Meeting rooms for hire across a range of Bruntwood properties

Address Station House, Stamford New Road, Altrincham WA14 1EP

Landmark House, Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire SK8 7BS

111 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2HY

Contact 0843 504 4753 Facilities Offices, Meeting Rooms

WINDOW GRAPHICS

MAGNETIC VEHICLE SIGNAGE

BANNERS

INTERNAL / EXTERNAL SIGNAGE

ESTATE AGENCY SIGNAGE

FASCIAS

DIGITAL PRINT

Call us now to find out how we can display your business in the best possible way. Call Dave or Paul on 0161 864 2688 to find out more. RW Signs, 2a Jackson Street, Stretford, Manchester M32 8AY office@rwsigns.co.uk www.rwsigns.co.uk

COLOURING YOUR FUTURE

WWW.STEPHENSANDGEORGE.CO.UK

01685 388888 SALES@STEPHENSANDGEORGE.CO.UK

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Call us on 0161 933 7158

Call ontogethermoney.com 0161 933 7158 or us visit or visit togethermoney.com For professional use only. Together is a trading style of each of the undernoted companies, which have their registered office address at Lake View, Lakeside, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 3GW. Auction Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company

For professional use only. Registration Number 04949929. Blemain Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company Registration Number 01185052. Blemain Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of is second charge loans property. In respect of regulated mortgage contracts, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited, which is and authorised Together a trading style of secured each ofon theresidential undernoted companies, which have their registered office Blemain address Finance at Lake Limited View, Lakeside, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 3GW. Auction Finance Limited is registered in England Wales and - Company regulated by the Financial Conduct BridgingisFinance Limited is registered England and Wales - CompanyNumber Registration NumberBlemain 03166982. In respect of regulated mortgage Finance Limited is an Introducer Registration Number 04949929. BlemainAuthority. Finance Limited registered in England and in Wales - Company Registration 01185052. Finance Limited is authorised andcontracts, regulatedBridging by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect Appointed Mortgage Corporation Limited, which ismortgage authorisedcontracts, and regulated by theFinance Financial Conduct Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company of second charge Representative loans secured of onCheshire residential property. In respect of regulated Blemain Limited is Authority. an Introducer Appointed Representative of Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited, whichRegistration is authorised and Number Cheshire Mortgage LimitedLimited is authorised and regulated by the Authority - FirmNumber Reference No 305253. Lancashire Mortgagemortgage Corporation Limited Bridging is registered in England andis Wales regulated by the02613335. Financial Conduct Authority.Corporation Bridging Finance is registered in England andFinancial Wales - Conduct Company Registration 03166982. In respect of regulated contracts, Finance Limited an Introducer Company Registration Number 02058813. In respect of regulated mortgage contracts, Lancashire Mortgage Corporation Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited, which is authorised Appointed Representative of Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited is registered in England and Wales - Company Registration and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Number 02613335. Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - Firm Reference No 305253. Lancashire Mortgage Corporation Limited is registered in England and Wales Company Registration Number 02058813. In respect of regulated mortgage contracts, Lancashire Mortgage Corporation Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Cheshire Mortgage Corporation Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Business Connect Magazine - June/July 2016

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