The Hertfordshire Business Independent April Edition

RICHARD FARLEIGH Multi-millionaire investor and BBC Dragon exclusively reveals his successes and failures and why when it comes to investing he isn’t always ‘Mr Nice Guy’

THE BATTLE TO REACH THE BOARDROOM Find out what the region’s businesswomen think about the challenges facing women at the top!

TECHNOLOGY : Is Google Chrome as good as it gets?

FEATURE : PERFORMANCE UNDER PRESSURE How to succeed when the pressure mounts!

IN FOCUS : Hemel Hempstead and Surrounding Area PROPERTY : The Taxing Problem of Capital Gains

issue April 2010

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CONTENTS NEWS A roundup of the latest business news and stories from our region

INTERVIEW : RICHARD FARLEIGH Exclusive Interview with multi-millionaire investor and BBC Dragon

MONEY Giles Dixon reveals why SME’s are turning to Virtual Lawyers to protect against bad debts

LEGAL Clare Waller at HRJ Law discusses another legal conundrum in her regular column.

IN FOCUS Feature on Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area

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PROPERTY Selwyn Langley of Chartered Surveyors Langley Byers Bennet delves into the taxing problems of capital gains

BUSINESS SUPPORT Nigel Watson of Q4 Solution explains how to maintain business as usual when the pressure mounts

TECHNOLOGY Matt Ladd investigates the latest additions to the Google empire

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EDUCATION & TRAINING The rise in gap years for students as university competition intensifies .

OUT OF HOURS Look good, feel great, win more business thanks to Riverbanks Clinic

DRIVE We review that new E-Class Cabriolet

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NETWORKING & EVENTS Mr Network Andy Lopata reveals his top ten tips to get your referral message across

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SUCCESS ALL ROUND AT THE BIG EVENT

CONTRIBUTORS

&

More than 100 people attended The BIG Event on 4th March at The Fielder Centre in Hatfield, where they had the opportunity to network alongside some well known faces including Julie Meyer from the BBC Online Dragon’s Den.

CONTACTS MANAGING DIRECTOR Simon George EDITOR Jenna Gould editor@businessindependent.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Julia Girling Bob Fahy Clare Waller Mindy Gibbins-Klein Sneha Khilay Donna Nash Clare Rayner Nigel Watson Selwyn Langley Matt Ladd Keith Sammons Terry Sullivan Becky Lewis Andy Lopata DESIGNER Karen Birch www.velvetagency.com

ADVERTISING Terry Sullivan terry@businessindependent.co.uk

Sona Shah sona@businessindependent.co.uk TEL : 0844 358 5800 www.businessindependent.co.uk

Published by : Business Independent Ltd. Old Batford Mill Lower Luton Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 5BZ COPYRIGHT Copyright: 2010 Business Independent Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior consent of the publishers. The views expressed in any of the Business Independent series of regional magazines are not necessarily the views of the publishers Business Independent Ltd. Whilst Business Independent Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither they nor any contributing author can accept any legal responsibility for any consequences that may arise from errors or omissions contained in this publication or from acting on any opinions or advice given.

In particular, this publication is general and not a substitute for professional advice and you should consult your own professional advisors where appropriate.

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Nine keynote speakers took the stand during the course of the day, including Bill Morrow from Angel’s Den, author and publisher Mindy GibbinsKlein and Penny Power, founder of Ecademy. The event was described by attendees as ‘the most exciting networking opportunity we’ve seen for local businesses in a long time’, bringing together business people from across Hertfordshire and the neighbouring counties.

The event organisers have reported that the day was a complete success and have heard that since the event many people have continued to develop successful connections, as well as picking up excellent advice and tips from the day. The event closed with the prize draw with over £8000 in prizes drawn to 10 lucky attendees. Tickets had been on sale all day in aid of The Prince’s Trust.

Exemplas were delighted to be key sponsors for The BIG Event. With a commitment to helping organisations develop and grow, Exemplas provided information on the current funding which they can access for businesses in the area. This includes the high profile Graduate Internships, financing for NVQs Level 2, and generous subsidies to benefit your business.

Welcome... to the second edition of The Hertfordshire Business Independent,

which finds us recovering from two great events, the much anticipated BIG Event which was a huge success and of course our very own magazine launch party (you can see pictures from the event in this issue).

We’ve got an exciting mix of articles and advice this month to help you grow and develop your business, including an article from performance culture specialist Nigel Watson on how to keep performing when the pressure starts to mount. Following recent news that women are under-represented in the For further information on funding available for Boardroom, we’ve asked some your organisation visit of the region’s businesswomen www.exemplas.com/funding what they think about the challenges facing women aiming for the top and in our out of hours section this month, we take a visit to the award-winning Riverbanks Clinic to find out why people are prepared to travel literally hundreds of miles to the tranquil surroundings of East Hyde just to meet its owner Dr Jain. As always, we love to hear about your latest news, celebrations and announcements so please keep sending your stories through!

Have a great month - Jenna

:

Jenna Gould : Editor

JAMES CAAN TO LAUNCH ENTREPRENEURS’ BUSINESS ACADEMY

James Caan, businessman and star of BBC’s Dragons’ Den has launched his own business academy – The James Caan Entrepreneurs’ Business Academy - which specialises in entrepreneurialism.

James Caan is spearheading his exciting new venture for emerging entrepreneurs and existing owners of small to medium sized enterprises, interested in modelling the very best. The purpose of the academy is to provide knowledge, and pass on hard gained experience and practical guidance to entrepreneurs.

James Caan’s EBA has been set up to equip business owners and the enlightened entrepreneur with the necessary tools to succeed and be ahead of the competition. The course ensures that entrepreneurs capitalise on all that ‘sweat equity’ and ‘sunk cost’ by developing either a plan to increase then sell their business or take their business to a much higher level.

If an application is successful, entrepreneurs and business owners can network with other committed, like-minded and aspirational people in a private and supportive environment, guided by James and his team of millionaire mentors.

The next EBA Intro Event takes place on 24th April at The Holiday Inn, Kensington Forum, London. For more information visit www.the-eba.com

LOCAL TOURIST SECTOR MUST FOCUS ON FOUR L’S IN TIME FOR EASTER Local translation agency Thames Translations is urging the region’s tourist industry to ensure that their marketing communications hit the right note with local and overseas visitors if they want to capitalise on the upturn in tourism this year.

The economy is improving, albeit slowly, and the general consensus at Harpenden-based Thames Translations, is that the public are more positive about the current state of affairs.

This is good news for the tourist industry, but also means that many of those marketing activities such as websites, brochures and so on which you may have been putting off are becoming increasingly urgent as the weeks roll by.

If you are suddenly aware that you have a mountain of material to update and don’t know where to start, Sarah McKie, Marketing Manager at Thames Translations’ recommends looking at your website first.

“Many more people are using the web as their primary source of reference when looking for places to visit, accommodation, dining and so on and it can give you the greatest reach for your buck, especially if you are on a tight budget and timescale,” says Sarah.

When reviewing a website, Sarah always advises clients to check the 4 L’s: Language, Layout, Localisation & Longevity. But to give local businesses a kickstart in time for the Easter opening season, Thames Translations has developed a factsheet to help local businesses understand what is meant by these Four L’s and how they can tap into them to maximise business success.

To request the factsheet email marketing@thames.net. For more information visit www.thames-translations.com

Simon George Managing Director Thames Translations

STAR OF BBC’S ‘MILLION DOLLAR TRADER’ LAUNCHES NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PROPERTY WEBSITE Cyber-Duck, a multiple award winning interactive media agency has been revealed as the digital agency behind the revolutionary new property website Hablib launched by Hertfordshire entrepreneur and star of the BBC’s TV show ‘Million Dollar Trader’ Anton Kreil.

Hablib.com is a revolutionary and innovative website converging social media and property listings online. It offers an alternative to the usual property advertising offering; 0% estate agency fees on sales and 0% letting fees on rentals so that consumers can sell and rent properties online and free of charge. Despite only launching 8 weeks ago, the site is already generating significant interest with a new first time buyer registering every 20 minutes.

Hablib has the potential to completely transform the landscape of the UK property market, unlocking the potential for people to manage the whole process of buying or selling a property in one place with complete peace of mind and without the hassle of having to deal with estate agents. With Hablib, sellers can profile their property online and utilise social media tools, such as calendar views to manage property viewings, to market it directly to buyers.

Prospective buyers and renters upload full profiles of themselves, potentially including employment history and educational background. Sellers and landlords then get to vet buyers and tenants without an agent and converse with them directly.

Sellers can also find HIP providers, conveyancers and all other relevant service providers, who can be invited to bid for jobs, using Hablib’s sophisticated bid management system. Aside from convenience, this online open bidding system ensures that the most cost effective and reputable service providers can be sourced at all times. www.hablib.com

The number of small and medium-sized businesses in the South East who have had to make job cuts has fallen in the past six months, but more expect to shed staff in the coming halfyear according to new research.

Research carried out by Clifton Asset Management (CAM), which provides specialist financial and strategic advice to SMEs, reveals that 26 per cent of firms have been forced to shed jobs over the past six months, down 2 per cent on the previous quarterly survey.

But the latest CAM study also shows that the number who say they will have to reduce their payroll further in the coming six months has edged up, from 12 per cent to 13 per cent.

The survey follows the latest official figures from the Office for National Statistics which show a slight fall in UK unemployment – the first to be recorded since the early part of 2008.

Director at Clifton, Antony Carty

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NEWS

MORE JOB CUTS ON THE WAY FOR SOUTH EAST SMEs

HERTFORDSHIRE APPRENTICES DISCOVER THE REAL WORLD OF ROCKET SCIENCE

Three business students from Hertfordshire College have set in motion a process that has resulted in them becoming business trainee apprentices with one of the world’s leading global missile companies, MBDA.

HERTFORDSHIRE EMPLOYERS ENCOURAGED TO BACK YOUNG BRITAIN

Welfare to work provider Reed in Partnership is calling on organisations in Hertfordshire to sign up to the government’s Backing Young Britain campaign, which is being launched this month to offer internships and work experience placements to 18-24 year olds in the area.

The Backing Young Britain initiative brings businesses, public and voluntary organisations together to ensure the valuable skills of young people are not wasted, but are developed to their full potential.

Businesses and organisations that sign up to the scheme will benefit from a cost effective staffing service that will not only source potential candidates, but also pre-vet them to ensure they are suitable for the internships and work placements on offer.

The programme runs until June 2011 and forms part of the government’s programme to create job, training and work experience opportunities for 17-24 year olds across the UK. As part of Backing Young Britain the government has guaranteed every young person who is unemployed for six months the offer of a job, training or work experience, supported by up to 470,000 opportunities over the next 17 months.

For more information and advice about how to Back Young Britain businesses can visit www.hmg.gov.uk/backingyoungbritain or to register to offer an internship www.backingyoungbritain.co.uk

The girls, Hannah Johnson, Jody Patrick and Charlotte Hutton all studied for the BTEC National Diploma as a foundation for selection as Business Trainee Apprentices at MBDA’s Stevenage based research and development centre.

Under the national apprenticeship scheme these young people combine genuine “hands–on” work at MBDA for 3.5 days a week to develop a comprehensive range of specific work-based skills, plus 1.5 days of study for a Business Degree at the University of Hertfordshire.

The three business trainee apprentices all know how comprehensive the opportunities for career progression are at MBDA, including working in Europe and the USA. They also have the opportunity to study foreign languages at NHC, to help communication with their overseas counterparts, and improve their business prospects.

TWENTY YEARS SERVICE REWARDED AT ADEPT SCIENTIFIC

They say life-long careers with the same company are a thing of the past, but Adept Scientific’s (Letchworth, Herts) longest-serving employee has proved the experts wrong.

Last month, Sue Walton celebrated an amazing 20 years. It’s a work partnership that has sailed through the seven year itch and lasted longer than the average marriage in the UK! “Sue has been with us from the early days; she has seen everything and still stayed with us,” Paul Bragg, Managing Director, joked. “Her loyalty and enthusiasm is as strong as it was 20 years ago and it certainly doesn’t seem that long – well, for us anyway…”

While staff turnover is higher than ever in the wider economy, Adept Scientific continues to buck the trend.

A 2008 Barclays Local Business survey showed that less than a third of small businesses had at least one employee who has worked for them for over ten years. Adept Scientific can boast that more than 30 per cent of the team have been with the company for more than 10 years. These long-standing members of the Adept family have been with the company through thick and thin, seen it grow and change, and contributed to its success.

SIGNATURE AVEDA SPA CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR IN ST ALBANS Local hair and beauty spa, Jo Banks, has celebrated a highly successful first year’s trading from their luxury salon in Chequer Street, St Albans with a VIP party.

Unlike many High Street beauty salons, Jo Banks offers a wide range of specialist, cutting-edge hair and beauty therapies as well as the full range of Aveda products. In fact, many of the Aveda hair and beauty products are only available from Jo Banks in Hertfordshire and the surrounding area.

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Jo Banks is a highly experienced salon owner with a well-established hair and beauty business in Hertford called Hearts. The St Albans salon is situated near The Maltings shopping centre and is the only Aveda spa to date but more are planned. Says Jo, “We have been delighted by the response to our opening and to the Aveda spa and salon concept, a first for the area.

We are looking forward to a busy second year!”

WIN AN AWARD AND SEE YOUR SALES SOAR BY 30%

A survey of the views of 8,000 Hertfordshire-based small businesses points to growing confidence about the prospects for 2010 in the county and indicates that winning an award could dramatically boost your sales.

The poll, conducted by the FSB reveals that two-thirds of those polled said that they believe that 2010 will be a better trading year than 2009 and 76% of businesses are confident about their prospects. Nearly half of those polled (49%) indicated that they have already won new business in 2010.

But of those polled, only 13% have entered awards. Of those that have, an impressive 81% have won on at least one occasion. Academic research points to awards having a significant impact on the performance of businesses, with winners achieving an average uplift in revenues of around 30%.

Maree Atkinson from the Federation of Small Businesses said: “The results of our poll are very encouraging. Our message to small businesses is that there is no better time to enter an award to add further momentum to your business.”

For further information visit www.fsb.org.uk/hertsawards

STRONG GROWTH PREDICTED FOR FIRMS IN EAST OF ENGLAND

Businesses in the East of England are predicting a strong growth in turnover of 4.2% over the coming year which is reflected in a record-high Confidence Index score of 33.3 in the Q1 2010 ICAEW UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM). The BCM has now recorded a positive trend in confidence in the East of England for five consecutive quarters.

This quarter’s predicted growth rate for turnover in the East of England is the highest since Q3 2008 and represents an improvement from expectations of 3.7% growth in the last quarterly survey.

Results for the region include larger wage increases than any other region, positive expectations for headcount and a sharp rise in customer demand compared to a year ago.

Said Pippa Bourne, Regional Director of the ICAEW in the East of England, “The continued rise in confidence in our region is encouraging and it is essential businesses receive the support they need. However, there’s no room for complacency. Access to capital still appears relatively tight for firms in the East of England and so this may mean some businesses in the region are unable to capitalise on the opportunities of increased customer demand.” This will be one of the issues to be discussed at an ICAEW conference ‘Preparing for the Upturn’ to be held in Cambridge on 25 May www.icaew. com/eastengland.

To access the survey in full go to www.icaew.com/bcm

For only the second time in 12 years, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Beds Cambs and Herts Region has awarded its coveted ‘Outstanding Venue of the Year’ - this time to Tewin Bury Farm Hotel.

Tewin Bury Farm has been in the Williams family since 1932. The country house hotel, established in 1980, now has 39 bedrooms and 9 conference and function rooms, many in renovated period buildings.

Sales Manager Debbie Williams said, “We are absolutely over the moon to win this award. All credit goes to our staff, who do give exceptional service. Everyone says the same thing - nothing is too much trouble for them.”

PETER JONES SETS ENTREPRENEURIAL CHALLENGE FOR HERTFORDSHIRE STUDENTS

310 pupils from the Hertfordshire area have taken up Peter Jones’ challenge of turning £10 into a profit in just one month as part of Enterprise UK’s Make Your Mark with a Tenner campaign.

A £10 note was given to each of the young people last month. The Hertfordshire students aged 19 and under, were challenged to come up with creative and enterprising ideas that will make money and make a difference – and to return the £10 note at the end of the month.

The children have the chance to win a school assembly visit from leading entrepreneurs including Peter Jones, Eden Project founder Tim Smit and CEO of Firebox and Moshi Monsters, Michael Acton Smith. Six winners will also receive £100 along with support from a business mentor to help develop their entrepreneurial ideas.

It is estimated that combined, these 310 students could generate a profit of around £5,400.

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NEWS

TEWIN BURY FARM HOTEL SCOOPS OUTSTANDING VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARD

MULTI MILLIONAIRE RICHARD FARLEIGH TALKS ABOUT SUCCESS AND FAILURE

BY JULIA GIRLING Well-known for his two seasons on Dragons’ Den, Richard Farleigh was known as ‘Mr Nice’ but he says he would rather have been known as ‘Mr Fair’ due to his tough but fair approach.

When he reviews business proposals that are looking for backing, he assesses these on the quality of the people rather than the product.

He comments, “It’s about 90% quality of the people and 10% quality of the product. Most of my effort goes into somehow assessing the person, which can be trickier.”

Speaking at the University of Hertfordshire’s Spotlight event, Richard gave an insight into his successes and failures.

He commented, “You can learn more from your failures than from your successes and, luckily for me, I had plenty of failures so I have learnt a lot!” He used to hope that they lost money in their first few months. He says, “There is nothing worse than some smartass who makes good money; it’s a curse - then they think they know everything. It is far better to have some failures because you work a lot harder and think a lot more.”

Richard Farleigh had a difficult start in life and was sent to a foster home in Sydney at a young age.

At the age of 23, Richard went to work for a top investment bank where he had his first taste of business, and then at 27 he was moved to the proprietary trading desk and was the youngest director in the bank.

Richard was then poached from the bank and went to work as the head o f a p r i v a t e h e d g e f u n d i n Bermuda and at 34 he retired and moved to Monte Carlo.

Since coming out of retirement, Richard has invested in a range of companies. He backed a private members’ club in London, Home House, which started out being unsuccessful and gained itself a reputation of ‘the Fawlty Towers of clubs’ until celebrities far and wide came to experience the place. He comments, “This was a challenge as on day one we had to have 100 new staff employed and it was absolute chaos for six months”. This business was a success when he sold out about two years ago; he then bought a restaurant called Scott’s which lost him money every day.

Now he has sold it he says, “It is now one of London’s most successful restaurants!”

Since leaving Dragons’ Den, Richard has twenty companies in various stages of success and failure, one being for radiation detection and another for asthma. When asked what motivates him to push forward, he answered, “You want to have that feeling in life where people are happy and you want to leave a trail of happiness behind you. I can never understand how people make money in a bad way and enjoy spending it. I don’t get that concept. I am not particularly religious but I do have some kind of sense of ‘what goes around comes around’. I am backing some things now that are not for charity, but if they work they will really improve people’s lives; some are biotech and drug development. It’s really nice to think that you could pull one of these things off.”

As for tv programmes, Richard says he is busy trying to learn to cook for the BBC, although he wouldn’t give details of the programme. We asked Richard some questions including:

What advice would you give to potential entrepreneurs?

You have a website which invites entrepreneurs to send in their business ideas.

How many ideas have you pursued?

I have had about 6,000 emails and started conversations with a number of people, but I have only pursued five or six, and that is partly due to my limited time.

Requests vary from young entrepreneurs and businesses for investment to advice and requests for employment.

What can make a person successful?

You need to have some ability and take advantage of the opportunities that come along. Frequently, I meet people who I think are capable and who have some opportunity but they don’t seem interested in pursuing it. I met a young guy recently when I rented a house in Marrakesh who was looking after the place and he could not have cared less. The guy was bright and I said to him he was missing the point because there are a lot of people renting this property, paying a lot of money and one day one of them may offer you a great opportunity. I would remember you if you did a fantastic job here – and one day you may want to create your own rental property and be looking for backers.

I believe you have to create your own luck even if you don’t see the next step and, if you do a good job, you just don’t know who is watching.

What advice would you give to businesses trying to raise investment in this climate?

It’s a very tough time right now and there is no point in giving people false optimism.

Do you have any advice for businesses starting up?

It’s largely about common sense, imagination and motivation, but I would say that, like any house renovation, it takes twice as long and costs twice as much.

In all business plans I have seen there are less than a handful that have ever been achieved.

The University of Hertfordshire runs regular Enterprise Spotlight events. These motivational sessions are designed to empower students, practising professionals and local businesses with an enterprising spirit.

They offer an opportunity to network and are designed to inspire the next generation of would-be entrepreneurs to turn ideas into action. Admission is free but seats are usually limited. To register for details of forthcoming events email enterprise.spotlight@herts.ac.uk.

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INTERVIEW : RICHARD FARLEIGH

Being an entrepreneur is about common sense, imagination and motivation. You have to focus on all three but sometimes common sense and imagination don’t work together. An example is ‘Twitter’ – this doesn’t follow any logical thought pattern. You need to have imagination but, once you have the idea, implementation comes down to common sense. It’s not as easy as it sounds! Then you need motivation because it is always harder than you think. There are 100 failures for every success and it is hard work.

BOOST SALES

BY LEVERAGING LOCAL INTERNET MARKETING A recent research study by Kelsey group has shown that a 97% of consumers research local purchases online before buying and in particular highlights the benefits of coupons and online reservation/booking. Many businesses may have

adopted a local online marketing approach through the use of Google Adwords and local online business directories. However, one of the most obvious opportunities for businesses to position themselves on the first page of results on Google is often overlooked as an area to develop their sales.

Google provides a local business listing facility which not only contains key information about your business trading, e.g. opening hours and payment types accepted but also is designed to deliver relevant page 1 results as part of any locally focused searches performed by search engine users. This recently extended to mobile Google search through smartphones and notably personalised search, the facility where Google adapts your results pages based on your search history.

An example of this is 4x4 Hire company John Dennis 4x4 (www.4x4vehiclehire.co.uk <http://www.4x4vehiclehire.co.uk> ) who started using these business listings in July 2009 through an optimisation service provided by Hertfordshire based E-mphasis (www.e-mphasis.com <http://www.e-mphasis.com> ), a local internet marketing agency. As a result they have seen a significant increase in new business and during the last quarter of 2009 grew their fleet off the back of this marketing by 25%, in a recession! They were also extremely well positioned for the bad weather in January and at its peak were seeing upwards of 45000 appearances on one of their business listings in a 30 day period.

Taking advantage of this trend in internet behaviour can obviously be very valuable to businesses not least because cost of sale and supply for the local area is often the lowest.

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SMES TURN TO VIRTUAL LAWYERS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST BAD DEBTS Green shoots might be visible in the economy, but many small businesses will still fall victim to late payments and defaults due to inadequate terms and conditions, according to legal experts at ContractStore.com.

In a recent survey completed by Close Invoice Finance, it was revealed that more than 207,000 businesses in the South East felt late payment would be an issue for them in 2010. Their figures also show that 24% of SMEs typically have to wait for payment 31 days over agreed terms, as do 23% of micro-businesses.

Giles Dixon, founder of online legal document provider ContractStore.com believes that one of the main reasons for this is a failure by small businesses to adequately protect themselves through properly written supplier agreements, contracts and terms and conditions. He is concerned that many don’t have these important documents in place due to the perceived high cost associated with using a solicitor. “Employing the services of a traditional high street solicitor can be very expensive and it is often a cost that small businesses simply can’t bear, especially in the current climate. The trouble is that it is even more important to be legally protected in a downturn as the likelihood of payment defaults, complaints and service challenges are likely to soar. Small businesses are in a Catch22, but could be putting their very survival at risk by not ensuring the business is adequately protected during this time,” says Dixon.

But help is at hand as it seems the rising trend for ‘Virtual Lawyers’ like those at ContractStore, are helping small businesses to overcome the cost barrier to obtaining legal protection.

“At ContractStore, we provide professional legal documents, all written by qualified solicitors, but our virtualized presence means that we don’t have all the overheads associated with a high street legal practice; and so our prices are dramatically lower,” explains Dixon.

www.contractstore.com

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RISKY BUSINESS LYING ON CVs

Bob Fahy, Solicitor Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP www.mablaw.com

Whilst the implications when someone has lied on their CV will to some extent depend on the nature of the falsehood, any job applicant who bends the truth on their CV will be taking a real risk.

At one end of the scale, if the employer has relied on an obvious lie in deciding to offer the candidate a job, it is likely to be entitled to treat the lie as an act of gross misconduct and (providing it follows a fair dismissal procedure) dismiss the individual without notice. Even more serious for that person, this could also be considered an act of fraud because they have obtained payments from the employer (their salary) by deception. Such an act could leave it open for an employer to attempt to recover all salary paid to date or even refer the matter to the police to consider criminal prosecution.

At the other end of the scale, a CV may place more emphasis than strictly justifiable on the degree of responsibility the candidate held in a certain role but not actually make completely untrue statements. In such a case, it is potentially more difficult for employers both to discover the extent of the exaggeration and to demonstrate that they relied on that statement in deciding to offer a job. Even in cases of “little white lies”, however, the employer could try to justify a dismissal on the basis that the employee has destroyed any trust and confidence that the employer had in them. Where the lie is discovered before the employment has started, or even within the first year (before the employee accrues normal unfair dismissal rights), any dismissal on that basis is likely to be relatively low risk.

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LEGAL COLUMN In each issue Clare Waller, a Director at HRJ Law, a legal firm with offices in Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City is on hand to answer your legal problems. Please email them to clare.waller@hrjlaw.co.uk. We regret that no personal correspondence can be entered into.

position – even if one exists? All of these questions cast doubt on the effectiveness of the new system particularly in the short term, when the temptation may well be for GPs to stick to what they know and merely certify patients as fit or not fit for work.

Can you explain to me what a fit note is? I run a small manufacturing business and am wondering how it might affect me?

That said this move is probably a good thing for businesses like yours and may help cut the number of non-genuine sick days that you suffer from. However, the fit note which states that an employee is fit for some work will ultimately shift more responsibility to employers to give genuine consideration to the measures identified by the GP. Although the majority of fit notes issued will be in respect of conditions which would not be considered to be a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, where such considerations do apply an employer would have to show why it was unreasonable to expect them to comply with any identified measures in order to avoid a finding of disability discrimination.

There is concern amongst GPs that they are not occupational health specialists and that within a 10-minute appointment it is unrealistic to expect them to understand the nature of the patient’s position at work and also make relevant suggestions for an alternative role within the company. Also how can a GP judge whether a patient who is employed for a physical role has the skills for a sedentary

Employers should consider having a carefully documented return to work programme to deal with the new regime, in particular any recommendations made, in order to reduce the possibility of any claims arising.

For further information log onto www.hrjlaw.co.uk Please note that the answers provided are for general guidance only. If you have any legal problems you should always ensure that you obtain specific legal advice.

TAKING YOUR BUSINESS PERSONALLY

A new name... the same high quality of service and advice.

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Employment Law Commercial Litigation Property Transactions All aspects of Commercial Law

For practical advice contact our commercial team Hitchin Office: 7/8 Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1AS

Tel: 01462 628888 Formerly Hawkins Russell Jones

Welwyn Garden City Office: Gate House, Fretherne Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL8 6RD

Tel: 01707 887700 www.hrjlaw.co.uk

www.businessindependent.co.uk

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LEGAL

The new legislation came in on 1st April 2010 and involves a change from ‘sick notes’ to ‘fit notes’ which spell out the work an ill person can do rather than can’t do. The thinking behind the change is that under the current system either you are unfit for work or you are not as it makes sickness absence a black and white issue. The new fit note will require the GP to tick one of three boxes – fit, not fit or fit for some work. The new last option requires the doctor to comment on the condition and whether the employee could benefit from a phased return to work, altered hours or duty and workplace adaption.

THE BATTLE FOR THE BOARDROOM

With recent news reports suggesting that it may take up to 60 years for women to have equal presence in big businesses, The Hertfordshire Business Independent decided to ask some of the region’s businesswomen what they think about the challenges women face when trying to reach the Boardroom.

“The time has now come for women to be bold, opinionated thought leaders, just like their male counterparts”

Mindy Gibbins-Klein : St Albans Founder of The Book Midwife and author of 24 Carat BOLD www.bookmidwife.com

“Businesses need to implement more female orientated personal development programmes to develop women’s personal skills and competence both in and for the workplace.”

Sneha Khilay : Watford

As an international speaker, publisher and author of 24 Carat BOLD, I have been aware for some time that many of my clients who are successful business leaders were men, with very few females, and even fewer could be classed as real Thought Leaders.

Thought Leaders, or people who are known amongst others for their innovative ways of thinking and their individual ways of promoting those thoughts, are more important today than ever, but it is usually a role taken up by men. In this day and age, where women are open to equal opportunities to men, there is a gender balance happening, which is evident in the growing number of women coming into politics. But there is still some way to go.

There is something to be said for the fact that women to date have had an even greater challenge than men to get their views heard and noticed, despite women’s supposed excellent communication skills.

Having led many personal development training programmes over recent years, it is apparent that these sessions have consistently had huge, positive impacts on the personal and professional lives of the women concerned. Typical course elements resulting in this positive outcome include assertiveness training, as well as effective communication and presentation skills.

These programmes allow women the space and time to reflect on their goals (and dreams) and establish new strategies in pursuing these.

This is supported by the empathy and good humour of fellow participants and understanding of the difficulties / obstacles encountered. Women feel better able to discuss these difficulties, saying that they would feel anxious and vulnerable in discussing these with (male) colleagues, the perception being that, in sharing their difficulties (with colleagues), they might be seen as ‘unable to cope under pressure’.

Organisations who make the effort to reflect on, and evaluate, women’s experiences have a valuable insight into how well they ‘do difference’ in all aspects of the organisational structure.

By focusing on recruitment, retention, promotion, development, there is a better

Founder of Blue Tulip Training

We don’t have 60 years to wait for women to naturally evolve into equal leaders in the boardroom which is why we need to take a stand now and help our women to succeed.

My mission for 2010 is to discover more female Thought Leaders and get them to voice their opinions boldly and wisely.

Recently, I have been focusing on getting more inspirational women leaders to write their books, and have been successful in helping 18 women go from concept to finished manuscript within 90 days. I’ve also been asked to speak at the IoD Women as Leaders event in November, covering the REAL Thought Leadership topic to female executives. And I am in the process of helping Apprentice finalist Claire Young with her book on empowering young women.

In my opinion men tend to have the upper hand in communication, because they tend to be more confident about their views and they are trained from a young age to be strong and bold. Standing up for oneself is not always part of a woman’s training and this can hold them back. The truth is that women have the same potential as men as well as the same opportunities in business, and women should be bold and “show the men how it is done!”

understanding of how equality is managed and implemented effectively.

At a practical level, an organisation can reap benefits not only through the reduced costs of fewer grievances, but by a greater number of women applying for promotion or seeking further professional qualifications after attending a personal effectiveness training programme.

By maximising the potential of female employees, it has a direct impact on both the employee and the organisation’s effectiveness, productivity and profitability.

Women feel more confident in confronting sexist comments from work colleagues, as well as more competent in dealing with any incidents of bullying and harassment.

Other women participants have greater confidence in setting boundaries, often seeking out an internal mentor who can support their ongoing personal development.

Overall, there are very few women - I have yet to meet one - who regrets attending a personal development programme or feels they’ve not benefitted from such a valuable opportunity to reflect and re-focus on career and life issues.

www.bluetuliptraining.co.uk

“It’s time to prove that it’s not just a man’s world.

It might be a male-dominated industry but working in the retail motor business is certainly not ‘a man’s world’ as far as I am concerned”

In just a year since joining Brayley Honda in St Albans as a Sales Executive, I’ve just been promoted to the role of Business Manager and a member of the Hatfield Road dealership’s management team.

I am one of only a small minority of women employed in this senior role within the UK retail motor sector, and have 11 years of experience working in car showrooms alongside male colleagues. My new role will see me managing the needs of Brayley Honda customers wishing to finance their

vehicle, for which I am accredited by the Financial Services Authority.

A study into ‘occupational segregation’ carried out by the Equal Opportunities Commission found that women account for less than 10 per cent of the retail motor industry workforce in the UK, which employs approximately 600,000 people.

Conversely, last year’s RAC Report on Motoring indicated that eight out of 10 company cars were chosen by a female driver.

I’ve always enjoyed helping customers choose a car that’s right for them and this new role is an exciting step up for me, particularly during a challenging economic period.

I’m looking forward to applying my skills and knowledge to this area of the business and supporting our customers throughout the purchase process. I think for many people, it will be a refreshing change to deal with a woman when it comes to the finance!

It has only recently hit me how many women talk about barriers to success - without being overly bold I can’t say I noticed them, they may have been there, but I didn’t really see it. I started my retail career many moons ago now, with my first senior management position in logistics / supply chain - it came with the territory that in a meeting of 15 people I’d be the only female.

I did witness some bad behaviour when I was selling software - it was common place for the men to hit the bar, drink until the early hours and talk about their extramarital conquests whilst travelling on business - so socialising in that environment didn’t work and it felt a rather lonely place to be, which was partly why I left.

Later in life, having got married, I became a director of the first business my husband and I created - although at the time I also remained in full time employment. 2 children later I decided to move full time into the business rather than go back to work.

I also was shocked by the cost of childcare and this probably was the one thing that opened my eyes to a genuine “glass ceiling” if you can call it that - it was certainly a barrier to a vast majority of women after having children. In essence, to pay for childcare for 2 kids full time I needed to earn a minimum of £40K. So, if a woman left the workplace on a respectable

“Are self-imposed mental barriers holding many women back from reaching their potential?”

place on National Women’s Enterprise day 17th November, in Hertfordshire. You can find out more at www.women-unleashed. co.uk or on twitter @WomenUnleashed.

£40-50K when she went to have kids the chance of going back is slim as the benefit is so very marginal.

I also think some women carry baggage and make apologies for their commitments - I’ve seen people apologising for leaving work at the end of their contracted hours because they have to get back to pick their kids up - I’ve never seen a bloke do that.

Lately, I have become more open minded to the mental barriers that many women impose on themselves (in part due to having met Professor Karen Pine) - and it has been this final moment of cognition that led me, through another business, to create Women UNLEASHED!, a conference event aimed at helping women to break through their mental barriers and to realise their full potential. This will be an official Global Entrepreneurship Week event (15th - 20th November 2010) and will take

Clare Rayner : St Albans Founder and Managing Director of Retail Acumen www.retailacumen.com

HAVE YOUR SAY! What’s your view on the battle women face getting equal representation in top positions? We’d love to hear your views so email us at editor@businessindependent.co.uk and we’ll publish the responses on our website.

FEATURE : THE BATTLE TO REACH THE BOARDROOM

Donna Nash : St Albans Business Manager, Brayley Honda,

HEMEL 2020 VISION A RELOCATION MASTERPLAN Decorum Borough Council is looking to attract organisations and businesses to a purpose built and redeveloped area of Hemel Hempstead – an area with considerable potential for employment growth, within easy reach of London.

IF THE LOCATION FITS THE NEED

Decorum Borough Council and Maylands Partnership are developing the Maylands Business Park at Hemel Hempstead, the largest development area within a one-hour drive time of London.

Situated just a few miles from London’s north west perimeter, Maylands Business Park offers a great opportunity for organisations considering relocation outside London.

Accessed from junction 8 of the M1, Hemel Hempstead is a thriving town and it is easily reached by rail from Euston on the high-speed West Coast line. Maylands Business Park on the eastern side of town is already a leading business community. The Council’s development Masterplan creates an exciting environment for further development to transform Maylands into one of Europe’s premier business parks.

Maylands is an impressive business location, with over 400 companies employing 16,000 people, with 25,000 in the supply chain. A wide range of business sectors are already located here; the most significant being high technology, with an increasing investment from the service sector in recent years.

Maylands Partnership is working closely with Dacorum Council to ensure that through the delivery of the Maylands Masterplan, a vibrant, attractive and accessible business park is delivered, enabling Maylands businesses and Dacorum Borough to flourish.

FORWARD PLANNING

Maylands provides space for expansion. The creation of the Maylands Gateway, a development offering an attractive entrance to Hemel Hempstead from the M1, will provide 177,624 m² of gross external office space, accommodating approximately 7,500 personnel. The development will also incorporate leisure facilities and a hotel, with improved commercial and recreational infrastructure.

Retaining key staff and recruiting a suitable workforce is crucial to the success of relocation. Dacorum is considered a well-connected borough, with a relatively high proportion of knowledge workers. Over one million people live within 12 miles of Maylands and 25 per cent of adults are educated to degree level, or higher. Quality of life is of the highest importance. Hemel Hempstead is ideal, fortunate to have the Chiltern Hills close at hand – the Chilterns are designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Business rates and property prices compare favourably with nearby Watford and the eastern M4 region.

Maylands Partnership is a business led strategic alliance that combines the flair and enterprise of the private sector, with the long-term vision and accountability of the public sector, backed by influential stakeholders including The East of England Development Agency, The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Hertfordshire County Council and The Homes and Communities Agency (the national regeneration agency).

Hemel Hempstead and Maylands Business Park offer all core business relocation requirements, with easy access, space for expansion, an able workforce, a high quality of life and a clear vision for the future.

The Maylands Masterplan encourages sustainable development, proposing renewable energy production and sustainable business practices. Included within the plan are strategies to ensure that congestion and carbon footprint are minimised by providing local jobs for new householders. High quality public transport will ensure accessibility by the local community and from further afield, as well as encouraging sustainable forms of transport and promoting ease of movement, reducing congestion in and around Maylands. The vision is to create a well connected Green Business Park offering a high standard of accommodation, served by a range of conveniently located shops and amenities.

In turn, this has encouraged the development of high quality office accommodation, and more than 95 per cent of business has already stated their intention to remain in Maylands – a strong vote of confidence from the voices that matter.

MOVEMENT AND PEOPLE

With the M1 widening project now completed access to Maylands is being significantly improved, providing better transport links to the rest of the UK and beyond. The intersection of the M1 and M25 is a few miles away, so Heathrow and Luton airports are only 20 minutes by road.

Chris Taylor, Senior Manager Hemel 2020.

Tel: 01442 867805 Email: chris.taylor@dacorum.gov.uk www.dacorum.gov.uk/business www.maylands.org

EXCITING NEW INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF LONDON Maylands, the biggest business park in the East of England, offers the largest free commercial land space within one hour of London.

This leading business park is home to over 400 companies employing 25,000 people.

Strategically located with enviable air, rail and road transport links, Maylands offers some of the best investment opportunities for growth in the UK. For further information please contact: Chris Taylor, Senior Manager Hemel 2020 Tel: 01442 867 805 Email: chris.taylor@dacorum.gov.uk or visit www.maylands.org

IN FOCUS : HEMEL HEMPSTEAD

A SUSTAINABLE LOCATION

OH WHAT A NIGHT! What better way to celebrate the relaunch of The Hertfordshire Business Independent than with a top notch launch party! Last month, the HBI team hosted a celebration at Havana in St Albans (a venue which we highly recommend for hosting parties and events!) and it was great to see so many people there supporting us. Guests were entertained by world renowned latin dancers, Ksenia Zsikhotska and Ryan McShane and we even caught the Mayor busy reading a copy during the evening!

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve included some pictures from the night here for those who were unable to join us.

We hope to see you at our next event!

Diana Bonner : Photography www.worldvisionphotos.co.uk Louiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catering : www.louisesimplycake.co.uk Amanda Hill : Balloons : dreams2go.co.uk design-a-party.com

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FEATURE : HERTFORDSHIRE BUSINESS INDEPENDENT LAUNCH EVENT

The HBI would like to thank the following:

DON’T PAY MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO

SELWYN LANGLEY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS LANGLEY BYERS BENNETT DELVES INTO THE TAXING PROBLEM OF CAPITAL GAINS

Making sensible provisions for tax is an essential part of managing any property investment, large or small. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) can have a dramatic effect on your returns, often with substantial payments of tax having to be paid, so it makes sense to consider the matter seriously and take expert valuation advice to mitigate your liability.

The Basics Tax is payable on any gain in value over the gross cost price of the asset after deducting sale expenses. This means CGT can arise on the sale of a property where its value has increased during the time it has been owned.

Until recently for individuals the gain was taxed as income, and could easily have been as high as 40% but under current legislation this has reduced to a uniform rate of 18%. There is also an exemption of £10,100 pa.

Notable exceptions are normally the sale of a main residence and the transfer of assets between spouses. However a gift to a child is not exempt.

PROPERTY

Gifts

You may have a liability for CGT when gifting a property, even if no money changes hands, if the value of the property asset has risen since it was purchased.

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Specialist Research The research and valuation of property to limit tax liability requires specialist expertise. A property acquired recently, and purchased in the open market can be relatively simple to value for tax purposes. However when a property has been owned for some time, or has been inherited for example, it can be far more complex.

With the passing of each year it becomes increasingly difficult to research the necessary evidence in order to assess the value of a property and calculate the Capital Gains Tax base value and expert knowledge and experience is needed to uncover and correctly interpret the historic valuation data.

31st March 1982 For properties owned before 31st March 1982 the Revenue take this date to be the valuation date, regardless of the actual date and price paid at the time it was purchased – even if that purchase price was much lower. Any property purchased prior to this date, and still owned, should be valued as soon as possible to help you make sensible plans for any tax that may be due upon the disposal of the property in the future.

Selwyn Langley FRICS AClArb is a Director of Langley Byers Bennett and has over 20 years of experience in this specialist valuation field.

Selwyn Langley 020 7822 8852

sml@lbb.org.uk

PERFORMANCE UNDER PRESSURE Never before has the business arena been so challenging and unpredictable.

What makes a good leader?

There are many facets to being a good leader and far too many to go into in this short article, so as a ‘starter for ten’ let’s explore what you think it means to be a good leader. If you were asked to list as many good leaders as you could, I would be looking for the answers to two questions: 1.

2.

Who did you select for your list?

How big was your list?

In coaching sessions when I have asked people this question there are a number of predictable outcomes. The same names appear on the list time and time again, such as: Richard Branson, Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Alex Ferguson, Margaret Thatcher, etc.

They are typically not business leaders, which can be quite concerning for anyone coming into leadership in business for the first time. Had the question been to name examples of poor management how do you think that your list might be different?

Business typically seems to have been populated with managers as opposed to leaders, and not very good ones at that.

Yet today’s business demands good leaders.

So how do you become a good leader?

Having had the privilege of reading so many books on Leadership, I realised that there was a need to dispel this mystery that’s associated with leadership and the achievement of extraordinary results.

As typically our leadership examples come from iconic figures, there is a tendency to believe that we have to be some kind of Superhero to be a good leader. This is really not the case, and with a few simple ‘how to’s, you will be able to become a highly effective leader of both people and performance.

Leadership fears 1. Do they like me?

One of the great fears for new leaders is that they may become unpopular. As soon as we start trying to please, or be liked by multiple people, we start to lose sight of our identity and what made us unique in the first place. Often getting people to do what we need them to do can feel at odds with who we are or who we wish to be.

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By NIGEL WATSON

2. What are your values?

We need to get closer to understanding our uniqueness to fix this one properly. The starting point is our values. Unless you have done specific work on highlighting or even surfacing your values, you may find it tricky to identify and prioritise these.

When you know your values, and recognise their importance to you, you will not compromise the main ones for anyone or anything. Your values shape your beliefs. Your beliefs ultimately dictate the way that you see the world, and the judgements that you make upon it. Therefore, based on personal values and beliefs, what may be right and normal to one person, may be wrong and highly offensive to others.

It is critical therefore that you understand your values and beliefs more intimately, as these provide the blueprint or specification for your lens into the world, i.e. they dictate how you see things, or hear things, or feel things.

It is critical that you understand your values and beliefs... ...they dictate how you see things, or hear things, or feel things.

Once we have connected with our identity, we tend to become less worried about whether people like us or not, or even by how much. So it seems that our need for people to like us is heightened, when we are not sure ourselves whether we like us. Once this has been surfaced, it becomes clear that this dependence for others to like us is not sustainable. We therefore have to lose our attachment and infatuation with others liking us.

Instead, we should learn to live more authentically, and according to our values. This implies a greater consistency of behaviour.

People may not immediately like us for this, but they will soon start to respect us for sticking to our values and being consistent.

Interestingly enough though, there are very few people whom we respect, but do not like!

Therefore, by identifying who we are and then laying out our stall in line with our values, we will likely earn respect, and people will naturally like us as a by-product. Even if they don’t they will know where they stand. This allows us to be free to be us, and not worry who does and who doesn’t like us today, because it will be impossible to satisfy everybody that way. This train of thought and approach empowers us to get on with the more important aspects of being a highly effective leader.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Having studied Leadership and Performance for the last twenty years, it has become clear to me that you don’t have to be some great Superhero to be a good leader. Also, Leadership is nothing without being intrinsically linked to Performance, and the achievement of extraordinary results.

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It seems in these cases, prevention is better than cure, so providing deterrents such as security guards and cameras are good ways for small businesses to help to keep crime at bay.

Security management is also a good way of identifying an organisation’s information assets, as well as the development, documentation and implementation of policies, standards, procedures and guidelines. It’s all about logging assets and assessing system vulnerabilities so that effective controls can be designed and then implemented.

Certainly in terms of an organisation’s ‘knowledge base’ things like patents, blueprints, contracts, design methodologies, manuals and strategy documents can have exceptional value to certain people and are an increasing target for theft. This is a much more significant threat to a business than a few broken windows caused by mindless vandalism which is why businesses should have an integrated and comprehensive strategy for all their security management needs.

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        

           



BUSINESS SUPPORT

 

TECHNOLOGY Our Technology reporter Matt Ladd investigates the latest on the technology market from Google

GOOGLE NEXUS ONE The competitor to the i-Phone is here! The Google Nexus One has all the multimedia capabilities one would expect from a smart phone, whilst offering impressive extras such as sat-nav and storage of 20,000 applications which are free to download.

The phone is pencil thin at 11.5mm and weighs only 130 grams; battery life is approximately 10 hours talk time or 290 hours on standby. It comes with a 4GB Micro SD card but is expandable to 32 GB. The Nexus One which runs the much anticipated Android 2.1 OS has a number of software features including voice-enabled keyboard, 3D photo gallery, and the built in suite of Google applications including voice, mail, and maps.

Google are the one to watch this year and have been working on an alternative to the iPhone for some time. The Nexus One or “Google Phone” comes with a 3.7-inch OLED capacitive touch screen display, a fast 1 GHz processor, a 5 mega pixel camera, built in WiFi and Bluetooth.

With all the multimedia capabilities built in, this phone is a real threat to the dominance of the Apple iPhone.

“

this phone is a real threat to the dominance of the Apple iPhone!

” GOOGLE CHROME OS

TECHNOLOGY

This year has been described as the “year of the cloud”, as disk drives become a thing of the past. It is now

“

Google have now made cloud computing easier with the launch of their all new web-based operating system

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”

becoming ever more common for people to turn to cloud computing – pulling in documents, music and photos from the web for just a few gigabytes of storage.

Google have now made cloud computing easier with the launch of their all new webbased Chrome operating system, which acts as the virtual gateway to the web.

Speed, simplicity and security are the key features of Chrome OS. It is designed to be a fast booting, simple operating system full of features and applications available at your fingertips. It also allows access to your data wherever you are. It relies on data which has been previously stored on remote servers, and simply directs them to any internet connected computer.

The lightweight operating system, initially pushed towards the netbook market, will offer a blank canvas with programs and applications accessible via the Internet.

Google have a big task ahead if they want to challenge Microsoft and for a share of the OS market but Chrome will certainly be an interesting alternative.

TECHNOLOGY

TOM BALL INTRODUCES HIS MOBILE BUSINESS BUS HERTFORDSHIRE MAN TURNS CONCEPT INTO REALITY WITH HIS INNOVATIVE NEW MOBILE BOARDROOM ON A BUS! What made you come up with the idea for the mobile business bus?

I spent a weekend on a tour bus - and wished people could have that much fun at work - so I started wondering what a business tour bus would look like. When I started joking about getting “a business coach” it made people smile - and then ask when I was doing it.

“ So far it has spread via word of mouth - and I keep being introduced as “that chap with the bus!”

“ I emailed a few trusted friends for feedback on the idea and to ask if they were interested in putting their money in.

Of the six people I emailed, one wanted to invest.

With that and all the did you bring the concept to market positive How and raise awareness/interest? feedback It seems to be one of those ideas which people enjoy talking Seth Godin talks about ideas which are “remarkable” I decided to about.

- literally ideas which people want to talk about. So far it has go for it” spread via word of mouth - and I keep being introduced as “that chap with the bus”!

How did you make it a reality? Did you need funding etc and where did you go for help? Where are you finding greatest demand?

I emailed a few trusted friends for feedback on the idea and to ask if they were interested in putting their money in. I asked mainly to see what they really thought: “You should do it” is very different to “Here’s a cheque so I can be part of it”! Of the six people I emailed, one wanted to invest. With that and all the positive feedback I decided to go for it. The next challenge was finding the right bus - I looked at ten different buses across the country before finding “the one”. I then designed about ten different layouts to find the one which really worked - features which got edited out were a serving bar, a reception area and a shower!

What were the greatest challenges/setbacks in setting the business up?

Everything took longer and cost more than I expected. Which is always true to some extent - but working on a bus is a lot more challenging than I first realised. Every part of a bus is curved or special in some way. The biggest challenges were getting a working toilet (not a chemical one!) with more pumps, tanks and pipes than I could have imagined. And getting some of the handmade pieces right - like the boardroom table and the screens behind the mirrors in the bar - was challenging.

Roadtrips and awaydays! Roadtrips taking a team of people around the country working while they travel and having a boardroom when they get there - and making the most of team away days: a lot of people spend half their life in a meeting room and really value being able to work while they travel.

Any high profile supporters?

I hear Peter Jones is a fan!

Peter Jones did indeed use it as his mobile boardroom supporting the Sport Relief bike ride. Seven celebrities including David Walliams, Fearne Cotton and Davina McCall cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End - and we gave them a lift back from Lands End at the end. They all certainly seemed to enjoy it - but you’d have to ask them if they’re officially fans now!

“ Peter Jones did indeed use it as his mobile boardroom supporting the Sport Relief bike ride”

Do you have any exciting plans for the future?

And finally, where would you most like to see the bus?

I have quite a few ideas for other related ideas - all around “productive fun”. I love combining these two things - which often get treated as opposites - getting more done but having more fun at the same time. I’m trying to be very restrained and understand how people would like to work outside of the office and create vehicles to meet those needs.

I would love to see larger companies using it to get out of head office and on the road, where most of the work happens.

Head offices can become this huge centre of gravity with their own culture - I love the idea of people getting back out to the action, without wasting days in cars.

What would be your advice to someone wanting to set up a new to market concept, as it must be challenging both from an investor and customer point of view when bringing something totally new to the table?

I think there’s a fundamental choice - something that already exists, but with an original twist, or something fundamentally new. Taking on an established market with a subtle, valuable twist is the much safer option - but despite the higher risks I love creating something truly new. Either way, I believe in talking about ideas a lot - seeing what people connect with, what they value, how they would use it.

For me that “innovation through conversation” is the most valuable part of what is now called networking. With a new idea, an elevator pitch isn’t just a sales pitch - it’s the core of the strategy. The sooner you can get that right, the better.

“ I have quite a few ideas for other related ideas - all around “productive fun”.

I love combining these two things - which often get treated as opposites - getting more done but having more fun at the same time ”

What’s the strangest trip the bus has done?

Well Lands End was quite unusual - but at the other end of the spectrum we were at the Civil Service show in Olympia. They used it as a boardroom for discussions right in the middle of Olympia. The bus only just fitted inside by millimetres - and had to be parked there two days beforehand with the rest of the show built around it!

Peter Jones and Davina McCall www.entretain.com/AllABoardroom

FEATURE : TOM BALL INTRODUCES HIS MOBILE BUSINESS BUS

ON THE BUS : Left to right: Patrick Kielty, Peter Jones, Lara Stone (Future Mrs Walliams), David Walliams Fearne Cotton, Russell Howard and Miranda Hart

GAP YEAR INCREASE PREDICTED AS UNIVERSITIES’ FUNDING SLASHED Thousands of would-be students look set to take gap years in 2010 as spending cuts intensify the competition for university places.

According to higher education body Universities UK, a combination of funding cuts and a 12 per cent increase in the number of applicants will dramatically intensify the competition for university places. It is predicted that more than 200,000 school-leavers could miss out on places at university.

With demand for places massively outstripping supply, thousands of school leavers are opting to take gap years after finishing their A Levels in order to boost their UCAS applications before applying to start university in 2011. Some gap year specialists have already seen a significant rise in the number of people booking volunteer opportunities compared with this time last year. The advantages of taking a gap year are massive. By taking a break between school and university,

would-be students have an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and build on the communication, leadership and teamwork skills which are so valued by admissions tutors.

Graduates reach into own pocket to improve job prospects Recent research from one recruitment outsourcing expert has shown that many newly graduated university students would invest their own money to make them more hirable.

According to figures from Elemense, who specialise in graduate recruitment, seven in ten graduates would use their own money for extra qualifications. During the recession, millions of adults have chosen to invest time as well as money in their own skills development.”

Elemense has observed that the tide seems to be turning in some employment areas, and

graduates appear to be taking a lead in focusing on making themselves more employable by being willing to add to their collection of qualifications. Employers also recognise that this can be put into practice in the workplace, and industry and commerce still need strong graduate intakes and this insight shows that there is a clear understanding among graduates of how to stand out in this competitive market place.

Keith Sammons – ubiquitous spokesperson for Elemense

Train your own Assessor for FREE* If you had your own in-house assessor for NVQs and Apprenticeships you would: n n n

Benefit from increased skills sooner as qualifications can be completed faster.

Be more involved in developing and assessing your employees.

Be able to manage performance to meet agreed standards.

Apprentices and NVQ students could spend less time away from work too.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, a Trainee Assessor just needs to attend a one-day workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the rest of the training takes place in the workplace.

Call our Assessor Development Team on 01462

650246

or email: business@nhc.ac.uk for your nearest training provider.

www.nhc.ac.uk #Eligibility conditions apply: please call for details.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Act now to secure your funding as this offer is only available until December 2010.

THE WHISTLING DUCK

Great for a Locally Sourced Home Cooked Lunch

BY TERRY SULLIVAN

Set in the quiet countryside overlooking the River Lea, The Whistling Duck is Hertford’s freshest restaurant, boasting the kind of menu and ambience usually reserved for those eateries situated in the better parts of London.

Situated just off the Lower Hatfield Road into Hertford, the restaurant serves a variety of meals throughout the day, starting with breakfast at 8.30am right through to an expansive evening menu with last food orders being taken at 9.30pm.

I recently visited The Whistling Duck to sample their lunch menu, which offers a wide variety of choice ranging from salads through to mains and desserts. It offers a good choice without being overwhelming, so I found it easy to order my main dish - pan fried Chicken Supreme served with sautéed potatoes with a mushroom and brandy sauce.

The chicken breast came butterflied and was cooked to perfection. The accompanying sauce was a great combination of flavour, which well complemented the tender meat. To follow I had a vanilla brulee with fresh strawberries, blackberries and redcurrants. I was pleased to be offered all fresh fruit instead of the usual purée. The slight tartness of the fruit really complemented the sweetness of

the brulee. All in all a very satisfying experience.

Colin Forrester, the Head Chef and Jade Forrester, the Senior Sous Chef, form a dynamic and passionate team, with the perpetual support of their highly trained cooks and front of house team to deliver a menu and service unmatched in Hertford. Their passion for food really comes through the eating experience in The Whistling Duck, and it is clear that all produce is entirely home-made, and, most importantly all locally sourced. Colin and Jade believe this to be the key to their success.

“We have both been strongly influenced from our travels around the world and implement these ideas into our food everyday.

However it is our passion for British cuisine that ultimately led us here, and where our enthusiasm really flourishes!”

Whether you are feeling adventurous and willing to try something different, or prefer to stick to the classics, why not join us for a truly unique dining experience you will not forget at The Whistling Duck, Hertford.

The Langley

Banqueting & Conference Suites

Situated in the heart of Watford Town Centre with ample public car parks, hotels and close links to the M1 and M25.

Quote HBI for 10% discount on all 2010 bookings.

At The Langley we appreciate that corporate clients require personal touches to their events – whether it be complex presentations, conferences, marketing or training events, we can provide the complete setting with multi-media functionality fully available and the right facilities at hand

Inclusive facilities & Services: Up to 900 seating capacity on 2nd floor Up to 500 seating capacity on 1st floor Intelligent lighting system Fully air-conditioned

• • • •

Projector and Screen PA System Wireless internet access 42” Plasma Screens

• Rates starting from £200 • In-house vegetarian catering • Bar/Late licence • Disabled access

• Stage/Dance floor/Catwalk • Changing rooms • Multi-storey public car park for 700 cars adjacent to venue

CALL: 01923 218 553 / 07896 272 586 OR VISIT: www.langleybanqueting.co.uk E: info@langleybanqueting.co.uk | Gade House, 38-42 The Parade, High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1AZ

OUT OF HOURS

• • • •

LOOK GREAT - FEEL GREAT

WIN MORE BUSINESS! RIVERBANKS CLINIC

In a tranquil and discreet part of East Hyde lies a detached white house by a river, which is in fact home to one of the country’s leading non-surgical cosmetic clinics, Riverbanks. But forget the queues of WAGs, this clinic is attracting a totally different clientele of professional men and women who care about their appearance and want to feel more confident in the workplace. Becky Lewis pays a visit to the award-winning clinic to see just what it has to offer the discerning businessman and woman.

procedures at the clinic have been to reduce the embarrassing condition.

“Many businessmen are acutely aware of their appearance and particularly as they age become very self conscious. Most don’t even realise that they can get man boobs, love handles and loose jowls treated by, be home within a few hours and back at work in a matter of days,” reveals Dr Jain, who also regularly performs Botox injections and facial shaping.

Riverbanks scooped ‘Best New Clinic’ and ‘Best Business Development’ at the Aesthetic Medicine Awards

It only takes a quick search on the web to reveal that Riverbanks Clinic has gained popularity across the country for its patient-centric approach and quite frankly, amazing results.

The pretty Georgian building that houses the clinic has been extensively renovated to create light, fresh surroundings, with wooden flooring and a homely, organic feel. The clinic promises that you’ll be looked after in treatment areas boasting state-of-the-art technology, using proven cutting-edge procedures.

“Our values are traditional and informal, affording you as much privacy as you need in an environment that is relaxed, friendly and – above all – professional,” explains Dr Jain, as he gives me a tour of the immaculately designed clinic.

“I believe any skin treatment can be an emotional experience – from the anticipation of greater self-assurance and improved confidence, to the relief of peeling away old acne scars and with them, painful memories. To this end, I place emphasis on the listening element of each of my consultations, and to the ongoing reassurance and advice my team and I provide,” says Dr Jain.

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I’m intrigued to hear that Dr Jain has turned away up to 25% of new patients because he believes that the procedures are not right for them. He also encourages new patients to visit several consultants and clinics so that they can decide which who they feel most comfortable with. I’m equally not surprised to hear that most if not all come back to Riverbanks!

Relaxation and Rejuvenation Whilst Riverbanks isn’t a spa or salon, there are a number of maintenance treatments available which help to rejuvenate the skin and can provide much needed time out from the business office environment.

From painless hair removal and hand rejuvenation treatments to Omlinux light therapy and advanced AHA skin peels, Riverbanks has combined the most effective non-surgical treatments with an idyllic setting that guarantees to restore the soul as well as the body!

That is probably why did so well at the Aesthetic Medicine Awards where they scooped Best New Clinic and Best Business Development and were recognised for their patient-centred approach, and attention to detail, particularly with patient after-care, which is not often found in private clinics.

Dr Jain is a qualified GP who now specialises in cosmetic dermatology and minor surgery.

Riverbanks was the first clinic to bring the revolutionary Vaser liposelection to the region and has conducted over a 125 Vaser procedures during the past year.

Vaser is most regularly used to treat love handles, muffin tops (better known as belly hanging over jeans to us women), jowls and more recently man boobs. In fact, Dr Jain tells me that over 90% of male Vaser

www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk Tel: 01582 762877

E ONLIT

MO

EN T E

Specialists in

Mobile Disco, Karaoke, Bands, DJ’s, Fun Casino Tables, Rodeo Bull etc.

Tel: 0800 468 1980 Mob: 07970 275998 info@mle80.co.uk

www.mle80.co.uk

NTS E M N RTAI .1980 EST

Mobile Discotheques, Security Services & Fun Entertainments for all Ages & Occasions Weddings & Corporate Events Birthdays, Engagements Bar Mitzvah, Anniversaries Office Parties, School Proms etc.

Events Planning & Co-ordinating S.I.A. Licensed Security Services

The Entertainment Service The One-Stop One-stop entertainment service!

OUT OF HOURS

“Formed in 1980, Moonlite Entertainment has years of expertise in providing Mobile Discotheques and Fun Entertainments to venues and clients throughout Hertfordshire and the Home Counties.

They also specialise in Weddings; Birthdays; School Proms; Corporate Events etc. Moonlite Entertainments prides itself on providing a very professional and reliable service”.

NEW E-CLASS CABRIOLET IS DROP TOP GORGEOUS!

Mercedes-Benz Hertfordshire will be turning up the heat on its competitors this month when it takes the wraps off the sensational E-Class Cabriolet – a car that is destined to be one of the hottest automotive acts of the summer.

Completing the E-Class family, the new model offers an alluring fusion of technology and tradition and provides motorists with a soft-top in which they can enjoy the delights of open air motoring come rain or shine.

The E-Class Cabriolet features the revolutionary Aircap system as standard, which works to divert the flow of air away from the passenger compartment via an electrically-operated wind deflector above the windscreen and a draught-stop between the rear head restraints.

Aircap ensures occupants remain comfortable and unruffled at all times and, when used in conjunction with the optional Airscarf neck-level seating system, means that this convertible really can be savoured all-year round.

Adding to the comfort and refinement of the E-Class Cabriolet is its luxuriouslyappointed cabin, which has four sculpted seats – the front’s being heated – finished in either leather or Artico artificial leather upholstery.

Customers can choose from SE and Sport levels of trim and a choice of three diesel and four petrol engines. All four and six-cylinder engines benefit from Mercedes-Benz BlueEFFICIENCY technology, which works to optimise fuel economy and lower the car’s CO2 emissions, and all are complemented by the standard Agility Control suspension with Selective Damping System.

The new E-Class Cabriolet is priced from £33,880 on the road. For further information, please contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz Hertfordshire retailer: Bishop’s Stortford : 01279 719333 / 01279 719333, Hertford – 01992 514444 01992 514444 or Stevenage - 01438 518813 / 01438 518813 Hertfordshire-based European Tour golfer Sam Little has just taken delivery of a brand new Audi S3 – courtesy of a sponsorship deal with the M25 Audi motor group.

“I’m thrilled,” said Sam, who is based at The Grove in Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire. “I enjoy driving it, and it helps me immensely. The S3 is very comfortable and yet really sporty as well – so you get the best of both worlds.”

After representing England in 1996 and 1997 Sam turned professional and in 2007 finished second in the Mallorca Classic to end the season in 76th on the Order of Merit – a career high so far.

DRIVE

Last year again, for the fourth time in five years, Sam secured his European Tour card and finished 111th in the Order of Merit.

His highlight of 2009 was a second place finish at the Czech Open in August.

He is coached by former European Tour professional and leading Senior Tour player Peter Mitchell.

For more information, contact Darren Guiver at M25 Audi on 01707 277 877 – or see the website at www.m25audi.co.uk

SAM LITTLE MOVES INTO THE FAST LANE

NETWORKING WHY CONNECTING IS NOT ENOUGH

TEN TENTIPS TIPSTO TOGET GETYOUR YOURREFERRAL REFERRALMESSAGE MESSAGEACROSS ACROSS(PART (PARTONE) ONE)

BY ANDY LOPATA

This article was originally published in The National Networker.

Building a strong network to help you generate more business is just the first step in an effective referral strategy. Once you have established and developed relationships with those people in your network, you then need to build their understanding of how they can help you so that they can become effective champions for your business.

This is where so many people fall down. They network relentlessly trying to find the referrals they need when they already have all the necessary connections. They’re just not getting their message across well enough to help their network help them.

If you struggle to get the connections you need from your network, read on. Hopefully the following tips will give you some ideas about how you can change your approach and get your message across in a way that will make it easy for others to refer you.

TIP NUMBER ONE : Know what your message is

It sounds a bit obvious, doesn’t it? Yet I consistently ask audiences at my talks and delegates on my workshops who their ideal referral is and so few actually have a clear idea. But if you don’t know, how can anyone else be expected to understand?

Spend some time working out who your ideal referral is and who you’d like to be introduced to. Your thoughts would naturally turn to prospective clients, yet it may be far more valuable to be introduced to someone who can provide links to numbers of prospects, or add other value to your business. Where do you most need support at the moment for example?

TIP NUMBER TWO : Ask the right question of the right person

A few years ago I started writing for The Sun newspaper as a result of a referral from a former top newspaper editor. When he asked how he could help me, I targeted my response to an area I knew he was familiar with and where he was well-placed to help. A little bit of thought can make a huge amount of difference if you then know you are asking the right questions.

You can also do your research in advance in some cases, where appropriate. If you are meeting with a prospective champion and you know referrals may be on the agenda, why not look at their LinkedIn network in advance to see who they know and how they might be able to connect you?

TIP NUMBER THREE : Be Specific

If you are struggling to get referrals from people who want to help you, it may be that they simply don’t understand who you want to talk to. That may seem strange to you, but you know your business better than anyone else.

Paint a picture in people’s minds of the people you want to meet, companies you want to talk to. The clearer the picture in their mind, the fewer the number of people they know (but above zero!), the more chance there is that they will be able to connect you.

TIP NUMBER FOUR : Ask Directly

TIP NUMBER FIVE : Put Yourself in Others’ Shoes

The very nature of referrals dictates that, more often than not, you won’t be present when the referral takes place. It’s important for you to anticipate the conversation between your champion and prospect and prepare your champion with the information they’ll need.

A common mistake is for people seeking referrals to explain why they want to meet or work with a prospect. They are only seeing things from their own perspective. The hard truth is that your prospect doesn’t care about what you want. They are interested in their own needs and self-interest Help your champion understand how to communicate the problem your prospect is facing, the solution you offer and how they will then benefit from the eradication of that problem. If you can get that right, you won’t need to be there to make the sale.

Next month, in the next five tips, we’ll look at the importance of keeping things simple, telling stories, patience and managing your reputation.

Andy Lopata is one of the UK’s leading business networking strategists and co-author of the Amazon.co.uk bestselling book ‘and Death Came Third! The Definitive Guide to Networking and Speaking in Public’. For more information visit www.lopata.co.uk

VISIT OUR WEBSITE, www.business-independent.co.uk FOR A FULL ROUND-UP OF THE REGION’S NETWORKING EVENTS.

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NETWORKING & EVENTS

I would venture that the most common reason people don’t get referrals from their network is quite simple….they don’t ask for them! It’s often said that if you don’t ask you don’t get, yet we just sit back and expect our network to refer us.

Many businesses will admit that their best source of new business is word of mouth and recommendations, yet their strategy is a passive one, waiting for customers to refer them rather than asking. However, we are far more likely to talk about negative experiences than positive ones. You need to substantially exceed people’s expectations if you want people to refer you on their own initiative.

Don’t assume people know how to help you, or even think about doing so. Look at your closest network and best clients and ask yourself who would be happy to help you but who you’ve never asked. Sit down with them and explain the connections you are looking for and ask for their help. If you’ve selected wisely you should be delighted with the results.

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