The Hertfordshire Business Independent March 2010

JULIE MEYER Exclusive interview with one of Britain’s most successful female entrepreneurs and one of the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

MAKING 2010 A WOW YEAR! Find out why setting WOW goals is your secret to success!

TECHNOLOGY

Check out Apple’s new IPAD

FEATURE : CONFERENCES

Secrets to planning a successful conference.

I N FOCUS St Albans and Surrounding Area

P ROPERTY

Managing your property expenses!

issue March 2010

01

BROCH UR ES

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

INTERVIEW : JULIE MEYER We find out the secrets to building a winning business from one of Britain’s most successful female entrepreneurs.

MONEY The Decade for Lost Pensions: Linda Bell of KPMG reviews the pension landscape for employers and employees.

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

IN FOCUS Feature on St Albans & surrounding area.

18 BUSINESS SUPPORT Setting WOW! Goals: Sales expert Richard White reveals how to make 2010 a WOW! Year for your business.

TECHNOLOGY Becky Lewis takes a look at the latest gadgets to hit the tech market

23

PROPERTY Managing you property expenses: John Byers offers some practical advice on controlling a business tenant’s property costs.

COMMUNITY We find out more about St Albans-based charity Reach Out Projects. .

AFTER HOURS The World of Fine Wine: We take a trip to Bordeaux Index to find out more.

DRIVE

35

Becky Lewis takes the driving seat to review the new Peugeot 4007 DCS Automatic.

NETWORKING & EVENTS Regular contributor, Andy Lopata shares his thoughts on networking.

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CONTRIBUTORS

&

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

CONTRIBUTORS Linda Bell Clare Waller Andrew Knight Graham Lane Richard White John Byers Becky Lewis Amy Larman Terry Sullivan 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

WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE ALL NEW

RELAUNCHED HERTFORDSHIRE BUSINESS INDEPENDENT

We know that you have always valued our magazine for its mix of news, reviews and advice and with a new editorial and publishing team on board, we hope to keep up this tradition, as well as add some new and exciting features over the coming months.

In this issue, we welcome one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs Julie Meyer for our 10 Questions column, where we find out the secrets to her success and why she is so passionate about helping entrepreneurs. We are really looking forward to hearing her speak at The BIG Event in Hertfordshire on 4th March and we hope to see many of you there (more details in our news section).

You’ll also find inside some top tips on goal setting from sales expert Richard White and if you are thinking of hosting a conference or event, you’ll find our feature on conference planning very useful.

Our new roving reporter Becky Lewis will be reporting on the latest gadgets for the office, exploring the world of fine wine, as well as looking into the new Peugeot 4007.

Thank you all for sending in your news We are always looking for local news and stories, so please do continue to send through your press releases and ideas to

editor@businessinedpendent.co.uk Have a great month!

Jenna Gould : Editor

HERTS BUSINESS READY TO BOOM AGAIN

Hertfordshire businesses showed their continued optimism for business growth at the launch of the FSB Hertfordshire Small Business Awards 2010.

Media partners and sponsors were out in force at the btc in Stevenage where FSB’s Damian Cummins officially declared the awards open.

Following the huge success of the 2009 awards – the first FSB awards to run in Hertfordshire - many sponsors including the HBI have renewed for a second year.

The whole programme is run in association with Trend Micro and Archant Herts and Cambs, with 10 individual categories sponsored by some key business organisations across the county.

The FSB are keen to encourage many more small businesses to enter this year, and build on the positive attitudes of local businesses. The many benefits to entering can be found on the website www.fsb.org.uk/hertsawards - with a fantastic top prize of £20,000 advertising budget plus £1000 cash. Support and tips will be provided with two ‘Meet the Judges’ events in March and all finalists will be invited to the prestigious gala dinner at Tewin Bury Farm on 13 May. Maree Atkinson, FSB Business Consultant for E Herts said ‘last year’s event really gave Herts businesses a sense of achievement in a tough year, with several of our winners from last year achieving regional and national recognition. We are already sensing that business is ready to leap forward in 2010 and really encourage all local businesses to enter now.’

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.

04

NEW COUNCIL GRANT SCHEME FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN STEVENAGE

Stevenage Borough Council has announced plans to provide direct help to businesses in the local vicinity by providing grants of up to £500.

The council, one of only six to win a national Citizen’s Advice Award, has been working in partnership with the BTC to help promote enterprise and innovation within the town, with the introduction of the grant. Grants can be applied for to cover the cost of certain business needs, such as expanding into a new market, test trading or promoting a product or service, or buying equipment or tools.

This will prove useful to help launch new businesses as well as benefiting existing trades. The grants may also encourage small businesses to try out new ideas.

For more information and to find out how to apply : T: 01438 242507 E: www.stevenage.gov.uk

ANGELS AND DRAGONS MEET FOR THE BIG EVENT

Dragon’s Den star Julie Meyer has been confirmed as main speaker at The BIG Event in Hertfordshire on March 4th 2010 at The Fielder Conference Centre, Hatfield Business Park.

Hosted by Herts of Business, The BIG Event is being billed as Hertfordshire’s leading independent business focused event encompassing keynote speakers, workshops, roundtable discussions, seminars and networking time.

Julie Meyer, founder of First Tuesday, CEO of Ariadne Capital, Dragon’s Den star and CityAM columnist will be joining the stage with business experts from a range of industries including social media entrepreneur and author Penny Power, founder of Ecademy.com.

Other speakers include Dexter Moscow, Christopher Jones-Warner, Grant Leboff and Mindy Gibbins-Klein and founder of Angel’s Den, Bill Morrow. “The BIG Event focuses on the 2 critical ingredients for business success - thought-leadership and networking. It has been purposefully created for business owners and leaders in Hertfordshire and the neighbouring areas and we are delighted that the likes of Julie Meyer and Penny Power are able to join us”, says Simon George, founder of Herts for Business.

For more information visit www.the-bigevent.com

COULD YOU BECOME A BOOK MIDWIFE®?

Due to increasing demand, The Book Midwife ®, the UK’s premier book coaching consultancy, has expanded its offering as is now offering a licensed practitioner programme to selected consultants across the country.

BECOMES RECOGNISED VASER LIPO TRAINER

A local doctor has been designated as a Vaser Lipo trainer for Europe in the same month he was appointed to the Faculty at Greenwich University for the Masters in Cosmetic Medicine. This represents the formation of his expertise to both the commercial and academic worlds.

Dr Ravi Jain is the Medical Director at multiaward winning Riverbanks Clinic in Harpenden and is already one of the UK’s leading doctors for non-surgical cosmetic and dermatological treatments. His clinic in East Hyde has won awards for ‘Best New Clinic’ and ‘Best Business Development’

by Aesthetic Medicine 2009 and the prestigious clinic is well-known across the country for its innovative cosmetic treatments, with many people travelling hundreds of miles to be treated

by Dr Jain.

For more information visit www.bookmidwife.com

05

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NEWS

LOCAL CLINIC DOCTOR

Founded by St. Albans-based executive communication strategist and author Mindy Gibbins-Klein, the unique and proven methodology of the highly successful Book Midwife® programme has now become so well developed that it can now be taught to individuals who already have the skills and experience needed to coach aspiring authors. Book Midwife® coaching is considered ‘the gold standard of coaching,’ according to Mindy, who in the space of nine years has seen over 300 people successfully follow her system to write and publish a book. In addition, most of these authors completed their book in just 90 days.

“As soon as I set up The Book Midwife® business, there was instantly a demand from others to get to the same level. I’ve had people asking me, ‘How do I become a book midwife like you Mindy?’

Initially, I just took it as a compliment but for quite some time there has been more demand than I can satisfy by myself so I’ve decided to take the idea forward and develop other Book Midwife® coaches”.

SUCCESS OF MONEY ADVICE DAY IN STEVENAGE

Hertfordshire County Council’s Money Advice unit has revealed the success of a day dedicated to financial services, held in Stevenage last month.

The unit teamed up with Stevenage Borough Council, Stevenage Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Stevenage Credit Union and the Financial Services Authority, to provide residents of the surrounding community free impartial advice surrounding finance.

Money Advice Day made information and advice available on a wide range of topics including how to make sure you choose the right mortgage and planning for your retirement.

Many people turned out for the event, held in the Westgate Centre in Stevenage.

A large number of them made appointments with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and the Credit Union, so that they could obtain more detailed advice regarding personal finances.

SMES IN THE SOUTH EAST WAKE UP TO LATE PAYMENT HANGOVER IN 2010

2010 has got off to a bad start for 28% of UK businesses in the South East according to new research from Close Invoice Finance, part of the FTSE 250 merchant banking group Close Brothers Group plc.

Latest figures show that more UK SMEs are falling victim to late payment despite an otherwise strong business performance. In a survey completed by Close Invoice Finance, it was revealed that more than 207,000 businesses in the South East are considering that late payment will be an issue for 2010.

These figures also show that 24%, which is almost a quarter of all SMEs in the South East, typically have to wait for payment 31 days over agreed terms. This is compared to 23% of micro businesses and 22% in the public sector.

CEO DAVID THOMPSON

REGAL CHAMBERS SURGERY BENEFITS FROM IMPROVED PATIENT ACCESS

A 12,000 patient surgery in Hitchin, Regal Chambers, has seen significant improvement in patient access since the installation of an automated telephone booking system.

The solution, provided by Integra ICT provides a 24 hour/365 day booking service for patients.

Prior to the installation, even with 6 members of staff, phone access between 8.15am and 9.00am was extremely difficult. Lines were constantly engaged and complaints were numerous.

Patients can now book appointments from midnight for the same day, if available. Similarly patients can choose to cancel and re-arrange appointments at any time of the day or night.

Nigel Sweeney, Practice Manager stated, ‘In 25 years of my experience this was the best investment ever considered.’

The Regal Chambers appointment booking system is now so specific their patients have a choice of the following:-

NACC NEEDS YOUR HELP

Will you run to get fit and help people in Herts with Colitis and Crohn’s Disease?

The patients liked the flexibility of choice and the ability to act at any time of the night or day.

The management team found that the amount of cancellations and re-arranged appointments increased.

This in turn reduced the amount of unattended bookings.

NACC – the National Association for people with these painful and debilitating conditions (known as IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease) – needs you to help them raise funds for research into a cure, and for small awards to individuals in need, which can make all the difference.

Its helplines buzz with calls from worried parents, anxious students (IBD usually starts in late teens or early twenties) and others embarrassed by their symptoms, which can include diarrhoea, joint pain, and rectal bleeding.

www.integra-ict.co.uk Tel 01767 684898 Email: medical@integra-ict.co.uk

For information, call 01727 734485 or see www.nacc.org.uk

• The next available appointment.

• Specific named GP appointment • Selection of Male or Female GP. • Same day or advanced booking

HERTFORD MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY RECRUITS NEW DIRECTOR

NORTHAMPTON BANKER APPOINTED NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Northampton local Bank Director Mark Charteress has been appointed as the new Regional Director for NatWest and The Royal Bank of Scotland for Northern Homes Counties & Fenlands.

Hertford-based marketing communications agency Elmscott has recruited Matt Cheevers as Non-Executive Director, where he will assist with the development of the company while also focusing on product strategy across its full range of services.

In his new role Mark is responsible for the management of 10 Business and Commercial banking centres and over 50 customer facing relationship managers. These centres provide funding solutions for businesses across the region that have a turnover of between £250k and £25m. Mark, who was born and raised in the region, has over 25 years banking experience with the RBS Group and was previously in charge of the RBS/NatWest Business and Commercial team in Northamptonshire.

POPE APPOINTED CHAIR OF EEDA

The East of England Business Group (EEBG) has welcomed Professor Will Pope as Chair of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

The EEBG is a strategic alliance of the twelve major employer organisations in the East of England. Current Chairman Michael Large is confident that Professor Pope will continue to represent the views of businesses in the region when he takes up his post in April.

Matt held senior positions at Eurostar and lastminute.com before joining Teletext Holidays as Managing Director. In 2009 he established Smooth Direction Ltd, an organisation offering strategic business development and network services including product development, training and recruitment.

Recent projects have included a successful marketing strategy for leading B2B travel management company Giles Travel, a commission for a major exhibition stand for Carnival UK (seven cruise brands including P&O) and Oceanico Group’s ‘Desire to Aspire’ campaign including multimedia advertising, international film production and company-wide brand training.

STRUGGLING SMES THROWN A VIRTUAL LIFELINE WITH NEW ONLINE NETWORKING EVENT

TalkBusiness.biz is an online networking site that enables small business owners and executives to come together at any time, and from any location in the UK or worldwide and do business inside virtual meeting rooms. Users are allocated a meeting room, where business cards are shown on a virtual TV screen. Each business is unique to the room, as only one of its kind is allowed in. All conversations had in the rooms are recorded and kept private, so that users can return to any conversation at a later date and any opportunities or possible leads can be easily followed up after the networking has closed.

Colin Rees, who is the owner of the site, is convinced that virtual networking will form the future of new business generation and is particularly suitable for small businesses with limited time to network face to face.

He says, “In times of economic difficulty, and while businesses need to be as profitable as possible, it is not always economically viable to attend networking events, particularly for those living in remote areas. Networking in this way can happen regardless of location, weather, workload or other commitments. It no longer has to be a time consuming activity as users can fit the networking around their working day, coming and going as they need to.”

CHARITY SUCCESS AT THE HARLEQUIN

A premier shopping centre in Watford has managed to raise a significant amount of money for charity throughout 2009 from its generous customers.

The Harlequin Shopping Centre collected a total of £4,209 from its shoppers making kind donations and visiting the grotto over the festive season. Local charities also raised money by offering a gift wrapping service, as well as raising an extra £1068 from the Nativity scene.

The Centre Management have donated the sum to The Peace Hospice, which provides care for patients with a life limiting or terminal illness, as well as providing support for their families. All treatment given at the hospice is free, so they rely heavily on charitable donations.

The money will undoubtedly make a considerable difference to the patients.

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07

NEWS : REGIONAL ROUND - UP

A virtual networking website is due to lead the way as the first of its kind in replicating live business events online, helping businesses to network without leaving the office.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

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March 4th 2010 Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, Fielder Conference is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.Centre Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entreHatfield Business Park preneurs and according to theFor Wall Street Journal, isvisit among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. more information Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, www.the-bigevent.com is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal,

10

QUESTIONS

WITH JULIE MEYER

1

When did you first notice your entrepreneurial spirit?

I think my spirit was noticed more than I noticed it.

Every single boyfriend [not that many actually] that I’ve had has wanted to go into business with me.

When I arrived in London in 1998, I kept being approached by people who wanted to go into business with me.

However, I probably should have realised that I had an entrepreneurial spirit, but I didn’t know that what I had was that.

I was always setting up carnivals, puppet shows, talent shows etc with my cousins as a child, and I was fascinated with my father’s business which was a medical group that he founded.

2

What inspired you to create First Tuesday and what challenges did you face when starting that business?

Having seen how businesses like lastminute.com, WGSN and other internet companies which I was advising in 1998 were trying to scale and expand into new geographies, I thought - “there has to be a better way”.

I wanted to create the people network across Europe which would help internet firms scale their businesses.

Indeed thousands of start-ups found people, capital and partners across Europe through First Tuesday.

The biggest challenge I faced was gaining alignment between the founders and the network of city leaders who had divergent interests.

3

You are described as one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and are among the 30 most powerful women in Europe, but who are your role models?

On one level, my role models are pretty close to home - my mother and stepmother. I’m very close to both of them. My family is littered with extremely strong women, and also men who love strong women.

In the outside world though, I have tended to admire women like Meg Whitman, former CEO of Ebay, or Oprah, or Martha Stewart, or Carol Bartz, CEO of Yahoo, or Tina Rogers, ex MD of Syntech sold to Misys.

Sir Peter Vardy, Paul Barry-Walsh, Jeremy Coller, David Verey, Alastair Lukies are all people who I admire enormously.

4

Of the many companies you’ve helped find funding, which entrepreneur/pitch/business has left the most impact on you and why?

Monitise, the mobile money leader, has had the biggest impact on me because Alastair Lukies, the CEO and founder, was so absolutely right about so many things about the way the world would work so early and with so little evidence that it would work that way.

What do I mean?

He really understood that the world was moving into a network-orientation, and that any new industry would have to work for all parties in the industry. He persisted in building the right ecosystem for mobile banking and payments against all odds.

I am in awe of him.

5

In the current climate, many think that finding funding is a near impossible challenge.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give a start up looking for finance in 2010.

Never give up, never accept No, and never ever go away - even when they want you to.

6

We know that success often brings its fair share of mistakes along the way. What was your biggest business mistake?

My biggest mistake - well actually there are a couple: I made my co-founders of First Tuesday equal equity owners in the business when they were going to be non-executive out in California.

That is what I have attempted to do.

I also scratch my head when people say this industry or that one is a male-dominated one.

I have always felt that it was a huge advantage to be a female, and I live in a Julie-centric world. I don’t allow other people to dominate me - at least not essentially.

9

It’s often said that in Britain we are desperately short of female thought-leaders? What barriers are preventing more women from taking up these roles, or aren’t there any and it is just mindset?

Basically it’s all about confidence. Confident women tend to be thought leaders and achievers in whatever roles they attack - which could be the home and family, local community and government, or business and entrepreneurship.

Julie Meyer is one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs and according to the Wall Street Journal, is among the 30 most powerful women in Europe. She is best known for founding First Tuesday, a networking forum for entrepreneurs, which she built into a $50m (£32m) business in just two years. She sold First Tuesday to an Israeli equity company in July 2000 and is now the CEO of Ariadne Capital, an investment firm which runs Entrepreneur Country and manages the Ariadne Capital Entrepreneurs Fund. Julie is also a ‘Dragon’ on the online version of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den. Hertfordshire Business Independent caught up with Julie as she prepares for her appearance at The BIG Event on 4th March at The Fielder Conference Centre to find out the secrets behind this dragon’s success and why she is so passionate about helping entrepreneurs.

As I was taking the risk in leaving a job, putting my own money in, and then doing the work of building the company, I should have set the company up on my own. It led to a less than successful First Tuesday, and I made them wealthy off of my work.

If I have confidence, it is because my parents encourage me to invest in myself, and so today it has become a habit. I also know that God loves me, and that keeps me going when times get rough. Finally achievement has that interesting effect that the more you achieve, the more you get used to achieving, and so the more I have occasionally hired people with value systems confident you become. which are incompatible with mine.

Also, I think I just don’t put men - any men - in the centre of my universe, and I see a lot of women who seem to

You speak a lot about ‘individual capitalism’. be always living in reaction to the men around them.

What do you mean by that and how do you I genuinely don’t understand that. My father was my

see the business world changing as a result? biggest fan, but he said to me early - “men can be selfish Julie; don’t ever do things for them that they Individual Capitalism refers to the trend towards the wouldn’t do for you.” - meaning don’t put yourself in unit of business being the individual rather than the the supplicant/subordinate role. company. I believe we are all becoming Individual It was a great message actually to hear from your father.

I was lucky.

Capitalists, and that company man is truly gone.

I believe that each of us are to a greater and lesser

Aside from Dragon’s Den and Entrepreneur degree seeing ourselves as our own brands, our own

Country, what other projects are you P&L’s, as agents of change as individuals.

working on at the moment?

8

Venture Capital has typically been a male dominated industry but you’ve managed to well and truly smash the glass ceiling! Why do you think you’ve been so successful where others have failed?

I have never tried to smash the glass ceiling. I have tried only to build my own cathedral. The winners of any game set the rules of the game. I realised that I would never win if I played by others’ rules, so I would have to set the rules of engagement for the playing field in which I wanted to win.

10

I am building a foundation for Dads and Daughters to create a circle of investment from fathers into their daughters. I am working on a book as well which should be published in the spring of 2010.

I am redecorating my flat. I am trying to get to a size 8 from a size 10.

09

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INTERVIEW : JULIE MEYER

7

THE DECADE FOR LOST PENSIONS? WILL THE LAST TEN YEARS BECOME KNOWN AS THE LOST DECADE IN PENSIONS? Linda Bell, Pensions director at KPMG in St Albans reviews the pensions landscape for employees and employers.

Over the last decade the average pension scheme only managed to grow its assets at just over 2.25% a year (and that’s before costs). In addition, pension pot purchasing power has plunged: in 1999, an individual could have bought a pension of £8,000 per year with a defined contribution fund of £100,000 – now they would only get £5,750.

It seems everyone was a pensions loser in the noughties – most noticeably employers who are facing costs significantly higher than at the start of the decade, and this is likely to lead to them taking yet more tough decisions on pensions.

FROM BOOM TO BUST

The period from 1999 to 2009 tells an unfortunate story in respect of equity markets spanning from the height of the dotcom boom to the current economic downturn. Over this period a pension scheme that followed a “typical” investment strategy would only have seen its investments grow at 2.25% per year. This would further be reduced by costs and compares to a return of 4.7% per annum if the assets had been kept on deposit in the bank. As a consequence, higher cash demands are now being made on employers. Employer contributions to all self administered pension schemes have ballooned from £11bn in 2000 to £29bn in 2008.

While a large number of employees continued to build up pensions over the last decade, the increased costs of defined benefit pensions have led to a significant reduction in the overall level of pension provision. In 2000, 4.6 million employees were members of a private sector defined benefit pension scheme. In 2008 this number had fallen to 2.6 million and will soon be below 2 million.

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The proportion of private sector defined benefit pension schemes closed to future accrual for all members rose significantly from 7% in 2000 to 17% in 2008. This proportion will now be even higher given the spate of closures over 2009.

But things have also been bad for employees who are members of defined contribution arrangements.

Members of these schemes will also have suffered losses on their funds – heavily dependent on the weighting they had in equities. However, they have also had to bear the brunt of increased annuity costs.

A person who retired in 1999 with a fund of £100,000 at age 65 would have been able to buy a pension of around £9,000 per year. At the end of the decade, the same fund would only be able to buy a pension of around £7,000. Annuity rates are partly driven by the yields available on government bonds, which have fallen from around 5% at the start of the decade to around 4% now. Similarly index-linked gilt yields have fallen from around 2% to around 0.5%.

OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT DECADE

Looking forward to the next decade, companies will want to deal with their pension’s hangover from the end of this one.

We expect more action to reduce the legacy of cost that has been created – namely more defined benefit (final salary) scheme closures and more companies “selling” or closing out their schemes when opportunities arise. In our view by the end of the next decade half of all companies may have dealt with their problem and no longer have a defined benefit scheme at all.

Individuals are likely to continue to turn away from saving for pensions - burned by the experience of the last decade and also government policy to repeatedly reduce the incentives to save. Over the next decade we predict that more and more people will retire relying on their capital or property / other assets rather than a pension scheme. And this could be a very risky strategy as these people are likely to have a very difficult job running down their capital at the right pace to potentially see them through to age 100 and beyond!

The investment landscape will also transform. Stock markets will change dramatically as institutional pension investors gradually pull out - either due to schemes being “sold” or invested in assets other than equities. The removal of hundreds of billions of pounds of equity investment will mean that companies and markets will need additional sources of funds or an increase in direct investment by private shareholders.

There is clearly a role for government and the regulatory framework to help to ensure adequate future private sector benefit provision, but against this backdrop the challenge is a significant one.

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A Will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever produce. It ensures that all of your wishes are carried out after your death. If you do not have a valid Will on the date of your death, then the Laws of Intestacy will decide what happens to your estate and who will benefit, which may not be what you want to happen.

It is even more crucial to have a Will if you have children, own property, a business and other valuables.

Couples, divorcees and single people should consider making a Will or updating an existing Will to ensure their wishes are carried out on their death.

A Will is not just about establishing where your personal assets go but can also include your business assets.

A meeting with one of our consultants can establish your wishes relating to your business and personal requirements. If your business partner died without a making a Will mentioning the company, or another legal document relating the company, their share of your company could pass to their spouse. This spouse might not know anything about the company but more importantly you may not want to work with them.

We also provide Free Company Workshops whereby we are able to present the pitfalls and advantages of having a well drafted Will written by specialists. Each employee can then book a free 15 minute consultation and if staff would like to have a Will written a discount or remuneration can then be offered to the employer.

Abbotts Wills and Probate Services Conbar House Mead Lane Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7AP 0845 313 3353

www.businessindependent.co.uk

11

MONEY

For further information or to book an appointment please contact us on 0845 313 3353

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.

I am currently defending a discrimination claim brought by a former employee, which includes a claim for injury to her feelings. If I lose the case is this likely to be a substantial amount?

Although in theory compensation for all cases of unlawful discrimination (on the grounds of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age) is unlimited, the reality is that awards for injury to feelings in discrimination cases range upwards from about £500 and seldom exceed the low thousands.

For a number of years injury to feelings awards have been calculated by reference to what are know as the ‘Vento’ guidelines, which establish a band structure, set out in the case of Vento, providing for three levels of damages to compensate claimants for injury to feelings in the least serious cases (lower band) through to the most severe (higher band). In a recent Court of Appeal decision these bands have been increased to take into account the impact of inflation since they were originally set out.

The bands are now as follows: Lower band: £600 - £6,000 (formerly £500 - £5,000) Middle band: £6,000 - £18,000 (formerly £5,000 - £15,000) Higher band: £18,000 - £30,000 (formerly £15,000 - £25,000)

TAKING YOUR BUSINESS PERSONALLY

As you can see you might be liable for a significant sum if the Employment Tribunal finds that there has been a protracted and serious campaign of unlawful discrimination such that it considers that higher band injury to feelings damages should be awarded. It is also significant to note that, in addition to injury to feelings awards, a successful claimant in a discrimination claim can also recover loss of earnings and potentially compensation for personal injury if it can be shown that these arise as a result of the discriminatory conduct. During the period 1st April 2008 – 31st March 2009 the average award made in discrimination cases by the Employment Tribunal was £18,921.33 with the maximum being £1,353,432 in a race discrimination claim.

In order to avoid this situation in future you need to ensure that you have your equal opportunity and harassment policies in place and more specifically, that you are seen to enforce them. This may well mean a crack down on inappropriate jokes, emails and banter in the workplace. I would also suggest implementing a comprehensive programme of training for all managers and staff on these issues as this can go a long way in preventing such problems arising in the first place or putting you in the best position possible to defend any claims which are brought.

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.

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12

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SHAREHOLDER BLUES Recessions encourage business tension. This encourages investors and managers to see if they are getting value for money. Shareholders sometimes disagree about the running of the business.

If you are a director, are you satisfied that you are running the business in such a way as to not prejudice the shareholder’s interest?

Are you confident you are: • running the business in such a way that does not prejudice anyone’s interest?

• acting in the best interests of the company and its shareholders?

• aware of the rights that shareholders have in relation to protecting their own investments?

Also, have you reviewed the terms of your Shareholders Agreement recently – always assuming you have one? A lot of businesses start with trust and goodwill but no one anticipates trading situations which put personal and business relationships under pressure.

In these difficult times there are three common and potential dispute-related scenarios: • A minority shareholder claims his interests are being prejudiced.

• Majority shareholders want to get out of the business and take the good bits of it for themselves elsewhere.

• Directors who run or manage the business on a daily basis see opportunities but without the distractions of fellow shareholders or directors who play little or no part in the business.

In any of these situations a dispute, or worse litigation, may be a possibility.

These disputes are to be avoided at all costs. They are time consuming, costly and a major distraction from the main task of growing and managing the business.

We have also recently seen an increasing number of disputes which mirror these tough economic business conditions.

Almost invariably the motives for this increased litigious activity comes from a shareholder wanting to realise their investment, dispense with poor

performing directors or simply part company with former investors with whom an harmonious relationship is now no longer possible.

That may not be a problem in itself, but what if the company then turns out over a longer term to be extremely successful and profitable?

Typically, the situations we are seeing more of are either:

Disputes like these are cumbersome, messy and generally expensive. They can all be avoided if the correct paper trail is in place as and when the investors come to the arrangement between themselves and regulate harmony between investors, people never think there can be times of discord. In matters of discord as between investors, our aim is to bring harmony. If we can assist in resolving disputes like this, it is to the good of all concerned.

If you see this sort of dispute brewing on the horizon in the business that you are a part of, whether you are a minority shareholder, a major investor or a director and you want advice on the position that you find yourself in then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Deadlocked companies: this is a classic situation where investors (most commonly two individuals or two families) go into business together each having representation on the Board and each holding the same number of shares. Matters are fine in good economic times when there is plenty of harmony amongst the shareholders and directors. However, if the investors and directors fall out about how the company is being run, often about the direction of the business, where one party thinks they can do a better job than the other, it is not uncommon for tensions to quickly rise and for parties to reach a stage where they simply cannot work together.

Status of shareholders: the affairs of private limited companies are often dealt with in a slightly less sophisticated way than might otherwise be expected. Family businesses or businesses that grow up amongst a small number of investors often get along more by the spirit of co-operation and understanding of those involved than necessarily giving the right corporate and fiscal treatment to the internal affairs of the company e.g. making sure that the company’s statutory books are up to date. Often there is a genuine doubt as to whether or not Party A is in fact a shareholder! Or one or more investors may have “dropped out” after the initial honeymoon period of the company’s launch, having agreed at the outset that a group of, say, five individuals would take shares in the company.

Andrew Knight is a Partner in the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution department of Taylor Walton LLP, which has offices in Luton, Harpenden and St Albans and provides effective legal solutions to businesses and individuals across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and the South East.

Andrew can be contacted on tel. 01582 731161 or email andrew.knight@taylorwalton.co.uk

www.businessindependent.co.uk

13

LEGAL

We are seeing an increase in situations of deadlock between shareholders, or complaints of unfair prejudice, as a result of a decline in profits and dividends and tougher bank lending conditions.

FUNDING FOR 400 GRADUATE INTERNSHIPS ANNOUNCED FOR THE REGION The University of Hertfordshire (UH), the UK’s leading business-facing university, is proud to announce the award of funding to support the Graduate Internships Programme. Funded through HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England) with a total programme fund of £640,000, the UH Graduate Internships Programme is designed to subsidise 400 internships across the region.

Working through a partnership with Exemplas (the Hertfordshire-based business support specialist), employers can access a diverse talent pool of graduates with various skills to match their business needs at a fraction of the cost. By taking on a graduate internship for 12 weeks, employers gain access to a talented and ambitious workforce as well as bringing new skills and a flexible resource into their organisation – perhaps as an extra resource to tackle a project that is currently on the backburner due to resources or skills constraints. The employer can also access £522 towards the costs of employing the graduate for the 12 week period.

There is no limit to the number of graduates that an employer can have working on placement, but there is a limited fund available to help pay towards their costs. All in all, a cost-effective and efficient recruitment tool for employers as the programme enables potential employees to be evaluated over the 12 weeks scheme period at a minimal cost.

For more information see http://www.exemplas.com/

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EDUCATION

ST ALBANS A TOWN BURSTING WITH HISTORY & CULTURE

St Albans, with its long history of settlement, is a thriving town set in the centre of Hertfordshire. It has a thriving cultural life, with regular concerts and theatre productions held at venues including St Albans Abbey, the Abbey Theatre and St Saviour’s Church.

The growth of St Albans was fairly slow until the 20th century, which was due to its previous status as a rural market town. After World War II, it began to expand significantly as part of the postWar redistribution of population out of Greater London that also saw the creation of new towns in the area.

St Albans has been welcoming visitors from far afield for 2000 years and as a result, local businesses that serve tourists in the area continue to thrive. Within easy access from the motorway network and just half an hour from London, many choose to visit the historic town for a short break away.

There is much to see and do in and around St. Albans, including the Abbey, the early 15th century Clock Tower, the Verulamium Museum, the Museum of St.Albans and the Organ Museum. Nearby is the de Havilland Aircraft Heritage Museum and the Gardens of the Rose the flagship gardens of the Royal National Rose Society. Children will enjoy a visit to Willows Farm Village and the flying displays of the Falconry Centre.

Beyond the city of St. Albans there is plenty to explore. A wealth of villages offering good pubs, beautiful walks, historic churches and more modern attractions and further afield, just a few miles away from St. Albans, are other attractions and stately homes, including Hatfield House, Knebworth and Shaws Corner at Ayot St. Lawrence, once home of George Bernard Shaw.

The mixed character of St Albans and proximity to London has made it a popular filming location. The area of Romeland, directly north of the Abbey Gateway and the walls of the Abbey and school grounds, can be seen masquerading as part of an Oxford college in some episodes of Inspector Morse. Also, in 2001, some of the filming for Birthday Girls starring Nicole Kidman, was also carried out in the area.

An introduction to St Albans’ City & District Chamber of Commerce from President, Graham Lane An active and thriving local Chamber

Our members participate regularly in events including an Annual Growing Business Trade Fair, Community Business Awards Event and our ever popular St George’s Day Luncheon.

The Chamber events are topical, lively, and well attended.

Events are held at a variety of interesting venues throughout the district and are arranged to avoid disruption to the working day.

On Thursday, 25th March, following our AGM, we are delighted to host our own version of the popular political debate “Question Time” at The Old Town Hall, St Albans with a panel of local party candidates. Delegates are invited to submit a question with their booking. This is the perfect opportunity to have your say on local business issues and non-members are very welcome. To book online and for further details please visit our website.

A source of advice and help

We like to keep our members informed too and our regular Chamber Bulletin covers local business events, issues, local and national legislation. Editorial from individual members is welcomed and the Bulletin is available in hard copy or email format. An informative and useful Yearbook is distributed free to all members. It includes a diary, members and classified directory, a host of useful business information and a valuable opportunity for members to advertise their services.

The Chamber does not replace professional advisors; it does however help members expand, or resolve business problems, via free introductory consultancy to legal, financial, accounting, tax, surveying, employment, marketing and general management specialists.

Full details of all our forthcoming events, marketing services and latest news are available on our website www.stalbans-chamber.co.uk or you can always give us a call on 01727 863054.

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29/1/10 15:45:37

IN FOCUS : ST ALBANS & SURROUNDING AREA

• • • • • •

Business & Personal Taxation

SETTING WOW GOALS

BY RICHARD WHITE

FOUNDER OF ACCIDENTALSALESMAN.COM March is an excellent time of the year to reflect on the goals you have set for the year and review the strategies employed so far to check they are producing the right results. But whilst many of you may have set personal goals, I wonder how many of these are actually WOW! goals? Will they motivate you enough to do some of the things in sales which take you outside your comfort zone?

Focused and consistent sales activity is needed to make 2010 a great year despite all the economic challenges. There are important activities that need to be done and the right type of motivational goals will spur you on to just get on with it rather than giving into fear and doubts.

Ask yourself how exciting are your goals? When you think of them, do they make you go ‘WOW!’?’ When I go through business owner’s goals with them I normally see important goals on the list but they are typically too far off in the distance and without the kind of emotion needed to inspire immediate short-term action. The answer is to add some WOW! goals to your list to boost short-term activity.

Reaching such goals will automatically move you closer to your longerterm goals and they add fun to the whole process.

By short term I mean less than a year and often goals that you would like to achieve in the next three months.

They need to be realistic but at the same time they need to make you go WOW! just by thinking of them. I first discovered the power of WOW! goals when doing a goal setting workshop for a client. The group were doing the exercises and yet the room was lacking in the kind of buzz and excitement you would expect when people have highly motivational goals. I asked one person what would be one thing that would be so motivational right now that it would make her go ‘WOW!’ She replied that she would like to take her family to Las Vegas and to take a particular roller coaster ride there.

Just by talking about it her face was full of emotion and excitement.

I could tell it was motivational for her and I am pleased to say she did get her roller coaster ride!

“If you want to increase your number of clients from 10 to 20... ...why not have a WOW! goal to mark that achievement?”

At the time though, she was a little confused about the type of motivational goals we were talking about.

She could have afforded to go on the trip anyway, without reaching any targets – at a stretch. I managed to convince her to only allow herself to book the trip once she had reached her sales target, even if she could afford it. Setting emotionally charged short term goals and hitching them to the achievement of your important sales targets will power you through and help you to not only reach shorter term targets but also work towards achieving your longer term goals too.

So what would make you go WOW! just thinking about it? A nice new watch? Taking someone special to tea at the Ritz? Making a large donation to a cause close to your heart? It is most likely that the goal will not be business related but something to do with what is most important in life such as family and friends. As long as the goal makes you go WOW! then there are no rules. If the idea of organising a staff coach party to Margate does it for you then go for it!

It’s normally better that your WOW! goals are smaller and achievable rather than something grandiose. If taking your kids out for a McDonalds meal is a luxury but would give you immense pleasure then that is all it takes. As long as you can commit to not allowing yourself the goal until you have reached your target then it does not matter how small it is.

The ideal plan is that you will have a whole string of WOW! goals stretching out across the year in sequence and tied into achieving specific sales targets. Targets can be more than just actual sales invoiced. If cold calling is a particular issue for you then why not set a WOW! goal for when you win your first sale from a cold call? If you want to increase your number of clients from 10 to 20 why not have a WOW! goal to mark that achievement? Once you achieve your target then make sure you follow through with your WOW! goal.

They will not work if deep down you know that you will not reward yourself. If money is an issue then make sure the reward is financed by the sales results and make each successive target a bigger WOW! goal.

If you set your ambitious targets and hitch WOW! g+oals to achievement along the way then 2010 will certainly be a WOW! year for you and your business.

Richard White is the founder of TheAccidentalSalesman.com, the premier sales resource for business owners, reluctant salespeople and non-sales staff. For more information visit www.theaccidentalsalesman.com.

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IS YOUR BUSINESS PROTECTED? In the current economic climate, protecting your business is essential. Every sale, purchase and decision you make, will ensure the continuing success of your company, large or small.

What would happen if you were to suffer a burglary or a fire? Even if you are insured against the loss or damage, there are consequential losses that need to be considered.

Not being able to provide your goods or services to a customer if it’s been stolen or you not being able to trade if your office or computer system is out of action due to fire can have serious consequences to your ability to trade. Your customers may go elsewhere and find another supplier if you can’t help them and it could take months to win them back once they have found someone else.

Burglary is on the increase with the economic downturn and businesses are being targeted. Newsagents and off licenses are having cigarettes and alcohol stolen, offices are having PC’s and laptops taken and contractors are losing power tools from sites, offices and stores.

By reviewing your security measures, this can reduce the risk of becoming a victim to crime. Adding some more protection to your office, installing an extra CCTV camera or having a simple door entry system fitted can all help reduce your attractiveness to an intruder. Walk in thefts during office hours are becoming more common. Your alarm secures your building when you are not there, but what keeps your staff, their possessions and your assets secure?

Locking your doors and preventing walk ins can stop you losing a laptop with business critical information.

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Noel Harvey of East of England International (EEI) which delivers UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) services in the region, explains how easy it is for companies to make use of UKTI’s Export Marketing Research Scheme.

The global marketplace is vast and opens up countless opportunities for virtually any business however small and for whatever product or service they provide. However, to be successful a company needs to consider their entry into new markets with care.

Each business looking to export will have their own range of specific factors that they will need to consider and by carrying out the appropriate research they will be much better placed to weigh up whether or not the country and market in question is suitable for them. Research may need to look into a range of topics including: • Market size and segmentation • Regulations and legislation • Customer needs, usage and attitudes • Distribution channels • Trends • Competitor activity, strategy & performance

For many companies, this may look a daunting prospect for their own home market let alone one in a country many miles away. However, specialist help is at hand through UKTI’s Export Marketing Research Scheme or EMRS. Firstly, EMRS offers free independent advice on how to get the most out of a marketing research project and, secondly, it offers funding to subsidise the cost of the research.

Funding can be provided whether you plan to conduct the research yourselves, use a market research agency or purchase market reports.

One such company that used EMRS to good effect is Construction Products Solutions who took expert advice on how to plan their research for the United Arab Emirates market. EEI worked closely with them in planning the research that the company carried out themselves prior to and during a nine day visit to Dubai.

For further information on the Export Marketing Research Scheme please call East of England International on 08456 419955 or visit www.eei-online.com.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

This involved making use of UKTI locally employed commercial officers in the country.

Terry Foster of Construction Products Solutions said: “Working with EEI and making use of UKTI’s services and funding made all the difference for us. One year on and we’re now taking orders and are confident that this new market will soon be delivering substantial new revenues for us. We’re now looking to take a similar approach for the construction market in Australia.”

TECHNOLOGY Becky Lewis takes a look at the latest gadgets to hit the tech market.

SONY TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE OF THE NETBOOK Sony, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of laptop computers and notebook technology, has launched its latest challenge to the world of portable PCs – the S series. Ultra light, ultra sleek and ultra portable, the compact yet feature-rich S series is set to become the business laptop of choice.

This innovative and sleek addition to Sony’s established range of quality laptops packs a variety of advanced security, performance and entertainment features into one, lightweight notebook PC. With a 13.3 inch screen with LED backlighting, the usual moan of laptop users that the screen is difficult to see in direct light is negated with the new S series.

Sporting an Intel Dual Core processor with Centrino 2 technology, a 250GB hard drive and up to 4GB of RAM, this compact laptop has all the processing power and memory that business users need.

Weighing in at just over four pounds, the S series 13.3 inch version is ideal for business users who spend a lot of their time travelling, but want all the capabilities of a laptop rather than the limited functions of a Netbook.

Another feature of the Sony S series laptop is the enhanced security measures – perfect for business users. Sony takes security seriously, with a biometric fingerprint sensor and proprietary hard drive protection software to make sure data is protected from unauthorised use and accidental damage. It also uses an integrated Trusted Platform Mode TCG Ver1.2 compliant chip that allows the user to control access on a specific client/user basis.

“Sony has really listened to what the business community wants from a portable PC package,” explains Rob Woolley, Laptop Specialist of computer experts IT247. “The S series bridges the gap between Netbooks and laptops, which is what a lot of people have been looking for.

It really does tick all the boxes and we predict it’ll be a winner for Sony”

APPLE LAUNCHES NEW IPAD Apple have come up with the latest revolutionary gadget the iPad for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, playing games, reading e-books, and much more.

TECHNOLOGY

Its high-resolution Multi-Touch display lets you interact with content — including 12 innovative new apps designed especially for iPad and almost all of the 140,000 apps available on the App Store. All of the built-in apps on iPad were designed from the ground up to take advantage of the large, Multi-Touch screen. And they’ll work in any orientation. So you can do things with these apps you can’t do on any other device.

The large Multi-Touch screen on iPad lets you see web pages as they were meant to be seen — one whole page at a time with vibrant colour and sharp text. So whether you’re looking at a page in portrait or landscape, you can see everything at a size that’s actually readable. And with iPad, navigating through the web has never been easier or more intuitive because you use the most natural pointing device there is: your finger.

At just 13.4 mm thick and 0.68 kg, iPad is thinner and lighter than any laptop or notebook. iPad will be available in March

You can scroll through a page just by flicking your finger up or down on the screen. Or pinch to zoom in or out on a photo. There’s also a thumbnail view that shows all your open pages in a grid, to let you quickly move from one page to the next.

Also, see and touch your email in ways you never could before. In landscape, you get a split-screen view, showing both an opened email and the messages in your Inbox. To see the opened email by itself you just turn iPad to portrait, and the email automatically rotates and fills the screen. No matter which orientation you use, you can scroll through your mail, compose a new email using the large on-screen keyboard, or delete messages, with nothing more than a tap and a flick. If someone emails you a photo, you can see it right in the message.

You can also save the photos in an email directly to the built-in Photos app. And iPad will work with all the popular email providers, including MobileMe, Yahoo!

Mail, Google Mail, Hotmail and AOL.

MANAGING YOUR PROPERTY EXPENSES

IN AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

Re-negotiate lease terms.

Landlords are keen to retain tenants. As your lease comes to an end you may consider renegotiating your lease, maybe surrendering the unexpired term and taking on a new lease on better terms for the future.

Look carefully at your service charge.

Whilst the Landlord has an obligation to ensure service charges are reasonable they do not always make them as low as possible. Pressure from Tenants within a building can help keep the running costs as low as possible.

Ask for the building insurance to be re-quoted.

The cost of building insurance often rises every year on the basis of an inflation provision. Whilst not a bad thing, sometimes this can mean that the cost of the insurance premium rises beyond the replacement value of the building itself.

Duplicating expenditure.

Check to see what the service charge for your building covers and make sure you are not paying for the same things yourself. Look carefully at the Landlord’s building insurance to see if it covers you for things that you are separately insuring or if you are paying for other items such as the cleaning of the common parts, or electricity bills that the Landlord may also be paying for.

Make the most of your space.

During difficult times many businesses need less space.

Think carefully about your space requirements and try to release unused space back to the Landlord. You may be able to sub-let the space to another occupier, or share it with an associated business. Surrender or sub-let unused car parking or storage space.

landlords are keen to keep tenants...

...consider re-negotiating your lease

Look for potential expansion opportunities.

When times are hard, business space can be relatively economic and Landlords will offer better incentives to new Tenants. It can be a good time to negotiate lower rents and get more generous incentives, such as rent free periods and capped service charges. If you think you may have a requirement for business space in the near future, it can be a good time to secure space at a lower cost and on better terms than you may be able to get later.

Don’t forget dilapidations.

At the end of most business leases the Landlord expects the Tenant to pay the cost of repairing, reinstating and redecorating the property. This can lead to expensive claims, including compensation for loss of rent, service charge and rates. It is important to make provision for it.

You should also consider carrying out works during the course of the lease so that repairs do not accumulate.

You may seek to reach an agreement with your Landlord as your lease comes towards the end so that you do not receive any unexpected demands.

www.lbb.org.uk 020 7436 2101 42 Store Street, London, WC1E 7DB Commercial Leases · Hotels Dilapidation Advice & Negotiation Landlord & Tenant Disputes

www.businessindependent.co.uk

23

PROPERTY

Exercise any break clause.

Many leases have break clauses that allow a lease to be ended early. In a downturn business rents can be more economic, and by exercising a break clause you may be able to take advantage of current market conditions and renegotiate terms with your Landlord.

“

“

John Byers, a Chartered Building Surveyor and a Director of Langley Byers Bennett offers some practical tips in controlling a business tenant’s property costs.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLITIS & CROHN’S NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLITIS & CROHN’S Celebrating 30 years of supporting people with Colitis & Crohn’s

Celebrating 30 years of supporting people with Colitis & Crohn’s HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE! HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

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Colitis & Crohn’s are two conditions that can devastate lives. They can strike at any age but teenagers and Edinburgh marathon Want takE part insevere thE ChallEngE a lifEtimE? young adults are most at risk. Symptoms includeto diarrhoea, ulcers, pain, bleeding,of exhaustion and in teenagers, impaired growth.

There is no known cure and 1 in 250 people have Colitis & Crohn’s in the UK Colitis & Crohn’s are two conditions that can devastate lives. They can strike at any age but teenagers and young adults are most at risk. Symptoms include diarrhoea, ulcers, severe pain, bleeding, exhaustion and in Email geraldine.tunnicliffe@nacc.org.uk - www.nacc.org.uk teenagers, impaired growth. There is no known cure and 1 in 250 people have Colitis & Crohn’s in the UK NACC, 4 Beaumont House, Sutton Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 5HH Charity Reg Nos: Eng 1117148 Sco 038632 Designed by www.creativelinkltd.co.uk and printed by www.stpaulspress.com Email geraldine.tunnicliffe@nacc.org.uk - www.nacc.org.uk

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CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THAT CHANGE PEOPLES LIVES

Reach Out Projects is a growing and exciting charity that seeks to create opportunities that change people’s lives.

Based in St Albans and working across Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire it is expanding into North London, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire. The charity works especially with children and young people with learning disabilities or with particular disadvantage as well as the aged and infirm.

Reach Out runs services from a small fleet of canal boats on the Grand Union Canal, from a fantastic residential conference and youth centre in Bedfordshire, and across the community in homes and mainstream venues. You can hire those facilities for team days, corporate conferences etc – providing a unique setting for your own events.

Reach Out wants to establish partnerships with companies to support its work and is launching the “100 club” aiming to attract 100 companies who will be active partners in supporting those that need it most. This provides an opportunity for companies to give back to their own community.

You can also take part in a fundraising event; again great team-building and lots of fun – with the bonus of benefitting the charity and those it serves.

For more information contact Ron Overton, Director, or Alison Waller, Community Fundraiser on 0845 216 0080 or check out www.reachoutprojects.org.uk

Reach Out Projects is a local charity working with partners across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to provide support for people, especially young people, with disabilities and special needs. We have a wide range of accessible services – including aboard our specially equipped small fleet of canal boats on the Grand Union Canal.

How can you help?

Join our 100 Club of Corporate Partners who want to give back to their communities and make a real difference.

Membership includes networking opportunities and a genuine partnership in what we do.

Come along to the April Network Event with HBI to hear more about our plans.

Use our boats and residential centre for your team days, training days, conferences etc Tell other groups and agencies about our services and how we can help them.

Ask for a corporate partnership pack and details of how to get involved.

Please contact Ron Overton, Director Reach Out Projects, City Gate, 17 Victoria St, St Albans AL1 3JJ Tel 0845 216 0086 or 07825 255345 www.reachoutprojects.org.uk

www.businessindependent.co.uk

25

COMMUNITY

2010 is a year of significant development for us and we need your help and support to double the number of people we work with and to launch a new “Circles of Support” project for young people with learning disabilities.

TOP TIPS FOR ORGANISING

A CONFERENCE

Top tips for organising a conference: Organising an event can be very stressful, especially when there is so much to do on top of the usual PAID FOR OR FREE ENTRY? working day.

It can often be difficult to decide whether to charge for an Amy Larman looks at the best ways event or offer free attendance, as on the one hand you to organise a successful conference. want quality of attendees but on the other you want a full STARTING OUT

You must have a good ‘to-do’ list. If you have never organised an event before, then this is probably the most important piece of equipment that you will need. Anything can go on the list, no matter how big or small, and it can also be your constant companion whilst the conference takes place.

Perhaps to make a note of changes to be made in future, or for something that didn’t quite work out the first time to try again for the next.

CHOOSING A VENUE

The venue must be a good size which is proportionate to your audience. You will not want to leave your delegates feeling too cramped or ‘lost’ in an empty venue. Ensure you have organised suitable food and refreshments, and ensure you have friendly and professional staff.

When its comes to selecting the right venue, it’s not just location, location, location, says sales and marketing consultant Geoff Marchant.

“Comfort and layout are also crucial to creating a successful conference environment. Theatre style layouts are great for high volume events but not so great for discussions, where a circular table format works better. It’s really a choice between formal and informal. Individual tables also make networking much easier,” says Marchant.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPEAKER

Successful conferences often rely on the ability of the organisers to select the right type of speaker, says Judith Germain, reputation specialist, speaker and founder of Dynamic Transitions.

“One that is relevant to the audience and has the right level of credibility and reputation to carry the message that they want to convey. It is important therefore that organisers spend time talking to the speakers prior to booking them to ensure that they are able to inform, entertain and challenge the audience appropriately,” says Germain.

event! It is worth considering that there are far fewer drop outs at events that have been paid for and the delegates are usually in attendance because they see a real value in being there. Free events normally attract a percentage of people who wouldn’t have bothered coming if they had to pay for it and this can sometimes impact on the experience of other delegates who are there for more serious networking.

PANEL OVERSPILL

Sometimes it can be easy to get carried away with panellists so advice from Joni Rose is to limit the number to no more than four to five.

“The audience needs to fully understand why they were chosen as panelists and what expertise they bring to the table. Be careful to allow time (10-15 minutes) for questions and answers (Q&A) from the audience after the presentations and/ or your interview questions after the presentations. The total time for panel session will depend on the number of panelists. But the total panel time should not exceed 90 minutes,” says Rose.

THE 90 MINUTE WINDOW

Workshop sessions should never be more than 90 minutes or less than 45 minutes. If they are too long the audience will be overloaded with information and if too short, then just as the delegates have warmed up to the ideas and concept, they move onto the next session.

SEPARATE ROOMS FOR MEALS

Conferences typically run to a tight agenda and the last thing you need on a hectic day is hotel staff trying to set up meals or PA staff setting up or taking down equipment.

The best solution is to find a venue with a separate room for meals. This could also double up as exhibition space and a room for general networking in between workshop sessions.

GET FEEDBACK

Feedback is important as a way of measuring the success of the event, so make sure you have a short survey ready for delegates to fill in on departure. Not only will it help you evaluate the event itself, it will also help you make forthcoming events even more successful.

Professional

The Conference Room can accommodate over 140 people and the comfortable Meeting Rooms are ideal for anything from interviews to large corporate meetings.

The business & technology centre boasts:

• All the audio visual equipment expected from a modern meeting and conference centre

• An on-site bistro catering for events at the

, tenants of the centre and the public • First class, modern offices and workshops to rent • An ideal location on Bessemer Drive, off Gunnels Wood Road in Stevenage

For more information please call: 01438 316561, email: info@btcstevenage.co.uk or visit: www.btcstevenage.co.uk

FEATURE : CONFERENCING

Conference & Meeting Rooms for hire

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

Down Hall Country House Hotel features 26 diverse meeting and event rooms with a maximum capacity of 200 guests, complemented with 98 spacious bedrooms with LCD TV’s.

All of our meeting and conference rooms boast an abundance of natural daylight, ornate ceilings and are fully equipped with presentation technology and complimentary WiFi connection.

All rooms are flexible in layout so conference and meetings can be individually tailored to meet your requirements.

Down Hall Country House Hotel Hatfield Heath, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM22 7AS. Enquiries +44 (0) 1279 731 441 email info@downhall.co.uk

downhall.co.uk

The BIG Event 2010: Making Businesses Successful

T H U R S DAY

4TH MARCH

The BIG Event is Hertfordshire’s leading independent business focused event encompassing keynote speakers, workshops, roundtable discussions, seminars and networking time.

THE FIELDER CENTRE

H AT F I E L D

BOOK NOW www.the-bigevent.com Speakers include: Julie Meyer - online Dragon’s Den Penny Power - founder Ecademy.com Bill Morrow - Angels Den Grant Leboff - best selling author on sales Andy Lopata - networking strategist Alan Stevens - media expert

JULIE MEYER ONLINE DRAGON’S DEN

ANDY LOPATA NETWORKING STRATEGIST

PENNY POWER FOUNDER ECADEMY.COM

DEXTER MOSCOW TV PERSONALITY & MD OF AUDIENCE DYNAMICS

MINDY GIBBINS KLEIN THOUGHTLEADERSHIP

5 Breakfast Meetings 8 keynote presentations from our main conference speakers 2 Panel Discussions 8 Workshops 8 Roundtable discussions 4 seminars OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE: BILL MORROW - ANGELS DEN I GRANT LEBOFF - BEST SELLING AUTHOR ON SALES I ALAN STEVENS - MEDIA EXPERT I MARK SHAW - LEADING TWITTER EXPERT

PLUS MANY MORE

12/02/2010 03:24:55

This contemporary styled hotel is built around a landscaped courtyard garden and offers modern guest rooms and meeting facilities.

Our versatile meeting space offers a spacious and airy environment, whilst retaining an atmosphere of exclusivity for any event. A separate function bar is also available.

All our meeting rooms feature natural daylight, high speed internet access and creative refreshment breaks made to inspire and prepare you for a productive event.

Whether it’s a boardroom for 10 or a dinner for 100, our professional and experienced team is here to ensure your event runs smoothly from start to finish.

Call us with any enquiries or to arrange a show round on 01992 451 245 or visit our website: www.cheshuntmarriott.co.uk

FEATURE : CONFERENCING

BIG.indd 1

HENRY BLOFELD

BY TERRY SULLIVAN 70 year old wit, old Etonian, cricket commentator and Countdown guest and one of the world’s great eccentrics, Henry Blofeld is once again embarking on a theatre tour with his new show ”Caught Short and Grumpy” around the country to sell out audiences, with him stopping off at the Grove Theatre Dunstable on Friday 5th March.

I asked Henry recently how the new show will differ from his previous one man shows. “The first half will feature stories about my cricketing career both playing and in the commentary box, which I have been in since 1972.

Also about my writing career which spans over 46 years, my pet hates of political correctness, health and safety, plus the European Union and then about my love of good food and wine, subjects I have not covered before. Then the second half will be a questions and answers session from the audience”.

Having now fully recovered from his recent four hip operations he is raring to get back behind the microphone for this summer’s test series, having not missed a home test series for over 25 years. He was an exceptional schoolboy cricketer until injury cut his playing days short (actually being hit by a bus whilst riding his bicycle). Following his education at both Eton and King’s College,

CAUGHT SHORT & GRUMPY! Cambridge. Blofeld took a job at the merchant bank, Robert Benson Lonsdale, but it was not to his taste and he drifted into sports journalism.

He reported on the England tour to India in 1963/4 for The Guardian. Blofeld continued as a print journalist until 1972, when he joined the Test Match Special team. He has remained a regular commentator for Test Match Special, except for a period at BSkyB from 1991 to 1994. He also commentated for ITV in the 1960s.

Blofeld’s cricket commentary is celebrated for his plummy voice and his idiosyncratic mention of superfluous details, including cranes, pigeons, buses, aeroplanes and helicopters that happen to be passing by. He is also known to talk about the food on offer, in particular cakes, for extended periods of time after the tea and lunch breaks with occasional interruptions of the situation on the field. He also uses the phrase “my dear old thing”, or variants thereof, to address fellow commentators and guests. His father is the inspiration for the name of James Bond supervillain, Ernst Stavro Blofeld.

10,000² ft of adaptable space for up to 750 guests

The Auction House is the ideal venue for conferences, and the expertise of our in-house conference and event organisers means you will have everything you need from pencils and paper right the way through to video-conferencing facilities

Exclusive Lounge Bar and private roof terrace Free 24-hour secure parking for 230 cars Full conference facilities Latest AV equipment plus wireless broadband Fully air conditioned Full disabled access and facilities

Call 01582 732 655

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8 5 0

D E L E G A T E S

The Auction House Crescent Road Luton LU2 0AH

www.TheAuctionHouse.uk.com

25/1/10 16:48:24

AFTER HOURS

R O O M

PAUL that soul - drenched CARRACK british voice

AN INTERVIEW WITH

By now, we should not only know Hertfordshire Resident Paul Carrack’s name, but also the person behind that soul-drenched British voice that sounds like he grew up somewhere near Memphis or Detroit but really the south side of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. But despite singing on many big hits (“How Long,” “Tempted,” “The Living Years,” “Silent Running”) though we do know that name, we don’t know much about the singer.

This new album entitled “I know that Name” and UK tour could change that. The HBI recently caught up with the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist during his current tour.

Why is the latest album entitled “I know that Name “?

Elton John’s 1997 “Something about the Way You Look Tonight”. It was coupled with “Candle in the Wind ‘97”, and was the best selling single of all time. Plus I have recorded 14 solo albums

Who were your biggest musical influences when you were growing up?

Where is your favourite place to tour?

It comes both from inside the music business and also the public when people say I know that name but not sure where they have seen or heard it before

When I was a boy I loved the guitar sound of the Shadows then got into the Beatles during the 60’s I was also very influenced by the sounds of Motown

Which bands have you played with and for?

Started with ACE as vocalist then played keyboards with Roxy Music and Squeeze then joined Nick Lowe in a group called “Noise To Go” then in 1985 joined Mike Rutherford (of Genesis) in the band Mike and the Mechanics where I sang on the hit singles “Silent Running “and “The Living Years”. Over the years I have also worked with the likes of Roger Walters (Pink Floyd), Terri Nunn (Berlin), The Smiths and the Pretenders. I also played the Hammond organ on

Love touring the UK as I and the rest of the band can go home after the concert.

Have had the same line-up in the band for the last 10 years

How many instruments can you play?

I have played on recordings the Hammond organ, keyboards, drums and guitar but can get a tune out of almost any instrument to a greater or lesser degree

Who is the most interesting person in the music business you have met?

Once had dinner with Johnny Cash in his house in Tennessee, went there with Nick Lowe who at the time was married to Cash’s Step daughter Carlene Carter

THE WORLD OF FINE WINE If you’re looking for a unique trip for wine lovers, something to help you unwind after a busy week or a luxury toast for your next dinner party, fine wine merchants Bordeaux Index claim to have the answer! Becky Lewis visited their Hatton Garden offices in London to find out more.

Established in 1997, Bordeaux Index has grown to become one of the leading European fine wine merchants with offices in London and Hong Kong and a rapidly growing international customer base. Their product offering covers all the traditional wine growing regions of Europe plus selected wines from outside Europe.

Bordeaux Index aims to make the world of fine wine +hence their strap line – Wine Selection Simplified. Useful for me as I must admit my knowledge of fine wine could be better! The company aims to promote an unstuffy and innovative approach to selling fine wine for both enjoyable consumption and as a wise investment choice too.

On approaching the entrance to Bordeaux Index’s Hatton Garden offices, I notice that renowned wine writer and

teacher Michael Schuster has relocated his highly regarded wine school to Bordeaux Index’s tasting room. Schuster offers wine courses, which take place in a specially designed tasting room, making for a relaxed and spacious environment in which to sample some of the best fine wines.

On approaching the entrance to Bordeaux Index’s Hatton Garden offices, I notice that renowned wine writer and teacher Michael Schuster has relocated his highly regarded wine school to Bordeaux Index’s tasting room.

Schuster offers wine courses, which take place in a specially designed tasting room, making for a relaxed and spacious environment in which to sample some of the best fine wines.

What musically are you proudest of ?

ABOVE : Paul with Tim B Schmitt at The Barbican ABOVE LEFT : By Ron Jenner 1995

You can see Paul on his tour at the Alban Arena on Friday 26th February

Sitting in their dining and tasting room on the 4th floor of their office in Hatton Garden, where many of the company’s wine tasting events take place for Bordeaux Index customers, the company’s MD Gary Boom reveals over a glass of Pichon Lalande 1996 that Bordeaux Index has just launched their Luxury wine tours of top vineyards in France, with bookings available now. Beginning in April 2010, the tours will enable clients to visit estates and see first-hand the provenance of the wines they buy in the regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne and they are the only UK-based wine merchant offering this experience.

“Each tour group will be accompanied by their own experienced co-ordinator and wine expert. The tours will be tailormade and scheduled with customers who are able to chose their own itineraries and create their own bespoke trip. We use our impeccable connections with the best chateaux, hotels and restaurants to provide well organised breaks of the highest quality and, as the tours grow, we’re planning to look to offer other destinations too, such as France’s Rhone region and Italy. We are hoping to include truffle hunting and cooking demonstrations too,” says Gary.

If you are looking for an extra special luxury break, Bordeaux Index can provide dining at a chateau, Michelin starred restaurants, wine tastings, expert guides, chauffeuring, accommodation, even additional activities such as golf and trips to Paris.On this occasion though, I just decided to depart with a case of Guigal’s wonderful Cote Rotie Chateau D’Ampuis, for investment purposes only of course!

For further information visit www.bordeauxindex.com

www.businessindependent.co.uk

33

AFTER HOURS

I am proud of all my recordings but when the Eagles recorded both “Love Will Keep Us Alive” on their Hell Freezes Over album which I co wrote with them. In 2007 they covered my song “I Don’t Want To Hear Anymore” (also a version on “I know that Name”) on their long-awaited reunion album Long Road Out Of Eden. This album went to number one in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and several other countries around the world and Tim B Schmit and Don Felder recently joined me on stage during my tour at the Barbican in London, which was amazing playing with two of the legends of the music business

PEUGEOT 4007 DCS AUTOMATIC DOUBLE THE DRIVING PLEASURE

Peugeot’s newest addition is not only the first to be fitted with the new Dual Clutch System, but it is eco-friendly too. The best part is, it is just as good as its pricier Land Rover rival, says Becky Lewis.

The 4007 model is Peugeot’s first compact all-terrain vehicle, available with either five or seven seat versions. This makes it a spacious option for both the family and a single traveller. The leather seats are always a good option, particularly as they are easier to clean for all those coffees-to-go.

PEUGEOT’S FIRST COMPACT ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE What is it like to drive?

With the launch of a 2.2-litre HDi FAP 156 bhp version now fitted with a semi-automatic gearbox, the 4007 further demonstrates that it is possible to combine adventure, automation, environmental efficiency and driving enjoyment.

It also boasts a new Dual Clutch System (DCS), and distinguished twin tailpipes. In short, the Dual Clutch System ensures smooth driving without a clutch pedal while retaining all the dynamism and efficiency of a car equipped with a manual gearbox.

How environmentally friendly is it?

For a 4x4, the 4007 is surprisingly good for the environment.

The 2.2-litre HDi FAP DCS automatic performs very favourably in terms of energy consumption versus performance and services delivered to confirm that it really is possible to combine dynamism and automation with environmental efficiency: • 38.7 MPG on the Combined Cycle • 192g/km CO2 (the same SE spec manual version is 191g/km CO2)

Is there any competition?

One distinct competitor is the Land Rover Discovery, as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Lexus RX. In terms of cost, the Peugeot still comes out on top, with prices starting from around £23,000. The Hyundai is a close second in price, but you just don’t get the quality and luxury style that you do with the Peugeot. If you were to consider another model, and perhaps had a little more to spend, the Lexus is a sportier option, handling sharp corners remarkably well, but for the £45,000 price tag, you would have to be sure!

Does it economically make sense?

This new version, to be presented for the first time at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, is now available to order. The 4007 range starts at £23,345 (on-the-road) with the DCS automatic, with the SE trim, start from £24,545 (on-the-road).

NETWORKING WHY CONNECTING IS NOT ENOUGH Social networking sites, such as Ecademy, offer great opportunities to business networkers and small business. There is a danger, however, that true networkers will be driven away by people who just don’t get it.

On my Ecademy profile I invite connections from people who are genuinely interested in building a relationship with me. I try to deter connections from ‘number crunchers’, people who just want to build the number of people in their network in the misguided belief it makes them good networkers.

Unfortunately I receive a large number of connection requests and vacuous messages every day, including ones from people who say they have forged 1000 contacts in two weeks!

These people are faced with an almost impossible task. Creating meaningful contacts and deep relationships out of a mountain of connections would be incredibly time consuming and difficult to achieve. Surely it would have been just as easy to start with a few connections where there is an obvious synergy, whether work related or based around personal interest. From those connections, they could have developed some Champions, people who believe in them based on the relationship they have built because they have been able to focus their attention on them.

Online networking is now infested with people who are only focused on themselves and how many connections they can collect. They forget the importance of Dale Carnegie’s words, “people are interested in people who are interested in them”.

Fortunately there are still a large number of great networkers on Ecademy and on other online networks. People are still there who will put your needs first, help where they can and not expect in return. These people are, however, in danger of being drowned out by the noise.

I don’t blame people for this approach. The numbers-based system utilised and promoted by most of the social networks makes it inevitable. But it will drive genuine networks away if we’re not careful. And these platforms are far too valuable for that to happen.

BY ANDY LOPATA

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

VIVA BUSINESS NETWORKING : 3RD MARCH 12 - 2 PM : ST ALBANS www.viva-networking.co.uk THE BIG EVENT : 4TH MARCH ALL DAY EVENT www.the-bigevent.com BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST 6.45 - 8.30 AM 3RD, 17TH & 31ST MARCH : STEVENAGE 10TH & 24TH MARCH : HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 11TH & 25TH MARCH : ST ALBANS www.bforb.co.uk THE BUSINESS CLUB : WEST HERTS 6 - 9PM : HARPENDEN 10TH MARCH - RIGHT BRAIN SELLING 23RD MARCH - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP www.the-businessclub.org

4 NETWORKING 8 - 10 AM 12TH & 26TH MARCH : HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 17TH & 31ST MARCH : HATFIELD 5TH & 19TH MARCH : WELWYN GDN CITY 10TH & 24TH MARCH : STEVENAGE 9TH & 23RD MARCH : WARE 11TH & 25TH MARCH : WATFORD www.4networking.biz ST ALBANS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5TH MARCH 1 - 3PM : LUNCH WITH KEN CLARK MP 25TH MARCH 5.30 PM : AGM & QUESTION TIME www.stalbans-chamber.co.uk NETWORK XPRESS : 9TH MARCH 6.30 PM : LETCHWORTH www.networkxpress.co.uk

35

NETWORKING & EVENTS

EVENTS ROUND-UP

The Audi A4 2.0 TDI e.

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efficiency in the range: the A4 2.0 TDie 136 BHP achieves 60mpg combined and outstandingly low CO2 output of only 119 g/km on 4.6 litres of diesel. With improved aerodynamics, an on-board computer with efficiency programme and the start-stop system – you’ll have to say goodbye to frequent stops at the petrol station.

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*Available for VAT registered business users only from M25 Audi Lease for vehicles delivered after 1st March 2010 (subject to availability). Further charges may be payable when vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Includes: solid paint finish, rear parking, cruise control, bluetooth and start-stop technology. Prices quoted and examples shown correct at time of publication (January 2010) and do not take into account any variation to government taxes or charges arising after the date of publication. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Terms and conditions apply.

Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi A4 2.0 TDIe in l/100km: Urban 5.8, Extra Urban 3.8, Combined 4.6. CO2 emissions: 119g/km.