The Hertfordshire Business Independent Issue 21

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS DEBATE How the Olympics May Affect Your Business HEALTH How Stress Can Impact Work BUSINESS ADVICE We Investigate Safe Internet Practices

WATFORD SPECIAL! WATFORD CHAMBER We speak to Roger Gagan, Chief Executive of Watford Chamber and Manny Lewis, Managing Director of Watford Council

WATFORD AND WEST HERTS CHAMBER Going for Growth!

MIKE SOUTHON MIKE SOUTHON TALKS BOOKS, BEERMATS AND BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR!

issue February 2012

21

Where inspiration strikes Inspired ideas can be a catalyst for success in business. But there are risks attached, especially if you fail to deliver on budget and on schedule. That’s where the expertise and experience of Deloitte can help you take a step ahead, making sure your idea sees the light of day.

Visit www.deloitte.com

For further information please contact Paul Schofield on 01727 885113

Š 2011 Deloitte LLP. All rights reserved.

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

10 12

INTERVIEW FT columnist Mike Southon talks to us about Beermat Entrepreneurship and the FSB’s Real-Life Entrepreneurs campaign

HEALTH We take a look at the impact of stress at work

15

LEGAL HRJ Law explain Agency Workers Regulations

21

EXECUTIVE PROFILE This month we speak to Streets Chartered Accountants

22 32

SALES COLUMN With HBI’s resident expert Steve Clarke .

TECHNOLOGY Introducing Siri for iPhone4S

33

DRIVE We take spin in the new Chevrolet Captiva

34

NETWORKING Regualar contributor Andy Lopata shares his thoughts on networking

The HBI is distributed to business centres, meeting and conference facilities, hotels and railway stations across the county, with a further 30,000 being delivered directly to the inbox of our subscribers. A selection of distribution points are listed below.

DISTRIBUTION POINTS Cole Green : Panshanger Flying Club Baldock : Jester Hotel, Baldock Station, Ashwell Station Harpenden : Harpenden House Hotel, Harpenden Station Hatfield : Ramada Jarvis, Hatfield Oak Hotel, Porsche Centre, Fielder Centre Hertford : Hertford North Railway Station I Hertingfordbury : Whitehorse Hotel Hitchin : Hitchin Railway Station I Knebworth : Knebworth Station Letchworth : Letchworth Hall Hotel, Goldsmith Centre, Bizspace Letchworth, Business Centre West Potters Bar : Wenta Potters Bar, Regus Potters Bar Radwell : Days Inn Baldock I Redbourn : Ramada Jarvis Royston : Royston Station, Banyers Hotel, Jester Hotel I St Albans : Quality Hotel Stevenage : Roebuck Hotel, Specialist Cars, Merc Stevenage, Premeir Inn Stevenage, BTC Centre, Cromwell Hotel, Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Station I Turnford : Cheshunt Mariott The Business Club : West Herts Ware : Hanbury Manor I Watford : Ramada Jarvis I Welwyn : Welwyn North Station Welwyn Garden City : Weltech Centre

The HBI is also available to view online at www.businessindependent.co.uk If you would like to receive copies of The HBI for your business please call 0844 358 5800.

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03

EDITOR’S WELCOME

0844 358 5800 www.businessindependent.co.uk MANAGING DIRECTOR Simon George EDITOR Jenna Gould

editor@businessindependent.co.uk

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jade Stoner

jade@businessindependent.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Becky Lewis Laura Comer Samantha Ward Steve Clarke Andy Lopata Mike Southon Lynne Copp Penny Power James Pinchbeck Roger Gagan Manny Lewis ADVERTISING Sona Shah

sona@businessindependent.co.uk

DESIGNER Karen Birch

Welcome to the February issue of The Hertfordshire Business Independent.

In the office the Olympic games are a hot topic and it seems that everyone is talking about them! So we decided to talk to local businesses and find out what they were doing to prepare for the Olympics and how they thought their businesses would be affected. Read our debate on p14.

But for those of you who are already feeling the strain of the New Year, we have brought you some top advice from Lynne Copp who talks of how to deal with stress at work. Also, for Safer Internet Day, we spoke to social media expert and founder of Ecademy, Penny Power about the top tips to safer networking online. Read all about it on p18!

But don’t forget to read through our Watford special where we bring you all the latest news from in and around the town.

We spoke to the Chief Executive at Watford Council, Manny Lewis and the President of Watford Chamber Roger Gagan, who filled us in on all the latest events and plans for 2012 – all in our Watford special from p23.

If that isn’t enough for you, we have all the usual features from Technology to Drive.

Don’t forget you can also subscribe to receive The HBI straight to your inbox!

Just visit www.businessindependent.co.uk to sign up!

Enjoy your February issue! - Best wishes : Jenna Follow us on Twitter @thehbi

HARPENDEN PHARMACY AND THERAPIST LEAD UK’S RETAIL LAUNCH OF ALPHA-STIM

Local holistic therapist, Gary Lester, based in Dunstable, is very proud to be the first practitioner in the country associated with the exclusive launch of a technologically ground-breaking device for pain and anxiety. Manor Pharmacy Group in Hertfordshire are the only outlets in the UK to stock the Alpha-Stim® and Gary is offering his services, free of charge, exclusively to Manor Pharmacy Alpha-Stim® customer.

The Alpha-Stim® works by activating the cell’s receptors using a special frequency of microcurrent, (not to be confused with TENS). A cell receptor is a protein molecule, embedded in either the plasma membrane (the outer covering) or the cytoplasm (the substance within the cell) of a cell, to which one or more specific kinds of signalling molecules may attach. This activation often results in a positive reaction from the body, with an increase in cell energy and sodium/potassium levels. It enhances the communication between the cells, so that when the body has been traumatised during an injury, for example, more blood and oxygen are sent to the area of trauma.

Local customer, Carol Smith, from Harpenden comments, ‘’I bought an Alpha-Stim SCS from Manor Pharmacy five weeks ago, as I’ve been suffering badly with anxiety I’ve found that the Alpha-Stim has really helped with my stress and anxiety.”

Philippa Caliskan from Hertfordshire suffered an unexpected disc injury which couldn’t be fixed. She relates how Gary and the Alpha-Stim® have helped her achieve a better quality of life; ‘’Gary Lester told me about the Alpha-Stim. The instant I used it, it had a profound effect on my pain. In the long term, it has got to be cheaper than paying for constant prescriptions and definitely safer than taking long term pain meds.’’

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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 norany 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

LITTLE LIVES HELPED AS CRIS BESWICK SCOOPS WINNING PRIZE ON DEVILS DINNER PARTY

A leading UK Author, Speaker and advisor from Stevenage has scooped the winning cash prize on the latest episode of ‘The Devils Dinner Party’ and has donated the proceeds to help save the lives of premature babies.

Cris Beswick, author of ‘The Road to Innovation’ and a leading authority innovation, beat all the other ‘Dinner Guests’ to be voted the favourite guest on the show, which aired on Wednesday 28 December on Sky Atlantic.

Beswick, well known for his philanthropy, announced that he would be donating the £3,000 prize to The Little Lives Appeal in Milton Keynes, which is raising money to help increase provisions at Milton Keynes Hospital for babies born too early or that are unwell after they are born.

He presented the cheque to the Neonatal Unit at their charity supporters evening in December, but had to remain tight-lipped about his involvement with the show prior to it airing.

Beswick commented: “My wife Nikki and I have supported the Little Lives Appeal for some time and I knew as soon as was told I had won that it was where I wanted the prize money to go. The Neonatal team at Milton Keynes Hospital do such a fantastic job and every penny they receive goes directly to help them to save the lives of premature babies and those born with difficulties.”

The Little Lives Appeal has a fundraising target of £250,000 and more than £185,000 has been raised so far through public donations, which has now funded phase one of the redevelopment – focusing on cot areas and a new reception. They now need to raise a further £65,000 to fund the full redevelopment, focusing on more of the cot area, parents’ area and disabled facilities.

STEVENAGE AND WELWYN GARDEN CITY HR DEPT OPENS FOR BUSINESS

A local human resources professional has opened a new office to offer practical employment advice and support to small and medium-sized employers across Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City.

Matthew Pinto-Chilcott, from Baldock has opened the HR Dept office to provide local businesses with the levels of HR expertise and practical support that large organisations enjoy from in-house HR specialists.

He will work with businesses employing their first member of staff to organisations with large number of employees.

Matthew is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel & Development (MCIPD), with a BA (Hons) in Business and Leisure.

In his new role as Director of the HR Dept Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City, Matthew will provide a full range of support to local employers. From an advice helpline for day-to-day queries, to one-to-one advice on issues such as HR policies and procedures, employee relations and employee engagement. He will also be on call to help problem solve and assist in difficult times.

“Effective HR can make a valuable difference financially, legally and operationally in the business environment but until now it’s been a luxury that mainly larger companies could afford.” explains Matthew. “I aim to use my experience, knowledge, qualifications and understanding to help local SMEs ensure they have the necessary policies and procedures in place, avoid people problems and use HR support to get the very best from their employees thus helping their businesses grow in value and productivity.”

Fears of weakening prospects for the New Year have knocked business confidence in the counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire back to a oneand-a-half year low, according to the latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds TSB Commercial. Firms remain particularly worried about the outlook for demand in domestic markets, and are continuing to rein in investment spending as a result. However, South East businesses, whilst indicating a dip in confidence in Europe versus last year, remain upbeat about prospects in export markets in the rest of the world.

The twice-yearly report, which canvasses the views of 341 firms in Northants, Bucks, Beds, Herts, the Thames Valley, East Anglia and East Midlands & Lincolnshire, shows that business confidence has fallen to its lowest level since mid-2010, when the economy was emerging from recession.

Neil Mahoney, regional director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in London and East, said: “Export markets outside Europe will be the key to growth for businesses, in what will undeniably be a tough start to the year.

“It is understandable that businesses are keeping the brakes on investment, given the volatile economic climate, but in order to break the cycle of dwindling confidence leading to slower growth, it is crucial that firms in the South East do whatever they can to maximise opportunities, at home or overseas.”

Neil Mahoney added: “Although export markets are showing signs of strain, there are still opportunities for growth in countries outside Europe for those South East businesses in a position to seize them.

For our part, we are doing all we can to help businesses shape up to make the most of openings in these markets.”

The Business in Britain confidence index tracks South East businesses’ views of likely sales, orders and profits for the coming six months and presents the overall ‘balance’ of opinion, weighing up the percentage of firms that are positive in outlook against those that are negative.

The overall confidence balance is the average of the individual balances, for sales (22 per cent), orders (18 per cent) and profits (two per cent) and has fallen slightly to 14 per cent in the region, from a balance of 15 per cent in July. This compares favourably to the national confidence balance of eight per cent.

BUSINESS WOMAN RECEIVES SPECIALIST COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD One businesswoman from St Albans has celebrated winning her second trophy in three months at the Association of Professional Coaches, Trainers and Consultants awards.

Mindy Gibbins-Klein, who is a business book coach and founder of independent publishing house Ecademy Press, beat off the 4 other finalists to win the Specialist Coach of the Year Award. This was an added celebration after Gibbins-Klein’s success at the East of England Business Champions Awards in October where she won first place in the Enterprising Business Category.

Ms Gibbins-Klein, whose company The Book Midwife has coached more than 500 people to write their books, was extremely happy to have won the award: “I’m so thrilled to have won, there were so many strong finalists and it really meant a lot. Winning one award in three months is amazing, but two is quite unbelievable.”

It was the first ever achievement awards that was run by the APCTC which included 16 categories. Ms Gibbins-Klein hopes that this will be a good omen for the year ahead.

“Winning this award just gives me more confidence that my work is on the right track!” Gibbins-Klein commented. “Coaching people is so rewarding, especially when it comes to people writing their books. It is very rewarding for eveyone involved, especially all the authors who continually step out of their comfort zones to write their excellent books. I’m really pleased that the work we have been doing for nearly ten years is being recognised by the industry!”

CORPORATE PLAN AND BUDGET FOR 2012-17 AGREED St Albans City and District Council’s Cabinet has agreed a corporate strategy and a budget that will, at a minimum, result in its share of Council Tax being frozen at last year’s levels.

At a meeting on 19 January 2012, Cabinet heard that if the budget is accepted, the Council will deliver an average Council Tax rise for 2012/13 of 0 per cent (or less for some residents) while at the same time continuing to protect frontline services and implementing its priorities for 2012/13.

Cabinet also approved a Corporate Plan for 2012-17 which sets out the Council’s achievements of the last year, priorities for the year ahead and longer-term commitments.

Achievements in the last year include the start of construction work on the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, the green light being given to new leisure facilities at Cotlandswick and the development of a local services centre in St Albans City centre.

The budget and Corporate Plan will be presented to the Full Council on 23 February for final agreement.

Priorities for 2012/13 include: • The rebuilding of the Batchwood golf and bowls clubs and the bulk of the tennis centre following last year’s fire • The development of proposals to increase recycling to more than 60 per cent • The opening of the Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre • The completion of the Verulamium Park cycle paths • The development of around 30 affordable housing • units on six garage sites in London Colney.

05

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NEWS

SOUTH EAST BUSINESSES URGED TO SEIZE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES AS CONFIDENCE SLIPS BACK TO ONE-AND-A-HALF YEAR LOW

CVS ST ALBANS DRAGONS’ APPRENTICE

Dragons’ Apprentice challenges teams of 16yr olds to turn £100 into £1000 for local charities. Each team has a local business mentor (their dragon).

Supported by their dragon, teams develop business ideas to raise money for their charities.

CVS is a membership organisation that helps local charities in St Albans and Harpenden grow, thrive and be heard. Dragons Apprentice was launched 3yrs ago to encourage young people to raise money for local charities in a businesslike way. The challenge is annual and their aim is to see every school in each area to enter at least 1 team. The more teams they have, the more charities can be supported.

Last year, with the support of 12 local businesses, 12 teams raised £16,000 for 12 local charities.

Benefitting charities included Harpenden Child Contact Centre, Abbeyfield, Open Door and St Albans City Youth. The teams of young people organise events, make and sell products and generally promote the work of their charity amongst their peers and the local community. By participating in Dragons’ Apprentice local charities broaden their reach and receive income from new independent sources. £6,000 would be invested to help create the infrastructure to support, develop and grow the project within St Albans, Harpenden and Hertfordshire. £16,000 raised for St Albans charities in 2011 could soon become £60,000+ as more teams, businesses and charities across Hertfordshire participate. Dragons’ Apprentice has the potential to grow into a network of local challenges within districts and across counties.

NEW BUSINESS AIMS TO HELP LOCAL TRADERS OUT OF RECESSION WOES

As the recession continues to blight smaller businesses and communities, a St Albans-based entrepreneur has set up her own unique venture to help provide more affordable, comprehensive services to traders, helping to support their growth and sustainability.

Even the ‘affluent’ town of St Albans has not been immune to shop and business closures – it is estimated that the number of empty premises in similar towns has trebled since the start of the credit crunch. In addition, many independent family businesses are failing.

But Christina Larkin, 30, founder of ‘Co-Deal’, is aiming to reverse the downward trend by launching her webbased business supply tool.

The co-deal website lists discounted services from suppliers providing a whole range of business tools, from accountancy and legal, to web design, HR and PA services, marketing, office space and social media training to name a few.

Christina, who also has a corporate career background, said, “When working in the corporate world I was used to getting discounts from suppliers, yet when I set up on my own I quickly realised this just doesn’t happen for start-ups and small organisations – you’re expected to pay full price because you don’t have the purchasing power of the larger companies. This hardly seems helpful to those wanting to create new business and was the inspiration for co-deal.”

Co-deal researches and verifies each supplier thoroughly before arranging a deal and offering free advertising through the website, which only promotes those with excellent reputations.

“We feel that the way co-deal works is ‘win win’ for smaller operators. This is because co-deal creates a marketplace for small businesses to sell to small businesses. Both sides gain an advantage from this; either by having an increased, risk-free opportunity to sell their products and services, or by buying quality products and services from reliable suppliers at a good price,” added Christina.

Unlike other similar business models, there is no joining fee for customers, and no upfront payments are taken from its suppliers, thereby maintaining integrity, independence and trust.

06

HERTFORDSHIRE BUSINESSES WERE INSPIRED BY THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES AT A FREE EVENT AT PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK THIS WEEK. The event is the latest in an award winning series of free business meetings arranged by Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners, the county’s official partnership supporting the delivery of the London 2012 Games.

Delegates heard about London 2012 contract opportunities, were given advice on business preparedness, met a Paralympic gold medallist and local young talented athletes, found out about Hertfordshire’s Olympic venue the Lee Valley White Water Centre, enjoyed a tour of Paradise Wildlife Park, and networked with other local business people.

Paralympian Danny Crates, the former T46 arm amputee, 2004 Paralympic Champion combined with other speakers to inspire local businesses to get themselves ready for the London 2012 Games.

Danny said, “These events are still as important as they were two years ago as contracts are still available. There is also the added opportunity for the Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Partnership to champion the amount of business success that Hertfordshire has already had from London 2012.”

Chairman of the Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Board, Derrick Ashley, said: “Our county has maintained the accolade of the highest percentage of businesses registered on CompeteFor in the region, we are proud of this and want to keep the level of engagement up.

“With the recent London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay announcing that Hertfordshire has the honour of hosting the torch on two days, now really is the time for Hertfordshire businesses to grab the opportunities that the Olympics is brining to the county.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

As the London Broncos rugby league team gears up for the start of a new Super League season, an innovative technology from European Technology for Business is helping them achieve full fitness. gaitSMART monitors a player’s movements, so any sign of injury is immediately picked up and damage can either be treated proactively or prevented. Following treatment, gaitSMART allows monitoring of the player to ensure the optimum path back to full fitness.

Denis Hodgins from European Technology for Business says: “gaitSMART takes objective information about how a person walks or runs and turns it into a meaningful report. A sports physiotherapist can utilise this data to either identify the problem or to objectively manage the rehabilitation process. To protect longterm health they want to ensure their gait returns to normal after injury. gaitSMART detects movement abnormalities that even the most trained eye can’t pick up, providing an early indication of any problems.”

Light-weight sensors are attached to both calves and both thighs, and monitor the movement of the calf and thigh relative to each other. In a normal gait the calf swings forwards directly under the knee, but it is common for the lower leg to move out of plane, sideways for example.

John Miles, Head Physiotherapist for the London Broncos, plans to screen the entire squad multiple times during the season. He says: “We have been working with gaitSMART over the last season and into this forthcoming season. The information on gait analysis has allowed us to monitor on-going pathologies and also implement preventative strategies which we can then measure objectively.”

The London Knee Clinic, at London Bridge Hospital, uses gaitSMART as an integral part of its diagnosis and treatment. A reading is taken before treatment, and then repeated on a number of occasions to monitor recovery. One sign that someone hasn’t recovered well from an injury is a lack of symmetry, and the graphs allow objective comparisons between left and right.

The business was founded by Denis and Diana Hodgins, both trained engineers.

They had spent 14 years running a design consultancy during which time they developed high-tech motion sensing systems.

LA SENZA SALE SAVES OVER 1,100 UK JOBS Richard Fleming, David Standish and Rob Croxen, restructuring partners at KPMG, were appointed joint administrators to La Senza UK. Following their appointment they completed an agreement to sell part of the business to Alshaya UK Limited, part of the Alshaya group of companies, a leading international retail franchise operator based in Kuwait. Alshaya have acquired 60 of La Senza UK’s stores, securing around 1,100 jobs in the UK. La Senza UK confirmed that it was commencing a programme of 81 store closures on Friday 30 December. These stores do not form part of the sale to Alshaya, and have ceased trading with immediate effect. The administrators have also announced the closure of a further 3 stores and 18 concessions. The closure of 84 stores and 18 concessions has unfortunately resulted in approximately 1,300 job losses.

Richard Fleming, joint administrator and UK Head of Restructuring at KPMG, commented: “We are delighted that we have been able to rescue part of La Senza UK and such a large number of jobs, given the negative economic pressures faced by retailers in the UK. Alshaya is a leading international retail operator with long standing links with the UK as the international franchise partner of a string of high street brands.

This deal recognises the value of La Senza as a strong and popular high street brand with a loyal customer base.”

Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group in Kuwait, said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement to buy these La Senza stores - saving jobs, protecting a great brand for consumers and strengthening our UK presence and links. This is a strategic investment for us and a positive addition to our extensive international retail portfolio. This is the first step in a long-term commitment to developing the La Senza UK business, which we believe has great potential.”

START YOUR BUSINESS WITH A BUZZ!

A new drop-in business networking group is launching in Harpenden at the beginning of February. For only £5 guests can join other local businesses for an informal tea or coffee and use the time to network. All that’s required to attend is a smile, a can-do attitude and lots of business cards! To register and for further information visit www.business-buzz.org

OBE FOR PIONEER WHO MADE IT EASIER TO DO IT ONLINE

The innovative and dedicated work of Hertfordshire County Council’s Amanda Derrick has received the royal seal of approval.

She has been awarded the OBE for services to children and families in the Queen’s 2012 New Year Honours list.

Amanda has been the driving force behind Connect Digitally, a national programme led

by Hertfordshire County Council to bring schools and children’s services into the digital age.

The Connect Digitally programme has won plaudits for its innovative approach, including first prize at the Local Government IT Excellence Awards 2010 and the prestigious Public Service Award in the Civil Service Awards 2010.

LOCAL YOUNG BUSINESS WOMAN WINS PAPHITIS’S SMALL BUSINESS SUNDAY

Alyssa Smith from Baldock has started the New Year with some great news, as she was announced the winner of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday. Out of the thousands of businesses that entered, Alyssa was selected for the prize and her hand made jewellery business has literally taken off over night.

Alyssa, who already works alongside Peter Jones as a ‘Resident Entrepreneur’ at his Enterprise Academy said: “My followers on Twitter have gone up by over 200 overnight and sales have gone soaring!” www.alyssasmith.co.uk

A LOOK AT WHAT SOME OF THE HBI FOLLOWERS ARE SAYING ON TWITTER... @bizbuzzherts Business Buzz Have you heard the buzz? Our first meeting is on Thursday 2nd Feb, 10am-12pm at the George in Harpenden. No membership, just £5 on the day! @EconBizFin The Economist Managing state capitalism when the economy is growing is one thing; doing so when it hits a rough patch quite another @Business_Bee Business Bee Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. @karenyounghr Karen Young Having unions in the workplace ‘saves employers money’bit.ly/yQWIzv #fb

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07

NEWS

LONDON BRONCOS MANAGE THEIR INJURIES WITH GAITSMART

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Will you?

Around 5,000 people in Hertfordshire have these bowel conditions, which can devastate lives and have no known cure.

Please help by raising funds in aid of Herts-based charity, Crohn’s and Colitis UK:  Donate  Hold an event  Run - London 10,000 - 27 May London Triathlon - 22 & 23 Sept  Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis UK London - 26 May  Challenge - It’s a Knockout St Albans - 22 July

Call us on: 01727 734485 Email: fundraising@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk Visit: www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk Registered Charity: 1117148 (England and Wales) SC038632 (Scotland)

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STILL CARING 300 YEARS ON Austin’s has been caring for bereaved families for over 300 years and is now firmly established as Hertfordshire’s leading independent funeral director. Still owned and run by the Austin family, the company has eight branches throughout North and East Herts and owns and operates the beautiful Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens in Stevenage.

Claire Austin, the tenth generation of her family to run the business, has kept the emphasis very much on providing a personal and caring service. “Many people have never had to arrange a funeral before and if they have lost someone very dear to them it can be quite traumatic,” she explains. “Our staff guide them through the entire process providing a caring and sympathetic service and ensuring the funeral is perfect in every way.”

Austin’s offers a completely bespoke service so whether clients are looking for a small, intimate affair or a more elaborate funeral, their needs can be expertly catered for. The company can arrange all aspects of the funeral from flowers to caterers and orders of service to memorial

stones depending on individual clients’ wishes. Arrangements can be discussed in detail at one of the company’s eight branches which all have welcoming, private rooms and a Chapel of Rest.

Austin’s is proud of its independent status and the personal service this allows it to provide. This includes 24 hour availability ensuring that whatever time of day or night a call is received it will be handled personally by an Austin’s member of staff. And staff commitment is a key factor in Austin’s continuing success; there are 43 full-time members of staff many of whom have worked for the Austin family for two generations.

The excellent customer care they provide is the reason why 68 per cent of the company’s clients come through personal recommendation.

“Saying goodbye to a loved one properly is very important,” says Claire. “At Austin’s we get enormous satisfaction from not only helping people arrange the perfect funeral but knowing that at the same time we are taking away all the worry and stress that is inevitable at a time of loss and sorrow.”

To find out more about Austin’s visit www.austins.co.uk

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WELWYN GARDEN CITY • 01707 390018 WELWYN • 01438 714686 HERTFORD • 01992 582052 WARE • 01920 468551

AN INTERVIEW WITH MIKE SOUTHON The New Year is always a good reason to take stock and plan ahead, so who better ask for advice than Mike Southon. An impressive entrepreneur himself and best-selling business author, we caught up with Mike to talk about beermat businesses and accidental entrepreneurship!

Mike, you are best known for your ‘Beermat’ series of books. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Beermat concept?

The Beermat concept is a structured model that anyone can use to turn their big idea into a successful business. Chris West (Philosophy graduate and novelist) and I created the model back in the 80’s, not as a life story but as a step-by-step guide.

Was being an entrepreneur always a goal, or was it something you came to be by chance?

Completely by chance, I was in the right pub at the right time in 1983 with friends from university. In 1984 we started a business and by 1989 we had 150 people with an office in America. We got an offer that we couldn’t refuse to sell and I have been working with start-ups ever since.

Were there any obstacles that you came across when building your business that you feel other SMEs can learn from?

I think the 2 biggest obstacles SMEs can learn from are firstly getting revenue quickly and secondly, finding the right team and building the team to deliver on the promises you make.

In your opinion, is entrepreneurship changing?

Is it now easier to set up on your own?

The traditional entrepreneur spirit remains the same and the fact that you need to be good at something and you need to know people.

In terms of registering your business and filling in the forms, yes it’s getting slightly easier to set up on your own. People are now starting to realise how easy it is to start your own business. You need to ‘Bootstrap’ an idea and ask people for money!

Is there anything else you are working on at the moment?

Yes, I am co-founder of a free site which is aimed at people looking to start a business: www.yoodoo.biz. The site takes you on a journey and at the end of it you have the ability to turn a good idea into a business.

Do you have a motto?

Yes! Its ‘And in the end, the love you take is the love you make’.

It’s a Beatles quote, they were passionate about what they did and they had a great team.

Also, mentors are very important to have around. Their free advice can prove to be really worthwhile.

You have just helped to set up the FSB’s Real-Life Entrepreneurs campaign. Tell us a little more about that.

FSB is a fantastic organisation, I have been a member for 10 years. There are so many benefits of being a member. Their newest campaign interested me because of the ‘real life’ element. We give real advice to real people.

A couple of the areas we cover are ‘access to finance’ and ‘removing barriers to employment’ and I provide tips and tricks to make things work.

You are also a regular FT columnist and recently you wrote about how entrepreneurs feel outraged that they have been lied to by the government and the banks that said they would support them. Do you think that this will put future entrepreneurs off?

No, I don’t think it will put them off, half of the country wants to be self employed. However, it will frustrate them that the banks have lectured us on how to run our businesses when some of them have been evil, greedy and stupid and are now rebuilding their balance sheets at our expense.

Do you believe that entrepreneurship can help play a big part in helping the country out of recession?

Yes – entrepreneurship is the only way this country will get out of the recession. We generate the revenue and the government spend it, that’s how it works.

Do you think that the government can do more to help entrepreneurs?

I think the government tries and most politicians mean well. They believe in small businesses and what we can achieve, but maybe the civil servants get in the way. If we didn’t have regulations and they let us get on with it, it would be much better.

Does experience come with age, or do you think that there should be more younger entrepreneurs on the business scene?

I believe it comes with age, I’m 58 and as you get older you get to know more ‘stuff’! You also get to know more people.

Regarding younger entrepreneurs, at 21 it may be sensible to work for a company and gain experience so that by your 30’s, you have built up your knowledge and contacts.

...I created the model back in the 80’s, not as a life story but as a step-by-step guide.

www.businessindependent.co.uk

11

INTERVIEW : MIKE SOUTHON

...entrepreneurship is the only way this country will get out of the recession.

We generate the revenue and the government spend it, that’s how it works.

ACCOUNTING ACADEMY PARTNERSHIPS IN ST ALBANS AND LETCHWORTH SUPPORT NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK STARTING 6 FEBRUARY 2012

The partnership, incorporated into the local colleges, has over 140 apprentices on the 14 month AAT programme.

Apprentices come from accountancy practices as well as from the industry; Dom Moxon is employed by Weldability as an Accounting Apprentice.

Dom has successfully completed both his level 2 AAT Certificate and his level 3 AAT Diploma in 35 weeks and has now continued on to the Level 4 AAT Diploma.

Accounting Academy Partnership now has accounting apprentices employed in every sector, from finance teams in Industry and Public Sector to Charities and Accounting Practices Commenting on his apprenticeship Dom says “I think this apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic way to get into an accountancy career! It is ideal to be able to complete the AAT Technician course in fourteen months as opposed to three years. It gives you a really good insight into how businesses operate and allows you to be eased into the world of work, by doing two days a week in employment, and three at the Academy. But I also feel I can fully contribute during those two days and my employer has been really supportive; I am not just learning about accounting, as a supplier of welding equipment and supplies I am learning all about the commercial aspects of Weldability’s business.”

Jennie Hawkins, Finance and HR Director of Weldability comments “We are working with the North Hertfordshire Academy to provide opportunities to what we hope to be future, full-time employees.

Any individual taking further education to develop their skills set is an individual investing in their future and we believe worthy of

consideration for a career with our company. Outstanding individuals stand every chance of securing a rewarding future.

We like the Accounting Academy because they create a solid blend of study and work and enable students to become available for employment. It is clear that AAP are working very hard to ensure this is a success.”

Stan, the Academy Manager at Letchworth, says, “The programme is proving to be popular with the students; there is steady demand for this apprenticeship and the next intake will be in March. There is also a lot of support from local employers willing to employ these young people; encouraging in this economic environment.”

Come and visit us during National Apprenticeship week to find out more: Oaklands College, Smallford, St.Albans on 6 Feb 10.00 to 16.30 to 16.30 The Goldsmith Centre for Business, Letchworth SG6 3GB on 7 Feb 16.00 to 19.00 We are also at the SMAART SKILLS AND CAREERS WEMBLEY STADIUM on 8 & 9 Feb For more information visit our website www.accountingapprenticeships.co.uk

Sign the NHC Employer Pledge

Help young people gain skills for successful employment and benefit your business

Businesses taking part will be nominated for the Supporting Young People Award at the 2012 Hertfordshire Business Awards.

Pledge your support www.supportyoungpeople.nhc.ac.uk 01462 650246

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Mentoring

THE DEBATE : HOW WILL THE OLYMPICS AFFECT MY BUSINESS?

With the big event now only weeks away, it’s all that anyone is talking about and it is certainly no different here at The HBI HQ. So we thought that we’d go on a hunt to see how the Olympics is affecting you, whether it is the good, the bad or the ugly!

THE OLYMPICS WILL HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON US!

FOR US BUSINESS-WISE IT’S BEEN NEGATIVE ARROW LIGHT HAULAGE AND COURIERS

CONFERENCES UK Conferences UK is the free expert venue finding service which hosts a database of over 10,500 UK venues with almost 30 in the Hertfordshire area. MD Simon Thompson told The HBI of the positive impact that he hopes the Olympics will bring to the business: Whilst the conferencing and meetings industry in and around central London might suffer as a result of The Games, the silver lining is that conference and event venues outside of central London will thrive during the summer months as companies scramble to escape the mayhem caused by the Olympics. We’ve already experienced a surge in requests for venues outside of London such as Birmingham and Manchester. Businesses who never ordinarily leave London will get the chance to see what the rest of the UK has to offer. There is no shortage of top quality conference venues around Britain, many boasting state of the art facilities and stunning locations.

Yes, it will cause inconvenience and yes, travel to and from London will be difficult during this time, but The Games have unquestionably brought millions of pounds worth of revenue to the UK and brought out business opportunities, which wouldn’t have otherwise existed.

WE WILL ALSO MOST DEFINITELY SEE A POSITIVE IMPACT FROM THE OLYMPICS

FEATURE : OLYMPICS DEBATE

UNIQUE HOME STAYS Unique Home Stays offer accommodation that meets the top-notch standard for any once in a life time occasion. From stylish country houses to luxurious London pads, all accommodation is conveniently located and offers an alternative option to busy city centre hotels. Marketing Manager Claire Ray talks about the benefits that this will offer when the Olympics come to town: The whole of Britain is gearing up to the Olympics 2012. This is a once in a lifetime chance to witness these monumental games on home soil. The Olympic Games are a brilliant chance for the British tourism industry to capitalise on the millions of visitors to the UK and to make the most of this golden opportunity. Unique Home Stays, like many small businesses, are making the most of this business opportunity to increase much needed revenue during the never-ending recession!

Our property owners are able to demand a peak tariff to reflect the fact that this is a once in a lifetime event, and they can expect to receive anything from 25- 80 per cent increases in tariff (dependant on location, proximity to the various Olympic events, dates and availability).

We’ve got a unique selection of accommodation that is little more than a hop, skip and a jump away from the main Olympic venues and events.

Same-day courier service Arrow Light Haulage and Couriers is run by Sarah and Kevin Arrow. While other businesses are looking forward to the extra revenue that the Olympics will bring, the Arrows are worried about the negative impacts that it will have.

Back in 2010 we visited Vancouver to see the winter Olympics and how the Olympics could benefit our courier business. It was a tremendous experience and we very much wanted our business to be part of the Olympics and their legacy.

But the Olympics are possessive of their brand and their reputation so we attended a transport infrastructure meeting in London and informed of how to brand our vehicles (currently unbranded) with Olympic logos. We continued to receive information but it became apparent that they didn’t want local transport, they wanted big names and we looked at the costs - we couldn’t afford to re-brand our vehicles and then remove it a few weeks later.

Then the Olympic lanes were announced and we knew then we may as well close for London deliveries during the Olympic Games, we could not afford to send our drivers into London.

The games are supposed to be green, yet sending our drivers miles out of their way to reach their end destination isn’t green - it costs more and burns more fuel.

IS VIDEOCONFERENCING THE ANSWER TO HELP BUSINESSES THROUGH OLYMPICS? Olympic year at last! In Hertfordshire we’re close to much of the action and will undoubtably feel waves of excitement as the action gets nearer. There will be great opportunities for local businesses too.

The downside is the risk that we can’t carry on with business as usual.

The massive influx of visitors to London, with many spilling over into this area, means we won’t be able to get about as normal. No wonder BT predicts it will have “100 days of hell” this summer!

That’s why the organisers and the government are encouraging us to do things differently. Their website www.London 2012.com has a number of recommendations, especially with regard to video conferencing.

Traditionally this was only for large organisations but that’s just not true today. The technology has moved on and there are a number of great solutions that are easy to implement and will fit the pocket of even the smallest business.

Local videoconferencing specialist adneXus recently launched viducall, a cloud based service that uses your existing computer. With a few clicks you can be face-to-face with your clients and colleagues for around the cost of a tank of fuel a month. A fantastic way to beat the crush this summer!

AGENCY WORKERS REGULATIONS GERALDINE KENNEDY, HRJ LAW LLP

New Regulations apply to your relationship with any agency workers (‘temps’) you use, aiming to give temps equal treatment, by comparison with your employees.

“Pay” excludes:-

DAY ONE RIGHTS

When a temp starts work, he is entitled to the same access to certain facilities as ‘comparable employees’ receive within your business. Assuming there are comparable employees, temps are entitled to access on-site facilities such as :• Canteen and snack machines • Car Parking • Workplace crèche • Toilets But, not to off-site facilities such as a gym membership. You must also give temps access to information on job vacancies that are available within the business.

ADDITIONAL RIGHTS

After spending 12 weeks in the same job, a temp is entitled to the same basic terms and conditions he would have received if recruited directly, including: --

PAY

A temp is entitled to basic pay of at least as much as he would have received if he’d been recruited directly, usually by reference to an hourly or daily rates, and other forms of pay such as:• overtime payments, shift allowances and risk payments for hazardous duties • individual performance related bonuses or commission payments • vouchers e.g. childcare vouchers.

You must assess temps for pay increases in the same way you assess employees (e.g. holding appraisals).

• occupational sick pay (i.e. any amount you pay employees in excess of Statutory Sick Pay) • occupational pensions • occupational maternity, paternity and adoption pay (statutory entitlements are unaffected) • statutory and contractual redundancy pay • statutory and contractual notice pay • season ticket loans and other similar loans • accommodation and travel expenses and other similar expenses • share ownership schemes • most benefits in kind e.g. long service rewards.

WORKING TIME AND HOLIDAYS

Temps are entitled to the same terms and conditions relating to the duration of working time, night work rest periods and rest breaks, as well as annual leave as direct employees. If you would have given a more generous contractual leave entitlement if you had recruited directly to fill the same job, then you have to give the temp that contractual entitlement or payment in lieu equal to the difference between statutory entitlement your usual contractual entitlement. If you make a payment in lieu, you can include that in your calculation of the basic hourly/daily rate of pay.

For advice on all aspects of Employment Law, please contact Geraldine Kennedy on 01462 628888 or geraldine.kennedy@hrjlaw.co.uk.

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STRESSED? TRY DANCING TO A DIFFE In the UK, 80 per cent of all sickness absence is work-related and 46 per cent of that is work-life imbalance.

We caught up with Lynne Copp, MD of The Worklife Company, to find out more about stress caused by a worklife imbalance.

Life is often like the dance floor. We become hypnotised into a world of ‘doing’, of moving to the beat of others, dancing to other people’s tunes. We give little thought to what, why and how. We dance; from the moment we rise in the morning to the time we drop back into bed at night, exhausted by the dance of life.

We have periods that seem to be even more challenging and busy than others. During those times we do so much juggling that we have precious little time to reflect or prepare for the next task. In work we run from meeting to meeting, in life we run from main carer to taxi driver! However, at the end of each day we often feel little sense of achievement, just exhaustion and stress of too much to do.

Women particuarly dance this way with a belief that when the children grow, the husband shares the load, the boss becomes less demanding or the world slows down a little, and they will be able to find time for themselves to dance to thier dreams. As the years pass, the dream of running their own business, or gaining a degree, or doing something different becomes a faded memory. Alongside this daily existence of frenetic activity grows the nagging seed of doubt; a sense that they deserve, want, crave a different dance – but HOW? For some, it merely manifests in day-dreaming of a different life, fantasising about what they would do, be or have if they had a choice. The sad fact is that many women feel they have no choice but to dance their life this way until its last note plays.

Putting everyone else’s requests and needs first is a common dilemma, but if you are going to be effective at looking after your personal resources, workload and time, surely it is important to avoid allocating your time solely on the basis of those who demand it? In a busy day, it is easy to be sucked into the turmoil of other people’s priorities for you: ‘Mum! Where’s my gym kit?’, ‘Wife! Where is my clean shirt?’, ‘Employee! Have you done that report yet?’

The scales, just like our work and life, become out of balance for two reasons:

BY LYNNE COPP Instead, it may be better to allocate your time on the basis of those things that deserve it, and that includes time for you.

Almost everyone that you encounter will think they have a better idea than you about how you should spend your time and conduct your life. If you keep saying yes to their demands, all that will happen is that you will become even more exhausted and they will continue to demand. By the end of your life, you will have done lots that you cannot remember and achieved little that you dreamed of.

But what is work-life balance and how do you know if you have balance or not?

Almost everyone that you encounter will think they have a better idea than you about how you should spend your time and conduct your life...

But what is work-life balance and how do you know if you have balance or not?

Balance is our natural state. We seek balance in many ways; too much or too little of one thing or another generally encourages us to seek balance. Balance is the harmony created when two opposing extremes blend. Balance between work and life allows us to experience the natural give and take that creates appropriate choice. If you feel that you have the choice to work hard and give of your best, balanced with the choice to go home so that you can engage with family, friends or leisure activity, then you feel in control and are likely to have a better sense of balance. When you feel you have no choice but to work long hours, or care for others too much, or be at everyone’s beck and call, then you are more likely to feel a sense of imbalance.

Imbalance creates stress and stress directly impacts your wellbeing, relationships and ultimately your work and life balance.

Consider work and life balance represented by a pair of scales.

On one side we have work and on the other we have life. They are not separate, but joined by the pivot that creates balance between both. Sometimes the scales experience increased pressure or load on one side or another. Once the pressure is removed, then the scales can naturally fall back into perfect balance. Sometimes this happens in work or in life. For example, workload increases due to a customer deadline and you are forced to work longer and harder for a period of time to meet the need. During this busy time, work becomes the focus and you sacrifice life priorities in order to deliver what is required.

Once the project is complete, the pressure is relieved and you can revert to a more balanced environment. Alternatively, one morning you wake to find that your child is sick, your car has broken down or your elderly parent has fallen ill. In those emergency situations, life comes first and so work is sacrificed while you deal with the challenge.

Sometimes, life and work issues are more long-term, e.g. caring for a terminally-ill parent, or wishing to work fewer hours while your children are small, or taking time out to run for the British Team in the Olympic Games. These are not emergencies, but they are life needs and life always comes first. The most important thing is that in order to achieve balance there should be give and take on both sides; giving to work as required and taking time for life as required. Work and life pressure happens, alternating like this, and balance occurs when there is give and take and a sense of choice. However, some people feel as if they have no choice, and that is when too much stress is exerted on both sides of the scales.

2. Too much pressure is exerted on both sides at once, which creates too much pressure on the pivot and it eventually snaps.

Many people experience the first symptom above, and often report that the scales are tipped towards work. However, some have been known to experience the second, and this is more dangerous in terms of your natural well-being. In general, women experience the second more than men because 86 per cent of caring responsibilities in a family are still carried out by women. Most women hold down at least two full-time jobs – employee and main carer in a family.

Our cultures of long hours, presenteeism and old-fashioned leadership styles demand a traditional approach to work in which women and young employees find it particularly difficult to operate. 86 per cent of caring responsibilities in a family still fall on the woman to do; and caring can take up to 50 hours a week – two full-time jobs! If employers demand that people turn up by 7:00 a.m. and don’t leave until 8:00 p.m., then how do children get to school, little ones to nursery? Horses fed? Parents cared for?

I know one employee who was taken to task for turning up 15 minutes late every day, even though she was their star performer and had earned that business over £4M in sales. She couldn’t get to work any earlier! She had a three-year old son to drop at nursery before her commute through the city traffic to get to the office for her 8:30 a.m. start. She and her baby had been getting up at 5:30 a.m. every day since she returned from maternity leave. When she dropped him off at 7:30 a.m. (opening time of the nursery), she then had an hourlong commute to work. Her company was measuring her on time (input) rather than contribution (output). She resigned. They lost talent and commitment; she lost her job, her dignity and her sense of respect for this employer – all because of inflexibility!

If employers are inflexible, it leads to the attrition of women, but it also prevents women from applying for jobs and being promoted.

Studies show that in the ten years after having a child, only 4 per cent of women ever get promoted. This is partly due to inflexible organisations (how many macho companies call meetings at 8:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m.?), but it is also to do with women having no more to give; juggling work and family is enough without having the added burden of managing a career. It is no wonder that women cannot break through glass, and indeed concrete, ceilings.

In a research carried out by The Worklife Company, 94 per cent of employees across all sectors said that they would stay with their employer if they were given more flexibility (there was in fact no gender difference in this study).

Flexible working allows organisations and people to ensure that the scales continue to swing from side to side in perfect balance.

Sadly, in our working world the demands of work often far outstrip the demands of life. Scales are snapping under the severe stress of long hours, unreasonable targets and the demands of out of date leadership styles. The demands of both sides put a woman under so much stress that she literally snaps.

In a research carried out

by The Worklife Company, 94 per cent of employees across all sectors said that they would stay with their employer if they were given more flexibility... ...there was in fact no gender difference in this study.

www.businessindependent.co.uk

17

FEATURE : STRESS

ERENT TUNE

1. Too much load is placed on one side for prolonged periods of time, causing the scales to be permanently tipped one way or the other

SAFER NETWORKING IN 2012

FEATURE : SAFER NETWORKING

February marks ‘Safer Internet Day’, a national campaign dedicated to helping raise awareness of safe practices when it comes to communicating online. Penny Power, founder of business social network Ecademy.com, has long been an advocate of safe networking and explains her thoughts on the responsibility of network owners to support and protect members.

In my position as a co-owner and Founder of a network with hundreds of thousands of members, I feel huge responsibility for the experience of everyone within it. It was in 2004 that we really started to feel the responsibility and as such we created a Charter ‘Ecademy Community Values’.

I think this was a critical part of our history as this helped the members at the time know what to expect and what not to tolerate.

As a result Ecademy has remained a ‘good place’ where anyone who treats someone badly or ‘bullies’, soon gets advised that this does not work on Ecademy. I see this as the same way that we would manage any community, even a family. “Understand what it means to belong and respect those people who have made their commitment to each other.”

I feel deeply about the opportunity that lies within the Internet for business and for humanity, but I live a life of fear most days for the way that people are being hurt and how abusive this online world can be.

We take this responsibility very seriously in Ecademy, so much so that we have made extremely tough decisions in the past when we have been made aware of abuse, bullying and harassment. The legacy of some of these decisions lives on, but I will never regret them.

Since 2004 Facebook has become stronger and at times, I have been shocked by their lack of values and ethos and feel it is time that there was a statement about what behaviour is acceptable between members.

In the past I have seen the way my children have been targeted, and we have all heard the terrible news that suicides have taken place due to bullying. What is so shocking is the amount of bullying that goes on between adults even in a business environment. My children are amazed when they witness or read that adults can be bullies too!

There isn’t a week that goes by that someone doesn’t ask my advice on how to handle a problem on the Internet. ’Stalking’ through networks is becoming more and more common. I have someone doing this at the moment on my mobile phone and it is very distressing to say the least.

A little while ago, I received an email from a very close contact who said she was considering taking her own life due to the way she is being stalked and her reputation is being damaged by the ‘stalker’.

Unless you have been at the end of stalkers who hunt you like prey through Google Alerts and chose to make your life hell, you will not know the damage it does to you. It is one thing being stalked, but also imagine this ‘stalker’ being determined to ruin your livelihood. This is the reality of adult ‘cyber-bullying’. It becomes very personal when they are preventing you from feeding your family.

This is a very difficult aspect of the Internet but it is only going to get worse. If ethics and values are not explained and a culture is not clear within an organisation that makes its money out of ‘citizens of their country’ then as a ‘global network’ we could see a place where the ‘bad and angry’ survive, but the meek stay away and become more isolated.

Thankfully there are more incredibly good people on the Internet than there are bad, and you could say that it is the same in the terrestrial world, however, the viral and public nature of the Internet gives the bullies and the ‘stalkers’ a fabulous flow for their cruel intentions.

So my question to you is this…

What do you think the responsibility of the ‘network’ owners should be and how could they protect their members and ensure that the good promise of this ‘connected world’ is achieved?

Safer Internet Day takes place on 7 February 2012. For more information visit www.saferinternet.org.

2012 HEALTH CHECK FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Just like many people who start the year with resolutions designed to make themselves healthier and wealthier, businesses should also take the opportunity for a health-check to ensure they are operating as efficiently as possible.

Here, experts from KPMG’s London North office outline the top five areas that businesses should focus on in 2012.

PEOPLE – RICHARD MAITLAND, PEOPLE SERVICES Finding ways to reward and incentivise staff in the most tax efficient way (for both the business and employee) will become increasingly important as the economy continues to struggle.

There are a number of people related regulations coming into force that employers need to prepare for which could have an impact on costs and the bottom line. The move towards ‘Real Time Information’ (RTI) for payroll for example will require companies to provide HMRC with tax and National Insurance data every time the payroll is run, rather than at the end of the year. A pilot scheme is being launched this year and from April 2013, most businesses will be required to comply with RTI. This could potentially have a major impact on payroll systems, even if you use a payroll bureau, so it’s important to get ready for the changes.

VAT – KEVIN SMITH, HEAD OF INDIRECT TAX Actively managing VAT should be a key objective for all businesses. There is a growing realisation that effectively managing the indirect tax function can add to the bottom line of the enterprise.

Basic measures, such as enhancing VAT cash flow, or reducing the amount of un-recovered VAT, can contribute to the profitability of a business. Similarly, reducing the overall costs of compliance helps deliver a competitive advantage in the marketplace. VAT is the often third largest cash flow in the business after sales and the cost of sales and it needs to be approached like any other cash asset, especially now that the standard rate is at 20 per cent.

Put simply, if you pay money to HMRC before you collect it from your customers then you will have an additional funding issue to deal with and many businesses do not plan for this or look to improve their position in this respect.

COST – PAUL HOBSON, SENIOR MANAGER, CONSULTING Issues around cost control continue to dominate the landscape, despite many businesses feeling that they managed down their cost base as far and as fast as they could during the recession. Businesses need to look at long term sustainable ways to reduce costs such as back office process consolidation through effective shared services (or further optimising their shared services, if they already have already implemented them), as well as outsourcing/out-tasking those activities not considered core to their business in order to help move to a more flexible, predictable cost-base.

PENSIONS – CHRIS CRAIG

The additional cost to businesses will not only be in the form of the actual pension contributions, but also from increased running costs and the need to meet significant administrative requirements. Businesses can mitigate this by taking the opportunity now to ensure they fully integrate their HR, payroll and pensions systems and also reviewing their existing administration delivery methods. If appropriate, they could consider moving to a more integrated “bundled” approach under which scheme administration and investments are managed by a single provider rather than separate ones, thereby reducing operational costs by 60 percent or more in our experience.

FUNDING – STEVE ELSIGOOD, DEBT ADVISORY With a bubble of refinancing scheduled for 2012 and the continuing turmoil in the Eurozone, availability of credit and refinancing debt is not a problem that we can see easing off in the short term. Announcements by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement, such as the introduction of the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, with its very generous tax incentives, and the relaxation of the strict rules governing the main Enterprise Investment Scheme, should, in theory, assist SMEs to attract new cash investment to help fund their growth agendas in another challenging year.

However, for those businesses looking to approach the banks, thorough preparation and robust supporting documentation will be absolutely key to securing the funds sought. Funding is still available, but increased due diligence requirements and the amount of time needed to approve loans means that management seeking bank debt leave their businesses very exposed if they fail to start the fund raising process early enough. www.kpmg.com

MONEY : ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Auto enrolment will compel employers to make pension contributions for virtually all their employees. It comes into force from October for large businesses and most medium-sized companies will have to comply during 2013.

GROWING ENTREPRENEURSHIP Each year in the UK, there are 270,000 start-up businesses and at the heart of every one of those, there is someone who took a calculated risk, saw an opportunity, had ambitions and the drive to realise them. We should celebrate that tradition. It may also be the key to our future.

For the last four years, Deloitte has undertaken a survey of entrepreneurial and private business in the UK.* It is clear that these businesses and their owners are not only more confident than most, but also have greater growth aspirations.

Entrepreneurs do not see themselves in the same way as they may be perceived. They tend to be bullish by nature about their prospects and those of their businesses. 50 per cent of entrepreneurs who responded to Deloitte’s recent Entrepreneurship survey met or exceeded their forecasts over the last 12 months. Their reputation for optimism was demonstrated with 92 per cent anticipating positive revenue growth over the next 12 months. A sixth of them see three-fold growth in revenues by 2014.

Our Cambridge and St Albans practices have developed a uniquely flexible, cohesive approach to entrepreneurial and privately owned businesses to provide a co-ordinated audit, tax and corporate finance service offering to businesses of all sizes and stages. We identify with and celebrate the spirit of private business.

For more details on these services, please contact Paul Schofield pschofield@deloitte.co.uk or Richard Crane ricrane@deloitte.co.uk.

Despite this, setting up, managing, and growing an entrepreneurial business has rarely been so challenging. Part of the reason for this is that the three major stakeholders: government, banks and entrepreneurs themselves have been understandably preoccupied with the considerable challenges they face. Our survey results suggest that there is room for improved co-ordination between these three parties, to the mutual benefit of all. Our findings suggest that government has not fully succeeded in getting its messages across and needs to be closer to entrepreneurial businesses to help nurture them. With a little more time, patience and understanding, banks can lend to businesses that, if successful, will drive the economy forward and become loyal customers.

And by being more aware of the assistance available, businesses can learn to interact better with both government and banks, and seize opportunities as they arise.

The good news is that if these key protagonists can improve their co-operation, they will all win, as will the overall economy.

*You can download a copy of the survey, Entrepreneurship UK: 2011/12 from www.deloitte.co.uk.

Downturn? Credit Crunch?

- Time to think outside the box.

MONEY : ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

In these uncertain times, you need an edge.

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and development as well as your statutory obligations regarding audit and taxation 2 Help you to achieve your business and personal goals 2 Give you practical advice in plain English

www.wkhca.co.uk Registered to carry on audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales WKH Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

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STREETS AHEAD! Here at The Hertfordshire Business Independent, we are always on the hunt for people in the County who would like to contribute to our Local Executive Profile.

This month, we spoke to Ian Croft of Streets Chartered Accountants about some of the services they offer.

Streets is a UK top 60 firm of Chartered Accountants servicing the needs of clients for accountancy and audit work. This work is supported by proactive advice and specialist knowledge to help clients attain their goals.

I am charged with the development of Streets ISA in Stevenage and throughout Hertfordshire. In this role I am involved in the following:• Practice development and promotion • Looking after clients needs • Being conversant with and being able to advise on tax mitigation • Staff management and recruitment • Attendance and support at community events

What is the USP (Unique selling point) of Streets, what makes you different?

At Streets we feel we set ourselves apart from our competitors through our commercially focused approach centred on helping clients attain their goals. For our clients, it is a given that we can produce their accountants and complete their tax return. Of greater value to them is our ability to help create and protect wealth tax efficiently.

Certainly the location of our office at the contemporary office at Gateway 1000 Business Park, at Junction 7 of the A1 (M) does provide ease of access for those based in Stevenage old town and across Hertfordshire.

Whilst it is only just over 18 months since Streets opened its office in Stevenage, we have certainly been widely accepted as part of the business community, Undoubtedly, the highlight of 2011 has been the merger of the Streets practice with the established Stevenage practice, ISA Chartered Accountants.

What has been the greatest achievement for Streets in 2011?

Whilst it is only just over 18 months since Streets opened its office in Stevenage, we have certainly been widely accepted as part of the business community, through our active involvement in supporting enterprise and through the development of our client base, many of whom welcome our refreshing approach.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of 2011 has been the merger of the Streets practice with the established Stevenage practice, ISA Chartered Accountants.

The firm has different practices; Streets Tax, Streets Financial Consulting, Streets Corporate Finance. Was this always the case or has the company evolved?

The practice was founded in 1907 as a traditional accountancy practice, over the years and in line with the needs of our clients we have expanded, through the setting up of specialist businesses that offer specific services and advice. Such an

approach enables to us to create development and promote technical specialism and expertise.

You offer quite a service to start-ups and small businesses.

What do you find are the most common things that people call on you for?

We find that most people looking to start a new business venture look to for us for broad commercial advice around how best to succeed. Thereafter, they benefit from guidance around business finance, the nuts and bolts of setting up and the role an accountancy and tax practice like Streets ISA Chartered Accountants can play in helping them attain their goals.

Whilst the rate of start-up understandably is not at an all time high, we do find that there is increased interest in those taking up the franchise option to start their new venture. Certainly over the last 12 months or so we have seen a greater take up of specialist services for franchisees and franchisors.

Are there any new services that Streets plan to offer in 2012 or any changes to current services?

Looking to the year ahead Streets ISA, along with the firms other offices located across the East of England and London, will be focusing on the needs of existing clients as well as seeking to grow its client base. In particular, for established businesses the emphasis will be on dealing with the challenges they face in the current climate. As one of, if not the most trusted adviser to businesses, the role and importance of the external accountant has probably never been so important. Certainly Streets ISA see that they have a key role to play particularly for those that are looking for an accountant that can do more than simply add up.

Have you had positive feedback on your ‘Tax Saving’ advice?

Whilst the pre taxable income for individuals and business profits overall may be under pressure since the start of the recession, we do find clients value perhaps more than ever the guidance and advice we provide in terms of helping ensure they only pay the tax that is due. Equally, our ability to mitigate, defer and reduce a clients’ tax liability we know is greatly valued. The ability, through our specialist Tax practice, to advise clients on a broad range of tax aspects from income and corporation tax, directors remuneration, through to research and development tax credits and the host of tax aspects affecting property transactions we feel certainly helps to set us apart from our competitors.

Currently Streets are ranked 30th in the professions annual league table, how do you feel about that?

It’s important to us as firm to ensure we are seen as and are a proactive and dynamic 21st century accountancy, tax and business advisory practice. Our rankings in the professions play a key part of this in that it provides an internal focus and target to work towards. Equally, not least for the many of our key business introducers, including banks and solicitors, the league tables provide independent recognition and reassurance as to our capabilities and standing as a leading multi-regional firm.

For more information about Streets, and the services they offer, you can contact their Stevenage office on 01483 870 100 or visit www.streetsweb.co.uk

www.businessindependent.co.uk

21

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Tell us a little more about the work that you do at Streets

ARE YOU VISIBLE AND ATTRACTIVE? STEVE CLARKE Are you standing out from the crowd for the right reasons? Are you visible and attractive? Admittedly it’s easier for some of you than others!

As a Business Mentor, I get asked to speak at various business events all over the country… Some people that I encounter certainly stand out from the crowd more than others.

The challenge is the same for practically every entrepreneur and business owner I meet right now… What can you do to find more clients, make more sales and more profit? Right?

Yet I’m blown away by the number of people that still insist on doing things the same way they’ve always done things and just hope for better results. And others that feel driven to just follow the herd and hope for sales to roll in.

Wake up folks – that’s never going to happen. Not in this economy. In fact, not in any economy!

The old world business model is flawed... for those that are willing to learn and adapt… times are good.

Would you watch a sad movie over and over again, hoping that this time it’ll be a happy ending? I doubt it very much, or at least I hope not!

So why keep repeating a pattern in business that’s not working for you? For things to change, perhaps you need to change? In case you haven’t noticed, the world has changed, and we’re not going back.

How many companies do you know that are “up-sizing”? Or like me, do you see more “down-sizing” going on? I like to call it “right-sizing”. There’s been too much ‘fat’ in too many businesses, for too long. Now, thanks to technology it’s possible to become more efficient and automate many elements of your business – reduce costs, improve efficiencies… if you move with the times.

How about banks… are they lending more money or less money to the entrepreneur and small business owner today? …(Yes I know of a few enterprise schemes, but please, no hate mail from bankers, you’re doing the best with what you’ve got I’m sure, but times have changed).

The old world business model is flawed. In order to succeed in business today you need to consider a new world business model and for those that are willing to learn and adapt… times are good.

Here’s one universal truth I’ve always tried to apply when looking for ways to succeed in business and in sales. “Follow the leaders, don’t follow the followers”.

Find who’s getting the results you want and latch on to them.

Don’t just follow the herd.

I had to laugh out loud each time I went to the mens toilets at a business event in Earls Court recently… no, stop it, I’m serious!

First visit of the day and the facilities were nice and clean and tidy.

Mid-morning and someone had decided that this was a great place to advertise their web design services. They’d spread their cards around the sinks and on shelves above the urinals.

Within no time at all – the desperate herd mentality kicked in. Everyone else who was struggling for leads saw this as a free opportunity to “advertise”… really? In the mens toilets… do me a favor.

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What does this say about your products and services – think about it? OK, if you’re selling cleaning products or sanitary wear… maybe. But legal services, book keeping, web design and printers – all scattering their cards and flyers (which they paid good money for) around the mens room almost begging for business. It would have been even funnier if it wasn’t sad.

To rise above the crowd and win more business you need to become “visible and attractive”. There are so many ways to do this… but for most of us – littering the public toilets just isn’t it.

Steve is one of the country’s leading experts on grassroots sales and marketing strategies. For more information visit www.eurekasales.co.uk

WATFORD BUSINESS SPECIAL P24 : ROGER GAGAN Interview With the Chief Executive of Watford Chamber P25 : MANNY LEWIS Managing Director of Watford Council, speaks to us about Going For Growth P26 : SANJAY PUROHIT How Sector Groups Have Supported Watford

23

WATFORD SPECIAL

SPONSORED BY

ROGER GAGAN

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE WATFORD CHAMBER UPDATES US ON WATFORD’S LATEST DEVELOPMENTS 2012 has some exciting developments in store for Watford which will bring benefits to both residents and local businesses. Watford Chamber Chief Executive, Roger Gagan gave us a run down of what we can expect in the coming months!

THE CROXLEY RAIL LINK Before Christmas, The Croxley Rail Link was approved which was fantastic news. This has been discussed for many years to no avail. The Croxley Rail Link is the proposed extension of the London Underground Metropolitan line from Croxley, to Watford Junction via Watford High Street. When finished, this will reinforce Watford as a major transport hub.

The proposed route begins at a new junction near Baldwins Lane, about a kilometre north-east of Croxley station. A 400m new viaduct will take the line over the Watford Road dual carriageway and the Grand Union Canal on to the disused Croxley Green branch line track bed to Watford High Street and Watford Junction.

The scheme is being promoted by Hertfordshire County Council in partnership with London Underground and Network Rail with the aim of having trains running along the new track by 2015/2016.

Leader of the Council, Morris Bright said: “This is the second largest transport infrastructure project announced in England and while it’s not in our borough, we envisage it will have indirect benefits for residents in Bushey, where some will be within walking distance of a London Underground station.

“Local residents across South West Hertfordshire will not only benefit from improved links into London and a boost to the local economy, but ultimately we hope the project will help relieve some of the wider parking pressure faced by residents in Bushey from Watford town centre and football traffic. However we will need to keep the existing parking controls in Bushey under review to ensure that local roads are not adversely affected by any commuter parking associated with the new stations.”

PLANS FOR TWO NEW STATIONS FINALISED

It is anticipated two new stations will be opened along the route.

Ascot Road station, where it is planned to have car parking facilities, will serve the local community and provide a valuable new transport link for businesses in the area.

A second station will be sited to serve the existing Watford Hospital, the football ground and the planned Health Campus. A £120 million spend will be spent on the development, one of the biggest spends in the country at present. The provision of this station, and one other, means that approximately 2,700 net additional households will fall within an 800m catchment area of a station.

CHARTER PLACE REDEVELOPMENT

Watford Borough Council’s vision for Watford is to deliver a family friendly town centre through revitalizing its retail heat and enhancing the quality and accessibility of the public environment. This is

why there is much excitement around plans for a major redevelopment of Charter place, which was originally constructed in the 1970’s. The redevelopment includes 70 new shops coming to the area and a cinema complex.

The new development supports Watford Borough Council’s strategic aims which heavily focus on Watford Town Centre.

These include: • Promoting Watford town centre as a regional shopping location • Revitalising the town centre’s core retailing area to enhance shopping experience for customers and encourage more retailers to locate there • Extinguish the outdated image of Watford and provide a new, exciting and appealing identity that attracts visitors to come to Watford.

• Maximising the use of the town centre in terms of retail, leisure and business throughout trading hours • Consolidate transport links/modes and improve wayfinding thoughout the town centre

WARNER BROTHERS COMES TO WATFORD! Warner Brothers, Europe’s largest film studio complex, is set to be developed at a site near Watford. The development could create at least 300 new jobs in the area and attract up to 5,000 visitors to Watford. Excitingly, it will be the only Hollywood film studio to maintain a permanent base in the UK. The complex will be built around existing facilities at Leavesden, where production on all the eight Harry Potter films took place.

The new £100m complex will house props and costumes from Warner films made in the UK and will open in 2012.

A proposed new visitor centre will give film fans the opportunity to see sets and costumes from iconic films such as Harry Potter and Batman.

MANNY LEWIS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF

WATFORD COUNCIL, SPEAKS TO US ABOUT GOING FOR GROWTH Look out for the Going For Growth event happening in Watford on 6 March which will provide support and give guidance to Watford & West Herts businesses and help them succeed in today’s competitive, challenging and economic conditions.

Manny Lewis, who is the Managing Director at Watford Council, which serves a population of 83,000, said the event is the first of its kind in the Town to focus on business strategy and look at ways that businesses can reduce their risk of failure and survive the recession.

Manny has a wealth of experience working in and with, both public and private sectors. He is steering the council’s programme management of the £750 million Watford Health Campus redevelopment scheme and oversaw the local authority’s successful lobby for government funding for the £120million Croxley Rail Link scheme.

Manny spoke to the us about his reasons for wanting to set up this event. “The main purpose is to support and grow the business economy in Watford & West Herts” he told us. “A lot of SMEs are just not aware of the early signals when it comes to the risk of business failure and what they can do to remedy the position. So what we would like to do is create a space where any business leader can gain that insight and meet helpful advisers with knowledge and experience in the area. There is also a chance for people to learn from some top people in the industry about the areas economic prospects, how to grow a business into a success and how to exploit modern opportunities to their best advantage.”

As well as his position in Watford Council, Manny is also a Non Executive Director at Mid Essex Hospital Trust and a Trustee at Mencap.

For four years he was previously Chief Executive of the London Development Agency (LDA), the £500million body responsible for driving London’s sustainable economic growth. The LDA delivers across a wide range of areas including; housing, business support, infrastructure and environmental and regeneration projects to both the private and public sectors.

Manny also has significant organisational development experience as a Director of Corporate Services at the Greater London Authority and also as a Director of Human Resources and Democratic Services at Thurrock Council.

The Going For Growth headline speakers will include Clydesdale Bank’s Chief Economist Tom Vosa, who will be talking about how much the Global market has changed and how growth strategies should be adapted to accommodate that change. There will also be a case study with Syd Nadim profiling how he grew Clock Ltd from start up to a £30m turnover.

Other key workshops will include sessions on Sources of Finance, New Markets and Business Strategy.

Survive & thrive in 2012 Going for Growth is a development day for local business Tuesday 6 March 2012 Attendance costs only £15 + VAT

To register attendance and reserve your choice of workshops (morning and afternoon sessions) go to watfordchamber.co.uk

WATFORD SPECIAL

The B2B Conference Workshop, which is to be held at the Langley Conference Centre and will run all day from 8.45 am. For more information and booking, visit: www.watfordchamber.co.uk

HOW SECTOR GROUPS HAVE SUPPORTED WATFORD’S BUSINESS AND DELIVERED VALUE Eighteen months ago, Watford’s Inward Investment Manager, Sanjay Purohit, based at Watford & West Herts Chamber of Commerce, embarked on a strategy to form specific sector driven groups as a vehicle to support companies in the region.

The first of these was PING (Pharmaceutical Interest Network Group). Sanjay explains “We are delighted that companies like Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Galderma, Pharmasure, Bio Products Laboratory, DDD, Haemonetics, Medtronics and UL Medicines have their operations located in our area. These companies and the many support organisations to them, provide economic vibrancy and employment opportunities that we need. We support them and their sector providing a forum to share knowledge, best practice and encouragement to face challenges and learning together – be they regulatory, HR, or business development issues.

PING meets each quarter in a round table setting and has gone from strength to strength.

Other Life Science companies have joined to group from NW London, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire to ensure the group has continuity and is seen by all as valuable. For Example, a recent meeting by PING to Hertfordshire University’s School Of Pharmacy to learn about their capability in engaging with business by providing talent and specialist equipment resources, was a source of excellent knowledge share.

On the strength of the success of PING, Sanjay has formed other sector groups, including and Export and International Trade Group, a Hotels, Hospitality and Cultural Group, and an ICT/Technology Group. “One of the keys to success of our sector groups, like PING is the partnerships we have with the Private Enterprise, in both forming and evolving our groups”. We organised our 1st PING meeting in close collaboration with MAB, a leading firm of solicitors in Watford, and our Export Group, is very much a partnership with HSBC – explained Sanjay.

For more in-depth information and advice on how Sector Groups can benefit your business community, please contact Sanjay Purohit, Head of Inward Investment on +44 (0) 1923 442442, or +44(0) 7791 203511 or e-mail sanjay@watford-chamber.co.uk or visit our website www.watfordforyou.org also provides more details.

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Deanem Collections Ltd were delighted to move their award winning debt collection and tracing service to the thriving Watford business community from their previous North London business address. David Baum and the team look forward to continuing to assist existing clients and assisting future clients to resolve their credit control and debt collection issues on a ‘No Result, No Fee basis.’ Deanem Collections Ltd are “The Life Raft in the Sea of Debt”.

WATFORD PALACE THEATRE The creative hub at the heart of Watford, the Palace engages people through commissioning, creating and presenting high-quality theatre and developing audiences, artists and communities through exciting opportunities to participate.

Contributing to the identity of Watford and Hertfordshire, the Palace enriches people’s lives, increases pride in the town and raises the profile of the area through its work.

The quality of work on stage and beyond is central to the Theatre’s ethos.

Recently, the Palace has enjoyed critical acclaim for its productions of Laurence Marks & Maurice Gran’s Von Ribbentrop’s Watch(2010), Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs (2010) and Charlotte Keatley’s My Mother Said I Never Should (2009). Work created at Watford Palace Theatre regularly tours nationally and recent collaborations include co-productions of The Human Comedy with the Opera Group and the Young Vic, which was nominated for the Evening Standard award for Best Musical, Stickman with Scamp which toured internationally and played at London’s Soho Theatre and Tintin with the Young Vic, which toured nationally before transferring to the West End. The Palace has commissioned and is developing plays with a range of exciting writers including Charlotte Keatley’s Our Father (2012) and Anthony Clark’s Our Brother David (2012).

Community partnerships have led to the success of projects such as Milestones (2008) and Hello, Mister Capello (2010) both bringing together the creativity of Watford’s diverse local communities. In 2010 the Palace began a series of Community Celebrations organised with local people to celebrate yearly landmarks. These build on the year-round programme of Palace and Hertfordshire County Youth Theatres, adult workshops, backstage tours, community choir and extensive work with local schools.

The beautiful 600-seat Edwardian Palace Theatre is a Grade II listed building.

Refurbished in 2004, the Theatre offers modern and accessible facilities including its own rehearsal room and wardrobe and scenic workshop. Recently the Theatre opened the new Green Room Bar and continues to develop the quality of experience for the tens of thousands of people visiting the Theatre each year. www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

AND THERE’S MORE! At The HBI HQ, we’ve heard from some exciting businesses that have, or are planning to relocate to Watford. Here’s a round up of some of the most recent.

KPMG TO RELOCATE HERTFORDSHIRE OPERATIONS Following the sale of the Aquis Court office block on Fishpool Street by its owners, KPMG has announced the relocation of its Hertfordshire operations to its existing Clarendon Road offices in Watford.

KPMG’s St Albans office was one of the firm’s first satellite homes in the late 1980’s due to the high demand from local companies wanting good business advice on their doorstep. There are currently over 100 staff working at the office offering services in Audit, Tax and Advisory with sector specialists from the building & construction and retail and leisure industries based there.

In addition to the relocation, the new Watford office has been renamed as the KPMG London North office, recognizing the wide geographical area that its specialists cover, across the Home Counties and North London.

Late last year, Royal Mail moved its Kings Langley’s delivery office to Watford. The office will relocate to Caxton Way, Watford, to serve customers in the WD4 and WD5 postcode areas. The postal service is currently scoping the potential for customers to be able to collect mail from a local Post Office branch.

Mark Ellis, Royal Mail representative said: “This relocation is part of the ongoing modernisation of our business and is vital to put Royal Mail on a sound, secure and sustainable footing for the future.”

WATFORD SPECIAL

ROYAL MAIL MOVES TO WATFORD

FisherE@se – the cost-effective solution for your back-office services If there is a common aim among businesses today it is a need to minimise administrative costs without compromising on quality. FisherE@se allows you to do just that.

FisherE@se, part of HW Fisher & Company, is an accounting and solutions service for your company’s back-office, ensuring the smooth running of essential activities on and offline.

Services include: • • • • • • • •

Bookkeeping Monthly or quarterly management accounts VAT return preparation Payroll services Accounts receivable Accounts payable Adhoc assistance with SAGE 50 and Quickbooks Routine large volume transaction processing

Key benefits for clients: • Smaller businesses can access a team of dedicated back-office specialists that would otherwise be unaffordable.

• No need to employ bookkeeping staff.

• No need to invest in expensive software and training.

• Larger organisations can make savings by allowing us to provide the back-office support using clients’ own systems.

• Clients can review their records or check progress online at any time, no matter where they are.

• All clients have their own user name and password, so information is kept secure and confidential.

The result is cost-effective service that provides efficiency and complete accessibility.

To find out more, please contact us for a free one hour consultation at your premises: Mukesh Shah T 01923 698 370 E mshah@hwfisher.co.uk www.hwfisher.co.uk

HW Fisher & Company is a commercially-astute organisation with a personal, partner-led service aimed

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WATFORD COLOSSEUM After a major refurbishment, the Watford Colosseum is now back as one of Hertfordshire’s major concert halls and top entertainment and hospitality venues.

WATFORD SPECIAL

With outstanding new facilities it provides a unique setting for an unforgettable event. Conveniently located in the heart of Watford with ample adjacent parking and quick and easy access to national rail and road networks, the venue is the ideal location for parties, including formal banquets for up to 600, events, conferences and exhibitions. The Colosseum offers two flexible and adaptable spaces, the Forum and the main auditorium with its world-famous acoustics and natural light, which can cater for between 36 and 1400 delegates.

We have our own on-site technicians who can accommodate your every requirement and help ensure that you and your organisation accomplish all your event objectives and more. We also have a dedicated in-house event and hospitality team that are on hand to provide a bespoke service for your event, working with you to ensure your event comes within budget, with menus that include formal meals, buffets and informal dining, all of which reflect seasonality, sustainability and innovation.

The Colosseum also offers the very best of UK and international artistes from the world of comedy, rock/pop and classical music as well as light entertainment and family events. We understand that when you visit the Colosseum it’s not just the performance that goes into making your visit special, but also the dining and drinking options available. So we are pleased to offer guests a choice of dining options which include our Forum Restaurant, which offers high-quality, modern cuisine with full table service, while our Café-Bar offers a more informal but still delicious Bistro menu.

Alongside our dining options, guests have a choice of five bars, open pre-show allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of our stylish and busy venue, offering an extensive and contemporary wine and beer list and a wide range of soft drinks.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Colosseum and if you would like to discuss your event requirements then please call us on 0845 075 3933 and speak to one of our dedicated in-house event and hospitality team or email us at hospitality@watfordcolosseum.co.uk. If you want to book tickets to a show or reserve a table in the Forum then contact our box office on 0845 075 3993 or book online at watfordcolosseum.co.uk.

iPHONE ‘SIRI’

THE LATEST ADDITION TO APPLE’S ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CAN NOW BE INTRODUCED AS SIRI Originally developed as an application available in the App store for all Blackberry and Android phones, Siri was purchased by Apple in April 2010 and all development efforts for non-Apple platforms were cancelled. Launched in October 2011 and only available as a feature of the iPhone 4S, Siri is set to be a huge success for business and individuals alike.

Siri isn’t like traditional voice recognition software that requires you to remember keywords, speak specific commands or repeat requests. Instead, Siri understands your natural speech, and it asks you questions if it needs more information to complete a task as an actual person would. You can talk to Siri as you would another person, saying something along the lines of “Remind me to cancel dinner with the restaurant” or “Call the Doctors for me”.

The Siri will do exactly as you say, will find the information that you need and then answer you as if you are having a conversation with your iPhone. The conversational interaction works with many of the phones applications including reminders, weather, stocks, messaging, email, calendar, contacts, notes, music, clocks, web browser, and maps.

Siri understands your natural speech, and it asks you questions if it needs more information to complete a task as an actual person would.

Siri will do exactly as you say, will find the information that you need and then answer you as if you are having a conversation with your iPhone.

Siri works alongside almost all of the apps built in on the iPhone 4S. It has the ability to figure out which apps to use to provide you with the answers that you need. Search and location services are also used to help with requests. The following apps and services can be used with Siri worldwide: Phone/Facetime/Music/Mail/Messages/Calender/Reminders/ Notes/Contacts/Weather/Stocks/Web Search/Find my friends/ Alarms, world clock and timer/Wolfram/Wikepedia Search.

TECHNOLOGY

The Siri also takes dictation. Instead of typing, you can tap the microphone icon on the iPhone keypad, say what you want to say and tap done and Siri will convert your words into text! The dictation can be used for numerous day-to-day tasks at work such as writing messages, taking notes, searching the web and more. Also, third party apps can be used with dictation so social media such as Facebook statuses, Tweets or Instagrams can be updated whilst on the move. The application can be likened to having a PA built in your phone. The fact that it’s hands free makes multi-tasking easier and activities such as driving much safer.

Siri works as soon as it is taken out of the box. It uses voice recognition algorithms to categorize your voice into one of the dialects or accents it understands. However, if you want to reset what Siri has learned about your voice, possibly to let others use it, it can be reset within settings. The more the Siri is used the better it works for you as it can use your own information to help you. To make sure it knows you, you can select the contact information in Settings > General > Siri > My Info. Once Siri knows your locations such as home and work, you can ask questions such as “What restaurants are on the way home?” “Whats the best way to get to work in this traffic”. Also relationships will become familiar to the Siri and you will be able to ask it to “Call my wife” as that information is stored in contacts along with other relationship information.

Technology enables Siri to use the processing power of the dual-core A5 chip in iPhone 4S, and it uses 3G and Wi-Fi networks to communicate rapidly with Apple’s data centers. What does this mean? It means that Siri is able to quickly understand what you say and what you’re asking for, then quickly return a response.

A Google executive chairman has commented on Siri and explained that it could pose a competitive threat to the company’s core search business. As people are using the Siri as their own personal search engine, which is a non-visual medium, it means they are not using search engines such as Google.

When people are not going online they are not enticed by the clickable adverts for businesses which could cause funding issues in the future.

Other than this, Siri has been met with an extremely positive reaction for its ease of use, practicality and most importantly its personality.

CHEVROLET’S FULL-BLOODED SPORTS SUV Chevrolet’s offering in the SUV segment, the new Captiva, is not only one of the most powerful compact sevenseater SUVs in the market, but also one of the safest. Following rigorous testing by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), the Captiva was awarded the highest five-star rating.

Chevrolet’s full-blooded sports SUV exudes confidence with its dynamic new styling and active on-demand, all-wheel drive system that distributes power where needed.

At the same time, the Captiva retains the advantages of its adaptable, theater-style seating in three rows which comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers.

The Captiva has won many friends for its exterior design since its launch in 2006, and with the new model it just got even better.

A number of features are immediately noticeable in the front of the car: the re-shaped and sharply sculptured hood, a new larger grille with its dual-opening, the Chevrolet bow-tie sited proudly in the middle, and the prism style headlamps and integrated LED turn signals on the outside rearview mirrors, all of which add up to its athletic stance.

overhead cam gasoline engine with variable valve timing, rated at 171 hp. Both the 2.2L turbo-diesels as well as the 2.4L gasoline engine can be ordered in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

It’s under the hood that many changes have also taken place, with no less than four new powerful engines that are coupled with a manual or an automatic six-speed transmission.

The side air-vents on the front fenders now take on a more angular shape that emphasizes the Captiva’s sporting intent, retaining the car’s handsome profile, characterized by a sleek, rising shoulder line all the way from the A pillar back.

The new Captiva’s chassis has been re-tuned to further enhance vehicle dynamics, improving cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel. With Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Braking Assist System (BAS) all standard, as well as front, side and curtain airbags, the Captiva provides a high level of safety. Additionally, the Captiva features Hill Start Assist (HSA), eliminating roll-back on hills, and an electric park brake.

These features are highlighted by the new exterior color palette and the accentuated wheel arches which accommodate wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches.

Climbing aboard the new Captiva, driver and passengers are welcomed by an airy and spacious interior, with storage space that is among best in class and the option of either five or seven seats.

It’s under the hood that many changes have also taken place, with no less than four new powerful engines that are coupled with a manual or an automatic six-speed transmission. The result is a powerful yet smooth ride that pleases both the most discerning and the most demanding drivers. The new engine line-up comprises two gasoline engines (2.4L and 3.0L) and two 2.2L turbo-diesel variants that incorporate a host of advanced technologies aimed at delivering an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy.

The Captiva’s upgraded interior features an array of new finishes and textures including all-new seat fabrics and interior décor to give the car a more up-market feel and look. The Captiva designers have put some elements featured on other new Chevrolet models to good use, such as the ice-blue back-lighting and the ‘wrapround’ design of the front fascia that flows into the front driver’s and passenger doors creating the dual-cockpit look.

With the introduction of a 3.0L 258 hp V6 gasoline engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, the Captiva has become one of the most powerful compact SUVs on the market. The 2.2L common-rail turbo-charged diesel unit is available with outputs of either 163 or 184 hp. Rounding off the new line-up is the 2.4L dual

The audio system includes AUX-in, USB-port and Bluetooth connectivity. Passengers are able to enjoy their audio experience all the more thanks to improved acoustic engineering resulting in reduced road, wind and engine noise. The Captiva can be ordered with a touch-screen navigation system with rear view camera park assistance.

DRIVE

The Captiva offers a lot of SUV for its price: an elegant sporty design, powerful, yet efficient engines, all-wheel drive capabilities, roominess, and versatility for up to seven passengers, or up to 942 litres of luggage space.

HOW PR AND SOCIAL NETWORKS CAN WORK TOGETHER ANDY LOPATA

An effective public relations strategy has long been a core part of many businesses’ marketing approach and the growth of social networks in recent years means that the power of good press can be magnified many times over by anyone, irrespective of the size of their business.

PR has always worked best when used in conjunction with other routes to market. Positive coverage in the media can help ensure people are more likely to buy from you, but that message needs to be reinforced elsewhere, with a more direct call to action. You’ll be more likely to respond positively to an advertisement for example, if you’ve read something good about that company in a newspaper or magazine first.

I have been very fortunate to be able to get a fair amount of good national media coverage for my business in the last few years. That coverage has helped to establish my credibility in my market quickly and globally.

I have, however, rarely been able to attribute new business directly to the coverage I have received. What it has done has reinforce my positioning and credibility and raise my profile among more potential clients. For that to work effectively, social networks have come into play.

Before the advent of social networks it was difficult to spread the word. Now, however, it is much more straightforward. Once an article appears that I want to share, I can post it onto Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. My network then shares it with other people, making the coverage far more viral.

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Mike Southon is a well-known UK entrepreneur and author of the Beermat Entrepreneur series of books. Mike has a weekly column in the Entrepreneur section of the Financial Times. As well as sending out a copy of the column to his subscriber base by email each week, Mike tweets a link to the column and posts it to LinkedIn, Facebook and Ecademy. It also goes out in a newsletter to his Ecademy contacts.

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tively, it can help you drive the third party credibility and word of mouth buzz that word of mouth campaigns thrive on.

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“Social networks represent a highly effective and almost free way of spreading my message to very large numbers of people.

Having a weekly column in a national newspaper is not enough nowadays; you must also have a regular and effective way of communicating with people online,” says Mike.

“Interestingly, both act symbiotically with each other. Having a traditional newspaper column makes me more interesting to the social networks, and the social networks drive people to my newspaper column, creating a virtuous circle of personal brand enhancement.”

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