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ESSENTIAL READING FOR LOCAL EXECUTIVE LEADERS

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Inside this issue Latest news and views, including: Raising the roof The sun shines as we take the lid off convertibles Pension planning How this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal changes affect your company

Dark suit old hat?

Lords of the lakes: Meet the duo keeping waterside businesses well and truly afloat

Refresh your image and make your wardrobe work smarter

HEADlines Up close and personal with city restaurant manager Nandan Bhist

JUNE 2012

ESSENTIAL READING FOR LOCAL EXECUTIVE LEADERS

Welcome 2012 is a Diamond Jubilee year not just for Her Majesty The Queen, it’s also the 60th anniversary of the first-ever national door-drop campaign. That’s not as exciting in terms of flag-waving and street party planning, but for picking up business in the aftermath of the war, the door-drop worked a treat. As the Royal Household was busy polishing the crown in 1952, a team of uniformed ladies was delivering ten million full-sized packs of Omo soap powder, across the country, for Lever Brothers. Back then, the homestead was where war-weary menfolk had returned – if they were lucky – and the hearthside was a vital safe haven. It was a new trend, in which all things domestic boomed – including advertising of household products. The media targeted women, who had been keeping the home fires burning into the ’50s; national campaigns encouraged those who had gone out to work during the war to leave their jobs for the boys to fill and to return to the kitchen. Ads were very general – in women’s magazines, newspapers and on billboards (TV was still a novelty) and the door-drop was an innovative way to reach the lady of the house. The huge success of the Omo campaign was quickly followed by distribution of four million bars of Sunlight soap, then leaflets, then catalogues . . . Women were happy to receive product/service ‘circulars’, delivered direct to their doorsteps, in the same way as they took delivery of their bread, their meat, their groceries – all by boys on bikes and not unlike today’s online supermarket delivery service. I mention all this as the mood of nostalgia and patriotism gathers momentum in the UK – Union Flag designs are on everything from mugs to motors as the media targets the trend. Almost unconsciously, we consumers are dressing our nation to welcome big-spending Olympic visitors. On page 7, Sue Donnelly says image in the eyes of others can be vital to our success . . . so hang that bunting high! All the best, Sally Hooton.

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SCENE

News – Walking to Beijing? Well, not exactly, but Arena staff are certainly ‘going places’!

Legal Eagle Keep all job interview records, solicitor Phil Cookson warns the region’s employers

Drive – Motoring correspondent Rob Taylor gets converted to convertibles

Webwise – Digital marketing expert, Stan Nyokas, shows how to use blogs successfully in your marketing strategy

Clicks & Mortar – ‘Be social’ or lose customers, warns Richard Olsen

Screen break – Keep your staff healthy, says our H&S guru Colin Nottage who has practical advice on use of visual display units

Skillset – Life coach David Grundy maps out how to discover what your customers want

Off Duty – It’s not too late to grab some terrific travel deals, say tour guides Jane Price and Tamara Taylor

What’s On – Dates for your diary. Plus, torch-bearer Nick Rickett steps into the Olympic spotlight

HEADlines – Up close and just a little bit personal with Peterborough businessman, restaurant manager Nandan Bhist

The Business Scene Team Publisher Heidi Semple Editor Sally Hooton Design Jim Counsell Advertising Charlotte Charlesworth

CONTENTS

Serving 5,000 executives in and around Peterborough

Is your plain dark work suit a bit old hat? Sue Donnelly has style tips

Pensions legislation: changes begin this year, says Nick Ash

Meet the lords of the lakes: businessmen Bushell and Bullock

Linden’s Lovelies get in the pink, stepping out for a UK cancer charity

NEWS

JUNE 2012

NEWS Sports stores sponsor trans-global Rutland adventurer Sarah Outen, on board Gulliver.

ast year, local inspiration and former Stamford Schoolgirl, Sarah Outen, embarked on an expedition that has pushed the limits of human achievement. On April 1 2011 she set out to travel ‘from London to London via the World’, hoping to break a Guinness World Record using nothing more than human power, a kayak, a bike and a rowing boat. As Sarah’s long quest continues, Advance Performance, the Peterborough and Cambridge-based running and triathlon stores, are sponsoring

her expedition. The stores and staff have been following Sarah’s progress (check her website here: www.sarahouten.com), especially as she embarked on a massive 4,500 nautical mile crossing of the North Pacific Ocean, from Choshi in Japan to Vancouver in Canada. In doing so, Sarah is set to become the first woman to ever row across the North Pacific Ocean. Advance Performance managing director, Samantha Hale, said: “It has been an unqualified pleasure to support

such an awe-inspiring individual, not only for the achievements she has made in the record books, but also in what she has accomplished for deserving causes. “We wish Sarah fair weather as she heads out on this major leg, which is likely to be the most challenging.” Sarah is aiming to raise £100,000 for charity.

Design agency scheme ‘gives back’ A

creative web and graphic design agency in the Deepings, is launching a scheme to help local businesses and charities take advantage of design and online marketing opportunities they would not otherwise be able to afford. Sean Johnson is the founder of

the agency, Nice And Ripe, and explained: “The Internet provides an endless source of exposure and fundraising potential, but many small organisations don’t have the budget to afford services to exploit these opportunities. So we wanted to give a little back to our local community by offering our skills to

Engaging with businesses: charities called to conference he second annual charities conference – hosted by city accountants Rawlinsons – is taking place this month (June 12, 9.30am-4pm) at the KingsGate Conference Centre in Parnwell, Peterborough. Open to all charities free of charge – more than 100 were represented at last year’s conference – the day-long event offers high-profile speakers sharing their knowledge of a wide range of subjects and is especially geared for charity trustees, managers and those who work closely with charities. Topics include how charities can engage with businesses, the effective use of Sage, tips on applying for grants, the most effective charity Mark Jackson. set-ups and

impact measurement. Speakers include representatives from The Big Lottery Fund, Peterborough City Council, DIAL Peterborough, Greenwoods Solicitors, HSBC, Sage and Aspire Property Group. Rawlinsons’ partner Mark Jackson will also be presenting. The firm, based in Lincoln Road, Peterborough, works with many charities, both local and nationally affiliated branches. Mark said: “As a result, we know the challenges charities face both day-to-day and in the long term. “The conference has been put together to help them tackle those issues and also to update them on grants, legislation and changes in the law that may affect them.” Register via Rawlinsons, telephone Carolyn Lake: 01733 568321 or email her here: Carolyn.lake@rawlinsons.co.uk

local organisations in need of help. As well as web design, graphic design and branding, we can also offer these small businesses search engine optimisation and help with getting the most out of social media.” The agency is committing two days a month to their Giving Back Scheme, completely free of charge. Nominations for this scheme are available via the website: www.niceandripe.com/ giving-back. Sean added: “Nominations will be considered within a 20-mile radius of Peterborough, and are open to Sean Johnson. small local charities, NGOs or simply businesses with good ethical intentions.” Founded in 2010 by Sean, Nice and Ripe has a clear vision for growth: “It can always feel a risk when you step out on your own, especially in such trying economic times. However, we’ve been very clear and focused on our services and invested time in our business through training, development and listening to our clients. It’s an exciting year ahead and we’re all very passionate about our Giving Back Scheme, which is our way of saying thank you to our local community, of which we’re proud to be a part.”

Chamber looks east to export usinesses in the UK continue to look overseas to boost the domestic economy, with Asian markets being a particularly attractive proposition. Chris Kubicki, chairman of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce International Sector, said: “More British businesses are beginning to look overseas in order to grow, which is proving to be a lucrative strategy, with 40 per cent of UK exporters reporting an increase in export sales in the last quarter. The Far East would appear to be the export destination of choice, with many markets showing healthy signs of growth. China, a huge potential destination, has an economy that is expected to grow by 8.4 per cent in 2012. “By exploring the markets of Hong Kong, British businesses can take advantage of the strong historical and cultural links, and find an environment already attuned to doing business in the UK. By utilising the already strong historic ties, businesses can use Hong Kong as a springboard for entering into the thriving South Asian economies.” At a recent Hong Kong themed event, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce welcomed students from the MBA programme at Hong Kong University. The seminar provided an opportunity for the students and businesses to discuss prospects for local companies. The event, organised by the chambers’ international sector, included a panel of speakers covering different aspects of trade in Hong Kong. It was sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants and NatWest.

Success sparks summer seminar n inaugural workshop aimed at helping organisations manage their Sage software accounting processes more efficiently proved so popular in the spring that plans for a similar seminar in the summer are under way. Organised by Peterborough accountancy firm Rawlinsons in their Lincoln Road offices, the workshop will help firms fully understand the software and streamline their processes. Register your interest – contact Carolyn Lake on 01733 568321 or email Carolyn.lake@rawlinsons.co.uk

JUNE 2012

NEWS

Arena staff step out in Olympic style emember the popular song by The Proclaimers, shouting about walking 500 miles? Well, staff at regional events venue Peterborough Arena are aiming to go 4,500 miles better! By June 15, staff from all areas of the business are stepping up to a challenge to enhance team spirit and get into celebratory mood in the run-up to London 2012. Starting early last month, the 49-strong team has been walking the equivalent distance in miles from the venue for the 2008 Olympic Games – Beijing – to London. That’s a whopping 5,000+ miles – or just over 16 million steps! And in the true spirit of the Games, individuals clocking up the most steps will receive gold, silver and bronze medals.

Peterborough Arena account manager, Hollie Ward, is a member of the committee who came up with the fun idea to raise the profile of the Staff Sports and Social Club at the East of England Showground venue. She said: “With 2012 being the year of the Olympics, I just thought this would be a fun challenge. “We are using pedometers to count our steps and the ‘medals’ will be presented on Friday June 15 at our summer social event.” Pictured right, stepping out for their Olympic-style pedometer challenge, are Peterborough Arena staff (left to right) Christopher Wright, Hannah Martin, Quentin Arnold, Steve Claydon, Val Brooks and Victoria Sethna.

Making a difference – Side by Side round 100 people gathered for the launch of Side by Side, Peterborough’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) forum, last month. Welcomed as ‘that little bit extra’ to help tackle some of the city’s issues, it aims to project Peterborough as a great place to live and work. Representatives, mainly from business, but also the charitable, voluntary and public sector, gathered in the Learning Centre at Perkins for the official launch of the forum and its website: www.sidebysidecsr.co.uk Likened to a dating agency, the website helps put businesses interested in getting involved in CSR activities, or wanting to focus their existing work, in touch with the city’s greatest needs. Claire Higgins, director of operations at Cross Keys Homes,

Some of the founding partners line up – Side by Side! a founder member and major funding partner of the forum, said: “It’s clear there are a lot of businesses already doing great work in the community and the forum will help target their efforts and encourage those still thinking about getting involved by providing the information and

Free business clinic offers expertise egal, financial, sales and marketing and IT experts will be among experts offering free advice later this month, when a business clinic is staged in Peterborough – at Stuart House in New Road/St John’s Street (PE1 5DD). If you are thinking of starting a business or are trading, but need some extra know-how, organisers from the local branch of the

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Regus Office Solutions have teamed up to provide some answers. The free clinic is on Thursday June 28, 12noon to 5pm; drop in to discuss your issues with the group of local professionals from different disciplines. For details, email FSB regional membership manager, Martin Rickman: rickman@cyberware.co.uk

contacts to take that step into active support. It would be great if this event was the start of even bigger and better corporate social responsibility work across Peterborough.” The forum heard from Richard Astle of Athene Communications and Rod Allerton of Thomas Cook about the origins of the Side by Side concept and how all businesses in the city were actually members – whether they realised it or not! They said the founding businesses believe the forum can make a difference to the city’s health and well-being, its skills and employability, communities and environment. Yvonne Puplett from Perkins told the forum about its work at Railworld over the last 17 years

and the benefit the business gained from team-building days at the environmental project. Steve Goodchild from Nene Park Academy spoke about the employability workshop held at the school last year, which was supported by 30 local employers, and the difference the involvement of businesses made to the students. Sandie Burns of DIAL urged employers to get involved in the Olympic Torch Relay project which will see 100 disabled people and carers accompany the Olympic torch into Peterborough on the Nene Valley railway. And ‘Secret Millionaire’ TV star and local entrepreneur Mike Greene described how getting involved in CSR work changed his life and how his current work with localgiving.com was helping small charities across the city. Leader of Peterborough City Council, Marco Cereste, said the community and charitable activities of businesses through the forum was “that little bit extra” the city needed. All businesses are urged to visit the sidebysidecsr.co.uk website to get involved in the projects featured, share success stories and sign up for the forum’s e-newsletter.

NEWS

JUNE 2012

Invitation to show hub rganisers of this year’s East of business people, sponsored Chamber of Commerce, England Show have launched by the newly re-branded Business Focus 2012 and the an initiative to re-engage with the Peterborough Arena. city’s newspaper.” business community. Show committee John Bridge, chief The Show Business Hub will chairman, Andrew executive, Peterborough open on Friday July 6 with a Riddington, said: “There Chamber of Commerce, special business breakfast will be opportunities for welcomed the initiative: “Any John supported by Opportunity companies to buy display opportunity that encourages Bridge. Peterborough, the Peterborough space in the Business Hub companies to network and Chamber of Commerce, organisers hospitality area or they can showcase their services to of Business Focus 2012 and the hire their own adjoining marquee one another should be applauded Peterborough Evening Telegraph. as part of what we believe will and supported.” A programme of guest eventually become a business Neil Darwin of Opportunity speakers and presentations is village. We would like to see the Peterborough, agreed: “The show planned and those attending will hub developing to become an is a major event in the area’s be encouraged to stay at integral part of the city’s annual events calendar and it has a long the show and network business diary. history of bringing businesses and throughout the day. “It is designed to celebrate organisations together. We are A special Business business success and delighted to be supporting it.” Hub VIP hospitality showcase the opportunities If you would like your marquee will be available available in and around business to be involved, telephone all three days of the show, Peterborough and we are the show’s organisers on 01733 offering complimentary delighted it has the backing of 363500 or email: Neil charlie@peterborougharena.com refreshments to local Opportunity Peterborough, the Darwin.

For more details about the East of England Show, visit the website: www.eastofenglandshow.co.uk

JUNE 2012

Dark suit old hat? ave you ever had great expectations of a company or individual only for them to be shattered when you meet them? If you have, I’m pretty sure you are not alone. It’s not fair, but it is true nevertheless, that we judge people on their appearance and it takes a matter of seconds. It goes back to our hunter/gatherer times when we needed to ‘keep or eyes peeled’ to prevent us from becoming lunch for some hungry animal. When we meet someone who is well groomed and dressed appropriately for the occasion, they are far more likely to elicit trust and so we go on to do business with them. Your visual appearance, therefore, needs to act like shorthand; speedy and accurate.

Many companies, both large and small, spend a small fortune on their branding – marketing strapline, logo, mission statement and vision – but often forget about their most important asset, their people. No-one wants to be met by someone who looks like they have just returned from a night club when they check in at a reception desk, and yet this is what we see on numerous occasions when we watch people who work there going about their daily routine. ‘Dress Down Friday’ has a lot to answer for!

Refresh your workday style and make your wardrobe work smarter, says image consultant Sue Donnelly.

Firstly, what you wear acts as visual shorthand telling the world what you want it to know about you, your skills and your abilities. Secondly, for men at least, clothing covers 90 per cent of the body and, unlike women who have access to cosmetics, hair stylists and colourful clothing to help them, it pays to take control of what they choose to wear. It’s interesting how many male executives own up to having their clothes bought, or at least chosen, for them by wives/partners – or they just take out of the wardrobe the first garment that comes to hand. But the image and Visual shorthand impact you make is not just The notion of image as part related to clothing. of an overall branding Technology moves at a strategy is pace. Out-of-date important on equipment such as mobile many levels. phones and laptops can signify out-of-date thinking While what you choose to – a possible no-no in wear always needs to be today’s constantly changing appropriate to the occasion climate. Of course, no-one and the people with whom advocates style over you are doing business, there substance. ‘Personal is no need to repress your branding’ encompasses three different, equally Sue Donnelly. personality altogether.

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COVER STORY

important components: l The Visual Image is conveyed via the physical appearance – how you look and are perceived. l The Inner Image is concerned with your values and belief system – in other words, what you stand for or represent. l The Brand Experience is related to your behaviour and communication skills – how you sound, your interaction with other people, your regard for them, your manners. Over time, consistency in all three areas culminates in your ‘reputation’, which is a critical component of your business success. Maximise potential A reputable brand is easily recognised, is credible and believable, can charge more for its products and services, attracts a higher calibre of employees, creates lasting relationships and a loyal following which can be worth up to 50 per cent of the company’s market value. It can also be lost in a nano-second – remember Continued on page 8 >

COVER STORY

JUNE 2012

Continued from page 7

Gerald Ratner and how he denigrated his own high street jewellery brand back in 1991? Most people have a brand accidentally. You cannot NOT have a brand. To maximise potential you need to take control of your brand intentionally. As Wally Olins says in the book, Corporate Identity: ‘If the staff convey the values – how they look and act – and pass that onto the customer, then the company succeeds’. After all, people buy from people. Walking advertisement So, how do you go about creating a successful Personal Brand? Firstly, you need to really look at the image you currently present. Does it convey the ‘real’ you? What do you like or dislike about it? However you feel inside, it is the non-verbal messages that are stronger. According to psychology professor, Albert Mehrabian, body language and appearance convey far more than the words you speak. Remember, your personal strengths and values need to be incorporated into your clothing so you become a walking advertisement for your business. What you wear also needs to be appropriate for your industry, your audience’s expectations and your own objectives. If you watch the TV programme Dragons’ Den, you may have noticed one of the ‘dragons’, multi-millionaire Peter Jones, say: “I’m out” not because of the inadequate sales pitch, but the inappropriateness of the outfit chosen when asking for the dragons’ money! The formal look Generally speaking, clothing can be changed to convey authority or approachability, both of which may be required in business life. A formal look is gained by wearing maximum contrast – black and white, for instance,

crisp, plain fabrics and a strong, streamlined silhouette. Authoritarians of this country – judges, police, lawyers, clergy – wear this type of ‘uniform’ on a daily basis for a very good reason. For women, this will probably be a (skirt) suit in a dark, matt fabric with a structured shirt or blouse, court shoes and good quality, discreet accessories. For men, the suit will need to be tailored, of good quality, worn with a shirt with standard or widespread collar, a tie with the appropriate knot, double cuffs with cufflinks, belt, brogues and matching socks – long enough to not show the ankle when seated. But, unless your industry dictates this type of attire, it can get a little dull and displays little of the wearer’s personality. Swapping a plain fabric for a pattern such as a pin stripe, adding some colour, omitting the tie and opting for a button-down collar, wearing a knit with a jacket and non matching trousers, slip on shoes or unusual socks are all ways to add individuality to a man’s outfit. For women, there is far more choice. A dress instead of a suit, trousers rather than a skirt, coloured tights or shoes, dramatic jewellery – all add some creative flair to how you look. Colour has power Blue, when worn around the neck, enables communication as it represents the throat chakra, as navy it symbolises responsibility (the colour navy comes from our Royal Navy). Red is perceived as dominant and in large quantities, sometimes overpowering. When worn in a tie, it reflects the haemoglobin in the lips so our eyes are drawn to the mouth – so we hear and we watch; very powerful. Red lipstick has the same effect for a woman. Black can be sombre, funereal or even weighty, or it

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Swapping a plain for a pin stripe, adding some colour and unusual socks are all ways to add individuality to a man’s outfit.

can be chic and elegant, depending on the accessories and style of the garment. Brown is earthy and trustworthy, orange and yellow both fun and excitable and probably not overly popular in a business environment. Pink has feminine tendencies, but is much more popular with the male population than it was and is a watered down version of red. Grey is neutral and a good choice if emotions might run high, while white symbolises purity and sterility – it can also get dirty! There are some no-nos: The biggest turn-offs are overpowering perfumes, jangling jewellery, poor oral hygiene including cigarette smoke, nose and ear hair, dandruff, lateness, lack of eye contact, kissing on first meeting and answering mobile phones in the middle of a conversation or meeting. Consistent approach While what you choose to wear always needs to be appropriate to the occasion and the people who you are doing business with, there is no need to repress your personality altogether. American author, Anne Morrow Lindberg, said: “The most exhausting thing you can be is inauthentic.” As an example, let’s take a look at celebrity chefs. If we compare Jamie Oliver with Heston Blumenthal or Nigella Lawson with Delia Smith you’ll see that there is a vast difference in how they portray themselves. They each have a highly successful personal brand, which in turn creates a loyal following, massive book sales and TV ratings. It is successful because it is real and

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authentic and we know, by their reputation, whether or not we want to support them. Imagine Delia dressing like Nigella or Jamie donning a suit and tie and you’ll get the picture. People do buy people and you can’t win them all, but by having a consistent approach to the way you come across in all aspects of your branding will enable you to have more customers and business associates that you actually like and get on with. What’s not to like?

Based in Peterborough, Sue Donnelly enables clients to increasing their confidence by creating their own style. An author, columnist, trainer and presenter, she has appeared on TV both here and abroad. A former president of the Federation of Image Professionals, Sue is the first image professional to gain qualifications on both sides of the Atlantic.

JUNE 2012

LEGAL EAGLES

JUNE 2012

LEGAL EAGLES Data drives Keep interview records, employers told fraud rise T raud levels rocketed by 30 per cent in the first quarter of 2012, the UK Fraud Prevention Service CIFAS reports. The rise was driven by a 40 per cent increase in identity fraud and an 86 per cent eruption in the takeover of accounts. Nearly two-thirds of all frauds are now directly related to the misuse of personal details. Richard Hurley communications manager, CIFAS, said: “If anyone was sceptical about the role that personal details play in fraud, these figures remove any shred of doubt. Businesses must recognise that data – whether digital or not – can no longer be taken at face value. By not taking every step to guard data, organisations are effectively leaving their doors and windows open for digital thieves to come and steal it.”

he region’s employers have been warned to make sure they have a thorough recruitment and interview process, including keeping accurate records of why candidates were unsuccessful. The warning comes from solicitor Phil Cookson of Roythornes legal practice, based locally in Peterborough and Spalding. He was commenting on a

recent decision by which the firm refused. European courts. A tribunal agreed the The case involved a firm did not have to Russian national release the details, but who unsuccessfully said that if it did not, its applied on two refusal may be considered as part of a occasions for a position for which wider discrimination Phil Cookson. she was qualified. investigation. She claimed race, Phil Cookson sex and age discrimination commented: “The fact that the and requested information on tribunal said the information the successful candidate, could be used as part of a wider investigation reinforced the fact that any information recorded as part of the recruitment process could be requested. retain customers and uphold “It’s critical that employers profitability. The findings show make full records on each 95 per cent will switch to a candidate, including why they competitor if they feel their data is being handled irresponsibly. feel they are unsuitable Meanwhile, 83 per cent are candidates. Simple measures likely to switch if they feel a such as scoring candidates company is ignoring their against job criteria can personal details and is sending provide a valuable and them blanket marketing objective record that can messages, and 69 per cent have be referred to at a later date switched because of the way if required.”

Trust is the key ore than two-thirds of British consumers have ceased doing business with a company and turned to its competitor because they felt the original firm had mishandled their personal data and could no longer be trusted, customer insight firm Transactis reveals. Its latest report looks at the importance of using customer data responsibly and maintaining trust in order to

their data was handled.

Don’t ignore NEST t has been ten months since I wrote about the changes in pensions legislation that are coming soon for every employer. And guess what’s happened? The deadline has got ten months closer. But ignoring the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) is not going to make it go away. There is precious little evidence that employers have embraced this change, even less that anyone has done anything about it. Yet, this is a change that will affect your business and cost you money. To recap: The Pensions Act 2008, which is due to come into effect in 2012, will, for the first time, place a legal duty on employers to enrol most employees into a pension

scheme and contribute towards their retirement. The move is aimed at getting an estimated seven million extra workers saving for retirement. As the countdown to the changes continues, employers must ensure they are ready to meet their obligations. When the act comes into effect, the changes will be phased in over three stages, depending on the size of an organisation based on PAYE payroll data. Selected larger employers will be required to comply first, followed by small and medium-sized organisations and, lastly, by the smallest employers. It is time to take action, to understand what this is going to mean for you and your staff. You need to understand:

Financial expertise from Nick Ash

l Costs for both your business and your staff l The administrative burden for your HR department l What type of pension you will offer your staff l Where to go for advice l The timings for your business to comply with legislation l How you will communicate the changes to your staff The most forward-thinking employers are taking action now to avoid being caught up in a last minute rush and the chaos that is bound to follow. They are consulting with their

independent financial advisors and their accountants and making reasoned decisions, rather than rushing into the Government-sponsored default scheme. If you need help with NEST, talk to pensions specialists. Give me a call – my details are below. Your first consultation is always free and carries no obligation.

Nick Ash is director, will and probate services, Tancreds. Email: nick.ash@tancreds.co.uk or call: 01778 341490. Details here: www.tancreds.co.uk

JUNE 2012 LEGAL EAGLES

Tax relief on donations: cap fears f you run a charity, or give regularly to charity, you may have been concerned by the Government’s proposals to restrict tax relief on charitable giving, announced in the 2012 Budget. The proposals would cap how much income an individual can offset at £50,000 per year, or a quarter of their income, whichever is higher, from 2013. Peterborough accountancy firm, Stephenson Smart & Co,

acts for several charities and are monitoring the situation closely. Senior partner, Paul Evans, said: “Currently, individuals can offset their entire income against income tax reliefs and, as a result, may pay no income tax at all. The Government’s aims behind the proposals is to stop individual tax payers with very high incomes making use of unlimited tax relief to avoid paying tax at all. It remains to be seen whether it goes ahead,

but charities are concerned that individuals will reduce their giving as a result of a cap.” The Government argues that individuals who want to give more than 25 per cent or £50,000 of their income to charity may still do so, but from their taxed income. HMRC has said it will be issuing a consultation document on the detail of the policy, including implications for philanthropic giving, in the summer.

Cool consumer view of HMRC hotline aiting times for and applications specialist consumers ringing Datapoint, says that, given the taxman’s call centre the technology that exists, have been criticised for the delays are unnecessary. being ‘unacceptably Gordon Young, general long’, at up to four manager of Katalyst at minutes. Recent figures Datapoint, said: “Through Gordon released by HMRC have the mismanagement of its Young. shown that average call call centres, HMRC is waiting times have tripled in the actually disincentivising people last two years and one in four from paying their taxes properly. callers hang up in frustration. By any standards, these waiting Authorities have blamed times times are unacceptable. A staffing and budget cuts in concerted effort will be needed recent years. It has also been to improve its call centres to suggested that an additional ensure that information is as 10,000 HMRC staff jobs will be accessible as possible. cut by 2015. “Continually striving to do But call centre infrastructure more with less – creating greater

efficiency – is a basic practice in the private sector and one that public bodies are now having to learn during these more austere times. It’s important that resources and staff are deployed efficiently and intelligently. “The tax cycle inevitably leads to peaks and troughs in call centre traffic. With the right monitoring tools in place, HMRC would be able to plan for these better. There is technology out there that can help identify process inefficiencies and plan appropriately for fluctuating contact volumes, thus reducing the amount of time callers spend on hold,” Young concluded.

Paul Evans.

The charity sector argues this is an unnecessary measure that would be damaging, particularly for many genuine charities which depend on large donations. Findings from UK Giving 2011, the most in-depth and long-running study of charitable giving habits commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), shows that in 2010/11 the UK public gave £11 billion to charity. However, the average amount given per month fell from £12 in 2009/10 to £11. Experts’ advice is for individuals to continue giving to charity until the consultation has been completed and legislation is passed. For information on current tax relief allowances and charity accountancy advice, contact Stephenson Smart & Co. Telephone: 01733 343275 or visit the website: www.stephensonsmart.com

MOTORING

JUNE 2012

DRIVE

This month’s motoring correspondent ROB TAYLOR lifts the lid on three of today’s hottest convertibles.

Raising ur eyes met at the traffic lights. I wasn’t at my best; hair unkempt, sunglasses askew, a gaily-coloured knitted scarf – a present from Granny – tied tightly around my neck. But I was in an open-top Audi TT convertible and we’ve all seen enough TV car commercials to know how the story goes from here. Even the melodious irony of Lionel Richie’s ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’, now booming from the Bose sound system, couldn’t interfere with yet another example of ‘automotive aphrodisiac facilitates union of two beautiful people’. Well, I’d love to tell you that life does indeed imitate art and that beside me in the next lane of traffic sat some irresistibly beautiful siren, staring back at me with smouldering brown eyes. However, I was, in fact, looking into the cabin of a decrepit Ford Transit van, up

Spirited: Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Sport.

close and personal and staring down the taunts of one Mr Murphy – building contractor at large – and his toothless workmate, while sitting in an unsettlingly effeminate, virgin-white convertible, accompanied by a cosmetically-enhanced 62-year-old singer on a dreary morning in a deprived backwater of a concrete jungle. Time to put the roof up. I’ve never been a fan of convertibles, viewing them as impractical, irrelevant in this part of the northern hemisphere and chiefly the preserve of posers who believe rain and congestion will one day be blown away to leave an Eden-like world of play. That, or they’ve been watching too much TV. So then, just like Mr Murphy and his hideously misspelled promise of ‘All tipes of work undertaken – no job two big’, my test trio of Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Sport, Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Blue Efficiency Sport and BMW Z4 2.0i sDrive had their work cut out. North Wales seemed to be a

JUNE 2012 MOTORING

Rob Taylor.

And he discovers that open-top cars are best enjoyed by the motorist who engages an open mind while behind the wheel.

the roof natural testing ground, with fast-flowing and windy roads, unfathomable Welsh road signs resembling a game of Countdown and more rain than the deluge visited upon Noah. If this group of shiny sybaritic metal was ever going to win me over it was going to have to be on my terms. After all, a slow ponce down into the city didn’t work. Keen to get into something more masculine after the TT, my attention was piqued by the Z4. Whereas the TT looks like it was hewn by the hand of the Divine, the Z4 has something of the night about it. Forged in Satan’s chimney by minions enslaved to endlessly pound its body panels into an ultra-macho form, the Z4 is more visceral than its test partners.

Fast: BMW Z4 2.0i sDrive.

More aggressive and harder riding, it is the fastest from 0-62mph (6.9 seconds), its 2-litre turbocharged engine delivering the 184bhp sweetly and seamlessly and, with 199lb ft of torque available as low as 1250rpm, it has more grunt than a Maria Sharapova forehand. Quiet and refined with the metal roof up, loud and raucous when dropped, this entry level model excites on a primitive level. It handles well

Refined: MercedesBenz SLK 200 Blue Efficiency Sport too, even when things get hairy the Z4 just hoovers up any lost follicles and sticks them to your chest. The SLK is all about quality and refinement and is a little less driver-orientated. Like the TT, it has a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine and is a car you can live with every day. Ingenious creature comforts such as neck-level heating system ‘Airscarf’ and ‘vario-roof’ (essentially a translucent panel set into the metal) promote sensory pleasures rather more civilised than a guttural exhaust note. But that’s not to say that the SLK is as soft as the TT’s roof, far from it, especially when fitted with the optional dynamic handling pack, which can be activated at the touch of a ‘sport’ button. This autobahn cruiser tops out at around 149mph and does 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds – so it’s no SLacKer in the speed stakes. In fact, if it falls down anywhere it is in the area of style, mainly because of its newly homogenised ‘corporate face’ front-end, which – while proportionate on the SLS et al – seems awkward on such a

dainty roadster. Like the meshing of ‘efficiency’ and ‘sport’ in its official title, it feels like an oxymoron. And so back to the TT and my earlier unease. A few hours of spirited driving and games of ‘dodge the witless road-dwelling sheep’ later and I’m thoroughly convinced that it’s a proper driver’s car. It sounds great, handles well – especially with the optional magnetic ride dampers – has a fine driving position – low-slung with well spaced pedals – and its 158bhp and 184lb ft of torque feel ample and entirely capable of whisking you from 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and onto 139mph. All three return around 42mpg, exude roughly 150g/km of Co2 and cost – with scant attention to options – just under £30,000. So you really can go topless without needing bottomless reserves of cash. And, after experiencing all three in near idyllic conditions, I must confess, I’m a bit of a convertible convert. My earlier experience at the traffic lights, I’ll just chalk up to Murphy’s Law.

CLICKS&MORTAR

JUNE 2012

CLICKS&MORTAR Broadband among firms’ biggest issues nergy costs and access to broadband are among the most important infrastructure issues faced by small businesses, according to new research from the Forum of Private Business. A total of 80 per cent of forum members – responding to its ‘Infrastructure for Growth’ survey – said they believe energy costs are very important with the same number citing telecommunications and broadband access – which was seen as a particular problem in rural locations. Jane Bennett, the forum’s head of campaigns, said: Jane Bennett. “Infrastructure is more than just roads and railways – it is about creating a business environment and road map for growth that paves the way for small firms to be successful and create jobs.”

Going green gains silver for chamber pledge to reduce its environmental impact has earned silver accreditation for the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce from Investors in the Environment. The accreditation was presented after the chamber submitted an action plan to lower its consumption of natural resources and set targets for working in a greener way going forward, for example setting targets to reduce paper use and energy consumption. Helen Bosett, the chambers’ sector co-ordinator, and policy advisor Gill Prangnell were on hand to receive the accreditation from Peterborough Environment City Trust, the facilitators of the scheme, at a ceremony held at the city’s KingsGate Conference Centre. Helen said: “I am pleased to receive this accreditation on behalf of the chamber. We have

Gill Prangnell (left) and Helen Bosett collect the silver accreditation.

made some changes to the way we do things to ensure that we are working ‘greener’ to lessen our environmental impact. This will also result in cost savings for the business. “Having the Investors in the Environment accreditation will enable us to set an example to local businesses and encourage more to think about their environmental credentials.”

Land agency spreads out at Stuart House ational land agency, Smiths Gore, is extending its office space in the Stuart House premises in New Road, Peterborough. The firm already occupies the first floor and has now agreed a five-year lease on space on the third floor. Richard Saul, from real estate company CIT, said: “We are delighted we were able to secure an expansion solution for Smiths Gore at Stuart House. This new commitment is a further testament to the strength and appeal of the building.” Paul Farrow, director of appointed letting agent, Savills Peterborough, added: “Stuart House has already attracted a number of established tenants including the Home Office, Peterborough City Council and Opportunity Peterborough.”

Stamp of approval for Stamford firm

Yaxley site lures interiors firm

tamford-based chartered surveyor Gowers has been given the rubber stamp of approval from ISO 9001, the standard by which customers know they are going to get a consistent level of quality and service. Experts in building surveys and valuations, the firm achieved this high standard through consistent, high level quality management and customer focus. Paul Gowers said: “We are really pleased to achieve this certification. I pride myself on Paul Gowers. setting high benchmarks for quality and customer service, often going the extra mile for my customers. With the ISO 9001 certification, we now have independently verified proof our customers can expect a professional and friendly service, delivered to a very high standard.”

family-run firm specialising in fitting out commercial interiors is the latest company to confirm take-up of a unit at Eagle Business Park in Yaxley. MCS Interiors will be moving in to unit 5 Enterprise Court – one of just nine terraced units launched last autumn in the latest phase of the business park – where take-up has been brisk and another four units are now under offer. MCS Interiors was established in 2008 and has steadily built up a portfolio of contracts across the country, in particular for a number of retail park and high street brand names. Colin Smith, one of the directors, worked in the commercial interiors sector before MCS Interiors was set up and admits trading conditions are tough, but the move to Enterprise Court marks a period of expansion for the firm. The company currently employs a core staff of eight with an

additional roster of sub-contractors to call on, job-by-job. He said: “Moving to Enterprise Court will give us the additional warehousing and storage space we need as we’re Above: A computer-generated image of the currently working Enterprise Court unit at Eagle Business Park, Yaxley. from a base we’ve outgrown. “Our clients and being developed by R&H Estates contracts spider out across the and the Enterprise Court phase country from the Peterborough has taken the developer’s area, so we were looking not just investment in the business park for a bigger, independent base to £2.6 million. but one with accessibility to the Four units remain available roads network. So when the and further commercial space is units at Enterprise Court were available in units at Talon Court. released towards the end of Plots are still available towards last year, we began negotiations the rear of the business park. to secure Unit 5 straight away. For more information, call There just wasn’t anything Graham Bunnett at Carter Jonas, else suitable.” tel: 01733 588678, or Richard Eagle Business Park in Jones at Barker Storey Matthews: Yaxley, south of Peterborough, is 01733 897722.

JUNE 2012 CLICKS&MORTAR

Businesses lose £600m Leverage effective blog when people move home marketing techniques W B ritish businesses are losing a combined £600m a year – and could be missing out on a total profit opportunity of £115m – by not engaging early enough with customers who are intending to move house. These are the startling findings of a new White Paper released by Callcredit Information Group. The document, ‘Home Movers – an overlooked marketing opportunity?’, explores the level of churn associated with home movers and the steps businesses can take to minimise their losses. Written by Callcredit’s head of consulting, Paul Kennedy, it reveals that mortgage providers fare the worst when their customers move house, losing an estimated £367m a year to churn. Utilities, telecoms, TV, insurance and life assurance providers are also badly affected, losing around £230m between them. Research shows that home movers spend an average of £5,000 on products and services related to their move, but this is also the time when consumers are most likely to change providers, with 65 per cent of people switching to a new supplier when they move. The white paper highlights that today’s consumers, driven by concerns about money, are much more likely to shop around for the best deals, with the help of price

comparison sites and peer-to-peer networking. With almost ten per cent of households across the UK having moved home within Paul Kennedy. the last 12 months, and with property transactions recently reaching their highest level for 18 months, the White Paper explains that home movers provide an opportunity for both customer acquisition and retention, which many businesses are missing. Paul Kennedy said: “Despite the difficult economic conditions, the home mover market is big and growing steadily. For marketers, moving home represents an actionable communication trigger, but due to lack of resources and awareness, too many businesses ignore this opportunity. “By highlighting, in actual terms, the revenue lost to home mover churn – which we estimate as being £600m annually across the six key product areas of mortgages, electricity/gas, telecoms, pay TV, home insurance and life assurance – we hope businesses will realise the benefits of tapping into this market. With home moves starting to peak over the coming months, it is time to act.” Download the White Paper: www.callcredit.co.uk/home-move-wp

Rebrand for birthday elton Mowbray family business, Hallmark Consumer Services, has celebrated its 20th anniversary. The specialist fulfilment services and innovative direct mail operation has marked the milestone with a new brand, website and substantial investment in the latest marketing campaign management technology. The anniversary comes at the end of a milestone year in Hallmark’s 20-year history, as MD Chris Hall, who founded the business in 1992, explained: “The

company has experienced a 20 per cent growth in turnover on last year, to £4.0 million, Chris Hall. building on growth of 30 per cent the year before. “The last 12 months also saw Hallmark boost its employee numbers by 25 per cent, and we now employ 50 staff at our offices and 35,000 square foot fulfilment centre and warehouse in the heart of Melton Mowbray. Our 20th birthday also marked 15 years’ service for ten of our employees.”

hy do companies such as IBM and VMware blog all the time? There are many marketing techniques in today’s Internet world. Each of them is unique and is designed for a specific purpose. Online marketing techniques are introduced and implemented for a specific purpose, then changes are made to that technique to fit it for another purpose. Among these hybrid Internet marketing techniques is the blog – now used extensively and beneficially on many companies’ official websites. The blogs can be written in the form of conversations, which enable readers to respond to them. This is very useful in the business world as the company’s personnel can start a blog. For example, if the company wants some feedback from its customers, it can start a blog, asking consumers about any

IT expertise by Stan Nyokas problems they may have encountered with its goods or services. Customers can reply with another blog, posted as a response to the first blog, thereby creating a link between the two. Thus, other customers are able to see responses and reactions from other customers, as well as from the company. This marketing technique benefits all who are involved – it provides a genuine platform for the company to have its voice heard and also allows the company to gauge customer reaction to its brand. A few blogging rules However, there are a few ways to make the blogs more effective. The first rule is to be honest about what is presented in the blog. When a blog is

written honestly, you have the potential to make ‘fans’ for the company, who will appreciate the sincerity of the blog piece. ‘Honesty is the best policy’; this is very important for blog marketing techniques as people get to know if the blogger is being genuine. Another important rule is to make your blog piece short, precise and to the point. The main aim of the blog is to provide the reader with clear information. There is no time for readers to become engrossed in a lengthy piece which does not provide the information they require – and this will immediately put them off your blog, thus losing readership which in turn defeats the purpose of your blog marketing technique. This is the key to writing an effective blog. The cherry on the top is the quality that you maintain! Use of language in the blog should appeal to the readers; don’t use unacceptable, silly or off-hand language when writing your blog or reacting to your readers’ posts. The next but most important step when using blog marketing is to use the feedback positively. This will build trust in the relationship and the customer’s sense of belonging to the company. For many businesses, blog marketing may seem time consuming, but the benefits outweigh the inconvenience – which is why market-leading, long-established companies like IBM still feel the need to adopt this tactic as key to their marketing strategy. They have learned there are massive benefits that can change any company’s fortune. Another blog marketing technique is use of a survey on the company’s products and services. This is the cheapest R&D effort for any business.

Stanislas Nyokas is founder of iTotalMarketing, Peterscourt, City Road, Peterborough. Call 01733 294551. www.itotalmarketing.co.uk

CLICKS&MORTAR

JUNE 2012

’Be social’ or lose customers, businesses warned

Richard Olsen.

ncrease your leads and grow your business with inbound marketing. That’s the message from Stamford-based firm, the Olsen Partnership, which is warning local businesses to adopt the popular social media platforms as part of an integrated digital strategy – or risk losing out to rival firms. And to help businesses ensure they are competitive, the Olsen Partnership is offering a free website review for local companies to ensure their sites are fit for purpose and comply with the latest legislation. Richard Olsen, managing director, said: “Traditional outbound marketing has been declining in effectiveness

recently and the focus now is very much on inbound marketing, which is all about customers coming to you; through search engines, social media and blogging, for example. Content that is optimised and refreshed regularly is therefore critical to give your website ‘authority’ and ensure it consistently ranks well. Industry statistics report that the cost per lead can be up to 61 per cent lower and close rates improved by 15 per cent. “To kick-start an inbound marketing strategy, develop campaigns that connect with your customers at an emotional level, using a range of social media tools, but ensure the

content is relevant to your target audience, kept up to date and there is always a call to action to allow your customers to contact you in a way that they choose to be contacted. “Remember, there is no point ranking well in the search engines if visitors or ‘likes’ recorded on your Facebook page are not converted to customers; ensure you respond to enquiries and feedback as service levels are as important as the product and are key to retaining your customers.” www.olsenpartnership.com

SMEs struggle to win public sector tenders mall businesses are still struggling to win public sector contracts despite Government efforts to make it easier. So says the Federation of Small Businesses, which surveyed small operators and found that 40 per cent believe the tendering process for public sector contracts is too complex. Meanwhile, 37 per cent think they are sidelined by public officials who believe bigger firms must be better. The findings come despite the Government’s launch of its Contracts Finder website, designed to make it easier for small firms to find and bid for public sector work. Although one in seven companies had bid for a public sector contract in the last year, 41 per cent failed to secure any business from any of the bids they submitted.

JUNE 2012

BUSINESS BREAK

Lords of the lakes Above: In action, James Bushell. Left: Selling both land and water craft – Matt Bullock. Right: Back on dry land, James Bushell (photo courtesy of RYA).

or adrenaline junkies, 158 Performance, is – quite simply – a dream come true.

Take a visit to one of their showrooms in Tallington or at Tattershall Lakes and you’re met with floor to ceiling adrenaline inducing machines – from road-legal quad bikes, scooters and side-by-sides, to sports boats, jet skis and Can-Am Spyders – a luxurious three-wheeled bike that has inspired the launch of 158’s Spyder Ryders – a club for Spyder owners who ride out together every month. Run by World and European jet ski champion James Bushell from Wisbech, and business partner Matt Bullock, 158 Performance has gone from strength to strength since it launched in 2009 and is now on track to achieve a £1.5million turnover by the end of 2012. Matt was running a quad bike company when he met James – a trained mechanic who was racing jet skis at world class level and selling water craft from the Tallington base.

After striking up a friendship the pair decided to go into business together, selling both land and water craft and using James’ racing number 158 as the new company name. The first major task was to completely fit out the Tallington base, adding a reception area and mezzanine floor to accommodate more machines. From there they built up a product range, which now also includes wet gear, clothing, towing toys and inflatables and a variety of other accessories alongside their range of vehicles. Priding themselves on customer service and product knowledge, the duo love meeting people who share their enthusiasm. “What better way to spend your time than playing with toys

you love and meeting customers who share the same enthusiasm and passion for them as we do,” explained Matt. “It’s a great way to run a business and we love spending time with our customers – whether it’s on the monthly Spyder rides, talking to people in the showroom or offering advice on the telephone or over the Internet.” Despite challenging economic conditions, 158 Performance has had a fantastic start to 2012 after clinching a major deal to run a jet ski lake at Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire. Running alongside the Tallington base, Tattershall features a fully stocked showroom featuring 158’s machines, cafe and 45-acre lake, described by Matt as the best jet ski lake in the country. He added: “It’s a great size lake and there’s a race course with a good area for freestyling, plus there’s space for towing inflatables – which a lot of lakes ban – and it’s a lovely family

environment as it’s on a holiday park with its own sandy beach.” 158 has even added a UV filter to the water to turn the lake a beautiful blue and stop weeds growing, so that jet skiers can enjoy the best experience during their visit. There are also Ringo Rides on inflatables and the chance to hire out the latest jet ski models. Matt added: “This deal was more than a year in the making and a dream come true for the 158 team. It enables us to bring adrenaline sports to a whole new audience at a purposebuilt venue and will hopefully take us a step nearer our aim to reach £2 million turnover in the not-too-distant future.” To keep up to date with 158, connect on Facebook: facebook.com/158Performance or follow on Twitter: @158Performance www.158performance.co.uk

Get your enterprise featured on our Business Break page. Email your details to: info@businessscene.co.uk

WORKFORCE

JUNE 2012

WORKFORCE Britain’s got talent, but firms aren’t protecting it hen it comes to business continuity planning, UK businesses are much better prepared for technology and environmental risks than they are for the risk of losing staff talent. This is the key finding of a new report from Vodafone. Although one in five employees are reported to be actively considering a job move in the next 12 months, only 29 per cent of UK managers say employee defection to another firm is a significant concern. This compares to 59 per cent who cite IT systems failure and 36 per cent who list damage to facilities through fire/flood as key concerns. While those polled accept that talent risks such as employee defection or illness are more probable than environmental risks, only ten per cent have robust plans in place to respond to talent loss. In comparison, 37 per cent have actions plans in place for fire, flood or similar. Peter Kelly, enterprise director at Vodafone UK, said: “Risk is inherent in business and it comes

in many forms. As market conditions worsen it is imperative businesses are better prepared than ever. They Peter Kelly. must implement new processes and technology to find better ways of working by enabling employees to mobile work securely. Not only does this help companies cut costs, it is also a proven way of attracting and retaining the best talent. “Businesses need to protect themselves further from challenges posed to business continuity by becoming aware of the risk of losing valuable talent. “This research shows that businesses should place a greater emphasis on identifying and managing talent risk as part of a business continuity management strategy. This is not only best practice but it will contribute to business excellence – essential in such a tough economic climate.”

Linden Lovelies in the pink for charity taff from new homes builder Linden Homes have been boosting charity coffers by taking part in the Race For Life, in aid of Cancer Research UK. Calling themselves the ‘Linden Lovelies’, the team was from the developer’s Peterborough-based head office – the company builds homes from Cornwall to

Lincolnshire and from West Sussex to North Yorkshire. The Linden Lovelies were among hundreds taking part in the recent 5km race at Burghley House, Stamford. The team included staff from the sales, customer care and production areas of the business. Linden Homes sales administrator, Bev Bray, said: “It was an emotionally charged day, but the camaraderie is so strong and we did have some fun along the way, while raising money for a cause that touches so many of us.” So far, the team has raised nearly £600, but you can add to that fund here: www.raceforlifesponsor me.org/linden-lovelies Pictured in the pink – the Linden Lovelies.

JUNE 2012

Jobs outlook: cautious optimism from bosses

Suits you! Recruiter addresses back-to-work interview style taff at Peterborough agency Anne Corder Recruitment have joined the likes of Prime Minster’s wife Samantha Cameron by donating suits, clothes and accessories to a charity helping women get back to work. Dress for Success offers practical help to women who have been out of the workplace for a spell. Professional stylists help them pull together interview outfits from clothes donated by other business women. They are also given personal interview training by a senior executive to boost their confidence as they embark on their job search. The international charity has the backing of Samantha Cameron, who hosted a Dress For Success reception at 10 Downing Street earlier this year. Now the Anne Corder Recruitment team has pledged its

Pictured left: ACR staff Rosie Hooton (left) and Danielle Molyneux (right) examine one of the suits collected for the Dress For Success charity.

support. By the time the team had rummaged through their wardrobes, the rails at the agency’s Park Road offices were bulging with an array of good quality suits, trousers, skirts, shirts, bags and accessories. These will now be available through Dress For Success to

WORKFORCE

he short-term jobs outlook ‘turned positive’ for the first time in more than a year, recent research has found. A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows the amount of employers intending to increase total staffing levels in the first quarter of 2012, rose to +6 from -8 since the winter 2011/12 quarter. This is the report’s first positive figure for more than a year. However, the CIPD warns optimism should be tempered by employers’ continued caution, medium term – which, due to recent weak economic figures, suggests a high risk that many employers may need to reassess staff levels before the year is out.

women on low incomes who are taking their first steps back into the workplace. Recruitment partner Karen Dykes said: “We felt a real affinity with the charity. We deal regularly with women hoping to return to work who feel nervous and lack in confidence. The clothes we have donated will be available for women just like that to put together an outfit, with professional help. “Just knowing you look the part can be a tremendous boost when you walk into an interview.” Find out more about the Dress for Success charity here: www.dressforsuccess.org.uk

Screen break: keeping staff healthy Practical advice from health and safety expert, Colin Nottage. very year we become more and more reliant on visual display units (VDU) and screens. Employers have a duty to protect staff from adverse health effects, which range from headaches to ongoing muscle pain in the neck, arms or shoulders. RSI (repetitive strain injuries) and back strain are among the most common reasons for staff absence, which continues to cost less proactive businesses dearly. Employers must ensure: l All users are subject to a display screen equipment (DSE) assessment l A competent person undertakes the assessment l All identified issues are put in an action plan, with dates set for the corrective action to be completed l Employees are consulted on

any changes as a result of the risk assessment l Suitable DSE training is provided for all users l Users are reimbursed any monies paid for eyesight tests and eye examinations. A user is an individual who normally uses a VDU for continuous or near continuous spells of an hour or more at a time, more or less daily. A DSE assessment should cover: l Environment (ventilation, lighting, noise, temperature) l Equipment (brightness, contrast, ease of use) l Workstation (space, chair, table, monitor, keyboard) l Procedural (training, eye tests, rest breaks, provision of water). Controlling DSE use can be straight forward. Read the following solutions:

l Reviewing the layout of the workstation, ensuring all equipment is positioned in such a way that it does not pose a potential risk l Ensuring suitable DSE training has been provided by a competent person l Ensuring regular rest breaks are being taken l Providing drinking water l Maximising use of natural daylight. If this is not possible, replace existing light bulbs with ‘daylight’ bulbs l Allowing employees to receive eye/eyesight tests l Improving the ventilation in the office environment (ideally, natural airflow). The use of a visual display unit does not: l Cause bad eyesight l Damage an unborn child l Result in facial dermatitis.

If not controlled, excessive use may result in: l Repetitive strain injuries l Headaches l Focusing difficulties l Work-related upper limb disorders. And remember, the rules also apply if you are an employee working from home and habitually using a VDU for a significant part of your normal work. If you need any help with VDU assessments, give me a call.

With a background in engineering and manufacturing, Colin Nottage runs Stamford and Bristol-based consultancy Safety Horizon. Email him: colin.nottage@safetyhorizon.com or call Freephone 0845 689 0075. www.safetyhorizon.com

SKILLSET

JUNE 2012

SKILLSET Learn to make your skills count mployers may be wasting nearly £270 million a year on failed recruitment, according to a report from learndirect. The report highlights how £1.16 billion is spent by employers each year trying to fill job vacancies yet around 23 per cent of these posts are recognised as ‘hard to fill’ and often need additional resources to get the right candidate. This is despite the fact there are up to 20 people in some areas chasing each vacancy. learndirect – launching a campaign titled Make It Count (www.learndirect.co.uk) – says many of these people remain confused about the skills and qualities employers look for.

Don’t fear HR rules ecently, there have been many calls from MPs to reduce employees’ legal protection and create a ‘hire and fire’ culture as a way to boost economic growth. But HR consultant Simon Jones believes the real issue for many businesses, charities and social enterprises is a lack of knowledge of employment regulations and an incorrect assumption that the law prevents them from running their business effectively. In his recently published book, Happy Working Relationships – the small business guide to managing people and employment law, Simon argues that employers who behave in a positive manner will achieve greater staff

motivation and business success. He said: ‘There are plenty of business owners and managers who’re terrified at the idea of staff issues. Words/phrases like ‘TUPE’, ‘constructive dismissal’ and ‘tribunal’ strike fear into the hearts of many bosses. But most of the time there’s nothing to fear if you make sure you follow a few simple guidelines, use some common sense and exercise a bit of compassion. “The book is designed to demystify some HR terms and ensure employers get the best out of their most valuable assets – their employees. There are plenty of books about finance and marketing for small business owners and charity managers, but not very much about this vital so-called ‘soft skill’.” Buy the book here: www.ariadne-associates.co.uk

Younger workers feeling positive ounger workers are most likely to be happy in their jobs, according to a ‘Happiness at Work Index’ from staff recruiter Office Angels. The report shows 44 per cent of employees in the 16-24 age group are most optimistic and enthusiastic about their working lives. They feel supported by their employers and have the right tools and training in place to do their job to the best of their ability. Three-quarters say they have a career plan and more than a third say they are where they want to be in their careers.

JUNE 2012

Skills expertise

What customers want

❝

Good service leads to multiple sales. If you take good care of your customers, they will open doors you could never open by yourself. Author, Jim Rohn.

t’s quite possible you have the best premises, product or service and yet, people aren’t doing business with you. Why? Unless you tell those who are looking for someone ‘just like you’ about yourself, they don’t know you can help them. No customers = no sales = no profits and, eventually, no business. Question: “Which customers do you want to attract?” If you’ve answered ‘all’ you’re heading for disappointment! Apparently, we’re in a drought and there’s a hosepipe ban. Imagine you are watering your garden with your watering can. If you adopt the ‘everyone’ approach, your limited water will

be spread largely ineffectively, just a few drops. But if you focus on ‘target’ plants, these will bloom and flourish. Before you attempt any marketing or promotion, get a picture of your typical customers. Start by describing them: l Male/female/both groups? l What age are they (child, teenager, middle-aged, older)? l What is their disposable income (limited, wealthy, average)? l What about their status (are they employed, unemployed, professional, self-employed, manager, director, or have independent means)? Next, be more specific:

SKILLSET

with David Grundy

❞

David Grundy (left) is managing director of Tuit Achievements. Email: david@tuitachievements.com or tel: O1733 210464 or 07894 705293. Twitter: tuitdoit Facebook david@tuitachievements Web: www.tuitachievements.com l Where do they live (house, flat, town, city)? l Where do they work (office, factory, outside, home, small firm)? l Where do they spend leisure time (gym, pool, library, clubs, cafes, bars, walking, cinema)? l What hobbies/interests do they have (sport, TV, music, theatre)? l What are they reading? l What are they listening to?

What challenges do they face? This will give you a ‘map’ rather than a ‘territory’ to begin your journey to meet your clients. Using this approach you will work far more effectively. You will recognise your customer, see the world from their position. You will have solutions/services to benefit them. The customer has choice; help them make it your business. l

TRAVEL

JUNE 2012

OFF DUTY

Book a late break Short and mid-haul trips any people start thinking about annual holidays the minute the Christmas wrapping paper has been consigned to the recycling bin. However, if you haven’t thought that far ahead this year, all is not lost. There are still bargains to be had for those seeking summer sun, particularly for short to mid-haul destinations. For most families, all-inclusive deals offer the best value, with all meals, snacks and locally produced soft and alcoholic drinks included in the price of the holiday. If you can possibly travel before or after the school summer holidays, prices are a little more user friendly. Destinations still available at the time of writing include: Spain (mainland and island destinations); Turkey; Greece (mainland and island) Tunisia; Egypt (Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada); and Bulgaria. And, for those with slightly deeper pockets, Italy – to both mainland and island regions. On this page, there’s a selection of all-inclusive holidays during the six-week summer holiday which are still available as Business Scene magazine goes to press – all based on London departures Above and inset: July 28 Stansted to for two adults and one child Tunisia, Hotel Dar Khayam, Hammamet under 12. Call Jane Price to 14 nights all-inclusive: check prices and availability £1,759 per family. now; her details are below.

Above: July 23 Gatwick to Barcelona Costa Brava Roulette (allocated on arrival) Guaranteed 4* 14 nights all-inclusive: £1,500 per family.

Above: August 3 Gatwick to Dalaman in Turkey Sun Maris Hotel, Marmaris 14 nights all-inclusive: £1,700 per family.

ontact Jane Price at Hays Travel for latest details. Telephone: 08000 141 833 or 01733 808330. Email: jane.price@hays-travel.co.uk Visit the web page: www.hays-travel.co.uk/janeprice

JUNE 2012 TRAVEL

Above: Kuredu Island Resort, Maldives – seven nights from £1,399 per person, all-inclusive, including British Airways flights and seaplane transfers.

Pictured: Heritage Awali, Mauritius – ten nights from just £1,625, all-inclusive per person, for travel up to October 13 2012, including flights on British Airways and private transfers.

Long-haul get-aways ften, going away as a family to far flung destinations can be an expensive affair. But, with some of our special offers at the moment, do not despair! Help is at hand . . . As experts in creating bespoke itineraries and by combining two or more of the offers available, we can save you a great deal of money. Many hotels, resorts, camps and lodges have excellent deals with offers ranging from free nights and room upgrade to properties where your partner or children can stay for free. Other imaginative offers currently in the marketplace include upgrades on the meal basis you book (ie you book bed and breakfast and they provide half board – so providing you with free dinner every night!);

free spa treatments and activities such as golf and water sports. As an example, clients travelling to South Africa may want to visit three or four different destinations, taking in places such as the sophisticated and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, the serene and picturesque vineyards, the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus (where whales can be seen from the shore from July to November) and then finish with a few days on safari, encountering Africa’s superb wildlife. By using properties that are offering free nights you could potentially enjoy three/four nights free, saving hundreds of pounds. Add that to reduced airfare and you really have the bargain of the century!

ontact Tamara Taylor at local tour operator, Inspirational Travel for latest details. Telephone: 01780 784380. Email: info@inspirational-travel.com www.inspirational-travel.com

Below and inset: Chitwa Chitwa Safari Lodge, South Africa – complimentary children’s accommodation for one child per family aged 12 or under. Valid until December 20 2012, excluding August.

DIARY DATES

JUNE 2012

DIARY DATES June 6 Peterborough, Key Theatre The Athene Debate (5-6pm). The motion: Even in times of austerity, long-term environmental considerations must always outweigh short-term economic gain. As part of the city’s Green Festival, expert speakers will address sustainability. Details via Nick Reinis: nick@athene-communications.co.uk June 15 Peterborough, Deeping St James’ Exotic Pet Refuge A hog roast and disco evening, organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Deeping Business Club and the Crowland Business Community. Entry £10 adults, £5 for under 16s. Businesses wanting a stand or stall should contact FSB’s Martin Rickman on: 01733 243880. June 17 Peterborough, Milton Country Park Wacky Races: local business fundraising challenge, organised with Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. Teams of up to eight are encouraged to vie for the title ‘Business Gold Star 2012’. Networking opportunities. In aid of Arthur Rank Hospice. More: methodcreative.co.uk/wackyraces June 28 Peterborough, St John’s Street, Stuart House, PE1 5DD (12noon-5pm) Free Business Clinic: Thinking of starting a business or need advice? This drop-in afternoon with experts on hand is offered by the Federation of Small Businesses in Peterborough, supported by Regus Office Solutions. More on page 5, or email Martin Rickman: rickman@cyberware.co.uk June 30 Peterborough Town Bridge, River Nene Embankment Dragon Boat Festival in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Companies are encouraged to enter a team. Visit: www.dragonboatfestivals .co.uk/peterborough/ June 30 – July 8 Peterborough, various locations Peterborough Arts Festival 2012. Plus the Olympic Torch event July 3-4. More: www. vivacity-peterborough.com/festivals July 8 Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground, Oundle Road TV’s X Factor finalists Marcus Collins and Janet Devlin headline at an open-air concert during the East of England Show. Tickets (from £10): www.eastofenglandshow.co.uk

Olympic Flame lights city route he London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route through the city on Tuesday July 3 and Wednesday July 4 has been announced by the city council. At 5.15pm on the Tuesday, the Olympic Flame will be carried through Burghley House Estate and Gardens, to the Nene Valley Railway’s Wansford station, where it will board ‘The City of Peterborough’ steam locomotive until it reaches Orton Mere station in Peterborough. The Olympic Flame will then travel up Oundle Road, turn left on to London Road and pass over Town Bridge. The Torchbearers will carry the Flame onto Lower Bridge Street, across Bourges Boulevard and into Upper Bridge Street, before turning right through the Cathedral’s gateway. The relay will then

pass through Deans Court, into Wheel Yard and turn right into City Road. The final part of the journey will see the Olympic Flame pass through St John’s Street, into Vineyard Road, turning right on to Bishop’s Road, then into Rivergate and Embankment Road before arriving at the city’s riverside Embankment at approximately 7.20pm. An evening celebration will then take place. The next morning, July 4 at approximately 7am, the flame will start its journey from the Cathedral Precincts and will travel along Long Causeway and Broadway, across Burghley Square, going right on to Lincoln Road. The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will leave Peterborough along the A47 via Maskew Avenue. Check out the streets where the procession can be viewed

Torchbearer steps into the limelight L ocal estate agent Nick Rickett (right) is preparing to take the spotlight as an official Olympic Torchbearer – and his employer, property consultancy Carter Jonas, will be cheering him on. Nick, who lives in Baston, will run in the Market Deeping leg of the relay route on July 4, following the Olympic Torch’s early morning departure from Peterborough, en route to Bourne and Spalding. As a tennis player and member of a water polo team, Nick is already fit for the task, but admits it’s being the centre of attention he needs to prepare for – his Carter Jonas colleagues say he usually prefers to steer clear of the limelight. His good organisational skills came to the fore when the ballot for Olympic tickets opened – alongside his water polo team colleagues, he has secured tickets to the water polo event in the first week of the Games.

here: www.london2012.com /olympictorchrelay Marco Cereste, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “Months of hard work have gone into planning the route to ensure as many residents as possible can be involved and that we show off our beautiful city. “Peterborough will be the gateway to the east for the Olympic Flame and that’s something the city should be proud of. It’s going to be fantastic to see friends and family carrying the Olympic Torch through their own neighbourhood.” An average of 115 Torchbearers a day – each wearing a white and gold uniform, designed by adidas, will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on July 27 2012, for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The route has been planned to take the Olympic Flame to within ten miles of more than 95 per cent of the UK population. Peterborough City Council and Vivacity, Peterborough’s Culture and Leisure Trust are working with LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners of the Relay – Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung – to host the evening celebration on Tuesday July 3 at The Embankment – which will be free, unfenced and will begin at 5pm. The show will include a rendition of the specially written ‘Song for Peterborough’ – called ‘There With You’ – performed by schoolchildren and community groups from across the city.

JUNE 2012

PROFILE

JUNE 2012

HEADLINES Full name: Nandan Singh Bhist Curriculum Vitae: I was always business-minded and particularly passionate about the tourism industry. I am from India and studied hotel management at IHM (Institute of Hotel Management) in Dehradun, north India, in 2003 – at the age of 23. I worked for a number of different hotels in India; managing the five-star Intercontinental for five years before moving to The Carlton Hotel Worldwide Group. After moving to the UK, I started working for Jimmy’s Spices. My first appointment was the opening of Jimmy’s Spices in Staines, in 2009. In recent years, I have launched Jimmy’s Spices in Wimbledon and, in 2010, in Peterborough – this is a lovely area with lots of

history. It is obviously very different to my home town, but I enjoy living here – although I sometimes miss warm weather. Current business card details: Today, I manage Jimmy’s World Grill & Bar (previously Jimmy’s Spices) in Peterborough. I have managed the branch here for almost two years. At the restaurant, we have a team of 60 staff, including 16 highly trained and experienced chefs. The restaurant offers a huge variety of world cuisine (Mexican, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and American) with more than 100 dishes available at any one time; chefs can even cook dishes to order at one of the many live stations. My first job was at the Hyatt Regency in India when I was 21. I worked there for two

Above: Nandan Bhist with some of his team at the Peterborough restaurant.

Business Scene gets up close and a little bit personal with executives around the region. Here, we put the life and times of the manager of popular Peterborough restaurant Jimmy’s World Grill & Bar – Nandan Bhist – under the spotlight. years and then went on to study hotel management. But my dream job would be: I would like to manage my own business, perhaps opening my own restaurant one day. I have managed a wide range of situations over the years, from relatively small teams to perhaps hundreds of people. I think the key is communication; it is easy to get lost in such a big business with so many different people, which often leads to confusion – and this is when things start to go wrong. I also find it helps to be approachable; I am open and honest with my staff and I encourage them to be the same, which is also good for team morale. Are you a technophobe or a technophile? I am interested in technology mainly due to the industry I work in. We use and depend on technology every day, mainly to communicate smoothly and efficiently with our customers, so I have become accustomed to it over the years. It would be hard to live without technology now. What’s your favourite brand?

As I am quite into technology, my favourite brand is Apple. But I also like Armani! I like to spend my time off: With my family. My finest hour was when: I became a father in 2008, it was my proudest moment. I am surprisingly good at: Cooking Butter Chicken, a tradition Indian dish made with mild spices including garam masala, natural yoghurt, garlic and ginger (along with some other secret ingredients!). I often cook this at home for the family. My dream dinner party guests would include: Well, I know Gordon Ramsay is a lover of curry, so I would definitely invite him, along with Tom Cruise and Maradona; I like football very much and Maradona is a hero of mine, so it would be an honour to cook for him. And the food would be: My favourite Butter Chicken, of course!

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