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GROWING
GLOUCESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES Profiling a selection of leading companies and their plans for 2015
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CLOSING THE GAP… Eric Barton takes a look at local recruitment consultants Adjacency Recruitment fines wines to make a great wine. Two years ago founders Joe Graham and fellow Director Miles Greenslade were fused together by a mutual client who felt that their combined knowledge and strengths would make a colossus of a consultancy, the die was cast. Both had come from differing professional backgrounds; Joe Graham is a chartered accountant and Miles Greenslade came from a sales and marketing background before they commenced their careers in recruitment almost 20 years ago. Prior to the formation of Adjacency Recruitment, Joe Graham had been a stand-alone consultant after selling his previous business to a Fortune 500
company and Miles Greenslade was a founding Director of a Global listed recruitment firm. No serious business worth its salt is created in a blink, it takes time and careful planning which meant that both Joe and Miles spent over six months just setting out the business goals, the ethos and structure of the consultancy. This is attention to detail in the extreme and was a clear intention at the time that they meant to create something of solidity and worth. Joe Graham says,’’ We both felt that our skills sets and experience in the recruitment sector was a great match and that it was going to be a success from day one’’. Miles
PHOTO: GEORGIE PHAIR
Being close to certain things is a definite must. I’ll exclude bombs and crowd riots, but will include loved ones, a fine work of art and even some food groups as some shining examples. Having said that, working closely with someone on a given project rates very highly too. Any business needs to set its self apart as both an expert in its field and as having something unique to offer if they are to flourish. Cheltenham based recruitment consultancy Adjacency Recruitment has well and truly ticked both these marketing boxes. Welding two precious metals together always produces a finer and stronger match of materials, it’s like blending two
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Greenslade says, ‘we both knew very early on what we wanted from each other to make the business a success. It was always going to be about common values and a core strategy that would determine the shape and future of the business’’. It’s refreshing to hear that a business had a clear vision of its future and its business goals. How often do fledging businesses flounder at the very first fence because there was no proper planning in place? Joe Graham comments, ‘’our core values are at the very beating heart of the business and in a sense provides our USP when it comes to both candidates and clients alike’’. The consultancy now provides search, selection and interim management recruitment services to a wide range of clients; sourcing exceptional talent from their existing network of candidates, advertised selection, direct headhunting which is all underpinned by networking and referral gathering that leaves no gaps. Miles Greenslade goes on to further add, ‘we work extremely hard to identify the right candidate for our clients. There’s no point in putting a round peg in a square hole. In fact we have a candidate and a client charter published on our website that sets out our commitment to our candidates and our clients’’. He also says, ‘’it’s all about the trust and confidence both sides put in us when working for them’’. Adjacency Recruitment does bring a plethora of experience and expertise to the recruitment mix, which is wholly founded on their core values that they had set out from day one. They also garner their resources to enable them to deliver Finance, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, Operations and General Management remits right up to Board level appointments. It’s a level of internal skills sets that’s been honed to produce the right calibre of both business, advice and fulfilment. Joe Graham further comments, “we constantly talk to buyers to find out what’s happening in the marketplace. We strive very hard to find the right candidates and it can, in some cases, be a slow burn to identify the right person’’.
PHOTO: GEORGIE PHAIR
Business
“We constantly talk to buyers to find out what’s happening in the marketplace. We strive very hard to find the right candidates and it can, in some cases, be a slow burn to identify the right person.” Both Joe and Miles know the region’s job market very well and pride themselves in being one of the most proactive recruitment consultancies around. In fact they have over some 60 years of experience between them. The growth of the business has been fairly meteoric as it started from zero and now has 10 staff in just fifteen months. Miles also says, ‘’We recognise that the quality of advice we provide on critical human capital issues, the very DNA of our clients business, is fundamental to their success and an integral part of our long-term relationship strategy’’. Sound words indeed and smacks of a commitment to the longer view. He goes on to say, the marketplace has an average of 30% fill rate and here at Adjacency Recruitment we are regularly operating at well over 80%. So it’s an
indication of how well we are matching candidates to clients’’. They are currently the regions fastest growing independent recruitment companies and look set to be one of the largest too. At Adjacency Recruitment their existing clients cover a broad spectrum of sectors including Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services, Energy, FMCG, Logistics, Retail, Technology & Telecoms, Public Sector, Communications and Media. So it’s a broad brush of sectors that allows the business to fully embrace a long list of possible clients and candidates searching for that prefect job. Remember a career to most people is everything. It pays for mortgages, holidays, future financial planning and to most, delivers a sense of fulfilment and well-being. It’s not just a job and that’s the view of Miles, Joe and the team at Adjacency Recruitment. Joe Graham finally says, ‘our candidates and our clients expect us to use our judgement and our expertise when it comes to filling vacancies. We operate under the auspices of respect and confidentiality, which is a responsibility that we take extremely seriously. We know we have a duty of care to get it right’’. So if you’re thinking of a move or are need of a square hole to be filled with a square peg, then Adjacency Recruitment are here to close up the gap, as working close-up is what they do best. Adjacency Recruitment Westmoreland House 80-86 Bath Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 7JT Tel: 01242 226 971 Email: info@adjacency.co.uk www.adjacencyrecruitment.co.uk
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Say hello to the old you… It’s true that time stands still for no man or woman. The relentless tide of time ages us all eventually, and we all want to look better. When you need that bit of extra help, and begin to delve into the medical cosmetic world, the variety of treatments available nowadays becomes quickly overwhelming and daunting. That’s why is so refreshing to find a true professional, who knows the real dilemmas, knows the business and has an honest approach to what can be achieved. Combine that with being highly trained, passionate and having a deep integrity about helping people, you’ll not find any better than Alison Taylor to be that guide. None of us want to go down the Joan Rivers route – the fear of having that “overdone” look is what stops many of us from making the move. Finding the balance of looking so much better whilst it not being obvious is exactly the balance that Alison has expertise in. In her clinic, right in the heart of Cheltenham, it is obvious that there is a delightful combination of professionalism and style. Its discreet location lends itself to privacy and intimacy, yet it still remains a friendly place. Alison qualified as a registered nurse in 1987 she held senior posts in the NHS and has kept her registration as a nurse to this day, practising nurse in cosmetic medicine. “I became very disillusioned with the NHS and the lack of old fashioned compassion and caring. When I left, it was quite impulsive and not the best planned exit but I had such a drive to strike out on my own and I knew that I could make a positive change in peoples’ lives under my own steam”. Alison started the business with no borrowing and has grown the business from its standing start without the banks support as the recession hit just as she started!). Alison opened her first skin clinic in Charlton Kings in 2006. The clinic has
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGIE PHAIR
Eric Barton gets under the skin of Alison Taylor Medical Cosmetics
Alison Taylor
grown and grown over the years, with a huge and loyal following to this day. Alison attends training and master-classes every few months to ensure her skills are up to date and fine-tuned. This has given her the confidence to open a luxury clinic in Regent Street offering the very latest treatments whilst still upholding her strong personal values of giving natural beauty back in a subtle but effective way. In fact when you arrive at Alison Taylor Medical Cosmetics it does have a slight London feel about it. This is a good thing. It’s a nice calming place to be. Elegantly furnished with a subtle hint of sophistication, the clinic does have the
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ability to put you at ease right away. Who wants to be treated at the back of some ones house or a dull, drab treatment room when you can literally step into the light of Alison’s reception and treatment room? We all want to feel that we are in the best hands and that the clinic we attend is both professional and has the right aura. The list of available treatments at Alison Taylor Medical Cosmetics is both varied and extensive. It’s a veritable cocktail of the latest procedures available; everything from wrinkle relaxing and dermal and lip fillers, through to micro needling, skin peels, facial thread veins and skin care. “I’ve now been able to invest in the latest in skin tightening equipment, the first in Gloucestershire. Having to wait and save up has enabled me to choose the best equipment with the best proven results. I also have the latest in LED light therapy (that’s the safe and healing part of natural light which makes our skin feel fabulous after a holiday in the sun) and the new safe, pain free skin tightening and I’m so excited about the results we’re seeing already. Combine this with excellent clinically proven skin care, there’s more hope than ever before of having smooth, clear skin. I also treat the problem skin – removing skin tags, moles, veins as well as helping with acne and rosacea.” Alison continues to say, “Our skin is the signpost to our well- being and if you’re confident in your skin, then you feel better about everything. It’s really important to me that I can offer the treatment I believe in to give the best results. I don’t want anyone to be less than happy with their results. I have no hesitation in saying “No” if I think the treatment will look unnatural, or if I think that person is in the least bit vulnerable.” That’s where my training and vocation guide me to give the best I can. The best feedback is when people look at themselves in the mirror and smile at the improvement. I want them to leave knowing they’ve had something done, which no-one will notice – it’s a fine art making people look younger, rested and refreshed” “This business is all about art and science. I’m meticulous in assessing
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGIE PHAIR
Business
someone’s features and working out a plan which they’ll like – and it can be very difficult seeing someone through their own eyes and trying to see what they see. I have to be counsellor, therapist and scientist all at the same time”. The clinics run as a clinic rather than just a money making business. There are clinics and salons opening all over the country offering a huge number of treatments. There are not many run by single independent people. The difference is that Alison is always present, it’ll be her you see from start to finish and you can ring anytime with a question without fear of judgement. These are great sentiments, as the days of the celebrity lips and pouts are long gone and the more subtle procedures seem to be the way forward. It’s all about radiant, firm skin. Skin lifting (necks, chins, and jowls) is now possible without the knife and now with little down time. To achieve this Alison offers EndyMed 3DEEP radiofrequency treatments which is a skin tightening treatment that does exactly that. She also offers Dermalux LED Phototherapy that rejuvenates, repairs and revitalises
skin. Alison further says, ‘’our skin is a complex organ and so if we can do something about breathing new life into it then we should’’. As the business grows Alison makes it very clear that identity is everything in the business of cosmetics. She is well known to all the big company names who supply the best quality products. She also goes on to say that the free consultation will not be followed by hard sales or pressure to go ahead. It’s important that you consider it and feel fully confident. The clinic is open six days a week for appointments as well as evening and weekend appointments available. Alison has such a passion for her business and her work. “This new clinic has been such a fantastic move for me. It feels like everything is positive and that the future is very bright. All my hard work is paying off, my customers are so supportive and loyal. I have met and fallen in love with a wonderful man and am planning a wedding in May next year. My soon to be husband is a local GP and he takes great interest in my work and is fully supportive. It’s a great boon to be given that kind of support from another health professional’’. Patients at Alison Taylor Medical Cosmetics range from 18 – 75yrs. So you see this kind of clinic does reach out to everybody. As Alison says. ‘’even if it’s just a freshen up for your skin for a special do, or you want to look in the mirror and not see the tired face anymore, there’s so much on offer - why would you not want to look a more rested, better you? ‘’ Couldn’t agree more. So if you feel that you’re looking a bit stern, tired or are in need of a boost, then give Alison Taylor a call. It just might be the first step in saying hello to the new radiant you. Alison Taylor Medical Consmetics 18 Regent Street, Cheltenham Gloucestershire, GL50 1HE Tel: 01242 234707 www.skindetox.co.uk
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The Circle of Success GETS BIGGER It has been a pretty hectic year for the team at Cirlce2Success and the business community that they work with. Having started the year with 25 companies they have now grown to nearly 70, working with over 150 people in those companies. The combined turnover of members is approximately ÂŁ1.5billion and they employ some 8700 people. Quite impressive statistics. Membership is now stretching to include companies across the region and to facilitate this expanding interest in February 2015 Circle2Success will be
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opening new groups in Bath. This is will allow members to share ideas with companies and participate in events across the region. If 2014 was anything to go by there should be plenty for the members to get involved with. Like signing up to the governments Corporate Covenant supporting current and ex-military personnel which C2S members embraced wholeheartedly. This led to an invitation to attend a reception at Number 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister to celebrate one year of
the Corporate Covenant. It was also a great honour at the end of the year when Suzanne Hall-Gibbins was asked to be the Guest of Honour and speaker at Gloucestershire Colleges Higher Awards Ceremony held at the impressive Gloucester Cathedral. C2S members also raised ÂŁ1500 at the Christmas lunch for Milestone Special School. Members have participated in Forums to discuss talent management facilitated by HR Champions; they listed to Andy Hunt talk about the complexity
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of managing the London 2012 Olympics and the skills required to be a NonExecutive Director; they had insights into their behavioural profiles with DISC Profiling with leadership experts Excelin; they discussed employee engagement with EDF Energy and cultural change at Allpay. They have visited Renishaw and saw the magic of 3D printing and discussed the Renishaw approach to creating an innovation culture. GillFoxJames gave members a masterclass in building a brand; apt Marketing helped members to understand how to get the most out of their PR; Tayabali Tomlin provided insights to strategic planning tools and PwC led a discussion on cyber security. Next year sees new members the Jockey Club host the new year kick off
meeting at Cheltenham Race Course and the National Star College will host a meeting to discuss diversity and facilitate exercises developed to aid companies engage staff in better understanding the many issues faced by people with disabilities both visible and non-visible. In April GCHQ will lead a meeting on cyber security as they relaunch the 10 Step Guide they produce for the government. What better way to debunk the mysteries of cyber security than with the experts. Other events will be hosted by Commercial Group; Renishaw; Robert Hitchins and CreedFood Service at Brickhampton Golf Club. It certainly sounds like another incredibly busy year. Also following on from the success of the CEO Dinners with Nigel Laughton, CEO of the GB Pentathlon Team and with Ben Hunt Davies Olympic rowing gold medallist there will be more opportunities to hear from some inspirational speakers. With members PwC the team at Circle2Success where delighted to be asked to partner PwC in their Regional Business Awards. This is a great opportunity to showcase the success of regional businesses in a high profile awards ceremony held in Bristol in July, supported by ITV.
So another exciting and busy year for the team as they work to support their members to grow and develop their businesses and their people. www.circle2success.co.uk For more information please call Suzanne on 07971 148 787 Email: suzanne.hall-gibbins@ circle2success.co.uk
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Conquering the Cotswolds… Laura-Jayne Roberts meets the driving force behind estate agents, Cook Residential, and uncovers their ultimate business goal… Having started sole trading in only September 2012, this driven and passionate property company has gone from strength to strength. Now looking to conquer the Cotswolds and surrounding areas, 2015 is an extremely exciting time for Michelle Cook, founder of Cook Residential. Michelle said: “I started out on my own, trading from my second bedroom and then very quickly the company expanded. This enabled me to employ staff, and by October the following year, we were based in offices, of which we now occupy three floors of instead of the initial one, and I have quickly progressed to having a fantastic team of nine staff. I am really pleased with the company’s progress and how it has gone.” Starting out in the estate agent industry in 2001, ambitious Michelle, whose role model is her father who built the company Cook’s Glass from scratch, progressed her career throughout the years, but going alone was always on her mind. “Setting up on my own was always something I had aspired to do and I am absolutely thrilled that I did it. I don’t regret
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Michelle Cook
it at all and am so happy.” Born and bred in Cheltenham, Michelle not only has a great knowledge of the local area and industry but she religiously follows the housing market, trends and conditions. “I have so much experience of buying and selling houses in Cheltenham and I feel like I know everyone, so the town seemed the obvious choice to set up my company. I feel as though I have blinked and
the whole two years of trading has vanished on me. It has had its ups and downs, and been challenging at times but always extremely rewarding,” Michelle said. Building a really good solid team and making sure that everyone works together has been critical to Cook Residential’s success. Michelle stressed: “Customer service is extremely important to us and we won an award at the Estas customer awards, for exactly this. We were very proud to go to London and pick up our accolade for something that is one of our main aims.” From the outside Cook Residential may appear to be just another Cheltenham estate agent, but delve a little deeper and it is clear to see they are a totally different agency to all of their competitors. Michelle said: “All estate agents are doing exactly the same thing. Everyone gives customer service but it is about building a relationship with the client and going above and beyond. We put together
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“We are looking to expand into the Cotswolds and the surrounding areas. Our ultimate goal is to be the most successful estate agent in the Cotswolds“ packages and tailor it to each individual clients need. We understand the needs of our clients and realise that it’s the biggest transaction, at that point in time, in their life, and therefore with our skills, experience and dedicated staff members we can make that journey as easy and stress free as possible; from the beginning in viewing the property to completion.” Plus if the saying rings true that the ‘proof is in the pudding’ there is no fairer proof than the fact for Cook Residential, “we have lots of clients that write lovely reviews and testimonials saying how fantastic we are in comparison to other agencies,” adds Michelle. By carefully handpicking the Cook Residential team to suit specific roles that have needed filling within business, has resulted in staff turnover remaining extremely low. Michelle stated: “We are very fortunate in that because we have a good team and are very solid as a unit, we are in a great position where we are building and expanding and bringing more people on board. They are all here for the longevity and in return we really look after them and make Cook Residential a very enjoyable place to work.”
2015 looks set to be a tremendously exciting year for Cook Residential, with many forms of expansion taking place and lots of promising elements on this estate agents horizon. “We are having a new website built which is going to be launched early 2015. It is going to be very interactive with the public, very user friendly and informative with step-by-step guides for buying and selling. We will also be getting more involved in social media and blogs,” added Michelle. Perhaps the most exciting of all is the unanimous company aim of conquering the Cotswolds. Enthusiastic Michelle said: “We are looking to expand into the Cotswolds and the surrounding areas. Our ultimate goal is to be the most successful estate agent in the Cotswolds. However no matter how large we grow, we won’t lose this element of the personal service of the business, which is the most important. Clients will always be a name, not a number. A lot of our business comes from word of mouth and reputation. It is key that we continue with that.” Michelle is inspired to continue the legacy of her late father and see the Cook
name prominent again in the area. Cook Residential may have grown rapidly but Michelle and her team have adapted by employing more staff, while still keeping the control and therefore the personal service which makes the company unique. Michelle added: “At Cook Residential we make decisions based on our local knowledge and local trends, a decision on what is actually current in Cheltenham at the time, we are specific. We pick all the best and necessary elements, without having to stick to a template. Ultimately we retain the freedom to make the best possible decisions for our clients. Bring on 2015.” Cook Residential 4 Tebbit Mews, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2NF Tel: 01242 500259 Email: enquiries@cookresidential.co.uk www.cookresidential.co.uk
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Firing Up Business... The primary starting point for any business wanting to become more successful is increased sales. So what could be lacking in your company? A flat sales market, lack of growth, poor staff morale, is your business badly structured and in need of some rejuvenation? Leading business solution specialists Firestarter, are the experts in driving teams to achieve sustainable targets starting from the sales process, to people leadership and continual growth. Firestarter will embed a broad set of tried and tested sales, marketing and operational principles into your firm. Founded in May 2012, the company has two offices based in Cirencester and Cheltenham and employs a team of ten staff headed by Matt Wheeler, Chris O’Riordan and Liza Bewick who between them have a wealth of performance skills gained through their former careers. Matt is a product and marketing expert having worked at Director level through the corporate environment taking many products to market. Chris has always been a sales driven specialist with many senior leadership roles, running £30 million + businesses throughout the UK whilst Liza has a leadership focus specialising in people recruitment and development, being a qualified mentor and personal coach. A combination of their three skills and the rest of the Firestarter team lays the perfect foundation to help other
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Emma Logan takes a look at Firestarter for fueling sales and growth engines
Matt Wheeler
companies become successful. Firestarter has refrained from referring to themselves as traditional Management Consultants as they don’t just inform a client of a working strategy; they move into a firm and embed their team to ‘roll their sleeves up’ and actually implement necessary changes, transforming and directing the future of a business. They have been extremely successful at senior management level, transforming and directing necessary change to businesses, such as improved processes, structure, leadership and, ultimately sales returns and
profitability. Marketing and brand strategy is clearly key to any company but this not just about for example, printed material such as attractive looking brochures. It has to be commercially driven and Firestarter is totally focused on how that would impact the sales and growth of a business, from clear and precise propositions to take products to market, to helping businesses really understand how they can get the best returns from their products and services. Says Matt Wheeler, “In many instances, businesses have great products, but don’t have a clear idea on how to go to market or to sell effectively. We help businesses to make sense of everything to find out what the real proposition is and then take it to market. We then develop customer focused marketing and sales tools to ensure that proposition can be communicated effectively.” Liza is heavily focused on the people in the business driving the leadership process and overall business impact. This has become such an important part
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Liza Bewick
Chris O’Riordan
“The Firestarter model is designed to identify true Firestarters; people who fit the profiles, behaviour and attitudes to make a difference and get results, not just to fill a seat“ of Firestarter’s work that they have now launched a division called Firestarter People Solutions, headed up by Liza. This is dedicated to finding the right staff working in the right company in the right roles - igniting careers. She and her team match people strategies to ongoing business strategies, driving business impact through people impact. She says, “As an experienced business leader, I understand the challenges our clients face everyday. Our aim is to change recruitment and development thinking from transactional to continuum focused, whilst also supporting business leaders to leverage the best results from all their staff, not just the new ones! Succession strategies are built from the bottom up and we identify and develop the leaders of tomorrow.” Firestarter believes that for any business to prosper, it needs a balanced approach and people with the right combination of four operational styles: Igniters These are entrepreneurial types; vision makers who are observant, fast paced and impatient. They are spontaneous
and inventive, always spotting new opportunities. Deployers The action and task oriented types, keen on having structure and process. They are highly practical, meticulous and traditional, embracing and creating order and stability wherever they go. They are keen on execution and completion. Engagers These people are charismatic and engaging, intuitive thinkers who are cooperative, empathetic and imaginative. They are great team players who focus on building strong networks to bring people together and make things happen. Analysts They are intuitive analytical thinkers who prefer facts to fiction and they focus on data and trends. They are very thorough and detail focused with a need for structure and process to drive the decision making process through analysis. The Firestarter model is designed to identify true Firestarters; people who fit the profiles, behaviour and attitudes to
make a difference and get results, not just to fill a seat. Since the company was established, Firestarter has worked with 25 different businesses and the majority has engaged them for up to 24 month periods on business transformation projects. The goal at Firestarter is to always ‘start the fire’ but then put all the pieces in place to make each client self-sustainable. In 2015, they are looking forward to expanding their team, supporting local business and the community and offering their expertise into other parts of the country too. If you would like to find out more about Firestarter and how they can ignite your business, contact them today. Firestarter Business Solutions Ltd Festival House Jessop Avenue Cheltenham GL50 3SH Email: info@firestartersolutions.co.uk www.firestartersolutions.co.uk
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Growing even stronger… Developing niche areas and supporting growth, Laura-Jayne Roberts, lifts the lid on Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ plans for 2015.... With the extremely successful merger of two legal firms it is no surprise that this particular company has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. The strongest, 200-year-old legal firm in Gloucestershire, Rickerbys, joining forces with the solid Worcestershire and Herefordshire based, Harrison Clark, was a match made in heaven. As Harrison Clark Rickerbys looks forward to 2015, it was surely the best decision ever made. Partner and Head of the Cheltenham Office at Harrison Clark Rickerbys (HCR), Jon Whitbread, said: “In late 2012, early 2013, discussions started about putting the two practices together to give us a dominant position across the Three Counties base. There was lots of common interest, synergies and links across the two practices and we brought everyone together in the middle of 2013.” Eighteen months later and they have not looked back. Forty members of staff from the Cheltenham Harrison Clark side merged with an office of over a hundred from the Rickerbys camp. Thoughts from the smaller camp may have held worries of being swamped, but as Jon describes, the Rickerbys team could not have been more welcoming. “Everyone had a positive can-do attitude to making it work. Inevitably there was time needed to get the two parts of the business to fit together but getting everyone together in one office was definitely key. By September 2013 we were getting new trainees joining the business and you would hear them say, ‘the merger is so good as you can’t tell who was a Rickerbys person and who was a Harrison Clark person.’ Someone new to the business couldn’t tell, which was the best test.” Clearly delighted with how the merger has gone Jon, previous employee of Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co, continued: “In terms of clients, I think we now have greater strength and depth.
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There is a clear focus on the client experience and delivering the best services. We are more proactive, thinking about what opportunities and introductions we can make to the client and are actively looking at opportunities for them. “I think from Harrison Clark we are able to bring more in terms of combination and I think the Rickerbys side bring the strength of connections and clients across the county, with their wealth of experience from being in business for over 200 years, and putting all that together means it has gone amazingly well.” Having recently developed the HCR Thames Valley office, which has grown from one person to 16, the staff figure across all offices now stands at 360. “Everyone has the attitude of heads down, work together and go for it. Maybe it has worked out better because of the improving market, but I would like to think it would have worked out anyway,” added Jon. With over 150 staff in Cheltenham alone, HCR have been on a great journey and with regards to the traction and getting people to work together, Jon believes it has only just started. He said: “There are a number of key strategic relationships we have been building. Locally for example, with Jelf insurance brokers we have a brilliant relationship, which we value hugely. These key relationships are working for both sides now. From the private client to the business services, everyone is very busy.” HCR seek to look at all their work from the clients’ perspective, asking themselves the essential questions of, where are they doing well and where can they do better? Ultimately HCR are looking at what a client wants to buy, rather than at traditional legal disciplines, and consequently breaking this need
down to look at tailored services for clients. “Other law firms don’t do this, it is a totally new offering. We have got a very strong finance package now in terms of how we can help with the expense of legal work. We have some senior people from the world of finance that now work for us as consultants in this area,” said Jon. Another totally new offering in 2015 by the firm is a brand new specialist legal services team for the older and vulnerable services sector. Partner of HCR and head of the Older and Vulnerable Client services team, Phillipa Bruce-Kerr said: “We have recently established as a separate service team and our formal launch is in January. For about five and a half years we have been gradually building up the expertise for the team, but it has only been this year with the merger and the slightly bigger geographical area, plus the greater number of people with the interest and knowledge, that we are able to actually form the specialist group. “With the new team I am looking forward to developing and raising the profile so that more people understand what it is we can do and how we can support them. The sort of work that we are doing can be looked at in two contexts, one is services to older clients and their families and carers, and the other side is advice to what are generically described as vulnerable clients. Now we are fully formed and established we can go out there and talk to people more about what we can offer, and therefore, as a result, be in a position to help more of them.” Jon reiterated: “It is great to bring together a team to support a massive market and area of the community who need specialist support, whether it is older people, choice of care homes, or people who may have been in a terrible accident and require life long care. Having
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“Seeing the company go from strength to strength, and digesting the positive feedback from clients is such a buzz, and always will be.”
Jon Whitbread
a tailored legal service and all those specialists available in one team is fantastic for clients.” With some brilliant lawyers, HCR are not only recruiting some of the best local people across the Three Counties but are pulling in some phenomenal quality lawyers from Birmingham, Bristol, and London, who all have a passion for quality. Jon said: “There is a great attraction for coming into the firm. We want to have a really balanced practice between private clients and corporate services and between local work and local companies. We also want to be able to pull in some big ticket work nationally and internationally, which would generate opportunities for many, which can only be a strong thing for the local business community.” Never a retiring company, HCR have great plans to build on what they have already achieved across the Three Counties, promoting the fact that these areas are a great place to do business and that travelling to Bristol or London for top quality legal services, is no longer necessary. Jon explained: “The key is to promote the strength of the professional services and disciplines that we have got.
There are many major corporates and even local authorities in Gloucestershire that feel the need to go outside the county boundaries for advice. The lawyers we have will go toe-to-toe with any lawyers in the country in terms of quality, but we are on the doorstep, partner led, and will be cheaper. This proposition sits well with clients and recruitment. As long as that continues, hopefully the growth will follow. “What I enjoy most about the Harrison Clark Rickerbys experience is the thrill of building something and being part of something that is really going somewhere. We have come along way. Many law firms in the past seven years have stayed the same in terms of size and turnover. I think in that period we have grown three or four times the size. I don’t need to analyse it too much, but whatever we are doing we need to do more of the same.” For anyone looking to join the firm Jon describes the company like a ‘grow bag’; a fertile base for someone who has a dream to come in with their own skills, regardless of connections and relationships, but just with the drive and desire to build something in an area they are passionate about. He said: “If you get
the right person and support them, then they will flourish. All good people need is just the right environment to grow. “Seeing the company go from strength to strength, and digesting the positive feedback from clients is such a buzz, and always will be.” For 2015, the motto has to be ‘never say never’ with Harrison Clark Rickerbys. Jon added: “In terms of our offices, the base we have got and the key people in the company, it is now a case of developing and supporting these people in these niche areas, which will be the focus for this year and we will see where we go beyond there.” Harrison Clark Rickerby Ellenborough House Wellington Street Cheltenham GL50 1YD Tel: 01242 224 422 www.hcrlaw.com
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A NEW CHAPTER… Following the recession for most property development companies, 2015 will be the year of increased business, increased hope and increased opportunities. While this is no different for Gloucestershire based regional developer, Robert Hitchins Limited, 2015 will be different. It will also be the year of great change. In May 2015 after 27 years as a director Chris Haslam will pass the baton to Simon Tothill, who recently accepted the appointment and joined the company. A reflective time for Chris and colleagues, but nevertheless an inevitable chapter for a company, with a long history and an extremely bright future. Founded in the fifties, Robert Hitchins Limited started life as a house builder in Gloucestershire, and during its peak was building around 500 properties a year. About 15-years-ago a strategic decision was taken to concentrate on commercial property development and investment and strategic land .The
G4 Tec, Tewkesbury
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Laura-Jayne Roberts reveals the bright year ahead for regional developer Robert Hitchins Limited...
Chris Haslam and Simon Tothill
company now operates regionally encompassing Gloucestershire, Avon, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and South Wales. Chris reflected: “Over the last five or six years, during the recession, it has been very hard for the whole property industry. We were not really expanding the property side, but just managing the properties we had and there was very little development. We kept things on a level playing field, which we were able to do successfully. 2014 saw a big
improvement in the property market and economy, which we have seen filter through in all sectors.” The companies development program has started again and is expanding, watching an increase in businesses taking longer-term leases and therefore in respect of Robert Hitchins property portfolio, vacancy levels are falling and the rental income is growing. Chris added: “We have done a bit of work over the last few years with Asda and Sainsbury’s but we’re seeing a reduction of activity in the large store developments, although there is still activity with the discounters and smaller store formats.” Simon, joined from Eagle Land, where he was a director, and lives just south of Bristol with his wife and three children. He commented: “I think things are looking much rosier than they have been
Fusion Point 2, Cardiff
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during the course of the last five or six years, which has been very difficult for every commercial property company. Occupier demand is beginning to return in all sectors and certainly in terms of office and industrial requirements, we are finding there are a lot more companies now willing to take the plunge, and look to expand and move premises. “I think confidence is building and we just have to keep pushing that confidence,” he added. With a number of potential developments to start shortly, Robert Hitchins are still looking for further land and development opportunities, in all sectors, within the region. “We are well financed and in terms of going forward as a business we have got a very good track record and know the markets in the areas where we operate. The team that work at Robert Hitchins know and understand the their tenants, not just in terms of letting or selling them space, it is an on going relationship, which is really important,” says Simon. “We pride ourselves on being a regional business which actually understands and knows the occupier market, and once we have done the development we don’t walk away, but continue that relationship,” he added. For Robert Hitchins understanding a business and what their requirements are is critical. “At the end of the day we need to develop a building which is actually going to be working for that business, for a number of years going forward. If we get that right, and they have further requirements they will come back and talk to us, and this has been the case numerous times in the past,” said Simon. Chris further highlighted: “In any business or any industry you have to be open to change, and you have to accept things don’t stay as they are even if you would like them to. The world doesn’t stay the same all the time. You have got to embrace change.” Simon added: “We’re in the business of change, people can find that difficult. Our job is explaining to people the reason we’re bringing this change is actually for the better. We work with
The Courtyard, Tewkesbury
companies and members of the community in various areas, developing and bringing property forward. We also retain a lot of our developments and have some significant investments throughout the region.” Future objectives for Robert Hitchins are clear. They have a large property portfolio, with the goal being to secure, acquire and develop a significant amount of additional commercial property. They wish to increase existing development activity while growing and modernizing their existing portfolio. Chris has established a very close-knit team with strong relations within Gloucestershire but also in the other areas that Roberts Hitchins operate in. Simon said: “We are always looking for land and property opportunities and will take a long term view. We are not focusing purely on offices, industrial or retail, it really depends on the particular market at what particular time, and what opportunity becomes available.” With their ‘open door’ policy at Robert Hitchins, Simon stressed: “We encourage people and businesses to come and talk to us about what they would like to achieve and we will see whether we can assist, if we can’t we will say and will try and come up with alternative ideas.” Chris said: “My advice
to businesses would be to talk to us well in advance so the right property solution can be developed. Because obviously property does take time and many businesses leave it to the last minute. The thing is to plan one’s property strategy at an early stage then you’ve got more options open to you. Reflecting on his retirement later this year Chris added: “Timing is everything and there is a time for everything. I’m a great believer you should stop at the appropriate time. I will miss the buzz I have always got out of property. It has been such a part of my life it will be quite a wrench when it stops, but the next stage of my life hopefully will be as fulfilling as well, watch this space!” The next stage for Roberts Hitchins is an extremely bright one as they move onto their next chapter, with Simon stating, “Confidence is growing, and I think there are good times ahead.” Robert Hitchins Limited The Manor, Boddington, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 0TJ Tel: 01242 680694 Email: enquiries@robert-hitchins.co.uk www.robert-hitchins.co.uk
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Promise and potential… Eric Barton pays attention in class at The King’s School, Gloucester There has been a school associated with Gloucester Cathedral, or St. Peter's Abbey as it was known, since the 12th century. Henry VIII established the Cathedral and a school known as the "College School’’ in 1541.The statutes at the time required the master of the school to be "skilful in Latin and Greek, of good fame, and a godly life, be well qualified for teaching, whose training may up in piety those children who shall resort to our school for grammar". Some things may have changed at The King’s School in recent times, but many of the
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traditions are still thriving, such as morning assembly every day being held in the historic Cathedral setting. With around 530 girls and boys, King’s is split between Junior and Senior School, where pupils aged from 3 -18 years are taught. Anne Haas, who is Head of Junior School, hails from South Africa, arriving in the UK in 2000. After a spell of supply teaching, Anne was appointed as Deputy Head at Rendcomb College. Anne comments on her move to the UK, ‘’It was a great learning curve coming
from South African schools into the British system and the ten years I had at Rendcomb really sealed my decision to stay in the UK’’. Anne arrived at King’s in September 2014 and immediately felt at home, ’I knew from day one that I belonged here and that this was the school for me’’. Anne went on to say, ‘In Junior School we have just 131 pupils with ages ranging from three to 11 years old and have 24 teaching staff. Our class sizes are small which means that we can give each and every pupil the attention they deserve. The support I receive
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from the Junior School Management Team is also a major element of the success we have here’’. The Junior School at King’s is indeed a happy and secure environment where children can achieve their full potential, something that they firmly believe in at King's. It starts with their Kindergarten children and carries right on through all the years they spend in Junior School. Class sizes seldom exceed 16 pupils, so each child receives individual attention from inspirational teachers. Anne Haas further says, ’I’m not about making any sweeping changes here at King’s. They have a long tradition of providing an excellent platform for young children to grow, learn and develop as individuals, importantly the teaching ethos here is well-embedded and very strong’’. Anne also adds, ‘On my very first day here I toured the school with two children, this was a great opportunity to gain insight into a school from two of its younger pupils. At King’s they ensure Junior School is fun and stimulating where learning and participation are celebrated. Their family-orientated, community atmosphere provides the perfect environment for each child to develop their true potential and make a successful progression to senior education at the age of 11. King’s Senior School continues to nurture this strong sense of community and identity and offers yet more opportunities for pupils to thrive. Seven years ago, Alistair Macnaughton, took over the reins as Head Master of King’s Senior School. This most engaging chess-playing Scotsman was very keen to make a few initial points saying, ‘’ My predecessor had done a fabulous job here. So I did have some very big boots to fill. This is a great school with great traditions.’’ The King's School, Gloucester is in fact also one of the seven famous Cathedral schools. Alistair Macnaughton goes on to comment, ‘’Classroom practice is still at the very core of what we do here at King’s’’. He adds, ‘’academic edge matters and we always endeavour to fully engage with the pupils. We make it
Alistair Macnaughton
our business to know everything about our pupils. It’s all part of the engagement process in which they know that we have their best interests at heart’’. At King’s the teaching staff are justly proud, not only of their students' considerable academic success, but of their achievements in music, sport and the expressive arts. The unique keystones approach used at King’s identifies and develops individual talents and personal qualities, and coupled with outstanding pastoral care, offers children the chance to really fulfil their potential. Alistair Macnaughton further says, ‘’Achieving the very best grades we can for our students is the most fundamental thing we do here. Having said that, personal skills together with sport and the performing arts do play an integral part in school life, producing well-rounded adults ready to take their place in society’’. With around 400 pupils in Senior School and 75 teaching staff, the pupil to teacher ratio is extremely good with only 15/16 pupils in each class, enabling better and closer teaching methods. In some ways we all know we can easily disappear in a crowd, that doesn’t happen at King’s. Next year an expansion of the performing arts facilities is planned. As Alistair explains,
“Academic edge matters and we always endeavour to fully engage with the pupils. We make it our business to know everything about our pupils.“
‘’We’ve hugely enjoyed having a new sports hall here for the past three years, but now the performing arts is firmly on my radar too’’. Alistair finally says, ‘’Some of the older traditions here at King’s are the best ones and do stand us in good stead for today’s modern challenges. It’s our duty here to prepare our pupils for either higher education, or to be ready to take their place in the wider world’’. There’s a lot be said for traditions coupled with modern thinking…and the combination of these elements at King’s means that their pupils leave the school having benefitted from first class teaching, a powerful sense of community, and a strong moral framework. The King's School Gloucester, GL1 2BG Email: office@thekingsschool.co.uk Tel: 01452 337337 www.thekingsschool.co.uk
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Kat Shayler
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LIVING THE BUSINESS… Eric Barton tracks down the SHARPFOX Marketing Guru Kat Shayler Passion in life is everything. It creates great works of art, scientific breakthroughs, monumental sporting achievements and even children. Being so consumed with something can often lead to excellence and fulfilment. It’s no wonder that the best businesses are run by people who ae passionate about what they do day in, day out. SHARPFOX Marketing in Cheltenham has a burning ember sizzling away at its beating core. A force that is driven by creative passion and the need to think outside the proverbial marketing box. Kat Shayler is in marketing terms, a true thoroughbred. Her in-depth knowledge of marketing processes is as vast as it is bright and quick. Former Bartle Bogle & Hegarty Account Director Kat has extensive experience of working with large consumer brands such as Unilever, British Airways and Diageo, as well as a huge amount of experience in helping smaller boutique businesses to grow and flourish. SHARPFOX are a team of the brightest and best creative minds who constantly strive to deliver leadingedge marketing solutions that will make a difference and address the needs of the client. Kat Shayler says, ‘’I’m absolutely passionate about marketing. I started the business a year ago and it’s been hectic to say the least’’. She goes on to comment, ‘’there are also many smaller companies out there that do need some professional marketing steerage. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but we need to remember that when people offer ‘cheap’ services it doesn’t always mean the end result will be good’’. Based in Cheltenham’s Eagle Tower, the SHARPFOX ethos is built on a solid
bedrock of marketing experiences. Kat goes on to further say, ‘’a logo is just not enough to get your marketing message across. Creating a sound forwardthinking marketing strategy that will steer and shape your company into the future is key to building your own success. That’s where we come in’’. Just recently SHARPFOX Marketing created and executed the highly successful Beards Diamond Hunt in
“Creating a sound forward-thinking marketing strategy that will steer and shape your company into the future is key to building your own success. That’s where we come in.“ Cheltenham. It’s this kind of original creative thinking that has earned the agency its name in such a short time. In fact the rate of new business that Kat and her team have won in the past year is testament to the creative solutions they’ve provided to a range of national and local businesses. Kat adds, ‘it’s amazing that we have been converting 90% of meetings with clients into business.’’ Kat is very keen to point out, ‘’Whether yours is a fledgling business that needs some start-up marketing advice, or a
blue chip conglomerate that needs a safe pair of hands we are here to help’’. She also goes on to add, ‘’It’s also crucial that clients know that it is me handling their account all the way through the strategic process. I don’t pass the work off to a junior account executive once the work begins. Maybe that’s just the control-freak in me, but it works for us and our clients!” At SHARPFOX the list of services they offer is a one stop shop. It’s an allencompassing Pandora’s Box of marketing goodies that both addresses the real business needs of any client and provides a creative gene pool to draw from; Branding, Social Media, Design and Print, Marketing, together with Copywriting and proof reading, E Marketing, Events Planning and Management. Outside of work, Kat swims every day and is also fervent runner. Diet and nutrition plays a big part in her life. Healthy body, healthy mind I guess. Kat finally says, I treat all my clients’ businesses as if they were my own. It’s that important to me. Exercising every morning before work makes me sharper and also gives me extra added -time to think about work and clients’. If you want a really sharp marketing tool to add to your business then look no further than Kat Shayler and the quick-thinking creative team at SHARPFOX Marketing. W: www.sharpfox.co.uk E: hello@sharpfox.co.uk T: 0300 200 1404
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Suit the City brings Savile Row style to the Cotswolds Emma Logan meets Chris Vine, who runs a luxury, bespoke tailoring service for men and women Savile Row has long been a by-word for superior quality and a beautiful suit, shirt or jacket from London’s finest remains an aspiration for many of us. After all, who wouldn’t want a garment or outfit that’s been created to fit perfectly, looks great and makes you feel wonderful? Now Suit the City is about to make sartorial dreams come true for both
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male and female clients in the Cotswolds. The made-to-measure tailors have opened for business in Gloucestershire, their style consultants are mobile and come to you to offer their exclusive personal service. Of course, the added benefit is that you no longer need to travel to London to be fitted, (although they do have a fitting
facility in Savile Row for those who do wish to travel to London on business or for a day out!). All of this service comes at around a third of the prices usually charged by Savile Row tailors. The company uses only the finest Savile Row fabrics, all clothing is produced in their European factories, rather than being sourced from unregulated labour somewhere in the Far East; this means that customers can rest easy knowing that the tailors are paid a fair wage and their luxury clothing is produced ethically. So if you want that extra-stylish something for a special event or simply like to look good every day of the week, Suit the City will arrange to come to a place most convenient for you perhaps your home or place of work, where you will have an individual consultation. So you get to benefit from the Savile Row look, a luxury
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personalised service and an attractive price-tag. You may also be aware of the Suit the Country brand, for stylish madeto-measure weekend and country wear, launched a while ago in Cotswold Style. Chris Vine, the face of Suit the City in the Cotswolds is convinced that this blend of top quality, style and service will be a winner. He has a long pedigree in business and understands the importance of feeling confident and comfortable, particularly for professional people and for those who enjoy countryside pursuits. “We offer an incredible range of fabrics, including traditional worsteds,
tweeds and stylish cashmeres, so whether you’re a business professional needing smart, stylish suits or a keen country person looking for classical outfitting, we can cater to all,” he says. Chris believes service is at the heart of Suit the City’s appeal. For those who either don’t have the time or the inclination to shop for clothes, the idea of having a trained professional guide them through the process of selection and measuring without the awkward ‘suits you sir’ embarrassment, then delivering to your home six to eight weeks later, seems a service to die for. “Once we have a customer’s
measurements, we can simply create whatever they want, with different styles, colours and fabrics,” Chris concludes. “Suit the City offers so much more than beautifully cut clothes, it really is a lifestyle choice!” For more details, contact Suit the City on 0800 011 2450 www.suitthecity.com www.suitthecountry.com
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