Business Direction 25

Direction

Business

EXPORTING IS GREAT!

WHAT ARE YOUR GLOBAL AMBITIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS? PAGE 30 CHAMBER OF THE YEAR 2013 Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

Issue 25 May/June 2015

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FIRSTWORD

WELCOME TO THE MAY / JUNE EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION

EAT! EXPORTING IS GR BAL

British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

GLO WHAT ARE YOUR THE NEXT 5 YEARS? AMBITIONS FOR PAGE 34

Issue 25 May/June 2015

rce THE YEAR 2013& Worcestershire Chamber of Comme CHAMBER OF Herefordshire published by n Business Directio

HWCHAMBER.CO.UK Business Direction, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s full colour bi-monthly publication.

Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to 6,000 businesses including selected retail outlets across Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

EDITORIAL TEAM Kelly Key 01905 673600

kellyk@hwchamber.co.uk Jack Stephens 01905 673600

jacks@hwchamber.co.uk

EDITORIAL businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 01905 673600

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

ADVERTISING Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 887 3805 helen.gowland@distinctivegroup.co.uk

FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.hwchamber.co.uk/view-our-business-magazine Tel: 01905 673600 Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no responsibility for omissions or errors within this publication. Editorial submissions are included at the discretion of the editor. The opinions expressed in articles and letters within this publication are not necessarily those of the Chamber. All offers, promotions and competitions appearing in Business Direction are the sole responsibility of the advertiser/ promoting party and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

The summer will see the many changes that are set to occur post election. Five years ago, we saw the demise of Advantage West Midlands and the introduction of Local Enterprise Partnerships and although we are expecting some continuity lets wait and see how businesses will be supported going forward.

One thing we are positive about is international trade support, West Midlands Chambers of Commerce LLP secured the contract for international trade delivery for the next 5 years and over the next few months we will be re-launching the export offering for businesses in the two counties, so keep an eye out for opportunities that are available to your business, of which there are many.

First word

3

Chamber news

4-5

Business news

7

Business news

10-11

Business news

13

Business news

16-17

Chamber events

22-23

Chamber training

26-27

Big Interview

28-29

Cover story

30-31

Conference Worcestershire

36

Destination Worcestershire

37

International trade

42-44

Business News

45

Charity news

48

In this issue, there are a number of articles about companies that have grown significantly over the past few years through international trade, the support they have received from Chamber staff and more detail about the support services available.

Policy

49

On Wednesday 11 June our awards will have an international trade theme to celebrate the successes and re-launch the team going forward. I hope to see you there.

Last word

New Members

50-51

Movers and Shakers

52-53 54

Many of you attended the hugely successful Expo in March, and had the opportunity to see members of the male and female Great British wheelchair basketball teams. It is really good for the county to have the European Wheelchair Basketball Championships taking place at the Arena in August, and we are encouraging businesses and the community as a whole to get behind this and attend.

Finally, as you are aware, we have delivered Visit Worcestershire for the last 4 years, increasing the number of members from 211 to 240, and in the meantime delivering a number of excellent publications and creating excellent partnership with VisitEngland and Worcestershire LEP. The work we have done has driven an average of 70,000 hits per month to the website, and, also for the last 2 years, we have organised the Worcester Victorian Fayre.

Following a tender process we have been successful in taking over the management of Visit Herefordshire.

We are looking forward to working with Herefordshire tourism businesses and over the next couple of months I will make you aware of some of the activities we will be undertaking.

If you have any comments or feedback, please feel free to contact me.

Mike Ashton mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

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Our Patrons are:

May/June 2015

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

03

CHAMBERNEWS

ARE YOU THE WINNER? CELEBRATE LOCAL SUCCESS AND BOOK YOUR PLACE AT THE CHAMBER AWARDS CEREMONY IN ASSOCIATION WITH SANLAM TODAY West Midland Safari Park, Thursday 11 June 2015 6.30pm - 11.30pm The countdown is now on for the eagerly anticipated Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in association with Sanlam.

The Awards, which are the Chamber’s annual celebration of local business, are to be held at the West Midland Safari Park on Thursday 11 June, and will see around 400 entrepreneurs, business professionals and industry leaders of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire business community come together to see the winners of the 12 categories announced.

The night’s main attraction is the coveted ‘Business of the Year’ prize, which is chosen from the winners of the 11 other categories, but businesses will be itching to be crowned winners in any of the respected sections, especially the five categories that see businesses automatically entered into the regional heats of the Chamber Awards. Success in the regional Awards will see businesses reach the illustrious finals of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Awards, a feat achieved by 6 Chamber members last year, with Titania Ltd, an innovative Security and Compliance Audit software firm from Worcester, taking home the national ‘Small Business of the Year’ prize and the unrivalled national profile that goes with such a success.

The ticket price includes entrance to the Awards ceremony, a drinks reception and spectacular 3 course dinner including wine.

DRESS CODE Strictly black tie and formal evening wear.

TICKET PRICES Table of 10 Members £720+VAT Non-members £900+VAT

SINGLE TICKET

n Hewett Recruitment

Members £80+VAT Non-members £100+VAT

n Sanctuary Group

To book your place at the business celebration of the year, please email events@hwchamber.co.uk or call 01905 673600

n Handelsbanken

With grateful acknowledgement and thanks to our sponsors:

n GrowthAccelerator n Universal Display n Source Design and Print n DRP Group

n Sanlam

n University of Worcester

n CB Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

ABOUT THE VENUE

n Borwell ltd

Our drinks reception will take place at Spring Grove House. Originally built in 1790 set in rolling parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. It remained in private hands until 1970 and West Midland Safari Park was opened in 1973. The Park, which covers an area of 200 acres, also includes the Tree Tops: a unique African-inspired pavilion of huge proportions. Tree Tops Pavilion will host the second part of our awards evening.

n Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership n Malvern Instruments n University of Wolverhampton n Central Technology Belt n TechTeam

OUR SPONSORS

Resource Efficient Worcestershire

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May/June 2015

CHAMBERNEWS

CHAMBER CHAMPS TRY THEIR HAND AT NETBALL The University Arena played host to teams of businesses from across Worcestershire in the inaugural Workplace Challenge mixed netball tournament in March.

Home to Worcester Wolves, the incumbent British Basketball Champions, the Arena provided the perfect setting for the 15 teams – including two from the Chamber – to test their netballing skills in a fierce, but fun competition.

Whilst neither of the Chamber teams progressed to the final rounds of the competition, Jack Stephens, Policy & PR Executive, said that it was a great opportunity to try something new: “A number of us hadn’t played netball before, so getting the chance to get active and learn a new sport was great. Playing against other businesses in the area gave it a friendly, yet competitive edge.”

CHAMBER TO MANAGE VISIT HEREFORDSHIRE Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce that they have been selected by the Visit Herefordshire Board to manage Visit Herefordshire Ltd. Visit Herefordshire Ltd is a private, not-for-profit company set up to promote tourism in Herefordshire. Their main objective is to promote and develop tourism in the county for the benefit of tourism businesses and the local economy.

Visit Herefordshire’s top priorities over the coming months will be to promote the county on a regional and national basis using brands such as the Black & White Village Trial, the Herefordshire Cider Route and promoting the glorious rural areas of the county, the distinctive market towns as well as Hereford city.

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER: RGS WORCESTER An education at the RGS Worcester family of schools is inclusive, challenging and academically stimulating. They offer an outstanding education for boys and girls aged 2 – 18 years with an extensive range of opportunities both in their studies and in their co-curricular experience of school life. The school is situated on three sites, RGS Worcester (Senior School) and RGS Springfield (Prep School) are in Worcester city centre and RGS The Grange (Prep School) is set in 55 acres in Claines, to the north of the city.

RGS Worcester is leading the way in ICT and Computing.

All three schools have introduced a Digital Learning Programme, which has seen iPads become an important part of the teaching and learning experience. Fully engaged and motivated pupils that have a wealth of resources at their fingertips and are able to present their work in exciting and new ways.

The management team will also be re-engaging with VisitEngland to ensure that the company remains a Destination Management Organisation and will be producing a relevant plan for the county which already has the support of Herefordshire County Council and details how all the parteners can develop tourism. Over the next couple of months the team will be promoting plans across the county and encouraging businesses to work together for mutual benefit.

develop some of the hugely popular past events, enjoyed by local residents and bringing visitors to the area.

Commenting, Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber are really excited to take over the management of Visit Herefordshire and build on the success that has already taken places in the county. We have a really good relationship with VisitEngland and Herefordshire County Council, whose support we have in developing the offering in the county.

In the long term, there is the intention to reinstate and

NEW STRATEGIC MEMBER: HSBC Committed to helping businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire reach their full potential, HSBC provide local managers with extensive experience across all business sectors.

Their strong teams advise on all aspects of banking, whether that is trading internationally, investing for growth or market diversification. They cover all markets, including agriculture by providing a local service for all businesses up to a turnover of £350M. HSBC was founded on international trade and this year

they celebrate their 150th anniversary and feel they are in a better positioned than ever before to support local companies with their growth needs both home and abroad. They would love to hear from businesses that are looking to grow and are keen to support you on your journey. If you are looking to review your banking arrangements and feel you can benefit from their experience in this area, please contact Andy Willett on 07771 841842 or Darren Morris on 07767 003235. www.hsbc.co.uk

www.rgsw.org.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

05

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

GROW AND PROSPER Examples of regional businesses that have moved forward thanks to an Impetus loan THE BOATHOUSE The Boathouse in Ellesmere, Shropshire, is a quality restaurant /cafe in a breathtaking location. This busy lakeside venue wanted to undertake a number of property improvements. An Impetus development loan enabled The Boathouse to make the changes which increased customer capacity by 25% and significantly enhanced turnover.

CAPTION DATA

LENDING ‘£1m IN MAY’ West Midlands’ business enterprise loans are now available. During May and June 2015 West Midlands’ businesses will have a fresh opportunity to apply for a development loan.

Based in Pershore in Worcestershire, Impetus is part of the Responsible Finance sector and champions fair finance as a core value.

In the last 10 years Impetus has supported the development of 500 businesses throughout the West Midlands.

As a part of its overall aim, which is to improve the regional economy by providing accessible finance, the Impetus ‘£1m in May’ initiative is welcoming an array of new business loan applications.

Fund Manager, Steve Williams explains, “Do you have a great business expansion idea and require a cash injection to help you get to where you need to be?

“If yes, then our loans of up to £100,000 are easily accessible and are currently available to support limited companies in Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Telford & Wrekin.

“The application and approval process is straight-forward and we can help all business sectors especially those with limited access to support from traditional banking.”

Any organisation that would like to make a loan application and ‘present their pitch’ is asked to visit http://www.impetus-marches.co.uk/ how-to-apply and fill in the online form.

Business owners can also call 01386 556000 or email their requirements to info@impetus-marches.co.uk.

During the next two months the Impetus ‘£1m in May Road Show’ will be attending a number of regional business events.

Worcestershire-based Caption Data Ltd, design and produce a range of equipment that remotely monitors the day to day operations of a wide range of equipment and property. An Impetus development loan enabled Caption Data to create a range of new products, enhance the customer offer and grow the business by 80%.

FINE FURNITURE Herefordshire-based Fine Furniture Ltd, design, makes and sells beautiful, contemporary and traditional wooden furniture. An Impetus development loan enabled them to create a new on-site, contemporary art and craft gallery. This then increased customer footfall and brought the business an additional sales income.

ARMSTRONG UEN Based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Armstrong UEN is the only UK company to design and produce industrial robotic arms to support manufacturing. Their flexible systems streamline repetitive and back-breaking manual work, speed up production and reduce costs. An Impetus development loan helped them bring in a number of new employees, purchase new machinery and raise output.

ENERGY SIMPLE LTD

We can help all business sectors especially those with limited access to support from traditional banking.

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Based in Worcester but operating internationally, Energy Simple Ltd is a Radiation Protection Consultancy. An Impetus development loan enabled Energy Simple to purchase new radiation monitoring equipment, a new company vehicle and boost human resources, all of which helped the company move forward in its aim to be recognised for providing the very best radiological support services.

May/June 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

SOFTWARE COMPANY OPENS ITS DOORS

To mark their continued expansion, Malvern based software company borwell held an open evening to showcase their revamped office space, showcase demonstrations of their software, cyber and IT expertise and introduce their latest recruits.

The company was founded by Steven Borwell-Fox in 2003 to provide software consultancy to the Defence sector. Originally based in Worcester, the company currently employs 17 staff and has moved to larger offices in the Malvern Hills Science Park.

During the last 12 years, the company expansion has allowed borwell to use its expertise in secure software projects to provide bespoke solutions for clients across the county, in many sectors and for defence projects worldwide.

They also sponsor Max Stelling the Worcester Warrior.

Steve Borwell-Fox credits the success of the company to “Planning for growth, having a clear vision, employing specialists to the team. borwell have invested in people, training, the office and IT. All of this is to support further growth and innovation.” www.borwell.com

Steve and Andrea Borwell-Fox with the borwell team and Max Stelling the Worcester Warrior they sponsor.

WORCESTER’S NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE OPENS ITS DOORS CHAMBER SIGNS UP TO MINDSHOP WITH CB, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has signed up to Mindshop, an innovative business coaching programme, with CB, Chartered Accountants.

Mindshop supports leaders in building successful and sustainable businesses. Members gain access to regular training, experienced coaching support, a wealth of online business tools / resources and a fantastic global network of advisors to work with, and learn from, as they seek to grow successful businesses.

John Painter at CB, Chartered Accountants, became an accredited MindShop Facillitator in December 2005 having completed his training over 2 years and won the Rising Star Award in 2010.

The Business Coaching programme combines regular face-to-face meetings with interactive online coaching, tailored to meet individual needs. The online coaching allows you to receive individual, one-on-one support from the CB Chartered Accountants coach, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Mike Ashton said,”Mindshop provide an excellent business coaching programme and I believe its real advantage is the online tools and one-to-one coaching support. I can’t wait to get started!”

For further information contact John at CB Chartered Accountants on 01905 454854 or e-mail him at jhp@ cbcharteredaccountants.com.

Worcester, Bosch Group were joined by local MP, Robin Walker on Friday 13 March, to officially open the doors of their new £9 million Bosch Distribution Centre, located on Wainright Road, Warndon, Worcester.

The landmark building reaffirms the leading boiler manufacturer’s commitment to the area and ensures it can now consolidate its two existing distribution facilities into one, highly-efficient location.

The company’s finished boilers, heat pumps, cylinders, commercial products and accessories have already been moved from the previous warehouses to the new 6.7 acre site, which is able to hold more than 10,000 pallets at capacity. Internal sales teams and the logistics

Worcester, Bosch Group was joined by local MP, Robin Walker to officially open the doors of its new £9 million Bosch Distribution Centre

planning departments have also made the move to the new building.

The site also features a 3-tier mezzanine and additional racking to house the spare parts pre-pack and despatch departments for greater efficiency. When fully operational it will allow for the despatch of 10,000 items per day. www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

HEREFORDSHIRE SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS CREATING A BIG #BIZBUZZHERE A group of proactive Herefordshire business owners are creating a big business buzz to develop the national cause of Small Business Saturday UK into something that Herefordshire companies can specifically benefit from.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-political, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

Building on the 2014 #smallbizselfie social media campaign, Herefordshire businesses are being

encouraged to enter into the national Small Biz 100 promotion from 1 June, campaigning to see the national Small Business Saturday UK tour bus to come to the area and asking regional businesses to create a promotion for the big day, with a ‘spread the word’ campaign to support them.

To follow and get involved with this exciting initiative including how to get involved with the Small Biz 100 entries, Like the local Facebook page SmallBizSatHerefordshire which will be sharing small Herefordshire business good news stories and their own project information, with Twitter coming soon.

In 2015 Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday 5 December.

www.cbcharteredaccountants.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

07

ECO-CONFERENCING

AT THE STABLES

creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way EDWARD DE BONO

The Stables is a well-equipped meeting venue – catering for groups of 5-35, and located just outside Ledbury. Now in its 9th year, the venue has been growing steadily and welcomes thousands of delegates through its doors every year. It is set on a working farm, so surrounded by the Herefordshire countryside, yet very easy to access from the A417 between the A4103 and A438 roads.

The venue has invested in Solar PV and Biomass for heating, making this an environmentally sound venue choice.

The Multiple booking offer has proven particularly successful, saving customers £££’s over the years, and is also very popular with training providers. l Training Seminars & Away days l Free Wi-Fi l Air-conditioning & heating from Solar l Exclusive hire & ample FREE parking l Great value in an idyllic rural setting

In 2014, 38 million adults in Great Britain accessed the Internet every single day and access to the Internet using a mobile phone more than doubled between 2010 and 2014 from 24% to 58%. google are now favouring the mobile-friendliness of a website as a ranking signal within their search results - you will slip down the google rankings if your website is not fully responsive.

you need to act now! we can help make your website mobile-friendly, ensuring you keep your hard earned google ranking.

Conferences | Meetings | Functions ... a stylish venue in the heart of the country!

01531 670730

enquiries@thestablesconferencecentre.co.uk www.thestablesconferencecentre.co.uk @thestablesvenue Lower House Farm, Canon Frome, Nr. Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2TG

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01562 734040 e: ryan@zigzagadvertising.co.uk web design » digital marketing » creative design » branding May/June 2015

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

09

BUSINESSNEWS

The new OMNISEC GPC/SEC system from Malvern Instruments

MALVERN’S NEW OMNISEC GPC/SEC PLATFORM

Ben Mannion & Louise Hewett (Hewett Recruitment), Adrian Tune (General Manager Vision Labs), Doug Lynes (General Manager Lens-Online)

HEWETT RECRUITMENT WINS WORLD-CLASS LOCAL CONTRACT IGS, Lens Online and Vision Labs based in Kidderminster who form part of the world class Specsavers Group have come together to sign a two year contract with Hewett Recruitment. Employing over 1000 people in Kidderminster, their plans for expansion will see at least 200 new jobs being created for local people over the next two years. As sole supplier, Hewett will manage sourcing and supplying the pipeline of operatives with the necessary skills required to meet these growing demands.

The Senior Management Team chose Hewett’s as key strategic partners because they share the same values and have proved they can consistently deliver great service.

Tony Browne of IGS commented: “Hewett’s have a high level of engagement and are respected by the local and wider community. Their reputation for treating local

people well fits with our outlook and values and ensures they attract the best people for our business.”

All the General Managers are delighted to be working with the Hewett Industrial team and see this as a long term mutually beneficial relationship.

Adrian Tune of Vision Labs added: “We have been impressed by the way Hewett’s have taken the time to understand our business needs and respond to our unique and often demanding requirements.”

Louise Hewett attributes all credit to Hewett’s outstanding Industrial team of Consultants. “Winning this contract cements a great relationship with a world class local business. It’s great news for us and means more jobs for local people.” www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

HEREFORDSHIRE STRAWBERRY GROWER ENCOURAGES THE TECHNOLOGISTS OF TOMORROW Over 500 schoolchildren joined over 200 scientists, engineers and technologists, to get a taste of the reality of careers in technology and engineering.

TeenTech City 2014, which took place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, saw the innovators of tomorrow take part in an exciting line up of activities and experiments – showcasing just how their passion and skills could lead to rich and fulfilling careers in industry.

During the day, schoolchildren aged 12 - 14 took part in a variety of challenges set up by key STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) industry players.

Among these were Herefordshire fresh produce group S&A who set the students tasks extracting the DNA of strawberries. The leading UK strawberry grower based in Marden operates its own breeding programme assessing different varieties of strawberry plants for growing, picking and eating qualities.

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TeenTech is the brainchild of BBC Tomorrow’s World presenter Maggie Philbin and works with teenagers from across Britain to open their eyes to the career opportunities available within science, engineering and technology. www.sagroup.co.uk

A completely new gel permeation/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) platform from Malvern Instruments breaks new ground in delivering the high performance, ease of use and productivity demanded in today’s analytical laboratories. Malvern’s innovative OMNISEC platform integrates highly efficient sample separation via the OMNISEC RESOLVE module and high sensitivity analysis using OMNISEC REVEAL, a fully integrated multi-detector array. The system has applications wherever there is a need for detailed analysis and understanding of natural or synthetic polymers, proteins and macromolecules.

GPC/SEC is a two-step analytical process that delivers molecular weight, molecular size and structural information, all of which define the performance of many industrially important materials. With OMNISEC, Malvern has produced a market-leading solution for researchers and formulators developing novel natural and synthetic polymers, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products and foods. www.malvern.com

PATRON WRAGGE LAWRENCE GRAHAM & CO IN DOUBLE AWARD WIN The annual Legal Business Awards are one of the most prestigious accolades in the legal profession.

In March, Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co won two major awards – Real Estate Team of the Year and Legal Technology Team of the Year.

It was their cutting-edge work on the redevelopment of the multi-billion pound Nine Elms region in London, including Battersea Power Station, New Covent Garden Market and the US Embassy, which impressed the judges in the Real Estate category.

For Legal Technology Team of the Year, their IT specialists undertook more than 12 major projects in the twelve months since Wragge & Co and Lawrence Graham merged, integrating the two firms into one commercial offering – with award-winning credentials.

Most firms undertake one or two projects a year, so their ambition clearly caught the judges’ imaginations.

Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co is an international, sector-focused law firm with offices in nine countries. www.wragge.com

May/June 2015

BUSINESSNEWS Jim Turner (middle left) with Douglas Garrad and pupils from the school’s Reception classes

£40MILLION ‘LANDMARK’ FOR WORCESTERSHIRE. BUSINESS.CENTRAL Over the last two years Worcestershire.Business.Central, which is part of the National Growth Hub Network, has delivered £40m of business investment into the county, through its diverse range of business support programmes.

KINGS HAWFORD KICK OFF £1.25M BUILDING PROJECT Kings Hawford school in Worcester has celebrated the start of building work on its new £1.25m multi-purpose hall.

available for the community to use in the evenings and will feature removable seating for up to 220 spectators.

Due for completion in December, ‘The Barn’ will be a contemporary version of a traditional Worcestershire vernacular barn to stay in keeping with the site’s historic buildings and the surrounding landscape.

Headmaster, Jim Turner, said: “The Barn represents a major investment for us and when it’s completed it will give a fantastic multi-purpose sports and drama facility for our pupils.”

The school’s 330 pupils will use the timber-framed ‘eco’ building as their main sports hall as well as for concerts and theatre productions. It will also be

University of Worcester, Business School students have been very successful this year in securing some top placement opportunities, including; Worcester Bosch, Marks & Spencers, Travelport International Ltd, Volkswagen Group Ltd and Napp Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The University are keen to place their students in local businesses as well the larger placement schemes. The students can cover various business

Recently, new figures published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that Worcestershire’s economy has been the third fastest growing in the country.

Read about just some of the Worcestershire businesses that have helped at: www.business-central. co.uk/casestudies If you think that we can help your business, call 0300 123 14 40 or go to www.business-central.co.uk* Follow us on Twitter @WBCUpdates LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/ worcestershirebusinesscentral Eligibility & Business sector criteria apply

*

Working with their partners – including District Councils and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership – has enabled

The ceremony was attended by Douglas and Mary Ann Garrad who founded the school in 1955. www.ksw.org.uk/hawford

SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS ARE PLACED WITH TOP COMPANIES Local businesses required for placement opportunities

This landmark figure of £40m – which consists of local public sector investment, central government investment, European funding and private sector investment – represents an incredible achievement for Worcestershire.Business.

Central.

them to provide business support and share the many success stories of local businesses that Worcestershire.Business.

Central have been able to help and support through our wide range of programmes.

areas such as marketing, PR, sales, finance, accountancy, computing, web development, administration, and operations.

Could you offer a student an opportunity? They are looking for a full time, paid position for a minimum of 36 weeks between June 2015 and September 2016. If you would like further information or think you could offer a placement please contact Kat Jones on 01905 855556 k.jones@worc.ac.uk

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! Nominations are now open for this year’s awards, once again organised by Worcestershire.Business.Central and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Nominations will remain open until 31st May 2015.

There are a range of awards, for apprentices, their employers, schools and training providers.

For further information and to download nomination forms, visit www.worcsapprenticeships.org.uk The awards evening will be on 12th November at West Midland Safari Park

www.worc.ac.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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FOCUSONRECRUITMENT

LATEST REPORT ON JOBS LOUISE HEWETT The latest KPMG/REC Report on Jobs in the Midlands provides the most up-to-date monthly picture of recruitment, employment, staff availability and employee trends.

Commenting on the Midlands Labour Market Report – Mike Steventon, Chairman of KPMG said. “The picture in the Midlands seems to be one of extremes. While the news that we have the fastest expansion in permanent & temporary staff vacancies and that salaries for both are rising at the fastest rate in the country, the picture isn’t so rosy when mixed with the news that the midlands has the fastest decline in permanent and temporary candidate availability. We seem to be headed towards a situation where we’ll all have vacancies to fill but a lack of candidates resulting in continuous pay inflation and gaps in the workforce.”

Key permanent staff skills in short supply, include accounts, financial staff, technical & specialist engineers, drivers and legal secretaries – no real surprises there.

Permanent salaries rose sharply in March, the rate of inflation was quicker than the UK average for the seventh month in a row.

Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the REC explained.

“Candidates are more confident about looking for work and there are opportunities to earn more for those that

do. Employers need to realise that people are deciding to change jobs because they can earn more than in their current job. Increases in starting salary offers are being driven by skills and talent shortages across the economy and businesses are going to have to think hard about retaining scarce resources.”

employer. We will be addressing these issues at the forthcoming HR conference open to all HR Professionals and business owners and directors.”

For more information on the HR Professionals Conference visit www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk/ hr-conference2015

Hewett Recruitment are seeing businesses across the region in growth mode, new jobs, new opportunities being created. Louise Hewett explains, “There is more fluidity in the market than we have seen for many years. Holding on to talent will be a challenge for every

Hewett Recruitment can provide your company with a ‘talent health check’ working with you to ensure you have the right people in place as you grow.

Whether it’s a financial wizzard, IT Guru, HR expert or a team of assembly operatives we will give your operation our expert care and support.

Let us ease your growing pains...book your free consultation with one of our qualified specialists.

Contact our Specialist Consultants 01562 69090 or 01905 613413

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louise@hewett-recruitment.co.uk www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

May/June 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

WORCESTER SNOEZELEN WORKING WITH WATKINS SMITH Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s leading multi-sensory leisure therapy centre, Worcester Snoezelen, is thrilled to announce that they are now providing the services of fellow local business, Watkins Smith Ltd experts in Will writing and estate planning, Watkins Smith has over 50 years of combined experience in financial services.

Worcester Snoezelen’s Chief Executive Officer, Jane Roberts, said: “We realise the importance of Will writing and the occasional difficulties people have when making sure their estate passes onto those who they wish to benefit. We have not only chosen to offer the services of Watkins Smith because of their expertise in

this somewhat difficult decision making process, but we feel it continues Snoezelen’s commitment in supporting our clients whenever, and wherever possible. Legacies can also be extremely beneficial for the long term sustainability of our independent charity”.

Worcester Snoezelen welcomes over 300 individuals with disabilities through its doors each week. After what was a fantastic 2014, in which the charity won the National Lottery and I.T.V partnered award, The People’s Millions, they hope developments like this will help them help others who need it most. www.worcestersnoezelen.org.uk

AWARD WINNING CENTRE FOR GOLF Ryan Lamb photo courtesy of Lee Webb

AN EXCITING SEASON FOR WORCESTER WARRIORS After last season’s disappointment of relegation, the 2014/15 season has been an exciting one for Worcester Warriors, who confirmed their place in the Greene King IPA Championship play-offs back in February.

The season will stay in the memory of supporters for years to come – Warriors set a club record of 24 consecutive victories after storming to the top of the league table and securing their place in the B&I Cup final.

Huge victories over Nottingham and Rotherham were stand-out moments for Warriors, while Dean Ryan went about finalising his best team for the play-offs.

In the past couple of years Gaudet Luce has been transformed from an average golf facility into an award winning centre of golfing success. Looked upon in the golfing industry as an excellent example of best practice both from a management perspective and a golfing perspective, Gaudet Luce has bucked the trend of falling memberships nationally by increasing membership levels by 20% in the past 12 months.

The clubs success has been recognised by winning the Membership Club of the Year at the Club Awards 2014, along with being finalists in both the Golf Club of the Year and Catering Golf Club of the Year categories. The awards ceremony, hosted by John Inverdale at Manchester’s Palace Hotel, brought together clubs of all types from sports clubs to social clubs and even those run by companies such as BBC Club and Rolls Royce Leisure Clubs. www.gaudet-luce.co.uk

The Warriors Director of Rugby was even able to attract international players Cooper Vuna, Phil Dowson and Tom Heathcote to the club as ambitions to become successful in the Aviva Premiership remain on track.

WORCESTERSHIRE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY EXPO Tuesday 2 June, 9am – 2pm Morgan Motor Company, Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 2LL Be inspired to take control of your company's energy costs and resource consumption and even take it to the next level of energy generation at the Environment & Energy Expo.

This event brought to you by Resource Efficient Worcestershire & metnet will demonstrate how to: n Reduce your energy costs through improved resource efficiency n Generate your own energy and receive financial incentives n Explore renewables and energy efficiency technologies There will be round table and networking opportunities for you to speak to: n Businesses like you, who have installed environmental technologies and introduced environmental good practice in the workplace

The season also saw Academy graduates Ben Howard and Max Stelling come to the forefront as they both enjoyed fine campaigns in the gold and blue.

n Environmental technology installers to advise you on the do's and don'ts

And Worcester’s second-string Cavaliers side also had their own success – reaching the final of the Aviva A League before going down to Saracens on a wet night at Sixways.

Call 01905 822833 or email sustainability@ worcestershire.gov.uk for further information about the event.

Attention will soon turn to next season as the club look to continue their progression and make a real impact in English rugby. www.warriors.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

n Large businesses such as Worcester Bosch

Resource Efficient Worcestershire is a partnership between Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Resource Efficient Worcestershire and metnet are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

013

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

WHAT’S YOUR POSTCODE? - THE QUESTION YOUR CUSTOMERS LOVE TO ANSWER. If your business captures address details from customers – via a website, over the phone or in person – you’re missing a couple of tricks if you don’t start by asking “What’s your Postcode?”

USING A POSTCODE TO FIND AN ADDRESS IS… Fast: it saves time for your staff and customers by allowing them to jump straight from a Postcode to an individual address. In your business, that might mean even more productive staff or more customers completing your forms.

Accurate: there’s no need to type-in the full address so there’s no risk of typos. We all know some names – like Leominster or Worcester – don’t always lend themselves to being spelt correctly.

Poorly addressed mail can take longer to be delivered and may reflect badly on your business (if my address is incorrect, what else did they get wrong?)

The technology that provides this feature is available in several forms – as a simple widget which can be built-in into your website or software, or as a stand-alone app which runs on your desktop. It can even correct the existing addresses you have in your database.

UK-based firm Allies have specialised in addressing since 1987 and have over 1000 businesses using their

cost-effective “postcode to address” technology.

Their customers include small start-ups, FTSE plcs through and public sector organisations – plus even one of the world’s best-known postal authorities.

To try out the feature for free, or to simply find out more, call 01508 494488 or visit www.alliescomputing.com

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust

The Wild Side of Doing Business At the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, we know that the wild side of Herefordshire is important to the people that live here – and why so many people come to visit.

From the meandering valleys of the Lugg River to the orchards scattered across the Woolhope Dome, this is a county rooted in its landscapes and its wildlife and we’re looking for partners who believe it should stay that way.

Launching this month, we have created opportunities for businesses large and small to join us as corporate members.

Working with you to enhance your business’s green credentials, you will have access to our skills and expertise as well as chances for your staff to attend events or break out of the office for a day and see what happens on one of our beautiful nature reserves. However, our partnerships are always personal so we will tailor the membership to suit your needs, creating the approach that is right

Full details can be found on our website or call John Clark on

01432 356872 to discuss our partnership opportunities.

014

for you and your organisation Batty about bats? Mad about meadows?

We also have a fantastic range of sponsorship opportunities which support wildlife and connect people to nature.

Supporting the funding of a barn owl box or maybe a wildflower meadow can make a real difference and is a great way to show your support for our wild Herefordshire.

So why not make this the year you go wild with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust!

www.herefordshirewt.org

May/June 2015

ASKTHEEXPERTS

PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE WITH REAL LIFE UNDERSTANDING GABBS SOLICITORS IN HEREFORD, LEOMINSTER AND HAY ON WYE

MELANIE TREE

CAROLYN THEOBALD

QUESTION:

QUESTION:

I am considering renting out shop premises to a friend for a few months over the summer. Do I need a written agreement? I do not want to spend a lot of money.

My partner and I are buying a house and my parents are helping me with the deposit. Is it possible to protect my parents in case my partner and I split up in the future.

ANSWER:

ANSWER:

The short answer is yes, you should have a written agreement. If you do not, it may be difficult for you to prove on what terms you were letting the shop if you and your friend disagree. Your friend might be entitled to stay in the shop at the end of the term and you would need to ensure that the agreement is for no more than six months. You could use a standard form of lease to keep costs down but if there is a possibility that you may want to extend the period, then a bespoke tenancy would be a better arrangement.

Yes. If you are obtaining a mortgage then you must inform the mortgage company of the loan from your parents. Then, your parents can either take a charge over the Property (with the mortgage company’s consent) to protect their loan, or, more simply, you and your partner can sign a Declaration of Trust to confirm that you hold the sale proceeds of the Property on trust (after repayment of any mortgage) for yourselves and, in respect of the loan amount, your parents.

QUESTION:

I am about to buy my first house. I am told I need searches. What are they and what might they cost?

I am the tenant of a bookshop and am thinking of expanding to include tea and coffee sales. Can I do this?

ANSWER: You need to look at your Lease to see if it requires the property to be used only as a bookshop or if a wider use is allowed. The Lease may provide that an alternative use is allowed with landlord’s consent. If the Lease only allows use as a bookshop, you could still ask the landlord for permission. If the terms of the Lease, or the landlord, do permit use of part for a tea shop, then consider whether you would need to obtain planning permission for a change of use.

QUESTION:

ANSWER: Your solicitor will carry out several searches on the Property before contracts are exchanged and before you are committed to the purchase. The number and type of searches depends on the location of the Property but usually consist of a local authority search showing any charges (e.g. tree preservation orders or planning obligations) registered against the Property and information about planning and highways. Your solicitor will also raise drainage and water enquiries of the water service company. Environmental data and chancel repair liability searches may be made. Additional searches may be required depending on the location of the Property. The cost of searches varies but the basic cost is around £250.

Contact Gabbs Solicitors Property Department

01432 353481, 01568 616333 or 01497 820312 or visit our website www.gabbs.biz

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

015

BUSINESSNEWS

UNIVERSAL CREDIT LAUNCHES IN HEREFORDSHIRE

PARTNER THE THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL IN HEREFORD IN ITS TERCENTENARY YEAR 25 JULY – 1 AUGUST 2015 Unless you are a classical music enthusiast, you may not have attended the record-breaking 300-year-old Three Choirs Festival, particularly as it appears only once every three years in Hereford.

But you will have noticed the influx of people with over 25,500 tickets sold during festival week and the presence of 800 very committed professional and amateur national and international musicians.

on an ongoing basis with your business.

The sizeable audience, most of whom have a higher than average disposable income, want to explore the City. If you are an interactive business with a customer focus, The Three Choirs Festival can provide opportunities for you to promote your services and products to a new audience in our tercentenary year.

They would be delighted to consider any suggestions.

28% of tickets are sold to Herefordshire residents, all of whom could be engaging

www.3choirs.org

SMES RECOGNISED AS BACKBONE OF BRITAIN CB, Chartered Accountants has welcomed measures introduced in the Chancellor’s Budget to help the self-employed and SMEs. Recognising the contributions made by micro-businesses in terms of UK wealth and reducing the number of unemployed, this final Budget of the current Parliament, offered two key benefits. SMEs make up around 99% of Britain’s private sector businesses and it was noted by the Chancellor that unemployment is set to fall from 5.7% to 5.3% by the end of the year.

John Painter, Managing Partner at CB, Chartered Accountants said: “I am encouraged that SMEs and the self-employed have been recognised for 016

their efforts in supporting the growing economy and creating jobs. Taking the ‘Google Tax’ forward will help level the playing field: sensible reform of business rates would be a further helpful step.

Closing tax loopholes used by very few and focussing help on the majority of businesses which just ‘get on’ with their business and pay their tax is the right priority. We like the commitment to keep Investment Allowance above £25,000 but would have liked to have seen a definite commitment to a known figure.” www.cbcharteredaccountants.com

John Painter, Managing Partner of CB, Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors

The new benefit, Universal Credit has arrived in Herefordshire and will have a positive effect on employers.

their staff may start to receive it, or they could recruit someone who is receiving it. UC payments are linked to how much money an employed UC claimant has earned.

It will make it easier for employers to fill jobs as more jobseekers will be willing to consider short term or irregular work, hence widening the potential pool of applicants. It will also enable employers to identify opportunities for flexible working using existing part time staff for overtime and extra shifts.

Plans are currently in place for Universal credit to roll out in Worcestershire in September. For further information or to find out more about how Universal Credit can benefit your business contact Mike Dzioba at michael.dzioba@dwp.gsi.gov.uk or phone on 01432 363670.

As Universal credit rolls out, employers may find that some of

CHAMBER TAKE CYCLING TO THE EDGE OF THE ATMOSPHERE AND BACK Chamber staff donned their cycling gear and cycled to the edge of the atmosphere and back on Thursday 2 April to help contribute to the University of Worcester’s Moon Mission 2015.

Using an exercise bike donated for the day by David Lloyd Leisure, a mixture of Chamber staff and members furiously pumped their legs in 15 minute slots in order to cycle the 124 miles (200km) needed to reach what is known in aeronautical terms as the Karman line.

Not only did the team reach their expansive target, they went above and beyond, touching back down on earth and continuing on to reach 219.2kms.

Hewett Recruitment, Mercia Digital, Titania Ltd, Lesk Engineers, KME

Yorkshire and members of staff from the Moon Mission themselves came down to the Chamber office to aid the team with their sizeable task.

The Moon Mission has been organised by the University of Worcester to try and increase awareness of the benefits of keeping a fit and healthy lifestyle, whilst promoting wellbeing within the workplace. The target is to reach 477,714 miles by Friday 31 July 2015. Participants can sign up for free and keep a record of how many miles they cover undertaking any manner of physical activities.

To sign up for the Moon Mission 2015 visit www.worcester.ac.uk/discover/ moon-mission.html

May/June 2015

BUSINESSNEWS Councillor Len Tawn and Jenny Tawn mayor and mayoress of Hereford opening the Lanyon Bowdler office

EMAIL MARKETING; A GAME OF TWO HALVES Email marketing can be a highly effective method of digital marketing for any business. But in order to make the most of this tool, there are two factors that can make or break a campaign.

The key is in the preparation; the success of a campaign can often lie in who you are trying to reach and the ‘quality’ of those contacts. Targeted, segmented lists can help deliver the right message to the right people, providing optimum results that can be analysed and used to support further marketing campaigns.

LANYON BOWDLER OPENS NEW OFFICE IN HEREFORD CITY CENTRE Lanyon Bowdler have been located in Hereford since 2010 and is marking its fifth year in the city by unveiling its new offices in Broad Street.

The firm has recently added new members of staff to its residential property team, and now has a total staff count of 15 in the Hereford office.

William Morse, Lanyon Bowdler partner and Hereford team leader, said: “We have

been looking for a more suitable base in the Hereford city centre for a while, so we are delighted to have secured the offices in Broadway House. It’s a fantastic space and is the result of a real increase in activity in the residential property market over the past year. This has led us to add members of staff to that particular team, and we are looking to expand the rest of our services in the Hereford area too.” www.lblaw.co.uk

LOCAL FILM PRODUCER RE-BRANDS The familiar name of Video Interactive (promotions) is changing after 12 years, as the company re-brands its identity to CorpFilms.

The business itself remains exactly the same. It continues to be well-financed, well-equipped and regularly reinvests.

Its dedicated team of professional production crew and presenters all deliver an uncompromising approach to high specification, which is the ethos of the business.

Technical Director, Terry Anderson commented “In recent years the definition of ‘Interactive Video’ has taken on a specific meaning that differs from what we do. Furthermore, the Video Interactive (promotions) name has always been synonymous with high specification and quality productions. In contrast ‘video’,

now in its many different forms, has all been lumped together into a single terminology. Many of these are either unprofessional or poorly made, which undervalues the professionalism of credible producers like us. By re-branding we are re-stating our position as a high-end corporate film production company, which is where we have always been”

Once you have the right contacts, how do you make sure you are delivering the right message?

Personalising an email marketing campaign can go a long way to

There is a fine line between informative email marketing campaigns and spamming your contacts; ensuring that you are talking to the right people and engaging with them will help your message get out of the bin and into their brains.

For more marketing guidance and information, book yourself into one of the Chamber’s digital marketing courses delivered by Mercia Digital, or get in touch with Mercia Digital directly. www.merciadigital.co.uk

PRINT STRATEGY EUROPE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN PRINT – WITH PRINT! Print Strategy Europe, the award-winning print management company, is celebrating 20 years in business the only way it possibly could – by printing its own portfolio book, I Didn’t Know They Could Do That.

CorpFilms continues to bring a highly focused, content-led marketing and sales approach to corporate promotions, product adverts, event filming as well as comms to the public sector and training.

From printing lifelike autumn leaves in the depths of summer, to translating proofing and printing in Japanese (in record time,) the company’s goal is never to say never – even when that might involve getting a few six foot Easter bunnies through US customs.

www.corpfilms.co.uk

The book is, quite naturally, printed to a

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

growing a rewarding relationship with your customers. A message that resonates with individuals, identifying with their interests and their personalities, is far more effective than a generic message from a company.

superb standard and finished beautifully, showing off many traditional techniques with a modern twist.

Rob Newton, Managing Director, says: “We count some incredibly creative and exciting companies as our customers and so the ideas we come up with together never cease to challenge our ingenuity, creativity and sheer determination.”

I Didn’t Know They Could Do That is available now free of charge via the company’s website at www. printstrategy.eu/portfolio-book 017

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01886 812160 • www.sbprint.co.uk May/June 2015

FOCUSONHEALTH

HEALTH ASSESSMENTS EVERY JOURNEY BEGINS WITH THE FIRST STEP

Not so long ago, we took one of the most important and far reaching steps we’ve ever taken. Here’s what we did and why you should know about it.

We’ve always believed in listening to what our clients have to say about their employees’ health and wellbeing.

We’ve always known and understood that people are the biggest investment your company has. They are your future.

SUPPORTING AND PROTECTING YOUR NUMBER ONE ASSET Everything we do at Nuffield Health is aimed at supporting and protecting your investment. Our Health Assessments focus on the early detection and diagnosis of disease together with the identification of health risks.

Our integrated referral pathways ensure that treatment

and care are quickly and conveniently available.

As the country’s leading provider of corporate wellbeing solutions, we’ve learned how the health of your workforce can be improved and optimised to benefit both the individual and the organisation. We’ve also recognised how important technology is to the future of healthcare and to the health of your business.

What we’ve learnt has shown us that the health and wellbeing of individuals needs to be monitored over a period of time, not just a point in time.

THE RESULT

“Taking that first step to change things, especially when it concerns your health, can be daunting.

But it can also be the most fundamentally rewarding move you can make” JONATHAN BYRD, DIRECTOR OF PRIMARY AND PREVENTATIVE HEALTH

Even when your employees have completed their initial assessment, it’s only the beginning of their journey.

If you are interested in or have a question regarding Health Assessments please contact our Customer Service Advisors on 01432 355131.

A new kind of Health Assessment which integrates our online health and wellbeing application, Nuffield HealthScore™ - allowing your employees to monitor their personal health and to track their progress towards their goals.

See a GP when it suits you . . .

See a GP when it suits you ...

Private GP service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Private GP Service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Here at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital we know how valuable your time is. That’s why Here at Nuffield Hereford Hospital we know how valuable your time is. That’s we offer a private Health GP service so you can get help and advicea whenever need itsowith why we offer private GPyou service you can get help and advice whenever you need it appointment times Monday to Friday, with appointment times Monday toincluding Friday, including early mornings and evenings. early mornings and evenings.

Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson listen in a comfortable, confidential environment. Plus if you need tests or scans, and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to listen in a many of these can be sorted out for you the hospital there and then. comfortable, confidential environment.

Plus at if you We offer a full range of GP services.

See a GP when it suits you . . . need tests or scans, many of these can be sorted out for you at the hospital there and then.

We offer a full range of GP services.

Private GP service at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Here at Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital

we know how valuable your time is. That’s why No registration with an NHS GP is needed

01432818543

we offer a private GP service so you can get help and advice whenever you need it with appointment times Monday to Friday, including early mornings and evenings.

he.clinicbookings@nuffieldhealth.com

Our friendly and popular GPs, Dr Judith Johnson

and Dr Ivan Wall have the time to listen in a Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital confidential environment. Plus if you Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 comfortable, 1DF

need tests or scans, many of these can be sorted out for you at the hospital there and then.

We offer a full rangeasof GP services. * Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals.

Local area defined within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

We will match against writtenunits quotes only.hospitals.

Promise is validarea for defined patientsaspaying *Not including private patient at NHS Local withinfor 15themselves. miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required

from your Consultant for as long as you may requireNo it. Ifregistration a prosthesis iswith used as of GP youristreatment anpart NHS neededthis is guaranteed We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or ** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct resulttreatment of surgicalorintervention. you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically 01432818543 required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention. he.clinicbookings@nuffieldhealth.com

Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 1DF * Not including private patient units at NHS hospitals. Local area defined as within 15 miles of the Nuffield Health hospital.

We will match against written quotes only. Promise is valid for patients paying for themselves. ** Where possible, we promise to assist you to receive any follow up advice, treatment or care that is clinically required from your Consultant for as long as you may require it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment this is guaranteed for the manufacturer’s official lifetime of that prosthesis. “Clinically required” indicates where further intervention and/or monitoring of a patient’s condition is deemed necessary as a direct result of surgical intervention.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

019

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

PROVIDING YOU WITH THE BEST ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS CLT Electrical & Data was formed with the aim to provide clients with better knowledge, provide cost effective energy saving solutions for new and existing electrical installations.

Offering a full design and installation service providing advice on the latest products to meet the client’s needs, LED lighting can be one way to reduce your energy consumption and carbon foot print, in most cases LED lighting gives out a brighter light in colour but also provides a better spread of light meaning in some cases less fittings needing to be installed.

Call: 01527 835958 Email: info@cltelectricalanddata.co.uk Visit: www.cltelectricalanddata.co.uk /cltelectricalanddata @clt_electrical

CASE STUDY New offices at Forest Gardens Ltd

Having worked closely with Worcester ceilings on previous projects CLT were called in to work with them again on the project for Forest Gardens. Forest Gardens were looking to add over 700 square meters of new office space via a new mezzanine floor.

CLT met with the client and discussed what they wanted from the newly created space, CLT was able to design and spec the new power and lighting systems. CLT always try to give the client the most energy efficient solutions, so with that in mind CLT proposed an LED lighting system which comprised of over 200 LED fittings throughout the whole installation which in turn would save on running costs.

The team managed to complete the project a week ahead of schedule.

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May/June 2015

AUTO-ENROLMENT

ARE YOU READY FOR IT? As Independent Financial Advisers, Kingfurness & Associates Ltd are able to fully advise and assist with the forthcoming changes. We will complete an analysis of the different business requirements and provide a formal recommendation.

Kingfurness & Associates Ltd will implement a bespoke package, including liaising with the entire workforce on your behalf, which is one of the keystages in the auto enrolment process.

ENFORCING A JUDGMENT Obtaining a Court judgment is a significant step in the process of litigation, however enforcing the judgment is another.

Before instigating proceedings (and throughout) it is advisable to gather as much information as possible about the person or company you intend to claim against, as it is important to ascertain whether they are ‘good for the money’.

METHODS OF ENFORCEMENT 1. Execution against goods - involves seizing and selling a debtor’s goods and/ or assets in order to raise funds to satisfy the judgment debt. This will of course only be relevant if debtor has any assets.

2. Charging Orders - obtained against land (freehold or leasehold), or stocks or shares. Although this does not in itself produce payment, you effectively become a mortgagee and may be able to try to force the sale of the property to release the judgment debt. If such action is not suitable it successfully provides security for the debt that can be registered and crystallises (if not enforced) when any disposition of the land is purported.

3. Third Party Debt Order - made on the basis that a third party (e.g Bank) owe the Judgment debtor money. A Judgment creditor can obtain an order direct against that third party, take over such debt, and be paid the sums due, rather than the debtor.

4. Attachment of Earnings Orders – an order that the debtor’s employer deduct money from the debtor’s salary in which to pay you. The Court determines the instalment value having considered income and expenditure of the debtor.

DO NOT delay contact Kathy Twigg at Kingfurness on 01432 277877 or email kathy@kingfurness.co.uk for further information What is Auto-enrolment?

As you are aware there have been a number of significant changes introduced by the Government in respect of Pensions.

The new Pension legislation will be complex and challenging for most employers. It will represent increased costs with extra Pension contributions, whilst also providing additional duties with extra communications and record keeping.

Every business has to automatically enrol eligible workers into a qualifying pension scheme if they aren’t already in one and the employer will need to make a contribution towards it. Failure to do so will result in substantial fines!

When is Auto-enrolment?

You will be issued with a ‘Staging Date’ which MUST be adhered to.

How long does the process take?

At least six months, in most cases. Larger employers may take even longer.

You’ll need to prepare as early as possible to give yourselves enough time to review and update your pension scheme, processes and systems.

If you leave it too late, we may not be able to help you get ready in time.

Can I delay the ‘Staging Date’?

NO, although you may be able to postpone it for up to 3 months. There are severe financial penalties for any Company that does not comply with the new regulations.

5. Insolvency Proceedings - a Statutory Demand can be served on the debtor, which if not satisfied is a ground for issuing a Winding up Petition against a company or a Bankruptcy Petition against an individual.

Other methods are available and best discussed in light of particular facts.

Should you have any questions or queries or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing samuel.pedley@mfgsolicitors.com, or by phoning us on 0845 55 55 321.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

021

CHAMBEREVENTS

HR PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE Thursday 2 July 2015: 9.00am – 3.00pm £35.00+VAT Members, £45.00+VAT Non-Members Following on from the successful event at Sixways Stadium in 2014, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Hewett Recruitment have again teamed up for the annual HR Professionals Conference.

Taking place at Bank House Hotel on Thursday 2 July 2015, the event is aimed at HR professionals, directors and business owners, from business’ of all sizes and sectors focusing on attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent. It is a date not to be missed for those wanting to address some of the challenges facing growing businesses in a people and skills short market.

STEVE OTHEN Head of Strategic Projects at the REC

ADRIAN WIGHTMAN Resourcing Manager at RWEnpower

Steve and Adrian will discuss the ‘Good Recruitment Campaign’ and explain how it is helping organisations improve their recruitment processes…. who is already benefiting and how your business can get involved completely free of charge.

SALLY MORRIS Head of Employment Division at mfg Solicitors

‘Recruiting the Right Way’ Sally will share the Top Legal and HR Best Practice tips for recruiting, engaging and retaining your staff.

022

GILLIAN BOYLE Early Careers Resourcing Manager at QinetiQ

Gillian will provide an insight into QinetiQ’s ‘2015 Graduate Recruitment Strategy’ and outline some of the innovative work they are doing to attract a diverse range of students to apply to QinetiQ.

SU HARDING Senior HRD Director at Southco

STEVE ADLARD Director at Motive Consulting

‘Strengthening relationships between employees and business’. This presentation will provide an intriguing insight in to the HRD led project engaging all areas of the organisation at global and local level and forming a key part of Southco’s future strategy.

SAVE THE DATE!!!!

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CONFERENCE Friday 18 September 2015: 9.30am – 2.30pm The Abbey Hotel, Malvern Herefordshire and Worcestershire business people are invited to attend our annual Women’s Business Conference this September. More details are to be confirmed in due course but save the date now to make sure you don’t miss this fantastic event and our interesting and exciting speakers!

May/June 2015

CHAMBEREVENTS

NETWORKING CALENDAR MAY - JUNE 2015 May 2015

June 2015

Maximise your Membership Event in association with ISO Quality Services Ltd Friday 1 May - 8.30-11.00am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, County Ground, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ FREE to Members

Redditch Networking Breakfast Tuesday 2 June - 7.30-9.30am Abbey Hotel Golf & Country Club Ltd, Hither Green Lane, Dagnell End Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 9BE £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members

Kidderminster Networking Breakfast Tuesday 5 May - 7.30-9.30am Mercure Hotel Kidderminster, Habberley Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY12 1LA £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Evening Golf Tuesday 2 June - 4.00-8.00pm Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £20.00+VAT Members / £25.00+VAT Non-members

Hereford Women’s Business Forum in association with Thorne Widgery Thursday 7 May - 9.30-11.30am Thorne Widgery, 2 Wyevale Business Park, Kings Acre, Hereford HR4 7BS £10.00+VAT Members / £20.00+VAT Non-members

Redditch HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Thursday 4 June - 9.30-11.30am Abbey Hotel Golf & Country Club Ltd, Hither Green Lane, Dagnell End Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 9BE FREE event for Chamber members and clients of Hewett Recruitment

Evesham Networking Breakfast Friday 8 May - 7.30-9.30am Venue TBC £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Networking Breakfast Wednesday 13 May - 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester WR2 4QQ £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Members Treasure Hunt Thursday 14 May - 2.00-5.30pm Worcester Guildhall, High Street, Worcester WR1 2EY FREE to members Pre registering is essential Members Treasure Hunt – After Party Thursday 14 May - 6.00-9.00pm Edwards Bar, 100 High Street, Worcester WR12HW £10.00+VAT Members Worcester HR Forum in association with Hewett Recruitment Tuesday 19 May - 9.30-11.30am Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Severn House, Prescott Drive, Warndon Business Park, Worcester WR4 9NE FREE event for Chamber members and clients of Hewett Recruitment Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 20 May - 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Bromsgrove Networking Lunch Friday 22 May - 12.30-2.30pm Holiday Inn Birmingham-Bromsgrove, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove B61 9AB £20.00+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members

Malvern Curry Club in association with Sharpmonkeys Tuesday 16 June - 6.00-8.00pm Anupam, 85 Church Street, Great Malvern WR14 2AE £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Hereford Networking Breakfast Wednesday 17 June - 7.30-9.30am Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Wine and Cheese Evening Thursday 18 June - 6.00-8.00pm Casablanca Wine Bar, 7 Copenhagen Street, Worcester WR1 2HB £20.00+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Ledbury Networking Breakfast Monday 22 June - 7.30-9.30am Talbott Inn, 14 New Street, Ledbury HR8 2DX £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Malvern Networking Breakfast Wednesday 24 June - 7.30-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3ET £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Women’s Business Forum in association with borwell ltd Thursday 25 June - 9.30-12.00pm Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, Hindlip, Worcester WR3 8ZE £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members Hereford Curry Club in association with Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency Friday 26 June - 12.30-2.30pm The Den Restaurant, 17A West Street, Hereford HR4 0BX £15.00+VAT Members and Non-members

Ross on Wye Networking Breakfast Thursday 28 May - 7.30-9.30am The Royal Hotel, Royal Parade, Ross on Wye, HR9 5HZ £17.50+VAT Members / £35.00+VAT Non-members

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

023

ADVERTORIALFEATURE

XITEK – GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Xitek was formed in the late 1990s to fulfil the need for a customised, personalised electronic engineering design and manufacturing service.

Eighteen years on and the company is thriving at its base in the town of Malvern in Worcestershire, with Martin Richards and Andrew Perkins at the helm, and many years of experience between them.

With lots of knowledge in providing turnkey solutions, Xitek’s design element has expanded to include the provision of embedded software complementing the exceptional hardware design capabilities.

Many of Xitek’s customers require a ‘total solution’ which will often incorporate taking on complete project management; from concept and specification to prototyping and approval management.

Xitek’s turnover has continued to increase, year on year, despite a depressed market. Workforce numbers have increased in all departments, clearly highlighting the fact that our customers appreciate that if we have designed the product, it makes sense that we should also manufacture and test the product. This concept has proven to be a very successful model with almost 100% conversion rate from design through to manufacturing orders being secured.

With a very wide supplier base, of which many are franchised distributors, components are often sourced globally at very competitive prices and on short lead

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times. Xitek have close links with China and are able to utilise the extremely competitive services available in the Far East without sacrificing quality standards.

Key personnel maintain close coordination which is essential. Xitek are able to manufacture in one off volumes or schedules to meet customer requirements.

The company is able to boast an ISO9001:2008 accreditation and a robust QA system, welcoming external audits when new customers are brought on.

Quality is a vital important element of day to day business at Xitek from design through to product despatch.

Xitek are proud of the company’s customer base both in the UK and overseas. International trade is conducted with the United Arab Emirates and the United States. All export documentation is taken care of by fully trained staff, conversant with the many differing customs and policies of the continents that they operate in. The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have been extremely important to Xitek during the export journey as have UK Trade and Investment with their valuable input.

WHAT NEXT FOR XITEK? We are not able to dictate what our next project will be but with a portfolio in sectors ranging from automotive, industrial control, optical measuring instrumentation to high voltage switchgear, to name but a few, this does give our company an ability to utilise our skillsets to the maximum. If a project needs some element of measurement, processing or control, then there is a good chance it will require some electronics, and that is where we at Xitek can fill the gap.

Xitek have customers of all shapes and sizes from a single inventor to global corporations and are not fazed by the size of any project. No project is too small or too large.

Take a look at some of the case studies on our website http://www.xitek.co.uk/company/case-studies/ Or send an initial enquiry to sales@xitek.co.uk or, of course, just pick up the phone and call our offices 01684 899125 and start the ball rolling!

Xitek Limited, Unit B2, The Haysfield, Spring Lane North, Malvern, Worcs. WR14 1GF.

Our manufacturing facility includes the ability to assemble PCBs using the latest pick and place machines and IPC inspection techniques. Products can be 100% tested with customised simulated test equipment which is designed in house to satisfy our customer’s needs and ensure that the product reaches its destination, ready for installation.

May/June 2015

trol Ltd

GET YOUR INVOICES PAID

Arrivista are moving!

Worcestershire trio – Simon Williams of Arrivista Business Coaching, Aaron Kernaghan of Ecl-ips and Tony Bennett of Coomber have teamed up and are now the new owners of Coomber Electronic Equipment, the UK’s leading manufacturer of audio and visual equipment for the education sector.

Are you experiencing late payments?

Need local help that you can trust?

The team at Gravity have the expertise to collect your invoices without compromising your future sales. Outsourcing your Credit Control couldn’t be easier:

Coomber is widely recognised by it’s world-class design and manufacturing, providing products to the safety, aviation, energy and home entertainment sectors.

They also supply products to the world’s top 500 DJs.

n From 1 day per week to full time service n Holiday & temporary cover n Fixed monthly fee (no long term contract)

Arrivista Business Coaching moved into Coomber on Monday 27th April. The team would like to thank their clients for the kind wishes and support given throughout this new venture. Arrivista look forward to further informing everybody on the exciting open evening celebration that is currently being planned for June!

n Reduce Staffing and overhead costs n Cash goes directly to YOUR bank n We call as authorised representatives of your company so your customers see a seamless service

Finalist for

‘Most Promising New Business Award’ 2014

n Additional credit checking, reporting and risk management services available n Reduce factoring costs

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AND QUOTATION Tel: 01905 700170

Contact us

info@gravitycreditcontrol.co.uk www.gravitycreditcontrol.co.uk

call 01905 342 080 or email info@arrivista.co.uk

We’re here to help with your cash flow…

24/01/2013 09:27

From Data Centres, Secure Hosting to Telecoms

We are an ISO 9001 & ISO 27001 Certified Company As one of the UKs leaders in providing IT solutions we are able to provide Rack Space; Shared Colocation; Dedicated Servers and Cloud Solutions to businesses across the UK. Our bespoke data centres offer complete confidence that your data will be hosted securely at highly affordable costs.

Key Business Areas: t Data Centres t Dedicated Servers t Leased Lines & MPLS

t CoLocation & Rack Space t IT Solutions & Maintenance t Telecoms, VoIP & Broadband

New Tier 4+ Facility opened in the Midlands Tel: 01200 400600 www.datatechuk.com Prospect House, Fishing Line Road, Redditch, Worcestershire B97 6EW

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

025

CHAMBERTRAINING

SEVEN THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT CHAMBER TRAINING By the end of the fiscal year 2014/2015, 1. Over 920 biscuits, 534 buffet lunches and over 1602 cups of tea and coffee were served.

2. The furthest a delegate travelled to join one of the courses is Dublin.

3. The longest serving trainer has taught approximately 180 days...that’s six months solid training!

5. Over 456 delegates have been trained at their place of work.

4. The most popular course is Intermediate Excel.

7. The training department is run by 1.5 full time staff.

UPDATE YOUR SKILLS AND SAVE YOURSELF SOME TIME

LEGISLATION AND HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Microsoft Excel courses are run as a series of three and can provide invaluable tips and shortcuts for honing your skills in this area. They are taught with an informative style which lends itself to the comfortable, but challenging course content, giving delegates the opportunity for plenty of one to one tuition within the group work environment.

As a member of the Chamber, all businesses are given access to a free HR website (www.chamberhr.co.uk) and a legal advice line which they can access as many times as they wish to download documents or for advice and support.

INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT EXCEL 2010 FRIDAY 29 MAY If you’ve been asked to enter data in Excel 2010, but you’ve never worked with Excel, where do you begin? Or perhaps you have worked in Excel a few times, but you still wonder how to carry out some of the basic functions — creating, saving or printing a workbook, how to enter different kinds of data, how to edit data, creating a basic formula, or how to add, edit or delete a cell, columns or row. This is the place to learn the skills you need to work in Excel, quickly.

INTERMEDIATE MICROSOFT EXCEL 2010 FRIDAY 26 JUNE Here is your chance to learn how to sort and filter data lists, whether they be parts, customers or any set of business data. You may also rise to the challenge of learning about IF statements and producing key KPI measures using charting techniques. You will learn about multi worksheet and workbook linking, all in all a great course to give you valuable business skills in this popular package.

ADVANCED MICROSOFT EXCEL 2010 FRIDAY 10 JULY You don’t have to be an Excel genius to attend just possess a very good working knowledge of formulas, charts, sorts and filters. We aim to make even the most clever functions of a complicated nature relatively easy to understand and put to use. Many people would like to get to grips with pivot tables and macros and we show you how it’s not rocket science, but simply a great tool perhaps never explained in layman’s terms before. A course for you if you are at Intermediate levels already.

“The course was most useful for learning about shortcuts and ways to speed up work processes” 026

6. Over 920 certificates have been laminated.

The Chamber also provides a range of public and bespoke courses focused on HR, legislation and Health and Safety designed to help you. In the next few months, the following courses are being run to help you comply with your legislative requirements:

INTERNAL QUALITY AUDITOR –ISO 9001STANDARD THURSDAY 7 MAY Internal Auditing is a mandatory requirement of ISO 9001. Train as an ISO 9001 qualified internal auditor and guarantee future business success through the highest quality standards. Complete our ISO 9001 Internal Auditor training course and ensure your organisational quality management system achieves its full potential.

EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK THURSDAY 21 MAY EFAW training enables a first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill whilst at work.

In accordance with the Approved Code of Practice to the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, employers are ‘strongly recommended’ to consider the need for emergency first aid training for appointed persons within their organisation.

FIRE MARSHAL TRAINING WEDNESDAY 8 JULY To provide general fire safety and awareness training and additionally, to cover subjects which are specific to the duties of a fire warden in order to equip them to carry out their duties effectively and safely both in a fire and non-fire emergency role.

IOSH MANAGING SAFELY TUESDAY 9-FRIDAY 12 JUNE This accredited course is unlike any other. Designed for managers and supervisors in any sector or organisations, delegates will come away with practical actions to help them handle health and safety in their teams and workplace. It is a practical programme, full of step by step guidance, and with a sharp business focus, but you’ll also find that the highly innovative format and content engages and inspires delegates – critical to getting essential health and safety messages across.

May/June 2015

CHAMBERBUSINESSTRAINING

If your business requires any type of training, coaching or consultancy then the Chamber Training Centre can help you. Please find below a list of courses for May to July 2015 Colour & Grey

MAY COURSES

JUNE COURSES

JULY COURSES

Running a Business using Cloud Technologies Wednesday 6 May - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Search Engine Optimisation Tuesday 2&June - 9.30am-1.30pm Colour White £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Writing Effective Marketing Copy Wednesday 1 July - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Internal Quality Auditor Thursday 7 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Role of the Team Leader Wednesday 3 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

*Tariff Classification Thursday 2 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members/£250+VAT Non-members

The Distributor Agreement Wednesday 13 May - 9.30am-1.00pm £100+VAT Members/£125+VAT Non-members

Email Marketing Friday 5 June - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Managing Performance in the Team Thursday 2 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

*Export Licensing Thursday 14 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members/£250+VAT Non-members

*Customs Compliance Wednesday 10 June 2015 - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members/£250+VAT Non-members

Mentoring in the Workplace Tuesday 7 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Effective Use of Social Media Thursday 14 May - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

IOSH Managing Safely Tuesday 9 – Friday 12 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £495+VAT Members/£595+VAT Non-members

*Managing Agents and Distributors Tuesday 7 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members/£250+VAT Non-members

Effective Time Management Tuesday 19 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Google Analytics Monday 15 June - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Fire Marshal Training Wednesday 8 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

*Incoterms (2010) Wednesday 20 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members/£250+VAT Non-members

Assertiveness and Confidence at Work Tuesday 16 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

*Advanced Import Procedures Thursday 9 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members/£250+VAT Non-members

Emergency First Aid at Work Thursday 21 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Wednesday 17 June - 9.30am-1.30pm FREE to Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Effective use of Social Media Friday 10 July, 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

*Basics of Import Procedures Thursday 21 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members/£250+VAT Non-members

Finance for the Non Finance Managers Thursday 18 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Advanced Excel Friday 10 July - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Friday 22 May - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

*Advanced Letters of Credit Thursday 18 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £225+VAT Members/£250+VAT Non-members

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Tuesday 14 July, 9.30am-1.30pm FREE to Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Introduction to Microsoft Excel Friday 29 May - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

Effective Presentation Skills Monday 23 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members Running your Business using Cloud Technologies Thursday 25 June - 9.30am-1.30pm £80+VAT Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Key: Chamber Training courses delivered to the highest standards by professional and highly qualified trainers and consultants

Intermediate Excel Friday 26 June - 9.30am-4.30pm £150+VAT Members/£188+VAT Non-members

High quality import and export training courses specially designed to help local businesses trade profitably and effectively

An Introduction to Digital Marketing and PR Monday 29 June, 9.30am-1.30pm FREE to Members/£100+VAT Non-members

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Bespoke Training Courses Courses take place at Severn House, Worcester and start at 9.30am.

If there is a course that you are interested in that isn’t listed please contact the Training Team on 01905 673600 To book for any of these courses visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/businesstraining or call the Training Team on 01905 673600 or email training@hwchamber.co.uk

027

BIGINTERVIEW

WESTONS CIDER: CIDERS TO SUIT GLOBAL TASTES Westons Cider has produced traditional English cider in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle since 1880 and now exports to 43 countries globally. Managing Director Helen Thomas, who is the fourth generation of the Weston family, talks about the company’s important export business

“The international market for cider has developed hugely over the last few years from English cider producers selling and marketing their products abroad to expats, into an important and growing market in its own right. We see ourselves as being well-positioned to capitalise on this due to the quality and breadth of products we produce, with a cider for a wide range of palates and occasions,” says Thomas.

Westons total business has almost doubled over the last five years and it’s international business has contributed to this, growing by 70% over that time. The company started exporting in 1991 and since then Thomas has put a strong export team and strategy in place with Scandinavia, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia and Chile, among the 43 markets it now exports to. In November 2012 Westons opened its own subsidiary in Australia, Westons World Brands, which was the result of the cider company buying drinks distributor World Brands Australia.

Westons World Brands now looks after the distribution and sales of Westons products across Australia.

Westons international business has shown strong growth and the plan is to grow this steadily and with a target share of total business of 10%, Thomas says.

“Export really is a big focus for us. We can see its growth rates accelerating over the medium term as the global interest in cider continues to soar. Given that a number of markets have just opened up to us, they’ll start to gain momentum over the next couple of years. For example, America is a strong focus point for us at the moment.

It’s a very interesting and dynamic market with huge differences and opportunities across the different states.

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“Historically cider in America has been a bit of a misnomer, known as ‘hard cider’, but the market there is now growing very strongly. As the craft beer movement has gained pace, the cider market has gained traction too. Whereas in the UK the larger volumes of cider will be ‘mainstream’, everyday ciders, often still served in large glasses over ice, in America the majority of consumers will be looking for crafted, premium products. So America will certainly be a strong focus point for us in the next couple of years – we’ve just kicked off a big project to ascertain exactly how best to develop our business in this important developing market.”

Just as tastes can differ considerably from one state of America to another, Thomas explains how palates around the globe can vary dramatically: “It’s fascinating how consumer tastes differ as you move around the globe. Scandinavians often like robust products with a depth of flavour, such as our Henry Westons Vintage Cider, whereas the Australian palate tends to favour a sweeter, more highly-carbonated, lighter style of cider, such as Stowford Press, which is our best-selling product there.”

What makes Westons so successful globally seems to be the combination of its broad range of products with a cider to suit all these different taste preferences, as well as the quality of its products. As Thomas says: “We’ve been based in the heart of the UK cider-making industry in Herefordshire since 1880 and have been using traditional and authentic cider-making techniques since then. We’re lucky in that our heritage is extremely powerful.” Thomas recalls a recent trade visit from

May/June 2015

BIGINTERVIEW an American delegate who “absolutely loved the craftsmanship of our ciders and were fascinated by how the products were made. They likened them to some of the smaller craft brewers in America.”

HELEN THOMAS, Managing Director

Thomas’ son Guy Lawrence, fifth generation of the Weston family, is now a head cider maker at Westons.

He learnt his craft while working for a cider maker in New Zealand almost 10 years ago. “Guy brought this expertise back to Hereford and gave an extra dimension to our long-established business here,” Thomas explains. “Our latest launch, the UK’s first craft cider in a can, called Caple Rd Cider, is the perfect example of that.” Caple Rd Cider was launched in the UK at the beginning of February and according to Thomas has had phenomenal interest from both the trade and consumers alike, in fact so much so that it is just starting to roll out globally too: “It’s just launched in Poland, Thailand and Ireland with a number of other markets in the pipeline too.“ Thomas says she is often asked advice from other companies thinking of exporting, and her answer is always the same. “The most important thing is to research and choose your markets very carefully to ensure they are right for your business and product.

Finding the right importer and having a good relationship with them is also extremely important and there needs to be a thorough understanding of what the company wants to achieve in the marketplace.”

Likewise, doing your own homework is paramount, Thomas says: “Don’t just trust potential importers’ advice as to where your product will sell. However well your importer understands the marketplace, you know your product better than anyone else, so you need to do some of the groundwork too to work out whether a market will be successful.” Thomas adds: “The other useful advice I was given was not to grow too quickly and spread yourself too thinly. The emphasis should be on considered and strategic growth.” Given Westons strong export business, this is clearly advice which Thomas is well placed to give.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

029

COVERFEATURE

EXPORTING IS GREAT – FOR HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE AND COULD BE GREAT FOR YOUR BUSINESS TOO! Exciting times are ahead for the UK Trade and Investment team, based in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce!

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The Chambers of Commerce in the West Midlands have just been awarded the five year contract to deliver the international trade services on behalf of UKTI, which means that not only do we get a continued level of support for export in our two counties, but the team can now make plans and set out an exciting agenda for export over the new few years.

The team itself is set to grow, with additional International Trade Advisors being brought in to work in partnership with the LEPs (Local Enterprise Partnerships), to create a sector focus for the region.

The existing International Trade Advisors will also focus on sector specialisms within the team – covering Food and Drink; Agritech; and Defence, May/June 2015

COVERFEATURE

Security & Cyber as key sectors in our local economy.

They will also seek to further develop the support that they provide to all sizes of businesses – whether they are new to export or are experienced and need the extra bit of help to close the deals!

SO WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM THE TEAM OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? n There will be a focus to attract new companies to exporting. The benefits of exporting are immense, and can and do, ensure sustainability of a business plus provide local jobs and security. There are programmes, advice and tools available to such companies to help them take their ‘first steps’ along the export journey – and to help simplify what can be seen as a daunting prospect. n For companies who are already exporting, there will be a focus on ensuring that they are finding the right opportunities for their business. A trade mission programme needs to be put in place, and this will reflect the needs of our local companies, and help to deliver growth to Herefordshire and Worcestershire exporters. n For the bigger companies (turnover of £25 million plus) there will be continued support via our Medium Sized Business (MSB) programme. There is

a dedicated International Trade Advisor who works with MSB’s in our region providing specific and tailored support for export.

The team itself is set to grow, with additional International Trade advisors being brought in to work, in partnership with the LEPs (Local Enterprise Partnerships), to create a sector focus for the region. n A key area where we can provide help is through the UKTI global network: there are UK commercial teams in over 100 locations around the world, ready to help UK companies export. We have a plan in place, within the West Midlands region, to host a commercial officer visit from one of the key markets every month. This will provide access to local experts for our companies, who can give valuable knowledge and insights into the target export market.

n Local events focused on our local companies export needs: there will be a fresh approach to the nature and content of events that will be held in order to provide significant and relevant assistance to your export activities. There will be opportunities to network with other companies to learn from them, and meet colleagues who are on a similar journey, as well as having tangible business takeaways to help you progress. n Export clinics – Informal sessions to be held once a quarter at various locations in Herefordshire & Worcestershire where companies can find out all about export. There will be experts on hand to talk about what it can involve, the benefits and considerations, to help you establish if exporting is for you!

EXPORT WEEK 18-22 MAY FOR INFORMATION ABOUT TARGETED EXPORT EVENTS IN THE REGION SEE PAGE 49

A WORD FROM LINDA SMITH, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE After a background in electronics, I had the opportunity to utilise my experience in the world of trade and have since gone by the overriding mantra of “Exporting is GREAT”. I am incredibly lucky to have a team of seven International Trade Advisors and three operational staff in my International Trade team, all with enviable amounts of expertise in a variety of different fields and sectors, who operate under exactly the same premise!

We have seven dedicated International Trade Advisors, one of which specifically helping medium sized businesses (MSB), all of whom are on hand to offer a range of support, available to all internationally facing businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. With commercial backgrounds in a range of sectors, all with wide-ranging levels of international experience, my team are able to offer truly global services, but with intricate and in-depth knowledge of local business conditions. It is this that makes the UKTI offer such a valuable one for business.

In addition to this, the International Trade operations team, who are part of the Chamber’s Commercial team, offer British Chambers of Commerce Accredited Export Documentation services, translation brokerage of around 140 languages, specialist services for exporters and, impressively for a

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of our size, a specialist training schedule that cover critical industry subject titles that enable a business to become a competitive and successful exporter.

I am sure that many of you reading this may already know about the support that UKTI and the International Trade team can offer (some of you may even be current clients) but for those who don’t my team are I are always willing to offer advice and support for those that need it.

I want to say this to businesses: Exporting does not have to be the daunting and unobtainable prospect you think it might be. A simple footing outside of your comfort zone with allow you to sell your products in some of the most lucrative markets across the world, grow your business and, the part I know you will enjoy hearing, make more money in the process!

Best wishes, Linda Tel: 01905 673614 Email: linda.smith@mobile.ukti.gov.uk

031

FOCUSONBUSINESSSUPPORT

Your Career Academy Your Career Academy Changing the way people are developed Changing the way people are developed

We GUARANTEE We GUARANTEE our our platform platform At YCA we are so convinced that our people At YCA we are so convinced that our people development platfrom will work for you, that if development platfrom will work for you, that if you don’t see results within the first few you don’t see results within the first few months we will give it to you for FREE. months we will give it to you for FREE.

YCA have been working with Learning YCA have been working with Learning Development professionals and with Development professionals and with organisational psychologists to understand the organisational psychologists to understand the most effective way to develop your employees most effective way to develop your employees through a variety of methods. We have through a variety of methods. We have designed our system to truely engage with your designed our system to truely engage with your employees generating a dynamic process that employees generating a dynamic process that makes it easy, fun and delivers bottom line makes it easy, fun and delivers bottom line results. results.

Brett Griffiths, Director of Your Career Brett Griffiths, Director of Your Career Academy comments, “We are very clear about Academy comments, “We are very clear about what we want to do when it comes to people what we want to do when it comes to people development, and that is maximising development, and that is maximising opportunity for every individual within our opportunity for every individual within our customer’s organisation.” customer’s organisation.”

For a FREE consultation of your For a FREE consultation of your requirement contact Brett requirement contact Brett www.yourcareeracademy.com www.yourcareeracademy.com +44(0)1905 23928 +44(0)1905 23928 info@yourcareeracademy.com info@yourcareeracademy.com 032

DEVELOPING DEVELOPING PEOPLE PEOPLE THROUGH THROUGH TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

Are Are your your team team on on the the right track? right track?

Do Do something something different different and and get get the the right right results. results.

If you are looking to get more out of your team but feel that training

If you are looking to get more out of your team but feel that training and appraisals have not delivered the right impact for your organisation, and appraisals have not delivered the right impact for your organisation, the team at YCA will understand your challenges and work to deliver the team at YCA will understand your challenges and work to deliver on your targets. on your targets.

Brett comments, “It’s quite simple, people want to get a great result Brett comments, “It’s quite simple, people want to get a great result without doing anything different when it comes to developing their without doing anything different when it comes to developing their teams. There is an old quote we like to use, “you do what you have teams. There is an old quote we like to use, “you do what you have always done, you get what you have always got”. So if you want to get always done, you get what you have always got”. So if you want to get great performance from your teams and it’s not working then you have great performance from your teams and it’s not working then you have to do something different. We believe we have cracked the code when to do something different. We believe we have cracked the code when it comes to accelerating teams to the next level”. it comes to accelerating teams to the next level”.

YCA are part of a lean based company, so they have lean specialists YCA are part of a lean based company, so they have lean specialists enabling them to combine: Lean, People Development & Technology enabling them to combine: Lean, People Development & Technology leading to an unparalleled process. They are now working with the leading to an unparalleled process. They are now working with the education sector to deliver careers to over 2000 school teachers and education sector to deliver careers to over 2000 school teachers and support staff, this is paramount to ensure that students get the best of support staff, this is paramount to ensure that students get the best of their time within the education system. their time within the education system.

Rajan Jerome a developer for YCA comments, “We can design and Rajan Jerome a developer for YCA comments, “We can design and develop any system or function the customer needs, we aim to remove develop any system or function the customer needs, we aim to remove the administrative procesess allowing employees to work on creative the administrative procesess allowing employees to work on creative ways to grow their business. Too much time in ways to grow their business. Too much time in the day is spent on tasks that our system can the day is spent on tasks that our system can automate, give us the problem and we will fix automate, give us the problem and we will fix it”. it”.

May/June 2015

FOCUSONLEARNINGANDDEVELOPMENT

MANAGER, TRAINER, PRESENTER, COACH

WHO DELIVERS THE BEST RETURN ON YOUR TRAINING BUDGET? Employers in England invest £39bn a year in learning and development, in training costs and staff time. Imagine: Does every £ of that £39bn return multiple benefits to each investing business and each person trained?

If training doesn’t result in learning and change in the individual and increased performance in the business, you’ve wasted both time and money. Are we having a quiet corporate rant? Hell yes! This column on Learning and Development (which includes but isn’t limited to training) aims to raise your expectations of what workplace learning, training and professional education can and should do for your business.

REAL LEARNING So how do you know you’ve learned something?

Because you’re able to do something you couldn’t do before (drive, speak French, programme a Raspberry Pi). In L&D terms you have a new “competence” and applied in the workplace that’s worth something.

We’re learning constantly (remember every time you upgrade your phone? you learn!). With a specific work-related goal in mind, you learn when you know n what you’re specifically aiming to learn n why that’s important/valuable to you n what rewards are likely as a result of learning (money, recognition, status, team)

n you’re in an environment that supports learning (ie safe, supportive, creative).

n What specifically do we need people to do that they can’t do now?

Then you’ll build on existing knowledge, boosting your confidence to practice new capabilities, and you’ll develop to function at a higher level. That creates a return for the business. It’s simple in principle but doesn’t always happen in practice. Why? Because, before arranging training, managers forget to connect learning outcomes to the results they want in the workplace.

n What do our staff think is important to learn and how will they benefit from learning it?

THE BEST RETURN BY DESIGN One of the programmes we run for clients, the RESULTs Programme, teaches coaching skills to leaders and managers, so they get better results from the people they manage. Why? Because those clients recognise that the competencies of a coach (the behaviours, attitude, process, goal focus) are the right tools for strong, motivating performance management by managers at all levels of the business. They’ve made the connection between the business’ need for strong performance and sustained productivity.

Next time you’re focusing on a problem where there’s a human capability issue, start with the end in mind by asking:

n What are the different ways in people could learn this important new capability? eg training programme, workplace coaching, external accreditation Who delivers the best return on your training budget?

You do, when you invest time and attention identifying the right learning intervention to create the results you want. Rant over. We’re on the same page now.

01684 878067 | www.rubus-services.com

Rubus is a training and consultancy business that specialises in improving performance from people. It delivers innovative programmes that support team development, performance improvement and business change including ‘The Five Behaviours of a Cohesive Team’, ‘The RESULTs Programme’, DiSC Profiling and ‘The Work of Leaders’.

n What problem are we trying to solve by investing in people’s capability? n What do we need to do better? By investing in learning what result do we expect to get for the business?

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

John McConnachie

Liz Watkins -Young

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ADVERTORIALFEATURE

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Naturally, contractors are unwilling to offer their best rates for projects which are not adequately described, or where they are exposed to risk due to the extent of the work being undefined.

The role of the Quantity Surveyor is to minimise risks for both parties by defining the work content and terms of the contract as precisely as possible, thereby getting the lowest possible prices; and ensuring that stage payments made to builders are accurate, thus avoiding any chance of overpayment.

May/June 2015

FOCUSONDIGITALMARKETING

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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CONFERENCEWORCESTERSHIRE www.conference-worcestershire.com

THE ABBEY HOTEL, MALVERN The Abbey Hotel is an impressive venue for meetings, conferences, training days, parties and dinner dances.

Known for excellent service, warm ambiance and a professional approach, The Abbey is the perfect choice for your corporate event.

Located in the heart of Great Malvern, it offers great views of the Vale of Evesham and the Malvern Hills.

At The Abbey you will find 103 bedrooms with all the modern comforts of a 4-star hotel, a stylish 120 seated restaurant offering a modern European à la carte menu.

The Priory View lounge bar serves a full menu from 10am to 10pm.

The hotel’s seven light-filled event suites can accommodate small to large meetings, conferences of up to 300 delegates, and intimate dinners to large company award dinners. With a free car park, and free unlimited WiFi throughout the hotel, it makes for the perfect venue. Why not stay over for a multi-day retreat event for your team, including teambuilding with a difference on the hills.

A dedicated event co-ordinator will help you organise your event down to the last detail and provide you with all your equipment needs including PA systems, projectors, screens, and any other equipment you require.

Refreshments for your meeting can be taken in the event suite or in the Priory View Restaurant, providing a relaxed break from your meeting.

Hotel Features: 103 bedrooms, 7 event suites, free parking, free WiFi, 120 seated restaurant.

SPRING GROVE HOUSE/TREE TOPS The unique nature of Spring Grove House; its location in the heart of West Midland Safari Park; stunning interior; faultless attention to detail and dedicated management team means that this is an important and distinguished business destination for the Midlands. Spring Grove House may be hired exclusively for conferences, board meetings, training sessions and launches – the list goes on.

Whereas the Park’s alternative venue, Tree Tops Pavilion, is a unique African-inspired pavilion of huge proportions, which has already made its mark in the field of Corporate Hospitality and is renowned for hosting some of the County’s largest corporate events. Tree Tops has the added extra advantage of extensive free car parking and good access.

Tree Tops can seat up to 500-theatre style, 400 banqueting style on round 036

tables, and provide exclusive barbecue facilities for groups of up to 2000. It boasts an advanced multi-screen media centre which can be personalised with client DVD, logo and brand messaging, audio visual presentation facilities, lighting, staging, bar, built in warm air heating for winter events, private entrance with facilities to hang coats and toilets. The minimum capacity that is considered to hire Tree Tops is 100 guests. www.springgrovehouse.co.uk

For further information call us on 01684 892332 or email us at abbey@sarova.com

UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER CAMPUS Worcester is the perfect place to host your conference, meeting or event! Behind a backdrop of historic architecture and culture, Worcester provides everything you would expect from a modern City.

The University of Worcester offers professional conferencing facilities on both St John’s Campus and City Campus, for a wide range of meetings, training events and conferences.

They are also able to offer dedicated computer rooms, should your training sessions require your delegates to have computer access.

In addition, the University Arena boasts brand new, state of the art conference facilities; in a fresh, modern and dynamic conference suite on the first floor of the building. The suite can be fully partitioned to create smaller, soundproof rooms if required; and includes exciting views overlooking the Arena Hall and across the River Severn to the city centre beyond.

St John’s Campus is located within a

20 minute walk along the river from the City Centre, and has the advantage of on-site car parking, set in a leafy, green environment.

The City Campus is close to shops, restaurants and local amenities, and walking distance from Worcester Foregate Street Station and Crowngate Bus Station. It was previously the site of the old Worcester Infirmary and has since gone through extensive refurbishment.

A wide range of hospitality is offered, to suit your event.

In the summer, the Halls of Residences on both campuses are available for external bookings for conference delegates, special interest groups and guests visiting family and friends in the city.

The conference team would be pleased to show you around and to work with you to help plan your forthcoming event. conferencing@worc.ac.uk

May/June 2015

DESTINATIONWORCESTERSHIRE

VISIT WOOFCESTERSHIRE PHOTO COMPETITION Visit ‘Woofcestershire’ have partnered up with Fish4Dogs, who provide natural food and treats for dogs made from fish. Fish4Dogs are offering a year’s supply of Fish4Dogs food and treats for one lucky dog, for the best photograph of your pooch enjoying a day out in Worcestershire.

To enter the competition simply post your photograph on either www.facebook. com/VisitWorcestershire or www.facebook.com/ fish4dogsuk with the hashtag #Woofcestershire or email to tourism@visitworcestershire.org. The competition closes on 30 September 2015. www.visitworcestershire.org/dogfriendly

SIR ROBERT WORCESTER TO GIVE TALK ON KING JOHN AT WORCESTER CATHEDRAL ‘Bad King John, did he do good in the end? The relevance of Magna Carta in the 21st Century’ is the theme of the talk to be given

by Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL, Chairman of the Magna Carta 2015 800th Anniversary Commemoration Committee.

The event is kindly sponsored by SME Solicitors and will take place in Worcester Cathedral on Thursday 28 May 2015 as part of a series of events commemorating Magna Carta that was reluctantly sealed

by King John in June 1215 at Runnymede.

The talk will take place in sight of King John’s Tomb in the stunning setting of the Cathedral Quire, where King John was buried after his death at Newark in October 1216. The effigy on the top of the tomb is the oldest surviving royal effigy in England.

Sir Robert Worcester is the founder of MORI (Market & Opinion Research International) and was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen a Knight Commander

of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of ‘the outstanding services rendered to political, social and economic research and for contribution to government policy and programmes’.

Sir Robert is also the Deputy Chairman of the Magna Carta Trust that awarded a grant to enable Worcester Cathedral to commission a King John & Magna Carta play for schools to be written. The performances to schools will take place in April and May. The visit by Sir Robert Worcester has been organised by Worcester Cathedral in association with Visit Worcestershire and the Battle of Worcester Society.

The talk on Thursday 28 May 2015 starts at 7pm, with a pre-lecture reception for those attending from 6pm. Tickets are £10.00 (+ 50p P&P) and can be purchased from Worcester Cathedral shop in the Cloister, via the cathedral’s online shop http:// worcestercathedral.co.uk/ shopping/start.php or by calling the Cathedral Chapter office on 01905 732900

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

STITCHES IN TIME The Ashmolean Museum, Broadway, is hosting an exhibition of eye-catching seventeenth-century embroidery from the Feller and Ashmolean collections until Sunday 7 June 2015.

Colourful raised and flat work pictorial panels, fine white and polychrome samplers and dress accessories will be included in the exhibition. The embroideries were created through individual use of stitches, colourful silks, metal threads, pearls and semi-precious stones.

The exhibition also includes a remarkable casket that was formerly in the collection of HRH The Princess Margaret. It is covered with beautifully worked embroidered panels depicting stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

The embroideries illustrate the themes and concerns which occupied the minds of the young women making them. They often depict biblical stories at a time when religious issues, including the use of images, aroused great controversy. www.ashmoleanbroadway.org

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WOMENINBUSINESS

SECURING A FUTURE IN SOFTWARE

YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR FUTURE HomeXperts is a multi award-winning estate and letting agency franchise, who developed an innovative, forward-thinking outlook to the property industry. The established franchise model, recently won Gold for The Sunday Times’ Best Estate Agency Franchise in 2014, delivers proven steps to success to HomeXperts franchisees.

The full training and support package provided guides franchisees through the launch process, helping them to hit the ground running.

To ensure franchisees have an up-to-date knowledge of all things current in the property market HomeXperts deliver an ongoing mentoring programme, including twice-weekly webinars, monthly one-to-ones and quarterly training conferences.

Promoting a customer caring ethos has been the platform to build on for all HomeXperts franchisees. This was validated when HomeXperts conducted a survey and the results showed that 100% of HomeXperts clients would recommend the business to family and friends. HomeXperts franchisees deliver a world-class level of customer service leading to a business which thrives on customer referrals.

HomeXperts franchisees offer honest and realistic valuations and consequently nationally HomeXperts sell properties for 98.1% of the original asking price.

Our top-earning franchisees join the HomeXperts ‘High Flyers Club’ by earning more than £10,000 in a month in invoiced commissions. Thinking an estate and letting agency franchise could be your next career move?

Visit www.home-xperts.co.uk to find out how you could join the best of the best in the industry.

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Andrea Borwell-Fox isn’t your average software company director. In an industry that is still male-dominated and rife with the macho culture of long hours, she believes in running their IT security and software business very differently.

NEW THINKING, PRACTICAL ACTION Fresh Nous is a marketing agency with a difference and their innovative but practical marketing solutions are achieving results for a growing number of businesses in the region.

Headed up by former blue chip marketers, Laura DuPont and Celia Felgate, Fresh Nous focusses on marketing that really makes a difference; tackling the everyday business challenge of how to attract and retain customers. Their approach is to help organisations step into the shoes of their current and potential customers in order to develop propositions, offers and marketing strategies that fit the needs and desires of these customers.

Fresh Nous provide marketing support from proposition development, digital marketing and sales channel development through to creative execution, web design and campaign management.

On top of all of that they’re making waves as digital marketing trainers and business mentors, having recently trained and mentored close to 100 Worcestershire businesses through the Digital Essentials scheme. Celia from Fresh Nous says: “We’re passionate about bringing big business thinking to smaller organisations - whether we’re training or delivering on behalf of a client our objective is always to deliver measurable results that fit with the budgets and targets of the business we’re working with.”

For further information please contact Fresh Nous on 01905 780810 www.freshnous.com chat@freshnous.com @freshnous

Fresh Nous

“Before we founded borwell, I was a head of department at a secondary school. There I saw how people who felt valued as a whole person performed infinitely better than those whose work and home lives were out of balance.”

In 2002, with a new baby and the realisation that her husband’s employer was never going to be family-friendly, they made the life-changing decision to resign from their jobs and set-up their own IT business.

“Looking back, I remember feeling scared. It was a big risk. But we were confident we had the technical skills and determination to make it work.”

“While Steve and colleagues focused on work that they knew best, I learned from scratch everything else involved in running a business.”

“To start, I didn’t know what we ‘should’ be doing, so focused on what fit our values best.

Although this meant a lot of trial and error, it worked out well.”

“Perhaps more importantly, it meant that our staff could see that everyone, at whatever level in the business, needs to keep learning and adapting in order to succeed.” borwell is an award-winning software house creating software which is secure by design.

Security should be top of all business owners interests, as the average cost of a security breach is £138,000 to small businesses. borwell is based at Malvern Hills Science Park, currently employing 16 people developing custom software for security conscious government departments and businesses.

Email: andrea@borwell.com Phone: 01684 377980

May/June 2015

WOMENINBUSINESS

HELPING TO KEEP YOUR PAPERWORK ORGANIZED Rose from Farries Business Services likes to bring order to your office. Are you drowning under the strain? We can give you back the time to spend on your business or with your family.

Holding a practise licence as a member of The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and working with local business as part of The Best of Bromsgrove and 4Networking enables us to offer a number of comprehensive services of Administration,

n from creating your invoices to filing them, even putting a system in place if you do not have one n deal with ordering, bill payments and credit control n bookkeeping services to keep your paper work in order, helping with cash flow n do your quarterly VAT returns, regular bank reconciliation and monthly reports n help get your paperwork ready for end of year accounts and your accountant. n offer payroll services for SME, helping with auto enrolment and using RTI on a weekly or monthly payroll

So find out more by contacting us. We offer a free consultation service, tailored to your unique needs ensuring the best possible results and maximum returns for each client. This enables you to pick the services on offer to best suit your needs.

We use Sage or Saasu Accounting packages.

All you need from that one off job to regular Hourly/ Daily/Weekly work.

You tube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=E1zXzDNIHgM Tel: 01905 921 553 | Mob: 07527 144413 Email: rose@farriesbusinessservices.co.uk Web : www.farriesbusinessservices.co.uk @RoseFarries Rosemary (Rose) Farries

HEALTH ENGAGEMENT MOTIVATION Having worked in the legal profession for a number of years Kathy Scott knew what it was like to work under time pressures and as a consequence how people forget to look after themselves. Hands On At Work was created to provide local businesses with a simple yet effective way to look after their staff from a health, engagement and motivational perspective.

Joining the local Chamber of Commerce enabled Kathy to meet so many inspirational people who have provided support and help with the growth of the business. Many of those people are now also good friends.

SARA MARRETT OF THE HR DEPT - WORCESTERSHIRE Worcester businesswoman Sara Marrett has set up her own small HR business after leaving corporate life and opting to work with SMEs.

Being her own boss allowed Kathy the freedom she wanted but at the same time taking on the responsibility of growing the business and making it a success. She has also been able to use those skills to help charities both locally and abroad.

Sara has set up an independent branch of The HR Dept, covering the whole of Worcestershire and offering HR services to small businesses in the region.

Five years on Hands On At Work now has a team of therapists situated across the Midlands and in the South with a variety of skills allowing the Company to provide not only the onsite massage but also a wealth of other health and wellbeing services including sports massage and postural analysis.

Her previous role was a transformational one, introducing a flexible benefits programme and new pensions set-ups, bringing the firm’s HR function in line with growth they had experienced.

As more businesses review different ways of providing employee benefits and their health and wellbeing strategies, Hands On At Work is looking forward to working with them and also in conjunction with other local businesses such as health cash plan providers, occupational health companies, sports clubs and physiotherapists.

Kathy Scott E: info@handsonatwork.co.uk W: www.handsonatwork.co.uk T: 07989 367669 @HandsOnAtWork Kathy Scott

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Sara brings over two decades in corporate HR, from sectors including aerospace, manufacturing, engineering, utilities and agriculture, to her new company.

“Now I can use my corporate experience to help SMEs. There are so many traps out there for small businesses and I want to help them be as informed as possible, with commercial and pragmatic advice to find the commercial solution in a field where the situation is never black and white.

“If something does happen, I can help them make sure that they have the basic policies and procedures in place to ensure they are legally compliant. Many companies don’t know what their obligations are and I can give them a free health check to make sure that they understand what they need and, importantly, what they don’t need.”

Sara will offer clients the full spectrum of HR services, from employment law and managing people issues to recruitment, redundancies, restructuring, training and payroll.

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We’re passionate about print!

Looking for a printer for your next print project? Then look no further, with Charlesworth Press you can expect …

• Competitive pricing on brochures, catalogues, magazines, corporate literature, & much more • Full colour printing from short runs up to thousands of copies • Wide range of binding options including soft bound, hard bound, wiro & spiral bound • Dedicated Account Manager to help & advise throughout the process • Accredited to ISO 9001 Quality standards • Environmentally friendly ISO 14001 & FSC production • PLUS lots of care & attention to detail!!

Working hard to support Chamber Members throughout Herefordshire & Worcestershire

Contact us to find out how we can make a difference to your next print project Tel: 01924 204830 Email: sales@charlesworth.com

Charlesworth Press ...evolution in print

www.charlesworth.com Charlesworth Press, Flanshaw Way, Flanshaw Lane, Wakefield WF2 9LP

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May/June 2015

Is your business growing profitably?

Einstein famously quoted the definition of madness is to expect different results from doing the same thing. Yet identifying what needs to be changed from the inside is not easy.

WELCOME TO BURGHILL VALLEY GOLF CLUB Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Herefordshire, Burghill Valley Golf club now under new ownership offers you perfect opportunity to enjoy a game of golf and relax.

We're a friendly club and welcome both visitors and societies to come and enjoy our course! New members are always welcome. Corporate golf is also an excellent vehicle for business, entertainment and promotional purposes.

Burghill Valley Golf Glub can also provide a complete venue for all types of occasions.

Our comfortable clubhouse, with its refurbished bar and popular restaurant, has hosted many different types of event over the years. n Corporate events. n Christmas parties n Private parties (birthdays, christenings etc.)

If you're interested, and would like more information, please give us a ring on 01432 760456 or email jo@bvgc.co.uk

At Adrian Russell Consulting Limited, we work with clients to help them develop the skills they need to grow their businesses.

Be it helping to develop a commercial business strategy, restructuring a sales team, developing business controls, designing and implementing a sales campaign or improving your financial reporting. We can help unlock the growth potential of your business by:

To find out how we can help your business, contact us to arrange a free, no obligation consultation:

n Identifying and targeting potential growth markets n Improving selling skills n Turning business data into information and insight n Develop business controls to help you manage your business Contact us for a free, no obligation initial consultation to talk about your business ambitions and how we can help you achieve them.

Adrian Russell Consulting Limited

Tel: 07909 688294 | ade@adrianrussellconsulting.co.uk

www.adrianrussellconsulting.co.uk

Brilliant brand exposure with the Great British Deskie!

The humble office desk gives you a fantastic opportunity to promote your company and get your message seen day after day!

It’s also a great way to fly the flag for British manufacturing.

We have a brilliant range of British-made desktop essentials, from mugs and mouse mats to pads and clocks, all acting as a permanent reminder of your company to your customers.

Tel: 01299 252090 Email: sales@promotional-mix.co.uk Web: www.promotional-mix.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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INTERNATIONALTRADE

WHAT IS YOUR COMPANIES GLOBAL AMBITION FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS – HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY GROWN IN THE PAST 5 YEARS THANKS TO THEIR EXPORT STRATEGY. EXMED

Exmed is a leading UK remote medical healthcare business. Incorporated in 2004, the company was founded by two ex Special Forces Medics to support the growing demand for medical support, training and equipment in post conflict markets, fragile states and remote areas.

The company has worked tirelessly to understand their target market, delivering turnkey medical support to capacity building projects for host-nation governments, NGO’s and international organisations, gaining multi million pound contracts mainly in the Middle-East, Far East and Africa.

POSTCODE ANYWHERE You might not have heard of Postcode Anywhere, but there’s every chance you’ve used its services. Its technology powers the function on websites that allows you to find your address by just typing in your postcode. Today over 50% of all UK online postcode lookups take place through Postcode Anywhere’s platform, and it names Tesco, Oxfam and Pizza Hut among its 9,000 strong client list.

Since launching in 2000, it’s seen annual revenues grow to £10 million and its workforce expand to over 50 people.

Recognising that they have developed a fantastic platform for growth, co-founders Guy Mucklow and Jamie Turner have now taken a conscious decision to aggressively scale the business and have put in measures to make this happen including investing in a state-of-the-art office in Diglis, Worcester.

The owners have also recently set up

an Enterprise Management Incentive scheme which offers all their employees a share in the company’s success, encouraging wider ownership of the business. Mucklow says: “I don’t want to take my staff for granted, and one of the reasons why we put the EMI in place is because there’s a certain level of passion, desire, drive, ambition and hunger that you get from founders that isn’t often seen in people that are just working for the business. I want to spread some of that energy and see some of those qualities in other members of my team.”

Mucklow says they now plan to grow the company by 50% annual for the next five years to reach £50 million in revenue, through a combination of increasing the marketplace for existing technologies and also through the introduction of a new big data start-up, called Triggar. www.postcodeanywhere.co.uk

Exmed have designed and built - as part of their extensive portfolio - a state of the art training facility, accredited by several UK and US governing bodies, based at Pengethley Manor. The facility is a 24/7 operational department that deploys medics all over the world, also providing top cover clinical governance

assistance, 24 hour reach back service and medical intelligence reports. Also including a fully licensed travel clinic offering Oil and Gas medical for the extractive market, and an array of travel vaccinations and advice for holiday and business travelers, and a fully stocked medical equipment warehouse holding anything from the small first aid dressing to clinical furniture and bespoke medical equipment kits, able to design and equip remote clinics and hospital solutions.

So far in 2015, and with the help of UKTI, they have exported over £600,000 of medical equipment worldwide, utilising local clearing agents and UK freight forwarding companies to achieve a 100% success rate. Exmed is well placed to service customer needs throughout the world, with offices in the UK, UAE, US and Kenya, they can offer an unparalleled focus on quality delivery and customer service. www.exmed.co.uk

DEEP-SECURE Software is not often a subject that gets people excited, but for Deep-Secure it does. Their products, which are known as ‘Guards’, keep all forms of data secure as it is exchanged across the internet.

As modern day life becomes increasingly interwoven and reliant on the internet, the need for trustworthy and dependable products is growing. Deep Secure ‘Guards’ are now found in demanding data environments across the UK and, increasingly, in Europe.

UKTI have been a part of the market development strategy. With the Herefordshire and Worcestershire team helping forge pathways into new markets through trade missions and in-country events in the Central Eastern European

(CEE) belt and, recently, with the Prime Minister to Washington DC. Established in 2010, Deep Secure has seen its staff over treble in size to reach 30. Since opening their doors, Deep Secure have seen turnover improve exponentially, with steady profit and good forecasts for overseas markets.

“Our ethos is simple”, explains Deep-Secure’s CEO, Robin King. “We ensure ongoing investment in the development of our products; it’s that what sets us apart. Cyber threats are not static, nor are our Guards. They’ve been engineered to deal with malware and data loss in a unique and robust way.“ www.deep-secure.com

FOR ADVICE AND SUPPORT ON TRADING OVERSEAS PLEASE CONTACT THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE TEAM AT THE CHAMBER ON 01905 673614 OR EMAIL INTERNATIONALTRADE@HWCHAMBER.CO.UK

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May/June 2015

INTERNATIONALTRADE

GO GLOBAL WITH YOUR BUSINESS Join companies from across the West Midlands for a week of events to coincide with the start of the world fair “Milan Expo 2015”. This year’s fair will run from May to October and will explore the theme of ‘Feeding the Planet: Energy for Life’.

Here in the region, as part of spring Export Week local companies can join the discussion, showcase their expertise, and find out more about global opportunities to win business. You can attend one of the several events on offer to support bussinesses.

AUTOMOTIVE OPPORTUNITIES IN MEXICO MONDAY 18 MAY - JAGUAR, CASTLE BROMWICH The event will provide information and a chance to discuss the opportunity for UK automotive companies to win business in this key Latin American market.

Companies interested in investing or delivering to the supply chain in Mexico will benefit from hearing from several expert speakers and local companies who have found success.

GLOBAL AGRITECH OPPORTUNITIES - TUESDAY 19 MAY - HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY, SHROPSHIRE The seminar will introduce a range of opportunities in the agritech sector. Hear from an expert panel, with the chance to find out more about key markets and network with likeminded companies. The event will also give companies an insight into support and advice available locally.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES FEDERATION LAUNCH ROADSHOW - WEDNESDAY 20 MAY - FAZELEY STUDIOS, BIRMINGHAM A new voice for the industry; the launch of the Creative Industries Federation will bring together up to 200 representatives from the creative, arts and cultural education sectors to discuss the challenges they face in the West Midlands. Hear from a local creative company making it overseas and network with likeminded companies.

MASTERCLASS: LABELLING AND PACKAGING FOOD AND DRINK FOR EXPORT - THURSDAY 21 MAY WYTHALL, WORCESTERSHIRE Join this one day workshop and increase your understanding of the requirements for nutrition labelling, including the importance of language, legibility and positioning. Take part in practical exercises and gain the confidence to compete on a global platform.

EXPORT 2020 - THURSDAY 21 MAY - BIRMINGHAM

BUSINESS LUNCH: CREATE AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS OVERSEAS - FRIDAY 22 MAY - THE MOAT HOUSE, STAFFORDSHIRE An invitation only lunch will give local women at the head of creative businesses the chance to network with likeminded women, and be inspired by local businesses including British designer Jan Constantine and her international success story.

To find out more about any of the events or to register your interest call 0345 222 0159 or email enquiries@ uktiwm.co.uk

GROWN IN BRITAIN - TO THE WORLD IN ONE PLACE The Expo brings together 20 million visitors from around the world including a 70k strong business delegation from China, plus business delegations from many other countries. Local businesses can showcase their business to the world as part of the Grown in Britain programme.

Apply to join one of the Ministerial or CEO hosted GREAT Week trade missions to Milan: Innovation in Food and Drink - 4-8 May Sustainability - 15-19 June Agritech - 6-10 July Creative Industries and Global Projects - 7-11 Sep Healthcare and Life Sciences - 28 Sep-2 October To find out more or to register your interest in any of the missions go to: http://goo.gl/XakxFF or email GreatWeeks@UKTIeventspecialist.com.

This exclusive forum for local partners will explore new ways of collaborating and offer the chance for attendees to discuss ways in which they could find additional value and international growth opportunities for their client base.

01905 673614 internationaltrade@hwchamber.co.uk Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSNEWS

DRIVER HIRE HEADS FOR HEREFORD

DIGITAL AND CREATIVE AGENCY, VENTUTEC, ARE GROWING IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES Returning after the new year to their brand new office space on Moor Street, Worcester, Ventutec are seeing significant growth as they launch a number of new high profile websites.

With thanks to funding from Worcestershire Business Central, Ventutec have created a highly creative space for their team. A picnic bench provides an inspiring, open area whilst the large scale pyramid wall art shows off the agencies branding.

With Google now ranking mobile friendly websites higher in organic search results, Ventutec’s website development and mobile app services are in high demand.

Lean is a global business improvement system which enables organisations to minimise resources, reduce waste and focus their products or services fully on their customers. Lean systems often support manufacturing businesses but the core principles can be applied to any organisation.

With the old Lean Enterprise Academy website failing to deliver in a number of ways, they were looking for a website that was more dynamic, engaging and responsive and also clearly show the business benefits.

After searching for the right fit digital agency, Lean Enterprise Academy

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award and followed that up by adding Driver Hire’s ‘New Franchisee of the Year’ award.

Driver Hire, which has a nationwide network of over 100 offices, provides temporary and permanent drivers and other logistics staff to businesses and organisations across the UK. They help when customers need extra staff to deal with holidays, illness or business expansion. Owners Sue and Vance Parsons were the winners of the 2014 ‘startups.com’ ‘Franchisee of the Year’

“We were already trading in the area,” says Vance. “Opening an office in Hereford, rather co-ordinating it from Worcester will enable us to deliver an even better service to existing customers – and add new ones.” www.driverhire.co.uk/ Microsites/Hereford-andWorcester/About-Us/

As well as technical development, the creative team have been involved with the successful Women2Web training by Worcester Business Central. Ventutec were selected to run the training by providing website, design and SEO training courses for Worcestershire business women.

Going hand in hand with the agencies growth plans, Ventutec are looking to expand and are currently recruiting for creative and technical talent. Their latest job vacancies include a PHP Web Developer and a Creative Designer, details of which can be found on their blog at www.ventutec.com

DYNAMIC, ENGAGING AND RESPONSIVE – V8MEDIA MEETS LEAN WEBSITE CHALLENGE Hereford digital experts V8Media have redesigned and rebuilt the Lean Enterprise Academy’s website.

Double-award winning local specialist recruiter, Driver Hire Worcester has opened another office in Hereford.

awarded the design and build project to V8Media. V8Media tabled a clear proposal which focused primarily on the needs of the site user with user-friendly page navigation.

Launched for autumn 2014 the new website is now live and bringing all kinds of UK businesses a wealth of knowledge and resources to help them improve efficiency.

Dave Brunt, CEO from Lean Enterprise Academy said: “Exactly what we were looking for. We are delighted with the solution devised and delivered by V8Media.”

Have a look - www.leanuk.org www.v8media.co.uk

TRIO ACQUIRE COOMBER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Worcester audio manufacturer Coomber Electronic Equipment has been acquired by three county businessmen.

The Warndon-based firm is the UK’s leading manufacturer of audio and visual equipment for the education sector and has been purchased by the trio of Tony Bennett, Aaron Kernaghan and Simon Williams.

Mr Kernaghan is now the company’s managing director with Mr Bennett, who has been with the business since 2001, as operations director. Mr Williams is chairman.

new opportunities we are already seeing. We have a long-term plan to take our excellence in electronic design and manufacturing into new markets while continuing to introduce innovative products which will benefit the education industry.”

Founded by FW Coomber in 1908, Coomber is one of only a few UK businesses to hold Apple MFI and DFI licences,. It designs and builds a range of audio and visual products including sound amplifiers, CD players, microphones and headphones. www.coomberaudio.com

Aaron Kernaghan said: “First and foremost, we intend to protect and build on the company’s rich heritage. But we are also focused on the fast-emerging

May/June 2015

BUSINESSNEWS

ISO QUALITY SERVICES LTD HELPS FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBER GROW

JUST LAUNCHED

BY ZANNON LTD Zannon Limited, a business software development company based in Kidderminster, has recently launched a new website to help businesses take advantage of the promotional benefits of Twitter®. The website is a free business directory where companies can list their business, but has a premium option that gives users Twitter promotion.

Worcester based company ISO Quality Services Ltd are using their status as an approved Growth Voucher advisor so as to provide strategic support to fellow Chamber member, RCA Regeneration Ltd, to help them achieve the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard.

Users of the website get two tweets per day from @UKBusinessRT which is the Twitter account created by Zannon that has nearly 50,000 business followers. Users can set their own tweet message so they can promote any aspect of their business, such as new products and services or special offers.

Users don’t need to be on Twitter to take advantage, but if they are, it’s a great way to increase followers.

RCA Regeneration specialise in planning, development and transport consultancy advice and last year they applied for the government backed Growth Voucher scheme which enables companies to apply for matched funding of up to £2000 for strategic business advice.

RCA Regeneration Co-Director Rob Csondor is full of praise for ISO Quality Services, citing, “The strategic support offered by ISO Quality Services Ltd was exactly what we were looking for”.

www.ukbusinessrt.co.uk

RCA Regeneration Ltd Co-Director, Rob Csondor (Right) with ISO Quality Services Ltd Senior Lead Assessor Peter O’Neill once they had achieved ISO Certification.

MINSTER MICRO COMPUTERS DELIVERS FLEXIBLE WORKING FOR ALPHAQUAD Employees at digital marketing agency, Alphaquad Ltd, are enjoying the benefits of flexible working and enhanced productivity whilst saving the firm time and money, thanks to a new 3CX VoIP software system installed by local company Minster Micro Computers Limited.

The new 3CX system replaced the firm’s old and outdated analogue system with one which is much easier for staff to manage.

Alphaquad Technical Director, Paul Russell, said: “Our employees love the new system and we’re delighted with the cost savings it’s achieved. With the system paying for itself within 12 months we

Samantha Haller-Evans and Sally Morris from mfg Solicitors

HR SPECIALIST JOINS MFG’S THRIVING EMPLOYMENT TEAM mfg Solicitors has boosted its employment division with the appointment of a widely respected human resources expert.

Samantha Haller-Evans has joined the firm as HR Services Manager – a newly created role that develops mfg’s employment law services.

now have the ability to expand capacity and add additional handsets with the knowledge that we’re not tied to one particular handset manufacture.”

Utilising cloud technology, the 3CX system provides a unified Windows communications solution, so it can easily be integrated with other Windows based applications used across Alphaquad’s business. www.alphaquad.co.uk www.minstermicro.co.uk

The first non-legal professional in the department, she will guide and advise clients through a variety of HR and employment matters – including HR strategy, procedures, appraisals, recruitment and employee engagement initiatives.

Based at the firm’s Worcester office, she reports to Partner and Head of Division, Sally Morris.

Sally Morris, said: “Samantha has a first-rate reputation in HR matters and her appointment helps take our established employment law services to another level.

“She is ambitious and brings a wealth of technical HR experience. That will be vital as we expand our client base and offer them new HR-related services.” www.mfgsolicitors.com

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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COMMERCIALPROPERTY

SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR WORCESTERSHIRE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET Demand for both industrial and office space increased significantly in Worcestershire in 2014, according to according to one of the county’s leading commercial property agents.

John Dillon, partner at commercial property consultancy GJS Dillon LLP says that the Worcestershire commercial property market has undergone a shift change in the past 15 months.

He says: “At the start of 2014, there was a shortage of occupiers for the available stock, now there is an increasing shortage of stock for occupiers. We have got clients waiting for space to become free across all of the county from Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch in the north down to Malvern and Worcester in the south.”

“The significant upturn in demand is being driven by a stronger economy nationally and locally, combined with Worcestershire’s unchanging basic attributes for being a first class location for businesses, such as excellent communication links; a flexible workforce; significant industry clusters; key lifestyle factors and useful assistance from the LEP, County Council and other public sector bodies.”

CHARTERED SURVEYORS COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS CHARTERED SURVEYORS COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

HELPING BUSINESSES THROUGH THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MAZE Sales & Lettings • Acquisitions • Management • Dilapidations Surveys • Rent Reviews • Investment Advice • Valuations

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Visit our website for a full list of available properties:

www.gjsdillon.co.uk Bromsgrove Office

Worcester Office

13 New Road, Bromsgrove B60 2JG

01527 872525

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9 Edgar Street, Worcester WR1 2LR

www.gjsdillon.co.uk

01905 28684

May/June 2015

COMMERCIALPROPERTY

LEADING LAW FIRM LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS TRAINING PROGRAMME IN WORCESTER In conjunction with dedicated HR professionals from its sister company, Eagle HR, leading law firm, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, has launched a full suite of business training sessions.

The courses are designed to help local businesses of all sizes by ensuring that their staff have the skills and confidence to support and advise on a range of issues which could affect any organisation. The sessions cover every aspect of HR, as well as leadership, management and business skills.

Jenny Jones, Partner and Head of Employment at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, commented; “We provide corporate and commercial advice to hundreds of businesses nationwide who highlighted their frustrations at not being able to access business training that was solution-focussed and commercial.

We therefore developed a cost-effective, high quality training programme dedicated to the development of business skills, suitable for all levels of management.

Sooner or later, by the law of averages, all employers will find themselves faced with a complex employee situation. We are delighted to have launched these new sessions to help local businesses feel confident in dealing with these issues such as managing performance, handling grievances and dealing with disciplinary matters.”

The sessions are run from the firm’s Worcester head office, as well as its Cheltenham office, and can also be delivered in-house for a group of people within an organisation, with flexibility for sessions to be tailored to individual requirements.

Bookings can be made online via http://www. eaglehr.co.uk/events/list/ and discounts are available for block bookings by contacting 0808 168 5780.

To Let For enquiries please call the Estate Office:

• New & Refurbished Industrial Units • Pleasant and Convenient Location

01299 822731

Wilden Industrial Estates Wilden lane, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 9JY Industrial Units enquiries@wildenestates.co.uk

d venient Location

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

wildenestates.co.uk

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CHARITYNEWS

WORCESTERSHIRE AMBASSADORS NAMES CHOSEN CHARITIES Elizabeth Morawiecka, Partnership Development Manager with Matt Allen-Ridge, General Store Manager of Asda Hereford and June Thurston, the Community Life Champion for Asda Hereford

LOCAL HOSPICE RECEIVES £15K FUNDING BOOST FROM ASDA FOUNDATION A local hospice has received a generous £15,000 donation from the Asda Foundation to support its Redevelopment project.

St Michael’s Hospice in Bartestree provides specialist palliative care in Herefordshire to over 1,300 patients and their families. The money from the Asda Foundation has been used to furnish a suite of four In-Patient bedrooms and an adjoining communal, sitting room area. Before the redevelopment patients were accommodated in small wards containing four beds with little space for visitors and young families.

Set up in 1988, the Asda Foundation

aims to have a positive impact on local communities, by providing support to a range of local good causes, chosen by Asda community life colleagues across the UK. The Asda Foundation’s ‘Chosen by you…

Given by us’ scheme gives customers the opportunity to nominate then vote for three local not for profit organisations to receive a tiered donation every two months. It also supports Asda colleagues who have already raised money for their chosen cause through their store or depot, and require additional support. www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

SHAKE OFF THE PICNIC BLANKET

Hold a Perfect Picnic. st 18th -31 may

Location: Anywhere that’s perfect to you!

All the money you raise will help to support anyone affected by blood cancer.

VISIT the website www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/perfectpicnic and get started!

The Worcestershire Ambassadors have named its chosen charities for 2015.

Throughout 2015, the Worcestershire Ambassadors will be raising funds for two charities, Worcestershire Prostrate Awareness and for Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s Rory the Robot appeal which aims to raise £1.6m for a state of the art robotic machine used in prostate treatment.

To date, the Worcestershire Ambassadors have donated over quarter of a million pounds to charities across the county.

The 2 prostate charities were selected following a rigorous application process, with a large number of local charities applying for funding. From a shortlist of charities interviewed, the Board of the

Ian Jukes from the Rory the Robot appeal, Vince Hopkins Chair of Worcestershire Ambassadors and David Baxter-Smith Worcestershire Prostrate Awareness

Worcestershire Ambassadors made their selection.

The Worcestershire Ambassadors is supporting both charities with a series of fundraising initiatives and events over the coming 12 months, including the Ambassadors’ Ball in October 2015. www.worcestershireambassadors.com

SANLAM’S CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR GO DAD RUN Sanlam is delighted to announce their continued commitment to supporting Prostate Cancer UK in 2015 as headline sponsor for Go Dad Run – the 5k charityfun run for men taking place in 6 locations across the UK this year.

Bringing the event to Worcester for the first time, Sanlams’ Corporate Engagement Manager Lauren Tunnicliffe said “ We’re really excited to support Go Dad Run again this year and especially as we’ll be hosting one of the major events here in Worcester, a town and business community which holds a great deal of significance to us. We hope that all our business colleagues and friends

will support this initiative and we look forward to seeing you all on race day!”

The Worcester event is scheduled to take place on Sunday 14 June and more details will follow in due course.

“Prostate cancer affects one in eight men in the UK and 100% of the women and children associated with them but a strong message for men to take care of themselves and get checked out just doesn’t exist so we hope as many of you Gents as possible will get behind this campaign and sign up to run with colleagues, clients and friends.” www.godadrun.co.uk www.sanlam.co.uk

LEUKAEMIA CARE LAUNCH THE PERFECT PICNIC The picnic is a Great British tradition, with thousands of people across the UK taking to the great outdoors during the summer to dine alfresco with hampers filled with tasty treats.

National blood cancer charity Leukaemia CARE, based in Worcester, has launched its latest fundraising initiative for 2015, The Perfect Picnic.

From Monday 18 – Sunday 31 May, Leukaemia CARE is urging everyone across the country to join them for a Perfect Picnic to help support people affected by blood cancer.

The campaign asks people to gather friends, family and colleagues and hold a picnic to help raise money for the vital work of the charity.

Ventutec Ltd worked with Leukaemia CARE providing the creative elements of the initiative. Matt Lloyd, Director at Ventutec said: “We really enjoy working on campaigns such as The Perfect Picnic, it supports a great cause. Planning and holding a picnic is something everyone can do and be involved with. Whether you hold a picnic with friends outdoors or organise one for your office it is easy to do for everyone to enjoy. I’m looking forward to our picnic already.”

If you would like to plan your own Picnic to raise money for Leukaemia CARE you can download your Perfect Picnic Pack to help plan your event here: http://www. leukaemiacare.org.uk/perfectpicnic www.ventutec.com www.leukaemiacare.org.uk

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May/June 2015

POLICYNEWS

‘AN AGENDA FOR BUSINESS’ In anticipation of the General Election and the proposition of a new party (or parties) leading the country, we have put together a Business Manifesto, entitled ‘An Agenda for Business’, that represents the interests of our members, with five main policy campaigns that we will lobby for to local, central and European government. These campaigns are:

BUILDING WORLD CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORKS Our infrastructure priorities are: Regeneration, Roads, Rail, Aviation, Digital Infrastructure, Energy, and the implementation of a national strategy for infrastructure.

DEVELOPING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW It is essential that the workforces of tomorrow are imbued with the transferable and industry specific skills that will enable our next-generation economies to be flexible, highly skilled and, importantly, world-beating.

for business growth, it is essential that business costs – local and national taxation along with business rates remain incentivising, fair and accountable.

GROWING OUR TRADE POTENTIAL Britain operates a perpetual trade deficit and businesses need support – ranging from at the earliest stages of education through to a world class export finance agency – to guarantee that we not only compete on the global stage, but lead the way in terms of export.

LOCAL CONTROL, NATIONAL GROWTH In total, 60% of spending is still controlled by Whitehall, restricting the amount of control that local areas can have in actualising strategic visions and plans. Local businesses with local knowledge have the potential to help shape positive changes in their area.

An Agenda for Business is available online to download in full PDF format at www.hwchamber.co.uk

GILL HAMER JOINED MARCHES LEP’S BOARD Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed the former head of operations at advisory and support service Business Link West Midlands as its new director.

Gill Hamer will play a central role in working to deliver its vision for economic growth across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

The director position is the first of five new roles created by the partnership which is led by a private sector board working with the counties’ three local authorities.

Whilst a world class infrastructure network provides the physical platform

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY The fieldwork period for Q2 of the Quarter Economic Survey commences on Monday 25 May 2015. Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce consistently return over 400 responses, placing us as one of the highest-responding Chambers in the countries most-responded to economic survey.

To complete the highly valuable economic indicator visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QESQ22015

She is currently partnerships director with the Manufacturing Advisory Service and was previously head of business support with Advantage West Midlands following a 13-year stint with HM Diplomatic Service.

www.marcheslep.org.uk

WORCESTERSHIRE LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES NEW CHAIR Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership has named Mark Stansfeld as their new Chair.

CREATING THE ENVIRONMENT FOR GROWTH

The LEP is tasked with creating the conditions for prosperity and sustainable job creation across the Marches.

Mr Stansfeld formally took over the position on Thursday 2 April from Peter Pawsey and has extensive experience in the digital sector and helping companies make the transition.

Mark’s career started in the food industry at Cadbury Schweppes and then Kraft Foods, but quickly moved into technology with positions at BT, T-mobile and as Commercial Director for O2, where he was part of the board team who brought the brand to market leadership.

Alongside his Executive Director roles, Mark held Non Executive roles on a number of boards spanning technology, finance and health. These included The Link Retail, West Bromwich Building Society, NHS West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, Ovo energy, and at O2 UK. In addition to being Chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Mark will continue with his role as Chairman of Giffgaff, the fastest growing mobile network in the UK and a digital consultant. www.wlep.co.uk

THE BUDGET Wednesday 18 March saw the Chancellor of the Exchequor, George Osborne, deliver the final Budget of the Coalition government before the dissolution of parliament and the impending General Election.

The MP for Tatton delivered his eagerly anticipated spending plans for the forthcoming fiscal year to the House of Commons, with numerous business focused measures that will please the local business community.

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS/MEASURES BUSINESS RATES: The government is conducting a broad review of business rates to ensure that they are fit for purpose. Terms of reference

were published on 16th March 2015.

NATIONAL INSURANCE:

INFRASTRUCTURE: A digital communications infrastructure strategy that will provide an investment of £600 million to improve mobile networks and support the deliver of broadband in rural areas was announced.

Self-employed people will see Class 2 National Insurance contributions abolished. In addition, National Insurance contributions for u21s and young apprentices (u25s) will also be removed by 2016.

SKILLS:

TAX EVASION:

Income-contingent loans of up to £25,000 have been announced to support PhDs and research-based masters degrees.

Furthermore, the Chancellor announced the introduction of an Apprenticeship Voucher, to be fully implemented in 2017, that will see governments and employers make cash contributions towards apprenticeships.

Commenting, Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire and

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Diverted Profits Tax to come into effect from next month. This is aimed at multinational firms moving profits artificially offshore.

Furthering this, the government is to legislate on new international agreements on tax avoidance next week.

Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were happy that the Chancellor followed a mantra of simplicity and clarity when it came to measures effecting business today. It is the temptation to unveil a multiplicity of new policies of regulation changes that you think will have a positive impact on business, but often this leads to confusion and a lack of confidence.

This is why the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) submitted a single request to the Chancellor in advance of the Budget, the desire for a permanent Annual Investment Allowance, which the Chancellor has committed to.”

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NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH BEWDLEY Pax Fire Control Ltd 07800 511 703 www.paxfirecontrol.com Ruth Dick T/A Arbonne International 07583 608 171 www.ruthdick.myarbonne.co.uk BROMSGROVE BCC Systems Ltd 07812338451 www.bccsystems.co.uk Edit Digital Ltd 07815 814 352 www.editdigital.co.uk Marketing Makeovers 0333 8000 840 www.marketing-makeovers.co.uk DROITWICH Allan L Roberts 01905 773 823 www.roughseasafeharbour.com Franco Florenzi Ltd 01527 861 675 www.francoflorenzi.com www.swiftspanish.com 01905 776 929 www.swiftspanish.com EVESHAM Insightconxs Ltd 01386 579 000 www.insightconxs.co.uk Proweld (Evesham) 01386 849242 www.proweldevesham.com

Prime International Tours Limited 01432 373 640 www.myprimeholidays.com The ELY Memorial Fund 01432 359 152 www.ely-memorial-fund.org.uk/ Woodlands Self Store Ltd 01981 251786 www.woodlandsselfstore.co.uk KIDDERMINSTER Home Instead 01562 754 757 www.homeinstead.co.uk/kidderminster

Dragon Fitness Academy 07915 450663 www.dragonfitnessacademy.co.uk Hereford Osteopathic Practice Ltd 01432 273234 www.kyrlehouse.co.uk Kemble Training 01432 352443 www.kembletraining.co..uk

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INASHED Solutions Ltd 0845 8266499 www.inashed.com WFF Monmouth Ltd (T/A Wiltshire Farm Foods) 01600 892855 www.wiltshirefarmfoods.co.uk STOURBRIDGE Bayliss + Co Wealth Management Limited 0800 193 0711 www.baylisswm.com TENBURY WELLS

Rowan 01299 251144 www.rowanuk.co.uk

Evolution Distribution Ltd 01584 881 760

The Pixel Stack Ltd 01562 277365 www.thepixelstack.com

St Christopher Driver safety Consultants 01584 810 355 www.sc-drivesafe.uk

Zannon Ltd 01562 753362 www.ukbusinessrt.co.uk LEDBURY ARC Drivers Ltd 01531 800388 www.arcadventure.co.uk Haygrove Evolution Ltd 01531 670 263 www.vineandwine.co.uk KatKai 07918 111546 www.katkai.co.uk The Demon Organiser 01432 820 830 www.thedemonorganiser.com

HEREFORD Burghill Valley Golf Club 01432 760 456 www.burghill-valley-golf-club.co.uk/

ROSS-ON-WYE

MALVERN Colwall Park Hotel T/A Malvern Property Ltd 01684 540000 www.colwall.co.uk Dephrisk Limited 07842 829 314 www.dephrisk.com Inclusive Assistive Technology 0808 2889794 www.inclusiveat.co.uk

WORCESTER Advance Events 07583474539 www.advanceevents.uk Clayton Fire & Security Ltd 0330 353 0070 www.CFS.Services Deaf Direct Ltd. 01905 746 301 www.deafdirect.org.uk HR Dept.

- Worcester, Droitwich and The Malverns 07736 204 789 www.hrdept.co.uk Owens Estate Planning 01905 695450 www.owensestateplanning.co.uk Rock Power Connections Ltd. 01905 456 384 www.rockpowerconnections.co.uk Roger Hiscock 01905 620303 Roger Hiscock Velocomms Ltd 01886 884030 www.velocomms.com

REDDITCH

MechPack Solutions Ltd 01981 250 806

Datatech 01200 400600 www.datatechuk.com

Woodside Coaching Service Ltd 07771 822981 www.actioncoach.com/tomelliston

NFU Mutual Insurance - Hereford 01432 269840 www.nfumutual.co.uk/hereford

Prem Safety UK Ltd 07791 481 864 www.premsafety.co.uk

Worcester Computers 01905 670444 www.worcester-computers.com May/June 2015

NEWPEOPLETODOBUSINESSWITH

BRINGING GLOBAL EXPERIENCE TO THE UK OAKS COMMUNITY SHOP CELEBRATES ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPENING

Having helped many Asian companies of various sizes move their online operations into the UK, Kuma has now expanded its operations to include UK internet retailers and start-ups.

The OAKS community shop is an innovative project set up through Awards for All funding and operated by the OAKS Children’s Group in the heart of Leominster. The Community Shop is available for local charities and not-for-profit groups in and around Leominster to use for a week. The majority of groups use the space to raise money and raise their profile. The OAKS children’s Group use the shop when it is not booked by others to ensure it stays continually open for customers and to raise vital funds to support their childcare and special needs work.

Kuma helps companies with the design, implementation and day-to-day running of the consumer-facing end of eBay, Amazon and their website, as well as the behind the scenes technology involved. This enables clients to utilise the technology available allowing staff to focus on other company objectives.

The company has a proven track-record of successful clients who now spend their time doing what they do best – looking after their customers and sourcing new and exciting products to bring to market.

Margo Evans, OAKS Charity Manager commented: “The Community Shop has been well used in its first year with 14 groups using the space for a variety of activities including cake and craft sales and upcycling groups.

Many groups have been able to promote themselves and attract new interest in their work. We have been looking at ways to increase our profile and promote this project.

As a new chamber member we are already receiving welcome advice from the business sector and would encourage others to contact us for further information if they would be interested in finding out more.”

Paul Douse, Head of New Business said: “We are a Herefordshire based company, bringing our global experience to UK clients who want to expand sustainably.” www.kuma.co.uk

www.oakschildrensgroup.org.uk

Hannah Caswell receiving her accolade from Mark Round from Royal Bank of Scotland

CHAMBER MEMBER BECOMES AN INSPIRATION SPEAKER FOR THE PRINCE’S TRUST Hannah Caswell of Marketing Makeovers has recently been appointed as an inspirational speaker for the Prince’s Trust.

In October 2012, Hannah successfully established her business Marketing Makeovers, with support from the Prince’s Trust. Marketing Makeovers is the first design agency in the Midlands to specialise in redesign and brand transformation. At the end of the two year programme, Hannah’s achievements were also recognised with a nomination for a royal accolade at the Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success awards.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working with the trust, Hannah has now decided to help other young entrepreneurs with establishing their own businesses and assists on day one of the Enterprise Programme.

Hannah is very passionate about being able to help young business owners believe in their potential, regardless of adversity, and hopes that by sharing her own business journey and knowledge, these entrepreneurs will too have the courage and drive to establish a lucrative business. www.marketing-makeovers.co.uk

THE CHAMBER HAS BEEN THERE FROM THE START, OFFERING MY BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT AND DIRECTION...

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce exists to support local businesses of all sizes start, survive and grow.

Our members make business connections and access our network’s professional expertise, knowledge and experience.

JOIN THE NETWORK AND MAKE SURE YOU’RE WELL CONNECTED. ■ ■ ■ ■

0845 641 1641

Over 150 events each year Over 1,400 members Invaluable networking opportunities Local, regional and international reach

■ Expertise to guide you every step of the way ■ Global support network ■ Over 70 courses in essential business skills

GOODBUSINESS@HWCHAMBER.CO.UK

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

HWCHAMBER.CO.UK 051

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

CHRIS FOLLY, eRESPONSE GROUP

TARA SQUIRES-CLARK AND LAURA GOLBORNE - ANJA POTZE FINE JEWELLERY Worcester jeweller Anja Potze has announced two new appointments.

Tara Squires-Clark has joined as sales manager and will be ensuring that Dutch-born Anja’s collections are showcased through a variety of high profile events and marketing channels.

RUTH PARRY AND KIRSTY SMITH, CAPLOR ENERGY Herefordshire-based Caplor Energy has recently recruited Ruth Parry as Marketing Manager and Kirsty Smith as Customer Support Manager to help support the growing business.

Award-winning jewellery designer Laura Golborne has also joined the Friar Street-based business. With extensive industry experience, Laura will be designing and manufacturing a variety of bespoke collections alongside Anja.

Both Ruth and Kirsty have extensive local experience in their respective fields and are looking forward to building on the company’s reputation. Both are family orientated and were attracted to Caplor Energy by its vision on working towards a sustainable future. Their roles will involve introducing renewable energy systems to businesses, communities and homes to help support them in becoming more environmentally responsible.

www.anjapotze.com

www.caplor.co.uk

Recruitment and training firm eResponse has appointed Chris Folly as General Manager of its new permanent jobs division, Path Selection.

Chris, who has 15 years’ experience in the region’s finance recruitment market, will lead the new team which focuses on senior professional roles in a variety of sectors including finance, accountancy and engineering. www.e-responserecruitment.co.uk

MARK LAING, GAUDET LUCE Gaudet Luce Ltd, Droitwich, is delighted to welcome PGA Professional Mark Laing to its golf management team as Corporate Ambassador. Mark will work closely with new and existing corporate clients to ensure that they get full value from the great range of Corporate Memberships available at the award winning Gaudet Luce Golf Club.

Having worked for 40 years in the golf trade as a PGA Professional at both Little Lakes and Wharton Park, Mark returns to the course he designed in 1994. He will use his huge experience to ensure that Corporate Membership will bring positive effects to your business, whether you use it for entertaining clients, as a staff incentive or for a full corporate charity day. www.gaudet-luce.co.uk

CATHRYN LACEY, SUTCLIFFE & CO INSURANCE BROKERS Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers are pleased to welcome 2 recent arrivals to their Worcester Office.

Cathryn Lacey joins us as our new operations manager bringing a wealth of compliance and operational experience to the firm. Having worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years, Cathryn is also an experienced general insurance broker and has headed up specialist Professional Indemnity and Property Owners’ teams. This knowledge will be key in continuing to drive operational improvements, encourage employee development and deliver first class customer care.

GARETH WOOD, HAYWARD WRIGHT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Worcestershire chartered accountancy firm Hayward Wright has appointed Gareth Wood as a client manager. A management accountant and business finance specialist, Gareth is working 052

closely with the firm’s clients advising on a variety of areas including management accounts and tax planning. www.haywardwright.co.uk

Richard Hamblin in the newest recruit and teams up again with Cathryn having previously worked together at another local broker. With 6 years’ experience in both residential and commercial property insurance, Richard will be at the forefront of developing this area of the business. www.sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk

LAURA GREEN, HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE Laura Green has recently taken over as Director of Home Instead Senior Care (HISC) – Kidderminster. HISC is the UK’s leading home care service. The Kidderminster branch opened their doors in June 2014, since then the business has gone from strength to strength and presently has 22 CAREGivers and clients and has been featured in The Sunday Times. Laura has ambitious plans over the next 12 months to double their client base and workforce. www.homeinstead.co.uk/ kidderminster

May/June 2015

MOVERSANDSHAKERS

JOANNE MILWARD, HALLS WORCESTER The continued growth in the strength of the residential market has necessitated the expansion of Halls Worcester existing residential Lettings Department. Joanne Milward has been appointed to head up this expanded area of the business.

Echoing growth patterns across the whole of the company, Halls Worcester’s investment in a dedicated residential lettings’ team is a well timed decision, say the Partners. It reflects on the continued acceptance to rent property and therefore the increase in demand for rental properties currently seen in the market; it is expected to remain for some time. www.hallsgb.com

ALAN WALTERS, I A TECHNOLOGY CLARE JOHN, M-VIRON HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE Global Phones Ltd, trading as m-viron (preferred EE partners), has appointed Clare John as their Business Account Manager. m-viron already have a number of key accounts ranging from sole traders to large corporate customers, however, Clare, who has previously owned her own business and has a background in sales and recruitment, has been brought on board to increase growth and to promote the importance of having the right voice and data communication to businesses.

Based in the Droitwich store, Clare’s role within the business is to be the main point of contact for businesses who are seeking to renew their mobile phone contracts and ensuring that they get the tariff and handsets that meet their business needs. www.global-phones.co.uk

LAURA WATKINS, OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL Specialist UK and Ireland supply chain operator, Worcestershire based Oakland International, have confirmed the appointment of Laura Watkins as HR Advisor (Resourcing) in a newly created role within the business.

Laura will ensure all candidates have clarity and understanding of Oakland’s approach through recruitment in partnership; a process tailored specifically for prospective employees, in order to explain Oakland’s combined multi temperature food business, prior to any employment commitment, starting at the application stage, through to induction and completion of probationary periods.

Promoting Oakland as an employer of choice, Laura will head up the firm’s recruitment and training campaigns to fill a range of available posts at their Redditch business hub.

IA Technology is delighted to announce that they have appointed a new Engineering Project Manager. Alan Walters joins them from a UK-based technology company where he was responsible for the development and delivery of Manual and Automated Test Equipment to test their leading edge electronic products. He has a background in Avionics systems and his various roles have enabled him to work in many European countries as well as the USA. Alan will primarily assist in the growth of IA Technology by providing support in engineering projects to the Commercial Department and the Sales Team in delivering suitable and timely responses to customer enquiries for new business. www.iatechnology.co.uk

www.oakland-international.com

RICHARD CAWTON, JENNIFER BARRY & GUAYARMINA PERDOMO MOLYNEUX, WORCESTER WARRIORS Worcester’s stunning Sixways Stadium has made three new appointments to its Corporate, Conference and Events sales team. Richard Cawton, formerly Business Development Manager with etc. venues in Birmingham has been hired as Conference and Events Sales Executive and his focus will be non-matchday business development.

JANNA PUGH, MFG SOLICITORS mfg Solicitors has bolstered its Private Client department with the appointment of wills and probate expert, Janna Pugh.

Janna has joined the firm from a Hereford legal practice and reports to partner Peter Stephens. The 37-year-old is an expert in care home matters, powers of attorney and estate administration.

JON BUSHELL, SIMPLY MOBILE SOLUTIONS

Jennifer Barry joins the team as part time Sales Co-ordinator; conferences, events and match day hospitality. Jennifer will become full time in May, once she has completed her final year in Events Management BA (Hons) at University of Gloucestershire.

Guayarmina Perdomo Molyneux, completes the trio of new signings and joins as Conference and Events Sales Co-ordinator. Guaya was formerly Senior Sales and Events Co-ordinator at De Vere Venues – Studley Castle.

Jon has joined Simply Mobile Solutions’ sales and after care team. He comes from a customer service, sales and technology background and brings with him a fountain of knowledge in relation to the repair, maintenance and I.T. (Software specific) sectors of the industry.

Jon will be heading the companies lead generation and new business team. He will be focussed on like-minded SMEs looking to save money and share their own products in the Worcestershire area.

In her new role Brenda is dealing with landlord accounts and overseeing payments and credit control. Brenda started with the Worcester-based agency as a temp in 2014, receiving excellent feedback from a variety of customers.

www.sixwaysevents.co.uk

www.simplymobilesolutions.co.uk

www.premierplaces.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BRENDA DITCHFIELD, PREMIER PLACES

www.mfgsolicitors.com

Brenda Ditchfield has joined award-winning lettings and property management specialists Premier Places.

Send your stories for Movers and Shakers to: businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk

053

LASTWORD

POLICY AND POST ELECTION - THE FOCUS OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DIRECTION For the last word, we spoke to David Bharier, Business Insight Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). David is responsible for, amongst other things, the organisation, management and development of the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). Here he shares his thoughts on why the QES is important to your business.

own reports highlighting local trends, which are often monitored by a range of stakeholders including Local Authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT BUSINESSES COMPLETE THE SURVEY?

WHAT IS THE QES AND WHY DOES THE CHAMBER NETWORK CARRY IT OUT ON A QUARTERLY BASIS? Established in 1989, the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the largest and longest-running independent business survey in the UK offering information on a range of key business performance indicators including sales, exports, employment levels, and confidence. The survey is usually completed by over 7,500 businesses from all sectors, sizes, and regions and nations in the UK making it the highly representative of the UK’s industrial structure.

Being conducted quarterly enables the survey to offer up-to-date information as well as long-term trends. For instance, the survey was particularly useful in picking up falling levels of business confidence prior to the 2008-09 recession. The results from each quarter’s QES are not subject to change, making it complementary to official statistics such as GDP growth, which are subject to quarterly revisions.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE INFORMATION THAT IS PROCURED FROM THE QES? Information is confidentially collected by local accredited Chambers of Commerce and then aggregated and analysed at the national level by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Each quarter, the BCC produce a report and upload the data on to the QES website www.economicsurvey.org.uk.

Many accredited Chambers create their 054

The Quarterly Economic Survey is not only a source of independent, predictive economic intelligence, but through its extensive coverage both nationally and locally, it gives the Chamber network a powerful voice.

As a policy tool, the QES helps strengthen the Chamber Network’s influence in driving forward better business policy. For instance, prior to the publication of each QES, the British Chambers meet with the Bank of England to discuss the latest results and potentially flag up areas of concern. The Bank references the QES in a range of publications, including their quarterly Inflation Report.

Beyond this, the QES is monitored very closely by a range of UK and international institutions, such as the Office for National Statistics, HM Treasury, and European Commission, as well as commercial and investment banks.

HOW ARE YOU LOOKING TO DEVELOP THE QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY MOVING FORWARD? There are many ways the BCC are looking to develop the QES into a more user-friendly tool for both businesses and policymakers. The QES website (www.economicsurvey.org.uk) is one such way, and enables users to compare and contrast a range of indicators based on sectors and regions.

Ultimately, the most significant way to increase the survey’s influence is through even more businesses responding. If you have any feedback on the QES, or would like to share feedback on ways the BCC can make the data more useful to your business, contact d.bharier@ britishchambers.org.uk.

HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE GOLF SOCIETY EVENTS Worcester Evening Golf Thursday 23 April - 4.00-6.00pm - Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Middle Lane, Hadzor, Droitwich, WR9 7JR £20.00+VAT Members / £25.00+VAT Non-members Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Charity Golf Day sponsored by HomeXperts Wednesday 27 May - Droitwich Golf Club, Droitwich, Worcester WR9 0BQ A great day sponsored by HomeXperts to network with fellow businesses as well as raise money for a great charity.

The day will consist of breakfast on arrival, 18 holes followed by dinner. You will also receive a goody bag on arrival. £300+VAT per team of 4 Hereford Evening Golf Thursday 2 July - 4.00-6.00pm - Burghill Valley Golf Club, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford HR4 7RW £20.00+VAT Members / £25.00+VAT Non-members Worcester Evening Golf Thursday 17 September - 4.00-6.00pm Gaudet Luce Golf Club, Middle Lane, Hadzor, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 7JR £20.00+VAT Members / £25.00+VAT Non-members Herfordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Charity Golf Day sponsored by CB Chartered Accountants Friday 2 October - The Worcestershire Golf Club, Malvern Wells, Malvern, WR14 4PP A great day sponsored by CB Chartered Accountants to network with fellow businesses as well as raise money for a great charity.

The day will consist of breakfast on arrival, 18 holes followed by dinner. You will also receive a goody bag on arrival. £300+VAT per team of 4

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, PLEASE EMAIL STORIES TO BUSINESSDIRECTION@HWCHAMBER.CO.UK BEFORE MONDAY 1ST 2015.

May/June 2015

ATTENTION: SUCCESS-ORIENTED BUSINESS OWNERS...

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Come to our “6 Steps to a Better Business” seminar and you’ll learn all of these things and more. Don’t you owe it to yourself to invest some of your time learning how your business can reach its full potential?

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Time:

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Of course you do. Myriad business owners and entrepreneurs in 45 countries trust ActionCOACH to help them to systemize their businesses and get more out of life … Now it’s your turn …

Your speaker, Tom Elliston As a Chartered Accountant, Tom has a thorough understanding of all things financial and having run the family business for many years, Tom knows what it is like to be in the thick of it and how you can be pulled in many directions at the same time. It is from this experience that Tom knows that anyone who has started up their own business has taken a risk in following their dream. He wants to help as many people as possible realise their dream and be rewarded for their entrepreneurial spirit.

Visit www.actioncoach.com/tomelliston/events or call 07771822981 to register actioncoach.com

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