Business Direction 7

Direction

Business

Finance

We are seeing the emergence of a group of venture capitalists who are still prepared to provide finance and to take risks. page 24 Big Interview: Bob Richards Making sense of the budget- page 22/23

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Employer Incentive Grants with Herefordshire College of Technology • Not taken on an apprentice in the last 3 years?

• Looking to recruit an apprentice for the first time?

The AGE Grant may be available for you.

£1,500 Apprentice Grant for Employers (AGE) The AGE is aimed at helping employers to offer young people (16-24) employment through the Apprenticeship programme to assist them in recruiting their first apprentice.

The AGE is aimed at helping eligible employers to offer young people employment through the Apprenticeship programme by providing wage grants to assist them in recruiting their first apprentice.

Employers will receive a grant payment of £750 at the 8 week stage of the Apprenticeship with the second £750 paid when the apprentice has completed 12 months of their Apprenticeship.

The £1,500 is in addition to the costs of training which for young people aged 16 to 18 is already fully met by the National Apprenticeship Service. Call us today to find out more.

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‘Together we can succeed!’

Contact us: 0800 032 1986 www.hct.ac.uk May/June 2012

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Contents 5

First word

42 Commercial property

6

Chamber Business Awards

44 Business news

8

Chamber news

10 Education

hwChamber.Co.uK

16 International trade

Business Direction, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s 60 page, full colour bi-monthly publication. Designed and produced by business people for business people. Distributed to 6,000 businesses including selected retail outlets and Tesco stores across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

kelly Betts 0845 641 1641 ext 213

kellyb@hwchamber.co.uk

editorial businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk 0845 641 1641 ext 213

produCtion & design Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

advertising Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2336 helen.gowland@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

feature editors John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

subsCriptions www.hwchamber.co.uk/businessdirection Tel: 0845 641 1641 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 and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce does not accept any responsibility for any representations made within them.

48 Conference Worcestershire

19 Business news

49 Destination Worcestershire

21 Policy

50 Business news

22 Big Interview: Bob Richards 24 Cover story: Finance 29 Feature: Health and wellbeing

editor

47 Business news

22

53 Business news 54 Movers and shakers

37 Training planner

56 New members

39 Chamber training

58 Last word

24

First word WELCOME TO THE MAY/JUNE EDITION OF BUSINESS DIRECTION. Over the last couple of months we have had a number of high profile visitors to the county. All of them key people in supporting our businesses going forward.

In January, we had David Cameron who visited the Enterprise Zone at Rotherwas, Hereford. In February, Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government visited the Courtyard in Hereford and spoke about the Localism Bill. In April, Vince Cable Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills was the keynote speaker at an event which the Chamber co-hosted with Herefordshire Greenlinks and on the following day he visited Worcestershire businesses including Malvern Hills Science Park, Morgan Motor Company, Mazak and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Chamber plays a significant role in lobbying at the highest level, this was further demonstrated by a visit to Westminster in March hosted by Robin Walker MP with the 7 other local MP’s from our area also in attendance.

Andrew Tyrie MP, Chair of the Treasury Select Committee discussed his view of the economic conditions leading up the budget and 47 companies attended the event and all enjoyed both the event and the contact they had with their MP’s and MEP’s.

In October, we will be taking a number of companies to Brussels which will involve a tour of European Parliament in Brussels, a chance to see debate in action as well as lunch with our local MEPs and discuss issues with key Uk influencers behind the scenes.

This edition highlights a number of key activities, first accessing funding and finance which is always a key

issue for businesses as they develop and grow, this will feature an interview with Rob Richards who is the elected Chairman of Worcestershire Group of Chartered Accountants and partner at Richards Sandys Accountancy and some details about an information service for companies seeking finance.

The next few months has plenty of opportunities for businesses, one of these is our eleventh annual Chamber Business Awards. Entries are already being taken and the winners will be announced on the 20th September at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. Worcester, Bosch Group have already been announced as the headline sponsor but a number of categories can still be sponsored, this is an excellent opportunity to for local businesses to be associated with this prestigious event celebrating local success.

Finally, May/June sees the start of summer in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, it was excellent to see that the Worcester Asparagus fair was ranked number 1 in the Sunday Times travel magazine for festivals for the summer. Destination Worcestershire’s new website www.visitworcestershire.org is an excellent resource for planning your summer days out in the county.

mikea@hwchamber.co.uk

Our Patrons are:

May/June 2012

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Chamber Business Awards

SHOWCASE HOW ‘BUSINESS IS gOOD FOR BRITAIN’ BY ENTERINg THE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 Celebration and pr - a good reason to enter For winners and finalists and the process goes on. The thrill of the awards ceremony, the internal and external PR and the satisfaction are all fantastic well-being factors that result from entering the Awards. Contracts have been won, companies have grown, grants have been awarded as a result of the attention focused on successful award entries. What have you got to lose Enter now! www.hwchamber.co.uk

Britain has a lot to celebrate in 2012 and so do Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses. The Chamber Business Awards 2012 in association with Worcester, Bosch Group offer an excellent opportunity for local companies to showcase their achievements, celebrate their successes and boost staff morale. It is free and easy to enter and open to all businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The Three Counties Showground, the venue for the Awards.

awards Ceremony

■ Excellence through Innovation

■ Worcestershire Ambassadors CSR Community Category

Chamber Business Awards 2012 in association with Worcester, Bosch Group will culminate in a glittering awards finale taking place at the brand new £1m Three Counties Centre, The Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW on Thursday 20 September, 6.30pm Midnight. Individual Tickets: £108.00 (inc of VAT) for members, £132.00 (inc of VAT) for Non members. Table of 10: £972.00 Members (includes VAT) / £1188.00 Non-members (includes VAT)

■ Worcestershire Ambassadors CSR individual category

Book online at www.hwchamber.co.uk/awards

■ Sustainability Award

worCestershire ambassador awards ■ Worcestershire Ambassadors CSR Environmental Awards

■ Worcestershire Ambassadors CSR workplace and staff category Closing date for entries: Friday 13 July 2012 at 4.30pm Download your entry form at

The company now employs more than 1,600 people at its headquarters and manufacturing plants in Worcestershire and Clay Cross in Derbyshire, including a network of over 300 service engineers and over 80 technically trained field sales managers.

Carl Arntzen, Managing Director, Worcester, Bosch Group commented:

■ Achievement in International Business ■ The Worcester City Council Award for Most Promising New Business

Worcester, Bosch Group was established in Worcester 50 years ago, in 1962, and is now one of the Uk’s leading manufacturers of high-efficiency gas, oil-fired and LPG boilers and also has a renewable energy portfolio including heat pumps and solar water heating systems.

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

■ The Worcester, Bosch Group Award for Business of the Year - Selected from the winner of each category by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’ ■ The drp group Award for Growth Business of the Year

OVERALL SPONSORS: WORCESTER, BOSCH GROUP

Dedicated to energy efficient and sustainable heating solutions, Worcester is a name that stands for reliability, quality, efficiency and value for money and this passion was only strengthened when Worcester became part of the Bosch Group – one of the world’s leading names in high-end technology.

enter now!

■ The English Mutual Award for Employer of the Year

in association with

“We are delighted to be sponsoring this prestigious event during our 50th anniversary year and are looking forward to seeing the calibre of entries for the individual awards.”

To find out more about entering the Worcestershire Ambassador Awards log onto www.

worcestershireambassadors.com/csrawards. php

www.hwchamber.co.uk/awards

sponsors

L i m i t e d Lithographic Printers

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Business News

WORCESTER SCHEMES UNDERgOINg £3M TRANSFORMATION Two landmark retirement schemes in Worcester are set to get a new lease of life thanks to a multi-million makeover by leading housing and care provider Sanctuary Group.

Over 5,500 m2 of PV panels have been installed on the roof of Kingspan Insulation’s site in Pembridge to help power lighting and manufacturing lines as part of the challenge to achieve “zero net energy use”.

KINgSPAN TARgET ZERO NET ENERgY WITH gIANT PV ARRAY kingspan Insulation has slashed energy bills at its Pembridge site thanks to a mammoth new roof mounted Photovolatic (PV) array. One of the largest of its kind in the Uk, the new array is larger than 9 tennis courts, measuring in at 5,508 m2, and will be used to help power lights and machinery.

It’s just the latest in a raft of technical innovations brought in at the site in recent years. For example, a gas fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant was installed four years ago, to produce “free heat” by trapping the heat created in the production of electricty, while intelligent controls are used to turn off lighting when not required.

These are all part of a wider commitment from the kingspan Group to achieve “zero net energy use” across all of its sites. Cutting energy demand is the first stage in this process and kingspan has been installing energy reducing technologies for some time, including energy efficient luminaires, compressors, motors and drives. kingspan Insulation is planning to introduce other new, cutting-edge technologies over coming years to help realise the “zero net energy use” goal at Pembridge by 2015. www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Worcester-based Sanctuary has started a £3 million refurbishment of Warmstry and Noele Court which are located in the heart of the city.

The makeovers will begin with improvements to shared facilities at the schemes, including a revamped residents’ lounge and the addition of a motorised scooter store.

These works will be followed by the upgrade of all apartments which will benefit from a number of new features such as level-access showers and stylish kitchens.

Residents have played a key role in shaping how the finished scheme will look including the interior design of the communal areas.

Noele Court resident Mrs Eileen Fitzer, aged 75, said: “It’s been good to be part of the process, helping to pick the décor for example, and we can’t wait to see how lovely the new flats will be.”

David Bennett, Sanctuary Group Chief Executive added: “The changes will completely transform these popular and long-established retirement schemes and we are looking forward to seeing the finished results later this autumn.” www.sanctuary-group.co.uk

DON’T PANIC! NO FUEL SHORTAgES WITH THREE COUNTIES FUEL While fuel prices continue to rise at the pumps throughout the country, Three Counties Fuel customers suffered no disruption to service.

Based in Hallow, Worcestershire, Three Counties Fuel continued to supply 100% to all contract customers during the shortages at the end of March. Pauline Newcombe Managing Director explained: “Exceptional demand and panic buying led to rationing and in some cases garages running out of fuel altogether. Our contract customers

suffered no restriction whatsoever and indeed we delivered commercial fuels to time during the period and ensured the prices were not artificially inflated”.

Pauline continued: “Fuel card sales and new commercial bulk applications have soared over the past few weeks, with customers looking for more ways to save time and money on fuelling their fleets” www.threecountiesfuel.co.uk

Sean Mimnagh, site manager at Warmstry Court

CHAMBER HR WEBSITE AND ADVICE LINE

Trained HR Professionals are on hand 24 hours a day to offer advice on employment issues via the telephone or dedicated website.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Chamber News

HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESS EXPO . . . WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2012 The photos from the Herefordshire Business Expo were taken by Photopia Photography who give a fresh perspective on your commercial photography with exciting, chic and distinctive imagery.

They work from their studio in Herefordshire or on location throughout the country, whichever suits the client best, offering a house style that is clean and creative, graphic and modern, based on natural light with elegant styling. They pride themselves on high quality imagery for advertising, editorial, packaging and PR commissions for a wide range of clients.

So if you are looking for a new generation of photography with a contemporary edge contact Rebecca or Simon on 01544 388170. www.photopiaphotography.co.uk

HEREFORDSHIRE QUESTION TIME WITH VINCE CABLE

MONDAY 2 APRIL 2012 FUNDINg FINDER A funding search which provides details of a range of funding opportunities and grants available to businesses, including European, public sector, lottery, Venture Capital and loan funds.

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Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DF Don’t just go private, go personal

Business News

HARRISON CLARK CELEBRATES AS NEW HEREFORD OFFICE OPENS Harrison Clark Solicitors is celebrating as it opened the doors of its new Hereford offices last month.

The Broad Street offices will bring local access to the full range of the firm’s commercial and private client services to the people and businesses of Hereford, as part of the leading law firm’s continuing expansion.

Eight professionals will work from Thorpe House, offering business services (from corporate and banking, to employment and pensions) and private clients services (from conveyancing, probate and trusts to all areas of family law). The firm also has a number of sector specialisms in areas including rural land and business and education.

Harrison Clark Litigation Partner and Deputy District Judge, Richard Morgan, will be heading the Hereford office.

Harrison Clark’s Hereford Team

He said: “We believe that the Harrison Clark Business Service brings something different to Hereford, with a combination of high profile and trusted local specialists backed by the full strength and depth of our other personnel, specialist departments and resources.” www.harrison-clark.co.uk

MALVERN INSTRUMENTS OPENS NEW MULTIPURPOSE FACILITY IN HOUSTON Malvern Instruments have officially opened a new multipurpose facility in Houston, Texas. At 22,000 sq. ft. the new building is double the size of Malvern’s previous premises in Houston and houses state-of-the-art laboratories, product development, manufacturing and commercial operations.

Making best use of the facility’s advantageous location, Malvern’s sister company PANalytical, specialist in X-Ray analysis systems, also has a demonstration laboratory in the building. www.malvern.com

The original Malvern water will be quenching the thirst once again as The Holywell Water Company Ltd gains the right to use the famous township in its branding.

The Holywell Water Company is delighted to announce the subtle yet highly significant rebranding of its bottled still and sparkling spring water to Holywell Malvern Spring Water!

The site will be a Center of Excellence for the company’s separations products, as well as providing applications development and demonstration facilities for all Malvern systems.

Malvern Managing Director Paul Walker and Operations Director Simon McCaskie both joined Brian Dutko, President of the Americas Operation for Malvern Instruments, to declare the new facility open and to welcome the Houston team to their new home.

HOLYWELL WATER COMPANY BRINGS MALVERN WATER BACK TO LIFE

Celebrating the opening of Malvern Instruments’ new facility in Houston From left to right: Paul Walker, Managing Director, Malvern Instruments; Peter Bennett, Project Manager for the move; Simon McCaskie, Operations Director, Malvern Instruments, Terry Oglethorpe, Operations Manager for the Houston facility, and Brian Dutko, President of the Americas Operation

The Holywell Water Company has produced Holywell Spring Water, which is sold in some of the finest hotels, restaurants and castles in the country, since 2009 from the original spring in the heart of the Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, but has been unable to use the word ‘Malvern’ in any branding until now.

The Holywell Water Company showcased its newly branded bottles for the first time at the Hotelympia trade show at ExCeL, London. www.holywellspringwater.co.uk

You’re in expert hands.

Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Call 01432 355131 or email he.clinicbookings@nuffieldhealth.com Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Education

gETTINg TO gRIPS WITH THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF PRECISION ENgINEERINg who is an accountancy turnaround specialist. The aim was to demonstrate the many opportunities available to young people in this sector.

A* PHYSICS CONFERENCE

During the day there was inspiring speeches and presentations from local manufacturers including Worcester, Bosch Group, Yamazaki Mazak and a business challenge appropriate to the engineering sector.

Worcester Sixth Form College proved that they had the potential to become tomorrow’s engineering ‘elite’ as they secured both 1st and 3rd place in the competition.

Over 250 students representing schools from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire took part in the 2012 Engineering and Manufacturing Business Games at Sixways Stadium recently.

The games were devised by Worcester, Bosch Group, the Smallpeice Trust and organised by Celia Adams,

Herefordshire schools also put in a ‘precision’ performance as Hereford Sixth Form College followed closely in 2nd place whilst Worcester College of Technology came in joint 3rd place Other businesses and partners supporting the event as exhibitors and student mentors included Dytecna and Malvern Instruments and the Universities of Worcester, Birmingham and Oxford.

BOSCH ENTERPRISE CHALLENgES STUDENTS

A total of over 80 sixth form students from 7 schools visited the factory plant in Warndon, Worcester, to gain a better understanding about business and enterprise.

After lunch, the students were set a surprise challenge by their hosts. Each school was given a document of information, and then issued the challenge of presenting a 2 minute pitch to a panel, from the Marketing Department. The students were then questioned on their pitch and asked to justify their

The event was kindly sponsored by the Ogden Trust ‘to encourage and promote the teaching and learning of physics’. The Year 11 students, were treated to an opening lecture given by Prof Stuart Green – Director of Medical Physics (Queen Elizabeth Hospital), followed by an intense morning focusing upon neuroscience and the workings of the brain, the life cycle of stars and GCSE revision questions and answers.

The afternoon saw the pupils having the rare opportunity to speak first hand to 18 professionals from a wide variety of science careers (many from physics and engineering backgrounds), through engaging in a ‘speed dating’ scenario! The closing lecture consisted of a talk about ‘what next, where physics can take you. All involved, students, science professionals, teachers alike all spoke highly of the day ‘a really innovative method for getting a lot of information across to students in a personal manner.

On Thursday 8 March, Bosch Thermotechnology opened their factory doors to students from across Worcestershire.

The day started with an exclusive tour of the factory plant. Students were split into groups and given exclusive tours of the plant premises, allowing them to see the factory in operation. They were then given the chance to view the range of products that Bosch create across the company and the size of the world wide organisation. Also, an explanation of how they sell there heating products to the marketplace.

Students from Alcester Grammar School, St Augustine’s Catholic High School and Woodrush High School enjoyed a fantastic A* Physics conference, held at the beautiful Bromsgrove School.

strategies. After much deliberation, the Bosch panel voted on the best team, deciding that the Dyson Perrins provided the best pitch.

In the student feedback, many of the students reported on a sense of pride and achievement in presenting before a distinguished panel in a room full of colleagues.

Gary Woodman, Head of Policy and Education at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce said: “This was an excellent event, where the students and school teachers really had

an opportunity to learn, understand the modern workplace and put that learning in to practical use in the afternoon.”

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Jon Sanger of the Enterprise Learning Partnership for co-ordinating the event, and the Bosch thermotechnology staff for all their support on the day. This project was delivered as part of the LEADER European programme.

CHAMBER PRIMARY HEALTH PLAN Members’ employees can reclaim the costs of their healthcare through the Westfield Health scheme which helps to reduce absenteeism and retain your staff.

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Business News ed!

olv ordshire – Get Inv

ref New Brand for He

How to get involv

ed, in four simple

steps:

o Go to the bra nd website at ww w.hereyoucan.co. o Sign up as a uk partner o Find the logo you want to use o Download it and add it to your web site, headed pap er etc.

g its positively hidin d. prou a genteel reserve, y to be loud and always adopted Herefordshire has el. But not any more, it’s read light under a bush iders cons h project whic ical in a repositioning been rebrandedst destination, clarifies its geograph Herefordshire has • ess and touri ational place to live. the county as a busin otes it as an aspir location and prom des ership that inclu loped for a partn cil and Visit Herefordshire. d has been deve A new iconic bran ness Board, Herefordshire Coun to send a clear and • unity and tourism Herefordshire Busi ce of business, comm This marks the allian powerful message. ered bull which is rend – the outline of a versions include an has been desigdned cation. Business A flexible marque • on the bran appli ote investment. prom to , ight Jack differently depending n highl a Can, with rn and a Unio electronics patte Herefordshire You ties on offer. next to the words, unique opportuni The Bull appears ’ to emphasise the county’s • placed on the ‘Here , ibility p of pride, of credand the try ity to use as a stam ty across the coun the whole commun The brand is forto identify this previously shy Coun • and something world. ions in esses; organisat become t sectors and busin and used across mos use it to promote their origins The brand can be • t the brand andly. adop can ty Coun the hire brand fami part of the Herefords s, contact Rachel Jone or visit the the brand please interest in using rejones@herefordshire.gov.uk To register your • Manager on d Bran hire Herefords at: ite webs d bran

STAFF SUCCESS AT HOTEL MARCHE AWARDS

•

The Abbey Hotel & Lea Marston Hotel were awarded THREE prestigious hotel awards at the 2012 MARCHE Awards.

At the recent glamorous MARCHE awards dinner held at the ICC in Birmingham on Sunday 24 March, Lea Marston Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield and The Abbey Hotel, Golf & Spa in Redditch are delighted to announce that out of 14 finalists they picked up 3 awards on the night.

.co.uk

www.hereyoucan

NEW BRAND FOR HEREFORDSHIRE – gET INVOLVED! Herefordshire has been rebranded in a repositioning project which considers the county as a business and tourist destination clarifies its geographical location and promotes it as an aspirational place to live.

A new iconic brand has been developed for a partnership that includes Herefordshire Business Board, Herefordshire Council and Visit Herefordshire.

The brand can be used across most sectors and businesses; organisations in the County can adopt the brand and use it to promote their origins and become part of the Herefordshire brand family.

This marks the alliance of business, community and tourism to send a clear and powerful message.

To register your interest in using the brand please contact Rachel Jones, Herefordshire Brand Manager on rejones@herefordshire.gov.uk or visit the brand website at www.hereyoucan.co.uk

A flexible marque has been designed – the outline of a bull which is rendered differently depending on the brand application. Business versions include an electronics pattern and a Union Jack, to promote investment.

The Bull appears next to the words, Herefordshire You Can, with a highlight placed on the ‘Here’ to emphasise the county’s unique opportunities on offer.

The brand is for the whole community to use as a stamp of pride, of credibility, and something to identify this previously shy County across the country and the world.

For Lea Marston Hotel, katja Townsend scooped a highly commended award for the Manager of Tomorrow Category, and katrona Paxton won the silver award for Housekeeper of the Year. The Abbey Hotel also performed exceptional with Stuart Myers receiving the silver award for Drinks Assistant of the Year.

The MARCHE Awards (Midlands Association of Restaurants, Caterers, Hotels & Entertainment) were established in 1997 to encourage training, motivation and team building for organisations operating within the hospitality and leisure industries. www.theabbeyhotel.co.uk

Abbey Hotel staff MARCHE entrants

how to get involved, in four simple steps: 1. Go to the brand website at www.hereyoucan.co.uk

2. Sign up as a partner 3. Find the logo you want to use 4. Download it and add it to your website, headed paper etc Lea Marston Hotel Finalists

CHAMBER LEgAL ADVICE LINE

This service offers members unlimited access to free help and advice on commercial and employment law, environmental health, taxation and VAT issues.

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

Clarke Jeffreys – more than just an Insurance Broker Your business is unique. There may be similarities within trades, but no one size fits all. Without discussion and review, it is all too easy to lose track or overlook the insurance exposures that are particular to your business.

Clarke Jeffreys Insurance Brokers go that extra mile to help you obtain the right level of cover to meet your specific needs, just as we did recently for some of our loyal clients.

Our advice and expertise saved thousands of pounds for these clients and many others. We will endeavour to do the same for you.

For peace of mind and first rate service from a broker that is every bit as committed to its clients as you are to yours, call Clarke Jeffreys on 01432 268007.

Client A has a head office on a Herefordshire industrial estate, like most estates it is occupied by dozens of different companies undertaking various trades. t 'PMMPXJOH B TJHOJåDBOU åSF BU B NBOVGBDUVSJOH VOJU PWFS 300 metres away from our clients’ premises, the industrial estate was shut down for a number of days and staff could not get into the office. Cover was provided for Denial of Access, £9,957 paid.

Client B bought and stored extra computer spares equipment stock for a rainy day, which was almost impossible to value. t %FTQJUF EJGåDVMUJFT JO WBMVJOH UIF FRVJQNFOU BOE XJUI little or no guarantee if these items were ever to be used, we agreed a settlement of £35,000 following severe water damage.

Clarke Jeffreys Insurance Brokers Ltd. Registered Office: Java House, 8 St Nicholas Street, Hereford, HR4 0BG. Authorised & regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Clarke Jeffreys Insurance Brokers Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales under company registration number 4460184.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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an everyday story…

The following true story reflects one seen on a daily basis at St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford.

Names have been changed to protect identity but many people will recognise the situation for themselves. It could have been you, a member of your family, a friend or work colleague.

John was admitted to casualty last night because he is dying. His symptoms worsening, it became more difficult for his wife, Jean to look after him. They were both frightened and called the doctor, who sent him to hospital.

John has been coming to Hospice In-reach Services and he and Jean attend Hand in Hand, the support group for carers and people being cared for. This has enabled them to cope well for some months with the inevitable changes that progressive life limiting illness brings… until last night. John and Jean have talked together about his dying, where he wants to be cared for and how he hopes it might be. The Hospice has helped them to plan ahead. He has even organised his funeral.

John wants to be in the Hospice when he dies. He wants his pain and symptoms to be well controlled and he wants to die with privacy and dignity, in the knowledge that someone will take care of Jean when it happens.

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Last night, with no bed available at the Hospice, John stayed in a bay in the accident and emergency department, where everyone else needed acute care.

It was naturally very busy….all night, very noisy….all night and there wasn’t anywhere for Jean to stay. It may be a few days before he can come to the Hospice.

By then, it might be too late. John is dying.

Today we were able to transfer John to the Hospice.

John is a proud and independent man. He fought for his country in the Second World War. He really wanted to walk into the Hospice ‘under his own steam’ but he was too tired and too weak. Both Jean and John know this will be where John will die and that it will probably happen this time.

He had been in before, when skilled professionals controlled his pain, enabled his mobility and independence and gave him confidence to manage his debilitating fatigue and extreme breathlessness. He had gone home for what had turned out to be a few months now but both knew that it was just a matter of time before things would progress …

John had achieved so much in that precious time, often through difficult and emotionally painful conversations with Jean and the family, his two sons, their wives and his much loved grandchildren. Encouraged by the Hospice he had written a journal of his life time, trawled through countless photos, revisited so many memories, told his story and together with the family shared who he was, what was important to him and

how he would be remembered by his children and grandchildren. Of course there were very sad moments but also much laughter and mischief (John had a wicked sense of humour and teased his sons that they had inherited his knees, as they laughed over a snapshot of John in shorts not long after the war).

John’s last days will be spent with dignity, with his family around him, with his pain and symptoms well controlled. He has said all that he can and all that he needs to. He doesn’t want to leave Jean, his wife of 63 years but is reassured that she will be looked after by the family and that help will be available through the Hospice to support her through her bereavement. He also knows that the family will revisit the memories and stories often with the grandchildren so that even the little ones, who don’t really know him yet, will have a better idea.

He and Jean had talked about what gift he would give each of them to remember him by. His eldest grandson is nearly 21 and will have his medals and the watch given to him when he retired after 45 years. He has put in a letter what they had meant to him at the time and hopes that one day his grandson will understand and they will have meaning for him too.

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HOW CAN YOU HELP THE HOSPICE TO SUPPORT FAMILIES LIKE JOHN AND JEAN’S? We do not charge for our care and services and receive a contribution of just 11% towards our total operating costs of nearly £12,000 per day.

This is one of the lowest financial contributions towards hospice care in the country and we remain one of the most cost-efficient services in comparison.

It is important to us that we can provide John, Jean and their family with the range of support to make their experience of John’s dying as good as it can possibly be.

Through the generosity of our communities, the Hospice has delivered quality end of life care to people like John across Herefordshire and the surrounding Counties for nearly 30 years. We need your support to sustain this now and into the future.

it Costs the hospiCe

Imagine how much more security and hope there would be for the future, if all your staff made a regular gift aided donation towards the work we do.

Last year our shops turned your donations into a profit of £1/2m, contributing to 25% of our total care costs.

Imagine what difference it would make, if your staff chose to support St Michael’s Hospice shops by making a donation of clothes, furniture or rags this year.

■ £400 to give John quality in-patient care and to provide Jean and the family with a range of support each day ■ £175 to provide a comprehensive out-patient assessment and advice ■ £60 for each session at the Fatigue and Breathlessness clinic ■ £40 to create a memory box ■ £35 to record his story ■ £20 for John and Jean to attend a Hand in Hand Session Your business can support us in a number of ways Lottery membership is £52 a year for one play per week– if every employee joined our Lottery, imagine what difference it would make to people like John.

This year we need to raise over £280,000 through our events. Imagine the difference it could make, if every employee attended an event this year and raised money through sponsorship.

SUNDAY 13TH MAY 2012 PLEASE RUN OUR HALF MARATHON OR DO 2012 METRES IN THE MOST FUN WAY POSSIBLE AND COMMIT TO RAISING £20.12 SPONSORSHIP To view our new fun run promotion go to

Last year volunteers saved the Hospice around £800,000 by donating their time to help us achieve our aims.

www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

WE ASk, that as a business, you consider supporting St Michael’s Hospice this year and embrace the opportunity this brings to fulfil a social responsibility and make a real impact on your local community.

Please motivate and support your employees to help us in whatever way they can and encourage them to read this article. Thank you.

Please contact: St Michael's Hospice Bartestree Hereford HR1 4HA Telephone: (01432) 851000 Fax: (01432) 851022 Email:info@st-michaels-hospice.org.uk Registered Charity No. 511179

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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International Trade

TARIFF CLASSIFICATION NEEDN’T BE TAXINg

When trading internationally you are legally responsible for the correct Tariff classification of your goods.

The Tariff number also known as Commodity code or Harmonised System code identifies your goods according to a system of Commodity Codes which are used across the United kingdom and European Union and are found in the ‘Uk Integrated Tariff’.

This coding mechanism is also used by Customs worldwide to identify products without having to translate invoice descriptions. An eight digit code is used for the movement of goods within the European Union however for imports into the Uk from outside the EU a ten digit code is used.

Commodity codes are important in determining how your goods are treated. They affect how much you will be charged and how your goods will be treated when they arrive and leave the Uk, European Union and third countries. Classifying is important and ensures that you pay the correct amount of duty and VAT, receive any export refund due on some agricultural goods (provided all other conditions are satisfied), contribute to the accuracy of import and export trade statistics and determine if an export or import licence is needed.

You, as the exporter or importer are legally responsible for the correct Tariff classification of your goods. Generally you employ an agent such as a Freight Forwarder to handle your Customs entries on your behalf however you are responsible to provide the correct information to them.

Although they electronically submit your Customs entry (Single Administrative Document) that contains your commodity code to the HM Revenue & Customs, they are not responsible for the accuracy - you are.

Incorrect classification can lead to HMRC imposing a fine or seizing your goods and they can also take action if you fail to obtain a licence or comply with regulations.

If you are unable or uncertain about the correct Tariff Classification of your goods you can ask the Tariff Classification Service (limit of 3 enquiries per call) however the verbal advice given is not legally binding. If there remains any element of doubt a BTI (Binding Tariff Information) can be requested. This is a written classification decision which is legally binding on all customs administrations within the European Community for up to 6 years from date of issue.

To find out more about Tariff Classifications and the impact it has on your business contact the International Trade Team on 0845 641 1641 or attend the Tariff Classification course on Wednesday 18 July.

To classify your goods it is recommend that you examine a copy of the Integrated Tariff of the United kingdom. It is an annual publication, updated monthly that you can subscribe to, or, view it at main reference libraries.

Alternatively you can use the free online Uk Trade Tariff available on the Businesslink website www. businesslink.gov.uk/tariff You need a full and accurate description of the goods and in some circumstances you may need precise details of their composition and use. You must apply the 6 General Rules for the Interpretation of the Nomenclatures governing the principles of the Tariff classification procedure.

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION

The E-cert online provides you with a fast, easy and secure way of submitting your export documentation. Chamber Members receive a 50% discount.

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EXPORT FINANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS Reporting to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, UK Export Finance operates under an act of parliament taking into account HM government’s wider international policy agenda.

One scheme that the Government has introduced through Uk Export Finance is the Working Capital Scheme to encourage SME’s to export, it offers a partial guarantee to the bank on an exporter’s behalf (of up to 80% of the value in some cases), ensuring that the company can gain access to the working capital with which to perform the specific export contract, whether before or after shipment, until paid by the buyer.

Uk Export Finance is the Uk’s export credit agency formally known as the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD). Its aim to is enhance the Uk economy by supporting exporters of Uk goods and services to win business

overseas, and to help Uk firms to invest overseas. They fill the gap where there is a lack of adequate security to support the credit facilities you need. A range of credit insurance and financing products is provided to complement the commercial financial and insurance markets including guarantees, insurance and reinsurance against loss, reducing the risk of overseas investments.

To find out more about Uk Export Finance and how it can help you fund export growth - contact your local International Trade Team at the Chamber on 0845 641 1641 or email

internationaltrade@hwchamber. co.uk

ONLINE EXPORT DOCUMENTATION Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce provides an efficient online export document service.

In February they became the highest national Chamber to process 89.66% of their documents online over achieving the British Chambers of Commerce target of 80%.

To ensure that users are aware of the service the Chamber also hosted a free ‘Online Document Workshop’ which was very popular and will be planning another event in the future.

For information on export documents or if you are interested in attending a workshop please contact Sandy Wright or Lucy Walters on 0845 641 1641 or email: sandyw@hwchamber.co.uk or lucyw@hwchamber.co.uk

The online service www.e-zcert.com can be used for EC and Arab-British Certificates of Origins, EUR1’s and ATR’s.

The service offers ‘express’ documents that will be processed and printed by the applicant within hours.

FOREIgN EXCHANgE SERVICE Through Western Union Business Solution’s global network of dedicated foreign exchange specialists and extensive support system, the Chamber’s service can help you do business with ease across borders and time zones.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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27/4/12 15:32:20

Time to get your mind working for you the way it was designed to!

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Somerville House provides the gateway for adventure and new experiences or a relaxing break all year round.

Free secure wi-fi available throughout the building and on the terrace via an access code.

Meeting room for up to 10 people with a screen and snacks can be provided. Our 12 bedrooms have desks and easy chairs to relax in or do some work.

Chamber members are offered a 10% discount on accomodation and the meeting room hire.

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www.ballardsca.com May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:32:25

Business News KENDALL WADLEY ‘DEDICATED’ APPROACH SUPPORTS MULTI-MILLION POUND DEAL Malvern based Aurix which specialises in speech search technology and analytics solutions, has recently been acquired by global communications powerhouse Avaya Inc. Instrumental in assisting in the smooth completion of the multi million pound deal was the team at kendall Wadley, who are Aurix’s accountants.

Over the past few years, kendall Wadley have been working as a full member of Aurix, as part of its management team,

where their professional, affordable and dedicated approach is highly valued by the Board.

Aurix Director CTO & CFO James kirby feels that his company benefits greatly from the involvement of kendall Wadley’s Nicky Gutteridge on a day to day level, attending Board meetings as well as her daily interaction with all aspects of their accountancy issues. www.kwca.co.uk

FIXT – FIXED BY MODUS CREATIVE Worcester marketing and design company Modus Creative has created a brand new success story for a £20m national distributor of automotive consumable chemicals and products. Modus has re-branded this well established range of workshop consumables, including chemical sprays, paints, hand protection and adhesives, as FIXT. FIXT asked Modus to rebrand them with something memorable, exciting and with a very clear and purposeful name and logo that was fit for purpose.

The striking colourway of the new FIXT brand immediately positions the products as high quality and the FIXT logo helps the products say what they do. Each product range is accompanied by a circular icon depicting what the product can be used on and what bit does.

A further extension to the new branding is FIXTPRO, created by Modus for the high-end chemical products market. The FIXT name has now been trademarked. www.moduscreative.co.uk

FUNDRAISINg APP – BLINg MY BEAR St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester has launched a new, fun fundraising mobile phone app - ‘Bling My Bear’ - to help raise cash for the charity. The app has been designed and hosted by Borwell, a software company based in Malvern.

Andrea and Steve Borwell-Fox are keen supporters of the work of St Richard’s Hospice and have been involved with the charity for over ten years.

Andrea said: “We simply couldn’t resist the challenge of creating ‘Bling my Bear’. We are delighted to donate this iPhone App to St Richard’s Hospice. It’s

great to see latest technology being used in a fun way, raising essential funds for such a worthwhile local cause.”

To buy the app just search for Bling my Bear on itunes. The app will be available for android mobile phones later in 2012. www.borwell.com www.strichards.org.uk Sophie Carrier - Graphic Design student, Phillippa Jones – St Richard’s Hospice, Andrea Borwell-Fox – Borwell Ltd

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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dk Business Solutions to launch a new website dk Business Solutions Ltd. will be launching a new website on Friday the 25th of May. The new website is a big step forward for the company as it continues to establish a firm foothold in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area.

Asked about the new website, Simon Underhill of dk Business Solutions Ltd. had this to say: “The new website is part of a bigger branding strategy we are in the process of implementing at the moment.

The online domain has become such an important platform to do business and we simply felt we had not been utilising it to its full potential. We have been planning this marketing effort for the last few months and have finally reached a level where we are very satisfied with what we have got and can’t wait to show it to the rest of the world.

It is always exciting and indeed important for a business to evaluate its corporate strategies and

although we’ve been doing very well in the past couple of years, we felt there was the potential to do even better. This is especially true since we are a technology company and people tend to have higher expectations to them in regards to their websites and I guess the reality is that the brand credibility can be compromised if the website does not meet the customer’s expectations levels.”

Co-creating value with the customer Simon continued and said that: “We do not only expect the website to serve as a great selling tool, providing information about our software and services but as a valuable tool to move our customer services to the very highest level. Our customers will be able to access manuals, help materials, videos and other types of training materials as well as being able to interact and receive help from us directly through the website. The website will be connected to our support department

where they can receive help by either logging support queries or allowing the support representative to take control of the screen. Our hope is that this will create a platform where the customers are able to help themselves should they wish to do so and by doing that co-creating value with the customer which in turn should lead to increased customer satisfaction.”

Special offers following the launch of the website Following the launch of the website, dk Business Solutions will be having a number of promotional offers and prize draws so stay tuned and have a look at www.dk-bs.co.uk

The new website is part of a bigger branding strategy we are in the process of implementing at the moment. The online domain has become such an important platform to do business and we simply felt we had not been utilising it to its full potential. simon underhill DK Business Solutions Ltd 020

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May/June 2012

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policy

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012 The British Chambers of Commerce held its 2012 annual conference in March, with members of the Chamber Board and Policy Team in attendance to provide a Herefordshire and Worcestershire presence.

Senior politicans and industry chiefs from an array of organisations spoke at the Westminster conference, speaking on issues from skills to entrepreneur support and from red tape to aviation strategy.

The Business Secretary Vince Cable also pledged to keep tackling red tape and regulation, whilst Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls said the recovery was all about boosting business and consumer confidence, something he believes Coalition Government policy are doing little to address.

Speakers on the day addressed a number of topics such as planning reform, employment law, EU regulations and access to finance.

For more information on any of the issues, please contact the Policy Department on

policy@hwchamber.co.uk

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg MP, was the first senior Government minister to address the conference.

Mr Clegg’s message was that the Government was busy restructuring the Budget to prepare for the horizon, to give businesses the certainty needed to invest, recruit and deliver economic growth.

Nick Clegg MP

WESTMINSTER BUSINESS LUNCH John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce then discussed what BCC had been calling for in the Budget, before Andrew Tyrie MP, Chair of the Treasury Select Committee discussed his view of the economic conditions leading up the budget, and what businesses could reasonably expect in the Chancellor’s speech, before taking questions.

In early March, the Chamber organised a Business Lunch in Westminster aimed at strengthening the local business voice in the run up to the Chancellor’s Budget.

The delegation consisted of the Chamber’s Area Councils. (two member-led groups designed to represent each county by sector, size and geography) and feed business concerns back to the relevant stakeholders and decision makers.

All 8 MPs from Herefordshire and Worcestershire met the business delegation in the House of Commons to discuss barriers to growth in the local economy.

The Policy team is keen to strengthen links through these events, and to promote local business messages in Westminster on a local and national level.

After Robin Walker, MP for Worcester City welcomed the Chamber to Parliament; Carl Arntzen, Managing Director of Worcester, Bosch Group

spoke of the firm’s proud roots in the local economy, and the brilliance of local manufacturing in responding to the economic downturn so effectively.

Thanks to Worcester, Bosch Group for sponsoring the event, and local MPs for receiving us, and the Chamber looks forward to strengthening these connections moving forward.

CHAMBER MERCHANT SERVICES

Members have access to lower rates on credit and debit card processing.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Big Interview

Making sense of the Budget Rob said: “The Government talks about simplifying the system and it’s fine if they ever do it but it does not seem to happen.

For Rob Richards, the Chancellor’s recent Budget offered some encouragement to business - but, as so often, also had its downsides.

“It does remain a complicated system and that is why it makes sense for people to use professionals when it comes to their tax.”

The most encouraging initiative was the announcement that the main rate of Corporation Tax will be reduced by an additional one per cent, so that the rate will reduce from 26 per cent to 24 per cent in April 2012, to 23 per cent in April 2013 and will come down to 22 per cent by April 2014.

Rob, who is based in Worcester, said: “I think it was a Budget that had to be considered in the light of the current economic climate and the need to reduce the debt but there were some positives and the decision on Corporation Tax was encouraging.

“Bringing the tax down means the UK compares very well with other countries. It is 35 per cent in the US, for example, and the average elsewhere is 25 per cent.

“That cut in the Budget in March encourages businesses that they have a little more money available so that they can create jobs and that allows them to increase productivity. I think that it is a big gesture from the Government.

“When the Budget was over, we contacted local companies and highlighted the change in Corporation Tax because we think it is important to them.

“We have also been talking to some foreign manufacturing companies

That could well be more of an imperative because the Chancellor also announced, as widely anticipated, that the Government intends to accept the recommendation of the Aaronson report for the introduction of a General Anti-Abuse Rule.

who are thinking about investing in Worcestershire and they liked the fact that if they set up here the level of Corporation Tax would be reduced, that it would cost them less. There are other factors, of course, but hopefully the reduction in Corporation Tax will be one of the things that persuades them to invest in this area.”

plant, computers and other equipment.

However, for all he found much to be encouraged about, there was also much to concern, including the level of hidden taxes and the impact of the change to the Annual Investment Allowance, which was announced in a previous Budget but has just come into force.

George Osborne’s Emergency Budget of 22nd June 2010 gave notice that the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) annual limit is to be significantly reduced from £100,000 to £25,000 from April 2012.

Rob said: “I am concerned about this change because it takes away the cash flow benefit for businesses, especially in our area where they might be buying agricultural machinery or similar equipment. This change means that they cannot write that £100,000 off up front and that can cause difficulties for them.”

Previously, businesses have been able to write off 100% of the cost of acquiring qualifying assets against their taxable profits, up to an annual limit of £100,000. Assets that can be written off in this way include commercial vehicles,

He also has concerns about Government pledges to simplify the tax system, repeated yet again in the Budget, saying that if he was Chancellor he would remove some of the inequalities to make it a fairer system.

A consultation document will be released with the intention of introducing the new rule next year and it will apply to the likes of income tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, petroleum revenue tax, targeting transactions which are carried out to avoid tax.

Rob said: “It’s only a consultation at the moment but it will target schemes which avoid tax. That’s another reason people need to bring in professional accountants.

People can submit their own accounts to the HMRC themselves however, because the rules and provisions that need to be adhered to it is wise to get a professionally qualified accountant to complete your returns. www.richards-sandy.com

Bringing the tax down means the UK compares very well with other countries. It is 35 per cent in the US, for example, and the average elsewhere is 25 per cent. That cut in the Budget in March encourages businesses that they have a little more money available so that they can create jobs and that allows them to increase productivity.

I think that it is a big gesture from the Government.

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Rob Richards Chartered Accountant

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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27/4/12 15:33:00

Health and Wellbeing

FEATURE

TAKINg A POSITIVE APPROACH TO HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE The need to ensure health and well-being in the workplace is not to be laughed at - but it might be worth a smile, according to a recently-published study.

Research by the British Heart Foundation suggests that taking a positive approach to life has tangible knock-on health benefits.

The five-year study of older people revealed that the higher people rated their feelings of happiness, the longer they lived.

The research, led by Foundation researcher Professor Andrew Steptoe asked more than 3,800 people aged 52 to 79 to rate their feelings of happiness and anxiety four times over the course of the day.

Researchers followed participants for five years and the results showed those who reported feeling happiest had a 35 per cent reduced risk of dying during the study, compared to those who reported feeling the least happy.

Maureen Talbot, the Foundation’s Senior Cardiac Nurse, said: “Like previous studies of its kind, this research does not establish cause and effect but does show that older people with a positive outlook may live longer.

“Interestingly, the findings showed those who feel happiest are less likely to smoke and more likely to exercise, behaviours that we know are beneficial to our heart health along with eating a healthy diet.

five (18%) reported that they still have a good work/ life balance in spite of these extra hours.

“There is certainly something to be said about staying positive and if we can combine that with keeping established risk factors, like high cholesterol and blood pressure, under control, we’ll being doing our heart a huge favour.”

■ 37% work in the evenings after their contracted hours

Watching the overtime at work may also have health benefits, according to research by Aviva, which revealed that Uk workers are putting in 26 million extra hours in the workplace each day.

■ One in 10 (11%) even admit to working late at night when unable to sleep.

Aviva’s latest Health of the Workplace Report showed six in ten employees regularly work beyond their contracted hours, putting in an average of 1.5 hours’ overtime a day. Nearly one in four employees (23%) claimed they work an extra 2-3 hours daily.

The vast majority (79%) of these hours are unpaid, which means workers are providing around worth £225 million of ‘free’ hours each day for employers.

As a result of these extra hours, the health of the Uk’s workforce is suffering, according to the research. More than a quarter (27%) reported they felt tired all the time, 23% say they feel really stressed, 15% admit that their diet is suffering as they eat junk food and 9% need to smoke or drink to unwind. Fewer than one in

Surveyed staff are adopting a number of strategies to squeeze in these extra hours:

■ 28% come in early to get a head start ■ 16% put in hours at the weekend

Douglas Wright, head of clinical development for Aviva, said: “Most employers make great efforts to look after their workers and ensure they get a good work / life balance. In fact our study showed that this is a top priority for a third of employers over the next 12 months so they may be very surprised to see how some employees are struggling to manage their workloads.

“Working excessively can have a huge impact on people’s mental and physical well-being, so anyone who feels they might have a problem, should speak to their manager to address the matter before it becomes a bigger issue. Six per cent of workers actually report they have been off sick as a result of overworking, so it’s very much in employers and employees’ interests to nip any such problems in the bud.”

CHAMBER BUSINESS CHOICE HEALTHCARE Fantastic deals on private health insurance

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Healthy Employees are vital for ensuring a Healthy Business PTH is a well respected local Occupational Health (OH) Provider We tailor OH services to suit every type and size of employer. We have nurses, doctors and other health specialists to meet each employer’s needs and we manage services to minimise costs These services can be on site at client premises, from our clinic rooms in Bromsgrove and via our remote service: ‘PTH Direct’, where nurses can screen forms, give advice and undertake telephone consultations. We use specialist software with on line screening and referrals.

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May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:33:31

Introducing Rapid Access Clinics from Nuffield Health Hospitals

Where no referral is required: • Gynaecological Well Woman Clinic • Physiotherapy • Sports Injury Clinic

What is Rapid Access?

Do I have to be insured?

• Breast Screening

Rapid access hospital treatment has been developed specifically with the patient affordability and accessibility in mind. It means that you, the patient, can book an appointment quickly and at a convenient time to you.

No. There are various ways to pay for your treatment privately.

• Varicose Vein Clinic

Some clinics don’t require a GP referral, such as the Breast Screening Service and Sports Injury Clinic and are all directly bookable, which means that you don’t have to wait for a GPreferral before booking.

There are also clinics, such as Hip and Knee Clinic, where you will need to get a referral from your GP and you will just need to ask at your appointment for a referral letter.

You can either use private health insurance if you have it or you can pay yourself.

Nuffield Health can recommend our financial provider, First Medical Loans for their interest free loans (0% APR Typical) or their interest bearing loans

• Respite & Convalescence • Non Invasive Cosmetics • Injectable Cosmetics

(Terms & Conditions apply. Loans subject to status)

Where referral is required:

There will be a £55 admin charge payable to First Medical Loans.

• Hip & Knee Clinic • Pain Management Clinic • Eye Clinic • Spinal Clinic • Rectal Bleeding Clinic

Why go private?

• Hernia Clinic

You will get to see a Consultant of your choice at a time convenient to you.

• Gall Bladder Clinic

You will also get peace of mind in knowing the full cost of not only your first appointment but also any further tests and treatment that may be necessary.

• Digestive Disorders Clinic • Hearing Clinic • Foot and Ankle Clinic

Rapid access to treatment at Nuffield Health.

Your local hospital, recognised by BUPA™ and other major insurers.

Whether you’re insured or just want to pay for yourself, ask your GP for a referral to Nuffield Health Hereford hospitals.

For more information please call our friendly team on 01432 262502 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/herefordhospital Nuffield Health Hereford Hospital Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DF Don’t just go private, go personal

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The Orchard Health Care Plan Your affordable alternative to private medical insurance Tel. 01905 729090 Fax. 01905 729091 Email. orchard@whcaorchard.com www.whcaorchard.com

www.wealthofhappiness.com

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Business News

CALLINg ALL CIDER DRINKERS AND HEDgEHOg FANS Nexus Creative are delighted to be developing the new Celtic Marches cider brand – Abrahalls Celtic Marches produce two quality liqueurs, ‘Number Nine’ and ‘Bloody Furlong’. Having launched both brands onto the market last year to much acclaim, they have now expanded their offering, to include Abrahalls Cider.

DYING AWARENESS WEEK

Anyone who has been in contact with Celtic Marches will know that their brands are steeped in history and built around a well researched story. The name ‘Celtic Marches’ originated due to the location of the Wyre Croft Farm and derives from the Civil War and the border battles between the English and the Welsh.

A recent survey found that whilst 68% of people said they were comfortable talking about death, less than a third (29%) of people have discussed their wishes around dying. Only 4% have written advance care plans.

Death is still a taboo – which is why as part of Dying Matters Awareness week, St Michael’s Hospice is encouraging people to talk about their wishes, including where they want to die, how they want to be cared for and their funeral plans.

The Abrahalls brand is also based on a strong historical theme. The name itself is the surname of a distant relative of Susan, whose crest included 3 hedgehogs which itself links back to the fact the Celts called the area ‘Ergyng’ - the land of the Hedgehogs. To honour the association with the hedgehog, Celtic Marches are donating 1p from every bottle of Abrahalls sold to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

The first two brands Number Nine and Bloody Furlong have sold over 300,000 units in the twelve months since their launch. www.nexuscl.com

At St Michael’s Hospice, the whole purpose is to do everything we can to make sure that people have the best possible experience of dying, to address the things which are most important to them, such as pain and symptom control, dignity and choice and to ensure their families are supported at the time and in bereavement.

Susan Vaughan, co-founder of Celtic Marches, with their latest offering – Abrahalls Cider.

DAVID FENNELL WINS INTERNATIONAL LAW OFFICE CLIENT CHOICE AWARD Wragge & Co’s Head of Projects, David Fennell, has won the UK Projects and Procurement category at the International Law Office Client Choice Awards.

The awards recognise the winners’ ‘ability to add real value to their clients’ businesses above and beyond the other players in the market’.

Senior Partner Quentin Poole said: “Excellent client service has long been a hallmark at Wragge & Co, so it is particularly rewarding to see one of our partners awarded for his commitment to the client cause.

David is a fantastic lawyer and fully deserves this award.”

Client comments which helped David to victory include: “Based on my experience, I am happy to recommend David as a legal adviser, particularly on complex infrastructure projects.” “David has been invaluable in assisting us to develop both our short term and long term business.”

This latest award win is one of a number for Wragge & Co over the last 12 months. www.wragge.com

They can only achieve this through talking with people about their hopes and wishes. Too often this is left to the last minute. It is important that we encourage people to plan ahead, seek advice where they are uncertain and support where needed. Such communication is a vital part of the work we do.

What can you do to help? - encourage your staff to talk with each other; speak to your families; talk with your children; contact someone who is bereaved and don’t be frightened to talk with them about how they are feeling; think about writing your Will; think about what you would want if you were dying; hold an awareness event; above all, please support St Michael’s Hospice to continue to provide this important service to our communities.

Awareness Week runs from 14 - 20 May and St Michael’s Hospice will have a presence in Hereford High Town from 15 - 17 May. www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

PERSONAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE** If your key decision maker is hospitalised or confined to bed due to ill health, this service helps you stay in touch with your customers, potential clients and suppliers. ** Pre-registration is required.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Cover Feature

This Government has an absolute commitment to clearing away the barriers that act as a brake on growth for British SMEs.

vince cable Business Secretary

It’s still a cautious world out there As business recovers from the great financial sector Crash, one thing is becoming clear things will never be the same again.

Banks that leant freely - some would say too freely are now much more cautious when it comes to parting with their money and that is causing problems for businesses seeking to fund growth.

Does that mean that all is lost then? Not according to John Painter, Chair of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and the Managing Member of Chartered Accountants Crowther Beard.

John, who lives in Worcester, believes that, although the banking sector has changed, there remains opportunities for businesses to access funding.

Indeed, he is a key member of the Chamber team working with the Worcestershire LEP to develop an information service for companies seeking finance.

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John said: “Our idea is to develop a Portal where companies can find out how and where to access finance.

“It’s a service that is needed because so much has changed. The banks will still lend money to the right project and a well structured business but things will not get back to the way they were before 2008. I hope they do not because some banks were lending in what I would call a reckless manner. I think they did that because of the pressure they were under from their shareholders to build up their lending books.

“They were making decisions for the wrong reasons, though. They were making decisions that were, in my view, far too risky, and which traditional bankers of, say twenty years ago, would not have entertained.

“Now, the pendulum has swung right back and banks have gone from reckless to extremely cautious.”

That does not mean that access to money has stopped, though, according to John. However, its source may have changed.

He said: “What you are seeing is the emergence of a group of venture capitalists who are still prepared to provide finance and are prepared to take risks. These business angels are prepared to back new business but I think the days of entrepreneurs being able to rely on funders putting in the bulk of finance may have gone.

“I am pleased about that because if you are an entrepreneur you should accept that there is an element of risk and should be prepared to put yourself on the line.”

Creating the environment where entrepreneurs are prepared to take those risks is something that is exercising the minds of Government ministers.

There are now various Government-backed schemes in place and Business Secretary Vince Cable has recently announced measures to strengthen supply chains and reduce the burden of regulation as well as schemes which allow access to funding.

Mr Cable said: “This Government has an absolute commitment to clearing away the barriers that act as a brake on growth for British SMEs.“

May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:33:54

FEATURE Schemes include the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, which has been set up to help the existing supply chain grow, achieve world class standards and encourage major new suppliers to come and manufacture in the Uk. This initiative, to be run by Birmingham City Council, will provide grants and loans to successful projects demonstrating real ambition to create globally competitive supply chains. The funding can support a combination of investment in capital equipment, associated R&D, and training and skills in recognition of the flexibility needed to overcome the barriers that suppliers and supply chains can face.

The £125 million national initiative is being funded by the Regional Growth Fund and Department for Business Innovation and Skills. It is based on an existing bid to the Regional Growth Fund led by a group of local enterprise partnerships (Greater Birmingham and Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire, Black Country and Liverpool City Region) and Birmingham City Council which focused on the automotive and aerospace sectors and on a specific regional area.

The initiative is now expanded to the whole of England and across advanced manufacturing sectors.

Birmingham City Council will administer the expanded fund and will ensure national criteria and governance arrangements are put in place.

The £100m investment in SMEs through non-bank lending channels from the Business Finance Partnership was announced in the Budget. Its key aims are to stimulate the development of a deeper and more diversified non-bank lending market for those businesses in the Uk with a turnover of less than £500m.

What you are seeing is the emergence of a group of venture capitalists who are still prepared to provide finance and are prepared to take risks. These business angels are prepared to back new business but I think the days of entrepreneurs being able to rely on funders putting in the bulk of finance may have gone.

Christopher Agius from lawyers Harrison Clark said; “Despite the Uk avoiding the immediate risk of a double dip recession, negativity still pervades the news regarding the health of our economy.

“Access to funding is fundamental to any economic recovery and contrary to popular belief, Banks are lending again, albeit they are not acting as they did before the recession, nor should we look to them to replicate that behaviour.

“Government stimulation known as Credit easing, could reduce the interest on £20bn of new SME loans by 1%. When approaching your Bank, preparation is everything. Your business case should be water tight as the borderline proposition has been consigned to the past.

“Alternatively, funding from equity houses, mezzanine funders, business angels and private investors is increasingly coming to prominence. In addition, Local Enterprise Partnerships are able to promote access to funding in their regions.

The need for funding has never been greater but neither has the need for business to be creative and entrepreneurial in the ways they seek funding.”

Dr Cable said: “The Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative will help build manufacturing capacity and ensure that more of the necessary components can be sourced in this country. We will support projects that deliver economic growth, greater competitiveness and safeguard or generate jobs.

“We will also increase the supply of capital through non-bank lending channels via our £100m SME focused Business Finance Partnership, targeting finance channels other than loan funds.”

It all sounds good but all entrepreneurs know that they trade in a new financial world, one where bright ideas must be supported by good planning and sensible business plans.

More information on Department for Business, Innovation and Skills funding schemes is available at

Christopher Agius

www.bis.gov.uk

John painter Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Crowther Beard.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Worcestershire open for business • Are you a business or social enterprise in Worcestershire?

• Are you looking to start a business in Worcestershire?

• Are you struggling to access finance?

• Have you been turned down by High Street banks?

If you have answered yes to these questions you may be able to access the Worcestershire Loan Fund - supported by Worcestershire County Council and delivered by Impetus.

• Business Loans of up to £50,000 will be available repayable over 6 months to 5 years For information on the Loan Fund - and other sources of finance visit Worcestershire County Council’s business finance pages via: www.financeworcestershire.co.uk

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Strategic Support

Management Information

Efficient Processes

May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:34:07

ADVERTORIAL

MARCHES REDUNDANT BUILDINg gRANT SCHEME The Marches Redundant Building grant (RBg) is now open for applications. It aims to provide grant support to existing and start-up businesses throughout Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin to enable the conversion or refurbishment of redundant buildings to bring them back into productive business use, or to enhance their current business use.

Before

This will address an identified lack of available and suitable workspaces in the local enterprise partnership area, creating and safeguarding jobs.

Grants of up to £50,000, or 30% of eligible project costs, are awarded. The minimum grant is £3,000 (with project costs of £10,000).

Grant awards are discretionary and will be at the minimum required to enable the project to proceed. All projects must create new employment opportunities to be eligible for support.

how do i apply?

■ Crafts or service businesses

Please contact the Programme Manager to discuss your proposal where you will be asked to complete a Stage One Enquiry Form. If the details of your project meet the initial criteria and priorities of the scheme, you will then be invited to complete a full application.

■ Office premises ( speculative developments are

ContaCt details:

Eligible projects can include conversions or refurbishment, including upgrading of mains services, to provide facilities for:

■ Manufacturing

not eligible)

■ Retail outlets For a building to qualify for a grant it must either be completely unused or unusable in its current state for the purposes for which it is now needed. Grants cannot be used for pure refurbishment where the use of the building will not be changed, although assistance can be given for upgrading mains services in order to help a business in its expansion programme.

Eligible applicants can include individuals, partnerships, charities, limited companies or co-operatives.

Applicants can be owner-occupiers or tenants. Tenants must have a fixed term lease with at least three years unexpired and written consent for the proposed works from their landlord.

After

Caroline Cattle Redundant Building Grant Programme Manager Herefordshire Council PO Box 4 Plough Lane Hereford HR4 0XH Tel: 01432 260662 Fax: 01432 383031 E-mail: rbgscheme@herefordshire.gov.uk

This grant is not available for conversion to or refurbishment of residential property, or for buildings which will be used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. If you are a farmer applying for a grant, please discuss your proposal with the Redundant Building Grant Team at the earliest opportunity due to European restrictions with this funding for those involved in primary production and processing.

Applications must be made and approved before work starts. No advance payments can be made.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Business News

KEY PRIORITIES FOR WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

Chairman Harry Turner launches Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s 2012/13 Annual Plan to hospital staff.

Staff at the Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals will be working towards six priorities in 2012/13.

The priorities, outlined in Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s Annual Plan 2012/13, will help pave the way towards the Trust becoming a Foundation Trust in 2014.

They are: • High Quality (delivering safe, effective, innovative and compassionate patient care) • High Performing (achieving strong operational performance compliant with national requirements) • Manage the Money (ensuring the Trust is financially viable and gets the maximum value from its resources) • Build our reputation (enhancing engagement with patients, the public, staff, GPs, partners and wider communities) • Patient-centred culture (developing a culture that is recognised as patient centred, driven by inspiring and accountable leaders) • Invest in our staff (investing and realising the full potential of our staff and becoming the preferred employer of choice)

Underpinning these are 18 objectives which all staff will be working together to achieve, so that the Trust fulfils its mission of being the safest, most patient-centred and efficient Trust, and its Vision of becoming a clinical centre of excellence for Worcestershire.

The full Annual Plan is available to read at

www.worcsacute.nhs.uk

HME TECHNOLOGY AND SKANSKA TAKING SCIENCE INTO SCHOOLS HME Technology a leading supplier and installer of design and technology and science equipment based at Saxon Park in Bromsgrove have won nearly £700,000 worth of orders from 10 schools across the country.

Julian Davis, Managing Director, said: “These are a substantial collection of contracts we have won in what continues to be a difficult economic climate. We pride ourselves on being the best in our sector and this is a big vote of confidence in what we do.”

THE NATIONAL POLLEN AND AEROBIOLOGY UNIT (NPARU) The National Pollen and Aerobiology Unit (NPARU) at the University of Worcester has been in existence since 1994.

Following the appointment of Professor Roy kennedy in 2010, the unit has expanded to provide a multidisciplinary international research and industry driven research centre. A £9 million pound investment to re-house the unit in a specialist building with laboratories and a large climatic test chamber with smaller sub chambers provides collaborative opportunity for industry and research to mix. Simulation of worldwide conditions can be achieved and reproduced under laboratory control, assisting in design and product developmental process. Within the large chamber, smaller RAC units or micro chamber, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) and Thermal Desorption (TDS) can be used to monitor compounds and pollutants given off from materials held at different conditions, for example Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde emission etc. The TDS is mobile and can be used for off-site monitoring.

The department has an approx. 50 / 50 split between research and development and commercial work.

Although initially known for its national pollen and fungal spore forecasts its research and consultancy on infectious agents and allergens, with a strong emphasis on air quality and health is recognised both nationally and internationally. As a multidisciplinary unit it is split in to seven main areas.

• Product Testing - Effect of climate on product performance / VOC / pollutant emissions testing • Allergen Reduction - Efficiency testing of products • Environmental Monitoring – Microbiological, Chemical and Air Particulates / Contaminants • Clinical Trials – Breathing zone, Ocular Allergy, Allergy • Infectious Agents / Diagnostics – Development of Point of Care Tests and Disease forecast systems • Plant Science - Plant pathology, Crop diagnostics, Integrated disease management systems • UK Pollen and Fungal Spore forecasts, Palynology / Forensics www.pollenuk.co.uk

www.hme-tech.com

HEALTH AT HAND** A free 24/7 health information service available to you and all of your employees staffed by nurses, midwives, pharmacists and counsellors, 365 days a year. ** Pre-registration is required. Call 0845 641 1641 for more information.

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Business News

UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER AWARDS CAPLOR SOLAR CONTRACT Leading renewable energy company Caplor Energy has recently started work on a prestigious solar photovoltaic scheme at the University of Worcester designed to reduce the Campus’s energy costs.

The Herefordshire-based company won a competitive tender to install an initial 50kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the Woodbury Building as part of the University’s continued drive towards reducing its carbon footprint. With the system expected to be completed next week, it is anticipated that the University will generate nearly 40,000 units of electricity and save over 20 tonnes of CO2 each year from the solar panels.

Under the Government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme, the University will not only make savings on its electricity bill, but will also receive regular payments over a 25-year period based on the electricity generated from the PV system.

As part of the installation Caplor Energy will be producing a short time-lapse video of the installation which will be made available online.

Sean Deloitte and Corina Calugaru Worcester University beside Sungrid Solar Array

www.caplor.co.uk/energy

RESOLUTION ACCREDITATION FOR WORCESTER FAMILY LAWYER Local solicitor Rob Sherrey from Stallard March & Edwards solicitors has gained accreditation from the UK’s leading family law group, Resolution.

Design agency, NinetyFive Creative is pleased to announce that they will continue to work with Arrivista Business Coaching during the course of 2012 to develop and expand the company.

NinetyFive Creative have worked with Arrivista over the past 2 years, taking advantage of their one to one and group coaching sessions to develop their management team and efficiently grow their business.

Matt Lloyd, Managing Director at NinetyFive Creative, explains why it was important to continue to work with a dedicated coach and mentor as they work to deliver their own ambitious plans for 2012: “Working with Arrivista helps us to focus on ensuring our business is fit for growth, our business model is sound and we are not only in control of where our business is now and where it is going, but that we are taking full advantage of every opportunity with the tools we need to achieve our personal and professional goals.”

Rob, who works in the family law department of the Worcester law firm, has been qualified for 7 years and with Stallard March & Edwards for 6 years.

Originally set up in 1999, the scheme is designed to help people who are facing family breakdown to make an informed choice when deciding which lawyer to appoint. To become a Resolution accredited specialist, lawyers have to agree to uphold the Resolution Code of Practice and to have passed a written test demonstrating a breadth of knowledge of family law issues and specialist knowledge in at least two areas of family law. Rob Sherrey has achieved the specialist accreditation following examinations in Cohabitation and Advocacy (financial provision). www.smesolicitors.co.uk

NINETYFIVE CREATIVE THINK BIG WITH ARRIVISTA

NinetyFive Creative is still offering Chamber members the chance to take advantage of a free Thing Big session.

Rob Sherrey

Visit www.ninetyfivecreative.com/ think-big-2012/ to find out more.

CHAMBER HR WEBSITE AND ADVICE LINE Trained HR Professionals are on hand 24 hours a day to offer advice on employment issues via the telephone or dedicated website. Call 0845 641 1641 for more information.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

March/April 2012 Issue 6

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

March/April 2012 Issue 6

£2.00 where sold Business Secretary- page 22/23

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May/June 2012

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Training

TRAININg PLANNER may Courses 7 Steps to Closing the Deal Tuesday 1 May ............................£180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members The Excel Master Class (Advanced Users) Friday 4 May.............................. £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

Effective Time Management Monday 11 June ........................ £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members Professional Telephone Techniques Tuesday 12 June......................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members Intermediate Microsoft Excel Friday 15 June ............................ £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

Effective Sales and Business Development Tuesday 8 May ........................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members *additional places booked for £99+VAT

Emergency First Aid at Work (HSE Accredited course) Monday 18 June ..................................£80 (inc VAT) Members / £95 (inc VAT) Non Members

Role of the Team Leader Monday 14 May. ........................ £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

IOSH Managing Safely (aimed at Supervisors and Managers) Tuesday 19 - Friday 22 June. ............£594 (inc VAT) Members / £714 (inc VAT) Non Members

‘Getting Your Story Out’ - Press Release Writing for SME’s - A 1/2 day workshop Thursday 17 May .................................£75 (inc VAT) Members / £95 (inc VAT) Non Members

Presentation Skills Monday 25 June......................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

Getting to Grips with Social Media Tuesday 22 May. ........................ £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

Internal Quality Auditing Training (ISO 9001 compliance) Thursday 28 June ....................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

Improving Communication at Work Wednesday 23 May ................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members Managing Performance in the Team Wednesday 23 May.................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members IOSH Working Safely Tuesday 29 May ........................ £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

June Courses Finance Skills for Managers Wednesday 6 June ..................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

July Courses Train the Trainer for Managers Monday 2 July............................ £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members Internet Marketing - Creating More Sales and Leads online Day one: Tuesday 3 July Day two: Tuesday 17 July ................................................... £360 (inc VAT) Members / £451.20 (inc VAT) Non Members PowerPoint for Presentations Friday 6 July ............................. £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members* Advanced Microsoft Excel Thursday 12 July......................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members

For ALL your training and development needs please contact Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Training:

(T) 0845 641 1641 (E) training@hwchamber.co.uk (W) www.hwchamber.co.uk/training-calendar.aspx

FEATURED COURSE Media Skills - Introduction to Presenting on Camera and to the Media Wednesday 18 July .................... £180 (inc VAT) Members / £225.60 (inc VAT) Non Members This exciting new course has two distinct areas of interest: In the context of social media this course fits in alongside our popular Social Media training workshops and is designed to develop individuals who are considering exploiting video format within New Media and fronting their own video clips either on their website or through social media platforms.

In a wider context, it is also an ideal opportunity for Business Owners and Senior Executives of larger organisations to harness valuable skills, necessary to present effectively to camera, seizing opportunities for TV & Radio News coverage, as well as internal or external Corporate Video Communications.

your Course tutors Terry Turnbull has a proven track-record and 20 years experience of Presentation Skills coaching within the corporate, entertainment, performance and media sectors working with many well-known personalities.

Terry Anderson has 10 years practical experience running his own successful corporate video production company, working with a diverse range of large organisations, SME’s, marketing, PR and advertising agencies.

BUSINESS TRAININg Business training, coaching and support delivered by highly qualified and certified trainers. Chamber members are eligible for discounts of up to 20%.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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7Y Technology

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Secure the future of your children today and offer them the opportunity to ‘Meet the Apprentice!’

When a company’s IT fails, significant amounts of time and money can be lost trying to fix the problem and, if emails or data are lost, it could be a disaster!

PCs Laptops, servers, mobiles and now tablets such as iPad are vital in today’s business world.

Keeping these operating smoothly is paramount to meeting the expectations of customers and suppliers.

ensure their business is operating smoothly, safely and efficiently again in no time.

Providing a rapid response service, 7Y Technology supports clients by phone, email or in person. As a result clients stay connected, important data are kept safe and sound, and they can focus on their business.

Visit 7ytechnology.co.uk or call Gary Watts on 07977 141796 for more information.

Clients of 7Y Technology know if they have an IT challenge, one quick call, text or email will

■

Server and Infrastructure Installation

■

Data Transfer and Backup Solutions

■

Bespoke Backoffice Management Systems

■

E-Mail setup for PCs, Laptops and Mobile Devices

In partnership with Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire Providers Association we are proud to announce the launch of the brand new ‘Meet the Apprentice’ and ‘Apprenticeships Made Easy’ workshops Designed to enable year 11 students to experience a working environment, meet other young people already undertaking an Apprenticeship and obtain a true picture of what is really involved with the Apprenticeship programme.

So, if your children are unsure of which path to take on the road to employment book a ‘Meet the Apprentice’ workshop today and help them make the right decision.

Concentrate on your business, not your IT. www.7ytechnology.co.uk 0845 601 0324

For further information contact Helena Baxter on

07775 502211

or email helena@hpconsultancyandtraining.co.uk

Difficult times financially?

£5,000 per month

from a 2nd Income For Ten hours per month over the next five years Which in 5 years has the potential to earn more than your current business

Interested in learning more ?

First phone 02089 555 678 Then call Bob on 0800 083 1625 038

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May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:34:46

Chamber training

THE EFFECTIVE MANAgEMENT SERIES To be a successful manager in the modern, high pressure world, you have to maintain both your personal skills and technical knowledge when dealing with people issues.

This series is therefore aimed at both new and experienced managers who wish to gain clear guidance about how to deal with employment issues, both from a legislative perspective, and just as importantly, from an interpersonal skills perspective.

Too often, managers implement the right decisions in the workplace, but the wrong way, thereby causing avoidable conflict, cost and absenteeism.

Health is not just a medical issue. Recent research has shown that the way in which workplaces are managed can impact on the health and well-being as well as the performance of staff. Line managers play a pivotal role in maintaining systems and behaviours which promote good working relationships, keeping staff healthy and motivated.

Veena Allison is a highly experienced employment law expert who specialises in training and coaching managers to get the very best out of themselves and their staff.

Delegates will receive the most benefit by attending all eight workshops, although each workshop can also be booked individually. Each half day workshop will cover the following management areas:

Workshop Title

Dates

Cost (+VAT)

Equal Opportunities Dignity and Discrimination

Wednesday 13 June 2012

£90 Members / £110 Non Members

Bullying / Harassment in the Workplace

Wednesday 11 July 2012

£90 Members / £110 Non Members

Managing Change

Wednesday 12 September 2012

£90 Members / £110 Non Members

Managing Absence

Wednesday 10 October 2012

£90 Members / £110 Non Members

■ Managing Conflicts in the Workplace

How to manage Under Performance

Wednesday 14 November 2012

£90 Members / £110 Non Members

For more information call 0845 641 1641 or email: training@hwchamber.co.uk

Managing Disciplinary Issues

Wednesday 12 December 2012

£90 Members / £110 Non Members

Managing Employee Grievances

Wednesday 9 January 2012

£90 Members / £110 Non Members

Managing Conflicts in the Workplace

Wednesday 13 February 2012

£90 Members / £110 Non Members

■ Equal Opportunities Dignity and Discrimination ■ Bullying / Harassment in the Workplace ■ Managing Change ■ Managing Absence ■ How to Manage Under Performance ■ Managing Disciplinary Issues ■ Managing Employee Grievances

veena allison

To book on all 8 courses

£595 Members / £695 Non Members

HR IN ACTION Provides immediate access to a number of local, quality-assured and experienced HR experts, offering practical solutions to meet the people issues in your business. Call 0845 641 1641 for more information.

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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27/4/12 15:34:48

Chamber events

DATE CHANGE FOR THE MANUFACTURED IN THE MIDLANDS SHOWCASE Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Hewett Recruitment have joined forces to create Manufactured in the Midlands – a manufacturing and technology showcase designed to promote the expertise and rich diversity of companies in Herefordshire and Worcestershire the new date for this Showcase is Thursday 21st June, at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich.

To reserve your stand space or to pre-register to attend book online at www.hwchamber.co.uk/ manufactured-in-the-midlands.aspx or contact the Chamber Team on 0845 6411641.

in association with

Access to the showcase is free but we are offering a goody bag to those who register in advance.

in association with

START TO GROW FORUM Date: Tuesday 15 May 2012 Venue: The Stables, Walnut Tree House, Astwood Lane, Wychbold WR9 0BU Time: 4pm to 6pm Cost: FREE Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and supporters Hayward Wright Accountants are pleased to announce the date of the next ‘Start to Grow’ Forum.

The theme for this event is ‘maximising your business opportunities’ and attendees will hear from Frank Kelly, CEO of UK Flood Barriers Ltd and Mark Hamilton-Talyor a Social Media Strategist.

In just a few short years since its creation in 2007, UK Flood Barriers has become the leading supplier of flood defence technology for the built environment. Frank will be talking about the challenges of developing his business, and how he is now positioning it for further growth in the future.

Mark specialises in Social Media Training. He will be looking at LinkedIn, how popular it is today in business and how it can be used to grow your business.

For more information or to book please contact the Events Team on 0845 641 1641 or email events@

hwchamber.co.uk

If you are in your first two years of trading and would like to attend the event, visit: www.hwchamber.co.uk/starttogrow.aspx

POWERED GROWTH FORUM Date: Tuesday 5 July 2012 Venue: Worcestershire County Cricket Club, County Ground, New Road WR2 4QQ Time: 8.45am - 12noon Cost: FREE to Members / £120.00 (inc VAT) to Non-members The Powered Growth Forum has been developed by the Chamber and Arrivista Business Coaching for businesses that have been trading for 2- 10 years, looking to take their growth to the next level. The Forum content is created to address specific challenges to growth faced by SME owners and operators across all industries.

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The Powered Growth Forum sessions are designed to be challenging, enlightening and interactive, with attendees taking away clear and practical actions to help their businesses grow. Speakers are chosen on their ability to provide relevant and specific insight, experience and guidance.

The next event will focus on ‘Financial Mastery” Book online at www.hwchamber.co.uk or email the Events Team on events@hwchamber.co.uk or call 0845 641 1641

MEET.CONNECT.SUCCEED north worcestershire BUSINESS EXPO Sponsored by Bromsgrove & Redditch District Councils

Date: Wednesday 29 August Venue: Bromsgrove Holiday Inn, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove, B61 9ab Time: 9.00am -1.30pm Take advantage of a business exhibition right on your doorstep. Bromsgrove and Redditch Borough Councils and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to offer you the opportunity to network with local companies and discover the opportunities available to you in your area.

FREE BUSINESS EXHIBITION FREE SEMINARS For more information please contact the Chamber Events Team on 0845 641 1641 or events@hwchamber.co.uk

MANUFACTURING FORUM Date: Wednesday 11 July 2012 Venue: Dytecna Ltd, Aspen House, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3SZ Time: 8am - 10am Cost: FREE Manufacturing companies in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are invited to the next Manufacturing Forum.

Sponsored by the Stanford Marsh Group and hosted by Dytecna, the theme for the next Manufacturing Forum will be Innovation. At the event you will hear from two local manufacturers on the techniques they have adopted to help develop their businesses.

This Forum is exclusive to Chamber members who are manufacturing businesses. There is no charge to be part of the Manufacturing Forum or to attend future meetings. Complimentary breakfast rolls and refreshments will be served.

For more information or to book please contact the Events Team on 0845 641 1641 or email

in association with

manufacturing@hwchamber.co.uk

May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:34:51

WOMEN’S BUSINESS FORUM Date: Wednesday 30 May 2012 Venue: Stripes, 13 The Foregate, Worcester, WR1 3QD Time: 9.30am - 12noon Cost: Members £21.00 inc VAT / Non-members £42.00 inc VAT Since opening in 2004, Stripes has become a destination store for women who love fashion. They are a family business with a passion for creating an inspiring boutique that is totally unique and offers a beautiful shopping environment, knowledgeable sales team and a fresh selection of clothing and accessories.

Sisters Claire and Jenny will talk to us about running a successful business and show us the latest fashion trends. Liz Needham from Kendall Wadley LLP will give financial advice for starts up companies.

Commenting on the new partnership Caroline said: “I have worked closely with the Chamber on behalf of many of my local and regional clients and so getting involved in this way with the Women’s Business Forum is an ideal progression of that. The Women’s Business Forum offers considerable networking and business opportunities that I am keen to develop for myself and my clients.”

Andrea is Director of a software company with her husband Steve. She commented: “The Women’s Business Forum has provided invaluable support since her return to work, after a 5 year career break to spend time with her young family. Andrea would like to share tips on running your own business, working with family, and is also able to offer specific advice on IT and technology.”

TWO NEW SPONSORS The Chamber are pleased to announce that two new sponsors have been secured for the Women’s Business Forum. Andrea Borwell-Fox from borwell and Caroline Leah from Caroline Leah PR will be working with the Chamber Team to bring create a new and exciting format.

in association with

Chamber HR Forums, run in association with Hewett Recruitment, are designed to provide an exclusive and confidential environment to share ideas and best practice whilst spending time with fellow HR specialists.

Legal Speakers:

Clare Whittaker, Partner and Christina Maclean, Solicitor from Gordon Lutton Solicitors.

Mclean of Quality Solicitors Gordon Lutton will offer some legal solutions to this potential minefield.

HR Speaker:

Westfield Health Topic:

Why does health and wellbeing in the workplace matter?

Points to be covered are: Employer’s role in promoting the benefits of regular, everyday health checks, Absence Management, Dental Health, Optical Health, Corporate Eye Care, Mental Health & Talking Therapies, GP Access Times - Are your staff waiting to see the GP? and NHS Waiting Times - Waiting too long for treatment?

Future date - Thursday 14th June 2012 (Worcester)

Worcester Breakfast

Thursday 17 May, Wednesday 20 June 7.30-9.30am Worcestershire County Cricket Club, County Ground, New Road, Worcester, WR2 4QQ £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Leominster Breakfast

Tuesday 22 May 7.30-9.30am The Grove Golf & Bowl, Ford Bridge, Leominster HR6 OLE £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Droitwich Breakfast

Wednesday 23 May 7.30-9.30am St Andrews Town Hotel, St Andrews Drive, Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 8AL £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Pershore Breakfast

Tuesday 29 May 7.30-9.30am Pershore Civic Centre, Pershore WR10 1PT £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Kidderminster Breakfast

Thursday 31 May 7.30-9.30am Gainsborough House Hotel, Bewdley Hill, Kidderminster, DY11 6BS £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Redditch Breakfast

Tuesday 12 June 7.30-9.30am South Crest Manor Hotel, Redditch B97 4JS £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Hereford Breakfast in association with

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Tuesday 8 May, Tuesday 19 June 7.30-9.30am The Trumpet Inn, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2RA. £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Thursday 24 May 7.30-9.30am Abbey Hotel, Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3ET £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

Topic:

Compensation and Medical Leave.

Employees on long term sick leave can put employers in a difficult position. Most would like to support their staff beyond the statutory minimum but this could end up being a costly gesture. The situation becomes more problematic if employees are off due to injuries sustained at work. Clare Whittaker and Christina

Ledbury Breakfast

Malvern Breakfast

HR FORUM Date: Tuesday 15 May 2012 (Hereford) Venue: Burghill Valley Golf Course, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford, HR4 7RW Time: 11.30am - 2pm Members £27.00inc VAT Non members £36.00inc VAT

Networking Breakfast

Wednesday 13 June 7.30-9.30am Burghill Vale Golf Course, Tillington Road, Burghill, Hereford, HR4 7RW £18.00 inc VAT Members £36.00 inc VAT Non-members

041

27/4/12 15:34:53

Commercial Property

Looking for new, or bigger premises?

Thinking of relocating your business?

Search our online database of commercial land and properties in Worcestershire for free.

Hundreds of premises from dozens of estate agents are listed – from office space to industrial units, retail, land, investment properties, garages, hotels and restaurants.

Free, impartial, confidential service.

(A partnership project from Worcestershire County Council and District Councils)

Tel. 0845 641 1445 www.worcestershirepropertysearch.co.uk

Looking for New Looking for New Office or Industrial Office or Industrial Looking for New Looking for New Premises?

Looking for New Premises?

Office or Industrial Looking for New Office or Industrial Looking for New Office or Industrial Premises?

Office or Industrial Premises?

Why notIndustrial let us do Office or Premises?

Why not letfor usyou do Premises? the search Premises? the search for you

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BD07.indd 42

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May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:35:14

Commercial Property

sponsored by

IM PROPERTIES DELIVERS gRADE A OFFICE SPACE TO WORCESTER IM Properties is about to undertake a refurbishment at One kings Court, located off Newtown Road on the edge of Worcester city centre. The refurbishment will bring 20,000 sq ft of Grade A office space to the market which will then be marketed

by Harris Lamb and GVA. The refurbishment of the first two floors of One kings Court will create Worcester’s newest and largest development of high quality office accommodation in a city with very little Grade A office space available.

The headquarters style office building has the great advantage to potential occupiers of offering

large open-plan floor plates of up to 10,000 sq ft on a single floor, but with the flexibility to enable creation of smaller suites of 4,000 sq ft.

The building benefits from a high ratio of on-site car parking and is set in impressive grounds adjacent to the Worcester Royal Hospital.

Two kings Court is let to Shop Direct Group and Three kings Court is owned and occupied by The Hereford & Worcester Fire Services Authority. www.improperties.co.uk www.harrislamb.com

Leading the field since 1845

Providing premier commercial property services to businesses in Worcestershire and the wider Midlands region.

Turner & Company is the largest ďŹ rm of Commercial Chartered Surveyors based in Hereford and we provide a wide range of services throughout the City, Herefordshire and beyond. Please contact us for assistance with l Sales

& Lettings l Valuations l Development Advice

Turner and Company Thorpe House, Broad Street Hereford HR4 9AS

01905 720104

Email: commercial@hallsworcester.com

hallscommercial.co.uk

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

BD07.indd 43

Tel: 01432 276202 www.turnerandco.co.uk 043

27/4/12 15:35:46

Business News

HOTELSHOPUK ANNOUNCES 28% SALES INCREASE Leading provider of Uk accommodation and short breaks continues to delight. hotelshopUk have announced a remarkable sales increase of 28% for 2011 compared with 2010. In 2011, telephone bookings for accommodation and short leisure breaks rose by 45%, online bookings for the same period jumped 69% and conference sales increased by 46%.

For the past twelve years, hotelshopUk has been working in partnership with hotels across the Uk to market their rooms - via packages, very often on an exclusive basis, and promotional offers to leisure and business travellers.

As hotelshopUk expands, ten new jobs have been created at its Droitwich Headquarters.

Senior and junior staff have been employed to work in sales, marketing and customer relationship management roles across hotelshopUk and Great Little Breaks.

Responsibilities include strengthening and growing an exclusive relationship with Guoman Thistle, for which hotelshopUk/Great Little Breaks is the sole provider of Uk short breaks, plus maximising revenue opportunities for all partner hotels and supporting a new hotel partner recruitment programme. www.hotelshopuk.com

FRIENDS LIFE T20 ACTION RETURNS TO NEW ROAD! With the 2012 season now fully underway, the razzmatazz of Friends Life t20 cricket is just around the corner.

We have five home Friends Life t20 matches during the 2012 season which include: Sunday 17 June vs Gloucestershire Friday 22 June vs Warwickshire Friday 29 June vs Glamorgan Friday 6 July vs Northamptonshire Sunday 8 July vs Somerset.

Why not entertain your staff or clients at the Friends Life t20 this summer? We are offering Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce members a fantastic Friends Life t20 offer, buy 10 Adult tickets for any Friends Life t20 at New Road in 2012 and get 10 free tickets for an LV=CC match of your choice during the season. Please call our Ticket Hotline on 01905 337921 and quote CHAMBERt20. All tickets must be purchased in advance.

We also have a wide range of Hospitality packages available, please call Jodi Brandwood on 01905 337933 or visit www.wccc.co.uk for further details.

A WHIRLWIND FEW YEARS FOR CURO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Curo has recently expanded into new offices in the contemporary Greenbox complex, just outside Bromsgrove and is putting the finishing touches to a rebranding exercise which has included a new website and logo.

Bromsgrove-based Curo Chartered Accountants are taking stock after a whirlwind few years of strategic growth and expansion.

Managing Director, Viv Hudson with the non-exec board of Directors

The practice has grown from the two original founding partners, Anna Madden and Julia Whelan to the current staff of 15, including expansion throughout the depths of the recession.

A busy year ahead includes a trek up Snowdon for the firm’s designated charity, The Basement Project, a joint seminar with Lloyds TSB Bank, and as a shortlisted candidate for small Chartered Accountant Firm of the year as part of the annual ICAEW awards.

And partner Anna Madden has recently enjoyed the accolade of being Worcestershire Ambassador “Ambassador of the Month”, in recognition of her support for the Ambassadors and other local causes. www.curoca.co.uk

CHAMBER ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Excellent preferential rates for company owned / leased vehicles on roadside assistance from the AA. Discounts of up to 61% are available. Call 0845 641 1641 for more information.

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May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:35:53

Business News

KI HEALTH AND BEAUTY A gOLD AWARD ki Beauty Salon in Lowesmoor, Worcester has been given an NSI (Nail Services International) Gold Star Award, and is one of only 20 salons across the United kingdom to receive this accolade.

Salon owner kay Turford attended a glittering awards ceremony in Manchester where ki Health and Beauty were presented with their four star category Gold Award.

The NSI accreditation is granted based on the high standards of quality achieved by the salon, as well as the salon’s ability to meet all beauty industry legal and ethical standards.

All salons involved go through stringent auditing and inspection and those that have succeeded have now been presented with their awards.

The Ki Beauty team with their award

www.kihealthandbeauty.co.uk

NEW COMMERCIAL PHOTOgRAPHY STUDIO IN HEREFORDSHIRE New chamber members, Photopia Photography, have just completed their new commercial photography studio in Herefordshire.

STYLE IN THE CITY Worcester city centre was a stylish place to be on the evenings on 22 and 23 March 2012 when consecutive fashion shows at Stripes on The Foregate showcased the best of the Spring/Summer styles to local women.

On both evenings, models took to the catwalk to show the audience the latest looks. The events were organised by Stripes’ owners Jenny Plant and Claire Wright. “We wanted to give guests a good insight into key looks for this season,” explains Jenny. “Our models wore different styles and several outfits each and our Stripes stylists explained

Based near Pembridge, Photopia create beautiful images for many wonderful businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Photopia consists of (soon-to-be) husband and wife team, Rebecca and Simon, and they have been working together in the photographic industry for over 8 years.

Rebecca comments: “Recently, we have worked for some great local

businesses like Trumpers Tea, British Cassis, Aga Twyford, Certainly Wood, Re-jigged, Splosh and many more.

We mainly shoot food, product and lifestyle images, but we also do corporate portraits and architecture too. We are very much looking forward to seeing the new studio full of action for our clients. And we have also just added video production to our range of services, it is such an exciting time for us here at Photopia” www.photopiaphotography. co.uk

how the looks had been put together in line with key trends for the season.

For example, coloured denim, colour blocking and prints are all big news.”

The different Stripes Stylists have individual areas of expertise in addition to their broader fashion skills. Visit the Stripes Stylists at the shop, with no obligation. Stripes stocks a range of Scandinavian brands including By Malene Birger, Day Birger and Inwear as well as a large selection of premium denim. www.stripesfashion.co.uk

TRANSLATION SERVICES

The Chamber of Commerce offers a fast and skilful translation service to promote your business abroad, both face-to-face and written communications. Chamber members receive a discount on this service. Visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/translation-and-interpretation-service.aspx Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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WILL NEW PLANNING GUIDANCE MAKE PLANNING PERMISSION EASIER TO OBTAIN? In March the Government reduced some 6000 pages of Planning Guidance and revoked 44 Planning Policy documents to 58 pages of The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in order to simplify the Planning System.

In a recent study of Chartered Town Planners nearly 9 out of 10 thought the new NPPF would result in more appeals. If this pessimistic outlook is correct, then the NPPF has the potential to complicate, rather than simplify some applications.

Further, in early April, Planning Minister Bob Neill referred to the revoked guidance and stated he wanted to find ways of preserving the ‘learning which has been assembled over the years’ and, in addition, the Department for Communities and Local Government stated there would be a review of the 6000 pages of ‘underpinning’ guidance to assess which parts would be useful to retain. The amount of Planning Guidance which was published prior to the introduction of the NPPF was cumbersome and sometimes ambiguous but it appears from Neill’s and DCGL’s comments that it may not have entirely disappeared.

G.R.BRICKSTOCK AND ASSOCIATES We are a family run concern with over 40 years accountancy experience. We are experienced in the completion of accounts for sole traders, partnerships,limited companies,companies limited by guarantee, small charities and school or clubs.

We provide a bespoke service tailored to meet your specific requirements and we treat each client as an individual with their own needs not as a big brother organization.

Each client believes that their problem is unique to them but usually we have come across there problem before.

We are qualified accountants graham being a a.c.m.a,c.g.m.a,m.i.p. and has many years experience in both industry and practice. We have a long list of services that we provide successfully to a long list of clients both large and small and we would welcome your call to discuss any requirements you may have.

This is probably logical, as where the NPPF does not provide guidance on particular circumstances, practitioners will look elsewhere and it would be reasonable in those circumstances to revisit revoked documents, and assess whether there are any material considerations.

Whatever Planning Guidance is issued, what is vital when obtaining planning permission is strong, considered advice from Officers in order businesses can have certainty and, in turn, Officers require political support for the decisions they make, or else they will be undermined and advice will be unclear, no matter how much or how little Government guidance is given.

Paul Barton is a senior planner at Malcolm Scott Consultants.

For further information, please contact Paul Barton at: Malcolm Scott Consultants Ltd, Grove House, 1 Loves Grove, Worcester, WR1 3BU T: 01905 726353 F: 01905 611221 E: paulb@malcolmscottcons.co.uk

ACCOUNTANCY PRACTICE TRADING SINCE 1992 Please call us if you have any accountancy-tax problems for a friendly chat with graham or wendy on 01527870019.

10 HANOVER STREET BROMSGROVE, WORCS. B61 7JH 046

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May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:36:02

Business News

101 DALMATIANS AT FIRST NETWORKINg BREAKFAST! Dalmatians were the theme at the inaugural Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Ross-on-Wye networking breakfast, sponsored by local solicitors Harrison Clark Shawcross.

WORCESTER HOSTED UK’S CONFERENCE FOR INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTANTS More than 70 top UK accountants met in Worcester to explore the city’s attributes.

Bishop Fleming Rabjohns hosted the 2012 conference of Uk members of kreston International – the global network of independent accountancy firms. More than 70 partners of kreston-member firms met in Worcester for a packed programme of business-focused discussions.

The event, held at the Leadership Trust in Weston under Penyard on the 28th March featured the Three Counties firm’s brand logo, the Dalmatian.

One hundred and one participants attended and each received one of the firm’s Dalmatian stress reliever puppies.

But Bishop Fleming Rabjohns also ensured that the programme included exposing those visitors to many of Worcester’s attributes.

The delegates were welcomed by Mike Aston, Chief Executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, and talks were given by Rob Noble, Chief Executive of the Leadership Trust, Rod Thomas, managing partner of Harrison Clark and Arpinder Dhillon, Solicitor with the Corporate team at Harrison Clark Shawcross.

The three-day event programme included; A visit to Morgan Cars, Dinner at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Conference and lunch at The Warriors stadium, dinner in the Chapter House of Worcester Cathedral and seats at the rugby match between the Worcester Warriors and the Ospreys.

www.harrison-clark.co.uk Winner of the Harrison Clark business card draw, Paula Urry from Southern Solar

Membership of the global kreston network was central to the recent merger of Bishop Fleming and Rabjohns. www.bishopflemingrabjohns.co.uk

SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE COLLEgE TO OPEN THE SCHOOL OF ENTERPRISE, STUDIO SCHOOL IN EVESHAM South Worcestershire College have submitted an application to the Department for Education to open The School of Enterprise, Studio School in Evesham in September 2013 to serve the needs of local employers and provide them with young people who are work-ready and able to make an immediate contribution to the business.

Young people at the Studio School will gain the skills that employers have said they want including; self management, communication and maths skills, teamwork, personal initiative, professional appearance and customer service. http://enterprise.sworcs.ac.uk/

Principal Michael O’Brien posts South Worcestershire College’s Studio School application to the Department of Education and looks forward to opening the School of Enterprise in September 2013

DATA FOR MARKETINg

Preferential rates for Chamber members to purchase data for marketing with BlueSheep and Marketingfile. Call 0845 641 1641 Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Conference Worcestershire

www.conference-worcestershire.org

morgan motor Company offers versatile ConferenCe faCilities inspire, motivate and energise your tribe at go ape wyre Time for some monkey business. Get your Tribe off their lap-tops and into the tree-tops for a great team bonding day out at Go Ape, the multi-award winning tree-top forest adventure. Take on zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of high-wire crossings all set in the picturesque Wyre Forest. www.conference-worcestershire.org

hosting 60 hotel inspeCtors – is this the toughest Job in hospitality?

The delegates are brushing up on every area of their trade, from how best to judge food and spot which carpets work well in a venue, to hearing updates on the latest hospitality marketing and website trends.

QiT’s role is not only to inspect hotels and B&Bs, but also to offer positive advice to venue owners on how they can improve their services. The course ensures that the assessors are up-to-date with the latest industry standards. www.conference-worcestershire.org

You can also take advantage of the unique, contemporary and versatile conference facilities, ideal for conferences, seminars, exhibitions or group meetings from 20 to 200 delegates.

www.conference-worcestershire.org

But two Cotswold venues recently embraced the challenge by hosting a four-day residential training course for 60 hotel inspectors.

Entitled ‘Food for Thought’ the training is a refresher course for the experts, most of whom have many years’ experience assessing accommodation on behalf of VisitEngland.

For over 100 years the Morgan Motor Company have been making exciting sports cars in the beautiful spa town of Malvern where you can experience the passion for yourself with a factory tour, trip to our on-site museum, or with a weekend sports car hire!

A guided factory tour is available for all delegates as well as ample free car parking, comprehensive technical equipment and catering available to suit all requirements.

Whether it’s a classic episode of Fawlty Towers or Alex Polizzi’s latest TV series, the words Hotel Inspector can strike fear into venues across the Uk.

The course ran by G4S’s Quality in Tourism (QiT) team, was hosted at the award-winning Cotswold Conference Centre, near Broadway. Course attendees also spend one evening taste-testing at the nearby Dormy House Hotel.

Morgan cars are famous the world over for their unique blend of charisma, quality materials, craftsmanship and performance.

mv Conway Castle open day On Saturday 31 March, Severn Leisure Cruises showed off the dressed MV Conway Castle whilst at her moorings alongside the improved riverbank and new flood wall in Upton upon Severn. Needless to say, after months of planning, the wall and riverbank were still in the hands of the builders and intrepid guests had to pick their way over the road works to get on board. Not deterred the MV Conway Castle showcased her ability to be used as a wedding reception venue, conference or corporate party venue, as well as an ideal location for family parties for all ages. Guests were welcomed on board by staff including Captains Len Holder and Greg Moger. Many enjoyed playing roulette with Champagne Casinos and the person with the highest score of the day was given two tickets for a Sunday Brunch Cruise. The event was busy for the whole of the Open Day, many bookings made, and was so successful that the Severn Leisure Team is planning the next special event.

If you would like advice and assistance with your next meeting, conference or event planning, Conference Worcestershire can provide: • a FREE and impartial ‘venue finding service’ • details on over 40 venues and meeting rooms across the county • contacts for event professionals • corporate team building options • local knowledge and industry expertise Simply contact the team on 0845 641 1540 or visit www.conference-worcestershire.org

www.conference-worcestershire.org

ROOM HIRE

The opportunity to hire spacious and well-equipped rooms at the Chamber’s head office in Blackpole, Worcester.

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Destination Worcestershire

Mark Wilson, Owner of Holland House and Victoria Carman, Tourism Development Executive

DESTINATION WORCESTERSHIRE RECeiVES FIRST ONLINE BOOKING ON NEW TOURISM WEBSITE Destination Worcestershire, the county tourism partnership based within Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has launched a brand new website to promote the county as a visitor destination.

The website has already received a number of online bookings, the first of which was for accommodation at Holland House, London Road, Worcester.

The website has been designed to showcase the wide variety of events, attractions, places to eat and accommodation available within Worcestershire. It will also be an excellent resource for local residents to find out about festivals and events, places to visit and eat locally.

The new website www.VisitWorcestershire.org is easy to navigate and has many more features that will benefit users including the ability to book online for accommodation and e-ticketing for attractions and events.

Visitors and residents can plan their stay with the new ‘Itinerary Builder’ as well as using the Shopping Basket whilst browsing accommodation, attractions and events on the website. The website is available in 48 different languages which is a great way to attract overseas visitors as well as helping to improve the information available to Worcestershire residents.

Simon Tipple, Destination Worcestershire Manager said: “The website has only just re-launched with online booking being one of the key developments. It is really good that this facility is already being utilised and we look forward to many more bookings for events, attractions and accommodation.”

Take a look at the individual campaigns across the website including Family Fun, Heritage & Gardens, Sports, Arts & Culture, Shopping and The Great Outdoors to help you plan your day out, short break or family holiday and get the most out of your time in Worcestershire. You can also see the variety of accommodation providers, festivals and events as well as the many places to eat out. www.visitworcestershire.org

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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The website has only just re-launched with online booking being one of the key developments. It is really good that this facility is already being utilised and we look forward to many more bookings for events, attractions and accommodation.

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Business News

Local printers going for gold!

Kidderminster based printers, Stargold Limited, have installed a Heidelberg two-colour press as part of an ongoing expansion strategy to complement its existing range of presses, raising capacity and affording more flexibility to meet an increase in demand for its specialist print services.

General Manager, Martyn Wilcox said “this new press not only helps us consolidate and expand our

position in the marketplace but also demonstrates our commitment to growth and expansion, as well as our dedication to quality and service excellence.”

Launched in 1982, Stargold provides a service that is so much more than simply ink on paper. The company has invested in a full range of presses, pre-press services, digital equipment and design studio facilities staffed by a team of experienced, professionals. With a reputation for great customer service coupled with a friendly, personal approach, Stargold offers an end to end service for all design and print requirements, no matter how large or small. www.stargold.co.uk

ATMAN’S RECENT ACTIVITIES Attending the British High Commission (International Trade Delegation) in Kuala Lumpur and being invited to attend a prestigious business event at the Shangri-la Hotel, are just a few of the many things Atman has been up to this last month.

The consultancy and training company that offers services in Sales, Procurement and Supply Chain, Change and Strategy recently delivered training in London and the Middle East in Leadership and Management within the Professional services, Oil, Gas, Defence, and Aerospace sectors.

Atman is also opening doors in Dubai after signing a two year delivery contract with a major Learning and Development organisation. On the home front, the firm is working with the University of Worcester assisting with their employability week by sitting on the employer’s panel and offering advice to students.

Atman hired two interns this month to develop an impressive new website and launch a dynamic global promotional plan for this rapidly expanding company. www.joinedupstrategy.com

Google Geeks get Top Marks Taking an integrated approach to social media, e-marketing and website design, is certainly paying off for clients of Areca Design.

With most achieving page one ranking for highly relevant search terms, and even multiple page one results on Google, businesses from sole traders to large corporates are giving the Google geeks at Areca Design top marks for success.

Areca Design websites are loved by search engines, utilising technology that provides a social media console allowing simultaneous posts to Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, while automating SEO. Combine this technology with persuasive graphic design and you have a website that really works for your business.

To learn more visit www.arecadesign.co.uk or call

01386 570360

Successful Funding Bid Worcestershire Provider Association and HP Consultancy and Training has been successful in bidding for funds to help reduce Youth Unemployment within the county.

With Youth Unemployment at its highest and the labour market shrinking, opportunities for young people are more limited than ever. Within Worcestershire the number of 18-24 year olds not in employment, education or training – NEET - is lower than the West Midlands region but higher than the national average.

Kim Cook from the provider association: “We have identified that there is limited, impartial, information, advice and guidance available to this age group regarding Apprenticeship opportunities and these funds will now help us deliver our Apprenticeships Made Easy workshops across Worcestershire. The workshops Enlighten, Prepare and Develop Young People for Employment and Apprenticeships.

We will be working with existing partnerships and with community groups to ensure we meet the needs of the young people.”

Helena Baxter from HP Consultancy and Training said; “By working in partnership we have been successful in gaining funds to help support the young people of Worcestershire gaining employment. The workshops are practical and offer 1:1 support helping remove any barriers and giving the young people confidence so that they are ready to attend job interviews with local employers.”

For more information on the workshops please contact Helena Baxter on 07775502211 or email helena@hpconsultancyandtraining.co.uk

HP Consultancy and Training is a one stop shop specialising in vocational learning and providing impartial, information, advice , guidance and support to young people, schools, parents and employers. www.hpconsultancyandtraining.co.uk

Combining a cloud based platform and unique analytical tools with their specialist knowledge and strategic marketing support, the team at Areca Design enable businesses to compete at the highest level without needing astronomical budgets.

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Business News

LONDON CALLINg FOR AMY When Olympic hopeful Amy Smith dives in the pool as part of the London Olympics gB swimming squad, a group of very loud supporters will be cheering her on from here in Worcestershire.

The Hewett Recruitment team are Amy’s biggest fans. Amy’s mother June Smith has worked at Hewett Recruitment for 18 years, and throughout that time has kept her colleagues in the swim about the progress of her talented daughter.

Tom Smith, apprentice at Pepper Wood

SANCTUARY’S gREEN OASIS An area of ancient woodland in Bromsgrove is to be protected thanks to the fundraising efforts of staff from Worcester-based Sanctuary group.

Staff from the leading housing and care provider have donated nearly £300 to the Woodland Trust which will be used to maintain a plot of land at Pepper Wood in the village of Fairfield.

The Trust already maintains an area of land on Sanctuary’s behalf and the cash donation will help protect a further plot of the 133 acre woodland.

Staff from Sanctuary’s Worcester offices raised the money during a ‘Go Green’ Day as part of Climate Week 2012.

Sophie Atkinson, Sanctuary’s Group sustainability manager, said: “We take our responsibility to the environment very seriously and Climate Week provided the perfect opportunity to underline this.

From childhood swimming with Wyre Forest Swimming Club in her home town of kidderminster, Amy’s freestyle skills have now led her, at the age of 23, to a place in the biggest sporting event in the world.

Her stunning performances at the British trials in March resulted in a speedy time of 54.01 in the 100 metre race and 24.08 in the 50 metre.

Louise Hewett commented: “We are so excited about Amy’s inclusion in the GB squad. We’ve all watched her grow up and seen her talent shine brighter and brighter. We will be cheering her on with every stroke and keeping our fingers tightly crossed. Amy is a true local star!” www.hewett-recruitment.co.uk

“Helping preserve this piece of woodland is just one of the ways we can raise awareness of climate change and I hope staff take the opportunity to visit this green oasis.” www.sanctuary-group.co.uk

PASHA CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN WORCESTER Pasha Indian Cuisine at the heart of St Johns, Worcester is celebrating 25 years of business this summer.

From its inception, Pasha has always sought to move with the times, with an exciting new menu incorporating dishes with lobster, lamb shanks and swordfish sitting alongside traditional favourites.

Pasha’s interior may have changed over decades, but it’s single minded proposition has not. It has always set out to provide the best in Indian and Bangladeshi food coupled with friendly and relaxed service – whatever the occasion.

A firm grounding in the community has also contributed to Pasha’s success, regularly supporting local causes, sports teams and charities both locally and overseas.

As a member of Worcestershire Ambassadors and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Pasha has also been a popular destination for business too – regularly hosting corporate event. www.pasha-online.co.uk Louise Hewett at training with Amy Smith

CHAMBER LEgAL EXPENSES INSURANCE

No matter how well you plan and manage your business you never know when you are going to face unexpected legal fees. Members are entitled to free Legal Expenses Insurance (terms and conditions apply). Call 0845 641 1641

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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01531 633195

enquiries@abe-ledbury.co.uk www.abe-ledbury.co.uk

Dedicated to keeping your customers happy

40 Our wheels have been turning for 40 years!

We must be doing something right, and we believe it’s because at the heart of our company are our people, all of whom are dedicated to understanding our customers’ needs and meeting their requirements.

We know our business... don’t you think it’s time we got to know yours?

During our 40 years in road haulage we have learnt that reliability, honesty and communication are essential ingredients for building successful business relationships.

l

Nationwide Collections and Deliveries - from a single pallet to a full load

We have developed a professional workforce who share these values and genuinely care about your goods.

l

Imports and Exports

We take great pride in delivering on time and intact.

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Warehousing

We have always moved with the times and we use the latest technologies to communicate information to both our drivers and customers, keeping track of your goods every step of the way.

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0

Business News FIVE MINUTES WITH LORRAINE HENRY OF RED PEPPER MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS what does your Company do?

We specialise in regional and national PR which helps raise the profile and reputation of businesses across their key markets.

in what seCtors are your Clients?

Our clients range from large PLCs to SME’s across several sectors including public transport, leisure and education. We also have clients in the engineering and healthcare sectors - helping them communicate intricate internal and external messages.

what adviCe would you give firms on soCial media?

CLOUD COMPUTINg – A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAgE? Chamber members First Solution Technologies, based in County House, Worcester, are specialists in Cloud technology. They are finding that many people still want a better understanding of the industry hype around ‘the Cloud’.

Nigel Church, a Director of First Solution Technologies gives an insight into the Cloud and how member companies can benefit from these virtual services. The concept of Cloud computing is nothing new. We have been using such services for many years: Facebook, Hotmail and the more recently, the launch of Apples i–cloud are all examples.

Unsurprisingly there are the equivalent business based cloud services LinkedIn, Microsoft 365 hosted exchange and multiple online back-up vendors.

From Microsoft to Google, the IT industry is betting all on the uptake of these services and focusing the bulk of their significant resources at the SME market place.

As business owners and managers of SME businesses it is vital that we start to understand how these services may benefit our organisation in the never ending quest of stealing a march on our competition.

However be careful: the selection and integration of these technologies is critical if you are to enjoy the many benefits that they can deliver.

The availability of the service and the security and retrieval of your company’s valuable data are serious considerations. Don’t let that put you off, move forward but ensure you are getting advice and guidance from someone that knows and understands the issues and can make sense of the risks.

Be clear on what you want to say and be interactive. It’s crazy just how many firms are still setting up Twitter feeds or You Tube channels because they feel they have to, not because they see the benefits. Take time to think about which platforms will enable you to create the best conversations with customers.

best thing about running your own business?

Seeing your hard work paying off when you put your heart and soul into it. We are proud of our client relations and knowing the work we do adds value to their bottom line gives us a real buzz.

and the worst Running your own business is never far from your mind - day or night, so switching off can be difficult. Oh and the early starts for breakfast meetings – although the bacon sandwiches make it worthwhile! www.redpeppercomms.co.uk or twitter. com/redpeppercomms

www.firstsolution.co.uk Lorraine Henry

ROOM HIRE

The opportunity to hire spacious and well-equipped rooms at the Chamber’s head office in Blackpole, Worcester. Call 0845 641 1641 Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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Movers and Shakers

TORI KENDRICK AND EMMA VERITY-WAITE, SIGNS EXPRESS TONY DIXON, BORWELL Borwell are pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Dixon to the position of Software Engineer with the company.

An alumnus of Brunel University, Tony holds a BSc(Hons) in Natural Sciences and a MSc in Intelligence Systems. He has been an IT professional for 16 years and has worked on a variety of defence and commercial projects, both large and small.

Tony is looking forward to the challenges that being part of Borwell’s Defence Systems Team will present him with.

Signs Express are giving employment opportunities to each end of the educational spectrum.

Tori Kendrick, has joined to undertake a NVQ diploma in sign making, she is currently studying to gain her Level 2 qualification and will soon progress to Level 3. Her apprenticeship with the company is giving Tori great hands on experience. Emma Verity-Waite, a University Graduate has also recently joined as part of the sales and marketing team. www.signsexpress.co.uk

WAYNE FLETCHER, CROWTHER BEARD Taking the opportunity to add a new, experienced team leader, regional accountants Crowther Beard LLP has just secured the services of Wayne Fletcher, who has spent the last 10 years working in a practice in Hereford.

Wayne joins Crowther Beard during a period of growth in service offerings from the company. Recent developments have included support for businesses seeking finance, in the form of CB Corporate Finance and financial planning services from CB Wealth Management. www.crowtherbeard.co.uk

www.borwell.com

HELEN FLETCHER AND RICHIE SILLS, RICHARDS SANDY PARTNERSHIP The focus is on the future for the Richards Sandy Partnership as it welcomes two new members of staff, and congratulates an existing team member on qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant.

Internal bookkeeper Helen Fletcher recently joined the firm, which means the Richards Sandy Partnership can now offer clients a professional and friendly bookkeeping and payroll bureau service.

Richie Sills joins Richards Sandy Partnership this week as a Senior Tax Manager. He is a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser with over 20 years’ experience and will head the tax team, offering advice all areas of tax.

Recently qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant, Richard Dunkley is already a highly regarded member of the Richards Sandy team having been with the firm as a trainee for three years.

Julie ferguson and michael horne, KIDWELLS LAW MARK HEASON AND ROB MARCH, CHRIS GREEN MEDIA Worcestershire media consultancy Chris Green Media has recruited two new team members.

Directors Chris and Teresa Green have been joined by relationships manager Mark Heason and creative manager Rob March.

Mark brings substantial business experience and expertise to the company from a 35 year career at Lloyds TSB, including more than 20 years as a commercial manager.

Rob’s role is to provide inspirational branding for clients through graphic design, logo and stationery design, newsletter templates, advertising layout and website development, management and hosting. www.chrisgreenmedia.co.uk

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ADAM JONES, THE ENGLISH MUTUAL GROUP The English Mutual Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Jones to its specialist Employee Benefits team.

Adam brings a wealth of experience from his previous role with Heath Lambert Consulting, working extensively within the areas of group pensions, risk, flexible benefits and private health insurance, providing service and guidance to companies of all sizes but typically those with between 25 – 1500 employees.

Adam Jones can be contacted via 0845 6033675 and chamberbenefits@ englishmutual.com www.englishmutual.com

Julie Ferguson, Practice Manager and Michael Horne, Director of Kidwells Law Solicitors Ltd visit the new offices located on Rotherwas Industrial Est, which are now nearing the end of completion. Kidwells Solicitors have purchased their own building which has been specifically equipped for their specialist solicitors. The new building will have up to date client conference facilities, as well as seating for over 100 people to facilitate and provide for conferencing and evening courses that Kidwells already provide to HR seminars and mock employment tribunals. Recently Kidwells has opened a new department employing ex-military retrained as Lawyers to provide very specialist services to serving ex-military personnel that will also be located in their new building. www.kidwellssolicitors.co.uk

www.richards-sandy.com

ROSS TRACEY, MFG SOLICITORS MFG Solicitors has appointed Ross Tracey as Tax and Trust Manager.

Ross previously worked as a trust accountant and before that in a niche private client practice where he held a senior trust and taxation role.

Working within MFG’s private client team, Ross will manage a variety of technical taxation and trust matters including personal tax returns and compliance cases. www.mfgsolicitors.com

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Business News

AUTOMATED TEXT APPOINTMENT REMINDERS Mark Willis from Surplex UK Limited, Malvern has partnered up with programmer Steve Hubbold to create www.remind-a-txt. co.uk, an online text reminder service.

The software has been developed by Steve over the past couple of years and, after extensive testing, is now ready for release!

There are already text reminder services available online but they tend be very generic whereas Mark and Steve wanted to develop something that would really provide the user with a tool to help retain customers

and create additional revenue and so remind-a-txt is designed for the individual and specialised requirements of specific industries.

The garage/motor trade version goes live shortly with versions for hairdressers, dentists, therapists and opticians following shortly.

The motor trade version allows the garage owner to store data about customers including their full vehicle details and then automatically schedule text reminders for events including MOT’s, servicing, safety notices and warranty issues. Contacting customers by automated text is a fantastic way to decrease missed appointments and increase revenue.

‘Pay as they Stay’ Recruitment Service Online Recruitment Company easyvacancy. co.uk has launched a new service offering clients the option to pay a fixed recruitment fee of £1495 spread over 6 months.

The fee covers all roles and salary bands and uniquely, payments are stopped if the successful person leaves within that period.

“Businesses have told us they don’t mind paying fees if the person they hire actually sticks around! With our new ‘Pay As They Stay’ service, we share the risk with

the client. If a candidate leaves within a short period of time, it’s only right that they should pay less.” Said Tom Leavesley, Managing Director.

As part of the new service, the team at easyvacancy. co.uk shortlist candidates and arrange interviews on behalf of the client.

Tom continued. “The service will be a lifeline to business that need to recruit but haven’t got time to shortlist and organise interviews. It also helps cash flow by allowing the recruitment fee to be paid over 6 months, only paying the full fee if the person actually stays in the role!”

The existing £495 advertising and response filtering service is still available and those interested should contact the team on 0845 4744 123 or visit the website for more information. www.easyvacancy.co.uk

Businesses have told us they don’t mind paying fees if the person they hire actually sticks around!

The monthly subscription is only £29.99 (plus VAT) and includes 150 free texts per month.

For further information please contact Mark on 01905 630085. www.remind-a-txt.co.uk

SHARING APPRENTICES IN HEREFORD Amey, who have 14 apprentices currently working on their contract with Herefordshire Council are interested in talking to other members of the Chamber who may be interested in a scheme to share apprentices.

The proposal would see Amey swap apprentices with other Chamber members for a 2 or 3 week period (or longer depending on the type of experience required) to provide them with experience of another business in the county. The swap will mean that the apprentices can gain additional skills, potentially from another sector which on returning to their own business can be shared.

By learning from other companies within Herefordshire, the apprentices will be able to share best practice throughout the county helping to improve our collective businesses and the local economy.

If any readers of Business Direction are interested in linking up with Amey to provide their apprentices with additional experience, please contact us by emailing ameyherefordshire@amey.co.uk or speaking to Rachel Davies on 01432 845900

tom leavesley Managing Director

Business Direction published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

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New Members BEWDLEY Matthew Terry Consulting 07793 441356 www.mwterry.co.uk

BROMSGROVE Recruit12 Limited 0845 130 6730 www.recruit12.com

DROITWICH Sparkle Media Production Ltd 01905 773150 www.watch-it-sparkle.co.uk

EVESHAM J & J Bannister (Evesham) Limited 01386 49277 www.bannistertransport.com

HEREFORD Black Mountain Mineral Water Co 01873 860295 www.celticvale.co.uk

Cutting Edge Garden and Grounds Maintenance 01432 379185 Functional Shift Consulting Ltd 01432 818090 www.functionalshift.com

Nuts and Bolts It Limited 07542 008266 www.nutsandboltsit.co.uk

Octaga Security Services Ltd 01432 346990 www.octaga.co.uk

Photopia Photography 01544 388170 www.photopiaphotography.co.uk

Propertysourcers.com 01432 273630

www.propertysourcers.com

Rayeesa’s Indian Kitchen 01432 870 253

www.rayeesasindiankitchen.com

Rob Gwilliam Web & Graphics Ltd 01432 373625 www.robgwilliam.com

Symbiosis 01981 500541

Workplace WellBeing 07984 746488

DJA Auto International Ltd 01527 62940

LSE Lighting Ltd 01905 22243

Wye Learn 01432 266235

Gast Group Ltd 01527 504040

Pasha Indian Cuisine 01905 426327

XReach Ltd 07787 407838

Pre-Applied Technologies Ltd 01527 523484

Russell Square (Africa) Ltd 01905 641572 Signs Express (Worcester) 01905 753490

www.workplace-wellbeing.com

www.wyelearn.co.uk

www.threadlocking.co.uk

KIDDERMINSTER

SDM Print and Business Services Ltd 01527 520977

Baveney Associates 07760 398796

www.sdmprint.com

www.coachingandmentoring.co.uk

REDNAL

ChipsAway International Limited 01562 825599

Ethos Developments Ltd 0121 445 2033

www.chipsaway.co.uk

Eco2Solar Limited 01562 977977

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www.signsexpress.co.uk

Social Innovation Matters 07972 704378

www.socialinnovationmatters.co.uk

Soma Health Limited 01905 356000

www.ethosdevelopmentltd.com

www.somahealth.co.uk

STOURBRIDGE

Stripes Retail Ltd 01905 26772

GP Thomas & Son Ltd 01568 612977

Safety Development Services Ltd 0844 811 3668

www.threecountiesfuel.co.uk

www.gpthomas.com

www.safetydevelopmentservices.com

Jumping Ships 01981 500255

STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN

LEOMINSTER

www.jumpingships.com

Southern Solar Ltd 0845 456 9474 www.southernsolar.co.uk

MALVERN CM Engineering 01886 832448 Social Presence 01684 577247

www.chasetempleton.co.uk/edna

Forum Training Ltd 01299 878363

www.forumtraining.com

TFH (Worcestershire) Ltd 01299 827820 www.specialneedstoys.com

WORCESTER Allbritain Construction Ltd 0800 731 2560

www.socialpresence.me

www.allbritain.co.uk

Xitek Limited 01684 899125

Atman Strategy Ltd 01905 617054

www.xitek.co.uk

www.joinedupstrategy.com

OMBERSLEY

Corporate Banking, Royal Bank of Scotland 0845 835 1216

Hadleigh Technical Support 01905 620121 www.hts-av.com

PERSHORE White Logistics & Storage Ltd 01386 552200

REDDITCH

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www.pasha-online.co.uk

www.stripesfashion.co.uk

The Regency Cafe 0783 3956345 The Starlight Company 07912 438309

www.westent.co.uk

www.lselighting.com

Chase Templeton 01929 477316

www.eco2solar.co.uk

www.whitelogistics.co.uk

West Ent Ltd 01432 275004

www.gastmfg.com

www.xreach.co.uk

www.symbiosishealthandsafety.co.uk

www.starlightcompany.co.uk

www.djaauto-internationalltd.co.uk/

Abbey Hotel Golf & Country Club Ltd 01527 406600 www.theabbeyhotel.co.uk

Bobst Group (UK & Ireland) Ltd 01527 519700 www.bobstgroup.com

www.rbs.co.uk

Ethical Influence 01905 775000

www.ethicalinfluence.co.uk

Glass Full 07857 834455 Hon Yoso Kai Karate School 07933 326935

www.honyosokaikarateschool.co.uk

HP Consultancy and Training 07775 502211

Three Counties Fuel Limited 01905 622334 Ventutec Ltd 0845 259 1021 www.ventutec.com

OUT OF AREA All & Sundry Birmingham 07795 360294

www.allandsundry.org

Sarah G Media Birmingham 07973 750198 www.sarahgmedia.co.uk

Specific People Ltd Birmingham 07966 659936

www.specificpeople.co.uk

Packaging Logistics Services Liverpool 0151 7088000 www.packaginglogistics.com

Inpsych Consultancy Ltd London 0845 459 5634

www.inpsychconsultancy.co.uk

Rhodius Security Risk Management Ltd London 07415 127067 www.rhodius-srm.com

Noble-Lancaster Partnership Ludlow 01584 823661 www.noble-lancaster.co.uk

www.hpconsultancy.co.uk

Ki Health & Beauty Salons Ltd 01905 731901 www.kihealthandbeauty.co.uk

May/June 2012

27/4/12 15:37:14

QualitySolicitors QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright Parkinson Wright

QualitySolicitors QualitySolicitors Gordon Lutton Gordon Lutton Contact us: Contact us:

Contact us: Contact us:

01432 355345 01432 355345 qualitysolicitors.com/gordonlutton

01905 726789 01905 726789 qualitysolicitors.com/parkinsonwright

Wyevale Business Park, Wyevale Way Wyevale Business Park, Wyevale Kings Acre, Hereford, HR4 7BS Way Kings Acre, Hereford, HR4 7BS

qualitysolicitors.com/gordonlutton

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Haswell House, St Nicholas Street Haswell House, Nicholas Street Worcester, WR1St 1UN Worcester, WR1 1UN

qualitysolicitors.com/parkinsonwright

27/4/12 15:37:14

Last Word

NEXT EDITION ... SPORT AND LEISURE The next edition of Business Direction will focus on Sport and Leisure. This July and August will be an important time for Sport in Britain as we welcome the Olympic Games to London from 27 July to 12 August 2012 followed by the Para-olympic Games from 29 August to 9 September 2012.

Prior to the Games the Olympic torch will be visiting sites across the two counties. Below is the information of when and where you can see it.

The Torch Relay will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for communities to welcome the Olympic flame and to welcome the torchbearers. Many of the communities on the route will be putting on entertainment to help celebrate the torch arriving. To find the exact route the torch will be taking in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and what additional entertainment is taking place visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/olympic-torch-relay or www.herefordshire.gov.uk/council_gov_democracy/news/57714.asp Malvern Celebrates the Olympic Torch Friday 25 May, 8.45 - 9.40am Non-ticketed - FREE Ross Celebrates the Olympic Torch Friday 25 May, 10.10 and 10.30 am Non-ticketed - FREE Redditch Celebrates the Olympic Torch Sunday 1 July, 09.45 - 10.25am Non-ticketed - FREE Astwood Bank Celebrates the Olympic Torch Sunday 1 July, 10.24 - 10.50am Non-ticketed - FREE Evesham Celebrates the Olympic Torch Sunday 1 July, 11.21 - 11.57am Non-ticketed – FREE Wickhamford Celebrates the Olympic Torch Sunday 1 July, 12.01 - 12.06pm Non-ticketed - FREE Broadway Celebrates the Olympic Torch Sunday 1 July, 12.10 - 12.30pm Non-ticketed - FREE Ledbury Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 10.05 and 10.25am Non-ticketed - FREE

Kidderminster Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 17.05 - 17.21pm Non-ticketed - FREE

Bartestree & Lugwardine Celebrate the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 10.45 and 11.00am Non-ticketed - FREE

Droitwich Spa Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 17.45 - 18.10pm Non-ticketed - FREE

Hereford Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, around 12.35pm Non-ticketed - FREE

Fernhill Heath Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 18.20 - 18.25 Non-ticketed - FREE

Leominster Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 13.20 and 13.40pm Non-ticketed - FREE

Worcester Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 18.35 - 19.20pm Non-ticketed - FREE

Cleobury Mortimer Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 14.35 - 15.00pm Non-ticketed - FREE

Olympic Torch Evening Thursday 24 May Ticketed event Worcester will hold an Olympic Torch evening celebration event on Thursday 24 May (tickets allocated by ballot which closed on the 20th April)

Far Forest Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 15.10 - 15.15pm Non-ticketed - FREE Callow Hill Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 15.15 - 15.25pm Non-ticketed - FREE Bewdley Celebrates the Olympic Torch Thursday 24 May, 15.30 - 1635pm (1600 on the Severn Valley Railway) Non-ticketed - FREE

Worcester Celebrates the Olympic Torch Friday 25 May 8.00 - 8.30am Non-ticketed - FREE Powick Celebrates the Olympic Torch Friday 25 May, 8.30 - 8.45am Non-ticketed - FREE

Glow - Castle Green Hereford Saturday 30 June Ticketed - Available from Courtyard Box Office The culmination of Herefordshire’s dancing for the Games project, GLOW is ‘one day, one night, 3000 people, 500 performers, six stages, drums, fire, live music, unforgettable dance.

Paralympic Flame Celebration - Royal National College for the Blind and thePoint4 25th August, 12noon - 10pm Ticketed - FREE Event for families, 12pnoon - 4pm is Have aGo at sports, 4pm - 10pm is a time to celebrate with musice and performances to celebrate the Paralympic Flame in Herefordshire, Ticketing information to be announced in June.

To find out more about the activities happening during the torch relay visit www.visitworcestershire.org/torchrelay

Send your Sport and Leisure stories to businessdirection@hwchamber.co.uk by Friday 1st June 2012.

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